Photopyroelectric spectroscopy in the presence of an air gap transparent phase-shifter

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of a two-layered pyroelectric detector which can be used in photopyroelectric spectroscopy where one of the two layers is an air gap. The analysis was performed using a recently developed one-dimensional two-layer model. It was shown theoretically and numerically that the presence of an air gap between the substrate and the pyroelectric material simplifies the photopyroelectric spectroscopic technique.     

Laser optoacoustic spectroscopy of gold nanorods within a highly scattering medium

We describe a spectroscopic comparative analysis based on the optoacoustic technique over the wavelength range from 410nm to 1000nm using a Q-switched Nd:YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator tunable source on a gold nanostructure solution located within a highly scattering medium. The advantages of this method over standard spectroscopy techniques are the possibility to localize and monitor the spectroscopic response of absorbing materials located within turbid media. The operation is confirmed using a comparative analysis with the spectroscopic results obtained from a reference measurement scheme, based on a highly sensitive collimated optical transmission setup in parallel and under the same experimental conditions as the optoacoustic technique.     

Top-hat cw-laser-induced time-resolved mode-mismatched thermal lens spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of low-absorption materials

Thermal lens spectroscopy is a highly sensitive and versatile photothermal technique for material analysis, providing optical and thermal properties. To use less expensive multimode non-Gaussian lasers for quantitative analysis of low-absorption materials, this Letter presents a theoretical model for time-resolved mode-mismatched thermal lens spectroscopy induced by a cw laser with a top-hat profile. The temperature profile in a sample was calculated, and the intensity of the probe beam center at the detector plane was also derived using the Fresnel diffraction theory. Experimental validation was performed with glass samples, and the results were found well consistent with literature values of the thermo-optical properties of the samples.     

Contrôle de matériaux d'origine biologique par méthode photothermique: intérêt de la détection pyroélectrique

Photothermal methods are well adapted to thin multilayer material analysis. In the particular case of biological materials, which are thermally fragile, low excitation power is required. We have studied whole human blood sedimentation by using photothermal radiometry and a photopyroelectric technique. Results obtained with random- and sine-modulated excitation are discussed. Evolution laws of plasma thicknesses and optical absorption coefficients during the process have been determined by identifying the parameters using different estimation methods. It appears that results are consistent with theoretical predictions of our 2D-thermophysical model and also with the values measured by the well-known Westergreen reference method, usually used in clinical analysis. Finally, in order to extend the investigation field of the pyroelectric method, particularly in the domain of biological materials, we have analysed the possibility of using the sensitive pyroelectric sensors without direct thermal contact with the sample and detecting the temperature changes at the sample surface through a thin air monolayer.     

Study of optical absorption differences of doped polyaniline films by photothermal spectroscopies

In this work, we studied the optical absorption spectral differences between doped and slightly doped polyaniline films and a derivative by photopyroelectric and photoacoustic spectroscopies. There exist great spectral differences between doped and slightly doped samples as shown by conventional optical absorption spectroscopy, but not greatly evidenced by photopyroelectric spectroscopy. The latter was applied to obtain thermal parameters such as thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity, and as a result it showed that these thermal properties of polyaniline films are very similar for doped and slightly doped samples. Also it showed that for thicker films (about 20 μm), there are no significant optical absorption differences between them. However, for thin films both techniques showed greater optical absorption differences for doped and slightly doped samples, mainly detected by photoacoustic spectroscopy. These behaviors are in accordance with published results which is the granular metal model for polyaniline. This model explains the polyaniline polymeric matrix as formed by conductive islands in the insulating bulk material. PACS 61.82.Pv; 82.35.Cd; 82.35.Lr     

Studies on the electrical, linear and nonlinear optical properties of Manganese mercury thiocyanate bis-dimethyl sulfoxide, an efficient NLO crystal

Manganese mercury thiocyanate bis-dimethyl sulfoxide (MMTD), a novel organo-metallic nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal, was grown by a slow evaporation technique over a period of 30 days. The grown crystal was subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction to determine the unit cell parameters. The optical properties of MMTD were investigated by UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopic techniques. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the sample was measured using a Q-switched, mode-locked Nd:YAG laser and the results were compared with urea and manganese mercury thiocyanate (MMTC). The thermal parameters, such as the thermal diffusivity (α), thermal effusivity (e), thermal conductivity (k) and heat capacity (c_p) of MMTD were measured by the photopyroelectric (PPE) technique and the results are discussed. The dielectric response and mechanical properties of MMTD have also been investigated and reported.     

Nuclear magnetic resonance for quantum computing: Techniques and recent achievements

Rapid developments in quantum information processing have been made, and remarkable achievements have been obtained in recent years, both in theory and experiments. Coherent control of nuclear spin dynamics is a powerful tool for the experimental implementation of quantum schemes in liquid and solid nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) system,especially in liquid-state NMR. Compared with other quantum information processing systems, the NMR platform has the advantages such as the long coherence time, the precise manipulation, and well-developed quantum control techniques,which make it possible to accurately control a quantum system with up to 12-qubits. Extensive applications of liquid-state NMR spectroscopy in quantum information processing such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum simulation have been thoroughly studied over half a century. This article introduces the general principles of NMR quantum information processing, and reviews the new-developed techniques. The review will also include the recent achievements of the experimental realization of quantum algorithms for machine learning, quantum simulations for high energy physics, and topological order in NMR. We also discuss the limitation and prospect of liquid-state NMR spectroscopy and the solid-state NMR systems as quantum computing in the article.     

Single-photon detection and its applications

A single-photon detector is an extremely sensitive device capable of registering photons,offering essential technical support for optics quantum information applications.We review herein our recent experimental progress in the development and application of single-photon detection techniques.Techniques based on advanced self-differencing,low-pass filtering,frequency up-conversion and photon-number-resolving are introduced for attaining high-speed,high-efficiency,low-noise single-photon detection at infrared wavelengths.The advantages of high-speed single-photon detection are discussed in some applications,such as the laser ranging and quantum key distribution.The photon-number-resolving detection is shown to support efficient quantum random number generation.     

A review on the progress of ZnSe as inorganic scintillator

Modern scintillator detectors act as an efficient tool for detection and measurement of ionizing radiations. ZnSe based materials have been found to be a promising candidate for scintillation applications. These scintillators show much-needed scintillation efficiency along with advantages such as high thermal and radiation stability, less-toxicity, non-hygroscopicity, emissions in the visible range and small decay time etc. Further, in quantum confinement regime, they show improvement in luminescent properties and size dependent emissions. In this review article, the attempt has been made to trace the progress of ZnSe based materials towards highly efficient quantum dot scintillators. Here, the fundamental process of scintillation has been explained. Factors such as doping, annealing, heavy ion irradiation which affects the scintillation response of ZnSe based scintillators have also been discussed. Method of synthesis plays a key role in optimization of quantum dot properties. Hence, it has been tried to trace the development in methods of synthesis of quantum dots. With optimized synthesis, we can extend applications of these highly efficient quantum dot scintillators for various scientific and industrial applications.     

More power to X‐rays: New developments in X‐ray spectroscopy

Recent developments in X‐ray spectroscopy in the last decade are reviewed. A specific emphasis is placed on displaying the strong natural connection between X‐ray spectroscopy and materials science. Brief explanations of several X‐ray spectroscopic methods are given. X‐ray spectroscopic instruments such as table‐top X‐ray sources are discussed in detail, whereas those employing synchrotron and other sources are briefly addressed. The spectroscopic methods and results from materials investigations are reviewed according to their positions in a 3D parameter space of time, length, and energy. New experimental measurements on atoms, molecules, nanomaterials, and bulk materials that include insulators, semiconductors, metals and magnetic materials using both static and time‐resolved methods are reviewed.     

Methods of highly sensitive gas analysis of molecular biomarkers in study of exhaled air

The methods of highly sensitive gas analysis of molecular biomarkers in exhaled air were reviewed. Specific features of the analysis of the chemical content of exhaled air at the level of microconcentrations as well as general requirements for the applied instrumental approach were discussed. The experimental data demonstrating a relationship between some light gas molecules and organ pathology and the possibility of using such molecules as biomarkers were reviewed. Basic approaches to highly sensitive gas analysis on the basis of gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, electrochemical sensors, UV chemiluminescence, and IR spectroscopy were considered from the point of view of their possible application to the analysis of breath content. Characteristics of the spectral gas analysis based on tunable diode lasers were analyzed in details. The possibility of applying diode laser spectroscopy to biomedical diagnostics based on highly sensitive gas analysis of human breath content was discussed.     

THERMAL NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS—AN IMPORTANT ANALYTICAL TOOL

ABSTRACT

This review is intended to present an introduction to the use of thermal neutron activation analysis (TNAA) as an analytical technique for the determination of elements in almost all kinds of matrices. This method of analysis is generally multi-element and experimental conditions can be designed to be nondestructive to the sample. This review will focus on thermal neutron activation as this technique allows determination of approximately two-thirds of the elements on the periodic chart. There are also more and wider spread facilities in the United States that offer these services. The available facilities are located across the United States and are generally accessible to everyone. The review will also detail the advantages and disadvantages of TNAA compared to other common spectroscopic methods. An outline of the general procedure for performing the analysis of the elements using activation analysis is presented to emphasize the ease of using this technique. The outline is divided into sections that give the general procedure, how to choose the correct nuclear reaction and reaction product, and the main sources of errors that can affect the results of the study. These sources of error are subdivided into general types of errors. The general types of errors are divided into those related to pre-chemistry, problems associated with the irradiation of the samples, errors associated with the use of nuclear constants (cross sections, half-lives, transition probabilities, etc.), the choice of the correct reaction and reaction product, and those associated with the counting of the irradiated samples. The general theory of activation analysis is presented and summarizes the derivation of the equations used and the development of the comparator method of analysis. The comparator method is used to simplify the method by irradiating samples along with standards. This reduces the need for using the nuclear constants and thus reducing errors. The use of radiochemical separations to isolate analytes of choice from the radioactive matrix is also described. Some current literature is also included to give a feel for current applications of the use of thermal neutron activation analyses. The summary also describes some of the different matrices that have been used for analyses.     

慢正电子束流技术在金属/合金微观缺陷研究中的应用

正电子湮没谱学技术是研究材料微观结构非常有效的一种核谱学分析方法, 主要用于获取材料内部微观结构的分布信息, 特别是微观缺陷结构及其特性等传统表征方法难以获取的微观结构信息. 近年来, 在慢正电子束流技术快速发展的基础上, 正电子湮没谱学技术在薄膜材料表面和界面微观结构的研究中得到了广泛应用. 特别是该技术对空位型缺陷的高灵敏表征能力, 使其在金属/合金材料表面微观缺陷的形成机理、缺陷结构特性及其演化行为等研究方面具有独特的优势. 针对材料内部微观缺陷的形成、演化机理以及缺陷特性的研究, 如缺陷的微观结构、化学环境、电子密度和动量分布等, 正电子湮没谱学测量方法和表征分析技术已经发展成熟. 而能量连续可调的低能正电子束流, 进一步实现了薄膜材料表面微观结构深度分布信息的实验表征. 本文综述了慢正电子束流技术应用研究的最新进展, 主要围绕北京慢正电子束流装置在金属/合金材料微观缺陷的研究中对微观缺陷特性的表征和表面微观缺陷演化行为的应用研究成果展开论述.     

Spin fluctuations of nonequilibrium electrons and excitons in semiconductors

Effects that are related to deviations from thermodynamic equilibrium have a special place in modern physics. Among these, nonequilibrium phenomena in quantum systems attract the highest interest. The experimental technique of spin-noise spectroscopy has became quite widespread, which makes it possible to observe spin fluctuations of charge carriers in semiconductors under both equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions. This calls for the development of a theory of spin fluctuations of electrons and electron–hole complexes for nonequilibrium conditions. In this paper, we consider a range of physical situations where a deviation from equilibrium becomes pronounced in the spin noise. A general method for the calculation of electron and exciton spin fluctuations in a nonequilibrium state is proposed. A short review of the theoretical and experimental results in this area is given.     

Determination of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) in Soils: A Review of Spectroscopic and Nonspectroscopic Techniques

Abstract: In the analysis of petroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated soils for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the roles of spectroscopic and nonspectroscopic techniques are inseparable. Therefore, spectroscopic techniques cannot be discussed in isolation. In this report, spectroscopic techniques including Raman, fluorescence, infrared, and visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopies, as well as mass spectroscopy (coupled to a gas chromatograph) and nonspectroscopic techniques such as gravimetry, immunoassay, and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection are reviewed. To bridge the perceived gap in coverage of the quantitative applications of Vis-NIR spectroscopy in the rapid determination of TPHs and PAHs in soils, a detailed review of studies from the period 1999–2012 are presented. This report also highlights the strengths and limitations of these techniques and evaluates their performance from the perspective of their attributes of general applicability, namely economic portability, operational time, accuracy, and occupational health and safety considerations. Overall, the fluorescence spectroscopic technique had the best performance (85% total score) in comparison to the others, and the gravimetric technique performed the least (60% total score). Method-specific solutions geared toward performance improvement are also suggested.     

Nanoplasmonics: Engineering and observation of localized plasmon modes

This review article focuses on the basic physics of LSPR modes, and how they can be observed. For dipolar modes, observation is rather straightforward. However, higher order modes often require the use of more advanced experimental conditions or dedicated spectroscopic techniques such as electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS). Eventually, bespoke LSPR modes can be engineered when different cavities are brought together to interact, giving rise to super‐ or sub‐radiant modes, as well as Fano resonances, which in the right conditions can evolve into plasmonic induced transparency.     

Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy of two-exciton resonances in semiconductor quantum wells

We propose a three-pulse coherent ultrafast optical technique that is particularly sensitive to two-exciton correlations. Two Liouville-space pathways for the density matrix contribute to this signal which reveals double quantum coherences when displayed as a two-dimensional correlation plot. Two-exciton couplings spread the cross peaks along both axes, creating a characteristic highly resolved pattern. This level of detail is not available from conventional one-dimensional four-wave mixing or other two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy signals such as the photo echo, in which two-exciton couplings show up along a single axis and are highly congested.