Growth and spectroscopic characterization of Er: Sr3Y(BO3)3 crystal

This paper reports the growth and spectroscopic characterization of Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal. Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal with dimensions up to ∅20×35 mm³ has been grown by Czochralski method. The polarized spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal were investigated. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, the effective intensity parameters Ω_t were obtained: Ω₂=1.71×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=1.39×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=0.74×10⁻²⁰ cm² for π-polarization, and Ω₂=1.77×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=1.44×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=0.65×10⁻²⁰ cm² for σ-polarization. The emission cross-section σ_em was calculated to be 4.75×10⁻²¹ cm² for π-polarization at 1536 nm and 6.30×10⁻²¹ cm² for σ-polarization at 1537 nm. The investigated results showed that Er³⁺:Sr₃Y(BO₃)₃ crystal may be regarded as a potential laser host material for 1.55 μm IR solid-state lasers.     

Theoretical study on the kinetics for OH reactions with CH3OH and C2H5OH

Kinetics and mechanisms for reactions of OH with methanol and ethanol have been investigated at the CCSD(T)/6-311 + G(3df, 2p)//MP2/6-311 + G(3df, 2p) level of theory. The total and individual rate constants, and product branching ratios for the reactions have been computed in the temperature range 200-3000 K with variational transition state theory by including the effects of multiple reflections above the wells of their pre-reaction complexes, quantum-mechanical tunneling and hindered internal rotations. The predicted results can be represented by the expressions k₁ = 4.65 × 10⁻²⁰ × T^2.68 exp(414/T) and k₂ = 9.11 × 10⁻²⁰ × T^2.58 exp(748/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the CH₃OH and C₂H₅OH reactions, respectively. These results are in reasonable agreements with available experimental data except that of OH + C₂H₅OH in the high temperature range. The former reaction produces 96-89% of the H₂O + CH₂OH products, whereas the latter process produces 98-70% of H₂O + CH₃CHOH and 2-21% of the H₂O + CH₂CH₂OH products in the temperature range computed (200-3000 K).     

Direct observation of the D′ 2g(P2)-A′ Π(2u) system for Cl2 by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy: Determination of the absolute position of the A′ state

In a discharged supersonic jet of Cl₂, transitions of the D′ 2_g(³P₂)-A′ ³Π(2_u) system for ³⁵Cl₂ were observed directly by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy. By a discharge in Cl₂, the Cl₂ molecules were populated into the A′ state, which is a metastable and optically forbidden state, from the state. An ultraviolet laser radiation excites the molecules to the D′ ion-pair state. A set of Dunham parameters for the A′ state is determined from a global least-squares fitting for 59 vibronic bands with v″ = 0-7. In the fitting, the previously reported data, T(v) and B(v) for the v = 14 and 15 bands of the A′ state [T. Ishiwata, A. Ishiguro, K. Obi, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 147 (1991) 300-320], were included. Y₀₀ = 57295.723(5) cm⁻¹ of the D′ state [J.-H. Si, T. Ishiwata, K. Obi, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 147 (1991) 334-345] was also included in the global fitting in order to determine the absolute position of the A′ state. The determined parameters of the A′ state are Y₀₀ = 17171.506(14), Y₁₀ = 255.915(85), Y₂₀ = −4.465(70), Y₃₀ = −8.7(23) × 10⁻², Y₄₀ = 6.3(35) × 10⁻³, Y₅₀ = −4.9(26) × 10⁻⁴, Y₆₀ = 1.43(69) × 10⁻⁵, Y₀₁ = 0.16282(15), Y₁₁ = −2.363(68) × 10⁻³, Y₂₁ = −5.01(93) × 10⁻⁵, and Y₃₁ = −3.01(36) × 10⁻⁶ (in cm⁻¹ and one standard deviations of the fit in parentheses). The absolute position of the A′ state is determined with good accuracy.     

Ab initio chemical kinetics for the reactions of HNCN with O(P) and O2

The kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions of cyanomidyl radical (HNCN) with oxygen atoms and molecules have been investigated by ab initio calculations with rate constant prediction. The doublet and quartet state potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the two reactions have been calculated by single-point calculations at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df, 2p) level based on geometries optimized at the CCSD/6-311++G(d, p) level. The rate constants for various product channels of the two reactions in the temperature range of 300-3000 K are predicted by variational transition state and RRKM theories. The predicted total rate constants of the O(³P) + HNCN reaction at 760 Torr Ar pressure can be represented by the expressions k_total (O + HNCN) = 3.12 × 10⁻¹⁰ × T^−0.05 exp (−37/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at T = 300-3000 K. The branching ratios of primary channels of the O(³P) + HNCN are predicted: k₁ for producing the NO + CNH accounts for 0.72-0.64, k₂ + k₉ for producing the ³NH + NCO accounts for 0.27-0.32, and k₆ for producing the CN + HNO accounts for 0.01-0.07 in the temperature range studied. Meanwhile, the predicted total rate constants of the O₂ + HNCN reaction at 760 Torr Ar pressure can be represented by the expression, k_total(O₂ + HNCN) = 2.10 × 10⁻¹⁶ × T^1.28exp (−12200/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at T = 300-3000 K. The predicted branching ratio for k₁₁ + k₁₃ producing HO₂ + ³NCN as the primary products accounts for 0.98-1.00 in the temperature range studied.     

Photocarrier transport in iron-doped potassium lithium tantalate niobate studied by time-of-flight measurement

The photocarrier mobility of Fe 0.03 wt%-doped potassium lithium tantalate niobate (K_0.95Li_0.05Ta_0.61Nb_0.39O₃) was investigated by time-of-flight (TOF) measurement. The longitudinal photocarrier response due to pulsed excitation leads to values of the drift mobility of μ_h = 1.45 × 10⁻² cm²/V s for holes, μ_e = 0.325 × 10⁻² cm²/V s for electrons, and a value for the range of holes (μτ)_h = 4.38 × 10⁻⁵ cm²/V at room temperature and at low field 3 KV/cm. The response time of holes and electrons (or the relaxation time) is determined to be 3.02 × 10⁻³ s and 3.74 × 10⁻³ s, respectively. The mobility of holes strongly depends on the field strength, and is observed to decrease with increasing bias field.     

ESR and optical study of Mn doped potassium hydrogen sulphate

The ESR spectrum of Mn²⁺ doped potassium hydrogen sulphate at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) has been analyzed and site of entered Mn²⁺ in the lattice has been discussed. The values of the zero field parameters that give good fit to the observed ESR spectra have been obtained. The obtained g, A, B, D, E and a values are 2.0002, 66×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, 26×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, 59×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, 32×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ and −8×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, respectively. The percentage of covalency of the metal-ligand bond has also been estimated. From the optical absorption study at room temperature, the distortion has been suggested. The observed bands are assigned as transitions from the ⁶A_1g(S) ground state to various excited quartet levels of Mn²⁺ ion in a cubic crystalline field. The electron repulsion and crystal field parameters B, C, Dq and α providing good fit to the observed optical spectra have been evaluated and the values obtained for the parameters are B=627 cm⁻¹, C=2580 cm⁻¹ , Dq=790 cm⁻¹ and α=76 cm⁻¹.     

High-resolution FTIR and MMW study of the v4 = 2 (A1, E) excited state of NF3 near 985 cm: the axial ground state rotational constants derived by the “loop-method”

The two substates v₄ = 2⁰ (A₁, 983.702 cm⁻¹) and v₄ = 2^±2 (E, 986.622 cm⁻¹) of the oblate symmetric top molecule, ¹⁴NF₃, have been studied by high-resolution (2.5 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹) infrared spectroscopy of the overtones and 2ν₄ − ν₄ hot bands. Transitions of the overtone, the hot band, and the previously measured fundamental band were combined to yield 585 ground state combination differences differing in K by ±3, with K_max = 36. Using the “loop-method,” a fit (standard deviation σ = 0.320 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹) provided a complete set of the hitherto not experimentally known axial ground state constants. In units of cm⁻¹ these have the following values: . Upper state parameters were determined using a vibrationally isolated model. Considering l (2, 2) and l (2, −1) interactions between the v₄ = 2⁰ and v₄ = 2^±2 substates and effects accounting for the l (4, −2) interactions within the kl = −2 levels, 25 upper state parameters were obtained by fitting 2747 IR data (1842 transitions, 905 deduced energies, J_max = 42, K_max = 39) with σ_IR = 0.353 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹. Moreover, millimeter-wave spectroscopy furnished 86 transitions (J_max = 16, K_max = 13) measured on the v₄ = 2 excited state. A merged fit, refining 24 parameters using the described model gave σ_IR = 0.365 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ andσ_MMW = 0.855 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ (26 kHz). The anharmonicity constants (in cm⁻¹) are x₄₄ = −0.84174 (2) and g₄₄ =  + 0.73014 (1). In addition to this model, the D, Q, and L reductions of the rovibrational Hamiltonian were tested. Standard deviations σ_IR = 0.375 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ and σ_MMW = 0.865 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ were obtained for both D and L reductions, and σ_IR = 0.392 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ and σ_MMW = 0.935 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ for Q reduction. The unitary equivalence of the majority of the 18 tested relations between the derived parameters was satisfactorily fulfilled. This confirms that the v₄ = 2 excited vibrational state can be considered in reasonable approximation to be isolated.     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate microvascular density after transarterial embolization ablation in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between findings from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and microvascular density (MVD) measurements in VX2 liver tumors after transarterial embolization ablation (TEA).

Materials and Methods

Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. VX2 tumor cells were implanted in livers by percutaneous puncture under computed tomography (CT) guidance. Two weeks later, all rabbits underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T1 and T2 imaging), DWI, (b = 100, 600, and 1000 s/mm²) and TEA. MRI was performed again1 week after TEA. Liver tissue was then harvested and processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical staining for CD31to determine MVD.

Results

VX2 liver tumors were successfully established in all 18 rabbits. Optimal contrast was achieved with a b value of 600 s/mm².The maximum pre-operative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)_difference value was 0.28 × 10^− 3 ± 0.10 × 10^− 3 mm²/s, and was significantly different (P < 0.001) from the maximum postoperative ADC_difference value of 0.47 × 10^− 3 ± 0.10 × 10^− 3 mm²/s. However, the mean ADC value for the entire tumor was not significantly correlated with MVD (r = 0.221, P = 0.379), nor was the ADC value for the regions of viable tumor (r = − 0.044, P = 0.862). However, the maximum postoperative ADC_difference value was positively correlated with MVD(r = 0.606, F = 12.247, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

DWI is effective to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of TEA. The maximum ADC_difference offers a promising new method to noninvasively assess tumor angiogenesis.     

The combined effect of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus on aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction: An integrated study with high-resolution MRI

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) on aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction by using an integrated MRI approach.

Materials and Methods

A total of 31 non-hypertensive DM2 patients and 31 hypertensive DM2 patients underwent 3.0-T MRI. Aortic distensibility (AD), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were assessed. Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-squared test, Pearson correlation analysis, and univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The hypertensive patients showed lower AD at multiple levels (ascending aorta [AA]: 2.07 ± 0.98 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1 vs. 3.21 ± 1.70 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1, p < 0.01; proximal thoracic descending aorta [PDA]: 2.58 ± 0.72 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1 vs. 3.58 ± 1.47 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1, p < 0.01; distal descending aorta [DDA]: 3.11 ± 1.84 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1 vs. 4.27 ± 1.75 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1, p < 0.01); faster PWV (7.46 ± 2.28 m/s vs. 5.82 ± 1.12 m/s, p < 0.05) and lower FMD (12.67% ± 6.49% vs. 20.66% ± 9.7%; p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressure was an independent predictor of PWV, AA-AD, DDA-AD and FMD. FMD was statistically significantly associated with PWV (r = − 0.37, p < 0.01) and AD (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Hypertension has a contributive effect on aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in DM2 patients.     

Structure and properties of transparent conductive doped ZnO films by pulsed laser deposition

High quality transparent conductive ZnO thin films were deposited on quartz glass substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). We varied the growth conditions such as the substrate temperature and oxygen pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were done on the samples. All films show n-type conduction, the best transparent conductive oxide (TCO) performance (Al-doped ZnO = 1.33 × 10⁻⁴ Ω cm, Ga-doped ZnO = 8.12 × 10⁻⁵ Ω cm) was obtained on the ZnO film prepared at pO₂ = 5 mTorr and T_s = 300 °C.     

A novel dispersion-shifted single mode optical fiber design with ultra-high-bit-rate and very low loss for long-haul communications

In this paper, a novel dispersion-shifted multi-clad optical fiber with very small bending loss and ultra-high bit-rate applicable for large capacity information transmission systems is presented. To decrease dispersion and higher-order dispersion effects at λ = 1.55 μm, a weighted pulse broadening factor and genetic algorithm (GA) optimization technique is used. Compared to the works reported previously, this method can precisely set the zero-dispersion wavelength. This kind of dispersion-shifted fibers has dispersion, dispersion slope, mode field diameter (MFD), effective area and quality factor within −1.40 × 10⁻⁴ to −8.44 × 10⁻² ps/km nm, 3.06 × 10⁻² to −4.07 × 10⁻² ps/km nm², 5.56−5.85 μm, 119.25−176.42 μm² and 3.49-5.27 at λ = 1.55 μm, respectively. Besides, by applying dispersion at λ = 1.55 μm as the cost function, dispersion of about 1.31 × 10⁻⁸ ps/km nm is obtained. Thus, this novel optical fiber can be used in long-haul high information-transmission capacity communication systems.     

Low-temperature property investigation of the lead indium-niobate-lead nickel-niobate solid solution

The complex perovskite solid solution (1−x) Pb(In_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃-(x) Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ has been successfully prepared by the Columbite precursor method. The temperature dependencies of the dielectric constant and pyroelectric coefficient were measured between −261 and 200 °C. Relaxor ferroelectric behavior has been noticed in all compositions across the solid solution. The room-temperature electrostrictive coefficient, Q₃₃, was 1.83×10⁻² C²/m⁴ for x=0.10. No room-temperature piezoelectric activity was detected; however, upon cooling to −261 °C the maximum coupling coefficients k_p=29%, k_t=11%, and k₃₃=31% were observed for the composition x=1.00.     

Elastic constants of solids and fluids with initial pressure via a unified approach based on equations-of-state

The second and third-order Brugger elastic constants are obtained for liquids and ideal gases having an initial hydrostatic pressure p₁. For liquids the second-order elastic constants are C₁₁ = A + p₁, C₁₂ = A − p₁, and the third-order constants are C₁₁₁ = −(B + 5A + 3p₁), C₁₁₂ = −(B + A − p₁), and C₁₂₃ = A − B − p₁, where A and B are the Beyer expansion coefficients in the liquid equation of state. For ideal gases the second-order constants are C₁₁ = p₁γ + p₁, C₁₂ = p₁γ − p₁, and the third-order constants are C₁₁₁ = −p₁(γ² + 4γ + 3), C₁₁₂ = −p₁(γ² − 1), and C₁₂₃ = −p₁ (γ² − 2γ + 1), where γ is the ratio of specific heats. The inequality of C₁₁ and C₁₂ results in a nonzero shear constant C₄₄ = (1/2)(C₁₁ − C₁₂) = p₁ for both liquids and gases. For water at standard temperature and pressure the ratio of terms p₁/A contributing to the second-order constants is approximately 4.3 × 10⁻⁵. For atmospheric gases the ratio of corresponding terms is approximately 0.7. Analytical expressions that include initial stresses are derived for the material ‘nonlinearity parameters’ associated with harmonic generation and acoustoelasticity for fluids and solids of arbitrary crystal symmetry. The expressions are used to validate the relationships for the elastic constants of fluids.     

EPR and optical absorption study of Cr-doped ammonium oxalate monohydrate single crystals

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study of the Cr³⁺-doped ammonium oxalate monohydrate (AOM) single crystal is done at room temperature. Two magnetically inequivalent sites for chromium are observed. The hyperfine structure for Cr⁵³ isotope is also obtained. The spin Hamiltonian parameters are evaluated as: D=(309±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, E=(103±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, g=1.9820±0.0002, A=(161±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ for site I and D=(309±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, E=(103±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, g=1.9791±0.0002, A=(160±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ for site II, respectively. On the basis of EPR data the site symmetry of Cr³⁺ doped single crystal is discussed. The optical absorption spectra are recorded in 195-925 nm wavelength range at room temperature. The energy values of different orbital levels are determined. On the basis of EPR and optical data, the nature of bonding in the crystal is discussed. The values of different parameters are B=803, C=3531, D_q=2208 cm⁻¹, h=0.59 and k=0.21, where B and C are Racah parameters, D_q is crystal field parameter and h and k are nephelauxetic parameters, respectively.     

Single crystal EPR and optical absorption study of Cr doped l-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate

EPR study of the Cr³⁺ ion doped l-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate single crystal is done at room temperature. Two magnetically inequivalent interstitial sites are observed. The hyperfine structure for Cr⁵³ isotope is also obtained. The zero field and spin Hamiltonian parameters are evaluated from the resonance lines obtained at different angular rotations and the parameters are: D=(300±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, E=(96±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, g_x=1.9108±0.0002, g_y=1.9791±0.0002, g_z=2.0389±0.0002, A_x=(252±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, A_y=(254±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, A_z=(304±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ for site I and D=(300±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, E=(96±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, g_x=1.8543±0.0002, g_y=1.9897±0.0002, g_z=2.0793±0.0002, A_x=(251±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, A_y=(257±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, A_z=(309±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ for site II, respectively. The optical absorption studies of single crystals are also carried out at room temperature in the wavelength range 195-925 nm. Using EPR and optical data, different bonding parameters are calculated and the nature of bonding in the crystal is discussed. The values of Racah parameters (B and C), crystal field parameter (Dq) and nephelauxetic parameters (h and k) are: B=636, C=3123, Dq=2039 cm⁻¹, h=1.46 and k=0.21, respectively.     

Galvanomagnetic properties of air-stable and highly conductive potassium-intercalated graphite sheet

Magnetoresistance and Hall coefficient of air-stable potassium-intercalated graphite sheets (hereafter abbreviated as K-PGS) were determined at room temperature. The magnitude of the magnetoresistance and the absolute value of Hall coefficient of K-PGS decreased with increasing potassium content of K-PGS, n_K/n_C. Two-carrier model was used for calculating carrier density and mobility. The electron density increased with increasing n_K/n_C: 3.07×10²⁰ cm⁻³ (n_K/n_C=0.005), 5.67×10²⁰ cm⁻³ (n_K/n_C=0.008) and 6.40×10²⁰ cm⁻³ (n_K/n_C=0.011). The value of the electron density of K-PGS with n_K/n_C=0.011 (nominal composition KC₉₁) was about 80% of the reported value, 7.8×10²⁰ cm⁻³, for KC₄₈ (n_K/n_C=0.021) prepared from HOPG (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite). The mobility decreased with increasing n_K/n_C: 2.11×10³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ (n_K/n_C=0.005), 1.42×10³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ (n_K/n_C=0.008) and 1.34×10³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ (n_K/n_C=0.011). The value of the mobility of K-PGS with n_K/n_C=0.011 was about 60% of the reported value (2300 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹) for KC₄₈ prepared from HOPG.     

EPR and optical study of Mn-doped bis(l-Asparaginato)Zn(II)

EPR and optical studies of single crystals of Mn²⁺: bis(l-Asparaginato)Zn(II) are reported. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters are determined employing the positions of a large number of resonance lines for various orientations of the external magnetic field. The best-fit zero-field parameters to the observed EPR spectra are obtained as, D=(228±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, E=(58±2)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ and a=(−12±1)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹,whereas g=2.0002±0.0002, , and . From the optical absorption study, the lattice distortion is suggested. The electron repulsion parameters (B and C) and crystal field parameters (Dq and α) evaluated from the fitting of observed optical spectra are: B=858 cm⁻¹, C=2620 cm⁻¹, Dq=950 cm⁻¹, and α=76 cm⁻¹.     

Propagation regimes of intense circularly polarized laser beam in magnetoactive plasma

This paper presents an analytical and numerical investigation of an intense circularly polarized wave propagating along the static magnetic field parallel to oscillating magnetic field in magnetoactive plasma. In the relativistic regime such a magnetic field is created by pulse itself. The authors have studied different regimes of propagation with relativistic electron mass effect for magnetized plasma. An appropriate expression for dielectric tensor in relativistic magnetoactive plasma has been evaluated under paraxial theory. Two modes of propagation as extraordinary and ordinary exist; because of the relativistic effect, ultra-strong magnetic fields are generated which significantly influence the propagation of laser beam in plasma. The nature of propagation is characterized through the critical-divider curves in the normalized beam width with power plane For given values of normalized density (ω_p/ω) and magnetic field (ω_c/ω) the regions are namely steady divergence (SD), oscillatory divergence (OD) and self-focusing (SF). Numerical computations are performed for typical parameters of relativistic laser-plasma interaction: magnetic field B = 10-100 MG; intensity I = 10¹⁶ to 10²⁰ W/cm²; laser frequency ω = 1.1 × 10¹⁵ s⁻¹; cyclotron frequency ω_c = 1.7 × 10¹³ s⁻¹; electron density n_e = 2.18 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³. From the calculations, we confirm that a circularly polarized wave can propagate in different regimes for both the modes, and explicitly indicating enhancement in wave propagation, beam focusing/self-guiding and penetration of E-mode in presence of magnetic field.     

The effect of duration of diffusion on Ag diffusion coefficients in YBa2Cu3O7

The Ag diffusion in superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O₇ (YBaCuO) ceramic has been studied over the duration of the diffusion range 5-24 h in the temperature range 700-850 °C by the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. For the excitation of silver atoms, an annular Am-241 radioisotope source (50 mCi) emitting 59.543 keV photons was used. The temperature dependences of silver diffusion coefficients in grains (D₁) and over the grain boundaries in the range 700-850 °C (D₂) are described by the relations D₁=1.4×10⁻² exp[−(1.18±0.10)/kT] and D₂=3.1×10⁻⁴ exp[−(0.87±0.10)/kT].     

Spectra and intensity parameters of Tm ion in YAlO3 crystal

High quality Tm-doped YAlO₃ (Tm:YAlO₃) single crystals were obtained along crystallographic b-axis by the Czochralski technique. Optical absorption and fluorescence spectra for Tm³⁺ in YAlO₃ crystals were investigated at room temperature. Based on Judd-Ofelt approach, the intensity parameters Ω_t (t = 2, 4, 6) of Tm:YAlO₃ were calculated to be Ω₂ = 0.93 × 10⁻²⁰  cm², Ω₄ = 2.23 × 10⁻²⁰ cm², and Ω₆ = 1.12 × 10⁻²⁰ cm². The spectral parameters such as experimental and theoretical oscillator strengths, radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetime and the fluorescence branching ratio were also obtained. All results indicate that Tm:YAlO₃ is a potential candidate for compact, efficient mid-infrared lasers with laser diode pumping.