Dynamics of two-photon picosecond absorption in ZnWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and PbWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> crystals

A method has been proposed to analyze the dynamics of interband two-photon absorption in a nonlinear medium excited by a sequence of picosecond laser pulses of variable intensity and continuous probe radiation. Induced absorption leading both to hysteresis in the dependence of the absorption on the intensity of laser pump radiation and to the opacity of crystals at the pump wavelength has been revealed in initially transparent ZnWO₄ and PbWO₄ crystals irradiated by a train of 523.5-nm pulses with a duration of 20 ps at pump intensities of 5 to 140 GW/cm². The kinetics of an increase in absorption and its subsequent relaxation at a 523.5-nm picosecond excitation of the crystals have been measured with continuous 633-nm probe radiation. An exponential component of the increase in absorption with the time constant τ = 2−3.5 and 8–9.5 μs depending on the direction of the linear polarization of pump radiation has been revealed at 300 K in ZnWO₄ and PbWO₄ crystals, respectively. The absorption relaxation kinetics in the crystals are complicated and approach an exponential at a late stage with the constant τ = 40−130 and 12–80 ms for the ZnWO₄ and PbWO₄ crystals, respectively.     

Absorption by CS<Subscript>2</Subscript> molecules on “hot” band emission lines from a TEA CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser

We have measured absorption of emission from a TEA CO₂ laser, lasing on hot band lines, in pure CS₂ and a mixture of CS₂ with air, and we have determined the optimal lines for optical excitation. Numerical modeling has shown that as the peak intensity of the pump radiation is increased, we observe absorption saturation, the extent of which decreases as the pressure increases. The major factor responsible for absorption saturation is the “rotational bottleneck” effect. Depending on the peak intensity of the radiation, addition of a buffer gas can lead to an increase or decrease in the absorption. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 1, pp. 61–66, January–February, 2007.     

Intracavity parametric conversion of radiation from a pulsed Nd:YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> laser with high-power diode pumping

We have achieved intracavity parametric conversion of the radiation from a laser based on Nd:YVO₄ with high-power diode pumping. An LiF^2- crystal was used as the passive Q-switch for the Nd:YVO₄ laser. We have shown that by using an active element in the master laser with a passive region, we can form pulsed laser beams at a wavelength of 1.57 μm with peak power 3.2 kW and repetition rates up to 80 kHz, with beam quality parameter 1.4–1.8. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 1, pp. 5–8, January–February, 2006.     

Optical transmission of ceramic shielding blocks made from Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

We have studied the transmission of bulk Al₂O₃ ceramic used as heat shields for the working chamber of a turbine. We have established that radiation scattered from such an object has a pronounced speckle structure, while the scattering indicatrix is the same as the indicatrix for an ideal scatterer. We show that existing highpower semiconductor laser sources make it possible to penetrate sufficiently deeply into such materials, and the small transmission coefficient is not the limiting factor for development of optical methods for inspecting the quality of ceramic shielding blocks. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 2, pp. 237–240, March–April, 2007.     

Enhanced harmonic generation in C60-containing plasma plumes

The results of enhanced harmonic generation in fullerene-containing plasma plumes using laser radiation of different wavelengths, pulse durations, and phase modulation are presented. Odd and even harmonics up to the 29^th order of 800 nm radiation have been extended in the case of two-color orthogonal polarization pump of C₆₀-containing plasma plumes. The conversion efficiency for the odd and even harmonics in the vicinity of SPR of the C₆₀-containing plasma (40–70 nm) was estimated to be in the range of 10⁻⁴.     

The effect of water on the stability of C<Subscript>60</Subscript> fullerene nanowhiskers

The morphology of C₆₀ precipitates synthesized by using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) added with water was investigated in order to know the effect of water on the growth of C₆₀ nanowhiskers (C₆₀NWs) in C₆₀–toluene–IPA solution systems. The stability of C₆₀NWs decreased and granular crystals of C₆₀ were formed in the solutions when IPA added with an excess amount of water was used in the liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method. The C₆₀NWs were found to be destabilized with time in the solutions added with water. The C₆₀NWs dried in air showed similar Raman profiles irrespective of the use of IPA with and without water addition. The Raman profiles of granular C₆₀ single crystals showed the base lines much flatter than those of C₆₀NWs, indicating that C₆₀NWs possess a disordered crystal structure. By optimizing the growth condition, short C₆₀NWs with aspect ratios ranging from 3 to 10 and an average length of about 1.8 μm were successfully fabricated. The short C₆₀NWs are expected to be applicable for electrodes of organic thick film solar cells.     

Excitation dynamics of Rydberg states in C<Subscript>60</Subscript>

The electron and nuclear dynamics of C₆₀ fullerenes irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses are investigated with photoelectron and photoion spectroscopy. The focus of this work is the detailed exploration of the population mechanism of Rydberg levels within the excitation process of neutral C₆₀. The effect of excitation wavelength, intensity, chirp, and polarization on the kinetic energy distribution of photoelectrons in single-pulse experiments gives first insight into the underlying processes. In combination with time-resolved two-color pump-probe spectroscopy depending on either pump, or probe pulse intensity, a more complete picture of the interaction can be drawn. The results point towards a very interesting but nevertheless complex behavior including four steps: (i) non-adiabatic multielectron excitation of the HOMO (h_u) → LUMO+1 (t_1g) transition; (ii) thermalization within the hot electron cloud on a time scale below 100 fs, followed by a coupling of energy to vibrational modes of the molecule via doorway state(s); (iii) population of electronically excited Rydberg states by multiphoton absorption, and (iv) single photon ionization from the excited Rydberg states. This excitation process results in a characteristic sequence of photoelectron lines in the photoemission spectra. The comparison of the experimental results with recent theoretical work gives convincing evidence that non-adiabatic multielectron dynamics (NMED) plays a key role for the understanding of the response of C₆₀ to short-pulse laser radiation.     

Study of third-and fifth-order nonlinear optical processes in thin C<Subscript>60</Subscript> films

The nonlinear refraction in thin films of fullerene C₆₀ (100 nm) is studied by the Z-and RZ-scan methods using the second harmonic of a picosecond Nd:YAG laser (λ = 532 nm, τ = 55 ps). The combined effect of n₂ (self-focusing of laser radiation) and n₄ (self-defocusing) is analyzed. Mechanisms responsible for the nonlinear refraction in films are discussed.     

Photoluminescence of nanoparticles of (Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>0.95</Subscript>(Eu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>0.05</Subscript> solid solution

We have ground bulk samples to obtain nanoparticles of (Ga₂S₃)_1–x (Eu₂O₃) _x solid solutions, the sizes of which were determined using an atomic force microscope. The photoluminescence spectra of the nanoparticles were studied in the temperature interval 77–300 K. We have established the mechanisms for emission and transfer of energy from the matrix to the rare-earth ion, and we determined the Stokes shift (ΔS = 0.7 eV), the Huang–Rhys parameter (S = 16), and the optical phonon energy (ħ−ω = 23 meV).     

Optical properties of films of the ternary compound CuIn<Subscript>3</Subscript>Se<Subscript>5</Subscript>

We have used the laser vaporization method to obtain films of the ternary compound CuIn₃Se₅ and have studied the composition and structure of the films obtained. We have determined the energy and nature of the optical transitions for the indicated compound from the transmission spectra in the region of the intrinsic absorption edge. We have calculated the valence-band crystal-field (Δ_CF) and spin-orbit (Δ_SO) splitting energies according to Hopfield’s quasicubic model for the ternary compound CuIn₃Se₅. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 1, pp. 82–85, January–February, 2007.     

Sensory neuron response to emission from a CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser

We have built a wavelength-tunable CO₂ laser meeting the requirements for low-intensity laser therapy. At λ = 10.57 μm and 9.24 μm, we observe a physiological effect detectable from the change in the extent of neurite outgrowth from sensory neurons. This makes it possible to study molecular mechanisms for interaction of low-intensity radiation with tissues in a living body. The ATP molecule is considered as the specific molecular target for the action of the radiation.     

Three types of photomagnetic effects in Sp<Subscript>3</Subscript>Cr(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystals

Three different photomagnetic effects caused by ultraviolet light in paramagnetic crystals based on molecules of spiropyrans (Sp) Sp₃Cr(C₂O₄)₃ and SpI have been revealed and separated: (1) in the high-temperature range (30–300 K), the photomagnetic effect in Sp₃Cr(C₂O₄)₃ is determined by the charge transfer between chromium ions and spiropyran molecules; (2) in the low-temperature range (2 K), the photomagnetic effect in Sp₃Cr(C₂O₄)₃ is due to the photoisomerization of spiropyran molecules, the change in the crystal field, and the splitting of the levels of Cr³⁺ ions in zero field; and (3) in the temperature range 2–20 K, the generation of radiation-induced paramagnetic defects contributes to the magnetic moment of the organic sublattice Sp⁺.     

Effect of temperature on the magnetoimpedance of an elastically deformed Fe<Subscript>4</Subscript>CO<Subscript>67</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Si<Subscript>16.5</Subscript>B<Subscript>11</Subscript> foil

The effect of temperature and elastic tensile stresses on the magnetoimpedance of an amorphous Vitrovac 6025Z (Fe₄CO₆₇Mo_1.5Si_16.5B₁₁) foil is studied. Two temperature ranges (20–70 and 70–220°C) in which the effect of elastic tensile stresses on the magnetoimpedance has different characters are detected. The existence of these two temperature ranges is shown to be caused by a change in the sign of a magnetostriction constant at 70°C.     

Nature of low-energy excitations in La<Subscript>1.87</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript> superconducting cuprate

The spectra of the conductivity and dielectric constant of La_1.87Sr_0.13CuO₄ cuprate have been directly measured in the frequency range of 0.3 to 1.2 THz (10–40 cm⁻¹) and the temperature range of 5 to 300 K in the E | c polarization (the electric field vector of radiation is perpendicular to the copper-oxygen planes). Excitation has been observed in the superconducting phase, and its nature has been attributed to the transverse optical excitation of the condensate of Cooper pairs, which appears because Josephson junctions between CuO planes are modulated due to in-plane magnetic and charge stripes. Additional quasiparticle absorption of unknown origin has been detected at frequencies below ≈15 cm⁻¹ at liquid helium temperatures.     

Study of the third order nonlinear optical properties of Zn<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Mg<Subscript>x</Subscript>Se and Cd<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Mg<Subscript>x</Subscript>Se crystals

Third order nonlinear optical susceptibilities χ^<3> of ternary Zn_1−xMg_xSe and Cd_1−xMg_xSe crystals have been measured using standard degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) method at 532 nm. The nonlinear transmission technique has been applied to check if our crystals exhibit two-photon absorption. The studied Zn_1−xMg_xSe and Cd_1−xMg_xSe solid solutions were grown from the melt by the modified high-pressure Bridgman method. For both crystals the energy gap increases with increasing Mg content. In the case of Zn_1−xMg_xSe, it was found that the value of third order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ^<3> decreases with increasing Mg content. An explanation of this behaviour results from the dependence of optical nonlinearities on the energy band gap E_g of the studied crystals. In the case of Cd_1txMg_xSe with low content of Mg, no response was observed for the studied wavelength since the energy gap in such crystals is smaller than the photon energy of the used laser radiation. It was also found that the value of third order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ^<3> for Cd_0.70Mg_0.30Se is higher than for Zn_0.67Mg_0.33Se. This behaviour can be understood if one take into consideration that the free carrier concentration in Cd_1−xMg_xSe samples is about four orders of magnitude higher than that in Zn_1txMg_xSe ones with comparable Mg content respectively. It is commonly known that when the electric conductivity increases, the values of nonlinear optical properties increase. From the performed measurements one can conclude that the incorporation of Mg as constituent into ZnSe and CdSe crystals leads to a change of the third order nonlinear optical susceptibilities.     

Magnetotransport and magnetocaloric effect in Ho<Subscript>2</Subscript>In

The magnetotransport and magnetic properties of the binary intermetallic compound Ho₂In have been investigated. Clear signature of long range ferromagnetic order in the resistivity and the magnetization data at T_C = 85 K is observed. A further spin reorientation type transition is also apparent in our measured data at around T_t = 32 K. The sample exhibits negative magnetoresistance (peak value of –14% at 5 T) over a wide temperature range that extends well above T_C. Substantially large magneto-caloric effect is also observed in the sample (maximum value of –8.5 J kg^-1K^-1 for 0 → 5 T), which peaks around the T_C of the sample. The observed magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric effect are related to the suppression of spin disorder by an external magnetic field. Ho₂In can be an interesting addition to the list of rare-earth based magnetic refrigerant materials showing magneto-caloric effect across a second order phase transition.     

Efficient and widely step-tunable terahertz generation with a dual-wavelength CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser

Coherent terahertz radiation in a widely step-tunable range of 72.3–2706 μm (0.11–4.15 THz) has been generated in GaAs crystal by difference-frequency generation using one CO₂ laser with dual-wavelength output. The peak power of THz pulse reaches 35 W at the wavelength of 236.3 μm, which corresponds to a pulse energy of 2.1 μJ. An average power of 10 μW has been achieved when working repetitively. This efficient terahertz radiation source is more compact and widely tunable than other THz sources pumped by CO₂ laser.     

Phase transition and electrical properties of (K<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Na<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>)(Nb<Subscript>1-x</Subscript>Ta<Subscript>x</Subscript>)O<Subscript>3</Subscript> lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

(K_0.5Na_0.5)(Nb_1-xTa_x)O₃ lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by an ordinary sintering technique. The results of X-ray diffraction reveal that Ta⁵⁺ diffuses into the K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ lattices to form a solid solution with an orthorhombic perovskite structure. Because of the high melting temperature of KTaO₃, the (K_0.5Na_0.5)(Nb_1-xTa_x)O₃ ceramics can be sintered at higher temperatures. The partial substitution of Ta⁵⁺ for the B-site ion Nb⁵⁺ decreases both paraelectric/cubic–ferroelectric/tetragonal and ferroelectric/tetragonal–ferroelectric/orthorhombic phase transition temperatures, T_C and T_O-T. It also induces a relaxor phase transition and weakens the ferroelectricity of the ceramics. The ceramics become ‘softened’, leading to improvements in d₃₃, k_p, k_t and ε_r and a decease in E_c, Q_m and N_p. The ceramics with x=0.075–0.15 become optimum, having d₃₃=127–151 pC/N, k_p=0.43–0.44, k_t=0.43–0.44, ε_r=541–712, tanδ=1.75–2.48% and T_C=378–329 °C. PACS 77.65.-j; 77.84.Dy; 77.84.-s     

Anti-stokes luminescence of solid AgCl<Subscript>0.95</Subscript>I<Subscript>0.05</Subscript> solutions

An anti-Stokes luminescence band with λ_max = 515 nm of microcrystals of solid AgCl_0.95I_0.05 solutions excited by a radiation flux of density 10¹³–10¹⁵ quanta/cm²·sec in the range 600–800 nm at 77 K was detected. It is shown that the intensity of this luminescence and the frequency of its excitation depend on the prior UV-irradiation of samples. Analysis of the stimulated-photoluminescence spectra and the anti-Stokes luminescence excitation spectra of the indicated microcrystals has shown that to the centers of anti-Stokes luminescence excitation correspond local levels in the forbidden band of the crystals. These states are apparently due to the atomic and molecular disperse silver particles that can be inherent in character or formed as a result of a low-temperature photochemical process. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 6, pp. 738–742, November–December, 2005.     

Thermal lensing study and athermal directions in flashlamp-pumped Nd:KGd(WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser crystal

Thermal lensing has been studied by a probe beam technique in flashlamp-pumped Nd:KGdW laser rods with rod axes positioned in the N _p–N _g plane and making different angles with the N _g optical indicatrix axis. It was found that the orientation of principal meridional planes of the astigmatic thermal lens in Nd:KGdW corresponds to the directions with maximum and minimum values of thermal-expansion coefficient in the plane perpendicular to the rod axis. The athermal Nd:KGdW laser crystal orientation defined as orientation with weak positive near spherical thermal lens has been determined to make an angle of 30^○–40^○ with the N _g axis for light polarization E∥N _m.