Intensity saturation and polarization rotation of magnetically induced second-harmonic radiation

We have observed saturation of the intensity of magnetically induced second-harmonic radiation in atomic sodium vapor and rotation of the polarization angle of the second-harmonic radiation from that of the fundamental field at the magnetic field of about 1 kG. These phenomena have been fully analyzed, and explained by the Hanle effect of the second-harmonic quadrupole moments observed in the forward direction. A possibility of measuring the transverse relaxation times of the E2 allowed transition is suggested.     

Frequency modulation controlled by cross-phase modulation in optical fiber

We have generated a frequency-modulated laser beam by use of cross-phase modulation between orthogonally polarized beams in a polarization-preserving optical fiber. This frequency modulation is based on the temporal intensity beating of the drive beam that is caused by another beam that has a slightly different wavelength. Moreover, we have demonstrated generation of a special frequency-modulated laser beam with temporally changing modulation frequency by use of cross-phase modulation in conjugation with self-phase modulation.     

Temperature dependence of pre‐edge features in Ti K‐edge XANES spectra for ATiO3 (A = Ca and Sr), A2TiO4 (A = Mg and Fe), TiO2 rutile and TiO2 anatase

XANES (X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure) spectra of the Ti K‐edges of ATiO₃ (A = Ca and Sr), A₂TiO₄ (A = Mg and Fe), TiO₂ rutile and TiO₂ anatase were measured in the temperature range 20–900 K. Ti atoms for all samples were located in TiO₆ octahedral sites. The absorption intensity invariant point (AIIP) was found to be between the pre‐edge and post‐edge. After the AIIP, amplitudes damped due to Debye–Waller factor effects with temperature. Amplitudes in the pre‐edge region increased with temperature normally by thermal vibration. Use of the AIIP peak intensity as a standard point enables a quantitative comparison of the intensity of the pre‐edge peaks in various titanium compounds over a wide temperature range.     

Hydrophobic Modification of Pd/SiO2@Single‐Site Mesoporous Silicas by Triethoxyfluorosilane: Enhanced Catalytic Activity and Selectivity for One‐Pot Oxidation

To enhance the catalytic activity in a selective one‐pot oxidation using in‐situ generated H₂O₂, a hydrophobically modified core–shell catalyst was synthesized by means of a simple silylation reaction using the fluorine‐containing silylation agent triethoxyfluorosilane (TEFS, SiF(OEt)₃). The catalyst consisted of a Pd‐supported silica nanosphere and a mesoporous silica shell containing isolated Ti^IV and F ions bonded with silicon (Si?F bond). Structural analyses using XRD and N₂ adsorption–desorption suggested that the mesoporous structure and large surface area of the mesoporous shells were retained even after the modification. During the one‐pot oxidation of sulfide, catalytic activity was enhanced significantly by increasing the amount of fluorine in the shell. A hydrophobic surface enhanced adsorption of the hydrophobic reactant into the mesopore, while the less hydrophobic oxygenated products efficiently diffused into the outside of the shell, which improved the catalytic activity and selectivity. In addition, the present methodology can be used to enhance the catalytic activity and selectivity in the one‐pot oxidation of cyclohexane by using an Fe‐based core–shell catalytic system.     

Study of second harmonic generation by non-linear crystals with phase conjugation

We present the correction of the phase distortion which occurs during the second harmonic generation by non-linear crystals, such as KDP and KTP at high average power laser. This is due to the optical quality and thicknesses of the crystals which in turn influence the quality of the incident laser beam. This phase distortion is corrected by reflecting back the laser beam into the crystal using a phase conjugate mirror. It is found that the conversion efficiency of second harmonic generation without phase conjugation is more than that with phase conjugation. Far field pattern shows that the distortion of the laser beam can be corrected by using the phase conjugate mirror. Fidelity of the beam profile increases significantly with phase conjugation in the case of KDP crystal.     

Improvement of Laser-Beam Irradiation-Intensity Distribution Using Multi Lens Array and Edge-Shaped Plates

A new concept for improving the laser intensity distribution on an inertial confinement fusion target using a phase-controlled multi lens array has been proposed. Circular and hexagonal element lens apertures have been examined, and the circular aperture which eliminated azimuthally asymmetric intensity distribution was chosen. The diffraction fringe of the elementary lens was mitigated in a one-dimensional lens array using edge-shaped plates of a super-Gaussian phase profile. Uniform beam profiles were obtained using a one-dimensional array with 7 spherical lenses and a two-dimensional array with 37 lenses. An approximately flat-top intensity distribution was realized with the lens array with 37 lenses.     

Luminescence properties of highly Cr co-doped Nd:YAG powder produced by sol-gel method

We examined luminescence properties of highly chromium co-doped Nd:YAG powders fabricated by the sol-gel method. Though the maximum luminescence intensity of Cr:YAG was at 3.0 mol% of Cr³⁺ concentration, we found that the enhancement effect on Nd:YAG by co-doping Cr³⁺ was continued until 6.0 mol% of Cr³⁺ concentration. This phenomenon is well-explained by a simple energy transfer model derived from the rate equations between Cr³⁺ and Nd³⁺. The enhancement of sensitization for Nd³⁺ activator by high co-doped Cr³⁺ is very effective for making a miniaturized or thin film-type solar laser.