Remote spectrophotometry as applied to determination of the degree of mineralization of peat soils in polesie

Regression relations between the first main component, slope of the SBC curve towards the wavelength axis, and the degree of mineralization of peat soils are established from experimental data. Errors in determination of peat soil productivity are estimated using different spectral indices. For practical use it is recommended to measure the spectral brightness coefficients of peat soils in the 0.50–0.75 μm range. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 1, pp. 102–106, January–February, 1998.     

Luminescence of silicon films on sapphire irradiated with high-energy particles

Using low-temperature (4.2–78 K) photoluminescence, we study the processes of defect formation in silicon films on sapphire irradiated with high-energy particles (electrons, γ-quanta of⁶⁰Co). It is established that carbon atoms, as a residual process impurity, participate in the formation of luminescence centers stable up to annealing temperatures of about 550 K. For carbon-containing centers we reveal a shift in the spectral lines relative to their position in spectra of single-crystal silicon. It is proposed that this spectral shift is associated with the presence of internal stresses of about 5·10⁸ N/m² in the silicon films. Institute of Solid-State Physics and Semiconductors, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 17, P. Brovka Str., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskefii, Vol. 66, No. 3, pp. 383–386, May–June, 1999.     

Recording of selective intracavity absorption at doubled frequencies of multimode laser radiation

We carried out measurements of the spectral distribution of wideband dye laser generation intensity within the limits and in the vicinity of an absorption line with its simultaneous recording at the frequencies of the fundamental and second harmonics of laser radiation. In the laser cavity we placed optical cuvettes with active and absorbing media, as well as selecting and nonlinear-optical elements. We show that at double frequencies the contrast of the narrow-band hole in the multimode laser generation spectrum increases. The gain in the concentration sensitivity of measurements depends in this case on the value of the absorption coefficient being determined. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., 220072, Minsk, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 516–521, July–August, 1998.     

Study of the profiles of atomic absorption lines in an electrothermal atomizer

Narrow atomic absorption lines of Ba, Cs, Mg, and Tl are recorded in an electrothermal atomizer with a graphite tube furnace by the intracavity laser spectroscopy method. The conditions of applicability of this laser absorption method for reducing the observed profiles of spectral lines to the true ones are found. Measurement of the integral absorption coefficient has made it possible to determine the absolute number of free atoms of each element in the analyte volume at the maximum of the absorption peak under optimum conditions of atomizer heating. The Voigt parameters are determined from the profiles of absorption lines. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 1, pp. 27–33, January–February, 1998.     

Some features of formation of an inclusion complex ofβ-cyclodextrin with rhodamine 6G

Results of an investigation of the influence of the process of complex formation on the spectral and luminescence characteristics of aqueous solutions of inclusion complexes of β-cyclodextrin with rhodamine 6G are reported. It is shown that complex formation of rhodamine 6G proceeds mainly in the outer sphere of β-cyclodextrin. To whom correspondence should be addressed. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 68, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 619–621, September–October, 1999.     

A resonance-reman-scattering multifrequency spectrometer for investigating excited states of molecules and photoinduced high-rate processes

A resonance-Raman-scattering multifrequency laser spectrometer operating in a wide spectral range (355–750 nm) and making possible the recording of both stationary Raman spectra and spectra with a time resolution of up to 100 psec in the time interval of 0–50 nsec has been developed. The spectrometer has been used with advantage for the study of the excited states of molecules of metalloporphyrins in solutions and processes of interaction of model metalloporphyrins with DNA and DNA-modeling polynucleotides. To whom correspondence should be addressed. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus 68, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 210072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 726–733, September–October, 1999.     

New analytical possibilities of a steeloscope fitted with a multielement photodetector

It is shown that the use of a multielement photodetector (CCD strip) as an attachment to a steeloscope eliminates the subjectivity of visual analysis, makes it possible to obtain operative information on measurement results, extends the spectral range of the device, and improves the working conditions of analysts. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 2, pp. 284–286, March–April, 1998.     

Applicability of approximate methods of calculation of the frequency-contrast characteristics of aerosol layers within the wavelength range of 0.4–14 μm

The spectral dependences of the optical characteristics governing radiation transfer in scattering media are analyzed within the wavelength range of 0.4–14 μm for three types of aerosols. The wavelength ranges where approximate methods of calculation of frequency-contrast characteristics are applicable are established; the corresponding limitting masses of aerosol particles in a layer per unit of surface area are determined for which approximate methods provide acceptable accuracy. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70 F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 419–425 May–June, 1998.     

Local spectral determination of gases and carbon in solid samples by the method of laser spectral analysis

We show the possibility of local spectral determination of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in solid materials with the use of a plasma obtained on exposure of materials to laser radiation, including single laser pulses. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 482–485, July–August, 1998.     

Brightness coefficients of poppy crops and particular phytoelements of the poppy in various vegetative stages

Under land-based conditions, in the wavelength range 420–780 nm spectral brightness coefficients were measured for poppy crops and typical soils in the flood plains and piedmont and mountain areas of Central Asia and also for particular phytoelements (leaves, flowers, and balls). The effect of irradiation conditions, sowing dates, and vegetative phases on the spectral brightness coefficients was analyzed. Specific features of the phytoelements were revealed that can be used for remote estimation of the vegetative phase of poppy crops. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 85–89, January–February, 1997.     

Spectral methods for estimating the state of winter RYE sowings

We present the results of comprehensive investigations that include remote spectral measurements under field conditions, laboratory experiments, and mathematical simulation of the radiative regime of winter rye sowings. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 68, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 5, pp. 646–650, September–October, 1997.     

A measuring system for reflection coefficient investigations of materials heated by CO2-laser radiation in a controllable atmosphere

An experimental system is described which is intended for measurements of reflection coefficients at wavelengths of 0.63; 1.15; 3.39, and 10.6 μm and of the thermodynamic temperature of the surface of materials heated in air or in an inert atmosphere at pressures from 1.3·10² to 1.3·10⁵ Pa. An analysis of the errors in reflection coefficient and temperature measurements is made. B. I. Stepanov Institute of the Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 608–611, July–August, 1998.     

Excited states, relaxation processes, and coordination reactions in the active centers of heme proteins

Based on the results of studying hemoglobin and myoglobin molecules using the methods of laser absorption spectroscopy of superhigh time resolution, we described photophysical and spectral properties of excited states, and intramolecular electronic and thermal relaxation processes. A mechanisms of the photodissociation reaction of oxy forms of these proteins is proposed and substantiated. Reported at the VIIIth International Conference on Spectroscopy of Porphyrins and Their Analogs, Minsk, September 22–26, 1998. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 479–482, July–August, 1999.     

Spectral-time characteristics of combined-target laser plasma

From the analysis of the contours of the spectral lines of target-material atoms, the electron and atomic concentrations and their variation with time are determined in the laser plasma of a combined Cu–Al–Cu target. The time dependences for the concentrations of electrons and atoms in the ground and excited states are explained within the framework of a model that allows for plasma decay being determined by processes of three-particle recombination and ionization as well as by the variation in the particle concentration in plasma expansion. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 426–432, May–June, 1998.     

Nonlinear optical phenomena at the interface with photorefractive crystals

Characteristics of nonlinear optical phenomena in reflection of light at the interface with photorfractive crystals having photovoltaic nonlinearity are studied. it is shown that under total reflection, hysteretic behavior of the reflection coefficient is possible as a function of the incident radiation intensity or the angle of incidence. It is important that previously required threshold intensities are rather low (≤1 W/cm²) in comparison with the known case of reflection from media with Kerr nonlinearity. The present results are of doubtless interest in view of the development of possible devices for controlling laser radiation. Interdepartmental Institute of Advanced Training of Personnel in New Trends in Engineering and Technology at the State Polytechnical Academy of Belarus, 77, Partizanskii Ave., Minsk-107, 220600 Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 6, pp. 915–920, November–December, 1998.     

Transformation of radiation-induced defects responsible for theF-band of absorption in NaF crystals subjected to irradiation with light and annealing

It has been found that the F-band of optical absorption which is observed in ψ-irradiated NaF crystals consists of three overlapping bands. The band at 345 nm of width 40 nm is independent of the impurity composition of the crystals; it disappears upon exposure to radiation at 345 nm and appears again upon annealing at 460±15 K for 15 min. This band is correlatable in intensity with the superfine structure of an EPR spectrum. The width (65–110 nm) and the spectral position (355–375 nm) of the second band depend on the impurity composition of the crystal. The band of width 90–110 nm at 320–325 nm disappears upon annealing and appears after exposure to light simultaneously with the disappearance of an EPR signal. It is established that the band at 345 nm is caused by quasimolecules based on fluorine atoms, that at 355–375 nm is triggered by F-centers with a different impurity composition near the haloid vacancy, and the band at 320–325 nm owes its appearance to F-centers in a negatively charged state (F′). Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70 F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 6, pp. 849–853, November–December, 1999.     

Investigation of the spectral kinetics of ultrashort light pulses using time holography

On the basis of principles of time holography we suggest a method for recording changes of a spectrum in ultrashort light pulses with a time resolution of up to 10⁻¹⁴ sec. As a clear way to describe the spectrum kinetics, a function of the spectral shift is introduced. We consider, as an example, the possibilities of investigating the spectral-temporal structure of pico- and femtosecond pulses and their transformations on interaction with a dispersion medium. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 68, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 25–29, January–February, 1999.     

Optical properties of heated air, carbon dioxide, and argon

Stable-plasma generators, spectroscopic measuring equipment, and methods for determining the optical properties of an extremely heated medium with a given composition have been developed. The spectral coefficients of absorption and emission of heated air, carbon dioxide, and argon were studied. A comparison with the data of other theoretical and experimental investigations has been performed. Deceased. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 6, pp. 818–826, November–December, 1997.     

The reflection and scattering of light by a plant leaf

The spectral polarization characteristics of the visible radiation reflected and scattered by a plant leaf were investigated. Measurements of the spectral brightness coefficient, the directed reflection coefficients, and the degree and azimuth of polarization of radiation reflected from a leaf were performed at different angles of incidence of radiation on the leaf and different angles of observation. More than 500 measurements were performed for 36 samples. Maple (Acer platanoides) leaves from different trees were used as objects of investigation. Peculiarities of the mechanism of formation of the flux of radiation reflected from a plant leaf have been revealed. Belarussian State University, 4, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220080, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 101–108, January–February, 1999.     

Gain saturation in quantum-well heterostructures

The effect of radiation gain saturation in quantum-well heretostructures was investigated in the system GaAs—AlGaAs with regard to the spectral line broadening and the type of radiation polarization. Belarusian State University, 4, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220050, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 6, pp. 797–800, November–December, 1997.