Enhanced four-wave mixing in mercury isotopes, prepared by stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage

We demonstrate significant enhancement of four-wave mixing in coherently driven mercury isotopes to generate vacuum-ultraviolet radiation at 125 nm. The enhancement is accomplished by preparation of the mercury atoms in a state of maximum coherence, i.e. maximum nonlinear-optical polarization, driven by Stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage (SCRAP). In this technique, a pump laser at 313 nm excites the two-photon transition between the ground state 6s²¹S₀ and the target state 7s ¹S₀ in mercury. A strong, off-resonant radiation field at 1064 nm generates dynamic Stark shifts. These Stark shifts serve to induce a rapid adiabatic passage process on the two-photon transition. During the process a coherent superposition of the two states is established, which enhances the nonlinear-optical polarization in the medium to the maximum possible value. The maximum coherence permits efficient four-wave mixing of a pump laser and an additional probe laser at 626 nm. The efficiency is further enhanced, as the SCRAP process allows to stimulate the complete set of different mercury isotopes to participate in the frequency conversion process. This enlarges the effective atomic density of the medium. Thus, we observe the generation of vacuum-ultraviolet radiation at 125 nm enhanced by more than one order of magnitude with respect to conventional frequency conversion. Parallel to the frequency conversion process, we monitored the evolution of the population in the medium by laser-induced fluorescence. These data demonstrate efficient coherent population transfer by SCRAP.     

Probabilistically perfect quantum cloning and unambiguous state discrimination

We consider the N → M probabilistically perfect quantum cloning machine that perfectly produces M faithful copies from N identical input states, where the input states are selected, with prior probabilities η₁and η₂ = 1 − η₁, from a given set of the two linearly independent states |ψ₁〉^⊗ N = (cosθ|0〉 + sinθ|1〉)^⊗ N and |ψ₂〉^⊗ N = (sinθ|0〉 + cosθ|1〉)^⊗ N (θ∈(0,π/2)). We derive the optimal distribution of the success probabilities. When M approaches infinite, the probabilistically perfect quantum cloning can be regarded as a kind of the unambiguous state discrimination, and theoretically provides the upper bound of the unambiguous state discrimination. By using the optimal distribution of the success probabilities of the optimal asymmetric 1 → M probabilistically perfect quantum cloning, we can derive the maximum average success probability of the unambiguous discrimination of two nonorthogonal quantum states |ψ₁〉and|ψ₂〉. As an example, we give the explicit transformation of the optimal symmetric 1 → M probabilistically perfect quantum cloning to copy the two input states |ψ₁〉 and |ψ₂〉.     

Effects of rapid thermal annealing on structural, magnetic and optical properties of Ni-doped ZnO thin films

XPS depth profiles were used to investigate the effects of rapid thermal annealing under varying conditions on the structural, magnetic and optical properties of Ni-doped ZnO thin films. Oxidization of metallic Ni from its metallic state to two-valence oxidation state occurred in the film annealed in air at 600 °C, while reduction of Ni²⁺ from its two-valence oxidation state to metallic state occurred in the film annealed in Ar at 600 and 800 °C. In addition, there appeared to be significant diffusion of Ni from the bottom to the top surface of the film during annealing in Ar at 800 °C. Both as-deposited and annealed thin films displayed obvious room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) which was from metallic Ni, Ni²⁺ or both with two distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, a significant improvement in saturation magnetization (M_s) in the films was observed after annealing in air (M_s = 0.036 μ_B/Ni) or Ar (M_s = 0.033 μ_B/Ni) at 600 °C compared to that in as-deposited film (M_s = 0.017 μ_B/Ni). An even higher M_s value was observed in the film annealed in Ar at 800 °C (M_s = 0.055 μ_B/Ni) compared to that at 600 °C mainly due to the diffusion of Ni. The ultraviolet emission of the Ni-doped ZnO thin film was restored during annealing in Ar at 800 °C, which was also attributed to the diffusion of Ni.     

Rotational analysis of the ν1, 2ν1 and 5ν1 stretching bands of HGeD3

The high-resolution spectrum of the ν₁=5 stretching overtone of gaseous H⁷⁰GeD₃ has been recorded by an intracavity laser absorption spectrometer based on a vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL). The rotational structure of the excited state at 9874.605 cm⁻¹ was found weakly perturbed by unidentified interaction with dark states. Finally, of the 313 lines rotationally assigned, 239 lines were found unperturbed and could be reproduced with a root-mean-square (rms) deviation of 0.012 cm⁻¹. The retrieved set of rotational parameters agrees with the values extrapolated from the previously studied ν₁=6-8 stretching overtones. High-resolution FTIR spectra of the ν₁ and 2ν₁ bands have also been recorded and analyzed. The ν₁=1 level, (ν_eff=2114.15 cm⁻¹) is in anharmonic interaction with a further A₁ symmetry level (ν_eff=2102.39 cm⁻¹). The potential coupling term could be estimated (W_anh=5.6(3) cm⁻¹) and the most probable assignment of the perturber is ν₂+ν₃. Moreover both levels are rotationally perturbed in an irregular fashion. Only a coarse analysis up to J=6 could be performed. The 2ν₁ band reveals irregular perturbations of medium intensity by unknown dark states for almost all K values. Nevertheless the obtained leading rovibrational parameters of the 2ν₁ band for J?6 are in agreement with those of the ν₁=5-8 states.     

Millimeter and submillimeter-wave spectroscopy of silicon difluoride

The rotational spectra of ²⁸SiF₂, ²⁹SiF₂, and ³⁰SiF₂ in their ground vibrational states, as well as those of ²⁸SiF₂ in the v₁ = 1, v₂ = 1, v₃ = 1, and v₂ = 2 excited states have been studied in selected frequency regions between 80 and 700 GHz. Transitions involving a large range of quantum numbers have been observed, so that precise rotational and quartic centrifugal distortion constants could be determined for each of the spectra investigated. In addition, the complete set of sextic distortion constants was also obtained for the most abundant isotopomer in its ground vibrational state. The quadratic and cubic force constants of silicon difluoride have been refined by a least-squares procedure using a larger and more precise set of data.     

The electronic spectrum of AgBr2: Ab initio benchmark vs. DFT calculations on the lowest ligand-field states including spin-orbit effects

The X²Π_g, ²Σ_g⁺ and ²Δ_g states of AgBr₂ have been studied through benchmark ab initio CASSCF + Averaged Coupled Pair Functional (ACPF) and DFT calculations using especially developed valence basis sets to study the transition energies, geometries, vibrational frequencies, Mulliken charges and spin densities. The spin-orbit (SO) effects were included through the effective hamiltonian formalism using the |ΛSΣ〉 ACPF energies as diagonal elements. At the ACPF level, the ground state is ²Π_g, in contradiction with ligand-field theory and Hartree-Fock results. The ACPF adiabatic excitation energies of the ²Σ_g⁺ and ²Δ_g states are 3825 and 20 152 cm⁻¹, respectively. The inclusion of the SO effects leads to a pure Ω = 3/2 (²Π_g) ground state, a Ω = 1/2 (97% ²Π_g + 3% ²Σ_g⁺) A state, a Ω = 1/2 (3% ²Π_g + 97% ²Σ_g⁺) B state, a Ω = 5/2 (²Δ_g) C state and a Ω = 3/2 (99% ²Δ_g) D state. The B97, B3LYP and PBE0 functionals, which were shown to yield accurate transition energies for CuCl₂, overestimate the X²Π_g-²Σ_g⁺ T_e by around 25% but provide a qualitative energetic ordering in agreement with CASSCF and ACPF results. The nature of the bonding in the X²Π_g ground state is different from that of AgCl₂ since the Mulliken charge on the metal is 0.95 while the spin density is only 0.39. DFT strongly delocalizes the spin density providing even smaller values of around 0.13 on Ag not only for the ground state, but also for the ²Σ_g⁺ state.     

Laser and Fourier transform emission spectroscopy of TaCl

The emission spectrum of TaCl has been recorded at high resolution in the 3000-35 000 cm⁻¹ region using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The bands were observed by microwave excitation of a mixture of TaCl₅ vapor and 3.0 Torr of He. Several TaCl bands have also been recorded using the laser ablation/molecular beam source at the University of New Brunswick. A rotational analysis of a number of bands has been obtained and the majority of the stronger bands have been classified into three groups with different lower state spectroscopic constants. The three lower states have been identified as having Ω″ = 0⁺, Ω″ = 2, and (tentatively) Ω″ = 3. The Ω″ = 0⁺ and Ω″ = 2 states are very close in energy and one of these two states is the ground state of TaCl.     

The controlled excitation of forbidden transitions in the two-photon spectrum of strontium by using collisions and electric fields

We present experimental results involving controlled configuration mixing in two-photon spectroscopy of highly-excited states by exploiting a weak external electric field and collisions. The method has allowed new extensions to high members of the two-photon forbidden J = 3 odd-parity 5snf ¹F₃ and the J = 0, even-parity 5sns ¹S₀ Rydberg series of neutral strontium to be observed. We achieve resonant two-photon transverse excitation of a high density atomic jet by using a narrow bandwidth tunable dye laser in a heat pipe setup with sensitive ionization detection. Experimental term values are extended for the 5sns ¹S₀ series up to n = 46. By suitable exploitation of the composition and pressure of the buffer gases in conjunction with the electric field strength in the excitation region and the exciting laser beam intensity we have also extended observations up to n = 44 for the 5snf ¹F₃ series and up to n = 46 for the 5snp ¹P₁ series. Our results demonstrate a novel and remarkably simple experimental method to access high Rydberg states to which transitions are forbidden from the ground state by parity and other selection rules.     

Polymorphism and high-temperature conductivity of Ln2M2O7 (Ln = Sm─Lu; M = Ti, Zr, Hf) pyrochlores

We present a comparative analysis of the order─disorder transitions in Ln₂(M_2 ─ xLn_x)O_7 ─ δ (Ln = Sm─Lu; M = Ti, Zr, Hf; x = 0, 0.096) pyrochlore-like compounds and solid solutions existing in the Ln₂O₃─MO₂ systems. In the range ~ 600─1200 °C, Ln₂Ti₂O₇ (Ln = Sm─Lu) and Ln₂Zr₂O₇ (Ln = Sm─Gd) undergo ordering transitions, F? → PI → P, which culminate in the formation of an ideal pyrochlore structure, P, existing between 1100 and 1300 °C. Above 1300 °C, Ln₂Ti₂O₇ (Ln = Gd─Lu), Ln₂Zr₂O₇ (Ln = Sm─Gd) and Ln₂Hf₂O₇ (Ln = Eu─Tb) exist as oxygen-ion-conducting phases, PII, disordered in both the oxygen and cation sublattices. Ionic conductivity data for Ln₂(M_2 ─ xLn_x)O_7 ─ δ (Ln = Sm─Lu; M = Ti, Zr, Hf; x = 0, 0.096) synthesized at 1600-1670 °C indicate that the highest conductivity in these systems is typically offered by nominally stoichiometric (Ln:M = 1:1), disordered Ln₂M₂O₇ (Ln = Sm─Lu; M = Ti, Zr, Hf) pyrochlores containing anti-structure pairs (Ln_M^' + M_Ln^•) and oxygen vacancies (V_O^••) on the 48f (O2) site. The highest conductivity of Yb₂Ti₂O₇, in which the cations have the smallest radii among the lanthanides and Group IVa metals, seems to be due to the increased role of the geometric factor in the Ln₂Ti₂O₇ (Ln = Sm-Lu) pyrochlores with predominantly covalent metal─oxygen bonding M-O (Ti-O). The ion transport parameters in these materials are determined primarily by the relationship between the sizes of the mobile oxygen ions and conduction channels.     

Two-color three-photon excitation studies of thallium Rydberg states

We present new data on the even-parity Rydberg states of atomic thallium using two-step three-photon laser excitation technique in conjunction with a thermionic diode ion detector. Atoms are excited from the 6p ²P_1/2 ground state to the 7p ²P_1/2 intermediate state via two-photon excitation and subsequently promoted to the high lying ns ² S_1/2 and nd ²D_3/2 Rydberg states. The first ionization potential of thallium is determined as 49,266.66(1) cm^-1 using data for the ns ² S_1/2 (25 ≤ n ≤ 54) and nd ²D_3/2 (24 ≤ n ≤ 65) Rydberg series. This value is believed to be more accurate because the contribution due to the hyperfine structure splitting of the 7p ²P_1/2 state (0.07185 cm^-1) is much smaller as compared to that of the 6p ²P_1/2 ground state (0.711 cm^-1).     

Laser spectroscopy of holmium monosulphide: Electronic, vibrational and rotational structure of the A[14.79]8.5-X8.5, A[14.79]8.5-W[0.25]7.5 and A[14.79]8.5-V[0.98]7.5 transitions

Laser induced fluorescence spectra of HoS have been obtained using a Broida oven and a ring dye laser. Dispersed fluorescence spectra showed transitions from a common upper state, A[14.79]8.5 to the v = 0 and 1 vibrational levels of three low lying states, labelled X8.5, W[0.25]7.5 and V[0.98]7.5 (the states are labelled [10⁻³T₀]Ω according to their energy and Ω assignment). High resolution excitation spectra were obtained for all six transitions and a rotational analysis yielded the following principal constants, in cm⁻¹, for the X, W and V states, respectively: T₀ = 0, 251.8713(31), 980.6969(37); B_e = 0.121903(42), 0.121729(37), 0.122561(34); ΔG_1/2 = 463.8811(46), 462.9411(45), 461.2084(127). For the A state, T₀ = 14794.6987(28) cm⁻¹ and B₀ = 0.112596(29) cm⁻¹. The three low lying states are shown to arise from the Ho²⁺[4f¹⁰(⁵I₈)6s]S²⁻ configuration in accord with Ligand Field Theory predictions. The atomic origin of each of the three low lying electronic states was determined from the observed resolved hyperfine structure.     

Non-classical properties of superposition of two coherent states having phase difference ?

Recently Ahmad et al. [Optik 2009;120;68; Optics Commun. 2007;271:162; Chin. Phys. Lett. 2006;23:2438] have studied non-classical properties of superposition of two-coherent states of the form, |ψ〉=K[|α〉+eiξ|αei?〉] for the special cases with values ? = π/2,  3π/2,  and π, and for arbitrarily fixed values of ξ. We point out that some of their results are special cases of our recently published work [Physica A 319, 305 (2003); Physica A 341, 201(2004)] on the most general superposition of two arbitrary coherent states of the form ∼(Z₁|α〉+Z₂|β〉), where X_1,2, α and β are arbitrary and only restriction on these is the normalization condition for the superposed state. To make our point we first obtain results for (i) squeezing of the most general Hermitian operator X_θ = X₁ cos θ + X₂ sin θ, with X₁ + iX₂ = a, is the annihilation operator, and (ii) sub-Poissonian photon statistics, for the superposed state |ψ〉 with a general ? and, then obtain results of Ahmad et al. for ? = π/2,  3π/2,  and π and for θ = 0 and π/2. It is interesting to note that the arbitrarily fixed values ξ = |α|² and −|α|² for ? = π/2 and 3π/2, respectively by Ahmad et al. are the values at which we get maximum squeezing working in a rigorous way.     

Analysis of the first triad of interacting states (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) of D2O from hot emission spectra

The far-infrared and middle-infrared emission spectra of deuterated water vapour were measured at temperatures 1370, 1520, and 1940 K in the ranges 320-860 and 1750-3400 cm⁻¹. The measurements were performed in an alumina cell with an effective length of hot gas of about 50 cm. More than 3550 new measured lines for the D₂¹⁶O molecule corresponding to transitions from highly excited rotational levels of the (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) vibrational states are reported. These new lines correspond to rotational states with higher values of the rotational quantum numbers compared to previously published determinations: J_max = 29 and K_a(max) = 22 for the (0 2 0) state, J_max = 29 and K_a(max) = 25 for the (1 0 0) state, and J_max = 30 and K_a(max) = 23 for the (0 0 1) state. The extended set of 1987 experimental rotational energy levels for the (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) vibration states including all previously available data has been determined. For the data reduction we used the generating function model. The root mean square (RMS) deviation between observed and calculated values is 0.004 cm⁻¹ for 1952 rovibrational levels of all three vibration states. A comparison of the observed energy levels with the best available values from the literature and with the global predictions from molecular electronic potential energy surfaces of water isotopic species [H. Partridge, D.W. Schwenke, J. Chem. Phys. 106 (1997) 4618] is discussed. The latter confirms a good consistency of mass-dependent DBOC corrections in the PS potential function with new experimental rovibrational data.     

The rotational spectra of the υ8 = υ9 = 1 and υ6 = υ7 = 1 interacting vibrational states of nitric acid (HNO3)

The analysis of the rotational spectrum of HNO₃ has been extended to include the υ₈ = υ₉ = 1 state at 1205.7 cm⁻¹ and the υ₆ = υ₇ = 1 state at 1223.4 cm⁻¹. Based on 78-519 GHz data, the assignments in the 8¹9¹ vibrational state have been significantly expanded from the previously reported microwave measurements [T.M. Goyette, F.C. De Lucia, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 139 (1990) 241-243]. A new microwave analysis is also reported for the 6¹7¹ vibrational state. A simultaneous analysis takes into account the localized ΔK_a = ±2 Fermi resonances between the vibrational states, describes the torsional splitting of 3.3 and 1.4 MHz for the 8¹9¹ and 6¹7¹ states respectively, and fits to experimental accuracy over 1500 rotational transition frequencies that extend up to J = 59. Infrared energy levels [A. Perrin, J.-M. Flaud, F. Keller, A. Goldman, R. D. Blatherwick, F. J. Murcray, C. P. Rinsland, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 194 (1999) 113-123] were also included in the analysis and fit to experimental accuracy. Measurement of strongly perturbed transitions in each vibrational state provide a determination of the band origin difference of 17.733184(17) cm⁻¹. The rotational constants agree well with those predicted by vibrational-rotational constants of the fundamental modes. Furthermore, the analysis will provide a very accurate simulation of the infrared spectrum of HNO₃ in the 8.3 μm region.     

High-resolution study of the ν1 + ν2 and ν2 + ν3 strongly interacting bands of D2Se

A high-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of the D₂^MSe species (M = 82, 80, 78, 77, and 76) in the region 2300-2500 cm⁻¹ was recorded for the first time and assigned. On the basis of these experimental data, rotation-vibration energies of the (1 1 0) and (0 1 1) vibrational states were fitted, and band centers, and rotational, centrifugal distortion, and resonance interaction parameters were determined for the main D₂⁸⁰Se species. The obtained set of 32 fitted parameters reproduces the 647 rotation-vibration energies with a rms deviation of 0.00024 cm⁻¹. The ν₁ + ν₂ and ν₂ + ν₃ bands of the other four isotopic species are analyzed as well.     

Surface energy of M2AC(0 0 0 1) determined by density functional theory (M = Ti, V, Cr; A = Al, Ga, Ge)

We have studied the correlation between the valence electron configuration and the electronic structure of M₂AC(0 0 0 1) surfaces (M = Ti, V, Cr; A = Al, Ga, Ge) by density functional theory. The A surface termination is the most stable configuration for all systems studied according to our surface energy data. As the M valence electron population is increased, the surface energy increases by 22% and 12% for A = Al and Ga, respectively, while it decreases by 29% for A = Ge. This can be understood by evaluating the valence electron concentration induced changes in the surface density of states. Antibonding surface Md-Ap states are present as Ti is substituted by Cr in M₂AC(0 0 0 1) for A = Al and Ga, while antibonding surface Md-Ap states are not present as Ti is substituted by Cr in M₂GeC(0 0 0 1).     

Temperature and pressure dependences of EPR spectra of Gd ion doped in the EuAl3(BO3)4 monocrystal

The ground state of Gd³⁺ ions substituting for trivalent europium in the EuAl₃(BO₃)₄ single crystal was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) over the temperature range of 300-4.2 K and at pressures up to 9 kbar. The EPR spectra were analysed using the spin Hamiltonian of axial symmetry. The following parameters are reported: g=1.981±0.002, b₂⁰=280.18±0.12, b₄⁰=−12.95±0.08 and b₆⁰=0.61±0.12 (at Т=298 K). The distortions of the nearest environment of Gd³⁺ ion were analysed within the framework of the superposition model of crystal field.     

The stretching fundamental bands ν1, ν2 and ν4 of HSiD3

The ν₁(A₁), Si-H stretching, ν₂(A₁) and ν₄(E), Si-D stretchings, fundamental bands of HSiD₃ have been recorded at an effective resolution of ca. 0.003 cm⁻¹ between 2080 and 2280 cm⁻¹ and between 1480 and 1720 cm⁻¹, respectively. Ro-vibrational transitions of the H²⁸SiD₃ isotopologue have been assigned in the two spectral ranges, about 700 belonging to ν₁, with J′ up to 25 and K up to 21, and about 1600 to the ν₂/ν₄ dyad, with J′ up to 24 and K′ up to 19. The spectra of all the bands evidence the existence of several perturbations. The transitions of ν₁ have been analyzed either neglecting or including in the model A₁/E Coriolis-type interactions with nearby dark states. The υ₂ = 1 and υ₄ = 1 states have been fitted simultaneously taking into account several ro-vibrational interactions between them and, in addition, with the υ₅ = 2, l = 0 component, and with few other close dark states. The standard deviation of the fit for both ν₁ and the ν₂/ν₄ dyad is, however, more than one order of magnitude larger than the estimated experimental precision and is independent on the adopted model.     

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.