The Q-switched Nd : YAG and Yb : YAG microchip lasers optimization and comparative analysis

The microchip lasers based on the neodymium or the ytterbium doped yttrium-aluminium garnet crystal and Q-sw itched by the Cr⁴⁺:YAG film are considered. The optimal (maximizing of energy) values of the pumping beam radius, the absorber parameters (the thickness and tetravalent chromium ion concentration), and the output mirror reflectivity are determined. The possibility of higher values of energy in the Yb:YAG laser pulse, in comparison with a more traditional Nd:YAG laser, is also substantiated. PACS 42.60.Gd     

BEPCⅡ: construction and commissioning

This is a status report of the project on befalf of the BEPCⅡ team. BEPCⅡ is a major upgrade of the BEPC (Beijing Electron-Positron Collider). It is a double-ring e⁺-e^－ collider as well as a synchrotron radiation (SR) source with its outer ring, or SR ring. As a collider, BEPCⅡ operates in the beam energy region of 1—2.3 GeV with design luminosity of 1×10³³ cm^－2s^－1 at 1.89 GeV. As a light source, the SR ring operates at 2.5 GeV and 250 mA. Construction of the project started in the beginning of 2004. Installation of the storage ring components was completed in October 2007. Commissioning is in progress. There are still many issues for further studies before reach to 3×10³² cm^－2s^－1.     

Optical spectroscopy and diode-pumped laser characteristics of codoped Tm-Ho : YLF and Tm-Ho : BaYF : a comparative analysis

Single crystals of monoclinic BaY₂F₈ and tetragonal LiYF₄ codoped with the same Tm³⁺ and Ho³⁺ concentrations were successfully grown by the Czochralski method. Here we present a comparative analysis of the two hosts including spectroscopic characterization and cw diode-pumped laser experiments in the 2-μm wavelength region at room temperature. The main differences between the two hosts are a lower slope efficiency associated with a much wider tuning range (2005–2094 nm) of BaY₂F₈ with respect to LiYF₄. Received: 29 July 2002 / Published online: 11 December 2002 RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author. Fax: +39-050/2214-333, E-mail: toncelli@df.unipi.it     

Keldysh technique and non-linear σ-model: basic principles and applications

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive pedagogical introduction into Keldysh technique for interacting out-of-equilibrium fermionic and bosonic systems. The emphasis is placed on a functional integral representation of the underlying microscopic models. A large part of the review is devoted to derivation and applications of the non-linear σ-model for disordered metals and superconductors. We discuss topics such as transport properties, mesoscopic effects, counting statistics, interaction corrections, kinetic equations, etc. The section devoted to disordered superconductors includes the Usadel equation, fluctuation corrections, time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau theory, proximity and Josephson effects, etc.     

Luis and sánchez-soto reply:

A Reply to the Comment by Englert, Scully, and Walther.     

Diode pumped Ho:YAG and Ho:LuAG lasers, Q-switching and?second harmonic generation

Direct diode pumped Ho:YAG generated laser pulses at 2.12???m with an optical to optical slope efficiency of 0.24. Ho:YAG and Ho:LuAG laser rods were evaluated with both wide and narrow bandwidth pump diodes. The laser wavelength varies with the level of pumping and optical design. This variation was found to be predictable. Second harmonic at 1.06???m was produced in a 6.0?mm long BBO crystal.     

Diffraction and correlations at the LHC: definitions and observables

We note that the definition of diffractive events is a matter of convention. We discuss two possible “definitions”: one based on unitarity and the other on Large Rapidity Gaps (LRG) or Pomeron exchange. LRG can also arise from fluctuations and we quantify this effect and some of the related uncertainties. We find care must be taken in extracting the Pomeron contribution from LRG events. We show that long-range correlations in multiplicities can arise from the same multi-Pomeron diagrams that are responsible for LRG events, and we explain how early LHC data can illuminate our understanding of ‘soft’ interactions.     

Loop and Path Spaces and¶Four-Dimensional BF Theories:¶Connections, Holonomies and Observables

We study the differential geometry of principal G-bundles whose base space is the space of free paths (loops) on a manifold M. In particular we consider connections defined in terms of pairs (A,B), where A is a connection for a fixed principal bundle P(M,G) and B is a 2-form on M. The relevant curvatures, parallel transports and holonomies are computed and their expressions in local coordinates are exhibited. When the 2-form B is given by the curvature of A, then the so-called non-abelian Stokes formula follows. For a generic 2-form B, we distinguish the cases when the parallel transport depends on the whole path of paths and when it depends only on the spanned surface. In particular we discuss generalizations of the non-abelian Stokes formula. We study also the invariance properties of the (trace of the) holonomy under suitable transformation groups acting on the pairs (A,B). In this way we are able to define observables for both topological and non-topological quantum field theories of the BF type. In the non-topological case, the surface terms may be relevant for the understanding of the quark-confinement problem. In the topological case the (perturbative) four-dimensional quantum BF-theory is expected to yield invariants of imbedded (or immersed) surfaces in a 4-manifold M. Received: 28 March 1998 / Accepted: 12 September 1998     

Classical and quantum statistical mechanics in one and two dimensions: Two-component Yukawa — and Coulomb systems

We estimate the canonical and grand canonical partition function in a finite volume and prove stability and existence of the thermodynamic limit for the pressure of two component classical and quantum systems of particles with charge ± interacting via two body Yukawa — or Coulomb forces. In the case of Coulomb forces we require neutrality. For the classical system in two dimensions there exists a critical temperatureT _c at and below which the system collapses. For the classical Yukawa system the correlation functions exist for arbitrary fugacity and the general structure of the pure phases can be analyzed completely.     

Helicon and Alfvén wave propagation in non-magnetic semiconductors and semi-metals: Active and passive waves

It was pointed out in 1960 that metals and semiconductors can support low frequency electromagnetic excitations in the presence of a magnetic field. We now feel that it is an appropriate time to discuss some of the progress made, over the last decade, in understanding and using this novel phenomenon. Naturally the field has grown quite rapidly and it would clearly be a Herculean task to review every aspect of it in other than a superficial manner. We have therefore chosen to discuss only semiconductors and semi-metals. This choice is dictated to us partly by the fact that magneto-plasma effects in metals have been reviewed from time to time but mainly by the fact that magneto-plasma effects in semiconductors have never been previously reviewed.

Of course the term ‘magneto-plasma’ covers a great deal of activity so we have decided to choose a theme which links the beginnings of the subject to the present day. This theme is that of helicon and Alfvén wave propagation.

We have produced a background of theory against which the nature of helicon and Alfvén waves can be readily understood. This background theory can also be used as a starting point for investigations of other plasma effects beyond the scope of this review.

Some considerable attention is paid to waves in active systems, i.e. systems possessing a pool of energy arising from the application of an external electric field. Such systems, while of basic physical interest, are also of technical interest from a solid-state device viewpoint. The possibility of transverse wave instabilities occurring in active systems is discussed and a review of the criteria for labelling the types of instability is presented. As an example of the use of these techniques we have attempted to correlate the high electric field microwave emission from indium antimonide with a helicon-based instability.

The theoretical work is set in perspective by the inclusion of discussions of the experimental work in the appropriate areas. We have also included a brief review of experimental observations of microwave emission from indium antimonide and the proposed mechanisms, other than helicon instability, which may account for it.     

Experimental and theoretical study on the β-FeOOH nanorods: growth and conversion

This study presents an experimental and theoretical study on the growth of monodispersed akaganéite (β-FeOOH) nanorods with tunable aspect ratios (longitudinal to transversal) under mild conditions (80 °C, aqueous solution). The synthesis of β-FeOOH nanorods is highly influenced by the presence of salt ions, and thus, the effect of various anions (e.g., NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, F⁻, Cl⁻, and Br⁻) were investigated on the microstructure, morphology, and size of the nanoparticles. It was found that these anions could interact strongly or weakly with the FeO₆ octahedral unit in the ferric oxyhydroxides, hence greatly affect the morphology, crystallization, and structure of the iron oxide/oxyhydroxide nanoparticles under the reported conditions. Moreover, these nanorods could be converted into magnetite (Fe₃O₄) through the reduction of hydrazine, which provides a new template approach to prepare magnetite nanorods with shape and size control at ambient conditions. The microstructure, composition, and structural transformation of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM and HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The possible formation and growth mechanism of akaganéite nanorods were discussed. Finally, the influence of anions on the β-FeOOH(100), (110), and (001) surfaces was further understood by theoretical simulations (e.g., molecular dynamics method).     

Mössbauer and μSR spectroscopy: Similarities and difference in applicability

Mössbauer spectroscopy and the muon spin rotation technique are two methods in which information on the atomic surrounding is obtained through the hyperfine interaction. This similarity is contrasted by the differences in observational parameters.While in Mössbauer spectroscopy information originates (in the most general case) from four different interactions, one has in SR only a magnetic interaction to detect. Furthermore, the lattice position probed are also different since the muon is, in general, found in interstitial positions and a further difference is related to the necessary probe concentrations. The differences and similarities are discussed through a number of examples from magnetism, diffusion and superconductivity.     

Quantization: Deformation and/or Functor?

After a short presentation of the difference in motivation between the Berezin and deformation quantization approaches, we start with a reminder of Berezin’s view of quantization as a functor followed by a brief overview of deformation quantization in contrast with the latter. We end by a short survey of two main avatars of deformation quantization, quantum groups and quantum spaces (especially noncommutative geometry) presented in that perspective.     

Composite magnetic nanoparticles:Synthesis and cancer-related applications

Recent advances in the preparation and applications of composite magnetic nanoparticles are reviewed and summarized, with a focus on cancer-related applications.     

Reconciling Spacetime and the Quantum: Relational Blockworld and the Quantum Liar Paradox

The Relational Blockworld (RBW) interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (NRQM) is introduced. Accordingly, the spacetime of NRQM is a relational, non-separable blockworld whereby spatial distance is only defined between interacting trans-temporal objects. RBW is shown to provide a novel statistical interpretation of the wavefunction that deflates the measurement problem, as well as a geometric account of quantum entanglement and non-separability that satisfies locality per special relativity and is free of interpretative mystery. We present RBW’s acausal and adynamical resolution of the so-called “quantum liar paradox,” an experimental set-up alleged to be problematic for a spacetime conception of reality, and conclude by speculating on RBW’s implications for quantum gravity.     

Energy Spectra, g Factors and Their Pressure-Induced and/or Thermal Shifts of SrTiO3:Cr3 and SrTiO3:Mn4 Ⅲ: R-Line Thermal Shifts of SrTiO3:Mn4

By taking into account all the irreducible representations and their components in the electron-phonon interaction (EPI) as well as all the levels and the admixtures of basic wavefunctions within d3 electronic configuration,the values of the parameters in the expressions of thermal shift (TS) from EPI for the ground level, R level and R line of SrTiO3:Mn4 have been evaluated; the R-line TS and various contributions to it have been calculated in the low-temperature region. It is found that all the three terms of R-line TS from EPI relevant to the lattice vibration are red shifts. The Raman term is the largest, the neighbor-level term is the second, and the optical-branch term is very small over the range of T ≤ 80 K. The contribution to R-line TS from thermal expansion has been approximately neglected in this work. The very strong EPI relevant to its lattice vibration for SrTiO3:Mn4 causes its R-line TS to be an unusually large red-shift. Only by taking into account the strong softening of the low-frequency acoustic modes of the lattice vibration at low temperatures, can we successfully explain the variation of R-line TS of SrTiO3:Mn4 with temperature.``     

Antioxidative and α-glucosidase inhibitory constituents of Polyscias guilfoylei: experimental and computational assessments

Molecular Diversity - Searching for bioactive agents from medicinal plants, eleven constituents were isolated from Polyscias guilfoylei stem for the first time, including a nucleoside uracil (1),...