Raman scattering under extreme conditions

Raman scattering is a versatile and powerful technique and has been widely used in modern scientific research and vast industrial applications. It is one of the fundamental experimental techniques in condensed matter physics, since it can sensitively probe the basic elementary excitations in solids like electron, phonon, magnon, etc. The application of extreme conditions(low temperature, high magnetic field, high pressure, etc.) to Raman scattering, will push its capability up to an unprecedented level, because this enables us to look into new quantum phases driven by extreme conditions, trace the evolution of the excitations and their coupling, and hence uncover the underlying physics. This review contains two topics.In the first part, we will introduce the Raman facility under extreme conditions, belonging to the optical spectroscopy station of Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facilities(SECUF), with emphasis on the system design and the capability the facility can provide. Then in the second part we will focus on the applications of Raman scattering under extreme conditions to a variety of condensed matter systems such as superconductors, correlated electron systems, charge density waves(CDW) materials, etc. Finally, as a rapidly developing technique, time-resolved Raman scattering will be highlighted here.     

Femtosecond laser user facility for application research on ultrafast science

The advent of chirped-pulse amplification(CPA) has greatly advanced the field of ultrafast and ultra-intense laser technology. CPA has become an indispensable platform for multidisciplinary research, such as physics, chemistry, life sciences, and precision metrology. The femtosecond laser facility at the Synergic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF)is a comprehensive experimental platform with an advanced femtosecond laser source for ultrafast scientific research. It will provide an ultrafast scientific research system having a few-cycle pulse duration, wide spectral range, high energy, and high repetition rate for multipurpose applications.     

Ultrafast electron diffraction

Ultrafast electron diffraction(UED) technique has proven to be an innovative tool for providing new insights in lattice dynamics with unprecedented temporal and spatial sensitivities. In this article, we give a brief introduction of this technique using the proposed UED station in the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF) as a prototype. We briefly discussed UED's functionality, working principle, design consideration, and main components. We also briefly reviewed several pioneer works with UED to study structure-function correlations in several research areas. With these efforts,we endeavor to raise the awareness of this tool among those researchers, who may not yet have realized the emerging opportunities offered by this technique.     

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurement station in SECUF using hybrid superconducting magnets

Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) is one of the most powerful tools to explore new quantum states of condensed matter induced by high magnetic fields at a microscopic level. High magnetic field enhances the intensity of the NMR signal, and more importantly, can induce novel phenomena. In this article, examples are given on the field-induced charge density wave(CDW) in high-Tc superconductors and on the studies of quantum spin liquids. We provide a brief introduction to the high magnetic field NMR platform, the station 4 of the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF), being built at Huairou, Beijing.     

Magneto optics and time resolved terahertz spectrocopy

Exploring, manipulating, and understanding new exotic quantum phenomena in condensed-matter systems have generated great interest in the scientific community. Static and time resolved optical spectroscopies after photoexcitations are important experimental tools for probing charge dynamics and quasiparticle excitations in quantum materials. In Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF), we shall construct magneto-infrared and terahertz measurement systems and develop a number of ultrafast femtosecond laser based systems, including intense near to mid-infrared pump terahertz probe. In this article, we shall describe several systems to be constructed and developed in the facilities, then present some examples explaining the application of magneto optics and time resolved spectroscopy techniques.     

New techniques for high pressure falling sphere viscosimetry in DIA-type large volume presses

Here we report recent technical advances that enable viscosity measurements in two DIA-type multi-anvil apparatus with a maximum of 250 tons and 1750 tons. We anticipate that this system will enable viscosity measurements for the pressures up to about 30 GPa. The deformation of the cell assemblies were analyzed by X-ray absorption tomography at beamline W II at DESY/HASYLAB after the high pressure runs. This analysis gave considerable insights into strategies for improving the cell assembly with the result that the optimized assemblies could be used at much higher pressures without blow-outs. We demonstrate using of X-ray transparent cubic boron nitride-anvils (single-stage DIA) and slotted carbide anvils (double-stage DIA) to make the whole melting chamber accessible for the high pressure X-radiography system. Results are demonstrated with viscosity measurements following Stokes’ Law by evaluation of X-radiography sequences taken by a camera equipped with a charge-coupled device sensor (CCD-camera) at pressures of 5 GPa as well as 10 GPa and temperatures of 1890 K.     

Study of semiconductor lasers under simultaneous uniaxial stress and hydrostatic pressure

Abstract

We present the design of a device for the simultaneous application of uniaxial stress and hydrostatic pressure. This new apparatus will for the first time allow measurements at constant strain. Results of the simultaneous application of uniaxial stress and hydrostatic pressure to a semiconductor laser are presented and discussed.     

Quantum oscillation measurements in high magnetic field and ultra-low temperature

The physical properties of a solid are determined by the electrons near the Fermi energy and their low-lying excitations. Thus, it is crucially important to obtain the band structure near the Fermi energy of a material to understand many novel phenomena that occur, such as high-T_c superconductivity, density waves, and Dirac-type excitations. One important way to determine the Fermi surface topology of a material is from its quantum oscillations in an external magnetic field. In this article, we provide a brief introduction to the substation at the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF),with a focus on quantum oscillation measurements, including our motivation, the structure of and the challenges in building the substation, and perspectives.     

4.5 GPa静水压活塞圆筒式高压装置的压力检测分析及压力校正

 本文提供了提高现有活塞圆筒式高压装置流体静压强的一种实验方法。成功地制作了锰铜丝压力计，并利用铋丝相变准确地做了压力校正。各箍的应力检测分析和相对位移测量都表明：无论压腔空载或充液时，在0.000 1~3.08 GPa均不显示出同步箍紧作用；上下缸的压强差偏大带来高压暴露的危险。为把流体静压强提高到3.08 GPa以上，建议改进设计；（1）内箍中箍合二为一，外箍分为上下二层，将增加箍力；（2）调整各箍之间接触圆锥面的面积，将有助于同步箍紧；（3）增大密封套圈的无支承面，将减少上下缸压差，有利于安全运行。     

Spectroscopic Characterization of i-motif Forming c-myc Derived Sequences Double-Labeled with Pyrene

In current studies we use the oligonucleotides based on c-myc sequence: CCC CAC CCT CCC CAC CCT CCC C (cmyc22) and CCC CAC CCT CCC CAC CCT CCC CA (cmyc22A) functionalized by pyrene moieties at both termini. Results of the circular dichroism (CD), UV absorption melting experiments, and steady-state fluorescence measurements of pyrene-modified i-motifs as well as their unlabeled precursors are presented and discussed here. The pyrene labels have a remarkable influence on i-motif stability which was deduced from CD spectra and confirmed by UV melting experiments. Both probes emit fluorescence band of pyrene monomer with intensity decreasing upon pH lowering.     

复合型多晶金刚石末级压砧的制备并标定六面顶压机6-8型压腔压力至35GPa

通过分析二级6-8型大腔体静高压装置八面体压腔的受力状况, 研制了一种使用成本低、尺寸大且易于加工的多晶金刚石-硬质合金复合二级(末级)顶锤(压砧). 采用原位电阻测量观测Zr在高压下相变(α-ω, 7.96 GPa; ω-β, 34.5 GPa)的方法, 标定了由多晶金刚石-硬质合金复合末级压砧构建的5.5/1.5(传压介质边长/二级顶锤锤面边长, 单位: mm)组装的腔体压力. 实验表明, 自行研制的多晶金刚石-硬质合金复合末级压砧可使基于国产六面顶压机构架的二级加压系统的压力产生上限从约20 GPa提高到35 GPa以上, 拓展了国内大腔体静高压技术的压力产生范围. 应用这一技术, 我们期望经过末级压砧材料与压腔设计的进一步优化, 在基于国产六面顶压机的二级6-8 型大腔体静高压装置压腔中产生超过50 GPa的高压. 关键词： 二级6-8型大腔体静高压装置 多晶金刚石-硬质合金复合末级压砧 压力标定     

Finite-element analysis on performance and shear stress of cemented tungsten carbide anvils used in the China-type cubic-anvil high-pressure apparatus

Stress distribution in cemented tungsten carbide (WC) anvils is of primary interest in high pressure research, but is very difficult to determine experimentally. We have performed finite-element simulations to study the performance and the shear stress distribution of WC anvils used in the China-type cubic-anvil high pressure apparatus (SPD-6×2000). Our results show that in order to avoid failure cracks in high-stress areas, the maximum shear stress should be lower than 3.17 GPa for the WC anvils (8% cobalt). The simulations have been verified by high-pressure experiments. Our method of analyzing stress distribution helps in evaluating the ability of WC anvils, and would aid in designing a new anvil to enhance performance.     

电驱动金刚石对顶砧低温连续加压装置

采用电驱动压电陶瓷取代传统机械螺丝给金刚石对顶砧施加压力,设计制备了低温下可连续增加流体静压的金刚石对顶砧压力装置,实现了低温(19±1)K连续加压达到4.41 GPa.该装置具有电驱动方便灵活、调谐精度高的低温连续加压功能.利用该装置实现了InAs单量子点发光与微腔腔模的共振耦合调谐过程.该装置将在原位压力精确调谐及测量样品信号跟踪等实验得到应用.     

A new belt-type apparatus for neutron-based rheological measurements at gigapascal pressures

We have developed a new solid-media apparatus for performing rheological investigations at multi-gigapascal pressures. The pressure cell consists of a simple belt design and fits in a modified 250 tonne Paris–Edinburgh press. Elastic strains are measured by neutron diffraction, on the ENGIN-X experimental station at ISIS. Stresses are estimated from the measured strains in combination with published values of the elastic moduli. As an exemplair of the method, we present data from initial deformation experiments on pyrope garnet at 1.5 GPa and 873 K. Data collection times are as short as 60 min and the elastic strain resolution is better than 10^?4. We anticipate, however, that by interrupted testing, strain rates as low as 10^?9/s, or lower, will be measurable.     

Determination of pressure effect on thermocouple electromotive force using multi-anvil apparatus

We developed a method to determine the absolute pressure effect on thermocouple electromotive force (EMF), based on a single wire method using Kawai-type multi-anvil apparatus. In this method, pressure conditions along the wires were evaluated based on in situ X-ray diffraction using synchrotron X-ray radiation. The pressure effect of the Seebeck coefficients of chromel and alumel was determined up to 7?GPa and 600°C by the analyses of single wire EMFs and pressure-temperature profiles along the wires. The temperature correction for the type K thermocouple was calculated to be from 0°C to –3°C in the studied conditions. Since the multi-anvil apparatus is capable of achieving much higher pressure and temperature, the method presented in this study promises to reveal absolute temperature correction for thermocouples over a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions.     

Mixing apparatus for preparing NMR samples under pressure

The size limit for protein NMR spectroscopy in solution arises in large part from line broadening caused by slow molecular tumbling. One way to alleviate this problem is to increase the effective tumbling rate by reducing the viscosity of the solvent. Because proteins generally require an aqueous environment to remain folded, one approach has been to encapsulate hydrated proteins in reverse micelles formed by a detergent and to dissolve the encapsulated protein in a low-viscosity fluid. The high volatility of suitable low-viscosity fluids requires that the samples be prepared and maintained under pressure. We describe a novel apparatus used for the preparation of such samples. The apparatus includes a chamber for mixing the detergent with the low-viscosity solvent, a second chamber for mixing this with hydrated protein, and a 5-mm (o.d.) zirconium oxide NMR sample tube with shut-off valves designed to contain pressures on the order of 10 bar, sufficient for liquid propane. Liquids are moved from one location to another by introducing minor pressure differentials between two pressurization vessels. We discuss the operation of this apparatus and illustrate this with data on a 30-kDa protein complex (chymotrypsin:turkey ovomucoid third domain) encapsulated in reverse micelles of the detergent, sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, aerosol-ot (AOT), dissolved in liquid propane.     

Measurement of the continuum absorption coefficient of water vapor near 14400 cm−1 (0.694 μm)

The continuum absorption coefficient (CAC) of water vapor (k _cont) in the visible region is determined for the first time from the data of laboratory measurements. For this purpose, the absorption spectra of water vapor in the region 14395–14402 cm^?1 are recorded with the aid of a high-sensitivity photoacoustic spectrometer with a frequency-tunable single-pulse ruby laser, and the absorption measured in this transparency microwindow is compared with that calculated based on the HITRAN 2004 data bank. In the spectral region under study, k _cont = (0.53 ± 0.18) × 10^?9 cm^?1 mbar^?1 at a total pressure of a water vapor-nitrogen mixture of 1000 mbar and a temperature of 295 K. This value of the CAC is roughly 23% higher than the CAC value in the IO-CKD model of the continuum.     

高压熔渗生长法制备金刚石聚晶中碳的转化机制研究

在6 GPa和1500 ℃的压力和温度范围内, 利用高压熔渗生长法制备了纯金刚石聚晶, 深入研究了高温高压下金刚石聚晶生长过程中碳的转化机制. 利用光学显微镜、X-射线衍射、场发射扫描电子显微镜检测, 发现在熔渗过程中金刚石层出现了石墨化现象, 在烧结过程中金刚石颗粒表面形貌发生了变化. 根据实验现象分析, 在制备过程中存在三种碳的转化机制: 1)金属熔渗阶段金刚石颗粒表面石墨化产生石墨; 2)产生的石墨在烧结阶段很快转变为填充空隙的金刚石碳; 3)金刚石直接溶解在金属溶液中, 以金刚石形式在颗粒间析出, 填充空隙. 本文研究碳的转化机制为在高温高压金属溶剂法合成金刚石的条件下(6 GPa和1500 ℃的压力和温度范围内)工业批量化制备无添加剂、无空隙的纯金刚石聚晶提供了重要的理论指导.     

Attosecond laser station

The attosecond laser station(ALS) at the Synergetic Extreme Condition User Facility(SECUF) is a sophisticated and user-friendly platform for the investigation of the electron dynamics in atoms, molecules, and condensed matter on timescales ranging from tens of femtoseconds to tens of attoseconds. Short and tunable coherent extreme-ultraviolet(XUV)light sources based on high-order harmonic generation in atomic gases are being developed to drive a variety of endstations for inspecting and controlling ultrafast electron dynamics in real time. The combination of such light sources and end-stations offers a route to investigate fundamental physical processes in atoms, molecules, and condensed matter. The ALS consists of four beamlines, each containing a light source designed specifically for application experiments that will be performed in its own end-station. The first beamline will produce broadband XUV light for attosecond photoelectron spectroscopy and attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. It is also capable of performing attosecond streaking to characterize isolated attosecond pulses and will allow studies on the electron dynamics in atoms, moleculars, and condensed matter. The second XUV beamline will produce narrowband femtosecond XUV pulses for time-resolved and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, to study the electronic dynamics on the timescale of fundamental correlations and interactions in solids, especially in superconductors and topological insulators. The third beamline will produce broadband XUV pulses for attosecond coincidence spectroscopy in a cold-target recoil-ion momentum spectrometer, to study the ultrafast dynamics and reactions in atomic and molecular systems. The last beamline produces broadband attosecond XUV pulses designed for time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy, to study the ultrafast dynamics of plasmons in nanostructures and the surfaces of solid materials with high temporal and spatial resolutions simultaneously. The main object of the ALS is to provide domestic and international scientists with unique tools to study fundamental processes in physics, chemistry,biology, and material sciences with ultrafast temporal resolutions on the atomic scale.     

金属线膨胀系数测定实验的改进及进一步研究

为了更好地研究金属线膨胀系数在一定温度区间的变化情况,并进一步研究在加热过程中,待测金属热应力、热应变的变化规律,本文在传统的蒸汽喷射加热仪的基础上,组合运用了粘滞系数实验、表面张力实验以及温度传感器实验中的部分实验仪器,测量并计算了相关的物理量,得到了相关性较理想的拟合直线,并通过对比实验进一步论述了该方法的可行性。