An apparatus for measuring Thomson scattering from an inductively coupled plasma

An experimental arrangement is presented which has been proven capable of measuring Thomson scattering from an inductively coupled plasma (ICP). This system has been shown to reject stray light to a sufficient extent that useful scattering signals can be measured as near as 0.3 nm from the incident laser wavelength. In this paper, design considerations are discussed and a viable experimental system is described. Preliminary Thomson scattering results are presented.     

水溶性高分子担载二茂铁希夫碱的合成

合成了水溶性聚丙烯酸－N－乙烯基吡咯烷酮和聚甲基丙烯酸－N－乙 基吡咯 烷酮担载的二茂铁希夫碱，并用元素分析，FT－IR，UV－Vis，热分析，XPS，ICP ，小角激光散射（LALLS）等分析方法对其结构和组成进行了表征。     

Calculation of isotropic Compton profiles with Gaussian basis sets

In this paper we present an adaptive algorithm for calculating the isotropic Compton profile (ICP) for any type of Gaussian basis set. The ICP is a measure of the momentum density of electrons and it can be obtained from inelastic X-ray scattering experiments employing synchrotron radiation. We have performed calculations of the ICP for water and helium monomers and dimers using density-functional theory, Hartree-Fock and post-Hartree-Fock methods, with Dunning-type ((d-)aug-)cc-p(C)VXZ basis sets. We have examined the convergence of the Compton profile as a function of the basis set and the level of theory used for the formation of the density matrix. We demonstrate that diffuse basis functions are of utmost importance to the calculation of Compton profiles. Basis sets of at least triple-ζ quality appended by diffuse functions should be used in Compton profile calculations in order to obtain sufficient convergence with regard to the current, experimentally feasible accuracy for systems consisting of light elements.     

Determination of Low Interfacial Tension with a Laser Light Scattering Technique and a Comparative Analysis with Drop Shape Methods

A comparative analysis of laser light scattering and drop shape techniques for measuring low interfacial tension is provided with particular reference to the gas condensate systems in petroleum reservoirs. Measurements of interfacial tensions for two real reservoir gas condensate samples were undertaken at elevated pressure and temperature reservoir conditions with the laser light scattering technique. The purposes of this study are (a) to clarify some existing confusion on the usefulness of three major interfacial tension measurement methods, pendant drop, spinning drop, and laser light scattering; and (b) to show the applicability of the laser light scattering technique to real reservoir gas condensate interfaces at low interfacial tensions. The laser light scattering technique has appeared to be the most suitable approach for the determination of low gas condensate interfacial tensions at reservoir conditions in terms of precision and operation. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Entrainment of ambient air into a spectrochemical inductively coupled argon plasma

A spectrochemical inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP) is normally operated in the open air. Therefore, it is suggested in the literature that entrainment of air molecules into such an ICP may cause loss of electrons, especially so at the plasma's edge. The present study discusses the significance of this effect. The density and temperature of electrons and nitrogen molecules around the edge of the plasma were measured by Thomson and rotational Raman scattering. A region where both electrons and nitrogen were present in detectable amounts (10¹⁹ and 10²⁴ m⁻³, respectively) could not be observed. Above the torch inner wall the nitrogen concentration drops rapidly towards the plasma. Measurements suggest that the nitrogen concentration at 1 mm from the plasma is only a few percent, and in the active zones of the plasma (far) below 0.1%. This is not enough to affect the plasma significantly. Moreover, electron loss due to diffusion of nitrogen into the plasma is calculated to be much slower than the loss observed in earlier studies. Hence, air entrainment is unlikely to play a significant role in the ICP. A possible alternative is the formation and destruction of molecular rare gas ions.     

激光小角光散射测定高聚物的分子量

本工作建议了一种比较方便可行的、用已知瑞利因子的溶剂标定激光小角散射光度计的方法。纯溶剂的瑞利值R_θ与其散射强度比(G_θ/G_0)有如下关系:R_θ/n=φ[(G_θ/G_0)-δ],式中n为溶剂折光指数;φ为仪器常数;δ为与背景有关的参数。以已知瑞利值的甲苯、苯、环己烷、氯仿及四氯化碳的R_θ/n对测定的(G_θ/G_0)值作图,得到了较好的线性关系,从直线斜率可定φ值。以此方法标定的仪器测定了十个聚苯乙烯窄分布试样均得到了满意的结果。     

Investigation of multi-layered silicate ceramics using laser ablation optical emission spectrometry,laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,and electron microprobe analysis

The applicability of laser ablation (LA) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry for assessing elemental distributions in layered ceramics was investigated and compared with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Ordinary glazed wall tiles were employed as model specimens due to their defined structure and composition. They were used for calibration in the analysis of ancient pottery. A qualitative depth profile was acquired by single-spot laser drilling perpendicular to coatings with a Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser coupled with an ICP optical emission spectrometer (OES). The lower lateral resolution associated with the laser spot diameter of 1.0 mm led to smoothing of the depth profile due to the averaging of local irregularities. In addition, transverse line scans by ablation across the tile section using an ArF* (193 nm) laser coupled with an ICP mass spectrometer (MS) were performed. LA-ICP-OES depth profiles and LA-ICP-MS transverse scans were validated by EPMA section scans and 2D back-scattered electrons images. The LA-ICP-OES acquisition was less dependent on sample surface and layer irregularities, whereas the transverse line scan over the tile section with the small-spot beam offered insight into the micromorphology of the individual layer. The combined approach revealed the occurrence of individual mineral grains, micro-heterogeneities and the character of interfaces between layers.     

Spectral variations in background light emission of surface-enhanced resonance hyper Raman scattering coupled with plasma resonance of individual silver nanoaggregates

We demonstrate the origin of spectral variations in background light emission of surface enhanced resonance hyper Raman scattering (SERHRS) from single Ag nanoaggregates. Ag nanoaggregate-by-nanoaggregate variations in background light emission spectra are related to plasma (plasmon) resonance spectra. Temporal variations in background light emission spectra with temporal blueshifts in plasma resonance spectra are also observed under continuous laser excitation. Both types of the variations in background light emission are reproduced by multiplying background light emission spectra measured from a Ag microaggregate by Lorentz function spectra derived from plasma resonance spectra. The reproduction reveals that second electromagnetic (EM) enhancement by plasma resonance is the origin of the variations. Additionally, spectral variations in background light emission of SERHRS are similar to that of surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS). The similarity indicates that both types of background light emission commonly obtain second EM enhancement from identical plasma resonance.     

Assessment and application of diode laser induced fluorescence spectrometry in an inductively coupled plasma to the determination of lithium

A diode laser based system for the detection of Li in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) by diode laser induced fluorescence (DLIF-ICP) has been developed and successfully applied to the determination of lithium in several mineral waters and a thermal salt. The experimental setup is based on an unmodulated, continuous wave diode laser, emitting light at around 670 nm and exciting neutral Li atoms on their 2s ²S–2p ²P° transition, which was coupled to a commercial ICP atomic emission spectrometer. The spectrometer's monochromator, photomultiplier detector and built-in data acquisition software were utilized to collect background corrected fluorescence and emission signals. A simple, three-step measurement procedure was devised that corrected for the contribution of lithium thermal emission and scattered laser light in the analytical signals. Despite the facts that lithium was detected on its neutral atom, which accounts for less than 1% of the total concentration of Li in the ICP, and that only about 1–2% of all atoms could be excited by the laser light at any given time, the limit of detection (LOD) was still found to be as good as 8 μg/L. The LODs of the DLIF-ICP technique are therefore expected to be in the low ng/L range for elements that can be detected under more advantageous conditions. The linear dynamic range was found to be around three orders of magnitude.     

Anisotropic hot electron emission from fullerenes

Photoelectron spectra for fullerenes C(60) and C(70) ionized using 800 nm laser pulses with pulse durations from 120 to 1000 fs show thermal electron kinetic energy distributions but they also exhibit angular anisotropy with respect to the laser light polarization. The effective temperature of electrons, measured along the laser polarization direction, is significantly higher than in the perpendicular direction. We explain this observation by considering that the emission of the thermal electrons is uncorrelated with the phase of the laser pulse, unlike directly ionized electrons, and, depending on the time of emission, they may experience an additional "kick" from the vector potential of the laser field when they are emitted from the molecule.     

Effect of Concentration on the Photophysics of Dyes in Light‐Scattering Materials.

Photoactive materials based on dye molecules incorporated into thin films or bulk solids are useful for applications as photosensitization, photocatalysis, solar cell sensitization and fluorescent labeling, among others. In most cases, high concentrations of dyes are desirable to maximize light absorption. Under these circumstances, the proximity of dye molecules leads to the formation of aggregates and statistical traps, which dissipate the excitation energy and lower the population of excited states. The search for enhancement of light collection, avoiding energy wasting requires accounting the photophysical parameters quantitatively, including the determination of quantum yields, complicated by the presence of light scattering when particulate materials are considered. In this work we summarize recent advances on the photophysics of dyes in light‐scattering materials, with particular focus on the effect of dye concentration. We show how experimental reflectance, fluorescence and laser‐induced optoacoustic spectroscopy data can be used together with theoretical models for the quantitative evaluation of inner filter effects, fluorescence and triplet formation quantum yields and energy transfer efficiencies.     

Lasers for plasma diagnostics,time resolved measurement and molecular fluorometry in analytical science

In chemical measurement and characterization, lasers are playing a unique role in improving sensitivity, enhancing spatial and spectral resolution, and enabling time resolution on the fastest time scales that are chemically significant. Furthermore, lasers have permitted entirely new classes of measurements to be undertaken that would not be possible without the high radiant power, directionality, and coherence of a laser beam. In this paper, a number of these capabilities are illustrated with examples from the authors' laboratory. Prominent among these examples is the use of a high-power pulsed laser for producing scattering and fluorescence from species in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP). With the appropriate laser and photometric equipment, such measurements enable the determination of time-resolved and spatially resolved values for electron concentration, electron energy distribution, gas-kinetic temperature, and the concentrations of important sample and intrinsic species that the plasma contains. Another example shows how either a continuous wave (CW) or repetitively pulsed laser can be coupled with relatively simple electronic instrumentation to permit measurements to be obtained on a sub-nanosecond time scale. Interestingly, a recent development might obviate the need for a sophisticated laser in such schemes. Lastly, a relatively simple experimental configuration can be used to determine as few as 10⁶ molecules in a real sample. In this arrangement, a single aliquot of the sample is dispensed in a volume as small as 6 nL. This aliquot, in droplet from, then constitutes the sample cell itself. As the droplet falls through the focused laser beam, its contents can be determined with extraordinarily high sensitivity. Methods to improve even this detection capability will be outlined.     

Single-crystalline rutile TiO2 hollow spheres: room-temperature synthesis, tailored visible-light-extinction, and effective scattering layer for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

A general synthesis of inorganic single-crystalline hollow spheres has been achieved through a mechanism analogous to the Kirkendall effect, based on a simple one-step laser process performed at room temperature. Taking TiO(2) as an example, we describe the laser process by investigating the influence of experimental parameters, for example, laser wavelength, laser fluence/irradiation time, liquid medium, and concentration of starting materials, on the formation of hollow spheres. It was found that the size-tailored TiO(2) hollow spheres demonstrate tunable light scattering over a wide visible-light range. Inspired by the effect of light scattering, we introduced the TiO(2) hollow sphere's scattering layer in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells and achieved a current notable 10% improvement of solar-to-electric conversion efficiency, indicating that TiO(2) hollow spheres are potential candidates in optical and optoelectronic devices.     

Born-Floquet theory of electron-atom collisions in the presence of a laser field

We present a theory of fast electron-atom collisions in the presence of a strong laser field, which treats the interaction of the laser field with both the projectile electron and the target atom in a fully non-perturbative way. The theory is illustrated by considering the laser-assisted “elastic” scattering of fast electrons by atomic hydrogen, for non-resonant as well as resonant cases.     

Scattering by a hard sphere in a laser field

We consider the scattering of electrons by a hard sphere in the presence of a strong laser field. If the electrons are nonrelativistic and if the radiation field is treated as a monochromatic plane wave in the dipole approximation, the solution of our problem can be expressed in terms of well-known functions. The crux for finding this solution lies in the fact that in the potential-free region (V = 0) a space-translated solution can be written down and expressed in spherical polar coordinates. For this solution it is relatively easy to derive the matching equations on the surface of the scattering sphere of radiusR, whereV = ∞ and Ψ(R) = 0.     

3D mapping of the output laser beam from a PDLC sample

Self-transparency due to thermal non-linearities is presented as a basic switching effect in a thick polymer dispersed liquid crystal sample. For the first time a detailed 3D mapping of the output laser beam as a function of the x-y coordinates is presented: changes of the transmitted beam profile are recorded vs. both incident power and time. It is discussed how light intensity and temperature can be used as control parameters for the non-linear part of the refractive index. The experimental results confirm the existence of a threshold value of the incident light intensity at which the device switches from the scattering state to the transmissive state.     

3D mapping of the output laser beam from a PDLC sample

Self-transparency due to thermal non-linearities is presented as a basic switching effect in a thick polymer dispersed liquid crystal sample. For the first time a detailed 3D mapping of the output laser beam as a function of the x-y coordinates is presented: changes of the transmitted beam profile are recorded vs. both incident power and time. It is discussed how light intensity and temperature can be used as control parameters for the non-linear part of the refractive index. The experimental results confirm the existence of a threshold value of the incident light intensity at which the device switches from the scattering state to the transmissive state.     

GPC-LALLS研究各类顺丁橡胶的分子量分布

凝胶色谱与激光小角光散射(GPC-LALLS)联用是高聚物表征的有效手段,但将它用来研究橡胶的报导还很少见,这是由于实践中存在着一定的团难。对顺丁橡胶的表征国外曾有一些报导^[1-3]。GPC-LALLS法不仅可以测定试样的几种平均分子量,更有意义的是可以直接测得谱图各区间的分子量,而且溶质的分子量越大,散射光强越高,因此光散射法对大分子特别敏感,本工作利用这方法的特点,克服了技术上的困难,对国内外不同催化体系合成的顺丁胶进行了对比表征,得到了满意的结果。     

Basics of optical force

Light possesses momentum, and hence, force is exerted on materials if they absorb and/or scatter light. Laser techniques that use optical forces are currently attracting considerable attention. Optical manipulation for trapping, transporting small particles, and measuring the interparticle force is a representative technique. In addition, photoinduced force microscopy is a promising scanning type of microscopy using optical force. Optical force techniques have recently been used in various fields of research, such as molecular bioscience, organic photochemistry, materials engineering, and molecular fluid dynamics. In these techniques, several types of optical forces such as scattering, absorption, and gradient forces play their respective roles. In this article, we summarize the basics of optical forces and present their elementary expressions for using simplified models of light and matter systems. This will help the readers of this Special Issue to understand how different types of forces are distinguished in the basic expressions used for analyzing the optical force phenomena that appear depending on the light geometry and matter systems. After observing simplified cases of scattering and absorption forces, we introduce general formulae for the optical force and then discuss how different components appear in particular cases of laser geometry and materials.