Color and optical characteristics of carbon coatings produced by magnetron sputtering

The color parameters of carbon coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering of a graphite target onto substrates of stainless steel without a sublayer and with a titanium sublayer are calculated. By numerical modeling, the refractive indices and extinction coefficients for the titanium sublayer and carboniferous film as well as the volume content of titanium dioxide in the sublayer are determined. Physico-Technical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 4, Zhodinskaya St., Minsk, 220141, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 374–385, May–June, 1997.     

Effect of synthesis conditions protective and decorative titanium nitride coatings on their optical and color parameters

Optical and color parameters of titanium nitride coatings deposited from an unseparated vacuum-arc plasma flux and a flux which is separated from macroparticles are culculated in varying sputtering regimes. Physics and Engineering Institute, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 4, Zhodinskaya St., Minsk, 220141. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 1, pp. 87–94, January–February, 1998.     

Fine fluorescence and absorption spectra of hypericin in a polymer matrix at a temperature of 4.2 K

Monochromatic photoexcitation and selective registration in bands of purely electronic S₁↔S₀ transitions resulted in fine fluorescence and absorption (fluorescence excitation) spectra of hypericin in polyvinylbutyral at a temperature of 4.2 K. Vibration analysis of the spectra is done and conclusions are made about the form of many normal vibrations. It is found that the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the hypericin structure has a substantial effect on the relative position of the electronic vibrational levels of the pigment molecule. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina ave., Minsk 200072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 539–545, July–August, 1998.     

Shaping dynamics and structure of large-scale surface plasma formations under single-pulse laser action on various materials

It is established that, in the case of laser action on materials in large illuminated spots in atmospheric-pressure air for a laser radiation power density q≤2 MW/cm² (λ=1.315 μm), an evaporative regime with plane scattering of the laser-produced erosion plasma is realized while, for q≈5–17 MW/cm², the plasma front is transferred to the air, leading to plasma screening of the target and shaping of a subsonic radiation wave in the air. As the duration of the laser pulses increases (τ∼160 μsec), in spite of the large illuminated spots (S∼150 cm²) the evaporative regime of the laser action with plane plasma scattering goes over into a regime with jet outlow and formation of a quasistationary shock wave. Deceased. 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. 261–268, 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.     

Monochromatization of radiation for spectral control of plasma technological processes

We considered the problem of and developed techniques for creating means of monochromatization of optical radiation with optimal technical-economic parameters for implementing spectral means of controlling various vacuum-plasma technological processes of applying and etching film coatings. Belarusian State University, 4, F. Skorina Ave., 220050, Minsk, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 587–589, July–August, 1998.     

Degradation of synthetic restoration materials in heterogenous systems

By the method of the optical spectrsocopy of diffuse reflection in the region 0.5–5.0 eV, accelerated aging of pigment compositions with synthetic materials used in restoration of paint layers of paintings is investigated. Composition containing pigments zinc and titanium oxides (white pigments), chromium oxide and copper carbonate (green pigments), and iron oxide (brown pigment) and reinforcing materials vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, fluorolon F-42L, and polyvinyl alcohol are investigated. It is established that the appearance of color in pigment impregnation and subsequent heating is observed only in the compositions of reinforcing materials with white pigments and occurs as a result of heterogeneous reactions that lead to the formation in the pigment of color centers bonded by oxygen vacancies. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 4, pp. 518–522, July–August, 1997.     

Studies of spectral and coloristic properties of ultradispersive hematite particles

B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70 F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 157–165, November–December, 1995.     

Comparison between aesthetic and thermal performances of copper oxide and titanium dioxide nano-particulate coatings

Nano-particulate coatings with high reflectance against solar irradiation can control undesirable thermal heating by sunlight absorption. It can reduce the energy consumption for air conditioning of houses and cars. For the objects covered by these coatings and subjected to human sight, e.g. roofing surfaces, high dazzle of reflected visible light can offend the human eyes and spoil the fine view of covered objects. The authors introduced a new optimization method in designing pigmented coatings which considers both thermal and aesthetic effects in previous studies. The optimization is possible by controlling the material, size and concentration of pigment particles. The proposed coatings maximize the reflectance of near infrared (NIR) region to care the thermal effects and minimize the visible (VIS) reflected energy to keep the dark tone because of aesthetic appeal. Two different types of copper oxide pigment particles namely cupric oxide (CuO) and cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) were considered in this study. The optimum characteristics and performances are obtained and compared with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particle as a typical cool pigment. The results show that cupric oxide has much better performance for our objective.     

NMR tomography in an unstable and inhomogeneous polarizing magnetic field

A method of NMR imaging and elimination of image distortions in an inhomogeneous and unstable polarizing magnetic field is developed. An algorithm is given to determine the plane shifts of signals caused by a change in the magnetic field. Institute of Applied Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 16, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Priklanoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 270–274, March–April, 1999.     

Degradation of the reflectivity of white anodic-oxide coatings in thermal vacuum treatment

Using the spectroscopic method of diffuse reflection in the region between 0.5 and 6 eV, we investigate the degradation of reflectivity in thermal vacuum treatment of white anodic-oxide coatings on an Al alloy (Al–AOC) that are used as thermoregulating coatings of space vehicles. It is established that at T≥350 K absorption bands at 4.05 and ∼4.7 eV resembling those induced by UV irradiation in vacuum appear in the diffuse reflection spectra of Al–AOC. The kinetics of the increase of absorption in heating Al–AOC with a constant rate correlates with the rate of gas liberation from specimens. We assume that a thermally activated reaction with the formation of color centers identical to those produced by the photoeffect occur in Al–AOC in vacuum at T≥350 K. This process is accompanied by desorption of molecular products. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 5, pp. 664–667, September–October, 1997.     

Laser absorption and fluorescence diagnostics of a plasma

Diagnostics of a near-surface laser plasma, the plasma of a strong-current pulse gaseous discharge in inert gases, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide under conditions of intense evaporation of the wall of the discharge chamber, the plasma of a discharge with a hollow cathode, and the active medium of an excimer laser was conducted by methods of intracavity laser spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence. The dynamic fields and absolute concentrations of atoms, ions, molecules and electrons, the plasma temperature, and the velocities of flows of particles were measured. The quantitative determination of the density of particles in the erosion laser flame prior to breakdown and the phenomena associated with the formation of molecules in the laser plasma received primary consideration. To whom correspondence should be addressd. Instite 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. 3, pp. 281–290, May–June, 1997.     

Optimization and design of pigments for heat-insulating coatings

This paper reports that heat insulating property of infrared reflective coatings is obtained through the use of pigments which diffuse near-infrared thermal radiation.Suitable structure and size distribution of pigments would attain maximum diffuse infrared radiation and reduce the pigment volume concentration required.The optimum structure and size range of pigments for reflective infrared coatings are studied by using Kubelka-Munk theory,Mie model and independent scattering approximation.Taking titania particle as the pigment embedded in an inorganic coating,the computational results show that core-shell particles present excellent scattering ability,more so than solid and hollow spherical particles.The optimum radius range of core-shell particles is around 0.3 ～ 1.6 μm.Furthermore,the influence of shell thickness on optical parameters of the coating is also obvious and the optimal thickness of shell is 100-300 nm.     

Evaluation of refractive index of cylindrical microlenses from spatial distribution of interference orders

An interference method for measuring the refractive index and surface curvature of cylindrical microlenses is considered. The method consists in probing microlenses by a dynamic interference pattern with a localization of order of several to tens micrometers corresponding to the period of the interference fringes. Basic analytical expressions for evaluation of the curvature radius and refractive index of the probed portion of the microlens are presented. Institute of Electronics, Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 22, Logoiskii Trakt, Minsk, 220841, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 390–395, May–June, 1997.     

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.     

Degradation of white anodic-oxide coatings in UV irradiation in vacuum

Photostimulated degradation of the reflectivity of white anodic-oxide coatings on Al alloy (Al-AOCs) that are used as thermal-regulating coatings of space vehicles is investigated by spectroscopy of diffuse reflection in the region of 0.5–6 eV. It is established that irradiation in vaccum when λ≤300 nm leads to the appearance in diffuse-reflection spectra of the absorption bands at 4.0 and ∼4.6 eV that are similar to these induced by vacuum heating for T≥350 K. A growth in the absorption bands is accompanied by gas release from the coatings. These processes have a common excitation spectrum, basic kinetic regularities, and a thermoactivated character. UV irradiation in vacuum is assumed to initiate Al-AOC destruction with the formation of color centers. This process is accompanied by the desorption of molecular products. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 6, pp. 801–806, November–December, 1997.     

Formation of alumina-silver-palladium systems

Diffuse-reflection electron spectroscopy was used to investigate the state of alumina-silver-palladium catalysts as a function of the conditions of synthesis and heat treatment. Mono- and bimetallic particles were found to be present on the surface of a catalyst manufactured by impregnation of the carrier from one impregnating solution. Premodification of the carrier with palladium is accompanied by formation of metal implantation structures in the carrier lattice, while silver modification does not produce such structures. In the Pd/Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst, palladium occurs at several oxidation levels. Institute of Physico-Organic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 13, Surganov St., Misnk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 169–172, March–April, 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.     

Infrared filters and analyzers of the composition of substances based on them

Results of investigations on designing band dispersion and dispersion-interference filters for the 4–30 μm IR range and cutoff filters for the 50–300 μm region are presented. Analyzers of the composition of a substance that are designed on the basis of band IR filters and analysis procedures are described. 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. 5, pp. 734–744, September–October, 1998.     

Selection of optical radiation in scattering in partially ordered disperse media

Results of theoretical studies of the interaction between optical radiation and partially ordered disperse media are reported. In terms of the amplitude-phase screen model consideration is given to the concentration effects of whitening and darkening in random close-packed systems of optically soft particles. The concentration dependence of transmission of close-packed systems of coarse particles is described with the use of a small-angle solution of the stochastic finite-difference transfer equation. The effects of coherent reirradiation occurring in close-packed monolayers of highly refracting particles are analyzed using a quasicrystalline approximation of the theory of multiple wave scattering and the radial particle distribution function obtained from a solution of the Percus-Yevick equation. This approach extended to multilayer systems is used to describe formation of forbidden photon zones in transmission spectra of one- and three-dimensional disperse systems with a high degree of ordering. Results of quantitative calculations are shown to agree well with experimental data. The possibility of using established regularities for optimization of spectral characteristics of selective elements based on spatially ordered disperse systems with different structural organization is discussed. 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. 5, pp. 721–733, September–October, 1998.