Measurement of the strong-interaction shift and broadening of the ground state of the pp̄ atom

The K_α X-rays from pp̄ atoms formed in H₂ gas at normal temperature and pressure are unambiguously identified by coincidences with L X-rays populating the 2P level. Background due to inner bremsstrahlung is suppressed by selecting events annihilating into neutral final states only. The K_α line is observed with a significance of more than 25 standard deviations at an energy of 8.67 (15) keV. From fits to the K_α line we obtain a strong-interaction shift and width of the 1S level, averaged over the unresolved spin singlet and triplet contributions, of ΔE + iΓ/2 = [−0.70(15) + i0.80(20)] keV.     

The first high-resolution analysis of the 10-μm absorption of thioformaldehyde

The 10 μm region of thioformaldehyde (H₂CS) has been recorded at high resolution (0.005 cm⁻¹) using a Fourier transform spectrometer. H₂CS was produced by low-pressure pyrolysis of a gas flow of C₃H₅SCH₃ in Ar at 560 °C or CH₃SCl at 1150 °C, which was introduced into a multipass White cell with an optical path length of 32 m. Forty scans were recorded for the range 750-1400 cm⁻¹ at a total pressure of 0.15 mbar. A thorough analysis of the three lowest wavenumber fundamental bands, ν₃, ν₄ and ν₆, which fall in this region, has been carried out using a Hamiltonian model, which takes explicitly into account the numerous resonances affecting the ro-vibrational energy levels; especially the massive A-type Coriolis resonance between the out-of-plane wagging mode, ν₄, and the in-plane rocking mode, ν₆. These two modes are only separated by 0.83 cm⁻¹, and they are thoroughly mixed. From the fittings, the following band centers were derived: ν_o (ν₄)=990.18213(40) cm⁻¹, ν_o (ν₆)=991.02021(50) cm⁻¹ and ν_o (ν₃)=1059.20476 (30) cm⁻¹ where the uncertainties are one standard deviation. In addition, a number of relative line intensities were measured permitting the determination of relative values of the first-order transition moments and therefore relative band intensities for all three bands. Finally, a comprehensive list of line wavenumbers and relative intensities has been generated.     

On plasma surface coupling of 1.06μm laser radiation with copper targets

The thermal coupling coefficient of neodymium glass laser radiation to copper targets was measured as a function of incident laser intensity. It was shown that the addition of a small amount of NaCl on the surface of the copper target can change the coupling coefficient considerably. A tentative explanation for this effect based on the change of plasma properties due to the presence of sodium is offered.     

Experimental investigation of the 2.1-μm single-mode Tm-Ho:KYF laser

We report on the development and comprehensive characterization of a room-temperature single-mode 2-m Tm-Ho:KYF laser. A maximum CW output power of 70 mW at the central wavelength of 2.078 m has been obtained. Using a 5-mm long intracavity birefringent filter the single-mode emission wavelength can be tuned over a range of 40 nm. Both frequency and relative intensity noise have been investigated showing a 1-ms emission linewidth of 600 kHz and an intensity noise spectrum that is quantum-noise limited for Fourier frequencies higher than 1 MHz. PACS 42.55Xi; 42.55Rz; 42.60Pk; 42.70Hj; 42.60Lh     

On experimental tests of D-states in the 3He3H ground state

Recent experiments relevant for D-state components in the ground state of the A = 3 systems are discussed in a simple scheme. This displays the close connection between the tensor force and the D-state components and allows one to interpret the experimental results in a transparent way. Suggestions for a complete experimental test of the D-state are given.     

Low temperature laser absorption spectra of methane in the near-infrared at 1.65 μm for lower state energy determination

Direct absorption spectra of the 2ν 3 band of methane （CH₄） from 6038 to 6050 cm～（-1） were studied at different low temperatures using a newly developed cryogenic cell in combination with a distributed feedback （DFB） diode laser.The cryogenic cell can operate at any stabilized temperature ranging from room temperature down to 100 K with temperature fluctuation less than ±1 K within 1 hour.In the present work,the CH 4 spectra in the range of 6038-6050 cm～（-1） were recorded at 296,266,248,223,198,and 176 K.The lower state energy E and the rotational assignment of the angular momentum J were determined by a "2-low-temperature spectra method" using the spectra recorded at 198 and 176 K.The results were compared with the data from the GOSAT and the recently reported results from Campargue and co-workers using two spectra measured at room temperature and 81 K.We demonstrated that the use of a 2-low-temperature spectra method permits one to complete the E and J values missed in the previous studies.     

High-resolution cavity leak-out absorption spectroscopy in the 10-μm region

2 laser. After excitation, the laser power is turned off for a short time and the subsequent decay of the radiation stored in the cavity is observed via detection of the light leaking out through one of the cavity mirrors. Measurement of the decay time allows one to determine the photon losses und thus to detect weakly absorbing species inside the cavity. Since the cavity is frequency-locked to the laser the decay time can be probed with a high repetition rate, basically limited by the sampling rate of the analog-to-digital converter. This approach is closely related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy with pulsed lasers, but exhibits several advantages concerning spectral resolution and detection sensitivity. As a practical example we demonstrate monitoring of trace amounts of ethylene. Using R=99.5% mirrors we achieve a detection limit of 1 ppb ethylene (integration time: 100 s) corresponding to absorption losses of 3×10^-8 /cm. Further improvement is feasible when mirrors with higher reflectivity become available. Received: 2 July 1998     

A laser system providing tunable, narrow-band radiation from 35 nm to 2 μm

We describe a laser system that readily provides radiation tunable from 2 μm in the infra-red to 35 nm in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The broad spectral range is covered through a range of non-linear processes such as Raman shifting and high-order harmonic generation. Pulses with duration of tens of picoseconds are obtained. The relative bandwidth of the radiation is δλ/λ=10^-4, comparable with what can be achieved by using high-resolution monochromators at state-of-the-art synchrotron beamlines. We discuss different methods for characterising the radiation in this wide wavelength regime. We also discuss the capabilities of the system from the measured parameters. Received: 12 December 2000 / Revised version: 8 March 2001 / Published online: 27 April 2001     

126-W all-fiberized single-mode laser from an 11-μm small-core fiber

We demonstrate a 126-W all-fiberized single-mode laser from an 11-μm small-core fiber. The active fiber is a strictly single-mode fiber that produces pure single-mode. The optical to optical efficiency of the fiber laser is 68.2% with ASE suppressed by a factor of ∼35 dB and no power-roll. The output power is only limited by the available pump source, scaling the pump power may achieve much higher output power using the 11 μm small-core fiber.     

Gamow-Teller β transition from the 2− ground state of88Rb to the 3− excited state of88Sr

The Gamow-Tellerβ-transition from the ground state 2^? of⁸⁸Rb to the 3^? level at 2.734 MeV of⁸⁸Sr is studied. The nuclear matrix element 〈σ〉 and the lofft value are calculated using complete nuclear wave functions for the initial and final states. It is shown that, contrary to the normal assumption, the component ¦π2p ₃ ^2/?1 π1g _9/2〉 of the final state does give a very important contribution to 〈σ〉 due to the presence of strong cancellation effects. Although our calculations favour a wave function for the 3^? level⁸⁸Sr where neutron 1h—1p configurations are not included, there are still some facts which make that our results cannot be taken as conclusive. Nuclear Structure⁸⁸Rb,⁸⁸Sr, calculated the Gamow-Teller nuclear matrix element 〈σ〉 and the logft value using a shell model.     

Generation of tunable 16 μm radiation from CO2 by cascade lasing

In this paper we propose a scheme to generate tunable 16 μm radiation from CO₂ molecules by cascade lasing. The stimulating 9.5 μm radiation is generated internally by the fast rotating mirror Q-switching technique. The optical scheme proposed by us uses an intracavity prism to separate the 9.5 μm and the 16 μm beams. This facilitates independent tuning of the two beams if required. In the present configuration, only the 16 μm cavity is dispersive. The 9.5 μm beam grows spontaneously in a stable semiconfocal resonator. We have developed a theoretical model to simulate the proposed scheme. The model predicts the energy and power of 16 μm radiation. The calculated values are much higher than the previously obtained experimental values. The results point out the feasibility of developing a laser system based on the theoretical design parameters presented in this paper. Such laser systems can find application in uranium isotope separation studies.     

Low temperature laser absorption spectra of methane in the near-infrared at 1.65 μm for lower state energy determination

Direct absorption spectra of the 2v₃ band of methane (CH₄) from 6038 to 6050 cm^-1 were studied at different low temperatures using a newly developed cryogenic cell in combination with a distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser. The cryogenic cell can operate at any stabilized temperature ranging from room temperature down to 100 K with temperature fluctuation less than ±1 K within 1 hour. In the present work, the CH₄ spectra in the range of 6038-6050 cm^-1 were recorded at 296, 266, 248, 223, 198, and 176 K. The lower state energy E″ and the rotational assignment of the angular momentum J were determined by a “2-low-temperature spectra method” using the spectra recorded at 198 and 176 K. The results were compared with the data from the GOSAT and the recently reported results from Campargue and co-workers using two spectra measured at room temperature and 81 K. We demonstrated that the use of a 2-low-temperature spectra method permits one to complete the E″ and J values missed in the previous studies.     

Investigation of output parameters of a 4.3-μm longitudinal-discharge CO2 laser

A simple hot-cell-free 4.3-m CO₂ laser with longitudinal d.c. discharge is described and the results of its parametrization are presented. It is shown that for effective operation of the 4.3-m (10° 1-10°0 band) CO₂ laser, use of active mixtures containing 4 to 5% of carbon dioxide with 20% nitrogen is needed. The laser is mechanically Q-switched producing peak powers in excess of 60 W with a pulse duration of 300 ns FWHM. The 4.3-m laser is easily tunable and operates on the P and R branches of the 10°1-10°0 band of CO₂. The peculiarities of spectral performances are discussed.     

Pulsed gas laser operating in the 0.193–10.6-μm range

Results are reported of an investigation of a system for exciting pulsed highpressure gas lasers. The method permits effective pumping of various active media, such as CO₂, excimer-molecules, N₂, etc. Lasing was obtained on seven different wavelengths in the range 0.193–10.6 m with pulse power more than 1 MW.Translated from Lazernye Sistemy, pp. 102–108, 1982.     

Electron–positron pair production from vacuum in the field of high-intensity laser radiation

The works dealing with the theory of e⁺e^– pair production from vacuum under the action of highintensity laser radiation are reviewed. The following problems are discussed: pair production in a constant electric field E and time-variable homogeneous field E(t); the dependence of the number of produced pairs \({N_{{e^ + }{e^ - }}}\) on the shape of a laser pulse (dynamic Schwinger effect); and a realistic three-dimensional model of a focused laser pulse, which is based on exact solution of Maxwell’s equations and contains parameters such as focal spot radius R, diffraction length L, focusing parameter Δ, pulse duration τ, and pulse shape. This model is used to calculate \({N_{{e^ + }{e^ - }}}\) for both a single laser pulse (n = 1) and several (n ≥ 2) coherent pulses with a fixed total energy that simultaneously “collide” in a laser focus. It is shown that, at n ? 1, the number of pairs increases by several orders of magnitude as compared to the case of a single pulse. The screening of a laser field by the vapors that are generated in vacuum, its “depletion,” and the limiting fields to be achieved in laser experiments are considered. The relation between pair production, the problem of a quantum frequency-variable oscillator, and the theory of groups SU(1, 1) and SU(2) is discussed. The relativistic version of the imaginary time method is used in calculations. In terms of this version, a relativistic theory of tunneling is developed and the Keldysh theory is generalized to the case of ionization of relativistic bound systems, namely, atoms and ions. The ionization rate of a hydrogen-like ion with a charge 1 ≤ Z ≤ 92 is calculated as a function of laser radiation intensity (F and ellipticity ρ.     

Development of 385-μm D2O laser for plasma diagnostics

An optically-pumped 385-μm D₂O laser has been constructed for Thomson scattering ion temperature measurements in tokamak plasma. Stable single mode and stable tunable (over ±1 GHz) operation of the pump 9R (22) TEA CO₂ laser is performed by using an intracavity ZnSe etalon which is temperature-controlled within ±0.01°C. The saturation broadening with D₂O absorption line is observed for the first time using the tunable 9R (22) CO₂ laser. The pressure broadening coefficient of the N₂O absorption line is measured to be 7.6 MHz/torr using the ±1 GHz tunable 385-μm D₂O Raman laser. At 385 μm, an output quantum efficiency as high as 21% is obtained.     

Frequency stabilization of diode laser to 1.637 μm based on the methane absorption line

The frequency of an external-cavity diode laser has been stabilized to 1.637 μm by using the reference of absorption lines of methane. The method can be applied to wavelength division multiplexed optical communication, fiber-optic sensing systems, as well as the high-sensitivity detection of methane. The derivative-like error signal yielded by frequency modulation and phase sensitivity detection technology is inputted into the PI feedback loop circuit in order to stabilize the frequency to the line center. After stabilization, the frequency fluctuation of diode laser is held within 5.6 MHz, and the root of Allan variance of error signal reaches a minimum of 1.66×10-10 for an average time of 10 s.     

Generation of 131 fs mode-locked pulses from 2.8μm Er:ZBLAN fiber laser

We demonstrated a femtosecond mode-locked Er:Zr F4-Ba F2-La F3-Al F3-Na F(Er:ZBLAN)fiber laser at 2.8μm based on the nonlinear polarization rotation technique.The laser generated an average output power of 317 m W with a repetition rate of 107 MHz and pulse duration as short as 131 fs.To the best of our knowledge,this is the shortest pulse generated directly from a mid-infrared mode-locked Er:ZBLAN fiber laser to date.Numerical simulation and experimental results confirm that reducing the gain fiber length is an effective way to shorten the mode-locked pulse duration in the Er:ZBLAN fiber laser.The work takes an important step towards sub-100-fs mid-infrared pulse generation from mode-locked Er:ZBLAN fiber lasers.