Observation of nonequilibrium radiation behind strong shock waves in low-density air

Nonequilibrium radiation phenomena behind strong shock waves in low-density air are observed by using a couple of CCD camera systems in a shock tube experiment. The simultaneous observation for total radiation and its spectral radiation is carried out in order to elucidate spaced-ependent contribution of an individual radiation spectrum to the total radiation intensity. The results are shown for the shock velocity range from 9.0 km/s to 12.1 km/s at the initial pressure 13.3 Pa. Wavelength range is selected from 300 nm to 445 nm to investigate mainly the contributions from UV radiation. It is found that the band spectra due to the molecular species N₂⁺ and CN mainly contribute to the first-peak, while the spectra due to the atomic species O⁺ and N mainly contribute to the formation of the second-peak. It is also found that the Balmer series in H spectra strongly contributes to the second-peak. The radiation along the tube wall surfaces is composed of the same constituents as those around the tube axis as well as the spectra coming from the impurities.     

Experimental investigation of variability of ultraviolet fluxes at the earth's surface

Some results of two years of regular measurements of UV radiation at the earth's surface in Siberia (56.5^o N, 85^o E) are given. It is shown that the presence of snow cover increases the UV irradiation of the earth by scattered radiation by 9–15%. In cloudless but windy weather, quasi-periodic fluctuations of UV irradiation with periods of 5–15 min and with fluctuation swings of 1–10% are observed. Low-level, heavy cloudiness in summer considerably reduces (by an average of 30–35%) UV irradiation, especially when the sun is low (down to 30^o). Mid-and upper-level clouds increase the UV irradiation of the earth by scattered radiation. When the sun is high (30–50^o) and there is heavy cloudiness, this increase can reach 28% in the UV-A spectral range. Tomsk State University. Academician V. D. Kuznetsov Siberian Physics and Technology Institute, Tomsk State University. Institute of Optical Monitoring, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 9, pp. 71–74, September, 1998.     

Problems in searching for new solid-state UV-and VUV-active media: The role of photodynamic processes

The impact of photodynamic processes induced by pump radiation in crystals doped with rare-earth (RE) ions on the possibility of generating stimulated radiation in the UV and VUV spectral ranges is analyzed. It is shown that, in addition to objective factors, one of the main causes preventing the lasing effect from being obtained using the interconfigurational 4?^n?15d-4? ⁿ transitions of RE ions is insufficient consideration of the photodynamic processes involved in experiments. It is proposed to correct laser test techniques and “pumpprobe” experiments aimed at investigating active media appropriate for lasing in the UV and VUV ranges. Extended criteria oriented to search for new solid-state UV and VUV active media are formulated.     

4H-SiC-based photodetector of Carcinogenic UV radiation

Carcinogenic (bactericidal) radiation (200–300 nm with a peak at 254 nm) is present in natural (Sun) and artificial (lamps) source of UV radiation. Its intensity is very low as compared to other types of radiation, but it strongly affects the health of human beings. To prevent oncological diseases, it is important to monitor the carcinogenic radiation level; i.e., selective photodetectors are required. A UV photodetector based on n-4H-SiC Schottly barriers and the p ⁺-n junction is proposed. The quantum efficiency spectrum of such detectors is very close to the spectrum of relative action of carcinogenic radiation on human beings. The quantum efficiency (at the spectral peak (254 nm) amounts to about 0.3 electrons/photon for virtually zero sensitivity in other spectral regions. Quantum efficiency in the wavelength range 247–254 nm is practically independent of temperature in the range from ?100 to +100°C.     

Spectroscopic diagnostics of the laser erosion plasma of an AgGaS<Subscript>2</Subscript> polycrystalline target

Results are presented from experimental studies of the radiation emitted from a plasma produced in vacuum after irradiating a polycrystalline target by 1.06-μm laser radiation with an intensity of (3–5)×10⁸ W/cm². Plasma radiation from regions located at distances of 1 and 7 mm from the target is analyzed. It is shown that the main contribution to the plasma radiation in the 220–600 nm spectral range is made by transitions from the excited states of single-charged Ag⁺ and S⁺ ions. The atomic component of plasma radiation is represented by intense spectral lines corresponding to transitions from the Rydberg states of Ag and Ga atoms, whereas no resonance lines of these atoms are observed.     

Emission of organic dyes in the case of nonlinear absorption upon excitation by the XeCl* laser

Spectral luminescent properties of eight organic dyes are studied upon excitation by focused radiation from the XeCl* laser at the pump power up to 200 MW/cm². The transmission of pump radiation by dyes is investigated as a function of the pump power. It is shown that variations in the energy, spectral, and temporal parameters of radiation of organic dyes upon high-power excitation are explained by the development of superluminescence (amplified spontaneous emission).     

Radiative characteristics of nitrogen upon excitation by volume discharge initiated by runaway electron beam

The amplitude, time, spectral, and energetic characteristics of a volume (diffuse) discharge at an elevated pressure (up to 5 atm) in a gap with an inhomogeneous electric field without an additional preionization source are studied. The concentration and temperature of electrons in the discharge plasma are mea-sured by spectral methods. The effective lifetime of the C ³Π _u state of the nitrogen molecule at the trailing edge of the radiation pulse is shown to be determined by radiative and collisional quenchings. For transitions of the second positive system of nitrogen, a plasma discharge radiation power into the complete solid angle is obtained to be ～120 kW, with a specific radiation power of up to ～50 kW/cm³.     

Spectroradiometer for Monitoring Near-Earth Ultraviolet Solar Radiation

An automated spectroradiometer for monitoring levels and doses of biologically active UV radiation has been developed. An original design of a double grating zero-dispersion monochromator is proposed. The main characteristics of the design have been tested and it has been shown that as to its parameters the spectroradiometer complies with the recommendations of the World Meteorological Organization for network meters of natural UV radiation. The results of monitoring the spectral distribution and daily doses of the solar UV radiation at the Minsk Ozone Station are presented, and the estimated values of their seasonal variations have been determined.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 2, pp. 264–270, March–April, 2005.     

On the effect of ultraviolet radiation on water vapor absorption of submillimeter waves

The submillimeter absorption spectra of pure water vapor and a water vapor + dry air mixture are experimentally studied under the conditions of illumination of the gas sample by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The measurements were carried out by a vacuum echelette spectrometer in the wave number range 21.5–56 cm⁻¹ with spectral resolution 0.4–0.9 cm⁻¹, using a DRT-375 mercury-vapor discharge lamp as the source of UV radiation. In contrast to the results of similar experiments performed by other researchers, the data presented here demonstrate the absence of a noticeable effect of the UV radiation on the absorption spectra of the gas samples used. Radiophysical Research Institute, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Radiofizika, Vol. 41, No. 5, pp. 581–587, May, 1998.     

Emission characteristics of a barrier discharge in an Ar-H2O mixture

We have experimentally studied the UV radiation of a low-temperature barrier discharge plasma in an Ar-H₂O mixture. The spectral interval 300–400 nm has been examined in detail. Addition of argon with a pressure of 24 kPa to a barrier discharge in water vapor at a pressure of ～0.1 kPa leads to a ninefold increase in the UV radiation power of excited hydroxyl molecules. An increase in the duration of the UV radiation pulse of the mixture in the longitudinal discharge decay has been achieved for the first time, which may be direct evidence of energy transfer from metastable argon atoms to water molecules. An estimate of the upper boundary of the dissociative excitation rate constant of hydroxyl molecules OH*(A ²Σ⁺) upon interaction of metastable argon atoms with water molecules has been obtained.     

Emission characteristics of a high-power glow discharge plasma in a mixture of inert gases with bromine and iodine vapor

The results of an investigation of the UV radiation from the plasma of a dc glow discharge in mixtures of inert gases with bromine and iodine molecules are presented. The current-voltage and spectral characteristics of a longitudinal glow discharge with a power of 10–250 W are studied. The power and the efficiency of the total UV radiation of the plasma, as well as the power of radiation at the spectral line of the iodine atom at 206.2 nm, are optimized as functions of the power deposited into the plasma and the composition of the gas mixture. In active media based on Kr-Br₂ mixtures, the molecular emission of the plasma was represented by bands at 207 (KrBr(B-X)) and 289 nm (Br ₂ ^* ), while, in He-Xe-I₂ mixtures, it was represented by bands at 253 (XeI(B-X)) and 342 nm (I₂).     

Ultraviolet gas-discharge lamp on iodine molecules

The emission characteristics of a pulsed-periodic UV radiation source are reported. The source excited by a pulsed-periodic capacitive discharge initiated in helium-iodine vapor, neon-iodine vapor, or krypton-iodine vapor mixtures radiates in the spectral range 200–450 nm. It is shown that most of the plasma radiation power concentrates in the integral line of the iodine atom (206.2 nm) and in the D′-A′ band of the iodine molecule with a maximum at 342 nm. The radiation intensity of the lamp is optimized in accordance with the partial pressure of the inert gases. The discharge plasma parameters that are of interest for simulating the process kinetics and the output characteristics of an UV source based on molecular iodine, atomic iodine, and xenon iodide are calculated in helium-iodine vapor and xenon-iodine vapor mixtures.     

Investigation of luminescence processes in YAG single crystals irradiated by 50 MeV electron beam

Absorption, emission and excitation spectra of 50 MeV electron beam irradiated and as-grown YAG single crystals were studied and compared in the 10–300 K temperature range using time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy under UV/VUV/XUV excitation by synchrotron radiation and cathodoluminescence. The emission spectra consist of intrinsic (excitonic) and defect related non-elementary bands in the VIS/UV range. It is shown that fast electrons create stable F and F⁺ color centers with characteristic emission and absorption bands in the visible/UV range. Induced absorption caused from these defects starts at 4.2 eV. Energy transfer from host to color centers is not an efficient process.     

Luminescence of Structures Formed in Aqueous Alcohol Solutions of Anthraquinone

The spectral and time characteristics of the spatial-temporal structures luminescing when exposed to UV radiation in aqueous alcohol solutions of anthraquinone are investigated experimentally depending on the volume content of alcohol in a mixture. It is shown that the microheterogeneous structure of aqueous alcohol solutions considerably influences the behavior of the dissipative structures formed.     

Electric-discharge UV radiation source based on a Xe-CsCl vapor-gas mixture

A source of spontaneous UV radiation (excilamp) with a maximum radiation intensity at a wavelength of 308 nm is created. The active medium of the excilamp consists of a mixture of Xe with a CsCl vapor, and this mixture is excited in a longitudinal pulsed-periodic discharge. The B → X transition in the XeCl* exciplex molecule most strongly contributes to the total UV radiation power of the excilamp. The spectral composition of the UV radiation, the time characteristics of the source, and the formation of exciplex molecules as a function of the main discharge excitation parameters are studied.     

Multiphoton fragmentation and ionization of CF2HCl molecules and clusters by UV radiation

The results of experimental studies of multiphoton ionization of CF₂HCl molecules and clusters by UV laser radiation in the wavelength range 217–236 nm are reported. In the case of molecules, the main reaction products are CF₂H⁺ and CF⁺ ions as well as atomic chlorine. It is found that the spectra of the products of ionization of free molecules and molecules condensed into clusters differ qualitatively: multiphoton ionization of clusters does not yield CF₂H⁺ ions. The dependences of the ion yield on the intensity of laser radiation and its wavelength are measured. The effect of a constant electric field and the radiation spectral width on the multiphoton ionization process is demonstrated. The shape of the velocity distributions is determined for a number of products. A strong anisotropy is detected in the reaction of formation of CF₂H⁺ ions. Possible mechanisms for these processes are discussed.     

Laser fabrication of periodic microstructures from silver nanoparticles in polymer films

The fabrication of photoand thermostable periodic structures from silver nanoparticles in polymer plates (cross-linked oligourethanemethacrylate impregnated with silver precursors Ag(hfac) and Ag(fod) dissolved in the supercritical carbon dioxide) is studied. The process is based on the local (depending on the irradiated spot size) photochemical decomposition of the silver precursors in the polymer matrix that initiates the atomic aggregation and creation of silver nanoparticles with the plasmon resonance in absorption in the spectral range 420–430 nm. The third-harmonic radiation of a Nd:YAG laser (355 nm) and the Kr⁺-laser (521 nm) radiation are employed for the recording of periodic structures with submillimeter and micron resolutions. The photosensitivity of the polymer matrices impregnated with the silver precursors to the UV and visible radiation is discussed.     

Indicatrices of the Radiation Intensity of Laser Plasma Formations in the Air

We have investigated the indicatrices of the visible and IR radiation of laser plasma formed under irradiation of cadmium, indium, and silicon in the air by radiation from a monopulsed neodymium laser with a power density at the irradiation spot of up to 12 GW/cm² on the first harmonic and up to 4 GW/cm² on the second harmonic. It is shown that the radiant intensity indicatrices have a prolate form depending on the target material, the spectral range of observation, and the power density of the acting laser radiation. The radiant intensity of laser plasma in the 0.3–4.2 m range is approximately proportional to the laser radiation power density and depends on the target material.     

Optical limitation of Mid-IR radiation in vanadium dioxide films

Theoretical and experimental results on the limitation of pulsed radiation in the spectral range 3.8–10.6 μm in vanadium dioxide films are presented. The effect of the film structure on the shape of the temperature hysteresis loop is studied. The film thickness and the structure of an interferometer with a vanadium dioxide film are optimized to improve the radiation limitation efficiency. The spatial dynamics of vanadium film switching under the action of a radiation pulse is investigated. It is shown experimentally that the radiation attenuation coefficient under the limitation conditions can be as high as 10⁴ or more.     

Parametric transformation and spectral shaping of supercontinuum by high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses

The cascaded nonlinear-optical transformation of high-power ultrashort light pulses in an ionizing gas medium involving supercontinuum generation, followed by a frequency conversion of this radiation in the field of femtosecond laser pulses with an intensity of 10¹⁴–10¹⁵ W/cm² has been demonstrated. Parametric four-wave mixing is shown to allow a highly efficient spectral transformation and shaping of supercontinuum radiation. The maximum efficiency of a parametric frequency conversion of femtosecond laser pulses in an ionizing gas medium achieved under the conditions of our experiments is estimated as 1%.