Experimental implementation of ultrashort laser pulses in the von Neumann picture

The characterization and interpretation of ultrashort laser pulses is most intuitive in the joint time–frequency domain, where structures like multiple pulses become immediately apparent. For practical reasons, ultrafast femtosecond laser pulse shaping, however, is commonly carried out in the frequency domain. Here we implement pulse shaping of optical fields defined in the von Neumann representation, which is a joint time–frequency distribution with complex-valued Gaussian basis functions. We discuss the feasibility as well as the principal limitations of this technique, show illustrative examples, and propose possible applications in coherent control.     

Study of laser fragmentation process of silver nanoparticles in aqueous media

Laser fragmentation of Ag nanoparticles in Ag hydrosol was studied by simultaneous measurements of the transmitted fluence of the incident laser beam and the time evolution of the surface plasmon extinction (SPE) spectra. The experiments showed that the laser fragmentation in a small volume of hydrosol proceeds during first 20 pulses and then reaches saturation. The value of the transmitted fluence corresponding to saturation increases with incident pulse fluence, but the impact of the first pulse applied to the hydrosols shows an optical limitation. Fluences above 303 mJ/cm² cause the formation of less stable, aggregating nanoparticles, while fluences below 90 mJ/cm² do not provide sufficient energy for efficient fragmentation. The interval of fluences between 90–303 mJ/cm² is optimal for fragmentation, since stable hydrosols constituted by small, non-aggregated nanoparticles are formed.     

Writing of internal gratings in optical glass with a femtosecond laser

The writing of an internal diffraction grating in optical glass plate is demonstrated using low-density plasma formation excited by a high-intensity femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser. The same diffraction efficiency at ±1,±2, and 0 order is achieved by multiple layers writing. The dependences of diffractive efficiency on the irradiated energy, the speed of writing, the numerical aperture (NA) of the focusing objective, and materials are investigated in detail. The grating is birefringent. It is attributed to residual stress interaction between glass and femtosecond laser pulse.     

Optical properties of phosphate glasses co-doped with Yb~（3＋） and silver nanoparticles

We report the fabrication and spectroscopic characterization of Yb^3＋-doped phosphate glass, also containing silver nitrate. Scanning electron microscopy（SEM） provides the evidence of the formation of silver nano-particles（SNPs）, which are formed as a consequence of melting and thermal decomposition of Ag NO3. Absorption spectra of the samples in the visible-to-near-infrared spectral range reveal the presence of bands centered at 410 nm associated with the SNP-plasmon resonance, and at 976 nm due to the Yb^3＋. Under 916-nm laser-diode pumping, the effect of the SNP reflects that： i） the fluorescence in the 950-nm–1150-nm spectral range is strongly enhanced（～ 30 times）, while the fluorescence decay time associated with the ^2F5/2→^2F7/2transition of Yb^3＋ increases 25%, and ii） the basic lasing properties（saturation pumping intensity, the emission and absorption cross sections） are substantially improved.     

Analysis of the nonlinear absorption mechanisms in ablation of transparent materials by high-intensity and ultrashort laser pulses

The mechanisms of nonlinear absorption in transparent materials under irradiation with ultrashort laser pulses are considered theoretically. Nitride semiconductor, sapphire and others transparent dielectrics were investigated. The ablation threshold for these materials is within multi-TW/cm² range. The model was used based on the tunneling absorption under the irradiation by high-intensity ultrashort pulses in terms of the theory of ionization of solid in a field of strong electromagnetic wave. The effect of the energy gap of material on the threshold of laser ablation was adequately explained.     

Generation of near transform-limited ultrashort laser pulses in kilohertz chirped-pulse amplification system by compensating high order phase distortions

The effects of gain narrowing and high order dispersions on the pulse duration in our kilohertz chirped-pulse amplification system have been compensated experimentally. Using an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter (AOPDF), the spectral full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) is expanded from 30 to 50 nm. Stable laser pulses with the duration of 30 fs (FWHM), which is 1.07 times Fourier-transform-limitation, have been acquired by pre-compensating the high order phase distortions using the phase measured by spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER).     

Ultrafast laser based “green” synthesis of non-toxic nanoparticles in aqueous solutions

Inorganic nanoparticles offer novel promising properties for biological sensing and imaging, as well as in therapeutics. However, these applications are often complicated by the possible toxicity of conventional nanomaterials, arising as a result of inadequate purification procedures of nanoparticles obtained via synthetic pathways using toxic or non-biocompatible substances. We review novel femtosecond laser-assisted methods, which enable the preparation of metal nanomaterials in clean, biologically friendly aqueous environment (“green” synthesis) and thus completely solve the toxicity problem. The proposed methods, including laser ablation and fragmentation, make possible the production of stable metal colloids of extremely small size (∼2 nm) with a low coefficient of variation (15–25%). Those nanoparticles exhibit unique surface chemistry and can be used for bio-imaging, cancer treatment and nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.     

Frequency shifting of sub-100 fs laser pulses by stimulated Raman scattering in a capillary filled with pressurized gas

The technique of Raman conversion of sub-100 fs laser pulses based on excitation of active medium by two orthogonally polarized pulses has been developed for Raman lasers with a glass capillary. 52 fs Stokes pulse at the wavelength of 1200 nm has been generated by stimulated Raman scattering of 48 fs Ti:sapphire laser pulse at the wavelength of 800 nm in hydrogen. 13% energy conversion efficiency has been achieved at pulse repetition rate up to 2 kHz.     

Influence of silver on the Sm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> luminescence in “Aerosil” silica glasses

The introduction of silver into the samarium-containing silica glasses prepared by the original solgel method leads to the formation of complex optical centers involving samarium ions and simple and/or complex silver ions. These centers are characterized by the effective sensitization of Sm³⁺ luminescence by Ag⁺, (Ag₂)⁺, and (Ag⁺)₂ ions according to the exchange mechanism for, at least, Sm³⁺-Ag⁺ centers. The formation of Sm-Ag centers is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of nonbridging oxygen ions, which prevent the reduction of silver ions by hydrogen. Silver nanoparticles formed in small amounts upon this reduction are effective quenchers of luminescence from the corresponding excited states of Sm³⁺ ions.     

Numerical modeling of laser–matter interaction in the region of “low” laser parameters

The interaction of laser radiation with matter leads to the certain kinds of modelling of its surface or volume. These effects have been demonstrated for a lot of materials, even causing the formation of new scientific and industrial domain, which is undoubtedly laser material processing and as well as laser cleaning of artworks. Those applications lie in the so-called “low' region of laser energy densities, represented for short laser pulses by power densities below 10⁹ W/cm². Paper presents set of equations describing in one-dimensional (1D) model phenomena accompanying to laser–matter interaction. Target geometry includes two and four layers of different materials, irradiated by ns laser pulses. Effects of radiation absorption and transport, heat conductivity, target transit to plastic state, melting and evaporation are taken into consideration. The part of the paper is devoted to the discussion of numerical results, selected in such a way to illustrate the phenomenon of radiation interaction with materials as well as to show, in whole, possibilities of computer simulation methods.     

Theoretical treatments of ultrashort pulse laser processing of transparent materials: toward understanding the volume nanograting formation and “quill” writing effect

The dynamics of ultrashort-laser-induced generation of free electron plasma inside bulk glass is analyzed. The results of modeling are presented for typical glass modification regimes, obtained on the basis of Maxwell’s equations supplemented with the equations describing electron plasma formation and the laser-induced electric current. The model has been demonstrated to allow revealing important features of laser beam propagation in the regimes of dense electron plasma generation such as strong scattering up to complete displacing of light from the plasma region followed by beam refocusing. The geometry of the laser energy absorption zone is determined, and the glass temperature is mapped which may be foreseen at the end of electron–glass matrix relaxation. This, in turn, allows estimating the laser-induced stress levels and making conclusions on the routes of glass modification. Finally, based on the modeling results, the plausible mechanisms are discussed which may be responsible for the formation of volume nanogratings in a number of transparent solids under the action ultrashort laser pulses and laser direct writing anisotropy observed for laser pulses with a tilted front.     

Evolution of dislocation density in a hot rolled Zr–2.5Nb alloy with plastic deformation studied by neutron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

The evolution of dislocation density and microstructure of a hot rolled Zr–2.5Nb alloy under compressive plastic strain, at room temperature, was analysed using neutron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dislocation densities of type 〈a〉, 〈c + a〉 and 〈c〉 dislocations at different plastic strains in the elastic–plastic transition regime and plastic regime have been measured by diffraction line profile analysis (DLPA). TEM microstructure characterization revealed the operation of different slip systems. It has been found that slip of type 〈a〉 dislocations contributed to most of the plastic strain at the early stage of deformation, and strong pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip did not occur until the deformation was fully plastic. Unambiguous evidence of basal slip occurring at room temperature in Zr is provided. Loading along a plate direction with more basal poles favoured the operation of basal and pyramidal slip. Dislocation features including relative edge:screw character of 〈c + a〉 dislocations are shown to be different under tension and compression loading, providing a mechanistic driver for the previously observed asymmetry in critical resolved shear stress for 〈c + a〉 slip.     

Raman scattering excited with 532 nm laser in bisphenol “AF” and its connection with bisphenol “A” and “S”

Bisphenol “AF,” a chemically similar replacement substitute for Bisphenol “A” which is a widespread environmental hormone, is studied by Raman spectroscopy (250–3500?cm^–1). Experimentally observed scattering peaks are illuminated by Density Functional Theory calculations. Principal component analysis is executed on the experimental Raman spectra of Bisphenol “AF” together with spectra of Bisphenol “A” and “S” reported earlier. Eight correlating molecular frequencies of Bisphenol “AF,” “A,” and “S” are found in contrast to 12 such frequencies of Bisphenol “A” and “S” only. The refined list of correlating frequencies manifests the existence of correlation in bisphenol family and clue toward their grouping, identification, detection, and screening together with mechanism responsible for toxicity.     

Study of the potential energy of “octupole”-deformed nuclei in a multidimensional deformation space

The collective potential energy of even-even “octupule”-deformed nuclei is studied in a multidimensional deformation space in both radium and barium regions. This energy is calculated by the macroscopic-microscopic method, with the Yukawa-plus-exponential model taken for the macroscopic part and the Strutinski shell correction (based on the Woods-Saxon single-particle potential) used for the microscopic part of the energy. The deformations β_λ of all multipolarity degrees: λ = 2, 3, …, 7 (or even 8) are treated as independent variables. The multipolarities: λ = 5, 6 and 7, usually omitted or treated in an average way up to now, are found to be important for the properties of the nuclei.     

Acceleration of ions by “slow” intense laser light in low-density targets

The mechanism of synchronized acceleration of ions by slow intense laser light is studied in application to available low-density targets of a new generation, which open prospects for experimental detection of a new effect of acceleration of protons.     

Effect of the “inversion” of a scattering medium in layers of close-packed titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The features of the behavior of the diffuse transmission of layers of close-packed titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges with an increase in the volume fraction f of the particles in a layer have been analyzed. It has been found that an increase in f for layers of small particles (about 25 nm) with a relatively low volume fraction (0.20–0.25) is accompanied by the expected decrease in diffuse transmission. At the same time, an increase in f for layers of large particles (about 100 nm) with a volume fraction of 0.45–0.50 results in a strong increase in transmission. The described phenomenon has been interpreted in terms of the concepts of inverse scattering systems, where the main scattering centers are air nanocavities in a TiO₂ matrix rather than TiO₂ particles in an air matrix.     

High-temperature magnetization of nanoparticles in “static” and gamma-resonance measurements in a weak magnetic field

An alternative approach to describing the magnetic dynamics of an ensemble of nanoparticles in a magnetic field is proposed, in which the precession orbits of uniform magnetization are regarded as the stochastic states of each particle. Using this approach, one can describe the nonconventional features of the high-temperature magnetization of nanoparticles that are observed in low-frequency magnetization measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy.     

A “comb” structure measurement of a micrometer displacement in laser plasma propulsion

A “comb” structure of beam intensity distribution is achieved to measure target displacements at the micrometer level in laser plasma propulsion experiments. Compared with single-beam and double-beam detection, the “comb” structure is more suitable for a thin film targets with a velocity lower than 10^?2 m/s. Combined with a light-electric monitor, the “comb” structure can be used to measure a velocity range from 10^?3 to 1 m/s. Using this “comb” structure, the coupling coefficient of aluminum ablated by nanosecond pulse laser in air is determined and compared. The results indicate that this “comb” structure is an effective experimental approach.