Measurements and theoretical calculations of N2-broadening and N2-shift coefficients in the ν2 band of CH3D

In this paper, we report measured Lorentz N₂-broadening and N₂-induced pressure-shift coefficients of CH₃D in the ν₂ fundamental band using a multispectrum fitting technique. These measurements were made by analyzing 11 laboratory absorption spectra recorded at 0.0056 cm⁻¹ resolution using the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer located at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, Arizona. The spectra were obtained using two absorption cells with path lengths of 10.2 and 25 cm. The total sample pressures ranged from 0.98 to 402.25 Torr with CH₃D volume mixing ratios of 0.01 in nitrogen. We have been able to determine the N₂ pressure-broadening coefficients of 368 ν₂ transitions with quantum numbers as high as J″ = 20 and K = 16, where K″ = K′ ≡ K (for a parallel band). The measured N₂-broadening coefficients range from 0.0248 to 0.0742 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at 296 K. All the measured pressure-shifts are negative. The reported N₂-induced pressure-shift coefficients vary from about −0.0003 to −0.0094 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹. We have examined the dependence of the measured broadening and shift parameters on the J″, and K quantum numbers and also developed empirical expressions to describe the broadening coefficients in terms of m (m = −J″, J″, and J″ + 1 in the ^QP-, ^QQ-, and ^QR-branch, respectively) and K. On average, the empirical expressions reproduce the measured broadening coefficients to within 4.7%. The N₂-broadening and pressure-shift coefficients were calculated on the basis of a semiclassical model of interacting linear molecules performed by considering in addition to the electrostatic contributions the atom-atom Lennard-Jones potential. The theoretical results of the broadening coefficients are in good overall agreement with the experimental data (8.7%). The N₂-pressure shifts whose vibrational contribution is derived from parameters fitted in the ^QQ-branch of self-induced shifts of CH₃D, are also in reasonable agreement with the scattered experimental data (20% in most cases).     

Laser spectroscopy of ethylene with waveguide CO2 and N2O lasers

Fifty Doppler-broadened absorption lines of ethylene have been measured within large profiles CO₂ or N₂O lase lines. These laser lines are produced by a high pressure waveguide laser and have a full width between 200 and 900 MHz. Eleven absorption lines, the more intense ones, have been assigned to the ν₇ band of C₂H₄. The other absorption lines must belong to hot bands or to the ν₇ band of H₂¹²C¹³CH₂.     

Effect of He and N2 on pulsed operation of CO2 lasers

Addition of He to a CO₂ laser quenched much the saturation effect of the pulsed output to increase its pulse width and its peak power. It was also newly found that the discharge current of a CO₂:N₂ mixture was suppressed to give rise to laser emission only during its suppressed period.     

New experimental measurements and theoretical analysis of the collision-induced absorption in N2-H2 pairs

We present new experimental data on the collision-induced fundamental absorption in N₂-H₂ mixtures at room temperature and at low enough pressures so that the binary contribution is dominant. Previous measurements have been made at pressures where the ternary and possibly higher absorption coefficients are significant, and this makes it difficult to obtain accurate values for the binary absorption enhancement coefficient. To obtain the enhancement spectrum from the measurements of the mixture, it is necessary to subtract out both the spectra of pure H₂ and N₂, along with some CO₂ impurities thus increasing the experimental uncertainty. Nevertheless, we obtain a value for the integrated intensity of 1.15×10⁻⁴ cm⁻² amagat⁻² that is in good agreement with the previous value of 1.38×10⁻⁴. We also discuss how one can scale this result to high temperatures for application to brown dwarf or methane dwarf atmospheres.     

Theoretical line widths in N2O-N2O and N2O-air collisions

Rotational half-widths have been computed at 220°K, 250°K, 280°K, and 300°K for air-broadened absorption lines of N₂O using the Anderson-Tsao-Curnutte theory. The new results are compared with previously available estimates at 300°K. Self-broadened line widths have also been computed at 300°K; good agreement has been obtained with Goody's data.     

Polarization-dependent gain and saturation energy density in a TE N2-laser amplifier

The polarization-dependent gain, g₀, and saturation energy density, E_s, in a TE N₂-laser amplifier were measured, using an oscillator-amplifier laser system for different amplifier electrode gap separations, d_AMP, of 7, 9 and 4 mm and gas pressure of p = 77, 60, and 165 Torr, respectively. It was realized that for the amplifier with the gap separation of 7 and 9 mm, where the pd_AMP-value has its optimum-value of 54 Torr cm, the gain-coefficient for the input beam with the polarization parallel to the discharge electrodes (P-polarized beam) is slightly higher than the case when the beam polarization is perpendicular to the discharge electrodes (S-polarized beam). In this case, the depolarization ratio for d_AMP = 7 mm is the range of ∼0.998 to ∼0.962 as the input voltage increases from 12 to 15.5 kV, having a minimum of 0.937 around 14 kV. For the E_s-parameter, the reversed order is true. Also, it was found that the saturation energy densities for three states of polarization are linearly related to the output energy densities, having different slopes of 0.11, 0.14, and 0.17 for R (randomly), P- and S-polarization, respectively. The present measurement supports qualitatively the prediction of polarization-inhomogeneity model for the stimulated emission cross-section, showing that randomly oriented dipoles exhibit slightly larger gain on the direction of the electric field.     

N2- and O2-broadening coefficients and profiles for millimeter lines of N2O

For the purpose of atmospheric applications, we have measured N₂- and O₂-induced broadenings and shapes of rotational lines of N₂O in the 235-350 K temperature range, precisely the J=8←7, J=22←21, and J=23←22 lines, located near 201, 552, and 577 GHz, respectively. The analysis of experimental lineshapes shows up significant deviations from the Voigt profile, which are characteristic of line narrowing processes. In a first step, the Voigt profile was considered for the determination of pressure broadening parameters and of their temperature dependencies. Results are in good agreement with the dependence from rotational quantum number previously observed for other rotational and rovibrational lines. They are well explained by calculations based on a semiclassical formalism that includes the atom-atom Lennard-Jones potential in addition to electrostatic interactions up to hexadecapolar contributions. In a second step, observed lineshapes were analyzed by using the Galatry profile and a speed-dependent Voigt profile. The nonlinear pressure behavior observed for the diffusion rate β involved in the Galatry profile leads to rule out the possible role of velocity/speed changing collisions, and to infer that discrepancies from the Voigt profile result from the dependence of relaxation rates on molecular speeds. This interpretation is supported by the comparison of optical and kinetic radii and confirmed by theoretical calculations of relaxation rates. Finally, it can be claimed that, for the N₂O-N₂ and N₂O-O₂ systems, deviations from the Voigt profile are explained by a speed-dependent Voigt profile.     

Diffusion of excited state molecules in FIR- and CO2-lasers

Both standing waves in laser oscillators and spatially inhomogenous cross sections of laser beam and pumprate cause a non-uniform distribution of excited state molecules in longitudinal and transversal direction, respectively. This spatial hole burning however is smoothed by diffusion of the excited molecules. The effect of diffusion is investigated theoretically for an optically pumped far infrared laser as well as the corresponding CO₂ pump laser. It is found, that the remaining spatial hole burning in the direction of wave propagation is negligible within CO₂ lasers but not within FIR lasers. Concerning the transversal direction it can be shown that in the FIR laser diffusion takes no effect, whereas the transversal distribution of the excited molecules in the CO₂ laser is significantly influenced by diffusion.FIR ring lasers avoid longitudinal spatial hole burning, which leads to the common assumption that they use the active medium more efficient than conventional standing wave lasers, hence delivering higher output powers. This expected advantage is levelled out to a great extent by diffusion.     

Optical pumping by CO2 and N2O lasers: New cw FIR emissions in vinyl cyanide

A systematical study of optical pumping by CO₂ and N₂O lasers using a FIR metallic waveguide has been undertaken in vinyl cyanide. 97 new FIR laser lines are reported in the wavelength range 400 m–1,5 mm.Unité associée au CNRS (UA 836).     

A theoretical study of the vertical ionization potentials of HNO,FNO, O3, CF2 and N2H2

The vertical ionization potentials of HNO, FNO, O₃, CF₂ and N₂H₂ have been calculated using Rayleigh—Schrodinger Perturbation Theory     

High-Resolution IR Spectroscopy of the N2O-H2O and N2O-D2O van der Waals Complexes

We report high-resolution infrared vibrational-rotational spectra of the weakly bound complexes N₂O-H₂O and N₂O-D₂O in the higher frequency N₂O stretching mode region (ν₃=2223.756693(124) cm⁻¹). The measurements were carried out using a free jet expansion in combination with a lead salt diode laser spectrometer. Rotational constants, quartic centrifugal distortion constants, and band origins have been derived for both isotopomers. The geometrical structure is determined using isotopic substitution. The deduced structure shows evidence for a second hydrogen bond interaction within the complex. The nonrigidity of the complexes gives rise to an internal rotation of the water molecule around its own C_2v symmetry axis. For N₂O-H₂O, a tunneling splitting arising from this internal motion has been observed in the spectra. According to symmetry considerations, the observed splitting in the spectrum of N₂O-H₂O corresponds to the difference between the tunneling frequencies in the ground and vibrationally excited states.     

Absorption saturation and gain in pulsed CH3F lasers

A time dependent, rate equation model is proposed to describe the main features of pump absorption and gain in pulsed CH₃F lasers. The agreement with recent absorption and output power measurements indicates that the concepts derived from this theory are relevant to the design of more efficient pulsed FIR sources.     

Sound propagation in the two dimensional magnetic system K2NiF4

We have measured the classic constants C₁₁, C₃₃, C₅₅ and C₆₆ in K₂NiF₄ as a function of temperature between 4.2 and 200 K. A small velocity and attenuation anomaly was observed in the C₁₁ mode at T_N = 97.2 K.     

A model describing the single and multiple line spectra of tunable microcrystal lasers

A theoretical model is derived by which the occurrence of the single and multiple emission line spectra of tunable microcrystal lasers is described. These spectra in general exhibit several emission lines, arising from the Stark-split atomic levels of the lasing ions in the crystal field. The model is based on the shift of the resonator frequencies due to the thermally induced shift of the optical resonator length and demonstrates that the coincidence of the resonator frequencies with the laser gain lines leads to the emission of single or multiple line spectra of microcrystal lasers. These spectra can be described by the model. The model is given as a set of criteria. In this way not only can predictions of the single emission-line tuning range be made but also resonator lengths can be optimized in order to obtain a maximum tuning range. Furthermore, Q-switched operation can be achieved for specific parameters by periodically shifting the resonator frequencies. The linewidth of the gain used in this model depends on the laser threshold and is folded with the thermal shift of the atomic transitions. Therefore the centre wavelength of the gain is assumed to be constant. The advantage is that this experimentally relevant linewidth can be measured easily with microcrystal lasers themselves, whereas spectroscopic data do not take laser threshold behaviour into account. It is shown that the results of the model are in good agreement with experimental data measured for two different Nd: YAG crystals. Simply by inserting other material and laser parameters, the model can easily be applied to other laser crystals and other wavelengths.     

Magnetic excitations in the two dimensional planar antiferromagnets K2FeF4 and Rb2FeF4

The magnetic excitation spectrum of K₂FeF₄ and Rb₂FeF₄, two K₂NiF₄-structure planar antiferromagnets with rather large anisotropy and spins perpendicular to the c-axis, has been measured by Raman and FIR-spectroscopy. One of the two predicted one-magnon transitions and the two-magnon mode have been observed in K₂FeF₄ (Rb₂FeF₄) at 48.5 cm^-1 (37.6 cm^-1) and 182.0 cm^-1 (160.5 cm^-1) respectively. The magnetic field and temperature dependence of the spectra are reported too. The data are discussed on the basis of an easy plane spin model Hamiltonian. In K₂FeF₄: Mn²⁺ a low lying magnetic impurity mode is observed at 40.5 cm^-1.     

Positronium yields in gaseous N2 and N2Ne mixtures at 77 K

The positronium yield in pure N₂ and in N₂Ne mixtures at 77 K for N₂ densities in the range 0.9–3.7 amagat is measured to be 73% greater than that recently reported for the same densities of pure N₂ at 297 K.     

A comparative study of the physical properties of Sb2S3 thin films treated with N2 AC plasma and thermal annealing in N2

As-deposited antimony sulfide thin films prepared by chemical bath deposition were treated with nitrogen AC plasma and thermal annealing in nitrogen atmosphere. The as-deposited, plasma treated, and thermally annealed antimony sulfide thin films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrical measurements. The results have shown that post-deposition treatments modify the crystalline structure, the morphology, and the optoelectronic properties of Sb₂S₃ thin films. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the crystallinity of the films was improved in both cases. Atomic force microscopy studies showed that the change in the film morphology depends on the post-deposition treatment used. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) analysis revealed the plasma etching on the surface of the film, this fact was corroborated by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The optical band gap of the films (E_g) decreased after post-deposition treatments (from 2.36 to 1.75 eV) due to the improvement in the grain sizes. The electrical resistivity of the Sb₂S₃ thin films decreased from 10⁸ to 10⁶ Ω-cm after plasma treatments.     

A diffusion model for describing the bilayer growth (FeB/Fe2B) during the iron powder-pack boriding

In this paper, a diffusion model is proposed for studying the bilayer growth kinetics (FeB/Fe₂B) on pure iron substrate during the powder-pack boriding in the temperature range of 1023-1273 K.This model based on Fick's laws was solved, under certain assumptions, considering a parabolic growth of iron borides.For this purpose, a computer simulation program was created for predicting the boride layer thickness as a function of process parameters (temperature, time and surface boron content). A fairly good agreement was observed between the simulation calculations and experimental data derived from the literature.     

A new design for rf-excited CO2 lasers

In this paper a new four-pole electrode design for radiofrequency excited CO₂ lasers is described. Here, the two functions of the discharge tube, rf-excitation and dischare cooling can be optimized separataly. With a symmetric rf excitation technique electromagnstic interference is also minimized. A prototype laser with 50 cm cavity length produced about 2.5 W laser output power at 5% efficiency.