New nonlinear laser techniques for studies of negative ions on and off an ion storage ring

New nonlinear laser methods, based on sequential double photoionization, have recently been introduced to the study of structural and dynamic properties of atomic negative ions; the techniques developed can lead to new experimental approaches aimed at fundamental problems in atomic physics. We briefly describe the recent developments related to the investigations of dynamic properties of autoionizing negative ions, nonlinear photoabsorption in the continuum, and the dynamics of the three-body system in the Wannier-ridge region. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The influence of polarization and filtration of beams on the ED spectrometers sensitivity

The topic under discussion is the influence of X‐ray polarization and filtration, as well as the influence of detectors count rate on sensitivity and detection limits (DLs) in spectrometers with energy dispersion (EDS). Parameters calculation technique for searching optimal analysis conditions has been developed. Typical DLs of elements with medium and high atomic numbers on various spectrometers are given (on wave dispersive spectrometers (WDS), energy dispersive spectrometers (EDS) without polarization and energy‐dispersive polarized‐beam X‐ray spectrometers (EDPXRS). Apparently, EDS variants are preferred for determining elements with Z > 62–65, and EDPXRS spectrometers with concave targets and increased aperture are preferred for determining elements with medium atomic numbers.     

Effect of fluence and ambient environment on the surface and structural modification of femtosecond laser irradiated Ti

Under certain conditions, ultrafast pulsed laser interaction with matter leads to the formation of self-organized conical as well as periodic surface structures(commonly reffered to as, laser induced periodic surface structures, LIPSS). The purpose of the present investigations is to explore the effect of fsec laser fluence and ambient environments(Vacuum O_2) on the formation of LIPSS and conical structures on the Ti surface. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope(SEM). The ablation threshold with single and multiple(N = 100) shots and the existence of an incubation effect was demonstrated by SEM investigations for both the vacuum and the O_2 environment. The phase analysis and chemical composition of the exposed targets were performed by x-ray diffraction(XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDS), respectively. SEM investigations reveal the formation of LIPSS(nano micro). FFT d-spacing calculations illustrate the dependence of periodicity on the fluence and ambient environment. The periodicity of nano-scale LIPSS is higher in the case of irradiation under vacuum conditions as compared to O_2. Furthermore, the O2 environment reduces the ablation threshold. XRD data reveal that for the O_2 environment, new phases(oxides of Ti) are formed. EDS analysis exhibits that after irradiation under vacuum conditions, the percentage of impurity element(Al) is reduced. The irradiation in the O_2 environment results in 15% atomic diffusion of oxygen.     

Recent applications of nuclear orientation to solid state physics

This paper reviews how certain problems in solid state physics have been clarified by low temperature nuclear orientation and nuclear magnetic resonance of oriented nuclei. The advantages of these techniques are discussed; a brief survey of recent progress in traditional applications is given; new developments are discussed, and, finally, future trends are suggested.     

现代仪器在泌尿系结石元素分析中的运用

对泌尿系结石所含元素进行准确的分析可为治疗尿石症和预防其复发提供重要的参考,文章综述了现代仪器分析技术在泌尿系结石元素分析中的运用及其研究进展,这些技术包括：X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、质子激发X射线发射光谱(PIXE)、能量分散X射线分析(EDX)、电子束探针微区分析(EPMA)、原子发射光谱(AES)、原子吸收光谱(AAS)、电感耦合高频等离子体发射光谱(ICP)、X射线荧光光谱(XRF)及离子选择性电极等。     

在线测量低能离子束电荷态和能量的新型探测器

基于加速器装置的离子与物质相互作用过程研究,在原子物理、材料、生物等诸多领域具有重要的科学意义和应用价值。本工作设计并研发了一种新型磁谱仪离子探测器,主要由高稳定性偏转磁铁、大面积位置灵敏探测器、空间匹配的散射腔室构成,可以准确在线测量不同离子的电荷态分布以及对应的能谱信息。基于HIRFL加速器装置,完成了该探测器装置的在线标定工作,获得了探测器位置信号与离子能谱之间的定量关系,给出了定标实验条件下该探测系统的最佳能谱精度和能量分辨率分别为0.1%及0.8%。     

Count-rate,linearity, and performance of new backgammon detector technology

The meander wire backgammon technology has high levels of flux and spatial linearity across a wide range of energies. One of the attractive features of these technologies is the stability of response and robustness under long X-ray exposure, compactness, and portability. A key problem historically has been the limited range of count-rate for processing to the optimum resolution. We report dramatic advances in this and other areas appropriate for high-accuracy experiments including tests of quantum electrodynamics, fundamental relativistic atomic physics, X-ray calibration, and crystallography. We illustrate this technology applied to the Kα_1,2 spectra of titanium, chromium, and copper. The quality of the spectra permits deeper insight into atomic and solid state science and permits accurate measurement of energy and relativistic atomic physics processes, below 1-μm accuracy or down to 1 ppm in energy.     

New applications of atomic physics to the study of nuclear properties

The hyperfine interaction couples the atomic electrons and the nucleus, and because of this interaction, there is a fundamental link between the fields of atomic physics and nuclear physics. Of course, information flows in both directions through this link. This paper reviews in broad terms the previous applications of atomic physics methods to the study of nuclear properties and fundamental interactions, and then focuses on the possible applications of atom trapping methods to nuclear physics problems.Supported in part by the National Science Foundation.     

Numerical study of picosecond soft x-ray enhancement from porous targets irradiated by double laser pulses

Simulations show enhanced free-free and free-bound x-ray emission from laser-produced plasmas for both porous and solid targets irradiated by picosecond laser pulses under different prepulse conditions. The porous targets are modeled as a thick solid substrate over-coated with a thin porous layer. Using porous targets and prepulses shows that x-ray yields can be enhanced significantly over single pulses on solid density targets. The optimum conditions of prepulse and porous layer density are investigated by simulations with a fluid and atomic physics code.     

Accelerators and x-rays in cultural heritage investigations

In the following article a review is given on the use of accelerators in studies connected to our cultural heritage. It focuses on making use of the production and detection of x-rays as a general tool. At “small accelerators”, the proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE), especially when combined with Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), has been developed to a very versatile and powerful technique for near-surface investigations. It is well complemented by larger facilities, synchrotron radiation sources as well as medium energy ion accelerators for high energy PIXE. With the development of small compact electron accelerators, a new generation of mono-energetic high-energy high-intensity x-ray sources will add a very comfortable complement in cultural heritage studies. To cite this article: H.-E. Mahnke et al., C. R. Physique 10 (2009).     

A deep view in cultural heritage—confocal micro X-ray spectroscopy for depth resolved elemental analysis

Quantitative X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) techniques have been developed mostly for the elemental analysis of homogeneous bulk or very simple layered materials. Further on, the microprobe version of both techniques is applied for 2D elemental mapping of surface heterogeneities. At typical XRF/PIXE fixed geometries and exciting energies (15–25 keV and 2–3 MeV, respectively), the analytical signal (characteristic X-ray radiation) emanates from a variable but rather extended depth within the analyzed material, according to the exciting probe energy, set-up geometry, specimen matrix composition and analyte. Consequently, the in-depth resolution offered by XRF and PIXE techniques is rather limited for the characterization of materials with micrometer-scale stratigraphy or 3D heterogeneous structures. This difficulty has been over-passed to some extent in the case of an X-ray or charged particle microprobe by creating the so-called confocal geometry. The field of view of the X-ray spectrometer is spatially restricted by a polycapillary X-ray lens within a sensitive microvolume formed by the two inter-sectioned focal regions. The precise scanning of the analyzed specimen through the confocal microvolume results in depth-sensitive measurements, whereas the additional 2D scanning microprobe possibilities render to element-specific 3D spatial resolution (3D micro-XRF and 3D micro-PIXE). These developments have contributed since 2003 to a variety of fields of applications in environmental, material and life sciences. In contrast to other elemental imaging methods, no size restriction of the objects investigated and the non-destructive character of analysis have been found indispensable for cultural heritage (CH) related applications. The review presents a summary of the experimental set-up developments at synchrotron radiation beamlines, particle accelerators and desktop spectrometers that have driven methodological developments and applications of confocal X-ray microscopy including depth profiling speciation studies by means of confocal X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The solid mathematical formulation developed for the quantitative in-depth elemental analysis of stratified materials is exemplified and depth profile reconstruction techniques are discussed. Selected CH applications related to the characterization of painted layers from paintings and decorated artifacts (enamels, glasses and ceramics), but also from the study of corrosion and patina layers in glass and metals, respectively, are presented. The analytical capabilities, limitations and future perspectives of the two variants of the confocal micro X-ray spectroscopy, 3D micro-XRF and 3D micro-PIXE, with respect to CH applications are critically assessed and discussed.     

原子分子物理—研究宇宙物质的基础科学

艹勾清泉教授所从事、发展和传授的原子、分子结构理论在天体物理、天体化学、固体物理、材料科学以及极端条件物理的发展中起到基础理论的重要作用。他的研究群体活跃在各个相关的基础与应用领域里     

Physics of protein folding

Protein physics is grounded on three fundamental experimental facts: protein, this long heteropolymer, has a well defined compact three-dimensional structure; this structure can spontaneously arise from the unfolded protein chain in appropriate environment; and this structure is separated from the unfolded state of the chain by the “all-or-none” phase transition, which ensures robustness of protein structure and therefore of its action. The aim of this review is to consider modern understanding of physical principles of self-organization of protein structures and to overview such important features of this process, as finding out the unique protein structure among zillions alternatives, nucleation of the folding process and metastable folding intermediates. Towards this end we will consider the main experimental facts and simple, mostly phenomenological theoretical models. We will concentrate on relatively small (single-domain) water-soluble globular proteins (whose structure and especially folding are much better studied and understood than those of large or membrane and fibrous proteins) and consider kinetic and structural aspects of transition of initially unfolded protein chains into their final solid (“native”) 3D structures.     

Testing fundamental symmetries using radioactive ion beams at TRIUMF-ISAC

The ISAC Facility at TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, provides rare isotope beams for a diverse research program. In this paper we summarize some recent experimental developments at TRIUMF pertaining to fundamental symmetry tests. These tests use the atomic nucleus as a probe to search for physics beyond the Standard Model. Some recent results and future plans are discussed.     

Structural investigations on YbRh2Si2: from the atomic to the macroscopic length scale

YbRh2Si2 has advanced to a prototype material for investigating physics related to the Kondo effect. An optimization of the synthesis resulted in single crystals of extraordinary crystalline quality. At the atomic scale, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy to study the topography of cleaved single crystals. A structural and chemical analysis was conducted by highly accurate x-ray diffraction and wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements. The latter indicate a homogeneity range of the YbRh2Si2 phase between approximately 40.0–40.2 at.% Rh. For our high-quality samples the number of defects found on the atomic scale (of the order of 0.3% of the visible lattice sites) is in quantitative agreement with a very small off-stoichiometry within this homogeneity range. Comparing our results for these samples allows an assignment of the structural defects observed at the cleaved surfaces to Rh occupying Si sites and, even less numerous Si in Rh sites. Such an analysis is hampered for samples of lesser quality, but there seem to be numerous empty Si-sites. Based on these observations the results of scanning tunneling spectroscopy can be analyzed in further detail and provide insight into the Kondo physics.     

Particle accelerator physics and technology for high energy density physics research

Interaction phenomena of intense ion- and laser radiation with matter have a large range of application in different fields of science, extending from basic research of plasma properties to applications in energy science, especially in inertial fusion. The heavy ion synchrotron at GSI now routinely delivers intense uranium beams that deposit about 1 kJ/g of specific energy in solid matter, e.g. solid lead. Our simulations show that the new accelerator complex FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) at GSI as well as beams from the CERN large hadron collider (LHC) will vastly extend the accessible parameter range for high energy density states. A natural example of hot dense plasma is provided by our neighbouring star the sun, and allows a deep insight into the physics of fusion, the properties of matter at high energy density, and is moreover an excellent laboratory for astroparticle physics. As such the sun's interior plasma can even be used to probe the existence of novel particles and dark matter candidates. We present an overview on recent results and developments of dense plasma physics addressed with heavy ion and laser beams combined with accelerator- and nuclear physics technology.     

Energy dispersive x-ray diffraction of micro-crystals at ultrahigh pressures

Abstract

Ultrahigh pressures and temperatures in diamond-anvil cells are achieved at the expense of reducing sample volume. The capability of x-ray diffraction with high spatial resolution is most fundamental for probing microscopic samples at the maximum P-T and for minimizing the effect of gradients. Polychromatic synchrotron radiation with energy dispersive x-ray diffraction is ideal for the development of new classes of structural microprobes. Primary x-ray beams down to 3 microns can be produced with microbeam slit systems and microfocusing optical devices. The microprobe can be routinely used for a variety of high-pressure experiments, including single-crystal x-ray diffraction above 50 GPa, polycrystal-line diffraction above 300 GPa, deviatoric strain measurements, and diffraction at simultaneous high pressure and temperature.     

高能量分辨率的平面晶体位置灵敏谱仪

平面晶体波长色散位置灵敏谱仪是一新型高能量分辨率的X射线分析装置,可用于高能量分辨的元素分析、化学态及原子物理等研究中.这里简要介绍所研制的位置灵敏谱仪装置及其性能,以及位置灵敏谱仪与其核心部件──位置灵敏正比计数器的基本原理.所研制位置灵敏谱仪对55Fe,Ti和Si所达到的能量分辨率(FWHM)分别为25eV,15eV及7eV.因此,它将可以用作高分辨的元素分析.     

放射性束在固体物理和材料科学中的应用

回顾了放射性核素在固体物理和材料科学中的应用,并对高能放射性束流的应用前景作了展望．The application of radioactive isotopes to solid state physics and material science is reviewed and the perspectives with high energy radioactive ion beams are discussed.