Inter-particle interaction induced by broadband radiation

The recent fabrication of optical traps using super-continuum light impresses the need for a theory of inter-particle interactions under such conditions. Development of the theory provides a basis for calculation of the observations expected under experimental conditions. An expression for the inter-particle potential energy induced by continuum states of light is first derived using quantum electrodynamics. This energy expression is cast as a function of the spectral irradiance of the light, and the electric susceptibility of the interacting particles. Specific results are derived for light with a Lorentzian spectrum. It is shown that by filtering part of the spectrum, it is possible to exert control over the length of linear particle chains organized along the Poynting vector. The results exhibit scope for the optical fabrication of moldable structures using broadband light.     

Off-resonant activation of optical emission

Recent reports have identified a three-wave optically parametric mechanism for the active enhancement of fluorescence using off-resonant radiation. In this Letter it is shown by numerical simulation that the output of a laser system optically pumped just below threshold, can be strongly enhanced by this mechanism, using an ancillary beam of moderate intensity. The electrodynamics and kinetics of the nonlinear optical mechanism are analyzed, model calculations performed, and the output is illustrated graphically. The response demonstrates a novel method for achieving all-optical transistor action.     

Infrared spectrum of the novel electron-deficient BH(4) radical in solid neon

Laser-ablated boron reacts with hydrogen on condensation in excess neon to give BH4 radical, BH4- anion, and B2H6 as the major products. Identifications are based on 10B and D substitution, DFT frequency calculations, and comparison to previous spectra. Infrared spectra of BH4 support the C2v structure deduced from previous ESR spectra and theoretical calculations with two normal B-H bonds and two long B-H bonds for this novel electron-deficient radical. NBO analysis suggests that the two long B-H bonds and the H- -H bond are one-electron bonds.     

Orbital angular momentum exchange in the interaction of twisted light with molecules

In the interaction of molecules with light endowed with orbital angular momentum, an exchange of orbital angular momentum in an electric dipole transition occurs only between the light and the center of mass motion; i.e., internal "electronic-type" motion does not participate in any exchange of orbital angular momentum in a dipole transition. A quadrupole transition is the lowest electric multipolar process in which an exchange of orbital angular momentum can occur between the light, the internal motion, and the center of mass motion. This rules out experiments seeking to observe exchange of orbital angular momentum between light beams and the internal motion in electric dipole transitions.