Low-noise chip-based frequency conversion by four-wave-mixing Bragg scattering in SiN(x) waveguides

Low-noise, tunable wavelength-conversion through nondegenerate four-wave mixing Bragg scattering in SiN(x) waveguides is experimentally demonstrated. Finite element method simulations of waveguide dispersion are used with the split-step Fourier method to predict device performance. Two 1550 nm wavelength band pulsed pumps are used to achieve tunable conversion of a 980 nm signal over a range of 5 nm with a peak conversion efficiency of ≈5%. The demonstrated Bragg scattering process is suitable for frequency conversion of quantum states of light.     

Mid-infrared virtually imaged phased array spectrometer for rapid and broadband trace gas detection

We present and characterize a two-dimensional (2D) imaging spectrometer based on a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) disperser for rapid, high-resolution molecular detection using mid-infrared (MIR) frequency combs at 3.1 and 3.8?μm. We demonstrate detection of CH₄ at 3.1?μm with >3750 resolution elements spanning >80 nm with ～600 MHz resolution in a <10 μs acquisition time. In addition to broadband detection, we also demonstrate rapid, time-resolved single-image detection by capturing dynamic concentration changes of CH₄ at a rate of ～375 frames per second. Changes in absorption above the noise floor of 5×10^-4 are readily detected on the millisecond time scale, leading to important future applications such as real-time monitoring of trace gas concentrations and detection of reactive intermediates.     

Electrochemically-Switched 2nd Order Non-Linear Optical Response in an Arylimido-Polyoxometalate with High Contrast and Cyclability

Electrochemically switched 2^nd order non-linear optical responses have been demonstrated for the first time in polyoxometalates (POMs), with an arylimido-derivative showing a leading combination of high on/off contrast (94 %), high visible transparency, and cyclability. Spectro-electrochemical and TD-DFT studies indicate that the switch-off results from weakened charge transfer (CT) character of the electronic transitions in the reduced state. This represents the first study of an imido-POM reduced state, and demonstrates the potential of POM hybrids as electrochemically activated molecular switches.     

Microhardness of 6H-SiC Epitaxial Layers Grown by Sublimation

Knoop microhardness of 6H-SiC layers grown by sublimation epitaxy was investigated. The microhardness-load curves for all of the samples were measured and then used to extract the load-independent microhardness values. The relationships of these values to the growth time and growth rate were studied. The microhardness-depth profiles indicated that the layer/substrate interface region had a microhardness value that differed significantly from that of both the epi-layer and the substrate.     

π-Complexation and C—H hydrogen bonding in the formation of colored cocrystals

The present study evaluates the potential combination of charge-transfer electron-donor–acceptor π–π complexation and C—H hydrogen bonding to form colored cocrystals. The crystal structures of the red 1:1 cocrystals formed from the isomeric pyridines 4- and 3-{2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethynyl}pyridine with 1-[2-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)ethynyl]-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene, both C₁₄H₄F₄N₂O₄·C₁₅H₁₄N₂, are reported. Intermolecular interaction energy calculations confirm that π-stacking interactions dominate the intermolecular interactions within each crystal structure. The close contacts revealed by Hirshfeld surface calculations are predominantly C—H interactions with N, O, and F atoms.