Using high-power lasers for detection of elastic photon-photon scattering

The properties of four-wave interaction via the nonlinear quantum vacuum is investigated. The effect of the quantum vacuum is to generate photons with new frequencies and wave vectors, due to elastic photon-photon scattering. An expression for the number of generated photons is derived, and using state-of-the-art laser data it is found that the number of photons can reach detectable levels. In particular, the prospect of using the high-repetition Astra Gemini system at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is discussed. The problem of noise sources is reviewed, and it is found that the noise level can be reduced well below the signal level. Thus, detection of elastic photon-photon scattering may for the first time be achieved.     

Large-amplitude plasma wave generation with a high-intensity short-pulse beat wave

A short-pulse laser beat wave scheme for advanced particle accelerator applications is examined. A short, intense (3-ps, >10(18)-W cm(-2)) two-frequency laser pulse is produced by use of a modified chirped-pulse amplification scheme and is shown to produce relativistic plasma waves during interactions with low-density plasmas. The generation of plasma waves was observed by measurement of forward Raman scattering. Resonance was found to occur at an electron density many times that expected, owing to ponderomotive displacement of plasma within the focal region.     

Nitric oxide reduction by CO ON Rh(111): Temperature programmed reaction

The reaction of NO with CO on Rh(111) has been studied with temperature programmed reaction (TPR). Comparisons are made with the reaction of O₂ with CO and the reaction of NO with H₂. The rate-determining step for both CO oxidation reactions is CO(a) + O(a) → CO₂(g). Repulsive interactions between adsorbed CO and adsorbed nitrogen atoms lead to desorption of CO in a peak at 415 K which is in the temperature range where the reaction between CO(a) and O(a) produces CO₂(g). Thus the extent of reaction of CO(a) with NO(a) is less than that between CO(a) and O(a) due to the lower coverage of CO caused by adsorbed N atoms and NO. A similar repulsive interaction between NO(a) and H(a) suppresses the NO + H₂ reaction. CO + NO reaction behavior on Rh(111) is compared to that observed on Pt(111).     

Two-point time-series measurements of minor-species concentrations in a turbulent nonpremixed flame

We report a technique that is capable of making simultaneous two-point time-series measurements of minor-species concentrations in turbulent flames. The experimental setup, which incorporates picosecond time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence, has a spatial resolution of less than 250 microm and a temporal resolution of less than 100 micros, which spatially and temporally resolve microscales in many turbulent flows. Two-point time-series data are given for a standard turbulent nonpremixed flame at Re= 10,000, including a discussion of potential implications.     

Padé approximation in time-domain boundary conditions of porous surfaces

Formulation and implementation of time-domain boundary conditions (TDBCs) at the surface of a reactive porous material are made challenging by the slow decay, complexity, or noncausal nature of many commonly used models of porous materials. In this paper, approaches are described that improve computational efficiency and enforce causality. One approach involves approximating the known TDBC for the modified Zwikker-Kosten impedance model as a summation of decaying exponential functions. A second approach, which can be applied to any impedance model, involves replacing the characteristic admittance with its Padé approximation. Then, approximating fractional derivatives with decaying exponentials, a causal and recursive TDBC is formulated.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymers Derived from the Copolymerization of 1,1′-Dihydroxyethyl-2,2′-Biimidazole and the Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A

Abstract

1,1′-Dihydroxyethyl-2,2′-biimidazole has been used as a copolymerizing monomer with the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A in the preparation of biimidazole-containing epoxy polymers. Polymerization reactions were studied in bulk, with and without catalyst, and in N,N-dimethylforma-mide and anisole solvents, with and without catalyst. FT-IR and NMR spectra, molecular weight, thermal and solubility characteristics were obtained. Polymers isolated as amorphous light brown solids were found to be only sparingly soluble in THF or in highly polar nitrogen-containing solvents (DMF, NMP, pyridine). These materials exhibited molecular weights up to 37 000 for SnC1₄-catalyzed polymerization carried out in DMF. A glass-transition temperature of 391°C was observed for polymers obtained under uncatalyzed solventless conditions. The glass transition temperature was 373°C for product obtained under SnC1₄-catalyzed, solventless conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis in air of polymers obtained under varying solvent and catalyst conditions showed less than 25% weight loss below 330°C and greater than 75% weight loss above 400°C.     

Activation and Retention: A Magnetic Resonance Probe for the Detection of Acute Thrombosis

Blood‐clot formation that results in the complete occlusion of a blood vessel (thrombosis) often leads to serious life‐threatening events, such as strokes and heart attacks. As the composition of a thrombus changes as it matures, new imaging methods that are capable of distinguishing new clots from old clots may yield important diagnostic and prognostic information. To address this need, an activatable magnetic resonance (MR) probe that is responsive to a key biochemical process associated with recently formed clots has been developed.     

Characterization of partially transesterified poly(beta-hydroxyalkanoate)s by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was used for the characterization of a partially transesterified poly(beta-hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), a polymer produced by the bacterial strain Alcaligenes eutrophus with saponified vegetable oils as the sole carbon sources. The transesterification was carried out separately under acidic and basic conditions to obtain PHA oligomers weighing <10 kDa. The intact oligomers were detected in their cationized forms, [M + Na]+ and [M + K]+, by MALDI-TOFMS. A composition analysis, using the MALDI-TOF spectra, indicated that the oligomers obtained via acid catalysis contained a methyl 3-hydroxybutyrate end group, and those obtained by base catalysis had a methyl crotonate (olefinic) end group. In addition to hydroxybutyrate (HB), the oligomers were found to contain a small percentage of hydroxyvalerate, which was independently confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In comparison, analysis of a commercial PHA polymer, transesterified under identical conditions, showed only the presence of HB, i.e., a pure poly(HB) homopolymer.