Grating tuned Ti:Sa laser for in-source spectroscopy of Rydberg and autoionizing states

Due to the large absorption cross section for optical transitions into Rydberg and autoionizing states compared to non-resonant ionization, these states are of particular interest for use in efficient laser resonance ionization excitation schemes as used in Resonant Ionization Laser Ion Sources (RILIS). In order to identify these atomic states extensive laser spectroscopy has to be performed. The lasers employed at TRIUMF’s laser ion source are birefringent filter tuned titanium:sapphire (Ti:Sa) lasers which are designed for long term frequency stability rather than continuous tuning. The design and characteristics of a grating tuned, high repetition rate, pulsed Ti:Sa laser for spectroscopy applications are presented. This laser allows fast scans of up to 40 THz with a laser linewidth of approximately 6 GHz. First tests were performed by scanning across the Rydberg series of gallium.     

Precision branching ratio measurement for the superallowed beta+ emitter 62Ga and isospin-symmetry-breaking corrections in A>or=62 nuclei

A high-precision branching ratio measurement for the superallowed beta+ decay of 62Ga was performed at the Isotope Separator and Accelerator radioactive ion beam facility. Nineteen gamma rays emitted following beta+ decay of 62Ga were identified, establishing the dominant superallowed branching ratio to be (99.861+/-0.011)%. Combined with recent half-life and Q-value measurements, this branching ratio yields a superallowed ft value of 3075.6+/-1.4 s for 62Ga decay. These results demonstrate the feasibility of high-precision superallowed branching ratio measurements in the A>or=62 mass region and provide the first stringent tests of the large isospin-symmetry-breaking effects predicted for these decays.     

Isotope-selective laser photodetachment for 129I accelerator mass spectrometry

2D coordination polymer iron(II) spin crossover complexes containing 3,5-lutidine with host framework Fe(3,5-lutidine)₂Ni(CN)₄were synthesized. Their spin crossover properties were studied by temperature dependent ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Materials show gradual incomplete spin crossover with distinct thermochromism, while only 25 % of iron(II) ions are switched to the low spin state at 80 K, as determined by a detailed ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer study.     

Development of high resolution resonance ionization mass spectrometry for trace analysis of 93mNb

⁹³Nb(n, n′)^93mNb reaction allows retrospective estimation of integrated fast neutron dose in nuclear reactor. We proposed isomer-selective trace analysis of ^93mNb by Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS) combined with a gas-jet atomic source and an injection locked Ti:Sapphire laser system operated at several kHz. Resonant ionization spectroscopy of Nb in gas-jet using Ti:Sapphire laser was demonstrated.     

Fabrication of micro-patterned substrates for plasmonic sensing by piezo-dispensing of colloidal nanoparticles

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - In this work we describe a very fast and flexible method for fabrication of plasmon-supporting substrates with micro-patterning capability, which is...     

Searching for optimal setting conditions in technological processes using parametric estimation models and neural network mapping approach: A tutorial

Engineering optimization is an actual goal in manufacturing and service industries. In the tutorial we represented the concept of traditional parametric estimation models (Factorial Design (FD) and Central Composite Design (CCD)) for searching optimal setting parameters of technological processes. Then the 2D mapping method based on Auto Associative Neural Networks (ANN) (particularly, the Feed Forward Bottle Neck Neural Network (FFBN NN)) was described in comparison with traditional methods.     

The equilibrium molecular structure of 3-cyanopyridine according to gas-phase electron diffraction and microwave data and the results of quantum-chemical calculations

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A chip-based platform for the in vitro generation of tissues in three-dimensional organization

We describe a multi-purpose platform for the three-dimensional cultivation of tissues. The device is composed of polymer chips featuring a microstructured area of 1-2 cm(2). The chip is constructed either as a grid of micro-containers measuring 120-300 x 300 x 300 microm (h x l x w), or as an array of round recesses (300 microm diameter, 300 microm deep). The micro-containers may be separately equipped with addressable 3D-micro-electrodes, which allow for electrical stimulation of excitable cells and on-site measurements of electrochemically accessible parameters. The system is applicable for the cultivation of high cell densities of up to 8 x 10(6) cells and, because of the rectangular grid layout, allows the automated microscopical analysis of cultivated cells. More than 1000 micro-containers enable the parallel analysis of different parameters under superfusion/perfusion conditions. Using different polymer chips in combination with various types of bioreactors we demonstrated the principal suitability of the chip-based bioreactor for tissue culture applications. Primary and established cell lines have been successfully cultivated and analysed for functional properties. When cells were cultured in non-perfused chips, over time a considerable degree of apoptosis could be observed indicating the need for an active perfusion. The system presented here has also been applied for the differentiation analysis of pluripotent embryonic stem cells and may be suitable for the analysis of the stem cell niche.