Loss and non-linearity saturation effects on the bistability of non-linear distributed feedback structures

We investigate theoretically the effects of optical absorption and saturation of the non-linear index of refraction on the bistability of non-linear distributed feedback structures (NLDFBs). By assuming that the Kerr non-linearity saturates in an exponential fashion, we obtain for the first time closed-form expressions for the so-called self-phase and cross-phase modulation terms. Our investigation shows that both absorption and, in particular, saturation significantly affect the bistable properties of this structure and in many cases eliminate this response completely. In some cases, however, saturation alters the NLDFB's transfer characteristics in a potentially useful manner. We find that weak levels of saturation may increase the contrast ratio between the intensities of the high and low bistable states. At increasing levels of saturation, where bistability is no longer observed, we find regimes where the NLDFB structure could possibly be used for optical amplification. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Mössbauer study of Martian regolith analogues

Terrestrial basalt rocks considered to be a good analogues of the Martian regolith were studied by using the Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The weathering of basalts was followed by the changes of the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ ratio. The basalt rock undergoes alteration from primary mineral composition (olivine+pyroxene+plagioclase) through smectite to kaolinite clay with oxides and hydroxides with the increase of the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ ratio.     

Normalization and averaging on compact lie groups in nonlinear mechanics

We consider the method of normal forms, the Bogolyubov averaging method, and the method of asymptotic decomposition proposed by Yu. A. Mitropol’skii and the author of this paper. Under certain assumptions about group-theoretic properties of a system of zero approximation, the results obtained by the method of asymptotic decomposition coincide with the results obtained by the method of normal forms or the Bogolyubov averaging method. We develop a new algorithm of asymptotic decomposition by a part of the variables and its partial case — the algorithm of averaging on a compact Lie group. For the first time, it became possible to consider asymptotic expansions of solutions of differential equations on noncommutative compact groups.     

The signature theorem and some related questions

Some corollaries of the Hirzebruch-Thom signature theorem are discussed. The multiplicativity of the signature and the naturalness of the Pontryagin classes for coverings in the case of ℚ-homology manifolds is proved. A geometric proof of Hirzebruch’s well-known “functional equation” for the virtual signature is outlined. Bibliography: 25 titles. Translated fromZapiski Nauchnykh Seminarov POMI, Vol. 231, 1995, pp. 197–209. Translated by N. Yu. Netsvetaev.     

Formation of a two-dimensional periodic structure of local melting regions on a silicon surface upon pulsed light irradiation

The first results regarding the formation of a two-dimensional periodic structure of local melting regions on a silicon surface upon pulsed light irradiation are presented. The conditions are established, and the mechanism of the formation of such structures is discussed. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 67, 97–99 (December 1997)     

Temperature and field dependences of photo-induced changes in the magnetization in yttrium iron garnet

The changes in the magnetization of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) when irradiated by a pulsed neodymium laser beam with wavelength λ=1.06 μm are investigated. Measurements are performed in the temperature range from 100 K to 600 K in various external magnetic fields. YIG single crystals grown along the crystallographic (100), (110), and (111) directions are chosen so that the external anisotropy of the indicated processes can be determined. Characteristic temperature intervals dominated by different mechanisms of variation of the magnetization under the influence of a laser pulse are discussed. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 39, 1263–1266 (July 1997)     

Temperature and frequency dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation times of E′1 centers in neutron-irradiated quartz glass

Results are reported for measurements of the spin-lattice relaxation times of E′₁ centers in quartz glass, produced by neutron irradiation, with the measurements made at two frequencies 9.25 and 24.0 GHz over a wide temperature interval 1.5–300 K. The experimental data are interpreted on the basis of interaction mechanisms of the spins with two-level systems with excitation energies ∼6, ∼26, and ∼420 cm⁻¹. A small modification of the existing theory allows us to explain a number of features of the observed temperature and frequency dependence of the relaxation rate. The results are compared with the data available in the literature on spin-lattice relaxation of irradiation centers in crystalline quartz and quartz glass. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 39, 1335–1337 (August 1997)