Multiphonon vibrations at high angular momentum in 182 Os

Evidence is presented for multiphonon excitations based on a high-spin (25 Planck) intrinsic state in the deformed nucleus 182 Os. Angular momentum generation by this mode competes with collective rotation. The experimental data are compared with tilted-axis cranking calculations, supporting the vibrational interpretation. However, the lower experimental energies provide evidence that more complex interactions of states are playing a role.     

Nondestructive spatial heterodyne imaging of cold atoms

We demonstrate a new method for nondestructive imaging of laser-cooled atoms. This spatial heterodyne technique forms a phase image by interfering a strong reference laser beam with a weak probe beam that passes through the cold atom cloud. The figure of merit equals or exceeds that of phase-contrast imaging, and the technique can be used over a wider range of spatial scales. We show images of a dark-spot magneto-optic trap taken with imaging fluences as low as 61 pJ/cm(2) at a detuning of 11? , resulting in 0.0004 photons scattered per atom.     

Optical frequency conversion by a rotating molecular wave plate

We demonstrate efficient four-wave mixing in low-pressure molecular deuterium without the need for phase matching. We use two laser fields with opposite circular polarizations to produce a strong excitation of a rovibrational transition at a frequency of 3167 cm(-1) . The coherent molecular motion, in turn, modulates a third laser field (also circularly polarized) and results in highly efficient single-sideband conversion.     

Spin relaxation resonances due to the spin-axis interaction in dense rubidium and cesium vapor

Resonances in the magnetic decoupling curves for the spin relaxation of dense alkali-metal vapors prove that much of the relaxation is due to the spin-axis interaction in triplet dimers. Initial estimates of the spin-axis coupling coefficients for the dimers (likely accurate to a factor of 2) are |lambda|/h = 290 MHz for Rb; 2500 MHz for Cs.     

Frequency-narrowed external-cavity diode-laser-array bar

We demonstrate that appropriately designed external cavities can be used to frequency narrow high-power diode-array bars. Using a commercial 20-W array, we narrow the linewidth to 50 GHz with 14 W of cw output power. A magnifying telescope and a cylindrical collimating lens minimize broadening owing to curvature in the alignment of the diode-array elements.     

Nonbinary quantum error-correcting codes from algebraic curves

We give a new exposition and proof of a generalized CSS construction for nonbinary quantum error-correcting codes. Using this we construct nonbinary quantum stabilizer codes with various lengths, dimensions, and minimum distances from algebraic curves. We also give asymptotically good nonbinary quantum codes from a Garcia–Stichtenoth tower of function fields which are constructible in polynomial time.     

Assessment of the Nd/U ratio for the quantification of neodymium in UO2

The secondary ion energy spectrum of uranium depends on the experimental conditions, which is a problem for the application of a relative sensitivity factor (RSF) procedure for the measurement of the Nd concentration in UO₂. This is interpreted as due to the dependence of the sputtering and ionisation yields of uranium on the oxidation state of the surface. Three experimental procedures are being tested to cope with this difficulty.