Role of spatial coherence in Goos-Hänchen and Imbert-Fedorov shifts

We present a theory for Goos-H?nchen (GH) and Imbert-Fedorov (IF) shifts for beams of light with arbitrary spatial coherence. By applying the well-known theory of partial spatial coherence, we can calculate explicitly spatial and angular GH and IF shifts for completely polarized beams of any shape and spatial coherence. For the specific case of a Gauss-Schell source, we find that only the angular part of GH and IF shifts is affected by the spatial coherence of the beam. A physical explanation of our results is given.     

Radiation transfer in dense interstellar clouds

Summary The scattering properties of interstellar dust in the far ultraviolet as derived from the observations are reviewed. The transfer of ultraviolet radiation within a spherically symmetric inhomogeneous cloud is analysed using the method of successive scattering. The effects of different assumptions, both on the albedo and asymmetry factor of interstellar dust, and also of the extinction law on UV radiation penetration into clouds are studied. The results are used to determine the lifetime against photodestruction of interstellar formaldehyde in dense clouds. Paper presented at the 2° Convegno Nazionale di Fisica Cosmica, held at L'Aquila, 29 May–2 June 1984.     

Preparation of monohalopyrroles

Monobromo-, monochloro- and monoiodopyrroles are obtained in excellent yields by using N-halosuccinimides in dimethylformamide as halogenating agents.     

Chaotic ray dynamics in an optical cavity with a beam splitter

We investigate the ray dynamics in an optical cavity when a ray-splitting mechanism is present. The cavity is a conventional two-mirror stable resonator, and the ray splitting is achieved by inserting an optical beam splitter perpendicular to the cavity axis. Using Hamiltonian optics, we show that such a simple device presents surprisingly rich chaotic ray dynamics.     

Chemistry in space

Summary Molecules have been observed in widely disparate astronomical objects, from comets to supernova remnants. Interstellar space appear to be a real chemical laboratory, able to produce a large number of molecules, some of them relatively complex. The abundances show a very high sensitivity to local physical properties and dynamical history. This sensitivity renders molecular observations and astrochemical modelling very flexible tools for investigating the properties and evolution of the interstellar medium. A brief outline of morfology of interstellar medium is given, together with a discussion of the basic chemical processes leading to the molecular formation. Since interstellar-dust particles play a crucial role in the chemical evolution of interstellar medium, physical and chemical properties of dust are reviewed. Finally, by way of an example of modelling exercise, a toy model of the chemical evolution of interstellar gas is presented. Paper presented at the V Cosmic Physics National Conference, S. Miniato, November 27–30, 1990.     

Polycondensed nitrogen heterocycles. VI. Pyrrolo[3,4-b]-1,4-thiazine. A new heterocyclic ring system

This paper describes the synthesis of a new ring system, pyrrolo[3,4-b]-1,4-thiazine, obtained via H → III → IV.     

Quantum light from a whispering-gallery-mode disk resonator

Optical parametric down-conversion has proven to be a valuable source of nonclassical light. The process is inherently able to produce twin-beam correlations along with individual intensity squeezing of either parametric beam, when pumped far above threshold. Here, we present for the first time the direct observation of intensity squeezing of -1.2 dB of each of the individual parametric beams in parametric down-conversion by use of a high quality whispering-gallery-mode disk resonator. In addition, we observed twin-beam quantum correlations of -2.7 dB with this cavity. Such resonators feature strong optical confinement and offer tunable coupling to an external optical field. This work exemplifies the potential of crystalline whispering-gallery-mode resonators for the generation of quantum light. The simplicity of this device makes the application of quantum light in various fields highly feasible.     

Efficient synthesis of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-9-one derivatives based on active manganese dioxide promoted intramolecular cyclization

A series of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-9-ones have been prepared via in-situ sequential oxidation of [2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)phenyl]methanols promoted by active manganese dioxide. The procedure led to title compounds in good yields under mild conditions, without the need to isolate the intermediate aldehydes.