GHz Rabi flopping to Rydberg states in hot atomic vapor cells

We report on the observation of Rabi oscillations to a Rydberg state on a time scale below 1?ns in thermal rubidium vapor. We use a bandwidth-limited pulsed excitation and observe up to 6 full Rabi cycles within a pulse duration of ～4 ns. We find good agreement between the experiment and numerical simulations based on a surprisingly simple model. This result shows that fully coherent dynamics with Rydberg states can be achieved even in thermal atomic vapor, thus suggesting small vapor cells as a platform for room-temperature quantum devices. Furthermore, the result implies that previous coherent dynamics in single-atom Rydberg gates can be accelerated by 3 orders of magnitude.     

Assessment of Hydrocarbon Electron‐Impact Ionization Cross Section Measurements for Magnetic Fusion

Partial ionization cross section experiments have been carried out recently at the University of Innsbruck for three types of hydrocarbons, i.e. acetylene, ethylene and propene. Cross section data fits are generated and compared to the compilation of earlier experimental data summarized in the online database HYDKIN [www.hydkin.de]. New data fits are brought into a suitable form to be incorporated into the database. In order to illuminate underlying dissociation mechanisms the energy dependence of branching ratios above energies of 20 –30 eV is reviewed in light of the present results (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Excited state absorption,energy levels,and thermal conductivity of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>:YAB

Polarized excited state absorption spectra of Er, Yb:YAB are reported. The Stark levels of the ⁴I_15/2, ⁴I_13/2, and ⁴I_11/2 multiplets of Er³⁺ have been derived from the measured low-temperature absorption and fluorescence spectra. The stimulated emission spectra have been calculated using the reciprocity method, and the radiative lifetime of the erbium ⁴I_13/2 level has been determined indicating high nonradiative decay rates. The thermal conductivity of Er-Yb-codoped YAB crystals has been measured.     

Wavelength-agile H2O absorption spectrometer for thermometry of general combustion gases

Using a novel Fourier-domain mode-locking (FDML) laser scanning 1330-1380 nm, we have developed a gas thermometer based on absorption spectroscopy that is appropriate for combustion gases at essentially arbitrary conditions. The path-integrated measurements are particularly useful in homogeneous environments, and here we present measurements in a controlled piston engine and a shock tube. Engine measurements demonstrate a RMS temperature precision of ±3% at 1500 K and 200 kHz bandwidth; the precision is improved dramatically by averaging. Initial shock tube measurements place the absolute accuracy of the thermometer within ∼2% to 1000 K. The sensor performs best when significant H₂O vapor is present, but requires only at 300 K, at 1000 K, or at 3000 K for 2% accurate thermometry, assuming a 4 kHz measurement bandwidth (200 kHz scans with 50 averages). The sensor also provides H₂O mole fraction and shows potential for monitoring gas pressure based on the broadening of spectral features. To aid in designing other sensors based on high-temperature, high-pressure H₂O absorption spectroscopy, a database of measured spectra is included.     

Enhanced functionality in magnonics by domain walls and inhomogeneous spin configurations

This paper discusses nanomagnetic structures enabling the manipulation of propagating spin waves. We address in particular how domain walls, or more generally speaking inhomogeneous spin configurations, enhance the control of spin-wave transmission and thereby the functionality of magnonic devices. Three different microscopic mechanisms are outlined, considering an interference device, a spin-wave bus and a magnonic crystal. Inhomogeneous spin configurations are argued to shift the spin-wave phase, guide spin waves in nanochannels and allow for reprogrammable spin-wave band structures in periodic nanostructures, respectively. Such devices and functionalities are relevant for further developments in magnonics.     

Out of the blue: semiconductor laser pumped visible rare‐earth doped lasers

The rise of semiconductor‐based pump sources such as In_xGa_1‐xN‐laser diodes or frequency‐doubled optically pumped semiconductor lasers with emission wavelengths in the blue encourages a revisitation of the rare‐earth ions Pr³⁺, Sm³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Ho³⁺ and Er³⁺ with respect to their properties as active ions in crystalline solid‐state laser materials with direct emission in the visible spectral range. Nowadays, some of these blue‐pumped visible lasers compete with Nd³⁺‐lasers in terms of efficiency and direct lasing at various colors from the cyan‐blue to the deep red can be addressed in very simple and compact laser setups. This paper highlights the spectroscopic properties of suitable rare‐earth ions for visible lasing and reviews the latest progress in the field of blue‐pumped visible rare‐earth doped solid‐state lasers.

     

Measurement of the resonant d(mu)t molecular formation rate in solid HD

Measurements of muon-catalyzed dt fusion ( d(mu)t-->4He + n + mu(-)) in solid HD have been performed. The theory describing the energy dependent resonant molecular formation rate for the reaction (mu)t + HD-->[(d(mu)t)pee](*) is compared to experimental results in a pure solid HD target. Constraints on the rates are inferred through the use of a Monte Carlo model developed specifically for the experiment. From the time-of-flight analysis of fusion events in 16 and 37 microg x cm(-2) targets, an average formation rate consistent with 0.897+/-(0.046)(stat)+/-(0.166)(syst) times the theoretical prediction was obtained.     

Collapse of sodium polyacrylate chains in calcium salt solutions

The sodium salt of polyacrylic acid (NaPA) precipitates in the presence of Ca²⁺-ions. This phase behaviour can be represented by a phase diagram where the critical NaPA concentration is plotted versus the critical Ca²⁺ concentration resulting in a straight line as a phase boundary. The location of this phase boundary is influenced by the presence of an inert monovalent salt like NaCl. The present contribution focuses on the coil dimensions of NaPA chains in dilute aqueous solution corresponding to the one phase region of such a phase diagram. A variety of parameters with which the size and shape of the polyelectrolyte chains can be modulated are revealed. Approaching the phase boundary by decreasing the NaPA concentration at a constant Ca²⁺ content leads to a collapse of the NaPA chains. Combined static and dynamic light scattering suggests a compact spherical shape as the final state of this transition, both in 0.1 M NaCl and in 0.01 M NaCl. In the lower NaCl concentration, indication is presented for the existence of a cigar or pearl necklace like intermediate. Most strikingly, the collapsed chains can be reexpanded by increasing the concentration of inert NaCl at constant content of NaPA and Ca²⁺. Clearly, excessive Na⁺-ions displace the Ca²⁺-ions from the NaPA chains. Received 18 July 2000 and Received in final form 24 August 2000     

Onset of crater formation during short pulse laser ablation

We report morphologic changes of metallic surfaces at the onset of ablation, starting from gentle ablation to the emergence of ablation craters. The evolution of both observed melting zones and of ablation craters therein are investigated in dependence of the ablation laser fluence for nanosecond ultraviolet laser pulses. Further, consequences of crater formation for cluster synthesis within the released atomic vapor are pointed out. PACS 52.38.Mf; 79.20.Ds; 65.40.De