Non-linear Sagnac interferometry for pump-probe dispersion spectroscopy

We explore pump-probe non-linear Sagnac interferometry as a tool to measure the dispersive properties of a medium. We introduce the background theory, and show experimental spectra obtained on the D₂ transition with ⁸⁵Rb and ⁸⁷Rb. The measured dispersion spectra are in excellent agreement with the Kramers-Kronig relations. In addition, as both beams traverse identical optical paths, Sagnac interferometry is very robust against mechanical vibrationReceived: 5 June 2003, Published online: 16 September 2003PACS: 39.30. + w Spectroscopic techniques - 33.55.Ad Optical activity, optical rotation; circular dichroismG. Jundt: Present address: Institute of Quantum Electronics, Department of Physics, ETH Zürich, Hönggerberg 8093, Switzerland.     

The rapid prototyping of textured amorphous surfaces for the graphoepitaxial deposition of CdTe films using focused ion beam lithography

Cadmium telluride films deposited on amorphous substrates exhibit a grain structure characterized by [111]-oriented grains, but where the in-plane grain orientation is randomized due to the absence of epitaxy. Here, we explore the viability of promoting an in-plane grain alignment through graphoepitaxy. Fifteen different substrate surface textures were fabricated using focused ion beam lithography. This approach allows for the side-by-side deposition of surface textures where both the areal extent and depth of the surface features are varied in a systematic manner. CdTe films deposited overtop these textures show grain structures with dramatic variations, revealing that particular length scales have the most pronounced effect on the grain structure.     

Coupled cavity modelocking of a Nd:YAG laser using second-harmonic generation

The modelocking of a Nd:YAG laser using second-harmonic generation in an external cavity as the only pulse shortening process is reported. The output of a long pulse Nd:YAG laser was simultaneously modelocked and Q-switched. The average pulse duration was 30–50 ps and the peak power was in the range 60–160 kW.     

Magneto-optical evidence for a gapped fermi surface in underdoped YBa2Cu3O6+x

The infrared (900-1100 cm(-1)) Faraday rotation and circular dichroism are measured in the normal state of underdoped High T(c) superconductors and used to study the magnetotransport. YBa2Cu3O6+x thin films are investigated in the temperature range 10-300 K in magnetic fields up to 8 T and as a function of oxygen concentration. A dramatic increase of the Hall frequency is observed for underdoped samples, which is not consistent with the approach to a Mott transition but is consistent with a partial gapping of the Fermi surface as predicted in density wave models.     

Quantum spin Hall effect in inverted type-II semiconductors

The quantum spin Hall (QSH) state is a topologically nontrivial state of quantum matter which preserves time-reversal symmetry; it has an energy gap in the bulk, but topologically robust gapless states at the edge. Recently, this novel effect has been predicted and observed in HgTe quantum wells and in this Letter we predict a similar effect arising in Type-II semiconductor quantum wells made from InAs/GaSb/AlSb. The quantum well exhibits an "inverted" phase similar to HgTe/CdTe quantum wells, which is a QSH state when the Fermi level lies inside the gap. Due to the asymmetric structure of this quantum well, the effects of inversion symmetry breaking are essential. Remarkably, the topological quantum phase transition between the conventional insulating state and the quantum spin Hall state can be continuously tuned by the gate voltage, enabling quantitative investigation of this novel phase transition.     

Preparation of hydrogels via ultrasonic polymerization

Several acrylic hydrogels were prepared via ultrasonic polymerization of water soluble monomers and macromonomers. Ultrasound was used to create initiating radicals in viscous aqueous monomer solutions using the additives glycerol, sorbitol or glucose in an open system at 37 °C. The water soluble additives were essential for the hydrogel production, glycerol being the most effective. Hydrogels were prepared from the monomers 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate, dextran methacrylate, acrylic acid/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and acrylamide/bis-acrylamide. For example a 5% w/w solution of dextran methacrylate formed a hydrogel in 6.5 min in a 70% w/w solution of glycerol in water at 37° C with 20 kHz ultrasound, 56 W cm^?2. The ultrasonic polymerization method described here has a wide range of applications such a biomaterial synthesis where initiators are not desired.     

Application of amorphous silicon field effect transistors in addressable liquid crystal display panels

It is shown that thin-film field effect transistors (FETs) made from amorphous (a-) silicon deposited by the glow-discharge technique have considerable potential as switching elements in addressable liquid crystal display panels. The fabrication of the elements and their characteristics with steady and pulsed applied potentials are discussed in some detail. Two important points are stressed: (i) a-Si device arrays can be produced by well-established photolithographic techniques, and (ii) satisfactory operation at applied voltages below 15VV is possible. Small experimental 7×5 transistor panels have been investigated and it is shown that with the present design up to 250-way multiplexing could be achieved. The reproducibility of FET characteristics is good and in tests so far no change has been observed after more than 10⁹ switching operations.     

Gravitational effects in quantum mechanics

To date, both quantum theory and Einstein’s theory of general relativity have passed every experimental test in their respective regimes. Nevertheless, almost since their inception, there has been debate surrounding whether they should be unified, and by now, there exists strong theoretical arguments pointing to the necessity of quantising the gravitational field. In recent years, a number of experiments have been proposed which, if successful, should give insight into features at the Planck scale. Here, we review some of the motivations, from the perspective of semi-classical arguments, to expect new physical effects at the overlap of quantum theory and general relativity. We conclude with a short introduction to some of the proposals being made to facilitate empirical verification.