Raman spectroscopy of hydrogen arsenate group (AsO3OH)2− in solid‐state compounds: cobalt‐containing zinc arsenate mineral,koritnigite (Zn,Co)(AsO3OH)·H2O

Raman spectra of two well‐defined types of koritnigite crystals from the Jáchymov ore district, Czech Republic, were recorded and interpreted. No substantial differences were observed between both crystal types. The observed Raman bands were attributed to the (AsO₃OH)²⁻ stretching and bending vibrations as well as stretching and bending vibrations of water molecules and hydroxyl ions. The non‐interpreted Raman spectra of koritnigite from the RRUFF database and the published infrared spectra of cobaltkoritnigite were used for comparison. The O H···O hydrogen bond lengths in the crystal structure of koritnigite were inferred from the Raman spectra and compared with those derived from the X‐ray single‐crystal refinement. The presence of (AsO₃OH)²⁻ units in the crystal structure of koritnigite was proved from the Raman spectra, which supports the conclusions of the X‐ray structure analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low voltage TEM: Influences on electron energy loss spectrometry experiments

We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of electron energy loss spectrometry (EELS) a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at different high tensions. Instrumental effects such as energy resolution, spatial resolution, and point spread function of the detecting system, as well as physical effects like inelastic (Coloumb) delocalization and Cerenkov losses are dealt with. It is found that the actually available equipment is suitable for performing low voltage experiments. The energy resolution of a thermo-ionic emitter can be tremendously improved at lower energies, and the detector also has advantageous behaviour.     

Laser systems specialized for laser spectroscopy at storage rings

Laser spectroscopy at storage rings often suffers from a limited resolution due to Doppler-broadened resonances. Broadening is caused by the velocity spread of the ions stored in the beam. In the following, the present status of our work on laser systems specialized on the specific needs of laser spectroscopy at storage rings is reported. Two pulsed laser systems were developed. One is a dye laser whose spectral bandwidth can be switched by inserting different Littrow-prisms into the resonator. An increase in bandwidth up to a factor of 45 was achieved. This laser was used for fast qualitative scans and high resolution measurements. The other laser system is a Nd : YAG laser pumped optical parametric oscillator. It is a tunable laser system covering the spectral range from 410 to 4000 nm. Furthermore, a continuous wave laser with a frequency shifted feedback cavity is described. It shows broadband emission with an adjustable bandwidth of up to 4.5 GHz. This laser can be advantageous for laser cooling of ion beams. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Realisation and metrological characterisation of thickness standards below 100 nm

High-accuracy film thickness measurements in the range below 100 nm can be made by various complex methods like spectral ellipsometry (SE), scanning force microscopy (SFM), grazing incidence X-ray reflectometry (GIXR), or X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). The measurement results achieved with these methods are based on different interactions between the film and the probe. A key question in nanotechnology is how to achieve consistent results on a level of uncertainty below one nanometre with different techniques.Two different types of thickness standards are realised. Metal film standards for X-ray techniques in the thickness range 10 to 50 nm are calibrated by GIXR with monochromatised synchrotron radiation of 8048 eV. The results obtained at four different facilities show excellent agreement. SiO₂ on Si standards for SE and SFM in the thickness range 6 to 1000 nm are calibrated by GIXR with monochromatised synchrotron radiation of 1841 eV and with a metrological SFM. Consistent results within the combined uncertainties are obtained with the two methods. Surfaces and interfaces of both types of standards are additionally investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PACS 61.10.Kw; 68.55.Jk; 06.20.Fn; 06.60.Mr; 07.79.Lh     

On stability of Raman and degenerate hyper-Raman scattering

The problem of the stationary generation by Raman and degenerate hyper-Raman scattering is solved by means of two methods: stationary solution of the generalized Fokker-Planck equation and linear analysis of stability of the Langevin equations. The conditions of stability and the corresponding stationary values for amplitudes of the Stokes, anti-Stokes or output laser modes are obtained for particular cases. A phenomenon analogous to the second order phase transition can occur for Stokes or anti-Stokes interaction of Raman scattering above the threshold value of the pump amplitude. The anti-Stokes interaction of degenerate hyper-Raman scattering can show bistable behaviour above the second threshold value of the pump amplitude.The author would like to express his sincere thanks to Dr. J. Peina for comments and stimulating discussions.     

Diffusion of titanium atoms in Ni-Si-B metallic glass

The diffusion ot Ti atoms in the Ni₇₇Si₃B₂₀ metallic glass was studied by the Auger electron spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient obeys the Arrhenius relation with the activation energyE=1·7 eV and the pre-exponential factorD ₀=0·86 × ×10^–4 m² s^–1. Possible mechanisms of the atomic transport in metallic glasses are discussedThe authors wish to thank Dr. P. Duhaj for providing the metallic glass samples.