Development of Al-based multilayer optics for EUV

We report on the development of multilayer optics for the extreme ultra-violet (EUV) range. The optical performance of Al-based multilayer mirrors is discussed with regard to promising reflectivity and selectivity characteristics and the problems of the interfacial roughness for this type of multilayers. We demonstrate a possibility to reduce the average roughness by introducing additional metal layer (W or Mo) rather than depositing a buffer layer at each interface. We have prepared and tested Al/SiC, Al/W/SiC and Al/Mo/SiC multilayers of various periods for the spectral range from 15 to 40 nm, which is the range of increasing interest for high-order harmonic generation, synchrotron radiation and astrophysics. The structure of the three-component systems has been optimized in order to obtain the best reflectivity for each wavelength within the spectral range. We have shown that introduction of refractory metal in Al-based periodic stack can improve the optical performance of multilayer reflecting coatings designed for the EUV applications.     

Using broadband absorption spectroscopy to measure concentration of sulfur dioxide

A linear relationship between concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and optical parameter (OP) is established using the Beer–Lambert law. The SO₂ measuring system is set up to measure the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the wavelength range 275–315 nm. Experimental results indicate that the detection limit of the sulfur dioxide measuring system is below 0.2 ppm per meter of path length, and the measurement precision is better than ±1%. The proposed SO₂ measuring method features limited interference from other gases and dust, and high stability and short response time.     

Investigation of the cosmetic ingredient distribution in the stratum corneum using NanoSIMS imaging

In order to understand the mechanisms of action of cosmetic ingredients, it is important to establish the distribution of the component agents within the epidermis of the skin. To date, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) has been used to detect cosmetic ingredients in the skin. However, it is technically difficult to investigate the distribution of the agents in the stratum corneum using TOF-SIMS. Therefore, an analytical method with higher spatial resolution is required. In this study, we investigated an imaging analysis technique based on NanoSIMS to detect cosmetic ingredients in the skin. Pig skin was used as a model for human skin. The sample was treated with a cosmetic formulation containing ¹⁵N-labelled pseudo-ceramide (SLE). The sample was frozen with liquid nitrogen and cross-sections were cut using a cryomicrotome. As a result, the fine layer structure of the corneocytes was clearly observed by using NanoSIMS. Our studies indicate that SLE penetrates into the stratum corneum via an intercellular route. We conclude that application of NanoSIMS analysis can contribute to a better understanding of the function of cosmetic ingredients in the skin.     

Strain-induced polarization rotation in epitaxial (001) BiFeO3 thin films

Direct measurement of the remanent polarization of high quality (001)-oriented epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films shows a strong strain dependence, even larger than conventional (001)-oriented PbTiO3 films. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that a strain-induced polarization rotation mechanism is responsible for the large change in the out-of-plane polarization of (001) BiFeO3 with biaxial strain while the spontaneous polarization itself remains almost constant.     

Probing unfolded acoustic phonons with X rays

Ultrafast laser excitation of an InGaAs/InAlAs superlattice (SL) creates coherent folded acoustic phonons that subsequently leak into the bulk (InP) substrate. Upon transmission, the phonons become "unfolded" into bulk modes and acquire a wave vector much larger than that of the light. We show that time-resolved x-ray diffraction is sensitive to this large-wave vector excitation in the substrate. Comparison with dynamical diffraction simulations of propagating strain supports our interpretation.     

Orbital-driven electronic structure changes and the resulting optical anisotropy of the quasi-two-dimensional spin gap compound La4Ru2O10

We investigated the electronic response of the quasi-two-dimensional spin gap compound La4Ru2O10 using optical spectroscopy. We observed the drastic changes in the optical spectra as the temperature decreased, resulting in anisotropy in the electronic structure of the spin-singlet ground state. Using the orbital-dependent hopping analysis, we found that orbital ordering plays a crucial role in forming the spin gap state in the non-one-dimensional material.     

Thermoluminescence characteristics of rare-earth-doped LiCaBO3 phosphor

LiCaBO₃ was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of different rare earth dopants, i.e. Dy³⁺, Tb³⁺, Tm³⁺ and Ce³⁺, on thermoluminescence (TL) of LiCaBO₃ phosphor was discussed. We studied the TL properties and some dosimetric characteristics of Ce³⁺-activated LiCaBO₃ phosphor in detail. The effect of the concentration of Ce³⁺ on TL was investigated, the result of which showed that the optimum Ce³⁺ concentration was 1 mol%. The TL kinetic parameters of LiCaBO₃:0.01Ce³⁺ were studied by computer glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) method. The three-dimensional (3D) TL emission spectra were also studied, peaking at 431 and 474 nm due to the characteristic transition of Ce³⁺. We also studied the linearity, annealing condition, reproducibility, fading and different heating rate of the LiCaBO₃:0.01Ce³⁺ phosphor.     

Spin gap of a pressure-induced superconductor Sr2Ca12Cu24O41 at an optimum pressure of 3.8 GPa

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) on ⁶³Cu nuclei was performed in a pressure-induced superconductor Sr₂Ca₁₂Cu₂₄O₄₁ at an optimum pressure of 3.8 GPa. A pressure of 3.8 GPa was achieved by improving a piston-cylinder-type pressure cell and developing a NMR probe with a steady-load control system. We found that the spin gap still exists even at the optimum pressure. The spin gap was almost the same at pressures below 3.5 GPa on the pressure-temperature phase diagram, whereas it decreased rather drastically above 3.5 GPa.     

Silica waveguide ring resonators with multi-turn structure

Optical waveguide ring resonator is the basic element of resonator integrated optic gyro (RIOG). In this paper, we report a novel configuration of optical waveguide ring resonator using a multi-turn structure. The characteristic of the light propagating across the crossed waveguides is analyzed using the finite difference beam propagation method. The relationship between the propagation loss and the intersection angle for arbitrary intersecting angles has been analyzed. Some crossed waveguides are fabricated in silica waveguides to verify the theoretical results. On this basis, the influences of the loop numbers and the excess loss of the crossed waveguide on the limited sensitivity of the RIOG have been analyzed. There is a critical intersection angle for certain resonator, only when the intersection angle is bigger than the critical angle, the gyro sensitivity can be improved by increasing the loop numbers. This will be helpful to how to determine the optimum length in resonator for its application in RIOG.     

Instability-free ion acceleration by two laser pulses

We demonstrate the instability-free ion acceleration regime by introducing laser control with two parallel circularly polarized laser pulses at an intensity of I = 6.8 × 10²¹?W/cm², normally incident on a hydrogen foil. The special structure of the equivalent wave front of those two pulses, which contains Gaussian peaks in both sides and a concavity in the centre (2D), can suppress the transverse instabilities and hole boring effects to constrain a high density ion clump in the centre of the foil, leading to an acceleration over a long distance and gain above 1GeV/u for the ion bunches.