Simple and compact 1-Hz laser system via an improved mounting configuration of a reference cavity

We report an improved mounting configuration for a passive optical cavity used for laser frequency stabilization. The associated reduction of the vibration sensitivity of the effective cavity length has led to a simple and compact reference cavity system for laser stabilization at the level of 1 Hz linewidth.     

Coherence phenomena in the phase-sensitive optical parametric amplification inside a cavity

We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate coherence phenomena in optical parametric amplification inside a cavity. The mode splitting in the transmission spectra of a phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifier is observed. Especially, we show that a very narrow dip and peak, which are the shape of a delta function, appear in the transmission profile. The origin of the coherence phenomenon in this system is the interference between the harmonic pump field and the subharmonic seed field in cooperation with dissipation of the cavity.     

Mode-locked fiber laser frequency-controlled with an intracavity electro-optic modulator

We demonstrate a mode-locked, erbium-doped fiber laser with its repetition frequency synchronized to a second fiber laser via an intracavity electro-optic modulator (EOM). With servo control from the EOM (bandwidth approximately 230 kHz) and a slower speed intracavity piezoelectric transducer (resonance at approximately 20 kHz), we demonstrate stabilization of the repetition frequency with an in-loop rms timing jitter of 10 fs, integrated over a bandwidth from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. This represents what is to our knowledge the first time an EOM has been introduced inside a mode-locked laser cavity for fast servo action and the lowest timing jitter reported for a mode-locked fiber laser.     

Syntheses of very dense halogenated liquids

A family of halogenated liquids with densities ranging from 1.95 to 2.80 g cm(-3) was readily synthesized by a one-pot procedure. These liquids exhibit characteristics of ionic liquids with melting/transition points lower than room temperature, long liquid ranges, and marked hydrolytic and thermal stabilities.     

Self-supported heterogeneous catalysts for enantioselective hydrogenation

"Self-supported" catalysts were prepared by the reaction of bis-MonoPhos ligand with rhodium(I) metallic ion on the basis of molecular assembling through coordination. These polymeric metal-organic assemblies are insoluble in common organic solvents and, as a result, provide an excellent opportunity for running asymmetric catalysis heterogeneously. The application of the self-supported Rh(II) catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of olefin derivatives afforded a variety of enantioenriched amino acid and amine derivatives with high yields and enantioselectivities. This strategy might provide a new direction in asymmetric catalysis, particularly for the development of practical heterogeneous asymmetric synthesis of optically active compounds.     

Fluorescence detection of surface-bound intermediates produced from UV photoreactivity of alkylsiloxane SAMs

Detection and quantification of submonolayer coverage surface species is not trivial. We have developed a novel method sensitive to surface-bound chemical functional groups as low as 10(11) molecules/cm(2) by specific covalent attachment of fluorescent chromophores. This enables the intermediates of the UV photochemistry of alkylsiloxane self-assembled monolayers to be identified.     

Efficient Stark deceleration of cold polar molecules

Stark deceleration has been utilized for slowing and trapping several species of neutral, ground-state polar molecules generated in a supersonic beam expansion. Due to the finite physical dimension of the electrode array and practical limitations of the applicable electric fields, only molecules within a specific range of velocities and positions can be efficiently slowed and trapped. These constraints result in a restricted phase space acceptance of the decelerator in directions both transverse and parallel to the molecular beam axis; hence, careful modeling is required for understanding and achieving efficient Stark decelerator operation. We present work on slowing of the hydroxyl radical (OH) elucidating the physics controlling the evolution of the molecular phase space packets both with experimental results and model calculations. From these results we deduce experimental conditions necessary for efficient operation of a Stark decelerator.     

A new 1,4-phenanthraquinone from Menispermum dauricum

A new 1,4-phenanthraquinone was isolated from the roots of Menispermum dauricum. The structure was elucidated as 7-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthraquinone on the basis of spectral evidence.