Dynamical ordering induced by preferential transitions in planar arrays of superheated superconducting granules

We perform simulations of planar arrays of superheated superconducting granules (PASS) under an external magnetic field, analyzing transitions undergone by the system when the external field is slowly increased from zero. We observe, for high concentrations, the existence of an interval of external fields for which no transitions are induced. This effect is analogous to a ‘hot border zone’ identified in the response of superheated superconducting granule detectors. We explain such behaviour as produced by a geometrical ordering dynamically induced in the system by transitions in preferential sites due to diamagnetic interactions.     

A 2-dimensional detector with high spatial and temporal resolution for metastable rare gas atoms

We describe a detector for metastable rare gas atoms which allows the investigation of transverse atomic beam distributions on the single atom level with lateral dimensions of 1 m, which occur frequently in the field of atom optics. In contrast to existing detection techniques, the conversion step from the metastable atom to an electron is separated from the charge amplification to improve spatial resolution. The conversion is performed at a metal surface, which is followed by an electron-optical system imaging the electron distribution with a proper magnification onto a single electron detection unit. The spatial resolution that we achieve with this technique is on the order of 1 m, the temporal resolution on the order of 1 s. The application of the detector for atom interferometry is discussed. Received: 22 May 1996 / Revised version: 21 June 1996     

Modeling for thermal conductivity measurements of thin films using photothermal deflection with obliquely crossed configuration

Received: 21 December 1996     

Study of the influence of the rare-earth elements on the properties of lead iodide

Lead iodide (PbI₂) shows excellent electronic properties for detection of ionizing radiation. We report the introduction of rare-earth elements and other elements as admixtures during synthesis to study their influence on the quality of single crystals. Synthesized material as well as single crystals have been characterized by measurements of electrical resistivity and low-temperature photo luminescence and index of refraction. The structural quality with respect to polytypes was analysed by electron back scatter diffraction. Makyoh topography was applied for surface studies.     

Demonstration of a recombined Fabry-Perot-Michelson interferometer with suspended mirrors

We describe preliminary experimental results concerning the operation of a 3 m arm-length Michelson interferometer with two Fabry-Perot cavities whose mirrors and beam splitter are suspended independently by wires. The reflected light beams from the two Fabry-Perot cavities are recombined to obtain interference at a photo-detector; this scheme is necessary for future power-recycled laser interferometers used to detect gravitational waves. The fundamental properties of the interferometer are presented, including the power spectral density of the displacement noise.     

Femtosecond noncollinear and collinear parametric generation and amplification in BBO crystal

Measurements of intensity and frequency noise of an injection-locked 5-W Nd:YAG laser are presented and compared with the predictions of models. We show that the output of the injection-locked laser has very low levels of noise, and that the measurements support the predictions of the models. Thus these models can confidently be used to predict the performance of high-power, injection-locked lasers being developed for gravity wave detection. Received: 31 January 2000 / Revised version: 18 March 2000 / Published online: 16 June 2000     

Photo-thermal Shot Noise in End Mirrors of LIGO due to Correlation of Power Fluctuation

The effect of input power fluctuation on photo-thermal shot noise in the end mirrors of a laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory （LIGO） is analysed according to the statistical optics, which is a supplement of Braginsky＇s research. The laser light folding in LIGO increases a correlation of input power fluctuation in the photo-thermal shot noise. This part of noise has spectral density proportional to -2 in low frequency bands, and -4 in high frequency bands. It is not a white noise and may affect the processing about data of interferometers. To obtain an advanced LIGO, photo-thermal shot noise in end mirrors due to correlation of input power fluctuation is up to Braginsky＇s photo-thermal noise in the frequency range 1-100 Hz.     

Silicon Purification by a New Type of Solar Furnace

We propose a new method to reveal a direct transformation from solar energy to solar electricity. Instead of using electricity in the process, we use concentrated solar rays with a crucibleless process to upgrade metallurgical silicon into solar-grade silicon feedstock.     

Displacement transformer in laser gravitational-wave detectors

We analyze the measurement of small variations of distance between the mirrors of long Fabry-Perot cavity (model of gravitational wave detector) applying optical variant of displacement transformer. We show that using optical rigidity and manipulating the parameters of displacement transformer we can overcome Standard Quantum Limit (SQL) sensitivity without increasing laser pumping. The scheme analyzed has an additional potential of changing the shape of sensitivity curve over a wide range.