Showing papers on "Laser published in 2003"
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: In this article, a monolithic terahertz injection laser that is based on interminiband transitions in the conduction band of a semiconductor (GaAs/AlGaAs) heterostructure is presented.
Abstract: Semiconductor devices have become indispensable for generating electromagnetic radiation in everyday applications. Visible and infrared diode lasers are at the core of information technology, and at the other end of the spectrum, microwave and radio-frequency emitters enable wireless communications. But the terahertz region (1-10 THz; 1 THz = 10(12) Hz) between these ranges has remained largely underdeveloped, despite the identification of various possible applications--for example, chemical detection, astronomy and medical imaging. Progress in this area has been hampered by the lack of compact, low-consumption, solid-state terahertz sources. Here we report a monolithic terahertz injection laser that is based on interminiband transitions in the conduction band of a semiconductor (GaAs/AlGaAs) heterostructure. The prototype demonstrated emits a single mode at 4.4 THz, and already shows high output powers of more than 2 mW with low threshold current densities of about a few hundred A cm(-2) up to 50 K. These results are very promising for extending the present laser concept to continuous-wave and high-temperature operation, which would lead to implementation in practical photonic systems.
2,132 citations
TL;DR: Semiconductor lasers for optical pumping and fast optical saturable absorbers, based on either semiconductor devices or the optical nonlinear Kerr effect, have dramatically improved these lasers and opened up new frontiers for applications with extremely short temporal resolution, extremely high peak optical intensities and extremely fast pulse repetition rates.
Abstract: Ultrafast lasers, which generate optical pulses in the picosecond and femtosecond range, have progressed over the past decade from complicated and specialized laboratory systems to compact, reliable instruments. Semiconductor lasers for optical pumping and fast optical saturable absorbers, based on either semiconductor devices or the optical nonlinear Kerr effect, have dramatically improved these lasers and opened up new frontiers for applications with extremely short temporal resolution (much smaller than 10 fs), extremely high peak optical intensities (greater than 10 TW/cm2) and extremely fast pulse repetition rates (greater than 100 GHz).
1,914 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Optical microcavities confine light to small volumes by resonant recirculation as discussed by the authors, and are indispensable for a wide range of applications and studies, such as long-distance transmission of data over optical fibres; they also ensure narrow spot-size laser read/write beams in CD and DVD players.
Abstract: Optical microcavities confine light to small volumes by resonant recirculation. Devices trased on optical microcavities are already indispensable for a wide range of applications and studies, For example, microcavities made of active III-V semiconductor materials control laser emission spectra to enable long-distance transmission of data over optical fibres; they also ensure narrow spot-size laser read/write beams in CD and DVD players. In quantum optical devices, mocrocavities can coax atoms or quantum dots to emit spontaneous photons In a desired direction or can provide an environment where dissipative mechanhms such as spontaneous emission are overcome so that quantum entanglement of radiation and matter is possible. Applications of these remarkable devices are as diverse as their geometrical and resonant properties.
1,855 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the theoretical and experimental status of the intense laser alignment (EL alignment) technique is reviewed and a discussion of the physics underlying this technique and a description of methods of observing it in the laboratory is provided.
Abstract: We review the theoretical and experimental status of intense laser alignment---a field at the interface between intense laser physics and chemical dynamics with potential applications ranging from high harmonic generation and nanoscale processing to stereodynamics and control of chemical reactions After placing the intense laser approach in context with other alignment techniques, we proceed with a discussion of the physics underlying this technique and a description of methods of observing it in the laboratory The roles played by the laser frequency, the pulse duration, and the system temperature are illustrated numerically and experimentally Alignment is extended to three-dimensional orientational control, a method of hindering the rotation about all three axes of polyatomic molecules We conclude with a discussion of potential applications of intense laser alignment
1,435 citations
TL;DR: The generation of intense, few-cycle laser pulses with a stable carrier envelope phase that permit the triggering and steering of microscopic motion with an ultimate precision limited only by quantum mechanical uncertainty are reported.
Abstract: The amplitude and frequency of laser light can be routinely measured and controlled on a femtosecond (10(-15) s) timescale. However, in pulses comprising just a few wave cycles, the amplitude envelope and carrier frequency are not sufficient to characterize and control laser radiation, because evolution of the light field is also influenced by a shift of the carrier wave with respect to the pulse peak. This so-called carrier-envelope phase has been predicted and observed to affect strong-field phenomena, but random shot-to-shot shifts have prevented the reproducible guiding of atomic processes using the electric field of light. Here we report the generation of intense, few-cycle laser pulses with a stable carrier envelope phase that permit the triggering and steering of microscopic motion with an ultimate precision limited only by quantum mechanical uncertainty. Using these reproducible light waveforms, we create light-induced atomic currents in ionized matter; the motion of the electronic wave packets can be controlled on timescales shorter than 250 attoseconds (250 x 10(-18) s). This enables us to control the attosecond temporal structure of coherent soft X-ray emission produced by the atomic currents--these X-ray photons provide a sensitive and intuitive tool for determining the carrier-envelope phase.
1,412 citations
TL;DR: This work describes a simple, software-based approach to operating a laser scanning microscope without the need for custom data acquisition hardware and quantifies the effectiveness of the data acquisition and signal conditioning algorithm under a variety of conditions.
Abstract: Background: Laser scanning microscopy is a powerful tool for analyzing the structure and function of biological specimens. Although numerous commercial laser scanning microscopes exist, some of the more interesting and challenging applications demand custom design. A major impediment to custom design is the difficulty of building custom data acquisition hardware and writing the complex software required to run the laser scanning microscope. Results: We describe a simple, software-based approach to operating a laser scanning microscope without the need for custom data acquisition hardware. Data acquisition and control of laser scanning are achieved through standard data acquisition boards. The entire burden of signal integration and image processing is placed on the CPU of the computer. We quantitate the effectiveness of our data acquisition and signal conditioning algorithm under a variety of conditions. We implement our approach in an open source software package (ScanImage) and describe its functionality. Conclusions: We present ScanImage, software to run a flexible laser scanning microscope that allows easy custom design.
1,223 citations
TL;DR: Periodic nanostructures are observed inside silica glass after irradiation by a focused beam of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser, resulting in the periodic modulation of electron plasma concentration and the structural changes in glass.
Abstract: Periodic nanostructures are observed inside silica glass after irradiation by a focused beam of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser Backscattering electron images of the irradiated spot reveal a periodic structure of stripelike regions of ~20 nm width with a low oxygen concentration, which are aligned perpendicular to the laser polarization direction These are the smallest embedded structures ever created by light The period of self-organized grating structures can be controlled from ~140 to 320 nm by the pulse energy and the number of irradiated pulses The phenomenon is interpreted in terms of interference between the incident light field and the electric field of the bulk electron plasma wave, resulting in the periodic modulation of electron plasma concentration and the structural changes in glass
1,115 citations
TL;DR: It is derived and shown experimentally that frequency- domain ranging provides a superior signal-to-noise ratio compared with conventional time-domain ranging as used in optical coherence tomography.
Abstract: We demonstrate high-speed, high-sensitivity, high-resolution optical imaging based on optical frequency-domain interferometry using a rapidly-tuned wavelength-swept laser. We derive and show experimentally that frequency-domain ranging provides a superior signal-to-noise ratio compared with conventional time-domain ranging as used in optical coherence tomography. A high sensitivity of -110 dB was obtained with a 6 mW source at an axial resolution of 13.5 microm and an A-line rate of 15.7 kHz, representing more than an order-of-magnitude improvement compared with previous OCT and interferometric imaging methods.
1,067 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of chalcogenide glasses and the current status of their applications is given, and the possibilities of fabricating active devices, such as fiber amplifiers and lasers, are presented.
Abstract: A review of some properties of chalcogenide glasses and the current status of their applications is given. Techniques to characterize the linear and non-linear properties of these glasses are introduced and used to measure the optical constants of chalcogenide glasses in the form of bulk, thin film and fiber. Different techniques for the fabrication of gratings and waveguides in these glasses are described. Achievable efficiencies of gratings, as well as propagation losses of fabricated waveguides, are presented. The possibilities of fabricating active devices, such as fiber amplifiers and lasers, are presented. Finally, a novel application of chalcogenide glasses, namely all-optical switching for the fabrication of efficient femtosecond switches, is introduced.
1,001 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the frequency-domain description of a mode-locked laser and the connection between the pulse phase and the frequency spectrum in order to provide a basis for understanding how the absolute frequencies can be determined and controlled.
Abstract: Recently there has been a remarkable synergy between the technologies of precision laser stabilization and mode-locked ultrafast lasers. This has resulted in control of the frequency spectrum produced by mode-locked lasers, which consists of a regular comb of sharp lines. Thus such a controlled mode-locked laser is a ``femtosecond optical frequency comb generator.'' For a sufficiently broad comb, it is possible to determine the absolute frequencies of all of the comb lines. This ability has revolutionized optical frequency metrology and synthesis. It has also served as the basis for the recent demonstrations of atomic clocks that utilize an optical frequency transition. In addition, it is having an impact on time-domain applications, including synthesis of a single pulse from two independent lasers. In this Colloquium, we first review the frequency-domain description of a mode-locked laser and the connection between the pulse phase and the frequency spectrum in order to provide a basis for understanding how the absolute frequencies can be determined and controlled. Using this understanding, applications in optical frequency metrology and synthesis and optical atomic clocks are discussed. This is followed by a brief overview of how the comb technology is affecting and will affect time-domain experiments.
965 citations
TL;DR: The mobile femtosecond-terawatt laser system, Teramobile, has been constructed to study the applications of white-light and nonlinear light detection and ranging applications for atmospheric trace-gas remote sensing or remote identification of aerosols.
Abstract: Most long-path remote spectroscopic studies of the atmosphere rely on ambient light or narrow-band lasers. High-power femtosecond laser pulses have been found to propagate in the atmosphere as dynamically self-guided filaments that emit in a continuum from the ultraviolet to the infrared. This white light exhibits a directional behavior with enhanced backward scattering and was detected from an altitude of more than 20 kilometers. This light source opens the way to white-light and nonlinear light detection and ranging applications for atmospheric trace-gas remote sensing or remote identification of aerosols. Air ionization inside the filaments also opens promising perspectives for laser-induced condensation and lightning control. The mobile femtosecond-terawatt laser system, Teramobile, has been constructed to study these applications.
TL;DR: In this paper, the kinetics and microscopic mechanisms of laser melting and disintegration of thin Ni and Au films irradiated by a short, from 200 fs to 150 ps, laser pulse are investigated in a coupled atomistic-continuum computational model.
Abstract: The kinetics and microscopic mechanisms of laser melting and disintegration of thin Ni and Au films irradiated by a short, from 200 fs to 150 ps, laser pulse are investigated in a coupled atomistic-continuum computational model. The model provides a detailed atomic-level description of fast nonequilibrium processes of laser melting and film disintegration and, at the same time, ensures an adequate description of the laser light absorption by the conduction band electrons, the energy transfer to the lattice due to the electron-phonon coupling, and the fast electron heat conduction in metals. The interplay of two competing processes, the propagation of the liquid-crystal interfaces (melting fronts) from the external surfaces of the film and homogeneous nucleation and growth of liquid regions inside the crystal, is found to be responsible for melting of metal films irradiated by laser pulses at fluences close to the melting threshold. The relative contributions of the homogeneous and heterogeneous melting mechanisms are defined by the laser fluence, pulse duration, and the strength of the electron-phonon coupling. At high laser fluences, significantly exceeding the threshold for the melting onset, a collapse of the crystal structure overheated above the limit of crystal stability takes place simultaneously in the whole overheated region within \ensuremath{\sim}2 ps, skipping the intermediate liquid-crystal coexistence stage. Under conditions of the inertial stress confinement, realized in the case of short $\ensuremath{\tau}l~10\mathrm{ps}$ laser pulses and strong electron-phonon coupling (Ni films), the dynamics of the relaxation of the laser-induced pressure has a profound effect on the temperature distribution in the irradiated films as well as on both homogeneous and heterogeneous melting processes. Anisotropic lattice distortions and stress gradients associated with the relaxation of the laser-induced pressure destabilize the crystal lattice, reduce the overheating required for the initiation of homogeneous melting down to $T\ensuremath{\approx}{1.05T}_{m},$ and expand the range of pulse durations for which homogeneous melting is observed in 50 nm Ni films up to \ensuremath{\sim}150 ps. High tensile stresses generated in the middle of an irradiated film can also lead to the mechanical disintegration of the film.
TL;DR: In this article, the waveguiding behavior of individual zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires has been characterized with high-resolution optical microscopy, showing a transition from spontaneous to stimulated emission, and analysis of the polarization, line width and line spacing of the laser radiation facilitates identification of the transverse and longitudinal cavity modes and their gain properties.
Abstract: Wide band gap semiconductor nanostructures with near-cylindrical geometry and large dielectric constants exhibit two-dimensional ultraviolet and visible photonic confinement (i.e., waveguiding). Combined with optical gain and suitable resonant feedback, the waveguiding behavior facilitates highly directional lasing at room temperature in controlled-growth nanowires. We have characterized the nanowire emission in detail with high-resolution optical microscopy. The waveguiding behavior of individual zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires depends on the wavelength of the emitted light and the directional coupling of the photoluminescence (PL) to the emission dipoles of the nanowire. Polarization studies reveal two distinct regimes of PL characterized by coupling to either guided (bound) or radiation modes of the waveguide, the extent of which depends on wire dimensions. Pumping with high pulse energy engenders the transition from spontaneous to stimulated emission, and analysis of the polarization, line width, and line spacing of the laser radiation facilitates identification of the transverse and longitudinal cavity modes and their gain properties. Interpretation of the lasing spectra as a function of pump fluence, with consideration of ZnO material properties and ultrafast excitation dynamics, demonstrates a transition from exciton (fluence 1 IJ/cm 2 ) and gain saturation behavior (fluence > 3 IJ/cm 2 ) modified by the constraints of the nanoscale cylindrical cavity.
TL;DR: Practical guidelines for the preparation of tissue sections for direct analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry are presented and emphasis is placed on optimizing matrix parameters such as the type of matrix molecule used, matrix concentration, and solvent composition.
Abstract: Practical guidelines for the preparation of tissue sections for direct analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry are presented. Techniques for proper sample handling including tissue storage, sectioning and mounting are described. Emphasis is placed on optimizing matrix parameters such as the type of matrix molecule used, matrix concentration, and solvent composition. Several different techniques for matrix application are illustrated. Optimal instrument parameters and the necessity for advanced data analysis approaches with regards to direct tissue analysis are also discussed.
TL;DR: A theoretical model for the excitation and emission of SH radiation at the tip is developed and it is found that this source can be represented by a single on-axis oscillating dipole.
Abstract: The field near a sharp metal tip can be strongly enhanced if irradiated with an optical field polarized along the tip axis. We demonstrate that the enhanced field gives rise to local second-harmonic (SH) generation at the tip surface thereby creating a highly confined photon source. A theoretical model for the excitation and emission of SH radiation at the tip is developed and it is found that this source can be represented by a single on-axis oscillating dipole. The model is experimentally verified by imaging the spatial field distribution of strongly focused laser modes.
TL;DR: It is found that in the most common experimental circumstances, using micron-sized polystyrene or silica beads, absorption of the laser light in the solvent around the trapped particle, not in the particle itself, is the most important contribution to heating.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, a near-field fluorescence imaging using femtosecond laser pulses of proper polarization is presented. But the technique is not suitable for near field imaging, and the spatial resolution is limited to 20 nm.
Abstract: We present a new scheme for near-field fluorescence imaging using a metal tip illuminated with femtosecond laser pulses of proper polarization. The strongly enhanced electric field at the metal tip ( $\ensuremath{\approx}15\mathrm{nm}$ end diameter) results in a localized excitation source for molecular fluorescence. Excitation of the sample via two-photon absorption provides good image contrast due to the quadratic intensity dependence. The spatial resolution is shown to be better than that of the conventional aperture technique. We used the technique to image fragments of photosynthetic membranes, as well as $J$-aggregates with spatial resolutions on the order of 20 nm.
TL;DR: In this paper, the first true three-dimensional integrated optical device, a 1×3 splitter fabricated in pure fused silica, is presented, and the optical properties of this device and possibilities for the fabrication of complex high-density integrated optical elements are discussed.
Abstract: Using tightly focussed femtosecond laser pulses, waveguides can be fabricated inside various glasses and crystals. This technique has the potential to generate not only planar but three-dimensional photonic devices. In this paper we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first true three-dimensional integrated optical device, a 1×3 splitter fabricated in pure fused silica. The optical properties of this device and possibilities for the fabrication of complex high-density integrated optical elements are discussed.
TL;DR: Observations of the second-order intensity correlation function demonstrate that the experimental realization of a one-atom laser operated in the regime of strong coupling generates manifestly quantum (nonclassical) light, typified by photon anti-bunching and sub-poissonian photon statistics.
Abstract: Conventional lasers (from table-top systems to microscopic devices) typically operate in the so-called weak-coupling regime, involving large numbers of atoms and photons; individual quanta have a negligible impact on the system dynamics. However, this is no longer the case when the system approaches the regime of strong coupling for which the number of atoms and photons can become quite small. Indeed, the lasing properties of a single atom in a resonant cavity have been extensively investigated theoretically. Here we report the experimental realization of a one-atom laser operated in the regime of strong coupling. We exploit recent advances in cavity quantum electrodynamics that allow one atom to be isolated in an optical cavity in a regime for which one photon is sufficient to saturate the atomic transition. The observed characteristics of the atom–cavity system are qualitatively different from those of the familiar many-atom case. Specifically, our measurements of the intracavity photon number versus pump intensity indicate that there is no threshold for lasing, and we infer that the output flux from the cavity mode exceeds that from atomic fluorescence by more than tenfold. Observations of the second-order intensity correlation function demonstrate that our one-atom laser generates manifestly quantum (nonclassical) light, typified by photon anti-bunching and sub-poissonian photon statistics.
TL;DR: The technique described of ultrafast proton heating provides a unique method for creating isochorically heated high-energy density plasma states.
Abstract: A new technique is described for the isochoric heating (i.e., heating at constant volume) of matter to high energy-density plasma states (>10{sup 5} J/g) on a picosecond timescale (10{sup -12} sec). An intense, collimated, ultrashort-pulse beam of protons--generated by a high-intensity laser pulse--is used to isochorically heat a solid density material to a temperature of several eV. The duration of heating is shorter than the timescale for significant hydrodynamic expansion to occur, hence the material is heated to a solid density warm dense plasma state. Using spherically-shaped laser targets a focused proton beam is produced and used to heat a smaller volume to over 20 eV. The technique described of ultrafast proton heating provides a unique method for creating isochorically heated high-energy density plasma states.
TL;DR: First applications of the two-photon polymerization technique for the fabrication of three-dimensional microstructures and photonic crystals in inorganic-organic hybrid polymers with a structure size down to 200 nm and a periodicity of 450 nm are discussed.
Abstract: Investigations of two-photon polymerization of inorganic-organic hybrid materials initiated by femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser pulses are performed. First applications of this technique for the fabrication of three-dimensional microstructures and photonic crystals in inorganic-organic hybrid polymers with a structure size down to 200 nm and a periodicity of 450 nm are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, high-spatial-frequency periodic structures on the surfaces of InP, GaP, and GaAs have been observed after multiple-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation at wavelengths in the transparency regions of the respective solids.
Abstract: High-spatial-frequency periodic structures on the surfaces of InP, GaP, and GaAs have been observed after multiple-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation at wavelengths in the transparency regions of the respective solids. The periods of the structures are substantially shorter than the wavelengths of the incident laser fields in the bulk materials. In contrast, high-frequency structures were not observed for laser photon energies above the band gaps of the target materials.
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: Elements of the theory of nonlinear optics frequency doubling and mixing optical parametric generation, amplification, and oscillation characterization of second order nonlinear optical materials properties of selected second orderNonlinearoptical materials nonlinear index of refraction characterization of non linear refractive index materials optical properties ofselected third order non linear optics materials non linear absorption experimental techniques in nonlinear absorption ultrafast characterization techniques.
Abstract: Elements of the theory of nonlinear optics frequency doubling and mixing optical parametric generation, amplification, and oscillation characterization of second order nonlinear optical materials properties of selected second order nonlinearoptical materials nonlinear index of refraction characterization of nonlinear refractive index materials optical properties of selected third order nonlinear optics materials nonlinear absorption experimental techniques in nonlinear absorption ultrafast characterization techniques laser flash photolysis nonlinear absorption properties of selected materials stimulated Raman scattering stimulated Brillouin scattering properties of selected stimulated light-scattering materials theelectro-optic effect.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of recent experimental work on random laser with coherent feedback is presented, including measurement of the lasing threshold, lasing spectra, emission pattern, dynamical response, photon statistics, speckle pattern and the investigation of relevant length scales.
Abstract: A random laser is a non-conventional laser whose feedback mechanism is based on disorder-induced light scattering. Depending on whether the feedback supplied by scattering is intensity feedback or amplitude feedback, random lasers are classified into two categories: random lasers with incoherent feedback and random lasers with coherent feedback. A brief survey of random lasers with incoherent feedback is presented. It is followed by a review of our recent experimental work on random lasers with coherent feedback, including measurement of the lasing threshold, lasing spectra, emission pattern, dynamical response, photon statistics, speckle pattern and the investigation of relevant length scales. Large disorder leads to spatial confinement of the lasing modes, that is the foundation for the micro random laser. Some theoretical models of random lasers with coherent feedback are briefly introduced. The study of random lasers improves our understanding of the interplay between light localization and c...
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, high performance Quantum Cascade Lasers and their applications are discussed. But they are not suitable for use in medical applications, as shown in Figure 1 : The application of mid-IR 2-5?m Heterojunction Laser Diodes.
Abstract: Mid-Infrared 2-5 ?m Heterojunction Laser Diodes.- High Performance Quantum Cascade Lasers and Their Applications.- Mid-IR Difference Frequency Generation.- Pulsed Mid-IR Optical Parametric Oscillators.- Mid-Infrared Ultrafast and Continuous- Wave Optical Parametric Oscillators.- Mid-Infrared Fiber Lasers.- Crystalline Mid-Infrared Lasers.- Crystalline and Fiber Raman Lasers.- Narrow-Linewidth Tunable Terahertz-Wave Sources Using Nonlinear Optics.- Mid-Infrared and THz Coherent Sources Using Semiconductor-Based Materials.- Mid-Infrared Laser Applications in Spectroscopy.- Mid-IR Laser Applications in Medicine.
TL;DR: Ultrahigh-speed tuning of an extended-cavity semiconductor laser is demonstrated, which is more than an order of magnitude faster than previously demonstrated and is facilitated in part by self-frequency shifting in the semiconductor optical amplifier.
Abstract: Ultrahigh-speed tuning of an extended-cavity semiconductor laser is demonstrated. The laser resonator comprises a unidirectional fiber-optic ring, a semiconductor optical amplifier as the gain medium, and a novel scanning filter based on a polygonal scanner. Variable tuning rates up to 1150 nm/ms (15.7-kHz repetition frequency) are demonstrated over a 70-nm wavelength span centered at 1.32 microm. This tuning rate is more than an order of magnitude faster than previously demonstrated and is facilitated in part by self-frequency shifting in the semiconductor optical amplifier. The instantaneous linewidth of the source is <0.1 nm for 9-mW cw output power and a low spontaneous-emission background of -80 dB.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report evidence for two different mechanisms of material ablation in the liquid environment, whose relative contributions determine the size distribution of the produced colloidal gold nanoparticles.
Abstract: Femtosecond laser radiation has been used to ablate a gold target in pure deionized water to produce colloidal gold nanoparticles. We report evidence for two different mechanisms of material ablation in the liquid environment, whose relative contributions determine the size distribution of the produced particles. The first mechanism, associated with thermal-free femtosecond ablation, manifests itself at relatively low laser fluences F<400 J/cm2 and leads to very small (3–10 nm) and almost monodispersed gold colloids. The second one, attributed to the plasma-induced heating and ablation of the target, takes place at high fluences and gives rise to a much larger particle size and broad size distribution. The fabricated nanoparticles exhibit plasmon-related optical absorption peak and are of significance for biosensing applications.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, a single-beam technique for measuring both the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient for a wide variety of materials is reported, including a comprehensive theoretical analysis.
Abstract: A sensitive single-beam technique for measuring both the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient for a wide variety of materials is reported. The authors describe the experimental details and present a comprehensive theoretical analysis including cases where nonlinear refraction is accompanied by nonlinear absorption. In these experiments, the transmittance of a sample is measured through a finite aperture in the far field as the sample is moved along the propagation path (z) of a focused Gaussian beam. The sign and magnitude of the nonlinear refraction are easily deduced from such a transmittance curve (Z-scan). Employing this technique, a sensitivity of better than lambda /300 wavefront distortion is achieved in n/sub 2/ measurements of BaF/sub 2/ using picosecond frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser pulses. >
TL;DR: In this article, the potential use of a new technology of laser surface texturing (LST) in parallel thrust bearings is theoretically investigated, where the surface texture has the form of micro-dimples with pre-selected diameter, depth, and area density.
Abstract: The potential use of a new technology of laser surface texturing (LST) in parallel thrust bearings is theoretically investigated. The surface texture has the form of micro-dimples with pre-selected diameter, depth, and area density. It can be applied to only a portion of the bearing area (partial LST) or the full bearing area (full LST). Optimum parameters of the dimples, and best LST mode, are found in order to obtain maximum load carrying capacity for a thrust bearing having parallel mating surfaces. A comparison is made with optimum linear and stepped sliders showing that parallel LST sliders can provide similar load carrying capacity. Scheduled for Presentation at the 58th Annual Meeting in New York City April 28–May 1, 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of ambient gas on the expansion dynamics of the plume generated by laser ablation of an aluminum target has been investigated using frequency doubled radiation from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
Abstract: The effect of ambient gas on the expansion dynamics of the plasma generated by laser ablation of an aluminum target has been investigated using frequency doubled radiation from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The diagnostic tools include fast photography of overall visible plume emission using a 2 ns gated intensified charged coupled device and space and time resolved emission spectroscopy using a 50 cm monochromator/spectrograph and photomultiplier tube. The expansion behavior of the plasma was studied with ambient air pressure ranging from 10−6 to 100 Torr. Free expansion, plume splitting and sharpening, hydrodynamic instability, and stagnation of the plume were observed at different pressure levels. Space and time resolved emission spectroscopic studies showed a twin peak distribution for Al and Al+ species at farther distances illustrating plume splitting at pressures higher than 100 mTorr. Combining imaging together with time resolved emission diagnostics, a triple structure of the plume was observed. The expansion of the plume front was compared with various expansion models and found to be generally in good agreement.