A novel threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) imaging spectrometer at the U14-A beamline of the Hefei National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory is presented. A set of open electron and ion lenses are utilized to map velocity imaging of photoelectrons and photoions simultaneously, in which a repelling electric field using an extra lens is applied to magnify images of photoelectrons instead of traditional accelerating electric field in order to suppress the contribution of energetic electrons in the threshold photoelectron spectroscopy (TPES) and the mass-selected TPEPICO spectroscopy. The typical energy resolution of TPES is measured to be 9 meV (full width at half maximum), as shown on the ²P_1/2 ionization of argon. The measured mass resolving power for the present TPEPICO imaging spectrometer is above 900 of M/ΔM. Subsequently as a benchmark, oxygen molecule is photoionized by monochromatic synchrotron radiation at 20.298 eV and dissociates to an oxygen atomic ion and a neutral oxygen atom, and the translation energy distribution of oxygen atomic ion is measured by the time-sliced imaging based on mass-selected TPEPICO experiment. The kinetic energy resolution of the present ion velocity imaging is better than 3% of ΔE/E.

We report on an innovative two-dimensional imaging extreme ultraviolet (XUV) interferometer operating at 32 nm based on the mutual coherence of two laser high order harmonics (HOH) sources, separately generated in gas. We give the first evidence that the two mutually coherent HOH sources can be produced in two independent spatially separated gas jets, allowing for probing centimeter-sized objects. A magnification factor of 10 leads to a micron resolution associated with a subpicosecond temporal resolution. Single shot interferograms with a fringe visibility better than 30% are routinely produced. As a test of the XUV interferometer, we measure a maximum electronic density of 3×10²⁰ cm⁻³ 1.1 ns after the creation of a plasma on aluminum target.

An accurate and direct measurement of the energy distribution of a low repetition rate terahertz electromagnetic pulse is challenging because of the lack of sensitive detectors in this spectral range. In this paper, we show how the total energy and energy density distribution of a terahertz electromagnetic pulse can be determined by directly measuring the absolute electric field amplitude and beam energy density distribution using electro-optic detection. This method has potential use as a routine method of measuring the energy density of terahertz pulses that could be applied to evaluating future high power terahertz sources, terahertz imaging, and spatially and temporarily resolved pump-probe experiments.

Atomic force microscopy force spectroscopy has become a powerful biophysical technique for probing the dynamics of proteins at the single molecule level. Extending a polyprotein at constant velocity produces the now familiar sawtooth pattern force-length relationship. Customarily, manual fits of the wormlike chain (WLC) model of polymer elasticity to sawtooth pattern data have been used to measure the contour length L_c of the protein as it unfolds one module at a time. The change in the value of L_c measures the number of amino acids released by an unfolding protein and can be used as a precise locator of the unfolding transition state. However, manual WLC fits are slow and introduce inevitable operator-driven errors which reduce the accuracy of the L_c estimates. Here we demonstrate an extended Kalman filter that provides operator-free real time estimates of L_c from sawtooth pattern data. The filter design is based on a cantilever-protein arrangement modeled by a simple linear time-invariant cantilever model and by a nonlinear force-length relationship function for the protein. The resulting Kalman filter applied to sawtooth pattern data demonstrates its real time, operator-free ability to accurately measure L_c. These results are a marked improvement over the earlier techniques and the procedure is easily extended or modified to accommodate further quantities of interest in force spectroscopy.

We constructed a high resolution terahertz (THz) spectroscopic system with an automatic scanning control using a continuous wave (cw) THz wave generator based on difference frequency generation method by excitation of phonon-polariton mode in GaP. The pump and signals lasers were compact, tunable external cavity laser, and distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, respectively. The generated THz waves were tuned automatically by changing the temperature of the DFB laser using a system control. We present the water vapor transmission characteristics of the THz wave and also absorption spectrum of a white polyethylene in the frequency range of 1.97–2.45 THz. The spectroscopic measurements performed at an output power level of 2 nW, which was obtained with a 15-mm-long GaP crystal at 2 THz. The advantage of this cw THz spectrometer is wide frequency tuning range (0.7–4.42 THz) with an estimated linewidth of full width at quarter maximum <8 MHz and this system has a potential application in high resolution spectroscopy.

We introduce a beam profiler of pulsed lasers based on the photoacoustic technique. The method assumes that the initial pressure distribution inside the acoustic cell follows the laser intensity pattern if absorbed energy relaxes rapidly. This initial pressure condition can be described as a superposition of acoustic modes of different amplitudes and phases. We analyze how to reconstruct the intensity profile of the laser beam from the recorded acoustic signals. Finally, we present preliminary results obtained with a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser that excites NO₂–CF₂Cl₂ mixtures.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) plays a central role in atmospheric chemistry, air pollution, and biogeochemical cycles. Many analytical techniques have been developed to detect NO₂, but only chemiluminescence-based instruments are commonly, commercially available. There remains a need for a fast, light, and simple method to directly measure NO₂. In this work we describe the modification and characterization of a small, commercially available cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) NO₂ detector suitable for surface and aircraft monitoring. A metal oxide scrubber was added to remove NO₂, and provide a chemical zero, improving the detection limit (3σ of the background noise) from several parts per billion by volume (ppbv) to 0.06 ppbv, integrated over 60 s. Known interferences by water and particles were removed using Nafion tubing and a 1 μm Teflon^® filter, respectively. A 95% response time of 18±1 s was observed for a step change in concentration. The CRDS detector was run in parallel to an ozone chemiluminescence device with photolytic conversion of NO₂ to NO. The two instruments measured ambient air in suburban Maryland. A least-squares fit to the comparison data resulted a slope of 0.960±0.002 and R of 0.995, showing agreement within experimental uncertainty.

A newly designed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) infrared spectroscopy apparatus dedicated to the spectroscopic characterization of oxides, singles crystals as well as powders, is described. It combines a state-of-the-art vacuum Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer (Bruker, VERTEX 80v) with a novel UHV system (PREVAC) consisting of load-lock, distribution, measurement, and magazine chambers. The innovative design allows carrying out both reflection-absorption IR spectroscopy experiments at grazing incidence on well-defined oxide single crystal surfaces and FTIR transmission measurements for powder particles. A further unique feature of the apparatus is the entirely evacuated optical path to avoid background signals from gas phase H₂O, CO₂, and other species, thus creating the possibility to record high-quality IR data with high sensitivity and stability, an essential prerequisite for monitoring molecular species adsorbed on oxide single-crystal surfaces. The unique performance of this new apparatus with regard to the spectroscopic characterization of adsorbates on oxide single crystals as well as on powder particles is demonstrated by case studies for two different materials, TiO₂ and ZnO.

Positron emitters ¹¹C, ¹³N, and ¹⁵O, which can be used in positron emission tomography, were produced using deuterons accelerated by irradiation of laser pulses ∼ 70 TW in peak power and ∼ 30 fs in duration with a repetition of 10 Hz during a period of as long as 200 s. Every laser pulse irradiates the fresh surface of a long strip of a solid-state thin film. Deuterons contained in the film are accelerated in the relativistic plasma induced by the pulse. The deuterons are repetitively incident on solid plates, which are placed near the film, to produce positron emitters by nuclear reactions. The radioactivities of the activated plates are measured after the termination of laser irradiation. In activation of graphite, boron-nitride, and melamine plates, the products had total activities of 64, 46, and 153 Bq, respectively. Contamination in the setup was negligible even after several thousands of laser shots. Our apparatus is expected to greatly contribute to the construction of a compact PET diagnostic system in the future.

Ion sources have wide-spread use in a multitude of applications. For many, an accurate knowledge, or better, an accurate imaging, of the beam profile and intensity is an important criterion. We are developing an ion source to calibrate instruments for space-based measurements of solar wind and suprathermal particles in the energy range from below 1 keV/nuc to above 200 keV/nuc. In order to establish accurate beam profiles for calibration purposes, we have developed a new method based on an array of very small (� = 0.3 mm) Faraday cups. Here, we describe the experimental setup and discuss how to achieve several requirements such as a large thermal load due to the ∼ 40W of beam power.

A compact high-sensitivity second-harmonic interferometer for line-integrated electron density measurements on a large plasma machine is presented. The device is based on a fiber coupled near-infrared continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser and is remotely controlled. The performances of the instrument are tested on the Irvine field-reversed configuration machine, and a sensitivity of few 10¹⁴ cm⁻² in measuring line integrated electron density is demonstrated with a time resolution of a few microseconds. The interferometer is self calibrated, has an impressive stability, and it does not require any further alignment after proper installation. These features make this device a real turn-key system suitable for electron density measurement in large plasma machines.

Helium metastable atom density was spatially determined by a modified electrostatic probe in a remote plasma. The probe structure was similar to that of a guard ring probe. Opposite polarity voltages were applied to the inner probe and the guard ring to shield both electrons and ions from the vicinity of the inner probe. Therefore, the inner probe current is due to secondary electrons generated by the de-exciting helium metastable atom flux. The photoelectron current was removed by shielding and orienting the probe 90° to the direction of the plasma-generated photon flux. Helium metastable atom density on the order of 10⁷ cm⁻³ was measured. Limitations on the use of this technique are revealed by comparisons with simulated metastable distributions.

The numerical toolset, FAR-TECH Virtual Diagnostic Utility, for generating virtual experimental data based on theoretical models and comparing it with experimental data, has been developed for soft x-ray diagnostics on DIII-D. The virtual (or synthetic) soft x-ray signals for a sample DIII-D discharge are compared with the experimental data. The plasma density and temperature radial profiles needed in the soft x-ray signal modeling are obtained from experimental data, i.e., from Thomson scattering and electron cyclotron emission. The virtual soft x-ray diagnostics for the equilibriums have a good agreement with the experimental data. The virtual diagnostics based on an ideal linear instability also agree reasonably well with the experimental data. The agreements are good enough to justify the methodology presented here for utilizing virtual diagnostics for routine comparison of experimental data. The agreements also motivate further detailed simulations with improved physical models such as the nonideal magnetohydrodynamics contributions (resistivity, viscosity, nonaxisymmetric error fields, etc.) and other nonlinear effects, which can be tested by virtual diagnostics with various stability modeling.

Experimental results are presented on the neutron scintillating properties of a custom-designed Pr3+(praseodymium)-doped lithium (Li) glass. Luminescence was observed at 278 nm wavelength, originating from the 5d-4f transition. Time-resolved measurements yielded about 20 ns decay times for ultraviolet and x-ray excitation while much faster decay times of about 6 ns were observed for alpha particle and neutron excitation. Actual time-of-flight data in laser fusion experiments at the GEKKO XII facility of the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University reveal that it can clearly discriminate fusion neutrons from the much stronger x-rays signals. This material can promise improved accuracy in future scattered neutron diagnostics.

We have developed an improved, windowed type environmental-cell (E-cell) transmission electron microscope (TEM) for in situ observation of gas-solid interactions, such as catalytic reactions at atmospheric pressure. Our E-cell TEM includes a compact E-cell specimen holder with mechanical stability, resulting in smoother introduction of the desired gases compared with previous E-cell TEMs. In addition, the gas control unit was simplified by omitting the pressure control function of the TEM pre-evacuation chamber. This simplification was due to the successful development of remarkably tough thin carbon films as the window material. These films, with a thickness of <10 nm, were found to withstand pressure differences >2 atm. Appropriate arrangement of the specimen position inside the E-cell provided quantitatively analyzable TEM images, with no disturbances caused by the windowed films. As an application, we used this E-cell TEM to observe the dynamic shape change in a catalytic gold nanoparticle supported on TiO₂ during the oxidation of CO gas.

The surface conductivity measurement system using a micro-four-point probe (M4PP) had been developed for the ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscope (UHV-TEM). Since the current distribution in the sample crystals during the current voltage measurement by the M4PP is localized within the depth of several micrometers from the surface, the system is sensitive to the surface conductivity, which is related with the surface superstructure. It was installed in the main chamber of the TEM and the surface conductivity can be measured in situ. The surface structures were observed by reflection electron microscopy and diffraction (REM-RHEED). REM-RHEED enables us to observe the surface superstructures and their structure defects such as surface atomic steps and domain boundaries of the surface superstructure. Thus the effects of the defects on the surface conductivity can be investigated. In the present paper we present the surface conductivity measurement system and its application to the Si(111)-×-Ag surface prepared on the Si(111) vicinal surfaces. The result clearly showed that the surface conductivity was affected by step configuration.

We demonstrated a single-shot measurement of terahertz temporal waveform using pulse-front tilting by a direct vision dispersion prism (DVDP). An advantage of this technique is the simplicity with which an electro-optic terahertz imaging optical system can be changed into a single-shot measurement system by inserting a DVDP in the probe beam path. In this technique, control of the angle of pulse-front tilting is very important. We precisely designed DVDP and measured the angle of the pulse-front tilting by interference measurement. We obtained a terahertz temporal waveform with a single shot with a time window of 3.2 ps.

Diversified research interests in scanning laser microscopy nowadays require broadband capability of the optical system. Although an all-mirror-based optical design with a suitable metallic coating is appropriate for broad-spectrum applications from ultraviolet to terahertz, most researchers prefer lens-based scanning systems despite the drawbacks of a limited spectral range, ghost reflection, and chromatic aberration. One of the main concerns is that the geometrical aberration induced by off-axis incidence on spherical mirrors significantly deteriorates image resolution. Here, we demonstrate a novel geometrical design of a spherical-mirror-based scanning system in which off-axis aberrations, both astigmatism and coma, are compensated to reach diffraction-limited performance. We have numerically simulated and experimentally verified that this scanning system meets the Marechàl condition and provides high Strehl ratio within a 3°×3° scanning area. Moreover, we demonstrate second-harmonic-generation imaging from starch with our new design. A greatly improved resolution compared to the conventional mirror-based system is confirmed. This scanning system will be ideal for high-resolution linear/nonlinear laser scanning microscopy, ophthalmoscopic applications, and precision fabrications.

A new test device for temperature-dependent permeation measurement, existing of a mass spectrometer and sample holders inside a climatic chamber was developed. The front face of a sample is loaded with the atmosphere in the cabinet or a test gas mixture, respectively. The permeated species are accumulated in a cell behind the sample. The increasing partial pressures of the permeants are measured by the mass spectrometer and than transferred into a transmission rate. The time-lag technique enables the determination of the diffusion coefficient. Results are given for atmospheric components as O₂, N₂, and water vapor permeated through different barrier films and laminates at temperatures from 23 to 80 °C. The limits of the detection of the transmission rates are in the range of 10⁻⁶ g/m² d.

We present a portable pulsed-magnet system for x-ray studies of materials in high magnetic fields (up to 30 T). The apparatus consists of a split-pair of minicoils cooled on a closed-cycle cryostat, which is used for x-ray diffraction studies with applied field normal to the scattering plane. A second independent closed-cycle cryostat is used for cooling the sample to near liquid helium temperatures. Pulsed magnetic fields ( ∼ 1 ms in total duration) are generated by discharging a configurable capacitor bank into the magnet coils. Time-resolved scattering data are collected using a combination of a fast single-photon counting detector, a multichannel scaler, and a high-resolution digital storage oscilloscope. The capabilities of this instrument are used to study a geometrically frustrated system revealing strong magnetostrictive effects in the spin-liquid state.

A special stage for texture measurements above room temperature was designed with the proper size and weight to be fitted onto the Eulerean cradle of the Philips X’Pert Pro MPD diffractometer. With such device, flat samples of 2×2 cm² area can be analyzed at a nearly constant temperature with variations below ±4 °C in the range between ambient temperature and 200 °C.

A magnetometric technique for detecting the magnetic anisotropy field of ferromagnetic films is described. The technique is based on the extraordinary Hall voltage measurement with rotating the film under an external magnetic field. By analyzing the angle-dependent Hall voltage based on the Stoner–Wohlfarth theory, the magnetic anisotropy field is uniquely determined. The present technique is pertinent especially for ultrathin films with strong intrinsic signal, in contrast to the conventional magnetometric techniques of which the signal is in proportion to the sample volume and geometry.

A novel measurement technique, thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy (TD-CRDS), for rapid (1 s time resolution) and sensitive (precision ∼ 100 parts per trillion by volume (10⁻¹²; pptv)) quantification of total peroxy nitrate (ΣPN) and total alkyl nitrate (ΣAN) abundances in laboratory-generated gas mixtures is described. The organic nitrates are dissociated in a heated inlet to produce NO₂, whose concentration is monitored by pulsed-laser CRDS at 532 nm. Mixing ratios are determined by difference relative to a cold inlet reference channel. Conversion of laboratory-generated mixtures of AN in zero air (at an inlet temperature of 450 °C) is quantitative over a wide range of mixing ratios (0–100 parts per billion by volume (10⁻⁹, ppbv)), as judged from simultaneous measurements of NO_y using a commercial NO–O₃ chemiluminescence monitor. Conversion of PN is quantitative up to about 4 ppbv (at an inlet temperature of 250 °C); at higher concentrations, the measurements are affected by recombination reactions of the dissociation products. The results imply that TD-CRDS can be used as a generic detector of dilute mixtures of organic nitrates in air at near-ambient concentration levels in laboratory experiments. Potential applications of the TD-CRDS technique in the laboratory are discussed.

Nonlinear dielectric spectroscopy of micro-organism is carried out by applying a moderate electrical field to an aqueous sample through two metal electrodes. Several ad hoc nonlinear spectrometers were proposed in the literature. However, these designs barely compensated the nonlinear distortion derived from the electrode-electrolyte interfaces (EEI). Moreover, the contribution of the suspension is masked by the effect of the nonlinearity introduced by the electrode contacts. Conversely, the nonlinear capability of a commercial tetrapolar analyzer has not been fully investigated. In this paper a new nonlinear tetrapolar spectrometer is proposed based on a commercial linear apparatus and ad hoc control and signal processing software. The system was evaluated with discrete electronic phantoms and showed that it can measure nonlinear properties of aqueous suspension independently of the presence of EEI (ANOVA test, p>0.001). It was also tested with real aqueous samples. The harmonics observed in the current that circulates through the sample reveals useful information about the transfer function of the sample. The total harmonic distortion was computed for linear mediums. Values lower than −60 dB suggest that the system has enough capability to perform nonlinear microbiological analysis. Design specifications, sources of interference, and equipment’s limitations are discussed.

Electromagnetic waves can propagate through the body and are reflected at interfaces between materials with different dielectric properties. Therefore the reason for using ultrawideband (UWB) radar for probing the human body in the frequency range from 100 MHz up to 10 GHz is obvious and suggests an ability to monitor the motion of organs within the human body as well as obtaining images of internal structures. The specific advantages of UWB sensors are high temporal and spatial resolutions, penetration into object, low integral power, and compatibility with established narrowband systems. The sensitivity to ultralow power signals makes them suitable for human medical applications including mobile and continuous noncontact supervision of vital functions. Since no ionizing radiation is used, and due to the ultralow specific absorption rate applied, UWB techniques permit noninvasive sensing with no potential risks. This research aims at the synergetic use of UWB sounding combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to gain complementary information for improved functional diagnosis and imaging, especially to accelerate and enhance cardiac MRI by applying UWB radar as a noncontact navigator of myocardial contraction. To this end a sound understanding of how myocardial’s mechanic is rendered by reflected and postprocessed UWB radar signals must be achieved. Therefore, we have executed the simultaneous acquisition and evaluation of radar signals with signals from a high-resolution electrocardiogram. The noncontact UWB illumination was done from several radiographic standard positions to monitor selected superficial myocardial areas during the cyclic physiological myocardial deformation in three different respiratory states. From our findings we could conclude that UWB radar can serve as a navigator technique for high and ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging and can be beneficial preserving the high resolution capability of this imaging modality. Furthermore it can potentially be used to support standard electrocardiography (ECG) analysis by complementary information where sole ECG analysis fails, e.g., electromechanical dissociation.

This paper describes the first demonstration of vibration isolation and suspension systems, which have been developed with view to application in the proposed Australian International Gravitational Observatory. In order to achieve optimal performance at low frequencies new components and techniques have been combined to create a compact advanced vibration isolator structure. The design includes two stages of horizontal preisolation and one stage of vertical preisolation with resonant frequencies ∼ 100 mHz. The nested structure facilitates a compact design and enables horizontal preisolation stages to be configured to create a superspring configuration, where active feedback can enable performance close to the limit set by seismic tilt coupling. The preisolation stages are combined with multistage three–dimensional (3D) pendulums. Two isolators suspending mirror test masses have been developed to form a 72 m optical cavity with finesse ∼ 700 in order to test their performance. The suitability of the isolators for use in suspended optical cavities is demonstrated through their ease of locking, long term stability, and low residual motion. An accompanying paper presents the local control system and shows how simple upgrades can substantially improve residual motion performance.

High performance vibration isolators are required for ground based gravitational wave detectors. To attain very high performance at low frequencies we have developed multistage isolators for the proposed Australian International Gravitational Observatory detector in Australia. New concepts in vibration isolation including self-damping, Euler springs, LaCoste springs, Roberts linkages, and double preisolation require novel sensors and actuators. Double preisolation enables internal feedback to be used to suppress low frequency seismic noise. Multidegree of freedom control systems are required to attain high performance. Here we describe the control components and control systems used to control all degrees of freedom. Feedback forces are injected at the preisolation stages and at the penultimate suspension stage. There is no direct actuation on test masses. A digital local control system hosted on a digital signal processor maintains alignment and position, corrects drifts, and damps the low frequency linear and torsional modes without exciting the very high Q-factor test mass suspension. The control system maintains an optical cavity locked to a laser with a high duty cycle even in the absence of an autoalignment system. An accompanying paper presents the mechanics of the system, and the optical cavity used to determine isolation performance. A feedback method is presented, which is expected to improve the residual motion at 1 Hz by more than one order of magnitude.

A near-field scanning microwave microscopy (NSMM) is applied to investigate the local perpendicular dielectric information of single-phase multiferroic BiFeO₃ thin film and single crystal LaAlO₃ material. Our NSMM is composed of a vector network analyzer and a simple open-ended coaxial probe, which is quite different from the commercial probe with a λ/4 coaxial resonator. The local permittivity is calculated quantitatively according to resonance frequency shift under the quasistatic microwave perturbation theory. We make use of the magnitude of reflection loss S₁₁ to construct an image reflecting the distribution of dielectric constant of a material. A homogeneous permittivity is observed in LaAlO₃ material and the inhomogeneous permittivity ε = 215–250 for BiFeO₃ film is depicted from the change of feedback signal S₁₁ over an area of 100×100 μm².