Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Commons^™

Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion Of Photons Through Β-Barium Borate, Luke Horowitz

Physics

An apparatus for detecting pairs of entangled 405nm photons that have undergone Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion through β-Barium Borate is described. By using avalanche photo-diodes to detect the low-intensity converted beam and a coincidence module to register coincident photons, it is possible to create an apparatus than can be used to perform quantum information experiments under a budget appropriate for an undergraduate physics lab.

A Case For Chiral Contributions To Nondipole Effects In Photoionization Using Linearly Polarized Soft X-Rays, Kyle Patrick Bowen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Modelling angular distributions of photoelectrons requires making accurate approximations of both the incoming light and the behavior of bound electrons. The experimental determination of photoelectron angular distributions is crucial to the development of accurate theoretical models governing the light-matter interaction. To date, many models have relied upon the dipole approximation, which assumes a constant electric field as the source of ionization. Despite knowing that the dipole approximation would break down as photon energy increased, the precise limit was unclear. Over the past two decades, a strong case has been made that corrections to the dipole approximation are necessary for accurately …

Charge Collection Kinetics On Ferroelectric Polymer Surface Using Charge Gradient Microscopy, Yoon-Young Choi, Sheng Tong, Stephen Ducharme, Andreas Roelofs, Seungbum Hong

Stephen Ducharme Publications

A charge gradient microscopy (CGM) probe was used to collect surface screening charges on poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] thin films. These charges are naturally formed on unscreened ferroelectric domains in ambient condition. The CGM data were used to map the local electric current originating from the collected surface charges on the poled ferroelectric domains in the P(VDF-TrFE) thin films. Both the direction and amount of the collected current were controlled by changing the polarity and area of the poled domains. The endurance of charge collection by rubbing the CGM tip on the polymer film was limited to 20 scan cycles, after …

Investigation Of 186Re Via Radiative Thermal-Neutron Capture On 185Re, David A. Matters, Andrew G. Lerch, A. M. Hurst, L. Szentmiklosi, J. J. Carroll, B. Detwiler, Zs. Revay, John W. Mcclory, Stephen R. Mchale, R. B. Firestone, B. W. Sleaford, M. Krticka, T. Belgya

Faculty Publications

Partial ��-ray production cross sections and the total radiative thermal-neutron capture cross section for the ¹⁸⁵Re(n,��)¹⁸⁶Re reaction were measured using the Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis facility at the Budapest Research Reactor with an enriched ¹⁸⁵Re target. The ¹⁸⁶Re cross sections were standardized using well-known ³⁵Cl(n,��)³⁶Cl cross sections from irradiation of a stoichiometric ^natReCl₃ target. The resulting cross sections for transitions feeding the ¹⁸⁶Re ground state from low-lying levels below a cutoff energy of E_c=746keV were combined with a modeled probability of ground-state feeding from levels above E …

Ultracold Trimer Ion Formation Of Rb And K, Michael Cantara

University Scholar Projects

The cooling of molecules into the ultracold regime allows for high resolution laser spectroscopy that reveals their complex rotational and vibrational structure. As the temperature is lowered towards absolute zero, the kinetic energy of the particles approaches zero, and therefore the Doppler shift approaches zero. With the Doppler shift negligibly small, spectral resolution is now primarily limited by the natural linewidth of the molecular peaks. Further, ultracold temperatures make possible the production of atoms or molecules that will reside in the lowest few states of the system. The high population in a few select states provides stronger and less congested …

The Role Of Continuum States In The Field Ionization Of Rydberg Atoms, Michael P. Vennettilli

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

In an experiment performed by our collaborators at Bryn Mawr, we excite rubidium-85 to a coherent superposition of the different |m_j| splittings of the 37d_5/2 state induced by a small electric field. After waiting for some variable delay time, we apply a time-dependent electric field to ionize the atom and record the ionized current that arrives at the detector. Due to the initial superposition, we observe an interference pattern that depends on the delay time. This thesis describes my continued work with Dr. Carroll to develop a computational model of this experiment. Our initial method …

Quantum Mechanical Interference In The Field Ionization Of Rydberg Atoms, Jacob A. Hollingsworth

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

Rydberg atoms are traditionally alkali metal atoms with their valence electron excited to a state of very large principle quantum number. They possess exaggerated properties, and are consequently an attractive area of study for physicists. An example of their exaggerated properties is seen in their response to the presence of an applied electric field. In this work, we study the energy distribution of Rydberg atoms when subjected to a dynamic electric field intended to ionize them.

We excite ⁸⁵Rb atoms to a superposition of the 46D_5/2 |m_j| = 1/2 and |m_j| = 3/2 states …

Using A Genetic Algorithm To Optimize An Electric Field Ionization Pulse, Tamas Budner

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

Experimentally, we would like to demonstrate the process of selective field ionization of electrons as evidence of quantum control in a system of ultracold rubidium-85 Rydberg atoms. In order to accomplish this, an electric field pulse which is optimized to take an initial Rydberg electron state and produce the desired ionization spectra is necessary. We utilize techniques from artificial intelligence to develop a genetic algorithm for the optimization process. Our algorithm is computationally tested on an artificially constructed quantum system consisting of four energy states. In evaluating the viability of any given field pulse, we calculate the probability of an …

Diffractive Imaging Of A Rotational Wavepacket In Nitrogen Molecules With Femtosecond Megaelectronvolt Electron Pulses, Jie Yang, Markus Guehr, Theodore Vecchione, Matthew S. Robinson, Renkai Li, Nick Hartmann, Xiaozhe Shen, Ryan Coffee, Jeff Corbett, Alan Fry, Kelly Gaffney, Tais Gorkhover, Carsten Hast, Keith Jobe, Igor Makasyuk, Alexander Reid, Joseph Robinson, Sharon Vetter, Fenglin Wang, Stephen Weathersby, Charles Yoneda, Martin Centurion, Xijie Wang

Martin Centurion Publications

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Manipulation Of Beams Of Ultra-Relativistic Electrons To Create Femtosecond X-Ray Pulses, Jordan T. O'Neal, Austin Schulte, Rafal Rakowski, Matthias Fuchs

UCARE: Research Products

The research proposed here is expected to result in a crucial component used in a next-generation X-ray source. Typical conventional high-brightness X-ray sources (so-called synchrotron lightsources) are up to 30 football fields in size. Our group uses a novel technique based on ultrahigh-power lasers to develop a similar source that can readily fit into a single, university-scale laboratory. More specifically, the research conducted within this proposal will be concerned with the manipulation of beams of ultra-relativistic electrons, (electrons that move with almost the speed of light) with the goal to focus the particles into an area that is smaller than …

Tunable Controlled Release Of Molecular Species From Halloysite Nanotubes, Divya Narayan Elumalai

Doctoral Dissertations

Encouraged by potential applications in rust coatings, self-healing composites, selective delivery of drugs, and catalysis, the transport of molecular species through Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), specifically the storage and controlled release of these molecules, has attracted strong interest in recent years. HNTs are a naturally occurring biocompatible nanomaterial that are abundantly and readily available. They are alumosilicate based tubular clay nanotubes with an inner lumen of 15 nm and a length of 600-900 nm. The size of the inner lumen of HNTs may be adjusted by etching. The lumen can be loaded with functional agents like antioxidants, anticorrosion agents, flame-retardant agents, …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, Peter Kosch, Zhiyong Xiao, Xia Hong

UCARE: Research Products

The goal of my research was to mechanically exfoliate single to few atomic layer samples of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂ ), Tungsten Diselenide (WSe₂ ), and Tungsten Disulfide (WS₂ ) and characterize these 2D materials by multiple methods. I used Atomic Force Microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Optical Microscopy to accomplish this. In addition, I measured the electrical properties of the exfoliated materials by fabricating a device and taking basic measurements.

Identification Of The Zinc-Oxygen Divacancy In Zno Crystals, Maurio S. Holston, Eric M. Golden, Brant E. Kananen, John W. Mcclory, Nancy C. Giles, Larry E. Halliburton

Faculty Publications

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum in neutron-irradiated ZnO crystals is assigned to the zinc-oxygen divacancy. These divacancies are observed in the bulk of both hydrothermally grown and seeded-chemical-vapor-transport-grown crystals after irradiations with fast neutrons. Neutral nonparamagnetic complexes consisting of adjacent zinc and oxygen vacancies are formed during the irradiation. Subsequent illumination below ∼150 K with 442 nm laser light converts these (V²⁻_Zn − V²⁺_O)⁰ defects to their EPR-active state (V⁻_Zn − V²⁺_O)⁺ as electrons are transferred to donors. The resulting photoinduced S = 1/2 spectrum of the …

Plasma Processing Of Superconducting Radio Frequency Cavities, Janardan Upadhyay

Physics Theses & Dissertations

The development of plasma processing technology of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities not only provides a chemical free and less expensive processing method, but also opens up the possibility for controlled modification of the inner surfaces of the cavity for better superconducting properties. The research was focused on the transition of plasma etching from two dimensional flat surfaces to inner surfaces of three dimensional (3D) structures. The results could be applicable to a variety of inner surfaces of 3D structures other than SRF cavities. Understanding the Ar/Cl₂ plasma etching mechanism is crucial for achieving the desired modification of Nb …

Cebaf Upgrade Bunch Length Measurements, Mahmoud Mohamad Ali Ahmad

Physics Theses & Dissertations

Many accelerators use short electron bunches and measuring the bunch length is important for efficient operations. CEBAF needs a suitable bunch length because bunches that are too long will result in beam interruption to the halls due to excessive energy spread and beam loss. In this work, bunch length is measured by invasive and non-invasive techniques at different beam energies. Two new measurement techniques have been commissioned; a harmonic cavity showed good results compared to expectations from simulation, and a real time interferometer is commissioned and first checkouts were performed. Three other techniques were used for measurements and comparison purposes …

Search For 4n Contributions In The Reaction 14be(Ch2,X)10he, Michael D. Jones, Zack Kohley, Thomas J. Baumann, Greg Christian, Paul A. Deyoung, Joseph E. Finck, Nathan H. Frank, Robert A. Haring-Kaye, A. N. Kuchera, Bryan A. Luther, Shea Mosby, Jenna K. Smith, J. Snyder, Artemis Spyrou, Sharon L. Stephenson, Michael R. Thoennessen

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

A previously published measurement of the ground state resonance of ¹⁰He, populated by a reaction of a 59 MeV/u ¹⁴Be beam on a deuterated polyethylene target, was further analyzed to search for ⁴n emission resulting from 2p removal. No evidence for 4n events was found. A lower limit of about 1 MeV was determined for a possible resonance in ¹²He.

The Closo-Si12C12 Molecule From Cluster To Crystal: A Theoretical Prediction, Xiaofeng F. Duan, Larry W. Burggraf

Faculty Publications

The structure of closo-Si₁₂C₁₂ is unique among stable Si_nC_m isomers (n, m > 4) because of its high symmetry, π–π stacking of C₆ rings and unsaturated silicon atoms at symmetrical peripheral positions. Dimerization potential surfaces reveal various dimerization reactions that form between two closo-Si₁₂C₁₂ molecules through Si–Si bonds at unsaturated Si atoms. As a result the closo-Si₁₂C₁₂ molecule is capable of polymerization to form stable 1D polymer chains, 2D crystal layers, and 3D crystals. 2D crystal structures formed by side-side polymerization satisfy eight Si valences on each monomer …

Atomic Photoionization Experiment By Harmonic-Generation Spectroscopy, M. V. Frolov, T. S. Sarantseva, N. L. Manakov, K. D. Fulfer, B. P. Wilson, J. Troß, X. Ren, Erwin D. Poliakoff, A. A. Silaev, N. V. Vvedenskii, Anthony F. Starace, C. A. Trallero-Herrero

Anthony F. Starace Publications

Measurements of the high-order-harmonic generation yield of the argon (Ar) atom driven by a strong elliptically polarized laser field are shown to completely determine the field-free differential photoionization cross section of Ar, i.e., the energy dependence of both the angle-integrated photoionization cross section and the angular distribution asymmetry parameter.

New Type Of Al-Based Decagonal Quasicrystal In Al60Cr20Fe10Si10 Alloy, Zhanbing He, Haikun Ma, Hua Li, Xingzhong Li, Xiuliang Ma

Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience: Faculty Publications

A new kind of decagonal quasicrystal (DQC) with a periodicity of 1.23 nm was observed in the as-cast quaternary Al₆₀Cr₂₀Fe₁₀Si₁₀ alloy. The intensity distribution of some spots in the selected-area electron diffraction pattern along the tenfold zone axis was found to be different from other Al-based DQCs. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy was adopted to reveal the structural features at an atomic level. Both the tenfold symmetry and symmetry-broken decagonal (D) clusters of 1.91 nm in diameter were found, but with structural characteristics different from the corresponding D clusters in the …

Control Of Threshold Enhancements In Harmonic Generation By Atoms In A Two-Color Laser Field With Orthogonal Polarizations, M. V. Frolov, N. L. Manakov, T. S. Sarantseva, A. A. Silaev, N. V. Vvedenskii, Anthony F. Starace

Anthony F. Starace Publications

Threshold phenomena (or channel-closing effects) are analyzed in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) by atoms in a two-color laser field with orthogonal linearly polarized components of a fundamental field and its second harmonic. We show that the threshold behavior of HHG rates for the case of a weak second harmonic component is sensitive to the parity of a closing multiphoton ionization channel and the spatial symmetry of the initial bound state of the target atom, while for the case of comparable intensities of both components, suppression of threshold phenomena is observed as the relative phase between the components of a two-color …