 |
|
Researchers putting a freeze on oscillator vibrations
June 18, 2009University of Oregon physicists have successfully landed a one-two punch on a tiny glass sphere, refrigerating it in liquid helium and then dosing its perimeter with a laser beam, to bring its naturally occurring mechanical vibrations to a near standstill.
The findings, published in Nature Physics, could boost advances in information processing that exploits special quantum properties and in precision-measurements for nanotechnology. The ability to freeze mechanical fluctuations, or vibrations, with a laser in so-called optomechanical oscillators, also opens a window on the little-explored transition between quantum and classical physics, said principal investigator Hailin Wang.
Wang, a member of the Oregon Center for Optics and a professor in the UO physics department, and his doctoral student Young-Shin Park performed the research under grants from the National Science Foundation and Army Research Laboratory through the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI).
In nanotechnology, understanding phonons -- vibrations that carry energy -- is becoming increasingly important. For their project, Wang and Park purposely manufactured a deformed silica microsphere about 30 microns in diameter, about the size of a human hair.
A combination of cryogenic pre-cooling of the sphere to 1.4 Kelvin (minus 457.15 degrees Fahrenheit) and hitting the sphere's outer surface with a laser allowed researchers to extract energy from the mechanical oscillator and lower the level of phonon excitations to near 40 quanta. Ultimately, Wang said, the goal is to reduce that level, known as the average phonon occupation, to one quantum.
"Our goal is to get to and work with the quantum mechanical ground state in which there is very little excitation or displacement," Wang said. Reaching one quantum would require a temperature just a few thousandths of a degree from absolute zero (minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit).
University of Oregon
In nanotechnology, understanding phonons -- vibrations that carry energy -- is becoming increasingly important. For their project, Wang and Park purposely manufactured a deformed silica microsphere about 30 microns in diameter, about the size of a human hair.
A combination of cryogenic pre-cooling of the sphere to 1.4 Kelvin (minus 457.15 degrees Fahrenheit) and hitting the sphere's outer surface with a laser allowed researchers to extract energy from the mechanical oscillator and lower the level of phonon excitations to near 40 quanta. Ultimately, Wang said, the goal is to reduce that level, known as the average phonon occupation, to one quantum.
"Our goal is to get to and work with the quantum mechanical ground state in which there is very little excitation or displacement," Wang said. Reaching one quantum would require a temperature just a few thousandths of a degree from absolute zero (minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit).
University of Oregon
Laser Beam Current Events and Laser Beam News RSSNew imagining technique could lead to better antibiotics and cancer drugs
A recently devised method of imaging the chemical communication and warfare between microorganisms could lead to new antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer drugs, said a Texas AgriLife Research scientist.
Lasers put a shine on metals
Jobs are in short supply, and yet some sectors have difficulty in finding suitable trainees for specialist tasks, such as polishing injection molds.
Laser etching safe alternative for labeling grapefruit
Laser labeling of fruit and vegetables is a new, patented technology in which a low-energy carbon dioxide laser beam is used to label, or "etch" information on produce, thereby eliminating the need for common sticker-type labels.
Electron self-injection into an evolving plasma bubble
Particle accelerators are among the largest and most expensive scientific instruments. Thirty years ago, theorists John Dawson and Toshiki Tajima proposed an idea for making them thousands of times smaller: surf the particles on plasma waves driven by short intense laser pulses.
LANL Roadrunner models nonlinear physics of high-power lasers
For years scientists have struggled with the difficult physics of inertial confinement fusion. This is the attempt to compress a target capsule containing isotopes of hydrogen with high-powered lasers to high enough pressure and temperature to initiate fusion burn.
New structure discovered in butterfly ears
A clever structure in the ear of a tropical butterfly that potentially makes it able to distinguish between high and low pitch sounds has been discovered by scientists from the University of Bristol.
UA scientists discover quantum fingerprints of chaos
Chaotic behavior is the rule, not the exception, in the world we experience through our senses, the world governed by the laws of classical physics.
Physicists observe magnetism in gas for the first time
An international team of physicists has for the first time observed magnetic behaviour in an atomic gas, addressing a decades-old debate as to whether it is possible for a gas or liquid to become ferromagnetic and exhibit magnetic properties.
New nanochemistry technique encases single molecules in microdroplets
Inventing a useful new tool for creating chemical reactions between single molecules, scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have employed microfluidics-the manipulation of fluids at the microscopic scale-to make microdroplets that contain single molecules of interest.
Portable and precise gas sensor could monitor pollution and detect disease
In the air, it is a serious pollutant. In the body, it plays a role in heart rate, blood flow, nerve signals and immune function.
More Laser Beam Current Events and Laser Beam News Articles
 |
100mW Laser NOT for pointing or amusement purpose by Extreme Lasers by PK Unlimited Lasers that emit between 5mW and 500mW output power are in Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B. Class IIIb lasers cannot legally be promoted as laser pointers or demonstration laser products. Product labels and user instructions must describe the hazard classification of the product and its output characteristics. It is dangerous and illegal to use this laser to point at moving cars, airplanes, people, animals, ect. If you need something for pointing purpose, please purchase ones with 5mW or lower output The related information is: Does FDA have a mandatory limit on the power emitted by laser pointers? Yes. Laser products promoted for pointing and demonstration purposes are limited to hazard Class IIIa by FDA regulation. 21 CFR (b) and (c), limit surveying, leveling, and alignment, and... |
 |
Focus Like a Laser Beam: 10 Ways to Do What Matters Most by Lisa L. Haneberg (Author), Keith Ferrazzi (Foreword) In Focus Like a Laser Beam, acclaimed management consultant and business blogger Lisa Haneberg offers business leaders a new way to direct their focus that, like a laser beam, is direct, fast, and on track. The book offers leaders ways to improve energy and engagement in the workplace and redirect how people communicate at work. Focus Like a Laser Beam is filled with useful suggestions for dealing with distractions and diversions and outlines the ten practices that will help leaders focus on what’s most important. Know and feel the power of laser focus Get connected with your employees Have fun and be fun Relax to energize Turn meetings into focus sessions Invite a challenge Huddle Stop multitasking and put your focus where it belongs ... |
 |
Laser Beam Safe by Summit The Youniverse Laser Beam Safe has "high tech" laser beams that add a new level of security to your child's valuables! No other toy security system compares with this state-of-the art safe with multiple security functions that will amaze kids. Sliding door, on top of unit reveals a hidden keypad. A password must then be entered to deactivate the motion-detecting lasers only to reveal a thumbprint. However, if the laser connection is broken, or a wrong code is entered, an alarm sounds to alert all around. That also means if the wrong thumb print is entered, your child's enemy will have no luck! Measuring 6" x 6" x 8" this kids safe is perfect for children ages 3 and up and requires 3 batteries that are not included. |
 |
Multipet Ba-Da-Beam Rotating Laser Cat Toy by Multipet Hands free rotating laser chaser for cats |
 |
Stanley 77-154 SP5 FatMax Five Beam Laser Kit by CST/Berger Stanley, Fatmax 5 Point Laser Level, 5 Independent Self Leveling Powerful 650MM Diodes Provides Best Laser Spot Quality, Self Levels Instantly & Automatically With A Unique Magnetic Dampening System, Flashing Out Of Level Sense Or Eliminates Rechecks & Costly Mistakes, Turn It On & Go To Work, No Beam Offsets, All Beams Are From The Same Axial Plane, Reduces Errors & Saves Offset Measuring Time, Accuracy 1/4" @ 100' Range 100', Includes Universal Mount With Magnetic Base & Mounting Strap, Ideal Tool For Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Builders, Remodelers, Machinery Installers, Interior Decorators, Dyers & More. |
 |
Hairmax 2009 Premium Laser Comb 9 Beam |
 |
High Power Lasers & Particle Beams = Qiang Ji Guang Yu Li Zi by China Intl Book Trading Corp |
 |
Electronic Specialties 332 Pro Laser No-Contact Photo Tachometer by Electronic Specialties Premium photo tachometer detects RPM readings with a 0 to 99,999 RPM range. Focused laser beam allows longer detection distance up to 6 feet. Easy to use and with an accuracy rating of +/- 0.05 percent +1 digit. Easy to see 5 digit display with continuous backlighting. Sampling rate of 2 readings per second. |
 |
RoboToolz RT-7210-1G Self-Leveling, Remote-Controlled Green Beam Laser Level by Toolz This new RoboToolz self-leveling, remote-controlled green beam laser level features a green beam dot that is 6 times brighter than red laser. Delivers a 300-ft. operating range. Application: Outdoors, Accuracy: +-1/8in at 100 ft., Range (ft.): 300, Measures up to (ft.): 300, Battery Included: No, Battery Type: AA, Kit Includes: Laser, remote control, laster target, glasses, user guide and case. |
 |
40 Super Bright Finger Flashlights - LED Finger Lamps - Rave Finger Lights by SE You will find hundreds of uses for these lights. 12 sets of 4, 48 lights. Uses 3 AG10 batteries included. Super Bright, Long Life. Hook & Loop Straps to fit Fingers, Pens, pencils, Tools, etc. Push button ON/OFF. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |