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How molecules teeter in a laser field

Researchers from MBI report on an experiment using attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study the interaction of molecules with a laser field. They found that infrared fields affect weak core-to-Rydberg transitions more strongly than core-to-valence transitions, and that Rydberg states dominate XUV absorption.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 17, 2019

Probing nobelium with laser light

Researchers successfully measured the optical excitation of atomic levels in nobelium isotopes using laser spectroscopy. The results confirm that nobelium nuclei are deformed like an American football, with a lower charge density in their center than at their surface.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 27, 2018

A powerful laser breakthrough

A new technique enhances power output of single-mode lasers, enabling terahertz spectroscopy applications. The technique introduces a hybrid second- and fourth-order Bragg grating in the laser's optical cavity.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2018

Dancing electrons lose the race

Physicists observe that electrons emitted from different initial states in a solid material arrive at the surface last, contrary to intuition. Theoretical models are revised to account for intra-atomic interactions, which affect electron motion and lead to a new understanding of photoemission.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2017

Graphene based terahertz absorbers

Researchers have created a terahertz saturable absorber using graphene produced by liquid phase exfoliation, enabling ultrafast lasers with high modulation. The devices have great potential for applications such as time-resolved spectroscopy of gases and molecules, quantum information, and ultra-high speed communication.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2017

New approach to improve detection of landfill-related pollution

A new laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) approach refines detection of mercury in landfill leachate, offering rapid results without generating hazardous chemicals. The technique's sensitivity is improved through a double-pulse setup, allowing for the detection of lower mercury concentrations.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 24, 2017

Making lasers cool again

Sushil Kumar aims to create terahertz semiconductor lasers with precise emission frequency, improving power output and beam quality. His goal is to enable various applications including chemical sensing, disease diagnosis and remote-sensing in astronomy.

New laser achieves wavelength long sought by laser developers

Researchers at the University of Bath created a new laser capable of pulsed and continuous mid-infrared emission between 3.1-3.2 microns, overcoming a major challenge in laser development. The achievement uses silica hollow-core fibers to confine light and gas, enabling efficient interaction and mid-IR emission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 2016

Single molecule detection of contaminants, explosives or diseases now possible

Researchers have developed a technique that enables the detection of single molecules of contaminants, explosives, or diseases using a combination of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and a slippery surface. This innovation has vast applications in analytical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and nation...

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016

Lord of the microrings

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a unique microring laser cavity that can produce single-mode lasing even from conventional multi-mode laser cavities. This breakthrough holds implications for optical metrology, interferometry, data storage, spectroscopy, and communications.

Hearing the telltale sounds of dangerous chemicals

A new sensor uses a phenomenon called photoacoustic effect to detect and identify chemicals, including nerve agents. The system can identify multiple agents simultaneously in real-time, with potential applications for detecting hazardous gases.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 14, 2012

Creating the astro-comb to locate Earth-like planets

Researchers at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics have created an 'astro-comb' to help detect lighter planets around distant stars. The technique sharpens spectroscopy, enabling more accurate pinpointing of planet locations and opening possibilities for detecting more Earth-like planets.

SourceOptica·DateMay 7, 2009

Researcher: Lasers used to detect melamine in baby formula

Lisa Mauer, a Purdue University researcher, has developed an inexpensive and rapid method for detecting melamine in infant formula using infrared lasers and light spectroscopy. The technique can identify trace amounts of melamine at one part per million, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2009

Active optical clock

Researchers have proposed a novel optical clock concept that enables more stable clocks, sub-natural linewidth laser spectroscopy, and long coherence time lasers. The lasing behavior of the active optical clock is described by the modified Schawlow-Townes linewidth formula, which narrows the linewidth due to collective emission from ga...

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateApr 12, 2009