Quantum Mechanics of a Two Photon State
We review the formalism for describing the two photon state produced in spontaneous parametric down conversion.
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We review the formalism for describing the two photon state produced in spontaneous parametric down conversion.
Coherent states on the m-sheeted sphere (for the SU(2) group) are used to define analytic representations. The corresponding generators create and annihilate clusters of m-photons. Non-linear Hamiltonians that contain these generators are considered and their eigenvectors and eigenvalues are explicitly calculated. The Holstein-Primakoff and Schwinger formalisms in this context are also discussed.
In this paper, we study the atomic dipole squeezing in the correlated two-mode two-photon JC model with the field initially in the correlated two-mode SU(1,1) coherent state. The effects of detuning, field intensity and number difference between the two field modes are investigated through numerical calculation.
For small photon numbers, trapping states are difficult to detect due to the influence of the collective effects. We find that if the atoms are injected with atomic polarization, the micromaser becomes more insensitive to these effects. In particular, the squeezing properties of the cotangent states are basically unchanged.
Spectra of soft x-ray and EUV emissions of oxygen ions, precipitating into the Jovian atmosphere, are calculated, taking into account the dynamical character of the energy and charge distributions of the ions as they propagate. Monte-Carlo simulations are performed using experimental and theoretical cross sections of ion collisions with the atmospheric gases. The numbers of x-ray and EUV photons produced per precipitating oxygen ion are calculated as functions of the initial ion energy and charge. The energy and charge distribution functions are used to evaluate the intensities of characteristic x-ray and EUV spectral emission lines of oxygen ions in the Jovian aurora.
NASA Goddard Spare Flight Center's (GSFC) Dual Rate 1773 (DR1773) Experiment on the Microelectronic and Photonic Test Bed (MPTB) has provided valuable information on the performance of the AS 1773 fiber optic data bus in the space radiation environment. Correlation of preliminary experiment data to ground based radiation test results show the AS 1773 bus is employable in future spacecraft applications requiring radiation tolerant communication links.
Polydiacetylenes (PDAS) are attractive materials for both electronic and photonic applications because of their highly conjugated electronic structures. They have been investigated for applications as both one-dimensional (linear chain) conductors and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. One of the chief limitations to the use of PDAs has been the inability to readily process them into useful forms such as films and fibers. In our laboratory we have developed a novel process for obtaining amorphous films of a PDA derived from 2-methyl4-nitroaniline using photodeposition with Ultraviolet (UV) light from monomer solutions onto transparent substrates. Photodeposition from solution provides a simple technique for obtaining PDA films in any desired pattern with good optical quality. This technique has been used to produce PDA films that show potential for optical applications such as holographic memory storage and optical limiting, as well as third-order NLO applications such as all-optical refractive index modulation, phase modulation and switching. Additionally, copolymerization of diacetylenes with other monomers such as methacrylates provides a means to obtain materials with good processibility. Such copolymers can be spin cast to form films, or drawn by either melt or solution extrusion into fibers. These films or fibers can then be irradiated with UV to photopolymerize the diacetylene units to form a highly stable cross-linked PDA-copolymer network. If such films are electrically poled while being irradiated, they can achieve the asymmetry necessary for second-order NLO applications such as electro-optic switching. On Earth, formation of PDAs by the above mentioned techniques suffers from defects and inhomogeneities caused by convective flows that can arise during processing. By studying the formation of these materials in the reduced-convection, diffusion-controlled environment of space we hope to better understand the factors that affect their processing, and thereby, their nature and properties. Ultimately it may even be feasible to conduct space processing of PDAs for technological applications.
NASA Grant was received for research involving the construction of a photon-weighting midpoint exposure meter for the Keck HIRES spectrometer, and for support of our NASA/Keck-based planet research with this instrumentation. The research funds were also to be used to make our iodine cell calibration system and exposure meter available to the NASA Keck observing community. Progress this past year, the second of the 3-year granting period, involved work in 4 areas: 1) Further construction of the midpoint exposure meter. 2) Assisting observers with use of the Iodine system. 3) Acquisition of precision radial velocity data on our program star sample with continued monitoring to proceed in subsequent years as available telescope time permits. 4) Reduction and analysis of incoming precision radial velocity data to reject problematic and uninteresting program stars, and to identify promising planet candidates.
The goals of this research were to determine the physical conditions of the Photon-Dominated Regions (PDRS) surrounding the cooler stars (B0-A0) of several reflection nebulae and to test theoretical "low-density" PDR models. In contrast to the substantial investigation on "high-density" PDRS, " low-density" PDRs have been adequately modelled, but have not been adequately tested. At the start of this project, we had reduced Kuiper Airborne Observatory spectra of several far-infrared (FIR) fine structure lines on eight reflection nebulae that cover a range in cooler stellar spectral types (A0-B0). We analyzed these data in the context of "los-density" PDR models asking the question: Do the physical conditions in these reflection nebulae change with stellar spectral type as predicted?
The goals of this research were to determine the physical conditions of the Photon-Dominated Regions (PDRS) surrounding the cooler stars (BO-AO) of several reflection nebulae and to test theoretical "low-density" PDR models. In contrast to the substantial investigation on "high-density" PDRS, "low-density" PDRs have been adequately modelled, but have not been adequately tested. At the start of this project, we had reduced Kuiper Airborne Observatory spectra of several far-infrared (FIR) fine structure lines on eight reflection nebulae that cover a range in cooler stellar spectral types (AO-BO). We analyzed these data in the context of "low-density" PDR models asking the question: Do the physical conditions in these reflection nebulae change with stellar spectral type as predicted? A brief description of the findings as well as a short list of names and dates of anticipated publications are presented.
Field dependent drift velocity results are presented for electron transport in bulk Indium Arsenide (InAs) material based on a Monte Carlo model, which includes an analytical treatment of band-to-band impact ionization. Avalanche multiplication and related excess noise factor (F) are computed as a function of device length and applied voltage. A decrease in F with increases in device length is obtained. The results suggest an inherent utility for InAs-based single-photon avalanche detectors, particularly around the 2 microns region of interest for atmospheric remote sensing applications. The dark current response was also evaluated. The role of the various components has been analyzed. For shorter devices, the tunneling component is shown to dominate at low temperatures. Finally, possible structures for enhanced photodetection are proposed for future research.
The research at Yale on superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) focussed on x-ray detectors, using a 5.9 keV x-ray source. All the Yale tests were carried out at 0.21 K, in a two-stage helium 3 dewar. Careful attention was given to grounding and shielding. All current waveforms were digitially recorded and analyzed subsequently on computer. The imaging device geometry was studied. This allows imaging along the length of the tantalum (Ta) absorber, which is 600 nm thick to provide good x-ray absorption. The quasiparticles produced by single photon absorption rapidly cool to the Ta gap, E(sub g_Ta) = 1.4 meV, and then diffuse. They are trapped in the A1 traps at the two ends (E(sub g_A1) = 0.4 meV), to give two charges that tunnel out of the A1 traps, Q(sub 1) and Q(sub 2). The total charge is Q = Q(sub 1) + Q(sub 2). This lateral trapping is what allows imaging.
It is hard to predict the properties and composition of dust that will be returned by STARDUST from WED- 2. The most interesting but challenging case would be grains, pg to fg in weight, each carrying its own isotopic signature characteristic of its source zones in a variety of stars. How do we extract the maximum amount of science from such grains? Clearly, the best that can be accomplished is to measure every atom in each grain.Academia Sinica and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) have entered into a collaboration to develop a SPI TOF MS instrument for analysis of stardust grains. A new instrument will be built at Academia Sinica based on the new TOF mass spectrometer design developed, built and operating at ANL. The instrument is intended for SPI TOF MS analysis of elements from Ca to Cu plus Li after first using SIMS to measure H, C, N, 0, Si, and S. There are still technical challenges facing the technique. We will need to improve submicrometer sample handling, avoid the effects of space charge, and increase the Mamie range of the detector. The most difficult obstacle to overcome may be the fact that the flux density of present high repetition rate, WV lasers is below the level needed to ensure full ionization (saturation) in the source region, which must be several mm in size to achieve the high useful yield needed for analysis of small stardust grains. A potential breakthrough effort is to exploit the novel free electron laser being pioneered at ANL. In principle, this FEL can reach ionization saturation and is tunable up to photon energies of 25 eV, which is higher than the ionization potential of any element.
NASA's new unmanned SLR2000 system is designed to track, with millimeter precision and using single photon returns, a constellation of roughly 24 retroreflector-equipped satellites, which range in altitude from about 300 km to 20,000 km. Totally autonomous operation and a common engineering configuration are expected to greatly reduce station operations costs relative to NASA's current manned systems. The system has also been designed with a goal of significantly lowering replication costs. All of the prototype components and subsystems have been completed and tested and have substantially met the original specifications. The prototype system is presently undergoing final integration and testing in a dedicated shelter with an azimuth tracking dome synchronized to the optical tracking mount. The facility also features a number of security features such as security cameras and sensors designed to detect power or thermal control problems or entry by unauthorized personnel. Field tests are in progress. The present paper provides an overview of the various subsystems and test results to date. The meteorological subsystem, which has operated successfully in the field for almost three years, consists of several sensors which measure: (1) pressure, temperature, and relative humidity; (2) wind speed and direction; (3) ground visibility and precipitation; and (4) local cloud cover as a function of station azimuth and elevation (day and night). A "pseudo-operator" software program interprets the sensor readings and modifies satellite tracking priorities based on local meteorological conditions.
We establish a parallel between the transfer matrix used in the study of plane-parallel photonic structures and the matrix characterizing transfer of partial waves in concentric spheres. We derive explicit expressions for the elements of the transfer matrix for concentric spherical layers, and from those expressions derive the scattering coefficients of a multilayered sphere. The transfer matrices are 4x4 block diagonal with only four independent elements. Matrix elements for the case of TM waves are related to those for the case of TE waves through simple interchange and multiplicative constants. In analogy with plane parallel layers, the transfer matrix for concentric multilayers is simply the product of the transfer matrices of the individual layers.
The temporal response of coupled resonators is investigated using a linear systems analysis and coupled mode theory. Damped Rabi oscillations, slow and fast light, and coherent photon transfer techniques are demonstrated in these systems.
We describe results on the development of greater than 200 micron diameter, single-element photon-counting detectors for the 1-2 micron wavelength range. The technical goals include quantum efficiency in the range 10-70%; detector diameter greater than 200 microns; dark count rate below 100 kilo counts-per-second (cps), and maximum count rate above 10 Mcps.
During its nine-year lifetime, the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGBET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) detected 1506 cosmic photons with measured energy E>10 GeV. Of this number, 187 are found within a 1 deg of sources that are listed in the Third EGRET Catalog and were included in determining the detection likelihood, flux, and spectra of those sources. In particular, five detected EGRET pulsars are found to have events above 10 GeV, and together they account for 37 events. A pulsar not included in the Third EGRET Catalog has 2 events, both with the same phase and in one peak of the lower-energy gamma-ray light-curve. Most of the remaining 1319 events appear to be diffuse Galactic and extragalactic radiation based on the similarity of the their spatial and energy distributions with the diffuse model and in the E>100, MeV emission. No significant time clustering which would suggest a burst was detected.