Time-frequency representation of autoionization dynamics in helium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busto, D.; Barreau, L.; Isinger, M.; Turconi, M.; Alexandridi, C.; Harth, A.; Zhong, S.; Squibb, R. J.; Kroon, D.; Plogmaker, S.; Miranda, M.; Jiménez-Galán, Á.; Argenti, L.; Arnold, C. L.; Feifel, R.; Martín, F.; Gisselbrecht, M.; L'Huillier, A.; Salières, P.

2018-02-01

Autoionization, which results from the interference between direct photoionization and photoexcitation to a discrete state decaying to the continuum by configuration interaction, is a well known example of the important role of electron correlation in light-matter interaction. Information on this process can be obtained by studying the spectral, or equivalently, temporal complex amplitude of the ionized electron wave packet. Using an energy-resolved interferometric technique, we measure the spectral amplitude and phase of autoionized wave packets emitted via the sp2+ and sp3+ resonances in helium. These measurements allow us to reconstruct the corresponding temporal profiles by Fourier transform. In addition, applying various time-frequency representations, we observe the build-up of the wave packets in the continuum, monitor the instantaneous frequencies emitted at any time and disentangle the dynamics of the direct and resonant ionization channels.

Control of photodissociation and photoionization of the NaI molecule by dynamic Stark effect.

PubMed

Han, Yong-Chang; Yuan, Kai-Jun; Hu, Wen-Hui; Cong, Shu-Lin

2009-01-28

The diabatic photodissociation and photoionization processes of the NaI molecule are studied theoretically using the quantum wave packet method. A pump laser pulse is used to prepare a dissociation wave packet that propagates through both the ionic channel (NaI-->Na(+)+I(-)) and the covalent channel (NaI-->Na+I). A Stark pulse is used to control the diabatic dissociation dynamics and a probe pulse is employed to ionize the products from the two channels. Based on the first order nonresonant nonperturbative dynamic Stark effect, the dissociation probabilities and the branching ratio of the products from the two channels can be controlled. Moreover the final photoelectron kinetic energy distribution can also be affected by the Stark pulse. The influences of the delay time, intensity, frequency, and carrier-envelope phase of the Stark pulse on the dissociation and ionization dynamics of the NaI molecule are discussed in detail.

Alfvén ionization in an MHD-gas interactions code

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilson, A. D.; Diver, D. A.

A numerical model of partially ionized plasmas is developed in order to capture their evolving ionization fractions as a result of Alfvén ionization (AI). The mechanism of, and the parameter regime necessary for, AI is discussed and an expression for the AI rate based on fluid parameters, from a gas-MHD model, is derived. This AI term is added to an existing MHD-gas interactions' code, and the result is a linear, 2D, two-fluid model that includes momentum transfer between charged and neutral species as well as an ionization rate that depends on the velocity fields of both fluids. The dynamics ofmore » waves propagating through such a partially ionized plasma are investigated, and it is found that AI has a significant influence on the fluid dynamics as well as both the local and global ionization fraction.« less

Influence of field emission on the propagation of cylindrical fast ionization wave in atmospheric-pressure nitrogen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levko, Dmitry; Raja, Laxminarayan L.

2016-04-21

The influence of field emission of electrons from surfaces on the fast ionization wave (FIW) propagation in high-voltage nanosecond pulse discharge in the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen is studied by a one-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo Collisions model. A strong influence of field emission on the FIW dynamics and plasma parameters is obtained. Namely, the accounting for the field emission makes possible the bridging of the cathode–anode gap by rather dense plasma (∼10{sup 13 }cm{sup −3}) in less than 1 ns. This is explained by the generation of runaway electrons from the field emitted electrons. These electrons are able to cross the entire gap pre-ionizingmore » it and promoting the ionization wave propagation. We have found that the propagation of runaway electrons through the gap cannot be accompanied by the streamer propagation, because the runaway electrons align the plasma density gradients. In addition, we have obtained that the field enhancement factor allows controlling the speed of ionization wave propagation.« less

Shock tubes and waves; Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Symposium, Niagara Falls, NY, July 6-9, 1981

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Treanor, C. E.; Hall, J. G.

1982-10-01

The present conference on shock tubes and waves considers shock tube drivers, luminous shock tubes, shock tube temperature and pressure measurement, shock front distortion in real gases, nonlinear standing waves, transonic flow shock wave turbulent boundary interactions, wall roughness effects on reflected shock bifurcation, argon thermal conductivity, pattern generation in gaseous detonations, cylindrical resonators, shock tunnel-produced high gain lasers, fluid dynamic aspects of laser-metal interaction, and the ionization of argon gas behind reflected shock waves. Also discussed are the ionization relaxation of shock-heated plasmas and gases, discharge flow/shock tube studies of singlet oxygen, rotational and vibrational relaxation, chemiluminescence thermal and shock wave decomposition of hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen azide, shock wave structure in gas-particle mixtures at low Mach numbers, binary nucleation in a Ludwieg tube, shock liquefaction experiments, pipeline explosions, the shock wave ignition of pulverized coal, and shock-initiated methane combustion.

Effect of electronic excitation on high-temperature flows behind strong shock waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Istomin, V. A.; Kustova, E. V.

2014-12-09

In the present paper, a strongly non-equilibrium one-dimensional steady-state flow behind the plane shock wave is studied. We consider a high-temperature chemically reacting five-component ionized mixture of nitrogen species (N{sub 2}/N{sub 2}{sup 2}/N/N{sup +}/e{sup −}) taking into account electronic degrees of freedom in N and N{sup +} (170 and 625 electronic energy levels respectively), and electronic-rotational-vibrational modes in N{sub 2} and N{sub 2}{sup +} (5 and 7 electronic terms). Non-equilibrium reactions of ionization, dissociation, recombination and charge-transfer are included to the kinetic scheme. The system of governing equations is written under the assumption that translation and internal energy relaxation ismore » fast whereas chemical reactions and ionization proceed on the macroscopic gas-dynamics time-scale. The developed model is applied to simulate the flow behind a plane shock wave under initial conditions characteristic for the spacecraft re-entry from an interplanetary flight (Hermes and Fire II experiments). Fluid-dynamic parameters behind the shock wave as well as transport coefficients and the heat flux are calculated for the (N{sub 2}/N{sub 2}{sup +}/N/N{sup +}/e{sup −}) mixture. The effect of electronic excitation on kinetics, dynamics and heat transfer is analyzed. Whereas the contribution of electronic degrees of freedom to the flow macroparameters is negligible, their influence on the heat flux is found to be important under conditions of Hermes re-entry.« less

The temporal behaviour of MHD waves in a partially ionized prominence-like plasma: Effect of heating and cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballester, J. L.; Carbonell, M.; Soler, R.; Terradas, J.

2018-01-01

Context. During heating or cooling processes in prominences, the plasma microscopic parameters are modified due to the change of temperature and ionization degree. Furthermore, if waves are excited on this non-stationary plasma, the changing physical conditions of the plasma also affect wave dynamics. Aims: Our aim is to study how temporal variation of temperature and microscopic plasma parameters modify the behaviour of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves excited in a prominence-like hydrogen plasma. Methods: Assuming optically thin radiation, a constant external heating, the full expression of specific internal energy, and a suitable energy equation, we have derived the profiles for the temporal variation of the background temperature. We have computed the variation of the ionization degree using a Saha equation, and have linearized the single-fluid MHD equations to study the temporal behaviour of MHD waves. Results: For all the MHD waves considered, the period and damping time become time dependent. In the case of Alfvén waves, the cut-off wavenumbers also become time dependent and the attenuation rate is completely different in a cooling or heating process. In the case of slow waves, while it is difficult to distinguish the slow wave properties in a cooling partially ionized plasma from those in an almost fully ionized plasma, the period and damping time of these waves in both plasmas are completely different when the plasma is heated. The temporal behaviour of the Alfvén and fast wave is very similar in the cooling case, but in the heating case, an important difference appears that is related with the time damping. Conclusions: Our results point out important differences in the behaviour of MHD waves when the plasma is heated or cooled, and show that a correct interpretation of the observed prominence oscillations is very important in order to put accurate constraints on the physical situation of the prominence plasma under study, that is, to perform prominence seismology.

Electron energy balance and ionization in the channel of a stationary plasma thruster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veselovzorov, A. N., E-mail: Veselovzorov-AN@nrcki.ru; Pogorelov, A. A.; Svirskiy, E. B.

2016-03-15

The paper presents results of numerical simulations of the electron dynamics in the field of the azimuthal and longitudinal waves excited in the channel of a stationary plasma thruster (SPT). The simulations are based on the experimentally determined wave characteristics. The simulation results show that the azimuthal wave displayed as ionization instability enhances electron transport along the thruster channel. It is established that the electron transport rate in the azimuthal wave increases as compared to the rate of diffusion caused by electron scattering from neutral atoms in proportion to the ratio between the times of electron− neutral collisions responsible formore » ionization and elastic electron scattering, respectively. An expression governing the plasma conductivity is derived with allowance for electron interaction with the azimuthal wave. The Hall parameter, the electron component of the discharge current, and the electron heating power in the thruster channel are calculated for two model SPTs operating with krypton and xenon. The simulation results agree well with the results of experimental studies of these two SPTs.« less

Dynamic correlation effects in fully differential cross sections for 75-keV proton-impact ionization of helium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Xiaojie; Sun, Shiyan; Wang, Fujun; Jia, Xiangfu

2017-08-01

The effect of final-state dynamic correlation is investigated for helium single ionization by 75-keV proton impact analyzing fully differential cross sections (FDCS). The final state is represented by a continuum correlated wave (CCW-PT) function which accounts for the interaction between the projectile and the residual target ion (PT interaction). This continuum correlated wave function partially includes the correlation of electron-projectile and electron-target relative motion as coupling terms of the wave equation. The transition matrix is evaluated using the CCW-PT function and the Born initial state. The analytical expression of the transition matrix has been obtained. We have shown that this series is strongly convergent and analyzed the contribution of their different terms to the FDCS within the perturbation method. Illustrative computations are performed in the scattering plane and in the perpendicular plane. Both the correlation effects and the PT interaction are checked by the preset calculations. Our results are compared with absolute experimental data as well as other theoretical models. We have shown that the dynamic correlation plays an important role in the single ionization of atoms by proton impact at intermediate projectile energies, especially at large transverse momentum transfer. While overall agreement between theory and the experimental data is encouraging, detailed agreement is lacking. The need for more theoretical and experimental work is emphasized.

Monte Carlo wave-packet approach to trace nuclear dynamics in molecular excited states by XUV-pump-IR-probe spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Qingli; Bello, Roger Y.; Martín, Fernando; Palacios, Alicia; Madsen, Lars Bojer

2018-04-01

Recent research interests have been raised in uncovering and controlling ultrafast dynamics in excited neutral molecules. In this work we generalize the Monte Carlo wave packet (MCWP) approach to XUV-pump-IR-probe schemes to simulate the process of dissociative double ionization of H2 where singly excited states in H2 are involved. The XUV pulse is chosen to resonantly excite the initial ground state of H2 to the lowest excited electronic state of 1Σu + symmetry in H2 within the Franck-Condon region. The delayed intense IR pulse couples the excited states of 1Σu + symmetry with the nearby excited states of 1Σg + symmetry. It also induces the first ionization from H2 to H2 + and the second ionization from H2 + to H++H+. To reduce the computational costs in the MCWP approach, a sampling method is proposed to determine in time the dominant ionization events from H2 to H2+. By conducting a trajectory analysis, which is a unique possibility within the MCWP approach, the origins of the characteristic features in the nuclear kinetic energy release spectra are identified for delays ranging from 0 to 140 fs and the nuclear dynamics in the singly excited states in H2 is mapped out.

Modulation instability and dissipative rogue waves in ion-beam plasma: Roles of ionization, recombination, and electron attachment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Shimin, E-mail: gsm861@126.com; Mei, Liquan, E-mail: lqmei@mail.xjtu.edu.cn

The amplitude modulation of ion-acoustic waves is investigated in an unmagnetized plasma containing positive ions, negative ions, and electrons obeying a kappa-type distribution that is penetrated by a positive ion beam. By considering dissipative mechanisms, including ionization, negative-positive ion recombination, and electron attachment, we introduce a comprehensive model for the plasma with the effects of sources and sinks. Via reductive perturbation theory, the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a dissipative term is derived to govern the dynamics of the modulated waves. The effect of the plasma parameters on the modulation instability criterion for the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation is numericallymore » investigated in detail. Within the unstable region, first- and second-order dissipative ion-acoustic rogue waves are present. The effect of the plasma parameters on the characteristics of the dissipative rogue waves is also discussed.« less

Ionization of Rydberg atoms colliding with a metal surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sjakste, J.; Borisov, A. G.; Gauyacq, J. P.

2006-04-15

We report on a theoretical study of the ionization process of Xe* Rydberg atoms colliding with a metal surface, in the presence of an external electric field. The evolution of the Xe* outer electron is studied by a wave packet propagation approach, allowing to include all dynamical aspects of the collision, in particular nonadiabatic inter-Rydberg transitions. We investigate how the different Xe* Stark states formed in the external field couple together and ionize on the surface and how the different polarizations of the electronic cloud in the Xe* states are reflected in their ionization properties. We show that the presencemore » of the external electric field can significantly perturb the dynamics of the ionization process. Our results account for recent results from Dunning et al. [Nucl. Inst. Meth. B 203, 69 (2003)]. In particular, it is explained how the external electric field present in the experimental procedure of Dunning et al. leads to the apparent absence of a polarization effect in the ionization process.« less

Kinetics and Chemistry of Ionization Wave Discharges Propagating Over Dielectric Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrishchev, Vitaly

Experimental studies of near-surface ionization wave electric discharges generated by high peak voltage (20-30 kV), nanosecond duration pulses (full width at half-maximum 50-100 ns) of positive and negative polarity and propagating over dielectric surfaces have been performed. A novel way to sustain diffuse, reproducible, ns pulse surface plasmas at a liquid-vapor interface is demonstrated at buffer gas pressures ranging from 10 to 200 Torr. Generation of surface ionization waves well reproduced shot-to-shot and sustaining diffuse near-surface plasmas is one of the principal advantages of the use of ns pulse discharge waveforms. This makes possible characterization of these plasmas in repetitively pulsed experiments. Numerous applications of these plasmas include low-temperature plasma assisted combustion, plasma fuel reforming, plasma flow control, plasma materials processing, agriculture, biology, and medicine. The objectives of the present work are (i) to demonstrate that surface ionization wave discharge plasmas sustained at a liquid-vapor interface can be used as an experimental platform for studies of near-surface plasma chemical reaction kinetics, at the conditions when the interface acts as a high-yield source of radical species, and (ii) to obtain quantitative insight into dynamics, kinetics and chemistry of surface ionization wave discharges and provide experimental data for validation of kinetic models, to assess their predictive capability. Generation of the initial radical pool may trigger a number of plasma chemical processes leading to formation of a variety of stable product species, depending on the initial composition of the liquid and the buffer gas flow. One of the products formed and detected during surface plasma / liquid water interaction is hydroxyl radical, which is closely relevant to applications of plasmas for biology and medicine. The present work includes detailed studies of surface ionization wave discharges sustained in different buffer gases over solid and liquid dielectric surfaces, such as quartz, distilled water, saline solution, and alcohols, over a wide range of pressures. Specific experiments include: measurements of ionization wave speed; plasma emission imaging using a ns gate camera; detection of surface discharge plasma chemistry products using Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy; surface charge dynamics on short (ns) and long (hundreds of mus) time scales; time-resolved electron density and electron temperature measurements in a ns pulse surface discharge in helium by Thomson scattering; spatially-resolved absolute OH and H atom concentration measurements in ns pulse discharges over distilled water by single-photon and two-photon Laser Induced Fluorescence; and schlieren imaging of perturbations generated by a ns pulse dielectric barrier discharge in a surface plasma actuator in quiescent atmospheric pressure air.

Multi-fluid Modeling of Magnetosonic Wave Propagation in the Solar Chromosphere: Effects of Impact Ionization and Radiative Recombination

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maneva, Yana G.; Laguna, Alejandro Alvarez; Poedts, Stefaan

2017-02-20

In order to study chromospheric magnetosonic wave propagation including, for the first time, the effects of ion–neutral interactions in the partially ionized solar chromosphere, we have developed a new multi-fluid computational model accounting for ionization and recombination reactions in gravitationally stratified magnetized collisional media. The two-fluid model used in our 2D numerical simulations treats neutrals as a separate fluid and considers charged species (electrons and ions) within the resistive MHD approach with Coulomb collisions and anisotropic heat flux determined by Braginskiis transport coefficients. The electromagnetic fields are evolved according to the full Maxwell equations and the solenoidality of the magneticmore » field is enforced with a hyperbolic divergence-cleaning scheme. The initial density and temperature profiles are similar to VAL III chromospheric model in which dynamical, thermal, and chemical equilibrium are considered to ensure comparison to existing MHD models and avoid artificial numerical heating. In this initial setup we include simple homogeneous flux tube magnetic field configuration and an external photospheric velocity driver to simulate the propagation of MHD waves in the partially ionized reactive chromosphere. In particular, we investigate the loss of chemical equilibrium and the plasma heating related to the steepening of fast magnetosonic wave fronts in the gravitationally stratified medium.« less

Probing the ionization wave packet and recollision dynamics with an elliptically polarized strong laser field in the nondipole regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, J.; Willenberg, B.; Daněk, J.; Mayer, B. W.; Phillips, C. R.; Gallmann, L.; Klaiber, M.; Hatsagortsyan, K. Z.; Keitel, C. H.; Keller, U.

2018-01-01

We explore ionization and rescattering in strong mid-infrared laser fields in the nondipole regime over the full range of polarization ellipticity. In three-dimensional photoelectron momentum distributions (3D PMDs) measured with velocity map imaging spectroscopy, we observe the appearance of a sharp ridge structure along the major polarization axis. Within a certain range of ellipticity, the electrons in this ridge are clearly separated from the two lobes that commonly appear in the PMD with elliptically polarized laser fields. In contrast to the well-known lobes of direct electrons, the sharp ridge is created by Coulomb focusing of the softly recolliding electrons. These ridge electrons are directly related to a counterintuitive shift of the PMD peak opposite to the laser beam propagation direction when the dipole approximation breaks down. The ellipticity-dependent 3D PMDs give access to different ionization and recollision dynamics with appropriate filters in the momentum space. For example, we can extract information about the spread of the initial wave packet and the Coulomb momentum transfer of the rescattering electrons.

Mapping and controlling ultrafast dynamics of highly excited H 2 molecules by VUV-IR pump-probe schemes

DOE PAGES

Sturm, F. P.; Tong, X. M.; Palacios, A.; ...

2017-01-09

Here, we used ultrashort femtosecond vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and infrared (IR) pulses in a pump-probe scheme to map the dynamics and nonequilibrium dissociation channels of excited neutral H 2 molecules. A nuclear wave packet is created in the B 1Σmore » $$+\\atop{u}$$ state of the neutral H 2 molecule by absorption of the ninth harmonic of the driving infrared laser field. Due to the large stretching amplitude of the molecule excited in the B 1Σ$$+\\atop{u}$$ electronic state, the effective H 2 + ionization potential changes significantly as the nuclear wave packet vibrates in the bound, highly electronically and vibrationally excited B potential-energy curve. We probed such dynamics by ionizing the excited neutral molecule using time-delayed VUV-or-IR radiation. We identified the nonequilibrium dissociation channels by utilizing three-dimensional momentum imaging of the ion fragments. We also found that different dissociation channels can be controlled, to some extent, by changing the IR laser intensity and by choosing the wavelength of the probe laser light. Furthermore, we concluded that even in a benchmark molecular system such as H 2*, the interpretation of the nonequilibrium multiphoton and multicolor ionization processes is still a challenging task, requiring intricate theoretical analysis.« less

Mass-loading, pile-up, and mirror-mode waves at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volwerk, M.; Richter, I.; Tsurutani, B.; Götz, C.; Altwegg, K.; Broiles, T.; Burch, J.; Carr, C.; Cupido, E.; Delva, M.; Dósa, M.; Edberg, N. J. T.; Eriksson, A.; Henri, P.; Koenders, C.; Lebreton, J.-P.; Mandt, K. E.; Nilsson, H.; Opitz, A.; Rubin, M.; Schwingenschuh, K.; Stenberg Wieser, G.; Szegö, K.; Vallat, C.; Vallieres, X.; Glassmeier, K.-H.

2016-01-01

The data from all Rosetta plasma consortium instruments and from the ROSINA COPS instrument are used to study the interaction of the solar wind with the outgassing cometary nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. During 6 and 7 June 2015, the interaction was first dominated by an increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure, caused by a higher solar wind ion density. This pressure compressed the draped magnetic field around the comet, and the increase in solar wind electrons enhanced the ionization of the outflow gas through collisional ionization. The new ions are picked up by the solar wind magnetic field, and create a ring/ring-beam distribution, which, in a high-β plasma, is unstable for mirror mode wave generation. Two different kinds of mirror modes are observed: one of small size generated by locally ionized water and one of large size generated by ionization and pick-up farther away from the comet.

Mass-loading, pile-up, and mirror-mode waves at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volwerk, Martin

2016-04-01

The data from all Rosetta Plasma Consortium instruments and from the ROSINA COPS instrument are used to study the interaction of the solar wind with the outgassing cometary nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. During 6 and 7 June 2015, the interaction was first dominated by an increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure, caused by a higher solar wind ion density. This pressure compressed the draped magnetic field around the comet, and the increase in solar wind electrons enhanced the ionization of the outflow gas through collisional ionization. The new ions are picked up by the solar wind magnetic field, and create a ring/ring-beam distribution, which, in a high-β plasma, is unstable for mirror mode wave generation. Two different kinds of mirror modes are observed: one of small size generated by locally ionized water and one of large size generated by ionization and pick-up farther away from the comet.

Proton transfer mediated by the vibronic coupling in oxygen core ionized states of glyoxalmonoxime studied by infrared-X-ray pump-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Felicíssimo, V C; Guimarães, F F; Cesar, A; Gel'mukhanov, F; Agren, H

2006-11-30

The theory of IR-X-ray pump-probe spectroscopy beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation is developed and applied to the study of the dynamics of intramolecular proton transfer in glyoxalmonoxime leading to the formation of the tautomer 2-nitrosoethenol. Due to the IR pump pulses the molecule gains sufficient energy to promote a proton to a weakly bound well. A femtosecond X-ray pulse snapshots the wave packet route and, hence, the dynamics of the proton transfer. The glyoxalmonoxime molecule contains two chemically nonequivalent oxygen atoms that possess distinct roles in the hydrogen bond, a hydrogen donor and an acceptor. Core ionizations of these form two intersecting core-ionized states, the vibronic coupling between which along the OH stretching mode partially delocalizes the core hole, resulting in a hopping of the core hole from one site to another. This, in turn, affects the dynamics of the proton transfer in the core-ionized state. The quantum dynamical simulations of X-ray photoelectron spectra of glyoxalmonoxime driven by strong IR pulses demonstrate the general applicability of the technique for studies of intramolecular proton transfer in systems with vibronic coupling.

Pulsed discharges produced by high-power surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böhle, A.; Ivanov, O.; Kolisko, A.; Kortshagen, U.; Schlüter, H.; Vikharev, A.

1996-02-01

The mechanisms of the ionization front advance in surface-wave-produced discharges are investigated using two experimental set-ups. The high-power surface waves are excited in a 3 cm wavelength band by a surfaguide and a novel type of launcher (an E-plane junction). The ionization front velocity of the surface wave is measured for a wide range of gas pressures, incident microwave power and initial pre-ionization. The experimental results are compared with theoretical ones based on three different models. The comparison between theory and experiment allows one to suggest a new interpretation of the ionization front's advance. The ionization front velocity is determined by a breakdown wave or an ionization wave in the electric field of a high-power surface wave in the zone near the ionization front.

Coherent electronic wave packet motion in C(60) controlled by the waveform and polarization of few-cycle laser fields.

PubMed

Li, H; Mignolet, B; Wachter, G; Skruszewicz, S; Zherebtsov, S; Süssmann, F; Kessel, A; Trushin, S A; Kling, Nora G; Kübel, M; Ahn, B; Kim, D; Ben-Itzhak, I; Cocke, C L; Fennel, T; Tiggesbäumker, J; Meiwes-Broer, K-H; Lemell, C; Burgdörfer, J; Levine, R D; Remacle, F; Kling, M F

2015-03-27

Strong laser fields can be used to trigger an ultrafast molecular response that involves electronic excitation and ionization dynamics. Here, we report on the experimental control of the spatial localization of the electronic excitation in the C_{60} fullerene exerted by an intense few-cycle (4 fs) pulse at 720 nm. The control is achieved by tailoring the carrier-envelope phase and the polarization of the laser pulse. We find that the maxima and minima of the photoemission-asymmetry parameter along the laser-polarization axis are synchronized with the localization of the coherent electronic wave packet at around the time of ionization.

Attosecond vacuum UV coherent control of molecular dynamics

PubMed Central

Ranitovic, Predrag; Hogle, Craig W.; Rivière, Paula; Palacios, Alicia; Tong, Xiao-Ming; Toshima, Nobuyuki; González-Castrillo, Alberto; Martin, Leigh; Martín, Fernando; Murnane, Margaret M.; Kapteyn, Henry

2014-01-01

High harmonic light sources make it possible to access attosecond timescales, thus opening up the prospect of manipulating electronic wave packets for steering molecular dynamics. However, two decades after the birth of attosecond physics, the concept of attosecond chemistry has not yet been realized; this is because excitation and manipulation of molecular orbitals requires precisely controlled attosecond waveforms in the deep UV, which have not yet been synthesized. Here, we present a unique approach using attosecond vacuum UV pulse-trains to coherently excite and control the outcome of a simple chemical reaction in a deuterium molecule in a non-Born–Oppenheimer regime. By controlling the interfering pathways of electron wave packets in the excited neutral and singly ionized molecule, we unambiguously show that we can switch the excited electronic state on attosecond timescales, coherently guide the nuclear wave packets to dictate the way a neutral molecule vibrates, and steer and manipulate the ionization and dissociation channels. Furthermore, through advanced theory, we succeed in rigorously modeling multiscale electron and nuclear quantum control in a molecule. The observed richness and complexity of the dynamics, even in this very simplest of molecules, is both remarkable and daunting, and presents intriguing new possibilities for bridging the gap between attosecond physics and attochemistry. PMID:24395768

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sturm, F. P.; Tong, X. M.; Palacios, A.

Here, we used ultrashort femtosecond vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and infrared (IR) pulses in a pump-probe scheme to map the dynamics and nonequilibrium dissociation channels of excited neutral H 2 molecules. A nuclear wave packet is created in the B 1Σmore » $$+\\atop{u}$$ state of the neutral H 2 molecule by absorption of the ninth harmonic of the driving infrared laser field. Due to the large stretching amplitude of the molecule excited in the B 1Σ$$+\\atop{u}$$ electronic state, the effective H 2 + ionization potential changes significantly as the nuclear wave packet vibrates in the bound, highly electronically and vibrationally excited B potential-energy curve. We probed such dynamics by ionizing the excited neutral molecule using time-delayed VUV-or-IR radiation. We identified the nonequilibrium dissociation channels by utilizing three-dimensional momentum imaging of the ion fragments. We also found that different dissociation channels can be controlled, to some extent, by changing the IR laser intensity and by choosing the wavelength of the probe laser light. Furthermore, we concluded that even in a benchmark molecular system such as H 2*, the interpretation of the nonequilibrium multiphoton and multicolor ionization processes is still a challenging task, requiring intricate theoretical analysis.« less

Under-the-barrier dynamics in laser-induced relativistic tunneling.

PubMed

Klaiber, Michael; Yakaboylu, Enderalp; Bauke, Heiko; Hatsagortsyan, Karen Z; Keitel, Christoph H

2013-04-12

The tunneling dynamics in relativistic strong-field ionization is investigated with the aim to develop an intuitive picture for the relativistic tunneling regime. We demonstrate that the tunneling picture applies also in the relativistic regime by introducing position dependent energy levels. The quantum dynamics in the classically forbidden region features two time scales, the typical time that characterizes the probability density's decay of the ionizing electron under the barrier (Keldysh time) and the time interval which the electron spends inside the barrier (Eisenbud-Wigner-Smith tunneling time). In the relativistic regime, an electron momentum shift as well as a spatial shift along the laser propagation direction arise during the under-the-barrier motion which are caused by the laser magnetic field induced Lorentz force. The momentum shift is proportional to the Keldysh time, while the wave-packet's spatial drift is proportional to the Eisenbud-Wigner-Smith time. The signature of the momentum shift is shown to be present in the ionization spectrum at the detector and, therefore, observable experimentally. In contrast, the signature of the Eisenbud-Wigner-Smith time delay disappears at far distances for pure quasistatic tunneling dynamics.

Molecular interferometer to decode attosecond electron-nuclear dynamics.

PubMed

Palacios, Alicia; González-Castrillo, Alberto; Martín, Fernando

2014-03-18

Understanding the coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics in molecules by using pump-probe schemes requires not only the use of short enough laser pulses but also wavelengths and intensities that do not modify the intrinsic behavior of the system. In this respect, extreme UV pulses of few-femtosecond and attosecond durations have been recognized as the ideal tool because their short wavelengths ensure a negligible distortion of the molecular potential. In this work, we propose the use of two twin extreme UV pulses to create a molecular interferometer from direct and sequential two-photon ionization processes that leave the molecule in the same final state. We theoretically demonstrate that such a scheme allows for a complete identification of both electronic and nuclear phases in the wave packet generated by the pump pulse. We also show that although total ionization yields reveal entangled electronic and nuclear dynamics in the bound states, doubly differential yields (differential in both electronic and nuclear energies) exhibit in addition the dynamics of autoionization, i.e., of electron correlation in the ionization continuum. Visualization of such dynamics is possible by varying the time delay between the pump and the probe pulses.

Assessment of Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT) in Radiation Chemistry: Ionized Water Dimer.

PubMed

Chalabala, Jan; Uhlig, Frank; Slavíček, Petr

2018-03-29

Ionization in the condensed phase and molecular clusters leads to a complicated chain of processes with coupled electron-nuclear dynamics. It is difficult to describe such dynamics with conventional nonadiabatic molecular dynamics schemes since the number of states swiftly increases as the molecular system grows. It is therefore attractive to use a direct electron and nuclear propagation such as the real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT). Here we report a RT-TDDFT benchmark study on simulations of singly and doubly ionized states of a water monomer and dimer as a prototype for more complex processes in a condensed phase. We employed the RT-TDDFT based Ehrenfest molecular dynamics with a generalized gradient approximate (GGA) functional and compared it with wave-function-based surface hopping (SH) simulations. We found that the initial dynamics of a singly HOMO ionized water dimer is similar for both the RT-TDDFT/GGA and the SH simulations but leads to completely different reaction channels on a longer time scale. This failure is attributed to the self-interaction error in the GGA functionals and it can be avoided by using hybrid functionals with large fraction of exact exchange (represented here by the BHandHLYP functional). The simulations of doubly ionized states are reasonably described already at the GGA level. This suggests that the RT-TDDFT/GGA method could describe processes following the autoionization processes such as Auger emission, while its applicability to more complex processes such as intermolecular Coulombic decay remains limited.

Laser-driven relativistic electron beam interaction with solid dielectric

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarkisov, G. S.; Ivanov, V. V.; Leblanc, P.

2012-07-30

The multi-frames shadowgraphy, interferometry and polarimetry diagnostics with sub-ps time resolution were used for an investigation of ionization wave dynamics inside a glass target induced by laser-driven relativistic electron beam. Experiments were done using the 50 TW Leopard laser at the UNR. For a laser flux of {approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 18}W/cm{sup 2} a hemispherical ionization wave propagates at c/3. The maximum of the electron density inside the glass target is {approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 19}cm{sup -3}. Magnetic and electric fields are less than {approx}15 kG and {approx}1 MV/cm, respectively. The electron temperature has a maximum of {approx}0.5 eV. 2D interference phasemore » shift shows the 'fountain effect' of electron beam. The very low ionization inside glass target {approx}0.1% suggests a fast recombination at the sub-ps time scale. 2D PIC-simulations demonstrate radial spreading of fast electrons by self-consistent electrostatic fields.« less

Ionization Waves of Arbitrary Velocity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnbull, D.; Franke, P.; Katz, J.; Palastro, J. P.; Begishev, I. A.; Boni, R.; Bromage, J.; Milder, A. L.; Shaw, J. L.; Froula, D. H.

2018-06-01

Flying focus is a technique that uses a chirped laser beam focused by a highly chromatic lens to produce an extended focal region within which the peak laser intensity can propagate at any velocity. When that intensity is high enough to ionize a background gas, an ionization wave will track the intensity isosurface corresponding to the ionization threshold. We report on the demonstration of such ionization waves of arbitrary velocity. Subluminal and superluminal ionization fronts were produced that propagated both forward and backward relative to the ionizing laser. All backward and all superluminal cases mitigated the issue of ionization-induced refraction that typically inhibits the formation of long, contiguous plasma channels.

Simulation of X-ray transient absorption for following vibrations in coherently ionized F2 molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutoi, Anthony D.; Leone, Stephen R.

2017-01-01

Femtosecond and attosecond X-ray transient absorption experiments are becoming increasingly sophisticated tools for probing nuclear dynamics. In this work, we explore and develop theoretical tools needed for interpretation of such spectra,in order to characterize the vibrational coherences that result from ionizing a molecule in a strong IR field. Ab initio data for F2 is combined with simulations of nuclear dynamics, in order to simulate time-resolved X-ray absorption spectra for vibrational wavepackets after coherent ionization at 0 K and at finite temperature. Dihalogens pose rather difficult electronic structure problems, and the issues encountered in this work will be reflective of those encountered with any core-valence excitation simulation when a bond is breaking. The simulations reveal a strong dependence of the X-ray absorption maximum on the locations of the vibrational wave packets. A Fourier transform of the simulated signal shows features at the overtone frequencies of both the neutral and the cation, which reflect spatial interferences of the vibrational eigenstates. This provides a direct path for implementing ultrafast X-ray spectroscopic methods to visualize coherent nuclear dynamics.

Ionization Waves of Arbitrary Velocity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turnbull, D.; Franke, P.; Katz, J.

The flying focus is a technique in which a chirped laser beam is focused by a chromatic lens to produce an extended focal spot within which laser intensity can propagate at any velocity. If the intensity is above the ionization threshold of a background gas, an ionization wave will track the ionization threshold intensity isosurface as it propagates. We report on the demonstration of such ionization waves of arbitrary velocity. Subluminal and superluminal ionization fronts were produced, both forward- and backward-propagating relative to the ionizing laser. In conclusion, all backward and all superluminal cases mitigated the issue of ionization-induced refractionmore » that typically challenges the formation of long, contiguous plasma channels.« less

Ionization Waves of Arbitrary Velocity

DOE PAGES

Turnbull, D.; Franke, P.; Katz, J.; ...

2018-05-31

The flying focus is a technique in which a chirped laser beam is focused by a chromatic lens to produce an extended focal spot within which laser intensity can propagate at any velocity. If the intensity is above the ionization threshold of a background gas, an ionization wave will track the ionization threshold intensity isosurface as it propagates. We report on the demonstration of such ionization waves of arbitrary velocity. Subluminal and superluminal ionization fronts were produced, both forward- and backward-propagating relative to the ionizing laser. In conclusion, all backward and all superluminal cases mitigated the issue of ionization-induced refractionmore » that typically challenges the formation of long, contiguous plasma channels.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watanabe, N.; Takahashi, M.

We report a collision dynamics study on ionization-excitation processes of He and H{sub 2} by means of (e, 2e) electron momentum spectroscopy. The two-step mechanism, one of the second-order terms of the plane-wave Born series model, has been found to play a particular role in the processes at an incident electron energy of 1.2 keV.

Past and future of radio occultation studies of planetary atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eshleman, Von R.; Hinson, David P.; Tyler, G. Leonard; Lindal, Gunnar F.

1987-01-01

Measurements of radio waves that have propagated through planetary atmospheres have provided exploratory results on atmospheric constituents, structure, dynamics, and ionization for Venus, Mars, Titan, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. Highlights of past results are reviewed in order to define and illustrate the potential of occultation and related radio studies in future planetary missions.

Double shock front formation in cylindrical radiative blast waves produced by laser irradiation of krypton gas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, I.; Quevedo, H. J.; Feldman, S.

2013-12-15

Radiative blast waves were created by irradiating a krypton cluster source from a supersonic jet with a high intensity femtosecond laser pulse. It was found that the radiation from the shock surface is absorbed in the optically thick upstream medium creating a radiative heat wave that travels supersonically ahead of the main shock. As the blast wave propagates into the heated medium, it slows and loses energy, and the radiative heat wave also slows down. When the radiative heat wave slows down to the transonic regime, a secondary shock in the ionization precursor is produced. This paper presents experimental datamore » characterizing both the initial and secondary shocks and numerical simulations to analyze the double-shock dynamics.« less

Threshold for plasma phase transition of aluminum single crystal induced by hypervelocity impact

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ju, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Qingming, E-mail: qmzhang@bit.edu.cn

2015-12-15

Molecular dynamics method is used to study the threshold for plasma phase transition of aluminum single crystal induced by hypervelocity impact. Two effective simulation methods, piston-driven method and multi-scale shock technique, are used to simulate the shock wave. The simulation results from the two methods agree well with the experimental data, indicating that the shock wave velocity is linearly dependent on the particle velocity. The atom is considered to be ionized if the increase of its internal energy is larger than the first ionization energy. The critical impact velocity for plasma phase transition is about 13.0 km/s, corresponding to the thresholdmore » of pressure and temperature which is about 220 GPa and 11.0 × 10{sup 3 }K on the shock Hugoniot, respectively.« less

Propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in dusty plasma with full ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dan, Li; Guo, Li-Xin; Li, Jiang-Ting

2018-01-01

This study investigates the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves in fully ionized dusty plasmas. The propagation characteristics of fully ionized plasma with and without dust under the Fokker-Planck-Landau (FPL) and Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) models are compared to those of weakly ionized plasmas by using the propagation matrix method. It is shown that the FPL model is suitable for the analysis of the propagation characteristics of weakly collisional and fully ionized dusty plasmas, as is the BGK model. The influence of varying the dust parameters on the propagation properties of EM waves in the fully ionized dusty plasma was analyzed using the FPL model. The simulation results indicated that the densities and average radii of dust grains influence the reflection and transmission coefficients of fully ionized dusty plasma slabs. These results may be utilized to analyze the effects of interaction between EM waves and dusty plasmas, such as those associated with hypersonic vehicles.

Phase-dependent above-barrier ionization of excited-state electrons.

PubMed

Yang, Weifeng; Song, Xiaohong; Chen, Zhangjin

2012-05-21

The carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-dependent above-barrier ionization (ABI) has been investigated in order to probe the bound-state electron dynamics. It is found that when the system is initially prepared in the excited state, the ionization yield asymmetry between left and right sides can occur both in low-energy and high-energy parts of the photoelectron spectra. Moreover, in electron momentum map, a new interference effect along the direction perpendicular to the laser polarization is found. We show that this interference is related to the competition among different excited states. The interference effect is dependent on CEPs of few-cycle probe pulses, which can be used to trace the superposition information and control the electron wave packet of low excited states.

Electron impact ionization dynamics of para-benzoquinone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, D. B.; Ali, E.; Ning, C. G.; Colgan, J.; Ingólfsson, O.; Madison, D. H.; Brunger, M. J.

2016-10-01

Triple differential cross sections (TDCSs) for the electron impact ionization of the unresolved combination of the 4 highest occupied molecular orbitals (4b3g, 5b2u, 1b1g, and 2b3u) of para-benzoquinone are reported. These were obtained in an asymmetric coplanar geometry with the scattered electron being observed at the angles -7.5°, -10.0°, -12.5° and -15.0°. The experimental cross sections are compared to theoretical calculations performed at the molecular 3-body distorted wave level, with a marginal level of agreement between them being found. The character of the ionized orbitals, through calculated momentum profiles, provides some qualitative interpretation for the measured angular distributions of the TDCS.

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in a weak collisional and fully ionized dusty plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jia, Jieshu; Yuan, Chengxun, E-mail: yuancx@hit.edu.cn; Gao, Ruilin

2016-04-15

The propagation properties of electromagnetic (EM) waves in fully ionized dusty plasmas is the subject of this study. The dielectric relationships for EM waves propagating in a fully ionized dusty plasma was derived from the Boltzmann distribution law, taking into consideration the collision and charging effects of the dust grains. The propagation properties of the EM waves in a dusty plasma were numerically calculated and studied. The study results indicated that the dusty grains with an increased radius and charge were more likely to impede the penetration of EM waves. Dust grains with large radii and high charge cause themore » attenuation of the EM wave in the dusty plasma. The different density of the dust in the plasma appeared to have no obvious effect on the transmission of the EM waves. The propagation of the EM waves in a weakly ionized dusty plasma varies from that in a fully ionized dusty plasma. The results are helpful to analyze the effects of dust in dusty plasmas and also provide a theoretical basis for future studies.« less

In situ measurements of Saturn’s ionosphere show that it is dynamic and interacts with the rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahlund, J.-E.; Morooka, M. W.; Hadid, L. Z.; Persoon, A. M.; Farrell, W. M.; Gurnett, D. A.; Hospodarsky, G.; Kurth, W. S.; Ye, S.-Y.; Andrews, D. J.; Edberg, N. J. T.; Eriksson, A. I.; Vigren, E.

2018-01-01

The ionized upper layer of Saturn’s atmosphere, its ionosphere, provides a closure of currents mediated by the magnetic field to other electrically charged regions (for example, rings) and hosts ion-molecule chemistry. In 2017, the Cassini spacecraft passed inside the planet’s rings, allowing in situ measurements of the ionosphere. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument detected a cold, dense, and dynamic ionosphere at Saturn that interacts with the rings. Plasma densities reached up to 1000 cubic centimeters, and electron temperatures were below 1160 kelvin near closest approach. The density varied between orbits by up to two orders of magnitude. Saturn’s A- and B-rings cast a shadow on the planet that reduced ionization in the upper atmosphere, causing a north-south asymmetry.

Surface charge dynamics and OH and H number density distributions in near-surface nanosecond pulse discharges at a liquid / vapor interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winters, Caroline; Petrishchev, Vitaly; Yin, Zhiyao; Lempert, Walter R.; Adamovich, Igor V.

2015-10-01

The present work provides insight into surface charge dynamics and kinetics of radical species reactions in nanosecond pulse discharges sustained at a liquid-vapor interface, above a distilled water surface. The near-surface plasma is sustained using two different discharge configurations, a surface ionization wave discharge between two exposed metal electrodes and a double dielectric barrier discharge. At low discharge pulse repetition rates (~100 Hz), residual surface charge deposition after the discharge pulse is a minor effect. At high pulse repetition rates (~10 kHz), significant negative surface charge accumulation over multiple discharge pulses is detected, both during alternating polarity and negative polarity pulse trains. Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and two-photon absorption LIF (TALIF) line imaging are used for in situ measurements of spatial distributions of absolute OH and H atom number densities in near-surface, repetitive nanosecond pulse discharge plasmas. Both in a surface ionization wave discharge and in a double dielectric barrier discharge, peak measured H atom number density, [H] is much higher compared to peak OH number density, due to more rapid OH decay in the afterglow between the discharge pulses. Higher OH number density was measured near the regions with higher plasma emission intensity. Both OH and especially H atoms diffuse out of the surface ionization wave plasma volume, up to several mm from the liquid surface. Kinetic modeling calculations using a quasi-zero-dimensional H2O vapor / Ar plasma model are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data. The results demonstrate the experimental capability of in situ radical species number density distribution measurements in liquid-vapor interface plasmas, in a simple canonical geometry that lends itself to the validation of kinetic models.

Coherent control of alkali cluster fragmentation dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindinger, Albrecht; Lupulescu, Cosmin; Bartelt, Andreas; Vajda, Štefan; Wöste, Ludger

2003-06-01

Metal clusters exhibit extraordinary chemical and catalytic properties, which sensitively depend upon their size. This behavior makes them interesting candidates for the real-time analysis of ultrafast photo-induced processes—ultimately leading to coherent control scenarii. We have performed transient multi-photon ionization experiments on small alkali clusters of different size in order to probe their wave packet dynamics, structural reorientations, charge transfers and dissociative events in different vibrationally excited electronic states including their ground state. The observed processes were highly dependent on the irradiated pulse parameters, like its phase, amplitude and duration; an emphasis to employ a feedback control system for generating the optimum pulse shapes. Their spectral and temporal behavior reflects interesting properties about the investigated system and the irradiated photochemical process. We present first the vibrational dynamics of bound, dissociated, and pre-dissociated electronically excited states of alkali dimers and trimers. The scheme for observing the wave packet dynamics in the electronic ground state using stimulated Raman-pumping is shown. Since the employed pulse parameters significantly influence the efficiency of the irradiated dynamic pathways photo-induced fragmentation experiments on bifurcating reaction channels were carried out. In these experiments different branching ionization and fragmentation pathways of electronically excited Na 2K were investigated. By employing an evolutionary algorithm for optimizing the phase and amplitude of the applied laser field, the yield of the resulting parent or fragment ions could significantly be influenced and interesting features could be concluded from the obtained optimum pulse shapes revealing the characteristic molecular oscillation period. Moreover, the influence on the optimal pulse shape due to fragmentation from larger clusters into NaK is obtained. The substructure of the optimal pulse shape thereby offers new insight into the fragmentation channel during the control process. Characteristic motions of the involved wave packets are proposed, in order to explain the optimized dynamic dissociation pathways.

Beyond the Electrostatic Ionosphere: Dynamic Coupling of the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lysak, R. L.; Song, Y.

2017-12-01

Many models of magnetospheric dynamics treat the ionosphere as a height-integrated slab in which the electric fields are electrostatic. However, in dynamic situations, the coupling between magnetosphere and ionosphere is achieved by the propagation of shear Alfvén waves. Hall effects lead to a coupling of shear Alfvén and fast mode waves, resulting in an inductive electric field and a compressional component of the magnetic field. It is in fact this compressional magnetic field that is largely responsible for the magnetic fields seen on the ground. A fully inductive ionosphere model is required to describe this situation. The shear Alfvén waves are affected by the strong gradient in the Alfvén speed above the ionosphere, setting up the ionospheric Alfvén resonator with wave periods in the 1-10 second range. These waves develop a parallel electric field on small scales that can produce a broadband acceleration of auroral electrons, which form the Alfvénic aurora. Since these electrons are relatively low in energy (hundreds of eV to a few keV), they produce auroral emissions as well as ionization at higher altitudes. Therefore, they can produce localized columns of ionization that lead to structuring in the auroral currents due to phase mixing or feedback interactions. This implies that the height-integrated description of the ionosphere is not appropriate in these situations. These considerations suggest that the Alfvénic aurora may, at least in some cases, act as a precursor to the development of a quasi-static auroral arc. The acceleration of electrons and ions produces a density cavity at higher altitudes that favors the formation of parallel electric fields. Furthermore, the precipitating electrons will produce secondary and backscattered electrons that provide a necessary population for the formation of double layers. These interactions strongly suggest that the simple electrostatic boundary condition often assumed is inadequate to describe auroral arc formation.

Propagation of a laser-driven relativistic electron beam inside a solid dielectric.

PubMed

Sarkisov, G S; Ivanov, V V; Leblanc, P; Sentoku, Y; Yates, K; Wiewior, P; Chalyy, O; Astanovitskiy, A; Bychenkov, V Yu; Jobe, D; Spielman, R B

2012-09-01

Laser probe diagnostics: shadowgraphy, interferometry, and polarimetry were used for a comprehensive characterization of ionization wave dynamics inside a glass target induced by a laser-driven, relativistic electron beam. Experiments were done using the 50-TW Leopard laser at the University of Nevada, Reno. We show that for a laser flux of ∼2 × 10(18) W/cm2 a hemispherical ionization wave propagates at c/3 for 10 ps and has a smooth electron-density distribution. The maximum free-electron density inside the glass target is ∼2 × 10(19) cm-3, which corresponds to an ionization level of ∼0.1%. Magnetic fields and electric fields do not exceed ∼15 kG and ∼1 MV/cm, respectively. The electron temperature has a hot, ringlike structure with a maximum of ∼0.7 eV. The topology of the interference phase shift shows the signature of the "fountain effect", a narrow electron beam that fans out from the propagation axis and heads back to the target surface. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) computer simulations demonstrate radial spreading of fast electrons by self-consistent electrostatic fields driven by laser. The very low ionization observed after the laser heating pulse suggests a fast recombination on the sub-ps time scale.

Propagation of atmospheric-pressure ionization waves along the tapered tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Yang; Wang, Wenchun; Liu, Dongping; Yan, Wen; Bi, Zhenhua; Ji, Longfei; Niu, Jinhai; Zhao, Yao

2018-02-01

Gas discharge in a small radius dielectric tube may result in atmospheric pressure plasma jets with high energy and density of electrons. In this study, the atmospheric pressure ionization waves (IWs) were generated inside a tapered tube. The propagation behaviors of IWs inside the tube were studied by using a spatially and temporally resolved optical detection system. Our measurements show that both the intensity and velocity of the IWs decrease dramatically when they propagate to the tapered region. After the taper, the velocity, intensity, and electron density of the IWs are improved with the tube inner diameter decreasing from 4.0 to 0.5 mm. Our analysis indicates that the local gas conductivity and surface charges may play a role in the propagation of the IWs under such a geometrical constraint, and the difference in the dynamics of the IWs after the taper can be related to the restriction in the size of IWs.

Unified model of plasma formation, bubble generation and shock wave emission in water for fs to ns laser pulses (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiao-Xuan; Freidank, Sebastian; Linz, Norbert; Paltauf, Günther; Zhang, Zhenxi; Vogel, Alfred

2017-03-01

We developed modeling tools for optical breakdown events in water that span various phases reaching from breakdown initiation via solvated electron generation, through laser induced-plasma formation and temperature evolution in the focal spot to the later phases of cavitation bubble dynamics and shock wave emission and applied them to a large parameter space of pulse durations, wavelengths, and pulse energies. The rate equation model considers the interplay of linear absorption, photoionization, avalanche ionization and recombination, traces thermalization and temperature evolution during the laser pulse, and portrays the role of thermal ionization that becomes relevant for T > 3000 K. Modeling of free-electron generation includes recent insights on breakdown initiation in water via multiphoton excitation of valence band electrons into a solvated state at Eini = 6.6 eV followed by up-conversion into the conduction band level that is located at 9.5 eV. The ability of tracing the temperature evolution enabled us to link the model of laser-induced plasma formation with a hydrodynamic model of plasma-induced pressure evolution and phase transitions that, in turn, traces bubble generation and dynamics as well as shock wave emission. This way, the amount of nonlinear energy deposition in transparent dielectrics and the resulting material modifications can be assessed as a function of incident laser energy. The unified model of plasma formation and bubble dynamics yields an excellent agreement with experimental results over the entire range of investigated pulse durations (femtosecond to nanosecond), wavelengths (UV to IR) and pulse energies.

Ulysses Observations of Magnetic Waves due to Newborn Interstellar Pickup Ions. I. New Observations and Linear Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannon, Bradford E.; Smith, Charles W.; Isenberg, Philip A.; Vasquez, Bernard J.; Murphy, Neil; Nuno, Raquel G.

2014-04-01

We have examined Ulysses magnetic field data using dynamic spectrogram techniques that compute wave amplitude, polarization, and direction of propagation over a broad range of frequencies and time. Events were identified that showed a strong polarization signature and an enhancement of power above the local proton gyrofrequency. We perform a statistical study of 502 wave events in an effort to determine when, where, and why they are observed. Most notably, we find that waves arising from newborn interstellar pickup ions are relatively rare and difficult to find. The quantities normally employed in theories of wave growth are neutral atom density and quantities related to their ionization and the subsequent dynamics such as wind speed, solar wind flux, and magnetic field orientation. We find the observations of waves to be largely uncorrelated to these quantities except for mean field direction where quasi-radial magnetic fields are favored and solar wind proton flux where wave observations appear to be favored by low flux conditions which runs contrary to theoretical expectations of wave generation. It would appear that an explanation based on source physics and instability growth rates alone is not adequate to account for the times when these waves are seen.

Comparison study for multiple ionization of carbonyl sulfide by linearly and circularly polarized intense femtosecond laser fields using Coulomb explosion imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Pan; Wang, Chuncheng; Luo, Sizuo; Yu, Xitao; Li, Xiaokai; Wang, Zhenzhen; Hu, Wenhui; Yu, Jiaqi; Yang, Yizhang; Tian, Xu; Cui, Zhonghua; Ding, Dajun

2018-05-01

We studied the relative yields and dissociation dynamics for two- and three-body Coulomb explosion (CE) channels from highly charged carbonyl sulfide molecules in intense laser fields using the CE imaging technique. The electron recollision contributions are evaluated by comparing the relative yields for the multiple ionization process in linearly polarized and circularly polarized (LP and CP) laser fields. The nonsequential multiple ionization is only confirmed for the charge states of 2 to 4 because the energy for further ionization from the inner orbital is much larger than the maximum recollision energy, 3.2U p . The novel deviations of kinetic energy releases distributions between LP and CP pulses are observed for the charge states higher than 4. It can be attributed to the stronger molecular bending in highly charged states before three-body CE with CP light, in which the bending wave packet is initialed by the triple or quartic ionization and spread along their potential curves. Compared to LP light, CP light ionizes a larger fraction of bending molecules in the polarization plane.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Builth-Williams, J. D.; Chiari, L.; Jones, D. B., E-mail: darryl.jones@flinders.edu.au, E-mail: michael.brunger@flinders.edu.au

We present experimental and theoretical results for the electron-impact ionization of the highest occupied molecular orbitals of tetrahydropyran and 1,4-dioxane. Using an (e,2e) technique in asymmetric coplanar kinematics, angular distributions of the slow ejected electron, with an energy of 20 eV, are measured when incident electrons at 250 eV ionize the target and scatter through an angle of either −10° or −15°. The data are compared with calculations performed at the molecular 3-body distorted wave level. Fair agreement between the theoretical model and the experimental measurements was observed. The similar structures for these targets provide key insights for assessing themore » limitations of the theoretical calculations. This study in turn facilitates an improved understanding of the dynamics in the ionization process.« less

Discharge dynamics of self-oriented microplasma coupling between cross adjacent cavities in micro-structure device driven by a bipolar pulse waveform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yaogong; Zhang, Xiaoning; Liu, Lingguang; Zhou, Xuan; Liu, Chunliang; Zhang, Qiaogen

2018-04-01

The excitation dynamics and self-oriented plasma coupling of a micro-structure plasma device with a rectangular cross-section are investigated. The device consists of 7 × 7 microcavity arrays, which are blended into a unity by a 50 μm-thick bulk area above them. The device is operated in argon with a pressure of 200 Torr, driven by a bipolar pulse waveform of 20 kHz. The discharge evolution is characterized by means of electrical measurements and optical emission profiles. It has been found that different emission patterns are observed within microcavities. The formation of these patterns induced by the combined action between the applied electric field and surface deactivation is discussed. The microplasma distribution in some specific regions along the diagonal direction of cavities in the bulk area is observed, and self-oriented microplasma coupling is explored, while the plasma interaction occurred between cross adjacent cavities, contributed by the ionization wave propagation. The velocity of ionization wave propagation is measured to be 1.2 km/s to 3.5 km/s. The exploration of this plasma interaction in the bulk area is of value to applications in electromagnetics and signal processing.

Characterization of a Continuous Wave Laser for Resonance Ionization Mass Spectroscopy Analysis in Nuclear Forensics

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

OF A CONTINUOUS WAVE LASER FOR RESONANCE IONIZATION MASS SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSIS IN NUCLEAR FORENSICS by Sunny G. Lau June 2015 Thesis...IONIZATION MASS SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSIS IN NUCLEAR FORENSICS 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S) Sunny G. Lau 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND...200 words) The application of resonance ionization mass spectroscopy (RIMS) to nuclear forensics involves the use of lasers to selectively ionize

In situ measurements of Saturn's ionosphere show that it is dynamic and interacts with the rings.

PubMed

Wahlund, J-E; Morooka, M W; Hadid, L Z; Persoon, A M; Farrell, W M; Gurnett, D A; Hospodarsky, G; Kurth, W S; Ye, S-Y; Andrews, D J; Edberg, N J T; Eriksson, A I; Vigren, E

2018-01-05

The ionized upper layer of Saturn's atmosphere, its ionosphere, provides a closure of currents mediated by the magnetic field to other electrically charged regions (for example, rings) and hosts ion-molecule chemistry. In 2017, the Cassini spacecraft passed inside the planet's rings, allowing in situ measurements of the ionosphere. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument detected a cold, dense, and dynamic ionosphere at Saturn that interacts with the rings. Plasma densities reached up to 1000 cubic centimeters, and electron temperatures were below 1160 kelvin near closest approach. The density varied between orbits by up to two orders of magnitude. Saturn's A- and B-rings cast a shadow on the planet that reduced ionization in the upper atmosphere, causing a north-south asymmetry. Copyright © 2018, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Triple differential cross sections of magnesium in doubly symmetric geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

S, Y. Sun; X, Y. Miao; Xiang-Fu, Jia

2016-01-01

A dynamically screened three-Coulomb-wave (DS3C) method is applied to study the single ionization of magnesium by electron impact. Triple differential cross sections (TDCS) are calculated in doubly symmetric geometry at incident energies of 13.65, 17.65, 22.65, 27.65, 37.65, 47.65, 57.65, and 67.65 eV. Comparisons are made with experimental data and theoretical predictions from a three-Coulomb-wave function (3C) approach and distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA). The overall agreement between the predictions of the DS3C model and the DWBA approach with the experimental data is satisfactory. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11274215).

Wavepacket dynamics of a Rydberg atom monitored by a pair of time-delayed laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, PeiPei; Cheng, Hong; Zhang, ShanShan; Wang, HanMu; Liu, HongPing

2018-02-01

We have investigated the Rydberg state population of an argon atom by an intense laser pulse and its wavepacket dynamics monitored by another successive laser pulse in the tunneling regime. A wavepacket comprising a superposition of close high-lying Rydberg states is irradiated by a multicycle laser pulse, where the sub-wave components in the wavepacket have fixed relative phases. A time-delayed second laser pulse is employed to apply on the excited Rydberg atom. If the time is properly chosen, one of the sub-wave components will be guided towards the ionization area while the rest remains intact. By means of this pump-probe technique, we could control and monitor the Rydberg wavepacket dynamics and reveal some interesting phenomenon such as the survival rate of individual Rydberg states related to the classical orbital period of electron.

Breakdown simulations in a focused microwave beam within the simplified model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Semenov, V. E.; Rakova, E. I.; Glyavin, M. Yu.

2016-07-15

The simplified model is proposed to simulate numerically air breakdown in a focused microwave beam. The model is 1D from the mathematical point of view, but it takes into account the spatial non-uniformity of microwave field amplitude along the beam axis. The simulations are completed for different frequencies and different focal lengths of microwave beams. The results demonstrate complicated regimes of the breakdown evolution which represents a series of repeated ionization waves. These waves start at the focal point and propagate towards incident microwave radiation. The ionization wave parameters vary during propagation. At relatively low frequencies, the propagation regime ofmore » subsequent waves can also change qualitatively. Each next ionization wave is less pronounced than the previous one, and the breakdown evolution approaches the steady state with relatively small plasma density. The ionization wave parameters are sensitive to the weak source of external ionization, but the steady state is independent on such a source. As the beam focal length decreases, the stationary plasma density increases and the onset of the steady state occurs faster.« less

Heating of the solar chromosphere by ionization pumping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsey, C. A.

1981-01-01

A new theory is proposed to explain the heating of the solar chromosphere, and possibly the corona, by the dissipation of hydrodynamic compression waves. The basis of the dissipative mechanism, here referred to as ionization pumping, is hysteresis caused by irreversible relaxation of the chromospheric medium to ionization equilibrium following pressure perturbations. In the middle chromosphere, where hydrogen is partially ionized, it is shown that ionization pumping will cause strong dissipation of waves whose periods are 200s or less. This could cause heating of the chromosphere sufficient to compensate for the radiative losses. The mechanism retains a high efficiency for waves of arbitrarily small amplitude and, thus, can be more efficient than shock dissipation for small perturbations in pressure. The formation of shocks therefore is not required for the dissipation of waves whose periods are several minutes or less.

Determination of structure parameters in strong-field tunneling ionization theory of molecules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao Songfeng; Jin Cheng; College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070

2010-03-15

In the strong field molecular tunneling ionization theory of Tong et al. [Phys. Rev. A 66, 033402 (2002)], the ionization rate depends on the asymptotic wave function of the molecular orbital from which the electron is removed. The orbital wave functions obtained from standard quantum chemistry packages in general are not good enough in the asymptotic region. Here we construct a one-electron model potential for several linear molecules using density functional theory. We show that the asymptotic wave function can be improved with an iteration method and after one iteration accurate asymptotic wave functions and structure parameters are determined. Withmore » the new parameters we examine the alignment-dependent tunneling ionization probabilities for several molecules and compare with other calculations and with recent measurements, including ionization from inner molecular orbitals.« less

Influence of light-induced conical intersection on the photodissociation dynamics of D2(+) starting from individual vibrational levels.

PubMed

Halász, Gábor J; Csehi, András; Vibók, Ágnes; Cederbaum, Lorenz S

2014-12-26

Previous works have shown that dressing of diatomic molecules by standing or by running laser waves gives rise to the appearance of so-called light-induced conical intersections (LICIs). Because of the strong nonadiabatic couplings, the existence of such LICIs may significantly change the dynamical properties of a molecular system. In our former paper (J. Phys. Chem. A 2013, 117, 8528), the photodissociation dynamics of the D(2)(+) molecule were studied in the LICI framework starting the initial vibrational nuclear wave packet from the superposition of all the vibrational states initially produced by ionizing D(2). The present work complements our previous investigation by letting the initial nuclear wave packets start from different individual vibrational levels of D(2)(+), in particular, above the energy of the LICI. The kinetic energy release spectra, the total dissociation probabilities, and the angular distributions of the photofragments are calculated and discussed. An interesting phenomenon has been found in the spectra of the photofragments. Applying the light-induced adiabatic picture supported by LICI, explanations are given for the unexpected structure of the spectra.

A single-electron picture based on the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree-Fock method: application to the anisotropic ionization and subsequent high-harmonic generation of the CO molecule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohmura, S.; Kato, T.; Oyamada, T.; Koseki, S.; Ohmura, H.; Kono, H.

2018-02-01

The mechanisms of anisotropic near-IR tunnel ionization and high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in a CO molecule are theoretically investigated by using the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree-Fock (MCTDHF) method developed for the simulation of multielectron dynamics of molecules. The multielectron dynamics obtained by numerically solving the equations of motion (EOMs) in the MCTDHF method is converted to a single orbital picture in the natural orbital representation where the first-order reduced density matrix is diagonalized. The ionization through each natural orbital is examined and the process of HHG is classified into different optical paths designated by a combinations of initial, intermediate and final natural orbitals. The EOMs for natural spin-orbitals are also derived within the framework of the MCTDHF, which maintains the first-order reduced density matrix to be a diagonal one throughout the time propagation of a many-electron wave function. The orbital dependent, time-dependent effective potentials that govern the dynamics of respective time-dependent natural orbitals are deduced from the derived EOMs, of which the temporal variation can be used to interpret the motion of the electron density associated with each natural spin-orbital. The roles of the orbital shape, multiorbital ionization, linear Stark effect and multielectron interaction in the ionization and HHG of a CO molecule are revealed by the effective potentials obtained. When the laser electric field points to the nucleus O from C, tunnel ionization from the C atom side is enhanced; a hump structure originating from multielectron interaction is then formed on the top of the field-induced distorted barrier of the HOMO effective potential. This hump formation, responsible for the directional anisotropy of tunnel ionization, restrains the influence of the linear Stark effect on the energy shifts of bound states.

Supression of laser breakdown by pulsed nonequilibrium ns discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starikovskiy, A. Y.; Semenov, I. E.; Shneider, M. N.

2016-10-01

The avalanche ionization induced by infrared laser pulses was investigated in a pre-ionized argon gas. Pre-ionization was created by a high-voltage pulsed nanosecond discharge developed in the form of a fast ionization wave. Then, behind the front of ionization wave additional avalanche ionization was initiated by the focused Nd-YAG laser pulse. It was shown that the gas pre-ionization inhibits the laser spark generation. It was demonstrated that the suppression of laser spark development in the case of strong gas pre-ionization is because of fast electron energy transfer from the laser beam focal region. The main mechanism of this energy transfer is free electrons diffusion.

Wave-packet continuum-discretization approach to ion-atom collisions including rearrangement: Application to differential ionization in proton-hydrogen scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdurakhmanov, I. B.; Bailey, J. J.; Kadyrov, A. S.; Bray, I.

2018-03-01

In this work, we develop a wave-packet continuum-discretization approach to ion-atom collisions that includes rearrangement processes. The total scattering wave function is expanded using a two-center basis built from wave-packet pseudostates. The exact three-body Schrödinger equation is converted into coupled-channel differential equations for time-dependent expansion coefficients. In the asymptotic region these time-dependent coefficients represent transition amplitudes for all processes including elastic scattering, excitation, ionization, and electron capture. The wave-packet continuum-discretization approach is ideal for differential ionization studies as it allows one to generate pseudostates with arbitrary energies and distribution. The approach is used to calculate the double differential cross section for ionization in proton collisions with atomic hydrogen. Overall good agreement with experiment is obtained for all considered cases.

Radar detection of radiation-induced ionization in air

DOEpatents

Gopalsami, Nachappa; Heifetz, Alexander; Chien, Hual-Te; Liao, Shaolin; Koehl, Eugene R.; Raptis, Apostolos C.

2015-07-21

A millimeter wave measurement system has been developed for remote detection of airborne nuclear radiation, based on electromagnetic scattering from radiation-induced ionization in air. Specifically, methods of monitoring radiation-induced ionization of air have been investigated, and the ionized air has been identified as a source of millimeter wave radar reflection, which can be utilized to determine the size and strength of a radiation source.

Ionizing potential waves and high-voltage breakdown streamers.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albright, N. W.; Tidman, D. A.

1972-01-01

The structure of ionizing potential waves driven by a strong electric field in a dense gas is discussed. Negative breakdown waves are found to propagate with a velocity proportional to the electric field normal to the wavefront. This causes a curved ionizing potential wavefront to focus down into a filamentary structure, and may provide the reason why breakdown in dense gases propagates in the form of a narrow leader streamer instead of a broad wavefront.

Relativistic features and time delay of laser-induced tunnel ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakaboylu, Enderalp; Klaiber, Michael; Bauke, Heiko; Hatsagortsyan, Karen Z.; Keitel, Christoph H.

2013-12-01

The electron dynamics in the classically forbidden region during relativistic tunnel ionization is investigated. The classical forbidden region in the relativistic regime is identified by defining a gauge-invariant total-energy operator. Introducing position-dependent energy levels inside the tunneling barrier, we demonstrate that the relativistic tunnel ionization can be well described by a one-dimensional intuitive picture. This picture predicts that, in contrast to the well-known nonrelativistic regime, the ionized electron wave packet arises with a momentum shift along the laser's propagation direction. This is compatible with results from a strong-field approximation calculation where the binding potential is assumed to be zero ranged. Further, the tunneling time delay, stemming from Wigner's definition, is investigated for model configurations of tunneling and compared with results obtained from the exact propagator. By adapting Wigner's time delay definition to the ionization process, the tunneling time is investigated in the deep-tunneling and in the near-threshold-tunneling regimes. It is shown that while in the deep-tunneling regime signatures of the tunneling time delay are not measurable at remote distance, they are detectable, however, in the latter regime.

Runge-Lenz wave packet in multichannel Stark photoionization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Texier, F.

2005-01-01

In a previous slow photoionization experiment, modulations of ionization rings were manifested for Xe in a constant electric field. The present quantum calculation reveals that the modulation is an effect of the multichannel core scattering and of tunneling waves through the Coulomb-Stark potential barrier: the barrier reduces the number of oscillations that is observed relatively to the number of oscillations of the short range wave functions, and the nonhydrogenic core phase shifts modify the position of the ionization rings. We find a hidden difference, in the ionization process, for two close values of the energy depending on the resonance withmore » the barrier. The ionization intensity is interpreted as a Runge-Lenz wave packet; thus, we can relate the quantum modulation to the classical Coulomb-Stark trajectories. The Runge-Lenz wave packet differs from a usual temporal wave packet because its components are eigenstates of the Runge-Lenz vector z projection and its evolution is not temporal but spatial.« less

Theory of electron-impact ionization of atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadyrov, A. S.; Mukhamedzhanov, A. M.; Stelbovics, A. T.; Bray, I.

2004-12-01

The existing formulations of electron-impact ionization of a hydrogenic target suffer from a number of formal problems including an ambiguous and phase-divergent definition of the ionization amplitude. An alternative formulation of the theory is given. An integral representation for the ionization amplitude which is free of ambiguity and divergence problems is derived and is shown to have four alternative, but equivalent, forms well suited for practical calculations. The extension to amplitudes of all possible scattering processes taking place in an arbitrary three-body system follows. A well-defined conventional post form of the breakup amplitude valid for arbitrary potentials including the long-range Coulomb interaction is given. Practical approaches are based on partial-wave expansions, so the formulation is also recast in terms of partial waves and partial-wave expansions of the asymptotic wave functions are presented. In particular, expansions of the asymptotic forms of the total scattering wave function, developed from both the initial and the final state, for electron-impact ionization of hydrogen are given. Finally, the utility of the present formulation is demonstrated on some well-known model problems.

[Dynamics of morphological changes in the spinal cord following exposure to non-ionizing microwave radiation].

PubMed

Belokrinitskiĭ, V S

1983-05-01

The structure of different portions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal) of the spinal cord were studied in the experiments on 50 animals with the use of the Nissl, Zimmermann, Cajal and other methods on days 1, 10, 20 and 30 after exposure to non-ionizing microwave radiation (NMI). Single exposure to NMI (wave length 12.6 cm, intensity 400-500 mW/cm2) for one hour (cats) or four hours (dogs) produces a severe distress of glial neurones and cells, which is marked by the appearance of dystrophic processes along the entire spinal cord. The disease progresses, leading to abnormalities of motor and other physiological functions of the body.

Initial dynamics of the Norrish Type I reaction in acetone: probing wave packet motion.

PubMed

Brogaard, Rasmus Y; Sølling, Theis I; Møller, Klaus B

2011-02-10

The Norrish Type I reaction in the S(1) (nπ*) state of acetone is a prototype case of ketone photochemistry. On the basis of results from time-resolved mass spectrometry (TRMS) and photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES) experiments, it was recently suggested that after excitation the wave packet travels toward the S(1) minimum in less than 30 fs and stays there for more than 100 picoseconds [Chem. Phys. Lett.2008, 461, 193]. In this work we present simulated TRMS and TRPES signals based on ab initio multiple spawning simulations of the dynamics during the first 200 fs after excitation, getting quite good agreement with the experimental signals. We can explain the ultrafast decay of the experimental signals in the following manner: the wave packet simply travels, mainly along the deplanarization coordinate, out of the detection window of the ionizing probe. This window is so narrow that subsequent revival of the signal due to the coherent deplanarization vibration is not observed, meaning that from the point of view of the experiment the wave packets travels directly to the S(1) minimum. This result stresses the importance of pursuing a closer link to the experimental signal when using molecular dynamics simulations in interpreting experimental results.

Equatorial ion composition, 140-200 km, based on Atmosphere Explorer E data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, N. J.; Grebowsky, J. M.; Hedin, A. E.; Spencer, N. W.

1993-01-01

We have used in situ measurements of ion composition and horizontal winds, taken from equatorial orbiting Atmosphere Explorer E in eccentric orbit during 1975-1976 to investigate the bottomside ionosphere at altitudes 140-200 km. Representative daytime altitude profiles of ionization were stable against wide variations in horizontal wind patterns. Special features that sometimes appeared in the structured nightside ionization were apparent ion composition waves, intermediate layers of enhanced ionization, and ionization depletions similar to equatorial ionization bubbles. Apparent ion composition waves displayed a horizontal wave length of about 650 km. Enhanced layers of ionization appeared to be newly separated from the bottomside midnight F layer; its ions were primarily NO(+) and O2(+) without significant densities of metallic ions, an indication that metallic ions are not required to produce the layers at altitudes above 140 km. Equatorial ionization depletions were observed at lower altitudes than previously reported and displayed molecular ion depletions as well as O(+) depletions.

Radiation-pressure-driven dust waves inside bursting interstellar bubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochsendorf, B. B.; Verdolini, S.; Cox, N. L. J.; Berné, O.; Kaper, L.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

2014-06-01

Massive stars drive the evolution of the interstellar medium through their radiative and mechanical energy input. After their birth, they form "bubbles" of hot gas surrounded by a dense shell. Traditionally, the formation of bubbles is explained through the input of a powerful stellar wind, even though direct evidence supporting this scenario is lacking. Here we explore the possibility that interstellar bubbles seen by the Spitzer- and Herschel space telescopes, blown by stars with log (L/L⊙) ≲ 5.2, form and expand because of the thermal pressure that accompanies the ionization of the surrounding gas. We show that density gradients in the natal cloud or a puncture in the swept-up shell lead to an ionized gas flow through the bubble into the general interstellar medium, which is traced by a dust wave near the star, which demonstrates the importance of radiation pressure during this phase. Dust waves provide a natural explanation for the presence of dust inside H II bubbles, offer a novel method to study dust in H II regions and provide direct evidence that bubbles are relieving their pressure into the interstellar medium through a champagne flow, acting as a probe of the radiative interaction of a massive star with its surroundings. We explore a parameter space connecting the ambient density, the ionizing source luminosity, and the position of the dust wave, while using the well studied H II bubbles RCW 120 and RCW 82 as benchmarks of our model. Finally, we briefly examine the implications of our study for the environments of super star clusters formed in ultraluminous infrared galaxies, merging galaxies, and the early Universe, which occur in very luminous and dense environments and where radiation pressure is expected to dominate the dynamical evolution.

Neutron-Impact Ionization of H and He

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, T.-G.; Ciappina, M. F.; Robicheaux, F.; Pindzola, M. S.

2014-05-01

Perturbative distorted-wave and non-perturbative close-coupling methods are used to study neutron-impact ionization of H and He. For single ionization of H, we find excellent agreement between the distorted-wave and close-coupling results at all incident energies. For double ionization of He, we find poor agreement between the distorted-wave and close-coupling results, except at the highest incident energies. We present the ratio of double to single ionization for He as a guide to experimental checks of theory at low energies and experimental confirmation of the rapid rise of the ratio at high energies. This work was supported in part by grants from NSF and US DoE. Computational work was carried out at NERSC in Oakland, California, NICS in Knoxville, Tennessee, and OLCF in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Free radical production by high energy shock waves--comparison with ionizing irradiation.

PubMed

Morgan, T R; Laudone, V P; Heston, W D; Zeitz, L; Fair, W R

1988-01-01

Fricke chemical dosimetry is used as an indirect measure of the free radical production of ionizing irradiation. We adapted the Fricke ferrous sulfate radiation dosimeter to examine the chemical effects of high energy shock waves. Significant free radical production was documented. The reaction was dose dependent, predictably increased by acoustic impedance, but curvilinear. A thousand shocks at 18 kilovolts induced the same free radical oxidation as 1100 rad cobalt-60 gamma ionizing irradiation, increasing to 2900 rad in the presence of an air-fluid zone of acoustic impedance. The biological effect of these free radicals was compared to that of cobalt-60 ionizing irradiation by measuring the affect on Chinese hamster cells by clonogenic assay. While cobalt-60 irradiation produced a marked decrease in clonogenic survivors, little effect was noted with high energy shock waves. This suggested that the chemical effects produced by shock waves were either absent or attenuated in the cells, or were inherently less toxic than those of ionizing irradiation.

An alternative mechanism for spin-forbidden photo-ionization of diatomic molecules and its rotation-electronic selection rules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, Ying-Nan; Chiu, Lue-Yung Chow

1990-02-01

The spin-forbidden photo-ionization of diatomic molecules is proposed. Spin orbit interaction is invoked, resulting in the correction and mixing of the wave functions of different multiplicities. The rotation-electronic selection rules given by Dixit and McKoy (1986) for Hund's case a based on the conventional mechanism of electric dipole transition are rederived and expressed in a different format. This new format permits the generalization of the selection rules to other photoionization transitions caused by the magnetic dipole, the electric quadrupole, and the two- and three-photon operators. These selection rules, which are for transitions from one specific rotational level of a given Kronig reflection symmetry to another, will help understand rotational branching and the dynamics of interaction in the excited state. They will also help in the selective preparation of well-defined rovibronic states in resonant-enhanced multi-photon ionization processes.

Stabilization and Structure of wave packets in Rydberg atoms ionized by a strong light field.

PubMed

Fedorov, M; Fedorov, S

1998-09-28

New features of the phenomenon of interference stabilization of Rydberg atoms are found to exist. The main of them are: (i) dynamical stabilization, which means that in case of pulses with a smooth envelope the time-dependent residual probability for an atom to survive in bound states remains almost constant in the middle part of a pulse (at the strongest fields); (ii) existence of the strong-field stabilization of the after-pulse residual probability in case of pulses longer than the classical Kepler period; and (iii) pulsation of the time-dependent Rydberg wave packet formed in the process of photoionization.

Hydrodynamic and shock heating instabilities of liquid metal strippers for RIA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hassanein, Ahmed

2013-05-24

Stripping of accelerated ions is a key problem for the design of RIA to obtain high efficiency. Thin liquid Lithium film flow is currently considered as stripper for RIA ion beams to obtain higher Z for following acceleration: in extreme case of Uranium from Z=29 to Z=60-70 (first stripper) and from Z=70 till full stripping Z=92 (second stripper). Ionization of ion occurs due to the interaction of the ion with electrons of target material (Lithium) with the loss of parts of the energy due to ionization, Q{sub U}, which is also accompanied with ionization energy losses, Q{sub Li} of themore » lithium. The resulting heat is so high that can be removed not by heat conduction but mainly by convection, i.e., flowing of liquid metal across beam spot area. The interaction of the beam with the liquid metal generates shock wave propagating along direction perpendicular to the beam as well as excites oscillations along beam direction. We studied the dynamics of these excited waves to determine conditions for film stability at the required velocities for heat removal. It will allow optimizing jet nozzle shapes and flow parameters to prevent film fragmentation and to ensure stable device operation.« less

Flash ionization signature in coherent cyclotron emission from brown dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorgul, I.; Helling, Ch.

2016-05-01

Brown dwarfs (BDs) form mineral clouds in their atmospheres, where charged particles can produce large-scale discharges in the form of lightning resulting in substantial sudden increase of local ionization. BDs are observed to emit cyclotron radio emission. We show that signatures of strong transient atmospheric ionization events (flash ionization) can be imprinted on a pre-existing radiation. Detection of such flash ionization events will open investigations into the ionization state and atmospheric dynamics. Such events can also result from explosion shock waves, material outbursts or (volcanic) eruptions. We present an analytical model that describes the modulation of a pre-existing electromagnetic radiation by a time-dependent (flash) conductivity that is characteristic for flash ionization events like lightning. Our conductivity model reproduces the conductivity function derived from observations of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, and is applicable to astrophysical objects with strong temporal variations in the local ionization, as in planetary atmospheres and protoplanetary discs. We show that the field responds with a characteristic flash-shaped pulse to a conductivity flash of intermediate intensity. More powerful ionization events result in smaller variations of the initial radiation, or in its damping. We show that the characteristic damping of the response field for high-power initial radiation carries information about the ionization flash magnitude and duration. The duration of the pulse amplification or the damping is consistently shorter for larger conductivity variations and can be used to evaluate the intensity of the flash ionization. Our work suggests that cyclotron emission could be probe signals for electrification processes inside BD atmosphere.

On the Vortex Waves in Nonadiabatic Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibáñez S., Miguel H.; Núñez, Luis A.

2018-03-01

Linear disturbances superposed on steady flows in nonadiabatic plasmas are analyzed. In addition to the potential modes resulting (two sound waves and a thermal mode) that are Doppler shifted, a rotational mode appears identified as an entropy-vortex wave (evw) which is carried along by the gas flow. In adiabatic flows, as well as in nonadiabatic flows, the evw always shows a null pressure disturbance. But in the second case, the wave number of the evw disturbance is fixed for the particular thermal conditions of the gas. The above holds for optically thin gases, as well as for radiating flows, if the dynamical effects of the radiation field are neglected in a first approximation. The above results allow us to calculate the dimensions of the vortex elements that are expected to be formed in nonadiabatic gas flows, particularly in hot ionized plasmas of interest in astrophysics.

Attenuation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in a weak collisional and fully ionized dusty plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dan, Li; Guo, Li-Xin; Li, Jiang-Ting; Chen, Wei; Yan, Xu; Huang, Qing-Qing

2017-09-01

The expression of complex dielectric permittivity for non-magnetized fully ionized dusty plasma is obtained based on the kinetic equation in the Fokker-Planck-Landau collision model and the charging equation of the statistical theory. The influences of density, average size of dust grains, and balanced charging of the charge number of dust particles on the attenuation properties of electromagnetic waves in fully ionized dusty plasma are investigated by calculating the attenuation constant. In addition, the attenuation characteristics of weakly ionized and fully ionized dusty plasmas are compared. Results enriched the physical mechanisms of microwave attenuation for fully ionized dusty plasma and provide a theoretical basis for future studies.

Two-color ionization injection using a plasma beatwave accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schroeder, C. B.; Benedetti, C.; Esarey, E.

Two-color laser ionization injection is a method to generate ultra-low emittance (sub-100 nm transverse normalized emittance) beams in a laser-driven plasma accelerator. A plasma beatwave accelerator is proposed to drive the plasma wave for ionization injection, where the beating of the lasers effectively produces a train of long-wavelength pulses. The plasma beatwave accelerator excites a large amplitude plasma wave with low peak laser electric fields, leaving atomically-bound electrons with low ionization potential. A short-wavelength, low-amplitude ionization injection laser pulse (with a small ponderomotive force and large peak electric field) is used to ionize the remaining bound electrons at a wakemore » phase suitable for trapping, generating an ultra-low emittance electron beam that is accelerated in the plasma wave. Using a plasma beatwave accelerator for wakefield excitation, compared to short-pulse wakefield excitation, allows for a lower amplitude injection laser pulse and, hence, a lower emittance beam may be generated.« less

Two-color ionization injection using a plasma beatwave accelerator

DOE PAGES

Schroeder, C. B.; Benedetti, C.; Esarey, E.; ...

2018-01-10

Two-color laser ionization injection is a method to generate ultra-low emittance (sub-100 nm transverse normalized emittance) beams in a laser-driven plasma accelerator. A plasma beatwave accelerator is proposed to drive the plasma wave for ionization injection, where the beating of the lasers effectively produces a train of long-wavelength pulses. The plasma beatwave accelerator excites a large amplitude plasma wave with low peak laser electric fields, leaving atomically-bound electrons with low ionization potential. A short-wavelength, low-amplitude ionization injection laser pulse (with a small ponderomotive force and large peak electric field) is used to ionize the remaining bound electrons at a wakemore » phase suitable for trapping, generating an ultra-low emittance electron beam that is accelerated in the plasma wave. Using a plasma beatwave accelerator for wakefield excitation, compared to short-pulse wakefield excitation, allows for a lower amplitude injection laser pulse and, hence, a lower emittance beam may be generated.« less

Calculation of H2-He Flow with Nonequilibrium Ionization and Radiation: an Interim Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Furudate, Michiko; Chang, Keun-Shik

2005-01-01

The nonequilibrium ionization process in hydrogen-helium mixture behind a strong shock wave is studied numerically using the detailed ionization rate model developed recently by Park which accounts for emission and absorption of Lyman lines. The study finds that, once the avalanche ionization is started, the Lyman line is self-absorbed. The intensity variation of the radiation at 5145 Angstroms found by Leibowitz in a shock tube experiment can be numerically reproduced by assuming that ionization behind the shock wave prior to the onset of avalanche ionization is 1.3%. Because 1.3% initial ionization is highly unlikely, Leibowitz s experimental data is deemed questionable. By varying the initial electron density value in the calculation, the calculated ionization equilibration time is shown to increase approximately as inverse square-root of the initial electron density value. The true ionization equilibration time is most likely much longer than the value found by Leibowitz.

Resonance-assisted decay of nondispersive wave packets.

PubMed

Wimberger, Sandro; Schlagheck, Peter; Eltschka, Christopher; Buchleitner, Andreas

2006-07-28

We present a quantitative semiclassical theory for the decay of nondispersive electronic wave packets in driven, ionizing Rydberg systems. Statistically robust quantities are extracted combining resonance-assisted tunneling with subsequent transport across chaotic phase space and a final ionization step.

Laser characterization of electric field oscillations in the Hall thruster breathing mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Christopher; Lucca Fabris, Andrea; MacDonald-Tenenbaum, Natalia; Hargus, William, Jr.; Cappelli, Mark

2016-10-01

Hall thrusters are a mature technology for space propulsion applications that exhibit a wide array of dynamic behavior, including plasma waves, instabilities and turbulence. One common low frequency (10-50 kHz) discharge current oscillation is the breathing mode, a cycle of neutral propellant injection, strong ionization, and ion acceleration by a steep potential gradient. A time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence diagnostic non-intrusively captures this propagating ionization front in the channel of a commercial BHT-600 Hall thruster manufactured by Busek Co. Measurements of ion velocity and relative ion density (using the 5 d[ 4 ] 7 / 2 - 6 p[ 3 ] 5 / 2 Xe II transition at 834.95 nm, vacuum) reveal a dynamic electric field structure traversing the channel throughout the breathing mode cycle. This work is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, with Dr. M. Birkan as program manager. C.Y. acknowledges support from the DOE NSSA Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship under contract DE-FC52-08NA28752.

Multi-fluid Approach to High-frequency Waves in Plasmas. III. Nonlinear Regime and Plasma Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-Gómez, David; Soler, Roberto; Terradas, Jaume

2018-03-01

The multi-fluid modeling of high-frequency waves in partially ionized plasmas has shown that the behavior of magnetohydrodynamic waves in the linear regime is heavily influenced by the collisional interaction between the different species that form the plasma. Here, we go beyond linear theory and study large-amplitude waves in partially ionized plasmas using a nonlinear multi-fluid code. It is known that in fully ionized plasmas, nonlinear Alfvén waves generate density and pressure perturbations. Those nonlinear effects are more pronounced for standing oscillations than for propagating waves. By means of numerical simulations and analytical approximations, we examine how the collisional interaction between ions and neutrals affects the nonlinear evolution. The friction due to collisions dissipates a fraction of the wave energy, which is transformed into heat and consequently raises the temperature of the plasma. As an application, we investigate frictional heating in a plasma with physical conditions akin to those in a quiescent solar prominence.

Perturbed soliton excitations of Rao-dust Alfvén waves in magnetized dusty plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kavitha, L., E-mail: louiskavitha@yahoo.co.in; The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste; Lavanya, C.

We investigate the propagation dynamics of the perturbed soliton excitations in a three component fully ionized dusty magnetoplasma consisting of electrons, ions, and heavy charged dust particulates. We derive the governing equation of motion for the two dimensional Rao-dust magnetohydrodynamic (R-D-MHD) wave by employing the inertialess electron equation of motion, inertial ion equation of motion, the continuity equations in a plasma with immobile charged dust grains, together with the Maxwell's equations, by assuming quasi neutrality and neglecting the displacement current in Ampere's law. Furthermore, we assume the massive dust particles are practically immobile since we are interested in timescales muchmore » shorter than the dusty plasma period, thereby neglecting any damping of the modes due to the grain charge fluctuations. We invoke the reductive perturbation method to represent the governing dynamics by a perturbed cubic nonlinear Schrödinger (pCNLS) equation. We solve the pCNLS, along the lines of Kodama-Ablowitz multiple scale nonlinear perturbation technique and explored the R-D-MHD waves as solitary wave excitations in a magnetized dusty plasma. Since Alfvén waves play an important role in energy transport in driving field-aligned currents, particle acceleration and heating, solar flares, and the solar wind, this representation of R-D-MHD waves as soliton excitations may have extensive applications to study the lower part of the earth's ionosphere.« less

Numerical Analysis on Non-Equilibrium Mechanism of Laser-Supported Detonation Wave Using Multiply-Charged Ionization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shiraishi, Hiroyuki

Laser-Supported Detonation (LSD), one type of Laser-Supported Plasma (LSP), is considered as the most important phenomena because it can generate high pressure and high temperature for laser absorption. In this study, I have numerically simulated the 1-D LSD waves propagating through a helium gas, in which Multiply-charged ionization model is considered for describing an accurate ionization process.

Activities report in quantum optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1985-03-01

Soft X-ray radiation from laser plasmas, intense Planck radiation, X-ray spectroscopy with transmission gratings, simulation of laser-produced shock waves, self-similar expansion in vacuum, radiation hydrodynamics, electronic structure of highly compressed matter, and heavy-ion beams for inertial confinement were investigated, and a high power iodine laser was developed. Laser-spectroscopy experiments, as well as a gravitational wave experiments were conducted. The fundamentals of light-matter interaction and nonlinear dynamics were studied. Many-photon ionization of molecules; spectroscopy of shock pairs; interaction of excited molecules with surfaces; IR laser applications; organic photochemistry with UV lasers; theoretical chemistry; and a ClF laser were investigated. Thin layers, and a high-pressure CO2 laser were studied.

Ramsey method for Auger-electron interference induced by an attosecond twin pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buth, Christian; Schafer, Kenneth J.

2015-02-01

We examine the archetype of an interference experiment for Auger electrons: two electron wave packets are launched by inner-shell ionizing a krypton atom using two attosecond light pulses with a variable time delay. This setting is an attosecond realization of the Ramsey method of separated oscillatory fields. Interference of the two ejected Auger-electron wave packets is predicted, indicating that the coherence between the two pulses is passed to the Auger electrons. For the detection of the interference pattern an accurate coincidence measurement of photo- and Auger electrons is necessary. The method allows one to control inner-shell electron dynamics on an attosecond timescale and represents a sensitive indicator for decoherence.

Measurement of tissue-radiation dosage using a thermal steady-state elastic shear wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Sheng-Yi; Hsieh, Tung-Sheng; Chen, Wei-Ru; Chen, Jin-Chung; Chou, Chien

2017-08-01

A biodosimeter based on thermal-induced elastic shear wave (TIESW) in silicone acellular porcine dermis (SAPD) at thermal steady state has been proposed and demonstrated. A square slab SAPD treated with ionizing radiation was tested. The SAPD becomes a continuous homogeneous and isotropic viscoelastic medium due to the generation of randomly coiled collagen fibers formed from their bundle-like structure in the dermis. A harmonic TIESW then propagates on the surface of the SAPD as measured by a nanometer-scaled strain-stress response under thermal equilibrium conditions at room temperature. TIESW oscillation frequency was noninvasively measured in real time by monitoring the transverse displacement of the TIESW on the SAPD surface. Because the elastic shear modulus is highly sensitive to absorbed doses of ionizing radiation, this proposed biodosimeter can become a highly sensitive and noninvasive method for quantitatively determining tissue-absorbed dosage in terms of TIESW's oscillation frequency. Detection sensitivity at 1 cGy and dynamic ranges covering 1 to 40 cGy and 80 to 500 cGy were demonstrated.

Measurement of tissue-radiation dosage using a thermal steady-state elastic shear wave.

PubMed

Chang, Sheng-Yi; Hsieh, Tung-Sheng; Chen, Wei-Ru; Chen, Jin-Chung; Chou, Chien

2017-08-01

A biodosimeter based on thermal-induced elastic shear wave (TIESW) in silicone acellular porcine dermis (SAPD) at thermal steady state has been proposed and demonstrated. A square slab SAPD treated with ionizing radiation was tested. The SAPD becomes a continuous homogeneous and isotropic viscoelastic medium due to the generation of randomly coiled collagen fibers formed from their bundle-like structure in the dermis. A harmonic TIESW then propagates on the surface of the SAPD as measured by a nanometer-scaled strain-stress response under thermal equilibrium conditions at room temperature. TIESW oscillation frequency was noninvasively measured in real time by monitoring the transverse displacement of the TIESW on the SAPD surface. Because the elastic shear modulus is highly sensitive to absorbed doses of ionizing radiation, this proposed biodosimeter can become a highly sensitive and noninvasive method for quantitatively determining tissue-absorbed dosage in terms of TIESW’s oscillation frequency. Detection sensitivity at 1 cGy and dynamic ranges covering 1 to 40 cGy and 80 to 500 cGy were demonstrated.

Beam dynamics simulations of the injector for a compact THz source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ji; Pei, Yuan-Ji; Shang, Lei; Feng, Guang-Yao; Hu, Tong-Ning; Chen, Qu-Shan; Li, Cheng-Long

2014-08-01

Terahertz radiation has broad application prospects due to its ability to penetrate deep into many organic materials without the damage caused by ionizing radiations. A free electron laser (FEL)-based THz source is the best choice to produce high-power radiation. In this paper, a 14 MeV injector is introduced for generating high-quality beam for FEL, is composed of an EC-ITC RF gun, compensating coils and a travelling-wave structure. Beam dynamics simulations have been done with ASTRA code to verify the design and to optimize parameters. Simulations of the operating mode at 6 MeV have also been executed.

Processing and interpretation of experiments in the microwave interferometry of shock waves in a weakly ionized plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ershov, A. P.; Klishin, S. V.; Kuzovnikov, S. V.; Ponomareva, S. E.; Pyt'ev, Iu. P.

1990-12-01

The reduction method is applied to the microwave interferometry of shock waves in a weakly ionized plasma, making it possible to improve the spatial resolution of the instrument. It is shown experimentally that the structure of the shock wave electron component in a high-frequency discharge plasma in atomic and molecular gases is characterized by the presence of a precursor in the form of a rarefaction wave. The origin of the precursor is examined.

The interaction of an ionizing ligand with enzymes having a single ionizing group. Implications for the reaction of folate analogues with dihydrofolate reductase.

PubMed

Stone, S R; Morrison, J F

1983-06-29

Binding theory has been developed for the reaction of an ionizing enzyme with an ionizing ligand. Consideration has been given to the most general scheme in which all possible reactions and interconversions occur as well as to schemes in which certain interactions do not take place. Equations have been derived in terms of the variation of the apparent dissociation constant (Kiapp) as a function of pH. These equations indicate that plots of pKiapp against pH can be wave-, half-bell- or bell-shaped according to the reactions involved. A wave is obtained whenever there is formation of the enzyme-ligand complexes, ionized enzyme . ionized ligand and protonated enzyme . protonated ligand. The additional formation of singly protonated enzyme-ligand complexes does not affect the wave form of the plot, but can influence the shape of the overall curve. The formation of either ionized enzyme . ionized ligand or protonated enzyme . protonated ligand, with or without singly protonated enzyme-ligand species, gives rise to a half-bell-shaped plot. If only singly protonated enzyme-ligand complexes are formed the plots are bell-shaped, but it is not possible to deduce the ionic forms of the reactants that participate in complex formation. Depending on the reaction pathways, true values for the ionization and dissociation constants may or may not be determined.

Multi-fluid Approach to High-frequency Waves in Plasmas. II. Small-amplitude Regime in Partially Ionized Media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martínez-Gómez, David; Soler, Roberto; Terradas, Jaume, E-mail: david.martinez@uib.es

2017-03-01

The presence of neutral species in a plasma has been shown to greatly affect the properties of magnetohydrodynamic waves. For instance, the interaction between ions and neutrals through momentum transfer collisions causes the damping of Alfvén waves and alters their oscillation frequency and phase speed. When the collision frequencies are larger than the frequency of the waves, single-fluid magnetohydrodynamic approximations can accurately describe the effects of partial ionization, since there is a strong coupling between the various species. However, at higher frequencies, the single-fluid models are not applicable and more complex approaches are required. Here, we use a five-fluid modelmore » with three ionized and two neutral components, which takes into consideration Hall’s current and Ohm’s diffusion in addition to the friction due to collisions between different species. We apply our model to plasmas composed of hydrogen and helium, and allow the ionization degree to be arbitrary. By analyzing the corresponding dispersion relation and numerical simulations, we study the properties of small-amplitude perturbations. We discuss the effect of momentum transfer collisions on the ion-cyclotron resonances and compare the importance of magnetic resistivity, and ion–neutral and ion–ion collisions on the wave damping at various frequency ranges. Applications to partially ionized plasmas of the solar atmosphere are performed.« less

Efficient pre-ionization by direct X-B mode conversion in VEST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, JongGab; Lee, H. Y.; Kim, S. C.; Kim, S. H.; An, Y. H.; Hwang, Y. S.

2017-01-01

Pre-ionization experiments with pure toroidal field have been carried out in VEST (Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus) to investigate the feasibility of direct XB mode conversion from perpendicular LFS (Low Field Side) injection for efficient pre-ionization. Pre-ionization plasmas are studied by measuring the electron density and temperature profiles with respect to microwave power and toroidal field strength, and 2D full wave cold plasma simulation using the COMSOL Multiphysics is performed for the comparison. It is experimentally figured out that exceeding the threshold microwave power (>3 kW), the parametric decay and localized collisional heating is observed near the UHR (Upper Hybrid Resonance), and the efficient XB mode conversion can be achieved in both short density scale length (Ln) and magnetic scale length (LB) region positioned at outboard and inboard sides, respectively. From the 2D full wave simulations, the reflection and tunneling of X-wave near the R-cutoff layer according to the measured electron density profiles are analyzed with electric field polarization and power flow. Threshold electric field and wave power density for parametric decay are evaluated at least more than 4.8 × 104 V/m and 100 W/cm2, respectively. This study shows that efficient pre-ionization schemes using direct XB mode conversion can be realized by considering the key factors such as Ln, LB, and transmitted wave power at the UHR. Application to Ohmic start-up experiment is carried out to confirm the effect of the pre-ionization schemes on tokamak plasma start-up in VEST.

Disturbing the coherent dynamics of an excitonic polarization with strong terahertz fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drexler, M. J.; Woscholski, R.; Lippert, S.; Stolz, W.; Rahimi-Iman, A.; Koch, M.

2014-11-01

We present a paper based on combining four-wave mixing and strong fields in the terahertz frequency range to monitor the time evolution of a disturbed excitonic polarization in a multiple quantum well system. Our findings not only confirm a lower field-dependent ionization threshold for higher excitonic states, but furthermore provide experimental evidence for intraexcitonic Rabi flopping in the time domain. These measurements correspond to the picture of a reversible and irreversible transfer as previously predicted by a microscopic theory.

The role of Upper Hybrid Turbulence on HF Artificial Ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, Konstantinos Dennis; Najmi, Amir; Eliasson, Bengt; Milikh, Gennady

2016-07-01

One of the most fascinating and scientifically interesting phenomena of active space experiments is the discovery of artificial ionization by Todd Pedersen when the HAARP ERP reached the GW level. The phenomenon has been well documented experimentally. A theoretical model based on ionization by energetic electrons accelerated by 50-100 V/m localized electric fields due to Strong Langmuir Turbulence (SLT) near the reflection surface of the HF pump wave, reproduced the observed dynamics of the descending plasma layer quite accurately. A major defect of the model was that the electron temperature in the SLT region was a free parameter. When taken as the 2000 K representing the ambient electron temperature the SLT driven electron flux was insufficient to produce ionization. An equivalent electron temperature of 5000 K or higher was necessary to reproduce the observations. The needed electron heating was attributed to the interaction of the HF at the Upper Hybrid (UH) resonant layer, approximately 5 Km below the reflection region where the HF electric field is perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field. The heated electrons expanded upwards along the magnetic field line and interacted with SLT fields near the resonance region. A consequence of this defect was that the theory could not explain the puzzling double resonance effect. Namely the observation that the ionization level was much stronger when the HF frequency and the UH resonance were a multiple of the electron cyclotron frequency. To remedy this we used a series of Vlasov simulations to explore the HF-plasma interaction in the vicinity of the UH resonance. The simulations followed the evolution of the spectral density of the electric field over a 7.5 MHz frequency band and cm scale lengths and of the electron distribution function over one millisecond for both double resonant and non-resonant cases. Many new features were revealed by the analysis of the simulations such as: 1. Broadening of the wave-number spectral region at the at the UH frequency 2. Excitation of all Bernstein modes associated with cyclotron frequency harmonics both below and above the UH frequency for both the resonant and non0resonant cases. 3. Moderate electron heating, in the form of bulk heating caused by first Bernstein mode, although its wave intensity is more than 20 dB lower than the intensity of the UH branch for all non-resonant cases. 4. Strong generation of non-thermal tails for the resonant cases, by the UH waves downshifted by the lower hybrid frequency when the downshifted frequency was equal to an harmonic of the electron gyro-frequency. The new UH turbulence resolves several f the mysteries associated with artificial ionization and suggests several new observations. Acknowledgment:Work supported by AFOSR MURI grant FA95501410019.

Evidence for unnatural-parity contributions to electron-impact ionization of laser-aligned atoms

DOE PAGES

Armstrong, Gregory S. J.; Colgan, James Patrick; Pindzola, M. S.; ...

2015-09-11

Recent measurements have examined the electron-impact ionization of excited-state laser-aligned Mg atoms. In this paper we show that the ionization cross section arising from the geometry where the aligned atom is perpendicular to the scattering plane directly probes the unnatural parity contributions to the ionization amplitude. The contributions from natural parity partial waves cancel exactly in this geometry. Our calculations resolve the discrepancy between the nonzero measured cross sections in this plane and the zero cross section predicted by distorted-wave approaches. Finally, we demonstrate that this is a general feature of ionization from p-state targets by additional studies of ionizationmore » from excited Ca and Na atoms.« less

Effect of a finite ionization rate on the radiative heating of outer planet atmospheric entry probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, H. F.

1982-01-01

The influence of finite rate ionization in the inviscid gas just behind the stagnation shock wave on the radiative heating of probes entering the hydrogen-helium atmosphere of the major plants was investigated. Two opposing conclusions were reached as to how the ionization rate assumption affects the radiative transfer. Hydrogen-helium shock waves with a cold nonblowing wall boundary condition at the probe heat shield are emphasized. The study is limited to the stagnation shock layer.

Plasma channel created by ionization of gas by a surface wave

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Konovalov, V. N.; Kuz’min, G. P.; Minaev, I. M., E-mail: minaev1945@mail.ru

2015-09-15

Conditions for gas ionization in the field of a slow surface wave excited by a microwave source are considered. The gas ionization rate and the plasma density distribution over the radius of the discharge tube were studied by the optical method. The experiments were conducted in a dielectric tube with a radius much smaller than the tube length, the gas pressure being ∼1–3 Torr. It is shown that the stationary distribution of the plasma density is determined by diffusion processes.

Review of chemical-kinetic problems of future NASA missions. I - Earth entries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Chul

1993-01-01

A number of chemical-kinetic problems related to phenomena occurring behind a shock wave surrounding an object flying in the earth atmosphere are discussed, including the nonequilibrium thermochemical relaxation phenomena occurring behind a shock wave surrounding the flying object, problems related to aerobraking maneuver, the radiation phenomena for shock velocities of up to 12 km/sec, and the determination of rate coefficients for ionization reactions and associated electron-impact ionization reactions. Results of experiments are presented in form of graphs and tables, giving data on the reaction rate coefficients for air, the ionization distances, thermodynamic properties behind a shock wave, radiative heat flux calculations, Damkoehler numbers for the ablation-product layer, together with conclusions.

The reflection of an ionized shock wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakura, Fumioki; Corli, Andrea

2018-03-01

In a previous paper, we studied the thermodynamic and kinetic theory for an ionized gas, in one space dimension; in this paper, we provide an application of those results to the reflection of a shock wave in an electromagnetic shock tube. Under some reasonable limitations, which fully agree with experimental data, we prove that both the incident and the reflected shock waves satisfy the Lax entropy conditions; this result holds even outside genuinely nonlinear regions, which are present in the model. We show that the temperature increases in a significant way behind the incident shock front but the degree of ionization does not undergo a similar growth. On the contrary, the degree of ionization increases substantially behind the reflected shock front. We explain these phenomena by means of the concavity of the Hugoniot loci. Therefore, our results not only fit perfectly but explain what was remarked in experiments.

Analyses of electron runaway in front of the negative streamer channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babich, L. P.; Bochkov, E. I.; Kutsyk, I. M.; Neubert, T.; Chanrion, O.

2017-08-01

X-ray and γ-ray emissions, observed in correlation with negative leaders of lightning and long sparks of high-voltage laboratory experiments, are conventionally connected with the bremsstrahlung of high-energy runaway electrons (REs). Here we extend a focusing mechanism, analyzed in our previous paper, which allows the electric field to reach magnitudes, required for a generation of significant RE fluxes and associated bremsstrahlung, when the ionization wave propagates in a narrow, ionized channel created by a previous streamer. Under such conditions we compute the production rate of REs per unit streamer length as a function of the streamer velocity and predict that, once a streamer is formed with the electric field capable of producing REs ahead of the streamer front, the ionization induced by the REs is capable of creating an ionized channel that allows for self-sustained propagation of the RE-emitting ionization wave independent of the initial electron concentration. Thus, the streamer coronas of the leaders are probable sources of REs producing the observed high-energy radiation. To prove these predictions, new simulations are planned, which would show explicitly that the preionization in front of the channel via REs will lead to the ionization wave propagation self-consistent with RE generation.

Influence of ionization on the Gupta and on the Park chemical models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morsa, Luigi; Zuppardi, Gennaro

2014-12-01

This study is an extension of former works by the present authors, in which the influence of the chemical models by Gupta and by Park was evaluated on thermo-fluid-dynamic parameters in the flow field, including transport coefficients, related characteristic numbers and heat flux on two current capsules (EXPERT and Orion) during the high altitude re-entry path. The results verified that the models, even computing different air compositions in the flow field, compute only slight different compositions on the capsule surface, therefore the difference in the heat flux is not very relevant. In the above mentioned studies, ionization was neglected because the velocities of the capsules (about 5000 m/s for EXPERT and about 7600 m/s for Orion) were not high enough to activate meaningful ionization. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the incidence of ionization, linked to the chemical models by Gupta and by Park, on both heat flux and thermo fluid-dynamic parameters. The present computer tests were carried out by a direct simulation Monte Carlo code (DS2V) in the velocity interval 7600-12000 m/s, considering only the Orion capsule at an altitude of 85 km. The results verified what already found namely when ionization is not considered, the chemical models compute only a slight different gas composition in the core of the shock wave and practically the same composition on the surface therefore the same heat flux. On the opposite, the results verified that when ionization is considered, the chemical models compute different compositions in the whole shock layer and on the surface therefore different heat flux. The analysis of the results relies on a qualitative and a quantitative evaluation of the effects of ionization on both chemical models. The main result of the study is that when ionization is taken into account, the Park model is more reactive than the Gupta model; consequently, the heat flux computed by Park is lower than the one computed by Gupta; using the Gupta model, in the design of a thermal protection system, is recommended.

Blobs and drift wave dynamics

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Yanzeng; Krasheninnikov, S. I.

2017-09-29

The modified Hasegawa-Mima equation retaining all nonlinearities is investigated from the point of view of the formation of blobs. The linear analysis shows that the amplitude of the drift wave packet propagating in the direction of decreasing background plasma density increases and eventually saturates due to nonlinear effects. Nonlinear modification of the time averaged plasma density profile results in the formation of large amplitude modes locked in the radial direction, but still propagating in the poloidal direction, which resembles the experimentally observed chain of blobs propagating in the poloidal direction. Such specific density profiles, causing the locking of drift waves,more » could form naturally at the edge of tokamak due to a neutral ionization source. Thus, locked modes can grow in situ due to plasma instabilities, e.g., caused by finite resistivity. Furthermore, the modulation instability (in the poloidal direction) of these locked modes can result in a blob-like burst of plasma density.« less

Unified concept of effective one component plasma for hot dense plasmas

DOE PAGES

Clerouin, Jean; Arnault, Philippe; Ticknor, Christopher; ...

2016-03-17

Orbital-free molecular dynamics simulations are used to benchmark two popular models for hot dense plasmas: the one component plasma (OCP) and the Yukawa model. A unified concept emerges where an effective OCP (EOCP) is constructed from the short-range structure of the plasma. An unambiguous ionization and the screening length can be defined and used for a Yukawa system, which reproduces the long-range structure with finite compressibility. Similarly, the dispersion relation of longitudinal waves is consistent with the screened model at vanishing wave number but merges with the OCP at high wave number. Additionally, the EOCP reproduces the overall relaxation timemore » scales of the correlation functions associated with ionic motion. Lastly, in the hot dense regime, this unified concept of EOCP can be fruitfully applied to deduce properties such as the equation of state, ionic transport coefficients, and the ion feature in x-ray Thomson scattering experiments.« less

Ionospheric Impacts on UHF Space Surveillance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, J. C.

2017-12-01

Earth's atmosphere contains regions of ionized plasma caused by the interaction of highly energetic solar radiation. This region of ionization is called the ionosphere and varies significantly with altitude, latitude, local solar time, season, and solar cycle. Significant ionization begins at about 100 km (E layer) with a peak in the ionization at about 300 km (F2 layer). Above the F2 layer, the atmosphere is mostly ionized but the ion and electron densities are low due to the unavailability of neutral molecules for ionization so the density decreases exponentially with height to well over 1000 km. The gradients of these variations in the ionosphere play a significant role in radio wave propagation. These gradients induce variations in the index of refraction and cause some radio waves to refract. The amount of refraction depends on the magnitude and direction of the electron density gradient and the frequency of the radio wave. The refraction is significant at HF frequencies (3-30 MHz) with decreasing effects toward the UHF (300-3000 MHz) range. UHF is commonly used for tracking of space objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). While ionospheric refraction is small for UHF frequencies, it can cause errors in range, azimuth angle, and elevation angle estimation by ground-based radars tracking space objects. These errors can cause significant errors in precise orbit determinations. For radio waves transiting the ionosphere, it is important to understand and account for these effects. Using a sophisticated radio wave propagation tool suite and an empirical ionospheric model, we calculate the errors induced by the ionosphere in a simulation of a notional space surveillance radar tracking objects in LEO. These errors are analyzed to determine daily, monthly, annual, and solar cycle trends. Corrections to surveillance radar measurements can be adapted from our simulation capability.

Ionizing gas breakdown waves in strong electric fields.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klingbeil, R.; Tidman, D. A.; Fernsler, R. F.

1972-01-01

A previous analysis by Albright and Tidman (1972) of the structure of an ionizing potential wave driven through a dense gas by a strong electric field is extended to include atomic structure details of the background atoms and radiative effects, especially, photoionization. It is found that photoionization plays an important role in avalanche propagation. Velocities, electron densities, and temperatures are presented as a function of electric field for both negative and positive breakdown waves in nitrogen.

Helium atmospheric pressure plasma jets touching dielectric and metal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norberg, Seth A.; Johnsen, Eric; Kushner, Mark J.

2015-07-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) are being investigated in the context plasma medicine and biotechnology applications, and surface functionalization. The composition of the surface being treated ranges from plastics, liquids, and biological tissue, to metals. The dielectric constant of these materials ranges from as low as 1.5 for plastics to near 80 for liquids, and essentially infinite for metals. The electrical properties of the surface are not independent variables as the permittivity of the material being treated has an effect on the dynamics of the incident APPJ. In this paper, results are discussed from a computational investigation of the interaction of an APPJ incident onto materials of varying permittivity, and their impact on the discharge dynamics of the plasma jet. The computer model used in this investigation solves Poisson's equation, transport equations for charged and neutral species, the electron energy equation, and the Navier-Stokes equations for the neutral gas flow. The APPJ is sustained in He/O2 = 99.8/0.2 flowing into humid air, and is directed onto dielectric surfaces in contact with ground with dielectric constants ranging from 2 to 80, and a grounded metal surface. Low values of relative permittivity encourage propagation of the electric field into the treated material and formation and propagation of a surface ionization wave. High values of relative permittivity promote the restrike of the ionization wave and the formation of a conduction channel between the plasma discharge and the treated surface. The distribution of space charge surrounding the APPJ is discussed.

Nostradamus: The radar that wanted to be a seismometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Occhipinti, Giovanni; Dorey, Philippe; Farges, Thomas; Lognonné, Philippe

2010-09-01

Surface waves emitted after large earthquakes are known to induce, by dynamic coupling, atmospheric infrasonic waves propagating upward through the neutral and ionized atmosphere. Those waves have been detected in the past at ionospheric heights using a variety of techniques, such as HF Doppler sounding or GPS receivers. The HF Doppler technique, particularly sensitive to the ionospheric signature of Rayleigh waves is used here to show ionospheric perturbations consistent with the propagation of Rayleigh wave phases R1 and R2 following the Sumatra earthquake on the 28 March 2005 (M = 8.6). This is in our knowledge the first time that the phase R2 is detected by ionospheric sounding. In addition, we prove here that the ionospheric signature of R2 is also observed by over-the-horizon (OTH) Radar. The latter was never used before to detect seismic signature in the ionosphere. Adding the OTH Radar to the list of the “ionospheric seismometers” we discuss and compare the performances of the three different instruments mentioned above, namely HF Doppler sounding, GPS receivers and OTH radar.

OBSERVATIONAL DETECTION OF DRIFT VELOCITY BETWEEN IONIZED AND NEUTRAL SPECIES IN SOLAR PROMINENCES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khomenko, Elena; Collados, Manuel; Díaz, Antonio J., E-mail: khomenko@iac.es, E-mail: mcv@iac.es, E-mail: aj.diaz@uib.es

2016-06-01

We report the detection of differences in the ion and neutral velocities in prominences using high-resolution spectral data obtained in 2012 September at the German Vacuum Tower Telescope (Observatorio del Teide, Tenerife). A time series of scans of a small portion of a solar prominence was obtained simultaneously with high cadence using the lines of two elements with different ionization states, namely, Ca ii 8542 Å and He i 10830 Å. The displacements, widths, and amplitudes of both lines were carefully compared to extract dynamical information about the plasma. Many dynamical features are detected, such as counterstreaming flows, jets, andmore » propagating waves. In all of the cases, we find a very strong correlation between the parameters extracted from the lines of both elements, confirming that both lines trace the same plasma. Nevertheless, we also find short-lived transients where this correlation is lost. These transients are associated with ion-neutral drift velocities of the order of several hundred m s{sup −1}. The patches of non-zero drift velocity show coherence in time–distance diagrams.« less

MULTI-FLUID APPROACH TO HIGH-FREQUENCY WAVES IN PLASMAS. I. SMALL-AMPLITUDE REGIME IN FULLY IONIZED MEDIUM

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martínez-Gómez, David; Soler, Roberto; Terradas, Jaume, E-mail: david.martinez@uib.es

Ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) provides an accurate description of low-frequency Alfvén waves in fully ionized plasmas. However, higher-frequency waves in many plasmas of the solar atmosphere cannot be correctly described by ideal MHD and a more accurate model is required. Here, we study the properties of small-amplitude incompressible perturbations in both the low- and the high-frequency ranges in plasmas composed of several ionized species. We use a multi-fluid approach and take into account the effects of collisions between ions and the inclusion of Hall’s term in the induction equation. Through the analysis of the corresponding dispersion relations and numerical simulations, wemore » check that at high frequencies ions of different species are not as strongly coupled as in the low-frequency limit. Hence, they cannot be treated as a single fluid. In addition, elastic collisions between the distinct ionized species are not negligible for high-frequency waves, since an appreciable damping is obtained. Furthermore, Coulomb collisions between ions remove the cyclotron resonances and the strict cutoff regions, which are present when collisions are not taken into account. The implications of these results for the modeling of high-frequency waves in solar plasmas are discussed.« less

Observation of radio-wave-induced red hydroxyl emission at low altitude in the ionosphere.

PubMed

Kagan, L M; Nicolls, M J; Kelley, M C; Carlson, H C; Belikovich, V V; Bakhmet'eva, N V; Komrakov, G P; Trondsen, T S; Donovan, E

2005-03-11

We report the discovery of radio-wave-induced red emission of OH Meinel rotation-vibrational bands at 629.79 nm. These are the first measurements of artificial aurora below 100 km. We believe that the 629.79-nm OH emission was due to radio-wave focusing by sporadic ionization clouds near 80-85 km altitude, thus giving a technique to visualize the low-altitude sporadic ionization and providing insight into ionospheric interactions at these low altitudes.

Calculation of total electron excitation cross-sections and partial electron ionization cross-sections for the elements. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, T. J.

1973-01-01

Computer programs were used to calculate the total electron excitation cross-section for atoms and the partial ionization cross-section. The approximations to the scattering amplitude used are as follows: (1) Born, Bethe, and Modified Bethe for non-exchange excitation; (2) Ochkur for exchange excitation; and (3) Coulomb-Born of non-exchange ionization. The amplitudes are related to the differential cross-sections which are integrated to give the total excitation (or partial ionization) cross-section for the collision. The atomic wave functions used are Hartree-Fock-Slater functions for bound states and the coulomb wave function for the continuum. The programs are presented and the results are examined.

Characteristics of light reflected from a dense ionization wave with a tunable velocity.

PubMed

Zhidkov, A; Esirkepov, T; Fujii, T; Nemoto, K; Koga, J; Bulanov, S V

2009-11-20

An optically dense ionization wave (IW) produced by two femtosecond (approximately 10/30 fs) laser pulses focused cylindrically and crossing each other may become an efficient coherent x-ray converter in accordance with the Semenova-Lampe theory. The resulting velocity of a quasiplane IW in the vicinity of pulse intersection changes with the angle between the pulses from the group velocity of ionizing pulses to infinity allowing a tuning of the wavelength of x rays and their bunching. The x-ray spectra after scattering of a lower frequency and long coherent light pulse change from the monochromatic to high order harmoniclike with the duration of the ionizing pulses.

Direct measurement of the concentration of metastable ions produced from neutral gas particles using laser-induced fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Feng; Skiff, Fred; Berumen, Jorge; Mattingly, Sean; Hood, Ryan

2017-10-01

Extensive information can be obtained on wave-particle interactions and wave fields by direct measurement of perturbed ion distribution functions using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). For practical purposes, LIF is frequently performed on metastables that are produced from neutral gas particles and existing ions in other electronic states. We numerically simulate the ion velocity distribution measurement and wave-detection process using a Lagrangian model for the LIF signal. The results show that under circumstances where the metastable ion population is coming directly from the ionization of neutrals (as opposed to the excitation of ground-state ions), the velocity distribution will only faithfully represent processes which act on the ion dynamics in a time shorter than the metastable lifetime. Therefore, it is important to know the ratio of metastable population coming from neutrals to that from existing ions to correct the LIF measurements of plasma ion temperature and electrostatic waves. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the ratio of these two populations by externally launching an ion acoustic wave and comparing the wave amplitudes that are measured with LIF and a Langmuir probe using a lock-in amplifier. DE-FG02-99ER54543.

Modeling laser-driven electron acceleration using WARP with Fourier decomposition

DOE PAGES

Lee, P.; Audet, T. L.; Lehe, R.; ...

2015-12-31

WARP is used with the recent implementation of the Fourier decomposition algorithm to model laser-driven electron acceleration in plasmas. Simulations were carried out to analyze the experimental results obtained on ionization-induced injection in a gas cell. The simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, confirming the ability of the code to take into account the physics of electron injection and reduce calculation time. We present a detailed analysis of the laser propagation, the plasma wave generation and the electron beam dynamics.

Modeling laser-driven electron acceleration using WARP with Fourier decomposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, P.; Audet, T. L.; Lehe, R.

WARP is used with the recent implementation of the Fourier decomposition algorithm to model laser-driven electron acceleration in plasmas. Simulations were carried out to analyze the experimental results obtained on ionization-induced injection in a gas cell. The simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, confirming the ability of the code to take into account the physics of electron injection and reduce calculation time. We present a detailed analysis of the laser propagation, the plasma wave generation and the electron beam dynamics.

Experimental control of steady state photorefractive self-focusing in InP:Fe at infrared wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dan, C.; Wolfersberger, D.; Fressengeas, N.

2011-09-01

This paper reports an experimental study of the self-focusing process in iron doped indium phosphide at an 1.06 micron wavelength, identifying the influence of temperature, beam intensity and background illumination for two different iron dopings. We point out that the iron ionization ratio is at the origin of different qualitative behavior previously reported and we show that it is possible to reproduce the said behaviors in the same crystal by applying a uniform illumination, allowing their eventual control for dynamic wave-guiding.

Non-LTE radiating acoustic shocks and Ca II K2V bright points

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlsson, Mats; Stein, Robert F.

1992-01-01

We present, for the first time, a self-consistent solution of the time-dependent 1D equations of non-LTE radiation hydrodynamics in solar chromospheric conditions. The vertical propagation of sinusoidal acoustic waves with periods of 30, 180, and 300 s is calculated. We find that departures from LTE and ionization recombination determine the temperature profiles of the shocks that develop. In LTE almost all the thermal energy goes into ionization, so the temperature rise is very small. In non-LTE, the finite transition rates delay the ionization to behind the shock front. The compression thus goes into thermal energy at the shock front leading to a high temperature amplitude. Further behind the shock front, the delayed ionization removes energy from the thermal pool, which reduces the temperature, producing a temperature spike. The 180 s waves reproduce the observed temporal changes in the calcium K line profiles quite well. The observed wing brightening pattern, the violet/red peak asymmetry and the observed line center behavior are all well reproduced. The short-period waves and the 5 minute period waves fail especially in reproducing the observed behavior of the wings.

Revisiting the thermal effect on shock wave propagation in weakly ionized plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Qianhong, E-mail: zhou-qianhong@iapcm.ac.cn; Dong, Zhiwei; Yang, Wei

2016-07-15

Many researchers have investigated shock propagation in weakly ionized plasmas and observed the following anomalous effects: shock acceleration, shock recovery, shock weakening, shock spreading, and splitting. It was generally accepted that the thermal effect can explain most of the experimental results. However, little attention was paid to the shock recovery. In this paper, the shock wave propagation in weakly ionized plasmas is studied by fluid simulation. It is found that the shock acceleration, weakening, and splitting appear after it enters the plasma (thermal) region. The shock splits into two parts right after it leaves the thermal region. The distance betweenmore » the splitted shocks keeps decreasing until they recover to one. This paper can explain a whole set of features of the shock wave propagation in weakly ionized plasmas. It is also found that both the shock curvature and the splitting present the same photoacoustic deflection (PAD) signals, so they cannot be distinguished by the PAD experiments.« less

Theory of dissociative tunneling ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensmark, Jens; Tolstikhin, Oleg I.; Madsen, Lars Bojer

2016-05-01

We present a theoretical study of the dissociative tunneling ionization process. Analytic expressions for the nuclear kinetic energy distribution of the ionization rates are derived. A particularly simple expression for the spectrum is found by using the Born-Oppenheimer (BO) approximation in conjunction with the reflection principle. These spectra are compared to exact non-BO ab initio spectra obtained through model calculations with a quantum mechanical treatment of both the electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom. In the regime where the BO approximation is applicable, imaging of the BO nuclear wave function is demonstrated to be possible through reverse use of the reflection principle, when accounting appropriately for the electronic ionization rate. A qualitative difference between the exact and BO wave functions in the asymptotic region of large electronic distances is shown. Additionally, the behavior of the wave function across the turning line is seen to be reminiscent of light refraction. For weak fields, where the BO approximation does not apply, the weak-field asymptotic theory describes the spectrum accurately.

The Near-Earth Plasma Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, Robert F., Jr.

2012-01-01

An overview of the plasma environment near the earth is provided. We describe how the near-earth plasma is formed, including photo-ionization from solar photons and impact ionization at high latitudes from energetic particles. We review the fundamental characteristics of the earth's plasma environment, with emphasis on the ionosphere and its interactions with the extended neutral atmosphere. Important processes that control ionospheric physics at low, middle, and high latitudes are discussed. The general dynamics and morphology of the ionized gas at mid- and low-latitudes are described including electrodynamic contributions from wind-driven dynamos, tides, and planetary-scale waves. The unique properties of the near-earth plasma and its associated currents at high latitudes are shown to depend on precipitating auroral charged particles and strong electric fields which map earthward from the magnetosphere. The upper atmosphere is shown to have profound effects on the transfer of energy and momentum between the high-latitude plasma and the neutral constituents. The article concludes with a discussion of how the near-earth plasma responds to magnetic storms associated with solar disturbances.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Shen; Kang, Wei, E-mail: weikang@pku.edu.cn; College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871

An extended first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) method based on Kohn-Sham scheme is proposed to elevate the temperature limit of the FPMD method in the calculation of dense plasmas. The extended method treats the wave functions of high energy electrons as plane waves analytically and thus expands the application of the FPMD method to the region of hot dense plasmas without suffering from the formidable computational costs. In addition, the extended method inherits the high accuracy of the Kohn-Sham scheme and keeps the information of electronic structures. This gives an edge to the extended method in the calculation of mixtures ofmore » plasmas composed of heterogeneous ions, high-Z dense plasmas, lowering of ionization potentials, X-ray absorption/emission spectra, and opacities, which are of particular interest to astrophysics, inertial confinement fusion engineering, and laboratory astrophysics.« less

Electron-helium S-wave model benchmark calculations. II. Double ionization, single ionization with excitation, and double excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartlett, Philip L.; Stelbovics, Andris T.

2010-02-01

The propagating exterior complex scaling (PECS) method is extended to all four-body processes in electron impact on helium in an S-wave model. Total and energy-differential cross sections are presented with benchmark accuracy for double ionization, single ionization with excitation, and double excitation (to autoionizing states) for incident-electron energies from threshold to 500 eV. While the PECS three-body cross sections for this model given in the preceding article [Phys. Rev. A 81, 022715 (2010)] are in good agreement with other methods, there are considerable discrepancies for these four-body processes. With this model we demonstrate the suitability of the PECS method for the complete solution of the electron-helium system.

Reflection of Fast Magnetosonic Waves near a Magnetic Reconnection Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Provornikova, E.; Laming, J. M.; Lukin, V. S.

2018-06-01

Magnetic reconnection in the solar corona is thought to be unstable with the formation of multiple interacting plasmoids, and previous studies have shown that plasmoid dynamics can trigger MHD waves of different modes propagating outward from the reconnection site. However, variations in plasma parameters and magnetic field strength in the vicinity of a coronal reconnection site may lead to wave reflection and mode conversion. In this paper we investigate the reflection and refraction of fast magnetoacoustic waves near a reconnection site. Under a justified assumption of an analytically specified Alfvén speed profile, we derive and solve analytically the full wave equation governing the propagation of fast-mode waves in a non-uniform background plasma without recourse to the small wavelength approximation. We show that the waves undergo reflection near the reconnection current sheet due to the Alfvén speed gradient and that the reflection efficiency depends on the plasma-β parameter, as well as on the wave frequency. In particular, we find that waves are reflected more efficiently near reconnection sites in a low-β plasma, which is typical under solar coronal conditions. Also, the reflection is larger for lower-frequency waves while high-frequency waves propagate outward from the reconnection region almost without the reflection. We discuss the implications of efficient wave reflection near magnetic reconnection sites in strongly magnetized coronal plasma for particle acceleration, and also the effect this might have on first ionization potential (FIP) fractionation by the ponderomotive force of these waves in the chromosphere.

Ionizing radiation-induced acoustics for radiotherapy and diagnostic radiology applications.

PubMed

Hickling, Susannah; Xiang, Liangzhong; Jones, Kevin C; Parodi, Katia; Assmann, Walter; Avery, Stephen; Hobson, Maritza; El Naqa, Issam

2018-04-21

Acoustic waves are induced via the thermoacoustic effect in objects exposed to a pulsed beam of ionizing radiation. This phenomenon has interesting potential applications in both radiotherapy dosimetry and treatment guidance as well as low dose radiological imaging. After initial work in the field in the 1980s and early 1990s, little research was done until 2013 when interest was rejuvenated, spurred on by technological advances in ultrasound transducers and the increasing complexity of radiotherapy delivery systems. Since then, many studies have been conducted and published applying ionizing radiation-induced acoustic principles into three primary research areas: Linear accelerator photon beam dosimetry, proton therapy range verification, and radiological imaging. This review article introduces the theoretical background behind ionizing radiation-induced acoustic waves, summarizes recent advances in the field, and provides an outlook on how the detection of ionizing radiation-induced acoustic waves can be used for relative and in vivo dosimetry in photon therapy, localization of the Bragg peak in proton therapy, and as a low-dose medical imaging modality. Future prospects and challenges for clinical implementation of these techniques are discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of quantum transport due to 'scars' of unstable periodic orbits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jensen, R. V.; Sanders, M. M.; Saraceno, M.; Sundaram, B.

1989-01-01

A new quantum mechanism for the suppression of chaotic ionization of highly excited hydrogen atoms explains the appearance of anomalously stable states in the microwave ionization experiments of Koch et al. A novel phase-space representation of the perturbed wave functions reveals that the inhibition of quantum transport is due to the selective excitation of wave functions that are highly localized near unstable periodic orbits in the chaotic classical phase space. The 'scarred' wave functions provide a new basis for the quantum description of a variety of classically chaotic systems.

Solar atmospheric dynamics. II - Nonlinear models of the photospheric and chromospheric oscillations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leibacher, J.; Gouttebroze, P.; Stein, R. F.

1982-01-01

The one-dimensional, nonlinear dynamics of the solar atmosphere is investigated, and models of the observed photospheric (300 s) and chromospheric (200 s) oscillations are described. These are resonances of acoustic wave cavities formed by the variation of the temperature and ionization between the subphotospheric, hydrogen convection zone and the chromosphere-corona transition region. The dependence of the oscillations upon the excitation and boundary conditions leads to the conclusion that for the observed amplitudes, the modes are independently excited and, as trapped modes, transport little if any mechanical flux. In the upper photosphere and lower chromosphere, where the two modes have comparable energy density, interference between them leads to apparent vertical phase delays which might be interpreted as evidence of an energy flux.

Atomic physics effects on tokamak edge drift-tearing modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hahm, T.S.

1993-03-01

The effects of ionization and charge exchange on the linear stability of drift-tearing modes are analytically investigated. In particular, the linear instability threshold {Delta}{sup Th}, produced by ion sound wave coupling is modified. In the strongly collisional regime, the ionization breaks up the near cancellation of the perturbed electric field and the pressure gradient along the magnetic field, and increases the threshold. In the semi-collisional regime, both ionization and charge exchange act as drag on the ion parallel velocity, and consequently decrease the threshold by reducing the effectiveness of ion sound wave propagation.

Atomic physics effects on tokamak edge drift-tearing modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hahm, T.S.

1993-03-01

The effects of ionization and charge exchange on the linear stability of drift-tearing modes are analytically investigated. In particular, the linear instability threshold [Delta][sup Th], produced by ion sound wave coupling is modified. In the strongly collisional regime, the ionization breaks up the near cancellation of the perturbed electric field and the pressure gradient along the magnetic field, and increases the threshold. In the semi-collisional regime, both ionization and charge exchange act as drag on the ion parallel velocity, and consequently decrease the threshold by reducing the effectiveness of ion sound wave propagation.

Dynamics of the Mesopause Region as Revealed in Images of Polar Mesospheric Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, Scott; Thurairajah, Brentha; Nielsen, Kim; Lumpe, Jerry; Randall, Cora; Taylor, Michael J.; Zhao, Yucheng

Studying the geospace response to variable inputs and waves from the lower atmosphere is particularly important since the induced variability competes with the solar and magnetic driving from above. Consequences for telecommunications, re-entry and satellite operations still need to be explored. The extent to which the effects of this quiescent atmospheric variability are transmitted to the magnetosphere is yet to be resolved. We thus stand right now at an exciting research frontier: understanding the cause-and-effect chain that connects tropospheric and strato-/mesospheric variability with geospace processes. CAWSES-II Task Group 4 (TG4) will therefore elucidate the dynamical coupling from the low and middle atmosphere to geospace including the upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere, for various frequencies and scales, such as gravity waves, tides, and planetary waves, and for equatorial, middle, and high latitudes. Attacking the problem clearly requires a systems approach involving experimentalists, data analysts and modelers from different communities. For that purpose, the most essential part of TG4 is to encourage interactions between atmospheric scientists and plasma scientists on all occasions. Four project are established in TG4, i.e., Project 1: How do atmospheric waves connect tropospheric weather with ITM variability?, Project 2: What is the relation between atmospheric waves and ionospheric instabilities?, Project 3: How do the different types of waves interact as they propagate through the stratosphere to the ionosphere?, and Project 4: How do thermospheric disturbances generated by auroral processes interact with the neutral and ionized atmosphere? A joint project with TG2 is also proposed for the topic of Project 5: How does climate change affects atmospheric waves in the ITM? In this presentation we show current status and future plan of CAWSES-II TG4 activities of 2009-2013.

Planetary and Gravity Waves in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vincent, R. A.

1985-01-01

Rocket and ground based studies of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere show that waves play an important role in the dynamics of their region. The waves manifest themselves in wind, temperature, density, pressure, ionization and airglow fluctuations in the 80-120 km height range. Rockets have enabled the density and temperature structure to be measured with excellent height resolution, while long term studies of wind motions using MST, partial reflection and meteor radars and, more recently, lidar investigations of temperature and density, have enabled the temporal behaviour of the waves to be better understood. A composite of power spectra is shown of wind motions measured near the mesopause at widely separated locations and illustrates how wave energy is distributed as a function of frequency. The spectra show three distinct parts; (1) a long period section corresponding to periods longer than 24 h; (2) a section between 12 and 24 h priod where the spectra are dominated by narrow; peaks associated with the semidiurnal and diurnal tides and (3) a section at periods less than 12 h where the spectral density decreases montonically (except for the 8 h tidal peak). The long period section is associated with transient planetary scale waves while the short period motions are caused by gravity waves.

Optical Control of Internal Conversion in Pyrazine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, Grant; Singha, Sima; Hu, Zhan; Seideman, Tamar; Gordon, Robert

2014-03-01

We apply quantum control schemes previously reserved for atoms and small molecules to more complex polyatomic molecules. Pyrazine was chosen as a model polyatomic molecule for its well-studied conical intersection seam between the S1 and S2 potential energy surfaces (PESs). Using shaped ultraviolet femtosecond laser pulses, we demonstrate optical control of the excited state dynamics of this molecule under collisionless conditions. This was achieved in a pump-probe experiment by employing a genetic algorithm programmed to suppress ionization of the pyrazine molecules at a preselected time. Our findings indicate that the optimized pulses localize the wave packet for times up to 1.5 ps at a location on the coupled S1/S2 PESs where ionization is energetically forbidden. Our approach is general and does not require knowledge of the molecular Hamiltonian. Funding provided by National Science Foundation grant no. CHE-0848198.

Effect of a finite ionization rate on the radiative heating of outer planet atmospheric entry probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, H. F.

1981-01-01

The influence of finite rate ionization in the inviscid gas just behind the stagnation shock wave on the radiation heating of probes entering the hydrogen helium atmospere of the major planets was investigated. At the present time, there is disagreement as to whether the radiative flux increases or decreases relative to its equilibrium value when finite rate ionization is considered. Leibowitz and Kuo content that the finite rate ionization in the hydrogen gas just behind the shock wave reduces the radiative flux to the probe, whereas Tiwari and Szema predict that it increases the radiative flux. The radiation modeling used in the calculations of both pairs of these investigators was reviewed. It is concluded that finite rate ionization in the inviscid region of the shock layer should reduce the cold wall radiative heating below the values predicted by equilibrium chemistry assumptions.

A Hydrodynamic Model of Alfvénic Wave Heating in a Coronal Loop and Its Chromospheric Footpoints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reep, Jeffrey W.; Russell, Alexander J. B.; Tarr, Lucas A.; Leake, James E.

2018-02-01

Alfvénic waves have been proposed as an important energy transport mechanism in coronal loops, capable of delivering energy to both the corona and chromosphere and giving rise to many observed features of flaring and quiescent regions. In previous work, we established that resistive dissipation of waves (ambipolar diffusion) can drive strong chromospheric heating and evaporation, capable of producing flaring signatures. However, that model was based on a simplified assumption that the waves propagate instantly to the chromosphere, an assumption that the current work removes. Via a ray-tracing method, we have implemented traveling waves in a field-aligned hydrodynamic simulation that dissipate locally as they propagate along the field line. We compare this method to and validate against the magnetohydrodynamics code Lare3D. We then examine the importance of travel times to the dynamics of the loop evolution, finding that (1) the ionization level of the plasma plays a critical role in determining the location and rate at which waves dissipate; (2) long duration waves effectively bore a hole into the chromosphere, allowing subsequent waves to penetrate deeper than previously expected, unlike an electron beam whose energy deposition rises in height as evaporation reduces the mean-free paths of the electrons; and (3) the dissipation of these waves drives a pressure front that propagates to deeper depths, unlike energy deposition by an electron beam.

The effect of vibrational autoionization on the H2+ X 2Σg+ state rotationally resolved photoionization dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, D. M. P.; Shaw, D. A.

2014-01-01

The effect of vibrational autoionization on the H2+ X 2Σg+ v+ = 3, N+ state rotationally resolved photoelectron angular distributions and branching ratios has been investigated with a velocity map imaging spectrometer and synchrotron radiation. In photon excitation regions free from the influence of autoionizing Rydberg states, where direct ionization dominates, the photoelectron anisotropy parameter associated with the X 1Σg+ v″ = 0, N″ = 1 → X 2Σg+ v+ = 3, N+ = 1 transition has a value close to the theoretical maximum. However, in the vicinity of a Rydberg state, vibrational autoionization leads to a substantial reduction in anisotropy. The value of the anisotropy parameter associated with the S-branch of the photoelectron spectrum is found to be considerably higher than that predicted under the assumption that the outgoing electron can be represented solely as a p-wave. This suggests that the f-wave contribution must be taken into account to obtain a proper description of the photoionization dynamics. The observed variations in the rotationally resolved branching ratios, in the vicinity of an autoionizing resonance, depend upon the rotational level of the Rydberg state. The rotationally averaged photoelectron anisotropy parameters have been compared with the corresponding, previously calculated, theoretical results and reasonable agreement has been found. The influence of vibrational autoionization on the H2+ X 2Σg+ v+ = 0, 1, 2, 3 vibrational branching ratios has also been investigated, and the experimental results show that, in energy regions encompassing Rydberg states, these ratios deviate strongly from the Franck-Condon factors for direct ionization.

Battery-Powered RF Pre-Ionization System for the Caltech Magnetohydrodynamically-Driven Jet Experiment: RF Discharge Properties and MHD-Driven Jet Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaplin, Vernon H.

This thesis describes investigations of two classes of laboratory plasmas with rather different properties: partially ionized low pressure radiofrequency (RF) discharges, and fully ionized high density magnetohydrodynamically (MHD)-driven jets. An RF pre-ionization system was developed to enable neutral gas breakdown at lower pressures and create hotter, faster jets in the Caltech MHD-Driven Jet Experiment. The RF plasma source used a custom pulsed 3 kW 13.56 MHz RF power amplifier that was powered by AA batteries, allowing it to safely float at 4-6 kV with the cathode of the jet experiment. The argon RF discharge equilibrium and transport properties were analyzed, and novel jet dynamics were observed. Although the RF plasma source was conceived as a wave-heated helicon source, scaling measurements and numerical modeling showed that inductive coupling was the dominant energy input mechanism. A one-dimensional time-dependent fluid model was developed to quantitatively explain the expansion of the pre-ionized plasma into the jet experiment chamber. The plasma transitioned from an ionizing phase with depressed neutral emission to a recombining phase with enhanced emission during the course of the experiment, causing fast camera images to be a poor indicator of the density distribution. Under certain conditions, the total visible and infrared brightness and the downstream ion density both increased after the RF power was turned off. The time-dependent emission patterns were used for an indirect measurement of the neutral gas pressure. The low-mass jets formed with the aid of the pre-ionization system were extremely narrow and collimated near the electrodes, with peak density exceeding that of jets created without pre-ionization. The initial neutral gas distribution prior to plasma breakdown was found to be critical in determining the ultimate jet structure. The visible radius of the dense central jet column was several times narrower than the axial current channel radius, suggesting that the outer portion of the jet must have been force free, with the current parallel to the magnetic field. The studies of non-equilibrium flows and plasma self-organization being carried out at Caltech are relevant to astrophysical jets and fusion energy research.

Ionization tube simmer current circuit

DOEpatents

Steinkraus, R.F. Jr.

1994-12-13

A highly efficient flash lamp simmer current circuit utilizes a fifty percent duty cycle square wave pulse generator to pass a current over a current limiting inductor to a full wave rectifier. The DC output of the rectifier is then passed over a voltage smoothing capacitor through a reverse current blocking diode to a flash lamp tube to sustain ionization in the tube between discharges via a small simmer current. An alternate embodiment of the circuit combines the pulse generator and inductor in the form of an FET off line square wave generator with an impedance limited step up output transformer which is then applied to the full wave rectifier as before to yield a similar simmer current. 6 figures.

Ionization tube simmer current circuit

DOEpatents

Steinkraus, Jr., Robert F.

1994-01-01

A highly efficient flash lamp simmer current circuit utilizes a fifty percent duty cycle square wave pulse generator to pass a current over a current limiting inductor to a full wave rectifier. The DC output of the rectifier is then passed over a voltage smoothing capacitor through a reverse current blocking diode to a flash lamp tube to sustain ionization in the tube between discharges via a small simmer current. An alternate embodiment of the circuit combines the pulse generator and inductor in the form of an FET off line square wave generator with an impedance limited step up output transformer which is then applied to the full wave rectifier as before to yield a similar simmer current.

Understanding the Driver of Energetic Electron Precipitation Using Coordinated Multi-Satellite Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capannolo, L.; Li, W.; Ma, Q.

2017-12-01

Electron precipitation into the upper atmosphere is one of the important loss mechanisms in the Earth's inner magnetosphere. Various magnetospheric plasma waves (i.e., chorus, plasmaspheric hiss, electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, etc.) play an important role in scattering energetic electrons into the loss cone, thus enhance ionization in the upper atmosphere and affect ring current and radiation belt dynamics. The present study evaluates conjunction events where low-earth-orbiting satellites (twin AeroCube-6) and near-equatorial satellites (twin Van Allen Probes) are located roughly along the same magnetic field line. By analyzing electron flux variation at various energies (> 35 keV) measured by AeroCube-6 and wave and electron measurements by Van Allen Probes, together with quasilinear diffusion theory and modeling, we determine the physical process of driving the observed energetic electron precipitation for the identified electron precipitation events. Moreover, the twin AeroCube-6 also helps us understand the spatiotemporal effect and constrain the coherent size of each electron precipitation event.

Extended adiabatic blast waves and a model of the soft X-ray background. [interstellar matter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cox, D. P.; Anderson, P. R.

1981-01-01

An analytical approximation is generated which follows the development of an adiabatic spherical blast wave in a homogeneous ambient medium of finite pressure. An analytical approximation is also presented for the electron temperature distribution resulting from coulomb collisional heating. The dynamical, thermal, ionization, and spectral structures are calculated for blast waves of energy E sub 0 = 5 x 10 to the 50th power ergs in a hot low-density interstellar environment. A formula is presented for estimating the luminosity evolution of such explosions. The B and C bands of the soft X-ray background, it is shown, are reproduced by such a model explosion if the ambient density is about .000004 cm, the blast radius is roughly 100 pc, and the solar system is located inside the shocked region. Evolution in a pre-existing cavity with a strong density gradient may, it is suggested, remove both the M band and OVI discrepancies.

Inelastic X-ray Scattering Measurements of Ionization in Warm, Dense Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Paul F.

In this work we demonstrate spectrally resolved x-ray scattering from electron-plasma waves in shock-compressed deuterium and proton-heated matter. Because the spectral signature of inelastic x-ray scattering is strongly dependent on the free electron density of the system, it is used to infer ionization in dynamically heated samples. Using 2-6 ns, 500 J laser pulses from LLNL's Janus laser, we shocked liquid deuterium to pressures approaching 50 GPa, reaching compressions of 4 times liquid density. A second laser produced intense 2 keV x-rays. By collecting and spectrally dispersing forward scattered photons at 45°, the onset of ionization was detected at compressions of about 3 times in the form of plasmon oscillations. Backscattered x-rays bolstered this observation by measuring the free electron distribution through Compton scattering. Comparison with simulations shows very close agreement between the pressure dependence of ionization and molecular dissociation in dynamically compressed deuterium. In a second set of experiments, a 10 ps, 200 J Titan laser pulse was split into two beams. One created a stream of MeV protons to heat samples of boron and boron-nitride and the other pumped 4.5 keV K-alpha radiation in a titanium foil to probe the hot target. We observed scattered x-rays 300 ps after heating, noting a strong difference in average ionization between the two target materials at temperatures of 16 eV and very similar mass densities. Comparison with electron structure calculations suggests that this difference is due to a persistence of long-range ion structure in BN resulting in high-temperature band structure. These results underscore the importance of understanding the complex electron structure of materials even at electron-volt temperatures and gigapascal pressures. Our results provide new data to guide the theoretical modeling of warm, dense matter important to understanding giant planets and inertial fusion targets.

Large-scale, long-term nonadiabatic electron molecular dynamics for describing material properties and phenomena in extreme environments.

PubMed

Jaramillo-Botero, Andres; Su, Julius; Qi, An; Goddard, William A

2011-02-01

We describe the first principle-based electron force field (eFF) methodology for modeling the simultaneous dynamics of electrons and nuclei (eMD) evolving nonadiabatically under transient extreme conditions. We introduce the parallel implementation of eFF (pEFF) that makes it practical to perform simulations of the nonadiabatic dynamics of materials in extreme environments involving millions of nuclei and electrons, over multi-picoseconds time scales, and demonstrate its application to: (i) accurately determine density and predict percent ionization of hydrogen at high pressure (∼61 GPa) and temperatures up to 15,300 K and (ii) determine, the single shock Hugoniot for lithium metal directly from the shock wave kinematics, i.e., mass velocities (U(p) ) and shock wave velocities (U(s) ), and shock density data. For (i), the density and ionization fractions of hydrogen atoms were calculated using the isobaric-isothermal ensemble at an isotropic pressure of 61.4 GPa and for temperatures between 300 K and 15,300 K. The results at 15,300 K describe a molecular fluid with density ρ = 0.36 g/cm(3) , in close agreement with existing experiments and theory, and ∼0.5% ionization. This result provides no indication of the existence of a critical plasma phase-transition point at this particular temperature and pressure, as previously predicted by others. For (ii), the relationship between U(p) and U(s) was characterized to be linear and plastic in the range 1-20 km/s, and the single shock Hugoniot was determined in close agreement with published results for experimentally reported U(p) s. In addition to this, we provide a description of the materials' behavior for large U(p) s in terms of the appearance of a weak metallic plasma phase by U(p) = 10 km/s, with ≃ 8% ionization, gradually transitioning to a denser plasma with an estimated ≃ 35% ionization by U(p) = 15 km/s. Last but not least, we confirm the computational efficiency and scalability of pEFF by comparing its single processor performance against the fastest existing serial code, which results in a linear speedup ∼10× faster for every 16,000 particles in favor of pEFF, and by evaluating its parallel performance in terms of its strong and weak scaling capabilities. Our results, on Los Alamos's Lobo supercomputer (a 38TFLOPSs Linux HPC with Quad-core AMD Opteron nodes interconnected with an Infiniband), show strong scaling with near ideal speedups for loads >62 particles per processor. Weak scaling is shown to be close to linear under the same per-processor load range. As an absolute reference, an NVT run with 2 million particle lithium bulk system (0.5 M nuclei and 1.5 M electrons) on Lobo takes ∼0.44 s/timestep on 1024 processors (∼1 day/ps using an integration timestep of 0.005 fs). Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nonadiabatic Dynamics May Be Probed through Electronic Coherence in Time-Resolved Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Bennett, Kochise; Kowalewski, Markus; Mukamel, Shaul

2016-02-09

We present a hierarchy of Fermi golden rules (FGRs) that incorporate strongly coupled electronic/nuclear dynamics in time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES) signals at different levels of theory. Expansion in the joint electronic and nuclear eigenbasis yields the numerically most challenging exact FGR (eFGR). The quasistatic Fermi Golden Rule (qsFGR) neglects nuclear motion during the photoionization process but takes into account electronic coherences as well as populations initially present in the pumped matter as well as those generated internally by coupling between electronic surfaces. The standard semiclassical Fermi Golden Rule (scFGR) neglects the electronic coherences and the nuclear kinetic energy during the ionizing pulse altogether, yielding the classical Condon approximation. The coherence contributions depend on the phase-profile of the ionizing field, allowing coherent control of TRPES signals. The photoelectron spectrum from model systems is simulated using these three levels of theory. The eFGR and the qsFGR show temporal oscillations originating from the electronic or vibrational coherences generated as the nuclear wave packet traverses a conical intersection. These oscillations, which are missed by the scFGR, directly reveal the time-evolving splitting between electronic states of the neutral molecule in the curve-crossing regime.

Luminous phenomena and electromagnetic VHF wave emission originated from earthquake-related radon exhalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seki, A.; Tobo, I.; Omori, Y.; Muto, J.; Nagahama, H.

2013-12-01

Anomalous luminous phenomena and electromagnetic wave emission before or during earthquakes have been reported (e.g., the 1965 Matsushiro earthquake swarm). However, their mechanism is still unsolved, in spite of many models for these phenomena. Here, we propose a new model about luminous phenomena and electromagnetic wave emission during earthquake by focusing on atmospheric radon (Rn-222) and its daughter nuclides (Po-218 and Po-214). Rn-222, Po-218 and Po-214 are alpha emitters, and these alpha particles ionize atmospheric molecules. A light emission phenomenon, called 'the air luminescence', is caused by de-excitation of the ionized molecules of atmospheric nitrogen due to electron impact ionization from alpha particles. The de-excitation is from the second positive system of neutral nitrogen molecules and the first negative system of nitrogen molecule ion. Wavelengths of lights by these transitions include the visible light wavelength. So based on this mechanism, we proposed a new luminous phenomenon model before or during earthquake: 1. The concentration of atmospheric radon and its daughter nuclides increase anomalously before or during earthquakes, 2. Nitrogen molecules and their ions are excited by alpha particles emitted from Rn-222, Po-218 and Po-214, and air luminescence is generated by their de-excitation. Similarly, electromagnetic VHF wave emission can be explained by ionizing effect of radon and its daughter nuclides. Boyarchuk et al. (2005) proposed a model that electromagnetic VHF wave emission is originated when excited state of neutral clusters changes. Radon gas ionizes atmosphere and forms positively and negatively charged heavy particles. The process of ion hydration in ordinary air can be determined by the formation of complex chemically active structures of the various types of ion radicals. As a result of the association of such hydration radical ions, a neutral cluster, which is dipole quasi-molecules, is formed. A neutral cluster's rotation-rotation transition causes electromagnetic VHF wave emission. We also discuss a possibility of electromagnetic VHF wave emission from excitation of polyatomic molecules by alpha particles from Rn-222 and its daughter nuclides, similar to air luminescence by excitation of nitrogen molecule in the viewpoint of electromagnetic radiation in quantum theory.

A review of shock waves around aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, C.

1986-01-01

Aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs) are a proposed type of reusable spacecraft that would be used to transport cargoes from one earth-bound orbit to another. Such vehicles could be based on the proposed space station and used to transport commercial satellites from the space station to geostationary orbits or to polar orbits and return. During a mission, AOTVs would fly through earth's atmosphere, thus generating aerodynamic forces that could be used for decelerating the vehicles or changing their direction. AOTV research findings were concerned with the shock-wave-induced, high-temperature airflows that would be produced around these vehicles during atmospheric flight. Special emphasis was placed on the problems of: (1) the chemical physics of multitemperature, ionizing, nonequilibrium air flows, and (2) the dynamics of the flows in the base region of a blunt body with complex afterbody geometry.

A review of shock waves around aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, C.

1985-01-01

Aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs) are a proposed type of reusable spacecraft that would be used to transport cargoes from one Earth-bound orbit to another. Such vehicles could be based on the proposed space station and used to transport commercial satellites from the space station to geostationary orbits or to polar orbits and return. During a mission, AOTVs would fly through Earth's atmosphere, thus generating aerodynamic forces that could be used for decelerating the vehicles or changing their direction. AOTV research findings were concerned with the shock-wave-induced, high-temperature airflows that would be produced around these vehicles during atmospheric flight. Special emphasis was placed on the problems of: (1) the chemical physics of multitemperature, ionizing, nonequilibrium air flows, and (2) the dynamics of the flows in the base region of a blunt body with complex afterbody geometry.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watanabe, N.; Takahashi, M.; Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577

The double processes of He in electron-impact ionization, single ionization with simultaneous excitation and double ionization, have been studied at large momentum transfer using an energy- and momentum-dispersive binary (e,2e) spectrometer. The experiment has been performed at an impact energy of 2080 eV in the symmetric noncoplanar geometry. In this way we have achieved a large momentum transfer of 9 a.u., a value that has never been realized so far for the study on double ionization. The measured (e,2e) and (e,3-1e) cross sections for transitions to the n=2 excited state of He{sup +} and to doubly ionized He{sup 2+} aremore » presented as normalized intensities relative to that to the n=1 ground state of He{sup +}. The results are compared with first-order plane-wave impulse approximation (PWIA) calculations using various He ground-state wave functions. It is shown that shapes of the momentum-dependent (e,2e) and (e,3-1e) cross sections are well reproduced by the PWIA calculations only when highly correlated wave functions are employed. However, noticeable discrepancies between experiment and theory remain in magnitude for both the double processes, suggesting the importance of higher-order effects under the experimental conditions examined as well as of acquiring more complete knowledge of electron correlation in the target.« less

Nonperturbative quantum control via the nonresonant dynamic Stark effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sussman, Benjamin J.; Stolow, Albert; Department of Physics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6

2005-05-15

The nonresonant dynamic Stark effect (NRDSE) is investigated as a general tool for quantum control in the intermediate field strength regime (nonperturbative but nonionizing). We illustrate this scheme for the case of nonadiabatic molecular photodissociation at an avoided crossing. Using the NRDSE exclusively, both the electronic branching ratio and predissociation lifetime may be controlled. Infrared control pulses are used to modify the field-free dynamical evolution during traversal of the avoided crossing, thus controlling the nonadiabatic branching ratio. Predissociation lifetimes may be either increased or decreased using properly timed short infrared pulses to modify phase differences between the diabatic wave packets.more » In contrast with the limiting cases of perturbative control (interference between transitions) and strong field control with ionizing laser fields, control via the NRDSE may be thought of as reversibly modifying the effective Hamiltonian during system propagation.« less

Self-amplified photo-induced gap quenching in a correlated electron material

PubMed Central

Mathias, S.; Eich, S.; Urbancic, J.; Michael, S.; Carr, A. V.; Emmerich, S.; Stange, A.; Popmintchev, T.; Rohwer, T.; Wiesenmayer, M.; Ruffing, A.; Jakobs, S.; Hellmann, S.; Matyba, P.; Chen, C.; Kipp, L.; Bauer, M.; Kapteyn, H. C.; Schneider, H. C.; Rossnagel, K.; Murnane, M. M.; Aeschlimann, M.

2016-01-01

Capturing the dynamic electronic band structure of a correlated material presents a powerful capability for uncovering the complex couplings between the electronic and structural degrees of freedom. When combined with ultrafast laser excitation, new phases of matter can result, since far-from-equilibrium excited states are instantaneously populated. Here, we elucidate a general relation between ultrafast non-equilibrium electron dynamics and the size of the characteristic energy gap in a correlated electron material. We show that carrier multiplication via impact ionization can be one of the most important processes in a gapped material, and that the speed of carrier multiplication critically depends on the size of the energy gap. In the case of the charge-density wave material 1T-TiSe2, our data indicate that carrier multiplication and gap dynamics mutually amplify each other, which explains—on a microscopic level—the extremely fast response of this material to ultrafast optical excitation. PMID:27698341

Discharge dynamics of pin-to-plate dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun Liqun; Huang, Xiaojiang; Member of Magnetic Confinement Fusion Research Center, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai 201620

2010-11-15

The discharge dynamics of pin-to-plate dielectric barrier discharge was studied in atmospheric helium at 20 kHz. The discharge was predominately ignited in positive half cycle of applied voltage with sinusoidal waveform. The temporal evolution of the discharge was investigated vertically along the discharge gap and radically on the dielectric surface by time resolved imaging. It is found that a discharge column with a diameter of 2 mm was ignited above the pin electrode and expanded toward a plate electrode. On the dielectric surface with space charge accumulation, plasma disk in terms of plasma ring was formed with radius up tomore » 25 mm. The expansion velocity of plasma ring can reach a hypersonic speed of 3.0 km/s. The ionization wave due to electron diffusion is considered to be the mechanism for plasma ring formation and dynamics.« less

Discharge dynamics of pin-to-plate dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Liqun; Huang, Xiaojiang; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Jing; Shi, J. J.

2010-11-01

The discharge dynamics of pin-to-plate dielectric barrier discharge was studied in atmospheric helium at 20 kHz. The discharge was predominately ignited in positive half cycle of applied voltage with sinusoidal waveform. The temporal evolution of the discharge was investigated vertically along the discharge gap and radically on the dielectric surface by time resolved imaging. It is found that a discharge column with a diameter of 2 mm was ignited above the pin electrode and expanded toward a plate electrode. On the dielectric surface with space charge accumulation, plasma disk in terms of plasma ring was formed with radius up to 25 mm. The expansion velocity of plasma ring can reach a hypersonic speed of 3.0 km/s. The ionization wave due to electron diffusion is considered to be the mechanism for plasma ring formation and dynamics.

Accurate Cross Sections for Microanalysis.

PubMed

Rez, Peter

2002-01-01

To calculate the intensity of x-ray emission in electron beam microanalysis requires a knowledge of the energy distribution of the electrons in the solid, the energy variation of the ionization cross section of the relevant subshell, the fraction of ionizations events producing x rays of interest and the absorption coefficient of the x rays on the path to the detector. The theoretical predictions and experimental data available for ionization cross sections are limited mainly to K shells of a few elements. Results of systematic plane wave Born approximation calculations with exchange for K, L, and M shell ionization cross sections over the range of electron energies used in microanalysis are presented. Comparisons are made with experimental measurement for selected K shells and it is shown that the plane wave theory is not appropriate for overvoltages less than 2.5 V.

Experimental and theoretical double differential cross sections for electron impact ionization of methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yavuz, Murat; Ozer, Zehra Nur; Ulu, Melike; Champion, Christophe; Dogan, Mevlut

2016-04-01

Experimental and theoretical double differential cross sections (DDCSs) for electron-induced ionization of methane (CH4) are here reported for primary energies ranging from 50 eV to 350 eV and ejection angles between 25° and 130°. Experimental DDCSs are compared with theoretical predictions performed within the first Born approximation Coulomb wave. In this model, the initial molecular state is described by using single center wave functions, the incident (scattered) electron being described by a plane wave, while a Coulomb wave function is used for modeling the secondary ejected electron. A fairly good agreement may be observed between theory and experiment with nevertheless an expected systematic overestimation of the theory at low-ejection energies (<50 eV).

Collision effects on propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in a sub-wavelength plasma slab of partially ionized dense plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowen, LI; Zhibin, WANG; Qiuyue, NIE; Xiaogang, WANG; Fanrong, KONG; Zhenyu, WANG

2018-01-01

Intensive collisions between electrons and neutral particles in partially ionized plasmas generated in atmospheric/sub-atmospheric pressure environments can sufficiently affect the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves, particularly in the sub-wavelength regime. To investigate the collisional effect in such plasmas, we introduce a simplified plasma slab model with a thickness on the order of the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave. The scattering matrix method (SMM) is applied to solve the wave equation in the plasma slab with significant nonuniformity. Results show that the collisions between the electrons and the neutral particles, as well as the incident angle and the plasma thickness, can disturb the transmission and reduce reflection significantly.

Quantum-mechanical predictions of electron-induced ionization cross sections of DNA components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Champion, Christophe

2013-05-01

Ionization of biomolecules remains still today rarely investigated on both the experimental and the theoretical sides. In this context, the present work appears as one of the first quantum mechanical approaches providing a multi-differential description of the electron-induced ionization process of the main DNA components for impact energies ranging from the target ionization threshold up to about 10 keV. The cross section calculations are here performed within the 1st Born approximation framework in which the ejected electron is described by a Coulomb wave whereas the incident and the scattered electrons are both described by a plane wave. The biological targets of interest, namely, the DNA nucleobases and the sugar-phosphate backbone, are here described by means of the GAUSSIAN 09 system using the restricted Hartree-Fock method with geometry optimization. The theoretical predictions also obtained have shown a reasonable agreement with the experimental total ionization cross sections while huge discrepancies have been pointed out with existing theoretical models, mainly developed within a semi-classical framework.

Voyager 1: Three "Tsunami Waves" in Interstellar Space

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-22

Voyager 1: Three "Tsunami Waves" in Interstellar Space. The Voyager 1 spacecraft has experienced three "tsunami waves" in interstellar space. Listen to how these waves cause surrounding ionized matter to ring. More details on this sound can be found here: www.nasa.gov/jpl/nasa-voyager-t…nterstellar-space/

Fully differential cross sections for Li2+-impact ionization of Li(2s) and Li(2p)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, Omid; Ghanbari-Adivi, Ebrahim; Fabian Ciappina, Marcelo

2018-05-01

A semiclassical impact parameter version of the continuum distorted wave-Eikonal initial state theory is developed to study the differential ionization of Li atoms in collisions with Li2+ ions. Both post and prior forms of the transition amplitude are considered. The fully differential cross sections are calculated for the lithium targets in their ground and their first excited states and for the projectile ions at 16 MeV impact energy. The role of the inter-nuclear interaction as well as the significance of the post-prior discrepancy in the ejected electron spectra are investigated. The obtained results for ejection of the electron into the azimuthal plane are compared with the recent measurements and with their corresponding values obtained using a fully quantum mechanical version of the theory. In most of the cases, the consistency of the present approach with the experimental and the quantum theoretical data is reasonable. However, for 2p-state ionization, in the cases where no experimental data exist, there is a considerable difference between the two theoretical approaches. This difference is questionable and further experiments are needed to judge which theory makes a more accurate description of the collision dynamics.

Fast combustion waves and chemi-ionization processes in a flame initiated by a powerful local plasma source in a closed reactor

PubMed Central

Artem'ev, K. V.; Berezhetskaya, N. K.; Kazantsev, S. Yu.; Kononov, N. G.; Kossyi, I. A.; Popov, N. A.; Tarasova, N. M.; Filimonova, E. A.; Firsov, K. N.

2015-01-01

Results are presented from experimental studies of the initiation of combustion in a stoichiometric methane–oxygen mixture by a freely localized laser spark and by a high-current multispark discharge in a closed chamber. It is shown that, preceding the stage of ‘explosive’ inflammation of a gas mixture, there appear two luminous objects moving away from the initiator along an axis: a relatively fast and uniform wave of ‘incomplete combustion’ under laser spark ignition and a wave with a brightly glowing plasmoid behind under ignition from high-current slipping surface discharge. The gas mixtures in both the ‘preflame’ and developed-flame states are characterized by a high degree of ionization as the result of chemical ionization (plasma density ne≈1012 cm−3) and a high frequency of electron–neutral collisions (νen≈1012 s−1). The role of chemical ionization in constructing an adequate theory for the ignition of a gas mixture is discussed. The feasibility of the microwave heating of both the preflame and developed-flame plasma, supplementary to a chemical energy source, is also discussed. PMID:26170426

Effects of ionization and ion loss on dust ion-acoustic solitary waves in a collisional dusty plasma with suprathermal electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayout, Saliha; Gougam, Leila Ait; Tribeche, Mouloud

2016-03-01

The combined effects of ionization, ion loss, and electron suprathermality on dust ion-acoustic solitary waves in a collisional dusty plasma are examined. Carrying out a small but finite amplitude analysis, a damped Korteweg-de Vries (dK-dV) equation is derived. The damping term decreases with the increase of the spectral index and saturates for Maxwellian electrons. Choosing typical plasma parameters, the analytical approximate solution of the dK-dV equation is numerically analyzed. We first neglect the ionization and ion loss effects and account only for collisions to estimate the relative importance between these damping terms which can act concurrently. Interestingly, we found that as the suprathermal character of the electrons becomes important, the strength of the collisions related dissipation becomes more important and causes the dust ion-acoustic solitary wave amplitude to decay more rapidly. Moreover, the collisional damping may largely prevail over the ionization and ion loss related damping. The latter becomes more effective as the electrons evolve far away from their thermal equilibrium. Our results complement and provide new insights into previously published work on this problem.

Effects of ionization and ion loss on dust ion- acoustic solitary waves in a collisional dusty plasma with suprathermal electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tribeche, Mouloud; Mayout, Saliha

2016-07-01

The combined effects of ionization, ion loss and electron suprathermality on dust ion- acoustic solitary waves in a collisional dusty plasma are examined. Carrying out a small but finite amplitude analysis, a damped Korteweg- de Vries (dK-- dV) equation is derived. The damping term decreases with the increase of the spectral index and saturates for Maxwellian electrons. Choosing typical plasma parameters, the analytical approximate solution of the dK- dV equation is numerically analyzed. We first neglect the ionization and ion loss effects and account only for collisions to estimate the relative importance between these damping terms which can act concurrently. Interestingly, we found that as the suprathermal character of the electrons becomes important, the strength of the collisions related dissipation becomes more important and causes the DIA solitary wave amplitude to decay more rapidly. Moreover, the collisional damping may largely prevail over the ionization and ion loss related damping. The latter becomes more effective as the electrons evolve far away from their thermal equilibrium. Our results complement and provide new insights into previously published work on this problem.

Terahertz field-induced ionization and perturbed free induction decay of excitons in bulk GaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murotani, Yuta; Takayama, Masayuki; Sekiguchi, Fumiya; Kim, Changsu; Akiyama, Hidefumi; Shimano, Ryo

2018-03-01

We investigated the interaction between an intense terahertz (THz) pulse and excitons in bulk GaAs by using THz pump near-infrared (NIR) optical probe spectroscopy. We observed a clear spectral oscillation in the NIR transient absorption spectra at low temperature, which is interpreted as the THz pump-induced perturbed free induction decay (PFID) of the excitonic interband polarization. We performed a numerical simulation based on a microscopic theory and identified that the observed PFID signal originates from the THz field-induced ionization of excitons. Using a real-space representation of the excitonic wave function, we visualized how the ionization of an exciton proceeds under the intense single-cycle THz electric field. We also calculated the nonlinear susceptibility with the lowest-order perturbation theory assuming a weak THz pump, which showed a similar spectral feature with that obtained by the full treatment to field-induced ionization process. This coincidence is attributed to the fact that 1s-excitonic interband polarization is modified predominantly through interactions with the p-wave component of the excitonic wave function. A simple phenomenological expression of the PFID signal is presented to discuss effects of the THz pump pulse duration on the spectral oscillation.

Electron Impact Excitation-Ionization of Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Esam Abobakr A.

In the last few decades, the study of atomic collisions by electron-impact has made significant advances. The most difficult case to study is electron impact ionization of molecules for which many approximations have to be made and the validity of these approximations can only be checked by comparing with experiment. In this thesis, I have examined the Molecular three-body distorted wave (M3DW) or Molecular four-body distorted wave (M4DW) approximations for electron-impact ionization. These models use a fully quantum mechanical approach where all particles are treated quantum mechanically and the post collision interaction (PCI) is treated to all orders of perturbation. These electron impact ionization collisions play central roles in the physics and chemistry of upper atmosphere, biofuel, the operation of discharges and lasers, radiation induced damage in biological material like damage to DNA by secondary electrons, and plasma etching processes. For the M3DW model, I will present results for electron impact single ionization of small molecules such as Water, Ethane, and Carbon Dioxide and the much larger molecules Tetrahydrofuran, phenol, furfural, 1-4 Benzoquinone. I will also present results for the four-body problem in which there are two target electrons involved in the collision. M4DW results will be presented for dissociative excitation-ionization of orientated D2. I will show that M4DW calculations using a variational wave function for the ground state that included s- and p- orbital states give better agreement to the experimental measurements than a ground state approximated as a product of two 1s-type Dyson orbitals.

Shock equation of state of 6LiH to 1.1 TPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazicki, A.; London, R. A.; Coppari, F.; Erskine, D.; Whitley, H. D.; Caspersen, K. J.; Fratanduono, D. E.; Morales, M. A.; Celliers, P. M.; Eggert, J. H.; Millot, M.; Swift, D. C.; Collins, G. W.; Kucheyev, S. O.; Castor, J. I.; Nilsen, J.

2017-10-01

Using laser-generated shock waves, we have measured pressure, density, and temperature of LiH on the principal Hugoniot between 260 and 1100 GPa (2.6-11 Mbar) and on a second-shock Hugoniot up to 1400 GPa to near fivefold compression, extending the maximum pressure reached in non-nuclear experiments by a factor of two. We observe the onset of metal-like reflectivity consistent with temperature-induced ionization of the Li 2s electron, and no sign of additional changes in ionization up to the maximum pressure. Our measurements are in good agreement with gas gun, Z-machine, and underground test data and are accurately described by quantum molecular dynamics simulations. The results confirm the validity of equation of state models built on an average-atom description of the electron-thermal contribution to the free energy and a density-dependent Grüneisen parameter to describe shock response of LiH over this pressure range.

Angle-dependent strong-field molecular ionization rates with tuned range-separated time-dependent density functional theory.

PubMed

Sissay, Adonay; Abanador, Paul; Mauger, François; Gaarde, Mette; Schafer, Kenneth J; Lopata, Kenneth

2016-09-07

Strong-field ionization and the resulting electronic dynamics are important for a range of processes such as high harmonic generation, photodamage, charge resonance enhanced ionization, and ionization-triggered charge migration. Modeling ionization dynamics in molecular systems from first-principles can be challenging due to the large spatial extent of the wavefunction which stresses the accuracy of basis sets, and the intense fields which require non-perturbative time-dependent electronic structure methods. In this paper, we develop a time-dependent density functional theory approach which uses a Gaussian-type orbital (GTO) basis set to capture strong-field ionization rates and dynamics in atoms and small molecules. This involves propagating the electronic density matrix in time with a time-dependent laser potential and a spatial non-Hermitian complex absorbing potential which is projected onto an atom-centered basis set to remove ionized charge from the simulation. For the density functional theory (DFT) functional we use a tuned range-separated functional LC-PBE*, which has the correct asymptotic 1/r form of the potential and a reduced delocalization error compared to traditional DFT functionals. Ionization rates are computed for hydrogen, molecular nitrogen, and iodoacetylene under various field frequencies, intensities, and polarizations (angle-dependent ionization), and the results are shown to quantitatively agree with time-dependent Schrödinger equation and strong-field approximation calculations. This tuned DFT with GTO method opens the door to predictive all-electron time-dependent density functional theory simulations of ionization and ionization-triggered dynamics in molecular systems using tuned range-separated hybrid functionals.

Angle-dependent strong-field molecular ionization rates with tuned range-separated time-dependent density functional theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sissay, Adonay; Abanador, Paul; Mauger, François

2016-09-07

Strong-field ionization and the resulting electronic dynamics are important for a range of processes such as high harmonic generation, photodamage, charge resonance enhanced ionization, and ionization-triggered charge migration. Modeling ionization dynamics in molecular systems from first-principles can be challenging due to the large spatial extent of the wavefunction which stresses the accuracy of basis sets, and the intense fields which require non-perturbative time-dependent electronic structure methods. In this paper, we develop a time-dependent density functional theory approach which uses a Gaussian-type orbital (GTO) basis set to capture strong-field ionization rates and dynamics in atoms and small molecules. This involves propagatingmore » the electronic density matrix in time with a time-dependent laser potential and a spatial non-Hermitian complex absorbing potential which is projected onto an atom-centered basis set to remove ionized charge from the simulation. For the density functional theory (DFT) functional we use a tuned range-separated functional LC-PBE*, which has the correct asymptotic 1/r form of the potential and a reduced delocalization error compared to traditional DFT functionals. Ionization rates are computed for hydrogen, molecular nitrogen, and iodoacetylene under various field frequencies, intensities, and polarizations (angle-dependent ionization), and the results are shown to quantitatively agree with time-dependent Schrödinger equation and strong-field approximation calculations. This tuned DFT with GTO method opens the door to predictive all-electron time-dependent density functional theory simulations of ionization and ionization-triggered dynamics in molecular systems using tuned range-separated hybrid functionals.« less

Acceleration of ions and neutrals by a traveling electrostatic wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K. H.; Lee, L. C.; Wong, A. Y.

2018-02-01

We propose a new scheme for accelerating a weakly ionized gas by externally imposing a sinusoidal electrostatic (ES) potential in a tubular system. The weakly ionized gas consists of three fluid components: neutral hydrogen fluid ( H ), positively charged fluid ( H + ), and negatively charged fluids ( H - and/or e - ), as an example. The sinusoidal ES potential is imposed on a series of conductive meshes in the tubular system, and its phase varies with time and space to mimic a traveling ES wave. The charged fluids are trapped and accelerated by the sinusoidal ES potential, while the neutral fluid is accelerated through neutral-ion collisions. The neutral fluid can be accelerated to the wave phase velocity in a few neutral-ion collision times. The whole device remains charge-neutral, and there is no build-up of space charge. The acceleration scheme can be applied to, for example, the propulsion of glider in the air, partially ionized plasma in a chamber, spacecraft, and wind tunnel.

Electron-impact-ionization dynamics of S F6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bull, James N.; Lee, Jason W. L.; Vallance, Claire

2017-10-01

A detailed understanding of the dissociative electron ionization dynamics of S F6 is important in the modeling and tuning of dry-etching plasmas used in the semiconductor manufacture industry. This paper reports a crossed-beam electron ionization velocity-map imaging study on the dissociative ionization of cold S F6 molecules, providing complete, unbiased kinetic energy distributions for all significant product ions. Analysis of these distributions suggests that fragmentation following single ionization proceeds via formation of S F5 + or S F3 + ions that then dissociate in a statistical manner through loss of F atoms or F2, until most internal energy has been liberated. Similarly, formation of stable dications is consistent with initial formation of S F4 2 + ions, which then dissociate on a longer time scale. These data allow a comparison between electron ionization and photoionization dynamics, revealing similar dynamical behavior. In parallel with the ion kinetic energy distributions, the velocity-map imaging approach provides a set of partial ionization cross sections for all detected ionic fragments over an electron energy range of 50-100 eV, providing partial cross sections for S2 +, and enables the cross sections for S F4 2 + from S F+ to be resolved.

Plasma dynamics in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) operated in helium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mujahid, Zaka-ul-Islam; Hala, Ahmed

2018-03-01

Packed bed dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are very promising for several applications including remediation of environmental pollutants and greenhouse gas conversion. In this work, we have investigated the space and time-resolved emission from a packed bed DBD operated in helium, to understand the plasma dynamics. We have chosen a simple planar DBD arrangement with a patterned dielectric, which mimics the spherical boundaries between the dielectric pellets and allows the optical access to the plasma. The results show that plasma is sustained in a packed bed DBD by three mechanisms: filamentary discharge in the void (between the center of dielectric structures and the opposite electrode), microdischarges at the contact points and surface ionization waves over the dielectric surface. It is observed that for most of the duration plasma is generated at the contact points between the dielectric structures.

Convergent close coupling versus the generalized Sturmian function approach: Wave-function analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrosio, M.; Mitnik, D. M.; Gasaneo, G.; Randazzo, J. M.; Kadyrov, A. S.; Fursa, D. V.; Bray, I.

2015-11-01

We compare the physical information contained in the Temkin-Poet (TP) scattering wave function representing electron-impact ionization of hydrogen, calculated by the convergent close-coupling (CCC) and generalized Sturmian function (GSF) methodologies. The idea is to show that the ionization cross section can be extracted from the wave functions themselves. Using two different procedures based on hyperspherical Sturmian functions we show that the transition amplitudes contained in both GSF and CCC scattering functions lead to similar single-differential cross sections. The single-continuum channels were also a subject of the present studies, and we show that the elastic and excitation amplitudes are essentially the same as well.

Ionospheric modifications in high frequency heating experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Spencer P.

2015-01-01

Featured observations in high-frequency (HF) heating experiments conducted at Arecibo, EISCAT, and high frequency active auroral research program are discussed. These phenomena appearing in the F region of the ionosphere include high-frequency heater enhanced plasma lines, airglow enhancement, energetic electron flux, artificial ionization layers, artificial spread-F, ionization enhancement, artificial cusp, wideband absorption, short-scale (meters) density irregularities, and stimulated electromagnetic emissions, which were observed when the O-mode HF heater waves with frequencies below foF2 were applied. The implication and associated physical mechanism of each observation are discussed and explained. It is shown that these phenomena caused by the HF heating are all ascribed directly or indirectly to the excitation of parametric instabilities which instigate anomalous heating. Formulation and analysis of parametric instabilities are presented. The results show that oscillating two stream instability and parametric decay instability can be excited by the O-mode HF heater waves, transmitted from all three heating facilities, in the regions near the HF reflection height and near the upper hybrid resonance layer. The excited Langmuir waves, upper hybrid waves, ion acoustic waves, lower hybrid waves, and field-aligned density irregularities set off subsequent wave-wave and wave-electron interactions, giving rise to the observed phenomena.

Coordinated Radio, Electron, and Waves Experiment (CREWE) for the NASA Comet Rendezvous and Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scudder, Jack D.

1992-01-01

The Coordinated Radio, Electron, and Waves Experiment (CREWE) was designed to determine density, bulk velocity and temperature of the electrons for the NASA Comet Rendezvous and Asteroid Flyby Spacecraft, to define the MHD-SW IMF flow configuration; to clarify the role of impact ionization processes, to comment on the importance of anomalous ionization phenomena (via wave particle processes), to quantify the importance of wave turbulence in the cometary interaction, to establish the importance of photoionization via the presence of characteristic lines in a structured energy spectrum, to infer the presence and grain size of significant ambient dust column density, to search for the theoretically suggested 'impenetrable' contact surface, and to quantify the flow of heat (in the likelihood that no surface exists) that will penetrate very deep into the atmosphere supplying a good deal of heat via impact and charge exchange ionization. This final report provides an instrument description, instrument test plans, list of deliverables/schedule, flight and support equipment and software schedule, CREWE accommodation issues, resource requirements, status of major contracts, an explanation of the non-NASA funded efforts, status of EIP and IM plan, descope options, and Brinton questions.

Subnanosecond breakdown in high-pressure gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naidis, George V.; Tarasenko, Victor F.; Babaeva, Natalia Yu; Lomaev, Mikhail I.

2018-01-01

Pulsed discharges in high-pressure gases are of considerable interest as sources of nonequilibrium plasma for various technological applications: pollution control, pumping of laser media, plasma-assisted combustion, etc. Recently, attention has been attracted to the use of subnanosecond voltage fronts, producing diffuse discharges with radii of several millimeters. Such plasma structures, similar to pulsed glow discharges, are of special interest for applications due to quasi-uniformity of plasma parameters in relatively large gas volumes. This review presents the results of experimental and computational study of subnanosecond diffuse discharge formation. A description of generators of short high-voltage pulses with subnanosecond fronts and of discharge setups is given. Diagnostic methods for the measurement of various discharge parameters with high temporal and spatial resolution are described. Obtained experimental data on plasma properties for a wide range of governing factors are discussed. A review of various theoretical approaches used for computational study of the dynamics and structure of fast ionization waves is given; the applicability of conventional fluid streamer models for simulation of subnanosecond ionization waves is discussed. Calculated spatial-temporal profiles of plasma parameters during streamer propagation are presented. The efficiency of subnanosecond discharges for the production of reactive species is evaluated. On the basis of the comparison of simulation results and experimental data the effects of various factors (voltage rise time, polarity, etc.) on discharge characteristics are revealed. The major physical phenomena governing the properties of subnanosecond breakdown are analyzed.

Microwave Triggered Laser Ionization of Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vadiee, Ehsan; Prasad, Sarita; Jerald Buchenauer, C.; Schamiloglu, Edl

2012-10-01

The goal of this work is to study the evolution and dynamics of plasma expansion when a high power microwave (HPM) pulse is overlapped in time and space on a very small, localized region of plasma formed by a high energy laser pulse. The pulsed Nd:YAG laser (8 ns, 600mJ, repetition rate 10 Hz) is focused to generate plasma filaments in air with electron density of 10^17/cm^3. When irradiated with a high power microwave pulse these electrons would gain enough kinetic energy and further escalate avalanche ionization of air due to elastic electron-neutral collisions thereby causing an increased volumetric discharge region. An X-band relativistic backward wave oscillator(RBWO) at the Pulsed Power,Beams and Microwaves laboratory at UNM is constructed as the microwave source. The RBWO produces a microwave pulse of maximum power 400 MW, frequency of 10.1 GHz, and energy of 6.8 Joules. Special care is being given to synchronize the RBWO and the pulsed laser system in order to achieve a high degree of spatial and temporal overlap. A photodiode and a microwave waveguide detector will be used to ensure the overlap. Also, a new shadowgraph technique with a nanosecond time resolution will be used to detect changes in the shock wave fronts when the HPM signal overlaps the laser pulse in time and space.

Efficiency of plasma actuator ionization in shock wave modification in a rarefied supersonic flow over a flat plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joussot, Romain; Lago, Viviana; Parisse, Jean-Denis

2014-12-01

This paper describes experimental and numerical investigations focused on the shock wave modification, induced by a dc glow discharge, of a Mach 2 flow under rarefied regime. The model under investigation is a flat plate equipped with a plasma actuator composed of two electrodes. The glow discharge is generated by applying a negative potential to the upstream electrode, enabling the creation of a weakly ionized plasma. The natural flow (i.e. without the plasma) exhibits a thick laminar boundary layer and a shock wave with a hyperbolic shape. Images of the flow obtained with an ICCD camera revealed that the plasma discharge induces an increase in the shock wave angle. Thermal effects (volumetric, and at the surface) and plasma effects (ionization, and thermal non-equilibrium) are the most relevant processes explaining the observed modifications. The effect induced by the heating of the flat plate surface is studied experimentally by replacing the upstream electrode by a heating element, and numerically by modifying the thermal boundary condition of the model surface. The results show that for a similar temperature distribution over the plate surface, modifications induced by the heating element are lower than those produced by the plasma. This difference shows that other effects than purely thermal effects are involved with the plasma actuator. Measurements of the electron density with a Langmuir probe highlight the fact that the ionization degree plays an important role into the modification of the flow. The gas properties, especially the isentropic exponent, are indeed modified by the plasma above the actuator and upstream the flat plate. This leads to a local modification of the flow conditions, inducing an increase in the shock wave angle.

Dynamics of near-surface electric discharges and mechanisms of their interaction with the airflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonov, Sergey B.; Adamovich, Igor V.; Soloviev, Victor R.

2016-12-01

The main focus of the review is on dynamics and kinetics of near-surface discharge plasmas, such as surface dielectric barrier discharges sustained by AC and repetitively pulsed waveforms, pulsed DC discharges, and quasi-DC discharges, generated in quiescent air and in the airflow. A number of technical issues related to plasma flow control applications are discussed in detail, including discharge development via surface ionization waves, charge transport and accumulation on dielectric surface, discharge contraction, different types of flow perturbations generated by surface discharges, and effect of high-speed flow on discharge dynamics. In the first part of the manuscript, plasma morphology and results of electrical and optical emission spectroscopy measurements are discussed. Particular attention is paid to dynamics of surface charge accumulation and dissipation, both in diffuse discharges and during development of ionization instabilities resulting in discharge contraction. Contraction leads to significant increase of both the surface area of charge accumulation and the energy coupled to the plasma. The use of alternating polarity pulse waveforms accelerates contraction of surface dielectric barrier discharges and formation of filamentary plasmas. The second part discusses the interaction of discharge plasmas with quiescent air and the external airflow. Four major types of flow perturbations have been identified: (1) low-speed near-surface jets generated by electrohydrodynamic interaction (ion wind); (2) spanwise and streamwise vortices formed by both electrohydrodynamic and thermal effects; (3) weak shock waves produced by rapid heating in pulsed discharges on sub-microsecond time scale; and (4) near-surface localized stochastic perturbations, on sub-millisecond time, detected only recently. The mechanism of plasma-flow interaction remains not fully understood, especially in filamentary surface dielectric barrier discharges. Localized quasi-DC surface discharges sustained in a high-speed flow are discussed in the third part of the review. Although dynamics of this type of the discharge is highly transient, due to its strong interaction with the flow, the resultant flow structure is stationary, including the oblique shock and the flow separation region downstream of the discharge. The oblique shock is attached to a time-averaged, wedge-shaped, near-wall plasma layer, with the shock angle controlled by the discharge power, which makes possible changing the flow structure and parameters in a controlled way. Finally, unresolved and open-ended issues are discussed in the summary.

Attosecond Spectroscopy Probing Electron Correlation Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winney, Alexander H.

Electrons are the driving force behind every chemical reaction. The exchange, ionization, or even relaxation of electrons is behind every bond broken or formed. According to the Bohr model of the atom, it takes an electron 150 as to orbit a proton[6]. With this as a unit time scale for an electron, it is clear that a pulse duration of several femtoseconds will not be sufficient to understanding electron dynamics. Our work demonstrates both technical and scientific achievements that push the boundaries of attosecond dynamics. TDSE studies show that amplification the yield of high harmonic generation (HHG) may be possible with transverse confinement of the electron. XUV-pump-XUV-probe shows that the yield of APT train can be sufficient for 2-photon double ionization studies. A zero dead-time detection system allows for the measurement of state-resolved double ionization for the first time. Exploiting attosecond angular streaking[7] probes sequential and non-sequential double ionization via electron-electron correlations with attosecond time resolution. Finally, using recoil frame momentum correlation, the fast dissociation of CH 3I reveals important orbital ionization dynamics of non-dissociative & dissociative, single & double ionization.

Characterizations of atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma jets and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karakas, Erdinc

2011-12-01

Atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma jets (APLTPJs) driven by short pulses have recently received great attention because of their potential in biomedical and environmental applications. This potential is due to their user-friendly features, such as low temperature, low risk of arcing, operation at atmospheric pressure, easy handheld operation, and low concentration of ozone generation. Recent experimental observations indicate that an ionization wave exists and propagates along the plasma jet. The plasma jet created by this ionization wave is not a continuous medium but rather consists of a bullet-like-structure known as "Plasma Bullet". More interestingly, these plasma bullets actually have a donut-shaped makeup. The nature of the plasma bullet is especially interesting because it propagates in the ambient air at supersonic velocities without any externally applied electric field. In this dissertation, experimental insights are reported regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of the APLTPJs. The dynamics of the plasma bullet are investigated by means of a high-speed ICCD camera. A plasma bullet propagation model based on the streamer theory is confirmed with adequate explanations. It is also found that a secondary discharge, ignited by the charge accumulation on the dielectric electrode surfaces at the end of the applied voltage, interrupts the plasma bullet propagation due to an opposing current along the ionization channel. The reason for this interesting phenomenon is explained in detail. The plasma bullet comes to an end when the helium mole fraction along the ionization channel, or applied voltage, or both, are less than some critical values. The presence of an inert gas channel in the surrounding air, such as helium or argon, has a critical role in plasma bullet formation and propagation. For this reason, a fluid dynamics study is employed by a commercially available simulation software, COMSOL, based on finite element method. Spatio-temporally resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES) gives the evolution of excited species along the trajectory of the plasma bullets. The APLTPJs' chemical composition includes short-lived species, such as He, N2, N+2 , and long-lived species, such as Hem (helium metastable), O3, NO, NO2. It is worth noting that metastable level excited atoms play an important role in promoting an enhanced chemistry along the plasma jet. Some of the APLTPJs' biomedical applications, such as dental hygiene applications and destruction of amyloid fibrils underlying Parkinson's disease, are explored along with an important discussion showing that the APLTPJs do not have a cytotoxic effect on living cells.

Self-amplified photo-induced gap quenching in a correlated electron material

DOE PAGES

Mathias, S.; Eich, S.; Urbancic, J.; ...

2016-10-04

Capturing the dynamic electronic band structure of a correlated material presents a powerful capability for uncovering the complex couplings between the electronic and structural degrees of freedom. When combined with ultrafast laser excitation, new phases of matter can result, since far-from-equilibrium excited states are instantaneously populated. Here, we elucidate a general relation between ultrafast non-equilibrium electron dynamics and the size of the characteristic energy gap in a correlated electron material. Here, we show that carrier multiplication via impact ionization can be one of the most important processes in a gapped material, and that the speed of carrier multiplication critically dependsmore » on the size of the energy gap. In the case of the charge-density wave material 1T-TiSe 2, our data indicate that carrier multiplication and gap dynamics mutually amplify each other, which explains—on a microscopic level—the extremely fast response of this material to ultrafast optical excitation.« less

Electron- and proton-induced ionization of pyrimidine

DOE PAGES

Champion, Christophe; Quinto, Michele; Weck, Philippe F

2015-03-27

This present work describes a quantum-mechanically based model of the electron- and proton-induced ionization of isolated pyrimidine molecules. The impact energies range from the target ionization threshold up to ~1 keV for electrons and from 10 keV up to 10 MeV for protons. The cross-section calculations are performed within the 1st Born approximation in which the ejected electron is described by a Coulomb wave whereas the incident and the scattered projectiles are both described by plane waves. The pyrimidine target is described using the Gaussian 09 software package. Furthermore, our theoretical predictions obtained are in good agreement with experimental absolutemore » total cross sections, while large discrepancies are observed between existing semi-empirical models and the present calculations.« less

Correlation-driven charge migration following double ionization and attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollstein, Maximilian; Santra, Robin; Pfannkuche, Daniela

2017-05-01

We theoretically investigate charge migration following prompt double ionization. Thereby, we extend the concept of correlation-driven charge migration, which was introduced by Cederbaum and coworkers for single ionization [Chem. Phys. Lett. 307, 205 (1999), 10.1016/S0009-2614(99)00508-4], to doubly ionized molecules. This allows us to demonstrate that compared to singly ionized molecules, in multiply ionized molecules, electron dynamics originating from electronic relaxation and correlation are particularly prominent. In addition, we also discuss how these correlation-driven electron dynamics might be evidenced and traced experimentally using attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. For this purpose, we determine the time-resolved absorption cross section and find that the correlated electron dynamics discussed are reflected in it with exceptionally great detail. Strikingly, we find that features in the cross section can be traced back to electron hole populations and time-dependent partial charges and hence, can be interpreted with surprising ease. By taking advantage of element-specific core-to-valence transitions even atomic spatial resolution can be achieved. Thus, with the theoretical considerations presented, not only do we predict particularly diverse and correlated electron dynamics in molecules to follow prompt multiple ionization but we also identify a promising route towards their experimental investigation.

Electrodynamics of ionospheric weather over low latitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdu, Mangalathayil Ali

2016-12-01

The dynamic state of the ionosphere at low latitudes is largely controlled by electric fields originating from dynamo actions by atmospheric waves propagating from below and the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction from above. These electric fields cause structuring of the ionosphere in wide ranging spatial and temporal scales that impact on space-based communication and navigation systems constituting an important segment of our technology-based day-to-day lives. The largest of the ionosphere structures, the equatorial ionization anomaly, with global maximum of plasma densities can cause propagation delays on the GNSS signals. The sunset electrodynamics is responsible for the generation of plasma bubble wide spectrum irregularities that can cause scintillation or even disruptions of satellite communication/navigation signals. Driven basically by upward propagating tides, these electric fields can suffer significant modulations from perturbation winds due to gravity waves, planetary/Kelvin waves, and non-migrating tides, as recent observational and modeling results have demonstrated. The changing state of the plasma distribution arising from these highly variable electric fields constitutes an important component of the ionospheric weather disturbances. Another, often dominating, component arises from solar disturbances when coronal mass ejection (CME) interaction with the earth's magnetosphere results in energy transport to low latitudes in the form of storm time prompt penetration electric fields and thermospheric disturbance winds. As a result, drastic modifications can occur in the form of layer restructuring (Es-, F3 layers etc.), large total electron content (TEC) enhancements, equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) latitudinal expansion/contraction, anomalous polarization electric fields/vertical drifts, enhanced growth/suppression of plasma structuring, etc. A brief review of our current understanding of the ionospheric weather variations and the electrodynamic processes underlying them and some outstanding questions will be presented in this paper.

Photoionization pathways and thresholds in generation of Lyman-α radiation by resonant four-wave mixing in Kr-Ar mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louchev, Oleg A.; Saito, Norihito; Oishi, Yu; Miyazaki, Koji; Okamura, Kotaro; Nakamura, Jumpei; Iwasaki, Masahiko; Wada, Satoshi

2016-09-01

We develop a set of analytical approximations for the estimation of the combined effect of various photoionization processes involved in the resonant four-wave mixing generation of ns pulsed Lyman-α (L-α ) radiation by using 212.556 nm and 820-845 nm laser radiation pulses in Kr-Ar mixture: (i) multi-photon ionization, (ii) step-wise (2+1)-photon ionization via the resonant 2-photon excitation of Kr followed by 1-photon ionization and (iii) laser-induced avalanche ionization produced by generated free electrons. Developed expressions validated by order of magnitude estimations and available experimental data allow us to identify the area for the operation under high input laser intensities avoiding the onset of full-scale discharge, loss of efficiency and inhibition of generated L-α radiation. Calculations made reveal an opportunity for scaling up the output energy of the experimentally generated pulsed L-α radiation without significant enhancement of photoionization.

The First Ionization Potential Effect from the Ponderomotive Force: On the Polarization and Coronal Origin of Alfvén Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laming, J. Martin

2017-08-01

We investigate in more detail the origin of chromospheric Alfvén waves that give rise to the separation of ions and neutrals—the first ionization potential (FIP) effect—through the action of the ponderomotive force. In open field regions, we model the dependence of fractionation on the plasma upflow velocity through the chromosphere for both shear (or planar) and torsional Alfvén waves of photospheric origin. These differ mainly in their parametric coupling to slow mode waves. Shear Alfvén waves appear to reproduce observed fractionations for a wider range of model parameters and present less of a “fine-tuning” problem than do torsional waves. In closed field regions, we study the fractionations produced by Alfvén waves with photospheric and coronal origins. Waves with a coronal origin, at or close to resonance with the coronal loop, offer a significantly better match to observed abundances than do photospheric waves, with shear and torsional waves in such a case giving essentially indistinguishable fractionations. Such coronal waves are likely the result of a nanoflare coronal heating mechanism that, as well as heating coronal plasmas, releases Alfvén waves that can travel down to loop footpoints and cause FIP fractionation through the ponderomotive force as they reflect from the chromosphere back into the corona.

The First Ionization Potential Effect from the Ponderomotive Force: On the Polarization and Coronal Origin of Alfvén Waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laming, J. Martin, E-mail: laming@nrl.navy.mil

We investigate in more detail the origin of chromospheric Alfvén waves that give rise to the separation of ions and neutrals—the first ionization potential (FIP) effect—through the action of the ponderomotive force. In open field regions, we model the dependence of fractionation on the plasma upflow velocity through the chromosphere for both shear (or planar) and torsional Alfvén waves of photospheric origin. These differ mainly in their parametric coupling to slow mode waves. Shear Alfvén waves appear to reproduce observed fractionations for a wider range of model parameters and present less of a “fine-tuning” problem than do torsional waves. Inmore » closed field regions, we study the fractionations produced by Alfvén waves with photospheric and coronal origins. Waves with a coronal origin, at or close to resonance with the coronal loop, offer a significantly better match to observed abundances than do photospheric waves, with shear and torsional waves in such a case giving essentially indistinguishable fractionations. Such coronal waves are likely the result of a nanoflare coronal heating mechanism that, as well as heating coronal plasmas, releases Alfvén waves that can travel down to loop footpoints and cause FIP fractionation through the ponderomotive force as they reflect from the chromosphere back into the corona.« less

The dielectric function of weakly ionized dusty plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Hui; China Research Institute of Radio wave Propagation; Wu, Jian

2016-07-15

Using classical Boltzmann kinetic theory, the dielectric function of weakly ionized unmagnetized dusty plasma is derived. The elastic Coulomb collision and inelastic charging collision of electrons with charged dust particle as well as charge variation on dust surface are taken into account. The theoretical result is applied to analyze the propagation of electromagnetic wave in a dusty plasma. It is demonstrated that the additional collision mechanism provided by charged dust particle can significantly increase the absorbed power of electromagnetic wave. These increases are mainly determined by the dust radius, density, and the charge numbers on the dust surface. The obtainedmore » results will support an enhanced understanding of the wave propagation processes in space and laboratory dusty plasmas.« less

Photoemission and photoionization time delays and rates

PubMed Central

Gallmann, L.; Jordan, I.; Wörner, H. J.; Castiglioni, L.; Hengsberger, M.; Osterwalder, J.; Arrell, C. A.; Chergui, M.; Liberatore, E.; Rothlisberger, U.; Keller, U.

2017-01-01

Ionization and, in particular, ionization through the interaction with light play an important role in fundamental processes in physics, chemistry, and biology. In recent years, we have seen tremendous advances in our ability to measure the dynamics of photo-induced ionization in various systems in the gas, liquid, or solid phase. In this review, we will define the parameters used for quantifying these dynamics. We give a brief overview of some of the most important ionization processes and how to resolve the associated time delays and rates. With regard to time delays, we ask the question: how long does it take to remove an electron from an atom, molecule, or solid? With regard to rates, we ask the question: how many electrons are emitted in a given unit of time? We present state-of-the-art results on ionization and photoemission time delays and rates. Our review starts with the simplest physical systems: the attosecond dynamics of single-photon and tunnel ionization of atoms in the gas phase. We then extend the discussion to molecular gases and ionization of liquid targets. Finally, we present the measurements of ionization delays in femto- and attosecond photoemission from the solid–vacuum interface. PMID:29308414

Heating of the Interstellar Diffuse Ionized Gas via the Dissipation of Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minter, Anthony H.; Spangler, Steven R.

1997-08-01

We have recently published observations that specify most of the turbulent and mean plasma characteristics for a region of the sky containing the interstellar diffuse ionized gas (DIG). These observations have provided virtually all of the information necessary to calculate the heating rate from dissipation of turbulence. We have calculated the turbulent dissipation heating rate employing two models for the interstellar turbulence. The first is a customary modeling as a superposition of magnetohydrodynamic waves. The second is a fluid-turbulence-like model based on the ideas of Higdon. This represents the first time that such calculations have been carried out with full and specific interstellar turbulence parameters. The wave model of interstellar turbulence encounters the severe difficulty that plausible estimates of heating by Landau damping exceed the radiative cooling capacity of the interstellar DIG by 3-4 orders of magnitude. Clearly interstellar turbulence does not behave like an ensemble of obliquely propagating fast magnetosonic waves. The heating rate due to two other wave dissipation mechanisms, ion-neutral collisional damping and the parametric decay instability, are comparable to the cooling capacity of the diffuse ionized medium. We find that the fluid-like turbulence model is an acceptable and realistic model of the turbulence in the interstellar medium once the effects of ion-neutral collisions are included in the model. This statement is contingent on an assumption that the dissipation of such turbulence because of Landau damping is several orders of magnitude less than that from an ensemble of obliquely propagating magnetosonic waves with the same energy density. Arguments as to why this may be the case are made in the paper. Rough parity between the turbulent heating rate and the radiative cooling rate in the DIG also depends on the hydrogen ionization fraction being in excess of 90% or on a model-dependent lower limit to the heating rate being approximately valid. We conclude that the dissipation of turbulence is capable of providing a substantial and perhaps major contribution to the energy budget of the diffuse ionized medium.

Simulation study of the ionizing front in the critical ionization velocity phenomenon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Machida, S.; Goertz, C. K.; Lu, G.

1988-01-01

The simulation of the critical ionization velocity for a neutral gas cloud moving across the static magnetic field is presented. A low-beta plasma is studied, using a two and a half-dimensional electrostatic code linked with the Plasma and Neutral Interaction Code (Goertz and Machida, 1987). The physics of the ionizing front and the instabilities which occur there are discussed. Results are presented from four numerical runs designed so that the effects of the charge separation field can be distinguished from the wave heating.

Lattice Boltzmann method for weakly ionized isothermal plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li Huayu; Ki, Hyungson

2007-12-15

In this paper, a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for weakly ionized isothermal plasmas is presented by introducing a rescaling scheme for the Boltzmann transport equation. Without using this rescaling, we found that the nondimensional relaxation time used in the LBM is too large and the LBM does not produce physically realistic results. The developed model was applied to the electrostatic wave problem and the diffusion process of singly ionized helium plasmas with a 1-3% degree of ionization under an electric field. The obtained results agree well with theoretical values.

Numerical simulation of electromagnetic wave attenuation in a nonequilibrium chemically reacting hypervelocity flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nusca, Michael Joseph, Jr.

The effects of various gasdynamic phenomena on the attenuation of an electromagnetic wave propagating through the nonequilibrium chemically reacting air flow field generated by an aerodynamic body travelling at high velocity is investigated. The nonequilibrium flow field is assumed to consist of seven species including nitric oxide ions and free electrons. The ionization of oxygen and nitrogen atoms is ignored. The aerodynamic body considered is a blunt wedge. The nonequilibrium chemically reacting flow field around this body is numerically simulated using a computer code based on computational fluid dynamics. The computer code solves the Navier-Stokes equations including mass diffusion and heat transfer, using a time-marching, explicit Runge-Kutta scheme. A nonequilibrium air kinetics model consisting of seven species and twenty-eight reactions as well as an equilibrium air model consisting of the same seven species are used. The body surface boundaries are considered as adiabatic or isothermal walls, as well as fully-catalytic and non-catalytic surfaces. Both laminar and turbulent flows are considered; wall generated flow turbulence is simulated using an algebraic mixing length model. An electromagnetic wave is considered as originating from an antenna within the body and is effected by the free electrons in the chemically reacting flow. Analysis of the electromagnetics is performed separately from the fluid dynamic analysis using a series solution of Maxwell's equations valid for the propagation of a long-wavelength plane electromagnetic wave through a thin (i.e., in comparison to wavelength) inhomogeneous plasma layer. The plasma layer is the chemically reacting shock layer around the body. The Navier-Stokes equations are uncoupled from Maxwell's equations. The results of this computational study demonstrate for the first time and in a systematic fashion, the importance of several parameters including equilibrium chemistry, nonequilibrium chemical kinetics, the reaction mechanism, flow viscosity, mass diffusion, and wall boundary conditions on modeling wave attenuation resulting from the interaction of an electromagnetic wave with an aerodynamic plasma. Comparison is made with experimental data.

Electroencephalographic responses to ionizing radiation.

PubMed

GARCIA, J; BUCHWALD, N A; BACH-Y-RITA, G; FEDER, B H; KOELLING, R A

1963-04-19

Electroencephalographic recordings made from chronically implanted cortical electrodes indicate that ionizing radiation has an immediate effect upon brain wave patterns. X-rays delivered at the rate of 0.2 roentgen per second produce an arousal effect resembling that which occurs as a result of stimulation through peripheral receptor systems.

Coherent control of plasma dynamics by feedback-optimized wavefront manipulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Z.-H.; Hou, B.; Gao, G.

2015-05-15

Plasmas generated by an intense laser pulse can support coherent structures such as large amplitude wakefield that can affect the outcome of an experiment. We investigate the coherent control of plasma dynamics by feedback-optimized wavefront manipulation using a deformable mirror. The experimental outcome is directly used as feedback in an evolutionary algorithm for optimization of the phase front of the driving laser pulse. In this paper, we applied this method to two different experiments: (i) acceleration of electrons in laser driven plasma waves and (ii) self-compression of optical pulses induced by ionization nonlinearity. The manipulation of the laser wavefront leadsmore » to orders of magnitude improvement to electron beam properties such as the peak charge, beam divergence, and transverse emittance. The demonstration of coherent control for plasmas opens new possibilities for future laser-based accelerators and their applications.« less

Calculation of laser induced impulse based on the laser supported detonation wave model with dissociation, ionization and radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gan, Li, E-mail: ligan0001@gmail.com; Mousen, Cheng; Xiaokang, Li

In the laser intensity range that the laser supported detonation (LSD) wave can be maintained, dissociation, ionization and radiation take a substantial part of the incidence laser energy. There is little treatment on the phenomenon in the existing models, which brings obvious discrepancies between their predictions and the experiment results. Taking into account the impact of dissociation, ionization and radiation in the conservations of mass, momentum and energy, a modified LSD wave model is developed which fits the experimental data more effectively rather than the existing models. Taking into consideration the pressure decay of the normal and the radial rarefaction,more » the laser induced impulse that is delivered to the target surface is calculated in the air; and the dependencies of impulse performance on laser intensity, pulse width, ambient pressure and spot size are indicated. The results confirm that the dissociation is the pivotal factor of the appearance of the momentum coupling coefficient extremum. This study focuses on a more thorough understanding of LSD and the interaction between laser and matter.« less

Low-dose ionizing radiation limitations to seed germination: Results from a model linking physiological characteristics and developmental-dynamics simulation strategy.

PubMed

Liu, Hui; Hu, Dawei; Dong, Chen; Fu, Yuming; Liu, Guanghui; Qin, Youcai; Sun, Yi; Liu, Dianlei; Li, Lei; Liu, Hong

2017-08-01

There is much uncertainty about the risks of seed germination after repeated or protracted environmental low-dose ionizing radiation exposure. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence mechanism of low-dose ionizing radiation on wheat seed germination using a model linking physiological characteristics and developmental-dynamics simulation. A low-dose ionizing radiation environment simulator was built to investigate wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds germination process and then a kinetic model expressing the relationship between wheat seed germination dynamics and low-dose ionizing radiation intensity variations was developed by experimental data, plant physiology, relevant hypotheses and system dynamics, and sufficiently validated and accredited by computer simulation. Germination percentages were showing no differences in response to different dose rates. However, root and shoot lengths were reduced significantly. Plasma governing equations were set up and the finite element analysis demonstrated H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 as well as the seed physiological responses to the low-dose ionizing radiation. The kinetic model was highly valid, and simultaneously the related influence mechanism of low-dose ionizing radiation on wheat seed germination proposed in the modeling process was also adequately verified. Collectively these data demonstrate that low-dose ionizing radiation has an important effect on absorbing water, consuming O 2 and releasing CO 2 , which means the risk for embryo and endosperm development was higher. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Confluence or independence of microwave plasma bullets in atmospheric argon plasma jet plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ping; Chen, Zhaoquan; Mu, Haibao; Xu, Guimin; Yao, Congwei; Sun, Anbang; Zhou, Yuming; Zhang, Guanjun

2018-03-01

Plasma bullet is the formation and propagation of a guided ionization wave (streamer), normally generated in atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). In most cases, only an ionization front produces in a dielectric tube. The present study shows that two or three ionization fronts can be generated in a single quartz tube by using a microwave coaxial resonator. The argon APPJ plumes with a maximum length of 170 mm can be driven by continuous microwaves or microwave pulses. When the input power is higher than 90 W, two or three ionization fronts propagate independently at first; thereafter, they confluence to form a central plasma jet plume. On the other hand, the plasma bullets move independently as the lower input power is applied. For pulsed microwave discharges, the discharge images captured by a fast camera show the ionization process in detail. Another interesting finding is that the strongest lightening plasma jet plumes always appear at the shrinking phase. Both the discharge images and electromagnetic simulations suggest that the confluence or independent propagation of plasma bullets is resonantly excited by the local enhanced electric fields, in terms of wave modes of traveling surface plasmon polaritons.

Star of Lima - Overview and optical diagnostics of a barium Alfven critical velocity experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wescott, E. M.; Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.; Hallinan, T.; Foeppl, H.; Valenzuela, A.

1986-01-01

The Alfven critical velocity mechanism for ionization of a neutral gas streaming across the magnetic field has been demonstrated in laboratory experiments. In March 1983, two rocket-borne experiments with Ba and Sr tested the effect in the wall-less laboratory of space from Punto Lobos, Peru, near 430 km altitude. 'Star of Lima' used a conical Ba shaped charge aimed at an instrument payload about 2 km away. Because of rocket overperformance the detonation occurred in partial sunlight, so that less than 21.6 percent of the ionizing UV was present. Particle and field measurements indicate the production of hot electrons and waves in the energy and frequency range that are respectively predicted to produce a cascade of ionization by the Alfven mechanism. However, the ionization fluxes and wave energy density did not reach cascade levels, and optical observations indicate that only 2.5 to 5 x 10 to the 20th Ba ions were produced. A substantial portion and perhaps all of the ionization could have been produced by solar UV. The failure of the Alfven process in this experiment is not well understood.

Current status of the CAWSES-II Task Group 4: What is the geospace response to variable inputs from the lower atmosphere?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiokawa, Kazuo; Oberheide, Jens

2012-07-01

Recent developments of coupled modeling between neutral and ionized atmosphere and various observation techniques such as advanced radars, airglow imaging, and GPS networks, make it possible to study geospace response to variable inputs from the lower atmosphere. Consequences for telecommunications, re-entry and satellite operations still need to be explored. The extent to which the effects of this quiescent atmospheric variability are transmitted to the magnetosphere is yet to be resolved. We thus stand right now at an exciting research frontier: understanding the cause-and-effect chain that connects tropospheric and strato-/mesospheric variability with geospace processes. CAWSES-II Task Group 4 (TG4) will therefore elucidate the dynamical coupling from the low and middle atmosphere to the geospace including the upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere, for various frequencies and scales, such as gravity waves, tides, and planetary waves, and for equatorial, middle, and high latitudes. Attacking the problem clearly requires asystems approach involving experimentalists, data analysts and modelers from different communities. For that purpose, the most essential part of TG4 is to encourage interactions between atmospheric scientists and plasma scientists on all occasions. TG4 newsletters are distributed to the related scientists every 3-4 months to introduce various activities of atmospheric and ionospheric researches. Five projects are established in TG4, i.e., Project 1: How do atmospheric waves connect tropospheric weather with ITM variability?, Project 2: What is the relation between atmospheric waves and ionospheric instabilities?, Project 3: How do the different types of waves interact as they propagate through the stratosphere to the ionosphere?, Project 4: How do thermospheric disturbances generated by auroral processes interact with the neutral and ionized atmosphere?, and Project 5: How do thunderstorm activities interact with the atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere? Three campaign observations have been carried out in relation to the TG4 activity, i.e, stratospheric sudden warming campaign (January-February, 2010), longitudinal campaign (September 1-November 12, 2010 and August 22-November 2, 2011), and CAWSES Tidal Campaign. In this presentation we show the current status and future plan of CAWSES-II TG4 activities of 2009-2013.

Investigation of Plasmas Having Complex, Dynamic Evolving Morphology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bellan, Paul M.

2017-01-03

Three different types of plasmas have been investigated using both experimental and theoretical methods. The first type of plasma is dense, highly ionized, governed by magnetohydrodynamics, and highly dynamic. This plasma is relevant to solar coronal loops, astrophysical jets, and other situations where strong magnetic forces act on the plasma. A well-diagnosed laboratory experiment creates a magnetohydrodynamically driven highly collimated plasma jet. This jet undergoes a kink instability such that it rapidly develops a corkscrew shape. The kink causes lateral acceleration of the jet, and this lateral acceleration drives a Rayleigh-Taylor instability that in turn chokes the current flowing inmore » the jet and causes a magnetic reconnection. The magnetic reconnection causes electron and ion heating as well as emission of whistler waves. This entire sequence of events has been observed, measured in detail, and related to theoretical models. The second type of plasma is a transient rf-produced plasma used as a seed plasma for the magnetohydrodynamic experiments described above. Detailed atomic physics ionization processes have been investigated and modeled. The third type of plasma that has been studied is a dusty plasma where the dust particles are spontaneously growing ice grains. The rapid growth of the ice grains to large size and their highly ordered alignment has been investigated as well as collective motion of the ice grains, including well-defined flows on the surface of nested toroids. In addition to the experimental work described above, several related theoretical models have been developed, most notably a model showing how a complex interaction between gravity and magnetic fields on extremely weakly ionized plasma in an accretion disk provides an electric power source that can drive astrophysical jets associated with the accretion disk. Eighteen papers reporting this work have been published in a wide variety of journals.« less

Recollision induced excitation-ionization with counter-rotating two-color circularly polarized laser field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben, Shuai; Guo, Pei-Ying; Pan, Xue-Fei; Xu, Tong-Tong; Song, Kai-Li; Liu, Xue-Shen

2017-07-01

Nonsequential double ionization of Ar by a counter-rotating two-color circularly polarized laser field is theoretically investigated. At the combined intensity in the "knee" structure range, the double ionization occurs mainly through recollision induced excitation followed by subsequent ionization of Ar+∗ . By tracing the history of the recollision trajectories, we explain how the relative intensity ratio of the two colors controls the correlated electron dynamics and optimizes the ionization yields. The major channels contributing to enhancing the double ionization are through the elliptical trajectories with smaller travel time but not through the triangle shape or the other long cycle trajectories. Furthermore, the correlated electron dynamics could be limited to the attosecond time scale by adjusting the relative intensity ratio. Finally, the double ionization from doubly excited complex at low laser intensity is qualitatively discussed.

Epicyclic helical channels for parametric resonance ionization cooling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johson, Rolland Paul; Derbenev, Yaroslav

Proposed next-generation muon colliders will require major technical advances to achieve rapid muon beam cooling requirements. Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling (PIC) is proposed as the final 6D cooling stage of a high-luminosity muon collider. In PIC, a half-integer parametric resonance causes strong focusing of a muon beam at appropriately placed energy absorbers while ionization cooling limits the beam’s angular spread. Combining muon ionization cooling with parametric resonant dynamics in this way should then allow much smaller final transverse muon beam sizes than conventional ionization cooling alone. One of the PIC challenges is compensation of beam aberrations over a sufficiently wide parametermore » range while maintaining the dynamical stability with correlated behavior of the horizontal and vertical betatron motion and dispersion. We explore use of a coupling resonance to reduce the dimensionality of the problem and to shift the dynamics away from non-linear resonances. PIC simulations are presented.« less

Mode transition of plasma expansion for laser induced breakdown in Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimamura, Kohei; Matsui, Kohei; Ofosu, Joseph A.; Yokota, Ippei; Komurasaki, Kimiya

2017-03-01

High-speed shadowgraph visualization experiments conducted using a 10 J pulse transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser in ambient air provided a state transition from overdriven to Chapman-Jouguet in the laser-supported detonation regime. At the state transition, the propagation velocity of the laser-supported detonation wave and the threshold laser intensity were 10 km/s and 1011 W/m2, respectively. State transition information, such as the photoionization caused by plasma UV radiation, of the avalanche ionization ahead of the ionization wave front can be elucidated from examination of the source seed electrons.

Ionization-potential depression and dynamical structure factor in dense plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chengliang; Röpke, Gerd; Kraeft, Wolf-Dietrich; Reinholz, Heidi

2017-07-01

The properties of a bound electron system immersed in a plasma environment are strongly modified by the surrounding plasma. The modification of an essential quantity, the ionization energy, is described by the electronic and ionic self-energies, including dynamical screening within the framework of the quantum statistical theory. Introducing the ionic dynamical structure factor as the indicator for the ionic microfield, we demonstrate that ionic correlations and fluctuations play a critical role in determining the ionization potential depression. This is, in particular, true for mixtures of different ions with large mass and charge asymmetry. The ionization potential depression is calculated for dense aluminum plasmas as well as for a CH plasma and compared to the experimental data and more phenomenological approaches used so far.

Quantum control via a genetic algorithm of the field ionization pathway of a Rydberg electron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregoric, Vincent C.; Kang, Xinyue; Liu, Zhimin Cheryl; Rowley, Zoe A.; Carroll, Thomas J.; Noel, Michael W.

2017-08-01

Quantum control of the pathway along which a Rydberg electron field ionizes is experimentally and computationally demonstrated. Selective field ionization is typically done with a slowly rising electric field pulse. The (1/n*)4 scaling of the classical ionization threshold leads to a rough mapping between arrival time of the electron signal and principal quantum number of the Rydberg electron. This is complicated by the many avoided level crossings that the electron must traverse on the way to ionization, which in general leads to broadening of the time-resolved field ionization signal. In order to control the ionization pathway, thus directing the signal to the desired arrival time, a perturbing electric field produced by an arbitrary wave-form generator is added to a slowly rising electric field. A genetic algorithm evolves the perturbing field in an effort to achieve the target time-resolved field ionization signal.

Geometric Aspects of Artificial Ionospheric Layers Driven by High-Power HF-Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milikh, G. M.; Eliasson, B.; Shao, X.; Djordjevic, B.; Mishin, E. V.; Zawdie, K.; Papadopoulos, K.

2013-12-01

We have generalized earlier developed multi-scale dynamic model for the creation and propagation of artificial plasma layers in the ionosphere [Eliasson et al, 2012] by including two dimensional effects in the horizontal direction. Such layers were observed during high-power high frequency HF heating experiments at HAARP [Pedersen et al., 2010]. We have numerically investigated the importance of different angles of incidence of ordinary mode waves on the Langmuir turbulence and the resulting electron acceleration that leads to the formation of artificial ionospheric layers. It was shown that the most efficient electron acceleration and subsequent ionization is obtained at angles between magnetic zenith and the vertical, where strong Langmuir turbulence dominates over weak turbulence. A role played by the heating wave propagation near caustics was also investigated. Eliasson, B. et al. (2012), J. Geophys. Res. 117, A10321, doi:10.1029/2012JA018105. Pedersen, T., et al. (2010), Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L02106, doi:10.1029/2009GL041895.

Development of High Precision Metal Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems Column for Portable Surface Acoustic Wave Gas Chromatograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwaya, Takamitsu; Akao, Shingo; Sakamoto, Toshihiro; Tsuji, Toshihiro; Nakaso, Noritaka; Yamanaka, Kazushi

2012-07-01

In the field of environmental measurement and security, a portable gas chromatograph (GC) is required for the on-site analysis of multiple hazardous gases. Although the gas separation column has been downsized using micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology, an MEMS column made of silicon and glass still does not have sufficient robustness and a sufficiently low fabrication cost for a portable GC. In this study, we fabricated a robust and inexpensive high-precision metal MEMS column by combining diffusion-bonded etched stainless-steel plates with alignment evaluation using acoustic microscopy. The separation performance was evaluated using a desktop GC with a flame ionization detector and we achieved the high separation performance comparable to the best silicon MEMS column fabricated using a dynamic coating method. As an application, we fabricated a palm-size surface acoustic wave (SAW) GC combining this column with a ball SAW sensor and succeeded in separating and detecting a mixture of volatile organic compounds.

How Very Massive Metal-Free Stars Start Cosmological Reionization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wise, John H.; Abel, Tom

2008-01-01

The initial conditions and relevant physics for the formation of the earliest galaxies are well specified in the concordance cosmology. Using ab initio cosmological Eulerian adaptive mesh refinement radiation hydrodynamical calculations, we discuss how very massive stars start the process of cosmological reionization. The models include nonequilibrium primordial gas chemistry and cooling processes and accurate radiation transport in the case B approximation using adaptively ray-traced photon packages, retaining the time derivative in the transport equation. Supernova feedback is modeled by thermal explosions triggered at parsec scales. All calculations resolve the local Jeans length by at least 16 grid cells at all times and as such cover a spatial dynamic range of approx.10(exp 6). These first sources of reionization are highly intermittent and anisotropic and first photoionize the small-scale voids surrounding the halos they form in, rather than the dense filaments they are embedded in. As the merging objects form larger, dwarf-sized galaxies, the escape fraction of UV radiation decreases and the H II regions only break out on some sides of the galaxies, making them even more anisotropic. In three cases, SN blast waves induce star formation in overdense regions that were formed earlier from ionization front instabilities. These stars form tens of parsecs away from the center of their parent DM halo. Approximately five ionizing photons are needed per sustained ionization when star formation in 10(exp 6) stellar Mass halos is dominant in the calculation. As the halos become larger than approx.10(exp 7) Stellar Mass, the ionizing photon escape fraction decreases, which in turn increases the number of photons per ionization to 15-50, in calculations with stellar feedback only. Radiative feedback decreases clumping factors by 25% when compared to simulations without star formation and increases the average temperature of ionized gas to values between 3000 and 10,000 K.

Evolution of elastic x-ray scattering in laser-shocked warm dense lithium.

PubMed

Kugland, N L; Gregori, G; Bandyopadhyay, S; Brenner, C M; Brown, C R D; Constantin, C; Glenzer, S H; Khattak, F Y; Kritcher, A L; Niemann, C; Otten, A; Pasley, J; Pelka, A; Roth, M; Spindloe, C; Riley, D

2009-12-01

We have studied the dynamics of warm dense Li with near-elastic x-ray scattering. Li foils were heated and compressed using shock waves driven by 4-ns-long laser pulses. Separate 1-ns-long laser pulses were used to generate a bright source of 2.96 keV Cl Ly- alpha photons for x-ray scattering, and the spectrum of scattered photons was recorded at a scattering angle of 120 degrees using a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite crystal operated in the von Hamos geometry. A variable delay between the heater and backlighter laser beams measured the scattering time evolution. Comparison with radiation-hydrodynamics simulations shows that the plasma is highly coupled during the first several nanoseconds, then relaxes to a moderate coupling state at later times. Near-elastic scattering amplitudes have been successfully simulated using the screened one-component plasma model. Our main finding is that the near-elastic scattering amplitudes are quite sensitive to the mean ionization state Z[over ] and by extension to the choice of ionization model in the radiation-hydrodynamics simulations used to predict plasma properties within the shocked Li.

Formation and dynamics of plasma bullets in a non-thermal plasma jet: influence of the high-voltage parameters on the plume characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarrige, Julien; Laroussi, Mounir; Karakas, Erdinc

2010-12-01

Non-thermal plasma jets in open air are composed of ionization waves commonly known as 'plasma bullets' propagating at high velocities. We present in this paper an experimental study of plasma bullets produced in a dielectric barrier discharge linear-field reactor fed with helium and driven by microsecond high-voltage pulses. Two discharges were produced between electrodes for every pulse (at the rising and falling edge), but only one bullet was generated. Fast intensified charge coupled device camera imaging showed that bullet velocity and diameter increase with applied voltage. Spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy measurements provided evidence of the hollow structure of the jet and its contraction. It was shown that the pulse amplitude significantly enhances electron energy and production of active species. The plasma bullet appeared to behave like a surface discharge in the tube, and like a positive streamer in air. A kinetics mechanism based on electron impact, Penning effect and charge transfer reactions is proposed to explain the propagation of the ionization front and temporal behavior of the radiative species.

Predicting pulsar scintillation from refractive plasma sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simard, Dana; Pen, Ue-Li

2018-07-01

The dynamic and secondary spectra of many pulsars show evidence for long-lived, aligned images of the pulsar that are stationary on a thin scattering sheet. One explanation for this phenomenon considers the effects of wave crests along sheets in the ionized interstellar medium, such as those due to Alfvén waves propagating along current sheets. If these sheets are closely aligned to our line of sight to the pulsar, high bending angles arise at the wave crests and a selection effect causes alignment of images produced at different crests, similar to grazing reflection off of a lake. Using geometric optics, we develop a simple parametrized model of these corrugated sheets that can be constrained with a single observation and that makes observable predictions for variations in the scintillation of the pulsar over time and frequency. This model reveals qualitative differences between lensing from overdense and underdense corrugated sheets: only if the sheet is overdense compared to the surrounding interstellar medium can the lensed images be brighter than the line-of-sight image to the pulsar, and the faint lensed images are closer to the pulsar at higher frequencies if the sheet is underdense, but at lower frequencies if the sheet is overdense.

Predicting Pulsar Scintillation from Refractive Plasma Sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simard, Dana; Pen, Ue-Li

2018-05-01

The dynamic and secondary spectra of many pulsars show evidence for long-lived, aligned images of the pulsar that are stationary on a thin scattering sheet. One explanation for this phenomenon considers the effects of wave crests along sheets in the ionized interstellar medium, such as those due to Alfvén waves propagating along current sheets. If these sheets are closely aligned to our line-of-sight to the pulsar, high bending angles arise at the wave crests and a selection effect causes alignment of images produced at different crests, similar to grazing reflection off of a lake. Using geometric optics, we develop a simple parameterized model of these corrugated sheets that can be constrained with a single observation and that makes observable predictions for variations in the scintillation of the pulsar over time and frequency. This model reveals qualitative differences between lensing from overdense and underdense corrugated sheets: Only if the sheet is overdense compared to the surrounding interstellar medium can the lensed images be brighter than the line-of-sight image to the pulsar, and the faint lensed images are closer to the pulsar at higher frequencies if the sheet is underdense, but at lower frequencies if the sheet is overdense.

Electron impact excitation coefficients for laboratory and astrophysical plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J.; Kepple, P. C.; Blaha, M.

1976-01-01

Electron impact excitation rate coefficients have been obtained for a number of transitions in highly ionized ions of interest to astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. The calculations were done using the method of distorted waves. Results are presented for various transitions in highly ionized Ne, Na, Al, Si, A, Ca, Ni and Fe.

Electronic wave function and binding effects in M-shell ionization of gold by protons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pajek, M.; Banaś, D.; Jabłoński, Ł.; Mukoyama, T.

2018-02-01

The measured M-X-ray production cross sections for protons, which are used in the particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique, are systematically underestimated for low impact energies by the ECPSSR and ECUSAR theories. These theories, which are based on the plane wave Born approximation (PWBA) and use the screened hydrogenic wave functions, include corrections for the projectile Coulomb deflection and electron relativistic and binding effects. In the present paper, in order to interpret the observed disagreement at low impact energies, the systematic calculations of the M-shell ionization cross sections for gold were performed using the semiclassical (SCA) and the binary encounter (BEA) approximations in order to identify a role of the electronic wave function and electron binding effects. In these calculations the different wave functions, from nonrelativistic hydrogenic to selfconsistent Dirac-Hartree-Fock, were considered and the binding effect was treated within extreme separated- (SA) and united-atoms (UA) limits. The results are discussed in details and the observed discrepancies are attributed to inadequate description of the electron binding effect at the lowest impact energies for which the molecular approach is required.

Electron- and proton-induced ionization of pyrimidine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Champion, Christophe; Quinto, Michele A.; Weck, Philippe F.

2015-05-01

The present work describes a quantum-mechanically based model of the electron- and proton-induced ionization of isolated pyrimidine molecules. The impact energies range from the target ionization threshold up to ~1 keV for electrons and from 10 keV up to 10 MeV for protons. The cross-section calculations are performed within the 1st Born approximation in which the ejected electron is described by a Coulomb wave whereas the incident and the scattered projectiles are both described by plane waves. The pyrimidine target is described using the Gaussian 09 software package. The theoretical predictions obtained are in good agreement with experimental absolute total cross sections, while large discrepancies are observed between existing semi-empirical models and the present calculations. Contribution to the Topical Issue "COST Action Nano-IBCT: Nano-scale Processes Behind Ion-Beam Cancer Therapy", edited by Andrey Solov'yov, Nigel Mason, Gustavo García, Eugene Surdutovich.

On ionizing shock waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaniel, A.; Igra, O.; Ben-Dor, G.; Mond, M.

The flow field in the ionizing relaxation zone developed behind a normal shock wave in an electrically neutral, homogeneous, two temperature mixture of thermally ideal gases (molecules, atoms, ions, electrons) was numerically solved. The heat transfer between the electron gas and the other components was taken into account while all the other transport phenomena (molecular, turbulent and radiative) were neglected in the relaxation zone, since it is dominated by inelastic collisions. The threshold cross sections measured by Specht (1981), for excitation of argon by electron collisions, were used. The calculated results show good agreement with the results of the shock tube experiments presented by Glass and Liu (1978), especially in the electron avalanche region. A critical examination was made of the common assumptions regarding the average energy with which electrons are produced by atom-atom collisions and the relative effectiveness of atom-atom collisions (versus electron-atom collisions) in ionizing excited argon.

A Numerical Simulation of the Energy Conversion Process in Microwave Rocket

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shibata, Teppei; Oda, Yasuhisa; Komurasaki, Kimiya

2008-04-28

In Microwave Rocket, a high power microwave beam ionizes atmospheric air inside of the thruster and the ionization front drives a shock wave. In this paper, CFD simulation was conducted using measured propagation velocity of the ionization front to evaluate the engine performance. As a result, maximum cycle efficiency was obtained at the power density of about 200 kW/m{sup 2} which is the transitional beam power condition between Microwave Supported Combustion and Microwave Supported Detonation regimes.

Possible standoff detection of ionizing radiation using high-power THz electromagnetic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nusinovich, Gregory S.; Sprangle, Phillip; Romero-Talamas, Carlos A.; Rodgers, John; Pu, Ruifeng; Kashyn, Dmytro G.; Antonsen, Thomas M., Jr.; Granatstein, Victor L.

2012-06-01

Recently, a new method of remote detection of concealed radioactive materials was proposed. This method is based on focusing high-power short wavelength electromagnetic radiation in a small volume where the wave electric field exceeds the breakdown threshold. In the presence of free electrons caused by ionizing radiation, in this volume an avalanche discharge can then be initiated. When the wavelength is short enough, the probability of having even one free electron in this small volume in the absence of additional sources of ionization is low. Hence, a high breakdown rate will indicate that in the vicinity of this volume there are some materials causing ionization of air. To prove this concept a 0.67 THz gyrotron delivering 200-300 kW power in 10 microsecond pulses is under development. This method of standoff detection of concealed sources of ionizing radiation requires a wide range of studies, viz., evaluation of possible range, THz power and pulse duration, production of free electrons in air by gamma rays penetrating through container walls, statistical delay time in initiation of the breakdown in the case of low electron density, temporal evolution of plasma structure in the breakdown and scattering of THz radiation from small plasma objects. Most of these issues are discussed in the paper.

Fully differential cross sections for the single ionization of helium by fast ions: Classical model calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkadi, L.

2018-04-01

Fully differential cross sections (FDCSs) have been calculated for the single ionization of helium by 1- and 3-MeV proton and 100-MeV/u C6 + ion impact using the classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) method in the nonrelativistic, three-body approximation. The calculations were made employing a Wigner-type model in which the quantum-mechanical position distribution of the electron is approximated by a weighted integral of the microcanonical distribution over a range of the binding energy of the electron. In the scattering plane, the model satisfactorily reproduces the observed shape of the binary peak. In the region of the peak the calculated FDCSs agree well with the results of continuum-distorted-wave calculations for all the investigated collisions. For 1-MeV proton impact the experimentally observed shift of the binary peak with respect to the first Born approximation is compared with the shifts obtained by different higher-order quantum-mechanical theories and the present CTMC method. The best result was achieved by CTMC, but still a large part of the shift remained unexplained. Furthermore, it was found that the classical theory failed to reproduce the shape of the recoil peak observed in the experiments, it predicts a much narrower peak. This indicates that the formation of the recoil peak is dominated by quantum-mechanical effects. For 100-MeV/u C6 + ion impact the present CTMC calculations confirmed the existence of the "double-peak" structure of the angular distribution of the electron in the plane perpendicular to the momentum transfer, in accordance with the observation, the prediction of an incoherent semiclassical model, and previous CTMC results. This finding together with wave-packet calculations suggests that the "C6 + puzzle" may be solved by considering the loss of the projectile coherence. Experiments to be conducted using ion beams of anisotropic coherence are proposed for a more differential investigation of the ionization dynamics.

Spatiotemporal interference of photoelectron wave packets and the time scale of nonadiabatic transitions in the high-frequency regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toyota, Koudai

2016-10-01

The method of the envelope Hamiltonian [K. Toyota, U. Saalmann, and J. M. Rost, New J. Phys. 17, 073005 (2015), 10.1088/1367-2630/17/7/073005] is applied to further study a detachment dynamics of a model negative ion in one dimension in the high-frequency regime. This method is based on the Floquet approach, but the time dependency of an envelope function is explicitly kept for arbitrary pulse durations. Therefore, it is capable of describing not only a photon absorption or emission, but also a nonadiabatic transition which is induced by the time-varying envelope of the pulse. It was shown that the envelope Hamiltonian accurately retrieves the results obtained by the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, and the underlying physics were well understood by the adiabatic approximation based on the envelope Hamiltonian. In this paper, we explore two more aspects of the detachment dynamics, which were not considered in our previous work. First, we determine the features of both a spatial and temporal interference of photoelectron wave packets in a photon-absorption process. We conclude that both of the interference mechanisms are universal in ionization dynamics in the high-frequency regime. Second, we extract a pulse duration which maximizes a yield of the nonadiabatic transition as a function of a pulse duration. It is shown that it becomes maximum when the pulse duration is comparable to a time scale of an electron.

Shock Waves in Supernova Ejecta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raymond, J. C.

2018-02-01

Astrophysical shock waves are a major mechanism for dissipating energy, and by heating and ionizing the gas they produce emission spectra that provide valuable diagnostics for the shock parameters, for the physics of collisionless shocks, and for the composition of the shocked material. Shocks in SN ejecta in which H and He have been burned to heavier elements behave differently than shocks in ordinary astrophysical gas because of their very large radiative cooling rates. In particular, extreme departures from thermal equilibrium among ions and electrons and from ionization equilibrium may arise. This paper discusses the consequences of the enhanced metal abundances for the structure and emission spectra of those shocks.

Ultrafast multiphoton ionization dynamics and control of NaK molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davidsson, Jan; Hansson, Tony; Mukhtar, Emad

1998-12-01

The multiphoton ionization dynamics of NaK molecules is investigated experimentally using one-color pump-probe femtosecond spectroscopy at 795 nm and intermediate laser field strengths (about 10 GW/cm2). Both NaK+ and Na+ ions are detected as a function of pulse separation time, pulse intensities, and strong pulse-weak pulse order. To aid in the analysis, the potential energy curves of the two lowest electronic states of NaK+ and the electronic transition dipole moment between them are calculated by the GAUSSIAN94 UCIS method. Different ionization pathways are identified by Franck-Condon analysis, and vibrational dynamics in the A 1Σ+ and 3 1Π states, as well as in the ground state, is observed. Further, the existence of a highly excited (above the adiabatic ionization limit) neutral state of NaK is proposed. By changing the strong pulse-weak pulse order of the pulses, the ionization pathways for production of both ions can be varied and thus controlled.

Regiones Extendidas de gas ionizado en radiogalaxias FR II. Estudio espectroscópico y cinemático.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynaldi, V.; Feinstein, C.

The EELR are regions of highly-excited ionized gas that extend throughout the outskirts of their host galaxies. Concerning FR II radio galaxies, alignment between optical and radio structures were found for several sources. We investigate the ionizing mechanisms of these regions through long-slit spectroscopic analysis. Photoionization models, where both the AGN and a mixed intergalactic medium may explain the ionization state of the regions are studied. But also the shock-ionization model is tested since it can provide a local budget of ionizing photons created by expanding radiative shock waves driven by the radio jet. Throughout this work we discuss spectroscopic and kinematical results obtained with GMOS/Gemini. FULL TEXT IN SPANISH

Double ionization of He(1[ital s][sup 2]) and He(1[ital s]2[ital s] [sup 3][ital S]) by a single high-energy photon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Teng, Z.; Shakeshaft, R.

1994-05-01

We have calculated the energy and angular distributions for double ionization of He(1[ital s][sup 2]) and He(1[ital s]2[ital s] [sup 3][ital S]) by one photon, over a range of photon energies up to a few keV. The calculations were based on using a fairly accurate initial-state wave function, determined so as to exactly satisfy the Kato cusp conditions, and a final-state wave function which is a product of three Coulomb wave functions modified by a short-range correction term. There are at least three different mechanisms for double ionization, and each one leaves a mark on the angular distribution. When themore » energies of the two electrons are equal, the contribution of each mechanism to the angular asymmetry parameter can be estimated on theoretical grounds; we compare these estimates with the calculated results to give a further indication of the roles of the various mechanisms. Concerning the shapes of the energy and angular distributions, we find significant differences between double ionization of singlet and triplet helium; in particular, the probability for one high-energy photon to eject two equal-energy electrons from triplet helium nearly vanishes owing to the Pauli exclusion principle and to interference effects resulting from antisymmetrization. In two appendixes we present some details of the integration involved in the calculations.« less

Global modeling of storm-time thermospheric dynamics and electrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuller-Rowell, T. J.; Richmond, A. D.; Maruyama, N.

Understanding the neutral dynamic and electrodynamic response of the upper atmosphere to geomagnetic storms, and quantifying the balance between prompt penetration and disturbance dynamo effects, are two of the significant challenges facing us today. This paper reviews our understanding of the dynamical and electrodynamic response of the upper atmosphere to storms from a modeling perspective. After injection of momentum and energy at high latitude during a geomagnetic storm, the neutral winds begin to respond almost immediately. The high-latitude wind system evolves quickly by the action of ion drag and the injection of kinetic energy; however, Joule dissipation provides the bulk of the energy source to change the dynamics and electrodynamics globally. Impulsive energy injection at high latitudes drives large-scale gravity waves that propagate globally. The waves transmit pressure gradients initiating a change in the global circulation. Numerical simulations of the coupled thermosphere, ionosphere, plasmasphere, and electrodynamic response to storms indicate that although the wind and waves are dynamic, with significant apparent "sloshing" between the hemispheres, the net effect is for an increased equatorward wind. The dynamic changes during a storm provide the conduit for many of the physical processes that ensue in the upper atmosphere. For instance, the increased meridional winds at mid latitudes push plasma parallel to the magnetic field to regions of different composition. The global circulation carries molecular rich air from the lower thermosphere upward and equatorward, changing the ratio of atomic and molecular neutral species, and changing loss rates for the ionosphere. The storm wind system also drives the disturbance dynamo, which through plasma transport modifies the strength and location of the equatorial ionization anomaly peaks. On a global scale, the increased equatorward meridional winds, and the generation of zonal winds at mid latitudes via the Coriolis effects, produce a current system opposing the normal quiet-time Sq current system. At the equator, the storm-time zonal electric fields reduce or reverse the normal upward and downward plasma drift on the dayside and nightside, respectively. In the numerical simulations, on the dayside, the disturbance dynamo appears fairly uniform, whereas at night a stronger local time dependence is apparent with increased upward drift between midnight and dawn. The simulations also indicate the possibility for a rapid dynamo response at the equator, within 2 h of storm onset, before the arrival of the large-scale gravity waves. All these wind-driven processes can result in dramatic ionospheric changes during storms. The disturbance dynamo can combine and interact with the prompt penetration of magnetospheric electric fields to the equator.

Ionization, photoelectron dynamics and elastic scattering in relativistic, ultra-strong field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Sui

Ultrastrong laser-matter interaction has direct bearing to next generation technologies including plasma acceleration, laser fusion and attosecond X-ray generation. The commonly known physics in strong field becomes different as one progress to ultrastrong field. The works presented in this dissertation theoretically study the influence of relativistic effect and magnetic component of the laser field on the ionization, photoelectron dynamics and elastic scattering processes. The influence of magnetic component (B laser) of circularly polarized (CP) ultrastrong fields (up to3 x 1022 W/cm2) on atomic bound state dynamics is investigated. The Poincare plots are used to find the changes in trajectory energies are on the order of a few percent for intensities up to1 x 1022 W/cm2. It is found that at intensities where ionization approaches 50% for the bound state, the small changes from Blaser of the circular polarized light can actually result in a several-fold decrease in ionization probability. The force on the bound electron exerted by the Lorentz force from B laser is perpendicular to the rotating plane of the circular polarized light, and this nature makes those trajectories which are aligned away from the minimum in the potential barrier stabilized against tunneling ionization. Our results provide a classical understanding for ionization in ultrastrong fields and indicate that relativistic effects in ultrastrong field ionization may most easily be seen with CP fields. The photoelectron energy spectra from elastic rescattering in ultrastrong laser fields (up to 2x1019 W/cm2) is studied by using a relativistic adaption of a semi-classical three-step recollision model. The Hartree-Fock scattering potentials are used in calculating the elastic rescattering for both hydrogenlike and noble gas species. It is found that there is a reduction in elastic rescattering for intensities beyond 6 x 1016 W/cm2 when the laser Lorentz deflection of the photoelectron exceeds its wave-function spread. A relativistic rescattering enhancement occurs at 2 x 1018 W/cm2, commensurate with relativistic motion of a classical electron in a single field cycle. The good comparison between the results with available experiments suggests the theory approach is well suited to modeling scattering in the ultrastrong intensity regime. We investigate the elastic scattering process as it changes from strong to ultrastrong fields with the photoelectron angular distributions from Ne, Ar, and Xe. Noble gas species with Hartree-Fock scattering potentials show a reduction in elastic rescattering with the increasing energy of ultrastrong fields. It is found that as one increases the returning photoelectron energy, rescattering becomes the dominating mechanism behind the yield distribution as the emission angle for all the species extends from 0° to 90°. The relativistic effects and the magnetic field do not change the angular distribution until one is well into the Gamma r "1 regime where the Lorentz defection significantly reduces the yield. As we proceed to the highest energy, the angular emission range narrows as the mechanism changes over to backscattering into narrow angles along the electric field.

HF Propagation Effects Caused by an Artificial Plasma Cloud in the Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, D. R.; Groves, K. M.; McNeil, W. J.; Caton, R. G.; Parris, R. T.; Pedersen, T. R.; Cannon, P. S.; Angling, M. J.; Jackson-Booth, N. K.

2014-12-01

In a campaign carried out by the NASA sounding rocket team, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) launched two sounding rockets in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, in May 2013 known as the Metal Oxide Space Cloud (MOSC) experiment to study the interactions of artificial ionization and the background plasma and measure the effects on high frequency (HF) radio wave propagation. The rockets released samarium metal vapor in the lower F-region of the ionosphere that ionized forming a plasma cloud that persisted for tens of minutes to hours in the post-sunset period. Data from the experiments has been analyzed to understand the impacts of the artificial ionization on HF radio wave propagation. Swept frequency HF links transiting the artificial ionization region were employed to produce oblique ionograms that clearly showed the effects of the samarium cloud. Ray tracing has been used to successfully model the effects of the ionized cloud. Comparisons between observations and modeled results will be presented, including model output using the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), the Parameterized Ionospheric Model (PIM) and PIM constrained by electron density profiles measured with the ALTAIR radar at Kwajalein. Observations and modeling confirm that the cloud acted as a divergent lens refracting energy away from direct propagation paths and scattering energy at large angles relative to the initial propagation direction. The results confirm that even small amounts of ionized material injected in the upper atmosphere can result in significant changes to the natural propagation environment.

Optimizing the 391-nm lasing intensity from ionized nitrogen molecules in 800-nm femtosecond laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Xunqi; Miao, Zhiming; Zhang, Linlin; Jiang, Hongbing; Liu, Yunquan; Gong, Qihuang; Wu, Chengyin

2018-03-01

We investigate the 391-nm lasing dynamics from ionized nitrogen molecules in 800-nm femtosecond laser fields. By comparing the radiation intensity, spectrum shape, and temporal profile of the 391-nm lasing at various experimental conditions, we conclude that the lasing dynamics contains not only the generation and the decay of ionized nitrogen molecules, but also the seed-built coherence among emitters as well as the propagation effect in the plasma filamentation. These results provide reliable guidance for optimizing the 391-nm lasing from ionized nitrogen molecules in 800-nm femtosecond laser fields, which have potential applications for remote sensing in the atmosphere.

Correlated electron and nuclear dynamics in strong field photoionization of H(2)(+).

PubMed

Silva, R E F; Catoire, F; Rivière, P; Bachau, H; Martín, F

2013-03-15

We present a theoretical study of H(2)(+) ionization under strong IR femtosecond pulses by using a method designed to extract correlated (2D) photoelectron and proton kinetic energy spectra. The results show two distinct ionization mechanisms-tunnel and multiphoton ionization-in which electrons and nuclei do not share the energy from the field in the same way. Electrons produced in multiphoton ionization share part of their energy with the nuclei, an effect that shows up in the 2D spectra in the form of energy-conservation fringes similar to those observed in weak-field ionization of diatomic molecules. In contrast, tunneling electrons lead to fringes whose position does not depend on the proton kinetic energy. At high intensity, the two processes coexist and the 2D plots show a very rich behavior, suggesting that the correlation between electron and nuclear dynamics in strong field ionization is more complex than one would have anticipated.

Timing Recollision in Nonsequential Double Ionization by Intense Elliptically Polarized Laser Pulses.

PubMed

Kang, H; Henrichs, K; Kunitski, M; Wang, Y; Hao, X; Fehre, K; Czasch, A; Eckart, S; Schmidt, L Ph H; Schöffler, M; Jahnke, T; Liu, X; Dörner, R

2018-06-01

We examine correlated electron and doubly charged ion momentum spectra from strong field double ionization of neon employing intense elliptically polarized laser pulses. An ellipticity-dependent asymmetry of correlated electron and ion momentum distributions has been observed. Using a 3D semiclassical model, we demonstrate that our observations reflect the subcycle dynamics of the recollision process. Our Letter reveals a general physical picture for recollision impact double ionization with elliptical polarization and demonstrates the possibility of ultrafast control of the recollision dynamics.

Timing Recollision in Nonsequential Double Ionization by Intense Elliptically Polarized Laser Pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, H.; Henrichs, K.; Kunitski, M.; Wang, Y.; Hao, X.; Fehre, K.; Czasch, A.; Eckart, S.; Schmidt, L. Ph. H.; Schöffler, M.; Jahnke, T.; Liu, X.; Dörner, R.

2018-06-01

We examine correlated electron and doubly charged ion momentum spectra from strong field double ionization of neon employing intense elliptically polarized laser pulses. An ellipticity-dependent asymmetry of correlated electron and ion momentum distributions has been observed. Using a 3D semiclassical model, we demonstrate that our observations reflect the subcycle dynamics of the recollision process. Our Letter reveals a general physical picture for recollision impact double ionization with elliptical polarization and demonstrates the possibility of ultrafast control of the recollision dynamics.

Probing electron delays in above-threshold ionization

DOE PAGES

Zipp, Lucas J.; Natan, Adi; Bucksbaum, Philip H.

2014-11-21

Recent experiments have revealed attosecond delays in the emission of electrons from atoms ionized by extreme UV light, offering a glimpse into the ultrafast nature of light-induced electron dynamics. In this work, we extend these measurements to the strong-field above-threshold ionization (ATI) regime, by measuring delays in the photoemission of electrons from argon in the presence of an intense laser field. We probe the ATI process with a weak coherent reference, at half the laser frequency. The interfering ionization signal reveals the relative spectral phase of adjacent ATI channels, with an equivalent resolution of a few attoseconds. These relative delaysmore » depend on the strong field, and approach zero at higher intensity. Our phase measurements of ATI electrons show how strong fields alter ionization dynamics in atoms.« less

NON-EQUILIBRIUM HELIUM IONIZATION IN AN MHD SIMULATION OF THE SOLAR ATMOSPHERE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Golding, Thomas Peter; Carlsson, Mats; Leenaarts, Jorrit, E-mail: thomas.golding@astro.uio.no, E-mail: mats.carlsson@astro.uio.no, E-mail: jorrit.leenaarts@astro.su.se

The ionization state of the gas in the dynamic solar chromosphere can depart strongly from the instantaneous statistical equilibrium commonly assumed in numerical modeling. We improve on earlier simulations of the solar atmosphere that only included non-equilibrium hydrogen ionization by performing a 2D radiation-magnetohydrodynamics simulation featuring non-equilibrium ionization of both hydrogen and helium. The simulation includes the effect of hydrogen Lyα and the EUV radiation from the corona on the ionization and heating of the atmosphere. Details on code implementation are given. We obtain helium ion fractions that are far from their equilibrium values. Comparison with models with local thermodynamicmore » equilibrium (LTE) ionization shows that non-equilibrium helium ionization leads to higher temperatures in wavefronts and lower temperatures in the gas between shocks. Assuming LTE ionization results in a thermostat-like behavior with matter accumulating around the temperatures where the LTE ionization fractions change rapidly. Comparison of DEM curves computed from our models shows that non-equilibrium ionization leads to more radiating material in the temperature range 11–18 kK, compared to models with LTE helium ionization. We conclude that non-equilibrium helium ionization is important for the dynamics and thermal structure of the upper chromosphere and transition region. It might also help resolve the problem that intensities of chromospheric lines computed from current models are smaller than those observed.« less

Risks of exposure to ionizing and millimeter-wave radiation from airport whole-body scanners.

PubMed

Moulder, John E

2012-06-01

Considerable public concern has been expressed around the world about the radiation risks posed by the backscatter (ionizing radiation) and millimeter-wave (nonionizing radiation) whole-body scanners that have been deployed at many airports. The backscatter and millimeter-wave scanners currently deployed in the U.S. almost certainly pose negligible radiation risks if used as intended, but their safety is difficult-to-impossible to prove using publicly accessible data. The scanners are widely disliked and often feared, which is a problem made worse by what appears to be a veil of secrecy that covers their specifications and dosimetry. Therefore, for these and future similar technologies to gain wide acceptance, more openness is needed, as is independent review and regulation. Publicly accessible, and preferably peer-reviewed evidence is needed that the deployed units (not just the prototypes) meet widely-accepted safety standards. It is also critical that risk-perception issues be handled more competently.

Localizing high-lying Rydberg wave packets with two-color laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larimian, Seyedreza; Lemell, Christoph; Stummer, Vinzenz; Geng, Ji-Wei; Roither, Stefan; Kartashov, Daniil; Zhang, Li; Wang, Mu-Xue; Gong, Qihuang; Peng, Liang-You; Yoshida, Shuhei; Burgdörfer, Joachim; Baltuška, Andrius; Kitzler, Markus; Xie, Xinhua

2017-08-01

We demonstrate control over the localization of high-lying Rydberg wave packets in argon atoms with phase-locked orthogonally polarized two-color laser fields. With a reaction microscope, we measure ionization signals of high-lying Rydberg states induced by a weak dc field and blackbody radiation as a function of the relative phase between the two-color fields. We find that the dc-field-ionization yield of high-lying Rydberg argon atoms oscillates with the relative two-color phase with a period of 2 π while the photoionization signal by blackbody radiation shows a period of π . Accompanying simulations show that these observations are a clear signature of the asymmetric localization of electrons recaptured into very elongated (low angular momentum) high-lying Rydberg states after conclusion of the laser pulse. Our findings thus open an effective pathway to control the localization of high-lying Rydberg wave packets.

Dependence of optimal initial density on laser parameters for multi-keV x-ray radiators generated by nanosecond laser-produced underdense plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Shao-yong; Yuan, Yong-teng; Hu, Guang-yue; Miao, Wen-yong; Zhao, Bin; Zheng, Jian; Jiang, Shao-en; Ding, Yong-kun

2016-01-01

Efficient multi-keV x-ray sources can be produced using nanosecond laser pulse-heated middle-Z underdense plasmas generated using gas or foam. Previous experimental results show that an optimal initial target density exists for efficient multi-keV x-ray emission at which the laser ionization wave is supersonic. Here we explore the influence of the laser intensity and the pulse duration on this optimal initial target density via a one-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulation. The simulation shows that the optimal initial density is sensitive to both the laser intensity and the pulse duration. However, the speed of the supersonic ionization wave at the end of the laser irradiation is always maintained at 1.5 to 1.7 times that of the ion acoustic wave under the optimal initial density conditions.

Frequency-dependent absorbance of broadband terahertz wave in dense plasma sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yan; Qi, Binbin; Jiang, Xiankai; Zhu, Zhi; Zhao, Hongwei; Zhu, Yiming

2018-05-01

Due to the ability of accurate fingerprinting and low-ionization for different substances, terahertz (THz) technology has a lot of crucial applications in material analysis, information transfer, and safety inspection, etc. However, the spectral characteristic of atmospheric gas and ionized gas has not been widely investigated, which is important for the remote sensing application. Here, in this paper, we investigate the absorbance of broadband terahertz wave in dense plasma sheet generated by femtosecond laser pulses. It was found that as the terahertz wave transmits through the plasma sheet formed, respectively, in carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon and nitrogen, spectrum presents completely different and frequency-dependent absorbance. The reasons for these absorption peaks are related to the molecular polarity, electric charge, intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, and collisional absorption of gas molecules. These results have significant implications for the remote sensing of gas medium.

Instantaneous and efficient surface wave excitation of a low pressure gas or gases

DOEpatents

Levy, Donald J.; Berman, Samuel M.

1988-01-01

A system for instantaneously ionizing and continuously delivering energy in the form of surface waves to a low pressure gas or mixture of low pressure gases, comprising a source of rf energy, a discharge container, (such as a fluorescent lamp discharge tube), an rf shield, and a coupling device responsive to rf energy from the source to couple rf energy directly and efficiently to the gas or mixture of gases to ionize at least a portion of the gas or gases and to provide energy to the gas or gases in the form of surface waves. The majority of the rf power is transferred to the gas or gases near the inner surface of the discharge container to efficiently transfer rf energy as excitation energy for at least one of the gases. The most important use of the invention is to provide more efficient fluorescent and/or ultraviolet lamps.

Current topics in shock waves; Proceedings of the International Symposium on Shock Waves and Shock Tubes, 17th, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, July 17-21, 1989

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yong W.

Various papers on shock waves are presented. The general topics addressed include: shock formation, focusing, and implosion; shock reflection and diffraction; turbulence; laser-produced plasmas and waves; ionization and shock-plasma interaction; chemical kinetics, pyrolysis, and soot formation; experimental facilities, techniques, and applications; ignition of detonation and combustion; particle entrainment and shock propagation through particle suspension; boundary layers and blast simulation; computational methods and numerical simulation.

Relationship between the Macroscopic and Quantum Characteristics of Dynamic Viscosity for Hydrocarbons upon the Compensation Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolomatov, M. Yu.; Kovaleva, E. A.; Khamidullina, D. A.

2018-05-01

An approach that allows the calculation of dynamic viscosity for liquid hydrocarbons from quantum (ionization energies) and molecular (Wiener topological indices) parameters is proposed. A physical relationship is revealed between ionization and the energies of viscous flow activation. This relationship is due to the contribution from the dispersion component of Van der Waals forces to intermolecular interaction. A two-parameter dependence of the energy of viscous flow activation, energy of ionization, and Wiener topological indices is obtained. The dynamic viscosities of liquid hydrocarbons can be calculated from the kinetic compensation effect of dynamic viscosity, which indicates a relationship between the energy of activation and the Arrhenius pre-exponental factor of the Frenkel-Eyring hole model. Calculation results are confirmed through statistical processing of the experimental data.

A review of the processes by which ultrasound is generated through the interaction of ionizing radiation and irradiated materials: some possible applications.

PubMed

Baily, N A

1992-01-01

The production of acoustic waves following the absorption of energy deposited by ionizing radiation, with a consequent production of localized thermal spikes has been confirmed by a number of papers published in the physics literature. This paper reviews the basic theory and presents most of the supporting experimental data. Some of the experimental methods used and the results obtained are summarized. In addition to the rather straightforward and routine use of acoustic phenomena produced by ionizing radiation for the detection and measurements of such radiation, there are some special applications that appear to be especially attractive for medical physics. Some of these are unique to ionizing radiation in that the amplitude of the ultrasound wave is proportional to the energy deposited in small volumes at localized sites of these interactions, while others derive from methodologies already in use with nonionizing radiations. The detection and measurement of this ultrasonic radiation could possibly lead to methods for the study of such fundamental phenomenon as track structure, precision localization of therapeutic treatment beams, and even the possible imaging of internal anatomic structures to provide on-line portal images.

Response of the Earth’s lower ionosphere to the Ground Level Enhancement event of December 13, 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žigman, Vida; Kudela, Karel; Grubor, Davorka

2014-03-01

In this study we analyze the Ground Level Enhancement Event No 70 observed on December 13, 2006, by correlating the observations from two research topics: Cosmic rays and Very Low Frequency (VLF < 30 kHz) wave propagation, as two ground based techniques for the detection of solar proton events, and their impact on the lower ionosphere. The observations have been endorsed from recordings of worldwide network ground based Neutron Monitors as well as by satellite data from the satellites GOES 12 (www.swpc.noaa.gov) and Pamela (www.pamela.roma2infn.it). We have evaluated the ionization rate for protons in the altitude range relevant to VLF propagation, and for galactic cosmic ray (GCR) background, finding that at energies up to ˜2 GeV the ionization rate of solar protons exceeded the GCR ionization by 1.5 orders of magnitude. We have applied the Long Wave Propagation Capability (LWPC) code to evaluate the enhancement of the electron density from VLF signal perturbation and have inferred corresponding electron densities from the evaluated ionization rates and effective recombination coefficients from literature, to find the two independent sets in good agreement.

DAMPING OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE IN PARTIALLY IONIZED PLASMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COSMIC RAY PROPAGATION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Siyao; Yan, Huirong; Lazarian, A., E-mail: syxu@pku.edu.cn, E-mail: huirong.yan@desy.de, E-mail: lazarian@astro.wisc.edu

2016-08-01

We study the damping processes of both incompressible and compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence in a partially ionized medium. We start from the linear analysis of MHD waves, applying both single-fluid and two-fluid treatments. The damping rates derived from the linear analysis are then used in determining the damping scales of MHD turbulence. The physical connection between the damping scale of MHD turbulence and the cutoff boundary of linear MHD waves is investigated. We find two branches of slow modes propagating in ions and neutrals, respectively, below the damping scale of slow MHD turbulence, and offer a thorough discussion of theirmore » propagation and dissipation behavior. Our analytical results are shown to be applicable in a variety of partially ionized interstellar medium (ISM) phases and the solar chromosphere. The importance of neutral viscosity in damping the Alfvenic turbulence in the interstellar warm neutral medium and the solar chromosphere is demonstrated. As a significant astrophysical utility, we introduce damping effects to the propagation of cosmic rays in partially ionized ISM. The important role of turbulence damping in both transit-time damping and gyroresonance is identified.« less

Correlated multielectron dynamics in mid-infrared laser pulse interactions with neon atoms.

PubMed

Tang, Qingbin; Huang, Cheng; Zhou, Yueming; Lu, Peixiang

2013-09-09

The multielectron dynamics in nonsequential triple ionization (NSTI) of neon atoms driven by mid-infrared (MIR) laser pulses is investigated with the three-dimensional classical ensemble model. In consistent with the experimental result, our numerical result shows that in the MIR regime, the triply charged ion longitudinal momentum spectrum exhibits a pronounced double-hump structure at low laser intensity. Back analysis reveals that as the intensity increases, the responsible triple ionization channels transform from direct (e, 3e) channel to the various mixed channels. This transformation of the NSTI channels leads to the results that the shape of ion momentum spectra becomes narrow and the distinct maxima shift towards low momenta with the increase of the laser intensity. By tracing the triply ionized trajectories, the various ionization channels at different laser intensities are clearly identified and these results provide an insight into the complex dynamics of the correlated three electrons in NSTI.

Single electron dynamics in a Hall thruster electromagnetic field profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marini, Samuel; Pakter, Renato

2017-05-01

In this work, the single electron dynamics in a simplified three dimensional Hall thruster model is studied. Using Hamiltonian formalism and the concept of limiting curves, one is able to determine confinement conditions for the electron in the acceleration channel. It is shown that as a given parameter of the electromagnetic field is changed, the particle trajectory may transit from regular to chaotic without affecting the confinement, which allows one to make a detailed analysis of the role played by the chaos. The ionization volume is also computed, which measures the probability of an electron to ionize background gas atoms. It is found that there is a great correlation between chaos and increased effective ionization volume. This indicates that a complex dynamical behavior may improve the device efficiency by augmenting the ionization capability of each electron, requiring an overall lower electron current.

Virtual detector theory for strong-field atomic ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xu; Tian, Justin; Eberly, J. H.

2018-04-01

A virtual detector (VD) is an imaginary device located at a fixed position in space that extracts information from the wave packet passing through it. By recording the particle momentum and the corresponding probability current at each time, the VDs can accumulate and build the differential momentum distribution of the particle, in a way that resembles real experiments. A mathematical proof is given for the equivalence of the differential momentum distribution obtained by the VD method and by Fourier transforming the wave function. In addition to being a tool for reducing the computational load, VDs have also been found useful in interpreting the ultrafast strong-field ionization process, especially the controversial quantum tunneling process.

PLASMA GENERATOR

DOEpatents

Wilcox, J.M.; Baker, W.R.

1963-09-17

This invention is a magnetohydrodynamic device for generating a highly ionized ion-electron plasma at a region remote from electrodes and structural members, thus avoiding contamination of the plasma. The apparatus utilizes a closed, gas-filled, cylindrical housing in which an axially directed magnetic field is provided. At one end of the housing, a short cylindrical electrode is disposed coaxially around a short axial inner electrode. A radial electrical discharge is caused to occur between the inner and outer electrodes, creating a rotating hydromagnetic ionization wave that propagates aiong the magnetic field lines toward the opposite end of the housing. A shorting switch connected between the electrodes prevents the wave from striking the opposite end of the housing. (AEC)

Measurements of the structure of an ionizing shock wave in a hydrogen-helium mixture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leibowitz, L. P.

1972-01-01

Shock structure during ionization of a hydrogen-helium mixture was studied using hydrogen line and continuum emission measurements. A reaction scheme is proposed which includes hydrogen dissociation and a two-step excitation-ionization mechanism for hydrogen ionization by atom-atom and atom-electron collisions. Agreement was achieved between numerical calculations and measurements of emission intensity as a function of time for shock velocities from 13 to 20 km/sec in a 0.208 H2 - 0.792 He mixture. The electron temperature was found to be significantly different from the heavy particle temperature during much of the ionization process. Similar time histories for H beta and continuum emission indicate upper level populations of hydrogen in equilibrium with the electron concentration during the relaxation process.

Mechanisms of two-color laser-induced field-free molecular orientation.

PubMed

Spanner, Michael; Patchkovskii, Serguei; Frumker, Eugene; Corkum, Paul

2012-09-14

Two mechanisms of two-color (ω+2ω) laser-induced field-free molecular orientation, based on the hyperpolarizability and ionization depletion, are explored and compared. The CO molecule is used as a computational example. While the hyperpolarizability mechanism generates small amounts of orientation at intensities below the ionization threshold, ionization depletion quickly becomes the dominant mechanism as soon as ionizing intensities are reached. Only the ionization mechanism leads to substantial orientation (e.g., on the order of ≳0.1). For intensities typical of laser-induced molecular alignment and orientation experiments, the two mechanisms lead to robust, characteristic timings of the field-free orientation wave-packet revivals relative to the alignment revivals and the revival time. The revival timings can be used to detect the active orientation mechanism experimentally.

Measurements of the structure of an ionizing shock wave in a hydrogen-helium mixture.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leibowitz, L. P.

1973-01-01

Shock structure during ionization of a hydrogen-helium mixture has been followed using hydrogen line and continuum emission measurements. A reaction scheme is proposed which includes hydrogen dissociation and a two-step excitation-ionization mechanism for hydrogen ionization by atom-atom and atom-electron collisions. Agreement has been achieved between numerical calculations and measurements of emission intensity as a function of time for shock velocities from 13 to 20 km/sec in a 0.208 H2-0.792 He mixture. The electron temperature was found to be significantly different from the heavy particle temperature during much of the ionization process. Similar time histories for H beta and continuum emission indicate upper level populations of hydrogen in equilibrium with the electron concentration during the relaxation process.

Stark-assisted population control of coherent CS(2) 4f and 5p Rydberg wave packets studied by femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Knappenberger, Kenneth L; Lerch, Eliza-Beth W; Wen, Patrick; Leone, Stephen R

2007-09-28

A two-color (3+1(')) pump-probe scheme is employed to investigate Rydberg wave packet dynamics in carbon disulfide (CS(2) (*)). The state superpositions are created within the 4f and 5p Rydberg manifolds by three photons of the 400 nm pump pulse, and their temporal evolution is monitored with femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy using an 800 nm ionizing probe pulse. The coherent behavior of the non-stationary superpositions are observed through wavepacket revivals upon ionization to either the upper (12) or lower (32) spin-orbit components of CS(2) (+). The results show clearly that the composition of the wavepacket can be efficiently controlled by the power density of the excitation pulse over a range from 500 GWcm(2) to 10 TWcm(2). The results are consistent with the anticipated ac-Stark shift for 400 nm light and demonstrate an effective method for population control in molecular systems. Moreover, it is shown that Rydberg wavepackets can be formed in CS(2) with excitation power densities up to 10 TWcm(2) without significant fragmentation. The exponential 1e population decay (T(1)) of specific excited Rydberg states are recovered by analysis of the coherent part of the signal. The dissociation lifetimes of these states are typically 1.5 ps. However, a region exhibiting a more rapid decay ( approximately 800 fs) is observed for states residing in the energy range of 74 450-74 550 cm(-1), suggestive of an enhanced surface crossing in this region.

Mesospheric turbulence and related parameters over the low latitude region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakravarty, S.; Datta, J.; Kamala, S.; Gupta, S.

Recently a number of studies have been carried out primarily by using ground based radar techniques to understand the phenomena of wave dynamics and turbulence in the mesosphere. While such studies have covered the middle and high latitude region quite well there is a lack of such data for the low latitude region. Extensive studies using MST radar conducted from middle and high latitude stations have resulted in providing a clear picture of the mesospheric dynamics and related structures (? n) responsible for radar backscattered echoes from mesosphere. The experiments have also enabled determination of various turbulence related parameters such as e , , LB, uz etc. A major discovery in this region is the, occurrence of PMSE layers in the mesopause regions which considerably enhances the SNR of radar return power. Only in recent times MST radar systems have been set up over the low latitude region even though the technique itself was first demonstrated at equatorial station Jicamarca using the available incoherent backscatter radar. Using these facilities broad characteristics of the turbulence structures in the mesosphere have been brought out showing similarities and differences of such results when compared with middle and high latitude stations. In all these observations it has not been possible to characterise the mesospheric turbulence with respect to the energy spectrum and its micro structure. Rocket measurements have been carried out to study the ionization parameters such as electron density irregularities in the mesosphere ( Ne) either independently or? simultaneously with MST radar observations wherever possible. Some consistency has been noticed in the occurrence of ? Ne and simultaneous radar return echo power from the height range of these irregularities. The main aim of this paper is to analyse the existing results on mesospheric dynamics and turbulence with the associated modulation in mesospheric ionization from sounding rockets launched from Thumba (8.5o N, 70.8o E) and SHAR (13o N, 80o E) and MST radar data over the Indian station Gadanki (13.5o N, 79.2o E). The emphasis of the study is to present the high resolution dynamical and ionization structures available from these two techniques and examine them in terms of theories of turbulence. It is observed that the turbulence in the mesosphere has a very complicated 3 D configuration and it manifests as a number of thin layers- superimposed on a larger area of influence.

Modeling of metal thin film growth: Linking angstrom-scale molecular dynamics results to micron-scale film topographies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, U.; Rodgers, S.; Jensen, K. F.

2000-07-01

A general method for modeling ionized physical vapor deposition is presented. As an example, the method is applied to growth of an aluminum film in the presence of an ionized argon flux. Molecular dynamics techniques are used to examine the surface adsorption, reflection, and sputter reactions taking place during ionized physical vapor deposition. We predict their relative probabilities and discuss their dependence on energy and incident angle. Subsequently, we combine the information obtained from molecular dynamics with a line of sight transport model in a two-dimensional feature, incorporating all effects of reemission and resputtering. This provides a complete growth rate model that allows inclusion of energy- and angular-dependent reaction rates. Finally, a level-set approach is used to describe the morphology of the growing film. We thus arrive at a computationally highly efficient and accurate scheme to model the growth of thin films. We demonstrate the capabilities of the model predicting the major differences on Al film topographies between conventional and ionized sputter deposition techniques studying thin film growth under ionized physical vapor deposition conditions with different Ar fluxes.

Resolution-of-identity stochastic time-dependent configuration interaction for dissipative electron dynamics in strong fields.

PubMed

Klinkusch, Stefan; Tremblay, Jean Christophe

2016-05-14

In this contribution, we introduce a method for simulating dissipative, ultrafast many-electron dynamics in intense laser fields. The method is based on the norm-conserving stochastic unraveling of the dissipative Liouville-von Neumann equation in its Lindblad form. The N-electron wave functions sampling the density matrix are represented in the basis of singly excited configuration state functions. The interaction with an external laser field is treated variationally and the response of the electronic density is included to all orders in this basis. The coupling to an external environment is included via relaxation operators inducing transition between the configuration state functions. Single electron ionization is represented by irreversible transition operators from the ionizing states to an auxiliary continuum state. The method finds its efficiency in the representation of the operators in the interaction picture, where the resolution-of-identity is used to reduce the size of the Hamiltonian eigenstate basis. The zeroth-order eigenstates can be obtained either at the configuration interaction singles level or from a time-dependent density functional theory reference calculation. The latter offers an alternative to explicitly time-dependent density functional theory which has the advantage of remaining strictly valid for strong field excitations while improving the description of the correlation as compared to configuration interaction singles. The method is tested on a well-characterized toy system, the excitation of the low-lying charge transfer state in LiCN.

Resolution-of-identity stochastic time-dependent configuration interaction for dissipative electron dynamics in strong fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klinkusch, Stefan; Tremblay, Jean Christophe

In this contribution, we introduce a method for simulating dissipative, ultrafast many-electron dynamics in intense laser fields. The method is based on the norm-conserving stochastic unraveling of the dissipative Liouville-von Neumann equation in its Lindblad form. The N-electron wave functions sampling the density matrix are represented in the basis of singly excited configuration state functions. The interaction with an external laser field is treated variationally and the response of the electronic density is included to all orders in this basis. The coupling to an external environment is included via relaxation operators inducing transition between the configuration state functions. Single electronmore » ionization is represented by irreversible transition operators from the ionizing states to an auxiliary continuum state. The method finds its efficiency in the representation of the operators in the interaction picture, where the resolution-of-identity is used to reduce the size of the Hamiltonian eigenstate basis. The zeroth-order eigenstates can be obtained either at the configuration interaction singles level or from a time-dependent density functional theory reference calculation. The latter offers an alternative to explicitly time-dependent density functional theory which has the advantage of remaining strictly valid for strong field excitations while improving the description of the correlation as compared to configuration interaction singles. The method is tested on a well-characterized toy system, the excitation of the low-lying charge transfer state in LiCN.« less

The Dissipation Range of Interstellar Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spangler, Steven R.; Buffo, J. J.

2013-06-01

Turbulence may play an important role in a number of interstellar processes. One of these is heating of the interstellar gas, as the turbulent energy is dissipated and changed into thermal energy of the gas, or at least other forms of energy. There have been very promising recent results on the mechanism for dissipation of turbulence in the Solar Wind (Howes et al, Phys. Plasm. 18, 102305, 2011). In the Solar Wind, the dissipation arises because small-scale irregularities develop properties of kinetic Alfven waves, and apparently damp like kinetic Alfven waves. A property of kinetic Alfven waves is that they become significantly compressive on size scales of order the ion Larmor radius. Much is known about the plasma properties of ionized components of interstellar medium such as HII regions and the Diffuse Ionized Gas (DIG) phase, including information on the turbulence in these media. The technique of radio wave scintillations can yield properties of HII region and DIG turbulence on scales of order the ion Larmor radius, which we refer to as the dissipation scale. In this paper, we collect results from a number of published radio scattering measurements of interstellar turbulence on the dissipation scale. These studies show evidence for a spectral break on the dissipation scale, but no evidence for enhanced compressibility of the fluctuations. The simplest explanation of our result is that turbulence in the ionized interstellar medium does not possess properties of kinetic Alfven waves. This could point to an important difference with Solar Wind turbulence. New observations, particularly with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) could yield much better measurements of the power spectrum of interstellar turbulence in the dissipation range. This research was supported at the University of Iowa by grants AST09-07911 and ATM09-56901 from the National Science Foundation.

Generation of attosecond electron beams in relativistic ionization by short laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cajiao Vélez, F.; Kamiński, J. Z.; Krajewska, K.

2018-03-01

Ionization by relativistically intense short laser pulses is studied in the framework of strong-field quantum electrodynamics. Distinctive patterns are found in the energy probability distributions of photoelectrons, which are sensitive to the properties of a driving laser field. It is demonstrated that these electrons are generated in the form of solitary attosecond wave packets. This is particularly important in light of various applications of attosecond electron beams such as in ultrafast electron diffraction and crystallography, or in time-resolved electron microscopy of physical, chemical, and biological processes. We also show that, for intense laser pulses, high-energy ionization takes place in narrow regions surrounding the momentum spiral, the exact form of which is determined by the shape of a driving pulse. The self-intersections of the spiral define the momenta for which the interference patterns in the energy distributions of photoelectrons are observed. Furthermore, these interference regions lead to the synthesis of single-electron wave packets characterized by coherent double-hump structures.

HF propagation results from the Metal Oxide Space Cloud (MOSC) experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Dev; Groves, Keith M.; McNeil, William; Carrano, Charles; Caton, Ronald G.; Parris, Richard T.; Pederson, Todd R.; Cannon, Paul S.; Angling, Matthew; Jackson-Booth, Natasha

2017-06-01

With support from the NASA sounding rocket program, the Air Force Research Laboratory launched two sounding rockets in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands in May 2013 known as the Metal Oxide Space Cloud experiment. The rockets released samarium metal vapor at preselected altitudes in the lower F region that ionized forming a plasma cloud. Data from Advanced Research Project Agency Long-range Tracking and Identification Radar incoherent scatter radar and high-frequency (HF) radio links have been analyzed to understand the impacts of the artificial ionization on radio wave propagation. The HF radio wave ray-tracing toolbox PHaRLAP along with ionospheric models constrained by electron density profiles measured with the ALTAIR radar have been used to successfully model the effects of the cloud on HF propagation. Up to three new propagation paths were created by the artificial plasma injections. Observations and modeling confirm that the small amounts of ionized material injected in the lower F region resulted in significant changes to the natural HF propagation environment.

A universal matter-wave interferometer with optical ionization gratings in the time-domain

PubMed Central

Haslinger, Philipp; Dörre, Nadine; Geyer, Philipp; Rodewald, Jonas; Nimmrichter, Stefan; Arndt, Markus

2015-01-01

Matter-wave interferometry with atoms1 and molecules2 has attracted a rapidly growing interest throughout the last two decades both in demonstrations of fundamental quantum phenomena and in quantum-enhanced precision measurements. Such experiments exploit the non-classical superposition of two or more position and momentum states which are coherently split and rejoined to interfere3-11. Here, we present the experimental realization of a universal near-field interferometer built from three short-pulse single-photon ionization gratings12,13. We observe quantum interference of fast molecular clusters, with a composite de Broglie wavelength as small as 275 fm. Optical ionization gratings are largely independent of the specific internal level structure and are therefore universally applicable to different kinds of nanoparticles, ranging from atoms to clusters, molecules and nanospheres. The interferometer is sensitive to fringe shifts as small as a few nanometers and yet robust against velocity-dependent phase shifts, since the gratings exist only for nanoseconds and form an interferometer in the time-domain. PMID:25983851

Experimental and theoretical triple differential cross sections for electron-impact ionization of Ar (3p) for equal energy final state electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amami, Sadek; Ozer, Zehra N.; Dogan, Mevlut; Yavuz, Murat; Varol, Onur; Madison, Don

2016-09-01

There have been several studies of electron-impact ionization of inert gases for asymmetric final state energy sharing and normally one electron has an energy significantly higher than the other. However, there have been relatively few studies examining equal energy final state electrons. Here we report experimental and theoretical triple differential cross sections for electron impact ionization of Ar (3p) for equal energy sharing of the outgoing electrons. Previous experimental results combined with some new measurements are compared with distorted wave born approximation (DWBA) results, DWBA results using the Ward-Macek (WM) approximation for the post collision interaction (PCI), and three-body distorted wave (3DW) which includes PCI without approximation. The results show that it is crucially important to include PCI in the calculation particularly for lower energies and that the WM approximation is valid only for high energies. The 3DW, on the other hand, is in reasonably good agreement with data down to fairly low energies.

Optical potential approach to the electron-atom impact ionization threshold problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Temkin, A.; Hahn, Y.

1973-01-01

The problem of the threshold law for electron-atom impact ionization is reconsidered as an extrapolation of inelastic cross sections through the ionization threshold. The cross sections are evaluated from a distorted wave matrix element, the final state of which describes the scattering from the Nth excited state of the target atom. The actual calculation is carried for the e-H system, and a model is introduced which is shown to preserve the essential properties of the problem while at the same time reducing the dimensionability of the Schrodinger equation. Nevertheless, the scattering equation is still very complex. It is dominated by the optical potential which is expanded in terms of eigen-spectrum of QHQ. It is shown by actual calculation that the lower eigenvalues of this spectrum descend below the relevant inelastic thresholds; it follows rigorously that the optical potential contains repulsive terms. Analytical solutions of the final state wave function are obtained with several approximations of the optical potential.

First-principles investigations on ionization and thermal conductivity of polystyrene for inertial confinement fusion applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, S. X., E-mail: shu@lle.rochester.edu; Goncharov, V. N.; McCrory, R. L.

2016-04-15

Using quantum molecular-dynamics (QMD) methods based on the density functional theory, we have performed first-principles investigations of the ionization and thermal conductivity of polystyrene (CH) over a wide range of plasma conditions (ρ = 0.5 to 100 g/cm{sup 3} and T = 15 625 to 500 000 K). The ionization data from orbital-free molecular-dynamics calculations have been fitted with a “Saha-type” model as a function of the CH plasma density and temperature, which gives an increasing ionization as the CH density increases even at low temperatures (T < 50 eV). The orbital-free molecular dynamics method is only used to gauge the average ionization behavior of CH under the average-atommore » model in conjunction with the pressure-matching mixing rule. The thermal conductivities (κ{sub QMD}) of CH, derived directly from the Kohn–Sham molecular-dynamics calculations, are then analytically fitted with a generalized Coulomb logarithm [(lnΛ){sub QMD}] over a wide range of plasma conditions. When compared with the traditional ionization and thermal conductivity models used in radiation–hydrodynamics codes for inertial confinement fusion simulations, the QMD results show a large difference in the low-temperature regime in which strong coupling and electron degeneracy play an essential role in determining plasma properties. Hydrodynamic simulations of cryogenic deuterium–tritium targets with CH ablators on OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility using the QMD-derived ionization and thermal conductivity of CH have predicted ∼20% variation in target performance in terms of hot-spot pressure and neutron yield (gain) with respect to traditional model simulations.« less

Kinetic theory of weakly ionized dilute gas of hydrogen-like atoms of the first principles of quantum statistics and dispersion laws of eigenwaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slyusarenko, Yurii V.; Sliusarenko, Oleksii Yu.

2017-11-01

We develop a microscopic approach to the construction of the kinetic theory of dilute weakly ionized gas of hydrogen-like atoms. The approach is based on the statements of the second quantization method in the presence of bound states of particles. The basis of the derivation of kinetic equations is the method of reduced description of relaxation processes. Within the framework of the proposed approach, a system of common kinetic equations for the Wigner distribution functions of free oppositely charged fermions of two kinds (electrons and cores) and their bound states—hydrogen-like atoms— is obtained. Kinetic equations are used to study the spectra of elementary excitations in the system when all its components are non-degenerate. It is shown that in such a system, in addition to the typical plasma waves, there are longitudinal waves of matter polarization and the transverse ones with a behavior characteristic of plasmon polaritons. The expressions for the dependence of the frequencies and Landau damping coefficients on the wave vector for all branches of the oscillations discovered are obtained. Numerical evaluation of the elementary perturbation parameters in the system on an example of a weakly ionized dilute gas of the 23Na atoms using the D2-line characteristics of the natrium atom is given. We note the possibility of using the results of the developed theory to describe the properties of a Bose condensate of photons in the diluted weakly ionized gas of hydrogen-like atoms.

Theoretical investigation of dielectric corona pre-ionization TEA nitrogen laser based on transmission line method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrampour, Alireza; Fallah, Robabeh; Ganjovi, Alireza A.; Bahrampour, Abolfazl

2007-07-01

This paper models the dielectric corona pre-ionization, capacitor transfer type of flat-plane transmission line traveling wave transverse excited atmospheric pressure nitrogen laser by a non-linear lumped RLC electric circuit. The flat-plane transmission line and the pre-ionizer dielectric are modeled by a lumped linear RLC and time-dependent non-linear RC circuit, respectively. The main discharge region is considered as a time-dependent non-linear RLC circuit where its resistance value is also depends on the radiated pre-ionization ultra violet (UV) intensity. The UV radiation is radiated by the resistance due to the surface plasma on the pre-ionizer dielectric. The theoretical predictions are in a very good agreement with the experimental observations. The electric circuit equations (including the ionization rate equations), the equations of laser levels population densities and propagation equation of laser intensities, are solved numerically. As a result, the effects of pre-ionizer dielectric parameters on the electrical behavior and output laser intensity are obtained.

Self-consistent discharge growing model of helicon plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isayama, Shogo; Hada, Tohru; Shinohara, Shunjiro; Tanikawa, Takao

2015-11-01

Helicon plasma is a high-density and low-temperature plasma generated by the electromagnetic (Helicon) wave excited in the plasma. It is thought to be useful for various applications including electric thrusters. Physics of helicon plasma production involves such fundamental processes as the wave propagation (dispersion relation), collisional and non-collisional wave damping, plasma heating, ionization/recombination of neutral particles, and modification of the dispersion relation by newly ionized plasma. There remain a number of unsolved physical issues such as, how the Helicon and the TG modes influence the plasma density, electron temperature and their spatial profiles. While the Helicon mode is absorbed in the bulk plasma, the TG mode is mostly absorbed near the edge of the plasma. The local power deposition in the helicon plasma is mostly balanced by collisional loss. This local power balance can give rise to the inhomogeneous electron temperature profile that leads to time evolution of density profile and dispersion relation. In our study, we construct a self-consistent model of the discharge evolution that includes the wave excitation, electron heat transfer, and diffusion of charged particles.

Data Base for CFD Validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deiwert, George S.

1997-01-01

The flow behind the shock wave formed around objects which fly at hypervelocity behaves differently from that of a perfect gas. Molecules become vibrationally excited, dissociated, and ionized. The hot gas may emit or absorb radiation. When the atoms produced by dissociation reach the wall surface, chemical reactions, including recombination, may occur. The thermochemical phenomena of vibration, dissociation, ionization, surface chemical reaction, and radiation are referred to commonly as high-temperature real-gas phenomena. The phenomena cause changes in the dynamic behavior of the flow and the surface pressure and heat transfer distribution around the object. The character of a real gas is described by the internal degrees of freedom and state of constituent molecules; nitrogen and oxygen for air. The internal energy states, rotation, vibration and electronic, of the molecules are excited and, in the limit, the molecular bonds are exceeded and the gas dissociated into atomic and, possibly, ionic constituents. The process of energy transfer causing excitation, dissociation and recombination is a rate process controlled by particle collisions. Binary, two-body, collisions are sufficient to cause internal excitation, dissociation and ionization while three-body collisions are required to recombine the particles into molecular constituents. If the rates of energy transfer are fast with respect to the local fluid dynamic time scale the gas is in, or nearly in, equilibrium. If the energy transfer rates are very slow the gas can be described as frozen. In all other instances, wherein any of the energy exchange rates are comparable to the local fluid time scale, the gas will be thermally or chemically reacting and out of equilibrium. Real gas thermochemical nonequilibrium processes are important in the determination of aerodynamic heating; both convective (including wall catalytic effects) and radiative heating. To illustrate this we consider the hypervelocity flow over a bluff body typical of an atmospheric entry vehicle or an aerospace transfer vehicle (ASTV). The qualitative aspects of a hypersonic flow field over a bluff body are discussed in two parts, forebody and afterbody, with attention to which particular physical effects must be included in an analysis. This will indicate what type of numerical modeling will be adequate in each region of the flow. A bluff forebody flow field is dominated by the presence of the strong bow shock wave and the consequent heating, and chemical reaction of the gas. At high altitude hypersonic flight conditions the thermal excitation and chemical reaction of the gas occur slowly enough that a significant portion of the flow field is in a state of thermochemical nonequilibrium. A second important effect is the presence of the thick boundary layer along the forebody surface. In this region there are large thermal and chemical species gradients due to the interaction of the gas with the wall. Also at high altitudes the shock wave and the boundary layer may become so thick that they merge; in this case the entire shock layer is dominated by viscous effects.

Characteristics of plasma plume in ultrafast laser ablation with a weakly ionized air channel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hou, Huaming; Yang, Bo; Mao, Xianglei

We report the influence of femtosecond (fs) laser weakly ionized air channel on characteristics of plasma induced from fs-laser ablation of solid Zr metal target. A novel method to create high temperature, low electron density plasma with intense elemental emission and weak bremsstrahlung emission was demonstrated. Weakly ionized air channel was generated as a result of a non-linear phenomenon. Two-dimensional time-resolved optical-emission images of plasma plumes were taken for plume dynamics analysis. Dynamic physical properties of filament channels were simulated. In particular, we investigated the influence of weakly ionized air channel on the evolution of solid plasma plume. Plasma plumemore » splitting was observed whilst longer weakly ionized air channel formed above the ablation spot. The domination mechanism for splitting is attributed to the long-lived underdense channel created by fs-laser induced weakly ionization of air. The evolutions of atomic/molecular emission intensity, peak broadening, and plasma temperature were analyzed, and the results show that the part of plasma entering weakly ionized air channel features higher initial temperature, lower electron density and faster decay.« less

Characteristics of plasma plume in ultrafast laser ablation with a weakly ionized air channel

DOE PAGES

Hou, Huaming; Yang, Bo; Mao, Xianglei; ...

2018-05-10

We report the influence of femtosecond (fs) laser weakly ionized air channel on characteristics of plasma induced from fs-laser ablation of solid Zr metal target. A novel method to create high temperature, low electron density plasma with intense elemental emission and weak bremsstrahlung emission was demonstrated. Weakly ionized air channel was generated as a result of a non-linear phenomenon. Two-dimensional time-resolved optical-emission images of plasma plumes were taken for plume dynamics analysis. Dynamic physical properties of filament channels were simulated. In particular, we investigated the influence of weakly ionized air channel on the evolution of solid plasma plume. Plasma plumemore » splitting was observed whilst longer weakly ionized air channel formed above the ablation spot. The domination mechanism for splitting is attributed to the long-lived underdense channel created by fs-laser induced weakly ionization of air. The evolutions of atomic/molecular emission intensity, peak broadening, and plasma temperature were analyzed, and the results show that the part of plasma entering weakly ionized air channel features higher initial temperature, lower electron density and faster decay.« less

Laser-assisted coplanar symmetric (e, 2e) triple differential cross sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalil, D.; Tlidi, M.; Makhoute, A.; Ajana, I.

2017-04-01

The modification due to an external linearly polarized monochromatic laser field on the dynamics of the ionization process of an atomic hydrogen by electron-impact is studied theoretically for a coplanar symmetric geometry. The interaction of the laser field with the unbound electrons is treated in a non-perturbative way. The wave functions of the ingoing and outgoing electrons in the laser field are treated as non-relativistic Volkov waves, while the interaction of the bound electron with the laser field is treated by using first-order perturbation theory, assuming that the electric field strength associated with the external laser field is much less than the atomic unit e/{a}2=5× {10}9 {{V}} {{{cm}}}-1. The influence of the laser parameters on the angular distribution is analyzed and several illustrative examples are discussed. Significant changes are noted both in the shape and magnitude of the triple differential cross sections (TDCS) by the application of the laser field. Numerical results show that the TDCS are strongly dependent on the dressing of the projectile by the laser field at low frequency in (e, 2e) spectroscopy region.

The classical D-type expansion of spherical H II regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Robin J. R.; Bibas, Thomas G.; Haworth, Thomas J.; Mackey, Jonathan

2018-06-01

Recent numerical and analytic work has highlighted some shortcomings in our understanding of the dynamics of H II region expansion, especially at late times, when the H II region approaches pressure equilibrium with the ambient medium. Here we reconsider the idealized case of a constant radiation source in a uniform and spherically symmetric ambient medium, with an isothermal equation of state. A thick-shell solution is developed which captures the stalling of the ionization front and the decay of the leading shock to a weak compression wave as it escapes to large radii. An acoustic approximation is introduced to capture the late-time damped oscillations of the H II region about the stagnation radius. Putting these together, a matched asymptotic equation is derived for the radius of the ionization front which accounts for both the inertia of the expanding shell and the finite temperature of the ambient medium. The solution to this equation is shown to agree very well with the numerical solution at all times, and is superior to all previously published solutions. The matched asymptotic solution can also accurately model the variation of H II region radius for a time-varying radiation source.

Theoretical basal Ca II fluxes for late-type stars: results from magnetic wave models with time-dependent ionization and multi-level radiation treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fawzy, Diaa E.; Stȩpień, K.

2018-03-01

In the current study we present ab initio numerical computations of the generation and propagation of longitudinal waves in magnetic flux tubes embedded in the atmospheres of late-type stars. The interaction between convective turbulence and the magnetic structure is computed and the obtained longitudinal wave energy flux is used in a self-consistent manner to excite the small-scale magnetic flux tubes. In the current study we reduce the number of assumptions made in our previous studies by considering the full magnetic wave energy fluxes and spectra as well as time-dependent ionization (TDI) of hydrogen, employing multi-level Ca II atomic models, and taking into account departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium. Our models employ the recently confirmed value of the mixing-length parameter α=1.8. Regions with strong magnetic fields (magnetic filling factors of up to 50%) are also considered in the current study. The computed Ca II emission fluxes show a strong dependence on the magnetic filling factors, and the effect of time-dependent ionization (TDI) turns out to be very important in the atmospheres of late-type stars heated by acoustic and magnetic waves. The emitted Ca II fluxes with TDI included into the model are decreased by factors that range from 1.4 to 5.5 for G0V and M0V stars, respectively, compared to models that do not consider TDI. The results of our computations are compared with observations. Excellent agreement between the observed and predicted basal flux is obtained. The predicted trend of Ca II emission flux with magnetic filling factor and stellar surface temperature also agrees well with the observations but the calculated maximum fluxes for stars of different spectral types are about two times lower than observations. Though the longitudinal MHD waves considered here are important for chromosphere heating in high activity stars, additional heating mechanism(s) are apparently present.

Energetic electron precipitation and auroral morphology at the substorm recovery phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyama, S. I.; Kero, A.; Rodger, C. J.; Clilverd, M. A.; Yoshizumi, M.; Partamies, N.; Turunen, E. S.; Tero, R.; Verronen, P. T.; Saito, S.

2017-12-01

It is well known that auroral patterns at the substorm recovery phase are characterized by diffuse or patch structures with intensity pulsation. According to satellite measurements and simulation studies, the precipitating electrons associated with these aurorae can reach or exceed energies of a few hundred keV through resonant wave-particle interactions in the magnetosphere. However, because of difficulty of simultaneous measurements, the dependency of energetic electron precipitation (EEP) on auroral morphological changes in the mesoscale has not been investigated to date. In order to study this dependency, we have analyzed data from the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar, the Kilpisjärvi Atmospheric Imaging Receiver Array (KAIRA) riometer, collocated cameras, ground-based magnetometers, the Van Allen Probe satellites, Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES), and the Antarctic-Arctic Radiation-belt (Dynamic) Deposition-VLF Atmospheric Research Konsortium (AARDDVARK). Here we undertake a detailed examination of two case studies. The selected two events suggest that the highest energy of EEP on those days occurred with auroral patch formation from post-midnight to dawn, coinciding with the substorm onset at local midnight. Measurements of the EISCAT radar showed ionization as low as 65 km altitude, corresponding to EEP with energies of about 500 keV. Enhancements of the deep ionospheric ionization induced by the EEP modify the chemical-reaction balance involving atmospheric minor species such as NOx and HOx. These species may cause reduction in the ozone density at the ionization altitude or the lower region where these species are transported by the vertical convection in the dynamics. Since the EEP is a typical phenomenon at the substorm recovery phase, the ozone density depletion may be a frequent signature although our understanding has not yet reached the maturity of the mechanism behind these evidences. This presentation will discuss the processes related to the EEP and its effects on the atmosphere through changes in the minor components.

The CoRoT target HD 49933: a possible seismic signature of heavy elements ionization in the deep convective zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brito, Ana; Lopes, Ilídio

2017-04-01

We use a seismic diagnostic, based on the derivative of the phase shift of the acoustic waves reflected by the surface, to probe the outer layers of the star HD 49933. This diagnostic is particularly sensitive to partial ionization processes occurring above the base of the convective zone. The regions of partial ionization of light elements, hydrogen and helium, have well-known seismological signatures. In this work, we detect a different seismic signature in the acoustic frequencies, which we showed to correspond to the location where the partial ionization of heavy elements occurs. The location of the corresponding acoustic glitch lies between the region of the second ionization of helium and the base of the convective zone, approximately 5 per cent below the surface of the stars.

Millimeter wave detection of nuclear radiation: an alternative detection mechanism.

PubMed

Gopalsami, N; Chien, H T; Heifetz, A; Koehl, E R; Raptis, A C

2009-08-01

We present a nuclear radiation detection mechanism using millimeter waves as an alternative to conventional detection. It is based on the concept that nuclear radiation causes ionization of air and that if we place a dielectric material near the radiation source, it acts as a charge accumulator of the air ions. We have found that millimeter waves can interrogate the charge cloud on the dielectric material remotely. This concept was tested with a standoff millimeter wave system by monitoring the charge levels on a cardboard tube placed in an x-ray beam.

Femtosecond-laser-induced nonadiabatic alignment in photoexcited pyrimidine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shuai; Ling, Fengzi; Wang, Yanmei; Long, Jinyou; Deng, Xulan; Jin, Bing; Zhang, Bing

2017-09-01

The rotational wave-packet dynamics in electronically excited pyrimidine induced by a femtosecond laser pulse at 321.5 nm has been studied by time-resolved mass spectroscopy and photoelectron velocity-map imaging. The rotational revival features at 81.3 ps, which are the direct manifestation of field-free nonadiabatic alignment, are clearly observed in both the time-dependent ion yields and photoelectron angular distributions. In particular, the out-of-phase recurrences in the parent-ion and fragment-ions transients indicate the different directions of the ionization transition-dipole moments for the generation of the parent ion and fragment ions. By tuning the polarization of the probe light parallel or perpendicular to that of the pump light, we demonstrate the potential application of nonadiabatic alignment to manipulate the branching ratio of photoionization products.

Comparative study of ion cyclotron waves at Mars, Venus and Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, H. Y.; Russell, C. T.; Zhang, T. L.; Blanco-Cano, X.

2011-08-01

Ion cyclotron waves are generated in the solar wind when it picks up freshly ionized planetary exospheric ions. These waves grow from the free energy of the highly anisotropic distribution of fresh pickup ions, and are observed in the spacecraft frame with left-handed polarization and a wave frequency near the ion's gyrofrequency. At Mars and Venus and in the Earth's polar cusp, the solar wind directly interacts with the planetary exospheres. Ion cyclotron waves with many similar properties are observed in these diverse plasma environments. The ion cyclotron waves at Mars indicate its hydrogen exosphere to be extensive and asymmetric in the direction of the interplanetary electric field. The production of fast neutrals plays an important role in forming an extended exosphere in the shape and size observed. At Venus, the region of exospheric proton cyclotron wave production may be restricted to the magnetosheath. The waves observed in the solar wind at Venus appear to be largely produced by the solar-wind-Venus interaction, with some waves at higher frequencies formed near the Sun and carried outward by the solar wind to Venus. These waves have some similarity to the expected properties of exospherically produced proton pickup waves but are characterized by magnetic connection to the bow shock or by a lack of correlation with local solar wind properties respectively. Any confusion of solar derived waves with exospherically derived ion pickup waves is not an issue at Mars because the solar-produced waves are generally at much higher frequencies than the local pickup waves and the solar waves should be mostly absorbed when convected to Mars distance as the proton cyclotron frequency in the plasma frame approaches the frequency of the solar-produced waves. In the Earth's polar cusp, the wave properties of ion cyclotron waves are quite variable. Spatial gradients in the magnetic field may cause this variation as the background field changes between the regions in which the fast neutrals are produced and where they are re-ionized and picked up. While these waves were discovered early in the magnetospheric exploration, their generation was not understood until after we had observed similar waves in the exospheres of Mars and Venus.

Non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic waves traversing the head can be used to detect cerebrovascular autoregulation responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oziel, M.; Hjouj, M.; Gonzalez, C. A.; Lavee, J.; Rubinsky, B.

2016-02-01

Monitoring changes in non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic waves as they traverse the brain can detect the effects of stimuli employed in cerebrovascular autoregulation (CVA) tests on the brain, without contact and in real time. CVA is a physiological phenomenon of importance to health, used for diagnosis of a number of diseases of the brain with a vascular component. The technology described here is being developed for use in diagnosis of injuries and diseases of the brain in rural and economically underdeveloped parts of the world. A group of nine subjects participated in this pilot clinical evaluation of the technology. Substantial research remains to be done on correlating the measurements with physiology and anatomy.

Attosecond pulse carrier-envelope phase effects on ionized electron momentum and energy distributions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peng, L.-Y.; Starace, Anthony F.

2007-10-15

We analyze carrier-envelope phase (CEP) effects on electron wave-packet momentum and energy spectra produced by one or two few-cycle attosecond xuv pulses. The few-cycle attosecond pulses are assumed to have arbitrary phases. We predict CEP effects on ionized electron wave-packet momentum distributions produced by attosecond pulses having durations comparable to those obtained by Sansone et al. [Science 314, 443 (2006)]. The onset of significant CEP effects is predicted to occur for attosecond pulse field strengths close to those possible with current experimental capabilities. Our results are based on single-active-electron solutions of the three-dimensional, time-dependent Schroedinger equation including atomic potentials appropriatemore » for the H and He atoms.« less

Correlations and linkages between the sun and the earth's atmosphere: Needed measurements and observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellogg, W. W.

1975-01-01

A study was conducted to identify the sequence of processes that lead from some change in solar input to the earth to a change in tropospheric circulation and weather. Topics discussed include: inputs from the sun, the solar wind, and the magnetosphere; bremsstrahlung, ionizing radiation, cirrus clouds, thunderstorms, wave propagation, and gravity waves.

Gravity waves in the thermosphere observed by the AE satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gross, S. H.; Reber, C. A.; Huang, F. T.

1983-01-01

Atmospheric Explorer (AE) satellite data were used to investigate the spectra characteristics of wave-like structure observed in the neutral and ionized components of the thermosphere. Power spectral analysis derived by the maximum entropy method indicate the existence of a broad spectrum of scale sizes for the fluctuations ranging from tens to thousands of kilometers.

Ultrafast quantum control of ionization dynamics in krypton.

PubMed

Hütten, Konrad; Mittermair, Michael; Stock, Sebastian O; Beerwerth, Randolf; Shirvanyan, Vahe; Riemensberger, Johann; Duensing, Andreas; Heider, Rupert; Wagner, Martin S; Guggenmos, Alexander; Fritzsche, Stephan; Kabachnik, Nikolay M; Kienberger, Reinhard; Bernhardt, Birgitta

2018-02-19

Ultrafast spectroscopy with attosecond resolution has enabled the real time observation of ultrafast electron dynamics in atoms, molecules and solids. These experiments employ attosecond pulses or pulse trains and explore dynamical processes in a pump-probe scheme that is selectively sensitive to electronic state of matter via photoelectron or XUV absorption spectroscopy or that includes changes of the ionic state detected via photo-ion mass spectrometry. Here, we demonstrate how the implementation of combined photo-ion and absorption spectroscopy with attosecond resolution enables tracking the complex multidimensional excitation and decay cascade of an Auger auto-ionization process of a few femtoseconds in highly excited krypton. In tandem with theory, our study reveals the role of intermediate electronic states in the formation of multiply charged ions. Amplitude tuning of a dressing laser field addresses different groups of decay channels and allows exerting temporal and quantitative control over the ionization dynamics in rare gas atoms.

Response of GaAs charge storage devices to transient ionizing radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hetherington, D. L.; Klem, J. F.; Hughes, R. C.; Weaver, H. T.

Charge storage devices in which non-equilibrium depletion regions represent stored charge are sensitive to ionizing radiation. This results since the radiation generates electron-hole pairs that neutralize excess ionized dopant charge. Silicon structures, such as dynamic RAM or CCD cells are particularly sensitive to radiation since carrier diffusion lengths in this material are often much longer than the depletion width, allowing collection of significant quantities of charge from quasi-neutral sections of the device. For GaAs the situation is somewhat different in that minority carrier diffusion lengths are shorter than in silicon, and although mobilities are higher, we expect a reduction of radiation sensitivity as suggested by observations of reduced quantum efficiency in GaAs solar cells. Dynamic memory cells in GaAs have potential increased retention times. In this paper, we report the response of a novel GaAs dynamic memory element to transient ionizing radiation. The charge readout technique is nondestructive over a reasonable applied voltage range and is more sensitive to stored charge than a simple capacitor.

Magnetic Field Effects and Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Highly Collisional Plasmas.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozeman, Steven Paul

The homogeneity and size of radio frequency (RF) and microwave driven plasmas are often limited by insufficient penetration of the electromagnetic radiation. To investigate increasing the skin depth of the radiation, we consider the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a weakly ionized plasma immersed in a steady magnetic field where the dominant collision processes are electron-neutral and ion-neutral collisions. Retaining both the electron and ion dynamics, we have adapted the theory for cold collisionless plasmas to include the effects of these collisions and obtained the dispersion relation at arbitrary frequency omega for plane waves propagating at arbitrary angles with respect to the magnetic field. We discuss in particular the cases of magnetic field enhanced wave penetration for parallel and perpendicular propagation, examining the experimental parameters which lead to electromagnetic wave propagation beyond the collisional skin depth. Our theory predicts that the most favorable scaling of skin depth with magnetic field occurs for waves propagating nearly parallel to B and for omega << Omega_{rm e} where Omega_{rm e} is the electron cyclotron frequency. The scaling is less favorable for propagation perpendicular to B, but the skin depth does increase for this case as well. Still, to achieve optimal wave penetration, we find that one must design the plasma configuration and antenna geometry so that one generates primarily the appropriate angles of propagation. We have measured plasma wave amplitudes and phases using an RF magnetic probe and densities using Stark line broadening. These measurements were performed in inductively coupled plasmas (ICP's) driven with a standard helical coil, a reverse turn (Stix) coil, and a flat spiral coil. Density measurements were also made in a microwave generated plasma. The RF magnetic probe measurements of wave propagation in a conventional ICP with wave propagation approximately perpendicular to B show an increase in skin depth with magnetic field and a damping of the effect of B with pressure. The flat coil geometry which launches waves more nearly parallel to B allows enhanced wave penetration at higher pressures than the standard helical coil.

Effects of spatial transport and ambient wave intensity on the generation of MHD waves by interstellar pickup protons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isenberg, P. A.

1995-01-01

Intense MHD waves generated by the isotropization of interstellar pickup protons were predicted by Lee and Ip (1987) to appear in the solar wind whenever pickup proton fluxes were high enough. However, in reality these waves have proved surprisingly difficult to identify, even in the presence of observed pickup protons. We investigate the wave excitation by isotropization from an initially broad pitch-angle distribution instead of the narrow ring-beam assumed by Lee and Ip. The pitch angle of a newly-ionized proton is given by theta(sub o), the angle between the magnetic field (averaged over a pickup proton gyroradius) and the solar wind flow at the time of ionization. Then, a broadened distribution results from spatial transport of pickup protons prior to isotropization from regions upstream along the field containing different values of theta(sub o). The value of theta(sub o) will vary as a result of the ambient long-wavelength fluctuations in the solar wind. Thus, the range of initial pitch-angles is directly related to the amplitude of these fluctuations within a length-scale determined by the isotropization time. We show that a broad initial pitch-angle distribution can significantly modify the intensity and shape of the pickup-proton-generated wave spectrum, and we derive a criterion for the presence of observable pickup-proton generated waves given the intensity of the ambient long wavelength fluctuations.

Short-Term Perturbations Within the D-Region Detected Above the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silber, I.; Price, C. G.

2015-12-01

The ionospheric D-region lies in the altitude range of ~65-95 km. This part of the atmosphere is highly sensitive to waves propagating upwards from the troposphere, either as pressure perturbations (gravity and acoustic waves) or electromagnetic perturbations from lightning discharges (resulting in EMPs, sprites, elves, etc.). These perturbations can affect the temperature, wind, species concentration, and even ionization in the upper atmosphere. Very low frequencies (VLF) radio signals, generated by man-made communication transmitters, have been recorded using ground-based VLF receivers in Israel. These radio waves propagate over long distances within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, reflected off the Earth's surface and the D-region. The characteristics of the received signals depend on several parameters along the path, but are fairly constant over short periods of time. In this study we present analysis of VLF narrowband data transmitted from Sicily, Italy, spanning one year, and detected in Tel Aviv, Israel. We show observations of the interaction between both pressure and EM perturbations from thunderstorms with the narrowband VLF data aloft. We clearly observe short period (~2-4 minutes) acoustic waves, longer period gravity waves (~5-7 minutes periods), while also many transient events related to heating and ionization of the D-region. Comparisons with WWLLN lightning data show the link between tropospheric thunderstorms and D-region variability.

SPATIAL DAMPING OF PROPAGATING KINK WAVES IN PROMINENCE THREADS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soler, R.; Oliver, R.; Ballester, J. L., E-mail: roberto.soler@wis.kuleuven.be

Transverse oscillations and propagating waves are frequently observed in threads of solar prominences/filaments and have been interpreted as kink magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes. We investigate the spatial damping of propagating kink MHD waves in transversely nonuniform and partially ionized prominence threads. Resonant absorption and ion-neutral collisions (Cowling's diffusion) are the damping mechanisms taken into account. The dispersion relation of resonant kink waves in a partially ionized magnetic flux tube is numerically solved by considering prominence conditions. Analytical expressions of the wavelength and damping length as functions of the kink mode frequency are obtained in the thin tube and thin boundary approximations.more » For typically reported periods of thread oscillations, resonant absorption is an efficient mechanism for the kink mode spatial damping, while ion-neutral collisions have a minor role. Cowling's diffusion dominates both the propagation and damping for periods much shorter than those observed. Resonant absorption may explain the observed spatial damping of kink waves in prominence threads. The transverse inhomogeneity length scale of the threads can be estimated by comparing the observed wavelengths and damping lengths with the theoretically predicted values. However, the ignorance of the form of the density profile in the transversely nonuniform layer introduces inaccuracies in the determination of the inhomogeneity length scale.« less

Active terahertz wave imaging system for detecting hidden objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Yuner; Liu, Ming; Zhao, Yuejin

2016-11-01

Terahertz wave can penetrate the common dielectric materials such as clothing, cardboard boxes, plastics and so on. Besides, the low photon energy and non-ionizing characteristic of the terahertz wave are especially suitable for the safety inspection of the human body. Terahertz imaging technology has a tremendous potential in the field of security inspection such as stations, airports and other public places. Terahertz wave imaging systems are divided into two categories: active terahertz imaging systems and passive terahertz imaging systems. So far, most terahertz imaging systems work at point to point mechanical scan pattern with the method of passive imaging. The imaging results of passive imaging tend to have low contrast and the image is not clear enough. This paper designs and implements an active terahertz wave imaging system combining terahertz wave transmitting and receiving with a Cassegrain antenna. The terahertz wave at the frequency of 94GHz is created by impact ionization avalanche transit time (IMPATT) diode, focused on the feed element for Cassegrain antenna by high density polyethylene (HDPE) lens, and transmitted to the human body by Cassegrain antenna. The reflected terahertz wave goes the same way it was emitted back to the feed element for Cassegrain antenna, focused on the horn antenna of detector by another high density polyethylene lens. The scanning method is the use of two-dimensional planar mirror, one responsible for horizontal scanning, and another responsible for vertical scanning. Our system can achieve a clear human body image, has better sensitivity and resolution than passive imaging system, and costs much lower than other active imaging system in the meantime.

Electron-impact ionization of Ne (2 p ) and Ar (3 p ) at intermediate energies: Role of the postcollision interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaoqing; Gao, Cong-Zhang; Chen, Zhanbin; Wang, Jianguo; Wu, Yong; Wang, Yang

2017-11-01

We present the absolute triple differential cross section (TDCS) for single ionization of Ne (2 p ) at an impact energy of 599.6 eV and Ar (3 p ) at 195 eV. The role of the postcollision interaction (PCI) is studied using a high-order distorted-wave Born approximation model with a continuum distorted-waves expansion. Both the second- and third-order effects are considered in the present calculations, and the third-order distorted wave Born approximation model is reported in the (e ,2 e ) reaction. The calculated results show satisfactory agreement with experimental data. The magnitude of the absolute TDCS is enhanced by a factor 2-3 when the strength factor γ of the PCI amplitude is summarized just from 0 to 2. This proves that the PCI plays an important role in the absolute TDCS of the (e ,2 e ) reaction in the intermediate-energy region.

First-principles investigations on ionization and thermal conductivity of polystyrene for inertial confinement fusion applications

DOE PAGES

Hu, S. X.; Collins, Lee A.; Goncharov, V. N.; ...

2016-04-14

Using quantum molecular-dynamics (QMD) methods based on the density functional theory, we have performed first-principles investigations on the ionization and thermal conductivity of polystyrene (CH) over a wide range of plasma conditions (ρ = 0.5 to 100 g/cm 3 and T = 15,625 to 500,000 K). The ionization data from orbital-free molecular-dynamics calculations have been fitted with a “Saha-type” model as a function of the CH plasma density and temperature, which exhibits the correct behaviors of continuum lowering and pressure ionization. The thermal conductivities (κ QMD) of CH, derived directly from the Kohn–Sham molecular-dynamics calculations, are then analytically fitted withmore » a generalized Coulomb logarithm [(lnΛ) QMD] over a wide range of plasma conditions. When compared with the traditional ionization and thermal conductivity models used in radiation–hydrodynamics codes for inertial confinement fusion simulations, the QMD results show a large difference in the low-temperature regime in which strong coupling and electron degeneracy play an essential role in determining plasma properties. Furthermore, hydrodynamic simulations of cryogenic deuterium–tritium targets with CH ablators on OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility using the QMD-derived ionization and thermal conductivity of CH have predicted –20% variation in target performance in terms of hot-spot pressure and neutron yield (gain) with respect to traditional model simulations.« less

Investigation of capillary nanosecond discharges in air at moderate pressure: comparison of experiments and 2D numerical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klochko, Andrei V.; Starikovskaia, Svetlana M.; Xiong, Zhongmin; Kushner, Mark J.

2014-09-01

Nanosecond electrical discharges in the form of ionization waves are of interest for rapidly ionizing and exciting complex gas mixtures to initiate chemical reactions. Operating with a small discharge tube diameter can significantly increase the specific energy deposition and so enable optimization of the initiation process. Analysis of the uniformity of energy release in small diameter capillary tubes will aid in this optimization. In this paper, results for the experimentally derived characteristics of nanosecond capillary discharges in air at moderate pressure are presented and compared with results from a two-dimensional model. The quartz capillary tube, having inner and outer diameters of 1.5 and 3.4 mm, is about 80 mm long and filled with synthetic dry air at 27 mbar. The capillary tube with two electrodes at the ends is inserted into a break of the central wire of a long coaxial cable. A metal screen around the tube is connected to the cable ground shield. The discharge is driven by a 19 kV 35 ns voltage pulse applied to the powered electrode. The experimental measurements are conducted primarily by using a calibrated capacitive probe and back current shunts. The numerical modelling focuses on the fast ionization wave (FIW) and the plasma properties in the immediate afterglow after the conductive plasma channel has been established between the two electrodes. The FIW produces a highly focused region of electric field on the tube axis that sustains the ionization wave that eventually bridges the electrode gap. Results from the model predict FIW propagation speed and current rise time that agree with the experiment.

Design of a secondary ionization target for direct production of a C- beam from CO2 pulses for online AMS.

PubMed

Salazar, Gary; Ognibene, Ted

2013-01-01

We designed and optimized a novel device "target" that directs a CO 2 gas pulse onto a Ti surface where a Cs + beam generates C - from the CO 2 . This secondary ionization target enables an accelerator mass spectrometer to ionize pulses of CO 2 in the negative mode to measure 14 C/ 12 C isotopic ratios in real time. The design of the targets were based on computational flow dynamics, ionization mechanism and empirical optimization. As part of the ionization mechanism, the adsorption of CO 2 on the Ti surface was fitted with the Jovanovic-Freundlich isotherm model using empirical and simulation data. The inferred adsorption constants were in good agreement with other works. The empirical optimization showed that amount of injected carbon and the flow speed of the helium carrier gas improve the ionization efficiency and the amount of 12 C - produced until reaching a saturation point. Linear dynamic range between 150 and 1000 ng of C and optimum carrier gas flow speed of around 0.1 mL/min were shown. It was also shown that the ionization depends on the area of the Ti surface and Cs + beam cross-section. A range of ionization efficiency of 1-2.5% was obtained by optimizing the described parameters.

Resonant two-photon ionization and mass-analyzed threshold ionization spectroscopy of p-vinylaniline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tzeng, Sheng Yuan; Dong, Changwu; Tzeng, Wen Bih

2012-10-01

We report the vibronic and cation spectra of p-vinylaniline, which are recorded by using the resonant two-photon ionization and the mass-analyzed threshold ionization spectroscopic techniques. The band origin of the S1 ← S0 electronic transition appears at 31,490 ± 2 cm-1 and the adiabatic ionization energy is determined to be 59,203 ± 5 cm-1. Due to the nature of the substituent, the amino and vinyl groups lead to lower electronic excitation and ionization energies by a few thousand wave numbers. Most of the observed active modes result from the in-plane ring deformation and substituent-sensitive vibrations of this molecule in the electronically excited S1 and cationic ground D0 states. By comparing the frequencies of the observed active vibrations, one may conclude that the molecular geometry and the vibrational coordinates of these modes of the p-vinylaniline cation in the D0 state resemble those of the neutral species in the S1 state.

Electronic and ionization spectra of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, FOX-7.

PubMed

Borges, Itamar

2014-03-01

Singlet, triplet and ionized states of the energetic molecule 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, known as FOX-7 or DADNE, were investigated using the symmetry-adapted-cluster configuration interaction (SAC-CI) ab initio wave function. The 20 computed singlet transitions, with 2 exceptions, were bright. The most intense singlet transitions were of the n₀→π type-typical of molecules having nitro groups. Fast intersystem crossing (ISC) from the 1¹A, 2¹A and 8¹A bright singlet transitions is possible. Other feasible ISC processes are discussed. The computed singlet and ionization spectra have similar features when compared to nitramide and N,N-dimethylnitramine molecules, which have only a nitro group. The ionization energies of the first 20 states have differences in comparison with Koopmans' energy values that can reach 3 eV. Moreover, the character of the first ionized states, dominated by single ionizations, is not the same when compared with the character resulting from application of Koopmans' theorem.

Freezing optical rogue waves by Zeno dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayındır, Cihan; Ozaydin, Fatih

2018-04-01

We investigate the Zeno dynamics of the optical rogue waves. Considering their usage in modeling rogue wave dynamics, we analyze the Zeno dynamics of the Akhmediev breathers, Peregrine and Akhmediev-Peregrine soliton solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We show that frequent measurements of the wave inhibits its movement in the observation domain for each of these solutions. We analyze the spectra of the rogue waves under Zeno dynamics. We also analyze the effect of observation frequency on the rogue wave profile and on the probability of lingering of the wave in the observation domain. Our results can find potential applications in optics including nonlinear phenomena.

Quantum Computational Calculations of the Ionization Energies of Acidic and Basic Amino Acids: Aspartate, Glutamate, Arginine, Lysine, and Histidine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Guzman, C. P.; Andrianarijaona, M.; Lee, Y. S.; Andrianarijaona, V.

An extensive knowledge of the ionization energies of amino acids can provide vital information on protein sequencing, structure, and function. Acidic and basic amino acids are unique because they have three ionizable groups: the C-terminus, the N-terminus, and the side chain. The effects of multiple ionizable groups can be seen in how Aspartate's ionizable side chain heavily influences its preferred conformation (J Phys Chem A. 2011 April 7; 115(13): 2900-2912). Theoretical and experimental data on the ionization energies of many of these molecules is sparse. Considering each atom of the amino acid as a potential departing site for the electron gives insight on how the three ionizable groups affect the ionization process of the molecule and the dynamic coupling between the vibrational modes. In the following study, we optimized the structure of each acidic and basic amino acid then exported the three dimensional coordinates of the amino acids. We used ORCA to calculate single point energies for a region near the optimized coordinates and systematically went through the x, y, and z coordinates of each atom in the neutral and ionized forms of the amino acid. With the calculations, we were able to graph energy potential curves to better understand the quantum dynamic properties of the amino acids. The authors thank Pacific Union College Student Association for providing funds.

Selectivity of Electronic Coherence and Attosecond Ionization Delays in Strong-Field Double Ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yuki; Reduzzi, Maurizio; Chang, Kristina F.; Timmers, Henry; Neumark, Daniel M.; Leone, Stephen R.

2018-06-01

Experiments are presented on real-time probing of coherent electron dynamics in xenon initiated by strong-field double ionization. Attosecond transient absorption measurements allow for characterization of electronic coherences as well as relative ionization timings in multiple electronic states of Xe+ and Xe2 + . A high degree of coherence g =0.4 is observed between P3 2 0-P3 0 0 of Xe2 + , whereas for other possible pairs of states the coherences are below the detection limits of the experiments. A comparison of the experimental results with numerical simulations based on an uncorrelated electron-emission model shows that the coherences produced by strong-field double ionization are more selective than predicted. Surprisingly short ionization time delays, 0.85 fs, 0.64 fs, and 0.75 fs relative to Xe+ formation, are also measured for the P2 3 , P0 3 , and P1 3 states of Xe2 + , respectively. Both the unpredicted selectivity in the formation of coherence and the subfemtosecond time delays of specific states provide new insight into correlated electron dynamics in strong-field double ionization.

Compression and ablation of the photo-irradiated molecular cloud the Orion Bar.

PubMed

Goicoechea, Javier R; Pety, Jérôme; Cuadrado, Sara; Cernicharo, José; Chapillon, Edwige; Fuente, Asunción; Gerin, Maryvonne; Joblin, Christine; Marcelino, Nuria; Pilleri, Paolo

2016-09-08

The Orion Bar is the archetypal edge-on molecular cloud surface illuminated by strong ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars. Our relative closeness to the Orion nebula (about 1,350 light years away from Earth) means that we can study the effects of stellar feedback on the parental cloud in detail. Visible-light observations of the Orion Bar show that the transition between the hot ionized gas and the warm neutral atomic gas (the ionization front) is spatially well separated from the transition between atomic and molecular gas (the dissociation front), by about 15 arcseconds or 6,200 astronomical units (one astronomical unit is the Earth-Sun distance). Static equilibrium models used to interpret previous far-infrared and radio observations of the neutral gas in the Orion Bar (typically at 10-20 arcsecond resolution) predict an inhomogeneous cloud structure comprised of dense clumps embedded in a lower-density extended gas component. Here we report one-arcsecond-resolution millimetre-wave images that allow us to resolve the molecular cloud surface. In contrast to stationary model predictions, there is no appreciable offset between the peak of the H 2 vibrational emission (delineating the H/H 2 transition) and the edge of the observed CO and HCO + emission. This implies that the H/H 2 and C + /C/CO transition zones are very close. We find a fragmented ridge of high-density substructures, photoablative gas flows and instabilities at the molecular cloud surface. The results suggest that the cloud edge has been compressed by a high-pressure wave that is moving into the molecular cloud, demonstrating that dynamical and non-equilibrium effects are important for the cloud evolution.

Compression and ablation of the photo-irradiated molecular cloud the Orion Bar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goicoechea, Javier R.; Pety, Jérôme; Cuadrado, Sara; Cernicharo, José; Chapillon, Edwige; Fuente, Asunción; Gerin, Maryvonne; Joblin, Christine; Marcelino, Nuria; Pilleri, Paolo

2016-09-01

The Orion Bar is the archetypal edge-on molecular cloud surface illuminated by strong ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars. Our relative closeness to the Orion nebula (about 1,350 light years away from Earth) means that we can study the effects of stellar feedback on the parental cloud in detail. Visible-light observations of the Orion Bar show that the transition between the hot ionized gas and the warm neutral atomic gas (the ionization front) is spatially well separated from the transition between atomic and molecular gas (the dissociation front), by about 15 arcseconds or 6,200 astronomical units (one astronomical unit is the Earth-Sun distance). Static equilibrium models used to interpret previous far-infrared and radio observations of the neutral gas in the Orion Bar (typically at 10-20 arcsecond resolution) predict an inhomogeneous cloud structure comprised of dense clumps embedded in a lower-density extended gas component. Here we report one-arcsecond-resolution millimetre-wave images that allow us to resolve the molecular cloud surface. In contrast to stationary model predictions, there is no appreciable offset between the peak of the H2 vibrational emission (delineating the H/H2 transition) and the edge of the observed CO and HCO+ emission. This implies that the H/H2 and C+/C/CO transition zones are very close. We find a fragmented ridge of high-density substructures, photoablative gas flows and instabilities at the molecular cloud surface. The results suggest that the cloud edge has been compressed by a high-pressure wave that is moving into the molecular cloud, demonstrating that dynamical and non-equilibrium effects are important for the cloud evolution.

Wave propagation in a quasi-chemical equilibrium plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, T.-M.; Baum, H. R.

1975-01-01

Wave propagation in a quasi-chemical equilibrium plasma is studied. The plasma is infinite and without external fields. The chemical reactions are assumed to result from the ionization and recombination processes. When the gas is near equilibrium, the dominant role describing the evolution of a reacting plasma is played by the global conservation equations. These equations are first derived and then used to study the small amplitude wave motion for a near-equilibrium situation. Nontrivial damping effects have been obtained by including the conduction current terms.

Cylindrical stationary striations in surface wave produced plasma columns of argon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Rajneesh; Kulkarni, Sanjay V.; Bora, Dhiraj

2007-12-01

Striations are a good example of manifestation of a glow discharge. In the present investigation, stationary striations in the surface wave produced plasma column are formed. Physical parameters (length, number, etc.) of such striations can be controlled by operating parameters. With the help of bifurcation theory, experimental results are explained by considering two-step ionization in the surface wave discharge mechanism in argon gas. It is also observed that the bifurcation parameter is a function of input power, working pressure, and tube radius.

Exciton multiplication from first principles.

PubMed

Jaeger, Heather M; Hyeon-Deuk, Kim; Prezhdo, Oleg V

2013-06-18

Third-generation photovolatics require demanding cost and power conversion efficiency standards, which may be achieved through efficient exciton multiplication. Therefore, generating more than one electron-hole pair from the absorption of a single photon has vast ramifications on solar power conversion technology. Unlike their bulk counterparts, irradiated semiconductor quantum dots exhibit efficient exciton multiplication, due to confinement-enhanced Coulomb interactions and slower nonradiative losses. The exact characterization of the complicated photoexcited processes within quantum-dot photovoltaics is a work in progress. In this Account, we focus on the photophysics of nanocrystals and investigate three constituent processes of exciton multiplication, including photoexcitation, phonon-induced dephasing, and impact ionization. We quantify the role of each process in exciton multiplication through ab initio computation and analysis of many-electron wave functions. The probability of observing a multiple exciton in a photoexcited state is proportional to the magnitude of electron correlation, where correlated electrons can be simultaneously promoted across the band gap. Energies of multiple excitons are determined directly from the excited state wave functions, defining the threshold for multiple exciton generation. This threshold is strongly perturbed in the presence of surface defects, dopants, and ionization. Within a few femtoseconds following photoexcitation, the quantum state loses coherence through interactions with the vibrating atomic lattice. The phase relationship between single excitons and multiple excitons dissipates first, followed by multiple exciton fission. Single excitons are coupled to multiple excitons through Coulomb and electron-phonon interactions, and as a consequence, single excitons convert to multiple excitons and vice versa. Here, exciton multiplication depends on the initial energy and coupling magnitude and competes with electron-phonon energy relaxation. Multiple excitons are generated through impact ionization within picoseconds. The basis of exciton multiplication in quantum dots is the collective result of photoexcitation, dephasing, and nonadiabatic evolution. Each process is characterized by a distinct time-scale, and the overall multiple exciton generation dynamics is complete by about 10 ps. Without relying on semiempirical parameters, we computed quantum mechanical probabilities of multiple excitons for small model systems. Because exciton correlations and coherences are microscopic, quantum properties, results for small model systems can be extrapolated to larger, realistic quantum dots.

A Waved Journal Bearing Concept-Evaluating Steady-State and Dynamic Performance with a Potential Active Control Alternative

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dimofte, Florin

1993-01-01

Analysis of the waved journal bearing concept featuring a waved inner bearing diameter for use with a compressible lubricant (gas) is presented. The performance of generic waved bearings having either three or four waves is predicted for air lubricated bearings. Steady-state performance is discussed in terms of bearing load capacity, while the dynamic performance is discussed in terms of fluid film stability and dynamic coefficients. It was found that the bearing wave amplitude has an important influence on both the steady-state and the dynamic performance of the waved journal bearing. For a fixed eccentricity ratio, the bearing steady-state load capacity and direct dynamic stiffness coefficient increase as the wave amplitude increases.

Electron-helium S-wave model benchmark calculations. I. Single ionization and single excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartlett, Philip L.; Stelbovics, Andris T.

2010-02-01

A full four-body implementation of the propagating exterior complex scaling (PECS) method [J. Phys. B 37, L69 (2004)] is developed and applied to the electron-impact of helium in an S-wave model. Time-independent solutions to the Schrödinger equation are found numerically in coordinate space over a wide range of energies and used to evaluate total and differential cross sections for a complete set of three- and four-body processes with benchmark precision. With this model we demonstrate the suitability of the PECS method for the complete solution of the full electron-helium system. Here we detail the theoretical and computational development of the four-body PECS method and present results for three-body channels: single excitation and single ionization. Four-body cross sections are presented in the sequel to this article [Phys. Rev. A 81, 022716 (2010)]. The calculations reveal structure in the total and energy-differential single-ionization cross sections for excited-state targets that is due to interference from autoionization channels and is evident over a wide range of incident electron energies.

Modeling of the Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio wave signal profile due to solar flares using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation coupled with ionospheric chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palit, S.; Basak, T.; Mondal, S. K.; Pal, S.; Chakrabarti, S. K.

2013-03-01

X-ray photons emitted during solar flares cause ionization in the lower ionosphere (~ 60 to 100 km) in excess of what is expected from a quiet sun. Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio wave signals reflected from the D region are affected by this excess ionization. In this paper, we reproduce the deviation in VLF signal strength during solar flares by numerical modeling. We use GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation code to compute the rate of ionization due to a M-class and a X-class flare. The output of the simulation is then used in a simplified ionospheric chemistry model to calculate the time variation of electron density at different altitudes in the lower ionosphere. The resulting electron density variation profile is then self-consistently used in the LWPC code to obtain the time variation of the VLF signal change. We did the modeling of the VLF signal along the NWC (Australia) to IERC/ICSP (India) propagation path and compared the results with observations. The agreement is found to be very satisfactory.

Observation of frequency cutoff for self-excited dust acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nosenko, V.; Zhdanov, S. K.; Morfill, G. E.; Kim, S.-H.; Heinrich, J.; Merlino, R. L.

2009-11-01

Complex (dusty) plasmas consist of fine solid particles suspended in a weakly ionized gas. Complex plasmas are excellent model systems to study wave phenomena down to the level of individual ``atoms''. Spontaneously excited dust acoustic waves were observed with high temporal resolution in a suspension of micron-size kaolin particles in a dc discharge in argon. Wave activity was found at frequencies as high as 400 Hz. At high wave numbers, the wave dispersion relation was acoustic-like (frequency proportional to wave number). At low wave numbers, the wave frequency did not tend to zero, but reached a cutoff frequency fc instead. The value of fc declined with distance from the anode. We propose a simple model that explains the observed cutoff by particle confinement in plasma. The existence of a cutoff frequency is very important for the propagation of waves: the waves excited above fc are propagating, and those below fc are evanescent.

Strong-field ionization with twisted laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paufler, Willi; Böning, Birger; Fritzsche, Stephan

2018-04-01

We apply quantum trajectory Monte Carlo computations in order to model strong-field ionization of atoms by twisted Bessel pulses and calculate photoelectron momentum distributions (PEMD). Since Bessel beams can be considered as an infinite superposition of circularly polarized plane waves with the same helicity, whose wave vectors lie on a cone, we compared the PEMD of such Bessel pulses to those of a circularly polarized pulse. We focus on the momentum distributions in propagation direction of the pulse and show how these momentum distributions are affected by experimental accessible parameters, such as the opening angle of the beam or the impact parameter of the atom with regard to the beam axis. In particular, we show that we can find higher momenta of the photoelectrons, if the opening angle is increased.

Differential cross sections for the electron impact ionization of Ar (3 p) atoms for equal energy final state electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, Ghanshyam; Singh, Prithvi

2017-06-01

The electron-impact ionization of inert gases for asymmetric final state energy sharing conditions has been studied in detail. However, there have been relatively few studies examining equal energy final state electrons. We report in this communication the results of triple differential cross sections (TDCSs) for electron impact ionization of Ar (3 p) for equal energy sharing of the outgoing electrons. We calculate TDCS in the modified distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) formalism including post collision interaction (PCI) and polarization potential. We compare the results of our calculation with available measurements [Phys. Rev. A 87, 022712 (2013)]. We study the effect of PCI, target polarization on the trends of TDCS for the single ionization of Ar (3 p) targets.

Numerical quasi-linear study of the critical ionization velocity phenomenon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moghaddam-Taaheri, E.; Goertz, C. K.

1993-01-01

The critical ionization velocity (CIV) for a neutral barium (Ba) gas cloud moving across the static magnetic field is studied numerically using quasi-linear equations and a parameter range which is typical for the shaped-charge Ba gas release experiments in space. For consistency the charge exchange between the background oxygen ions and neutral atoms and its reverse process, as well as the excitation of the neutral Ba atoms, are included. The numerical results indicate that when the ionization rate due to CIV becomes comparable to the charge exchange rate the energy lost to the ionization and excitation collisions by the superthermal electrons exceeds the energy gain from the waves that are excited by the ion beam. This results in a CIV yield less than the yield by the charge exchange process.

ONR Ocean Wave Dynamics Workshop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In anticipation of the start (in Fiscal Year 1988) of a new Office of Naval Research (ONR) Accelerated Research Initiative (ARI) on Ocean Surface Wave Dynamics, a workshop was held August 5-7, 1986, at Woods Hole, Mass., to discuss new ideas and directions of research. This new ARI on Ocean Surface Wave Dynamics is a 5-year effort that is organized by the ONR Physical Oceanography Program in cooperation with the ONR Fluid Mechanics Program and the Physical Oceanography Branch at the Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity (NORDA). The central theme is improvement of our understanding of the basic physics and dynamics of surface wave phenomena, with emphasis on the following areas: precise air-sea coupling mechanisms,dynamics of nonlinear wave-wave interaction under realistic environmental conditions,wave breaking and dissipation of energy,interaction between surface waves and upper ocean boundary layer dynamics, andsurface statistical and boundary layer coherent structures.

Triple differential study of ionization of H2 by proton impact for varying electron ejection geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan, A.; Sharma, S.; Arthanayaka, T. P.; Lamichhane, B. R.; Remolina, J.; Akula, S.; Madison, D. H.; Schulz, M.

2014-11-01

We have performed a kinematically complete experiment on ionization of H2 by 75 keV proton impact. The triple differential cross sections (TDCS) extracted from the measurement were compared to a molecular 3-body distorted wave (M3DW) calculation for three different electron ejection geometries. Overall, the agreement between experiment and theory is better than in the case of a helium target for the same projectile. Nevertheless, significant quantitative discrepancies remain, which probably result from the capture channel, which may be strongly coupled to the ionization channel. Therefore, improved agreement could be expected from a non-perturbative coupled-channel approach.

Dynamics of bulk electron heating and ionization in solid density plasmas driven by ultra-short relativistic laser pulses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, L. G., E-mail: lingen.huang@hzdr.de; Kluge, T.; Cowan, T. E.

The dynamics of bulk heating and ionization is investigated both in simulations and theory, which determines the crucial plasma parameters such as plasma temperature and density in ultra-short relativistic laser-solid target interactions. During laser-plasma interactions, the solid density plasma absorbs a fraction of laser energy and converts it into kinetic energy of electrons. A portion of the electrons with relativistic kinetic energy goes through the solid density plasma and transfers energy into the bulk electrons, which results in bulk electron heating. The bulk electron heating is finally translated into the processes of bulk collisional ionization inside the solid target. Amore » simple model based on the Ohmic heating mechanism indicates that the local and temporal profile of bulk return current is essential to determine the temporal evolution of bulk electron temperature. A series of particle-in-cell simulations showing the local heating model is robust in the cases of target with a preplasma and without a preplasma. Predicting the bulk electron heating is then benefit for understanding the collisional ionization dynamics inside the solid targets. The connection of the heating and ionization inside the solid target is further studied using Thomas-Fermi model.« less

Ratios of double to single ionization of He and Ne by strong 400-nm laser pulses using the quantitative rescattering theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhangjin; Li, Xiaojin; Zatsarinny, Oleg; Bartschat, Klaus; Lin, C. D.

2018-01-01

We present numerical simulations of the ratio between double and single ionization of He and Ne by intense laser pulses at wavelengths of 390 and 400 nm, respectively. The yields of doubly charged ions due to nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) are obtained by employing the quantitative rescattering (QRS) model. In this model, the NSDI ionization probability is expressed as a product of the returning electron wave packet (RWP) and the total scattering cross sections for laser-free electron impact excitation and electron impact ionization of the parent ion. According to the QRS theory, the same RWP is also responsible for the emission of high-energy above-threshold ionization photoelectrons. To obtain absolute double-ionization yields, the RWP is generated by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) within a one-electron model. The same TDSE results can also be taken to obtain single-ionization yields. By using the TDSE results to calibrate single ionization and the RWP obtained from the strong-field approximation, we further simplify the calculation such that the nonuniform laser intensity distribution in the focused laser beam can be accounted for. In addition, laser-free electron impact excitation and ionization cross sections are calculated using the state-of-the-art many-electron R -matrix theory. The simulation results for double-to-single-ionization ratios are found to compare well with experimental data and support the validity of the nonsequential double-ionization mechanism for the covered intensity region.

A Dynamic/Anisotropic Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Ionizing Radiation Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badavi, Francis F.; West, Katie J.; Nealy, John E.; Wilson, John W.; Abrahms, Briana L.; Luetke, Nathan J.

2006-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) provides the proving ground for future long duration human activities in space. Ionizing radiation measurements in ISS form the ideal tool for the experimental validation of ionizing radiation environmental models, nuclear transport code algorithms, and nuclear reaction cross sections. Indeed, prior measurements on the Space Transportation System (STS; Shuttle) have provided vital information impacting both the environmental models and the nuclear transport code development by requiring dynamic models of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment. Previous studies using Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of the evolving ISS configurations with Thermo Luminescent Detector (TLD) area monitors, demonstrated that computational dosimetry requires environmental models with accurate non-isotropic as well as dynamic behavior, detailed information on rack loading, and an accurate 6 degree of freedom (DOF) description of ISS trajectory and orientation.

Dynamics of light-field control of molecular dissociation at the few-cycle limit.

PubMed

Tong, X M; Lin, C D

2007-03-23

We studied the laser-molecule interaction dynamics that leads to the asymmetric D+ ion ejection in the dissociative ionization of D2 molecules observed recently in Kling et al. [Science 312, 246 (2006)10.1126/science.1126259]. By changing the carrier-envelope phase, we showed that the asymmetry is a consequence of manipulating the initial ionization and the rescattering of the electrons within one optical cycle of the laser. The result illustrates the feasibility of coherent control of reaction dynamics at the attosecond time scale.

Ionization dynamics of the water trimer: A direct ab initio MD study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachikawa, Hiroto; Takada, Tomoya

2013-03-01

Ionization dynamics of the cyclic water trimer (H2O)3 have been investigated by means of direct ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) method. Two reaction channels, complex formation and OH dissociation, were found following the ionization of (H2O)3. In both channels, first, a proton was rapidly transferred from H2O+ to H2O (time scale is ˜15 fs after the ionization). In complex channel, an ion-radical contact pair (H3O+-OH) solvated by the third water molecule was formed as a long-lived H3O+(OH)H2O complex. In OH dissociation channel, the second proton transfer further takes place from H3O+(OH) to H2O (time scale is 50-100 fs) and the OH radical is separated from the H3O+. At the same time, the OH dissociation takes place when the excess energy is efficiently transferred into the kinetic energy of OH radical. The OH dissociation channel is significantly minor, and almost all product channels were the complex formation. The reaction mechanism was discussed on the basis of theoretical results.

Particle in cell simulation on plasma grating contrast enhancement induced by infrared laser pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, M.; Yuan, T.; Xu, Y. X.; Wang, J. X.; Luo, S. N.

2018-05-01

The dynamics of plasma grating contrast enhancement (PGCE) irradiated by an infrared laser pulse is investigated with one dimensional particle-in-cell simulation where field ionization and impact ionization are simultaneously considered for the first time. The numeric results show that the impact ionization dominates the PGCE process. Upon the interaction with the laser pulse, abundant free electrons are efficiently accelerated and subsequently triggered massive impact ionizations in the density ridges of the plasma grating for the higher local plasma energy density, which efficiently enhances the grating contrast. Besides the dynamic analysis of PGCE, we explore the parameter space of the incident infrared laser pulse to optimize the PGCE effect, which can provide useful guidance to experiments related to laser-plasma-grating interactions and may find applications in prolonging the duration of the plasma grating.

Three-Dimensional Electromagnetic Monte Carlo Particle-in-Cell Simulations of Critical Ionization Velocity Experiments in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, J.; Biasca, R.; Liewer, P. C.

1996-01-01

Although the existence of the critical ionization velocity (CIV) is known from laboratory experiments, no agreement has been reached as to whether CIV exists in the natural space environment. In this paper we move towards more realistic models of CIV and present the first fully three-dimensional, electromagnetic particle-in-cell Monte-Carlo collision (PIC-MCC) simulations of typical space-based CIV experiments. In our model, the released neutral gas is taken to be a spherical cloud traveling across a magnetized ambient plasma. Simulations are performed for neutral clouds with various sizes and densities. The effects of the cloud parameters on ionization yield, wave energy growth, electron heating, momentum coupling, and the three-dimensional structure of the newly ionized plasma are discussed. The simulations suggest that the quantitative characteristics of momentum transfers among the ion beam, neutral cloud, and plasma waves is the key indicator of whether CIV can occur in space. The missing factors in space-based CIV experiments may be the conditions necessary for a continuous enhancement of the beam ion momentum. For a typical shaped charge release experiment, favorable CIV conditions may exist only in a very narrow, intermediate spatial region some distance from the release point due to the effects of the cloud density and size. When CIV does occur, the newly ionized plasma from the cloud forms a very complex structure due to the combined forces from the geomagnetic field, the motion induced emf, and the polarization. Hence the detection of CIV also critically depends on the sensor location.

Weak-field few-femtosecond VUV photodissociation dynamics of water isotopologues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, Arne; Bazzi, Sophia; Rompotis, Dimitrios; Schepp, Oliver; Azima, Armin; Wieland, Marek; Popova-Gorelova, Daria; Vendrell, Oriol; Santra, Robin; Drescher, Markus

2017-07-01

We present a joint experimental and theoretical study of the VUV-induced dynamics of H2O and its deuterated isotopologues in the first excited state (A ˜1B1 ) utilizing a VUV-pump VUV-probe scheme combined with a b initio classical trajectory calculations. 16-fs VUV pulses centered at 161 nm created by fifth-order harmonic generation are employed for single-shot pump-probe measurements. Combined with a precise determination of the VUV pulses' temporal profile, they provide the necessary temporal resolution to elucidate sub-10-fs dissociation dynamics in the 1+1 photon ionization time window. Ionization with a single VUV photon complements established strong-field ionization schemes by disclosing the molecular dynamics under perturbative conditions. Kinetic isotope effects derived from the pump-probe experiment are found to be in agreement with our by ab initio classical trajectory calculations, taking into account photoionization cross sections for the ground and first excited state of the water cation.

Subfemtosecond quantum nuclear dynamics in water isotopomers.

PubMed

Rao, B Jayachander; Varandas, A J C

2015-05-21

Subfemtosecond quantum dynamics studies of all water isotopomers in the X̃ (2)B1 and à (2)A1 electronic states of the cation formed by Franck-Condon ionization of the neutral ground electronic state are reported. Using the ratio of the autocorrelation functions for the isotopomers as obtained from the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in a grid representation, high-order harmonic generation signals are calculated as a function of time. The results are found to be in agreement with the available experimental findings and with our earlier study for D2O(+)/H2O(+). Maxima are predicted in the autocorrelation function ratio at various times. Their origin and occurrence is explained by calculating expectation values of the bond lengths and bond angle of the water isotopomers as a function of time. The values so calculated for the (2)B1 and (2)A1 electronic states of the cation show quasiperiodic oscillations that can be associated with the time at which the nuclear wave packet reaches the minima of the potential energy surface, there being responsible for the peaks in the HHG signals.

Dynamics of the upper middle atmosphere (80-110 km) at Tromsoe, June-December 1987, using the Tromsoe/Saskatoon M.F. radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manson, A. H.; Meek, C. E.

1989-01-01

A real time winds (RTW) system from Saskatoon operated with the Tromsoe M.F. (partial reflection) radar on a continuous basis, June to December 1987. Profiles with 3 km resolution were obtained every 5 minutes with weak ionization, and few geomagnetic disturbances limited the observations normally to 80 to 110 km. However, daily mean winds, tidal characteristics (24, 12 h) such as amplitudes, phases and wavelengths, and gravity wave characteristics (intensities, mean directions) are available throughout this interval, which includes MAC-SINE and Epsilon. This is particularly valuable in defining the background state for some experiments, e.g., rockets, and for comparison with related parameters from the lidar and other radars (EISCAT, SOUSY-VHF). Comparisons with dynamical parameters from Saskatoon (52 N) are made: the zonal circulation was weaker at Tromsoe, tidal amplitudes smaller, and summer 12 h tidal wavelengths shorter (approx. 80 km vs approx. 100 km). The fall transition for this tide occurred in September, earlier than observed elsewhere. Initial comparisons with other experimental systems are also made.

Vorticity generation and jetting caused by a laser-induced optical breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jonathan; Buchta, David; Freund, Jonathan

2017-11-01

A focused laser can cause optical breakdown of a gas that absorbs energy and can seed ignition. The local hydrodynamics are complex. The breakdown is observed to produce vorticity that subsequently collects into a jetting flow towards the laser source. The strength and the very direction of the jet is observed to be sensitive to the plasma kernel geometry. We use detailed numerical simulations to examine the short-time (< 1 μ s) dynamics leading to this vorticity and jetting. The simulation employs a two-temperature model, free-electron generation by multi-photon ionization, absorption of laser energy by inverse Bremsstrahlung, and 11 charged and neutral species for air. We quantify the early-time contributions of different thermodynamic and gas-dynamic effects to the baroclinic torque. It is found that the breakdown produces compression waves within the plasma kernel, and that the mismatch in their strengths precipitates the involution of the plasma remnants and yields the net vorticity that ultimately develops into the jet. We also quantify the temperature distribution and local strain rates and demonstrate their importance in seeding ignition in non-homogeneous hydrogen/air mixtures.

Valence ionized states of iron pentacarbonyl and eta5-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dicarbonyl studied by symmetry-adapted cluster-configuration interaction calculation and collision-energy resolved Penning ionization electron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Fukuda, Ryoichi; Ehara, Masahiro; Nakatsuji, Hiroshi; Kishimoto, Naoki; Ohno, Koichi

2010-02-28

Valence ionized states of iron pentacarbonyl Fe(CO)(5) and eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl cobalt dicarbonyl Co(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2) have been studied by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, two-dimensional Penning ionization electron spectroscopy (2D-PIES), and symmetry-adapted cluster-configuration interaction calculations. Theory provided reliable assignments for the complex ionization spectra of these molecules, which have metal-carbonyl bonds. Theoretical ionization energies agreed well with experimental observations and the calculated wave functions could explain the relative intensities of PIES spectra. The collision-energy dependence of partial ionization cross sections (CEDPICS) was obtained by 2D-PIES. To interpret these CEDPICS, the interaction potentials between the molecules and a Li atom were examined in several coordinates by calculations. The relation between the slope of the CEDPICS and the electronic structure of the ionized states, such as molecular symmetry and the spatial distribution of ionizing orbitals, was analyzed. In Fe(CO)(5), an attractive interaction was obtained for the equatorial CO, while the interaction for the axial CO direction was repulsive. For Co(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))(CO)(2), the interaction potential in the direction of both Co-C-O and Co-Cp ring was attractive. These anisotropic interactions and ionizing orbital distributions consistently explain the relative slopes of the CEDPICS.

A study of electron density profiles in relation to ionization sources and ground-based radio wave absorption measurements, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gnanalingam, S.; Kane, J. A.

1973-01-01

An extensive set of ground-based measurements of the diurnal variation of medium frequency radio wave adsorption and virtual height is analyzed in terms of current understanding of the D- and lower E-region ion production and loss process. When this is done a gross discrepancy arises, the source of which is not known.

Creation of Artificial Ionospheric Layers Using High-Power HF Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-30

Program ( HAARP ) transmitter in Gakona, Alaska. The HF- driven ionization process is initiated near the 2nd electron gyroharmonic at 220 km altitude in...the 3.6 MW High-Frequency Active Auroral Program ( HAARP ) transmitter in Gakona, Alaska. The HF-driven ionization process is initiated near the 2nd...Maine. USA. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union. 0094-8276/I0/2009GLO41895SO5.0O Research Program ( HAARP ) transmitter facility, however

Method and apparatus for generating radiation utilizing DC to AC conversion with a conductive front

DOEpatents

Dawson, John M.; Mori, Warren B.; Lai, Chih-Hsiang; Katsouleas, Thomas C.

1998-01-01

Method and apparatus for generating radiation of high power, variable duration and broad tunability over several orders of magnitude from a laser-ionized gas-filled capacitor array. The method and apparatus convert a DC electric field pattern into a coherent electromagnetic wave train when a relativistic ionization front passes between the capacitor plates. The frequency and duration of the radiation is controlled by the gas pressure and capacitor spacing.

On- and off-axis spectral emission features from laser-produced gas breakdown plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harilal, S. S.; Skrodzki, P. J.; Miloshevsky, A.; Brumfield, B. E.; Phillips, M. C.; Miloshevsky, G.

2017-06-01

Laser-heated gas breakdown plasmas or sparks emit profoundly in the ultraviolet and visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with contributions from ionic, atomic, and molecular species. Laser created kernels expand into a cold ambient with high velocities during their early lifetime followed by confinement of the plasma kernel and eventually collapse. However, the plasma kernels produced during laser breakdown of gases are also capable of exciting and ionizing the surrounding ambient medium. Two mechanisms can be responsible for excitation and ionization of the surrounding ambient: photoexcitation and ionization by intense ultraviolet emission from the sparks produced during the early times of their creation and/or heating by strong shocks generated by the kernel during its expansion into the ambient. In this study, an investigation is made on the spectral features of on- and off-axis emission of laser-induced plasma breakdown kernels generated in atmospheric pressure conditions with an aim to elucidate the mechanisms leading to ambient excitation and emission. Pulses from an Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 nm with a pulse duration of 6 ns are used to generate plasma kernels. Laser sparks were generated in air, argon, and helium gases to provide different physical properties of expansion dynamics and plasma chemistry considering the differences in laser absorption properties, mass density, and speciation. Point shadowgraphy and time-resolved imaging were used to evaluate the shock wave and spark self-emission morphology at early and late times, while space and time resolved spectroscopy is used for evaluating the emission features and for inferring plasma physical conditions at on- and off-axis positions. The structure and dynamics of the plasma kernel obtained using imaging techniques are also compared to numerical simulations using the computational fluid dynamics code. The emission from the kernel showed that spectral features from ions, atoms, and molecules are separated in time with early time temperatures and densities in excess of 35 000 K and 4 × 1018/cm3 with an existence of thermal equilibrium. However, the emission from the off-kernel positions from the breakdown plasmas showed enhanced ultraviolet radiation with the presence of N2 bands and is represented by non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) conditions. Our results also highlight that the ultraviolet radiation emitted during the early time of spark evolution is the predominant source of the photo-excitation of the surrounding medium.

On- and off-axis spectral emission features from laser-produced gas breakdown plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harilal, S. S.; Skrodzki, P. J.; Miloshevsky, A.

Laser-heated gas breakdown plasmas or sparks emit profoundly in the ultraviolet and visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with contributions from ionic, atomic, and molecular species. Laser created kernels expand into a cold ambient with high velocities during its early lifetime followed by confinement of the plasma kernel and eventually collapse. However, the plasma kernels produced during laser breakdown of gases are also capable of exciting and ionizing the surrounding ambient medium. Two mechanisms can be responsible for excitation and ionization of surrounding ambient: viz. photoexcitation and ionization by intense ultraviolet emission from the sparks produced during the early timesmore » of its creation and/or heating by strong shocks generated by the kernel during its expansion into the ambient. In this study, an investigation is made on the spectral features of on- and off-axis emission features of laser-induced plasma breakdown kernels generated in atmospheric pressure conditions with an aim to elucidate the mechanisms leading to ambient excitation and emission. Pulses from an Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 nm with 6 ns pulse duration are used to generate plasma kernels. Laser sparks were generated in air, argon, and helium gases to provide different physical properties of expansion dynamics and plasma chemistry considering the differences in laser absorption properties, mass density and speciation. Point shadowgraphy and time-resolved imaging were used to evaluate the shock wave and spark self-emission morphology at early and late times while space and time resolved spectroscopy is used for evaluating the emission features as well as for inferring plasma fundaments at on- and off-axis. Structure and dynamics of the plasma kernel obtained using imaging techniques are also compared to numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics code. The emission from the kernel showed that spectral features from ions, atoms and molecules are separated in time with an early time temperatures and densities in excess of 35000 K and 4×10 18 /cm 3 with an existence of thermal equilibrium. However, the emission from the off-kernel positions from the breakdown plasmas showed enhanced ultraviolet radiation with the presence of N 2 bands and represented by non-LTE conditions. Finally, our results also highlight that the ultraviolet radiation emitted during early time of spark evolution is the predominant source of the photo-excitation of the surrounding medium.« less

On- and off-axis spectral emission features from laser-produced gas breakdown plasmas

DOE PAGES

Harilal, S. S.; Skrodzki, P. J.; Miloshevsky, A.; ...

2017-06-01

Laser-heated gas breakdown plasmas or sparks emit profoundly in the ultraviolet and visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with contributions from ionic, atomic, and molecular species. Laser created kernels expand into a cold ambient with high velocities during its early lifetime followed by confinement of the plasma kernel and eventually collapse. However, the plasma kernels produced during laser breakdown of gases are also capable of exciting and ionizing the surrounding ambient medium. Two mechanisms can be responsible for excitation and ionization of surrounding ambient: viz. photoexcitation and ionization by intense ultraviolet emission from the sparks produced during the early timesmore » of its creation and/or heating by strong shocks generated by the kernel during its expansion into the ambient. In this study, an investigation is made on the spectral features of on- and off-axis emission features of laser-induced plasma breakdown kernels generated in atmospheric pressure conditions with an aim to elucidate the mechanisms leading to ambient excitation and emission. Pulses from an Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 nm with 6 ns pulse duration are used to generate plasma kernels. Laser sparks were generated in air, argon, and helium gases to provide different physical properties of expansion dynamics and plasma chemistry considering the differences in laser absorption properties, mass density and speciation. Point shadowgraphy and time-resolved imaging were used to evaluate the shock wave and spark self-emission morphology at early and late times while space and time resolved spectroscopy is used for evaluating the emission features as well as for inferring plasma fundaments at on- and off-axis. Structure and dynamics of the plasma kernel obtained using imaging techniques are also compared to numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics code. The emission from the kernel showed that spectral features from ions, atoms and molecules are separated in time with an early time temperatures and densities in excess of 35000 K and 4×1018 /cm3 with an existence of thermal equilibrium. However, the emission from the off-kernel positions from the breakdown plasmas showed enhanced ultraviolet radiation with the presence of N2 bands and represented by non-LTE conditions. Our results also highlight that the ultraviolet radiation emitted during early time of spark evolution is the predominant source of the photo-excitation of the surrounding medium.« less

Electron residual energy due to stochastic heating in field-ionized plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khalilzadeh, Elnaz; The Plasma Physics and Fusion Research School, Tehran; Yazdanpanah, Jam, E-mail: jamal.yazdan@gmail.com

2015-11-15

The electron residual energy originated from the stochastic heating in under-dense field-ionized plasma is investigated here. Initially, the optical response of plasma is modeled by using two counter-propagating electromagnetic waves. In this case, the solution of motion equation of a single electron indicates that by including the ionization, the electron with higher residual energy compared with that without ionization could be obtained. In agreement with chaotic nature of the motion, it is found that the electron residual energy will be significantly changed by applying a minor change in the initial conditions. Extensive kinetic 1D-3V particle-in-cell simulations have been performed inmore » order to resolve full plasma reactions. In this way, two different regimes of plasma behavior are observed by varying the pulse length. The results indicate that the amplitude of scattered fields in a proper long pulse length is high enough to act as a second counter-propagating wave and trigger the stochastic electron motion. On the contrary, the analyses of intensity spectrum reveal the fact that the dominant scattering mechanism tends to Thomson rather than Raman scattering by increasing the pulse length. A covariant formalism is used to describe the plasma heating so that it enables us to measure electron temperature inside and outside of the pulse region.« less

Short-Term Perturbations Within the D-Region Detected Above the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silber, Israel; Price, Colin

2016-04-01

The ionospheric D-region lies in the altitude range of ~60-95 km. This part of the atmosphere is highly sensitive to waves propagating upwards from the troposphere, either as pressure perturbations (gravity and acoustic waves) or electromagnetic (EM) perturbations from lightning discharges (resulting in EMPs, sprites, elves, etc.). These perturbations can affect the temperature, wind, species concentration, conductivity, and ionization in the upper atmosphere. Very low frequencies (VLF) radio signals, generated by man-made communication transmitters, have been recorded using ground-based VLF receivers in Israel. These radio waves propagate over long distances within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, reflected off the Earth's surface and the D-region. The characteristics of the received signals depend on several parameters along the path, but are fairly constant over short periods of time. In this study we present analysis of VLF narrowband data transmitted from Sicily, Italy, spanning one year, and detected in Tel Aviv, Israel. We show observations of the interaction between both pressure and EM perturbations from thunderstorms with the narrowband VLF signals aloft. We clearly observe short period (~2-4 minutes) acoustic waves, longer period gravity waves (~5-7 minutes periods), while also many transient events related to heating and ionization of the D-region. Comparisons with WWLLN lightning data show the potential link between tropospheric thunderstorms and D-region variability.

Short-Term Perturbations Within the D-Region Detected Above the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, Colin; Silber, Israel

2016-07-01

The ionospheric D-region lies in the altitude range of ~60-95 km. This part of the atmosphere is highly sensitive to waves propagating upwards from the troposphere, either as pressure perturbations (gravity and acoustic waves) or electromagnetic (EM) perturbations from lightning discharges (resulting in EMPs, sprites, elves, etc.). These perturbations can affect the temperature, wind, species concentration, conductivity, and ionization in the upper atmosphere. Very low frequencies (VLF) radio signals, generated by man-made communication transmitters, have been recorded using ground-based VLF receivers in Israel. These radio waves propagate over long distances within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, reflected off the Earth's surface and the D-region. The characteristics of the received signals depend on several parameters along the path, but are fairly constant over short periods of time. In this study we present analysis of VLF narrowband data transmitted from Sicily, Italy, spanning one year, and detected in Tel Aviv, Israel. We show observations of the interaction between both pressure and EM perturbations from thunderstorms with the narrowband VLF signals aloft. We clearly observe short period (~2-4 minutes) acoustic waves, longer period gravity waves (~5-7 minutes periods), while also many transient events related to heating and ionization of the D-region. Comparisons with WWLLN lightning data show the potential link between tropospheric thunderstorms and D-region variability.

Ultrasound

MedlinePlus

... reflect off body structures. A computer receives the waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray or CT scan, this test does not use ionizing radiation. The test is done in the ultrasound ...

Prompt Disappearance and Emergence of Radiation Belt Magnetosonic Waves Induced by Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure Variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Nigang; Su, Zhenpeng; Zheng, Huinan; Wang, Yuming; Wang, Shui

2018-01-01

Magnetosonic waves are highly oblique whistler mode emissions transferring energy from the ring current protons to the radiation belt electrons in the inner magnetosphere. Here we present the first report of prompt disappearance and emergence of magnetosonic waves induced by the solar wind dynamic pressure variations. The solar wind dynamic pressure reduction caused the magnetosphere expansion, adiabatically decelerated the ring current protons for the Bernstein mode instability, and produced the prompt disappearance of magnetosonic waves. On the contrary, because of the adiabatic acceleration of the ring current protons by the solar wind dynamic pressure enhancement, magnetosonic waves emerged suddenly. In the absence of impulsive injections of hot protons, magnetosonic waves were observable even only during the time period with the enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure. Our results demonstrate that the solar wind dynamic pressure is an essential parameter for modeling of magnetosonic waves and their effect on the radiation belt electrons.

Ion cyclotron instability at Io: Hybrid simulation results compared to in situ observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šebek, Ondřej; Trávníček, Pavel M.; Walker, Raymond J.; Hellinger, Petr

2016-08-01

We present analysis of global three-dimensional hybrid simulations of Io's interaction with Jovian magnetospheric plasma. We apply a single-species model with simplified neutral-plasma chemistry and downscale Io in order to resolve the ion kinetic scales. We consider charge exchange, electron impact ionization, and photoionization by using variable rates of these processes to investigate their impact. Our results are in a good qualitative agreement with the in situ magnetic field measurements for five Galileo flybys around Io. The hybrid model describes ion kinetics self-consistently. This allows us to assess the distribution of temperature anisotropies around Io and thereby determine the possible triggering mechanism for waves observed near Io. We compare simulated dynamic spectra of magnetic fluctuations with in situ observations made by Galileo. Our results are consistent with both the spatial distribution and local amplitude of magnetic fluctuations found in the observations. Cyclotron waves, triggered probably by the growth of ion cyclotron instability, are observed mainly downstream of Io and on the flanks in regions farther from Io where the ion pickup rate is relatively low. Growth of the ion cyclotron instability is governed mainly by the charge exchange rate.

Shock-wave structure in a partially ionized gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, C. S.; Huang, A. B.

1974-01-01

The structure of a steady plane shock in a partially ionized gas has been investigated using the Boltzmann equation with a kinetic model as the governing equation and the discrete ordinate method as a tool. The effects of the electric field induced by the charge separation on the shock structure have also been studied. Although the three species of an ionized gas travel with approximately the same macroscopic velocity, the individual distribution functions are found to be very different. In a strong shock the atom distribution function may have double peaks, while the ion distribution function has only one peak. Electrons are heated up much earlier than ions and atoms in a partially ionized gas. Because the interactions of electrons with atoms and with ions are different, the ion temperature can be different from the atom temperature.

Highly ionized physical vapor deposition plasma source working at very low pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stranak, V.; Herrendorf, A.-P.; Drache, S.; Cada, M.; Hubicka, Z.; Tichy, M.; Hippler, R.

2012-04-01

Highly ionized discharge for physical vapor deposition at very low pressure is presented in the paper. The discharge is generated by electron cyclotron wave resonance (ECWR) which assists with ignition of high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) discharge. The magnetron gun (with Ti target) was built into the single-turn coil RF electrode of the ECWR facility. ECWR assistance provides pre-ionization effect which allows significant reduction of pressure during HiPIMS operation down to p = 0.05 Pa; this is nearly more than an order of magnitude lower than at typical pressure ranges of HiPIMS discharges. We can confirm that nearly all sputtered particles are ionized (only Ti+ and Ti++ peaks are observed in the mass scan spectra). This corresponds well with high plasma density ne ˜ 1018 m-3, measured during the HiPIMS pulse.

Single and multiple ionization of C60 fullerenes and collective effects in collisions with highly charged C, F, and Si ions with energy 3 MeV/u

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelkar, A. H.; Kadhane, U.; Misra, D.; Gulyas, L.; Tribedi, L. C.

2010-10-01

We have measured absolute cross sections for single, double, triple, and quadruple ionization of C60 in collisions with 3 MeV/u C, F, and Si projectile ions at various projectile charge states. The experiment was performed using the recoil-ion time-of-flight technique. Projectile charge state dependence of the ionization yields was compared mainly with a model based on the giant dipole plasmon resonance (GDPR). In some cases, the continuum-distorted-wave-eikonal-initial-state (CDW-EIS) model which is normally applied for ion-atom collisions was also used as a reference. An excellent qualitative agreement between the experimental data for single and double ionization and the GDPR model predictions was found for all projectile charge states.

Dynamic target ionization using an ultrashort pulse of a laser field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, D. N.; Matveev, V. I.; Makarova, K. A.

2014-09-01

Ionization processes under the interaction of an ultrashort pulse of an electromagnetic field with atoms in nonstationary states are considered. As an example, the ionization probability of the hydrogen-like atom upon the decay of quasi-stationary state is calculated. The method developed can be applied to complex systems, including targets in collisional states and various chemical reactions.

Double ionization of nitrogen molecules in orthogonal two-color femtosecond laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Qiying; Li, Hui; Wang, Junping; Lu, Peifen; Gong, Xiaochun; Ji, Qinying; Lin, Kang; Zhang, Wenbin; Ma, Junyang; Li, Hanxiao; Zeng, Heping; He, Feng; Wu, Jian

2018-04-01

Double ionization of nitrogen molecules in orthogonally polarized two-color femtosecond laser fields is investigated by varying the relative intensity between the fundamental wave (FW) and its second harmonic (SH) components. The yield ratios of the double ionization channels, i.e., the non-dissociative {{{{N}}}2}2+ and Coulomb exploded (N+, N+), to the singly charged N2 + channel exhibit distinct dependences on the relative strength between the FW and SH fields. As the intensity ratio of SH to FW increases, the yield ratio of (N+, N+)/N2 + gradually increases, while the ratio of {{{{N}}}2}2+/N2 + first descends and then increases constituting a valley shape which is similar to the behavior of Ar2+/Ar+ observed in the same experimental condition. Based on the classical trajectory simulations, we found that the different characteristics of the two doubly ionized channels stem from two mechanisms, i.e., the {{{{N}}}2}2+ is mostly accessed by the (e, 2e) impact ionization while the recollision-induced excitation with subsequent ionization plays an important role in producing the (N+, N+) channel.

A waved journal bearing concept with improved steady-state and dynamic performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dimofte, Florin

1994-01-01

Analysis of the waved journal bearing concept featuring a waved inner bearing diameter for use with a compressible lubricant (gas) is presented. A three wave, waved journal bearing geometry is used to show the geometry of this concept. The performance of generic waved bearings having either three, four, six, or eight waves is predicted for air lubricated bearings. Steady-state performance is discussed in terms of bearing load capacity, while the dynamic performance is discussed in terms of dynamic coefficients and fluid film stability. It was found that the bearing wave amplitude has an important influence on both steady-state and dynamic performance of the waved journal bearing. For a fixed eccentricity ratio, the bearing steady-state load capacity and direct dynamic stiffness coefficient increase as the wave amplitude increases. Also, the waved bearing becomes more stable as the wave amplitude increases. In addition, increasing the number of waves reduces the waved bearing's sensitivity to the direction of the applied load relative to the wave. However, the range in which the bearing performance can be varied decreases as the number of waves increases. Therefore, both the number and the amplitude of the waves must be properly selected to optimize the waved bearing design for a specific application. It is concluded that the stiffness of an air bearing, due to the hydrodynamic effect, could be doubled and made to run stably by using a six or eight wave geometry with a wave amplitude approximately half of the bearing radial clearance.

Lyman alpha radiation in external galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neufeld, David A.; Mckee, Christopher F.

1990-01-01

The Ly alpha line of atomic hydrogen is often a luminous component of the radiation emitted by distant galaxies. Except for those galaxies which have a substantial central source of non-stellar ionizing radiation, most of the Ly alpha radiation emitted by galaxies is generated within regions of the interstellar medium which are photoionized by starlight. Conversely, much of the energy radiated by photoionized regions is carried by the Ly alpha line. Only hot, massive stars are capable of ionizing hydrogen in the interstellar medium which surrounds them, and because such stars are necessarily short-lived, Ly alpha emission traces regions of active star formation. Researchers argue that the strength of the Ly alpha emission observed from external galaxies may be used to estimate quantitatively the dust content of the emitting region, while the Ly alpha line profile is sensitive to the presence of shock waves. Interstellar dust particles and shock waves are intimately associated with the process of star formation in two senses. First, both dust particles and shock waves owe their existence to stellar activity; second, they may both serve as agents which facilitate the formation of stars, shocks by triggering gravitational instabilities in the interstellar gas that they compress, and dust by shielding star-forming molecular clouds from the ionizing and dissociative effects of external UV radiation. By using Ly alpha observations as a probe of the dust content in diffuse gas at high redshift, we might hope to learn about the earliest epochs of star formation.

Imaging and control of interfering wave packets in a dissociating molecule.

PubMed

Skovsen, Esben; Machholm, Mette; Ejdrup, Tine; Thøgersen, Jan; Stapelfeldt, Henrik

2002-09-23

Using two identical 110 femtosecond (fs) optical pulses separated by 310 fs, we launch two dissociative wave packets in I2. We measure the square of the wave function as a function of both the internuclear separation, /Psi(R)/(2), and of the internuclear velocity, /Psi(v(R))/(2), by ionizing the dissociating molecule with an intense 20 fs probe pulse. Strong interference is observed in both /Psi(R)/(2) and in /Psi(v(R))/(2). The interference, and therefore the shape of the wave function, is controlled through the phase difference between the two dissociation pulses in good agreement with calculations.

Toward remote sensing with broadband terahertz waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clough, Benjamin W.

Terahertz electromagnetic waves, defined as the frequency region between 0.1 and 10 terahertz on the electromagnetic spectrum, have demonstrated remarkable usefulness for imaging and chemical identification with the ability to penetrate many optically opaque barriers. Photon energies at these frequencies are relatively small (meV), which means the radiation is non-ionizing and therefore considered biologically innocuous. With the growing list of applications and demand for terahertz technology, there is a need to develop innovative terahertz sources and detectors that can overcome existing limitations in power, bandwidth, and operating range. Although terahertz radiation has demonstrated unique and exceptional abilities, it has also presented several fundamental challenges. Most notably, the water vapor absorption of terahertz waves in air at habitable altitudes is greater than 100 dB/km. There is an immediate push to utilize the material and vapor identification abilities of terahertz radiation, while extending the effective distances over which the technology can be used. Remote terahertz detection, until recently, was thought to be impossible due to the high water content in the atmosphere, limited signal collection geometries, and solid state materials necessary for generation and detection. This dissertation focuses on laser air-photonics used for sensing short pulses of electromagnetic radiation. Through the ionization process, the very air that we breathe is capable of generating terahertz field strengths greater than 1 MV/cm, useful bandwidths over 100 terahertz, and highly directional emission patterns. Following ionization and plasma formation, the emitted plasma acoustics or fluorescence can be modulated by an external field to serve as omnidirectional, broadband, electromagnetic sensor. A deeper understanding of terahertz wave-plasma interaction is used to develop methods for retrieving coherent terahertz wave information that can be encoded into plasma acoustic and fluorescence wave emission; the ultimate goal aimed at overcoming fundamental limitations of the current terahertz technology. A synthesized bichromatic field-induced laser plasma is used to study effects of electron velocity redistribution inside the plasma filament, and a technique for obtaining a direct correlation between the terahertz field and the plasma acoustic or fluorescence emission is engineered. This dissertation presents significant advances in terahertz air photonics that help to close the "THz gap" once existing between electronic and optical frequencies, and the acoustic and fluorescence detection methodologies developed provide promising new avenues for extending the useful range of terahertz wave technology.

(e, 2e) simple ionization of {{\\rm{H}}}_{3}^{+} by fast electron impact: use of triangular three-center continuum and bound state wave functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obeid, S.; Chuluunbaatar, O.; Joulakian, B. B.

2017-07-01

The variation of the multiply differential cross section of the (e, 2e) simple ionization of {{{H}}}3+, with the incident and ejection energy values, as well as the directions of the ejected and scattered electrons, is studied. The calculations have been performed in the frame of the perturbative first Born procedure, which has required the development of equilateral triangular three center bound and continuum state wave functions. The results explore the optimal conditions and the particularities of the triangular targets, such as the appearance of interference patterns in the variation of the four fold differential cross section (FDCS) with the scattering angle for a fixed orientation of the molecule. The comparison between the results obtained by two H3 + ground wave functions, with and without a correlation term r 12, shows that the effect of correlation on the magnitude of the triple differential cross section is not large, but it produces some modification in the structure of the FDCS.

Simulation of Noise in a Traveling Wave Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verboncoeur, J. P.; Christenson, P. J.; Smith, H. B.

1999-11-01

Low frequency noise, manifested as close-in sidebands, has long been a significant limit to the performance of many traveling wave tubes. In this study, we investigate oscillations in the gun region due to the presence of plasma formed by electron-impact ionization of a background gas. The gun region of a coupled-cavity traveling wave tube is modeled using the two-dimensional XOOPIC particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision code (J. P. Verboncoeur et al. Comput. Phys. Comm.) 87, 199-211 (1995). (available via the web: http://ptsg.eecs.berkeley.edu). The beam is 20.5 kV, 2.8 A, in near-confined flow in a solenoidal magnetic field with peak axial value of 0.263 T. Beam scalloping leads to trapping of plasma generated via electron-impact ionization of a background gas. The trapped plasma periodically leaves the system rapidly, and the density begins regenerating at a slow rate, leading to characteristic sawtooth oscillations. Plasma electrons are observed to exit the system axially about 20 ns before the ions exit primarily radially.

Theoretical determination of the ionization potential and the electron affinity of organic semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanagisawa, Susumu

2017-11-01

Ionization potential and electron affinity of organic semicondutors are important quantities, which are relevant to charge injection barriers. The electrostatic and dynamical contributions to the polarization energies for the injected charges in pentacene polymorphs were investigated. While the dynamical polarization induced narrowing of the energy gap, the electrostatic effect shifted up or down the frontier energy levels, which is sensitive to the molecular orientation at the surface.

Pulsed, high-current, in-line reversal electron attachment detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernius, Mark T.; Chutjian, Ara

1989-01-01

A new, pulsed, high-current, in-line reversal electron attachment ionizer/detector is described. The ionizer is capable of delivering a beam of electrons into an electrostatic mirror field to form a planar wall of electrons having zero kinetic energy. Electron attachment to a molecular target at the reversal point produces either parent or fragment negative ions through a zero-energy (s-wave) state. The atomic or molecular ion is pulsed out of the attachment region approximately 2 microsec after the electrons are pulsed off, and focused onto the entrance plane of a quadrupole mass analyzer. The sensitivity of the apparatus is preliminarily assessed, and its higher-energy behavior with regard to molecular attachment and ionization is described.

Absolute cross-section measurements of inner-shell ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Hans; Tobehn, Ingo; Ebel, Frank; Hippler, Rainer

1994-12-01

Cross section ratios for K- and L-shell ionization of thin silver and gold targets by positron and electron impact have been determined at projectile energies of 30 70 keV. The experimental results are confirmed by calculations in plane wave Born approximation (PWBA) which include an electron exchange term and account for the deceleration or acceleration of the incident projectile in the nuclear field of the target atom. We report first absolute cross sections for K- and L-shell ionization of silver and gold targets by lepton impact in the threshold region. We have measured the corresponding cross sections for electron (e-) impact with an electron gun and the same experimental set-up.

Ionization assisted self-guiding of femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, A.; Goltsov, A.; Chen, Q.; Scully, M.; Suckewer, S.

2018-05-01

We propose a new mechanism for the self-guiding of ultra-intense sub-picosecond laser pulses in gaseous media. It can be realized via optical field ionization by a laser pulse as it propagates inside an expanding cylindrical shock wave launched into ambient gas by a decayed plasma filament. In experiments, the filament was created in a hydrogen jet by a low energy femtosecond laser pre-pulse line focused with axicon lens. We demonstrated ionization-assisted guiding in structures with diameter as small as 14 μm and up to 3.5 mm long. The intensity reached 5 × 1017 W/cm2 in a single mode propagating for more than 100 Rayleigh lengths.

Second Order Born Effects in the Perpendicular Plane Ionization of Xe (5p) Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, G.; Singh, Prithvi; Patidar, Vinod

We report triple differential cross section (TDCS) results for the perpendicular plane ionization of xenon atoms at incident electron energies 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 eV above ionization potential. The TDCS calculation have been preformed within the modified distorted wave Born approximation formalism including the second order Born (SBA) amplitude. We compare the (e, 2e) TDCS result of our calculation with the very recent measurements of Nixon and Murray [Phys. Rev. A 85, 022716 (2012)] and relativistic DWBA-G results of Illarionov and Stauffer [J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 45, 225202 (2012)] and discuss the process contributing to structure seen in the differential cross section.

Photoionization Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kallman, T.

2010-01-01

Warm absorber spectra are characterized by the many lines from partially ionized intermediate-Z elements, and iron, detected with the grating instruments on Chandra and XMM-Newton. If these ions are formed in a gas which is in photoionization equilibrium, they correspond to a broad range of ionization parameters, although there is evidence for certain preferred values. A test for any dynamical model for these outflows is to reproduce these properties, at some level of detail. In this paper we present a statistical analysis of the ionization distribution which can be applied both the observed spectra and to theoretical models. As an example, we apply it to our dynamical models for warm absorber outflows, based on evaporation from the molecular torus.

Electron Acceleration and Ionization Production in High-Power Heating Experiments at HAARP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishin, E. V.; Pedersen, T.

2012-12-01

Recent ionospheric modification experiments with the 3.6 MW transmitter at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility in Alaska led to discovery of artificial ionization descending from the nominal interaction altitude in the background F-region ionosphere by ~60-80 km. Artificial ionization production is indicated by significant 427.8 nm emissions from the 1st negative band of N2+ and the appearance of transmitter-induced bottomside traces in ionosonde data during the periods of most intense optical emissions. However, the exact mechanisms producing the artificial plasmas remain to be determined. Yet the only existing theoretical models explain the development of artificial plasma as an ionizing wavefront moving downward due to ionization by electrons accelerated by HF-excited strong Langmuir turbulence (SLT) generated near the plasma resonance, where the pump frequency matches the plasma frequency. However, the observations suggest also the significance of interactions with upper hybrid and electron Bernstein waves near multiples of the electron gyrofrequency. We describe recent observations and discuss suitable acceleration mechanisms.

Signature of charge migration in modulations of double ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauger, François; Abanador, Paul M.; Bruner, Adam; Sissay, Adonay; Gaarde, Mette B.; Lopata, Kenneth; Schafer, Kenneth J.

2018-04-01

We present a theoretical investigation of charge migration following strong-field ionization in a multielectron system. We study a model homonuclear molecule with two electrons, each restricted to one dimension (1 +1 D ), interacting with a strong, static electric field. We show that in this system charge migration results from the interplay between multiple ionization channels that overlap in space, creating a coherent electron-hole wave packet in the cation. We also find that, in our case, charge migration following the first ionization manifests as a modulation of the subsequent double-ionization signal. We derive a parametrized semiclassical model from the full multielectron system and we discuss the importance of the choice of cation electronic-structure basis for the efficacy of the semiclassical representation. We use the ab initio solution of the full 1 +1 D system as a reference for the qualitative and quantitative results of the parametrized semiclassical model. We discuss the extension of our model to long-wavelength time-dependent fields with full-dimension, many-electron targets.

Symplectic semiclassical wave packet dynamics II: non-Gaussian states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohsawa, Tomoki

2018-05-01

We generalize our earlier work on the symplectic/Hamiltonian formulation of the dynamics of the Gaussian wave packet to non-Gaussian semiclassical wave packets. We find the symplectic forms and asymptotic expansions of the Hamiltonians associated with these semiclassical wave packets, and obtain Hamiltonian systems governing their dynamics. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the dynamics give a very good approximation to the short-time dynamics of the expectation values computed by a method based on Egorov’s theorem or the initial value representation.

The Metal Oxide Space Clouds (MOSC) Experiment: High Frequency (HF) Signatures and Interactions with the Ambient Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groves, K. M.; Caton, R. G.; Pedersen, T. R.; Parris, R. T.; Su, Y.; Cannon, P. S.; Jackson-booth, N. K.; Angling, M. J.; Retterer, J. M.

2013-12-01

With support from the NASA sounding rocket team, AFRL performed two separate 5 kg releases of samarium metal vapor in the lower F-region near Kwajalein Atoll in May 2013. A fraction of the samarium subsequently ionized forming a plasma cloud that persisted for tens of minutes to hours in the post-sunset period. Numerous sensors were used to characterize the clouds including the ALTAIR incoherent scatter radar, multiple GPS and optical instruments, satellite radio beacons, and a dedicated network of high frequency (HF) radio links. The primary objectives of the experiments were to understand the dynamics, evolution and chemistry of Sm atoms in the earth's upper atmosphere. Sm is predicted to both photo-ionize and chemi-ionize through charge exchange with neutral oxygen (O). Ionization rates and loss reactions are not well known. A secondary objective was to understand the interaction of an artificial plasma cloud with the low latitude ionosphere during the pre-reversal enhancement period leading up to the post-sunset development of large-scale Rayleigh-Taylor instability. It was initially hoped that the introduction of the artificial plasma might be sufficient to quench the development of the instability by maintaining high conductivity within the affected flux tubes. Modeling results showed that this result was unlikely due to the relatively small amount of material being released. However, it appeared possible that the presence of SmO+ near the bottomside of the F-region might be capable of reducing the formation of short-scale irregularities within the larger Rayleigh-Taylor 'bubbles'. Indeed, preliminary results indicate that the artificial layers, positioned at 170 and 180 km respectively, did interact with the overlying F region and in at least one case, cause a decrease in the short-scale component of the natural irregularity spectrum. The results suggest that it may be possible to mitigate the formation of low-latitude irregularities responsible for radio wave scintillation with a MOSC-based approach.

Dynamic stresses, coulomb failure, and remote triggering: corrected

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hill, David P.

2012-01-01

Dynamic stresses associated with crustal surface waves with 15–30 s periods and peak amplitudes <1  MPa are capable of triggering seismicity at sites remote from the generating mainshock under appropriate conditions. Coulomb failure models based on a frictional strength threshold offer one explanation for instances of rapid‐onset triggered seismicity that develop during the surface‐wave peak dynamic stressing. Evaluation of the triggering potential of surface‐wave dynamic stresses acting on critically stressed faults using a Mohr’s circle representation together with the Coulomb failure criteria indicates that Love waves should have a higher triggering potential than Rayleigh waves for most fault orientations and wave incidence angles. That (1) the onset of triggered seismicity often appears to begin during the Rayleigh wave rather than the earlier arriving Love wave, and (2) Love‐wave amplitudes typically exceed those for Rayleigh waves suggests that the explanation for rapid‐onset dynamic triggering may not reside solely with a simple static‐threshold friction mode. The results also indicate that normal faults should be more susceptible to dynamic triggering by 20‐s Rayleigh‐wave stresses than thrust faults in the shallow seismogenic crust (<10  km) while the advantage tips in favor of reverse faults greater depths. This transition depth scales with wavelength and coincides roughly with the transition from retrograde‐to‐prograde particle motion. Locally elevated pore pressures may have a role in the observed prevalence of dynamic triggering in extensional regimes and geothermal/volcanic systems. The result is consistent with the apparent elevated susceptibility of extensional or transtensional tectonic regimes to remote triggering by Rayleigh‐wave dynamic stresses than compressional or transpressional regimes.

Method and apparatus for generating radiation utilizing DC to AC conversion with a conductive front

DOEpatents

Dawson, J.M.; Mori, W.B.; Lai, C.H.; Katsouleas, T.C.

1998-07-14

Method and apparatus ar disclosed for generating radiation of high power, variable duration and broad tunability over several orders of magnitude from a laser-ionized gas-filled capacitor array. The method and apparatus convert a DC electric field pattern into a coherent electromagnetic wave train when a relativistic ionization front passes between the capacitor plates. The frequency and duration of the radiation is controlled by the gas pressure and capacitor spacing. 4 figs.

Luminescent tunable polydots: Charge effects in confined geometry

DOE PAGES

Wijesinghe, Sidath; Maskey, Sabina; Perahia, Dvora; ...

2017-06-28

Long-lived soft nanoparticles, formed by conjugated polymers, constitute a new class of far-from-equilibrium responsive structures for nano-medicine. Tethering ionizable groups to the polymers enables functionality. However concurrently, the ionic groups perturb the delicate balance of interactions that governs these particles. Using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, this study probed the effects of charged groups tethered to poly para phenylene ethynylene substituted by alkyl groups on the polymer conformation and dynamics in confined geometry. As a result, we find that the ionizable groups affect the entire shape of the polydots and impact the conformation and dynamics of the polymer.

Modeling of very low frequency (VLF) radio wave signal profile due to solar flares using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation coupled with ionospheric chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palit, S.; Basak, T.; Mondal, S. K.; Pal, S.; Chakrabarti, S. K.

2013-09-01

X-ray photons emitted during solar flares cause ionization in the lower ionosphere (~60 to 100 km) in excess of what is expected to occur due to a quiet sun. Very low frequency (VLF) radio wave signals reflected from the D-region of the ionosphere are affected by this excess ionization. In this paper, we reproduce the deviation in VLF signal strength during solar flares by numerical modeling. We use GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation code to compute the rate of ionization due to a M-class flare and a X-class flare. The output of the simulation is then used in a simplified ionospheric chemistry model to calculate the time variation of electron density at different altitudes in the D-region of the ionosphere. The resulting electron density variation profile is then self-consistently used in the LWPC code to obtain the time variation of the change in VLF signal. We did the modeling of the VLF signal along the NWC (Australia) to IERC/ICSP (India) propagation path and compared the results with observations. The agreement is found to be very satisfactory.

INVESTIGATION OF NEW CONCEPTS AND LINEAR BEAM TECHNIQUES FOR MICROWAVE POWER GENERATION.

DTIC Science & Technology

ARSENIC ALLOYS, MILLIMETER WAVES, CAVITY RESONATORS, ELECTRON GUNS, ELECTRON DENSITY, EPITAXIAL GROWTH, OSCILLATORS, S BAND , X BAND , GERMANIUM...ELECTRIC FIELDS, SCATTERING, BRILLOUIN ZONES, RUBY, ELECTROSTRICTION, IONIZATION, MICROWAVE OSCILLATORS, KLYSTRONS , EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN.

Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones

MedlinePlus

... Ebola virus disease » Home / News / Fact sheets / Detail Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phones 8 October ... fixed antennas called base stations. Radiofrequency waves are electromagnetic fields, and unlike ionizing radiation such as X- ...

Photoelectron imaging of doped helium nanodroplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumark, Daniel

2008-03-01

Photoelectron images of helium nanodroplets doped with Kr and Ne atoms are reported. The images and resulting photoelectron spectra were obtained using tunable synchrotron radiation to ionize the droplets. Droplets were excited at 21.6 eV, corresponding to a strong droplet electronic excitation. The rare gas dopant is then ionized via a Penning excitation transfer process. The electron kinetic energy distributions reflect complex ionization and electron escape dynamics.

Toward single-cell analysis by plume collimation in laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Stolee, Jessica A; Vertes, Akos

2013-04-02

Ambient ionization methods for mass spectrometry have enabled the in situ and in vivo analysis of biological tissues and cells. When an etched optical fiber is used to deliver laser energy to a sample in laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) mass spectrometry, the analysis of large single cells becomes possible. However, because in this arrangement the ablation plume expands in three dimensions, only a small portion of it is ionized by the electrospray. Here we show that sample ablation within a capillary helps to confine the radial expansion of the plume. Plume collimation, due to the altered expansion dynamics, leads to greater interaction with the electrospray plume resulting in increased ionization efficiency, reduced limit of detection (by a factor of ~13, reaching 600 amol for verapamil), and extended dynamic range (6 orders of magnitude) compared to conventional LAESI. This enhanced sensitivity enables the analysis of a range of metabolites from small cell populations and single cells in the ambient environment. This technique has the potential to be integrated with flow cytometry for high-throughput metabolite analysis of sorted cells.

Dynamics of tunneling ionization using Bohmian mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douguet, Nicolas; Bartschat, Klaus

2018-01-01

Recent attoclock experiments and theoretical studies regarding the strong-field ionization of atoms by few-cycle infrared pulses revealed features that have attracted much attention. Here we investigate tunneling ionization and the dynamics of the electron probability using Bohmian mechanics. We consider a one-dimensional problem to illustrate the underlying mechanisms of the ionization process. It is revealed that in the major part of the below-the-barrier ionization regime, in an intense and short infrared pulse, the electron does not tunnel through the entire barrier, but rather starts already from the classically forbidden region. Moreover, we highlight the correspondence between the probability of locating the electron at a particular initial position and its asymptotic momentum. Bohmian mechanics also provides a natural definition of mean tunneling time and exit position, taking account of the time dependence of the barrier. Finally, we find that the electron can exit the barrier with significant kinetic energy, thereby corroborating the results of a recent study [N. Camus et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 023201 (2017), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.023201].

Dynamic measurement of temperature, velocity, and density in hot jets using Rayleigh scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mielke, Amy F.; Elam, Kristie A.

2009-10-01

A molecular Rayleigh scattering technique is utilized to measure gas temperature, velocity, and density in unseeded gas flows at sampling rates up to 10 kHz, providing fluctuation information up to 5 kHz based on the Nyquist theorem. A high-power continuous-wave laser beam is focused at a point in an air flow field and Rayleigh scattered light is collected and fiber-optically transmitted to a Fabry-Perot interferometer for spectral analysis. Photomultiplier tubes operated in the photon counting mode allow high-frequency sampling of the total signal level and the circular interference pattern to provide dynamic density, temperature, and velocity measurements. Mean and root mean square velocity, temperature, and density, as well as power spectral density calculations, are presented for measurements in a hydrogen-combustor heated jet facility with a 50.8-mm diameter nozzle at NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. The Rayleigh measurements are compared with particle image velocimetry data and computational fluid dynamics predictions. This technique is aimed at aeronautics research related to identifying noise sources in free jets, as well as applications in supersonic and hypersonic flows where measurement of flow properties, including mass flux, is required in the presence of shocks and ionization occurrence.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fang, Li; Xiong, Hui; Kukk, Edwin

Molecular dynamics is of fundamental interest in natural science research. The capability of investigating molecular dynamics is one of the various motivations for ultrafast optics. Here, we present our investigation of photoionization and nuclear dynamics in methyl iodine (CH 3I) molecule with an X-ray pump X-ray probe scheme. The pump–probe experiment was realized with a two-mirror X-ray split and delay apparatus. Time-of-flight mass spectra at various pump–probe delay times were recorded to obtain the time profile for the creation of high charge states via sequential ionization and for molecular dissociation. We observed high charge states of atomic iodine up tomore » 29+, and visualized the evolution of creating these high atomic ion charge states, including their population suppression and enhancement as the arrival time of the second X-ray pulse was varied. We also show the evolution of the kinetics of the high charge states upon the timing of their creation during the ionization-dissociation coupled dynamics. We demonstrate the implementation of X-ray pump–probe methodology for investigating X-ray induced molecular dynamics with femtosecond temporal resolution. The results indicate the footprints of ionization that lead to high charge states, probing the long-range potential curves of the high charge states.« less

X-ray Pump–Probe Investigation of Charge and Dissociation Dynamics in Methyl Iodine Molecule

DOE PAGES

Fang, Li; Xiong, Hui; Kukk, Edwin; ...

2017-05-19

Molecular dynamics is of fundamental interest in natural science research. The capability of investigating molecular dynamics is one of the various motivations for ultrafast optics. Here, we present our investigation of photoionization and nuclear dynamics in methyl iodine (CH 3I) molecule with an X-ray pump X-ray probe scheme. The pump–probe experiment was realized with a two-mirror X-ray split and delay apparatus. Time-of-flight mass spectra at various pump–probe delay times were recorded to obtain the time profile for the creation of high charge states via sequential ionization and for molecular dissociation. We observed high charge states of atomic iodine up tomore » 29+, and visualized the evolution of creating these high atomic ion charge states, including their population suppression and enhancement as the arrival time of the second X-ray pulse was varied. We also show the evolution of the kinetics of the high charge states upon the timing of their creation during the ionization-dissociation coupled dynamics. We demonstrate the implementation of X-ray pump–probe methodology for investigating X-ray induced molecular dynamics with femtosecond temporal resolution. The results indicate the footprints of ionization that lead to high charge states, probing the long-range potential curves of the high charge states.« less

Wave energy budget analysis in the Earth's radiation belts uncovers a missing energy.

PubMed

Artemyev, A V; Agapitov, O V; Mourenas, D; Krasnoselskikh, V V; Mozer, F S

2015-05-15

Whistler-mode emissions are important electromagnetic waves pervasive in the Earth's magnetosphere, where they continuously remove or energize electrons trapped by the geomagnetic field, controlling radiation hazards to satellites and astronauts and the upper-atmosphere ionization or chemical composition. Here, we report an analysis of 10-year Cluster data, statistically evaluating the full wave energy budget in the Earth's magnetosphere, revealing that a significant fraction of the energy corresponds to hitherto generally neglected very oblique waves. Such waves, with 10 times smaller magnetic power than parallel waves, typically have similar total energy. Moreover, they carry up to 80% of the wave energy involved in wave-particle resonant interactions. It implies that electron heating and precipitation into the atmosphere may have been significantly under/over-valued in past studies considering only conventional quasi-parallel waves. Very oblique waves may turn out to be a crucial agent of energy redistribution in the Earth's radiation belts, controlled by solar activity.

Relaxation from Steady States Far from Equilibrium and the Persistence of Anomalous Shock Behavior in Weakly Ionized Gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubinstein, Robert; Auslender, Aaron H.

1999-01-01

The decay of anomalous effects on shock waves in weakly ionized gases following plasma generator extinction has been measured in the anticipation that the decay time must correlate well with the relaxation time of the mechanism responsible for the anomalous effects. When the relaxation times cannot be measured directly, they are inferred theoretically, usually assuming that the initial state is nearly in thermal equilibrium. In this paper, it is demonstrated that relaxation from any steady state far from equilibrium, including the state of a weakly ionized gas, can proceed much more slowly than arguments based on relaxation from near equilibrium states might suggest. This result justifies a more careful analysis of the relaxation times in weakly ionized gases and suggests that although the experimental measurements of relaxation times did not lead to an unambiguous conclusion, this approach to understanding the anomalous effects may warrant further investigation.

Single and multiple ionization of C{sub 60} fullerenes and collective effects in collisions with highly charged C, F, and Si ions with energy 3 MeV/u

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kelkar, A. H.; Kadhane, U.; Misra, D.

2010-10-15

We have measured absolute cross sections for single, double, triple, and quadruple ionization of C{sub 60} in collisions with 3 MeV/u C, F, and Si projectile ions at various projectile charge states. The experiment was performed using the recoil-ion time-of-flight technique. Projectile charge state dependence of the ionization yields was compared mainly with a model based on the giant dipole plasmon resonance (GDPR). In some cases, the continuum-distorted-wave-eikonal-initial-state (CDW-EIS) model which is normally applied for ion-atom collisions was also used as a reference. An excellent qualitative agreement between the experimental data for single and double ionization and the GDPR modelmore » predictions was found for all projectile charge states.« less

Spark formation as a moving boundary process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebert, Ute

2006-03-01

The growth process of spark channels recently becomes accessible through complementary methods. First, I will review experiments with nanosecond photographic resolution and with fast and well defined power supplies that appropriately resolve the dynamics of electric breakdown [1]. Second, I will discuss the elementary physical processes as well as present computations of spark growth and branching with adaptive grid refinement [2]. These computations resolve three well separated scales of the process that emerge dynamically. Third, this scale separation motivates a hierarchy of models on different length scales. In particular, I will discuss a moving boundary approximation for the ionization fronts that generate the conducting channel. The resulting moving boundary problem shows strong similarities with classical viscous fingering. For viscous fingering, it is known that the simplest model forms unphysical cusps within finite time that are suppressed by a regularizing condition on the moving boundary. For ionization fronts, we derive a new condition on the moving boundary of mixed Dirichlet-Neumann type (φ=ɛnφ) that indeed regularizes all structures investigated so far. In particular, we present compact analytical solutions with regularization, both for uniformly translating shapes and for their linear perturbations [3]. These solutions are so simple that they may acquire a paradigmatic role in the future. Within linear perturbation theory, they explicitly show the convective stabilization of a curved front while planar fronts are linearly unstable against perturbations of arbitrary wave length. [1] T.M.P. Briels, E.M. van Veldhuizen, U. Ebert, TU Eindhoven. [2] C. Montijn, J. Wackers, W. Hundsdorfer, U. Ebert, CWI Amsterdam. [3] B. Meulenbroek, U. Ebert, L. Schäfer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 195004 (2005).

Fluid and hybrid models for streamers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonaventura, Zdeněk

2016-09-01

Streamers are contracted ionizing waves with self-generated field enhancement that propagate into a low-ionized medium exposed to high electric field leaving filamentary trails of plasma behind. The widely used model to study streamer dynamics is based on drift-diffusion equations for electrons and ions, assuming local field approximation, coupled with Poisson's equation. For problems where presence of energetic electrons become important a fluid approach needs to be extended by a particle model, accompanied also with Monte Carlo Collision technique, that takes care of motion of these electrons. A combined fluid-particle approach is used to study an influence of surface emission processes on a fast-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge in air at atmospheric pressure. It is found that fluid-only model predicts substantially faster reignition dynamics compared to coupled fluid-particle model. Furthermore, a hybrid model can be created in which the population of electrons is divided in the energy space into two distinct groups: (1) low energy `bulk' electrons that are treated with fluid model, and (2) high energy `beam' electrons, followed as particles. The hybrid model is then capable not only to deal with streamer discharges in laboratory conditions, but also allows us to study electron acceleration in streamer zone of lighting leaders. There, the production of fast electrons from streamers is investigated, since these (runaway) electrons act as seeds for the relativistic runaway electron avalanche (RREA) mechanism, important for high-energy atmospheric physics phenomena. Results suggest that high energy electrons effect the streamer propagation, namely the velocity, the peak electric field, and thus also the production rate of runaway electrons. This work has been supported by the Czech Science Foundation research project 15-04023S.

Dynamics of the CMZ - Giant Magnetic Loops Connection in the Galactic Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langer, William

2012-10-01

Understanding the mass transfer and dynamics among the Galactic Center, the disk, and the halo of the Milky Way is fundamental to the study of the evolution of galaxies and star formation. Several giant molecular loops (GML), detected in CO maps of the Galactic Center, are likely the result of the magnetic Parker instability. We have new evidence of a possible dynamical connection between these loops and the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) from a sparse [CII] sampling from our Herschel Open Time Key Project GOT C+. The CMZ-GML region is dynamically active and is likely to have a significant ionized component. However, we have no information on the distribution and dynamics of the ionized gas. The fine-structure lines of [NII] are key probes of the warm ionized medium (WIM) and along with the [CII] can isolate the different ionization components. We have a Herschel OT2 Priority 1 program to map the GML and the CMZ-GML connection in [CII] in more detail. However, we did not propose needed [NII] observations due to an incomplete analysis of our limited GOT C+ data at the time. Here we propose to observe with the SOFIA/GREAT instrument, [NII] in the CMZ-GML interface region using the L1b band, and serendipitously CO (16-15) using band L2. With this data, combined with our Herschel HIFI [CII], Mopra 12CO (1-0) and 13CO (1-0), and HI, we will characterize these important ISM components and their motions in these Galactic Center features. These observations of the nearest such regions of galactic center activity, also have bearing on the dynamics of other galactic nuclei.

Vibrational-rotational temperature measurement of N2 in the lower thermosphere by the rocket experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurihara, J.; Oyama, K.; Suzuki, K.; Iwagami, N.

The vibrational temperature (Tv), the rotational temperature (Tr) and the density of atmospheric N2 between 100 - 150 km were measured in situ by a sounding rocket S310-30, over Kagoshima, Japan at 10:30 UT on February 6, 2002. The main purpose of this rocket experiment is to study the dynamics and the thermal energy budget in the lower thermosphere. N2 was ionized using an electron gun and the emission of the 1st negative bands of N2+ was measured by a sensitive spectrometer. Tv and Tr were determined by fitting the observed spectrum for the simulated spectrum, and the number density was deduced from the intensities of the spectrum. We will report preliminary results of our measurement and discuss the observed thermal structure that indicates the effect of tides and gravity waves.

Effect of the scheme of plasmachemical processes on the calculated characteristics of a barrier discharge in xenon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Avtaeva, S. V.; Kulumbaev, E. B.

2008-06-15

The dynamics of a repetitive barrier discharge in xenon at a pressure of 400 Torr is simulated using a one-dimensional drift-diffusion model. The thicknesses of identical barriers with a dielectric constant of 4 are 2 mm, and the gap length is 4 mm. The discharge is fed with an 8-kV ac voltage at a frequency of 25 or 50 kHz. The development of the ionization wave and the breakdown and afterglow phases of a barrier discharge are analyzed using two different kinetic schemes of elementary processes in a xenon plasma. It is shown that the calculated waveforms of the dischargemore » voltage and current, the instant of breakdown, and the number of breakdowns per voltage half-period depend substantially on the properties of the kinetic scheme of plasmachemical processes.« less

Emission processes and dynamics of hot gases in astrophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chevalier, Roger A.; Sarazin, Craig L.

1991-01-01

A detailed model was developed for Kepler's supernova remnant (SNR). Observations of the SNR revealed a strong interaction with the surrounding circumstellar medium, which was studied through both analytical and numerical calculations. Effects were studied of electron thermal conduction on the structure of radiative interstellar shock waves. An explanation is sought for the observed line emission from metal rich ejecta in SNR, incorporating atomic data. Light echoes around SN 1987A was also studied. Analysis of infrared and scattered circumstellar light echoes was accomplished with early observations to set limits on the mass of circumstellar dust. Work was completed on the emission from heavy element gas ejected in the supernova explosion of massive stars. It was assumed that a radioactive energy source was present and calculated the detailed heating and ionization of the gas. The evolution was studied of SNR in the very high pressure environment of a starburst galaxy.

Observation of the isotope effect in sub-kelvin reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavert-Ofir, Etay; Shagam, Yuval; Henson, Alon B.; Gersten, Sasha; Kłos, Jacek; Żuchowski, Piotr S.; Narevicius, Julia; Narevicius, Edvardas

2014-04-01

Quantum phenomena in the translational motion of reactants, which are usually negligible at room temperature, can dominate reaction dynamics at low temperatures. In such cold conditions, even the weak centrifugal force is enough to create a potential barrier that keeps reactants separated. However, reactions may still proceed through tunnelling because, at low temperatures, wave-like properties become important. At certain de Broglie wavelengths, the colliding particles can become trapped in long-lived metastable scattering states, leading to sharp increases in the total reaction rate. Here, we show that these metastable states are responsible for a dramatic, order-of-magnitude-strong, quantum kinetic isotope effect by measuring the absolute Penning ionization reaction rates between hydrogen isotopologues and metastable helium down to 0.01 K. We demonstrate that measurements of a single isotope are insufficient to constrain ab initio calculations, making the kinetic isotope effect in the cold regime necessary to remove ambiguity among possible potential energy surfaces.

Absolute cross sections for the ionization-excitation of helium by electron impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellm, S.; Lower, J.; Weigold, E.; Bray, I.; Fursa, D. V.; Bartschat, K.; Harris, A. L.; Madison, D. H.

2008-09-01

In a recent publication we presented detailed experimental and theoretical results for the electron-impact-induced ionization of ground-state helium atoms. The purpose of that work was to refine theoretical approaches and provide further insight into the Coulomb four-body problem. Cross section ratios were presented for transitions leading to excited states, relative to those leading to the ground state, of the helium ion. We now build on that study by presenting individual relative triple-differential ionization cross sections (TDCSs) for an additional body of experimental data measured at lower values of scattered-electron energies. This has been facilitated through the development of new electron-gun optics which enables us to accurately characterize the spectrometer transmission at low energies. The experimental results are compared to calculations resulting from a number of different approaches. For ionization leading to He+(1s2)1S , cross sections are calculated by the highly accurate convergent close-coupling (CCC) method. The CCC data are used to place the relative experimental data on to an absolute scale. TDCSs describing transitions to the excited states are calculated through three different approaches, namely, through a hybrid distorted- wave+R -matrix (close-coupling) model, through the recently developed four-body distorted-wave model, and by a first Born approximation calculation. Comparison of the first- and second-order theories with experiment allows for the accuracy of the different theoretical approaches to be assessed and gives insight into which physical aspects of the problem are most important to accurately model.

[C ii] 158 μm line detection of the warm ionized medium in the Scutum-Crux spiral arm tangency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velusamy, T.; Langer, W. D.; Pineda, J. L.; Goldsmith, P. F.

2012-05-01

Context. The Herschel HIFI GOT C+ Galactic plane [C ii] spectral survey has detected strong emission at the spiral arm tangencies. Aims: We use the unique viewing geometry of the Scutum-Crux (S-C) tangency nearl = 30° to detect the warm ionized medium (WIM) component traced by [CII] and to study the effects of spiral density waves on Interstellar Medium (ISM) gas. Methods: We compare [C ii] velocity features with ancillary H i, 12CO and 13CO data near tangent velocities at each longitude to separate the cold neutral medium and the warm neutral + ionized components in the S-C tangency, then we identify [C ii] emission at the highest velocities without any contribution from 12CO clouds, as WIM. Results: We present the GOT C+ results for the S-C tangency. We interpret the diffuse and extended excess [C ii] emission at and above the tangent velocities as arising in the electron-dominated warm ionized gas in the WIM. We derive an electron density in the range of 0.2-0.9 cm-3 at each longitude, a factor of several higher than the average value from Hα and pulsar dispersion. Conclusions: We interpret the excess [C ii] in S-C tangency as shock compression of the WIM induced by the spiral density waves. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.

Ab initio dynamics and photoionization mass spectrometry reveal ion-molecule pathways from ionized acetylene clusters to benzene cation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stein, Tamar; Bandyopadhyay, Biswajit; Troy, Tyler P.

The growth mechanism of hydrocarbons in ionizing environments, such as the interstellar medium (ISM), and some combustion conditions remains incompletely understood. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and molecular beam vacuum-UV (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry experiments were performed to understand the ion-molecule growth mechanism of small acetylene clusters (up to hexamers). A dramatic dependence of product distribution on the ionization conditions is demonstrated experimentally and understood from simulations. The products change from reactive fragmentation products in a higher temperature, higher density gas regime toward a very cold collision-free cluster regime that is dominated by products whose empirical formula is (Cmore » 2H 2) n +, just like ionized acetylene clusters. The fragmentation products result from reactive ion- molecule collisions in a comparatively higher pressure and temperature regime followed by unimolecular decomposition. The isolated ionized clusters display rich dynamics that contain bonded C 4H 4 + and C 6H 6 + structures solvated with one or more neutral acetylene molecules. Such species contain large amounts ( > 2 eV) of excess internal energy. The role of the solvent acetylene molecules is to affect the barrier crossing dynamics in the potential energy surface (PES) between (C 2H 2) n + isomers and provide evaporative cooling to dissipate the excess internal energy and stabilize products including the aromatic ring of the benzene cation. Formation of the benzene cation is demonstrated in AIMD simulations of acetylene clusters with n > 3, as well as other metastable C 6H 6 + isomers. Lastly, these results suggest a path for aromatic ring formation in cold acetylene-rich environments such as parts of the ISM.« less

Ab initio dynamics and photoionization mass spectrometry reveal ion–molecule pathways from ionized acetylene clusters to benzene cation

PubMed Central

Stein, Tamar; Bandyopadhyay, Biswajit; Troy, Tyler P.; Fang, Yigang; Kostko, Oleg

2017-01-01

The growth mechanism of hydrocarbons in ionizing environments, such as the interstellar medium (ISM), and some combustion conditions remains incompletely understood. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and molecular beam vacuum-UV (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry experiments were performed to understand the ion–molecule growth mechanism of small acetylene clusters (up to hexamers). A dramatic dependence of product distribution on the ionization conditions is demonstrated experimentally and understood from simulations. The products change from reactive fragmentation products in a higher temperature, higher density gas regime toward a very cold collision-free cluster regime that is dominated by products whose empirical formula is (C2H2)n+, just like ionized acetylene clusters. The fragmentation products result from reactive ion–molecule collisions in a comparatively higher pressure and temperature regime followed by unimolecular decomposition. The isolated ionized clusters display rich dynamics that contain bonded C4H4+ and C6H6+ structures solvated with one or more neutral acetylene molecules. Such species contain large amounts (>2 eV) of excess internal energy. The role of the solvent acetylene molecules is to affect the barrier crossing dynamics in the potential energy surface (PES) between (C2H2)n+ isomers and provide evaporative cooling to dissipate the excess internal energy and stabilize products including the aromatic ring of the benzene cation. Formation of the benzene cation is demonstrated in AIMD simulations of acetylene clusters with n > 3, as well as other metastable C6H6+ isomers. These results suggest a path for aromatic ring formation in cold acetylene-rich environments such as parts of the ISM. PMID:28484019

Ab initio dynamics and photoionization mass spectrometry reveal ion-molecule pathways from ionized acetylene clusters to benzene cation.

PubMed

Stein, Tamar; Bandyopadhyay, Biswajit; Troy, Tyler P; Fang, Yigang; Kostko, Oleg; Ahmed, Musahid; Head-Gordon, Martin

2017-05-23

The growth mechanism of hydrocarbons in ionizing environments, such as the interstellar medium (ISM), and some combustion conditions remains incompletely understood. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and molecular beam vacuum-UV (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry experiments were performed to understand the ion-molecule growth mechanism of small acetylene clusters (up to hexamers). A dramatic dependence of product distribution on the ionization conditions is demonstrated experimentally and understood from simulations. The products change from reactive fragmentation products in a higher temperature, higher density gas regime toward a very cold collision-free cluster regime that is dominated by products whose empirical formula is (C 2 H 2 ) n + , just like ionized acetylene clusters. The fragmentation products result from reactive ion-molecule collisions in a comparatively higher pressure and temperature regime followed by unimolecular decomposition. The isolated ionized clusters display rich dynamics that contain bonded C 4 H 4 + and C 6 H 6 + structures solvated with one or more neutral acetylene molecules. Such species contain large amounts (>2 eV) of excess internal energy. The role of the solvent acetylene molecules is to affect the barrier crossing dynamics in the potential energy surface (PES) between (C 2 H 2 ) n + isomers and provide evaporative cooling to dissipate the excess internal energy and stabilize products including the aromatic ring of the benzene cation. Formation of the benzene cation is demonstrated in AIMD simulations of acetylene clusters with n > 3, as well as other metastable C 6 H 6 + isomers. These results suggest a path for aromatic ring formation in cold acetylene-rich environments such as parts of the ISM.

Ab initio dynamics and photoionization mass spectrometry reveal ion-molecule pathways from ionized acetylene clusters to benzene cation

DOE PAGES

Stein, Tamar; Bandyopadhyay, Biswajit; Troy, Tyler P.; ...

2017-05-08

The growth mechanism of hydrocarbons in ionizing environments, such as the interstellar medium (ISM), and some combustion conditions remains incompletely understood. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and molecular beam vacuum-UV (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry experiments were performed to understand the ion-molecule growth mechanism of small acetylene clusters (up to hexamers). A dramatic dependence of product distribution on the ionization conditions is demonstrated experimentally and understood from simulations. The products change from reactive fragmentation products in a higher temperature, higher density gas regime toward a very cold collision-free cluster regime that is dominated by products whose empirical formula is (Cmore » 2H 2) n +, just like ionized acetylene clusters. The fragmentation products result from reactive ion- molecule collisions in a comparatively higher pressure and temperature regime followed by unimolecular decomposition. The isolated ionized clusters display rich dynamics that contain bonded C 4H 4 + and C 6H 6 + structures solvated with one or more neutral acetylene molecules. Such species contain large amounts ( > 2 eV) of excess internal energy. The role of the solvent acetylene molecules is to affect the barrier crossing dynamics in the potential energy surface (PES) between (C 2H 2) n + isomers and provide evaporative cooling to dissipate the excess internal energy and stabilize products including the aromatic ring of the benzene cation. Formation of the benzene cation is demonstrated in AIMD simulations of acetylene clusters with n > 3, as well as other metastable C 6H 6 + isomers. Lastly, these results suggest a path for aromatic ring formation in cold acetylene-rich environments such as parts of the ISM.« less

Experimental Validation of a Branched Solution Model for Magnetosonic Ionization Waves in Plasma Accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Underwood, Thomas; Loebner, Keith; Cappelli, Mark

2015-11-01

Detailed measurements of the thermodynamic and electrodynamic plasma state variables within the plume of a pulsed plasma accelerator are presented. A quadruple Langmuir probe operating in current-saturation mode is used to obtain time resolved measurements of the plasma density, temperature, potential, and velocity along the central axis of the accelerator. This data is used in conjunction with a fast-framing, intensified CCD camera to develop and validate a model predicting the existence of two distinct types of ionization waves corresponding to the upper and lower solution branches of the Hugoniot curve. A deviation of less than 8% is observed between the quasi-steady, one-dimensional theoretical model and the experimentally measured plume velocity. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Stewardship Science Academic Program in addition to the National Defense Science Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

A study of electron density profiles in relation to ionization sources and ground-based radio wave absorption measurements, part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gnanalingam, S.; Kane, J. A.

1975-01-01

The D-region ion production functions are used to calculate the relationship between radio wave absorption and the flux level of X-rays in the 1-8A wavelength band. In order to bring this calculation into agreement with the empirically established relationship, it was found necessary to reduce by, a factor of about 5, the Meira nitric oxide densities below 90 km.

On Acceptable Exposures to Short Pulses of Electromagnetic Fields

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

in the comparisons given in this report, the electric and magnetic field strengths are assumed to be related as for a propagating wave . In the...adequacy of current standards is far from a settled issue. 15. SUBJECT TERMS International Commission on Non- Ionizing Radiation Protection, Institute...a source, the electric and magnetic fields are approximately related to each other in the same way as in a radiating wave far from the source. That

Dynamics of Quasi-Electrostatic Whistler waves in Earth's Radiation belts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goyal, R.; Sharma, R. P.; Gupta, D. N.

2017-12-01

A numerical model is proposed to study the dynamics of high amplitude quasi-electrostatic whistler waves propagating near resonance cone angle and their interaction with finite frequency kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) in Earth's radiation belts. The quasi-electrostatic character of whistlers is narrated by dynamics of wave propagating near resonance cone. A high amplitude whistler wave packet is obtained using the present analysis which has also been observed by S/WAVES instrument onboard STEREO. The numerical simulation technique employed to study the dynamics, leads to localization (channelling) of waves as well as turbulent spectrum suggesting the transfer of wave energy over a range of frequencies. The turbulent spectrum also indicates the presence of quasi-electrostatic whistlers and density fluctuations associated with KAW in radiation belts plasma. The ponderomotive force of pump quasi-electrostatic whistlers (high frequency) is used to excite relatively much lower frequency waves (KAWs). The wave localization and steeper spectra could be responsible for particle energization or heating in radiation belts.

The exact thermal rotational spectrum of a two-dimensional rigid rotor obtained using Gaussian wave packet dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reimers, J. R.; Heller, E. J.

1985-01-01

The exact thermal rotational spectrum of a two-dimensional rigid rotor is obtained using Gaussian wave packet dynamics. The spectrum is obtained by propagating, without approximation, infinite sets of Gaussian wave packets. These sets are constructed so that collectively they have the correct periodicity, and indeed, are coherent states appropriate to this problem. Also, simple, almost classical, approximations to full wave packet dynamics are shown to give results which are either exact or very nearly exact. Advantages of the use of Gaussian wave packet dynamics over conventional linear response theory are discussed.

Lithium atoms on helium nanodroplets: Rydberg series and ionization dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lackner, Florian; Krois, Günter; Ernst, Wolfgang E.

2017-11-01

The electronic excitation spectrum of lithium atoms residing on the surface of helium nanodroplets is presented and analyzed employing a Rydberg-Ritz approach. Utilizing resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy, two different Rydberg series have been identified: one assigned to the nS(Σ) series and the other with predominantly nP(Π) character. For high Rydberg states, which have been resolved up to n = 13, the surrounding helium effectively screens the valence electron from the Li ion core, as indicated by the apparent red-shift of Li transitions and lowered quantum defects on the droplet with respect to their free atom counterparts. For low n states, the screening effect is weakened and the prevailing repulsive interaction gives rise to strongly broadened and blue-shifted transitions. The red-shifts originate from the polarization of nearby He atoms by the positive Li ion core. As a consequence of this effect, the ionization threshold is lowered by 116 ± 10 cm-1 for Li on helium droplets with a radius of about 40 Å. Upon single-photon ionization, heavy complexes corresponding to Li ions attached to intact helium droplets are detected. We conclude that ionization close to the on-droplet ionization threshold triggers a dynamic process in which the Li ion core undergoes a transition from a surface site into the droplet.

Scattering characteristics of electromagnetic waves in time and space inhomogeneous weakly ionized dusty plasma sheath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Li-xin; Chen, Wei; Li, Jiang-ting; Ren, Yi; Liu, Song-hua

2018-05-01

The dielectric coefficient of a weakly ionised dusty plasma is used to establish a three-dimensional time and space inhomogeneous dusty plasma sheath. The effects of scattering on electromagnetic (EM) waves in this dusty plasma sheath are investigated using the auxiliary differential equation finite-difference time-domain method. Backward radar cross-sectional values of various parameters, including the dust particle radius, charging frequency of dust particles, dust particle concentration, effective collision frequency, rate of the electron density variation with time, angle of EM wave incidence, and plasma frequency, are analysed within the time and space inhomogeneous plasma sheath. The results show the noticeable effects of dusty plasma parameters on EM waves.

Steering attosecond electron wave packets with light.

PubMed

Kienberger, R; Hentschel, M; Uiberacker, M; Spielmann, Ch; Kitzler, M; Scrinzi, A; Wieland, M; Westerwalbesloh, Th; Kleineberg, U; Heinzmann, U; Drescher, M; Krausz, F

2002-08-16

Photoelectrons excited by extreme ultraviolet or x-ray photons in the presence of a strong laser field generally suffer a spread of their energies due to the absorption and emission of laser photons. We demonstrate that if the emitted electron wave packet is temporally confined to a small fraction of the oscillation period of the interacting light wave, its energy spectrum can be up- or downshifted by many times the laser photon energy without substantial broadening. The light wave can accelerate or decelerate the electron's drift velocity, i.e., steer the electron wave packet like a classical particle. This capability strictly relies on a sub-femtosecond duration of the ionizing x-ray pulse and on its timing to the phase of the light wave with a similar accuracy, offering a simple and potentially single-shot diagnostic tool for attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy.

Three-body Coulomb problem probed by mapping the Bethe surface in ionizing ion-atom collisions.

PubMed

Moshammer, R; Perumal, A; Schulz, M; Rodríguez, V D; Kollmus, H; Mann, R; Hagmann, S; Ullrich, J

2001-11-26

The three-body Coulomb problem has been explored in kinematically complete experiments on single ionization of helium by 100 MeV/u C(6+) and 3.6 MeV/u Au(53+) impact. Low-energy electron emission ( E(e)<150 eV) as a function of the projectile deflection theta(p) (momentum transfer), i.e., the Bethe surface [15], has been mapped with Delta theta(p)+/-25 nanoradian resolution at extremely large perturbations ( 3.6 MeV/u Au(53+)) where single ionization occurs at impact parameters of typically 10 times the He K-shell radius. The experimental data are not in agreement with state-of-the-art continuum distorted wave-eikonal initial state theory.

Comparison of experimental and theoretical triple differential cross sections for the single ionization of C O2 (1 πg ) by electron impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozer, Zehra N.; Ali, Esam; Dogan, Mevlut; Yavuz, Murat; Alwan, Osman; Naja, Adnan; Chuluunbaatar, Ochbadrakh; Joulakian, Boghos B.; Ning, Chuan-Gang; Colgan, James; Madison, Don

2016-06-01

Experimental and theoretical triple differential cross sections for intermediate-energy (250 eV) electron-impact single ionization of the CO2 are presented for three fixed projectile scattering angles. Results are presented for ionization of the outermost 1 πg molecular orbital of C O2 in a coplanar asymmetric geometry. The experimental data are compared to predictions from the three-center Coulomb continuum approximation for triatomic targets, and the molecular three-body distorted wave (M3DW) model. It is observed that while both theories are in reasonable qualitative agreement with experiment, the M3DW is in the best overall agreement with experiment.

Efficient and robust photo-ionization loading of beryllium ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Sebastian; Studer, Dominik; Wendt, Klaus; Schmidt-Kaler, Ferdinand

2018-02-01

We demonstrate the efficient generation of Be^+ ions with a 60 ns and 150 nJ laser pulse near 235 nm for two-step photo-ionization, proven by subsequent counting of the number of ions loaded into a linear Paul trap. The bandwidth and power of the laser pulse are chosen in such a way that a first, resonant step fully saturates the entire velocity distribution of beryllium atoms effusing from a thermal oven. The second excitation step is driven by the same light field causing efficient non-resonant ionization. Our ion-loading scheme has a similar efficiency as compared to former pathways using two-photon continuous wave laser excitation, but with an order of magnitude lower than average UV light power.

Numerical simulations of a nonequilibrium argon plasma in a shock-tube experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cambier, Jean-Luc

1991-01-01

A code developed for the numerical modeling of nonequilibrium radiative plasmas is applied to the simulation of the propagation of strong ionizing shock waves in argon gas. The simulations attempt to reproduce a series of shock-tube experiments which will be used to validate the numerical models and procedures. The ability to perform unsteady simulations makes it possible to observe some fluctuations in the shock propagation, coupled to the kinetic processes. A coupling mechanism by pressure waves, reminiscent of oscillation mechanisms observed in detonation waves, is described. The effect of upper atomic levels is also briefly discussed.

Analysis of conductive target influence in plasma jet experiments through helium metastable and electric field measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darny, T.; Pouvesle, J.-M.; Puech, V.; Douat, C.; Dozias, S.; Robert, Eric

2017-04-01

The use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets for in vivo treatments implies most of the time plasma interaction with conductive targets. The effect of conductive target contact on the discharge behavior is studied here for a grounded metallic target and compared to the free jet configuration. In this work, realized with a plasma gun, we measured helium metastable HeM (23S1) concentration (by laser absorption spectroscopy) and electric field (EF) longitudinal and radial components (by electro-optic probe). Both diagnostics were temporally and spatially resolved. Mechanisms after ionization front impact on the target surface have been identified. The remnant conductive ionized channel behind the ionization front electrically transiently connects the inner high voltage electrode to the target. Due to impedance mismatching between the ionized channel and the target, a secondary ionization front is initiated and rapidly propagates from the target surface to the inner electrode through this ionized channel. This leads to a greatly enhanced HeM production inside the plasma plume and the capillary. Forward and reverse dynamics occur with further multi reflections of more or less damped ionization fronts between the inner electrode and the target as long as the ionized channel is persisting. This phenomenon is very sensitive to parameters such as target distance and ionized channel conductivity affecting electrical coupling between these two and evidenced using positive or negative voltage polarity and nitrogen admixture. In typical operating conditions for the plasma gun used in this work, it has been found that after the secondary ionization front propagation, when the ionized channel is conductive enough, a glow like discharge occurs with strong conduction current. HeM production and all species excitation, especially reactive ones, are then driven by high voltage pulse evolution. The control of forward and reverse dynamics, impacting on the production of the glow like discharge, will be useful for biomedical applications on living tissues.

Energy deposition dynamics of femtosecond pulses in water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minardi, Stefano, E-mail: stefano@stefanominardi.eu; Pertsch, Thomas; Milián, Carles

2014-12-01

We exploit inverse Raman scattering and solvated electron absorption to perform a quantitative characterization of the energy loss and ionization dynamics in water with tightly focused near-infrared femtosecond pulses. A comparison between experimental data and numerical simulations suggests that the ionization energy of water is 8 eV, rather than the commonly used value of 6.5 eV. We also introduce an equation for the Raman gain valid for ultra-short pulses that validates our experimental procedure.

Ambient diode laser desorption dielectric barrier discharge ionization mass spectrometry of nonvolatile chemicals.

PubMed

Gilbert-López, Bienvenida; Schilling, Michael; Ahlmann, Norman; Michels, Antje; Hayen, Heiko; Molina-Díaz, Antonio; García-Reyes, Juan F; Franzke, Joachim

2013-03-19

In this work, the combined use of desorption by a continuous wave near-infrared diode laser and ionization by a dielectric barrier discharge-based probe (laser desorption dielectric barrier discharge ionization mass spectrometry (LD-DBDI-MS)) is presented as an ambient ionization method for the mass spectrometric detection of nonvolatile chemicals on surfaces. A separation of desorption and ionization processes could be verified. The use of the diode laser is motivated by its low cost, ease of use, and small size. To achieve an efficient desorption, the glass substrates are coated at the back side with a black point (target point, where the sample is deposited) in order to absorb the energy offered by the diode laser radiation. Subsequent ionization is accomplished by a helium plasmajet generated in the dielectric barrier discharge source. Examples on the application of this approach are shown in both positive and negative ionization modes. A wide variety of multiclass species with low vapor pressure were tested including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and explosives (reserpine, roxithromycin, propazine, prochloraz, spinosad, ampicillin, dicloxacillin, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, erythromycin, spinosad, cyclo-1,3,5,7-tetramethylene tetranitrate (HMX), and cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene trinitramine (RDX)). A comparative evaluation revealed that the use of the laser is advantageous, compared to just heating the substrate surface.

Ultra-low emittance electron beam generation using ionization injection in a plasma beatwave accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroeder, Carl; Benedetti, Carlo; Esarey, Eric; Leemans, Wim

2017-10-01

Ultra-low emittance beams can be generated using ionization injection of electrons into a wakefield excited by a plasma beatwave accelerator. This all-optical method of electron beam generation uses three laser pulses of different colors. Two long-wavelength laser pulses, with frequency difference equal to the plasma frequency, resonantly drive a plasma wave without fully ionizing a gas. A short-wavelength injection laser pulse (with a small ponderomotive force and large peak electric field), co-propagating and delayed with respect to the beating long-wavelength lasers, ionizes a fraction of the remaining bound electrons at a trapped wake phase, generating an electron beam that is accelerated in the wakefield. Using the beating of long-wavelength pulses to generate the wakefield enables atomically-bound electrons to remain at low ionization potentials, reducing the required amplitude of the ionization pulse, and, hence, the initial transverse momentum and emittance of the injected electrons. An example is presented using two lines of a CO2 laser to form a plasma beatwave accelerator to drive the wake and a frequency-doubled Ti:Al2O3 laser for ionization injection. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.

Wave energy budget analysis in the Earth’s radiation belts uncovers a missing energy

PubMed Central

Artemyev, A.V.; Agapitov, O.V.; Mourenas, D.; Krasnoselskikh, V.V.; Mozer, F.S.

2015-01-01

Whistler-mode emissions are important electromagnetic waves pervasive in the Earth’s magnetosphere, where they continuously remove or energize electrons trapped by the geomagnetic field, controlling radiation hazards to satellites and astronauts and the upper-atmosphere ionization or chemical composition. Here, we report an analysis of 10-year Cluster data, statistically evaluating the full wave energy budget in the Earth’s magnetosphere, revealing that a significant fraction of the energy corresponds to hitherto generally neglected very oblique waves. Such waves, with 10 times smaller magnetic power than parallel waves, typically have similar total energy. Moreover, they carry up to 80% of the wave energy involved in wave–particle resonant interactions. It implies that electron heating and precipitation into the atmosphere may have been significantly under/over-valued in past studies considering only conventional quasi-parallel waves. Very oblique waves may turn out to be a crucial agent of energy redistribution in the Earth’s radiation belts, controlled by solar activity. PMID:25975615

Study of Linear and Nonlinear Wave Excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Feng; Berumen, Jorge; Hood, Ryan; Mattingly, Sean; Skiff, Frederick

2013-10-01

We report an experimental study of externally excited low-frequency waves in a cylindrical, magnetized, singly-ionized Argon inductively-coupled gas discharge plasma that is weakly collisional. Wave excitation in the drift wave frequency range is accomplished by low-percentage amplitude modulation of the RF plasma source. Laser-induced fluorescence is adopted to study ion-density fluctuations in phase space. The laser is chopped to separate LIF from collisional fluorescence. A single negatively-biased Langmuir probe is used to detect ion-density fluctuations in the plasma. A ring array of Langmuir probes is also used to analyze the spatial and spectral structure of the excited waves. We apply coherent detection with respect to the wave frequency to obtain the ion distribution function associated with externally generated waves. Higher-order spectra are computed to evaluate the nonlinear coupling between fluctuations at various frequencies produced by the externally generated waves. Parametric decay of the waves is observed. This work is supported by U.S. DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER54543.

Reprint of: Ionization probabilities of Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe by proton impact for different initial states and impact energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montanari, C. C.; Miraglia, J. E.

2018-01-01

In this contribution we present ab initio results for ionization total cross sections, probabilities at zero impact parameter, and impact parameter moments of order +1 and -1 of Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe by proton impact in an extended energy range from 100 keV up to 10 MeV. The calculations were performed by using the continuum distorted wave eikonal initial state approximation (CDW-EIS) for energies up to 1 MeV, and using the first Born approximation for larger energies. The convergence of the CDW-EIS to the first Born above 1 MeV is clear in the present results. Our inner-shell ionization cross sections are compared with the available experimental data and with the ECPSSR results. We also include in this contribution the values of the ionization probabilities at the origin, and the impact parameter dependence. These values have been employed in multiple ionization calculations showing very good description of the experimental data. Tables of the ionization probabilities are presented, disaggregated for the different initial bound states, considering all the shells for Ne and Ar, the M-N shells of Kr and the N-O shells of Xe.

Investigation of ionized metal flux in enhanced high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stranak, Vitezslav, E-mail: stranak@prf.jcu.cz; Hubicka, Zdenek; Cada, Martin

2014-04-21

The metal ionized flux fraction and production of double charged metal ions Me{sup 2+} of different materials (Al, Cu, Fe, Ti) by High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) operated with and without a pre-ionization assistance is compared in the paper. The Electron Cyclotron Wave Resonance (ECWR) discharge was employed as the pre-ionization agent providing a seed of charge in the idle time of HiPIMS pulses. A modified grid-free biased quartz crystal microbalance was used to estimate the metal ionized flux fraction ξ. The energy-resolved mass spectrometry served as a complementary method to distinguish particular ion contributions to the total ionizedmore » flux onto the substrate. The ratio between densities of doubly Me{sup 2+} and singly Me{sup +} charged metal ions was determined. It is shown that ECWR assistance enhances Me{sup 2+} production with respect of absorbed rf-power. The ECWR discharge also increases the metal ionized flux fraction of about 30% especially in the region of lower pressures. Further, the suppression of the gas rarefaction effect due to enhanced secondary electron emission of Me{sup 2+} was observed.« less

3-D Hybrid Kinetic Modeling of the Interaction Between the Solar Wind and Lunar-like Exospheric Pickup Ions in Case of Oblique/ Quasi-Parallel/Parallel Upstream Magnetic Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipatov, A. S.; Farrell, W. M.; Cooper, J. F.; Sittler, E. C., Jr.; Hartle, R. E.

2015-01-01

The interactions between the solar wind and Moon-sized objects are determined by a set of the solar wind parameters and plasma environment of the space objects. The orientation of upstream magnetic field is one of the key factors which determines the formation and structure of bow shock wave/Mach cone or Alfven wing near the obstacle. The study of effects of the direction of the upstream magnetic field on lunar-like plasma environment is the main subject of our investigation in this paper. Photoionization, electron-impact ionization and charge exchange are included in our hybrid model. The computational model includes the self-consistent dynamics of the light (hydrogen (+), helium (+)) and heavy (sodium (+)) pickup ions. The lunar interior is considered as a weakly conducting body. Our previous 2013 lunar work, as reported in this journal, found formation of a triple structure of the Mach cone near the Moon in the case of perpendicular upstream magnetic field. Further advances in modeling now reveal the presence of strong wave activity in the upstream solar wind and plasma wake in the cases of quasiparallel and parallel upstream magnetic fields. However, little wave activity is found for the opposite case with a perpendicular upstream magnetic field. The modeling does not show a formation of the Mach cone in the case of theta(Sub B,U) approximately equal to 0 degrees.

Dynamic Reactive Ionization with Cluster Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Hua; Wucher, Andreas; Winograd, Nicholas

2016-02-01

Gas cluster ion beams (GCIB) have been tuned to enhance secondary ion yields by doping small gas molecules such as CH4, CO2, and O2 into an Ar cluster projectile, Arn + ( n = 1000-10,000) to form a mixed cluster. The `tailored beam' has the potential to expand the application of secondary ion mass spectrometry for two- and three-dimensional molecular specific imaging. Here, we examine the possibility of further enhancing the ionization by doping HCl into the Ar cluster. Water deposited on the target surface facilitates the dissociation of HCl. This concerted effect, occurring only at the impact site of the cluster, arises since the HCl is chemically induced to ionize to H+ and Cl- , allowing improved protonation of neutral molecular species. This hypothesis is confirmed by depth profiling through a trehalose thin film exposed to D2O vapor, resulting in ~20-fold increase in protonated molecules. The results show that it is possible to dynamically maintain optimum ionization conditions during depth profiling by proper adjustment of the water vapor pressure. H-D exchange in the trehalose molecule M was monitored upon deposition of D2O on the target surface, leading to the observation of [Mn* + H]+ or [Mn* + D]+ ions, where n = 1-8 hydrogen atoms in the trehalose molecule M have been replaced by deuterium. In general, we discuss the role of surface chemistry and dynamic reactive ionization of organic molecules in increasing the secondary ion yield.

Generation of monoenergetic ion beams via ionization dynamics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chen; Kim, I. Jong; Yu, Jinqing; Choi, Il Woo; Ma, Wenjun; Yan, Xueqing; Nam, Chang Hee

2017-05-01

The research on ion acceleration driven by high intensity laser pulse has attracted significant interests in recent decades due to the developments of laser technology. The intensive study of energetic ion bunches is particularly stimulated by wide applications in nuclear fusion, medical treatment, warm dense matter production and high energy density physics. However, to implement such compact accelerators, challenges are still existing in terms of beam quality and stability, especially in applications that require higher energy and narrow bandwidth spectra ion beams. We report on the acceleration of quasi-mono-energetic ion beams via ionization dynamics in the interaction of an intense laser pulse with a solid target. Using ionization dynamics model in 2D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we found that high charge state contamination ions can only be ionized in the central spot area where the intensity of sheath field surpasses their ionization threshold. These ions automatically form a microstructure target with a width of few micron scale, which is conducive to generate mono-energetic beams. In the experiment of ultraintense (< 10^21 W/cm^2) laser pulses irradiating ultrathin targets each attracted with a contamination layer of nm-thickness, high quality < 100 MeV mono-energetic ion bunches are generated. The peak energy of the self-generated micro-structured target ions with respect to different contamination layer thickness is also examined This is relatively newfound respect, which is confirmed by the consistence between experiment data and the simulation results.

Dynamical orientation effects in atomic ionization by impact of protons and positrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fregenal, Daniel; Barrachina, Raúl; Bernardi, Guillermo; Suárez, Sergio; Fiol, Juan

2011-10-01

Recent results in ionization collisions with positrons and protons showed that just above the two-body threshold, for electron velocities close to the final projectile's velocity, the electron-projectile continuum dipole is narrowly oriented along the direction of motion of its centre-of-mass, with the negative charge pointing towards the residual target. Although a forward-backward asymmetry in the vicinity of the two-body threshold has been studied many year ago in ion impact ionization collisions, that was by far a much milder effect that left no fingerprint on the cusp position. Our results show that the phenomena is present for ionization by impact of both protons and positrons. In this communication, through measurements on H+ + He and calculations we analyze in detail this effect that can be linked to a dynamical alignment of the two-body subsystem in the continuum. Recent results in ionization collisions with positrons and protons showed that just above the two-body threshold, for electron velocities close to the final projectile's velocity, the electron-projectile continuum dipole is narrowly oriented along the direction of motion of its centre-of-mass, with the negative charge pointing towards the residual target. Although a forward-backward asymmetry in the vicinity of the two-body threshold has been studied many year ago in ion impact ionization collisions, that was by far a much milder effect that left no fingerprint on the cusp position. Our results show that the phenomena is present for ionization by impact of both protons and positrons. In this communication, through measurements on H+ + He and calculations we analyze in detail this effect that can be linked to a dynamical alignment of the two-body subsystem in the continuum. This work was partially supported by the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo and Fundacion Balseiro.

Voyager Captures Sounds of Interstellar Space

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-12

The plasma wave instrument on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft captured these sounds of dense plasma, or ionized gas, vibrating in interstellar space. There were two times the instrument heard these vibrations: October to November 2012 and April to May 2013.

Accurately Characterizing the Importance of Wave-Particle Interactions in Radiation Belt Dynamics: The Pitfalls of Statistical Wave Representations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Kyle R.; Mann, Ian R.; Rae, I. Jonathan; Sibeck, David G.; Watt, Clare E. J.

2016-01-01

Wave-particle interactions play a crucial role in energetic particle dynamics in the Earths radiation belts. However, the relative importance of different wave modes in these dynamics is poorly understood. Typically, this is assessed during geomagnetic storms using statistically averaged empirical wave models as a function of geomagnetic activity in advanced radiation belt simulations. However, statistical averages poorly characterize extreme events such as geomagnetic storms in that storm-time ultralow frequency wave power is typically larger than that derived over a solar cycle and Kp is a poor proxy for storm-time wave power.

Single ionization and capture cross sections from biological molecules by bare projectile impact*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinto, Michele A.; Monti, Juan M.; Montenegro, Pablo D.; Fojón, Omar A.; Champion, Christophe; Rivarola, Roberto D.

2017-02-01

We report calculations on single differential and total cross sections for single ionization and single electron capture from biological targets, namely, vapor water and DNA nucleobasese molecules, by bare projectile impact: H+, He2+, and C6+. They are performed within the Continuum Distorted Wave - Eikonal Initial State approximation and compared to several existing experimental data. This study is oriented to the obtention of a reliable set of theoretical data to be used as input in a Monte Carlo code destined to micro- and nano- dosimetry.

Ionospheric Absorption on 1539 Khz in Relation to Solar Ionizing Radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boska, J.

1984-01-01

Radio wave absorption data on 1539 kHz for the summer period of 1978 to 1980 are considered in relation to variations of solar X-ray and L-alpha radiation. It is shown that under non-flare conditions L-alpha dominates in controlling absorption and that X-rays contribute about 10% to the total absorption. Optimum regression equations show that absorption is proportional to the m-th power of ionizing flux where m 1. The role of correcting L-alpha values, measured by the AE-E satellite, is discussed.

Attosecond-recollision-controlled selective fragmentation of polyatomic molecules.

PubMed

Xie, Xinhua; Doblhoff-Dier, Katharina; Roither, Stefan; Schöffler, Markus S; Kartashov, Daniil; Xu, Huailiang; Rathje, Tim; Paulus, Gerhard G; Baltuška, Andrius; Gräfe, Stefanie; Kitzler, Markus

2012-12-14

Control over various fragmentation reactions of a series of polyatomic molecules (acetylene, ethylene, 1,3-butadiene) by the optical waveform of intense few-cycle laser pulses is demonstrated experimentally. We show both experimentally and theoretically that the responsible mechanism is inelastic ionization from inner-valence molecular orbitals by recolliding electron wave packets, whose recollision energy in few-cycle ionizing laser pulses strongly depends on the optical waveform. Our work demonstrates an efficient and selective way of predetermining fragmentation and isomerization reactions in polyatomic molecules on subfemtosecond time scales.

Total and dissociative photoionization cross sections of N2 from threshold to 107 eV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samson, James A. R.; Masuoka, T.; Pareek, P. N.; Angel, G. C.

1986-01-01

The absolute cross sections for the production of N(+) and N2(+) were measured from the dissociative ionization threshold of 115 A. In addition, the absolute photoabsorption and photoionization cross sections were tabulated between 114 and 796 A. The ionization efficiencies were also given at several discrete wave lengths between 660 and 790 A. The production of N(+) fragment ions are discussed in terms of the doubly excited N2(+) states with binding energies in the range of 24 to 44 eV.

Attosecond control of dissociative ionization of O{sub 2} molecules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siu, W.; Kelkensberg, F.; Gademann, G.

We demonstrate that dissociative ionization of O{sub 2} can be controlled by the relative delay between an attosecond pulse train (APT) and a copropagating infrared (IR) field. Our experiments reveal a dependence of both the branching ratios between a range of electronic states and the fragment angular distributions on the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) to IR time delay. The observations go beyond adiabatic propagation of dissociative wave packets on IR-induced quasistatic potential energy curves and are understood in terms of an IR-induced coupling between electronic states in the molecular ion.

Thermoelectric power factor enhancement by ionized nanoparticle scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahk, Je-Hyeong; Bian, Zhixi; Zebarjadi, Mona; Santhanam, Parthiban; Ram, Rajeev; Shakouri, Ali

2011-08-01

We show theoretically that the thermoelectric power factor can be enhanced in degenerate semiconductors when embedded nanoparticles donate carriers to the matrix and replace conventional impurity dopants as scattering centers. Nanoparticle scattering rates calculated by the partial wave method indicate a mobility enhancement over materials with equivalent doping by isolated ionized impurities while the Seebeck coefficient remains nearly intact. We find that the thermoelectric power factor of In0.53Ga0.47As from 300 K to 800 K is enhanced by 15% - 30% by nanoparticles 3-4 nm in diameter.

Multi-Orbital contributions in High Harmonic Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guehr, Markus

2009-05-01

The high harmonic spectrum generated from atoms or molecules in a strong laser field contains information about the electronic structure of the generation medium. In the high harmonic generation (HHG) process, a free electron wave packet tunnel-ionizes from the molecular orbital in a strong laser field. After being accelerated by the laser electric field, the free electron wave packet coherently recombines to the orbital from which is was initially ionized, thereby emitting the harmonic spectrum. Interferences between the free electron wave packet and the molecular orbital will shape the spectrum in a characteristic way. These interferences have been used to tomographically image the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of N2 [1]. Molecular electronic states energetically below the HOMO should contribute to laser-driven high harmonic generation (HHG), but this behavior has not been observed previously. We have observed evidence of HHG from multiple orbitals in aligned N2 [2]. The tunneling ionization (and therefore the harmonic generation) is most efficient if the orbital has a large extension in the direction of the harmonic generation polarization. The HOMO with its σg symmetry therefore dominates the harmonic spectrum if the molecular axis is parallel to the harmonic generation polarization, the lower bound πu HOMO-1 dominates in the perpendicular case. The HOMO contributions appear as a regular plateau with a cutoff in the HHG spectrum. In contrast, the HOMO-1 signal is strongly peaked in the cutoff region. We explain this by semi-classical simulations of the recombination process that show constructive interferences between the HOMO-1 and the recombining wave packet in the cutoff region. The ability to monitor several orbitals opens the route to imaging coherent superpositions of electronic orbitals. [1] J. Itatani et al., Nature 432, 867 (2004)[2] B. K. McFarland, J. P. Farrell, P. H. Bucksbaum and M. Gühr, Science 322, 1232 (2008)

High-quality electron beams from beam-driven plasma accelerators by wakefield-induced ionization injection.

PubMed

Martinez de la Ossa, A; Grebenyuk, J; Mehrling, T; Schaper, L; Osterhoff, J

2013-12-13

We propose a new and simple strategy for controlled ionization-induced trapping of electrons in a beam-driven plasma accelerator. The presented method directly exploits electric wakefields to ionize electrons from a dopant gas and capture them into a well-defined volume of the accelerating and focusing wake phase, leading to high-quality witness bunches. This injection principle is explained by example of three-dimensional particle-in-cell calculations using the code OSIRIS. In these simulations a high-current-density electron-beam driver excites plasma waves in the blowout regime inside a fully ionized hydrogen plasma of density 5×10(17)cm-3. Within an embedded 100  μm long plasma column contaminated with neutral helium gas, the wakefields trigger ionization, trapping of a defined fraction of the released electrons, and subsequent acceleration. The hereby generated electron beam features a 1.5 kA peak current, 1.5  μm transverse normalized emittance, an uncorrelated energy spread of 0.3% on a GeV-energy scale, and few femtosecond bunch length.

Mechanism and computational model for Lyman-α-radiation generation by high-intensity-laser four-wave mixing in Kr-Ar gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louchev, Oleg A.; Bakule, Pavel; Saito, Norihito; Wada, Satoshi; Yokoyama, Koji; Ishida, Katsuhiko; Iwasaki, Masahiko

2011-09-01

We present a theoretical model combined with a computational study of a laser four-wave mixing process under optical discharge in which the non-steady-state four-wave amplitude equations are integrated with the kinetic equations of initial optical discharge and electron avalanche ionization in Kr-Ar gas. The model is validated by earlier experimental data showing strong inhibition of the generation of pulsed, tunable Lyman-α (Ly-α) radiation when using sum-difference frequency mixing of 212.6 nm and tunable infrared radiation (820-850 nm). The rigorous computational approach to the problem reveals the possibility and mechanism of strong auto-oscillations in sum-difference resonant Ly-α generation due to the combined effect of (i) 212.6-nm (2+1)-photon ionization producing initial electrons, followed by (ii) the electron avalanche dominated by 843-nm radiation, and (iii) the final breakdown of the phase matching condition. The model shows that the final efficiency of Ly-α radiation generation can achieve a value of ˜5×10-4 which is restricted by the total combined absorption of the fundamental and generated radiation.

22 July 2009 total solar eclipse induced gravity waves in ionosphere as inferred from GPS observations over EIA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Vijay; Maurya, Ajeet K.; Kumar, Sanjay; Singh, Rajesh

2016-11-01

In the present contribution we investigate the variation in the Global Positioning System (GPS) derived ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) over Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region on the rare occasional astronomical phenomenon of total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009. The aim is to study and identify the wave like structure enumerated due to solar eclipse induced gravity waves in the F-region ionosphere altitude. The work is aimed to understand features of horizontal and vertical variation of atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) properties over the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region in Indian low latitude region. The ionospheric observations is from the site of Allahabad (lat 25.4° N; lon. 81.9° E; dip 38.6° N) located at the fringe of eclipse totality path. The estimated vertical electron density profile from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC GPS-RO satellite, considering all the satellite line of sight around the time of eclipse totality shows maximum depletion of 43%. The fast fourier transform and wavelet transform of GPS DTEC data from Allahabad station (Allahabad: lat 25.4 N; lon. 81.9 E) shows the presence of periodic waves of ∼20 to 45 min and ∼70 to 90 min period at F-region altitude. The shorter period correspond to the sunrise time morning terminator and longer period can be associated with solar eclipse generated AGWs. The most important result obtained is that our results along with previous result for wave like signatures in D-region ionosphere from Allahabad station show that AGWs generated by sunrise time terminator have similarity in the D and F region of the ionosphere but solar eclipse induced AGWs show higher period in the F-region compared to D-region ionosphere.

Artificial plasma cusp generated by upper hybrid instabilities in HF heating experiments at HAARP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Spencer; Snyder, Arnold

2013-05-01

High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program digisonde was operated in a fast mode to record ionospheric modifications by the HF heating wave. With the O mode heater of 3.2 MHz turned on for 2 min, significant virtual height spread was observed in the heater off ionograms, acquired beginning the moment the heater turned off. Moreover, there is a noticeable bump in the virtual height spread of the ionogram trace that appears next to the plasma frequency (~ 2.88 MHz) of the upper hybrid resonance layer of the HF heating wave. The enhanced spread and the bump disappear in the subsequent heater off ionograms recorded 1 min later. The height distribution of the ionosphere in the spread situation indicates that both electron density and temperature increases exceed 10% over a large altitude region (> 30 km) from below to above the upper hybrid resonance layer. This "mini cusp" (bump) is similar to the cusp occurring in daytime ionograms at the F1-F2 layer transition, indicating that there is a small ledge in the density profile reminiscent of F1-F2 layer transitions. Two parametric processes exciting upper hybrid waves as the sidebands by the HF heating waves are studied. Field-aligned purely growing mode and lower hybrid wave are the respective decay modes. The excited upper hybrid and lower hybrid waves introduce the anomalous electron heating which results in the ionization enhancement and localized density ledge. The large-scale density irregularities formed in the heat flow, together with the density irregularities formed through the parametric instability, give rise to the enhanced virtual height spread. The results of upper hybrid instability analysis are also applied to explain the descending feature in the development of the artificial ionization layers observed in electron cyclotron harmonic resonance heating experiments.

Numerical simulation and analysis of electromagnetic-wave absorption of a plasma slab created by a direct-current discharge with gridded anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Chengxun; Tian, Ruihuan; Eliseev, S. I.; Bekasov, V. S.; Bogdanov, E. A.; Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Zhou, Zhongxiang

2018-03-01

In this paper, we present investigation of a direct-current discharge with a gridded anode from the point of view of using it as a means of creating plasma coating that could efficiently absorb incident electromagnetic (EM) waves. A single discharge cell consists of two parallel plates, one of which (anode) is gridded. Electrons emitted from the cathode surface are accelerated in the short interelectrode gap and are injected into the post-anode space, where they lose acquired energy on ionization and create plasma. Numerical simulations were used to investigate the discharge structure and obtain spatial distributions of plasma density in the post-anode space. The numerical model of the discharge was based on a simple hybrid approach which takes into account non-local ionization by fast electrons streaming from the cathode sheath. Specially formulated transparency boundary conditions allowed performing simulations in 1D. Simulations were carried out in air at pressures of 10 Torr and higher. Analysis of the discharge structure and discharge formation is presented. It is shown that using cathode materials with lower secondary emission coefficients can allow increasing the thickness of plasma slabs for the same discharge current, which can potentially enhance EM wave absorption. Spatial distributions of electron density obtained during simulations were used to calculate attenuation of an incident EM wave propagating perpendicularly to the plasma slab boundary. It is shown that plasma created by means of a DC discharge with a gridded anode can efficiently absorb EM waves in the low frequency range (6-40 GHz). Increasing gas pressure results in a broader range of wave frequencies (up to 500 GHz) where a considerable attenuation is observed.

Oxygen ionization rates at Mars and Venus - Relative contributions of impact ionization and charge exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, M. H. G.; Luhmann, J. G.; Nagy, A. F.; Spreiter, J. R.; Stahara, S. S.

1993-02-01

Oxygen ion production rates above the ionopauses of Venus and Mars are calculated for photoionization, charge exchange, and solar wind electron impact ionization processes. The latter two require the use of the Spreiter and Stahara (1980) gas dynamic model to estimate magnetosheath velocities, densities, and temperatures. The results indicate that impact ionization is the dominant mechanism for the production of O(+) ions at both Venus and Mars. This finding might explain both the high ion escape rates measured by Phobos 2 and the greater mass loading rate inferred for Venus from the bow shock positions.

Abundances, Ionization States, Temperatures, and FIP in Solar Energetic Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reames, Donald V.

2018-04-01

The relative abundances of chemical elements and isotopes have been our most effective tool in identifying and understanding the physical processes that control populations of energetic particles. The early surprise in solar energetic particles (SEPs) was 1000-fold enhancements in {}3He/{}4He from resonant wave-particle interactions in the small "impulsive" SEP events that emit electron beams that produce type III radio bursts. Further studies found enhancements in Fe/O, then extreme enhancements in element abundances that increase with mass-to-charge ratio A/Q, rising by a factor of 1000 from He to Au or Pb arising in magnetic reconnection regions on open field lines in solar jets. In contrast, in the largest SEP events, the "gradual" events, acceleration occurs at shock waves driven out from the Sun by fast, wide coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Averaging many events provides a measure of solar coronal abundances, but A/Q-dependent scattering during transport causes variations with time; thus if Fe scatters less than O, Fe/O is enhanced early and depleted later. To complicate matters, shock waves often reaccelerate impulsive suprathermal ions left over or trapped above active regions that have spawned many impulsive events. Direct measurements of ionization states Q show coronal temperatures of 1-2 MK for most gradual events, but impulsive events often show stripping by matter traversal after acceleration. Direct measurements of Q are difficult and often unavailable. Since both impulsive and gradual SEP events have abundance enhancements that vary as powers of A/Q, we can use abundances to deduce the probable Q-values and the source plasma temperatures during acceleration, ≈3 MK for impulsive SEPs. This new technique also allows multiple spacecraft to measure temperature variations across the face of a shock wave, measurements otherwise unavailable and provides a new understanding of abundance variations in the element He. Comparing coronal abundances from SEPs and from the slow solar wind as a function of the first ionization potential (FIP) of the elements, remaining differences are for the elements C, P, and S. The theory of the fractionation of ions by Alfvén waves shows that C, P, and S are suppressed because of wave resonances during chromospheric transport on closed magnetic loops but not on open magnetic fields that supply the solar wind. Shock waves can accelerate ions from closed coronal loops that easily escape as SEPs, while the solar wind must emerge on open fields.

The effect of target materials on the propagation of atmospheric-pressure plasma jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Longfei; Yan, Wen; Xia, Yang; Liu, Dongping

2018-05-01

The current study is focused on the effect of target materials (quartz plate, copper sheet, and quartz plate with a grounded copper sheet on the back) on the propagation of atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jets. The dynamics of ionization waves (IWs) and the relative amount of reactive oxygen species (OH and O) in the IW front were compared by using spatial and temporal images and relative optical emission spectroscopy. Our measurements show that the targets can significantly affect the propagation and intensity of the IWs. In addition, strong OH emission lines were detected when the IWs impinged upon the damp surface. Numerical simulations have been carried out to explain the experimental observation. The propagation velocity of IWs predicted by the simulation was in good agreement with the experimental results. Simulation results suggest that the density and velocity of IWs mainly depend on the electric field between the high voltage electrode tip and the target. Analysis indicates that the targets could change the electric field distribution between the high voltage electrode and targets and thus affect the dynamics and the density of the IWs, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the corresponding sterilization efficiency.

Ultrafast nuclear dynamics in halomethanes studied with time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging and channel-selective Fourier spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malakar, Y.; Kaderiya, B.; Pearson, W. L.; Ziaee, F.; Kanaka Raju, P.; Zohrabi, M.; Jensen, K.; Rajput, J.; Ben-Itzhak, I.; Rolles, D.; Rudenko, A.

2016-05-01

Halomethanes have recently attracted considerable attention since they often serve as prototype systems for laser-controlled chemistry (e.g., selective bond breaking or concerted elimination reactions), and are important molecules in atmospheric chemistry. Here we combine a femtosecond laser pump-probe setup with coincident 3D ion momentum imaging apparatus to study strong-field induced nuclear dynamics in methane and several of its halogenated derivatives (CH3 I, CH2 I2, CH2 ICl). We apply a time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging technique to map the nuclear motion on both, bound and continuum potential surfaces, disentangle different fragmentation pathways and, for halogenated molecules, observe clear signatures of vibrational wave packets in neutral or ionized states. Channel-selective and kinetic-energy resolved Fourier analysis of these data allows for unique identification of different electronic states and vibrational modes responsible for a particular structure. Supported by the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U. S. DOE. K. R. P. and W. L. P. supported by NSF Award No. IIA-143049. K.J. supported by the NSF-REU Grant No. PHYS-1461251.

Dynamics of the spatial structure of pulsed discharges in dense gases in point cathode−plane anode gaps and their erosion effect on the plane electrode surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baksht, E. Kh.; Blinova, O. M.; Erofeev, M. V., E-mail: mve@loi.hcei.tsc.ru

2016-09-15

The dynamics of the spatial structure of the plasma of pulsed discharges in air and nitrogen in a nonuniform electric field and their erosion effect on the plane anode surface were studied experimentally. It is established that, at a nanosecond front of the voltage pulse, a diffuse discharge forms in the point cathode–plane anode gap due to the ionization wave propagating from the cathode. As the gap length decreases, the diffuse discharge transforms into a spark. A bright spot on the anode appears during the diffuse discharge, while the spark channel forms in the later discharge stage. The microstructure ofmore » autographs of anode spots and spark channels in discharges with durations of several nanoseconds is revealed. The autographs consist of up to 100 and more microcraters 5–100 μm in diameter. It is shown that, due to the short duration of the voltage pulse, a diffuse discharge can be implemented, several pulses of which do not produce appreciable erosion on the plane anode or the soot coating deposited on it.« less

Modeling long recovery early events (LOREs) produced by lightning-induced ionization of the nighttime upper mesosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotovsky, D. A.; Moore, R. C.

2017-07-01

We present results of a cylindrically symmetric, coupled electrodynamic, and photochemical model which simulates diffuse ionization of the middle atmosphere induced by strong lightning discharges (peak currents >150 kA). Scattering of subionospherically propagating, very low frequency radio waves is then evaluated using the Long-Wave Propagation Capability code. Some modeled sprite halos exhibit continued electron density growth up to timescales of seconds due to O- detachment, though it is not yet clear how this might relate to the slower onset durations (>20 ms) of some early VLF events. Modeled electron density enhancements in sprite halos, capable of strong VLF scattering, can persist for long periods of time (greater than hundreds of seconds) even at lower altitudes where their recovery is initially controlled by fast attachment processes. Consequently, our modeling results indicate that both typical recovery (20 to 240 s) and long recovery (LOREs, >300 s) VLF scattering events can be explained by scattering from conductivity changes associated with sprite halos. In contrast, modeled scattered fields resulting from elve-associated conductivity changes, though exhibiting long recovery times, are too weak to sufficiently explain typical LORE observations. Theoretical scattering from structured ionization events (e.g., sprites columns and gigantic jets) is not considered in this work.

Nonlinear interaction of an intense radio wave with ionospheric D/E layer plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sodha, Mahendra Singh; Agarwal, Sujeet Kumar

2018-05-01

This paper considers the nonlinear interaction of an intense electromagnetic wave with the D/E layer plasma in the ionosphere. A simultaneous solution of the electromagnetic wave equation and the equations describing the kinetics of D/E layer plasma is obtained; the phenomenon of ohmic heating of electrons by the electric field of the wave causes enhanced collision frequency and ionization of neutral species. Electron temperature dependent recombination of electrons with ions, electron attachment to O 2 molecules, and detachment of electrons from O2 - ions has also been taken into account. The dependence of the plasma parameters on the square of the electric vector of the wave E0 2 has been evaluated for three ionospheric heights (viz., 90, 100, and 110 km) corresponding to the mid-latitude mid-day ionosphere and discussed; these results are used to investigate the horizontal propagation of an intense radio wave at these heights.

A Continuum Model of Actin Waves in Dictyostelium discoideum

PubMed Central

Khamviwath, Varunyu; Hu, Jifeng; Othmer, Hans G.

2013-01-01

Actin waves are complex dynamical patterns of the dendritic network of filamentous actin in eukaryotes. We developed a model of actin waves in PTEN-deficient Dictyostelium discoideum by deriving an approximation of the dynamics of discrete actin filaments and combining it with a signaling pathway that controls filament branching. This signaling pathway, together with the actin network, contains a positive feedback loop that drives the actin waves. Our model predicts the structure, composition, and dynamics of waves that are consistent with existing experimental evidence, as well as the biochemical dependence on various protein partners. Simulation suggests that actin waves are initiated when local actin network activity, caused by an independent process, exceeds a certain threshold. Moreover, diffusion of proteins that form a positive feedback loop with the actin network alone is sufficient for propagation of actin waves at the observed speed of . Decay of the wave back can be caused by scarcity of network components, and the shape of actin waves is highly dependent on the filament disassembly rate. The model allows retraction of actin waves and captures formation of new wave fronts in broken waves. Our results demonstrate that a delicate balance between a positive feedback, filament disassembly, and local availability of network components is essential for the complex dynamics of actin waves. PMID:23741312

Exploration of laser-driven electron-multirescattering dynamics in high-order harmonic generation

DOE PAGES

Li, Peng -Cheng; Sheu, Yae -Lin; Jooya, Hossein Z.; ...

2016-09-06

Multiple rescattering processes play an important role in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in an intense laser field. However, the underlying multi-rescattering dynamics are still largely unexplored. Here we investigate the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG associated with the odd and even number of returning times of the electron to the parent ion. We perform fully ab initio quantum calculations and extend the empirical mode decomposition method to extract the individual multiple scattering contributions in HHG. We find that the tunneling ionization regime is responsible for the odd number times of rescattering and the corresponding short trajectories aremore » dominant. On the other hand, the multiphoton ionization regime is responsible for the even number times of rescattering and the corresponding long trajectories are dominant. Moreover, we discover that the multiphoton- and tunneling-ionization regimes in multiple rescattering processes occur alternatively. Our results uncover the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG for the first time. As a result, it also provides new insight regarding the control of the multiple rescattering processes for the optimal generation of ultrabroad band supercontinuum spectra and the production of single ultrashort attosecond laser pulse.« less

Exploration of laser-driven electron-multirescattering dynamics in high-order harmonic generation

PubMed Central

Li, Peng-Cheng; Sheu, Yae-Lin; Jooya, Hossein Z.; Zhou, Xiao-Xin; Chu, Shih-I

2016-01-01

Multiple rescattering processes play an important role in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in an intense laser field. However, the underlying multi-rescattering dynamics are still largely unexplored. Here we investigate the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG associated with the odd and even number of returning times of the electron to the parent ion. We perform fully ab initio quantum calculations and extend the empirical mode decomposition method to extract the individual multiple scattering contributions in HHG. We find that the tunneling ionization regime is responsible for the odd number times of rescattering and the corresponding short trajectories are dominant. On the other hand, the multiphoton ionization regime is responsible for the even number times of rescattering and the corresponding long trajectories are dominant. Moreover, we discover that the multiphoton- and tunneling-ionization regimes in multiple rescattering processes occur alternatively. Our results uncover the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG for the first time. It also provides new insight regarding the control of the multiple rescattering processes for the optimal generation of ultrabroad band supercontinuum spectra and the production of single ultrashort attosecond laser pulse. PMID:27596056

Exploration of laser-driven electron-multirescattering dynamics in high-order harmonic generation.

PubMed

Li, Peng-Cheng; Sheu, Yae-Lin; Jooya, Hossein Z; Zhou, Xiao-Xin; Chu, Shih-I

2016-09-06

Multiple rescattering processes play an important role in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in an intense laser field. However, the underlying multi-rescattering dynamics are still largely unexplored. Here we investigate the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG associated with the odd and even number of returning times of the electron to the parent ion. We perform fully ab initio quantum calculations and extend the empirical mode decomposition method to extract the individual multiple scattering contributions in HHG. We find that the tunneling ionization regime is responsible for the odd number times of rescattering and the corresponding short trajectories are dominant. On the other hand, the multiphoton ionization regime is responsible for the even number times of rescattering and the corresponding long trajectories are dominant. Moreover, we discover that the multiphoton- and tunneling-ionization regimes in multiple rescattering processes occur alternatively. Our results uncover the dynamical origin of multiple rescattering processes in HHG for the first time. It also provides new insight regarding the control of the multiple rescattering processes for the optimal generation of ultrabroad band supercontinuum spectra and the production of single ultrashort attosecond laser pulse.

Nonequilibrium evolution of strong-field anisotropic ionized electrons towards a delayed plasma-state.

PubMed

Pasenow, B; Moloney, J V; Koch, S W; Chen, S H; Becker, A; Jaroń-Becker, A

2012-01-30

Rigorous quantum calculations of the femtosecond ionization of hydrogen atoms in air lead to highly anisotropic electron and ion angular (momentum) distributions. A quantum Monte-Carlo analysis of the subsequent many-body dynamics reveals two distinct relaxation steps, first to a nearly isotropic hot nonequilibrium and then to a quasi-equilibrium configuration. The collective isotropic plasma state is reached on a picosecond timescale well after the ultrashort ionizing pulse has passed.

Wave Journal Bearings Under Dynamic Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendricks, Robert C.; Dimofte, Florin

2002-01-01

The dynamic behavior of the wave journal bearing was determined by running a three-wave bearing with an eccentrically mounted shaft. A transient analysis was developed and used to predict numerical data for the experimental cases. The three-wave journal bearing ran stably under dynamic loads with orbits well inside the bearing clearance. The orbits were almost circular and nearly free of the influence of, but dynamically dependent on, bearing wave shape. Experimental observations for both the absolute bearing-housing-center orbits and the relative bearing-housing-center-to-shaft-center orbits agreed well with the predictions. Moreover, the subsynchronous whirl motion generated by the fluid film was found experimentally and predicted theoretically for certain speeds.

Gas dynamics in strong centrifugal fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bogovalov, S.V.; Kislov, V.A.; Tronin, I.V.

2015-03-10

Dynamics of waves generated by scopes in gas centrifuges (GC) for isotope separation is considered. The centrifugal acceleration in the GC reaches values of the order of 106g. The centrifugal and Coriolis forces modify essentially the conventional sound waves. Three families of the waves with different polarisation and dispersion exist in these conditions. Dynamics of the flow in the model GC Iguasu is investigated numerically. Comparison of the results of the numerical modelling of the wave dynamics with the analytical predictions is performed. New phenomena of the resonances in the GC is found. The resonances occur for the waves polarizedmore » along the rotational axis having the smallest dumping due to the viscosity.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Altshuler, Gennady; Manor, Ofer, E-mail: manoro@technion.ac.il

A MHz vibration, or an acoustic wave, propagating in a solid substrate may support the convective spreading of a liquid film. Previous studies uncovered this ability for fully wetting silicon oil films under the excitation of a MHz Rayleigh surface acoustic wave (SAW), propagating in a lithium niobate substrate. Partially wetting de-ionized water films, however, appeared immune to this spreading mechanism. Here, we use both theory and experiment to reconsider this situation and show partially wetting water films may spread under the influence of a propagating MHz vibration. We demonstrate distinct capillary and convective (vibrational/acoustic) spreading regimes that are governedmore » by a balance between convective and capillary mechanisms, manifested in the non-dimensional number θ{sup 3}/We, where θ is the three phase contact angle of the liquid with the solid substrate and We ≡ ρU{sup 2}H/γ; ρ, γ, H, and U are the liquid density, liquid/vapour surface tension, characteristic film thickness, and the characteristic velocity amplitude of the propagating vibration on the solid surface, respectively. Our main finding is that the vibration will support a continuous spreading motion of the liquid film out of a large reservoir if the convective mechanism prevails (θ{sup 3}/We < 1); otherwise (θ{sup 3}/We > 1), the dynamics of the film is governed by the capillary mechanism.« less

Anomalous memory effect in the breakdown of low-pressure argon in a long discharge tube

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meshchanov, A. V.; Korshunov, A. N.; Ionikh, Yu. Z., E-mail: y.ionikh@spbu.ru

2015-08-15

The characteristics of breakdown of argon in a long tube (with a gap length of 75 cm and diameter of 2.8 cm) at pressures of 1 and 5 Torr and stationary discharge currents of 5–40 mA were studied experimentally. The breakdown was initiated by paired positive voltage pulses with a rise rate of ∼10{sup 8}–10{sup 9} V/s and duration of ∼1–10 ms. The time interval between pairs was varied in the range of Τ ∼ 0.1–1 s, and that between pulses in a pair was varied from τ = 0.4 ms to ≈Τ/2. The aim of this work was tomore » detect and study the so-called “anomalous memory effect” earlier observed in breakdown in nitrogen. The effect consists in the dynamic breakdown voltage in the second pulse in a pair being higher than in the first pulse (in contrast to the “normal” memory effect, in which the relation between the breakdown voltages is opposite). It is found that this effect is observed when the time interval between pairs of pulses is such that the first pulse in a pair is in the range of the normal memory effect of the preceding pair (under the given conditions, Τ ≈ 0.1–0.4 s). In this case, at τ ∼ 10 ms, the breakdown voltage of the second pulse is higher than the reduced breakdown voltage of the first pulse. Optical observations of the ionization wave preceding breakdown in a long tube show that, in the range of the anomalous memory effect and at smaller values of τ, no ionization wave is detected before breakdown in the second pulse. A qualitative interpretation of the experimental results is given.« less

Time-dependent calculations of transfer ionization by fast proton-helium collision in one-dimensional kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serov, Vladislav V.; Kheifets, A. S.

2014-12-01

We analyze a transfer ionization (TI) reaction in the fast proton-helium collision H++He →H0+He2 ++ e- by solving a time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) under the classical projectile motion approximation in one-dimensional kinematics. In addition, we construct various time-independent analogs of our model using lowest-order perturbation theory in the form of the Born series. By comparing various aspects of the TDSE and the Born series calculations, we conclude that the recent discrepancies of experimental and theoretical data may be attributed to deficiency of the Born models used by other authors. We demonstrate that the correct Born series for TI should include the momentum-space overlap between the double-ionization amplitude and the wave function of the transferred electron.

Plasma flux and gravity waves in the midlatitude ionosphere during the solar eclipse of 20 May 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Gang; Wu, Chen; Huang, Xueqin; Zhao, Zhengyu; Zhong, Dingkun; Qi, Hao; Huang, Liang; Qiao, Lei; Wang, Jin

2015-04-01

The solar eclipse effects on the ionosphere are very complex. Except for the ionization decay due to the decrease of the photochemical process, the couplings of matter and energy between the ionosphere and the regions above and below will introduce much more disturbances. Five ionosondes in the Northeast Asia were used to record the midlatitude ionospheric responses to the solar eclipse of 20 May 2012. The latitude dependence of the eclipse lag was studied first. The foF2 response to the eclipse became slower with increased latitude. The response of the ionosphere at the different latitudes with the same eclipse obscuration differed from each other greatly. The plasma flux from the protonsphere was possibly produced by the rapid temperature drop in the lunar shadow to make up the ionization loss. The greater downward plasma flux was generated at higher latitude with larger dip angle and delayed the ionospheric response later. The waves in the foEs and the plasma frequency at the fixed height in the F layer are studied by the time period analytic method. The gravity waves of 43-51 min center period during and after the solar eclipse were found over Jeju and I-Cheon. The northward group velocity component of the gravity waves was estimated as ~108.7 m/s. The vertical group velocities between 100 and 150 km height over the two stations were calculated as ~5 and ~4.3 m/s upward respectively, indicating that the eclipse-induced gravity waves propagated from below the ionosphere.

Theoretical derivation of laser-dressed atomic states by using a fractal space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duchateau, Guillaume

2018-05-01

The derivation of approximate wave functions for an electron submitted to both a Coulomb and a time-dependent laser electric fields, the so-called Coulomb-Volkov (CV) state, is addressed. Despite its derivation for continuum states does not exhibit any particular problem within the framework of the standard theory of quantum mechanics (QM), difficulties arise when considering an initially bound atomic state. Indeed the natural way of translating the unperturbed momentum by the laser vector potential is no longer possible since a bound state does not exhibit a plane wave form explicitly including a momentum. The use of a fractal space permits to naturally define a momentum for a bound wave function. Within this framework, it is shown how the derivation of laser-dressed bound states can be performed. Based on a generalized eikonal approach, a new expression for the laser-dressed states is also derived, fully symmetric relative to the continuum or bound nature of the initial unperturbed wave function. It includes an additional crossed term in the Volkov phase which was not obtained within the standard theory of quantum mechanics. The derivations within this fractal framework have highlighted other possible ways to derive approximate laser-dressed states in QM. After comparing the various obtained wave functions, an application to the prediction of the ionization probability of hydrogen targets by attosecond XUV pulses within the sudden approximation is provided. This approach allows to make predictions in various regimes depending on the laser intensity, going from the non-resonant multiphoton absorption to tunneling and barrier-suppression ionization.

Nonlinear dynamics of resonant electrons interacting with coherent Langmuir waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobita, Miwa; Omura, Yoshiharu

2018-03-01

We study the nonlinear dynamics of resonant particles interacting with coherent waves in space plasmas. Magnetospheric plasma waves such as whistler-mode chorus, electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, and hiss emissions contain coherent wave structures with various discrete frequencies. Although these waves are electromagnetic, their interaction with resonant particles can be approximated by equations of motion for a charged particle in a one-dimensional electrostatic wave. The equations are expressed in the form of nonlinear pendulum equations. We perform test particle simulations of electrons in an electrostatic model with Langmuir waves and a non-oscillatory electric field. We solve equations of motion and study the dynamics of particles with different values of inhomogeneity factor S defined as a ratio of the non-oscillatory electric field intensity to the wave amplitude. The simulation results demonstrate deceleration/acceleration, thermalization, and trapping of particles through resonance with a single wave, two waves, and multiple waves. For two-wave and multiple-wave cases, we describe the wave-particle interaction as either coherent or incoherent based on the probability of nonlinear trapping.

Ionization in MHD-Gas interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, A.; Diver, D. A.

2013-09-01

The study of partially ionized plasmas is important in a number of astrophysical situations and is vital for the study of laboratory plasmas. The interactions between a neutral gas and a plasma define a hybrid medium that has aspects of each, but does not only sustain the pure modes of the individual species. Previously we have shown that momentum coupling between the gas and the magnetized plasma alters the behaviour of both; as an extension of that simulation, we present results for the extension to the coupling in which the relative motion between the species provides enough kinetic energy in the flow to allow a measure of species exchange Alfvén ionization (AI) (also known as critical velocity ionization), allowing the ionization fraction to evolve as the dynamics evolve.

Improved distorted wave theory with the localized virial conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, Y. K.; Zerrad, E.

2009-12-01

The distorted wave theory is operationally improved to treat the full collision amplitude, such that the corrections to the distorted wave Born amplitude can be systematically calculated. The localized virial conditions provide the tools necessary to test the quality of successive approximations at each stage and to optimize the solution. The details of the theoretical procedure are explained in concrete terms using a collisional ionization model and variational trial functions. For the first time, adjustable parameters associated with an approximate scattering solution can be fully determined by the theory. A small number of linear parameters are introduced to examine the convergence property and the effectiveness of the new approach.

Dynamics of scroll waves with time-delay propagation in excitable media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiang-Xing; Xiao, Jie; Qiao, Li-Yan; Xu, Jiang-Rong

2018-06-01

Information transmission delay can be widely observed in various systems. Here, we study the dynamics of scroll waves with time-delay propagation among slices in excitable media. Weak time delay induces scroll waves to meander. Through increasing the time delay, we find a series of dynamical transitions. Firstly, the straight filament of a scroll wave becomes twisted. Then, the scroll wave breaks and forms interesting patterns. With long time delay, loosed scroll waves are maintained while their period are greatly decreased. Also, cylinder waves appears. The influences of diffusively coupling strength on the time-delay-induced scroll waves are studied. It is found that the critical time delay characterizing those transitions decreases as the coupling strength is increased. A phase diagram in the diffusive coupling-time delay plane is presented.

Search for acoustic signals from high energy cascades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, R.; Bowen, T.

1985-01-01

High energy cosmic ray secondaries can be detected by means of the cascades they produce when they pass through matter. When the charged particles of these cascades ionize the matter they are traveling through, the heat produced and resulting thermal expansion causes a thermoacoustic wave. These sound waves travel at about one hundred-thousandth the speed of light, and should allow an array of acoustic transducers to resolve structure in the cascade to about 1 cm without high speed electronics or segmentation of the detector.

Overview of ECRH experimental results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd, Brian

1998-08-01

A review of the present status of electron cyclotron heating and current drive experiments in toroidal fusion devices is presented. In addition to basic heating and current drive studies the review also addresses advances in wave physics and the application of electron cyclotron waves for instability control, transport studies, pre-ionization/start-up assist, etc. A comprehensive overview is given with particular emphasis on recent advances since the major review of Erckmann and Gasparino (1994) ( 36 1869), including results from the latest generation of high-power, high-frequency experiments.

Theoretical study of (e, 2e) process of atomic and molecular targets*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houamer, Salim; Chinoune, Mehdi; Cappello, Claude Dal

2017-01-01

Triple differential ionization cross sections (TDCSs) by electron impact are calculated for some atomic and molecular targets by using several models where Post Collisional Interaction (PCI) is taken in account. We also investigate the effect of the short range potential and describe the ejected electron either by a Coulomb wave or by a distorted wave. Significant differences are observed between these models. A better agreement with experimental data is achieved when the short range potential and distortion effects are included.

An Experimental Study of Nonstationary Instabilities of Planar Shock Waves in Ionizing Argon

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

Distribution is unlimited. A. D. BLOSS Technioal Information Ottoer AN EPERIMeNTAL STUDY OF NONSTATIONARY INSTABILTIES OF PLANAR SHOCK WAVES IN IONIZIG...UTIAS hypervelocity shock tube are performed with the aid of a 23-cm dia aperture Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Details of the design and operation of...and the Q-switching, and normally is designed to be 900 us for optimal single-exposure photos. A different value of t = 500 us was used for some of the

Infection Casualty Estimation (ICE) Model: Predicting Sepsis in Nuclear Detonation Burn Patient Populations using Procalcitonin as a Biomarker

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-06

environments may be injured or killed from the primary blast wave, thermal pulse and ionizing radiation . Burn casualties surviving the initial blast wave are...32]/1.8 degree Celsius (oC) degree Fahrenheit (oF) [T(oF) + 459.67]/1.8 kelvin (K) Radiation activity of radionuclides [curie (Ci)] 3.7 × 1010...develop casualty estimation models for improvised nuclear device (IND) scenarios. The HSRDIPT team has developed health effects models of radiation , burn

Interaction of Supernova Blast Waves with Wind-Driven Shells: Formation of "Jets", "Bullets", "Ears", Etc.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gvaramadze, V. V.

Most of middle-aged supernova remnants (SNRs) have a distorted and complicated appearance which cannot be explained in the framework of the Sedov-Taylor model. We consider three typical examples of such SNRs (Vela SNR, MSH15-52, G309.2-00.6) and show that their structure could be explained as a result of interaction of a supernova (SN) blast wave with the ambient medium preprocessed by the action of the SN progenitor's wind and ionized emission.

The cometary magnetic field and its associated electric currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ip, W.-H.; Mendis, D. A.

1975-01-01

Two different observations of Comet Kohoutek (1973f) seem to suggest the existence of substantial magnetic fields (not less than 100 gammas) in its coma and tail. The effects of the currents and hydromagnetic waves associated with these magnetic fields are considered. It is shown that while the currents closing through the inner coma may represent an important source of ionization in that region, the dissipation of hydromagnetic waves may also be a significant, if not dominant, source of heating there.

Initiation and dynamics of a spiral wave around an ionic heterogeneity in a model for human cardiac tissue.

PubMed

Defauw, Arne; Dawyndt, Peter; Panfilov, Alexander V

2013-12-01

In relation to cardiac arrhythmias, heterogeneity of cardiac tissue is one of the most important factors underlying the onset of spiral waves and determining their type. In this paper, we numerically model heterogeneity of realistic size and value and study formation and dynamics of spiral waves around such heterogeneity. We find that the only sustained pattern obtained is a single spiral wave anchored around the heterogeneity. Dynamics of an anchored spiral wave depend on the extent of heterogeneity, and for certain heterogeneity size, we find abrupt regional increase in the period of excitation occurring as a bifurcation. We study factors determining spatial distribution of excitation periods of anchored spiral waves and discuss consequences of such dynamics for cardiac arrhythmias and possibilities for experimental testings of our predictions.

Theoretical electron-impact-ionization cross section for Fe11+ forming Fe12+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Duck-Hee; Savin, Daniel Wolf

2012-08-01

We have calculated cross sections for electron impact ionization (EII) of P-like Fe11+ forming Si-like Fe12+. We have used the flexible atomic code (FAC) and a distorted-wave (DW) approximation. Particular attention has been paid to the ionization through the 3l→nl' and 2l→nl' excitation autoionization (EA) channels. We compare our results to previously published FAC DW results and recent experimental results. We find that the previous discrepancy between theory and experiment at the EII threshold can be accounted for by the 3l→nl' EA channels which were not included in the earlier calculations. At higher energies the discrepancy previously seen between theory and experiment for the magnitude of the 2l→nl'(n≥4) EA remains, though the difference has been reduced by our newer results. The resulting Maxwellian rate coefficient derived from our calculations lies within 11% of the experimentally derived rate coefficient in the temperature range where Fe11+ forms in collisional ionization equilibrium.

Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization and direct analysis in real time coupled with travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Räsänen, Riikka-Marjaana; Dwivedi, Prabha; Fernández, Facundo M; Kauppila, Tiina J

2014-11-15

Ambient mass spectrometry (MS) is a tool for screening analytes directly from sample surfaces. However, background impurities may complicate the spectra and therefore fast separation techniques are needed. Here, we demonstrate the use of travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry in a comparative study of two ambient MS techniques. Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization (DAPPI) and direct analysis in real time (DART) were coupled with travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS) for highly selective surface analysis. The ionization efficiencies of DAPPI and DART were compared. Test compounds were: bisphenol A, benzo[a]pyrene, ranitidine, cortisol and α-tocopherol. DAPPI-MS and DART-TWIM-MS were also applied to the analysis of chloroquine from dried blood spots, and α-tocopherol from almond surface, and DAPPI-TWIM-MS was applied to analysis of pharmaceuticals and multivitamin tablets. DAPPI was approximately 100 times more sensitive than DART for bisphenol A and 10-20 times more sensitive for the other compounds. The limits of detection were between 30-290 and 330-8200 fmol for DAPPI and DART, respectively. Also, from the authentic samples, DAPPI ionized chloroquine and α-tocopherol more efficiently than DART. The mobility separation enabled the detection of species with low signal intensities, e.g. thiamine and cholecalciferol, in the DAPPI-TWIM-MS analysis of multivitamin tablets. DAPPI ionized the studied compounds of interest more efficiently than DART. For both DAPPI and DART, the mobility separation prior to MS analysis reduced the amount of chemical noise in the mass spectrum and significantly increased the signal-to-noise ratio for the analytes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Investigation of the role of gravity waves in the generation of equatorial bubbles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Francis S.; Coley, William R.

1995-01-01

The following areas of interest in this progress report are: (1) the continuation of software development in the examination of F-region gravity-wave power using in-situ data from the Atmosphere Explorer (AE-E); (2) the inquiry into the use of the San Marco data for the study of the initiation and growth of bubbles, particularly when the satellite passes through the early evening hours at relatively high altitudes, and the development of bubbles using not only the San Marco data but includes the use of airglow observations made in Hawaii; and (3) the promising development in the observation of distinct well formed waves at about 400 km altitude in the equatorial region. These waves look very much like waves seen over the polar cap that are attributed to internal gravity waves in the neutral atmosphere driving ionization up and down the magnetic field lines. These equatorial waves show no modulation of the total ion concentration.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Attosecond correlation dynamics during electron tunnelling from molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walters, Zachary B.; Smirnova, Olga

2010-08-01

In this communication, we present an analytical theory of strong-field ionization of molecules, which takes into account the rearrangement of multiple interacting electrons during the ionization process. We show that such rearrangement offers an alternative pathway to the ionization of orbitals more deeply bound than the highest occupied molecular orbital. This pathway is not subject to the full exponential suppression characteristic of direct tunnel ionization from the deeper orbitals. The departing electron produces an 'attosecond correlation pulse' which controls the rearrangement during the tunnelling process. The shape and duration of this pulse are determined by the electronic structure of the relevant states, molecular orientation and laser parameters.

Numerical Studies of Optimization and Aberration Correction Methods for the Preliminary Demonstration of the Parametric Ionization Cooling (PIC) Principle in the Twin Helix Muon Cooling Channel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maloney, J. A.; Morozov, V. S.; Derbenev, Ya. S.

Muon colliders have been proposed for the next generation of particle accelerators that study high-energy physics at the energy and intensity frontiers. In this paper we study a possible implementation of muon ionization cooling, Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling (PIC), in the twin helix channel. The resonant cooling method of PIC offers the potential to reduce emittance beyond that achievable with ionization cooling with ordinary magnetic focusing. We examine optimization of a variety of parameters, study the nonlinear dynamics in the twin helix channel and consider possible methods of aberration correction.

The exact eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of a two-dimensional rigid rotor obtained using Gaussian wave packet dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reimers, J. R.; Heller, E. J.

1985-01-01

Exact eigenfunctions for a two-dimensional rigid rotor are obtained using Gaussian wave packet dynamics. The wave functions are obtained by propagating, without approximation, an infinite set of Gaussian wave packets that collectively have the correct periodicity, being coherent states appropriate to this rotational problem. This result leads to a numerical method for the semiclassical calculation of rovibrational, molecular eigenstates. Also, a simple, almost classical, approximation to full wave packet dynamics is shown to give exact results: this leads to an a posteriori justification of the De Leon-Heller spectral quantization method.

A coincidence study of electron and positron impact ionization of Ar (3p) at 1 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campeanu, Radu I.; Walters, James H. R.; Whelan, Colm T.

2015-10-01

Distorted-wave calculations of the triple differential cross section (TDCS) are presented for electron and positron impact ionization of Ar(3p) in coplanar asymmetric geometry at an impact energy of 1 keV and are compared with a recent experiment. The experiment indicates that the positron TDCS is generally larger than the equivalent electron TDCS. It is shown that the magnitude of the TDCS is extremely sensitive to the energy of the ejected electron and that only when the cross section is averaged over energy do we get a reasonable agreement with experiment.

(e,2e) and (Î3,2e) Processes: Open and Closed Questions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An important breakthrough has been achieved recently in the description of (e,2e) and (Î3,2e) processes with the development of new ab-initio theories: the external complex scaling theory (ECS), the time dependent close coupling theory (TDCC), and the hyperspherical R-matrix theory with semiclassical outgoing waves (HRM-SOW). The principles of these various theories are summarized, their relations are considered, and their achievements are discussed with respect to the available experimental data regarding electron impact ionization of H and photo double ionization of He. Possible directions for future work are outlined.

Particle-in-cell simulations of the critical ionization velocity effect in finite size clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moghaddam-Taaheri, E.; Lu, G.; Goertz, C. K.; Nishikawa, K. - I.

1994-01-01

The critical ionization velocity (CIV) mechanism in a finite size cloud is studied with a series of electrostatic particle-in-cell simulations. It is observed that an initial seed ionization, produced by non-CIV mechanisms, generates a cross-field ion beam which excites a modified beam-plasma instability (MBPI) with frequency in the range of the lower hybrid frequency. The excited waves accelerate electrons along the magnetic field up to the ion drift energy that exceeds the ionization energy of the neutral atoms. The heated electrons in turn enhance the ion beam by electron-neutral impact ionization, which establishes a positive feedback loop in maintaining the CIV process. It is also found that the efficiency of the CIV mechanism depends on the finite size of the gas cloud in the following ways: (1) Along the ambient magnetic field the finite size of the cloud, L (sub parallel), restricts the growth of the fastest growing mode, with a wavelength lambda (sub m parallel), of the MBPI. The parallel electron heating at wave saturation scales approximately as (L (sub parallel)/lambda (sub m parallel)) (exp 1/2); (2) Momentum coupling between the cloud and the ambient plasma via the Alfven waves occurs as a result of the finite size of the cloud in the direction perpendicular to both the ambient magnetic field and the neutral drift. This reduces exponentially with time the relative drift between the ambient plasma and the neutrals. The timescale is inversely proportional to the Alfven velocity. (3) The transvers e charge separation field across the cloud was found to result in the modulation of the beam velocity which reduces the parallel heating of electrons and increases the transverse acceleration of electrons. (4) Some energetic electrons are lost from the cloud along the magnetic field at a rate characterized by the acoustic velocity, instead of the electron thermal velocity. The loss of energetic electrons from the cloud seems to be larger in the direction of plasma drift relative to the neutrals, where the loss rate is characterized by the neutral drift velocity. It is also shown that a factor of 4 increase in the ambient plasma density, increases the CIV ionization yield by almost 2 orders of magnitude at the end of a typical run. It is concluded that a larger ambient plasma density can result in a larger CIV yield because of (1) larger seed ion production by non-CIV mechanisms, (2) smaller Alfven velocity and hence weak momentum coupling, and (3) smaller ratio of the ion beam density to the ambient ion density, and therefore a weaker modulation of the beam velocity. The simulation results are used to interpret various chemical release experiments in space.

The transfer of atmospheric-pressure ionization waves via a metal wire

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xia, Yang; Liu, Dongping, E-mail: Dongping.liu@dlnu.edu.cn; School of Physics and Optoelectronic Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024

2016-01-15

Our study has shown that the atmospheric-pressure He ionization waves (IWs) may be transferred from one dielectric tube (tube 1) to the other one (tube 2) via a floating metal wire. The propagation of IWs along the two tubes is not affected by the diameter of a floating metal wire, however, their propagation is strongly dependent on the length of a floating metal wire. The propagation of one IW along the tube 1 may result in the second IW propagating reversely inside the tube in vicinity of a floating metal wire, which keeps from their further propagation through the tubemore » 1. After they merge together as one conduction channel inside the tube 1, the transferred plasma bullet starts to propagate along the tube 2. The propagation of transferred plasma bullets along the tube 2 is mainly determined by the capacitance and inductance effects, and their velocity and density can be controlled by the length of a floating metal wire.« less

Gas-filled capillaries for plasma-based accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippi, F.; Anania, M. P.; Brentegani, E.; Biagioni, A.; Cianchi, A.; Chiadroni, E.; Ferrario, M.; Pompili, R.; Romeo, S.; Zigler, A.

2017-07-01

Plasma Wakefield Accelerators are based on the excitation of large amplitude plasma waves excited by either a laser or a particle driver beam. The amplitude of the waves, as well as their spatial dimensions and the consequent accelerating gradient depend strongly on the background electron density along the path of the accelerated particles. The process needs stable and reliable plasma sources, whose density profile must be controlled and properly engineered to ensure the appropriate accelerating mechanism. Plasma confinement inside gas filled capillaries have been studied in the past since this technique allows to control the evolution of the plasma, ensuring a stable and repeatable plasma density distribution during the interaction with the drivers. Moreover, in a gas filled capillary plasma can be pre-ionized by a current discharge to avoid ionization losses. Different capillary geometries have been studied to allow the proper temporal and spatial evolution of the plasma along the acceleration length. Results of this analysis obtained by varying the length and the number of gas inlets will be presented.

Sporadic E ionization layers observed with radar imaging and ionospheric modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hysell, D. L.; Munk, J.; McCarrick, M.

2014-10-01

Sporadic E ionization layers have been observed in the daytime subauroral ionospheric E layer by a 30 MHz radar in Alaska. The radar detects coherent backscatter from meter-scale field-aligned plasma density irregularities. The irregularities were generated by ionospheric modification—by the emission of strong HF electromagnetic waves directly beneath the layers—making the layers visible to the radar. Aperture-synthesis methods are used to generate imagery of the layers from the radar data. The layers are patchy, with patches organized along fronts spaced by tens of kilometers and propagating slowly toward the southwest. Similar, naturally occurring layers are commonly observed at middle latitudes at night in the absence of ionospheric modification. That the patchy layers can be found at high magnetic latitudes during the day argues that they are most likely produced through the interaction of the ionospheric layer with neutral atmospheric waves and instabilities. Attenuation of the radar echoes when the HF emission frequency exceeded the third harmonic of the electron gyrofrequency was observed and is discussed.

Strong-Field Control of Laser Filamentation Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levis, Robert; Romanov, Dmitri; Filin, Aleskey; Compton, Ryan

2008-05-01

The propagation of short strong-file laser pulses in gas and solution phases often result in formation of filaments. This phenomenon involves many nonlinear processes including Kerr lensing, group velocity dispersion, multi-photon ionization, plasma defocusing, intensity clamping, and self-steepening. Of these, formation and dynamics of pencil-shape plasma areas plays a crucial role. The fundamental understanding of these laser-induced plasmas requires additional effort, because the process is highly nonlinear and complex. We studied the ultrafast laser-generated plasma dynamics both experimentally and theoretically. Ultrafast plasma dynamics was probed using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering. The measurements were made in a room temperature gas maintained at 1 atm in a flowing cell. The time dependent scattering was measured by delaying the CARS probe with respect to the intense laser excitation pulse. A general trend is observed between the spacing of the ground state and the first allowed excited state with the rise time for the noble gas series and the molecular gases. This trend is consistent with our theoretical model, which considers the ultrafast dynamics of the strong field generated plasma as a three-step process; (i) strong-field ionization followed by the electron gaining considerable kinetic energy during the pulse; (ii) immediate post-pulse dynamics: fast thermalization, impact-ionization-driven electron multiplication and cooling; (iii) ensuing relaxation: evolution to electron-ion equilibrium and eventual recombination.

Aberration compensation in a Skew parametric-resonance ionization cooling channel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sy, Amy V.; Derbenev, Yaroslav S.; Morozov, Vasiliy

Skew Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling (Skew PIC) represents a novel method for focusing of highly divergent particle beams, as in the final 6D cooling stage of a high-luminosity muon collider. In the muon collider concept, the resultant equilibrium transverse emittances from cooling with Skew PIC are an order of magnitude smaller than in conventional ionization cooling. The concept makes use of coupling of the transverse dynamic behavior, and the linear dynamics are well-behaved with good agreement between analytic solutions and simulation results. Compared to the uncoupled system, coupling of the transverse dynamic behavior purports to reduce the number of multipoles requiredmore » for aberration compensation while also avoiding unwanted resonances. Aberration compensation is more complicated in the coupled case, especially in the high-luminosity muon collider application where equilibrium angular spreads in the cooling channel are on the order of 200 mrad. We present recent progress on aberration compensation for control of highly divergent muon beams in the coupled correlated optics channel, and a simple cooling model to test the transverse acceptance of the channel.« less

Coulomb-repulsion-assisted double ionization from doubly excited states of argon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Qing; Winney, Alexander H.; Lee, Suk Kyoung; Lin, Yun Fei; Adhikari, Pradip; Li, Wen

2017-08-01

We report a combined experimental and theoretical study to elucidate nonsequential double-ionization dynamics of argon atoms at laser intensities near and below the recollision-induced ionization threshold. Three-dimensional momentum measurements of two electrons arising from strong-field nonsequential double ionization are achieved with a custom-built electron-electron-ion coincidence apparatus, showing laser intensity-dependent Coulomb repulsion effect between the two outgoing electrons. Furthermore, a previously predicted feature of double ionization from doubly excited states is confirmed in the distributions of sum of two-electron momenta. A classical ensemble simulation suggests that Coulomb-repulsion-assisted double ionization from doubly excited states is at play at low laser intensity. This mechanism can explain the dependence of Coulomb repulsion effect on the laser intensity, as well as the transition from side-by-side to back-to-back dominant emission along the laser polarization direction.

Carrier-envelope phase-dependent ionization of Xe in intense, ultrafast (two-cycle) laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasa, Parinda; Dharmadhikari, Aditya K.; Mathur, Deepak

2018-01-01

We report an experimental study that shows the dependence of the tunnel ionization of Xe by two-cycle, intense, near infrared light on the carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) of incident laser pulses. At low values of the optical field (E), the ionization yield is found to be maximum for cos-like pulses; the CEP dependence of the ion yield becomes stronger for higher charge states. At higher E-values, the CEP dependence either washes out or flips. A simple phenomenological model is used to confirm that our results fall within the ambit of the current understanding of ionization dynamics in strong, ultrashort optical fields. In the observed tunnel ionization of Xe, CEP effects appear to persist for longer, eight-cycle, pulses. Electron rescattering is observed to play a relatively unimportant role in the observed CEP dependence. These results provide fresh perspectives in the ionization mechanisms of multielectron systems in the few-cycle regime.

Modeling of helicon wave propagation and the physical process of helicon plasma production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isayama, Shogo; Hada, Tohru; Shinohara, Shunjiro; Tanikawa, Takao

2014-10-01

Helicon plasma is a high-density and low-temperature plasma generated by the helicon wave, and is expected to be useful for various applications. On the other hand, there still remain a number of unsolved physical issues regarding how the plasma is generated using the helicon wave. The generation involves such physical processes as wave propagation, mode conversion, and collisionless as well as collisional wave damping that leads to ionization/recombination of neutral particles. In this study, we attempt to construct a model for the helicon plasma production using numerical simulations. In particular, we will make a quantitative argument on the roles of the mode conversion from the helicon to the electrostatic Trivelpiece-Gould (TG) wave, as first proposed by Shamrai. According to his scenario, the long wavelength helicon wave linearly mode converts to the TG wave, which then dissipates rapidly due to its large wave number. On the other hand, the efficiency of the mode conversion depends strongly on the magnitudes of dissipation parameters. Particularly when the dissipation is dominant, the TG wave is no longer excited and the input helicon wave directly dissipates. In the presentation, we will discuss the mode conversion and the plasma heating using numerical simulations.

Sequential and direct ionic excitation in the strong-field ionization of 1-butene molecules.

PubMed

Schell, Felix; Boguslavskiy, Andrey E; Schulz, Claus Peter; Patchkovskii, Serguei; Vrakking, Marc J J; Stolow, Albert; Mikosch, Jochen

2018-05-18

We study the Strong-Field Ionization (SFI) of the hydrocarbon 1-butene as a function of wavelength using photoion-photoelectron covariance and coincidence spectroscopy. We observe a striking transition in the fragment-associated photoelectron spectra: from a single Above Threshold Ionization (ATI) progression for photon energies less than the cation D0-D1 gap to two ATI progressions for a photon energy greater than this gap. For the first case, electronically excited cations are created by SFI populating the ground cationic state D0, followed by sequential post-ionization excitation. For the second case, direct sub-cycle SFI to the D1 excited cation state contributes significantly. Our experiments access ionization dynamics in a regime where strong-field and resonance-enhanced processes can interplay.

Waves on the surface of the Orion molecular cloud.

PubMed

Berné, Olivier; Marcelino, Núria; Cernicharo, José

2010-08-19

Massive stars influence their parental molecular cloud, and it has long been suspected that the development of hydrodynamical instabilities can compress or fragment the cloud. Identifying such instabilities has proved difficult. It has been suggested that elongated structures (such as the 'pillars of creation') and other shapes arise because of instabilities, but alternative explanations are available. One key signature of an instability is a wave-like structure in the gas, which has hitherto not been seen. Here we report the presence of 'waves' at the surface of the Orion molecular cloud near where massive stars are forming. The waves seem to be a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability that arises during the expansion of the nebula as gas heated and ionized by massive stars is blown over pre-existing molecular gas.

Global-scale equatorial Rossby waves as an essential component of solar internal dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Löptien, Björn; Gizon, Laurent; Birch, Aaron C.; Schou, Jesper; Proxauf, Bastian; Duvall, Thomas L.; Bogart, Richard S.; Christensen, Ulrich R.

2018-05-01

The Sun’s complex dynamics is controlled by buoyancy and rotation in the convection zone. Large-scale flows are dominated by vortical motions1 and appear to be weaker than expected in the solar interior2. One possibility is that waves of vorticity due to the Coriolis force, known as Rossby waves3 or r modes4, remove energy from convection at the largest scales5. However, the presence of these waves in the Sun is still debated. Here, we unambiguously discover and characterize retrograde-propagating vorticity waves in the shallow subsurface layers of the Sun at azimuthal wavenumbers below 15, with the dispersion relation of textbook sectoral Rossby waves. The waves have lifetimes of several months, well-defined mode frequencies below twice the solar rotational frequency, and eigenfunctions of vorticity that peak at the equator. Rossby waves have nearly as much vorticity as the convection at the same scales, thus they are an essential component of solar dynamics. We observe a transition from turbulence-like to wave-like dynamics around the Rhines scale6 of angular wavenumber of approximately 20. This transition might provide an explanation for the puzzling deficit of kinetic energy at the largest spatial scales.

Health effects of prenatal radiation exposure.

PubMed

Williams, Pamela M; Fletcher, Stacy

2010-09-01

Pregnant women are at risk of exposure to nonionizing and ionizing radiation resulting from necessary medical procedures, workplace exposure, and diagnostic or therapeutic interventions before the pregnancy is known. Nonionizing radiation includes microwave, ultrasound, radio frequency, and electromagnetic waves. In utero exposure to nonionizing radiation is not associated with significant risks; therefore, ultrasonography is safe to perform during pregnancy. Ionizing radiation includes particles and electromagnetic radiation (e.g., gamma rays, x-rays). In utero exposure to ionizing radiation can be teratogenic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic. The effects are directly related to the level of exposure and stage of fetal development. The fetus is most susceptible to radiation during organogenesis (two to seven weeks after conception) and in the early fetal period (eight to 15 weeks after conception). Noncancer health effects have not been detected at any stage of gestation after exposure to ionizing radiation of less than 0.05 Gy (5 rad). Spontaneous abortion, growth restriction, and mental retardation may occur at higher exposure levels. The risk of cancer is increased regardless of the dose. When an exposure to ionizing radiation occurs, the total fetal radiation dose should be estimated and the mother counseled about the potential risks so that she can make informed decisions about her pregnancy management.

Pulse length of ultracold electron bunches extracted from a laser cooled gas

PubMed Central

Franssen, J. G. H.; Frankort, T. L. I.; Vredenbregt, E. J. D.; Luiten, O. J.

2017-01-01

We present measurements of the pulse length of ultracold electron bunches generated by near-threshold two-photon photoionization of a laser-cooled gas. The pulse length has been measured using a resonant 3 GHz deflecting cavity in TM110 mode. We have measured the pulse length in three ionization regimes. The first is direct two-photon photoionization using only a 480 nm femtosecond laser pulse, which results in short (∼15 ps) but hot (∼104 K) electron bunches. The second regime is just-above-threshold femtosecond photoionization employing the combination of a continuous-wave 780 nm excitation laser and a tunable 480 nm femtosecond ionization laser which results in both ultracold (∼10 K) and ultrafast (∼25 ps) electron bunches. These pulses typically contain ∼103 electrons and have a root-mean-square normalized transverse beam emittance of 1.5 ± 0.1 nm rad. The measured pulse lengths are limited by the energy spread associated with the longitudinal size of the ionization volume, as expected. The third regime is just-below-threshold ionization which produces Rydberg states which slowly ionize on microsecond time scales. PMID:28396879

Density functional theory calculations of continuum lowering in strongly coupled plasmas.

PubMed

Vinko, S M; Ciricosta, O; Wark, J S

2014-03-24

An accurate description of the ionization potential depression of ions in plasmas due to their interaction with the environment is a fundamental problem in plasma physics, playing a key role in determining the ionization balance, charge state distribution, opacity and plasma equation of state. Here we present a method to study the structure and position of the continuum of highly ionized dense plasmas using finite-temperature density functional theory in combination with excited-state projector augmented-wave potentials. The method is applied to aluminium plasmas created by intense X-ray irradiation, and shows excellent agreement with recently obtained experimental results. We find that the continuum lowering for ions in dense plasmas at intermediate temperatures is larger than predicted by standard plasma models and explain this effect through the electronic structure of the valence states in these strong-coupling conditions.

Tunneling exit characteristics from classical backpropagation of an ionized electron wave packet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Hongcheng; Saalmann, Ulf; Rost, Jan-Michael

2018-01-01

We investigate tunneling ionization of a single active electron with a strong and short laser pulse, circularly polarized. With the recently proposed backpropagation method, we can compare different criteria for the tunnel exit as well as popular approximations in strong-field physics on the same footing. Thereby, we trace back discrepancies in the literature regarding the tunneling time to inconsistent tunneling exit criteria. The main source of error is the use of a static ionization potential, which is, however, time dependent for a short laser pulse. A vanishing velocity in the instantaneous field direction as tunneling exit criterion offers a consistent alternative, since it does not require the knowledge of the instantaneous binding energy. Finally, we propose a mapping technique that links observables from attoclock experiments to the intrinsic tunneling exit time.

Electron- and photon-impact ionization of furfural

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, D. B.; Ali, E.; Nixon, K. L.; Limão-Vieira, P.; Hubin-Franskin, M.-J.; Delwiche, J.; Ning, C. G.; Colgan, J.; Murray, A. J.; Madison, D. H.; Brunger, M. J.

2015-11-01

The He(i) photoelectron spectrum of furfural has been investigated, with its vibrational structure assigned for the first time. The ground and excited ionized states are assigned through ab initio calculations performed at the outer-valence Green's function level. Triple differential cross sections (TDCSs) for electron-impact ionization of the unresolved combination of the 4a″ + 21a' highest and next-highest occupied molecular orbitals have also been obtained. Experimental TDCSs are recorded in a combination of asymmetric coplanar and doubly symmetric coplanar kinematics. The experimental TDCSs are compared to theoretical calculations, obtained within a molecular 3-body distorted wave framework that employed either an orientation average or proper TDCS average. The proper average calculations suggest that they may resolve some of the discrepancies regarding the angular distributions of the TDCS, when compared to calculations employing the orbital average.

Propagating waves can explain irregular neural dynamics.

PubMed

Keane, Adam; Gong, Pulin

2015-01-28

Cortical neurons in vivo fire quite irregularly. Previous studies about the origin of such irregular neural dynamics have given rise to two major models: a balanced excitation and inhibition model, and a model of highly synchronized synaptic inputs. To elucidate the network mechanisms underlying synchronized synaptic inputs and account for irregular neural dynamics, we investigate a spatially extended, conductance-based spiking neural network model. We show that propagating wave patterns with complex dynamics emerge from the network model. These waves sweep past neurons, to which they provide highly synchronized synaptic inputs. On the other hand, these patterns only emerge from the network with balanced excitation and inhibition; our model therefore reconciles the two major models of irregular neural dynamics. We further demonstrate that the collective dynamics of propagating wave patterns provides a mechanistic explanation for a range of irregular neural dynamics, including the variability of spike timing, slow firing rate fluctuations, and correlated membrane potential fluctuations. In addition, in our model, the distributions of synaptic conductance and membrane potential are non-Gaussian, consistent with recent experimental data obtained using whole-cell recordings. Our work therefore relates the propagating waves that have been widely observed in the brain to irregular neural dynamics. These results demonstrate that neural firing activity, although appearing highly disordered at the single-neuron level, can form dynamical coherent structures, such as propagating waves at the population level. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/351591-15$15.00/0.

Collaborative Research: Tomographic imaging of laser-plasma structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Downer, Michael

The interaction of intense short laser pulses with ionized gases, or plasmas, underlies many applications such as acceleration of elementary particles, production of energy by laser fusion, generation of x-ray and far-infrared “terahertz” pulses for medical and materials probing, remote sensing of explosives and pollutants, and generation of guide stars. Such laser-plasma interactions create tiny electron density structures (analogous to the wake behind a boat) inside the plasma in the shape of waves, bubbles and filaments that move at the speed of light, and evolve as they propagate. Prior to recent work by the PI of this proposal, detailed knowledgemore » of such structures came exclusively from intensive computer simulations. Now “snapshots” of these elusive, light-velocity structures can be taken in the laboratory using dynamic variant of holography, the technique used to produce ID cards and DVDs, and dynamic variant of tomography, the technique used in medicine to image internal bodily organs. These fast visualization techniques are important for understanding, improving and scaling the above-mentioned applications of laser-plasma interactions. In this project, we accomplished three things: 1) We took holographic pictures of a laser-driven plasma-wave in the act of accelerating electrons to high energy, and used computer simulations to understand the pictures. 2) Using results from this experiment to optimize the performance of the accelerator, and the brightness of x-rays that it emits. These x-rays will be useful for medical and materials science applications. 3) We made technical improvements to the holographic technique that enables us to see finer details in the recorded pictures. Four refereed journal papers were published, and two students earned PhDs and moved on to scientific careers in US National Laboratories based on their work under this project.« less

Synthesis, vibrational spectroscopic investigations, molecular docking, antibacterial studies and molecular dynamics study of 5-[(4-nitrophenyl)acetamido]-2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzoxazole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheena Mary, Y.; Al-Shehri, Mona M.; Jalaja, K.; Al-Omary, Fatmah A. M.; El-Emam, Ali A.; Yohannan Panicker, C.; Armaković, Stevan; Armaković, Sanja J.; Temiz-Arpaci, Ozlem; Van Alsenoy, C.

2017-04-01

Antimicrobial active 5-[(4-nitrophenyl)acetamido]-2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzoxazole (NATPB) was synthesized and observed IR, Raman bands are compared with the theoretically predicted wave numbers. In the IR spectrum the NH stretching wave number splits into a doublet with a noted difference and is red shifted from the computed value, which indicates the weakening of NH bond resulting in proton transfer to the neighbouring oxygen atom. The HOMO-LUMO plots reveal the charge transfer in the molecular system through the conjugated paths. The electrophilic and nucleophilic reactive sites are identified from the MEP plot. Mapping of average local ionization energy (ALIE) values to the electron density surface served us as a tool for prediction of molecule sites possibly prone to electrophilic attacks. Other important reactive centres of the title molecule were detected by calculations of Fukui functions. Calculations of bond dissociation energies (BDE) for hydrogen abstraction were used in order to assess whether the NATPB molecules is prone to autoxidation mechanism or not, while BDE of the remaining single acyclic bonds were used in order to determine the weakest bond. Interaction properties with water were investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and calculations of radial distribution functions (RDFs). The compound possessed broad spectrum activity against all of the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts, their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging between 32 and 128 μg/ml. The compound exhibited significant antibacterial activity (32 μg/ml) against an antibiotic resistant E. faecalis isolate, at same potency with the compared standard drugs vancomycin and gentamycin sulfate. The molecular docking studies show that the compound might exhibit inhibitory activity against CDK inhibitors.