Multilayer resonant subwavelength gratings: effects of waveguide modes and real groove profiles

The boundary integral equation code PCGrate-S(X) is used to analyze diffraction on Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph gratings at different boundary shapes and layer thicknesses. An effect of resonance anomalies excited in nonconformal dielectric layers overcoated on the surface of metallic grating on the efficiency is studied for the first time to our knowledge. Refractive indices (RIs) for bulk MgF2 taken from well-known references are found to be not suitable for thin optical layers at wavelengths between 115 and 170 nm. A method based on scale fitting of calculated and measured grating efficiencies is outlined for derivation of thin-film optical constants at hard to measure wavelengths. The calculated efficiency based on real boundary profiles and derived RIs of the G185M subwavelength grating is shown to fit within 9.6% or better to the measured data.     

Superior wear resistance of aggregated diamond nanorods

The hardness of single-crystal diamond is superior to all other known materials, but its performance as a superabrasive is limited because of its low wear resistance. This is the consequence of diamond's low thermal stability (it graphitizes at elevated temperature), low fracture toughness (it tends to cleave preferentially along the octahedral (111) crystal plains), and large directional effect in polishing (some directions appear to be "soft", i.e., easy to abrade, because diamond is anisotropic in many of its physical properties). Here we report the results of measurements of mechanical properties (hardness, fracture toughness, and Young's modulus) of aggregated diamond nanorods (ADNRs) synthesized as a bulk sample. Our investigation has shown that this nanocrystalline material has the fracture toughness 11.1 +/- 1.2 MPa.m(0.5), which exceeds that of natural and synthetic diamond (that varies from 3.4 to 5.0 MPa.m(0.5)) by 2-3 times. At the same time, having a hardness and Young's modulus comparable to that of natural diamond and suppressed because of the random orientation of nanorods "soft" directions, ADNR samples show the enhancement of wear resistance up to 300% in comparison with commercially available polycrystalline diamonds (PCDs). This makes ADNRs extremely prospective materials for applications as superabrasives.     

Performance of diode-end-pumped Cr, Nd:YAG self-Q-switched and Nd:YAG/Cr:YAG diffusion bonded lasers

Self-passively Q-switching of a diode-pumped Cr,Nd:YAG, where the Cr⁴⁺ is used as a saturable absorber for the 1064 nm laser emission is reported. The maximum average output power was obtained using an output coupler of R=86%. The self-Q-switched diode pumped laser yielded 1.86-W average output power with low threshold pumping power (≈1.7-W), average slope efficiency of ≈34%, pulse duration of about 14–16 ns, and modulation frequency ranging from 2.4 to 73 kHz, depending on the input pumping power. These results are the highest reported for self-Q-switched lasers. Higher slope efficiency (42%) and shorter Q-switched pulses were obtained for a Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr⁴⁺:YAG diffusion bonded laser. A comparison of the codoped Cr,Nd:YAG laser performance, with that of a diffusion bonded laser is reported and analyzed.     

Hydroxylherderite (Ca2Be2P2O8(OH)2) stability under extreme conditions (up to 750°C/100 GPa)

Hydroxylherderite, Ca₂Be₂P₂O₈(OH)₂, is among the most common beryllophosphates in nature and could play a substantial role in Be geochemical cycle. Hydroxylherderite P–T stability and crystal structure behavior were studied under extreme conditions (up to 750°C/100 GPa) using in situ single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The mineral demonstrated high stability under high-pressure conditions (up to ∼100 GPa) without any phase transitions. Under high-temperature conditions, it was stable up to about 700°C, when it decomposed with the formation of fluorapatite Ca₅(PO₄)₃F and hurlbutite CaBe₂P₂O₈. The beryllophosphate member of the gadolinite supergroup is the most stable mineral (material) under high-pressure conditions, compared to aluminum-, boro- and beryllosilicates.