Maser-rays Based on Synchrotron Radiation-Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (SR-TXRF)

Abstract

In 2012, during the experiments performed at LNLS (Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory) based on SR-TXRF measurements of Ormosil films containing phosphotungstates ([PW₁₂O₄₀]^3-) was observed an image that could be interpreted as the result of the transition from the incident X-ray beam (packets of photons) to a continuous light beam (set of continuous waves). A hypothesis could be based on a summation of small local crystalline domains, which respond differently to the incident beam, resulting in a "continuous beam". Differently of the case of LASER beam, the excitation by synchrotron radiation could generate not only excitation but also ionization of a polyatomic/poly-molecular systems (indeed considering the whole sample), instead of monoatomic system. Thus, the presence of individual MASER (Molecular Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) beam generated by SR-TXRF could be considered. A MASER produces coherent electromagnetic waves through amplification by stimulated emission (process based on the that was proposed and argued by Albert Einstein between 1916-1917). In lower ranges of energies than the corresponding to X-rays of electromagnetic spectrum like the Ultraviolet region, the Phosphotungstates molecules (([PW₁₂O₄₀]^-3)) exhibit very interesting phenomenon as the photocromism. This phenomenon occurs when the molecules mentioned above are irradiated with ultraviolet light, which brings these molecules to an excited electronic state. The reduced phosphotungstate obtained ([PW₁₂O₄₀]^-4) exhibit a bluish color, being called heteropolyblue. This bluish color disappears in the presence of oxygen, the discoloration time is dependent on the time in which the sample was irradiated, or on the composition/thickness of the film. It is also possible found photoluminescence in the Phosphotungstates, which is due to the multiples multielectronic collisions. For ormosil films were shown the possible pathways of electron transfer of Phosphotungstates (could be internal and external), which are based on the presence of a high number of double chemical bonds between Tungsten and Oxygen atoms. In these mechanisms, the key aspect to consider is that the molecular structure of phosphotungstates remains intact after the preparation of these materials by Sol-Gel process. Taking as base the molecular mechanisms mentioned above, one model for the generation of maser rays has been proposed, considering the phosphotungstate molecule as a Super-atom (structure built of many atoms) due to its stability structural in these films. It would be possible the generation of Multi-Maser beams by SR-TXRF also, if it is taking in consideration the processes of ionization in the whole sample.