Short-wavelength Radiation Research Articles

High-fidelity transfer of helical phase via hyper-Raman scattering in a monolayer graphene

Graphene is a fascinating two-dimensional optical material with a unique electronic band structure and a giant optical nonlinearity under the action of a strong magnetic field. Here we propose a scheme to transfer helical phase of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) light via hyper-Raman scattering in a monolayer graphene assisted by a magnetic field. Due to the unique electronic properties and selection rules near the Dirac point, it is found that high-fidelity transfer of phase structure and, in particular, of OAM from a pump field to the Raman field generated in a hyper-Raman scattering process occurs under the resonance condition. Interestingly, the obtained results allow us to control the intensity of Raman field with stable phase structure by varying the intensities of two pump fields. Hereby, the mechanism of efficient generation and manipulation of OAM Raman field may have exciting potential applications in the generation of short-wavelength coherent radiation, conversion of frequency as well as nonlinear spectroscopy in graphene materials.

Assessment of the estimation methods of Tmrt in semi-outdoor spaces in humid sub-tropical climates: An empirical study in Wuhan, China

Studies have been conducted on the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) estimation methods using globe thermometers for measuring outdoor thermal environments in various climate regions. Yet, given the unique thermal environments of semi-outdoor spaces, these Tmrt estimation methods may not be appropriate for the spaces with shading effects. This study aims to assess the thermometric and radiative methods for Tmrt estimation in semi-outdoor spaces in humid sub-tropical climates, taking data from six-directional radiation measurements as validations. During the typical summer and winter days in Wuhan, China, the measurements were carried out in semi-outdoor spaces facing south and west, with an open square for comparison, including air temperature, humidity, wind velocity, black-globe temperature, and long- and short-wavelength radiation fluxes obtained from four-component net radiometers. It was found the maximum mean deviation of diurnal Tmrt values estimated by the black-globe thermometer method in semi-outdoor spaces was 7.1 °C, which exceeded the threshold required by ISO7726, where the shortwave radiation was regarded as the dominant interference factor. To improve the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of Tmrt estimation, we proposed linear empirical equations to calibrate the Tmrt estimated by black-global thermometer method that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the Tmrt deviations can generally vary from 2.22 to 2.72 °C. Contributing to the thermal comfort research, this study proposed an empirical method for estimating Tmrt in semi-outdoor spaces in humid subtropical climates, which can generate satisfactory results in accordance with ISO7726 standards with cost-effective instrumentation.

Explaining deep learning models for ozone pollution prediction via embedded feature selection

Ambient air pollution is a pervasive global issue that poses significant health risks. Among pollutants, ozone (O3) is responsible for an estimated 1 to 1.2 million premature deaths yearly. Furthermore, O3 adversely affects climate warming, crop productivity, and more. Its formation occurs when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with short-wavelength solar radiation. Consequently, urban areas with high traffic volume and elevated temperatures are particularly prone to elevated O3 levels, which pose a significant health risk to their inhabitants. In response to this problem, many countries have developed web and mobile applications that provide real-time air pollution information using sensor data. However, while these applications offer valuable insight into current pollution levels, predicting future pollutant behavior is crucial for effective planning and mitigation strategies. Therefore, our main objectives are to develop accurate and efficient prediction models and identify the key factors that influence O3 levels. We adopt a time series forecasting approach to address these objectives, which allows us to analyze and predict future O3 behavior. Additionally, we tackle the feature selection problem to identify the most relevant features and periods that contribute to prediction accuracy by introducing a novel method called the Time Selection Layer in Deep Learning models, which significantly improves model performance, reduces complexity, and enhances interpretability. Our study focuses on data collected from five representative areas in Seville, Cordova, and Jaen provinces in Spain, using multiple sensors to capture comprehensive pollution data. We compare the performance of three models: Lasso, Decision Tree, and Deep Learning with and without incorporating the Time Selection Layer. Our results demonstrate that including the Time Selection Layer significantly enhances the effectiveness and interpretability of Deep Learning models, achieving an average effectiveness improvement of 9% across all monitored areas.

Advanced Studies for the Dynamics of High Brightness Electron Beams with the Code MILES

High brightness electron beams enable a wide spectrum of applications ranging from short wavelength radiation sources to high gradient wakefield acceleration. The rich dynamics that are intrinsic in charged particles accelerated in complex systems require a careful description in the analysis and design of a given machine, particularly regarding its stability. Numerous computer codes are in use by the accelerator community for such purposes. In particular, MILES is a simple tracking code we have developed that allows fast evaluations of collective effects in RF linacs. In this paper we extend the simple models previously developed to describe specific, diverse applications that can benefit from the fast simulation tools developed in MILES. Examples of this kind include particle driven acceleration schemes in a plasma where driver and witness beams propagate in the “comb” pulse-train configuration. Specifically, we investigate the self-induced fields excited within the X-band rf-linac stage of EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB. Further, we discuss additional advanced topics such as resistive wall wakefield effects in planar FEL undulators and their impact on the radiation emitted.

Sustainable early-stage lasing in a low-emittance electron storage ring

In this Letter, we report on the concept and analysis of a low-emittance electron storage ring, in which the electron beams undergo an early-stage self-amplified spontaneous emission lasing process on a turn-by-turn basis. The lasing process for each pass through a long undulator in the ring is terminated when the radiated power is still negligible compared to the total synchrotron loss of each circulation, and the electron beams can be maintained in an equilibrium state that supports sustainable lasing. A self-consistent model is derived for evaluation of the properties of the electron beams, and a design with numerical modeling is presented that demonstrates the feasibility of generating short wavelength radiation at the kW power level.

The morphology, inflorescence yield, and secondary metabolite accumulation in hemp type Cannabis sativa can be influenced by the R:FR ratio or the amount of short wavelength radiation in a spectrum

The effect of light spectra on the quality of multiple crops has been established, however, the scientific evidence related to light quality, cannabis (Cannabis sativa) morphology, and the secondary metabolite accumulation in the female inflorescences is still sparse. C. sativa inflorescences harvested for pharmaceutical purposes are primarily cultivated in controlled environments for their secondary metabolite compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Indoor cultivation allows precise control over the environmental parameters, including light, which impact the inflorescence yield and quality. The effect of long (far-red) and short wavelength (blue, UV-A, UV-B) radiation on the morphology, inflorescence yield, and floral cannabinoid and terpene concentrations in a cannabidiol (CBD) dominant hemp type C. sativa genotype, FINOLA, was studied in two experiments. In the first experiment, two treatments, LOW R:FR (R:FR ratio of 1) and HIGH R:FR (R:FR ratio of 11), were compared. The second experiment included four treatments with varying blue, UV-A, and UV-B radiation content (CONTROL, BLUE, UVA, and UVB). LOW R:FR ratio treatment increased plant height and decreased inflorescence yield. HIGH R:FR ratio treatment increased CBD, tetrahydrocannabivarin acid (THCVA), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and the sum of measured terpene concentrations compared with the LOW R:FR ratio treatment. Short wavelength radiation treatments did not impact inflorescence yield or plant morphology. BLUE and UVB treatments increased the cannabinoid, THCVA, concentration, but no difference in the sum of measured cannabinoid concentrations was observed between the treatments. UVB treatment increased the monoterpene, myrcene, concentration, but had no impact on the sum of measured terpenes concentration. In conclusion, the morphology, yield, and secondary metabolite accumulation in C. sativa can be influenced by altering the R:FR ratio or the amount of short wavelength radiation in a spectrum.

Role of Gas Pressure in Quasi-Phase Matching in High Harmonics Driven by Two-Color Laser Field

The results of a study on the effect of pressure in a medium consisting of a set of gas jets separated by vacuum gaps, interacting with two-color laser fields formed by the fundamental and the second harmonics of a laser, are presented herein. It has been demonstrated that a decrease in pressure leads to a shift in the region of harmonics where quasi-phase matching (QPM) occurs towards shorter wavelength radiation, accompanied by an increase in the efficiency of amplification of these harmonics. A feature of this process is the identical power-law character of the shift in the region and the increase in the efficiency of harmonic QPM amplification. Additionally, the study presents the results of the effect of inaccurately setting the width of the gas jets on the shape of the spectrum of harmonic QPM amplification.

Short-wavelength radiation pulses with time-varying orbital angular momentum from tailored relativistic electron beams.

In this Letter, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, technique to generate short-wavelength radiation carrying time-varying orbital angular momentum (OAM) by tailoring relativistic beams in free-electron lasers. To manipulate the temporal properties of OAM beams, two time-delayed seed lasers with different OAM values are used to interact with the electron beam in the undulator. With this method, high-harmonic electron beam microbunching with a time-varying helical distribution can be tailored to match the time-varying instantaneous helical phase structure of the x ray beams. Theoretical and simulation results demonstrate that high-power x ray beams with time-varying OAM can be produced by the proposed technique, which opens new routes to scientific research in x ray science.

Long persistent luminescence and photostimulated luminescence in Y3GaO6:Pr3+ phosphor

Long persistent luminescence (LPL) phosphors have a wide range of potential applications, including multi-color anticounterfeiting and long-term continuous detection of short-wavelength ultra-violet (UV) radiation. However, developing a stable carrier container that can provide ultra-long carrier storage for activators and visible multi-color LPL is a challenging task. In this work, we presented a series of Pr3+-doped Y3GaO6 (YGO) LPL phosphors that take full advantage of the synergistic relationship between the host lattice, emitters, and carrier traps. The host provides a suitable lattice site for rare-earth Pr3+ and offers a broad band gap of 5.69 eV to hold traps with depths ranging from 1.01 to 2.17 eV. We observed LPL that was visible to the naked eye for 6 h after excitation, and strong thermoluminescence (TL) spectra could be detected after the phosphor was placed in darkness for 20 days at room temperature. Additionally, we observed photostimulated luminescence under 980 nm and 808 nm laser irradiation with a power density of 5 W cm-2, indicating that low-energy excitation not only leads to LPL but also accelerates the elimination of previously stored carriers. After investigating the crystal structure and possible defects generated in the materials, we proposed a mechanism for LPL. Our findings demonstrate the potential of Pr3+-doped YGO LPL phosphors for a range of applications, such as multi-color anticounterfeiting and long-term continuous detection of short-wavelength UV radiation.

A beamline to control longitudinal phase space whilst transporting laser wakefield accelerated electrons to an undulator

Laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) can produce high-energy electron bunches in short distances. Successfully coupling these sources with undulators has the potential to form an LWFA-driven free-electron laser (FEL), providing high-intensity short-wavelength radiation. Electron bunches produced from LWFAs have a correlated distribution in longitudinal phase space: a chirp. However, both LWFAs and FELs have strict parameter requirements. The bunch chirp created using ideal LWFA parameters may not suit the FEL; for example, a chirp can reduce the high peak current required for free-electron lasing. We, therefore, design a flexible beamline that can accept either positively or negatively chirped LWFA bunches and adjust the chirp during transport to an undulator. We have used the accelerator design program MAD8 to design a beamline in stages, and to track particle bunches. The final beamline design can produce ambidirectional values of longitudinal dispersion (R_{56}): we demonstrate values of + 0.20 mm, 0.00 mm and − 0.22 mm. Positive or negative values of R_{56} apply a shear forward or backward in the longitudinal phase space of the electron bunch, which provides control of the bunch chirp. This chirp control during the bunch transport gives an additional free parameter and marks a new approach to matching future LWFA-driven FELs.

Dose-efficient scanning Compton X-ray microscopy

The highest resolution of images of soft matter and biological materials is ultimately limited by modification of the structure, induced by the necessarily high energy of short-wavelength radiation. Imaging the inelastically scattered X-rays at a photon energy of 60 keV (0.02 nm wavelength) offers greater signal per energy transferred to the sample than coherent-scattering techniques such as phase-contrast microscopy and projection holography. We present images of dried, unstained, and unfixed biological objects obtained by scanning Compton X-ray microscopy, at a resolution of about 70 nm. This microscope was realised using novel wedged multilayer Laue lenses that were fabricated to sub-ångström precision, a new wavefront measurement scheme for hard X rays, and efficient pixel-array detectors. The doses required to form these images were as little as 0.02% of the tolerable dose and 0.05% of that needed for phase-contrast imaging at similar resolution using 17 keV photon energy. The images obtained provide a quantitative map of the projected mass density in the sample, as confirmed by imaging a silicon wedge. Based on these results, we find that it should be possible to obtain radiation damage-free images of biological samples at a resolution below 10 nm.

High-resolution imaging enabled by 100-kW-peak-power parametric source at 5.7 THz

Similar to x-ray imaging, THz imaging will require high power and high resolution to advance relevant applications. Previously demonstrated THz imaging usually experiences one or several difficulties in insufficient source power, poor spectral tunability, or limited resolution from a low-wavelength source. A short-wavelength radiation source in the 5–10 THz is relatively scarce. Although a shorter wavelength improves imaging resolution, widely used imaging sensors, such as microbolometers, Schottky diodes, and photoconductive antennas, are usually not sensitive to detect radiation with frequencies above 5 THz. The radiation power of a high-frequency source becomes a key factor to realize low-noise and high-resolution imaging by using an ordinary pyroelectric detector. Here, we report a successful development of a fully coherent, tunable, > 100-kW-peak-power parametric source at 5.7 THz. It is then used together with a low-cost pyroelectric detector for demonstrating high-resolution 5.7-THz imaging in comparison with 2-THz imaging. To take advantage of the wavelength tunability of the source, we also report spectrally resolved imaging between 5.55 and 5.87 THz to reveal the spectroscopic characteristics and spatial distribution of a test drug, Aprovel.

Study of the 6.x nm short wavelength radiation spectra of laser-produced erbium plasmas for BEUV lithography

Beyond extreme ultraviolet (BEUV) radiation with a wavelength of 6.x nm for lithography is responsible for reducing the source wavelength to enable continued miniaturization of semiconductor devices. In this work, the Required BEUV light at 6.x nm wavelength was generated in dense and hot Nd:YAG laser-produced Er plasmas. The spectral contributions from the 4p–4d and 4d–4f transitions of singly, doubly and triply excited states of Er XXIV–Er XXXII in the BEUV band were calculated using Cowan and the Flexible Atomic Code. It was also found that the radiative transitions between multiply excited states dominate the narrow wavelength window around 6.x nm. Under the assumption of collisional radiative equilibrium of the laser-produced Er plasmas, the relative ion abundance in the experiment was inferred. Using the Boltzmann quantum state energy level distribution and Gram–Charlier fitting function of unresolved transition arrays (UTAs), the synthetic spectrum around 6.x nm was finally obtained and compared with the experimental spectrum. The spatio-temporal distributions of electron density and electron temperature were calculated based on radiation hydrodynamic simulation in order to identify the contributions of various ionic states to the UTAs arising from the Er plasmas near 6.x nm.

Searches for bridged bicyclic molecules in space-norbornadiene and its cyano derivatives.

The norbornadiene (NBD) molecule, C7H8, owes its fame to its remarkable photoswitching properties that are promising for molecular solar-thermal energy storage systems. Besides this photochemical interest, NBD is a rather unreactive species within astrophysical conditions and it should exhibit high photostability, properties that might also position this molecule as an important constituent of the interstellar medium (ISM)-especially in environments that are well shielded from short-wavelength radiation, such as dense molecular clouds. It is thus conceivable that, once formed, NBD can survive in dense molecular clouds and act as a carbon sink. Following the recent interstellar detections of large hydrocarbons, including several cyano-containing ones, in the dense molecular cloud TMC-1, it is thus logical to consider searching for NBD-which presents a shallow but non-zero permanent electric dipole moment (0.06 D)-as well as for its mono- and dicyano-substituted compounds, referred to as CN-NBD and DCN-NBD, respectively. The pure rotational spectra of NBD, CN-NBD, and DCN-NBD have been measured at 300 K in the 75-110 GHz range using a chirped-pulse Fourier-transform millimetre-wave spectrometer. Of the three species, only NBD was previously studied at high resolution in the microwave domain. From the present measurements, the derived spectroscopic constants enable prediction of the spectra of all three species at various rotational temperatures (up to 300 K) in the spectral range mapped at high resolution by current radio observatories. Unsuccessful searches for these molecules were conducted toward TMC-1 using the QUIJOTE survey, carried out at the Yebes telescope, allowing derivation of the upper limits to the column densities of 1.6 × 1014 cm-2, 4.9 × 1010 cm-2, and 2.9 × 1010 cm-2 for NBD, CN-NBD, and DCN-NBD, respectively. Using CN-NBD and cyano-indene as proxies for the corresponding bare hydrocarbons, this indicates that-if present in TMC-1-NBD would be at least four times less abundant than indene.

Are Blue-Cut Lenses Safe for Children? Potential Effects on Eye Length and Refractive Disorders

Blue-blocking lenses, including both spectacles and intraocular lenses, are designed to selectively reduce the intensity of short-wavelength visible light and UV radiation using a chromophore. Unlike standard spectacle lenses, which only offer varying degrees of UV protection, blue-blocking lenses provide additional benefits such as enhancing visual performance, reducing eye fatigue from digital screens, protecting the retina from phototoxicity, and minimizing disruption of the circadian rhythm caused by blue light-emitting devices used in the evening. Research has shown that the length of the eye tends to increase over time, especially during the first 10 months of life, indicating the importance of this period in eye development. The Purkinje shift is a phenomenon where the eye becomes more sensitive to blue light in the dark, and it is a normal physiological process. However, there is concern that prolonged use of blue-cut lenses in children may affect the development of eye length and contribute to an increase in refractive eye disorders.

Recent advances in time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy at MAX IV and PETRA III storage rings

Short-wavelength synchrotron radiation excitation has been an indispensable tool in the studies of the properties of wide gap materials using time-resolved low-temperature luminescence spectroscopy. In recent years, several setups for such investigations have been launched at MAX IV Laboratory and Photon Science at DESY. Two permanently stationed time-resolved luminescence setups at FinEstBeAMS and P66 beamlines are in operation at MAX IV 1.5 GeV and Petra III storage rings, respectively. Mobile luminescence setups have been developed for studies at FemtoMAX and P23 beamlines. FinEstBeAMS, P66 and P23 provide time resolution from ∼160 to 100 ps. The FemtoMAX photon source based on an in-vacuum undulator getting an electron beam from the 3 GeV linear accelerator provides an exceptional time resolution of ∼30 ps, limited by time response of the photodetector. The performance of the setups, achieved milestones and research challenges are discussed for four new luminescence stations available for the research community with the main focus on time-resolved techniques.

Climate Behaviour and Plant Heat Activity of a Citrus Tunnel Greenhouse: A Computational Fluid Dynamic Study

Response to the expanding demand for high-quality citrus saplings plants requires optimisation and a deep understanding of production climate behaviour. In this context, greenhouse production is the most used technique because it allows farmers to effectively monitor plant growth through production condition control, especially climatic parameters. The current work presents an analysis of climate behaviour and plant heat activity of a citrus sapling tunnel greenhouse in the middle region of Morocco. In this regard, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was developed and validated with respect to temperature and relative humidity measured values. The specificity of this model is the inclusion of a new non-grey radiative and heat transfers physical sub-models to couple the convective and radiative exchanges at the plastic roof cover and crop level. The findings showed that using a green shade net increased the greenhouse shadow, and the layering of plastic and shade net significantly reduced solar radiation inside the greenhouse by 50%. Also, the greenhouse airflow speed was deficient; it cannot exceed 0.3 ms−1, hence the dominance of the chimney effect in heat transfer. Despite the previous results, analyses of greenhouse temperature and relative humidity fields clearly showed the greenhouse climate behaviour heterogeneity, where spatial greenhouse air temperature and relative humidity difference values reached a maximum of 29.7 °C and 23%, respectively. For citrus plants, heat activity results showed that a weak fraction (1.44%) of the short wavelength radiation is converted to latent heat, which explains the low plant transpiration under these conditions. While the convective currents are the primary source of temperature and relative humidity heterogeneity inside the greenhouse, the presence of crop rows tends to homogenise the climate inside the greenhouse. We also concluded the necessity of proper condensation modelling near ground surfaces and inside the crop, and the water vapour effect on climate determination.

InSn plasma penetration through protective single-walled carbon nanotube-based membranes

Laser-produced plasma sources of short-wavelength (1–20-nm) radiation are actively used nowadays in numerous applications, including water-window microscopy and extreme ultra-violet lithography. Suppression of laser-plasma debris (responsible for damaging optics) is crucial for the lifetime prolongation of optical systems operated with the short-wavelength radiation. Here, we examine the capability of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based membranes to decrease an InSn plasma flux containing both ions and atoms. Faraday cup measurements show that 40- and 90-nm-thick SWCNT membranes reduce the total charge transition by 20 and 130 times, respectively. The ion analyzer measurements demonstrate that ions pass through the membrane mainly due to the collisionless (ballistic) mechanism. Using scanning electron microscopy, we estimate a decrease in a plasma (ions + atoms) flux to be of 18 and 140 times for 40- and 90-nm-thick SWCNT-based membranes, respectively. The average plasma flux attenuation coefficient of SWCNT membranes is calculated as k = 0.063 nm−1.

Near-infrared spectra and molar absorption coefficients of trivalent lanthanides dissolved in molten LiCl–KCl eutectic

Determining the concentration of the dissolved lanthanide species in LiCl–KCl eutectic salt is important to the development of pyrochemical reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. In this process, lanthanide fission products are found dissolved in the electrorefiner electrolyte in their trivalent oxidation state. The presence of dissolved trivalent lanthanides increases the liquidus temperature of the electrolyte mixture and can lead to the formation of insoluble oxide or oxychloride phases and must therefore be continuously monitored and controlled during the operation.Absorbance spectroscopy is a promising method for continuous measurement of the concentration of lanthanides and other elements dissolved in the electrolyte. The absorption of light by elements is linearly proportional to the concentration of the element for relatively dilute solutions according to the Beer-Lambert law. Although measurement of the absorption of ultraviolet and visible range light by lanthanides in LiCl–KCl eutectic molten salt have been explored previously, near infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy has received far less attention. It may, however, provide a better analytical signal when insoluble phases are present due to less Raleigh scattering compared to shorter wavelength radiation. Additionally, it may allow for concentration determination for certain elements using NIR absorption features where UV and visible range features are overlapping with features from other species.In this study, we report the UV–Vis–NIR spectra of the trivalent lanthanide chlorides of neodymium, samarium, and dysprosium in LiCl–KCl eutectic. Molar absorption coefficients are reported for analytically useful absorption maxima, with a focus on the molar absorption coefficients for NIR absorption maxima which have not been reported previously. Additionally, we observe a NIR-range absorption band of Nd3+ which was previously predicted but never experimentally observed. We compare the calculated crystal field levels to the newly observed absorbance band and find them to be in good agreement with previous predictions.

Transient nuclear inversion by x-ray free electron laser in a tapered x-ray waveguide

By restricting the spatial energy transmission of an electromagnetic wave, dielectric waveguides transmit light over long distances at sustained intensity. Waveguides have been used in the microwave and optical range to maintain strong signal intensities in connection with lasers, but guiding of intense short-wavelength radiation such as x-rays has proven more cumbersome. Here we investigate theoretically how tapered x-ray waveguides can focus and guide radiation from x-ray free electron lasers. Elliptical waveguides using a cladding material with high atomic number such as platinum can maintain an x-ray intensity up to three orders of magnitude larger than in free space. This feature can be used to significantly enhance resonant interactions of x-rays, for instance driving nuclear transitions up to transient nuclear population inversion. This could be the first breakthrough in nuclear state population control. Our results anticipate the important role of tapered x-ray waveguides in the emerging field of x-ray quantum optics with nuclear transitions.