Metrology for sub-Rayleigh-length target positioning in~10^(22)W/cm^(2)laser-plasma experiments

Tight focusing with very small f-numbers is necessary to achieve the highest at-focus irradiances.However,tight focusing imposes strong demands on precise target positioning in-focus to achieve the highest on-target irradiance We describe several near-infrared,visible,ultraviolet and soft and hard X-ray diagnostics employed in a~10^(22)W/cm^(2)laser±plasma experiment.We used nearly 10 J total energy femtosecond laser pulses focused into an approximately1.3-μm focal spot on 5±20μm thick stainless-steel targets.We discuss the applicability of these diagnostics to determine the best in-focus target position with approximately 5μm accuracy(i.e.,around half of the short Rayleigh length)and show that several diagnostics(in particular,3ωreflection and on-axis hard X-rays)can ensure this accuracy.We demonstrated target positioning within several micrometers from the focus,ensuring over 80%of the ideal peak laser intensity on-target.Our approach is relatively fast(it requires 10±20 laser shots)and does not rely on the coincidence of low-power and high-power focal planes.

Selected aspects of dielectric behavior of plasma sprayed titanates

XRD measurements were carried out on plasma sprayed titanates BaTiO_(3),CaTiO_(3),MgTiO_(3)and a mixture of the last two.Samples were tested as dielectrics and volume resistivities of the materials were also summarized.Microwave microscopy was used for mapping of the dielectric response of selected samples.The results show differences in the crystal structure between plasma sprayed coatings and feedstock powders in the case of BaTiO_(3)and MgTiO_(3)whereas CaTiO_(3)is crystalograffically identical with its feedstock.The reason can be found in larger sensitivity of BaTiO_(3)and MgTiO_(3)to the reductive conditions at plasma spraying whereas CaTiO_(3)seems to be rather inert from this viewpoint.However CaTiO_(3)exhibits anomalous dielectric losses because of intrinsic conductivity.

Structural and photocatalytic characteristics of TiO_(2) coatings produced by various thermal spray techniques

Titanium dioxide(TiO_(2))was elaborated by four different thermal spray techniques-(i)plasma spraying using a water-stabilized torch,(ii)plasma spraying using a gas-stabilized torch,(iii)high velocity oxy-fuel gun,and(iv)oxy-acetylene flame.The porosity of the coatings was studied by optical microscopy,nano-structural features by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),phase composition by X-ray diffraction(XRD);the microhardness,surface roughness and wear resistance were evaluated.The diffuse reflectance was measured by ultra-violet/visible/near-infrared(UV/Vis/NIR)scanning spectrophotometer.The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of gaseous acetone was measured under a UV lamp with 365 nm wavelength.After all the applied spray processes,the transformation of anatase phase from the initial powders to rutile phase in the coatings occurred.In spite of this transformation,all the coatings exhibited certain photocatalytic activity,which correlated well with their band gap energy calculated from reflectivity.All the coatings offer relatively good mechanical properties and can serve as robust photocatalysts.