Mariola Ramirez

Linear and nonlinear optical properties of BiFeO3

Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, the refractive index and absorption versus wavelength of the ferroelectric antiferromagnet Bismuth Ferrite, BiFeO_3 is reported. The material has a direct band-gap at 442 nm wavelength (2.81 eV). Using optical second harmonic generation, the nonlinear optical coefficients were determined to be d_15/d_22 = 0.20 +/- 0.01, d_31/d_22 = 0.35 +/- 0.02, d_33/d_22 = -11.4 +/- 0.20 and |d_22| = 298.4 +/- 6.1 pm/V at a fundamental wavelength of 800 nm.

Two-phonon coupling to the antiferromagnetic phase transition in multiferroic BiFeO3

A prominent band centered at ∼1000–1300cm−1 and associated with resonant enhancement of two-phonon Raman scattering is reported in multiferroic BiFeO3 thin films and single crystals. A strong anomaly in this band occurs at the antiferromagnetic Neel temperature, TN∼375°C. This band is composed of three peaks, assigned to 2A4, 2E8, and 2E9 Raman modes. While all three peaks were found to be sensitive to the antiferromagnetic phase transition, the 2E8 mode, in particular, nearly disappears at TN on heating, indicating a strong spin-two-phonon coupling in BiFeO3.

Three-dimensional grain boundary spectroscopy in transparent high power ceramic laser materials.

Using confocal Raman and fluorescence spectroscopic imaging in 3-dimensions, we show direct evidence of inhomogeneous Nd(3+) distribution across grain boundaries (GBs) in Nd(3+):YAG laser ceramics. It is clearly shown that Nd(3+) segregation takes place at GBs leading to self-fluorescence quenching which affects a volume fraction as high as 20%. In addition, we show a clear trend of increasing spatial inhomogeneities in Nd(3+) concentration when the doping levels exceeds 3 at%, which is not detected by standard spectrometry techniques. These results could point the way to further improvements in what is already an impressive class of ceramic laser materials.

All-optical modulation of laser light in amorphous silicon-filled microstructured optical fibers

Amorphous silicon is deposited within optical fibers by a high pressure microfluidic deposition process and characterized via Raman spectroscopy. All-optical modulation of 1.55 µm light guided through the silicon core is demonstrated using the free carrier absorption generated by a 532 nm pump pulse. Modulation depths of up to 8.26 dB and modulation frequencies of up to 1.4 MHz are demonstrated.

Spin-charge-lattice coupling through resonant multimagnon excitations in multiferroic BiFeO3

Spin-charge-lattice coupling mediated by multimagnon processes is demonstrated in multiferroic BiFeO3. Experimental evidence of two- and three-magnon excitations as well as multimagnon coupling at electronic energy scales and high temperatures are reported. Temperature dependent Raman experiments show up to five resonant enhancements of the two-magnon excitation below the Neel temperature. These are shown to be collective interactions between on-site Fe d-d electronic resonance, phonons, and multimagnons.

Two dimensional dynamic focusing of laser light by ferroelectric domain based electro-optic lenses

The authors demonstrate the proof of concept of two dimensional focusing of laser light. This has been achieved by using a combination of two cylindrical electro-optic ferroelectric domain lens stacks in an orthogonal geometry. The devices were fabricated on z-cut lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) wafers and tested with helium-neon laser at 633nm. Continuously tunable optical power ranging from −129m−1to129m−1 is obtained in both directions by varying the applied voltage.

Linear and nonlinear optical properties of BiFeO[sub 3]

Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, the refractive index and absorption versus wavelength of the ferroelectric antiferromagnet Bismuth Ferrite, BiFeO_3 is reported. The material has a direct band-gap at 442 nm wavelength (2.81 eV). Using optical second harmonic generation, the nonlinear optical coefficients were determined to be d_15/d_22 = 0.20 +/- 0.01, d_31/d_22 = 0.35 +/- 0.02, d_33/d_22 = -11.4 +/- 0.20 and |d_22| = 298.4 +/- 6.1 pm/V at a fundamental wavelength of 800 nm.

Two dimensional dynamic focusing and optical switching of laser light by ferroelectric devices

Two dimensional dynamic focusing is demonstrated by using lens-shaped ferroelectric domain stacks. The devices were fabricated on lithium tantalate and tested at 633 nm. Novel designs and numerical simulations are presented for optical switching applications.

Linear and Nonlinear Optical constants of BiFeO_3

Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, the refractive index and absorption versus wavelength of the ferroelectric antiferromagnet Bismuth Ferrite, BiFeO_3 is reported. The material has a direct band-gap at 442 nm wavelength (2.81 eV). Using optical second harmonic generation, the nonlinear optical coefficients were determined to be d_15/d_22 = 0.20 +/- 0.01, d_31/d_22 = 0.35 +/- 0.02, d_33/d_22 = -11.4 +/- 0.20 and |d_22| = 298.4 +/- 6.1 pm/V at a fundamental wavelength of 800 nm.

Confocal Micro-Fluorescence and Raman Spectroscopy across Grain Boundaries in Transparent Nd 3+ :YAG Ceramic Laser Gain Media

Confocal micro-Raman and micro-fluorescence studies have been performed on unetched Nd3+:YAG transparent ceramic laser media. Evidence of Nd segregation at grain boundaries and the possibility of generating 3D spatial mapping across the sample are demonstrated.