Numerical Studies of Atomic Three-Step Photoionization Processes with Non-Monochromatic Laser Fields

The atomic selective multi-step photoionization process is a critical step in laser isotope separation. In this article, we have studied three-step photoionization processes with non-monochromatic laser fields theoretically based on the semi-classical theory. Firstly, three bandwidth models, including the chaotic field model, de-correlation model and phase diffusion model, are introduced into the density matrix equations. The numerical results are made comparisons comprehensively. The phase diffusion model is selected for further simulations in terms of the correspondence degree to physical practice. Subsequently, numerical calculations are carried out to identify the influences of systematic parameters, including laser parameters (Rabi frequencies, bandwidths, relative time delays, frequency detunings) and atomic Doppler broadening, on photoionization processes. In order to determine the optimum match between different systematic parameters, ionization yield of resonant isotope and selectivity factor are adopted as evaluation indexes to guide the design and optimization process. The results in this work can provide a rewarding reference for laser isotope separation.

Effects of dust particles charged by inelastic collisions and by photoionization on Alfvén waves in a stellar wind

Using a kinetic description of a homogeneous magnetized dusty plasma with Maxwellian distribution of electrons and protons and dust particles charged by inelastic collisions and by photoionization, we analyse the dispersion relation considering the case where waves and radiation propagate exactly parallel to the ambient magnetic field. The investigation emphasizes the changes that the photoionization process brings to the propagation and damping of the waves in a stellar wind environment, since Alfvén waves are believed to play a significant role in the heating and acceleration processes that take place in the wind. The results show that, in the presence of dust with negative equilibrium electrical charge, the Alfvén mode decouples into the whistler and ion cyclotron modes for all values of wavenumber, but when dust particles acquire neutral or positive values of electrical charge, these modes may couple for certain values of wavenumber. It is also seen that the whistler and ion cyclotron modes present null group velocity in a interval of small wavenumber, and that the maximum value of wavenumber for which the waves are non-propagating is reduced in the presence of the photoionization process. For very small values of wavenumber, the damping rates of the modes could change significantly from very small to very high values if the sign of the dust electrical charge is changed.

Streamer discharges in the atmosphere of Primordial Earth

<p>Motivated by the Miller-Urey experiment suggesting that lightning may have contributed to the origin of life on Earth through the formation of amino acids and carbonic acids, we here investigate the occurrence of electric discharges in the atmosphere of Primordial Earth. We focus on the early stages of lightning in the atmosphere of Primordial Earth, the so-called streamers, thin ionized plasma channels.</p><p>We study electron avalanches and potential avalanche-to-streamer transitions by modeling the motion of electrons with a particle-in-cell Monte Carlo code in gas mixtures of H<sub>2</sub>O:CH<sub>4</sub>:NH<sub>3</sub>:H<sub>2</sub>=37.5%:25%:25%:12.5% [S. L. Miller. Production of Some Organic Compounds under Possible Primitive Earth Conditions. Am. Chem. Soc., 77:9, pp. 2351-2361 (1955)] and N<sub>2</sub>:CO<sub>2</sub>:H<sub>2</sub>O:H<sub>2</sub>:CO=80%:18.89%:1%:0.1%:0.01% [J. F. Kasting. Earth’s Early Atmosphere. Science, 259:5097, pp. 920-926 (1993)] suggested for Primordial Earth approx. 3.8 Ga ago in different electric fields and for different levels of background ionization mimicking the photoionization process. We compare the evolution of the electron density,  electric field, and electron energies with those for Modern Earth. Finally, we will discuss which conditions favour streamer inception, as well as consequences for discharges on Primordial Earth.</p>

Decrease of total electron content during the 9 March 2016 total solar eclipse observed at low latitude stations, Indonesia

The total solar eclipse on 9 March 2016 was a rare phenomenon that could be observed in 12 provinces in Indonesia. The decline in solar radiation to the earth during a total solar eclipse affects the amount of electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere. The ionospheric dynamics during the eclipse above Indonesia have been studied using data from 40 GPS stations distributed throughout the archipelago. It was observed that TEC decrease occurred over Indonesia during the occurrence of the total eclipse. This TEC decrease did not instigate ionoshperic scintillation. Moreover, the relationship between eclipse magnitude and TEC decrease throughout three GPS stations was analysed using PRN 24 and PRN 12 codes. Data analysis from each station reveals that the time required by the TEC to achieve maximum reduction since the initial contact of the eclipse is faster than the recovery time. The maximum TEC reduction came about several minutes after the maximum obscuration indicating that the recombination process was still ongoing even though the peak of the eclipse had happened. The magnitude of this decline is positively correlated with the geographical location of the stations and the relative satellite trajectory with respect to the total solar eclipse trajectory. The amount of TEC reduction is proportional to the magnitude of the eclipse which is directly related to the photoionization process. Because Indonesia is located in a low latitude magnetic equator region, the dynamics of the ionosphere above it is more complex due to the fountain effect. During the solar eclipse, the fountain effect declines disturbing the plasma transport from the magnetic equator to low latitude regions.

Direct observation of photoionization dynamics in solution phase induced by femtosecond two-photon excitation

In solution phase, the solute can be photo-ionized in the lower excitation energy than its ionization potential in gas phase. Therefore, the specific interaction is expected to be exist between the surrounding media and higher excited (Sn) state of the solute. In order to elucidate such polarization effect of solvent on the photoionization process, femtosecond double-pulse excitation was applied to direct detection of low-energy photoionization dynamics of a phenylenediamine derivative in solution phase. From the results of the transient absorption change, in polar solvent, it is clearly indicated that photoionization does not proceed directly from the Sn state, but through specific intermediate state. Moreover,