Abstract The possibilities and limits of the polynomial approximation for an accurate determination of the peak position of X‐ray diffraction profiles in precision lattice parameter measurements according to the BOND‐method are investigated. The use of a polynomial approximation with reciprocal measuring values leads to an improvement of the convergence properties of the approximation and allows to use polynomials with lower degree. A practicable criterion of the choise of optimum approximation parameters is given. It is shown that the accuracy of the determination of the peak position which is needed for precision lattice parameter measurements with an accuracy of about Δ d / d ≈︁ 10 −7 is attainable under usual experimental conditions.
All-optical helicity-dependent magnetization switching (AO-HDS) is the quickest deterministic technique for data storage by solely using ultrashort laser pulses. Granular high data density magnetic storage media developed for heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) provide an ideal playground to investigate the interplay of effects leading to magnetization switching. In the latest perception, we identify two effects, the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and the inverse Faraday effect (IFE), as the forces driving the switching process. During photon absorption, which leads to a rapid temperature rise and thus to magnetization quenching, the MCD ensures two distinct electron temperatures due to helicity-dependent absorption. This effect already holds a nonvanishing probability for magnetization switching. At the same time, the IFE induces a magnetic moment within the material, enhancing the switching probability. We present AO-HDS experiments using ultrashort laser pulses ($\lesssim 200\,\mathrm{fs}$) in the near-infrared range from $800\,\mathrm{nm}$ to $1500\,\mathrm{nm}$. The experiments demonstrate a strong dependence of the switching efficiency on the absorbed energy density, elevating the electron temperature in the vicinity of the Curie point, allowing for the IFE to take full effect, inducing a magnetic moment for deterministic switching in the quenched magnetization state. While we do not observe an enhanced switching due to an increased MCD, a higher induced magnetization usually improves the switching rate if the electron temperature reaches the transition temperature vicinity. Therefore, we conclude that the magnetic moment generated by the IFE is crucial for the switching efficiency and the distinct deterministic character of the switching process. Laser pulses with a higher absorption induce a higher magnetic moment and switch magnetization at lower fluences.
Abstract A measuring method is presented which allows to determine the complanar geometric lattice parameters (the amounts of two unit cell vectors and the angle between the both unit cell vectors) of monocrystals with high precision at one crystal point and in one measurement cycle. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated at measurements of two quartz monocrystals.
In this paper we describe a new design for an optically pumped tandem magnetometer situated at the GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam. A tandem magnetometer combines the fast response of a self-oscillating vapour magnetometer with the accuracy of a narrow line Mz-type magnetometer. A newly patented method of coupling the two sensors avoids any stray magnetic fields and so allows a compact design of the instrument itself, as well as facilitating its operation in close proximity to other magnetometers. A prototype Cs-K tandem magnetometer for use in magnetic observatories is described. We then show typical results of a long-term comparison with both a second type of optically pumped magnetometer and an Overhauser proton magnetometer. Finally, a resuméis given of four years of continuous operation of this new type of magnetometer with respect to the data quality produced and its operational reliability.