Compact and tunable mid-infrared source based on a 2 μm dual-wavelength KTiOPO4 intracavity optical parametric oscillator

Using a double resonant KTiOPO₄ (KTP) intracavity optical parametric oscillator operating at degenerated point of 2 μm, we demonstrate a unique mid-infrared source based on difference frequency generation in GaSe crystal. The output tuning range is 8.42-19.52 μm, and a peak power of 834 W for type-I phase matching scheme and 730 W for type-II phase matching scheme are achieved. Experimental results show that this oscillator is a good alternative to the generator of a compact and tabletop mid-infrared radiation with a widely tunable range.     

Provenance discrimination of fine sediments by mid-infrared spectroscopy: Calibration and application to fluvial palaeo-environmental reconstruction

Determining sediment provenance allows a better understanding of fluvial palaeo-dynamics, and identifying involved watersheds, at broad spatio-temporal scales. Conventional approaches for source identification are usually based on the physical, mineralogical, geochemical, magnetic or isotopic properties of sediments. Rapid, non-destructive and, in well-established contexts, highly accurate, mid-infrared spectroscopy is an alternative method for investigating sediment sources. The present research objectives are: (i) to use the mid-infrared spectroscopy method to discriminate the provenance of fine sediments, by applying discriminant analysis on a large set of reference samples from three different watersheds in the Upper Rhine area (associated with the Rhine, Ill and Vosges tributaries); (ii) to clarify whether the provenance spectra signatures are influenced by riverine depositional contexts (bars versus banks) and, to some extent, by grain size and/or high organic matter content; and (iii) to apply the mid-infrared spectroscopy – discriminant analysis method to a study of fluvial palaeo-dynamics and determine the provenance of palaeo-channel infillings. Three main sedimentary sources, divided into eight sub-categories, have been characterized by 196 modern reference samples from 78 collecting sites. Discriminant analysis displayed a strong separating power by classifying correctly the origin of samples without any inter-group overlap, independently from the geomorphological context (bar or bank) and associated slight changes in organic matter contents or grain size. Mid-infrared spectroscopy – discriminant analysis investigations of the palaeo-channel infill, complemented by radiocarbon dates and mineralogical data, allowed reconstructing general trends for the local morpho-sedimentary dynamics over the last ca 12 millennia.     

The AGNS and their host galaxies as seen in the mid-infrared

We present a new diagnostic diagram based on ISOCAMspectra (5-16 m) to distinguish the emission inducedby the active galactic nucleus (AGN) from that associated with thestar formation activity. This diagnostic based on the mid-IRcontinuum and the Unidentified Infrared Band (UIB) intensity allowsus to estimate the relative importance of the three components (HIIregions, diffuse/photo-dissociation regions (PDRs), and AGN) contained ingalaxy mid-infrared emission. In AGN spectra, we confirm the absenceof UIBs presumably photodissociated by the X-UV radiation field. Inaddition, a non-negligible continuum below 9 m commonlyassociated with emission from hot dust is present in AGNs. Adiagnostic diagram derived from these two results can be used fordetecting obscured AGNs embedded in a large concentration of dust.     

A liquid helium cooled mid-infrared imaging Fabry-Perot spectrometer

A liquid helium cooled mid-infrared imaging Fabry-Perot spectrometer has been under development. A Si:P 5×5 detector array is used for this instrument. Although the array system has small format, but combination with JFET array will provide noise equivalent line flux of 1.0×10^-21 W/cm ² (1000sec, 10). This sensitivity is comparable with the SWS of the ISO.     

Interferometric Observation at Mid-Infrared Wave-lengths with MIDI

MIDI, the MID-Infrared Interferometricnterferometric Instrument for ESO's Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), will be the first instrument for combining mid-infrared light directly in order to obtain angular resolution up to 10 mas (assuming a 200 m baseline) in a wavelength range from 8 to 13 μm. Currently in the phase of commissioning at Paranal, the start of its scientific operation is expected for summer 2003. Direct interferometry at thermal infrared wavelengths demands special requirements on the instrument and also on the procedures of preparation of data reduction. Hereafter MIDI's different observing modes are described and an example for an interferometric observation is given. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

MIDI – the 10 μm instrument on the VLTI

After more than five years of preparation, the mid-infrared interferometric instrument MIDI has been transported to Paranal where it will undergo testing and commissioning on theVery Large Telescope Interferometer VLTI from the end of 2002through large part of this year 2003. Thereafter it will be available as a user instrument to perform interferometric observations over the8 μm–13 μm wavelength range, with a spatial resolution of typically 20 milliarcsec, a spectral resolution of up to 250, and an anticipated point source sensitivity of N = 3–4 mag or 1–2.5 Jy for self –fringe tracking, which will be the only observing mode during the first months of operation. We describe the layout of the instrument, laboratory tests, and expected performance, both for broadband and spectrally resolved observing modes. We also briefly outline the planned guaranteed time observations. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

方解石-白云石-菱镁矿的中远红外光谱学特征研究

利用拉曼光谱和红外光谱研究了方解石、白云石和菱镁矿的光谱学特征,探究了影响三种矿物红外辐射性能的因素。三种矿物的拉曼光谱(Raman)、中红外吸收光谱(MIR)、远红外吸收光谱(FIR)显示随着矿物中镁含量的增大将会影响CO₃^2-的面外弯曲振动(ν₂)、反对称伸缩振动(ν₃)和平面内弯曲振动(ν₄),使各光谱特征峰均向高频端迁移。基于黑体辐射定律以及在80 ℃、400~2 000 cm^-1矿物的辐射能量谱,结果显示方解石、白云石、菱镁矿的发射率依次减少(0.951,0.938,0.895)。三种矿物的红外吸收光谱和发射光谱中的振动位置均受CO₃^2-基频的显著影响,在1 300~1 650 cm^-1均产生宽的低吸收带,该吸收带与CO₃^2-的反对称伸缩振动相关,且吸收带范围(202,236,272 cm^-1)与发射率之间呈负相关关系。因此,当最强化学键的振动出现在发射光谱窄的吸收带范围内会产生相对较高的辐射能和发射率。此外,矿物的晶体结构也会影响发射率,大的离子半径、键长和晶胞体积将降低辐射过程中能量的吸收,增强辐射特性。综上研究结果,方解石、白云石和菱镁矿的拉曼光谱和红外光谱揭示了金属原子的相对质量对光谱学特征的显著影响,其发射率可能受到C—O键的反伸缩振动范围、最强吸收带控制的最低发射率以及矿物晶体结构的共同影响。这项研究呈现了必要的光谱信息和热发射率数据以识别特定的碳酸盐矿物,为类似矿物的光谱特征研究奠定了基础;同时为进一步认识地壳中大量的碳酸盐矿物提供了研究方法,也为地外勘探的深入研究给予相关的理论基础。     

The Mid-IR view of interacting galaxies

In this paper, we present ISOCAM mid-IR broad band images and spectraof three well known interacting galaxies. These are the prototypicalultraluminous IR galaxy Arp 220, and NGC 6240, which are classifiedas major mergers resulting from a collision of two disk galaxies ofapproximately equal mass, and the prime example of collisional ringgalaxies, the Cartwheel. Our observations provide a new powerful tooland shed some more light to the properties of the hot dust and starformation in interacting galaxies.     

Star formation and clustering in the Hubble Deep Field

We have derived a complete and reliable flux limited sample of15 μm selected galaxies in the ISO-HDF. These galaxies have been shown to produce a large fraction of the Cosmic Infrared Background. From their mid-infrared luminosities, we deduce their star formation rates, and compare then to the ones that can be derived from their radio emission. We find excellent agreement, except for a few objects that are known to be AGN-dominated from their X-ray properties. We show that our sample is more strongly clustered than optical samples, and discuss the constraints it puts on hierarchical models of galaxy evolution. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

中红外光谱在月球探测中的应用

硅酸盐矿物的中红外光谱一般具有明显的CF特征和Reststrahlen吸收带,这些特征都与硅酸盐的组成密切相关,可以作为判别其组成的指示特征。月球表面的主要矿物有辉石、斜长石、钛铁矿和橄榄石,其中除了钛铁矿以外,都属于硅酸盐的范畴。如果充分利用月球表面硅酸盐的红外光谱特征,即CF特征和Reststrahlen吸收带,将可以用于探测VIS-NIR光谱无法完成的探测目标:钙长石、橄榄石、石英和碱性长石等。如果在嫦娥工程的后续探测器(如轨道器、月球车或者软着陆平台)上搭载中红外光谱仪对月表物质进行探测,将有利于成功实现对月球表面的矿物和岩石的精确探测,这也将是我国首次采用中红外光谱探测仪对月球进行系统的矿物与岩石探测。