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K D Moll

Publications and source records attributed to K D Moll.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Role of dispersion in multiple-collapse dynamics.

The multiple-collapse dynamics of ultrashort pulses along the propagation direction are investigated under conditions of both normal and anomalous group-velocity dispersion (GVD). In the anomalous-GVD regime we find that collapse events can occur at locations in the medium many diffraction lengths beyond the initial collapse point, in contrast with the normal-GVD regime in which multiple collapse occurs within a diffraction length. Numerical simulations of a modified nonlinear envelope equation are found to be in good qualitative agreement with the observed lengths of the filaments.

Journal Article↗

Self-similar optical wave collapse: observation of the Townes profile.

Analyses of many different types of nonlinear wave equations indicate that a collapsing wave will transform into a universal blowup profile regardless of its initial shape; that is, the amplitude of the wave increases as the spatial extent decreases in a self-similar fashion. We show experimentally that the spatial profile of a collapsing optical wave evolves to a specific circularly symmetric shape, known as the Townes profile, for elliptically shaped or randomly distorted input beams. These results represent the first experimental confirmation of this universal collapsing behavior and provide deeper insight into the high-power filamentation of femtosecond laser pulses in air.

Journal Article↗

Conical harmonic generation in isotropic materials.

A novel class of nonlinear optical processes is described in which radiation at the nth harmonic is generated through the use of a (2n+1)-order nonlinearity. Utilizing an odd-order nonlinearity, this process allows for the generation and amplification of both odd- and even-order harmonics in isotropic materials. Additionally, this process can always be phase matched in normal-dispersion materials without the use of birefringence. Experimental results are presented in which conical third-harmonic emission is generated from a sapphire sample.

Journal Article↗

Risk-benefit analysis for industrial and social needs.

This study develops a decision method for evaluating the social acceptability of industrial controls on hazardous materials. Decisions are based on a "multiple criteria approach" that jointly considers measures such as risk-benefit tradeoff, minimum reducible health risk, maximum acceptable cost and implicit value of human life. Health risks are calculated by combining separate estimates of production and usage patterns, emissions to air and water, effectiveness of controls, pollutant dispersion and human susceptibility. Economic benefits consider employment, trade and consumer impacts, as well as direct costs of controls. The analysis focuses on asbestos as an example hazard. Relative values of hazard reduction alternatives are examined for asbestos manufacturing exhaust filters and for asbestos substitutes in brake linings. Preliminary calculations indicate risk reductions of these alternatives cannot justify their social costs.

Air Pollutants↗