Abstract: A noncontact method and apparatus for testing electrical circuitry which provides large improvements in both resolution and speed. The attributes of noncontact, high resolution, and speed are satisfied by using inexpensive low intensity resonant laser beams in a shroud gas preferably comprising rubidium atoms in argon gas to create an electrically conductive ion channel microprobe. The conductive ion channel microprobe can be used to create an electrically conductive path between a circuit's test pad or point and signal generation and detection apparatus. If the circuit's test pad or point is functioning properly, then the ion channel microprobe will complete the electrically conductive path, the signal generation device will produce a signal over the conductive path and the signal detection device will detect or measure the signal. If the circuit's test pad or point is malfunctioning, the conductive path will remain open and the signal detection device will not detect a signal.

Abstract: A multiple single frequency laser for optical manipulation of molecules is presented. The multiple single frequency laser comprises generally a multiline laser source which utilizes one sample of molecular species as a source for the generation of optical radiation for manipulating (e.g., cooling) a second, separate sample of the same species of molecules. More specifically, the multiple single frequency (MSF) laser comprises a master controller for controlling the frequency of powerful single frequency pump lasers. Laser beams from the pump lasers excite coherent Raman transitions in molecules contained in a Raman gain cell. These beams are tuned to specific optical transitions in an electronic band of molecules. The molecules contained in the Raman gain cell generate the multiple frequencies needed to manipulate (e.g., cool) the same species of molecules in a second, separate sample.

Abstract: A cluster ion synthesis process utilizing a containerless environment to grow in a succession of steps cluster ions of large mass and well defined distribution. The cluster ion growth proceeds in a continuous manner in a plurality of growth chambers which have virtually unlimited storage times and capacities.

Abstract: The method of producing specific cluster ions utilizing an ionization source to produce ions which are then sorted or resolved according to velocity and mass. The selected ions are passed through a growth chamber containing a gaseous vapor of a specified element and are coated by the vapor to provide coated cluster ions. The coated cluster ions are mass selected and held in an ion trap.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided which is capable of producing laser energy on being pumped. The composition comprises a first chemical entity and a second chemical entity, wherein the first and second entities form a charge bearing molecule when excited to a relatively higher energy state and exist as distinct non-associated entities when in a relatively lower energy state. A method of producing laser energy and a laser, utilizing such composition of matter, also form a part of the invention. Generally, at least one of the first and second chemical entities in the charge bearing molecule has a number of electrons substantially equal to the number of electrons of a noble gas or of a halogen. A very high energy laser can result.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an excimer laser has a heat pipe oven adapted to raise sodium therein to a temperature of about 800 Kelvin and thereby vaporize the sodium at a pressure of no more than about 0.1 atmosphere, the heat pipe oven having substantially transparent ends. A ring cavity made up of a plurality of mirrors and an adjustable birefringent filter circulates violet light of a desired wavelength through the transparent ends of the heat pipe oven, and a pump laser introduces radiation into the heat pipe oven at an energy high enough to ionize sodium therein to form Na.sub.3.sup.+ ions and free electrons. The recombination of Na.sub.3.sup.+ ions and free electrons causes the ions to dissociate into free sodium atoms and excited Na.sub.2 molecules which, when stimulated by violet light of the desired wavelength, further dissociate into two free sodium atoms and emit additional violet light of the desired wavelength.