Far infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy was used to study the low lying vibronic states of Mn$sup 3+$ in Al$sub 2$O$sub 3$ and the plasma absorption of electron-hole droplets in Ge. The transmission of Mn-doped samples of Al$sub 2$O$sub 3$ was measured in the frequency range from 3 to 30 cm$sup -1$ in applied magnetic fields up to 50 kG. Absorption lines were observed due to both ground and excited state transitions. Polarization measurements established that these absorption lines were due to electric dipole transitions. Temperature dependence measurements were used to derive a level diagram for the low lying states of Mn$sup 3+$. A phenomenological model based on an electronic Hamiltonian was developed which successfully describes the data. The empirically determined trigonal field and spin-orbit quenching parameters of this model are 0.7 and 0.1 respectively. This quenching is attributed to the dynamic Jahn-- Teller interaction. The plasma absorption of small ($alpha$) electron-hole drops in Ge was measured in the frequency range from 30 to 300 cm$sup -1$. The observed absorption is in good agreement with measurements by Vavilov and other workers. A theoretical model which includes both intraband and interband contributions to the dielectric constant in the Rayleigh limit of Mie …

A semiconductor detector x-ray spectrometer has been constructed for the analysis of elements in air particulate specimens. The excitation radiation is provided, either directly or indirectly, using a low power (40 watts) Ag anode x- ray tube. Less than 100 ng for most of the elements in the range Mg $Yields$ Zr, Pb are easily detected within two 1-minute counting intervals. A calibration technique for light element analysis and an experimental method which compensates for particle size effects are discussed. (auth)

Several techniques for using direct electron-pumping of gas lasers are reviewed. The primary objective is to categorize pump geometries and to give guidelines for gun selection and pulser design. Examples and application of pump technology are given. (auth)