| This thesis covers two main topics of investigation. Firstly, a systematic study of europium based solid state systems, where optical transitions are easily addressable with a laser and nuclear transitions that can be studied by Mossbauer or equivalent techniques. Secondly, the preparation of nano-arrays of optically addressable atoms in such a solid state medium. For both purposes MgS with very low concentrations, ∼0.01% or less, of Eu was identified as the addressable material. However, in this material conventional Mossbauer spectroscopy requires months or years of data accumulation time.; Using the conventional Mossbauer studies we were able to identify different europium based centers in MgS and have reduced the data accumulation time in these very dilute systems by an order of magnitude. The investigation of Mossbauer active europium nucleus was taken to a higher level of precision by using the technique of nuclear forward scattering and a synchrotron gamma rays source, yielding experimental data similar to the conventional Mossbauer spectroscopy. In this case the data accumulation time has been further reduced by an additional order of magnitude thus reducing it from months to hours.; For arrays of optically addressable nanoparticles, MgS:Eu nanoparticles were fabricated, size selected and implanted on nanopatterned silicon surfaces. The results presented here show conclusively that such nano arrays of MgS nanoparticles can be fabricated. A comprehensive study on optical properties of these materials has been presented. These studies help in determining the experimental parameters for the design and characterization of these nano-arrays. |
