175 GHz, 400-fs-pulse harmonically mode-locked surface emitting semiconductor laser

We report a harmonically mode-locked vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) producing 400 fs pulses at a repetition frequency of 175 GHz with an average output power of 300 mW. Harmonic mode-locking was established using a 300 µm thick intracavity single crystal diamond heat spreader in thermal contact with the front surface of the gain sample using liquid capillary bonding. The repetition frequency was set by the diamond microcavity and stable harmonic mode locking was achieved when the laser cavity length was tuned so that the laser operated on the 117th harmonic of the fundamental cavity. When an etalon placed intracavity next to the gain sample, but not in thermal contact was used pulse groups were observed. These contained 300 fs pulses with a spacing of 5.9 ps. We conclude that to achieve stable harmonic mode locking at repetition frequencies in the 100s of GHz range in a VECSEL there is a threshold pulse energy above which harmonic mode locking is achieved and below which groups of pulses are observed

Staff experience of harassment and stalking behaviour by patients

Staff from one National Health Service (NHS) Trust in England completed an online survey (N = 590) about their experience of intrusive behaviours from patients. These experiences were categorised into either stalking or harassment and compared in terms of staff and patient characteristics, types of intrusions, and aftermath. Overall, 150 were classified as being stalked (25.4%) and 172 harassed (29.2%). There were no differences in staff characteristics between the two groups. Staff from forensic services and nursing staff were particularly susceptible to these intrusions which took many forms. Respondents perceived a range of causes for the stalking and harassment, the most common being to gain power and control/to scare. It was rare for legal sanctions to be brought against the patient. Our findings reinforce the need for service providers to have policies supported with preventative measures, education and a robust process for addressing stalking so that these measures are embedded in practice in a way that supports staff working with patients. Furthermore, service providers should be challenged on what steps they have taken to prevent, and monitor, such behaviour

Narrowing the Gap in Differential Attainment for Psychiatry Core Trainees in East Midlands Through Mentorship Scheme

Aims The use of mentorship schemes may be a pragmatic approach to bridging the differential attainment gap for psychiatry trainees. There is robust evidence that mentorship improves outcomes for core trainees across several domains including exam pass rates, ARCP outcomes and clinical practice. A survey was developed to elicit core psychiatry trainees’ perspective about the need for mentoring as well as their expectations. This was an initial survey done as part of a Quality Improvement project focused on mentoring scheme for psychiatry core trainees in the East Midlands region. Methods A 16-item self-rated questionnaire was designed to elicit information relating to respondents’ demographics, professional qualifications, UK experience prior to commencement of training, perception of mentorship as an unmet need as well as expected focus of potential mentoring relationship. These were administered to psychiatry core trainees in the East Midlands region. The data was collected in February 2023. Results About a quarter of the core trainees (n = 21) participated in the survey. Majority (47.6%) of the respondents had Black or Black British ethnic origin and 11 (52.4%) were in their second year of training. Although 13 (61.9%) had a non-UK primary medical qualification, majority had some months of UK experience before commencement of training (median = 1.4 years). Twenty (95%) of the respondents identified mentoring as an unmet need and they highlighted the areas of need. Conclusion This survey showed a high level of acceptance of the mentoring scheme among the trainees. Their expectations and suggestions helped further the design of the mentoring scheme which is currently ongoing