Analysis of Ti:LiNbO3 zero-gap directional coupler for wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer

For the purpose of multichannel integrated-optical wavelength division MUX/DEMUX design, the wavelength tuning method of Ti:LiNbO₃ zero-gap directional coupler is analysed by effective-index based matrix method (EIMM). In this method, first, the 2D refractive index profile of the Ti:LiNbO₃ zero-gap directional coupler is transformed into lateral 1D effective-index profile by WKB method. Finally, matrix method is applied to this effective-index profile and the propagation constants are computed from the resonance peaks of the excitation efficiency versus propagation constant characteristics. It has been shown that the channel wavelength tuning can be achieved by varying the Y-branching angle at the input and output of the device or by a slight variation of two-mode-section length. The method of electro-optic fine tuning of the channel wavelength and channel separation of the device has also been investigated. A cascaded structure with proper parameters for four-channel application is also simulated and the results are presented.     

Binding of the bioflavonoid robinetin with model membranes and hemoglobin: Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protein glycosylation

Recent years have witnessed burgeoning interest in plant flavonoids as novel therapeutic drugs targeting cellular membranes and proteins. Motivated by this scenario, we explored the binding of robinetin (3,7,3′,4′,5′-pentahydroxyflavone, a bioflavonoid with remarkable ‘two color’ intrinsic fluorescence properties), with egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) liposomes and normal human hemoglobin (HbA), using steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Distinctive fluorescence signatures obtained for robinetin indicate its partitioning (K_p = 8.65 × 10⁴) into the hydrophobic core of the membrane lipid bilayer. HbA–robinetin interaction was examined using both robinetin fluorescence and flavonoid-induced quenching of the protein tryptophan fluorescence. Specific interaction with HbA was confirmed from three lines of evidence: (a) bimolecular quenching constant K_q ? diffusion controlled limit; (b) closely matched values of Stern–Volmer quenching constant and binding constant; (c) τ₀/τ = 1 (where τ₀ and τ are the unquenched and quenched tryptophan fluorescence lifetimes, respectively). Absorption spectrophotometric assays reveal that robinetin inhibits EYPC membrane lipid peroxidation and HbA glycosylation with high efficiency.     

DNA Encapsulation of Ten Silver Atoms Produces a Bright, Modulatable, Near Infrared-Emitting Cluster

Photostability, inherent fluorescence brightness, and optical modulation of fluorescence are key attributes distinguishing silver nanoclusters as fluorophores. DNA plays a central role both by protecting the clusters in aqueous environments and by directing their formation. Herein, we characterize a new near infrared-emitting cluster with excitation and emission maxima at 750 and 810 nm, respectively that is stabilized within C(3)AC(3)AC(3)TC(3)A. Following chromatographic resolution of the near infrared species, a stoichiometry of 10 Ag/oligonucleotide was determined. Combined with excellent photostability, the cluster's 30% fluorescence quantum yield and 180,000 M(-1)cm(-1) extinction coefficient give it a fluorescence brightness that significantly improves on that of the organic dye Cy7. Fluorescence correlation analysis shows an optically accessible dark state that can be directly depopulated with longer wavelength co-illumination. The coupled increase in total fluorescence demonstrates that enhanced sensitivity can be realized through Synchronously Amplified Fluorescence Image Recovery (SAFIRe), which further differentiates this new fluorophore.     

The role of soft versus hard bistable systems on stochastic resonance using average cycle energy as a quantifier

Using the input energy per cycle as a quantifier of stochastic resonance (SR), we show that SR is observed in superharmonic (hard) potentials. However, it is not observed in subharmonic (soft) potentials, even though the potential is bistable. These results are consistent with recent observations based on amplitude of average position as a quantifier. In both soft and hard potentials, we observe resonance phenomenon as a function of the driving frequency. The nature of probability distributions of average work are qualitatively different for soft and hard potentials.     

Separation of 134Cs and 133Ba radionuclides by calcium alginate beads

The uptake behavior of long-lived radionuclides such as ¹³⁴Cs (2.06 years), ¹³⁷Cs (30 years) or ¹³³Ba (10.54 years) on calcium alginate (CA) beads have been investigated. The CA beads are able to remove ¹³³Ba (92%) at pH 7 after 90 min of exposure from the binary mixture of two. The separation method of short-lived daughter ¹³⁷Ba (2.55 min) from its long-lived parent ¹³⁷Cs (30 years) using this CA beads have also been developed.     

A note on exponent of convergence of zeros of entire functions

If f(z) is an entire function with ρ ₁ > 0 as its exponent of convergence of zeros and if 0 ≤ α < ρ ₁, then we prove the existence of entire functions each having α as its exponent of convergence of zeros.      

Redox-rich spin-spin-coupled semiquinoneruthenium dimers with intense near-IR absorption

Using the [RuCl(μ-tppz)ClRu](2+) [tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine] platform for bridging two o-quinone/catecholate two-step redox systems (unsubstituted, Q(n), or 3,5- di-tert-butyl-substituted, DTBQ(n)), we have obtained the stable complexes [(Q(?-))Ru(II)Cl(μ-tppz)ClRu(II)(Q(?-))] (1) and the structurally characterized [(DTBQ(?-))Ru(II)Cl(μ-tppz)ClRu(II)(DTBQ(?-))] (2). The compounds exhibit mostly quinone-ligand-based redox activity within a narrow potential range, high-intensity near-IR absorptions (λ(max) ≈ 920 nm; ε > 50,000 M(-1) cm(-1)), and variable intra- and intermolecular spin-spin interactions. Density functional theory calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and spectroelectrochemical results (UV-vis-near-IR region) for three one-electron-reduction and two one-electron-oxidation processes were used to probe the electronic structures of the systems in the various accessible valence states. EPR spectroscopy of the singly charged doublet species showed semiquinone-type response for 1(+), 2(+), and 2(-), while 1 exhibits more metal based spin, a consequence of the easier reduction of Q as compared to DTBQ. Comparison with the analogous redox series involving a more basic N-phenyliminoquinone ligand reveals significant differences related to the shifted redox potentials, different space requirements, and different interactions between the metals and the quinone-type ligands. As a result, the tppz bridge is reduced here only after full reduction of the terminal quinone ligands to their catecholate states.