Compact,wide aperture X-ray preionized XeCl laser with high specific optical power

An X-ray preionized, discharge-pumped XeCl laser with a variable beam cross-section of up to 6×6 cm² is described. It uses flat electrodes and the beam width is determined by X-ray collimation. Its operation characteristics concerning reduced electric field strength (E/p) and X-ray dose are discussed in detail. The inductance of the discharge loop is minimized using a water capacitor arrangement. A very high specific optical power (90 MW/l) is achieved in an active volume of 1.2 l. The pulse energy exceeds 5 J in a 45 ns pulse (FWHM). Komatsu Ltd., Manda 1200, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa 254, Japan Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Department of Plasma Physics, Academia Sinica, Shanghai, P.R. China     

Infrared surface modes in small NiO particles

Small particle specimens of NiO (powder and arc-produced smoke) were studied using infrared spectroscopy. Size distribution and particle configuration were established using an electron microscope. The importance of surface modes (polaritons) as well as their dependence on particle shape was established in the interpretation of the spectra. Chain formation in the smoke suggested cylinder calculations which showed the presence of both bulk and surface modes, in agreement with measurements. In both samples particle shape effects broaden the spectral features in the vicinity of the surface mode. Because of large errors in calculating surface modes from optical constants derived from a diatomic model, it was also shown that accurately measured optical constants are required in the study of the surface mode problem.     

Concentrating rotaviruses from water samples using monolithic chromatographic supports

Rotaviruses are the leading cause of diarrhoea in infants around the globe and, under certain conditions they can be present in drinking water sources and systems. Ingestion of 10–100 viral particles is enough to cause disease, emphasizing the need for sensitive diagnostic methods. In this study we have optimized the concentration of rotavirus particles using methacrylate monolithic chromatographic supports. Different surface chemistries and mobile phases were tested. A strong anion exchanger and phosphate buffer (pH 7) resulted in the highest recoveries after elution of the bound virus with 1 M NaCl. Using this approach, rotavirus particles spiked in 1 l volumes of tap or river water were efficiently concentrated. The developed concentration method in combination with a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay detected rotavirus concentrations as low as 100 rotavirus particles/ml.     

Ueber die verschiedenfarbigen Modifikationen des kolloiden Kupfers

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Ueber kolloides Kupferhydroxyd

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Influence of femtosecond laser marking on the corrosion resistance of stainless steels

Marking is of prime importance in the field of biomaterials to allow the identification of surgical tools as well as prostheses. Nowadays, marking is often achieved by means of laser beam, which may modify the characteristics of the treated surfaces. The use of laser devices delivering nanosecond pulses is known to induce dramatic corrosion degradations during sterilization or decontamination processes of the biomaterials. The aim of the present study is to investigate the ability of femtosecond (pulse duration in the 10⁻¹⁵ s range) laser treatments to avoid preferential corrosion processes of the marked areas, in order to extend the durability and the reliability of biomaterials. Experiments have been performed on martensitic Z30C13 and austenitic 316L stainless steels. Electrochemical measurements (cyclic polarization curves) were carried out to determine the passive state of samples before and after engraving, their corrosion rate and their susceptibility to localized corrosion. Further protracted immersion tests were also carried out to evaluate the natural long-term degradation of engraved parts. The electrochemical behavior is then explained on the basis of surface characterizations. Femtosecond laser marking is shown to provide an electrochemical ennoblement. Moreover, the chemical composition is not affected so that the passive character of both stainless steels is maintained, even improved if we consider the susceptibility to localized corrosion.