Modelling of photonic crystal waveguides: a simple and accurate approach

We present an improved variational effective index method for reduction of 2-D Bragg grating problems to 1-D and show significant improvements particularly at smaller wavelengths. The method is based on the optimal variational (Vopt) method, which we have earlier used successfully for conventional waveguides. A 1-D transverse profile along with a longitudinal index variation are reduced to a 1-D longitudinal distribution, reflection and transmission spectra of which have been studied for both the TE and TM modes by transfer matrix methods. An accurate modeling for the out of plane scattering losses has been presented which occur when a guided wave propagating in a conventional waveguide impinges on a photonic crystal waveguide. Taking these losses into account brings the results pretty close to those of a rigorous 2-D Helmholtz solver QUEP, improving them remarkably over the variational EIM (vEIM) results.     

1,2-bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxynaphthalene, a photofluorogenic ligand for the estrogen receptor

Abstract— 1,2-bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxynaphthalene (6) is a non-steroidal ligand for the estrogen receptor that displays photofluorogenic properties. It binds to the receptor with an affinity greater than that of estradiol (150%), and it is esentially non-fluorescent. However, upon brief UV irradiation in protic media it is converted efficiently to an aryl tetraenedione system (8) that is highly fluorescent, but has low affinity for the receptor (0.35%). The aryltetraenedione has a complex electronic spectrum, with absorbance (and fluorescence excitation) bands extending beyond 450 nm. Both the maxima (ε_max) and the intensity (φ_f of the fluorescence emission of the aryl tetraenedione are solvent dependent. The tetraenedione (8) is structurally related to a tetraenedione (13) obtained by photocyclization of diethylstilbestrol(l0); since tetraenedione 13 is essentially non-fluorescent, it appears that the aryl dienone chromophore in 8 is responsible for its fluorescence. Photolysis of 6 in non-protic media results in a direct photocyclization-oxidation to benzodihydrochrysene system 9 that is unstable and has less desirable fluorescent properties. The formation of 8 from 6 in protic media (as contrasted to the formation of 9 in non-protic media) is thought to arise from the competition that operates on the primary photocyclization product, dihydrophenanthrene (7): In protic media, ketonization proceeds more rapidly than oxidation (aromatization), while in aprotic media, oxidation is more rapid. This photofluorogenic ligand for the estrogen receptor should enable interesting fluorescence binding studies with the estrogen receptor to be performed.     

Acoustic power measurement of medical ultrasonic probes using a strain gauge technique

A new method using a semiconductor strain gauge is described for the measurement of the acoustic power output of ultrasonic medical therapy and other probe heads. The acoustic power output of the probe heads is found to be linearly related to the calibrated electrical output of the strain gauge transducer system, as expected theoretically.The instrument developed is inexpensive, portable and easy to operate for the routine measurement of ultrasonic output of the equipment in hospitals.     

A Novel Procedure to Synthesize 3‐Chloro‐1‐(4a,10b‐diazaphenanthrene‐2‐yl)‐4‐phenyl Azetidin‐2‐ones and Exploration of Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activity

Some new derivatives of 3‐chloro‐1‐(4a,10b‐diazaphenanthrene‐2‐yl)‐4‐phenyl azetidin‐2‐one were synthesized through the reaction of N‐{4‐[phenyldiazenyl] phenyl}‐N‐[phenyl methylene] amine with 4‐[phenyldiazenyl] aniline. The resulting 3‐chloro‐4‐phenyl‐1‐{4‐[phenyldiazenyl] phenyl} azetidin‐2‐one intermediate in benzene was irradiated in a Pyrex vessel with 350 nm UV light in a photochemical reactor to give the desired derivatives (4a–j) . Structures of the new compounds were verified on the basis of spectral and elemental methods of analyses. Nine of the prepared compounds were tested for their anti‐inflammatory effects; most of these compounds showed potent and significant results compared with indomethacin.     

Spray dried excipient base: a novel technique for the formulation of orally disintegrating tablets

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) are gaining popularity over conventional tablets due to their convenience in administration and suitability for patients having dysphagia. Moreover no water is required for swallowing the tablets and hence suitable for geriatric, pediatric and traveling patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the suitability of spray dried excipient base in the formulation of ODTs of Valdecoxib (low aqueous solubility) and Metoclopramide (high aqueous solubility). Spray dried excipient base was prepared using Scientech spray drier. Super disintegrants (such as Ac-Di-Sol, Kollidon CL, sodium starch glycolate), diluent (mannitol) alongwith sweetening agent (aspartame) were used in the formulation of tablets. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, water absorption ratio, disintegration time (DT) and in vitro drug release. Using the same excipients, the tablets were prepared by direct compression and were evaluated in the similar way. Maximum drug release and minimum DT were observed with Kollidon CL excipient base as compared to tablets prepared by direct compression, showing the superiority of the spray dried excipient base technique over direct compression technique.     

An accurate variational analysis of single-mode diffused channel waveguides

We present a procedure based on the variational principle to obtain the modal propagation characteristics of single-mode diffused channel waveguides with arbitrary index profiles. The only assumption in our method, in addition to the scalar approximation, is that the trial field is separable along the depth and the width directions. The method is iterative, with each cycle of iteration requiring the solution of two planar waveguide propagation problems. The convergence is usually achieved within 2–3 cycles of iteration. Comparisons with other methods show that our method gives much better accuracy.     

Quantifying uncertainty in the measurement of arsenic in suspended particulate matter by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with hydride generator

Arsenic is the toxic element, which creates several problems in human being specially when inhaled through air. So the accurate and precise measurement of arsenic in suspended particulate matter (SPM) is of prime importance as it gives information about the level of toxicity in the environment, and preventive measures could be taken in the effective areas. Quality assurance is equally important in the measurement of arsenic in SPM samples before making any decision. The quality and reliability of the data of such volatile elements depends upon the measurement of uncertainty of each step involved from sampling to analysis. The analytical results quantifying uncertainty gives a measure of the confidence level of the concerned laboratory. So the main objective of this study was to determine arsenic content in SPM samples with uncertainty budget and to find out various potential sources of uncertainty, which affects the results. Keeping these facts, we have selected seven diverse sites of Delhi (National Capital of India) for quantification of arsenic content in SPM samples with uncertainty budget following sampling by HVS to analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer-Hydride Generator (AAS-HG). In the measurement of arsenic in SPM samples so many steps are involved from sampling to final result and we have considered various potential sources of uncertainties. The calculation of uncertainty is based on ISO/IEC17025: 2005 document and EURACHEM guideline. It has been found that the final results mostly depend on the uncertainty in measurement mainly due to repeatability, final volume prepared for analysis, weighing balance and sampling by HVS. After the analysis of data of seven diverse sites of Delhi, it has been concluded that during the period from 31^st Jan. 2008 to 7^th Feb. 2008 the arsenic concentration varies from 1.44 ± 0.25 to 5.58 ± 0.55 ng/m³ with 95% confidence level (k = 2).     

Acoustic levitation and its application in estimation of high power sound field

Acoustic levitation has been studied using airborne radiation from a high power magnetostrictive ferrite transducer of frequency 18 kHz. Spherical solid objects as well as liquid drops of varying weight and radii have been levitated under I G at the velocity antinodes of the standing waves formed with the help of a reflector. The dependence of the maximum weight of a spherical object that can be levitated on the sound pressure level and the radius of the obstacle has been studied. An attempt has been made to estimate the radiated high power sound intensity from the maximum weight of the spherical object that can be levitated.     

Structural characteristics of different types of nanoparticles synthesised in mesomorphic metal alkanoates

The class of thermotropic ionic liquid crystals (LCs) of the metal alkanoates possesses a number of unique properties, such as intrinsic ionic conductivity, high dissolving ability and ability to form time-stable mesomorphic glasses. These ionic LCs can be used as nanoreactors for the synthesis and stabilisation of different types of nanoparticles (NPs). Thus, some semiconductors, metals and core/shell NPs were chemically synthesised in the thermotropic ionic liquid crystalline phase (smectic A) of the cadmium octanoate (CdC₈) and of the cobalt octanoate (CoC₈). By applying the scanning electron microscopy, the cadmium and cobalt octanoate composites containing CdS, Au, Ag and core/shell Au/CdS NPs have been studied. NPs’ sizes and dispersion distribution of the NPs’ size in the nanocomposites have been obtained.