A mechanism for radon decline prior to the 1978 Izu-Oshima-Kinkai earthquake in Japan

Precursory changes in the radon concentration of groundwater were observed by Wakita et al. (1980) prior to the 1978 Izu-Oshima-Kinkai earthquake of magnitude 7.0. Mechanisms for interpreting the anomalous radon decrease are examined in this paper. The SKE-1 well is situated in a volcanic-rock fractured aquifer of limited recharge. Given these geological conditions, the dilation of brittle rock mass occurred at a rate faster than the recharge of groundwater and gas saturation developed in newly created cracks preceding the earthquake. Radon volatilization into the gas phase can explain the anomalous decrease of radon precursory to the 1978 earthquake. To support the hypothesis, vapor–liquid two-phase radon-partitioning experiments were conducted at formation temperature (14 °C) using formation water from the SKE-1 well. Experimental data indicated that the decrease in radon concentration from 483 ± 3 count/min to 439 ± 7 count/min required a gas saturation of 2.35% developed in rock cracks through the dilatancy process.     

Effect of perspiration on skin temperature measurements by infrared thermography and contact thermometry during aerobic cycling

The aim of the present study was to compare infrared thermography and thermal contact sensors for measuring skin temperature during cycling in a moderate environment. Fourteen cyclists performed a 45-min cycling test at 50% of peak power output. Skin temperatures were simultaneously recorded by infrared thermography and thermal contact sensors before and immediately after cycling activity as well as after 10 min cooling-down, representing different skin wetness and blood perfusion states. Additionally, surface temperature during well controlled dry and wet heat exchange (avoiding thermoregulatory responses) using a hot plate system was assessed by infrared thermography and thermal contact sensors. In human trials, the inter-method correlation coefficient was high when measured before cycling (r = 0.92) whereas it was reduced immediately after the cycling (r = 0.82) and after the cooling-down phase (r = 0.59). Immediately after cycling, infrared thermography provided lower temperature values than thermal contact sensors whereas it presented higher temperatures after the cooling-down phase. Comparable results as in human trials were observed for hot plate tests in dry and wet states. Results support the application of infrared thermography for measuring skin temperature in exercise scenarios where perspiration does not form a water film.     

Fabry–Pérot cavities based on chemical etching for high temperature and strain measurement

In this paper, two hybrid multimode/single mode fiber Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavities were compared. The cavities fabricated by chemical etching are presented as high temperature and strain sensors. In order to produce this FP cavity a single mode fiber was spliced to a graded index multimode fiber with 62.5 μm core diameter. The Fabry–Pérot cavities were tested as a high temperature sensor in the range between room temperature and 700 °C and as strain sensors. A reversible shift of the interferometric peaks with temperature allowed to estimate a sensitivity of 0.75 ± 0.03 pm/°C and 0.98 ± 0.04 pm/°C for the sensor A and B respectively. For strain measurement sensor A demonstrated a sensitivity of 1.85 ± 0.07 pm/μ? and sensor B showed a sensitivity of 3.14 ± 0.05 pm/μ?. The sensors demonstrated the feasibility of low cost fiber optic sensors for high temperature and strain.     

A study on the ignition characteristics for dust explosion of industrial wastes

Paying attention to accidents related to recycling, the authors investigated factors related to the dust explosions. The minimum explosive concentrations were 30–40 g/m³ (polyurethane and plastic dusts) and 70 g/m³ (toner); the explosibility was reduced by about 40% when combustible gas (cyclopentane) existed together with the dust; ignition temperature of a dust cloud was around 500 °C; and the minimum ignition energy was about 11 mJ (polyurethane). Ignition energy was the minimum when the spark duration was about 0.2 ms or more; the explosion probability was the maximum when the spark gap was 5–10 mm; and the ignition energy was the minimum when the electrode tip angle was around 30 °C (polyurethane). From these findings, the dusts produced in the recycling process can be easily evaluated so as to know whether dust explosion is likely to occur.     

The unusual variations of photoluminescence and afterglow properties in monoclinic ZrO2 by annealing

The raw ZrO₂ is annealed at 600–1550 °C for 6 h. It is found that the emission at 492 nm increases greatly when the annealing temperature is higher than 1200 °C and its afterglow shows a small improvement at 1200–1450 °C and a large enhancement after annealing at 1550 °C. The results that are obtained indicate that the impurity Ti⁴⁺ in ZrO₂ is efficiently reduced to Ti³⁺ when the temperature is higher than 1200 °C, and the increase of Ti³⁺ centers contributes to the large improvement of emission at 492 nm. The thermoluminescence shows that at least two types of traps with different depths (0.65 eV and 1.46 eV) corresponding to oxygen vacancies exist in monoclinic ZrO₂. After annealing at 1200–1450 °C, some new trap clusters related to oxygen vacancies and Ti³⁺ form and causes the small improvement of afterglow at 1200–1450 °C. The large improvement of afterglow after annealing at 1550 °C originates from the sharp increase of proper shallow traps (0.65 eV) in ZrO₂. Accordingly, we present the feasible interpretations and luminescence mechanisms of monoclinic ZrO₂ for our observations.     

Laser-ablation-induced refractive index fields studied using pulsed digital holographic interferometry

Pulsed digital holographic interferometry has been used to investigate the plume and the shock wave generated in the ablation process of a Q-switched Nd-YAG (λ=1064 nm and pulse duration=12 ns) laser pulse on a polycrystalline boron nitride (PCBN) target under atmospheric air pressure. A special setup based on two synchronised wavelengths from the same laser for simultaneous processing and measurement has been used. Digital holograms were recorded for different time delays using collimated laser light (λ=532 nm) passed through the volume along the target. Numerical data of the integrated refractive index field were calculated and presented as phase maps showing the propagation of the shock wave and the plume generated by the process. Radon inversion has been used to estimate the 3D refractive index fields measured from the projections assuming rotational symmetry. The shock wave density has been calculated using the point explosion model and the shock wave condition equation and its behaviour with time at different power densities ranging from 1.4 to 9.1 GW/cm² is presented. Shock front densities have been calculated from the reconstructed refractive index fields using the Gladstone–Dale equation. A comparison of the shock front density calculated from the reconstructed data and that calculated using the point explosion model at different time delays has been done. The comparison shows quite good agreement between the model and the experimental data. Finally the reconstructed refractive index field has been used to estimate the electron number density distribution within the laser-induced plasma. The electron number density behaviour with distance from the target at different power densities and its behaviour with time are shown. The electron number densities are found to be in the order of 10¹⁸ cm^?3 and decay at a rate of 3×10¹⁵ electrons/cm³ ns.     

Experimental evidence for the third level (А+) of Hg vacancy in Hg1−xCdxTe

Mercury vacancy in Hg_1-xCd_xTe is not a two-level (as it was supposed until now), but a three-level acceptor. A third, most shallow (1–1.5 meV) level (А⁺ state) appears due to a capture of a third hole by a neutral acceptor, after the two deeper vacancy levels (A^? and А⁰ states) are already occupied by holes. Due to a capture of nonequilibrium holes by neutral mercury vacancies (under radiation) a positive space charge region arises near an irradiated surface. This causes the anomalies of photoelectromagnetic effect, observed in р-Hg_1?xCd_xTe at T < 10–12 K.     

Measurements and analysis of the acoustic signals produced by partial discharges in insulation oil

This paper focuses on the frequency analysis of acoustic signals produced by partial discharges (PDs) in insulation oil and the positioning of the PD occurrence for application in the diagnosis of oil-insulated transformers. Three types of electrode systems; the needle–plane, the plane–plane, and the wire–wire structures were assembled to simulate the partial discharge in insulation oil. A low-noise amplifier and a de-coupler were designed to detect the acoustic signal with high-sensitivity. The frequency ranges of the acoustic signal were 60–270 kHz in the needle–plane electrode system, 45–250 kHz in the plane–plane electrode system, and 50–180 kHz in the wire–wire electrode system. Their peak frequencies were 145 kHz, 118 kHz and 121 kHz, respectively.The position of the PD occurrence was calculated from the time difference of arrival (TOA) using three acoustic emission (AE) sensors. The position was found within a 1% error in the experimental set-up.     

Refractive index sensors based on Ag-metalized nanolayer in microstructured optical fibers

We propose refractive index sensors based on Ag-metalized nanolayer in microstructured optical fibers. The surface plasmon resonance modes and the sensing properties are theoretically analyzed using finite element method (FEM). In the calculation, Drude–Lorentz model is used to describe the Metal Dielectric constant. The calculation results show that the sensitivity of Ag-metalized SPR sensor can reach 1500 nm/RIU corresponding to a resolution of 6.67 × 10^?5 RIU. Comparing with conventional detecting material-Au under the same structure, the sensitivity and 3 dB bandwidth of our device are better.     

Near-infrared photoluminescence and thermally stimulated current in Cu3Ga5Se9 layered crystals: A comparative study

Near-infrared photoluminescence (PL) and thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectra of Cu₃Ga₅Se₉ layered crystals grown by Bridgman method have been studied in the photon energy region of 1.35–1.46 eV and the temperature range of 15–115 K (PL) and 10–170 K (TSC). An infrared PL band centered at 1.42 eV was revealed at T = 15 K. Radiative transitions from shallow donor level placed at 20 meV to moderately deep acceptor level at 310 meV were suggested to be the reason of the observed PL band. TSC curve of Cu₃Ga₅Se₉ crystal exhibited one broad peak at nearly 88 K. The thermal activation energy of traps was found to be 22 meV. An energy level diagram demonstrating the transitions in the crystal band gap was plotted taking account of results of PL and TSC experiments conducted below room temperature.     

Facile preparation and characterization of hollow poly(St-co-MMA-co-BA-co-MAA) core–double shell latex nanoparticles for electrophoretic displays

Novel core–double shell particles with poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (PMMA-co-BA) as the cores, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMA-co-BA-co-MAA) as the inner shells, poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (PS-co-MMA) as the outer shells were prepared by soap-free emulsion polymerization. The acid–alkali osmotic swelling processes were made before the outer shells wrapped for bigger aperture. The optimal experiment conditions were summarized. The morphology and size of the hollow latex particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the uniform sizes of the hollow latex particles were about 230 nm. The electrophoretic mobility of them in tetrachloroethylene was 0.91 × 10⁻¹⁰ m² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, and the Zeta-potential was 5.87 mV. The results showed that the hollow polymer particles can used as background particles.     

I–V characteristics of a methanol concentration sensor for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) by using catalyst electrode of Pt dots

In this work, the methanol sensors were fabricated by using Pt dot catalyst electrode and the level of electrochemical response was analyzed. This kind of sensors can be applicable to sensing the methanol concentration in real-time. When we measured the methanol sensor with 5 nm of Pt dot, we could get 2.00 × 10⁻⁶, 3.06 × 10⁻⁶ and 6.25 × 10⁻⁶ A of electric current value for the methanol concentration of 1, 2 and 3 mole, respectively. The measured voltage was 1 V. To optimize the sensitivity level of Pt dot catalyst electrode, the electrodes were made in H-grid shape. The distance between electrode branches was designed to be 80, 150 and 300 μm, respectively. When we measured the electric current–voltage characteristics of methanol sensor with 2 M of methanol, it was 3.06 × 10⁻⁶, 2.02 × 10⁻⁶ and 1.50 × 10⁻⁶ A, for 80, 150 and 200 μm, respectively. Thus it is suggested that more efficient response of methanol sensing is possible when the distance between electrodes is reduced.     

Application of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film as a low emissivity film on Ni-based alloy at high temperature

Indium tin oxide (ITO) films as the low emissivity coatings of Ni-based alloy at high temperature were studies. ITO films were deposited on the polished surface of alloy K424 by direct current magnetron sputtering. These ITO-coated samples were heat-treated in air at 600–900 °C for 150 h to explore the effect of high temperature environment on the emissivity. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM and EDS. The results show that the surface of sample is integrity after heat processing at 700 °C and below it. A small amount of fine crack is observed on the surface of sample heated at 800 °C and Ti oxide appears. There are lots of fine cracks on the sample annealed at 900 °C and a large number of various oxides are detected. The average infrared emissivities at 3–5 μm and 8–14 μm wavebands were tested by an infrared emissivity measurement instrument. The results show the emissivity of the sample after annealed at 600 and 700 °C is still kept at a low value as the sample before annealed. The ITO film can be used as a low emissivity coating of super alloy K424 up to 700 °C.     

Cathodoluminescence studies of un-doped and (Cu,Fe, and Co)-doped tin dioxide films deposited by spray pyrolysis

Un-doped and (Cu, Fe, and Co)-doped SnO₂ were studied using films deposited by spray pyrolysis. Room temperature cathodoluminescence (CL) was measured. Differences in CL spectra were observed as a function of deposition parameters (T_sub-350–550 °C), the nature and concentration of dopants (0–16 at.%), and the resulting high annealing temperature (T_an = 700–950 °C). A possible luminescence mechanism has been discussed. It was established that changes taking place in CL spectra were caused by the change of both the grain size and crystallinity (stoichiometry) of the surface layer. It was concluded that radiative recombination occurs through shallow donor levels associated with O-vacancies and trapped centers. It was assumed that in SnO₂ there are apparently three types of defects forming deep levels located at 0.8–0.9, 1.3–1.4, and ∼1.6 eV from the top of the valence band.     

Irradiation induced modifications in morphology and magnetic property of Mn/Si structure

Mn films of ∼50 nm has been deposited by electron beam evaporation technique on cleaned and etched Si [(1 0 0), 8–10 Ω cm] substrates to realize a Mn/Si interfacial structures. The structures have been irradiated from energetic (∼100 MeV) ion beam from Mn side. The irradiated and unirradiated structures have been characterized from atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, magnetic force microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer facilities. It has been found that surface/interfacial granular silicide phases (of Mn_xSi_y) are formed before and after the irradiation with a irradiation induced modifications of surface morphology and magnetic property. The surface/interface roughness has been found to increase on the irradiation from the atomic force microscopy data. The magnetic property on the irradiation shows an interesting and significant feature of an increased coercivity and a ferromagnetic like behavior in the Mn–Si structure. The observed increased coercivity has been related to the increased roughness on the irradiation. The ferromagnetism after the irradiation is a curious phenomenon which seems due to the formation of Mn–C–Si compound from the carbon dissolved in silicon.     

Pressure dependence of the ionic conductivity of Na- and Na–Rb borate glasses

The ionic conductivity of Na- and Na–Rb borate glasses is investigated as a function of hydrostatic pressure. Activation volumes of the dc conductivity are obtained from pressure-dependent ac conductivity measurements at a constant temperature of 180 °C. The activation volume of Na borate glasses decreases with increasing alkali content. It depends linearly on a separation parameter which is defined as the ratio of the average ionic distance and the average network atom distance. The activation volume of Na–Rb borate glasses increases from both end-members towards the mixed-alkali regime and passes through a maximum near the relative content Na/(Na + Rb) = 0.4. In addition to mobility anomalies, observed earlier in these borate glasses, the maximum in the activation volume is a further important fingerprint of the mixed-alkali effect.     

Enhanced magneto-optical effect due to interface alloy formation in Co–Pt (1 1 1) ultrathin films upon thermal annealing

After postdeposition annealing in the temperature range of 500–800 K, a highly enhanced magneto-optical Kerr response up to a maximal value 300% of that before annealing, is observed for 1–2 ML ultrathin Co–Pt (1 1 1) films. With help of low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy, this enhancement of magneto-optical response is found to be correlated to the Co–Pt alloy formation at interface.     

Variation of radon flux along active fault zones in association with earthquake occurrence

Radon flux measurements were carried out at three radon stations along an active fault zone in the Langadas basin, Northern Greece by various techniques for earthquake prediction studies. Specially made devices with alpha track-etch detectors (ATDs) were installed by using LR-115, type II, non-strippable cellulose nitrate films (integrating method of measurements). Continuous monitoring of radon gas exhaling from the ground was also performed by using silicon diode detectors, Barasol and Clipperton type, in association with various probes and sensors including simultaneously registration of the meteorological parameters, such as precipitation height (rainfall events), temperature and barometric pressure. The obtained radon data were studied in parallel with the data of seismic events, such as the magnitude, M_L of earthquakes, the epicentral distance, the hypocentral distance and the energy released during the earthquake event occurred at the fault zone during the period of measurements to find out any association between the rad on flux and the meteorological and seismological parameters. Seismic events with magnitude M_L ≥ 4.0 appeared to be preceded by large precursory signals produced a well-defined “anomaly” (peak) of radon flux prior to the event. In the results, the radon peaks in the obtained spectra appeared to be sharp and narrow. The rise time of a radon peak, that is the time period from the onset of a radon peak until the time of radon flux maximum is about a week, while the after time, that is the time interval between the time of radon flux maximum and the time of a seismic event ranges from about 3 weeks or more.     

Large-range liquid level sensor based on an optical fibre extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer

We propose an efficient approach to develop large-range liquid level sensors based on an extrinsic Fabry–Perot optical fibre interferometer with an all fused-silica structure and CO₂ laser heating fusion bonding technology. The sensor exhibits signatures of a high sensitivity of 5.3 nm/kPa (36.6 nm/psi), a resolution of 6.8 Pa (9.9×10⁻⁴ psi) and an extreme low temperature dependence of 0.013 nm/°C. As a result, a high resolution of the water level measurement of approximately 0.7 mm on the length scale of 5 m and small errors of the water pressure measurement induced by the temperature dependence within 0.0025 kPa/°C (0.00036 psi/°C, water level 0.25 mm/°C) are achieved, thus providing useful applications for the detection of the large-range liquid level in harsh environments.