Theory of an X-ray interferometer in the form of an array of planar compound refractive lenses

The results of theoretical analysis of the interference pattern created by an X-ray multilens interferometer in the case of an arbitrary number of planar compound refractive lenses are presented. The full widths at half maximum of the resonance peaks in the transverse and longitudinal directions relative to the direction of synchrotron radiation are calculated at distances corresponding to the fractional Talbot effect. A relation between the widths is shown to exist that is very close to the width relation in the case of focusing by a single lens. A difference between the fractional and full Talbot effects is discussed, and the necessary conditions for the transverse and longitudinal coherence of radiation are analyzed, the satisfaction of which guarantees that undistorted interference peaks will be observed experimentally.     

The magnetoelastic mechanism of singlet phase formation in a two-dimensional quantum antiferromagnet

A model describing the second-order phase transition with respect to the magnetoelastic coupling parameter from the antiferromagnetic (AFM) to the singlet state in a two-dimensional quantum magnet on a square lattice is proposed. The spectrum of elementary excitations in the singlet and AFM phases is calculated using an atomic representation, and the evolution of transverse and longitudinal branches of this spectrum is studied in the vicinity of the transition point. It is established that the AFM to singlet phase transition is related to softening of the longitudinal branch of oscillations. In the singlet phase, the gap plays the role of a parameter characterizing the distance to the phase transition point. It is shown that the spectrum of transverse oscillations in the AFM phase corresponds to the Goldstone boson. Based on an analysis of the stability of the spectrum of elementary excitations, a phase diagram is constructed that determines the regions of the existence of phases with plaquette-deformed lattices.     

Operating characteristics of near-infrared self-assembled polymer microlasers

We report near-infrared laser emission from self-assembled luminescent polymer microcavities. The microrings are formed around silica optical fibers of varying diameters (80, 125, and 200 microm) and are shown to exhibit photopumped lasing at approximately 820 nm. The microrings with 200 mum inner diameter have an overall quality factor of approximately 2 x 10(3), which is limited by surface roughness and scattering. We illustrate how the laser threshold varies inversely with both the quality factor and the diameter of the microrings. The free spectral range and the intensity variation of the laser output are also presented.     

Compensation for chromatic aberrations in acousto-optic systems used in spectral analysis of images

This paper considers novel optical schemes that are related to acousto-optic systems for the spectral analysis of images. The systems are characterized by a low level of transverse and longitudinal chromatic aberrations. Mathematical expressions that describe the magnitudes of the transverse aberration in various configurations of acousto-optic filters are derived. A decrease in longitudinal chromatic aberrations is examined in an optical scheme that is based on a single objective lens and an additional negative lens. A similar analysis is carried out for a confocal system that is formed of two objective lenses. The experimental investigations carried out in the visible range of the spectrum demonstrated a decrease in the longitudinal shifts of images by a factor of 2.5 and by as much as two orders of magnitude or more in the transverse image shifts.     

Optical properties of nanoengineered gold blocks

We report on control over the extinction spectrum of tetragonal gold nanoblocks by changing their lateral aspect ratio. Nanoblocks were patterned on a glass substrate by electron-beam lithography and were 40-400 nm in lateral dimensions and spanned from 1 to 9 in aspect ratio. This allowed us to tune the localized surface plasmon bands from 700 nm to 1.5 microm (longitudinal mode) and from 700 to 550 nm (transverse mode). Unprecedented polarization selectivity of the transverse and longitudinal plasmon bands was achieved via alignment and 3D control of the dimensions of the nanoblocks.     

In vivo ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography

Ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) by use of state of the art broad-bandwidth femtosecond laser technology is demonstrated and applied to in vivo subcellular imaging. Imaging is performed with a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser with double-chirped mirrors that emits sub-two-cycle pulses with bandwidths of up to 350 nm, centered at 800 nm. Longitudinal resolutions of ~1mum and transverse resolution of 3mum, with a 110-dB dynamic range, are achieved in biological tissue. To overcome depth-of-field limitations we perform zone focusing and image fusion to construct a tomogram with high transverse resolution throughout the image depth. To our knowledge this is the highest longitudinal resolution demonstrated to date for in vivo OCT imaging.     

银纳米链状材料的制备及近红外吸收性质

报道了利用水/油相界面反应,采用湿化学法合成银纳米链状材料的方法,并对这种材料的近红外吸收性质和光热转换性质进行了研究。TEM分析表明,银纳米材料为链状结构,直径约为50nm,长度分布范围较宽,从几十纳米至几百纳米。这种材料具有强的近红外吸收特性,随着还原剂加入量的增加,吸收带逐渐展宽(800～1300nm),而且平坦。这种材料具有优异光热转换性质,一经808nm激光照射,温度迅速提高。该材料优异的近红外吸收和光热转换性质,使其在红外断层成像和近红外热疗等领域具有广阔的应用前景。     

Characterization of the channel walls roughness in photonic crystal fibers

We present electron microscope (FEI NanoSEM) and atomic force microscopy measurements of surface roughness in nanochannels in photonic crystal fibers (PCF). A method was invented to cleave the PCF along the axis without damaging the surface structure in the nanochannels allowing us to characterize the morphology of the nanochannels in the PCF. A multi-wall carbon nanotube mounted onto commercial AFM probes and super sharp silicon non-contact mode AFM probes were used to characterize the wall roughness in the nanochannels. The roughness is shown to have a Gaussian distribution, and has an amplitude smaller than 0.5 nm. The height–height correlation function is an exponential correlation function with an autocorrelation length of 13 nm, and 27 nm corresponding with scan sizes of 200×100 nm², and 1600×200 nm², respectively.     

Preparation of patterned boron nanowire films with different widths of unit-cell and their field emission properties

Large-area patterned films of boron nanowires(BNWs) are fabricated at various densities by chemical vapor deposition(CVD). Different widths of unit-cell of Mo masks are used as templates. The widths of unit-cell of Mo masks are100 μm, 150 μm, and 200 μm, respectively. The distance between unit cells is 50 μm. The BNWs have an average diameter of about 20 nm and lengths of 10 μm–20 μm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis shows that each nanowire has a β-tetragonal structure with good crystallization. Field emission measurements of the BNW films show that their turn-on electric fields decrease with width of unit-cell increasing.     

硅和锗纳米线的原子排布和电荷分布的密度泛函紧束缚方法研究

低维硅锗材料是制备纳米电子器件的重要候选材料,是研发高效率、低能耗和超高速新一代纳米电子器件的基础材料之一,有着潜在的应用价值。采用密度泛函紧束缚方法分别对厚度相同、宽度在0.272 nm~0.554 nm之间的硅纳米线和宽度在0.283 nm~0.567 nm之间的锗纳米线的原子排布和电荷分布进行了计算研究。硅、锗纳米线宽度的改变使原子排布,纳米线的原子间键长和键角发生明显改变。纳米线表层结构的改变对各层内的电荷分布产生重要影响。纳米线中各原子的电荷转移量与该原子在表层内的位置相关。纳米线的尺寸和表层内原子排列结构对体系的稳定性产生重要影响。     

Liquid nanostripes

Equilibrium wetting of ethanol, a volatile liquid, onto chemically patterned nanostripes has been investigated using noncontact atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical patterns, generated by a conducting AFM tip, are composed of COOH terminated "wetting" regions and CH3 terminated "nonwetting" regions. Controlled amounts of ethanol, from the vapor phase, condense on the COOH stripes and their shape is imaged in situ versus their width (70 < w < 300 nm). The measured profile shapes at saturation and their w(1/2) height dependence are well described by density functional theory with dispersive, nonretarded potentials.     

Efficient second-harmonic generation in birefringently phase-matched GaAs/Al(2)O(3) waveguides

We report efficient second-harmonic generation of femtosecond pulses in birefringently phase-matched GaAs/Al(2)O(3) waveguides pumped at 2.01mum. By use of pump pulses of ~200-fs duration and type I interaction, practical second-harmonic average powers of up to ~650muW were obtained, with an average input power of ~50muW. Waveguides of four different widths and two different lengths were investigated, and a normalized conversion efficiency of greater than 1000%W(-1)cm(-2) was obtained for a 1-mm waveguide. Measurements of pump and second-harmonic spectra provided clear evidence of phase matching and depletion of the pump spectrum. The measured bandwidth of the second harmonic was ~1.3nm. From the measurements of transmitted pump power at the phase-matching wavelength, pump depletions of more than 80% were recorded.     

Observation of angiotensin II-induced changes in fixed and live mesangial cells by atomic force microscopy

Glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) are centrally located in the glomerulus. MCs control not only glomerular filtration, but also the response to local injury, including cell proliferation and basement membrane remodeling. Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in kidney function regulation, and participates in the progression of renal damage, as well as mesangial injury. However, studies on Ang II effects on MCs have used indirect methods, such as gene and protein expression after MC injury. In this study, we visually observed structural and mechanical changes to MC after Ang II treatment using atomic force microscopy (AFM). We obtained AFM topography and deflection images of live MCs, as well as fixed MCs in liquid, before and after Ang II treatment. Real-time imaging showed the dynamic movement of live MCs induced by Ang II. Changes in MC elastic property after Ang II treatment were measured using force–distance curves. AFM images of fixed and live MCs showed that cells contracted after Ang II exposure, with the nucleus height increasing within 20 min of Ang II stimulation. Force–distance analysis showed that Ang II caused MCs to stiffen (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we demonstrated that AFM is an effective tool for real-time monitoring of live cell responses to drugs and stimuli.     

Increasing the imaging depth of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy with a miniature microscope objective

A miniature objective lens with a tip diameter of 1.3 mm was used for extending the penetration depth of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. Its axial and lateral focal widths were determined to be 11.4 and 0.86 microm, respectively, by two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging of 200 nm beads at a 735 nm excitation wavelength. By inserting the lens tip into a soft gel sample, CARS images of 2 microm polystyrene beads 5 mm deep from the surface were acquired. The miniature objective was applied to CARS imaging of rat spinal cord white matter with a minimal requirement for surgery.     

Growth of InGaAs-capped InAs quantum dots characterized by Atomic Force Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is typically used to measure the quantum dot shape and density formed by lattice mismatched epitaxial growth such as InAs on GaAs. However, AFM images are distorted when two dots are situated in juxtaposition with a distance less than the AFM tip width. Scanning electron Microscope (SEM) is much better in distinguishing the dot density but not the dot height. Through these measurements of the growth of In_xGa_1-xAs cap layer on InAs quantum dots, it was observed that the InGaAs layer neither covered the InAs quantum dots and wetting layer uniformly nor 100% phase separates into InAs and GaAs grown on InAs quantum dots and wetting layer, respectively.     

Single-body lensed photonic crystal fibers as side-viewing probes for optical imaging systems

We report the fabrication and performance of a lensed photonic crystal fiber (PCF) designed as a compact but effective side-viewing optical imaging probe. The lensed-PCF probe was implemented in a single body without using any other fibers or additional optics. The beam expansion region and a focusing ball lens, necessary for a focuser, were simultaneously formed along a small piece of PCF by applying arc discharges. The side-viewing ability was provided by polishing the ball lens with a femtosecond laser to form a total internal reflection surface. The working distance and the transverse resolution of the fabricated single-body lensed-PCF were experimentally measured to be 570 and 6.8 microm, respectively. With the proposed lensed-PCF probe, optical coherence tomography images of an in vitro biological sample were successfully obtained.     

The statistics of lines in natural images and implications for visual detection

As borders between different regions, lines are an important element of natural images. Already at the level of the mammalian primary visual cortex (V1), neurons respond best to oriented bars. We reduce a set of images to linear segments and analyze their statistical properties. In particular, appropriately defined Fourier spectra show more power in their transverse component than in the longitudinal one. We then characterize filters that are best suited for extracting information from such images, and find some qualitative consistency with neural connections in V1. We also demonstrate that such filters are efficient in reconstructing missing lines in an image.     

Atomic force microscopy of Au deposition from aqueous HF onto Si(111)

Non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed following emersion to examine Au nanoclusters deposited from aqueous mixtures of HF and 10⁻⁴ M KAu(CN)₂ onto Si(111). As the HF concentration is increased, the growth rates both parallel and perpendicular to the substrate of the approximately oblate Au hemispheroids increase. AFM images were obtained for times at which previously reported in situ second harmonic generation signals from the interface reach a maximum. At the time when the second harmonic enhancement is maximized during deposition from 0.500 (5.00) M HF, the Au nanoclusters have an average diameter of 94 (109) nm and an average height of 3.6 (9.5) nm. These cluster diameters can be understood qualitatively by the shift of the plasmon resonance due to depolarization as the cluster size increases, causing the resonant second harmonic enhancement at 532 nm to pass through a maximum at cluster diameters in the range 90–110 nm.     

Stability and collapse of localized solutions of the controlled three-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation

On the basis of recent investigations, a newly developed analytical procedure is used for constructing a wide class of localized solutions of the controlled three-dimensional (3D) Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE) that governs the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in the presence of a spatio-temporally varying external potential. The controlled 3D GPE is decomposed into a two-dimensional (2D) linear Schr?dinger equation (called the `transverse equation’) and a one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear Schr?dinger equation (called the `longitudinal equation’), constrained by a variational condition for the controlling potential. The latter corresponds to the requirement for the minimization of the control operation in the transverse plane. Then, the above class of localized solutions are constructed as the product of the solutions of the transverse and longitudinal equations. A consistency condition between the transverse and longitudinal solutions yields a relationship between the transverse and longitudinal restoring forces produced by the external trapping potential well through a `controlling parameter’ (i.e. the average, with respect to the transverse profile, of the nonlinear inter-atomic interaction term of the GPE). It is found that the longitudinal profile supports localized solutions in the form of bright, dark or grey solitons with time-dependent amplitudes, widths and centroids. The related longitudinal phase is varying in space and time with time-dependent curvature radius and wavenumber. In turn, all the above parameters (i.e. amplitudes, widths, centroids, curvature radius and wavenumbers) can be easily expressed in terms of the controlling parameter. It is also found that the transverse profile has the form of Hermite-Gauss functions (depending on the transverse coordinates), and the explicit spatio-temporal dependence of the controlling potential is self-consistently determined. On the basis of these exact 3D analytical solutions, a stability analysis is carried out, focusing our attention on the physical conditions for having collapsing or non-collapsing solutions.     

Magnetization reversal in magnetic nanostripes via Bloch wall formation

We present results of micromagnetic simulations of the magnetization reversal in permalloy nanostripes with 5-10 nm thickness and 200-500 nm width under a longitudinal field of 0.4-16 kA m(-1). The data show four distinct field regions: the well-known regions of uniform and oscillating domain wall movement as well as a process with multiple vortices, and finally a new process including Bloch walls and the generation of vortex-antivortex pairs in the inner part of the stripe rather than at the edges. We investigate this process in detail and derive a criterion for the formation of Bloch walls.