Image sharing scheme based on combination theory

We present a simple algorithm for sharing and hiding secret image based on combination theory. The secret image is firstly encrypted by matrix multiplications and then shared into many shadow images by multiplying binary random sampling matrices. The sampling matrices randomly assign the pixel values to the shadow images which satisfy a specific combination rule as a constrain, so that the (t, n) threshold secret sharing scheme can be implemented. Numerical experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of this image sharing algorithm.     

On the nonlinear distortion of subcarrier multiplexed systems owing to stimulated Brillouin scattering

Analytical expressions are obtained for predicting the harmonic and intermodulation performance of subcarrier multiplexed systems owing to stimulated Brilloun scattering. These expressions are in terms of the ordinary Bessel functions with arguments depenedent on the modulation index.     

Electrophoretic deposition of PVA coated hydroxyapatite on 316L stainless steel

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated hydroxyapatite was deposited onto a 316L stainless steel substrate by electrophoretic deposition. Deposition was carried out in a methanol suspension at pH 5.5 using a graphite rod as an anode. Parameters such as PVA concentration, deposition voltage and time were optimized to achieve a homogeneous, crack-free adhesive coating. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the phase composition of the coated materials and the stability of hydroxyapatite in the presence of PVA.     

Scheme for the teleportation of bipartite entangled state of the two cavity modes

In this paper, we propose a scheme for the teleportation of general two-partite entangled state of zero and one photon state from one bimodal cavity to another. The scheme can be realized by using cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED).     

Appraisal of radioactivity and associated radiation hazards in sand samples of four rivers of Punjab province, Pakistan

Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity of sand and water samples collected from the four big rivers of Punjab province, Pakistan, was measured using a high-purity germanium detector coupled with a high resolution multichannel analyser. The average concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclides (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in all the sand samples from the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Indus was found to be 22±0.6, 36±1 and 287±10 Bq kg (-1), respectively, while the concentration of the anthropogenic radionuclide (137)Cs was found to be below the minimum detectable activity, i.e. ~1.2 Bq?kg (-1). All the sand samples have Ra(eq) concentrations lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg (-1). Indoor (H (in)) and outdoor (H (out)) radiation hazard indices were calculated for the samples to assess the radiation hazards arising due to the use of this sand in construction, and were found to be less than unity in the study area. Calculated values of the absorbed dose rate were less than the typical world average value of 59 nGy h (-1), and the annual effective dose rate was also less than the typical world value of 70 μSv, except in the Indus river, in which it is slightly higher then the world average. Results show that the measured values are comparable with other global radioactivity measurements. None of the studied riverbeds was considered a radiological hazard, and their sand can be safely used in construction.     

Gold-surface binding of molecular switches studied by M?ssbauer spectroscopy

The nonanuclear coordination compound [Mo^IV{(CN)Fe^III(3-methyl-saldptn)}₈]Cl₄ exhibits multiple spin transitions (3-methyl-saldptn = N,N′-bis(3′′-methyl-2′′-hydroxy-benzyliden)-1,7-diamino-4-azaheptane). This spin crossover cluster is bound via a self-assembled monolayer onto a two dimensional array gold surface. M?ssbauer spectroscopy indicates that the thermally and optically induced spin crossover of the compound is maintained. Thereby, the foundation for its potential practical application (e.g. in the field of information storage) was laid.     

Hot-electron-driven enhancement of spin-lattice coupling in Gd and Tb 4f ferromagnets observed by femtosecond x-ray magnetic circular dichroism

Femtosecond x-ray magnetic circular dichroism was used to study the time-dependent magnetic moment of 4f electrons in the ferromagnets Gd and Tb, which are known for their different spin-lattice coupling. We observe a two-step demagnetization with an ultrafast demagnetization time of 750 fs identical for both systems and slower times which differ sizeably with 40 ps for Gd and 8 ps for Tb. We conclude that spin-lattice coupling in the electronically excited state is enhanced up to 50 times compared to equilibrium.     

Effect of substitution of K ions on the structural and electrical properties of nanocrystalline MgAl2O4 spinel oxide

Potassium substituted nanosized magnesium aluminates having a nominal composition Mg_1−xK_xAl₂O₄ where x=0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 have been synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. The samples have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and dc electrical resistivity measurements. The XRD results reveal that the samples are spinel single phase cubic close packed crystalline materials. The calculated crystallite size ranges between 6 and 8 nm. The behaviour of the lattice constant seems to deviate from the Vegard's law. While X-ray density clearly increases, the bulk density and consequently, the percentage porosity do not exhibit a significant change on increasing the K⁺ content. The SEM micrographs suggest homogeneous distribution of the nanocrystallites in the samples. The dc electrical resistivity exhibits a typical semiconducting behaviour. Substitution of a Mg²⁺ ion by a K⁺ ion provides an extra hole to the system, which forms small polaron. Thermally activated hopping of these small polarons is believed to be the conduction mechanism in the Mg_1−xK_xAl₂O₄. The activation energy of hopping of small polarons has been calculated and found K⁺ ions content dependent.     

Birefringence via Doppler broadening and prevention of information hacking

We propose a new scheme for the coherent control of birefringent light pulses propagation in a four-level atomic medium. We modify the splitting of a light pulse by controlling the electric and magnetic responses. The Doppler broadening effect is also noted on the propagation of the birefringent pulses. The dispersions of the birefringence beams are oppositely manipulated for delay and advancement of time at a Doppler width of 10γ. A time gap is created between the birefringence beams, which protects from hacking of information. The time gap is then closed to restore the pulse into the original form by a reverse manipulation of the dispersion of the birefringence beams, i.e., introducing another medium whose transfer function is the complex conjugate of that of the original medium. The results are useful for secure communication technology.