Experimental observation of left-handed behavior in an array of standard dielectric resonators

We demonstrate that by utilizing displacement currents in simple dielectric resonators instead of conduction currents in metallic split-ring resonators and by additionally exciting the proper modes, left-handed properties can be observed in an array of high dielectric resonators. Theoretical analysis and experimental measurements show that the modes, as well as the subwavelength resonance, play an important role in the origin of the left-handed properties. The proposed implementation of a left-handed metamaterial, based on a purely dielectric configuration, opens the possibility of realizing media at terahertz frequencies since scaling issues and losses, two major drawbacks of metal-based structures, are avoided.     

Triangular Bézier sub-surfaces on a triangular Bézier surface

This paper considers the problem of computing the Bézier representation for a triangular sub-patch on a triangular Bézier surface. The triangular sub-patch is defined as a composition of the triangular surface and a domain surface that is also a triangular Bézier patch. Based on de Casteljau recursions and shifting operators, previous methods express the control points of the triangular sub-patch as linear combinations of the construction points that are constructed from the control points of the triangular Bézier surface. The construction points contain too many redundancies. This paper derives a simple explicit formula that computes the composite triangular sub-patch in terms of the blossoming points that correspond to distinct construction points and then an efficient algorithm is presented to calculate the control points of the sub-patch.     

Formation and dynamics of van der Waals molecules in buffer-gas traps

We show that weakly bound He-containing van der Waals molecules can be produced and magnetically trapped in buffer-gas cooling experiments, and provide a general model for the formation and dynamics of these molecules. Our analysis shows that, at typical experimental parameters, thermodynamics favors the formation of van der Waals complexes composed of a helium atom bound to most open-shell atoms and molecules, and that complex formation occurs quickly enough to ensure chemical equilibrium. For molecular pairs composed of a He atom and an S-state atom, the molecular spin is stable during formation, dissociation, and collisions, and thus these molecules can be magnetically trapped. Collisional spin relaxation is too slow to affect trap lifetimes. However, (3)He-containing complexes can change spin due to adiabatic crossings between trapped and untrapped Zeeman states, mediated by the anisotropic hyperfine interaction, causing trap loss. We provide a detailed model for Ag(3)He molecules, using ab initio calculation of Ag-He interaction potentials and spin interactions, quantum scattering theory, and direct Monte Carlo simulations to describe formation and spin relaxation in this system. The calculated rate of spin-change agrees quantitatively with experimental observations, providing indirect evidence for molecular formation in buffer-gas-cooled magnetic traps. Finally, we discuss the possibilities for spectroscopic detection of these complexes, including a calculation of expected spectra for Ag(3)He, and report on our spectroscopic search for Ag(3)He, which produced a null result.     

The biosonar field around an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

The use of remote autonomous passive acoustic recorders (PAR) to determine the distribution of dolphins at a given locations has become very popular. Some investigators are using echolocation clicks to gather information on the presence of dolphins and to identify species. However, in all of these cases, the PAR probably recorded mainly off-axis clicks, even some from behind the animals. Yet there is a very poor understanding of the beam pattern and the click waveform and spectrum from different azimuths around the animal's body. The beam pattern completely around an echo locating dolphin was measured at 16 different but equally spaced angles in the horizontal plane using an 8-hydrophone array in sequence. Eight channels of data were digitized simultaneously at a sampling rate of 500 kHz. The resulting beam patterns in both planes showed a continuous drop off in sound pressure with azimuth around the animal and reached levels below -50 dB relative to the signal recorded on the beam axis. The signals began to break up into two components at angles greater than ± 45° in the horizontal plane. The center frequency dropped off from its maximum at 0° in a non-uniform matter.     

Rail-bridge coupling element of unequal lengths for analysing train-track-bridge interaction systems

This paper presents a rail-bridge coupling element of unequal lengths, in which the length of a bridge element is longer than that of a rail element, to investigate the dynamic problem of train-track-bridge interaction systems. The equation of motion in matrix form is given for a train-track-bridge interaction system with the proposed element. The first two numerical examples with two types of bridge models are chosen to illustrate the application of the proposed element. The results show that, for the same length of rail element, (1) the dynamic responses of train, track and bridge obtained by the proposed element are almost identical to those obtained by the rail-bridge coupling element of equal length, and (2) compared with the rail-bridge coupling element of equal length, the proposed element can help to save computer time. Furthermore, the influence of the length of rail element on the dynamic responses of rail is significant. However, the influence of the length of rail element on the dynamic responses of bridge is insignificant. Therefore, the proposed element with a shorter rail element and a longer bridge element may be adopted to study the dynamic responses of a train-track-bridge interaction system. The last numerical example is to investigate the effects of two types of track models on the dynamic responses of vehicle, rail and bridge. The results show that: (1) there are differences of the dynamic responses of vehicle, rail and bridge based on the single-layer and double-layer track models, (2) the maximum differences increase with the increase of the mass of sleeper, (3) the double-layer track model is more accurate.     

A turbulence-based prediction technique for flow-generated noise produced by in-duct elements in a ventilation system

A number of investigators have tried to develop a generalized prediction method for flow-generated noise produced by in-duct elements in a ventilation system. Most of these prediction methods relied on limited data obtained from conventional measurement techniques that require the use of an expensive and specially combined acoustic and aerodynamic experimental facility. An alternative to using a specialised and aerodynamic facility that is currently gaining favour in building engineering is using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software packages. CFD is a powerful design tool that is able to predict the behaviour of fluid flow regimes. With the aid of CFD, Mak and Oldham have developed a predictive technique that is based on the relationship between the acoustic power radiated, due to the interaction of air flow and a spoiler, and the turbulent kinetic energy generated in the region of the spoiler. Based on the results of CFD simulation of relevant configurations, the technique has been adopted to normalize the published experimental data of Nelson and Morfey, who produced a normalized spectrum for predicting the sound power level of flow-noise produced by the strip spoilers in a rectangular air duct. In this paper, the theoretical basis of this technique was reviewed and revised. A collapse of data from the simulation models were obtained against the experimental data of Oldham and Ukpoho. The data collapse for a damper were generally excellent at most Strouhal numbers. The data collapse for an orifice plate were generally excellent at lower Strouhal numbers but was less efficient at higher Strouhal numbers where considerable scatter was observed.     

Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Extraction and UPLC Determination of Sudan Dyes in Chili Powder

A new method involving matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction and UPLC in conjunction with photodiode array detection was developed for the rapid and simple determination of Sudan dyes in chili powder. Separation of Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, and Sudan IV was achieved within 2 min on the 1.7 μm Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column by using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–water at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min^?1. Optimization of MSPD extraction parameters, such as type of solid sorbent and elution solvent were carried out. Optimal conditions selected for MSPD extraction were 0.25 g of sample, 0.5 g of silica gel as solid sorbent, and 7 mL of acetonitrile–methanol (9:1, v/v) as eluting solvent. Limits of detection ranged between 0.25 and 0.30 mg kg^?1 depending on the dye involved. All analytes provided average recoveries from spiked (at 1, 1.5, and 2 mg kg^?1) chili powder samples ranging from 81 to 106%. The method was applied to the analysis of chili powder samples obtained from different countries.     

The magnetic mechanism of Zn<Subscript>0.93</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.07</Subscript>O thin films

Zn_0.93Co_0.07O thin films infiltrated with nitrogen and aluminum were prepared by means of magneton sputtering. The structural and magnetic properties of the films were studied systematically. The materials were single phase (wurtzite structure) with surfaces showing signs of homogeneous growth. The films were ferromagnetic at room temperature, and magnetic domains could be clearly observed on the surfaces. In the case of Al infiltration, saturated magnetization increased with Al concentration increasing; whereas in the case of N infiltration, saturated magnetization decreased with the increase in N concentration. The results show that ferromagnetic interactions in Co-doped ZnO diluted magnetic semiconductor may be transferred by electrons. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10674059) and the Major Project of National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2005CB623605)     

Broadband backscatter from individual Hawaiian mesopelagic boundary community animals with implications for spinner dolphin foraging

Broadband simulated dolphin echolocation signals were used to measure the ex situ backscatter properties of mesopelagic boundary community (MBC) in order to gain a better understanding of the echolocation process of spinner dolphins foraging on the MBC. Subjects were captured by trawling with a 2-m-opening Isaacs-Kidd Midwater Trawl. Backscatter measurements were conducted on the ship in a 2000 L seawater tank with the transducer placed on the bottom pointed upwards. Backscatter measurements were obtained in both the dorsal and lateral aspects for seven myctophids and only in the dorsal aspect for 16 more myctophids, six shrimps, and three squids. The echoes from the myctophids and shrimps usually had two highlights, one from the surface of the animal nearest the transducer and a second probably from the signal propagating through body of the subject and reflecting off the opposite surface of the animal. The squid echoes consisted mainly of a single highlight but sometimes had a low amplitude secondary highlight. The backscatter results were used to estimate the echolocation detection range for spinner dolphins foraging on the mesopelagic boundary community. The results were also compared with multi-frequency volume backscatter of the mesopelagic boundary community sound scattering layer.