Optical characterization of pigments by reflectance spectroscopy in support of UV laser cleaning treatments

The study of optical properties of artwork materials is of fundamental importance for laser-based restoration techniques. In this work, reflectance spectroscopic measurements and colorimetric analyses of painted wooden models were performed to discriminate between pigments on the basis of their spectral features. In particular, the spectral reflection factors of different white pigments were recorded with a fibre optics reflectance spectroscopy module, both before and after excimer laser (248 nm) irradiation. Colour data were obtained and monitored with an integrating sphere spectrophotometer and expressed with the CIE L^*a^*b^* colour coordinates. Moreover, the laser-induced morphological changes of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. PACS  42.62-b; 61.80.Ba; 07.60.Dq     

Biomagnetic measurements utilising a superparamagnetic marker: a feasibility study

Summary A preliminary study is here reported on a new potential marker for biomagnetic measurements. The marker consists of superparamagnetic polymer microspheres which were detected in the presence of external steady magnetic fields by means of an r.f.-SQUID magnetometer. The particles were prepared in samples differing in the concentration value and immersed in a homogeneous magnetic field of variable intensity. A simple model was taken into account for the distribution of the microspheres in the samples, so that the theoretical values were compared to the marker field values measured by the biomagnetic sensor. The overall sensitivity of the experimental apparatus and the minimum concentration value of the marker were then estimated.     

Mechanism of formation and decay of the compound nuclei150Gd produced by two entrance channels (16O+134Ba) and (40Ar+110Pd)

Excitation functions have been drawn for evaporation residues issued from¹⁵⁰Gd, a compound nucleus produced either by¹⁶O ions on¹³⁴Ba, or by⁴⁰Ar on¹¹⁰Pd. Absolute cross sections were measured for^145–147Gd,^145–147Eu,^141m Sm,^143m Sm,^140m Pm and^139m Nd. Complete fusion cross sections have been obtained and compared to calculated estimations based, at low energies, on the simple expressionσ _CF=πR _Fuss ² (1?V _Fus/E) whereR _Fus andV _Fus are respectively the distance and the potential for fusion atdV/dr=0. For high energies σ_CF=πR _cr ² (1?V_cr/E) with the model of critical distanceR _cr and critical potentialV _cr. Thresholds energies have been determined with a particular care. The analysis of the shape and the width of excitation functions, particularly for the emission of 4 and 5 neutrons, has been carried out and compared to calculated values. The difference between argon and oxygen induced reactions has been attributed to the difference inl population in the entrance channel.     

Comparison between experimental decay of the compound nuclei150Gd and evaporation calculations

The deexcitation of the compound nucleus¹⁵⁰Gd formed by¹⁵⁶O+¹³⁴Ba and⁴⁰Ar+¹¹⁰Pd have been studied. Excitation functions were determined for various exit channels: (HI, × n) withx=3, 4, 5 (HI, pxn) withx=2, 3, 4 (HI, axn) withx=3 and 5. A systematic comparison has been made between these experimental data and the results of evaporation calculation using the ALI CE code. The very good agreement obtained for the total residue cross section disappears completely when a more detailed analysis of the different contributions is performed. Absolute and relative cross sections are not reproduced; excitation functions of each individual channel (HI, 3n), (HI, 4n) etc. ... are not found at the right place in energy. A very preliminary explanation for such a shift towards higher energies is suggested.     

Characterization of disk media

It has been shown that the scalar properties of recording media can be characterized by a moving model that includes reversible and irreversible magnetizing processes. A test of this model for various media is reported in this paper. It is found that the model is capable of calculating accurate major and minor loops.     

R.F. (280 MHz) EPR imaging of extended samples: Apparatus and preliminary results

This paper presents the preliminary results obtained using an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance imaging apparatus operating at 280 MHz. The acquisition technique and the procedure used to obtain the spin density spatial localization are presented and specimen images of extended samples are given. The accuracy of the images and the spatial resolution are also discussed.     

Q β measurements and mass excess values for neutron deficient isotopes nearN∼Z∼40

Neutron deficient isotopes of⁸⁶Nb,⁸⁷Nb,⁸⁷Mo and⁸⁸Mo have been produced and identified. Their total decay positron energy have been measured and used to deduce mass excesses.