Single-mode low-loss chalcogenide glass waveguides for the mid-infrared

We demonstrate the design, fabrication, and characterization of single-mode low-loss waveguides for mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths. Planar waveguide structures were fabricated from multilayer thin films of arsenic-based chalcogenide glasses followed by the creation of channel waveguides by using the photodarkening effect. Propagation losses as low as 0.5 dB/cm were measured for a quantum cascade laser end-fire coupled into the waveguides. This is a first step toward the design and fabrication of integrated optical components for MIR applications.     

Inclusion of volatile guests by a tetrapedal host: structure and kinetics

The host compound tetra(3-hydroxy-3,3-diphenyl-2-propynyl)ethene, TET, forms inclusion compounds with acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxane and pyridine. All the structures were successfully solved in the triclinic space group P1[combining macron]. We found variable host : guest ratios for the acetone (TET.ACE, H : G = 1 : 4), dimethyl sulfoxide (TET.DMSO, H : G = 1 : 4) and pyridine compounds (TET.PYR, H : G = 1 : 5). Solutions of the host compound and dioxane formed TET.2DIOX, H : G = 1 : 2 when left to crystallise at room temperature, whereas TET.4DIOX, H : G = 1 : 4 was formed during crystal growth at low temperature. We have correlated the structures with their thermal stabilities and kinetics of desolvation.     

AES and SIMS analysis of non-metallic inclusions in a low-carbon Chromium-steel

In the final step of secondary metallurgical steel processing, calcium is added. Besides Mg, Ca is the most powerful deoxidiser and desulfurisation agent. It reacts with dissolved oxygen and sulfur and reduces oxides and sulfides thereby forming non-metallic inclusions. Within this paper we present the analysis of such inclusions in a low-carbon chromium-steel. Depending on the time of quenching of the steel sample, different structures were revealed by REM, Auger and SIMS: If the steel was quenched immediately after Ca-addition, non-metallic inclusions that appeared to have "cavities" could be detected with SEM. SIMS investigations of these particles showed ring-shaped structures and revealed that the ring is made up of Al, Ca, Mg, O and S. No secondary ions however could be retrieved from the core inside the ring, thus leaving the nature of the "cavities" unclear. If the steel sample was quenched 3 min after Ca addition, inclusions did not have a ring-shaped structure but a compact one.     

Modified London model for the determination of λ and ζ in a high κ superconductor

We present a modified London model suggested by Brandt [1–3] which introduces a finite vortex core size appropriate for isotropic superconductors in which the average internal field is less than approximately (1/4)H _c2. TheSR lineshape resulting from this model possesses a distinctive shape due to the magnetic penetration depth and the vortex core diameter (approximately equal to twice the coherence length ). However, for a given lineshape, there is a large range of values of and which produce nearly the same lineshape. Lineshape smearing caused by disorder in the vortex lattice increases uncertainty in values for and . If well-determined values of either (T) or (T) are not available from another technique, both of them can be determined bySR measurements alone if runs in more than one applied field at the same temperature are fit with and as shared parameters. We also present our method of estimating the degree of disorder in the vortex lattice.     

3D-SIMS analysis of ultra high purity molybdenum and tungsten: a characterisation of different manufacturing techniques and products

Applying a recently developed three dimensional SIMS imaging technique major differences in the distribution of trace elements in ultra high purity Mo and W have been found. In the electron beam melted material severe grain boundary segregation of trace elements have occurred whereas in the hot pressed material trace elements have been present as precipitates with a size of 5–15 m. Guided by the results of the 3D-SIMS images and the advantages of the sintering process a material with homogeneous distribution of trace elements has been developed and characterised. To test the applicability for the microelectronics industry, sputtering targets have been manufactured out of this new material and layers with a thickness of 350 nm have been sputterdeposited on silicon. The quality of these layers, with respect to particle emission and the distribution of trace elements, was evaluated by EPMA and 3D-SIMS imaging. Further improvement of the sintering process led to a material with a completely homogeneous distribution of C, H, N, O and S to minimise the outgassing and diffusion of impurities.Abbreviations BSE Back scattered electron - EPMA Electron probe micro analysis - GAAS Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry - GDMS Glow discharge mass spectrometry - ICP-AES Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry - ICP-MS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry - SIMS Secondary ion mass spectrometry - ULSI Ultra large scale integration     

Local Photodynamic Therapy Reduces Tissue Hyperplasia in an Experimental Restenosis Model

Abstract— Local photodynamic therapy may have potential in preventing myointimal hyperplasia after angioplasty. In this study, the effect of photodynamic therapy was evaluated in an experimental model of restenosis. Standardized unidirectional arterial injury with a directional atherectomy catheter was performed in porcine arteries. Animals were randomly allocated to four groups: group 1, unidirectional injury only; group 2, injury followed by local delivery of photosensitizer; group 3, injury followed by local exposure to monochromatic light; and group 4, where injury was followed by local drug delivery of photosensitizer and subsequent exposure to light (photodynamic therapy). Seven, 14 or 21 days after treatment, all experimental vessels were excised, fixed and processed for histology. An inflammatory and myoproliferative response was observed after injury in vessels from groups 1, 2 and 3. In group 4, after injury followed by photodynamic therapy, the myoproliferative response was significantly reduced. Thus, in this study, tissue hyperplasia after unidirectional injury was effectively suppressed by photodynamic therapy.     

Carrier ampholyte-free solution isoelectric focusing as a prefractionation method for the proteomic analysis of complex protein mixtures

The field of proteomics requires methods that offer high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. One of the strategies used to improve the dynamic range is sample prefractionation, such as microsolution isoelectric focusing (IEF). We have modified a commercial solution IEF instrument, the Rotofor, to prefractionate protein mixtures by carrier ampholyte-free solution IEF. The focusing chamber of the Rotofor was divided into several compartments by polyacrylamide membranes with imbedded Immobiline mixtures of specific pH values. When an electric field is applied, each protein migrates to the compartment confined by membranes with pH values flanking its isoelectric point. The approach was demonstrated for the focusing of myoglobin into a predicted compartment, as well as the separation of a complex soluble yeast protein mixture into several distinct fractions. The proteins were dissolved in water or 30% isopropanol. The method is applicable to both gel-based and solution-phase protein identification methods, without the need for further sample preparation.