Direct observation of strain-induced change in surface electronic structure

We have observed a novel modification of a surface state due to a local strain field induced by a nanopattern formation. N adsorption on the Cu(100) surface induces a nanoscale grid pattern, where the clean Cu regions remain periodically. The lattice is contracted on the clean region by adjacent c(2 x 2)N domains, which have a larger lattice constant. On this patterned surface, we have investigated the Tamm-type surface state at M by means of angle-resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The binding energy of the Tamm state shifts toward the Fermi level continuously with increasing N coverage, i.e., the intensity of the strain field. This behavior due to the strain field is completely different from that caused by electron confinement observed on vicinal surfaces. The Brillouin zone extension corresponding to the lattice contraction was also detected.     

Effective bandwidth reduction for a high-power laser-diode array by an external-cavity technique

bandwidth of a high-power laser-diode array was effectively suppressed by use of an off-axis external-cavity technique. The external cavity consisted of a beam-transformation system and a pair of off-axis volume Bragg gratings. During operation at a drive current of 40 A, we reduced the bandwidth's full width at half-maximum from 3.3 to 0.24 nm (14-fold reduction) and achieved an output power of 20 W, or as much as 87% of the power radiated by a free-running laser-diode array without an external cavity.     

Direct removal of SU-8 using focused laser writing

SU-8 photoresist is an important material used in the development of micro-devices [1]. Cross-linked SU-8 structures have been known for their thermal stability and their strong resistance to standard solvent, acid and base. Due to the inert properties of this polymer, it is difficult to further modify or remove SU-8 once it is completely cured. We report an effective process to pattern cured SU-8 photoresist on glass using focused laser beam. Laser fabrication has been an important tool in various fields of research [2]. We made use of this laser cutting method to create interesting and useful two-dimensional SU-8 structures. The shapes and sizes of the structures created can be controlled by varying the power of the laser, angle of incident of the focused laser beam, the relative speed with which the laser beam traverse through the SU-8 film and the magnification of objective lens used. Besides two-dimensional structures, we can also create three-dimensional structures. In this case, we made use of a combination of controlled depth cutting and undercutting where focused laser beam is transmitted through the transparent substrate. Some possible applications of the laser patterned SU-8 film are also demonstrated in this work. PACS 42.62-b; 42.82.Cr; 79.60.Fr; 79.20.Ds; 78.66.-w     

Hydroxy-Directed, SmI(2)-Induced Conversion of Carbohydrates into Carbocycles

Polyoxygenated six-membered carbocycles were derived from carbohydrates with complete stereocontrol through hydroxy-directed coupling cyclization induced by SmI(2). For example, the cis-1,3-cyclohexanediol 3 is obtained from the D-glucopyranoside derivative 1 in excellent yield. The coupling cyclization is initiated by single-electron transfer from SmI(2) to the formyl group of the delta-hydroxy aldehyde 2 generated in an equilibrium process.     

Acoustic inspection of bond strength of steel-reinforced mortar after exposure to elevated temperatures

In order to evaluate the bond strength between the reinforcement and concrete after fire damage, a combination of acoustic through-transmission and pull-out tests were used. Previous studies have shown a 25% decrease in the ultrasonic pulse velocity at 90% of the maximum load at room temperature. The specimens were kept in the oven at an elevated temperature for 1, 2, or 3 h. They were then removed and cooled to room temperature. Inspection was conducted using a high-power ultrasonic pulse velocity system while a pull-out load was applied. The correlation between preheated temperature, acoustic wave velocity, and the applied load was analyzed. Initial results show that bond strength and pulse velocity decreased substantially as the temperature or the heating time increased.     

Comparing Diffusion Approximation with Radiation Transfer Analysis for Light Transport in Tissues

The diffusion model that is an approximation of the equation of radiation transfer is typically used to describe photon migration in scattering-dominant media. In general biological tissue is highly scattering and very weakly absorbing against near-infrared light, yet it is heterogeneous and may contain relatively highly absorbing or low-scattering regions. Here applicability of the diffusion approximation over the radiative transfer theory for describing ultrafast laser transport in biological tissues is numerically studied and investigated over different kinds of tissue conditions and geometries. Tissues having tumors of different sizes, locations and nature as well as dual-tumor and low-scattering conditions are considered. Radiation transfer analysis is taken as a comparison objective and it is initially proved to be accurate in benchmark comparisons with Monte Carlo simulation. The results predict systematically about the compatible conditions where and when we can use the diffusion approximation and the conditions in which the diffusion approximation may provide misleading results.     

Investigation of the anisotropy of the transverse magnetoresistance in single-crystal ferromagnetic films

The transverse magnetoresistance in films of nickel, iron, and several alloys is investigated when there is a current along the [100] and [110] directions as a function of the angle between the direction of the field (16 kG) and the plane of the film. The results obtained are compared with experimental data and with theory for bulk single crystals. An explanation of the anomalies observed in the film is given.Translated from Izvestiya VUZ. Fizika, No. 12, pp. 7–10, December, 1973.