High-bandwidth transmission of an efficient photonic-crystal mode converter

We have investigated both theoretically and experimentally the spectral behavior and the transmission and reflection performance of a photonic-crystal (PhC) mode converter upon an InP substrate. This taper exhibits 70% transmission efficiency on an 80-nm bandwidth when it couples a ridge access guide to a strongly confined single-missing-row PhC guide. Such a taper design included in a PhC bend contributes a large benefit to the overall transmission budget of the PhC-based link.     

Magnetic properties of C60 polymers

Magnetic properties of various C60 polymers are calculated using tight-binding molecular-dynamics and ab initio methods. Our results suggest a mechanism involving an interplay between structural defects and sp(3) hybridization to be responsible for the origin of this magnetism. The onset of magnetism is found to occur much more readily for the Rh-C60 polymeric phase with defects than for any of the other polymers, in agreement with the recent experiment. Our estimate of the magnetic moment is also in very good agreement with the value observed in experiment.     

Phase-shifting windowed Fourier ridges for determination of phase derivatives

Determination of the phase or phase derivative from interferometric fringe patterns is an important task in optical interferometry. The use of wavelet ridges was recently shown to be an effective method for phase retrieval from a single fringe pattern. One necessary requirement in this method is the need for carrier frequency. In cases when carrier frequency is not available, the novel phase-shifting windowed Fourier ridges method can be used. Phase derivatives with the proper sign can be directly retrieved even in the presence of noise. An application for curvature determination from speckle shearographic fringes demonstrates the effectiveness of the method.     

Carbon nanotube "T Junctions": formation pathways and conductivity

Using tight-binding molecular dynamics we simulate the formation of single wall carbon nanotube T junctions via the fusing of two nanotubes. We propose energetically efficient pathways for this process in which all atoms maintain their sp(2) arrangements throughout. Recent experimental advances have greatly increased the plausibility of synthesizing T junctions as proposed in the simulations. We further report I-V characteristics of the formed junctions.     

Non-linear response of a string to random excitation

The mean square deflection of a non-linear string subjected to nonplanar Gaussian white noise excitation is determined by the perturbation method. It is shown that increase in tension due to stretching, and transverse transverse mode coupling tend to reduce the mean square deflection; while longitudinal-transverse mode coupling tends to counter this effect to some extent. These results are in conformity with the trend observed in the case of periodic excitation.     

Characterisation of different polymorphs of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium(III) using solid-state NMR and DFT calculations

Background  

Organic light emitting devices (OLED) are becoming important and characterisation of them, in terms of structure, charge distribution, and intermolecular interactions, is important. Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)-aluminium(III), known as Alq₃, an organomettalic complex has become a reference material of great importance in OLED. It is important to elucidate the structural details of Alq₃ in its various isomeric and solvated forms. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a useful tool for this which can also complement the information obtained with X-ray diffraction studies.     

Advantages of endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy using yag laser scalpel

The surgical management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis has been performed through an endoscope in the past. The etiology of bilateral vocal cord paralysis is usually secondary to trauma; to secure an adequate airway, a tracheostomy is performed. Endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy offers a safe method of decannulating patients with maintenance of good voice quality and a rima glottidis of 4–6 mm posteriorly. Several wavelengths are available to carry out this procedure, and this article will focus on Nd:Yag laser scalpel applications. The advantage of this method is the preservation of good voice quality with an option of an external procedure, if the need arises. The laser application offers excellent hemostasis, and decreased edema and scar tissue formation. The results of our study on 10 patients appear encouraging and superior with respect to other available wavelengths.