Compensation for multimode fiber dispersion by adaptive optics

Adaptive optics is used to compensate for modal dispersion in digital transmission through multimode fiber (MMF). At the transmitter, a spatial light modulator (SLM) controls the launched field pattern. An estimate of intersymbol interference (ISI) caused by modal dispersion is formed at the receiver and fed back to the transmitter, where the SLM is adjusted to minimize ISI. Error-free transmission of 10 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero signals through standard 50 microm graded-index MMFs up to 11.1 km long is demonstrated. It is shown that a single SLM can compensate for modal dispersion across a 600 GHz bandwidth.     

In vivo brain imaging using a portable 3.9 gram two-photon fluorescence microendoscope

We introduce a compact two-photon fluorescence microendoscope based on a compound gradient refractive index endoscope probe, a DC micromotor for remote adjustment of the image plane, and a flexible photonic bandgap fiber for near distortion-free delivery of ultrashort excitation pulses. The imaging head has a mass of only 3.9 g and provides micrometer-scale resolution. We used portable two-photon microendoscopy to visualize hippocampal blood vessels in the brains of live mice.     

Techniques,computations, and conjectures for semi-topological <Emphasis Type="Italic">K</Emphasis>-theory

We establish the existence of an Atiyah-Hirzebruch-like spectral sequence relating the morphic cohomology groups of a smooth, quasi-projective complex variety to its semi-topological K-groups. This spectral sequence is compatible with (and, indeed, is built from) the motivic spectral sequence that relates the motivic cohomology and algebraic K-theory of varieties, and it is also compatible with the classical Atiyah-Hirzebruch spectral sequence in algebraic topology. In the second part of this paper, we use this spectral sequence in conjunction with another computational tool that we introduce — namely, a variation on the integral weight filtration of the Borel-Moore (singular) homology of complex varieties introduced by H. Gillet and C. Soulé – to compute the semi-topological K-theory of a large class of varieties. In particular, we prove that for curves, surfaces, toric varieties, projective rational three-folds, and related varieties, the semi-topological K-groups and topological K-groups are isomorphic in all degrees permitted by cohomological considerations. We also formulate integral conjectures relating semi-topological K-theory to topological K-theory analogous to more familiar conjectures (namely, the Quillen-Lichtenbaum and Beilinson-Lichtenbaum Conjectures) concerning mod-n algebraic K-theory and motivic cohomology. In particular, we prove a local vanishing result for morphic cohomology which enables us to formulate precisely a conjectural identification of morphic cohomology by A. Suslin. Our computations verify that these conjectures hold for the list of varieties above.Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 19E20, 19E15, 14F43The first author was partially supported by the NSF and the NSAThe second author was supported by the Helen M. Galvin Fellowship of Northwestern UniversityThe third author was partially supported by the NSF and the NSA     

Using hydrogen bonds to direct the assembly of crowded aromatics

This Minireview details the design, synthesis, and self-assembly of a new class of crowded aromatics that form columnar superstructures. The assembly of these subunits produces helical and polar stacks, whose assembly can be directed with electric fields. In concentrated solutions, these self-assembled helical rods exhibit superhelical arrangements that reflect circularly polarized light at visible wavelengths. Depending on the side chains employed, spin-cast films yield either polar monolayers or isolated strands of molecules that can be visualized with scanning probe microscopy. Also detailed herein are methods to link these mesogens together to produce monodisperse oligomers that fold into defined secondary conformations.     

Use of a Design of Experiments approach for the optimisation of a microwave assisted Ugi reaction

The utility of a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach for the rapid and efficient optimisation of a microwave assisted Ugi 3cc reaction of levulinic acid is demonstrated. DoE methods have also been applied to the assessment of the reaction scope for a range of amine and isonitrile substrates. The optimal procedure developed using this approach has enabled the preparation of lactam derivatives in moderate to excellent yields (17-90%) in a reaction time of only 30 min compared to the conventional methodology which required up to 48 h.     

Attachment of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides to thiol-derivatised gold surfaces

Glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides have been attached to thiol-derivatised gold surfaces, via the formation of mercury-sugar adducts at the non-reducing end, representing a new method of generating versatile glycoconjugates incorporating this class of biologically and medically important carbohydrate.     

Automated parallel, multi-step polymer-assisted solution phase (PASP) synthesis of substituted benzimidazole derivatives

The automated polymer-assisted solution phase (PASP) synthesis of a 72 member library of 2-alkylthio-benzimidazoles 16 and benzimidazolin-2-ones 17 using commercially available robotic workstations is described. By incorporating both automated aqueous work-ups, in-line scavenging and 'catch and release' protocols the desired compounds were obtained directly in good yields and excellent purities without the need for conventional chromatographic purification. The synthesis described demonstrates how both manual and automated equipment may be utilised together to provide a versatile approach that facilitates parallel compound synthesis.     

A new nucleophilic addition/ring-closure sequence. Enantioselective synthesis of 3-deoxy-8-oxatropanes

[reaction: see text] A study of new nucleophilic addition/ring-closure (NARC) sequences has resulted in the development of a stereoselective synthetic route to 3-deoxy-8-oxatropanes. The new sequences consisted of either a syn or anti aldol addition, employing an omega-alkenoyl sultam, followed by two-step bicyclic ring construction involving, consecutively, ring-closing metathesis and intramolecular oxymercuration.     

Unidirectional current in a polyacetylene hetero-ionic junction

Unidirectional electronic current is reported for a device based on the interface between an anionically functionalized and a cationically functionalized polyacetylene. The unidirectional current in this mixed ionically/electronically conducting system is electronic but is regulated by asymmetry in the ionic processes.