Theoretical Analysis of Super-Resolution Optical Disk Mastering Using a Photoreactive Dye Mask Layer

The super-resolution mastering of read-only optical disks using a photoreactive bleachable dye mask layer was theoretically analyzed. Equations have been derived which describe the photoreactions of the resist layer and mask layer. A numerical simulation based on these equations showed that the transmittance of the mask directly affects the quality of the formed pit shape. A high-quality pit shape is obtained by using a low transmittance mask.     

Synthesis and Optical Properties of SiO2-Coated CeO2 Nanoparticles

Silica (SiO₂)-coated ceria (CeO₂) nanoparticles were prepared using water-in-oil microemulsion. Polyoxyethylene (15) cetylether and cyclohexane were used as a surfactant and organic solvent. SiO₂-coated CeO₂ nanoparticles were obtained by hydrolysis of metal alkoxide (tetraethylorthosilicate, TEOS) in the solution containing CeO₂ precursor nanoparticles. The effects of CeO₂ sources (Ce metal salt) and CeO₂ particle-forming agents on the morphology of SiO₂–CeO₂ particles were investigated. Observation via transmission electron microscopy revealed that the type of particle-forming agent affected the nanoparticles' morphology and that CeO₂ nanoparticles were spherically coated with SiO₂ when using oxalic acid ((COOH)₂) as a particle-forming agent of CeO₂. Furthermore, the transmittance of the particles was high in the visible region (above 400 nm) and decreased in the ultraviolet region.     

Observation of the Fano-Kondo antiresonance in a quantum wire with a side-coupled quantum dot

We have observed the Fano-Kondo antiresonance in a quantum wire with a side-coupled quantum dot. In a weak coupling regime, dips due to the Fano effect appeared. As the coupling strength increased, conductance in the regions between the dips decreased alternately. From the temperature dependence and the response to the magnetic field, we conclude that the conductance reduction is due to the Fano-Kondo antiresonance. At a Kondo valley with the Fano parameter q approximately 0, the phase shift is locked to pi/2 against the gate voltage when the system is close to the unitary limit in agreement with theoretical predictions by Gerland et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3710 (2000)].     

Building a Simple Model of a Pulse-Frequency-Modulation Photosensor and Demonstration of a 128 x 128-pixel Pulse-Frequency-Modulation Image Sensor Fabricated in a Standard 0.35-$mUm Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Technology

We present a simple model of the pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) photosensor that provides explicit relationships between circuit parameters and output characteristics. The model treats the PFM photosensor with a feedback loop as an open loop circuit. Several characteristics such as output pulse frequency for light intensity and photosensitivity are expressed by device parameters of a photodiode, reset transistor, and chain of inverters. The relationships derived from the proposed model help us to comprehend the results by simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) or experiments. We design and fabricate a 128 x 128-pixel PFM image sensor with photosensitivity of 0.15 Hz/lux. As a demonstration, a figure of a dinosaur is captured using the fabricated image sensor to discuss its operation. Characteristics of a normal pixel and white and black defect pixels are measured and discussed based on the results of formulations.     

Evidence for two energy scales in the superconducting state of optimally doped (Bi,Pb)2(Sr,La)2CuO6+delta

We use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the energy gap(s) in (Bi,Pb)2(Sr,La)2CuO6+delta. We find that the spectral gap has two components in the superconducting state: a superconducting gap and pseudogap. Differences in their momentum and temperature dependence suggest that they represent two separate energy scales. Spectra near the node reveal a sharp peak with a small gap below T(c) that closes at T(c). Near the antinode, spectra are broad with a large energy gap of approximately 40 meV above and below T(c). The latter spectral shape and gap magnitude are almost constant across T(c), indicating that the pseudogap state coexists with the superconducting state below T(c), and it dominates spectra around the antinode. We speculate that the pseudogap state competes with the superconductivity by diminishing spectral weight in antinodal regions, where the superconducting gap is largest.     

Antenna Performance of a Directly Dug Corrugated Feedhorn for the 150-GHz Band

We have developed a 150 GHz band corrugated feed horn. These corrugated feed horns have been established by a new machining method, which involves digging corrugations through a metal material. We were able to realize E plane and H plane symmetry, low side lobe level, and low cross-polarization level. Measured co-polarization beam patterns above − 35 dB were consistent with the simulated patterns within a designed frequency range. The peak levels of cross-polarization beam patterns were less than − 30 dB. And, the performances were uniform in several horns. In the present paper, we describe the corrugated horn produced by this methods.     

Evaluation of immobilized-lysozyme by means of TOF-SIMS

Evaluation of immobilized-proteins on bio-devices is important for the development of sophisticated devices. Lysozyme molecules immobilized on substrates were evaluated by means of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Two types of the lysozyme-immobilized samples were prepared by controlling the binding parts, i.e., the amino groups or carboxyl groups, of the protein. The TOF-SIMS spectra of each sample were analyzed with mutual information to select fragment ions specific to each sample. According to the results, differences between the samples being immobilized in the different ways are suggested, and the surface structure of the lysozyme molecule immobilized at amino groups is determined based on three-dimensional structure of lysozyme in the Protein Data Bank.     

Pressure loading of detonation waves through 90-degree bend in high pressure H2–O2–N2 mixtures

Detonation experiments are conducted to investigate the detonation wave behavior in steam pipelines of boiling water reactors. Accumulated gases in BWRs are stoichiometric hydrogen/oxygen mixtures diluted with steam at 7 MPa. In the experiment, flammable gas mixture diluted with nitrogen at room temperature and up to 5 MPa is used to achieve equivalent detonation condition. Two test pieces are used, one is straight tube and the other is 90-degree bend. No initial pressure dependency in detonation wave behavior is observed in the experiments. However, in the straight tube tests, detonation velocities higher than theoretical values are measured when the initial pressures are greater than 2.3 MPa. This result is considered as attribution of real gas effect. In the 90-degree bend experiments, pressure time histories reveal pressure loads greater than the straight tube portion at two locations. One is a high pressure peak at the extrados of the bend and the other is a double pressure peak just downstream of the bend outlet. Second pressure peak just downstream of the bend outlet is due to transverse wave propagation. Additionally, the largest impulse is observed not at the extrados of the bend but at the intrados of bend outlet. These results show the importance of more investigations on transverse wave behaviors in failure potential evaluation.     

Physico-chemical properties and possible photocatalytic applications of titanate nanotubes synthesized via hydrothermal method

Titanate nanotubes (TNTs) were prepared from TiO₂ P25 via hydrothermal method. The reaction temperature was 130 or 140 °C and the reaction time was 24 or 48 h. The samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and N₂ adsorption as well as Raman, FTIR-DRS and UV-vis/DR spectroscopy. The obtained samples exhibited similar properties, regardless of the preparation temperature and time. The most notable difference between properties of TNTs prepared under different conditions was observed in case of BET surface area, which was increasing from 386 to 478 m²/g along with increasing the reaction time and temperature. Based on TEM, XRD and TG measurements we have suggested that the structure of TNTs was H₂Ti₂O₄(OH)₂. The TEM and Raman spectroscopy measurements showed that the obtained products contained also low amount of anatase phase. The TNTs exhibited no photoactivity towards degradation of model azo dye Acid Red 18. However, TNTs were successfully applied for photocatalytic generation of CH₄ and H₂ in a solution of acetic acid. The amount of methane produced with application of TNTs synthesized at 140 °C was about 2.5 times higher than that generated with use of TiO₂ P25. To the best of our knowledge this is a first report on the photocatalytic generation of hydrocarbons using TNTs in the current state of the art.