Multichannel vector sum phase shifter

A novel multichannel vector sum phase shifter that is suitable for phased array antenna applications is demonstrated. Each channel is implemented using a distinct optical wavelength. Selective control of each channel is performed using an acousto-optic polarization coupler. The concept is successfully demonstrated for two individually controlled channels. For each channel, a continuously variable frequency linear phase shift is demonstrated between DC and 7 GHz, with the phasing range exceeding 100 degrees.     

Inverse statistical problems: from the inverse Ising problem to data science

Inverse problems in statistical physics are motivated by the challenges of ‘big data’ in different fields, in particular high-throughput experiments in biology. In inverse problems, the usual procedure of statistical physics needs to be reversed: Instead of calculating observables on the basis of model parameters, we seek to infer parameters of a model based on observations. In this review, we focus on the inverse Ising problem and closely related problems, namely how to infer the coupling strengths between spins given observed spin correlations, magnetizations, or other data. We review applications of the inverse Ising problem, including the reconstruction of neural connections, protein structure determination, and the inference of gene regulatory networks. For the inverse Ising problem in equilibrium, a number of controlled and uncontrolled approximate solutions have been developed in the statistical mechanics community. A particularly strong method, pseudolikelihood, stems from statistics. We also review the inverse Ising problem in the non-equilibrium case, where the model parameters must be reconstructed based on non-equilibrium statistics.     

Design of full-duplex and multifunction bidirectional CMOS transceiver for optical interconnect applications

This work presents a full-duplex and multifunction bidirectional transceiver for optical interconnect application. The transceiver utilizes a common limiting amplifier/gain stage, thus reducing total chip area and total power consumption. While providing a full-duplex bidirectional transmission with the aid of a hybrid circuit between the electrical input/output (I/O) and the optoelectronic signals from the transmitter and receiver circuits, it also allows for a half-duplex operation with the aid of a switch between the transimpedance amplifier signals and the transmitter electrical input from the I/O port. The multifunction bidirectional CMOS transceiver is designed in a 0.13 µm Si-CMOS technology, with power dissipation of 79 and 54.4 mW for the transmitter and receiver, respectively. It shows a 3-dB bandwidth of 5.58 and 5.69 GHz for the transmitter and the receiver respectively and with a 3-dB gain of 66.14 and 69.6 dB, in full-duplex mode. The transceiver operates up to 7 Gb/s in full-duplex mode.     

Natural radioactivity in groundwater--a review

The issue of natural radioactivity in groundwater is reviewed, with emphasis on those radioisotopes which contribute in a significant way to the overall effective dose received by members of the public due to the intake of drinking water originating from groundwater systems. The term 'natural radioactivity' is used in this context to cover all radioactivity present in the environment, including man-made (anthropogenic) radioactivity. Comprehensive discussion of radiological aspects of the presence of natural radionuclides in groundwater, including an overview of current regulations dealing with radioactivity in drinking water, is provided. The presented data indicate that thorough assessments of the committed doses resulting from the presence of natural radioactivity in groundwater are needed, particularly when such water is envisaged for regular intake by infants. They should be based on a precise determination of radioactivity concentration levels of the whole suite of radionuclides, including characterisation of their temporal variability. Equally important is a realistic assessment of water intake values for specific age groups. Only such an evaluation may provide the basis for possible remedial actions.     

Facile synthesis of SnO2–ZnO core–shell nanowires for enhanced ethanol-sensing performance

The design of core–shell heteronanostructures is powerful tool to control both the gas selectivity and the sensitivity due to their hybrid properties. In this work, the SnO₂–ZnO core–shell nanowires (NWs) were fabricated via two-step process comprising the thermal evaporation of the single crystalline SnO₂ NWs core and the spray-coating of the grainy polycrystalline ZnO shell for enhanced ethanol sensing performance. The as-obtained products were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. The ethanol gas-sensing properties of pristine SnO₂ and ZnO–SnO₂ core–shell NW sensors were studied and compared. The gas response to 500 ppm ethanol of the core–shell NW sensor increased to 33.84, which was 12.5-fold higher than that of the pristine SnO₂ NW sensor. The selectivity of the core–shell NW sensor also improved. The response to 100 ppm ethanol was about 14.1, whereas the response to 100 ppm liquefied petroleum gas, NH₃, H₂, and CO was smaller, and ranged from 2.5 to 5.3. This indicates that the core–shell heterostructures have great potential for use as gas sensing materials.     

A priori investigation of subgrid correlation of mixture fraction and progress variable in partially premixed flames

Subgrid correlation of mixture fraction, Z, and progress variable, c, is investigated using direct numerical dimulation (DNS) data of a hydrogen lifted jet flame. Joint subgrid behaviour of these two scalars are obtained using a Gaussian-type filter for a broad range of filter sizes. A joint probability density function (JPDF) constructed using single-snapshot DNS data is compared qualitatively with that computed using two independent β-PDFs and a copula method. Strong negative correlation observed at different streamwise locations in the flame is captured well by the copula method. The subgrid contribution to the Z–c correlation becomes important if the filter is of the size of the laminar flame thickness or larger. A priori assessment for the filtered reaction rate using the flamelet approach with independent β-PDFs and correlated JPDF is then performed. Comparison with the DNS data shows that both models provide reasonably good results for a range of filter sizes. However, the reaction rate computed using copula JPDF is found to have a better agreement with the DNS data for large filter sizes because the subgrid Z–c correlation effect is included.     

The optical properties and energy transition process in nanocomposite of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone polymer and Mn-doped ZnS

This study has been carried out on the optical properties of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP), the energy transition process in nanocomposite of PVP capped ZnS:Mn nanocrystalline and the influence of the PVP concentration on the optical properties of the PVP capped ZnS:Mn nanocrystalline thin films synthesized by the wet chemical method. The microstructures of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, the atomic absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the prepared samples belonged to the sphalerite structure with the average particle size of about 2–3 nm. The optical properties of samples are studied by measuring absorption, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and time-resolved PL spectra in the wavelength range from 200 to 700 nm at 300 K. From data of the absorption spectra, the absorption edge of PVP polymer was found about of 230 nm. The absorption edge of PVP capped ZnS:Mn nanoparticles shifted from 322 to 305 nm when the PVP concentration increases. The luminescence spectra of PVP showed a blue emission with peak maximum at 394 nm. The luminescence spectra of ZnS:Mn–PVP exhibits a blue emission with peak maximum at 437 nm and an orange–yellow emission of ion Mn²⁺ with peak maximum at 600 nm. While the PVP coating did not affect the microstructure of ZnS:Mn nanomaterial, the PL spectra of the PVP capped ZnS:Mn samples were found to be affected strongly by the PVP concentration.     

Extremely low vertical-emittance beam in the accelerator test facility at KEK

Electron beams with the lowest, normalized transverse emittance recorded so far were produced and confirmed in single-bunch-mode operation of the Accelerator Test Facility at KEK. We established a tuning method of the damping ring which achieves a small vertical dispersion and small x-y orbit coupling. The vertical emittance was less than 1% of the horizontal emittance. At the zero-intensity limit, the vertical normalized emittance was less than 2.8 x 10(-8) rad m at beam energy 1.3 GeV. At high intensity, strong effects of intrabeam scattering were observed, which had been expected in view of the extremely high particle density due to the small transverse emittance.     

Synthesis of Fluorinated Graphene Oxide and its Amphiphobic Properties

The richly functionalized basal plane bonded to polar organic moieties makes graphene oxide (GO) innately hydrophilic. Here, a methodology to synthesize fluorinated graphene oxide by oxidizing the basal plane of fluorinated graphite, allowing for tunable hydrophobicity of GO, is reported. Fluorine exists as tertiary alkyl fluorides covalently bonded to graphitic carbons, and using magic‐angle spinning (MAS) ¹³C NMR as a primary tool chemical structures for the two types of synthesized fluorinated graphene oxides (FGOs) with significantly different fluorine contents are proposed. The low surface energy of the C–F bond drastically affects GO's wetting behavior, leading to amphiphobicity in its highly fluorinated form. Ease of solution processing enables the fabrication of inks that are spray‐painted on various porous/non‐porous substrates. These coatings maintain amphiphobicity for solvents with surface tensions down to 59 dyn/cm, thus bypassing existing lithographic means to create similar surfaces. The approach towards fluorinating GO and fabricating graphene‐based surfaces with tunable wettability opens the path towards unique, accessible, carbon‐based amphiphobic coatings.