Hybrid Plasmonic–Aerogel Materials as Optical Superheaters with Engineered Resonances

Solar radiation is a versatile source of energy, convertible to different forms of power. A direct path to exploit it is the generation of heat, for applications including passive building heating, but it can also drive secondary energy-conversion steps. We present a novel concept for a hybrid material which is both strongly photo-absorbing and with superior characteristics for the insulation of heat. The combination of that two properties is rather unique, and make this material an optical superheater. To realize such a material, we are combining plasmonic nanoheaters with alumina aerogel. The aerogel has the double function of providing structural support for plasmonic nanocrystals, which serve as nanoheaters, and reducing the diffusion rate of the heat generated by them, resulting in large local temperature increases under a relatively low radiation intensity. This work includes theoretical discussion on the physical mechanisms impacting the system's balanced thermal equilibrium.     

The Challenge of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain in action presents large statistical and computational challenges. Here we describe those challenges and provide references to a number of other papers where detailed methods developed to meet them are reported. The first seven sections of this paper were written in 1995 when our work was in its infancy. The last four sections were written more recently, to update the earlier sections and to show the directions we have gone and the directions we intend to go.     

Electrostatic interaction between two conducting spheres

In the paper we consider the problem of the electrostatic interaction between two charged conducting spheres with arbitrary electrical charges and radiuses. Using the image charges method we determine exact analytical formulas for the force F and for the potential energy W of the interaction between these two spheres as well as for the potential V of the electromagnetic field in an arbitrary point created by them. Our formulas lead to Coulomb’s law for point charges.We theoretically prove the experimentally shown fact that two spheres with the same type (positive or negative) of charges can also attract each other.     

An Efficient Straightforward Synthesis of (-)-Bulgecinine

(-)-Bulgecinine 1, a component of the antibiotic bulgecins, was efficiently synthesized from (S)-pyroglutaminol2.