Modified grating-based external cavity diode laser for simultaneous dual-wavelengths operation

We have reported a modified V-shaped external cavity, which is constructed around a commercial diode laser operating at a center wavelength of λ=785 nm by adding a new coated glass plate with about 50% reflectivity to the cavity. This allows simultaneous dual-wavelengths operation in the vicinity of Δν_min=0.18 THz to Δν_max=0.22 THz, which can be used as laser source for terahertz generation either for semiconductor devices or nonlinear schemes.     

Fabrication and characterization of Zn1−xAlxO nanoparticles by DC arc plasma

In this paper we have introduced a simple method for the fabrication of aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanoparticles. The Zn_1−xAl_xO nanoparticles with different concentrations of Al (x=0.01, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12) were fabricated successfully by this method. The samples were analyzed by the use of several techniques such as SEM, EDX, XRD, PL and UV-vis spectroscopy. The SEM images showed that the fabricated nanoparticles had spherical shapes. The XRD patterns of the samples indicated that the Al atoms substituted in the Zn positions in the crystal lattice of ZnO and there were some changes in the lattice parameters. A blue shift in the λ_max of the absorption and a red shift in the λ_max of the emission were observed. The results also indicated that the amount of shifts had a direct relationship with the changes in the lattice parameters.     

High-pressure phases of hydrogen cyanide: formation of hydrogenated carbon nitride polymers and layers and their electronic properties

We have performed a set of first-principles simulations to consider the possible phase transitions in molecular crystals of HCN under high pressure. Our calculations reveal several transition paths from the orthorhombic phase to tetragonal and then to triclinic phases. The transitions from the orthorhombic to the tetragonal phases are of the second order, whereas those from the tetragonal to the triclinic phases turn out to be of the first-order type and characterized by an abrupt decrease in volume. Our calculations show that, by adjustment of the temperature and pressure of the HCN molecular crystal, novel layered and polymeric crystals with insulating, semiconducting or metallic properties can be found. Based on our simulation results, two different crystal formation mechanisms are deduced. The stabilities of the predicted structures at ambient pressure are further assessed by performing phonon or MD simulations. In addition, the electron transport properties of the predicted polymers are obtained using the non-equilibrium Green's function technique combined with density functional theory. The results show that the polymers have metallic-like I-V characteristics.     

Surface energies of metals in both liquid and solid states

Although during the last years one has seen a number of systematic studies of the surface energies of metals, the aim and the scientific meaning of this research is to establish a simple and a straightforward theoretical model to calculate accurately the mechanical and the thermodynamic properties of metal surfaces due to their important application in materials processes and in the understanding of a wide range of surface phenomena. Through extensive theoretical calculations of the surface tension of most of the liquid metals, we found that the fraction of broken bonds in liquid metals (f) is constant which is equal to 0.287. Using our estimated f value, the surface tension (γ_m), surface energy (γ_SV), surface excess entropy (−dγ/dT), surface excess enthalpy (H_s), coefficient of thermal expansion (α_m and α_b), sound velocity (c_m) and its temperature coefficient (−dc/dT) have been calculated for more than sixty metals. The results of the calculated quantities agree well with available experimental data.     

A new model for deformed carbon nanotubes using Green’s function

A new method for modeling and analysis of deformed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using Green’s function, is presented in this paper, for the first time. Using the proposed method, a new circuit model is obtained for the deformation region of a deformed single-walled CNT (SWCNT), which the values of its elements depend on the type of deformation and also the deformation parameters such as the coupling matrices and the energy variations of deformation region. The comparison between the obtained results from the analysis of proposed model and the literature gives a good match which approves the accuracy and correctness of the proposed model.     

Designing and Synthesis of Novel Amidated Fentanyl Analogs

Some new amidated fentanyl (=N‐[1‐(2‐phenylethyl)piperidin‐4‐yl]‐N‐phenylpropanamide) analogs with a 4‐(N‐phenylamido)piperidine scaffold and additional amide bonds have been designed and synthesized through Ugi four‐component reaction (Ugi‐4CR). Good‐to‐high yields, diversity‐oriented synthesis, and possible applications in drug discovery are advantages of this approach.     

On biaccessible points in the Julia set of a Cremer quadratic polynomial

We prove that the only possible biaccessible points in the Julia set of a Cremer quadratic polynomial are the Cremer fixed point and its preimages. This gives a partial answer to a question posed by C. McMullen on whether such a Julia set can contain any biaccessible point at all.

     

Application of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) for the analysis of phenols in mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke

Summary This paper describes the application of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) to the rapid quantitative analysis of individual mono- and dihydroxy phenols in tobacco smoke. The method derived provides reproducible and quantitative analysis of real samples, in significantly shorter times than are achieved by current GC and HPLC methods.     

Application of Spectroscopy and Microscopy Techniques in Surface Coatings Evaluation: A Review

Abstract: This article presents a review of the published articles related to the novel application of spectroscopy and microscopy methods in paint and coatings quality evaluation. Traditional and simple techniques have been used in paint and coating industry for many years and proven to be effective. However, the paint and coating industry faces new formulations with nontraditional applications. Therefore, the industry needs to adjust itself with the current sophisticated production and testing methods. There are a number of modern microscopy and spectroscopy techniques that can be utilized in the paint and coating industry for a better understanding of the product quality and/or application performance. This, in particular, is highly applicable in modern and nontraditional applications such as nanotechnology and smart coatings. Though importance of spectroscopy and microscopy methods is being increasingly recognized in the industry, there is no current comprehensive review available to highlight the need for novel application of these techniques in surface coatings evaluations.     

Palladium-catalyzed stereoselective synthesis of 3-(aminomethylene)-oxindoles

An efficient palladium-catalyzed protocol for the stereoselective synthesis of 3-(aminoarylmethylene)-oxindoles has been developed. In this approach, Ugi-4-component reaction adducts were used as starting materials for carbopalladative cyclization-Buchwald reaction sequences.