High-efficiency optical coupling to planar photodiode using metal reflector loaded waveguide grating coupler

For the realization of optoelectronic integrated circuits, it is required to incident light perpendicularly to a planar Si photodiode. We propose a high-efficient vertical optical coupler using an amorphous Si optical waveguide grating coupler with top reflector, which is transparent at 850 nm wavelength range. The optical waveguide (width of 300 nm $\times $ height of 100 nm) coupler is analyzed by using finite element method. The coupling efficiency of 80 % is calculated at the grating period of 380 nm, the duty ratio of 0.75 and the depth of 35–65 nm with top metal reflector.     

Study of Strangeness Photoproduction on the Neutron in the Threshold Region

Photoproduction of the neutral kaon on the deuteron has been investigated at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. We constructed the Neutral Kaon Spectrometer-2 for the detection of charged particles from the decay of the neutral kaon and the hyperon. We obtained a momentum distribution of K ⁰ with the inclusive measurement. It was consistent with the previous measurement. The total cross section of γ + d → K ⁰ + Λ + p was estimated from the measured integral cross section of γ + d → Λ + X. The total cross section with respect to the photon energy was compared with the theoretical calculations. It favored the Saclay-Lyon A model calculation with the ratio of the neutral to charged coupling constants of the axial-vector meson, K ₁, as ~ ?1.5. The energy dependence and the magnitude of the total cross section were similar to the total cross section of γ + p → K ⁺ Λ.     

Thickness optimization of a multilayered structure on the coupling surface between a structure and an acoustic cavity

This paper describes a new design method to optimize thickness distribution of a multilayered structure which is located on the coupling surface between a structure and an acoustic cavity. The design method is based on the concept of the density approach in topology optimization incorporating a transfer matrix for a multilayered structure that includes a poroelastic media layer. The one-dimensional transfer matrix adopted here is an approximate representation addressing vibro-acoustic effects inherent in a multilayered structure, and balances calculation resources and desired accuracy. Applying the transfer matrix representation as boundary conditions on the coupling surface between a structure and an acoustic cavity, the modified equilibrium equation of the vibro-acoustic system is derived which is approximately but efficiently solved by the modal approach. In this study, the problem of minimizing the acoustic pressure within the cavity over the prescribed frequency range is formulated under the volume constraint of the poroelastic media layer. The continuous approximation of thickness distribution is assumed, and the thickness of the poroelastic media layer at each nodal point is chosen as design variables. Numerical results show that an acoustic response is significantly reduced by the optimal thickness distribution having a total weight equal to or less than that in the initial uniform thickness. These demonstrate that the proposed method is effective to design the optimal thickness distribution of a multilayered structure.     

Dynamical properties and electronic structure of (LaLi)TiO3 conductors

A computer simulation by a molecular dynamics method is performed to study the properties of structure and Li ion diffusion in La_4/3???x Li (LaLi)TiO₃ ;LLTO;Li ion conductors;Superionic conductors;Perovskite;Off-site;Electronic structureA computer simulation by a molecular dynamics method is performed to study the properties of structure and Li ion diffusion in La_{4/3 − x} Li Ti₂O₆ =(LaLi)TiO₃ =LLTO, which is the perovskite-type Li ion conductor. In the low Li concentration, Li ions conduct a two-dimensional motion, while Li ions diffuse a three-dimensional motion in the high Li ion concentration. The partial distribution function for Li–Ti and the diffusion paths of Li ions suggest that Li ions stay for a long time at off-site positions, which are 2.7? away from a body-centered Ti ion. The Li ion concentration dependence to the conductivity σ is in approximate agreement with experiments. The energy band dispersion and the density of states are calculated using the linear-muffin-tin-orbital method. The energy contour map shows the stable position of Li ions is off center of the vacant La sites. Both calculations suggest that the stable position of Li ions is off center of the vacant La sites. Paper presented at the 11th EuroConference on the Science and Technology of Ionics, Batz-sur-Mer, Sept. 9–15, 2007.     

Behavior and process of background signal formation of hydrogen,carbon, nitrogen,and oxygen in silicon wafers during depth profiling using dual-beam TOF-SIMS

The behavior and mechanism of background signals during depth profiling of atmospheric elements using dual-beam time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) have been experimentally investigated for silicon wafers. The background signals of atmospheric elements were found to be inversely proportional to the sputtering rate. Most of the background signals are largely attributable to the accumulation of components through adsorption and ion bombardment in the pre-equilibrium state. On the other hand, the contribution of real-time adsorption during the instant after the last sputtering in the equilibrium state is negligible under the present experimental conditions. H₂O is dominant in the background formation process of hydrogen and oxygen, which is supported by the higher adsorption coefficients. The background levels of carbon and nitrogen are lower than those of hydrogen and oxygen. Furthermore, the background signal of carbon with respect to the sputtering rate shows a different trend than the other elements. This could be attributed to accumulation in the pre-equilibrium state. These results indicate that the background levels can be lowered close to those of dynamic-SIMS by using an extremely high sputtering rate in dual-beam TOF-SIMS.     

Biosynthesis of Indole Diterpene Lolitrems: Radical-Induced Cyclization of an Epoxyalcohol Affording a Characteristic Lolitremane Skeleton

Lolitrems are tremorgenic indole diterpenes that exhibit a unique 5/6 bicyclic system of the indole moiety. Although genetic analysis has indicated that the prenyltransferase LtmE and the cytochrome P450 LtmJ are involved in the construction of this unique structure, the detailed mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report the reconstitution of the biosynthetic pathway for lolitrems employing a recently established genome-editing technique for the expression host Aspergillus oryzae. Heterologous expression and bioconversion of the various intermediates revealed that LtmJ catalyzes multistep oxidation to furnish the lolitrem core. We also isolated the key reaction intermediate with an epoxyalcohol moiety. This observation allowed us to establish the mechanism of radical-induced cyclization, which was firmly supported by density functional theory calculations and a model experiment with a synthetic analogue.     

In silico modeling of PAX8–PPARγ fusion protein in thyroid carcinoma: influence of structural perturbation by fusion on ligand-binding affinity

Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design - Paired box 8 (PAX8)–peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) rearrangement is believed to play an important role in...     

Exfoliation of graphite by dry ball milling with cellulose

Dry ball milling of graphite with cellulose and related polysaccharides was found effective for exfoliation-dispersion of graphene-like carbon. The exfoliation behavior was found to depend strongly on the polymer species; namely, polysaccharides are much more effective than thermoplastic polymers. The compression-molded slabs from co-milled powder with cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose showed an electrical percolation threshold of 1.0 % (w/w) or lower. The carbon fraction isolated from milling with carboxymethylcellulose was water-dispersible, containing single- to few-layer graphenes. This method can provide facile and solventless graphene exfoliation and mechanical alloying with polymers.