Observation of modulational instability induced by velocity-matched cross-phase modulation in a normally dispersive bimodal fiber

We demonstrate experimentally the existence of cross-phase-modulation-induced modulational instability in the absence of group-velocity mismatch between the interacting nonlinear dispersive waves. The experiment is performed by means of a normally dispersive isotropic bimodal fiber. The group-velocity mismatch between the fundamental and the first-order modes that constitute the two interacting waves is controlled by wavelength tuning. A strong power dependence of the modulational instability spectra is observed near the condition of group-velocity matching.     

Investigation of the hydrothermal stability of cross-linked liquid silicone rubber (LSR)

We investigate the hydrothermal stability of cross-linked liquid silicone rubber (LSR) in water at 100 °C up to period of two years. Optical microscopy of cross-sections of the exposed samples reveal that only the outer 100 μm of the surface layer is affected after two years. However, the surface chemistry of the material after prolonged exposure becomes significantly modified, as monitored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), which probes depths of 10 nm and 1 μm, respectively. In addition, changes to the bulk physical properties of the rubber samples, prior to and after the exposure, were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Micro-hardness analysis showed that surface roughness of the two year exposed sample increased from 60 (IRHD) to 75 (IRHD). Furthermore, the volume change (%) measurement showed a significant decrease in the course of exposure at prolonged time. The results provide the experimental basis for development of LSR materials suitable for numerous technical applications.     

Nuclear microanalysis of titanium

Application of charged particle activation analysis (CPAA) for the detection of traces of titanium has been demonstrated. Experimental samples containing traces of titanium varying from ppm to ppb levels were prepared by coprecipitating it with aluminium hydroxide, subsequently converted to Al₂O₃. Titanium in Al₂O₃ were irradiated with 40 MeV -particles in the Variable Energy Cyclotron, Calcutta. The element was detected through the product radioisotopes,⁴⁸V,⁴⁷Ca,⁴⁷Sc,⁵¹Cr,⁴⁹Cr and⁴⁸Cr, produced from various nuclear reactions such as (, pxn), (, xn), etc. Suitability of Al₂O₃ as diluent matrix for the element has been verified.     

Design of C-H-N-O based new hetero-cyclic high energy density molecules: a theoretical survey

Structural Chemistry - Theoretical study of C-H-N-O based new high energy density molecules is modeled with well-known FOX-7 (1, 1 - dinitro 2, 2 - diamino ethylene) moiety. We have designed some...     

Naturally occurring secoiridoids and bioactivity of naturally occurring iridoids and secoiridoids. A review, part 2

Naturally occurring new secoiridoids published during 1994-2005 are reviewed with available physical and spectral data: mp, [alpha](D), UV, IR, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR and plant source. The works on biological and pharmacological activity of naturally occurring iridoids and secoiridoids reported during 1998-2005 are also reviewed. Bioactivities like antiallergic, antiarthritis, antibacterial, anticancer, anticoagulant, anticomplement, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antioxidative, antiprotozoal, antispasmodic, antiviral, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, nerve growth factor potentiating and wound healing activities are highlighted.     

Functionalization of self-organized TiO2 nanotubes with Pd nanoparticles for photocatalytic decomposition of dyes under solar light illumination

Self-organized, vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays prepared by the sonoelectrochemical anodization method are functionalized with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles of approximately 10 nm size. A simple incipient wetness method is adopted to distribute the Pd nanoparticles uniformly throughout the TiO2 nanotubular surface. This functionalized material is found to be an excellent heterogeneous photocatalyst that can decompose nonbiodegradable azo dyes (e.g., methyl red and methyl orange) rapidly (150-270 min) and efficiently (100%) under ambient conditions using simulated solar light in the absence of any external oxidative radicals such as hydrogen peroxide.