Evaluation of spectral dispersion of optical constants of a-Se films from their normal-incidence transmittance spectra using Swanepoel algebraic envelope approach

Spectral dispersions of index of refraction \({n(\lambda )}\) and extinction coefficient \({\kappa (\lambda )}\) of undoped amorphous selenium (a-Se) films of three thicknesses (d?≈?0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 µm) were evaluated by analyzing experimental room-temperature normal-incidence transmittance-wavelength (\({{T_{{\text{exp}}}}(\lambda )} - \lambda\)) data (λ =?400–1100 µm) of their air-supported {a-Se film/thick glass slide}-stacks using Swanepoel’s transmission envelope theory of uniform films. Above a wavelength \({{\lambda _c}\,\, \approx \,\,640\;{\text{nm}}}\), as-measured \({{T_{{\text{exp}}}}(\lambda )}\,\, - \,\lambda\) spectra display well-resolved maxima and minima, with minor shrinkage in transparent and weak absorption regions (750–1100 nm). Below \({\lambda _{\text{c}}}\), a smeared sharp decline of \({{T_{{\text{exp}}}}(\lambda )}\) with decreasing λ, signifying strong absorption in a-Se films and existence of band-tail localized states. For λ > λ _c, the \({n\,(\lambda )}\, - \,\lambda\) data retrieved from algebraic envelope procedures followed a Sellmeier-like dispersion relation, with the best-fit values of high-frequency dielectric constant \({{\varepsilon _\infty }\, \approx \,\,{\text{4.9}}}\), static index of refraction \({{n_{\text{0}}} = n\left( {E\, \to \,{\text{0}}} \right)\,\, \approx \,\,{\text{2.43}}}\), and resonance wavelength \({{\lambda _0}\, \approx \,490\,\,{\text{nm}}}\), which may be assigned to onset of photogeneration in a-Se. Urbach-like dependency of absorption coefficient \({\alpha (h{{\nu }})}\) of a-Se films on photon energy \({h{{\nu }}}\) was realized with an Urbach-tail breadth of 85 meV. All achieved optical parameters were found to be slightly dependent on film thickness. Findings of present algebraic analysis are consistent with reported literature results obtained on the basis of other optical analytical approaches.     

Generalized holographic dark energy model

In this paper, the model of the holographic Chaplygin gas has been extended to two general cases: first the case of a modified variable Chaplygin gas and second the case of the viscous generalized Chaplygin gas. The dynamics of the model is expressed by the use of scalar fields and scalar potentials.     

Array of concentric CMOS photodiodes for detection and de-multiplexing of spatially modulated optical channels

A novel octagonal structure of photodiodes using standard CMOS technology has been developed to serve as a de-multiplexer for spatially multiplexed fiber optic communication systems. Concentric photodiodes of six different structure types are investigated for this purpose. The responsivity of the fabricated devices lies within ten percent of the theoretical values at 660 nm. The concept is demonstrated for silicon and the geometry can be extended to other materials commonly used in optical communications. This presents structural details, device model and equivalent circuits for these devices. Test results for detector responsivity, leakage currents and quantum efficiency are also presented.     

Evaluation of sorption of uranium onto metakaolin using X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies

Metakaolin prepared from a natural clay mineral ore of aluminium kaolinite is a promising low cost and high activity aluminosilicate material that has been investigated for studying the sorption behavior of uranium. Here, metakaolin was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the effects of pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration on its sorption behavior were studied. The sorption process was found to initially be rapid (∼60% at time 0 min) but became slower with time; equilibrium was established within 24 h (∼80% sorption). The data were applied to study the kinetics of the sorption process. The Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) sorption isotherms were used to describe partitioning behavior for the system at room temperature. The binding of metal ions was found to be pH dependent, with optimal sorption occurring at pH 5. The retained metal ions were eluted with 5 mL of 0.1 M HNO₃. Raman spectroscopy and XPS were used to evaluate the sorption mechanism of U(VI).     

Effect of the acyl group and the dodecylsulfonate chain on the inclusion of pyrene inside the cavity of β-cyclodextrin

The solubilization of pyrene in aqueous solution of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) or its derivatives such as β-CD-hexanoyl, β-CD-benzoyl and β-CD-dodecylsulfonate was investigated by spectrophotometry. Linear and non-linear regression methods were used to estimate the association constants (K₁). A 1:1 stoichiometric ratio and different effects of the hexanoyl, benzoyl and dodecylsulfonate groups on the association constant were observed for the binary inclusion complex between pyrene and β-CD. The formation constant was shown to decrease when β-CD was modified by a dodecylsulfonate chain. The value of K₁ was 190 ± 10 L mol⁻¹ for the [pyrene/β-CD] complex and 145 L mol⁻¹ for the [pyrene/β-CD-dodecylsulfonate] complex. Partitioning of the pyrene molecules between the dodecylsulfonate chains and cyclodextrin cavities can explain the decrease in the association constant value. In the cases of β-CD-hexanoyl and β-CD-benzoyl derivatives, no association constants were detected. Results suggest that the high hydrophobicity of the hexanoyl and benzoyl groups prevents the inclusion of pyrene molecules inside the cyclodextrin cavity.     

The Rayleigh–Stokes problem for an edge in a generalized Oldroyd-B fluid

The velocity field corresponding to the Rayleigh–Stokes problem for an edge, in an incompressible generalized Oldroyd-B fluid has been established by means of the double Fourier sine and Laplace transforms. The fractional calculus approach is used in the constitutive relationship of the fluid model. The obtained solution, written in terms of the generalized G-functions, is presented as a sum of the Newtonian solution and the corresponding non-Newtonian contribution. The solution for generalized Maxwell fluids, as well as those for ordinary Maxwell and Oldroyd-B fluids, performing the same motion, is obtained as a limiting case of the present solution. This solution can be also specialized to give the similar solution for generalized second grade fluids. However, for simplicity, a new and simpler exact solution is established for these fluids. For β → 1, this last solution reduces to a previous solution obtained by a different technique.     

Use of an on-line imprinted polymer pre-column, for the liquid chromatographic-UV absorbance determination of carbaryl and its metabolite in complex matrices

A carbaryl and 1-naphtol molecular imprinted polymers (MIP1 and MIP 2, respectively) were prepared using suspension polymerization and tested for selective and reversible binding to carbaryl and 1-naphtol, respectively. In the suspension polymerization technique used, polymers of methacrylic acid (MAA), highly cross-linked with ethylene dimethacrylate, provide a specific binding sites for the carbaryl molecule and its metabolite when using it as a template to be removed after polymerization. The molecular imprinted polymer with a particle size of approximately 5 microm were isolated and packed into a pre-column (50 mm x 4.6 mm id) that was used to isolate carbaryl and its metabolite from complex matrices injected on a high performance liquid chromatography system using ultra-violet detection without extensive sample preparation and clean up. The HPLC method had a detection limit of 1.00 ng/mL and a linear response (r2 > 0.98) over the concentration range of 1.00-10.0 ng/mL.     

Axial Couette flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid in an annulus

This paper establishes the velocity field and the adequate shear stress corresponding to the motion of an Oldroyd-B fluid between two infinite coaxial circular cylinders by means of finite Hankel transforms. The flow of the fluid is produced by the inner cylinder which applies a time-dependent longitudinal shear stress to the fluid. The exact analytical solutions, presented in series form in terms of Bessel functions, satisfy all imposed initial and boundary conditions. The general solutions can be easily specialized to give similar solutions for Maxwell, second grade and Newtonian fluids performing the same motion. Finally, some characteristics of the motion as well as the influence of the material parameters on the behavior of the fluid motion are graphically illustrated.     

Noncommutative Wormholes in f(R) Gravity with Lorentzian Distribution

In this paper, we derive some new exact solutions of static wormholes in f(R) gravity supported by the matter possesses Lorentzian density distribution of a particle-like gravitational source. We derive the wormhole’s solutions in two possible schemes for a given Lorentzian distribution: assuming an astrophysically viable F(R) function such as a power-law form and discuss several solutions corresponding to different values of the exponent (here $F =\frac{df}{dR}$ ). In the second scheme, we consider particular form of two shape functions and have reconstructed f(R) in both cases. We have discussed all the solutions with graphical point of view.     

An efficient synthesis of substituted bis(indolyl)methanes using sodium bromate and sodium hydrogen sulfite in water

Treatment of indole with substituted aldehyde in the presence of equimolar amount of sodium bromate and sodium hydrogen sulfite mixture in water yielded corresponding substituted bis(indolyl)methanes in good yields. This provides a facile and environmentally friendly method towards the synthesis of an important class of organic compounds.