Generation and detection of optical vortices using all fiber-optic system

We demonstrate simultaneous generation, propagation and detection of optical vortices using all fiber-optic system. A fiber-optic Y-coupler was used for generating spherical and doughnut beams, simultaneously. Gaussian (TEM₀₀) beam emitted from CW red He-Ne laser is coupled into the fiber coupler and is converted into vortex beam via second arm of fiber which propagates with azimuthal phase dependence having well defined orbital angular momentum. The phase structure of vortex beam was detected by interfering both the beams using simple fiber-optic interferometer. The present all fiber-optic system might find application for detecting, sensing physical parameters and is simple and cost effective for generating and detecting optical vortices.     

Separation and determination of <Superscript>241</Superscript>Am in urine samples from radiation workers using PC88-A and alpha spectrometry

Bioassay technique is used for the estimation of actinides present in the body based on their excretion rate through body fluids. For occupational radiation workers urine assay is the preferred method for monitoring of chronic internal exposure. Determination of low concentrations of actinides such as plutonium, americium and uranium at low level of mBq in urine by alpha spectrometry requires pre-concentration of large volumes of urine. This article deals with standardization of analytical method for the determination of ²⁴¹Am isotope in urine samples using Extraction Chromatography (EC) and ²⁴³Am tracer for radiochemical recovery. The method involves oxidation of urine followed by co-precipitation of americium along with calcium phosphate. This precipitate after treatment is further subjected to calcium oxalate co-precipitation. Separation of Am was carried out by EC column prepared by PC88-A (2-ethyl hexyl phosphonic acid 2-ethyl hexyl monoester) adsorbed on microporous resin XAD-7 (PC88A-XAD7). Am-fraction was electro-deposited and activity estimated using tracer recovery by alpha spectrometer. Ten routine urine samples of radiation workers were analyzed and consistent radiochemical recovery was obtained in the range 44–60% with a mean and standard deviation of 51 and 4.7% respectively.     

Transition-metal-free C-arylation at room temperature by arynes

A facile, fluoride-induced transition-metal-free chemoselective α-arylation of β-dicarbonyl compounds (malonamide esters) at room temperature using aryne intermediates has been demonstrated. Selective mono- or diarylation and generation of a quaternary benzylic stereocenter have also been achieved. The methodology will be highly useful for the synthesis of a library of CNS depressant barbiturate drugs like Phenobarbital.