Experimental observation of left-handed behavior in an array of standard dielectric resonators

We demonstrate that by utilizing displacement currents in simple dielectric resonators instead of conduction currents in metallic split-ring resonators and by additionally exciting the proper modes, left-handed properties can be observed in an array of high dielectric resonators. Theoretical analysis and experimental measurements show that the modes, as well as the subwavelength resonance, play an important role in the origin of the left-handed properties. The proposed implementation of a left-handed metamaterial, based on a purely dielectric configuration, opens the possibility of realizing media at terahertz frequencies since scaling issues and losses, two major drawbacks of metal-based structures, are avoided.     

The magnetic mechanism of Zn<Subscript>0.93</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.07</Subscript>O thin films

Zn_0.93Co_0.07O thin films infiltrated with nitrogen and aluminum were prepared by means of magneton sputtering. The structural and magnetic properties of the films were studied systematically. The materials were single phase (wurtzite structure) with surfaces showing signs of homogeneous growth. The films were ferromagnetic at room temperature, and magnetic domains could be clearly observed on the surfaces. In the case of Al infiltration, saturated magnetization increased with Al concentration increasing; whereas in the case of N infiltration, saturated magnetization decreased with the increase in N concentration. The results show that ferromagnetic interactions in Co-doped ZnO diluted magnetic semiconductor may be transferred by electrons. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10674059) and the Major Project of National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2005CB623605)     

Adaptive homodyne measurement of optical phase

We present an experimental demonstration of the power of feedback in quantum metrology, confirming the predicted [H. M. Wiseman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 4587 (1995)]] superior performance of an adaptive homodyne technique for single-shot measurement of optical phase. For measurements performed on weak coherent states with no prior knowledge of the signal phase, adaptive homodyne estimation approaches closer to the intrinsic quantum uncertainty than any previous technique. Our results underscore the importance of real-time feedback for reaching quantum limits in measurement and control.     

A re-evaluation of auditory filter shape in delphinid odontocetes: evidence of constant-bandwidth filters

The auditory filter shape of delphinid odontocetes was previously considered to be typically mammalian constant-quality in which filter bandwidths increase proportionally with frequency. Recent studies with porpoises demonstrate constant-bandwidth portions of the auditory filter. The critical ratios for a bottlenose dolphin were measured between 40 and 120 kHz by behaviorally determining the subject's ability to detect pure tones in the presence of white noise. Critical ratios as a function of frequency were constant, indicating the auditory filter acts as a constant-bandwidth system in this frequency range. Re-analysis of past studies supports these findings, and suggests the delphinid auditory system is best characterized as a constant-Q system below 40 kHz and a constant-bandwidth-like system between 40 kHz and 120 kHz before returning to a constant Q pattern at the highest frequencies.     

Preparation, magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric effect of two-layered perovskite La 2.5- x K 0.5+ x Mn 2 O 7+δ

Polycrystalline two-layered perovskite La_2.5-xK_0.5+xMn₂O _{7 + δ} (0 < x < 0.5) samples have been prepared by a modified sol-gel method and their magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric effects have been studied. A large deviation between the metal-insulator (MI) transition temperature (T _ρ ) and the magnetic transition temperature (T_C) is observed. Large magnetoresistance (MR) effects with Δρ/ρ of ∼40% at 12 kOe are obtained in wide temperature ranges. The maximum of the magnetic entropy change peaks at its Curie temperature (T_C), far above its MI transition temperature (T _ρ ). The large magnetic entropy change (∼1.4 J/kg.K) is obtained in the sample La_2.5-xK_0.5+xMn₂O _{7 + δ} (x = 0.35) upon 10 kOe applied magnetic field. Received 2 May 2002 / Received in final form 1st October 2002 Published online 19 December 2002 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: wzhong@ufp.nju.edu.cn     

Synthesis, characterization and activity of alumina-supported cobalt nitride for NO decomposition

A new type of transition metal nitride, viz. alumina-supported cobalt nitride, was synthesized for the first time by NH₃-temperature-programmed reaction, and its structure was characterized by BET, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) techniques. The supported cobalt nitride performs much better than its bulk counterpart for NO decomposition, owing to its small crystal size, high thermal stability and big surface area.     

Three-dimensional vibration analysis of thick rectangular plates using Chebyshev polynomial and Ritz method

This paper describes a method for free vibration analysis of rectangular plates with any thicknesses, which range from thin, moderately thick to very thick plates. It utilises admissible functions comprising the Chebyshev polynomials multiplied by a boundary function. The analysis is based on a linear, small-strain, three-dimensional elasticity theory. The proposed technique yields very accurate natural frequencies and mode shapes of rectangular plates with arbitrary boundary conditions. A very simple and general programme has been compiled for the purpose. For a plate with geometric symmetry, the vibration modes can be classified into symmetric and antisymmetric ones in that direction. In such a case, the computational cost can be greatly reduced while maintaining the same level of accuracy. Convergence studies and comparison have been carried out taking square plates with four simply-supported edges as examples. It is shown that the present method enables rapid convergence, stable numerical operation and very high computational accuracy. Parametric investigations on the vibration behaviour of rectangular plates with four clamped edges have also been performed in detail, with respect to different thickness-side ratios, aspect ratios and Poisson’s ratios. These results may serve as benchmark solutions for validating approximate two-dimensional theories and new computational techniques in future.     

Target detection by the beluga using a surface-reflected path

During an echolocation-in-noise experiment we suspected that a beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) was using a surface-reflected path to maximize detection performance. We tested and confirmed this suspicion by acoustically and mechanically denying access to surface path information. The whale's performance varied as the surface-reflected path was denied.