High performance stationary phases for planar chromatography

The kinetic performance of stabilized particle layers, particle membranes, and thin films for thin-layer chromatography is reviewed with a focus on how layer characteristics and experimental conditions affect the observed plate height. Forced flow and pressurized planar electrochromatography are identified as the best candidates to overcome the limited performance achieved by capillary flow for stabilized particle layers. For conventional and high performance plates band broadening is dominated by molecular diffusion at low mobile phase velocities typical of capillary flow systems and by mass transfer with a significant contribution from flow anisotropy at higher flow rates typical of forced flow systems. There are few possible changes to the structure of stabilized particle layers that would significantly improve their performance for capillary flow systems while for forced flow a number of avenues for further study are identified. New media for ultra thin-layer chromatography shows encouraging possibilities for miniaturized high performance systems but the realization of their true performance requires improvements in instrumentation for sample application and detection.     

Linear self-referenced complex-field characterization of fast optical signals using photonic differentiation

This paper reviews recent work on a new group of linear and self-referenced techniques for full (amplitude and phase) characterization of fast optical signals based upon the concept of photonic differentiation, generally referred to as ‘phase reconstruction using optical ultrafast differentiation’ (PROUD). These techniques are particularly well adapted for applications in the context of fiber-optics telecommunications. PROUD methods can be implemented using simple and practical optical fiber-based setups and they rely on a direct, non-iterative phase recovery numerical algorithm. They can be used over a very wide range of pulse time durations, from the sub-picosecond to the nanosecond regime, and they can provide measurements in a single shot and in real time with power sensitivities down to the microwatt level. Previously reported PROUD methods are treated here under a unified, single framework, facilitating their analysis and comparison.     

Dynamic optical arbitrary waveform generation and detection in InP photonic integrated circuits for Tb/s optical communications

This article presents recent results in the development of optical arbitrary waveform generation (OAWG) technologies based on optical frequency combs and indium phosphide devices. A novel spectral-slice dynamic-OAWG approach and waveform shapers with customized spectral multiplexers and modulators, enable continuous generation of high fidelity optical waveforms accessing bandwidths in excess of 1 THz. We show results for two types integrated waveform shapers, a 100 GHz electrically controlled device with 10 channels spaced at 10 GHz and a 1 THz optically controlled device with 100 channels spaced at 10 GHz. Additionally, we include results from a 640 GHz waveform measurement device with 16 channels and 40 GHz spacing.     

Characterization of YSr2Fe3O8 − δ as electrode materials for SOFC

YSr₂Fe₃O_8 − δ was prepared by traditional solid state reaction method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, ac impedance, dc conductivity, dilatometry and thermogravimetric analysis for possible use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). YSr₂Fe₃O_8 − δ crystallizes with tetragonal symmetry in the space group P4/mmm and found to be stable at high temperatures under H₂ and air. Four probe dc electrical conductivity measurements show that the conductivity increases up to 745 K and then decreases with temperature; the highest conductivity σ_745K = 43.5 S cm^− 1. The n-type conductivity at low oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) changes to p-type at high pO₂. Polarization behavior was investigated measuring the ac impedance response in symmetrical cell arrangements in air with YSZ and GDC electrolytes. Cathodic area specific resistance (ASR) varies with firing temperature. The lowest area specific resistance was observed with a GDC electrolyte fired at 1000 °C. In case of YSZ, ASR increases and in case of GDC, ASR decreases in air when electrode firing temperature decreases. At 800 °C ASRs are 0.20 Ω cm² and 0.65 Ω cm² with GDC and YSZ electrolytes, respectively, in air. Fuel cell measurements with symmetrical electrodes were performed using a thin YSZ electrolyte under H₂ at anode and air at cathode, show that the power density is about 0.035 W/cm² at 900 °C.     

Squeezed coherent state undergoing a continuous nondemolition observation

The time evolution of a squeezed coherent state conditioned by the results of a single and double heterodyne measurement is discussed. The mean values of quadratures as well as the dynamics of quadrature uncertainties have been obtained within the framework of the theory of continuous measurements based on filtration equations. It has been found that while the mean values depend on the measured noise, the uncertainties in the optical quadratures are deterministic. Explicit solutions for the latter have been provided. Finally, a time development of the squeeze parameter for the posterior squeezed coherent state has been found.     

用于频域方法测量超短电子束纵向分布的Kramers-Krönig变换研究

Kramers-Krönig(K-K)变换方法被广泛地应用于频域测量中还原超短电子束团分布,成为分析电子束团形状、长度等参量的有效工具. 研究发现,利用该方法分析电子束参量时,自相干曲线基底的选择、低频损耗与高频截止及插值外推位置的选择,对束团参量有重要的影响. 以清华大学加速器实验平台采用相干渡越辐射测试束团长度为例,分析了上述参量的选取对测量结果的影响,讨论了选择K-K变换的关键物理参量的方法. 关键词： Kramers-Krönig变换 频域测量 超短电子束团 相干渡越辐射     

A hydrogel formed by cetylpyrrolidinium bromide and sodium salicylate

A novel hydrogel constructed by N-methyl-N-cetylpyrrolidinium bromide (C₁₆MPBr) and sodium salicylate (NaSal) is investigated using ¹H NMR, FT-IR, SEM, and rheological measurements. Through the rheological characterization of the hydrogels, both the NaSal concentration and pH have significant effects on the formation and properties of the gels. ¹H NMR, FT-IR, and SEM have also been employed to investigate the molecular arrangement and morphology of the gels. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are considered as the main driving forces to form the gels.     

Experimental and theoretical study of the IR spectrum of [(CH2OH)3CNH3]2SiF6 crystal

[(CH₂OH)₃CNH₃]₂SiF₆, (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane)₂SiF₆ crystal, abbreviated as (TRIS)₂SiF₆ crystal, exhibits a solid-solid phase transition (PT) at 182 K. The phase transition is connected with reorientational motion of SiF₆²⁻ and -CH₂OH groups. The vibrational infrared spectra of powdered (TRIS)₂SiF₆ crystal in Nujol and Fluorolube mulls were studied in the wide range of temperatures, from 320 K to 133 K. A wide region of internal vibrations of the TRIS⁺ and SiF₆²⁻ ions was investigated. Temperature changes of wavenumber, width, centre of gravity, and intensity of bands were analyzed to clarify the molecular mechanism of the phase transitions. Theoretical calculations were made based on density functional theory (DFT). The calculated normal vibrational modes of the molecules, their frequencies and intensities were compared with those obtained from experimental data.     

Semi-Automated Determination of Heavy Metals in Autopsy Tissue Using Robot-Assisted Sample Preparation and ICP-MS

The endoprosthetic care of hip and knee joints introduces multiple materials into the human body. Metal containing implant surfaces release degradation products such as particulate wear and corrosion debris, metal-protein complexes, free metallic ions, inorganic metal salts or oxides. Depending on the material composition of the prostheses, a systemic exposure occurs and may result in increasing metal concentrations in body fluids and tissues especially in the case of malfunctions of the arthroplasty components. High concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Ti and Al affect multiple organs such as thyroid, heart, lung and cranial nerves and may lead to metallosis, intoxications, poly-neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiomyopathy and the formation of localized pseudo tumors. The determination of the concentration of metals in body fluids and tissues can be used for predicting failure of hip or knee replacements to prevent subsequent severe intoxications. A semi-automated robot-assisted measurement system is presented for the determination of heavy metals in human tissue samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The manual and automated measurement processes were similarly validated using certified reference material and the results are compared and discussed. The automation system was successfully applied in the determination of heavy metals in human tissue; the first results are presented.