Some properties and applications of cumulative Kullback–Leibler information

The cumulative Kullback–Leibler information has been proposed recently as a suitable extension of Kullback–Leibler information to the cumulative distribution function. In this paper, we obtain various results on such a measure, with reference to its relation with other information measures and notions of reliability theory. We also provide some lower and upper bounds. A dynamic version of the cumulative Kullback–Leibler information is then proposed for past lifetimes. Furthermore, we investigate its monotonicity property, which is related to some new concepts of relative aging. Moreover, we propose an application to the failure of nanocomponents. Finally, in order to provide an application in image analysis, we introduce the empirical cumulative Kullback–Leibler information and prove an asymptotic result. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surfactant Hydrogels for the Dispersion of Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Catalysts

Novel hydrogel phases based on positively charged and zwitterionic surfactants, namely, N‐[p‐(n‐dodecyloxybenzyl)]‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (pDOTABr) and p‐dodecyloxybenzyldimethylamine oxide (pDOAO), which combine pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs), were obtained, thus leading to stable dispersions and enhanced cross‐linked networks. The composite hydrogel featuring a well‐defined nanostructured morphology and an overall positively charged surface was shown to efficiently immobilise a polyanionic and redox‐active tetraruthenium‐substituted polyoxometalate (Ru₄POM) by complementary charge interactions. The resulting hybrid gel has been characterised by electron microscopy techniques, whereas the electrostatic‐directed assembly has been monitored by means of fluorescence spectroscopy and ζ‐potential tests. This protocol offers a straightforward supramolecular strategy for the design of novel aqueous‐based electrocatalytic soft materials, thereby improving the processability of CNTs while tuning their interfacial decoration with multiple catalytic domains. Electrochemical evidence confirms that the activity of the catalyst is preserved within the gel media.     

Active electric near field imaging of electronic devices

An active two dimensional near field imaging of a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) used as THz detector has been performed. The reflective imaging system developed at the ENEA FEL Facility in Frascati has been used to this purpose. This imaging technique has shown to be particularly powerful in resolving various coupling mechanisms of the incident radiation with the device.     

Piecewise linear processes with Poisson‐modulated exponential switching times

We consider the jump telegraph process when switching intensities depend on external shocks also accompanying with jumps. The incomplete financial market model based on this process is studied. The Esscher transform, which changes only unobservable parameters, is considered in detail. The financial market model based on this transform can price switching risks as well as jump risks of the model.     

Theory of scattering in multimode optical fibres

The problem of scattering in multimode optical fibres is treated in a rigorous way by means of both a ray and a statistical approach. These two methods are interlaced and harmonized. Applications to microbending, ellipticity, core radius and maximum numerical aperture variations, and fluctuations of index profile shape are performed. Useful results about power distribution and fibre attenuation are derived in each case.     

A new approach to investigating mode coupling phenomena in graded-index optical fibres

To study mode coupling in optical fibres a new technique is developed, based on mode selective excitation and output near-field analysis. Experimental results support decoupling of the problem into two phenomena which are effective on different scales of propagation length: azimuthal and longitudinal mode mixing. A statistical model providing a simulation of the experimental near-field patterns is developed. Comparison with measurements shows that azimuthal mixing is complete before 1 km propagation, while effects of uncomplete axial coupling are accounted for. This approach also suggests a method for measuring the steady-state distribution length, with useful system implications.     

Telegraph Process with Elastic Boundary at the Origin

We investigate the one-dimensional telegraph random process in the presence of an elastic boundary at the origin. This process describes a finite-velocity random motion that alternates between two possible directions of motion (positive or negative). When the particle hits the origin, it is either absorbed, with probability α, or reflected upwards, with probability 1?α. In the case of exponentially distributed random times between consecutive changes of direction, we obtain the distribution of the renewal cycles and of the absorption time at the origin. This investigation is performed both in the case of motion starting from the origin and non-zero initial state. We also study the probability law of the process within a renewal cycle.     

Biomimetic Bottlebrush Polymer Coatings for Fabrication of Ultralow Fouling Surfaces

Demand for long‐lasting antifouling surfaces has steered the development of accessible, novel, biocompatible and environmentally friendly materials. Inspired by lubricin (LUB), a component of mammalian synovial fluid with excellent antifouling properties, three block polymers offering stability, efficacy, and ease of use were designed. The bottlebrush‐structured polymers adsorbed strongly on silica surfaces in less than 10 minutes by a simple drop casting or online exposure method and were extremely stable in high‐salinity solutions and across a wide pH range. Antifouling properties against proteins and bacteria were evaluated with different techniques and ultralow fouling properties demonstrated. With serum albumin and lysozyme adsorption <0.2 ng cm^?2, the polymers were 50 and 25 times more effective than LUB and known ultralow fouling coatings. The antifouling properties were also tested under MPa compression pressures by direct force measurements using surface forces apparatus. The findings suggest that these polymers are among the most robust and efficient antifouling agents currently known.     

Analytical solutions for the energy distribution of charged particles in a weak electric field

The paper deals with the stationary distribution of charged particles moving in a material medium, having scattering and absorption properties, in which a uniform electric field is present. The purpose of the work is finding analytical solutions in simplified but physically significant situations and comparing different approximations based on a spherical-harmonics expansion of the velocity distribution. Received: 28 July 1998     

Er3+/Yb3+-activated silica-hafnia planar waveguides for photonics fabricated by rf-sputtering

95.8SiO₂–4.2HfO₂ planar waveguide activated by 0.2 mol% Er and 0.2 mol% Yb was fabricated by multi-target rf-sputtering technique. The optical parameters were measured by an m-line apparatus operating at 543.5, 632.8, 1319 and 1542 nm. The waveguide compositions were investigated by energy dispersive spectroscopy. The waveguide exhibits a single propagation mode at 1.3 and 1.5 μm with an attenuation coefficient of 0.2 dB/cm at 1.5 μm. The emission of ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺ ion, with a 42 nm bandwidth was observed upon TE₀ mode excitation at 980 and 514.5 nm. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy was used to obtain information about the effective excitation efficiency of Er³⁺ ions by co-doping with Yb³⁺ ions. Channel waveguide in rib configuration were fabricated by wet etching process in the active film.