Low-pass filter characteristics of multimode graded index fibres

On the basis of ray model solutions, the response of a lossless multimode graded-index fibre to a modulated source is calculated. The results demonstrate great sensitivity of the bandwidth of the fibre to small variations in index profile.     

Nucleophilic substitution at phosphorus (S(N)2@P): disappearance and reappearance of reaction barriers

Pentacoordinate phosphorus species play a key role in organic and biological processes. Yet, their nature is still not fully understood, in particular, whether they are stable, intermediate transition complexes (TC) or labile transition states (TS). Through systematic, theoretical analyses of elementary S(N)2@C, S(N)2@Si, and S(N)2@P reactions, we show how increasing the coordination number of the central atom as well as the substituents' steric demand shifts the S(N)2@P mechanism stepwise from a single-well potential (with a stable central TC) that is common for substitution at third-period atoms, via a triple-well potential (featuring a pre- and post-TS before and after the central TC), back to the double-well potential (in which pre- and postbarrier merge into one central TS) that is well-known for substitution reactions at carbon. Our results highlight the steric nature of the S(N)2 barrier, but they also show how electronic effects modulate the barrier height.     

Gain analysis and design of evanescently coupled N+1 core fiber laser arrays

Using coupled mode theory it is shown how transverse mode shaping and selection can be performed, including in-phase operation, by engineering of the refractive index and gain. Analytical predictions are confirmed by a detailed numerical model.