Incompatibility networks as models of scale-free small-world graphs

We make a mapping from Sierpinski fractals to a new class of networks, the incompatibility networks, which are scale-free, small-world, disassortative, and maximal planar graphs. Some relevant characteristics of the networks such as degree distribution, clustering coefficient, average path length, and degree correlations are computed analytically and found to be peculiarly rich. The method of network representation can be applied to some real-life systems making it possible to study the complexity of real networked systems within the framework of complex network theory.     

Energy transfer in hyperthermal Xe-graphite surface scattering

The scattering of a hyperthermal Xe from a graphite (0001) surface has been studied using a molecular beam-surface scattering technique and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The angular and velocity distributions of scattered Xe atoms were measured at incidence energies from 0.45 to 3.5 eV, three incidence angles of 15°, 35° and 60° and the surface temperatures of 300 K and 550 K. The observed time-of-flight spectra exhibit a sharp velocity distribution with only one velocity component, which is ascribed to the direct inelastic scattering process. The angle-resolved energy ratios of the mean final translational energy over the mean incidence energy E_f/E_i agree well with those predicted based on the assumption of the conservation of the momentum parallel to the surface. The Hard-Cube model, where the mass of the cube is approximately 310 u, has reproduced the angle-resolved flux distributions of scattered Xe atoms. In the Hard-Cube model almost 80% of the normal component of the incidence translational energy is found to be lost in collision. The MD simulations reproduce well the experimental results by using the Brenner potential for intralayer C atoms and a Lennard-Jones potential for interlayer C–C pair interactions.     

Birefringent filter with amplitude beats

In this work, we show a very simple birefringent filter useful to modulate a broadband light spectrum. We first show the generation of various oscillating spectra using two identical multiple-order waveplates. In particular a sinusoidal broadband spectrum with a rapid oscillation is obtained. This spectrum is amplitude modulated by adding another waveplate to the system. This waveplate has a small phase shift, and with the proper orientation generates amplitude beats on the broadband spectrum. Finally, we show how this system can be voltage controlled by means of a ferroelectric liquid crystal modulator. We experimentally demonstrate this behavior with the aid of a portable spectrophotometer, and we provide a theoretical explanation on the basis of the Jones matrix formalism.     

Development and investigation of an optical tilt sensor

An optical tilt sensor was developed and its performance was investigated. The tilt sensor set-up consisted of a laser light source, lenses and an image sensor. A precision reference tilt sensor was also installed on the same stage, and the measurement results of tilt angles using the optical and reference tilt sensors were correlated. The correlation coefficient (R-value) obtained under ideal conditions was 0.99454, indicating that the optical tilt sensor could produce as accurate measurements as the precision reference tilt sensor. The R-value decreased to 0.97714 and 0.93209 when the image sensor was shifted backwards and forwards from the focal plane by 1 mm, respectively. The R-value decreased to 0.96840 when the tilt sensor was performed with the room light turned on. There were not significant differences in the measurement results obtained with air conditioners turned on and off, indicating that the optical tilt sensor was robust and was not sensitive to the surrounding air turbulence. These findings are useful for the final design of the optical tilt sensor.     

Reinvestigation of the thermoelectric properties of Ag8GeTe6

High‐density polycrystalline samples (above 98% of the theoretical density) of Ag₈GeTe₆ were prepared by solid‐state reactions of Ag₂Te, GeTe, and Te, followed by hot‐pressing. The thermoelectric properties were measured at temperatures ranging from room temperature to around 700 K. The thermal conductivity values were extremely low (0.25 Wm^–1 K^–1 at room temperature), and consequently Ag₈GeTe₆ exhibited a relatively high thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT = 0.48 at 703 K. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Correlation between the real Co particle size distributions and the magnetic properties of GMR Cu–10Co alloy

The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), magnetic and magneto-resistivity investigations of the Cu–10Co (wt%) giant magneto-resistance (GMR) melt-spun ribbons are reported and discussed. To obtain different distributions of ferromagnetic Co particles in a non-magnetic Cu matrix, the alloy was aged at 550 °C for 0.5, 1, 2, 16, and 32 h. Particle size measurements were performed using quantitative TEM metallography methods. Two size classes of Co particles are identified: primary particles (P) precipitated during the melt-spinning process and the secondary particles (S) precipitated during the ageing process. The results of magnetization and coercitivity are correlated with the results of calculations based on the real Co particle distributions determined from TEM micrographs. The behavior of magnetization and coercive force in function of ageing time is explained as related with changes of a mean particle size. It is shown that the GMR effect is not influenced by Co particles distribution for the S particles with the mean size less than 10 nm, whereas for Co distributions with larger mean diameters, the GMR effect is strongly reduced.     

Surface Plasmon Resonance and Field Enhancement of Au/Ag Alloyed Hollow Nanoshells

We investigate the nanostructure, surface plasmon resonance （SPR） absorption and nonlinear enhancement of Au/Ag alloyed hollow nanoshells prepared by the replacement reaction of Ag nanoparticles in a HAuCI4 aqueous solution. As the volume of HAuCl4 increases from OmL to 0.S mL, the SPR band of the Au/Ag alloyed nanoshells is tuned from 430nm to 780nm, and the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility is enhanced nearly by an order of magnitude, which indicates a large enhancement of local field in the Au/Ag alloyed hollow nanoshells with hole defects.     

Photonic Crystal Fibre SERS Sensors Based on Silver Nanoparticle Colloid

A photonic crystal fibre （PCF） surface enhanced Raman scattering （SERS） sensor is developed based on silver nanoparticle colloid. Analyte solution and silver nanoparticles are injected into the air holes of PCF by a simple modified syringe to overcome mass-transport constraints, allowing more silver nanoparticles involved in SERS activity. This sensor offers significant benefit over the conventional SERS sensor with high flexibility, easy manufacture. We demonstrate the detection of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid （4-MBA ） molecules with the injecting way and the common dipping measurement. The injecting way shows obviously better results than the dipping one. Theoretical analysis indicates that this PCF SERS substrate offers enhancement of about 7 orders of magnitude in SERS active area.     

Effects of CO2 activation on porous structures of coconut shell-based activated carbons

In this paper, textural characterization of an activated carbon derived from carbonized coconut shell char obtained at carbonization temperature of 600 °C for 2 h by CO₂ activation was investigated. The effects of activation temperature, activation time and flow rate of CO₂ on the BET surface area, total volume, micropore volume and yield of activated carbons prepared were evaluated systematically. The results showed that: (i) enhancing activation temperature was favorable to the formation of pores, widening of pores and an increase in mesopores; (ii) increasing activation time was favorable to the formation of micropores and mesopores, and longer activation time would result in collapsing of pores; (iii) increasing flow rate of CO₂ was favorable to the reactions of all active sites and formation of pores, further increasing flow rate of CO₂ would lead carbon to burn out and was unfavorable to the formation of pores. The degree of surface roughness of activated carbon prepared was measured by the fractal dimension which was calculated by FHH (Frenkel-Halsey-Hill) theory. The fractal dimensions of activated carbons prepared were greater than 2.6, indicating the activated carbon samples prepared had very irregular structures, and agreed well with those of average micropore size.     

Polymer optical fiber SERS sensor with gold nanorods

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor is developed by etching polymer optical fiber and coating with gold nanorods. The SERS sensing experiments are demonstrated with the analyte molecules of rhodamine 6G (R6G) at 514.5 nm laser excitation. The results show that a strong fiber Raman background scattering overwhelm the R6G molecule Raman signal in common optrod configuration, but a distinct R6G SERS spectrum with 9 order magnitude enhancement can be observed while directly focusing light on the probe. Further modeling indicates the enhancement is attributed to both nanorods local field and their coupling.