Three-dimensional computer model for the atmospheric general circulation experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, G. O.

1984-01-01

An efficient, flexible, three-dimensional, hydrodynamic, computer code has been developed for a spherical cap geometry. The code will be used to simulate NASA's Atmospheric General Circulation Experiment (AGCE). The AGCE is a spherical, baroclinic experiment which will model the large-scale dynamics of our atmosphere; it has been proposed to NASA for future Spacelab flights. In the AGCE a radial dielectric body force will simulate gravity, with hot fluid tending to move outwards. In order that this force be dominant, the AGCE must be operated in a low gravity environment such as Spacelab. The full potential of the AGCE will only be realized by working in conjunction with an accurate computer model. Proposed experimental parameter settings will be checked first using model runs. Then actual experimental results will be compared with the model predictions. This interaction between experiment and theory will be very valuable in determining the nature of the AGCE flows and hence their relationship to analytical theories and actual atmospheric dynamics.

Tailoring the chirality of light emission with spherical Si-based antennas.

PubMed

Zambrana-Puyalto, Xavier; Bonod, Nicolas

2016-05-21

Chirality of light is of fundamental importance in several enabling technologies with growing applications in life sciences, chemistry and photodetection. Recently, some attention has been focused on chiral quantum emitters. Consequently, optical antennas which are able to tailor the chirality of light emission are needed. Spherical nanoresonators such as colloids are of particular interest to design optical antennas since they can be synthesized at a large scale and they exhibit good optical properties. Here, we show that these colloids can be used to tailor the chirality of a chiral emitter. To this purpose, we derive an analytic formalism to model the interaction between a chiral emitter and a spherical resonator. We then compare the performances of metallic and dielectric spherical antennas to tailor the chirality of light emission. It is seen that, due to their strong electric dipolar response, metallic spherical nanoparticles spoil the chirality of light emission by yielding achiral fields. In contrast, thanks to the combined excitation of electric and magnetic modes, dielectric Si-based particles feature the ability to inhibit or to boost the chirality of light emission. Finally, it is shown that dual modes in dielectric antennas preserve the chirality of light emission.

New Techniques in Time-Frequency Analysis: Adaptive Band, Ultra-Wide Band and Multi-Rate Signal Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-02

Nyquist tiles and sampling groups in Euclidean geometry, and discussed the extension of these concepts to hyperbolic and spherical geometry and...hyperbolic or spherical spaces. We look to develop a structure for the tiling of frequency spaces in both Euclidean and non-Euclidean domains. In particular...we establish Nyquist tiles and sampling groups in Euclidean geometry, and discuss the extension of these concepts to hyperbolic and spherical geometry

Whispering gallery mode resonators for rapid label-free biosensing in small volume droplets.

PubMed

Wildgen, Sarah M; Dunn, Robert C

2015-03-23

Rapid biosensing requires fast mass transport of the analyte to the surface of the sensing element. To optimize analysis times, both mass transport in solution and the geometry and size of the sensing element need to be considered. Small dielectric spheres, tens of microns in diameter, can act as label-free biosensors using whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances. WGM resonances are sensitive to the effective refractive index, which changes upon analyte binding to recognition sites on functionalized resonators. The spherical geometry and tens of microns diameter of these resonators provides an efficient target for sensing while their compact size enables detection in limited volumes. Here, we explore conditions leading to rapid analyte detection using WGM resonators as label-free sensors in 10 μL sample droplets. Droplet evaporation leads to potentially useful convective mixing, but also limits the time over which analysis can be completed. We show that active droplet mixing combined with initial binding rate measurements is required for accurate nanomolar protein quantification within the first minute following injection.

Insight into the electrical properties and chain conformation of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes by dielectric spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaoxia; Zhao, Kongshuang

2017-02-01

We report here a dielectric study on three kinds of anionic spherical polyelectrolyte brush (SPBs, consisting of a polystyrene (PS) core and three different poly (acrylic acid) chains grafted onto the core) suspensions over a frequency ranging from 40 Hz to 110 MHz. The relaxation behavior of the SPB suspensions shows significant changes in the brush-layer properties when the mass fraction of SPBs and the pH of the suspensions change. Two definite relaxations related to the interfacial polarization are observed around 100 kHz and 10 MHz. A single-layer spherical-shell model is applied to describe the SPB suspensions wherein the suspended SPB is modeled as a spherical-shell composite particle in which an insulated PS sphere is surrounded by a conducting ion-permeable shell (the polyelectrolyte chain layer). We developed the curve-fitting procedure to analyze the dielectric spectrum in order to obtain the dielectric properties of the components of the SPBs, especially the properties of the polyelectrolyte brush. Based on this method and model, the permittivity and conductivity of the brush layer, ζ potential, etc are calculated. The ordered orientation of the water molecules in the layer leads to an additional electrical dipole moment; increasing pH causes the brush layer to swell. In addition, the repulsive force between the SPB particles are evaluated using the brush-layer thickness, which is obtained by fitting dielectric spectra, combined with relative theoretical formulas. Increasing PH values or SPB concentration would improve the stability of the SPBs dispersion.

Structural control of nonlinear optical absorption and refraction in dense metal nanoparticle arrays.

PubMed

Kohlgraf-Owens, Dana C; Kik, Pieter G

2009-08-17

The linear and nonlinear optical properties of a composite containing interacting spherical silver nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric host are studied as a function of interparticle separation using three dimensional frequency domain simulations. It is shown that for a fixed amount of metal, the effective third-order nonlinear susceptibility of the composite chi((3))(omega) can be significantly enhanced with respect to the linear optical properties, due to a combination of resonant surface plasmon excitation and local field redistribution. It is shown that this geometry-dependent susceptibility enhancement can lead to an improved figure of merit for nonlinear absorption. Enhancement factors for the nonlinear susceptibility of the composite are calculated, and the complex nature of the enhancement factors is discussed.

Are Nanoparticles Spherical or Quasi-Spherical?

PubMed

Sokolov, Stanislav V; Batchelor-McAuley, Christopher; Tschulik, Kristina; Fletcher, Stephen; Compton, Richard G

2015-07-20

The geometry of quasi-spherical nanoparticles is investigated. The combination of SEM imaging and electrochemical nano-impact experiments is demonstrated to allow sizing and characterization of the geometry of single silver nanoparticles. © 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Resonant Optical Circuits Based on Coupling Between Whispering Gallery Modes in Dielectric Microresonators

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-30

111111 (2006). 2. S.P. Ashili , V.N. Astratov, and E.C.H. Sykes, “The effects of inter-cavity separation on optical coupling in dielectric bispheres...chains of coupled spherical cavities,” Opt. Lett. 32, 409-411 (2007). 4. V.N. Astratov, and S.P. Ashili , “Percolation of light through whispering...Propagation via Whispering Gallery Modes in 3-D Networks of Coupled Spherical Cavities (Talk), V.N. Astratov, S.P. Ashili , and A.M. Kapitonov, in Frontiers in

Technology in Spherical Geometry Investigations: Reflections on Spontaneous Use and Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinclair, Margaret

2010-01-01

Students in a graduate geometry class used items such as paper, ribbon, plastic spheres, cardboard tubes, and markers to carry out investigations in spherical geometry. The hands-on activities helped students develop a new appreciation of geometry as a study of shape and space; however, the difficulty of subduing wayward elastics and drawing lines…

Sheet-like and plume-like thermal flow in a spherical convection experiment performed under microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breuer, D.; Futterer, B.; Plesa, A.; Krebs, A.; Zaussinger, F.; Egbers, C.

2013-12-01

In mantle dynamics research, experiments, usually performed in rectangular geometries in Earth-based laboratories, have the character of ';exploring new physics and testing theories' [1]. In this work, we introduce our spherical geometry experiments on electro-hydrodynamical driven Rayleigh-Benard convection that have been performed for both temperature-independent (`GeoFlow I'), and temperature-dependent fluid viscosity properties (`GeoFlow II') with a measured viscosity contrast up to 1.5. To set up a self-gravitating force field, we use a high voltage potential between the inner and outer boundaries and a dielectric insulating liquid and perform the experiment under microgravity conditions at the ISS [2, 3]. Further, numerical simulations in 3D spherical geometry have been used to reproduce the results obtained in the `GeoFlow' experiments. For flow visualisation, we use Wollaston prism shearing interferometry which is an optical method producing fringe pattern images. Flow pattern differ between our two experiments (Fig. 1). In `GeoFlow I', we see a sheet-like thermal flow. In this case convection patterns have been successfully reproduced by 3D numerical simulations using two different and independently developed codes. In contrast, in `GeoFlow II' we obtain plume-like structures. Interestingly, numerical simulations do not yield this type of solution for the low viscosity contrast realised in the experiment. However, using a viscosity contrast of two orders of magnitude or higher, we can reproduce the patterns obtained in the `GeoFlow II' experiment, from which we conclude that non-linear effects shift the effective viscosity ratio [4]. References [1] A. Davaille and A. Limare (2009). In: Schubert, G., Bercovici, D. (Eds.), Treatise on Geophysics - Mantle Dynamics. [2] B. Futterer, C. Egbers, N. Dahley, S. Koch, L. Jehring (2010). Acta Astronautica 66, 193-100. [3] B. Futterer, N. Dahley, S. Koch, N. Scurtu, C. Egbers (2012). Acta Astronautica 71, 11-19. [4] B. Futterer, A. Krebs, A.-C. Plesa, F. Zaussinger, D.Breuer, C. Egbers (2013). submitted to Journal of Fluid Mechanics. Fig. 1: a) Sheet-like thermal flow in the GeoFlow I spherical experiment with silicone oil of temperature-stable properties (RaE=1.17e6); b) Plume-like dominated flow in the GeoFlow II experiment using a fluid with temperature dependent viscosity and volume expansion (RaE=1.87e6).

Accurate image-charge method by the use of the residue theorem for core-shell dielectric sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Jing; Xu, Zhenli

2018-02-01

An accurate image-charge method (ICM) is developed for ionic interactions outside a core-shell structured dielectric sphere. Core-shell particles have wide applications for which the theoretical investigation requires efficient methods for the Green's function used to calculate pairwise interactions of ions. The ICM is based on an inverse Mellin transform from the coefficients of spherical harmonic series of the Green's function such that the polarization charge due to dielectric boundaries is represented by a series of image point charges and an image line charge. The residue theorem is used to accurately calculate the density of the line charge. Numerical results show that the ICM is promising in fast evaluation of the Green's function, and thus it is useful for theoretical investigations of core-shell particles. This routine can also be applicable for solving other problems with spherical dielectric interfaces such as multilayered media and Debye-Hückel equations.

Casimir-Lifshitz interaction between dielectrics of arbitrary geometry: A dielectric contrast perturbation theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Golestanian, Ramin

2009-07-15

The general theory of electromagnetic-fluctuation-induced interactions in dielectric bodies as formulated by Dzyaloshinskii, Lifshitz, and Pitaevskii is rewritten as a perturbation theory in terms of the spatial contrast in (imaginary) frequency dependent dielectric function. The formulation can be used to calculate the Casimir-Lifshitz forces for dielectric objects of arbitrary geometry, as a perturbative expansion in the dielectric contrast, and could thus complement the existing theories that use perturbation in geometrical features. We find that expansion in dielectric contrast recasts the resulting Lifshitz energy into a sum of the different many-body contributions. The limit of validity and convergence properties of themore » perturbation theory is discussed using the example of parallel semi-infinite objects for which the exact result is known.« less

Euclidean, Spherical, and Hyperbolic Shadows

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoban, Ryan

2013-01-01

Many classical problems in elementary calculus use Euclidean geometry. This article takes such a problem and solves it in hyperbolic and in spherical geometry instead. The solution requires only the ability to compute distances and intersections of points in these geometries. The dramatically different results we obtain illustrate the effect…

Spherical solitons in Earth'S mesosphere plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Annou, K.; Annou, R.

2016-01-01

Soliton formation in Earth's mesosphere plasma is described. Nonlinear acoustic waves in plasmas with two-temperature ions and a variable dust charge where transverse perturbation is dealt with are studied in bounded spherical geometry. Using the perturbation method, a spherical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation that describes dust acoustic waves is derived. It is found that the parameters taken into account have significant effects on the properties of nonlinear waves in spherical geometry.

Spherical solitons in Earth’S mesosphere plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Annou, K., E-mail: kannou@cdta.dz; Annou, R.

2016-01-15

Soliton formation in Earth’s mesosphere plasma is described. Nonlinear acoustic waves in plasmas with two-temperature ions and a variable dust charge where transverse perturbation is dealt with are studied in bounded spherical geometry. Using the perturbation method, a spherical Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation that describes dust acoustic waves is derived. It is found that the parameters taken into account have significant effects on the properties of nonlinear waves in spherical geometry.

Effect of dielectric discontinuity on a spherical polyelectrolyte brush

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tergolina, Vinicius B.; dos Santos, Alexandre P.

2017-09-01

In this paper we perform molecular dynamics simulations of a spherical polyelectrolyte brush and counterions in a salt-free medium. The dielectric discontinuity on the grafted nanoparticle surface is taken into account by the method of image charges. Properties of the polyelectrolyte brush are obtained for different parameters, including valency of the counterions, radius of the nanoparticle, and the brush total charge. The monovalent counterions density profiles are obtained and compared with a simple mean-field theoretical approach. The theory allows us to obtain osmotic properties of the system.

Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators for Rapid Label-Free Biosensing in Small Volume Droplets

PubMed Central

Wildgen, Sarah M.; Dunn, Robert C.

2015-01-01

Rapid biosensing requires fast mass transport of the analyte to the surface of the sensing element. To optimize analysis times, both mass transport in solution and the geometry and size of the sensing element need to be considered. Small dielectric spheres, tens of microns in diameter, can act as label-free biosensors using whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances. WGM resonances are sensitive to the effective refractive index, which changes upon analyte binding to recognition sites on functionalized resonators. The spherical geometry and tens of microns diameter of these resonators provides an efficient target for sensing while their compact size enables detection in limited volumes. Here, we explore conditions leading to rapid analyte detection using WGM resonators as label-free sensors in 10 μL sample droplets. Droplet evaporation leads to potentially useful convective mixing, but also limits the time over which analysis can be completed. We show that active droplet mixing combined with initial binding rate measurements is required for accurate nanomolar protein quantification within the first minute following injection. PMID:25806835

A boundary element method for particle and droplet electrohydrodynamics in the Quincke regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Debasish; Saintillan, David

2014-11-01

Quincke electrorotation is the spontaneous rotation of dielectric particles suspended in a dielectric liquid of higher conductivity when placed in a sufficiently strong electric field. This phenomenon of Quincke rotation has interesting implications for the rheology of these suspensions, whose effective viscosity can be controlled and reduced by application of an external field. While spherical harmonics can be used to solve the governing equations for a spherical particle, they cannot be used to study the dynamics of particles of more complex shapes or deformable particles or droplets. Here, we develop a novel boundary element formulation to model the dynamics of a dielectric particle under Quincke rotation based on the Taylor-Melcher leaky dielectric model, and compare the numerical results to theoretical predictions. We then employ this boundary element method to analyze the dynamics of a two-dimensional drop under Quincke rotation, where we allow the drop to deform under the electric field. Extensions to three-dimensions and to the electrohydrodynamic interactions of multiple droplets are also discussed.

Aircraft navigation and surveillance analysis for a spherical earth

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

This memorandum addresses a fundamental function in surveillance and navigation analysis : quantifying the geometry of two or more locations relative to each other and to a spherical earth. Here, geometry refers to: (a) points (idealized lo...

Antenna with Dielectric Having Geometric Patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudley, Kenneth L. (Inventor); Cravey, Robin L. (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Ghose, Sayata (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Smith, Jr., Joseph G. (Inventor); Elliott, Holly A. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

An antenna includes a ground plane, a dielectric disposed on the ground plane, and an electrically-conductive radiator disposed on the dielectric. The dielectric includes at least one layer of a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material that collectively define a dielectric geometric pattern, which may comprise a fractal geometry. The radiator defines a radiator geometric pattern, and the dielectric geometric pattern is geometrically identical, or substantially geometrically identical, to the radiator geometric pattern.

Ellipsoidal geometry in asteroid thermal models - The standard radiometric model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, R. H.

1985-01-01

The major consequences of ellipsoidal geometry in an othewise standard radiometric model for asteroids are explored. It is shown that for small deviations from spherical shape a spherical model of the same projected area gives a reasonable aproximation to the thermal flux from an ellipsoidal body. It is suggested that large departures from spherical shape require that some correction be made for geometry. Systematic differences in the radii of asteroids derived radiometrically at 10 and 20 microns may result partly from nonspherical geometry. It is also suggested that extrapolations of the rotational variation of thermal flux from a nonspherical body based solely on the change in cross-sectional area are in error.

Spherical space Bessel-Legendre-Fourier localized modes solver for electromagnetic waves.

PubMed

Alzahrani, Mohammed A; Gauthier, Robert C

2015-10-05

Maxwell's vector wave equations are solved for dielectric configurations that match the symmetry of a spherical computational domain. The electric or magnetic field components and the inverse of the dielectric profile are series expansion defined using basis functions composed of the lowest order spherical Bessel function, polar angle single index dependant Legendre polynomials and azimuthal complex exponential (BLF). The series expressions and non-traditional form of the basis functions result in an eigenvalue matrix formulation of Maxwell's equations that are relatively compact and accurately solvable on a desktop PC. The BLF matrix returns the frequencies and field profiles for steady states modes. The key steps leading to the matrix populating expressions are provided. The validity of the numerical technique is confirmed by comparing the results of computations to those published using complementary techniques.

Debye potentials for heterogeneous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panamarev, N. S.; Donchenko, V. A.; Zemlyanov, Al. A.; Samokhvalov, I. V.; Apeksimov, D. V.; Panamaryova, A. N.; Trifonova, A. V.

2017-11-01

The paper presents the results of the Helmholtz equation solution by the method of perturbation theory in the spherical coordinate system for the Debye potentials for weakly heterogeneous media based on metal nanoparticles and the dielectric matrix. In that case, the dielectric function of a composite changes in space in the radial direction.

The solid angle (geometry factor) for a spherical surface source and an arbitrary detector aperture

DOE PAGES

Favorite, Jeffrey A.

2016-01-13

It is proven that the solid angle (or geometry factor, also called the geometrical efficiency) for a spherically symmetric outward-directed surface source with an arbitrary radius and polar angle distribution and an arbitrary detector aperture is equal to the solid angle for an isotropic point source located at the center of the spherical surface source and the same detector aperture.

Nonplanar dust-ion acoustic shock waves with transverse perturbation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xue Jukui

2005-01-01

The nonlinear dust-ion acoustic shock waves in dusty plasmas with the combined effects of bounded cylindrical/spherical geometry, the transverse perturbation, the dust charge fluctuation, and the nonthermal electrons are studied. Using the perturbation method, a cylindrical/spherical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili Burgers equation that describes the dust-ion acoustic shock waves is deduced. A particular solution of the cylindrical/spherical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili Burgers equation is also obtained. It is shown that the dust-ion acoustic shock wave propagating in cylindrical/spherical geometry with transverse perturbation will be slightly deformed as time goes on.

Bandwidth enhancement of dielectric resonator antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Richard Q.; Simons, Rainee N.

1993-01-01

An experimental investigation of bandwidth enhancement of dielectric resonator antennas (DRA) using parasitic elements is reported. Substantial bandwidth enhancement for the HE(sub 11delta) mode of the stacked geometry and for the HE(sub 13delta) mode of the coplanar collinear geometry was demonstrated. Excellent radiation patterns for the HE(sub 11delta) mode were also recorded.

Tunable dielectric properties of mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres via textural properties.

PubMed

Xu, Hailong; Yin, Xiaowei; Li, Zhaochen; Liu, Chenglong; Wang, Zeyu; Li, Minghang; Zhang, Litong; Cheng, Laifei

2018-05-04

In this study, mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres (PCHMs) with tunable textural properties have been prepared through a facile hard template etching method. The PCHMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption systems. Uniform PCHMs with shell thickness ranging from 23 nm to 55 nm are realized. PCHMs with different textural properties can regulate dielectric and electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption effectively. The composite of paraffin wax mixed with 10 wt% PCHMs (the shell thickness of PCHMs is 35 nm) exhibits a minimum coefficient value of -53.8 dB at 8.8 GHz, with a thickness of 3.4 mm. Besides, it is remarkable that the effective absorption bandwidth covers all the X band with as low as a 10 wt% filler ratio, compared with other spherical EM wave absorbers. The excellent EM wave absorption capability of PCHMs can be ascribed to the better impendence matching and strong EM wave attenuation constant based on tunable textural properties. Our results provide a facile strategy to tune dielectric properties of spherical carbon absorbers based on textural properties, and can be extended to other spherical absorbers.

Tunable dielectric properties of mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres via textural properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hailong; Yin, Xiaowei; Li, Zhaochen; Liu, Chenglong; Wang, Zeyu; Li, Minghang; Zhang, Litong; Cheng, Laifei

2018-05-01

In this study, mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres (PCHMs) with tunable textural properties have been prepared through a facile hard template etching method. The PCHMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption systems. Uniform PCHMs with shell thickness ranging from 23 nm to 55 nm are realized. PCHMs with different textural properties can regulate dielectric and electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption effectively. The composite of paraffin wax mixed with 10 wt% PCHMs (the shell thickness of PCHMs is 35 nm) exhibits a minimum coefficient value of -53.8 dB at 8.8 GHz, with a thickness of 3.4 mm. Besides, it is remarkable that the effective absorption bandwidth covers all the X band with as low as a 10 wt% filler ratio, compared with other spherical EM wave absorbers. The excellent EM wave absorption capability of PCHMs can be ascribed to the better impendence matching and strong EM wave attenuation constant based on tunable textural properties. Our results provide a facile strategy to tune dielectric properties of spherical carbon absorbers based on textural properties, and can be extended to other spherical absorbers.

Influence of Ag substitution on structural and dielectric properties of TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, T.; Ahmed, Ateeq; Siddique, M. Naseem; Aftab, Tabish; Tripathi, P.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we report the structural, electrical and dielectric properties of Ag-substituted TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles are pure and crystalline in nature and showing tetragonal anatase phase of TiO2. TEM micrograph shows that shapes of the nanoparticles are non-spherical. We have also studied the dielectric properties and in relation to it the dielectric constants, dielectric loss and A.C. conductivity have been studied as the function of frequency and composition of iron. The above theory may be explained by `Maxwell Wagner Model'.

Influence of surface emission processes on a fast-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge in air at atmospheric pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pechereau, François; Bonaventura, Zdeněk; Bourdon, Anne

2016-08-01

This paper presents simulations of an atmospheric pressure air discharge in a point-to-plane geometry with a dielectric layer parallel to the cathode plane. Experimentally, a discharge reignition in the air gap below the dielectrics has been observed. With a 2D fluid model, it is shown that due to the fast rise of the high voltage applied and the sharp point used, a first positive spherical discharge forms around the point. Then this discharge propagates axially and impacts the dielectrics. As the first discharge starts spreading on the upper dielectric surface, in the second air gap with a low preionization density of {{10}4}~\\text{c}{{\\text{m}}-3} , the 2D fluid model predicts a rapid reignition of a positive discharge. As in experiments, the discharge reignition is much slower, a discussion on physical processes to be considered in the model to increase the reignition delay is presented. The limit case with no initial seed charges in the second air gap has been studied. First, we have calculated the time to release an electron from the cathode surface by thermionic and field emission processes for a work function φ \\in ≤ft[3,4\\right] eV and an amplification factor β \\in ≤ft[100,220\\right] . Then a 3D Monte Carlo model has been used to follow the dynamics of formation of an avalanche starting from a single electron emitted at the cathode. Due to the high electric field in the second air gap, we have shown that in a few nanoseconds, a Gaussian cloud of seed charges is formed at a small distance from the cathode plane. This Gaussian cloud has been used as the initial condition of the 2D fluid model in the second air gap. In this case, the propagation of a double headed discharge in the second air gap has been observed and the reignition delay is in rather good agreement with experiments.

Phonon impact on optical control schemes of quantum dots: Role of quantum dot geometry and symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüker, S.; Kuhn, T.; Reiter, D. E.

2017-12-01

Phonons strongly influence the optical control of semiconductor quantum dots. When modeling the electron-phonon interaction in several theoretical approaches, the quantum dot geometry is approximated by a spherical structure, though typical self-assembled quantum dots are strongly lens-shaped. By explicitly comparing simulations of a spherical and a lens-shaped dot using a well-established correlation expansion approach, we show that, indeed, lens-shaped dots can be exactly mapped to a spherical geometry when studying the phonon influence on the electronic system. We also give a recipe to reproduce spectral densities from more involved dots by rather simple spherical models. On the other hand, breaking the spherical symmetry has a pronounced impact on the spatiotemporal properties of the phonon dynamics. As an example we show that for a lens-shaped quantum dot, the phonon emission is strongly concentrated along the direction of the smallest axis of the dot, which is important for the use of phonons for the communication between different dots.

Radio-Frequency Driven Dielectric Heaters for Non-Nuclear Testing in Nuclear Core Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sims, William Herbert, III (Inventor); Godfroy, Thomas J. (Inventor); Bitteker, Leo (Inventor)

2006-01-01

Apparatus and methods are provided through which a radiofrequency dielectric heater has a cylindrical form factor, a variable thermal energy deposition through variations in geometry and composition of a dielectric, and/or has a thermally isolated power input.

Tunable Graphene Metasurface Reflectarray for Cloaking, Illusion, and Focusing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Sudipta Romen; Gutiérrez, Cristian E.; Nemilentsau, Andrei; Lee, In-Ho; Oh, Sang-Hyun; Avouris, Phaedon; Low, Tony

2018-03-01

This paper is a contribution to the Physical Review Applied collection in memory of Mildred S. Dresselhaus. We present a graphene-based metasurface that can be actively tuned between different regimes of operation, such as anomalous beam steering and focusing, cloaking, and illusion optics, by applying electrostatic gating without modifying the geometry of the metasurface. The metasurface is designed by placing graphene ribbons on a dielectric cavity resonator, where interplay between geometric plasmon resonances in the ribbons and Fabry-Perot resonances in the cavity is used to achieve a 2 π phase shift. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that the wave front of the field reflected from a triangular bump covered by the metasurface can be tuned by applying electric bias so as to resemble that of a bare plane and of a spherical object. Moreover, reflective focusing and the change of the reflection direction for the above mentioned cases are also shown.

Controlling the angular radiation of single emitters using dielectric patch nanoantennas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Yuanqing; Li, Qiang; Qiu, Min, E-mail: minqiu@zju.edu.cn

2015-07-20

Dielectric nanoantennas have generated much interest in recent years owing to their low loss and optically induced electric and magnetic resonances. In this paper, we investigate the coupling between a single emitter and dielectric patch nanoantennas. For the coupled system involving non-spherical structures, analytical Mie theory is no longer applicable. A semi-analytical model is proposed instead to interpret the coupling mechanism and the radiation characteristics of the system. Based on the presented model, we demonstrate that the angular emission of the single emitter can be not only enhanced but also rotated using the dielectric patch nanoantennas.

Negative refractive index, perfect lenses and checkerboards: Trapping and imaging effects in folded optical spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guenneau, Sébastien; Ramakrishna, S. Anantha

2009-06-01

Newly discovered metamaterials have opened new vistas for better control of light via negative refraction, whereby light refracts in the "wrong" manner. These are dielectric and metallic composite materials structured at subwavelength lengthscales. Their building blocks consist of local resonators such as conducting thin bars and split rings driving the material parameters such as the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability to negative (complex) values. Combined together, these structural elements can bring about a (complex valued) negative effective refractive index for the Snell-Descartes law and result in negative refraction of radiation. Negative refractive index materials can support a host of surface plasmon states for both polarizations of light. This makes possible unique effects such as imaging with subwavelength image resolution through the Pendry-Veselago slab lens. Other geometries have also been investigated, such as cylindrical or spherical lenses that enable a magnification of images with subwavelength resolution. Superlenses of three-fold (equilateral triangle), four-fold (square) and six-fold (hexagonal) geometry allow for multiple images, respectively two, three, and five. Generalization to rectangular and triangular checkerboards consisting of alternating cells of positive and negative refractive index represents a very singular situation in which the density of modes diverges at the corners, with an infinity of images. Sine-cosecant anisotropic heterogeneous square and triangular checkerboards can be respectively mapped onto three-dimensional cubic and icosahedral corner lenses consisting of alternating positive and negative refractive regions. All such systems with corners between negative and positive refractive media display very singular behavior with the local density of states becoming infinitely large at the corner, in the limit of no dissipation. We investigate all of these, using the unifying viewpoint of transformation optics. To cite this article: S. Guenneau, S.A. Ramakrishna, C. R. Physique 10 (2009).

Plasma dynamics in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) operated in helium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mujahid, Zaka-ul-Islam; Hala, Ahmed

2018-03-01

Packed bed dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are very promising for several applications including remediation of environmental pollutants and greenhouse gas conversion. In this work, we have investigated the space and time-resolved emission from a packed bed DBD operated in helium, to understand the plasma dynamics. We have chosen a simple planar DBD arrangement with a patterned dielectric, which mimics the spherical boundaries between the dielectric pellets and allows the optical access to the plasma. The results show that plasma is sustained in a packed bed DBD by three mechanisms: filamentary discharge in the void (between the center of dielectric structures and the opposite electrode), microdischarges at the contact points and surface ionization waves over the dielectric surface. It is observed that for most of the duration plasma is generated at the contact points between the dielectric structures.

A Geophysical Flow Experiment in a Compressible Critical Fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hegseth, John; Garcia, Laudelino

1996-01-01

The first objective of this experiment is to build an experimental system in which, in analogy to a geophysical system, a compressible fluid in a spherical annulus becomes radially stratified in density through an A.C. electric field. When this density gradient is demonstrated, the system will be augmented so that the fluid can be driven by heating and rotation and tested in preparation for a microgravity experiment. This apparatus consists of a spherical capacitor filled with critical fluid in a temperature controlled environment. To make the fluid critical, the apparatus will be operated near the critical pressure, critical density, and critical temperature of the fluid. This will result in a highly compressible fluid because of the properties of the fluid near its critical point. A high voltage A.C. source applied across the capacitor will create a spherically symmetric central force because of the dielectric properties of the fluid in an electric field gradient. This central force will induce a spherically symmetric density gradient that is analogous to a geophysical fluid system. To generate such a density gradient the system must be small (approx. 1 inch diameter). This small cell will also be capable of driving the critical fluid by heating and rotation. Since a spherically symmetric density gradient can only be made in microgravity, another small cell, of the same geometry, will be built that uses incompressible fluid. The driving of the fluid by rotation and heating in these small cells will be developed. The resulting instabilities from the driving in these two systems will then be studied. The second objective is to study the pattern forming instabilities (bifurcations) resulting from the well controlled experimental conditions in the critical fluid cell. This experiment will come close to producing conditions that are geophysically similar and will be studied as the driving parameters are changed.

Studies of Low-Current Back-Discharge in Point-Plane Geometry with Dielectric Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaworek, Anatol; Rajch, Eryk; Krupa, Andrzej; Czech, Tadeusz; Lackowski, Marcin

2006-01-01

The paper presents results of spectroscopic investigations of back-discharges generated in the point-plane electrode geometry in ambient air at atmospheric pressure, with the plane electrode covered with a dielectric layer. Fly ash from an electrostatic precipitator of a coal-fired power plant was used as the dielectric layer in these investigations. The discharges for positive and negative polarities of the needle electrode were studied by measuring optical emission spectra at two regions of the discharge: near the needle electrode and dielectric layer surface. The visual forms of the discharge were recorded and correlated with the current-voltage characteristics and optical emission spectra. The back-arc discharge was of particular interest in these studies due to its detrimental effects it causes in electrostatic precipitators.

Geometric scalar theory of gravity beyond spherical symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moschella, U.; Novello, M.

2017-04-01

We construct several exact solutions for a recently proposed geometric scalar theory of gravity. We focus on a class of axisymmetric geometries and a big-bang-like geometry and discuss their Lorentzian character. The axisymmetric solutions are parametrized by an integer angular momentum l . The l =0 (spherical) case gives rise to the Schwarzschild geometry. The other solutions have naked singular surfaces. While not a priori obvious, all the solutions that we present here are globally Lorentzian. The Lorentzian signature appears to be a robust property of the disformal geometries solving the vacuum geometric scalar theory of gravity equations.

Dielectric properties of biological tissues in which cells are connected by communicating junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asami, Koji

2007-06-01

The frequency dependence of the complex permittivity of biological tissues has been simulated using a simple model that is a cubic array of spherical cells in a parallel plate capacitor. The cells are connected by two types of communicating junctions: one is a membrane-lined channel for plasmodesmata in plant tissues, and the other is a conducting patch of adjoining plasma membranes for gap junctions in animal tissues. Both junctions provided similar effects on the dielectric properties of the tissue model. The model without junction showed a dielectric relaxation (called β-dispersion) that was expected from an interfacial polarization theory for a concentrated suspension of spherical cells. The dielectric relaxation was the same as that of the model in which neighbouring cells were connected by junctions perpendicular to the applied electric field. When neighbouring cells were connected by junctions parallel to the applied electric field or in all directions, a dielectric relaxation appeared at a lower frequency side in addition to the β-dispersion, corresponding to the so called α-dispersion. When junctions were randomly introduced at varied probabilities Pj, the low-frequency (LF) relaxation curve became broader, especially at Pj of 0.2-0.5, and its intensity was proportional to Pj up to 0.7. The intensity and the characteristic frequency of the LF relaxation both decreased with decreasing junction conductance. The simulations indicate that communicating junctions are important for understanding the LF dielectric relaxation in tissues.

A Spherical Electro Optic High Voltage Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

electro - optic (EO) crystal is introduced for photonic measurement of pulsed high-voltage fields. A spherical shape is used in order to reduce electric field gradients in the vicinity of the sensor. The sensor is pure dielectric and is interrogated remotely using a laser. The sensor does not require the connection of any conducting components, which results in the highest electrical isolation. The spherical nature of the crystal coupled with the incident laser beam, and crossed polarizers (intensity modulation scheme). automatically produces interference figures. The

Axi-symmetric patterns of active polar filaments on spherical and composite surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, Pragya; Rao, Madan

2014-03-01

Experiments performed on Fission Yeast cells of cylindrical and spherical shapes, rod-shaped bacteria and reconstituted cylindrical liposomes suggest the influence of cell geometry on patterning of cortical actin. A theoretical model based on active hydrodynamic description of cortical actin that includes curvature-orientation coupling predicts spontaneous formation of acto-myosin rings, cables and nodes on cylindrical and spherical geometries [P. Srivastava et al, PRL 110, 168104(2013)]. Stability and dynamics of these patterns is also affected by the cellular shape and has been observed in experiments performed on Fission Yeast cells of spherical shape. Motivated by this, we study the stability and dynamics of axi-symmetric patterns of active polar filaments on the surfaces of spherical, saddle shaped and conical geometry and classify the stable steady state patterns on these surfaces. Based on the analysis of the fluorescence images of Myosin-II during ring slippage we propose a simple mechanical model for ring-sliding based on force balance and make quantitative comparison with the experiments performed on Fission Yeast cells. NSF Grant DMR-1004789 and Syracuse Soft Matter Program.

Atomic oxygen effects on metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fromhold, Albert T.

1987-01-01

The effect of specimen geometry on the attack of metals by atomic oxygen is addressed. This is done by extending the coupled-currents approach in metal oxidation to spherical and cylindrical geometries. Kinetic laws are derived for the rates of oxidation of samples having these geometries. It is found that the burn-up time for spherical particles of a given diameter can be as much as a factor of 3 shorter than the time required to completely oxidize a planar sample of the same thickness.

Method for preparing dielectric composite materials

DOEpatents

Lauf, Robert J.; Anderson, Kimberly K.; Montgomery, Frederick C.; Collins, Jack L.; Felten, John J.

2004-11-23

The invention allows the fabrication of small, dense beads of dielectric materials with selected compositions, which are incorporated into a polymeric matrix for use in capacitors, filters, and the like. A porous, generally spherical bead of hydrous metal oxide containing titanium or zirconium is made by a sol-gel process to form a substantially rigid bead having a generally fine crystallite size and correspondingly finely distributed internal porosity. The resulting gel bead may be washed and hydrothermally reacted with a soluble alkaline earth salt (typically Ba or Sr) at elevated temperature and pressure to convert the bead into a mixed hydrous titanium- or zirconium-alkaline earth oxide while retaining the generally spherical shape. Alternatively, the gel bead may be made by coprecipitation. This mixed oxide bead is then washed, dried and calcined to produce the desired (BaTiO.sub.3, PbTiO.sub.3, SrZrO.sub.3) structure. The sintered beads are incorporated into a selected polymer matrix. The resulting dielectric composite material may be electrically "poled" if desired.

Dielectric composite materials and method for preparing

DOEpatents

Lauf, Robert J.; Anderson, Kimberly K.; Montgomery, Frederick C.; Collins, Jack L.; Felten, John J.

2003-07-29

The invention allows the fabrication of small, dense beads of dielectric materials with selected compositions, which are incorporated into a polymeric matrix for use in capacitors, filters, and the like. A porous, generally spherical bead of hydrous metal oxide containing titanium or zirconium is made by a sol-gel process to form a substantially rigid bead having a generally fine crystallite size and correspondingly finely distributed internal porosity. The resulting gel bead may be washed and hydrothermally reacted with a soluble alkaline earth salt (typically Ba or Sr) at elevated temperature and pressure to convert the bead into a mixed hydrous titanium- or zirconium-alkaline earth oxide while retaining the generally spherical shape. Alternatively, the gel bead may be made by coprecipitation. This mixed oxide bead is then washed, dried and calcined to produce the desired (BaTiO.sub.3, PbTiO.sub.3, SrZrO.sub.3) structure. The sintered beads are incorporated into a selected polymer matrix. The resulting dielectric composite material may be electrically "poled" if desired.

Simulation of Charged Systems in Heterogeneous Dielectric Media via a True Energy Functional

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadhao, Vikram; Solis, Francisco J.; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera

2012-11-01

For charged systems in heterogeneous dielectric media, a key obstacle for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is the need to solve the Poisson equation in the media. This obstacle can be bypassed using MD methods that treat the local polarization charge density as a dynamic variable, but such approaches require access to a true free energy functional, one that evaluates to the equilibrium electrostatic energy at its minimum. In this Letter, we derive the needed functional. As an application, we develop a Car-Parrinello MD method for the simulation of free charges present near a spherical emulsion droplet separating two immiscible liquids with different dielectric constants. Our results show the presence of nonmonotonic ionic profiles in the dielectric with a lower dielectric constant.

Dielectric tensor elements for the description of waves in rotating inhomogeneous magnetized plasma spheroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdoli-Arani, A.; Ramezani-Arani, R.

2012-11-01

The dielectric permittivity tensor elements of a rotating cold collisionless plasma spheroid in an external magnetic field with toroidal and axial components are obtained. The effects of inhomogeneity in the densities of charged particles and the initial toroidal velocity on the dielectric permittivity tensor and field equations are investigated. The field components in terms of their toroidal components are calculated and it is shown that the toroidal components of the electric and magnetic fields are coupled by two differential equations. The influence of thermal and collisional effects on the dielectric tensor and field equations in the rotating plasma spheroid are also investigated. In the limiting spherical case, the dielectric tensor of a stationary magnetized collisionless cold plasma sphere is presented.

Electrical capacitance volume tomography with high contrast dielectrics using a cuboid sensor geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurge, Mark A.

2007-05-01

An electrical capacitance volume tomography system has been created for use with a new image reconstruction algorithm capable of imaging high contrast dielectric distributions. The electrode geometry consists of two 4 × 4 parallel planes of copper conductors connected through custom built switch electronics to a commercially available capacitance to digital converter. Typical electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) systems rely solely on mutual capacitance readings to reconstruct images of dielectric distributions. This paper presents a method of reconstructing images of high contrast dielectric materials using only the self-capacitance measurements. By constraining the unknown dielectric material to one of two values, the inverse problem is no longer ill-determined. Resolution becomes limited only by the accuracy and resolution of the measurement circuitry. Images were reconstructed using this method with both synthetic and real data acquired using an aluminium structure inserted at different positions within the sensing region. Comparisons with standard two-dimensional ECT systems highlight the capabilities and limitations of the electronics and reconstruction algorithm.

Electrical capacitance volume tomography of high contrast dielectrics using a cuboid geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurge, Mark A.

An Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography system has been created for use with a new image reconstruction algorithm capable of imaging high contrast dielectric distributions. The electrode geometry consists of two 4 x 4 parallel planes of copper conductors connected through custom built switch electronics to a commercially available capacitance to digital converter. Typical electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) systems rely solely on mutual capacitance readings to reconstruct images of dielectric distributions. This dissertation presents a method of reconstructing images of high contrast dielectric materials using only the self capacitance measurements. By constraining the unknown dielectric material to one of two values, the inverse problem is no longer ill-determined. Resolution becomes limited only by the accuracy and resolution of the measurement circuitry. Images were reconstructed using this method with both synthetic and real data acquired using an aluminum structure inserted at different positions within the sensing region. Comparisons with standard two dimensional ECT systems highlight the capabilities and limitations of the electronics and reconstruction algorithm.

Light propagation from fluorescent probes in biological tissues by coupled time-dependent parabolic simplified spherical harmonics equations

PubMed Central

Domínguez, Jorge Bouza; Bérubé-Lauzière, Yves

2011-01-01

We introduce a system of coupled time-dependent parabolic simplified spherical harmonic equations to model the propagation of both excitation and fluorescence light in biological tissues. We resort to a finite element approach to obtain the time-dependent profile of the excitation and the fluorescence light fields in the medium. We present results for cases involving two geometries in three-dimensions: a homogeneous cylinder with an embedded fluorescent inclusion and a realistically-shaped rodent with an embedded inclusion alike an organ filled with a fluorescent probe. For the cylindrical geometry, we show the differences in the time-dependent fluorescence response for a point-like, a spherical, and a spherically Gaussian distributed fluorescent inclusion. From our results, we conclude that the model is able to describe the time-dependent excitation and fluorescent light transfer in small geometries with high absorption coefficients and in nondiffusive domains, as may be found in small animal diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and fluorescence DOT imaging. PMID:21483606

Ion-acoustic solitons do not exist in cylindrical and spherical geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheridan, T. E.

2017-09-01

We investigate the time evolution of one-dimensional, compressive, ion acoustic solitary waves for planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometries in a plasma of cold fluid ions and Boltzmann electrons. For cylindrical and spherical geometries, we show that inward (outward) going solitary waves cannot be localized (i.e., always have a tail) since the effect of a unipolar velocity perturbation is to shift ions inward (outward) to smaller (larger) radii, thereby increasing (decreasing) the local ion density. That is, there are no quasi-particle soliton states in the cylindrical and spherical cases. These results are confirmed and expanded using a plasma simulation for the cylindrical case. We initialize the system with an inward propagating planar soliton. We find supersonic solitary waves which increase in speed as they near the origin, while the wave amplitude increases as r-1/2. All solitary waves develop the predicted tail, but for larger amplitudes, the tail is unstable and evolves into an acoustic wave train.

Students Discovering Spherical Geometry Using Dynamic Geometry Software

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guven, Bulent; Karatas, Ilhan

2009-01-01

Dynamic geometry software (DGS) such as Cabri and Geometers' Sketchpad has been regularly used worldwide for teaching and learning Euclidean geometry for a long time. The DGS with its inductive nature allows students to learn Euclidean geometry via explorations. However, with respect to non-Euclidean geometries, do we need to introduce them to…

Analysis of scattering by a linear chain of spherical inclusions in an optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chremmos, Ioannis D.; Uzunoglu, Nikolaos K.

2006-12-01

The scattering by a linear chain of spherical dielectric inclusions, embedded along the axis of an optical fiber, is analyzed using a rigorous integral equation formulation, based on the dyadic Green's function theory. The coupled electric field integral equations are solved by applying the Galerkin technique with Mie-type expansion of the field inside the spheres in terms of spherical waves. The analysis extends the previously studied case of a single spherical inhomogeneity inside a fiber to the multisphere-scattering case, by utilizing the classic translational addition theorems for spherical waves in order to analytically extract the direct-intersphere-coupling coefficients. Results for the transmitted and reflected power, on incidence of the fundamental HE11 mode, are presented for several cases.

Dielectric inspection of erythrocyte morphology.

PubMed

Hayashi, Yoshihito; Oshige, Ikuya; Katsumoto, Yoichi; Omori, Shinji; Yasuda, Akio; Asami, Koji

2008-05-21

We performed a systematic study of the sensitivity of dielectric spectroscopy to erythrocyte morphology. Namely, rabbit erythrocytes of four different shapes were prepared by precisely controlling the pH of the suspending medium, and their complex permittivities over the frequency range from 0.1 to 110 MHz were measured and analyzed. Their quantitative analysis shows that the characteristic frequency and the broadening parameter of the dielectric relaxation of interfacial polarization are highly specific to the erythrocyte shape, while they are insensitive to the cell volume fraction. Therefore, these two dielectric parameters can be used to differentiate erythrocytes of different shapes, if dielectric spectroscopy is applied to flow-cytometric inspection of single blood cells. In addition, we revealed the applicability and limitations of the analytical theory of interfacial polarization to explain the experimental permittivities of non-spherical erythrocytes.

Dielectric response of a nondegenerate electron gas in semiconductor nanocrystallites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Faassen, E.

1998-12-01

We investigate the low-frequency dielectric response of a dilute electron gas in a small spherical semiconductor particle. The flow of the electrons is described by hydrodynamic equations which incorporate the electrostatic interactions between the electrons in a self-consistent fashion. In the low-frequency regime, the dielectric loss is small and proportional to the frequency, despite substantial field penetration into the semiconductor. The loss remains small even for high doping levels due to effective cancellation between field-induced drift and diffusion. The model is used to estimate the complex dielectric constant of a system of weakly conducting nanosized semiconductor particles. The most prominent manifestation of spatial dispersion is that photoinduced changes in the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant are positive and of comparable magnitude.

An Improved Solution for Integrated Array Optics in Quasi-Optical mm and Submm Receivers: the Hybrid Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buttgenbach, Thomas H.

1993-01-01

The hybrid antenna discussed here is defined as a dielectric lens-antenna as a special case of an extended hemi-spherical dielectric lens that is operated in the diffraction limited regime. It is a modified version of the planar antenna on a lens scheme developed by Rutledge. The dielectric lens-antenna is fed by a planar-structure antenna, which is mounted on the flat side of the dielectric lens-antenna using it as a substrate, and the combination is termed a hybrid antenna. Beam pattern and aperture efficiency measurements were made at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths as a function of extension of the hemi- spherical lens and different lens sizes. An optimum extension distance is found experimentally and numerically for which excellent beam patterns and simultaneously high aperture efficiencies can be achieved. At 115 GHz the aperture efficiency was measured to be (76 4 +/- 6) % for a diffraction limited beam with sidelobes below -17 dB. Results of a single hybrid antenna with an integrated Superconductor-Insulator-Superconductor (SIS) detector and a broad-band matching structure at submillimeter wavelengths are presented. The hybrid antenna is diffraction limited, space efficient in an array due to its high aperture efficiency, and is easily mass produced, thus being well suited for focal plane heterodyne receiver arrays.

Tests and applications of nonlinear force-free field extrapolations in spherical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Y.; Ding, M. D.

2013-07-01

We test a nonlinear force-free field (NLFFF) optimization code in spherical geometry with an analytical solution from Low and Lou. The potential field source surface (PFSS) model is served as the initial and boundary conditions where observed data are not available. The analytical solution can be well recovered if the boundary and initial conditions are properly handled. Next, we discuss the preprocessing procedure for the noisy bottom boundary data, and find that preprocessing is necessary for NLFFF extrapolations when we use the observed photospheric magnetic field as bottom boundaries. Finally, we apply the NLFFF model to a solar area where four active regions interacting with each other. An M8.7 flare occurred in one active region. NLFFF modeling in spherical geometry simultaneously constructs the small and large scale magnetic field configurations better than the PFSS model does.

Fabrication and electromechanical examination of a spherical dielectric elastomer actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, S.; Gooyers, M.; Soleimani, M.; Menon, C.

2013-11-01

In this paper, a procedure for fabricating and testing a seamless spherical dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is presented. In previously developed spherical prototypes, the DEA material is pre-strained by a rigid frame to improve the actuator’s output force; however, it is possible to pre-strain a spherical DEA by inflating the sample with a liquid or gas as long as the sample contains the pressure. In this work, a very compliant silicone-based material was used to fabricate a nearly spherical balloon-shaped prototype. The DEA sample was inflated by air and various electrical-actuation regimes were considered. The performance of the DEA sample was studied using an analytical and a finite element-based model. An Ogden hyperelastic model was used in formulation of the analytical model to include nonlinear behavior of the silicone material. Full statistical analysis of the experimental and numerical results was carried out using the root-mean-square (RMS) error and the normalized RMS error. The analytical and FEM results were in good agreement with the experimental data. According to modeling results, it was found that the DEA’s actuation force can be mainly improved by increasing the voltage, reducing the thickness, lowering the stiffness, and/or increasing the initial pressure. As an example, a three-fold increase of the actuation force was found when the thickness was reduced to half of its initial value. This improvement of the efficiency suggests that the spherical DEA is suitable for use in several applications if an appropriate design with optimal governing parameters is developed.

Magnetic field and dielectric environment effects on an exciton trapped by an ionized donor in a spherical quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghoutane, N.; Feddi, E.; El-Yadri, M.; Bosch Bailach, J.; Dujardin, F.; Duque, C. A.

2017-11-01

Magnetic field and host dielectric environment effects on the binding energy of an exciton trapped by an ionized donor in spherical quantum dot are investigated. In the framework of the effective mass approximation and by using a variational method, the calculations have been performed by developing a robust ten-terms wave function taking into account the different inter-particles correlations and the distortion of symmetry induced by the orientation of the applied magnetic field. The binding and the localization energies are determined as functions of dot size and magnetic field strength. It appears that the variation of magnetic shift obeys a quadratic law for low magnetic fields regime while, for strong magnetic fields, this shift tends to be linear versus the magnetic field strength. The stability of this complex subjected to a magnetic field is also discussed according to the electron-hole ratio and the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. A last point to highlight is that the Haynes' rule remains valid even in the presence of an applied magnetic field.

Viscous Rayleigh-Taylor instability in spherical geometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mikaelian, Karnig O.

We consider viscous fluids in spherical geometry, a lighter fluid supporting a heavier one. Chandrasekhar [Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 8, 1 (1955)] analyzed this unstable configuration providing the equations needed to find, numerically, the exact growth rates for the ensuing Rayleigh-Taylor instability. He also derived an analytic but approximate solution. We point out a weakness in his approximate dispersion relation (DR) and offer one that is to some extent improved.

Viscous Rayleigh-Taylor instability in spherical geometry

DOE PAGES

Mikaelian, Karnig O.

2016-02-08

We consider viscous fluids in spherical geometry, a lighter fluid supporting a heavier one. Chandrasekhar [Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 8, 1 (1955)] analyzed this unstable configuration providing the equations needed to find, numerically, the exact growth rates for the ensuing Rayleigh-Taylor instability. He also derived an analytic but approximate solution. We point out a weakness in his approximate dispersion relation (DR) and offer one that is to some extent improved.

Optimization of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell for sensing applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shirzaditabar, Farzad; Saliminasab, Maryam

2013-08-15

In this paper, resonance light scattering (RLS) properties of a silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell, based on quasi-static approach and plasmon hybridization theory, are investigated. Scattering spectrum of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell has two intense and clearly separated RLS peaks and provides a potential for biosensing based on surface plasmon resonance and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The two RLS peaks in silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell are optimized by tuning the geometrical dimensions. In addition, the optimal geometry is discussed to obtain the high sensitivity of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell. As the silver core radius increases, the sensitivity of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell decreases whereas increasing the middle dielectric thickness increases the sensitivitymore » of silver-dielectric-silver nanoshell.« less

Elastic properties of spherically anisotropic piezoelectric composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, En-Bo; Gu, Guo-Qing; Poon, Ying-Ming

2010-09-01

Effective elastic properties of spherically anisotropic piezoelectric composites, whose spherically anisotropic piezoelectric inclusions are embedded in an infinite non-piezoelectric matrix, are theoretically investigated. Analytical solutions for the elastic displacements and the electric potentials under a uniform external strain are derived exactly. Taking into account of the coupling effects of elasticity, permittivity and piezoelectricity, the formula is derived for estimating the effective elastic properties based on the average field theory in the dilute limit. An elastic response mechanism is revealed, in which the effective elastic properties increase as inclusion piezoelectric properties increase and inclusion dielectric properties decrease. Moreover, a piezoelectric response mechanism, of which the effective piezoelectric response vanishes due to the symmetry of spherically anisotropic composite, is also disclosed.

On the trajectories of null and timelike geodesics in different wormhole geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Anuj; Chakraborty, Subenoy

2018-05-01

The paper deals with an extensive study of null and timelike geodesics in the background of wormhole geometries. Starting with a spherically symmetric spacetime, null geodesics are analyzed for the Morris-Thorne wormhole (WH) and photon spheres are examined in WH geometries. Both bounded and unbounded orbits are discussed for timelike geodesics. A similar analysis has been done for trajectories in a dynamic spherically symmetric WH and for a rotating WH. Finally, the invariant angle method of Rindler and Ishak has been used to calculate the angle between radial and tangential vectors at any point on the photon's trajectory.

Backscatter RCS for TE and TM excitations of dielectric-filled cavity-backed apertures in two-dimensional bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goggans, Paul M.; Shumpert, Thomas H.

1991-01-01

Transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) scattering from dielectric-filled, cavity-backed apertures in two-dimensional bodies are treated using the method of moments technique to solve a set of combined-field integral equations for the equivalent induced electric and magnetic currents on the exterior of the scattering body and on the associated aperture. Results are presented for the backscatter radar cross section (RCS) versus the electrical size of the scatterer for two different dielectric-filled cavity-backed geometries. The first geometry is a circular cylinder of infinite length which has an infinite length slot aperture along one side. The cavity inside the cylinder is dielectric filled and is also of circular cross section. The two cylinders (external and internal) are of different radii and their respective longitudinal axes are parallel but not collocated. The second is a square cylinder of infinite length which has an infinite length slot aperture along one side. The cavity inside the square cylinder is dielectric-filled and is also of square cross section.

Theory and application of equivalent transformation relationships between plane wave and spherical wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yao; Yang, Zailin; Zhang, Jianwei; Yang, Yong

2017-10-01

Based on the governing equations and the equivalent models, we propose an equivalent transformation relationships between a plane wave in a one-dimensional medium and a spherical wave in globular geometry with radially inhomogeneous properties. These equivalent relationships can help us to obtain the analytical solutions of the elastodynamic issues in an inhomogeneous medium. The physical essence of the presented equivalent transformations is the equivalent relationships between the geometry and the material properties. It indicates that the spherical wave problem in globular geometry can be transformed into the plane wave problem in the bar with variable property fields, and its inverse transformation is valid as well. Four different examples of wave motion problems in the inhomogeneous media are solved based on the presented equivalent relationships. We obtain two basic analytical solution forms in Examples I and II, investigate the reflection behavior of inhomogeneous half-space in Example III, and exhibit a special inhomogeneity in Example IV, which can keep the traveling spherical wave in constant amplitude. This study implies that our idea makes solving the associated problem easier.

Spherical and cylindrical particle resonator as a cloak system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minin, I. V.; Minin, O. V.; Eremeev, A. I.; Tseplyaev, I. S.

2018-05-01

The concept of dielectric spherical or cylindrical particle in resonant mode as a cloak system is offered. In fundamental modes (modes with the smallest volume correspond to |m| = l, and s = 1) the field is concentrated mostly in the equatorial plane and at the surface of the sphere. Thus under resonance modes, such perturbation due to cuboid particle inserted in the spherical or cylindrical particle has almost no effect on the field forming resonance regardless of the value of internal particle material (defect) as long as this material does not cover the region where resonance takes place.

Approximation method for a spherical bound system in the quantum plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mehramiz, A.; Sobhanian, S.; Mahmoodi, J.

2010-08-15

A system of quantum hydrodynamic equations has been used for investigating the dielectric tensor and dispersion equation of a semiconductor as a quantum magnetized plasma. Dispersion relations and their modifications due to quantum effects are derived for both longitudinal and transverse waves. The number of states and energy levels are analytically estimated for a spherical bound system embedded in a semiconductor quantum plasma. The results show that longitudinal waves decay rapidly and do not interact with the spherical bound system. The energy shifts caused by the spin-orbit interaction and the Zeeman effect are calculated.

Electromagnetically Tunable Fields

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

constitutive material properties (electrical permittivity, magnetic permeability, and electrical conductivity) of electromagnetically tunable fluids ( ETFs ... trade -offs and operational perspectives of a dielectric coated spherical inverted-F antenna," accepted for IEEE/URSI Int. Symp. Antennas and Propag

Microwave resonances in dielectric samples probed in Corbino geometry: simulation and experiment.

PubMed

Felger, M Maximilian; Dressel, Martin; Scheffler, Marc

2013-11-01

The Corbino approach, where the sample of interest terminates a coaxial cable, is a well-established method for microwave spectroscopy. If the sample is dielectric and if the probe geometry basically forms a conductive cavity, this combination can sustain well-defined microwave resonances that are detrimental for broadband measurements. Here, we present detailed simulations and measurements to investigate the resonance frequencies as a function of sample and probe size and of sample permittivity. This allows a quantitative optimization to increase the frequency of the lowest-lying resonance.

Dielectric Scattering Patterns for Efficient Light Trapping in Thin-Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

van Lare, Claire; Lenzmann, Frank; Verschuuren, Marc A; Polman, Albert

2015-08-12

We demonstrate an effective light trapping geometry for thin-film solar cells that is composed of dielectric light scattering nanocavities at the interface between the metal back contact and the semiconductor absorber layer. The geometry is based on resonant Mie scattering. It avoids the Ohmic losses found in metallic (plasmonic) nanopatterns, and the dielectric scatterers are well compatible with nearly all types of thin-film solar cells, including cells produced using high temperature processes. The external quantum efficiency of thin-film a-Si:H solar cells grown on top of a nanopatterned Al-doped ZnO, made using soft imprint lithography, is strongly enhanced in the 550-800 nm spectral band by the dielectric nanoscatterers. Numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental data and show that resonant light scattering from both the AZO nanostructures and the embedded Si nanostructures are important. The results are generic and can be applied on nearly all thin-film solar cells.

Apparatus for Generating Thrust Using a Two Dimensional, Asymmetrical Capacitor Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Jonathan W. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

An asymmetrical capacitor module for generating thrust includes two conductive elements of similar but different geometries separated by a dielectric member. Improved embodiments provided in the construction of conductive elements of smaller axial extent include those where the element is formed by an annular wire or a dielectric supported ring. Other embodiments concern the dielectric member and involve changes in the extent and shape thereof.

Effect of zone size on the convergence of exact solutions for diffusion in single phase systems with planar, cylindrical or spherical geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unnam, J.; Tenney, D. R.

1981-01-01

Exact solutions for diffusion in single phase binary alloy systems with constant diffusion coefficient and zero-flux boundary condition have been evaluated to establish the optimum zone size of applicability. Planar, cylindrical and spherical interface geometry, and finite, singly infinite, and doubly infinite systems are treated. Two solutions are presented for each geometry, one well suited to short diffusion times, and one to long times. The effect of zone-size on the convergence of these solutions is discussed. A generalized form of the diffusion solution for doubly infinite systems is proposed.

Theoretical regime diagrams for thermally driven flows in a beta-plane channel. [in atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geisler, J. E.; Fowlis, W. W.

1979-01-01

It is noted that thermally driven flows in rotating laboratory containers with cylindrical geometry can be axially symmetric or wavelike depending on the experimental parameters. In anticipation that rotating fluid experiments might soon be done in spherical shell geometry, Barcilon's model has been extended to a beta-plane channel in order to gain a rough understanding of the effects of rotating spherical geometry. An incompressible fluid version of the Charney (1947) model of baroclinic instability, modified to include Ekman pumping at rigid horizontal boundaries is used. With this model, stability boundaries are mapped out for individual zonal wavenumbers in the parameter space used by Barcilon.

Weakly nonlinear incompressible Rayleigh-Taylor instability in spherical and planar geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Wang, L. F.; Ye, W. H.; Guo, H. Y.; Wu, J. F.; Ding, Y. K.; Zhang, W. Y.; He, X. T.

2018-02-01

The relationship between the weakly nonlinear (WN) solutions of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in spherical geometry [Zhang et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 062703 (2017)] and those in planar geometry [Wang et al., Phys. Plasmas 19, 112706 (2012)] is analyzed. In the high-mode perturbation limit ( Pn(cos θ), n ≫1 ), it is found that at the equator, the contributions of mode P2 n along with its neighboring modes, mode P3 n along with its neighboring modes, and mode Pn at the third order along with its neighboring modes are equal to those of the second harmonic, the third harmonic, and the third-order feedback to the fundamental mode, respectively, in the planar case with a perturbation of the same wave vector and amplitude as those at the equator. The trends of WN results in spherical geometry towards the corresponding planar counterparts are found, and the convergence behaviors of the neighboring modes of Pn, P2 n , and P3 n are analyzed. Moreover, the spectra generated from the high-mode perturbations in the WN regime are provided. For low-mode perturbations, it is found that the fundamental modes saturate at larger amplitudes than the planar result. The geometry effect makes the bubbles at or near the equator grow faster than the bubbles in planar geometry in the WN regime.

The Electric Potential of a Macromolecule in a Solvent: A Fundamental Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juffer, André H.; Botta, Eugen F. F.; van Keulen, Bert A. M.; van der Ploeg, Auke; Berendsen, Herman J. C.

1991-11-01

A general numerical method is presented to compute the electric potential for a macromolecule of arbitrary shape in a solvent with nonzero ionic strength. The model is based on a continuum description of the dielectric and screening properties of the system, which consists of a bounded internal region with discrete charges and an infinite external region. The potential obeys the Poisson equation in the internal region and the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the external region, coupled through appropriate boundary conditions. It is shown how this three-dimensional problem can be presented as a pair of coupled integral equations for the potential and the normal component of the electric field at the dielectric interface. These equations can be solved by a straightforward application of boundary element techniques. The solution involves the decomposition of a matrix that depends only on the geometry of the surface and not on the positions of the charges. With this approach the number of unknowns is reduced by an order of magnitude with respect to the usual finite difference methods. Special attention is given to the numerical inaccuracies resulting from charges which are located close to the interface; an adapted formulation is given for that case. The method is tested both for a spherical geometry, for which an exact solution is available, and for a realistic problem, for which a finite difference solution and experimental verification is available. The latter concerns the shift in acid strength (pK-values) of histidines in the copper-containing protein azurin on oxidation of the copper, for various values of the ionic strength. A general method is given to triangulate a macromolecular surface. The possibility is discussed to use the method presented here for a correct treatment of long-range electrostatic interactions in simulations of solvated macromolecules, which form an essential part of correct potentials of mean force.

Rotating cylindrical and spherical triboelectric generators

DOEpatents

Wang, Zhong Lin; Zhu, Guang; Yang, Ya; Zhang, Hulin; Hu, Youfan; Yang, Jin; Jing, Qingshen

2017-02-14

A generator includes a first member, a second member and a sliding mechanism. The first member includes a first electrode and a first dielectric layer affixed to the first electrode. The first dielectric layer includes a first material that has a first rating on a triboelectric series. The second member includes a second material that has a second rating on the triboelectric series that is different from the first rating. The second member includes a second electrode. The second member is disposed adjacent to the first dielectric layer so that the first dielectric layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The sliding mechanism is configured to cause relative movement between the first member and the second member, thereby generating an electric potential imbalance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Cylindrical and spherical triboelectric generators

DOEpatents

Wang, Zhong Lin; Zhu, Guang; Yang, Ya; Zhang, Hulin; Hu, Youfan; Yang, Jin; Jing, Qingshen; Bai, Peng

2017-12-12

A generator includes a first member, a second member and a sliding mechanism. The first member includes a first electrode and a first dielectric layer affixed to the first electrode. The first dielectric layer includes a first material that has a first rating on a triboelectric series. The second member includes a second material that has a second rating on the triboelectric series that is different from the first rating. The second member includes a second electrode. The second member is disposed adjacent to the first dielectric layer so that the first dielectric layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The sliding mechanism is configured to cause relative movement between the first member and the second member, thereby generating an electric potential imbalance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Geometry induced phase transitions in magnetic spherical shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sloika, Mykola I.; Sheka, Denis D.; Kravchuk, Volodymyr P.; Pylypovskyi, Oleksandr V.; Gaididei, Yuri

2017-12-01

Equilibrium magnetization states in spherical shells of a magnetically soft ferromagnet form two out-of-surface vortices with codirectionally magnetized vortex cores at the sphere poles: (i) a whirligig state with the in-surface magnetization oriented along parallels is typical for thick shells; (ii) a three dimensional onion state with the in-surface meridional direction of the magnetization is realized in thin shells. The geometry of spherical shell prohibits an existence of spatially homogeneous magnetization distribution, even in the case of small sample radii. By varying geometrical parameters a continuous phase transition between the whirligig and onion states takes place. The detailed analytical description of the phase diagram is well confirmed by micromagnetic simulations.

Comparison of Space Radiation Calculations from Deterministic and Monte Carlo Transport Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, J. H.; Lin, Z. W.; Nasser, A. F.; Randeniya, S.; Tripathi, r. K.; Watts, J. W.; Yepes, P.

2010-01-01

The presentation outline includes motivation, radiation transport codes being considered, space radiation cases being considered, results for slab geometry, results from spherical geometry, and summary. ///////// main physics in radiation transport codes hzetrn uprop fluka geant4, slab geometry, spe, gcr,

Effect of the size of charged spherical macroparticles on their electrostatic interaction in an equilibrium plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Filippov, A. V., E-mail: fav@triniti.ru; Derbenev, I. N.

The effect of the size of two charged spherical macroparticles on their electrostatic interaction in an equilibrium plasma is analyzed within the linearized Poisson–Botzmann model. It is established that, under the interaction of two charged dielectric macroparticles in an equilibrium plasma, the forces acting on each particle turn out to be generally unequal. The forces become equal only in the case of conducting macroparticles or in the case of dielectric macroparticles of the same size and charge. They also turn out to be equal when the surface potentials of the macroparticles remain constant under the variation of interparticle distances. Formulasmore » are proposed that allow one to calculate the interaction force with a high degree of accuracy under the condition that the radii of macroparticles are much less than the screening length, which is usually satisfied in experiments with dusty plasmas.« less

Wideband and multi-frequency infrared cloaking of spherical objects by using the graphene-based metasurface.

PubMed

Shokati, Elnaz; Granpayeh, Nosrat; Danaeifar, Mohammad

2017-04-10

The ultrathin graphene metasurface is proposed as a mantle cloak to achieve wideband tunable scattering reduction around the spherical (three-dimensional) objects. The cloaking shell over the metallic or dielectric sphere is structured by a periodic array of graphene nanodisks that operate at infrared frequencies. By using the polarizability of the graphene nanodisks and equivalent conductivity method, the metasurface reactance is obtained. To achieve the cloaking shell for both dielectric and conducting spheres, the metasurface reactance as a function of nanodisks dimensions, graphene's Fermi energy, and permittivity of the surrounding areas can be tuned from the inductive to capacitive situation. Inhomogeneous metasurfaces including graphene nanodisks with different radii provide wideband invisibility due to extra resonances. We could significantly increase the 3-dB bandwidth more than the homogenous case by simpler realistic designs compared to the multi-layer structures. The analytical results are confirmed with full-wave numerical simulations.

Surface plasmon polariton Akhmediev Breather in a dielectric-metal-dielectric geometry with subwavelength thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devi, Koijam Monika; Porsezian, K.; Sarma, Amarendra K.

2018-05-01

We report Akhmediev Breather solutions in a nonlinear multilayer structure comprising of a metal sandwiched between two semi-infinite dielectric layers with subwavelength thickness. These nonlinear solutions inherit the properties of Surface plasmon polaritons and its dynamics is governed by the Nonlinear Schrodinger equation. The breather evolution is studied for specific values of nonlinear and dispersion parameters. An experimental scheme to observe these breathers is also proposed.

Investigation on plasmonic responses in multilayered nanospheres including asymmetry and spatial nonlocal effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Tianyu; Shi, Yi; Liu, Hui; Chen, Feng; Ma, Xikui; Mittra, Raj

2017-12-01

In this work, we present a rigorous approach for analyzing the optical response of multilayered spherical nano-particles comprised of either plasmonic metal or dielectric, when there is no longer radial symmetry and when nonlocality is included. The Lorenz-Mie theory is applied, and a linearized hydrodynamic Drude model as well as the general nonlocal optical response model for the metals are employed. Additional boundary conditions, viz., the continuity of normal components of polarization current density and the continuity of first-order pressure of free electron density, respectively, are incorporated when handling interfaces involving metals. The application of spherical addition theorems, enables us to express a spherical harmonic about one origin to spherical harmonics about a different origin, and leads to a linear system of equations for the inward- and outward-field modal coefficients for all the layers in the nanoparticle. Scattering matrices at interfaces are obtained and cascaded to obtain the expansion coefficients, to yield the final solution. Through extensive modelling of stratified concentric and eccentric metal-involved spherical nanoshells illuminating by a plane wave, we show that, within a nonlocal description, significant modifications of plasmonic response appear, e.g. a blue-shift in the extinction / scattering spectrum and a broadening spectrum of the resonance. In addition, it has been demonstrated that core-shell nanostructures provide an option for tunable Fano-resonance generators. The proposed method shows its capability and flexibility to analyze the nonlocal response of eccentric hybrid metal-dielectric multilayer structures as well as adjoined metal-involved nanoparticles, even when the number of layers is large.

Spherical gearing with intermediate ball elements: parameter ranges with a high contact ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorbenko, M. V.; Gorbenko, T. I.

2017-02-01

The paper presents analytical research of the geometry and kinematical parameters of spherical gearing with ball intermediate elements. The main attention is paid to the influence of the offset coefficient on the tooth geometry generation, the contact ratio and the motion transmission angle. Intermediate ball element racetracks on the gear are trochoidal curves on a spherical surface. Two areas for the offset coefficient values providing a high value of the contact ratio - basic trochoid (without offset) and prolate trochoid with abutting racetracks of adjacent ball elements ― were revealed. Analysis of the investigated parameters showed that for power transmission, it is preferable to use spherical gearing without an offset, and for kinematic transmission, it is possible to use profiles with a large offset. The present study allows making a rational choice of geometrical parameters depending on the transmission predestination.

Surface thermodynamics of planar, cylindrical, and spherical vapour-liquid interfaces of water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lau, Gabriel V.; Müller, Erich A.; Jackson, George

2015-03-21

The test-area (TA) perturbation approach has been gaining popularity as a methodology for the direct computation of the interfacial tension in molecular simulation. Though originally implemented for planar interfaces, the TA approach has also been used to analyze the interfacial properties of curved liquid interfaces. Here, we provide an interpretation of the TA method taking the view that it corresponds to the change in free energy under a transformation of the spatial metric for an affine distortion. By expressing the change in configurational energy of a molecular configuration as a Taylor expansion in the distortion parameter, compact relations are derivedmore » for the interfacial tension and its energetic and entropic components for three different geometries: planar, cylindrical, and spherical fluid interfaces. While the tensions of the planar and cylindrical geometries are characterized by first-order changes in the energy, that of the spherical interface depends on second-order contributions. We show that a greater statistical uncertainty is to be expected when calculating the thermodynamic properties of a spherical interface than for the planar and cylindrical cases, and the evaluation of the separate entropic and energetic contributions poses a greater computational challenge than the tension itself. The methodology is employed to determine the vapour-liquid interfacial tension of TIP4P/2005 water at 293 K by molecular dynamics simulation for planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometries. A weak peak in the curvature dependence of the tension is observed in the case of cylindrical threads of condensed liquid at a radius of about 8 Å, below which the tension is found to decrease again. In the case of spherical drops, a marked decrease in the tension from the planar limit is found for radii below ∼ 15 Å; there is no indication of a maximum in the tension with increasing curvature. The vapour-liquid interfacial tension tends towards the planar limit for large system sizes for both the cylindrical and spherical cases. Estimates of the entropic and energetic contributions are also evaluated for the planar and cylindrical geometries and their magnitudes are in line with the expectations of our simple analysis.« less

Coiled transmission line pulse generators

DOEpatents

McDonald, Kenneth Fox

2010-11-09

Methods and apparatus are provided for fabricating and constructing solid dielectric "Coiled Transmission Line" pulse generators in radial or axial coiled geometries. The pour and cure fabrication process enables a wide variety of geometries and form factors. The volume between the conductors is filled with liquid blends of monomers, polymers, oligomers, and/or cross-linkers and dielectric powders; and then cured to form high field strength and high dielectric constant solid dielectric transmission lines that intrinsically produce ideal rectangular high voltage pulses when charged and switched into matched impedance loads. Voltage levels may be increased by Marx and/or Blumlein principles incorporating spark gap or, preferentially, solid state switches (such as optically triggered thyristors) which produce reliable, high repetition rate operation. Moreover, these Marxed pulse generators can be DC charged and do not require additional pulse forming circuitry, pulse forming lines, transformers, or an a high voltage spark gap output switch. The apparatus accommodates a wide range of voltages, impedances, pulse durations, pulse repetition rates, and duty cycles. The resulting mobile or flight platform friendly cylindrical geometric configuration is much more compact, light-weight, and robust than conventional linear geometries, or pulse generators constructed from conventional components. Installing additional circuitry may accommodate optional pulse shape improvements. The Coiled Transmission Lines can also be connected in parallel to decrease the impedance, or in series to increase the pulse length.

Influence of particle geometry and PEGylation on phagocytosis of particulate carriers.

PubMed

Mathaes, Roman; Winter, Gerhard; Besheer, Ahmed; Engert, Julia

2014-04-25

Particle geometry of micro- and nanoparticles has been identified as an important design parameter to influence the interaction with cells such as macrophages. A head to head comparison of elongated, non-spherical and spherical micro- and nanoparticles with and without PEGylation was carried out to benchmark two phagocytosis inhibiting techniques. J774.A1 macrophages were incubated with fluorescently labeled PLGA micro- and nanoparticles and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and flow cytometry (FACS). Particle uptake into macrophages was significantly reduced upon PEGylation or elongated particle geometry. A combination of both, an elongated shape and PEGylation, had the strongest phagocytosis inhibiting effect for nanoparticles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dielectric magnetic microparticles as photomagnonic cavities: Enhancing the modulation of near-infrared light by spin waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almpanis, Evangelos

2018-05-01

The coupling between spin waves and optical Mie resonances inside a dielectric magnetic spherical particle, which acts simultaneously as a photonic and magnonic (photomagnonic) cavity, is investigated by means of numerical calculations accurate to arbitrary order in the magnetooptical coupling coefficient. Isolated dielectric magnetic particles with diameters of just a few microns support high-Q optical Mie resonances at near-infrared frequencies and localized spin waves, providing an ultrasmall and compact platform in the emerging field of cavity optomagnonics. Our results predict the occurrence of strong interaction effects, beyond the linear-response approximation, which lead to enhanced modulation of near-infrared light by spin waves through multimagnon absorption and emission mechanisms.

Weakly nonlinear incompressible Rayleigh-Taylor instability in spherical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Wang, L. F.; Ye, W. H.; Wu, J. F.; Guo, H. Y.; Zhang, W. Y.; He, X. T.

2017-06-01

In this research, a weakly nonlinear (WN) model for the incompressible Rayleigh-Taylor instability in cylindrical geometry [Wang et al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 042708 (2013)] is generalized to spherical geometry. The evolution of the interface with an initial small-amplitude single-mode perturbation in the form of Legendre mode (Pn) is analysed with the third-order WN solutions. The transition of the small-amplitude perturbed spherical interface to the bubble-and-spike structure can be observed by our model. For single-mode perturbation Pn, besides the generation of P 2 n and P 3 n , which are similar to the second and third harmonics in planar and cylindrical geometries, many other modes in the range of P0- P 3 n are generated by mode-coupling effects up to the third order. With the same initial amplitude, the bubbles at the pole grow faster than those at the equator in the WN regime. Furthermore, it is found that the behavior of the bubbles at the pole is similar to that of three-dimensional axisymmetric bubbles, while the behavior of the bubbles at the equator is similar to that of two-dimensional bubbles.

Reynolds stress and heat flux in spherical shell convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Käpylä, P. J.; Mantere, M. J.; Guerrero, G.; Brandenburg, A.; Chatterjee, P.

2011-07-01

Context. Turbulent fluxes of angular momentum and enthalpy or heat due to rotationally affected convection play a key role in determining differential rotation of stars. Their dependence on latitude and depth has been determined in the past from convection simulations in Cartesian or spherical simulations. Here we perform a systematic comparison between the two geometries as a function of the rotation rate. Aims: Here we want to extend the earlier studies by using spherical wedges to obtain turbulent angular momentum and heat transport as functions of the rotation rate from stratified convection. We compare results from spherical and Cartesian models in the same parameter regime in order to study whether restricted geometry introduces artefacts into the results. In particular, we want to clarify whether the sharp equatorial profile of the horizontal Reynolds stress found in earlier Cartesian models is also reproduced in spherical geometry. Methods: We employ direct numerical simulations of turbulent convection in spherical and Cartesian geometries. In order to alleviate the computational cost in the spherical runs, and to reach as high spatial resolution as possible, we model only parts of the latitude and longitude. The rotational influence, measured by the Coriolis number or inverse Rossby number, is varied from zero to roughly seven, which is the regime that is likely to be realised in the solar convection zone. Cartesian simulations are performed in overlapping parameter regimes. Results: For slow rotation we find that the radial and latitudinal turbulent angular momentum fluxes are directed inward and equatorward, respectively. In the rapid rotation regime the radial flux changes sign in accordance with earlier numerical results, but in contradiction with theory. The latitudinal flux remains mostly equatorward and develops a maximum close to the equator. In Cartesian simulations this peak can be explained by the strong "banana cells". Their effect in the spherical case does not appear to be as large. The latitudinal heat flux is mostly equatorward for slow rotation but changes sign for rapid rotation. Longitudinal heat flux is always in the retrograde direction. The rotation profiles vary from anti-solar (slow equator) for slow and intermediate rotation to solar-like (fast equator) for rapid rotation. The solar-like profiles are dominated by the Taylor-Proudman balance. Movies and Appendix A are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Viscous Rayleigh-Taylor instability in spherical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikaelian, Karnig O.

2016-02-01

We consider viscous fluids in spherical geometry, a lighter fluid supporting a heavier one. Chandrasekhar [Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 8, 1 (1955), 10.1093/qjmam/8.1.1] analyzed this unstable configuration providing the equations needed to find, numerically, the exact growth rates for the ensuing Rayleigh-Taylor instability. He also derived an analytic but approximate solution. We point out a weakness in his approximate dispersion relation (DR) and offer a somewhat improved one. A third DR, based on transforming a planar DR into a spherical one, suffers no unphysical predictions and compares reasonably well with the exact work of Chandrasekhar and a more recent numerical analysis of the problem [Terrones and Carrara, Phys. Fluids 27, 054105 (2015), 10.1063/1.4921648].

Baroclinic instability with variable static stability - A design study for a spherical atmospheric model experiment. [for Spacelab flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giere, A. C.; Fowlis, W. W.

1980-01-01

The effect of a radially-variable, dielectric body force, analogous to gravity on baroclinic instability for the design of a spherical, synoptic-scale, atmospheric model experiment in a Spacelab flight is investigated. Exact solutions are examined for quasi-geostrophic baroclinic instability in which the rotational Froude number is a linear function of the height. Flow in a rotating rectilinear channel with a vertically variable body force without horizontal shear of the basic state is also discussed.

Preparation, structural and dielectric characteristics of Y0.5La0.95PO4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raina, Bindu; Verma, Seema; Gupta, Vandana; Bamzai, K. K.

2018-05-01

Nanoparticles of yttrium substituted lanthanum phosphate having formulae Y0.5La0.95PO4 were successfully prepared through co-precipitation method. The phase, purity and crystallinity of 5% yttrium substituted lanthanum phosphate (Y: LaP 5%) powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction technique which suggests the sample belonging to monoclinic monazite crystal system. The spherical morphology with partial agglomeration having grain size in the nano scale range was observed with transmission electron microscopy. FTIR analysis depicts the presence of water molecule along with the phosphate group. The electrical properties of the grown composition show dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss on frequency and temperature. The continuous decrease in dielectric constant with increase in frequency suggests that the conduction mechanism is due to hopping of the charge carriers from one site to another.

Dispersion in Spherical Water Drops.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eliason, John C., Jr.

1989-01-01

Discusses a laboratory exercise simulating the paths of light rays through spherical water drops by applying principles of ray optics and geometry. Describes four parts: determining the output angles, computer simulation, explorations, model testing, and solutions. Provides a computer program and some diagrams. (YP)

Mechanical collapse of confined fluid membrane vesicles.

PubMed

Rim, Jee E; Purohit, Prashant K; Klug, William S

2014-11-01

Compact cylindrical and spherical invaginations are common structural motifs found in cellular and developmental biology. To understand the basic physical mechanisms that produce and maintain such structures, we present here a simple model of vesicles in confinement, in which mechanical equilibrium configurations are computed by energy minimization, balancing the effects of curvature elasticity, contact of the membrane with itself and the confining geometry, and adhesion. For cylindrical confinement, the shape equations are solved both analytically and numerically by finite element analysis. For spherical confinement, axisymmetric configurations are obtained numerically. We find that the geometry of invaginations is controlled by a dimensionless ratio of the adhesion strength to the bending energy of an equal area spherical vesicle. Larger adhesion produces more concentrated curvatures, which are mainly localized to the "neck" region where the invagination breaks away from its confining container. Under spherical confinement, axisymmetric invaginations are approximately spherical. For extreme confinement, multiple invaginations may form, bifurcating along multiple equilibrium branches. The results of the model are useful for understanding the physical mechanisms controlling the structure of lipid membranes of cells and their organelles, and developing tissue membranes.

Rotational dynamics of polyatomic ions in aqueous solutions: From continuum model to mode-coupling theory, aided by computer simulations.

PubMed

Banerjee, Puja; Bagchi, Biman

2018-06-14

Due to the presence of the rotational mode and the distributed surface charges, the dynamical behavior of polyatomic ions in water differs considerably from those of the monatomic ions. However, their fascinating dynamical properties have drawn scant attention. We carry out theoretical and computational studies of a series of well-known polyatomic ions, namely, sulfate, nitrate, and acetate ions. All three ions exhibit different rotational diffusivity, with that of the nitrate ion being considerably larger than the other two. They all defy the hydrodynamic laws of size dependence. Study of the local structure around the ions provides valuable insight into the origin of these differences. We carry out a detailed study of the rotational diffusion of these ions by extensive computer simulation and by using the theoretical approaches of the dielectric friction developed by Fatuzzo-Mason (FM) and Nee-Zwanzig (NZ), and subsequently generalized by Alavi and Waldeck. A critical element of the FM-NZ theory is the decomposition of the total rotational friction, ζ Rot , into Stokes and dielectric parts. The study shows a dominant role of dielectric friction in the sense that if the ions are made neutral, the nature of diffusion changes and the values become much larger. Our analyses further reveal that the decomposition of total friction into the Stokes and dielectric friction breaks down for sulfate ions but remains semi-quantitatively valid for nitrate and acetate ions. We discuss the relationship between translational and rotational dielectric friction on rigid spherical ions. We develop a self-consistent mode-coupling theory (SC-MCT) formalism that could provide a unified view of rotational friction of polyatomic ions in polar medium. Our SC-MCT shows that the breakdown can be attributed to the change in the microscopic structural features. The mode-coupling theory helps in elucidating the role of coupling between translational and rotational motion of these ions. In fact, these two motions self-consistently determine the value of each other. The reference interaction site model-based MCT suggests an interesting relation between the torque-torque and the force-force time correlation function with the proportionality constant being determined by the geometry and the charge distribution of the polyatomic molecule. We point out several parallelisms between the theories of translational and rotation friction calculations of ions in polar liquids.

On the scattering directionality of a dielectric particle dimer of High Refractive Index.

PubMed

Barreda, Ángela I; Saleh, Hassan; Litman, Amélie; González, Francisco; Geffrin, Jean-Michel; Moreno, Fernando

2018-05-22

Low-losses and directionality effects exhibited by High Refractive Index Dielectric particles make them attractive for applications where radiation direction control is relevant. For instance, isolated metallo-dielectric core-shell particles or aggregates (dimers) of High Refractive Index Dielectric particles have been proposed for building operational switching devices. Also, the possibility of using isolated High Refractive Index Dielectric particles for optimizing solar cells performance has been explored. Here, we present experimental evidence in the microwave range, that a High Refractive Index Dielectric dimer of spherical particles is more efficient for redirecting the incident radiation in the forward direction than the isolated case. In fact, we report two spectral regions in the dipolar spectral range where the incident intensity is mostly scattered in the forward direction. They correspond to the Zero-Backward condition (also observed for isolated particles) and to a new condition, denoted as "near Zero-Backward" condition, which comes from the interaction effects between the particles. The proposed configuration has implications in solar energy harvesting devices and in radiation guiding.

The AGCE related studies of baroclinic flows in spherical geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyun, J. M.

1983-01-01

Steady state, axisymmetric motions of a Boussineaq fluid continued in rotating spherical anmulus are considered. The motions are driven by latitudinally varying temperature gradient at the shells. Linearized formulations for a narrow gap are derived and the flow field is divided into the Ekman layers and the geostrophic interior. The Ekman layer flows are consistent with the known results for cylindrical geometries. Within the framework of rather restrictive assumptions, the interior flows are solved by a series of associated Legendre polynomials. The solutions show qualitative features valid at midlatitudes.

Numerical simulation of MHD turbulence in three dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldstein, M. L.; Roberts, D. A.; Deane, A.

1997-01-01

The evolution of Alfvenic turbulence in 3D spherical geometry can now be studied. In simulations, a fast stream is sandwiched between two slower streams. The inflow is both supersonic and superAlfvenic. Alfven waves entering the box are convected into the medium and interact nonlinearly with the velocity shear and with any structures (i.e., flux tubes) that might be present. These initial simulations suggest that velocity shear, even in spherical geometry, is able to drive a turbulent cascade which results in approximately Kolmogoroff-like power spectra.

Quantum-dot size and thin-film dielectric constant: precision measurement and disparity with simple models.

PubMed

Grinolds, Darcy D W; Brown, Patrick R; Harris, Daniel K; Bulovic, Vladimir; Bawendi, Moungi G

2015-01-14

We study the dielectric constant of lead sulfide quantum dot (QD) films as a function of the volume fraction of QDs by varying the QD size and keeping the ligand constant. We create a reliable QD sizing curve using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), thin-film SAXS to extract a pair-distribution function for QD spacing, and a stacked-capacitor geometry to measure the capacitance of the thin film. Our data support a reduced dielectric constant in nanoparticles.

Plasmonic Sensor Based on Dielectric Nanoprisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elshorbagy, Mahmoud H.; Cuadrado, Alexander; Alda, Javier

2017-11-01

A periodic array of extruded nanoprisms is proposed to generate surface plasmon resonances for sensing applications. Nanoprisms guide and funnel light towards the metal-dielectric interface where the dielectric acts as the medium under test. The system works under normal incidence conditions and is spectrally interrogated. The performance is better than the classical Kretschmann configurations, and the values of sensitivity and figure of merit are competitive with other plasmonic sensor technologies. The geometry and the choice of materials have been made taking into account applicable fabrication constraints.

Tailoring dielectric resonator geometries for directional scattering and Huygens’ metasurfaces

DOE PAGES

Campione, Salvatore; Basilio, Lorena I.; Warne, Larry K.; ...

2015-01-28

In this paper we describe a methodology for tailoring the design of metamaterial dielectric resonators, which represent a promising path toward low-loss metamaterials at optical frequencies. We first describe a procedure to decompose the far field scattered by subwavelength resonators in terms of multipolar field components, providing explicit expressions for the multipolar far fields. We apply this formulation to confirm that an isolated high-permittivity dielectric cube resonator possesses frequency separated electric and magnetic dipole resonances, as well as a magnetic quadrupole resonance in close proximity to the electric dipole resonance. We then introduce multiple dielectric gaps to the resonator geometrymore » in a manner suggested by perturbation theory, and demonstrate the ability to overlap the electric and magnetic dipole resonances, thereby enabling directional scattering by satisfying the first Kerker condition. We further demonstrate the ability to push the quadrupole resonance away from the degenerate dipole resonances to achieve local behavior. These properties are confirmed through the multipolar expansion and show that the use of geometries suggested by perturbation theory is a viable route to achieve purely dipole resonances for metamaterial applications such as wave-front manipulation with Huygens’ metasurfaces. Our results are fully scalable across any frequency bands where high-permittivity dielectric materials are available, including microwave, THz, and infrared frequencies.« less

Dielectric properties of magnetic-ferroelectric CoO-NaNO2-porous glass nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koroleva, E. Yu.; Burdin, D. Yu.; Kumzerov, Yu. A.; Sysoeva, A. A.; Filimonov, A. V.; Vakhrushev, S. B.

2017-10-01

Dielectric properties of the nanostructured multiferroic composite on the basis of silicate porous glass simultaneously filled with ferromagnetic (cobalt oxide CoO) and ferroelectric (sodium nitrite) materials have been investigated in wide temperature (270-570 K) and frequency (10-1-107 Hz) ranges. The mean diameter of pores in the matrix is 7 ± 1 nm. The magnetic material particles are synthesized directly in the pores of the glass matrix and occupy about 10% of the pore volume. The porous glass is well wetted with NaNO2. The latter easily infiltrates into the glass and occupies 90% of the remaining unfilled pore volume. The dielectric response of matrices filled with both the components together and with each component separately is studied. An analysis of the obtained data makes it possible to reveal the contributions of individual components into the dielectric response of the composite and the influence of the confined geometry on their dielectric properties. It is found that the incorporation of CoO nanoparticles leads to an order of magnitude increase in the dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity of the two-component composite in comparison with these values for the composite filled solely with sodium nitrite and to a decrease in the activation energy over the entire studied temperature range. These studies are of interest not only as a preliminary investigation prior to the study of the effect of a magnetic field on the dielectric properties of the synthesized composite, but are of independent physical interest as well, since they allow one to determine the influence of the confined geometry on the dielectric properties of magnetic metal oxides and on the of their phase transition parameters.

EXACT RELATIVISTIC NEWTONIAN REPRESENTATION OF GRAVITATIONAL STATIC SPACETIME GEOMETRIES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghosh, Shubhrangshu; Sarkar, Tamal; Bhadra, Arunava, E-mail: sghosh@jcbose.ac.in, E-mail: ta.sa.nbu@hotmail.com, E-mail: aru_bhadra@yahoo.com

2016-09-01

We construct a self-consistent relativistic Newtonian analogue corresponding to gravitational static spherical symmetric spacetime geometries, starting directly from a generalized scalar relativistic gravitational action in a Newtonian framework, which gives geodesic equations of motion identical to those of the parent metric. Consequently, the derived velocity-dependent relativistic scalar potential, which is a relativistic generalization of the Newtonian gravitational potential, exactly reproduces the relativistic gravitational features corresponding to any static spherical symmetric spacetime geometry in its entirety, including all the experimentally tested gravitational effects in the weak field up to the present. This relativistic analogous potential is expected to be quite usefulmore » in studying a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, especially in strong field gravity.« less

Resonant Raman scattering from silicon nanoparticles enhanced by magnetic response.

PubMed

Dmitriev, Pavel A; Baranov, Denis G; Milichko, Valentin A; Makarov, Sergey V; Mukhin, Ivan S; Samusev, Anton K; Krasnok, Alexander E; Belov, Pavel A; Kivshar, Yuri S

2016-05-05

Enhancement of optical response with high-index dielectric nanoparticles is attributed to the excitation of their Mie-type magnetic and electric resonances. Here we study Raman scattering from crystalline silicon nanoparticles and reveal that magnetic dipole modes have a much stronger effect on the scattering than electric modes of the same order. We demonstrate experimentally a 140-fold enhancement of the Raman signal from individual silicon spherical nanoparticles at the magnetic dipole resonance. Our results confirm the importance of the optically-induced magnetic response of subwavelength dielectric nanoparticles for enhancing light-matter interactions.

A new dielectric metamaterial building block with a strong magnetic response in the sub-1.5-micrometer region: silicon colloid nanocavities.

PubMed

Shi, Lei; Tuzer, T Umut; Fenollosa, Roberto; Meseguer, Francisco

2012-11-20

A new dielectric metamaterial building block based on high refractive index silicon spherical nanocavities with Mie resonances appearing in the near infrared optical region is prepared and characterized. It is demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically that a single silicon nanocavity supports well-defined and robust magnetic resonances, even in a liquid medium environment, at wavelength values up to six times larger than the cavity radius. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Low leakage current gate dielectrics prepared by ion beam assisted deposition for organic thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chang Su; Jo, Sung Jin; Kim, Jong Bok; Ryu, Seung Yoon; Noh, Joo Hyon; Baik, Hong Koo; Lee, Se Jong; Kim, Youn Sang

2007-12-01

This communication reports on the fabrication of low operating voltage pentacene thin-film transistors with high-k gate dielectrics by ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD). These densely packed dielectric layers by IBAD show a much lower level of leakage current than those created by e-beam evaporation. These results, from the fact that those thin films deposited with low adatom mobility, have an open structure, consisting of spherical grains with pores in between, that acts as a significant path for leakage current. By contrast, our results demonstrate the potential to limit this leakage. The field effect mobility, on/off current ratio, and subthreshold slope obtained from pentacene thin-film transistors (TFTs) were 1.14 cm2/V s, 105, and 0.41 V/dec, respectively. Thus, the high-k gate dielectrics obtained by IBAD show promise in realizing low leakage current, low voltage, and high mobility pentacene TFTs.

Study of structural, spectroscopic and dielectric properties of multiferroic cadmium doped Samarium manganite synthesized by solid state reaction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Vandana; Raina, Bindu; Verma, Seema; Bamzai, K. K.

2018-05-01

Samarium manganite doped with cadmium having general formula Sm1-xCdxMnO3 for x = 0.05, 0.15 were synthesized by solid state reaction technique. These compositions were characterized by various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dielectric. XRD analysis confirms the single phase formation with pervoskites structure having orthorhombic phase. Densities were determined and compared with the results obtained by Archimedes principle. The scanning electron micrograph shows that the particle size distribution is almost homogeneous and spherical in shape. FTIR analysis confirms the presence of various atomic bonds within a molecule. A very large value of dielectric constant was observed at low frequencies due to the presence of grains and interfaces. The dielectric constant value decreases with increase in cadmium doping at samarium site.

A facile growth mechanism, structural, optical, dielectric and electrical properties of ZnSe nanosphere via hydrothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Javed, Qurat-Ul-Ain; Baqi, Sabah; Abbas, Hussain; Bibi, Maryam

2017-02-01

Hydrothermal method was chosen as a convenient method to fabricate zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanoparticle materials. The prepared nanospheres were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where its different properties were observed using UV-visible spectroscopy and LCR meter. It was found that the pure ZnSe nanoparticles have a Zinc blende structure with crystallite size 10.91 nm and in a spherical form with average diameter of 35 nm (before sonication) and 18 nm (after sonication) with wide band gap of 4.28 eV. It was observed that there is inverse relation of frequency with dielectric constant and dielectric loss while AC conductivity grows up by increasing frequency. Such nanostructures were determined to be effectively used in optoelectronic devices as UV detector and in those devices where high-dielectric constant materials are required.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tuhkala, M., E-mail: mtuhkala@ee.oulu.fi; Maček, M.; Siponkoski, T.

Highlights: • Elongated micrometre sized BaTiO{sub 3} particles had strong effect on permittivity. • Effect was significantly stronger compared to μm and nm sized spherical particles. • Properties could be tailored by varying the particle shapes of dielectric powders. • Could be utilized, e.g., in a production of electrical composites for RF applications. - Abstract: The effect of BaTiO{sub 3} particle shape on the properties of 0.98MgTiO{sub 3}–0.02BaTiO{sub 3} composite powders was characterized and analyzed using an indirectly coupled open-ended coaxial cavity resonator at gigahertz frequencies. Elongated micrometre sized BaTiO{sub 3} particles were found to have a significantly stronger effectmore » on permittivity when compared to composite powders having micro and nano sized spherical BaTiO{sub 3} particles. Inclusion permittivities and dielectric loss tangents of composite powders increased from that of pure MgTiO{sub 3} powder, 13.3 and 4.6 × 10{sup −3}, up to 15.7 and 1.7 × 10{sup −2} with needle shaped BaTiO{sub 3} particles, respectively. The presented results give valuable information for tailoring the properties of dielectrics which can be utilized in the vast field of electronic component manufacturing.« less

Time-dependent electrophoresis of a dielectric spherical particle embedded in Brinkman medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saad, E. I.; Faltas, M. S.

2018-04-01

An expression for electrophoretic apparent velocity slip in the time-dependent flow of an electrolyte solution saturated in a charged porous medium within an electric double layer adjacent to a dielectric plate under the influence of a tangential uniform electric field is derived. The velocity slip is used as a boundary condition to solve the electrophoretic motion of an impermeable dielectric spherical particle embedded in an electrolyte solution saturated in porous medium under the unsteady Darcy-Brinkman model. Throughout the system, a uniform electric field is applied and maintains with constant strength. Two cases are considered, when the electric double layer enclosing the particle is thin, but finite and when of a particle with a thick double layer. Expressions for the electrophoretic mobility of the particle as functions of the relevant parameters are found. Our results indicate that the time scale for the growth of mobility is significant and small for high permeability. Generally, the effect of the relaxation time for starting electrophoresis is negligible, irrespective of the thickness of the double layer and permeability of the medium. The effects of the elapsed time, permeability, mass density and Debye length parameters on the fluid velocity, the electrophoretic mobility and the acceleration are shown graphically.

Effect of Y2O3 on polyindole for high frequency capacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maji, P.; Choudhary, R. B.; Majhi, M.

2017-05-01

Polyindole-Yittrium Oxide (PIn-Y2O3) composite was synthesized in the laboratory through chemical polymerization process. The structural and morphological studies of PIn-Y2O3 composite were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. These studies showed that PIn-Y2O3 composite was amorphous in nature and formed with spherical granule shape. The dielectric response was measured through LCR meter in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. The dielectric studies revealed that incorporation of Y2O3 into polymeric matrix improved the dielectric behavior of PIn polymer and markedly suitable for its application in high frequency capacitor and many other electronic devices.

Cylindrical and spherical Akhmediev breather and freak waves in ultracold neutral plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Tantawy, S. A.; El-Awady, E. I.

2018-01-01

The properties of cylindrical and spherical ion-acoustic breathers Akhmediev breather and freak waves in strongly coupled ultracold neutral plasmas (UNPs), whose constituents are inertial strongly coupled ions and weakly coupled Maxwellian electrons, are investigated numerically. Using the derivative expansion method, the basic set of fluid equations is reduced to a nonplanar (cylindrical and spherical)/modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation (mNLSE). The analytical solutions of the mNLSE were not possible until now, so their numerical solutions are obtained using the finite difference scheme with the help of the Dirichlet boundary conditions. Moreover, the criteria for the existence and propagation of breathers are discussed in detail. The geometrical effects due to the cylindrical and spherical geometries on the breather profile are studied numerically. It is found that the propagation of the ion-acoustic breathers in one-dimensional planar and nonplanar geometries is very different. Finally, our results may help to manipulate matter breathers experimentally in UNPs.

Computation of Relative Magnetic Helicity in Spherical Coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moraitis, Kostas; Pariat, Étienne; Savcheva, Antonia; Valori, Gherardo

2018-06-01

Magnetic helicity is a quantity of great importance in solar studies because it is conserved in ideal magnetohydrodynamics. While many methods for computing magnetic helicity in Cartesian finite volumes exist, in spherical coordinates, the natural coordinate system for solar applications, helicity is only treated approximately. We present here a method for properly computing the relative magnetic helicity in spherical geometry. The volumes considered are finite, of shell or wedge shape, and the three-dimensional magnetic field is considered to be fully known throughout the studied domain. Testing of the method with well-known, semi-analytic, force-free magnetic-field models reveals that it has excellent accuracy. Further application to a set of nonlinear force-free reconstructions of the magnetic field of solar active regions and comparison with an approximate method used in the past indicates that the proposed method can be significantly more accurate, thus making our method a promising tool in helicity studies that employ spherical geometry. Additionally, we determine and discuss the applicability range of the approximate method.

Analysis and implementation of a space resolving spherical crystal spectrometer for x-ray Thomson scattering experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harding, E. C.; Ao, T.; Bailey, J. E.

2015-04-15

The application of a space-resolving spectrometer to X-ray Thomson Scattering (XRTS) experiments has the potential to advance the study of warm dense matter. This has motivated the design of a spherical crystal spectrometer, which is a doubly focusing geometry with an overall high sensitivity and the capability of providing high-resolution, space-resolved spectra. A detailed analysis of the image fluence and crystal throughput in this geometry is carried out and analytical estimates of these quantities are presented. This analysis informed the design of a new spectrometer intended for future XRTS experiments on the Z-machine. The new spectrometer collects 6 keV x-raysmore » with a spherically bent Ge (422) crystal and focuses the collected x-rays onto the Rowland circle. The spectrometer was built and then tested with a foam target. The resulting high-quality spectra prove that a spherical spectrometer is a viable diagnostic for XRTS experiments.« less

Analysis and implementation of a space resolving spherical crystal spectrometer for x-ray Thomson scattering experiments.

PubMed

Harding, E C; Ao, T; Bailey, J E; Loisel, G; Sinars, D B; Geissel, M; Rochau, G A; Smith, I C

2015-04-01

The application of a space-resolving spectrometer to X-ray Thomson Scattering (XRTS) experiments has the potential to advance the study of warm dense matter. This has motivated the design of a spherical crystal spectrometer, which is a doubly focusing geometry with an overall high sensitivity and the capability of providing high-resolution, space-resolved spectra. A detailed analysis of the image fluence and crystal throughput in this geometry is carried out and analytical estimates of these quantities are presented. This analysis informed the design of a new spectrometer intended for future XRTS experiments on the Z-machine. The new spectrometer collects 6 keV x-rays with a spherically bent Ge (422) crystal and focuses the collected x-rays onto the Rowland circle. The spectrometer was built and then tested with a foam target. The resulting high-quality spectra prove that a spherical spectrometer is a viable diagnostic for XRTS experiments.

A new spherical model for computing the radiation field available for photolysis and heating at twilight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dahlback, Arne; Stamnes, Knut

1991-01-01

Accurate computation of atmospheric photodissociation and heating rates is needed in photochemical models. These quantities are proportional to the mean intensity of the solar radiation penetrating to various levels in the atmosphere. For large solar zenith angles a solution of the radiative transfer equation valid for a spherical atmosphere is required in order to obtain accurate values of the mean intensity. Such a solution based on a perturbation technique combined with the discrete ordinate method is presented. Mean intensity calculations are carried out for various solar zenith angles. These results are compared with calculations from a plane parallel radiative transfer model in order to assess the importance of using correct geometry around sunrise and sunset. This comparison shows, in agreement with previous investigations, that for solar zenith angles less than 90 deg adequate solutions are obtained for plane parallel geometry as long as spherical geometry is used to compute the direct beam attenuation; but for solar zenith angles greater than 90 deg this pseudospherical plane parallel approximation overstimates the mean intensity.

Close packing of rods on spherical surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smallenburg, Frank; Löwen, Hartmut

2016-04-01

We study the optimal packing of short, hard spherocylinders confined to lie tangential to a spherical surface, using simulated annealing and molecular dynamics simulations. For clusters of up to twelve particles, we map out the changes in the geometry of the closest-packed configuration as a function of the aspect ratio L/D, where L is the cylinder length and D the diameter of the rods. We find a rich variety of cluster structures. For larger clusters, we find that the best-packed configurations up to around 100 particles are highly dependent on the exact number of particles and aspect ratio. For even larger clusters, we find largely disordered clusters for very short rods (L/D = 0.25), while slightly longer rods (L/D = 0.5 or 1) prefer a global baseball-like geometry of smectic-like domains, similar to the behavior of large-scale nematic shells. Intriguingly, we observe that when compared to their optimal flat-plane packing, short rods adapt to the spherical geometry more efficiently than both spheres and longer rods. Our results provide predictions for experimentally realizable systems of colloidal rods trapped at the interface of emulsion droplets.

Impact of contact lens zone geometry and ocular optics on bifocal retinal image quality

PubMed Central

Bradley, Arthur; Nam, Jayoung; Xu, Renfeng; Harman, Leslie; Thibos, Larry

2014-01-01

Purpose To examine the separate and combined influences of zone geometry, pupil size, diffraction, apodisation and spherical aberration on the optical performance of concentric zonal bifocals. Methods Zonal bifocal pupil functions representing eye + ophthalmic correction were defined by interleaving wavefronts from separate optical zones of the bifocal. A two-zone design (a central circular inner zone surrounded by an annular outer-zone which is bounded by the pupil) and a five-zone design (a central small circular zone surrounded by four concentric annuli) were configured with programmable zone geometry, wavefront phase and pupil transmission characteristics. Using computational methods, we examined the effects of diffraction, Stiles Crawford apodisation, pupil size and spherical aberration on optical transfer functions for different target distances. Results Apodisation alters the relative weighting of each zone, and thus the balance of near and distance optical quality. When spherical aberration is included, the effective distance correction, add power and image quality depend on zone-geometry and Stiles Crawford Effect apodisation. When the outer zone width is narrow, diffraction limits the available image contrast when focused, but as pupil dilates and outer zone width increases, aberrations will limit the best achievable image quality. With two-zone designs, balancing near and distance image quality is not achieved with equal area inner and outer zones. With significant levels of spherical aberration, multi-zone designs effectively become multifocals. Conclusion Wave optics and pupil varying ocular optics significantly affect the imaging capabilities of different optical zones of concentric bifocals. With two-zone bifocal designs, diffraction, pupil apodisation spherical aberration, and zone size influence both the effective add power and the pupil size required to balance near and distance image quality. Five-zone bifocal designs achieve a high degree of pupil size independence, and thus will provide more consistent performance as pupil size varies with light level and convergence amplitude. PMID:24588552

Numerical assessment of the performance of a scalp-implantable antenna: effects of head anatomy and dielectric parameters.

PubMed

Kiourti, Asimina; Nikita, Konstantina S

2013-04-01

We numerically assess the effects of head properties (anatomy and dielectric parameters) on the performance of a scalp-implantable antenna for telemetry in the Medical Implant Communications Service band (402.0-405.0 MHz). Safety issues and performance (resonance, radiation) are analyzed for an experimentally validated implantable antenna (volume of 203.6 mm(3) ), considering five head models (3- and 5-layer spherical, 6-, 10-, and 13-tissue anatomical) and seven scenarios (variations ± 20% in the reference permittivity and conductivity values). Simulations are carried out at 403.5 MHz using the finite-difference time-domain method. Anatomy of the head model around the implantation site is found to mainly affect antenna performance, whereas overall tissue anatomy and dielectric parameters are less significant. Compared to the reference dielectric parameter scenario within the 3-layer spherical head, maximum variations of -19.9%, +3.7%, -55.1%, and -39.2% are computed in the maximum allowable net input power imposed by the IEEE Std C95.1-1999 and Std C95.1-2005 safety guidelines, return loss, and maximum far-field gain, respectively. Compliance with the recent IEEE Std C95.1-2005 is found to be almost insensitive to head properties, in contrast with IEEE Std C95.1-1999. Taking tissue property uncertainties into account is highlighted as crucial for implantable antenna design and performance assessment. Bioelectromagnetics 34:167-179, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nonlinear nature of composite structure induced by the interaction of nonplanar solitons in a nonextensive plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jiu-Ning; Luo, Jun-Hua; Liu, Zhen-Lai; Shi, Jun; Xiang, Gen-Xiang; Li, Jun-Xiu

2015-06-01

The nonlinear properties of composite structure induced by the head-on collision of electron-acoustic solitons in a general plasma composed of cold fluid electrons, hot nonextensive distributed electron, and stationary ions are studied. We have made a detailed investigation on the time-evolution process of this merged wave structure. It is found that the structure survives during some time interval, and there are obviously different for the properties of the composite structures which are induced in cylindrical and spherical geometries. Moreover, it is shown that there are both positive and negative phase shifts for each colliding soliton after the interaction. For fixed plasma parameters, the soliton received the largest phase shift in spherical geometry, followed by the cylindrical and one-dimensional planar geometries.

Noncommutative spherically symmetric spacetimes at semiclassical order

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritz, Christopher; Majid, Shahn

2017-07-01

Working within the recent formalism of Poisson-Riemannian geometry, we completely solve the case of generic spherically symmetric metric and spherically symmetric Poisson-bracket to find a unique answer for the quantum differential calculus, quantum metric and quantum Levi-Civita connection at semiclassical order O(λ) . Here λ is the deformation parameter, plausibly the Planck scale. We find that r, t, d r, d t are all forced to be central, i.e. undeformed at order λ, while for each value of r, t we are forced to have a fuzzy sphere of radius r with a unique differential calculus which is necessarily nonassociative at order λ2 . We give the spherically symmetric quantisation of the FLRW cosmology in detail and also recover a previous analysis for the Schwarzschild black hole, now showing that the quantum Ricci tensor for the latter vanishes at order λ. The quantum Laplace-Beltrami operator for spherically symmetric models turns out to be undeformed at order λ while more generally in Poisson-Riemannian geometry we show that it deforms to □f+λ2ωαβ(Ricγα-Sγα)(∇^βdf)γ+O(λ2) in terms of the classical Levi-Civita connection \\widehat\

DOE FES FY2017 Joint Research Target Fourth Quarter Milestone Report for theNational Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soukhanovskii, V. A.

2017-09-13

A successful high-performance plasma operation with a radiative divertor has been demonstrated on many tokamak devices, however, significant uncertainty remains in accurately modeling detachment thresholds, and in how detachment depends on divertor geometry. Whereas it was originally planned to perform dedicated divertor experiments on the National Spherical Tokamak Upgrade to address critical detachment and divertor geometry questions for this milestone, the experiments were deferred due to technical difficulties. Instead, existing NSTX divertor data was summarized and re-analyzed where applicable, and additional simulations were performed.

Cartilage microindentation using cylindrical and spherical optical fiber indenters with integrated Bragg gratings as force sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchi, G.; Canti, O.; Baier, V.; Micallef, W.; Hartmann, B.; Alberton, P.; Aszodi, A.; Clausen-Schaumann, H.; Roths, J.

2018-02-01

Fiber optic microindentation sensors that have the potential to be integrated into arthroscopic instruments and to allow localizing degraded articular cartilage are presented in this paper. The indenters consist of optical fibers with integrated Bragg gratings as force sensors. In a basic configuration, the tip of the fiber optic indenter consists of a cleaved fiber end, forming a cylindrical flat punch indenter geometry. When using this indenter geometry, high stresses at the edges of the cylinder are present, which can disrupt the tissue structure. This is avoided with an improved version of the indenter. A spherical indenter tip that is formed by melting the end of the glass fiber. The spherical fiber tip shows the additional advantage of strongly reducing reflections from the fiber end. This allows a reduction of the length of the fiber optic sensor element from 65 mm of the flat punch type to 27 mm of the spherical punch. In order to compare the performance of both indenter types, in vitro stress-relaxation indentation experiments were performed on bovine articular cartilage with both indenter types, to assess biomechanical properties of bovine articular cartilage. For indentation depths between 60 μm and 300 μm, the measurements with both indenter types agreed very well with each other. This shows that both indenter geometries are suitable for microindentation measuremnts . The spherical indenter however has the additional advantage that it minimizes the risk to damage the surface of the tissue and has less than half dimensions than the flat indenter.

Dielectric Covered Planar Antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Llombart Juan, Nuria (Inventor); Lee, Choonsup (Inventor); Chattopadhyay, Goutam (Inventor); Gill, John J. (Inventor); Skalare, Anders J. (Inventor); Siegel, Peter H. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

An antenna element suitable for integrated arrays at terahertz frequencies is disclosed. The antenna element comprises an extended spherical (e.g. hemispherical) semiconductor lens, e.g. silicon, antenna fed by a leaky wave waveguide feed. The extended spherical lens comprises a substantially spherical lens adjacent a substantially planar lens extension. A couple of TE/TM leaky wave modes are excited in a resonant cavity formed between a ground plane and the substantially planar lens extension by a waveguide block coupled to the ground plane. Due to these modes, the primary feed radiates inside the lens with a directive pattern that illuminates a small sector of the lens. The antenna structure is compatible with known semiconductor fabrication technology and enables production of large format imaging arrays.

Analysis of surface wave propagation in a grounded dielectric slab covered by a resistive sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shively, David G.

1992-01-01

Both parallel and perpendicular polarized surface waves are known to propagate on lossless and lossy grounded dielectric slabs. Surface wave propagation on a grounded dielectric slab covered with a resistive sheet is considered. Both parallel and perpendicular polarizations are examined. Transcendental equations are derived for each polarization and are solved using iterative techniques. Attenuation and phase velocity are shown for representative geometries. The results are applicable to both a grounded slab with a resistive sheet and an ungrounded slab covered on each side with a resistive sheet.

Spherical nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary waves in Titan's atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selim, M. M.

2016-03-01

Propagation of spherical nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary waves in positive and negative ion plasmas with superthermal electrons is investigated. The effects of perturbations of the azimuthal and zenith-angle as well as the radial coordinate on the solitary wave profile are reported. The existence domains and the characteristics of the spherical solitary pulses are examined. The solitary excitations are found to be strongly dependent on the plasma parameters; the mass ratio of the positive-to-negative ions, electrons superthermality, and the spherical geometry. The role of superthermal electrons in formation of the spherical nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary excitations for two ion mass groups in Titan's upper atmosphere is investigated.

Apparatus for irradiating a continuously flowing stream of fluid. [For neutron activation analysis

DOEpatents

Speir, L.G.; Adams, E.L.

1982-05-13

An apparatus for irradiating a continuously flowing stream of fluid is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a housing having a spherical cavity and a spherical moderator containing a radiation source positioned within the spherical cavity. The spherical moderator is of lesser diameter than the spherical cavity so as to define a spherical annular volume around the moderator. The housing includes fluid intake and output conduits which open onto the spherical cavity at diametrically opposite positions. Fluid flows through the cavity around the spherical moderator and is uniformly irradiated due to the 4..pi.. radiation geometry. The irradiation source, for example a /sup 252/Cf neutron source, is removable from the spherical moderator through a radial bore which extends outwardly to an opening on the outside of the housing. The radiation source may be routinely removed without interrupting the flow of fluid or breaching the containment of the fluid.

Apparatus for irradiating a continuously flowing stream of fluid

DOEpatents

Speir, Leslie G.; Adams, Edwin L.

1984-01-01

An apparatus for irradiating a continuously flowing stream of fluid is diosed. The apparatus consists of a housing having a spherical cavity and a spherical moderator containing a radiation source positioned within the spherical cavity. The spherical moderator is of lesser diameter than the spherical cavity so as to define a spherical annular volume around the moderator. The housing includes fluid intake and output conduits which open onto the spherical cavity at diametrically opposite positions. Fluid flows through the cavity around the spherical moderator and is uniformly irradiated due to the 4.pi. radiation geometry. The irradiation source, for example a .sup.252 CF neutron source, is removable from the spherical moderator through a radial bore which extends outwardly to an opening on the outside of the housing. The radiation source may be routinely removed without interrupting the flow of fluid or breaching the containment of the fluid.

Ultralow-k nanoporous organosilicate dielectric films imprinted with dendritic spheres.

PubMed

Lee, Byeongdu; Park, Young-Hee; Hwang, Yong-Taek; Oh, Weontae; Yoon, Jinhwan; Ree, Moonhor

2005-02-01

Integrated circuits that have improved functionality and speed in a smaller package and that consume less power are desired by the microelectronics industry as well as by end users, to increase device performance and reduce costs. The fabrication of high-performance integrated circuits requires the availability of materials with low or ultralow dielectric constant (low-k: k

Dielectric properties of proteins from simulations: tools and techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simonson, Thomas; Perahia, David

1995-09-01

Tools and techniques to analyze the dielectric properties of proteins are described. Microscopic dielectric properties are determined by a susceptibility tensor of order 3 n, where n is the number of protein atoms. For perturbing charges not too close to the protein, the dielectric relaxation free energy is directly related to the dipole-dipole correlation matrix of the unperturbed protein, or equivalently to the covariance matrix of its atomic displacements. These are straightforward to obtain from existing molecular dynamics packages such as CHARMM or X- PLOR. Macroscopic dielectric properties can be derived from the dipolar fluctuations of the protein, by idealizing the protein as one or more spherical media. The dipolar fluctuations are again directly related to the covariance matrix of the atomic displacements. An interesting consequence is that the quasiharmonic approximation, which by definition exactly reproduces this covariance matrix, gives the protein dielectric constant exactly. Finally a technique is reviewed to obtain normal or quasinormal modes of vibration of symmetric protein assemblies. Using elementary group theory, and eliminating the high-frequency modes of vibration of each monomer, the limiting step in terms of memory and computation is finding the normal modes of a single monomer, with the other monomers held fixed. This technique was used to study the dielectric properties of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus protein disk.

Decay Rate of the Nuclear Isomer Th 229 (3 /2+,7.8 eV ) in a Dielectric Sphere, Thin Film, and Metal Cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkalya, E. V.

2018-03-01

The main decay channels of the anomalous low-energy 3 /2+(7.8 ±0.5 eV ) isomeric level of the Th 229 nucleus, namely the γ emission and internal conversion, inside a dielectric sphere, dielectric thin film, and conducting spherical microcavity are investigated theoretically, taking into account the effect of media interfaces. It is shown that (1) the γ decay rate of the nuclear isomer inside a dielectric thin film and dielectric microsphere placed in a vacuum or in a metal cavity can decrease (increase) in dozen of times, (2) the γ activity of the distributed source as a function of time can be nonexponential, and (3) the metal cavity, whose size is of the order of the radiation wavelength, does not affect the probability of the internal conversion in Th 229 , because the virtual photon attenuates at much shorter distances and the reflected wave is very weak.

Effect of zinc substitution on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of nano-structured Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, K. Vijaya; Sailaja, B.; Jalaiah, K.; Shibeshi, Paulos Taddesse; Ravi, M.

2018-04-01

A series of Ni0.5Co0.5-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) nanoferrites were synthesized by sol-gel method using citric acid as chelating reagent. The synthesized ferrite systems are characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, ESR and dielectric techniques. The formation of cubic spinel phase belonging to space group Fd3m is identified from the X-ray diffraction patterns. SEM showed the particles are in spherical shape with an average grain size 5-10 nm. FTIR spectra portrait the fundamental absorption bands in the range 400-600 cm-1 relating to octahedral and tetrahedral sites. Dielectric properties are investigated over the frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature. A difference in dielectric constant (εr) and dissipation factor (tanδ) of the ferrites has been observed. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent decreases exponentially with increase in frequency. The obtained results are good agreeing with the reported values.

Low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography in a realistic geometry head model: a simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Lei; Lai, Yuan; He, Bin

2005-01-01

It is of importance to localize neural sources from scalp recorded EEG. Low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) has received considerable attention for localizing brain electrical sources. However, most such efforts have used spherical head models in representing the head volume conductor. Investigation of the performance of LORETA in a realistic geometry head model, as compared with the spherical model, will provide useful information guiding interpretation of data obtained by using the spherical head model. The performance of LORETA was evaluated by means of computer simulations. The boundary element method was used to solve the forward problem. A three-shell realistic geometry (RG) head model was constructed from MRI scans of a human subject. Dipole source configurations of a single dipole located at different regions of the brain with varying depth were used to assess the performance of LORETA in different regions of the brain. A three-sphere head model was also used to approximate the RG head model, and similar simulations performed, and results compared with the RG-LORETA with reference to the locations of the simulated sources. Multi-source localizations were discussed and examples given in the RG head model. Localization errors employing the spherical LORETA, with reference to the source locations within the realistic geometry head, were about 20-30 mm, for four brain regions evaluated: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital regions. Localization errors employing the RG head model were about 10 mm over the same four brain regions. The present simulation results suggest that the use of the RG head model reduces the localization error of LORETA, and that the RG head model based LORETA is desirable if high localization accuracy is needed.

The improved z-scan technique: potentialities of the additional right-angle scattering channel and the input polarization control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volchkov, S. S.; Yuvchenko, S. A.; Zimnyakov, D. A.

2018-04-01

The theoretical possibility of retrieving the additional information on the dielectric properties of the nanoparticles material by single scattering in suspensions was studied. We have demonstrated a method of recreating the dielectric function of the material in the fundamental absorption band using the closed aperture z-scanning with the simultaneous Rayleigh scattering intensity measurements and the polarization control of an input laser beam. A possibility to recreate the form factor of the non-spherical particles or anisotropic nonlinear sensitivity for the sphere-like particles was also observed.

Refraction at a curved dielectric interface - Geometrical optics solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S.-W.; Sheshadri, M. S.; Mittra, R.; Jamnejad, V.

1982-01-01

The transmission of a spherical or plane wave through an arbitrarily curved dielectric interface is solved by the geometrical optics theory. The transmitted field is proportional to the product of the conventional Fresnel's transmission coefficient and a divergence factor (DF), which describes the cross-sectional variation (convergence or divergence) of a ray pencil as the latter propagates in the transmitted region. The factor DF depends on the incident wavefront, the curvatures of the interface, and the relative indices of the two media. Explicit matrix formulas for calculating DF are given, and its physical significance is illustrated via examples.

The relationship between resonance scattering and the formation of an acoustojet under the interaction of ultrasound with a dielectric sphere immersed in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minin, I. V.; Minin, O. V.; Tseplyaev, I. S.

2017-08-01

We demonstrated for the first time the influence of the main parameters of dielectric spherical cavity, immersed in water, to transformation of whispering gallery mode into acoustojet (acoustic jets) by interaction of acoustic plane wave scatterer. It has been shown that the relative speed of sound in the material, the relative density of the material and the radius of particle significantly affect the condition for the formation of WGM resonance. However, the "more sensitive" parameter is the relative speed of sound.

Optical trapping performance of dielectric-metallic patchy particles

PubMed Central

Lawson, Joseph L.; Jenness, Nathan J.; Clark, Robert L.

2015-01-01

We demonstrate a series of simulation experiments examining the optical trapping behavior of composite micro-particles consisting of a small metallic patch on a spherical dielectric bead. A full parameter space of patch shapes, based on current state of the art manufacturing techniques, and optical properties of the metallic film stack is examined. Stable trapping locations and optical trap stiffness of these particles are determined based on the particle design and potential particle design optimizations are discussed. A final test is performed examining the ability to incorporate these composite particles with standard optical trap metrology technologies. PMID:26832054

A haptic model of vibration modes in spherical geometry and its application in atomic physics, nuclear physics and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ubben, Malte; Heusler, Stefan

2018-07-01

Vibration modes in spherical geometry can be classified based on the number and position of nodal planes. However, the geometry of these planes is non-trivial and cannot be easily displayed in two dimensions. We present 3D-printed models of those vibration modes, enabling a haptic approach for understanding essential features of bound states in quantum physics and beyond. In particular, when applied to atomic physics, atomic orbitals are obtained in a natural manner. Applied to nuclear physics, the same patterns of vibration modes emerge as cornerstone for the nuclear shell model. These applications of the very same model in a range of more than 5 orders of magnitude in length scales leads to a general discussion of the applicability and limits of validity of physical models in general.

Synthetic Landau Levels and Spinor Vortex Matter on a Haldane Spherical Surface with a Magnetic Monopole.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiang-Fa; Wu, Congjun; Guo, Guang-Can; Wang, Ruquan; Pu, Han; Zhou, Zheng-Wei

2018-03-30

We present a flexible scheme to realize exact flat Landau levels on curved spherical geometry in a system of spinful cold atoms. This is achieved by applying the Floquet engineering of a magnetic quadrupole field to create a synthetic monopole field in real space. The system can be exactly mapped to the electron-monopole system on a sphere, thus realizing Haldane's spherical geometry for fractional quantum Hall physics. This method works for either bosons or fermions. We investigate the ground-state vortex pattern for an s-wave interacting atomic condensate by mapping this system to the classical Thompson's problem. The distortion and stability of the vortex pattern are further studied in the presence of dipolar interaction. Our scheme is compatible with the current experimental setup, and may serve as a promising route of investigating quantum Hall physics and exotic spinor vortex matter on curved space.

Modulational instability: Conservation laws and bright soliton solution of ion-acoustic waves in electron-positron-ion-dust plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

EL-Kalaawy, O. H.

2018-02-01

We consider the nonlinear propagation of non-planar (cylindrical and spherical) ion-acoustic (IA) envelope solitary waves in an unmagnetized plasma consisting of electron-positron-ion-dust plasma with two-electron temperature distributions in the context of the non-extensive statistics. The basic set of fluid equations is reduced to the modified nonlinear Schrödinger (MNLS) equation in cylindrical and spherical geometry by using the reductive perturbation method (RPM). It is found that the nature of the modulational instabilities would be significantly modified due to the effects of the non-extensive and other plasma parameters as well as cylindrical and spherical geometry. Conservation laws of the MNLS equation are obtained by Lie symmetry and multiplier method. A new exact solution (envelope bright soliton) is obtained by the extended homogeneous balance method. Finally, we study the results of this article.

Design Aspects of the Rayleigh Convection Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Featherstone, N. A.

2017-12-01

Understanding the long-term generation of planetary or stellar magnetic field requires complementary knowledge of the large-scale fluid dynamics pervading large fractions of the object's interior. Such large-scale motions are sensitive to the system's geometry which, in planets and stars, is spherical to a good approximation. As a result, computational models designed to study such systems often solve the MHD equations in spherical geometry, frequently employing a spectral approach involving spherical harmonics. We present computational and user-interface design aspects of one such modeling tool, the Rayleigh convection code, which is suitable for deployment on desktop and petascale-hpc architectures alike. In this poster, we will present an overview of this code's parallel design and its built-in diagnostics-output package. Rayleigh has been developed with NSF support through the Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics and is expected to be released as open-source software in winter 2017/2018.

Synthetic Landau Levels and Spinor Vortex Matter on a Haldane Spherical Surface with a Magnetic Monopole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiang-Fa; Wu, Congjun; Guo, Guang-Can; Wang, Ruquan; Pu, Han; Zhou, Zheng-Wei

2018-03-01

We present a flexible scheme to realize exact flat Landau levels on curved spherical geometry in a system of spinful cold atoms. This is achieved by applying the Floquet engineering of a magnetic quadrupole field to create a synthetic monopole field in real space. The system can be exactly mapped to the electron-monopole system on a sphere, thus realizing Haldane's spherical geometry for fractional quantum Hall physics. This method works for either bosons or fermions. We investigate the ground-state vortex pattern for an s -wave interacting atomic condensate by mapping this system to the classical Thompson's problem. The distortion and stability of the vortex pattern are further studied in the presence of dipolar interaction. Our scheme is compatible with the current experimental setup, and may serve as a promising route of investigating quantum Hall physics and exotic spinor vortex matter on curved space.

Emergence and Utility of Nonspherical Particles in Biomedicine

PubMed Central

Fish, Margaret B.; Thompson, Alex J.; Fromen, Catherine A.; Eniola-Adefeso, Omolola

2016-01-01

The importance of the size of targeted, spherical drug carriers has been previously explored and reviewed. Particle shape has emerged as an equally important parameter in determining the in vivo journey and efficiency of drug carrier systems. Researchers have invented techniques to better control the geometry of particles of many different materials, which have allowed for exploration of the role of particle geometry in the phases of drug delivery. The important biological processes include clearance by the immune system, trafficking to the target tissue, margination to the endothelial surface, interaction with the target cell, and controlled release of a payload. The review of current literature herein supports that particle shape can be altered to improve a system’s targeting efficiency. Non-spherical particles can harness the potential of targeted drug carriers by enhancing targeted site accumulation while simultaneously decreasing side effects and mitigating some limitations faced by spherical carriers. PMID:27182109

Rapid Optimal SPH Particle Distributions in Spherical Geometries For Creating Astrophysical Initial Conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raskin, Cody; Owen, J. Michael

Creating spherical initial conditions in smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations that are spherically conformal is a difficult task. Here in this paper, we describe two algorithmic methods for evenly distributing points on surfaces that when paired can be used to build three-dimensional spherical objects with optimal equipartition of volume between particles, commensurate with an arbitrary radial density function. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method against stretched lattice arrangements on the metrics of hydrodynamic stability, spherical conformity, and the harmonic power distribution of gravitational settling oscillations. We further demonstrate how our method is highly optimized for simulating multi-material spheres, such asmore » planets with core–mantle boundaries.« less

Rapid Optimal SPH Particle Distributions in Spherical Geometries For Creating Astrophysical Initial Conditions

DOE PAGES

Raskin, Cody; Owen, J. Michael

2016-03-24

Creating spherical initial conditions in smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations that are spherically conformal is a difficult task. Here in this paper, we describe two algorithmic methods for evenly distributing points on surfaces that when paired can be used to build three-dimensional spherical objects with optimal equipartition of volume between particles, commensurate with an arbitrary radial density function. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method against stretched lattice arrangements on the metrics of hydrodynamic stability, spherical conformity, and the harmonic power distribution of gravitational settling oscillations. We further demonstrate how our method is highly optimized for simulating multi-material spheres, such asmore » planets with core–mantle boundaries.« less

RAPID OPTIMAL SPH PARTICLE DISTRIBUTIONS IN SPHERICAL GEOMETRIES FOR CREATING ASTROPHYSICAL INITIAL CONDITIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raskin, Cody; Owen, J. Michael

2016-04-01

Creating spherical initial conditions in smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations that are spherically conformal is a difficult task. Here, we describe two algorithmic methods for evenly distributing points on surfaces that when paired can be used to build three-dimensional spherical objects with optimal equipartition of volume between particles, commensurate with an arbitrary radial density function. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method against stretched lattice arrangements on the metrics of hydrodynamic stability, spherical conformity, and the harmonic power distribution of gravitational settling oscillations. We further demonstrate how our method is highly optimized for simulating multi-material spheres, such as planets with core–mantlemore » boundaries.« less

Local-area simulations of rotating compressible convection and associated mean flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlburt, Neal E.; Brummell, N. H.; Toomre, Juri

1995-01-01

The dynamics of compressible convection within a curved local segment of a rotating spherical shell are considered in relation to the turbulent redistribution of angular momentum within the solar convection zone. Current supercomputers permit fully turbulent flows to be considered within the restricted geometry of local area models. By considering motions in a curvilinear geometry in which the Coriolos parameters vary with latitude, Rossby waves which couple with the turbulent convection are thought of as being possible. Simulations of rotating convection are presented in such a curved local segment of a spherical shell using a newly developed, sixth-order accurate code based on compact finite differences.

Topological transitions in continuously deformed photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xuan; Wang, Hai-Xiao; Xu, Changqing; Lai, Yun; Jiang, Jian-Hua; John, Sajeev

2018-02-01

We demonstrate that multiple topological transitions can occur, with high sensitivity, by continuous change of the geometry of a simple two-dimensional dielectric-frame photonic crystal consisting of circular air holes. By changing the radii of the holes and/or the distance between them, multiple transitions between normal and topological photonic band gaps (PBGs) can appear. The time-reversal symmetric topological PBGs resemble the quantum spin Hall insulator of electrons and have two counterpropagating edge states. We search for optimal topological transitions, i.e., sharp transitions sensitive to the geometry, and optimal topological PBGs, i.e., large PBGs with a clean spectrum of edge states. Such optimizations reveal that dielectric-frame photonic crystals are promising for optical sensors and unidirectional waveguides.

Structural and dielectric behaviors of Bi4Ti3O12 - lyotropic liquid crystalline nanocolloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Ravi K.; Raina, K. K.

2018-03-01

We investigated the structural and dielectric dynamics of nanocolloids comprising lyotropic liquid crystals and bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) spherical nanoparticles (≈16-18 nm) of varying concentration 0.05 and 0.1 wt%. The lyotropic liquid crystalline mixture was prepared by a binary mixture of cetylpyridinuium chloride and ethylene glycol mixed in 5:95 wt% ratio. Binary lyotropic mixture exhibited hexagonal lyotropic phase. Structural and textural characterizations of nanocolloids infer that the nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the liquid crystalline matrix and did not perturb the hexagonal ordering of the lyotropic phase. The dielectric constant and dielectric strength were found to be increased with the rise in the Bi4Ti3O12 nanoparticles concertation in the lyotropic matrix. A significant increase of one order was observed in the ac conductivity of colloidal systems as compared to the non-doped lyotropic liquid crystal. Relaxation parameters of the non-doped lyotropic liquid crystal and colloidal systems were computed and correlated with other parameters.

The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, J. E.; Ohlsen, D.; Kittleman, S.; Borhani, N.; Leslie, F.; Miller, T.

1999-01-01

The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (GFFC) experiment performed visualizations of thermal convection in a rotating differentially heated spherical shell of fluid. In these experiments dielectric polarization forces are used to generate a radially directed buoyancy force. This enables the laboratory simulation of a number of geophysically and astrophysically important situations in which sphericity and rotation both impose strong constraints on global scale fluid motions. During USML-2 a large set of experiments with spherically symmetric heating were carried out. These enabled the determination of critical points for the transition to various forms of nonaxisymmetric convection and, for highly turbulent flows, the transition latitudes separating the different modes of motion. This paper presents a first analysis of these experiments as well as data on the general performance of the instrument during the USML-2 flight.

Gas-phase geometry optimization of biological molecules as a reasonable alternative to a continuum environment description: fact, myth, or fiction?

PubMed

Sousa, Sérgio Filipe; Fernandes, Pedro Alexandrino; Ramos, Maria João

2009-12-31

Gas-phase optimization of single biological molecules and of small active-site biological models has become a standard approach in first principles computational enzymology. The important role played by the surrounding environment (solvent, enzyme, both) is normally only accounted for through higher-level single point energy calculations performed using a polarizable continuum model (PCM) and an appropriate dielectric constant with the gas-phase-optimized geometries. In this study we analyze this widely used approximation, by comparing gas-phase-optimized geometries with geometries optimized with different PCM approaches (and considering different dielectric constants) for a representative data set of 20 very important biological molecules--the 20 natural amino acids. A total of 323 chemical bonds and 469 angles present in standard amino acid residues were evaluated. The results show that the use of gas-phase-optimized geometries can in fact be quite a reasonable alternative to the use of the more computationally intensive continuum optimizations, providing a good description of bond lengths and angles for typical biological molecules, even for charged amino acids, such as Asp, Glu, Lys, and Arg. This approximation is particularly successful if the protonation state of the biological molecule could be reasonably described in vacuum, a requirement that was already necessary in first principles computational enzymology.

General Relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hobson, M. P.; Efstathiou, G. P.; Lasenby, A. N.

2006-02-01

1. The spacetime of special relativity; 2. Manifolds and coordinates; 3. Vector calculus on manifolds; 4. Tensor calculus on manifolds; 5. Special relativity revisited; 6. Electromagnetism; 7. The equivalence principle and spacetime curvature; 8. The gravitational field equations; 9. The Schwarzschild geometry; 10. Experimental tests of general relativity; 11. Schwarzschild black holes; 12. Further spherically-symmetric geometries; 13. The Kerr geometry; 14. The Friedmann-Robertson-Walker geometry; 15. Cosmological models; 16. Inflationary cosmology; 17. Linearised general relativity; 18. Gravitational waves; 19. A variational approach to general relativity.

Forward modelling of global gravity fields with 3D density structures and an application to the high-resolution ( 2 km) gravity fields of the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šprlák, M.; Han, S.-C.; Featherstone, W. E.

2017-12-01

Rigorous modelling of the spherical gravitational potential spectra from the volumetric density and geometry of an attracting body is discussed. Firstly, we derive mathematical formulas for the spatial analysis of spherical harmonic coefficients. Secondly, we present a numerically efficient algorithm for rigorous forward modelling. We consider the finite-amplitude topographic modelling methods as special cases, with additional postulates on the volumetric density and geometry. Thirdly, we implement our algorithm in the form of computer programs and test their correctness with respect to the finite-amplitude topography routines. For this purpose, synthetic and realistic numerical experiments, applied to the gravitational field and geometry of the Moon, are performed. We also investigate the optimal choice of input parameters for the finite-amplitude modelling methods. Fourth, we exploit the rigorous forward modelling for the determination of the spherical gravitational potential spectra inferred by lunar crustal models with uniform, laterally variable, radially variable, and spatially (3D) variable bulk density. Also, we analyse these four different crustal models in terms of their spectral characteristics and band-limited radial gravitation. We demonstrate applicability of the rigorous forward modelling using currently available computational resources up to degree and order 2519 of the spherical harmonic expansion, which corresponds to a resolution of 2.2 km on the surface of the Moon. Computer codes, a user manual and scripts developed for the purposes of this study are publicly available to potential users.

Experimental realization of a terahertz all-dielectric metasurface absorber.

PubMed

Liu, Xinyu; Fan, Kebin; Shadrivov, Ilya V; Padilla, Willie J

2017-01-09

Metamaterial absorbers consisting of metal, metal-dielectric, or dielectric materials have been realized across much of the electromagnetic spectrum and have demonstrated novel properties and applications. However, most absorbers utilize metals and thus are limited in applicability due to their low melting point, high Ohmic loss and high thermal conductivity. Other approaches rely on large dielectric structures and / or a supporting dielectric substrate as a loss mechanism, thereby realizing large absorption volumes. Here we present a terahertz (THz) all dielectric metasurface absorber based on hybrid dielectric waveguide resonances. We tune the metasurface geometry in order to overlap electric and magnetic dipole resonances at the same frequency, thus achieving an experimental absorption of 97.5%. A simulated dielectric metasurface achieves a total absorption coefficient enhancement factor of FT=140, with a small absorption volume. Our experimental results are well described by theory and simulations and not limited to the THz range, but may be extended to microwave, infrared and optical frequencies. The concept of an all-dielectric metasurface absorber offers a new route for control of the emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation from surfaces with potential applications in energy harvesting, imaging, and sensing.

Electrohydrodynamic interactions of spherical particles under Quincke rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Debasish; Saintillan, David

2012-11-01

Quincke rotation denotes the spontaneous rotation of dielectric particles immersed in a slightly dielectric liquid when subjected to a high enough DC electric field. It occurs when the charge relaxation time of the particles is greater than that of the fluid medium, causing the particles to become polarized in a direction opposite to that of the electric field and therefore giving rise to an unstable equilibrium position. When slightly perturbed, the particles start to rotate, and if the electric field exceeds a critical value the perturbations do not decay and the particle rotations reach a steady state with a constant angular velocity. We use a combination of numerical simulations and asymptotic theory to study the effect of electrohydrodynamic interactions between particles under Quincke rotation. We study the prototypical case of two equally charged spheres carrying no net charge and interacting with each other both hydrodynamically and electrically. The case of spherical particles free to roll on a horizontal grounded electrode is also described. We show that Quincke rotation results in self-propulsion of the particles in the plane of the electrode, and interactions between a pair of such ``rollers'' are analyzed.

Second-harmonic generation from a thin spherical layer and No-generation conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapshai, V. N.; Shamyna, A. A.

2017-09-01

In the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation, we solve the problem of second-harmonic generation by an elliptically polarized electromagnetic wave incident on the surface of a spherical particle that is coated by an optically nonlinear layer and is placed in a dielectric. The formulas obtained characterize the spatial distribution of the electric field of the second harmonic in the far-field zone. The most general form of the second-order dielectric susceptibility tensor is considered, which contains four independent components, with three of them being nonchiral and one, chiral. Consistency and inconsistencies between the obtained solution and formulas from works of other authors are found. We analyze the directivity patterns that characterize the spatial distribution of the generated radiation for the nonchiral layer and their dependences on the anisotropy and ellipticity coefficients of the incident wave. It is found that, with increasing radius of the nonlinear layer, the generated radiation becomes more directional. Combinations of parameters for which no radiation is generated are revealed. Based on this, we propose methods for experimental determination of the anisotropy coefficients.

Dielectric RheoSANS - Simultaneous Interrogation of Impedance, Rheology and Small Angle Neutron Scattering of Complex Fluids.

PubMed

Richards, Jeffrey J; Gagnon, Cedric V L; Krzywon, Jeffery R; Wagner, Norman J; Butler, Paul D

2017-04-10

A procedure for the operation of a new dielectric RheoSANS instrument capable of simultaneous interrogation of the electrical, mechanical and microstructural properties of complex fluids is presented. The instrument consists of a Couette geometry contained within a modified forced convection oven mounted on a commercial rheometer. This instrument is available for use on the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) beamlines at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). The Couette geometry is machined to be transparent to neutrons and provides for measurement of the electrical properties and microstructural properties of a sample confined between titanium cylinders while the sample undergoes arbitrary deformation. Synchronization of these measurements is enabled through the use of a customizable program that monitors and controls the execution of predetermined experimental protocols. Described here is a protocol to perform a flow sweep experiment where the shear rate is logarithmically stepped from a maximum value to a minimum value holding at each step for a specified period of time while frequency dependent dielectric measurements are made. Representative results are shown from a sample consisting of a gel composed of carbon black aggregates dispersed in propylene carbonate. As the gel undergoes steady shear, the carbon black network is mechanically deformed, which causes an initial decrease in conductivity associated with the breaking of bonds comprising the carbon black network. However, at higher shear rates, the conductivity recovers associated with the onset of shear thickening. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the simultaneous measurement of the rheo-electro-microstructural properties of these suspensions using the dielectric RheoSANS geometry.

Dynamics and universal scaling law in geometrically-controlled sessile drop evaporation

PubMed Central

Sáenz, P. J.; Wray, A. W.; Che, Z.; Matar, O. K.; Valluri, P.; Kim, J.; Sefiane, K.

2017-01-01

The evaporation of a liquid drop on a solid substrate is a remarkably common phenomenon. Yet, the complexity of the underlying mechanisms has constrained previous studies to spherically symmetric configurations. Here we investigate well-defined, non-spherical evaporating drops of pure liquids and binary mixtures. We deduce a universal scaling law for the evaporation rate valid for any shape and demonstrate that more curved regions lead to preferential localized depositions in particle-laden drops. Furthermore, geometry induces well-defined flow structures within the drop that change according to the driving mechanism. In the case of binary mixtures, geometry dictates the spatial segregation of the more volatile component as it is depleted. Our results suggest that the drop geometry can be exploited to prescribe the particle deposition and evaporative dynamics of pure drops and the mixing characteristics of multicomponent drops, which may be of interest to a wide range of industrial and scientific applications. PMID:28294114

Contribution to study of interfaces instabilities in plane, cylindrical and spherical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toque, Nathalie

1996-12-01

This thesis proposes several experiments of hydrodynamical instabilities which are studied, numerically and theoretically. The experiments are in plane and cylindrical geometry. Their X-ray radiographies show the evolution of an interface between two solid media crossed by a detonation wave. These materials are initially solid. They become liquide under shock wave or stay between two phases, solid and liquid. The numerical study aims at simulating with the codes EAD and Ouranos, the interfaces instabilities which appear in the experiments. The experimental radiographies and the numerical pictures are in quite good agreement. The theoretical study suggests to modelise a spatio-temporal part of the experiments to obtain the quantitative development of perturbations at the interfaces and in the flows. The models are linear and in plane, cylindrical and spherical geometry. They preceed the inoming study of transition between linear and non linear development of instabilities in multifluids flows crossed by shock waves.

Dynamics and universal scaling law in geometrically-controlled sessile drop evaporation.

PubMed

Sáenz, P J; Wray, A W; Che, Z; Matar, O K; Valluri, P; Kim, J; Sefiane, K

2017-03-15

The evaporation of a liquid drop on a solid substrate is a remarkably common phenomenon. Yet, the complexity of the underlying mechanisms has constrained previous studies to spherically symmetric configurations. Here we investigate well-defined, non-spherical evaporating drops of pure liquids and binary mixtures. We deduce a universal scaling law for the evaporation rate valid for any shape and demonstrate that more curved regions lead to preferential localized depositions in particle-laden drops. Furthermore, geometry induces well-defined flow structures within the drop that change according to the driving mechanism. In the case of binary mixtures, geometry dictates the spatial segregation of the more volatile component as it is depleted. Our results suggest that the drop geometry can be exploited to prescribe the particle deposition and evaporative dynamics of pure drops and the mixing characteristics of multicomponent drops, which may be of interest to a wide range of industrial and scientific applications.

A Fast and Robust Poisson-Boltzmann Solver Based on Adaptive Cartesian Grids

PubMed Central

Boschitsch, Alexander H.; Fenley, Marcia O.

2011-01-01

An adaptive Cartesian grid (ACG) concept is presented for the fast and robust numerical solution of the 3D Poisson-Boltzmann Equation (PBE) governing the electrostatic interactions of large-scale biomolecules and highly charged multi-biomolecular assemblies such as ribosomes and viruses. The ACG offers numerous advantages over competing grid topologies such as regular 3D lattices and unstructured grids. For very large biological molecules and multi-biomolecule assemblies, the total number of grid-points is several orders of magnitude less than that required in a conventional lattice grid used in the current PBE solvers thus allowing the end user to obtain accurate and stable nonlinear PBE solutions on a desktop computer. Compared to tetrahedral-based unstructured grids, ACG offers a simpler hierarchical grid structure, which is naturally suited to multigrid, relieves indirect addressing requirements and uses fewer neighboring nodes in the finite difference stencils. Construction of the ACG and determination of the dielectric/ionic maps are straightforward, fast and require minimal user intervention. Charge singularities are eliminated by reformulating the problem to produce the reaction field potential in the molecular interior and the total electrostatic potential in the exterior ionic solvent region. This approach minimizes grid-dependency and alleviates the need for fine grid spacing near atomic charge sites. The technical portion of this paper contains three parts. First, the ACG and its construction for general biomolecular geometries are described. Next, a discrete approximation to the PBE upon this mesh is derived. Finally, the overall solution procedure and multigrid implementation are summarized. Results obtained with the ACG-based PBE solver are presented for: (i) a low dielectric spherical cavity, containing interior point charges, embedded in a high dielectric ionic solvent – analytical solutions are available for this case, thus allowing rigorous assessment of the solution accuracy; (ii) a pair of low dielectric charged spheres embedded in a ionic solvent to compute electrostatic interaction free energies as a function of the distance between sphere centers; (iii) surface potentials of proteins, nucleic acids and their larger-scale assemblies such as ribosomes; and (iv) electrostatic solvation free energies and their salt sensitivities – obtained with both linear and nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation – for a large set of proteins. These latter results along with timings can serve as benchmarks for comparing the performance of different PBE solvers. PMID:21984876

Electric Double Layer electrostatics of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes with pH-dependent charge density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hao; Chen, Guang; Sinha, Shayandev; Das, Siddhartha; Soft Matter, Interfaces,; Energy Laboratory (Smiel) Team

Understanding the electric double layer (EDL) electrostatics of spherical polyelectrolyte (PE) brushes, which are spherical particles grafted with PE layers, is essential for appropriate use of PE-grfated micro-nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, oil recovery, water harvesting, emulsion stabilization, emulsion breaking, etc. Here we elucidate the EDL electrostatics of spherical PE brushes for the case where the PE exhibits pH-dependent charge density. This pH-dependence necessitates the consideration of explicit hydrogen ion concentration, which in turn dictates the distribution of monomers along the length of the grafted PE. This monomer distribution is shown to be a function of the nature of the sphere (metallic or a charged or uncharged dielectric or a liquid-filled sphere). All the calculations are performed for the case where the PE electrostatics can be decoupled from the PE elastic and excluded volume effects. Initial predictions are also provided for the case where such decoupling is not possible.

Ultrafast Plasmonic Control of Second Harmonic Generation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davidson, Roderick B.; Yanchenko, Anna; Ziegler, Jed I.

Efficient frequency conversion techniques are crucial to the development of plasmonic metasurfaces for information processing and signal modulation. In principle, nanoscale electric-field confinement in nonlinear materials enables higher harmonic conversion efficiencies per unit volume than those attainable in bulk materials. Here we demonstrate efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) in a serrated nanogap plasmonic geometry that generates steep electric field gradients on a dielectric metasurface. An ultrafast control pulse is used to control plasmon-induced electric fields in a thin-film material with inversion symmetry that, without plasmonic enhancement, does not exhibit an even-order nonlinear optical response. The temporal evolution of the plasmonic near-fieldmore » is characterized with ~100 as resolution using a novel nonlinear interferometric technique. The serrated nanogap is a unique platform in which to investigate optically controlled, plasmonically enhanced harmonic generation in dielectric materials on an ultrafast time scale. Lastly, this metamaterial geometry can also be readily extended to all-optical control of other nonlinear phenomena, such as four-wave mixing and sum- and difference-frequency generation, in a wide variety of dielectric materials.« less

Ultrafast Plasmonic Control of Second Harmonic Generation

DOE PAGES

Davidson, Roderick B.; Yanchenko, Anna; Ziegler, Jed I.; ...

2016-06-01

Efficient frequency conversion techniques are crucial to the development of plasmonic metasurfaces for information processing and signal modulation. In principle, nanoscale electric-field confinement in nonlinear materials enables higher harmonic conversion efficiencies per unit volume than those attainable in bulk materials. Here we demonstrate efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) in a serrated nanogap plasmonic geometry that generates steep electric field gradients on a dielectric metasurface. An ultrafast control pulse is used to control plasmon-induced electric fields in a thin-film material with inversion symmetry that, without plasmonic enhancement, does not exhibit an even-order nonlinear optical response. The temporal evolution of the plasmonic near-fieldmore » is characterized with ~100 as resolution using a novel nonlinear interferometric technique. The serrated nanogap is a unique platform in which to investigate optically controlled, plasmonically enhanced harmonic generation in dielectric materials on an ultrafast time scale. Lastly, this metamaterial geometry can also be readily extended to all-optical control of other nonlinear phenomena, such as four-wave mixing and sum- and difference-frequency generation, in a wide variety of dielectric materials.« less

Controlling magnetic and electric dipole modes in hollow silicon nanocylinders.

PubMed

van de Haar, Marie Anne; van de Groep, Jorik; Brenny, Benjamin J M; Polman, Albert

2016-02-08

We propose a dielectric nanoresonator geometry consisting of hollow dielectric nanocylinders which support geometrical resonances. We fabricate such hollow Si particles with an outer diameter of 108-251 nm on a Si substrate, and determine their resonant modes with cathodo-luminescence (CL) spectroscopy and optical dark-field (DF) scattering measurements. The scattering behavior is numerically investigated in a systematic fashion as a function of wavelength and particle geometry. We find that the additional design parameter as a result of the introduction of a center gap can be used to control the relative spectral spacing of the resonant modes, which will enable additional control over the angular radiation pattern of the scatterers. Furthermore, the gap offers direct access to the enhanced magnetic dipole modal field in the center of the particle.

Inversion Of Jacobian Matrix For Robot Manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fijany, Amir; Bejczy, Antal K.

1989-01-01

Report discusses inversion of Jacobian matrix for class of six-degree-of-freedom arms with spherical wrist, i.e., with last three joints intersecting. Shows by taking advantage of simple geometry of such arms, closed-form solution of Q=J-1X, which represents linear transformation from task space to joint space, obtained efficiently. Presents solutions for PUMA arm, JPL/Stanford arm, and six-revolute-joint coplanar arm along with all singular points. Main contribution of paper shows simple geometry of this type of arms exploited in performing inverse transformation without any need to compute Jacobian or its inverse explicitly. Implication of this computational efficiency advanced task-space control schemes for spherical-wrist arms implemented more efficiently.

Pushing concentration of stationary solar concentrators to the limit.

PubMed

Winston, Roland; Zhang, Weiya

2010-04-26

We give the theoretical limit of concentration allowed by nonimaging optics for stationary solar concentrators after reviewing sun- earth geometry in direction cosine space. We then discuss the design principles that we follow to approach the maximum concentration along with examples including a hollow CPC trough, a dielectric CPC trough, and a 3D dielectric stationary solar concentrator which concentrates sun light four times (4x), eight hours per day year around.

Pushing concentration of stationary solar concentrators to the limit.

PubMed

Winston, Roland; Zhang, Weiya

2010-04-26

We give the theoretical limit of concentration allowed by nonimaging optics for stationary solar concentrators after reviewing sun-earth geometry in direction cosine space. We then discuss the design principles that we follow to approach the maximum concentration along with examples including a hollow CPC trough, a dielectric CPC trough, and a 3D dielectric stationary solar concentrator which concentrates sun light four times (4x), eight hours per day year around.

Applications of Differential Geometry to Cartography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benitez, Julio; Thome, Nestor

2004-01-01

This work introduces an application of differential geometry to cartography. The mathematical aspects of some geographical projections of Earth surface are revealed together with some of its more important properties. An important problem since the discovery of the 'spherical' form of the Earth is how to compose a reliable map of the surface of…

Phased array antenna matching: Simulation and optimization of a planar phased array of circular waveguide elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudgeon, J. E.

1972-01-01

A computerized simulation of a planar phased array of circular waveguide elements is reported using mutual coupling and wide angle impedance matching in phased arrays. Special emphasis is given to circular polarization. The aforementioned computer program has as variable inputs: frequency, polarization, grid geometry, element size, dielectric waveguide fill, dielectric plugs in the waveguide for impedance matching, and dielectric sheets covering the array surface for the purpose of wide angle impedance matching. Parameter combinations are found which produce reflection peaks interior to grating lobes, while dielectric cover sheets are successfully employed to extend the usable scan range of a phased array. The most exciting results came from the application of computer aided optimization techniques to the design of this type of array.

A new two-metric theory of gravity with prior geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lightman, A. P.; Lee, D. L.

1972-01-01

A theory is presented of gravity which has the same post-Newtonian (PN) as that of general relativity. The field equations, and a calculation of the PN limit of the theory are discussed along with the equations of stellar structure for static spherically symmetric stars. A special exterior spherically symmetric solution, time dependent solutions, conservations, and gravitational waves are analyzed.

Manipulating Stress in Cu/low-k Dielectric Nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

C Murray; P Besser; E Ryan

The interaction of x-rays with organic dielectric materials, which alters their mechanical properties, affects values of stress generated within encapsulated Cu structures. In particular, the evolution of stress within submicron Cu interconnect structures encapsulated by an organosilicate glass can be investigated in situ using synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction. The overall geometry of the composite, along with the amount of irradiation, dictates the change in stress of the Cu features. A quantitative comparison of these findings to mechanical modeling results reveals two modes of modification within the dielectric film: a densification that changes the effective eigenstrain followed by an increase in elasticmore » modulus.« less

Manipulating stress in Cu/low-k dielectric nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, Conal E.; Besser, Paul R.; Ryan, E. Todd; Jordan-Sweet, Jean L.

2011-04-01

The interaction of x-rays with organic dielectric materials, which alters their mechanical properties, affects values of stress generated within encapsulated Cu structures. In particular, the evolution of stress within submicron Cu interconnect structures encapsulated by an organosilicate glass can be investigated in situ using synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction. The overall geometry of the composite, along with the amount of irradiation, dictates the change in stress of the Cu features. A quantitative comparison of these findings to mechanical modeling results reveals two modes of modification within the dielectric film: a densification that changes the effective eigenstrain followed by an increase in elastic modulus.

Research on the feature set construction method for spherical stereo vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Junchao; Wan, Li; Röning, Juha; Feng, Weijia

2015-01-01

Spherical stereo vision is a kind of stereo vision system built by fish-eye lenses, which discussing the stereo algorithms conform to the spherical model. Epipolar geometry is the theory which describes the relationship of the two imaging plane in cameras for the stereo vision system based on perspective projection model. However, the epipolar in uncorrected fish-eye image will not be a line but an arc which intersects at the poles. It is polar curve. In this paper, the theory of nonlinear epipolar geometry will be explored and the method of nonlinear epipolar rectification will be proposed to eliminate the vertical parallax between two fish-eye images. Maximally Stable Extremal Region (MSER) utilizes grayscale as independent variables, and uses the local extremum of the area variation as the testing results. It is demonstrated in literatures that MSER is only depending on the gray variations of images, and not relating with local structural characteristics and resolution of image. Here, MSER will be combined with the nonlinear epipolar rectification method proposed in this paper. The intersection of the rectified epipolar and the corresponding MSER region is determined as the feature set of spherical stereo vision. Experiments show that this study achieved the expected results.

Estimation of the outer-sphere contribution to the activation volume for electron exchange reactions using the mean spherical approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Hideo D.; Swaddle, Thomas W.

1996-01-01

The outer-sphere contribution to the volume of activation of homogeneous electron exchange reactions is estimated for selected solvents on the basis of the mean spherical approximation (MSA), and the calculated values are compared with those estimated by the Strank-Hush-Marcus (SHM) theory and with activation volumes obtained experimentally for the electron exchange reaction between tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)ruthenium(III) and -(II) in acetone, acetonitrile, methanol and chloroform. The MSA treatment, which recognizes the molecular nature of the solvent, does not improve significantly upon the continuous-dielectric SHM theory, which represents the experimental data adequately for the more polar solvents.

An investigation of the forward scattering theorem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.

1987-01-01

The calculation of an EM wave's extinction loss during propagation within an inhomogeneous medium, as in active and passive remote sensing modeling, can be undertaken either through the summation of the scattering and absorption losses or through the use of the forward scattering theorem. Attention is presently given to the similarities and differences of these two approaches as a function of dielectric properties of a spherical scatterer and the incident frequency. Scattering loss is obtainable by integrating the magnitude-squared of the scattered field over a spherical surface surrounding the scatterer; the scattered field and the field within the scatterer are computed according to Mie theory.

Contribution of High-Order Rainbows to the Scattering of a Gaussian Laser Beam by a Spherical Particle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lock, James A.

1993-01-01

I review the theory of the scattering of a Gaussian laser beam by a dielectric spherical particle and give the details for constructing a computer program to implement the theory. Computational results indicate that if the width of the laser beam is much less than the diameter of the particle and if the axis of the beam is incident near the edge of the particle, the fifth-, sixth-, and ninth-order rainbows should be evident in the far-field scattered intensity. I performed an experiment that yielded tentative evidence for the presence of the sixth- order rainbow.

Strongly localized image states of spherical graphitic particles.

PubMed

Gumbs, Godfrey; Balassis, Antonios; Iurov, Andrii; Fekete, Paula

2014-01-01

We investigate the localization of charged particles by the image potential of spherical shells, such as fullerene buckyballs. These spherical image states exist within surface potentials formed by the competition between the attractive image potential and the repulsive centripetal force arising from the angular motion. The image potential has a power law rather than a logarithmic behavior. This leads to fundamental differences in the nature of the effective potential for the two geometries. Our calculations have shown that the captured charge is more strongly localized closest to the surface for fullerenes than for cylindrical nanotube.

Curvature dependence of the effect of ionic functionalization on the attraction among nanoparticles in dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabes, B. Shadrack; Bratko, Dusan; Luzar, Alenka

2018-06-01

Solubilization of nanoparticles facilitates nanomaterial processing and enables new applications. An effective method to improve dispersibility in water is provided by ionic functionalization. We explore how the necessary extent of functionalization depends on the particle geometry. Using molecular dynamics/umbrella sampling simulations, we determine the effect of the solute curvature on solvent-averaged interactions among ionizing graphitic nanoparticles in aqueous dispersion. We tune the hydrophilicity of molecular-brush coated fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphane platelets by gradually replacing a fraction of the methyl end groups of the alkyl coating by the ionizing -COOK or -NH3Cl groups. To assess the change in nanoparticles' dispersibility in water, we determine the potential-of-mean-force profiles at varied degrees of ionization. When the coating comprises only propyl groups, the attraction between the hydrophobic particles intensifies from spherical to cylindrical to planar geometry. This is explained by the increasing fraction of surface groups that can be brought into contact and the reduced access to water molecules, both following the above sequence. When ionic groups are added, however, the dispersibility increases in the opposite order, with the biggest effect in the planar geometry and the smallest in the spherical geometry. These results highlight the important role of geometry in nanoparticle solubilization by ionic functionalities, with about twice higher threshold surface charge necessary to stabilize a dispersion of spherical than planar particles. At 25%-50% ionization, the potential of mean force reaches a plateau because of the counterion condensation and saturated brush hydration. Moreover, the increase in the fraction of ionic groups can weaken the repulsion through counterion correlations between adjacent nanoparticles. High degrees of ionization and concomitant ionic screening gradually reduce the differences among surface interactions in distinct geometries until an essentially curvature-independent dispersion environment is created. Insights into tuning nanoparticle interactions can guide the synthesis of a broad class of nonpolar nanoparticles, where solubility is achieved by ionic functionalization.

The Case of the Disappearing Magnetic Dipole

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gough, W.

2008-01-01

The problem of an oscillating magnetic dipole at the centre of a lossless dielectric spherical shell is considered. For simplicity, the free-space wavelength is taken to be much greater than the shell radii, but the relative permittivity [epsilon][subscript r] of the shell is taken as much greater than unity, so the wavelength in the shell could…

Terahertz Artificial Dielectric Lens.

PubMed

Mendis, Rajind; Nagai, Masaya; Wang, Yiqiu; Karl, Nicholas; Mittleman, Daniel M

2016-03-14

We have designed, fabricated, and experimentally characterized a lens for the THz regime based on artificial dielectrics. These are man-made media that mimic properties of naturally occurring dielectric media, or even manifest properties that cannot generally occur in nature. For example, the well-known dielectric property, the refractive index, which usually has a value greater than unity, can have a value less than unity in an artificial dielectric. For our lens, the artificial-dielectric medium is made up of a parallel stack of 100 μm thick metal plates that form an array of parallel-plate waveguides. The convergent lens has a plano-concave geometry, in contrast to conventional dielectric lenses. Our results demonstrate that this lens is capable of focusing a 2 cm diameter beam to a spot size of 4 mm, at the design frequency of 0.17 THz. The results further demonstrate that the overall power transmission of the lens can be better than certain conventional dielectric lenses commonly used in the THz regime. Intriguingly, we also observe that under certain conditions, the lens boundary demarcated by the discontinuous plate edges actually resembles a smooth continuous surface. These results highlight the importance of this artificial-dielectric technology for the development of future THz-wave devices.

Terahertz Artificial Dielectric Lens

PubMed Central

Mendis, Rajind; Nagai, Masaya; Wang, Yiqiu; Karl, Nicholas; Mittleman, Daniel M.

2016-01-01

We have designed, fabricated, and experimentally characterized a lens for the THz regime based on artificial dielectrics. These are man-made media that mimic properties of naturally occurring dielectric media, or even manifest properties that cannot generally occur in nature. For example, the well-known dielectric property, the refractive index, which usually has a value greater than unity, can have a value less than unity in an artificial dielectric. For our lens, the artificial-dielectric medium is made up of a parallel stack of 100 μm thick metal plates that form an array of parallel-plate waveguides. The convergent lens has a plano-concave geometry, in contrast to conventional dielectric lenses. Our results demonstrate that this lens is capable of focusing a 2 cm diameter beam to a spot size of 4 mm, at the design frequency of 0.17 THz. The results further demonstrate that the overall power transmission of the lens can be better than certain conventional dielectric lenses commonly used in the THz regime. Intriguingly, we also observe that under certain conditions, the lens boundary demarcated by the discontinuous plate edges actually resembles a smooth continuous surface. These results highlight the importance of this artificial-dielectric technology for the development of future THz-wave devices. PMID:26973294

Optical clearing: impact of optical and dielectric properties of clearing solutions on pulmonary tissue mechanics.

PubMed

Schwenninger, David; Priebe, Hans-Joachim; Schneider, Matthias; Runck, Hanna; Guttmann, Josef

2017-07-01

Optical clearing allows tissue visualization under preservation of organ integrity. Optical clearing of organs with a physiological change in three-dimensional geometry (such as the lung) would additionally allow visualization of macroscopic and microscopic tissue geometry. A prerequisite, however, is the preservation of the native tissue mechanics of the optically cleared lung tissue. We investigated the impact of optical and dielectric properties of clearing solutions on biomechanics and clearing potency in porcine tissue strips of healthy lungs. After fixation, bleaching, and rehydration, four methods of optical clearing were investigated using eight different protocols. The mechanical and optical properties of the cleared lung tissue strips were investigated by uniaxial tensile testing and by analyzing optical transparency and translucency for red, green, and blue light before, during, and after the biochemical optical clearing process. Fresh tissue strips were used as controls. Best balance between efficient clearing and preserved mechanics was found for clearing with a 1:1 mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and aniline. Our findings show that 1 ) the degree of tissue transparency and translucency correlated with the refractive index of the clearing solution index ( r = 0.976, P = 0.0004; and r = 0.91, P = 0.0046, respectively), 2 ) tissue mechanics were affected by dehydration and the type of clearing solution, and 3 ) tissue biomechanics and geometry correlated with the dielectric constant of the clearing solution ( r = -0.98, P < 0.00001; and r = 0.69, P = 0.013, respectively). We show that the lower the dielectric constant of the clearing solutions, the larger the effect on tissue stiffness. This suggests that the dielectric constant is an important measure in determining the effect of a clearing solution on lung tissue biomechanics. Optimal tissue transparency requires complete tissue dehydration and a refractive index of 1.55 of the clearing solution. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Investigating optical clearing in porcine lung tissue strips, we found that refractive index and dielectric constant of the clearing solution affected tissue clearing and biomechanics. By documenting the impact of the composition of the clearing solution on clearing potency and preservation of tissue mechanics, our results help to compose optimal clearing solutions. In addition, the results allow conclusions on the molecular interaction of solvents with collagen fibers in tissue, thereby consolidating existing theories about the functionality of collagen. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Effect of conductor geometry on source localization: Implications for epilepsy studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schlitt, H.; Heller, L.; Best, E.

1994-07-01

We shall discuss the effects of conductor geometry on source localization for applications in epilepsy studies. The most popular conductor model for clinical MEG studies is a homogeneous sphere. However, several studies have indicated that a sphere is a poor model for the head when the sources are deep, as is the case for epileptic foci in the mesial temporal lobe. We believe that replacing the spherical model with a more realistic one in the inverse fitting procedure will improve the accuracy of localizing epileptic sources. In order to include a realistic head model in the inverse problem, we mustmore » first solve the forward problem for the realistic conductor geometry. We create a conductor geometry model from MR images, and then solve the forward problem via a boundary integral equation for the electric potential due to a specified primary source. One the electric potential is known, the magnetic field can be calculated directly. The most time-intensive part of the problem is generating the conductor model; fortunately, this needs to be done only once for each patient. It takes little time to change the primary current and calculate a new magnetic field for use in the inverse fitting procedure. We present the results of a series of computer simulations in which we investigate the localization accuracy due to replacing the spherical model with the realistic head model in the inverse fitting procedure. The data to be fit consist of a computer generated magnetic field due to a known current dipole in a realistic head model, with added noise. We compare the localization errors when this field is fit using a spherical model to the fit using a realistic head model. Using a spherical model is comparable to what is usually done when localizing epileptic sources in humans, where the conductor model used in the inverse fitting procedure does not correspond to the actual head.« less

Three-dimensional ray tracing in spherical and elliptical generalized Luneburg lenses for application in the human eye lens.

PubMed

Gómez-Correa, J E; Coello, V; Garza-Rivera, A; Puente, N P; Chávez-Cerda, S

2016-03-10

Ray tracing in spherical Luneburg lenses has always been represented in 2D. All propagation planes in a 3D spherical Luneburg lens generate the same ray tracing, due to its radial symmetry. A geometry without radial symmetry generates a different ray tracing. For this reason, a new ray tracing method in 3D through spherical and elliptical Luneburg lenses using 2D methods is proposed. The physics of the propagation is shown here, which allows us to make a ray tracing associated with a vortex beam. A 3D ray tracing in a composite modified Luneburg lens that represents the human eye lens is also presented.

Multi-pelvis characterisation of articular cartilage geometry.

PubMed

Gillard, Faye C; Dickinson, Alexander S; Schneider, Urs; Taylor, Andrew C; Browne, Martin

2013-12-01

The shape of the acetabular cartilage follows the contact stress distribution across the joint. Accurate characterisation of this geometry may be useful for the development of acetabular cup devices that are more biomechanically compliant. In this study, the geometry of the acetabular cartilage was characterised by taking plaster moulds of the acetabulum from 24 dry bone human pelvises and digitising the mould shapes using a three-dimensional laser scanner. The articular bone surface geometry was analysed, and the shape of the acetabulum was approximated by fitting a best-fit sphere. To test the hypothesis that the acetabulum is non-spherical, a best-fit ellipsoid was also fitted to the geometry. In each case, points around the acetabular notch edge that disclosed the articular surface geometry were identified, and vectors were drawn between these and the best-fit sphere or ellipsoid centre. The significantly larger z radii (into the pole) of the ellipsoids indicated that the acetabulum was non-spherical and could imply that the kinematics of the hip joint is more complex than purely rotational motion, and the traditional ball-and-socket replacement may need to be updated to reflect this motion. The acetabular notch edges were observed to be curved, with males exhibiting deeper, wider and shorter notches than females, although the difference was not statistically significant (mean: p = 0.30) and supports the use of non-gender-specific models in anatomical studies.

Numerical and analytical studies of critical radius in spherical and cylindrical geometries for corona discharge in air and CO2-rich environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engle, J. A.; Riousset, J. A.

2016-12-01

In order to determine the most effective geometry of a lightning rod, one must first understand the physical difference between their current designs. Benjamin Franklin's original theory of sharp tipped rods suggests an increase of local electric field, while Moore et al.'s (2000) studies of rounded tips evince an increased probability of strike (Moore et al., 2000; Gibson et al., 2009).In this analysis, the plasma discharge is produced between two electrodes with a high potential difference, resulting in ionization of the neutral gas particle. This process, when done at low current and low temperature can create a corona discharges, which can be observed as a luminescent emission. The Cartesian geometry known as Paschen, or Townsend, theory is particularly well suited to model experimental laboratory scenario, however, it is limited in its applicability to lightning rods. Franklin's sharp tip and Moore et al.'s (2000) rounded tip fundamentally differ in the radius of curvature of the upper end of the rod. As a first approximation, the rod can be modelled as an equipotential conducting sphere above the ground. Hence, we expand the classic Cartesian geometry into spherical and cylindrical geometries. In this work we explore the effects of shifting from the classical parallel plate analysis to spherical and cylindrical geometries more adapted for studies of lightning rods or power lines. Utilizing Townsend's equation for corona discharge, we estimate a critical radius and minimum breakdown voltage that allows ionization of the air around an electrode. Additionally, we explore the influence of the gas in which the discharge develops. We use BOLSIG+, a numerical solver for the Boltzmann equation, to calculate Townsend coefficients for CO2-rich atmospheric conditions. This allows us to expand the scope of this study to other planetary bodies such as Mars (Hagelaar, 2005). We solve the problem both numerically and analytically to present simplified formulas per each geometry and gas mixture. The development of a numerical framework will ultimately let us test the influence of additional parameters such as background ionization, initiation criterion, and charge conservation on the values of the critical radius and minimum breakdown voltage.

Hydrodynamic interactions of cilia on a spherical body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasouri, Babak; Elfring, Gwynn J.

2015-11-01

The emergence of metachronal waves in ciliated microorganisms can arise solely from the hydrodynamic interactions between the cilia. For a chain of cilia attached to a flat ciliate, it was observed that fluid forces can lead the system to form a metachronal wave. However, several microorganisms such as paramecium and volvox possess a curved shaped ciliate body. To understand the effect of this geometry on the formation of metachronal waves, we evaluate the hydrodynamic interactions of cilia near a large spherical body. Using a minimal model, we show that for a chain of cilia around the sphere, the embedded periodicity in the geometry leads the system to synchronize. We also report an emergent wave-like behavior when an asymmetry is introduced to the system.

The synchrotron-self-Compton process in spherical geometries. I - Theoretical framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Band, D. L.; Grindlay, J. E.

1985-01-01

Both spatial and spectral accuracies are stressed in the present method for the calculation of the synchrotron-self-Compton model in spherical geometries, especially in the partially opaque regime of the synchrotron spectrum of inhomogeneous sources that can span a few frequency decades and contribute a significant portion of the scattered flux. A formalism is developed that permits accurate calculation of incident photon density throughout an optically thin sphere. An approximation to the Klein-Nishina cross section is used to model the effects of variable electron and incident photon cutoffs, as well as the decrease in the cross section at high energies. General results are derived for the case of inhomogeneous sources with power law profiles in both electron density and magnetic field.

Functional metasurfaces based on metallic and dielectric subwavelength slits and stripes array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yinghui; Pu, Mingbo; Li, Xiong; Ma, Xiaoliang; Gao, Ping; Wang, Yanqin; Luo, Xiangang

2018-04-01

Starting with the early works of extraordinary optical transmission and extraordinary Young’s interference, researchers have been fascinated by the unusual optical properties displayed by metallic holes/slits and subsequently found similar abnormities in dielectric counterparts. Benefiting from the shrinking wavelength of surface plasmon polaritons excited in metallic slits and high refractive index of dielectric stripes, one can realize local phase modulation and approach desired dispersion by engineering the geometries of a slits and stripes array. In this review, we review recent developments in functional metasurfaces composed of various metallic and dielectric subwavelength slits and stripes arrays, with special emphasis on achromatic, ultra-broadband, quasi-continuous, multifunctional and reconfigurable metasurfaces. Particular attention is paid to provide insight into the design strategies for these devices. Finally, we give an outlook of the development in this fascinating area.

Semi-regular remeshing based trust region spherical geometry image for 3D deformed mesh used MLWNN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhibi, Naziha; Elkefi, Akram; Bellil, Wajdi; Ben Amar, Chokri

2017-03-01

Triangular surface are now widely used for modeling three-dimensional object, since these models are very high resolution and the geometry of the mesh is often very dense, it is then necessary to remesh this object to reduce their complexity, the mesh quality (connectivity regularity) must be ameliorated. In this paper, we review the main methods of semi-regular remeshing of the state of the art, given the semi-regular remeshing is mainly relevant for wavelet-based compression, then we present our method for re-meshing based trust region spherical geometry image to have good scheme of 3d mesh compression used to deform 3D meh based on Multi library Wavelet Neural Network structure (MLWNN). Experimental results show that the progressive re-meshing algorithm capable of obtaining more compact representations and semi-regular objects and yield an efficient compression capabilities with minimal set of features used to have good 3D deformation scheme.

Plasmonic and silicon spherical nanoparticle antireflective coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baryshnikova, K. V.; Petrov, M. I.; Babicheva, V. E.; Belov, P. A.

2016-03-01

Over the last decade, plasmonic antireflecting nanostructures have been extensively studied to be utilized in various optical and optoelectronic systems such as lenses, solar cells, photodetectors, and others. The growing interest to all-dielectric photonics as an alternative optical technology along with plasmonics motivates us to compare antireflective properties of plasmonic and all-dielectric nanoparticle coatings based on silver and crystalline silicon respectively. Our simulation results for spherical nanoparticles array on top of amorphous silicon show that both silicon and silver coatings demonstrate strong antireflective properties in the visible spectral range. For the first time, we show that zero reflectance from the structure with silicon coatings originates from the destructive interference of electric- and magnetic-dipole responses of nanoparticle array with the wave reflected from the substrate, and we refer to this reflection suppression as substrate-mediated Kerker effect. We theoretically compare the silicon and silver coating effectiveness for the thin-film photovoltaic applications. Silver nanoparticles can be more efficient, enabling up to 30% increase of the overall absorbance in semiconductor layer. Nevertheless, silicon coatings allow up to 64% absorbance increase in the narrow band spectral range because of the substrate-mediated Kerker effect, and band position can be effectively tuned by varying the nanoparticles sizes.

Plasmonic and silicon spherical nanoparticle antireflective coatings

PubMed Central

Baryshnikova, K. V.; Petrov, M. I.; Babicheva, V. E.; Belov, P. A.

2016-01-01

Over the last decade, plasmonic antireflecting nanostructures have been extensively studied to be utilized in various optical and optoelectronic systems such as lenses, solar cells, photodetectors, and others. The growing interest to all-dielectric photonics as an alternative optical technology along with plasmonics motivates us to compare antireflective properties of plasmonic and all-dielectric nanoparticle coatings based on silver and crystalline silicon respectively. Our simulation results for spherical nanoparticles array on top of amorphous silicon show that both silicon and silver coatings demonstrate strong antireflective properties in the visible spectral range. For the first time, we show that zero reflectance from the structure with silicon coatings originates from the destructive interference of electric- and magnetic-dipole responses of nanoparticle array with the wave reflected from the substrate, and we refer to this reflection suppression as substrate-mediated Kerker effect. We theoretically compare the silicon and silver coating effectiveness for the thin-film photovoltaic applications. Silver nanoparticles can be more efficient, enabling up to 30% increase of the overall absorbance in semiconductor layer. Nevertheless, silicon coatings allow up to 64% absorbance increase in the narrow band spectral range because of the substrate-mediated Kerker effect, and band position can be effectively tuned by varying the nanoparticles sizes. PMID:26926602

All-dielectric band stop filter at terahertz frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Shan; Chen, Lin

2018-01-01

We design all-dielectric band stop filters with silicon subwavelength rod and block arrays at terahertz frequencies. Supporting magnetic dipole resonances originated from the Mia resonance, the all-dielectric filters can modulate the working band by simply varying the structural geometry, while eliminating the ohmic loss induced by the traditional metallic metamaterials and uninvolved with the complicated mechanism. The nature of the resonance in the silicon arrays is clarified, which is attributed to the destructive interference between the directly transmitted waves and the waves emitted from the magnetic dipole resonances, and the resonance frequency is determined by the dielectric structure. By particularly designing the geometrical parameters, the profile of the transmission spectrum can be tailored, and the step-like band edge can be obtained. The all-dielectric filters can realize 93% modulation of the transmission within 0.04 THz, and maintain the bandwidth of 0.05 THz. This work provides a method to develop THz functional devices, such as filters, switches and sensors.

Modeling mantle convection in the spherical annulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernlund, John W.; Tackley, Paul J.

2008-12-01

Most methods for modeling mantle convection in a two-dimensional (2D) circular annular domain suffer from innate shortcomings in their ability to capture several characteristics of the spherical shell geometry of planetary mantles. While methods such as rescaling the inner and outer radius to reduce anomalous effects in a 2D polar cylindrical coordinate system have been introduced and widely implemented, such fixes may have other drawbacks that adversely affect the outcome of some kinds of mantle convection studies. Here we propose a new approach that we term the "spherical annulus," which is a 2D slice that bisects the spherical shell and is quantitatively formulated at the equator of a spherical polar coordinate system after neglecting terms in the governing equations related to variations in latitude. Spherical scaling is retained in this approximation since the Jacobian function remains proportional to the square of the radius. We present example calculations to show that the behavior of convection in the spherical annulus compares favorably against calculations performed in other 2D annular domains when measured relative to those in a fully three-dimensional (3D) spherical shell.

Development of FullWave : Hot Plasma RF Simulation Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svidzinski, Vladimir; Kim, Jin-Soo; Spencer, J. Andrew; Zhao, Liangji; Galkin, Sergei

2017-10-01

Full wave simulation tool, modeling RF fields in hot inhomogeneous magnetized plasma, is being developed. The wave equations with linearized hot plasma dielectric response are solved in configuration space on adaptive cloud of computational points. The nonlocal hot plasma dielectric response is formulated in configuration space without limiting approximations by calculating the plasma conductivity kernel based on the solution of the linearized Vlasov equation in inhomogeneous magnetic field. This approach allows for better resolution of plasma resonances, antenna structures and complex boundaries. The formulation of FullWave and preliminary results will be presented: construction of the finite differences for approximation of derivatives on adaptive cloud of computational points; model and results of nonlocal conductivity kernel calculation in tokamak geometry; results of 2-D full wave simulations in the cold plasma model in tokamak geometry using the formulated approach; results of self-consistent calculations of hot plasma dielectric response and RF fields in 1-D mirror magnetic field; preliminary results of self-consistent simulations of 2-D RF fields in tokamak using the calculated hot plasma conductivity kernel; development of iterative solver for wave equations. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

Propagation of large-amplitude waves on dielectric liquid sheets in a tangential electric field: exact solutions in three-dimensional geometry.

PubMed

Zubarev, Nikolay M; Zubareva, Olga V

2010-10-01

Nonlinear waves on sheets of dielectric liquid in the presence of an external tangential electric field are studied theoretically. It is shown that waves of arbitrary shape in three-dimensional geometry can propagate along (or against) the electric field direction without distortion, i.e., the equations of motion admit a wide class of exact traveling wave solutions. This unusual situation occurs for nonconducting ideal liquids with high dielectric constants in the case of a sufficiently strong field strength. Governing equations for evolution of plane symmetric waves on fluid sheets are derived using conformal variables. A dispersion relation for the evolution of small perturbations of the traveling wave solutions is obtained. It follows from this relation that, regardless of the wave shape, the amplitudes of small-scale perturbations do not increase with time and, hence, the traveling waves are stable. We also study the interaction of counterpropagating symmetric waves with small but finite amplitudes. The corresponding solution of the equations of motion describes the nonlinear superposition of the oppositely directed waves. The results obtained are applicable for the description of long waves on fluid sheets in a horizontal magnetic field.

Recombination energy for negatively charged excitons inside type-II core/shell spherical quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chafai, A.; Essaoudi, I.; Ainane, A.; Dujardin, F.; Ahuja, R.

2018-07-01

The recombination energy of isolated neutral exciton and that of isolated negatively charged exciton inside a type-II core/shell spherical quantum dot are studied. Our investigation considers the charge-carriers effective mass discontinuity at the surface contact between the core and shell materials. Although our model omits the effect of the surface polarization, the dielectric-constant mismatch at the nanodot boundaries was taken into account. In order to achieve the exciton and negative trion energies, we proceed by a variational calculation in the framework of the envelope approximation. Our results reveal a strong correlation between the nanodot morphology and the energy spectrum of the neutral and negatively charged exciton.

Three-dimensional liquid flattened Luneburg lens with ultra-wide viewing angle and frequency band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lingling; Tian, Xiaoyong; Yin, Ming; Li, Dichen; Tang, Yiping

2013-08-01

Traditional Luneburg lens is a dielectric spherical antenna. It can focus the incoming collimated electromagnetic waves on its spherical surface, which causes the incompatibility with the planar feeding and receiving devices. Furthermore, the difficulties in the fabrication process also limited its applications. In this paper, a three-dimensional flattened Luneburg lens with a field-of-view angle up to 180° has been realized based on a liquid medium approach and a 3D-printing process. The fabricated three-dimensional lens showed a broadband transmission characteristic from 12.4 GHz to 18 GHz. The performance of the proposed lens was demonstrated by simulation and experimental results.

Scientific management and implementation of the geophysical fluid flow cell for Spacelab missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, J.; Toomre, J.

1980-01-01

Scientific support for the spherical convection experiment to be flown on Spacelab 3 was developed. This experiment takes advantage of the zero gravity environment of the orbiting space laboratory to conduct fundamental fluid flow studies concerned with thermally driven motions inside a rotating spherical shell with radial gravity. Such a system is a laboratory analog of large scale atmospheric and solar circulations. The radial body force necessary to model gravity correctly is obtained by using dielectric polarization forces in a radially varying electric field to produce radial accelerations proportional to temperature. This experiment will answer fundamental questions concerned with establishing the preferred modes of large scale motion in planetary and stellar atmospheres.

Radiation transport simulation of the Martian GCR surface flux and dose estimation using spherical geometry in PHITS compared to MSL-RAD measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores-McLaughlin, John

2017-08-01

Planetary bodies and spacecraft are predominantly exposed to isotropic radiation environments that are subject to transport and interaction in various material compositions and geometries. Specifically, the Martian surface radiation environment is composed of galactic cosmic radiation, secondary particles produced by their interaction with the Martian atmosphere, albedo particles from the Martian regolith and occasional solar particle events. Despite this complex physical environment with potentially significant locational and geometric dependencies, computational resources often limit radiation environment calculations to a one-dimensional or slab geometry specification. To better account for Martian geometry, spherical volumes with respective Martian material densities are adopted in this model. This physical description is modeled with the PHITS radiation transport code and compared to a portion of measurements from the Radiation Assessment Detector of the Mars Science Laboratory. Particle spectra measured between 15 November 2015 and 15 January 2016 and PHITS model results calculated for this time period are compared. Results indicate good agreement between simulated dose rates, proton, neutron and gamma spectra. This work was originally presented at the 1st Mars Space Radiation Modeling Workshop held in 2016 in Boulder, CO.

Radiation transport simulation of the Martian GCR surface flux and dose estimation using spherical geometry in PHITS compared to MSL-RAD measurements.

PubMed

Flores-McLaughlin, John

2017-08-01

Planetary bodies and spacecraft are predominantly exposed to isotropic radiation environments that are subject to transport and interaction in various material compositions and geometries. Specifically, the Martian surface radiation environment is composed of galactic cosmic radiation, secondary particles produced by their interaction with the Martian atmosphere, albedo particles from the Martian regolith and occasional solar particle events. Despite this complex physical environment with potentially significant locational and geometric dependencies, computational resources often limit radiation environment calculations to a one-dimensional or slab geometry specification. To better account for Martian geometry, spherical volumes with respective Martian material densities are adopted in this model. This physical description is modeled with the PHITS radiation transport code and compared to a portion of measurements from the Radiation Assessment Detector of the Mars Science Laboratory. Particle spectra measured between 15 November 2015 and 15 January 2016 and PHITS model results calculated for this time period are compared. Results indicate good agreement between simulated dose rates, proton, neutron and gamma spectra. This work was originally presented at the 1st Mars Space Radiation Modeling Workshop held in 2016 in Boulder, CO. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Identification of vortexes obstructing the dynamo mechanism in laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limone, A.; Hatch, D. R.; Forest, C. B.; Jenko, F.

2013-06-01

The magnetohydrodynamic dynamo effect explains the generation of self-sustained magnetic fields in electrically conducting flows, especially in geo- and astrophysical environments. Yet the details of this mechanism are still unknown, e.g., how and to which extent the geometry, the fluid topology, the forcing mechanism, and the turbulence can have a negative effect on this process. We report on numerical simulations carried out in spherical geometry, analyzing the predicted velocity flow with the so-called singular value decomposition, a powerful technique that allows us to precisely identify vortexes in the flow which would be difficult to characterize with conventional spectral methods. We then quantify the contribution of these vortexes to the growth rate of the magnetic energy in the system. We identify an axisymmetric vortex, whose rotational direction changes periodically in time, and whose dynamics are decoupled from those of the large scale background flow, that is detrimental for the dynamo effect. A comparison with experiments is carried out, showing that similar dynamics were observed in cylindrical geometry. These previously unexpected eddies, which impede the dynamo effect, offer an explanation for the experimental difficulties in attaining a dynamo in spherical geometry.

Spherical ion acoustic waves in pair ion plasmas with nonthermal electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selim, M. M.

2016-04-01

Propagation of nonplanar ion acoustic waves in a plasma composed of negative and positive ions and nonthermally distributed electrons is investigated using reductive perturbation theory. The spherical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (SKP) equation which describes the dynamics of the nonlinear spherical ion acoustic waves is derived. It is found that compressive and rarefactive ion-acoustic solitary wave characteristics significantly depend on the density and mass ratios of the positive to negative ions, the nonthermal electron parameter, and the geometry factor. The possible regions for the existence of spherical ion acoustic waves are defined precisely for typical parameters of (H+, O2 -) and (H+, H-) plasmas in the D and F-regions of the Earth's ionosphere, as well as for laboratory plasma (Ar+, F-).

Theory of Dielectric Breakdown in Randomly Inhomogeneous Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyure, Mark Franklin

1990-01-01

Two models of dielectric breakdown in disordered metal-insulator composites have been developed in an attempt to explain in detail the greatly reduced breakdown electric field observed in these materials. The first model is a two dimensional model in which the composite is treated as a random array of conducting cylinders embedded in an otherwise uniform dielectric background. The two dimensional samples are generated by the Monte Carlo method and a discretized version of the integral form of Laplace's equation is solved to determine the electric field in each sample. Breakdown is modeled as a quasi-static process by which one breakdown at a time occurs at the point of maximum electric field in the system. A cascade of these local breakdowns leads to complete dielectric failure of the system after which the breakdown field can be determined. A second model is developed that is similar to the first in terms of breakdown dynamics, but uses coupled multipole expansions of the electrostatic potential centered at each particle to obtain a more computationally accurate and faster solution to the problem of determining the electric field at an arbitrary point in a random medium. This new algorithm allows extension of the model to three dimensions and treats conducting spherical inclusions as well as cylinders. Successful implementation of this algorithm relies on the use of analytical forms for off-centered expansions of cylindrical and spherical harmonics. Scaling arguments similar to those used in theories of phase transitions are developed for the breakdown field and these arguments are discussed in context with other theories that have been developed to explain the break-down behavior of random resistor and fuse networks. Finally, one of the scaling arguments is used to predict the breakdown field for some samples of solid fuel rocket propellant tested at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center and is found to compare quite well with the experimentally measured breakdown fields.

Charge injection in thin dielectric layers by atomic force microscopy: influence of geometry and material work function of the AFM tip on the injection process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villeneuve-Faure, C.; Makasheva, K.; Boudou, L.; Teyssedre, G.

2016-06-01

Charge injection and retention in thin dielectric layers remain critical issues for the reliability of many electronic devices because of their association with a large number of failure mechanisms. To overcome this drawback, a deep understanding of the mechanisms leading to charge injection close to the injection area is needed. Even though the charge injection is extensively studied and reported in the literature to characterize the charge storage capability of dielectric materials, questions about charge injection mechanisms when using atomic force microscopy (AFM) remain open. In this paper, a thorough study of charge injection by using AFM in thin plasma-processed amorphous silicon oxynitride layers with properties close to that of thermal silica layers is presented. The study considers the impact of applied voltage polarity, work function of the AFM tip coating and tip curvature radius. A simple theoretical model was developed and used to analyze the obtained experimental results. The electric field distribution is computed as a function of tip geometry. The obtained experimental results highlight that after injection in the dielectric layer the charge lateral spreading is mainly controlled by the radial electric field component independently of the carrier polarity. The injected charge density is influenced by the nature of electrode metal coating (work function) and its geometry (tip curvature radius). The electron injection is mainly ruled by the Schottky injection barrier through the field electron emission mechanism enhanced by thermionic electron emission. The hole injection mechanism seems to differ from the electron one depending on the work function of the metal coating. Based on the performed analysis, it is suggested that for hole injection by AFM, pinning of the metal Fermi level with the metal-induced gap states in the studied silicon oxynitride layers starts playing a role in the injection mechanisms.

One-degree-of-freedom spherical model for the passive motion of the human ankle joint.

PubMed

Sancisi, Nicola; Baldisserri, Benedetta; Parenti-Castelli, Vincenzo; Belvedere, Claudio; Leardini, Alberto

2014-04-01

Mathematical modelling of mobility at the human ankle joint is essential for prosthetics and orthotic design. The scope of this study is to show that the ankle joint passive motion can be represented by a one-degree-of-freedom spherical motion. Moreover, this motion is modelled by a one-degree-of-freedom spherical parallel mechanism model, and the optimal pivot-point position is determined. Passive motion and anatomical data were taken from in vitro experiments in nine lower limb specimens. For each of these, a spherical mechanism, including the tibiofibular and talocalcaneal segments connected by a spherical pair and by the calcaneofibular and tibiocalcaneal ligament links, was defined from the corresponding experimental kinematics and geometry. An iterative procedure was used to optimize the geometry of the model, able to predict original experimental motion. The results of the simulations showed a good replication of the original natural motion, despite the numerous model assumptions and simplifications, with mean differences between experiments and predictions smaller than 1.3 mm (average 0.33 mm) for the three joint position components and smaller than 0.7° (average 0.32°) for the two out-of-sagittal plane rotations, once plotted versus the full flexion arc. The relevant pivot-point position after model optimization was found within the tibial mortise, but not exactly in a central location. The present combined experimental and modelling analysis of passive motion at the human ankle joint shows that a one degree-of-freedom spherical mechanism predicts well what is observed in real joints, although its computational complexity is comparable to the standard hinge joint model.

Local surface curvature analysis based on reflection estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Qinglin; Laligant, Olivier; Fauvet, Eric; Zakharova, Anastasia

2015-07-01

In this paper, we propose a novel reflection based method to estimate the local orientation of a specular surface. For a calibrated scene with a fixed light band, the band is reflected by the surface to the image plane of a camera. Then the local geometry between the surface and reflected band is estimated. Firstly, in order to find the relationship relying the object position, the object surface orientation and the band reflection, we study the fundamental theory of the geometry between a specular mirror surface and a band source. Then we extend our approach to the spherical surface with arbitrary curvature. Experiments are conducted with mirror surface and spherical surface. Results show that our method is able to obtain the local surface orientation merely by measuring the displacement and the form of the reflection.

Geometries in Soft Matter From Geometric Frustration, Liquid Droplets to Electrostatics in Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhenwei

This thesis explores geometric aspects of soft matter systems. The topics covered fall into three categories: (i) geometric frustrations, including the interplay of geometry and topological defects in two dimensional systems, and the frustration of a planar sheet attached to a curved surface; (ii) geometries of liquid droplets, including the curvature driven instabilities of toroidal liquid droplets and the self-propulsion of droplets on a spatially varying surface topography; (iii) the study of the electric double layer structure around charged spherical interfaces by a geometric method. In (i), we study the crystalline order on capillary bridges with varying Gaussian curvature. Energy requires the appearance of topological defects on the surface, which are natural spots for biological activity and chemical functionalization. We further study how liquid crystalline order deforms flexible structured vesicles. In particular we find faceted tetrahedral vesicle as the ground state, which may lead to the design of supra-molecular structures with tetrahedral symmetry and new classes of nano-carriers. Furthermore, by a simple paper model we explore the geometric frustration on a planar sheet when brought to a negative curvature surface in a designed elasto-capillary system. In (ii), motivated by the idea of realizing crystalline order on a stable toroidal droplet and a beautiful experiment on toroidal droplets, we study the Rayleigh instability and the shrinking instability of thin and fat toroidal droplets, where the toroidal geometry plays an essential role. In (iii), by a geometric mapping we construct an approximate analytic spherical solution to the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, and identify the applicability regime of the solution. The derived geometric solution enables further analytical study of spherical electrostatic systems such as colloidal suspensions.

Acoustic field of a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketterling, Jeffrey A.

2003-12-01

The acoustic pressure field at an arbitrary point in space is derived for a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer using the spatial impulse response (SIR) method. For a spherical surface centered at the origin, a wedge shape is created by taking cuts in the X-Y and X-Z planes and removing the smallest surface component. Analytic expressions are derived for the SIR based on spatial location. The expressions utilize the SIR solutions for a spherical cap transducer [Arditi et al., Ultrason. Imaging 3, 37-61 (1981)] with additional terms added to account for the reduced surface area of the wedge. Results from the numerical model are compared to experimental measurements from a wedge transducer with an 8-cm outer diameter and 9-cm geometric focus. The experimental and theoretical -3-dB beamwidths agreed to within 10%+/-5%. The SIR model for a wedge-shaped transducer is easily extended to other spherically curved transducer geometries that consist of combinations of wedge sections and spherical caps.

Acoustic field of a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer.

PubMed

Ketterling, Jeffrey A

2003-12-01

The acoustic pressure field at an arbitrary point in space is derived for a wedge-shaped section of a spherical cap transducer using the spatial impulse response (SIR) method. For a spherical surface centered at the origin, a wedge shape is created by taking cuts in the X-Y and X-Z planes and removing the smallest surface component. Analytic expressions are derived for the SIR based on spatial location. The expressions utilize the SIR solutions for a spherical cap transducer [Arditi et al., Ultrason. Imaging 3, 37-61 (1981)] with additional terms added to account for the reduced surface area of the wedge. Results from the numerical model are compared to experimental measurements from a wedge transducer with an 8-cm outer diameter and 9-cm geometric focus. The experimental and theoretical -3-dB beamwidths agreed to within 10% +/- 5%. The SIR model for a wedge-shaped transducer is easily extended to other spherically curved transducer geometries that consist of combinations of wedge sections and spherical caps.

The Casimir effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Andrew Stuart

1998-12-01

This thesis contains several quantum field theoretic calculations using both the massless scalar field and the electromagnetic field. The main result being the calculation of the expectation of the energy density in the vacuum region for the geometry in which half of space is filled by a non- dispersive dielectric of constant susceptibility and the other half of space is vacuum. As we approach the surface of the dielectric the expectation of the energy density is found to diverge. In the final Chapter of this dissertation we prove that, under physically reasonable conditions, the quantum field theory representations for certain current models of dispersive dielectrics remain the same as that for the free electromagnetic field in vacuum. This is good news for the theories discussed.

Macroion solutions in the cell model studied by field theory and Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Lue, Leo; Linse, Per

2011-12-14

Aqueous solutions of charged spherical macroions with variable dielectric permittivity and their associated counterions are examined within the cell model using a field theory and Monte Carlo simulations. The field theory is based on separation of fields into short- and long-wavelength terms, which are subjected to different statistical-mechanical treatments. The simulations were performed by using a new, accurate, and fast algorithm for numerical evaluation of the electrostatic polarization interaction. The field theory provides counterion distributions outside a macroion in good agreement with the simulation results over the full range from weak to strong electrostatic coupling. A low-dielectric macroion leads to a displacement of the counterions away from the macroion. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Clustering effects in ionic polymers: Molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; Grest, Gary S

2015-08-01

Ionic clusters control the structure, dynamics, and transport in soft matter. Incorporating a small fraction of ionizable groups in polymers substantially reduces the mobility of the macromolecules in melts. These ionic groups often associate into random clusters in melts, where the distribution and morphology of the clusters impact the transport in these materials. Here, using molecular dynamic simulations we demonstrate a clear correlation between cluster size and morphology with the polymer mobility in melts of sulfonated polystyrene. We show that in low dielectric media ladderlike clusters that are lower in energy compared with spherical assemblies are formed. Reducing the electrostatic interactions by enhancing the dielectric constant leads to morphological transformation from ladderlike clusters to globular assemblies. Decrease in electrostatic interaction significantly enhances the mobility of the polymer.

Mesoscale Diffractive Photonics in Geosciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minin, I. V.; Minin, O. V.

2016-06-01

The scattered light by various dielectric particles in atmosphere give information about the type of molecules and particles and their location, which are important to definition of propagation limitations through atmospheric and space weather variations, crisis communications, etc. Although these investigations explain far field properties of disturbed radiations, the solution of the physical problem requires simulations of the interactions in near-field. It has been shown that strongly localized EM field near the surface of single dielectric particle may be form by non-spherical and non-symmetrical mesoscale particles both as in transmitting as in reflection mode. It was also shown that the main lobe is narrower in case of 3 cube chain than single cube in far field, but there are many side-scattering lobes. It was mentioned that unique advantages provided by mesoscale dielectric photonic crystal based particles with three spatial dimensions of arbitrary shape allow developing a new types of micro/nano-probes with subwavelength resolution for ultra compact spectrometer-free sensor for on board a spacecraft or a plane.

A mixed pseudospectral/finite difference method for a thermally driven fluid in a nonuniform gravitational field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macaraeg, M. G.

1985-01-01

A numerical study of the steady, axisymmetric flow in a heated, rotating spherical shell is conducted to model the Atmospheric General Circulation Experiment (AGCE) proposed to run aboard a later Shuttle mission. The AGCE will consist of concentric rotating spheres confining a dielectric fluid. By imposing a dielectric field across the fluid a radial body force will be created. The numerical solution technique is based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In the method a pseudospectral technique is used in the latitudinal direction, and a second-order accurate finite difference scheme discretizes time and radial derivatives. This paper discusses the development and performance of this numerical scheme for the AGCE which has been modeled in the past only by pure FD formulations. In addition, previous models have not investigated the effect of using a dielectric force to simulate terrestrial gravity. The effect of this dielectric force on the flow field is investigated as well as a parameter study of varying rotation rates and boundary temperatures. Among the effects noted are the production of larger velocities and enhanced reversals of radial temperature gradients for a body force generated by the electric field.

SU-E-T-512: Electromagnetic Simulations of the Dielectric Wall Accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uselmann, A; Mackie, T

Purpose: To characterize and parametrically study the key components of a dielectric wall accelerator through electromagnetic modeling and particle tracking. Methods: Electromagnetic and particle tracking simulations were performed using a commercial code (CST Microwave Studio, CST Inc.) utilizing the finite integration technique. A dielectric wall accelerator consists of a series of stacked transmission lines sequentially fired in synchrony with an ion pulse. Numerous properties of the stacked transmission lines, including geometric, material, and electronic properties, were analyzed and varied in order to assess their impact on the transverse and axial electric fields. Additionally, stacks of transmission lines were simulated inmore » order to quantify the parasitic effect observed in closely packed lines. Particle tracking simulations using the particle-in-cell method were performed on the various stacks to determine the impact of the above properties on the resultant phase space of the ions. Results: Examination of the simulation results show that novel geometries can shape the accelerating pulse in order to reduce the energy spread and increase the average energy of accelerated ions. Parasitic effects were quantified for various geometries and found to vary with distance from the end of the transmission line and along the beam axis. An optimal arrival time of an ion pulse relative to the triggering of the transmission lines for a given geometry was determined through parametric study. Benchmark simulations of single transmission lines agree well with published experimental results. Conclusion: This work characterized the behavior of the transmission lines used in a dielectric wall accelerator and used this information to improve them in novel ways. Utilizing novel geometries, we were able to improve the accelerating gradient and phase space of the accelerated particle bunch. Through simulation, we were able to discover and optimize design issues with the device at low cost. Funding: Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison WI; Conflict of Interest: Dr. Mackie is an investor and board member at CPAC, a company developing compact accelerator designs similar to those discussed in this work, but designs discussed are not directed by CPAC. Funding: Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison WI; Conflict of Interest: Dr. Mackie is an investor and board member at CPAC, a company developing compact accelerator designs similar to those discussed in this work, but designs discussed are not directed by CPAC.« less

Spherical harmonic expansion of the Levitus Sea surface topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engelis, Theodossios

1987-01-01

Prior information for the stationary sea surface topography (SST) may be needed in altimetric solutions that intend to simultaneously improve the gravity field and determine the SST. For this purpose the oceanographically derived SST estimates are represented by a spherical harmonic expansion. The spherical harmonic coefficients are computed from a least squares adjustment of the data covering the majority of the oceanic regions of the world. Several tests are made to determine the optimum maximum degree of solution and the best configuration of the geometry of the data in order to obtain a solution that fits the data and also provides a good spectral representation of the SST.

Exact image theory for the problem of dielectric/magnetic slab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindell, I. V.

1987-01-01

Exact image method, recently introduced for the exact solution of electromagnetic field problems involving homogeneous half spaces and microstrip-like geometries, is developed for the problem of homogeneous slab of dielectric and/or magnetic material in free space. Expressions for image sources, creating the exact reflected and transmitted fields, are given and their numerical evaluation is demonstrated. Nonradiating modes, guided by the slab and responsible for the loss of convergence of the image functions, are considered and extracted. The theory allows, for example, an analysis of finite ground planes in microstrip antenna structures.

Optical properties of hybrid spherical nanoclusters containing quantum emitters and metallic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yannopapas, V.; Paspalakis, E.

2018-05-01

We study theoretically the optical response of a hybrid spherical cluster containing quantum emitters and metallic nanoparticles. The quantum emitters are modeled as two-level quantum systems whose dielectric function is obtained via a density matrix approach wherein the modified spontaneous emission decay rate at the position of each quantum emitter is calculated via the electromagnetic Green's tensor. The problem of light scattering off the hybrid cluster is solved by employing the coupled-dipole method. We find, in particular, that the presence of the quantum emitters in the cluster, even in small fractions, can significantly alter the absorption and extinction spectra of the sole cluster of the metallic nanoparticles, where the corresponding electromagnetic modes can have a weak plexcitonic character under suitable conditions.

Critical analysis of partial discharge dynamics in air filled spherical voids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Callender, G.; Golosnoy, I. O.; Rapisarda, P.; Lewin, P. L.

2018-03-01

In this paper partial discharge (PD) is investigated inside a spherical air filled void at atmospheric pressure using a drift diffusion model. Discharge dynamics consisted of an electron avalanche transitioning into positive streamer, in agreement with earlier work on dielectric barrier discharges. Different model configurations were utilised to test many of the concepts employed in semi-analytical PD activity models, which use simplistic descriptions of the discharge dynamics. The results showed that many of these concepts may be erroneous, with significant discrepancies between the canonical reasoning and the simulation results. For example, the residual electric field, the electric field after a discharge, is significantly lower than the estimates used by classical PD activity models in the literature.

Plasmonic enhancement of second-harmonic generation of dielectric layer embedded in metal-dielectric-metal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Byungjun; Imakita, Kenji; Fujii, Minoru; Hayashi, Shinji

2018-03-01

The enhancement of second-harmonic generation from a dielectric layer embedded in a metal-dielectric-metal structure upon excitation of surface plasmon polaritons is demonstrated experimentally. The metal-dielectric-metal structure consisting of a Gex(SiO2)1-x layer sandwiched by two Ag layers was prepared, and the surface plasmon polaritons were excited in an attenuated total reflection geometry. The measured attenuated total reflection spectra exhibited two reflection dips corresponding to the excitation of two different surface plasmon polariton modes. Strong second-harmonic signals were observed under the excitation of these surface plasmon polariton modes. The results demonstrate that the second-harmonic intensity of the Gex(SiO2)1-x layer is highly enhanced relative to that of the single layer deposited on a substrate. Under the excitation of one of the two surface plasmon polariton modes, the estimated enhancement factor falls in a range between 39.9 and 171, while under the excitation of the other surface plasmon polariton mode, it falls in a range between 3.96 and 84.6.

New horizons in microbiological food safety: Photodynamic Decontamination based on a curcumin derivative.

PubMed

Glueck, Michael; Schamberger, Barbara; Eckl, Peter; Plaetzer, Kristjan

2017-12-06

Outbreaks of foodborne diseases are regularly reported worldwide. In particular, uncooked plant food is considered risky in terms of microbiological safety. Food is also the most important transmission route for resistant microorganisms from animals to humans. Photodynamic Decontamination (PDc) of foodstuff was recently introduced as a novel approach for increasing microbiological food safety. We investigated the efficiency of PDc on plant food with different geometries (flat, spherical and complex) using a two-dimensional LED array as a light source (435 nm, 33.8 J cm -2 ) and the cationic curcumin derivative SACUR-3 as a photosensitiser. A photoantibacterial effect (>3 log 10 CFU reduction) was achieved on all flat substrates (slices of cucumber, tomato and lettuce) with 10 μM, 50 μM or 100 μM SACUR-3. The maximal photokilling with a relative inactivation of 5.6 log 10 was measured on lettuce using 50 μM of the photoactive compound. Phototreatment of non-germinated fenugreek seeds and mung beans was successful if the spherical objects were rotated while under illumination (antibacterial effect at 100 μM SACUR-3). The decontamination of mung bean germlings with a more complex geometry using the PDc approach was ineffective with the two-dimensional light source. In conclusion, PDc based on the cationic curcumin derivative SACUR-3 is very effective at improving the microbiological safety of plant food with a flat or spherical geometry. More complex objects will require the development of novel illumination devices.

Solving radiative transfer with line overlaps using Gauss-Seidel algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniel, F.; Cernicharo, J.

2008-09-01

Context: The improvement in observational facilities requires refining the modelling of the geometrical structures of astrophysical objects. Nevertheless, for complex problems such as line overlap in molecules showing hyperfine structure, a detailed analysis still requires a large amount of computing time and thus, misinterpretation cannot be dismissed due to an undersampling of the whole space of parameters. Aims: We extend the discussion of the implementation of the Gauss-Seidel algorithm in spherical geometry and include the case of hyperfine line overlap. Methods: We first review the basics of the short characteristics method that is used to solve the radiative transfer equations. Details are given on the determination of the Lambda operator in spherical geometry. The Gauss-Seidel algorithm is then described and, by analogy to the plan-parallel case, we see how to introduce it in spherical geometry. Doing so requires some approximations in order to keep the algorithm competitive. Finally, line overlap effects are included. Results: The convergence speed of the algorithm is compared to the usual Jacobi iterative schemes. The gain in the number of iterations is typically factors of 2 and 4 for the two implementations made of the Gauss-Seidel algorithm. This is obtained despite the introduction of approximations in the algorithm. A comparison of results obtained with and without line overlaps for N2H^+, HCN, and HNC shows that the J=3-2 line intensities are significantly underestimated in models where line overlap is neglected.

Seamless Integration of Detection and Therapy for Breast Cancer using Targeted Engineered Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

and exhibit strong scattering and ab- sorption effects due to the strong plasmon resonance of the metallic-dielectric concentric spherical...neglecting its ab- sorption properties. Thus, the studies will be further separated into two sets, one considering only the scattering properties of the... sorption from the gold nanoshells, the reflectance is more de- pendent on the volume-normalized absorption cross section than the combination of

Effective cluster model of dielectric enhancement in metal-insulator composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doyle, W. T.; Jacobs, I. S.

1990-11-01

The electrical permittivity of a suspension of conducting spheres at high volume loading exhibits a large enhancement above the value predicted by the Clausius-Mossotti approximation. The permittivity enhancement is a dielectric anomaly accompanying a metallization transition that occurs when conducting particles are close packed. In disordered suspensions, close encounters can cause a permittivity enhancement at any volume loading. We attribute the permittivity enhancements typically observed in monodisperse disordered suspensions of conducting spheres to local metallized regions of high density produced by density fluctuations. We model a disordered suspension as a mixture, or mesosuspension, of isolated spheres and random close-packed spherical clusters of arbitrary size. Multipole interactions within the clusters are treated exactly. External interactions between clusters and isolated spheres are treated in the dipole approximation. Model permittivities are compared with Guillien's experimental permittivity measurements [Ann. Phys. (Paris) Ser. 11, 16, 205 (1941)] on liquid suspensions of Hg droplets in oil and with Turner's conductivity measurements [Chem. Eng. Sci. 31, 487 (1976)] on fluidized bed suspensions of ion-exchange resin beads in aqueous solution. New permittivity measurements at 10 GHz on solid suspensions of monodisperse metal spheres in polyurethane are presented and compared with the model permittivities. The effective spherical cluster model is in excellent agreement with the experiments over the entire accessible range of volume loading.

Impact of gate geometry on ionic liquid gated ionotronic systems

DOE PAGES

Wong, Anthony T.; Noh, Joo Hyon; Pudasaini, Pushpa Raj; ...

2017-01-23

Ionic liquid electrolytes are gaining widespread application as a gate dielectric used to control ion transport in functional materials. This letter systematically examines the important influence that device geometry in standard “side gate” 3-terminal geometries plays in device performance of a well-known oxygen ion conductor. We show that the most influential component of device design is the ratio between the area of the gate electrode and the active channel, while the spacing between these components and their individual shapes has a negligible contribution. Finally, these findings provide much needed guidance in device design intended for ionotronic gating with ionic liquids.

Design of optimal and ideal 2-D concentrators with the collector immersed in a dielectric tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minano, J. C.; Ruiz, J. M.; Luque, A.

1983-12-01

A method is presented for designing ideal and optimal 2-D concentrators when the collector is placed inside a dielectric tube, for the particular case of a bifacial solar collector. The prototype 2-D (cylindrical geometry) concentrator is the compound parabolic concentrator or CPC, and from the beginning of development, it was found by Winston (1978) that filling up the concentrator with a transparent dielectric medium results in a big improvement of the optical properties. The method reported here is based on the extreme ray principle of design and avoids the use of differential equations by means of a proper appliction of Fermat's principle. One advantage of these concentrators is that they allow the size to be small compared with classical CPCs.

STABILITY OF A CYLINDRICAL SOLUTE-SOLVENT INTERFACE: EFFECT OF GEOMETRY, ELECTROSTATICS, AND HYDRODYNAMICS.

PubMed

Li, B O; Sun, Hui; Zhou, Shenggao

The solute-solvent interface that separates biological molecules from their surrounding aqueous solvent characterizes the conformation and dynamics of such molecules. In this work, we construct a solvent fluid dielectric boundary model for the solvation of charged molecules and apply it to study the stability of a model cylindrical solute-solvent interface. The motion of the solute-solvent interface is defined to be the same as that of solvent fluid at the interface. The solvent fluid is assumed to be incompressible and is described by the Stokes equation. The solute is modeled simply by the ideal-gas law. All the viscous force, hydrostatic pressure, solute-solvent van der Waals interaction, surface tension, and electrostatic force are balanced at the solute-solvent interface. We model the electrostatics by Poisson's equation in which the solute-solvent interface is treated as a dielectric boundary that separates the low-dielectric solute from the high-dielectric solvent. For a cylindrical geometry, we find multiple cylindrically shaped equilibrium interfaces that describe polymodal (e.g., dry and wet) states of hydration of an underlying molecular system. These steady-state solutions exhibit bifurcation behavior with respect to the charge density. For their linearized systems, we use the projection method to solve the fluid equation and find the dispersion relation. Our asymptotic analysis shows that, for large wavenumbers, the decay rate is proportional to wavenumber with the proportionality half of the ratio of surface tension to solvent viscosity, indicating that the solvent viscosity does affect the stability of a solute-solvent interface. Consequences of our analysis in the context of biomolecular interactions are discussed.

Frequency dependent dielectric properties of Sr doped NiO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siddique, M. Naseem; Ahmed, Ateeq; Ali, T.; Tripathi, P.

2018-05-01

Ni1-xSrxO (x=0.0, 0.02) nanoparticles have been synthesized using sol-gel method calcined at temperature 600 °C. The XRD analysis result revealed that the calcined sample has a cubic structure with single phase structure. We have calculated crystallite size of samples using both Debye-Sherrer and William Hall (W-H) method which are found to be 19.69 nm, 22.39 nm and 28.50 nm, 33.27 nm, respectively. TEM image reveals the formation of spherical shaped particles. In addition, dielectric properties have been studied using LCR measurement and found that ɛ', ɛ″ and tan δ are decreases with increase in frequency whereas ac conductivity increases with increase in frequency. This behavior may be explained using Maxwell-Wagner and Koop theory.

Novel High Cooperativity Photon-Magnon Cavity QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobar, Michael; Bourhill, Jeremy; Kostylev, Nikita; G, Maxim; Creedon, Daniel

Novel microwave cavities are presented, which couple photons and magnons in YIG spheres in a super- and ultra-strong way at around 20 mK in temperature. Few/Single photon couplings (or normal mode splitting, 2g) of more than 6 GHz at microwave frequencies are obtained. Types of cavities include multiple post reentrant cavities, which co-couple photons at different frequencies with a coupling greater that the free spectral range, as well as spherical loaded dielectric cavity resonators. In such cavities we show that the bare dielectric properties can be obtained by polarizing all magnon modes to high energy using a 7 Tesla magnet. We also show that at zero-field, collective effects of the spins significantly perturb the photon modes. Other effects like time-reversal symmetry breaking are observed.

Linear and nonlinear magneto-optical properties of an off-center single dopant in a spherical core/shell quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feddi, E.; Talbi, A.; Mora-Ramos, M. E.; El Haouari, M.; Dujardin, F.; Duque, C. A.

2017-11-01

Using the effective mass approximation and a variational procedure, we have investigated the nonlinear optical absorption coefficient and the relative refractive index changes associated to a single dopant confined in core/shell quantum dots considering the influences of the core/shell dimensions, externally applied magnetic field, and dielectric mismatch. The results show that the optical absorption coefficient and the coefficients of relative refractive index change depend strongly on the core/shell sizes and they are blue shifted when the spatial confinement increases so this effect is magnified by higher structural dimensions. Additionally, it is obtained that both studied optical properties are sensitive to the dielectric environment in such a way that their amplitudes are very affected by the local field corrections.

Near-field polarization distribution of Si nanoparticles near substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reshetov, S. A.; Vladimirova, Yu. V.; Gevorkian, L. P.; Zadkov, V. N.

2017-01-01

Structure of the near-field intensity and polarization distributions, the latter is described with the generalized 3D Stokes parameters, of a spherical Si subwavelength nanoparticle in a non-magnetic and non-absorbing media near a dielectric substrate has been studied in detail with the help of the Mie theory and an extension of the Weyl's method for the calculation of the reflection of dipole radiation by a flat surface. It is shown that for the nanoparticle near the substrate the interference effects due to the scattering by the nanoparticle and interaction with the substrate play an essential role. We also demonstrate how these effects depend on the dielectric properties of the nanoparticle, its size, distance to the substrate as well as on the polarization, wavelength and incident angle of the external light field.

Scattering on hyperbolic microspheres: From photonic nanojets to Poisson-Arago bright spots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodges, Reed; Dean, Cleon; Durach, Maxim

We investigate optical properties of metal-dielectric metamaterial microspheres composed of subwavelength spherical shells of two different materials alternating in an onion-layer fashion. Recently such metamaterial spheres were considered as cavities and their whispering gallery modes were investigated. We focus on the scattering of external radiation by the meta-micropheres in this work. We show that different scenarios are produced by altering the metal fraction in the spheres: as the microsphere transitions from all-dielectric to hyperbolic to all-metal, the photonic nanojets transform into Poisson-Arago bright spots. A new phenomenon also emerges as the percentage of metal in the microsphere increases. ``Hot spots'' of optical fields intensity appear at the center of the sphere. Their intensity is much higher than that of the incident plane wave.

Clustering effects in ionic polymers: Molecular dynamics simulations

DOE PAGES

Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; Grest, Gary S.

2015-08-18

Ionic clusters control the structure, dynamics, and transport in soft matter. Incorporating a small fraction of ionizable groups in polymers substantially reduces the mobility of the macromolecules in melts. Furthermore, these ionic groups often associate into random clusters in melts, where the distribution and morphology of the clusters impact the transport in these materials. Here, using molecular dynamic simulations we demonstrate a clear correlation between cluster size and morphology with the polymer mobility in melts of sulfonated polystyrene. We show that in low dielectric media ladderlike clusters that are lower in energy compared with spherical assemblies are formed. Reducing themore » electrostatic interactions by enhancing the dielectric constant leads to morphological transformation from ladderlike clusters to globular assemblies. Finally, decrease in electrostatic interaction significantly enhances the mobility of the polymer.« less

Solar Proton Transport within an ICRU Sphere Surrounded by a Complex Shield: Combinatorial Geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, John W.; Slaba, Tony C.; Badavi, Francis F.; Reddell, Brandon D.; Bahadori, Amir A.

2015-01-01

The 3DHZETRN code, with improved neutron and light ion (Z (is) less than 2) transport procedures, was recently developed and compared to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using simplified spherical geometries. It was shown that 3DHZETRN agrees with the MC codes to the extent they agree with each other. In the present report, the 3DHZETRN code is extended to enable analysis in general combinatorial geometry. A more complex shielding structure with internal parts surrounding a tissue sphere is considered and compared against MC simulations. It is shown that even in the more complex geometry, 3DHZETRN agrees well with the MC codes and maintains a high degree of computational efficiency.

Design and Laboratory Validation of a Capacitive Sensor for Measuring the Recession of Thin-Layered Ablator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noffz, Gregory K.; Bowman, Michael P.

1996-01-01

Flight vehicles are typically instrumented with subsurface thermocouples to estimate heat transfer at the surface using inverse analysis procedures. If the vehicle has an ablating heat shield, however, temperature time histories from subsurface thermocouples no longer provide enough information to estimate heat flux at the surface. In this situation, the geometry changes and thermal energy leaves the surface in the form of ablation products. The ablation rate is required to estimate heat transfer to the surface. A new concept for a capacitive sensor has been developed to measure ablator depth using the ablator's dielectric effect on a capacitor's fringe region. Relying on the capacitor's fringe region enables the gage to be flush mounted in the vehicle's permanent structure and not intrude into the ablative heat shield applied over the gage. This sensor's design allows nonintrusive measurement of the thickness of dielectric materials, in particular, the recession rates of low-temperature ablators applied in thin (0.020 to 0.060 in. (0.05 to 0.15 mm)) layers. Twenty capacitive gages with 13 different sensing element geometries were designed, fabricated, and tested. A two-dimensional finite-element analysis was performed on several candidate geometries. Calibration procedures using ablator-simulating shims are described. A one-to-one correspondence between system output and dielectric material thickness was observed out to a thickness of 0.055 in. (1.4 mm) for a material with a permittivity about three times that of air or vacuum. A novel method of monitoring the change in sensor capacitance was developed. This technical memorandum suggests further improvements in gage design and fabrication techniques.

Investigation on the influence of electrode geometry on characteristics of coaxial dielectric barrier discharge reactor driven by an oscillating microsecond pulsed power supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Chuanrun; Liu, Feng; Wang, Qian; Cai, Meiling; Fang, Zhi

2018-03-01

In this paper, an oscillating microsecond pulsed power supply with rise time of several tens of nanosecond (ns) is used to excite a coaxial DBD with double layer dielectric barriers. The effects of various electrode geometries by changing the size of inner quartz tube (different electrode gaps) on the discharge uniformity, power deposition, energy efficiency, and operation temperature are investigated by electrical, optical, and temperature diagnostics. The electrical parameters of the coaxial DBD are obtained from the measured applied voltage and current using an equivalent electrical model. The energy efficiency and the power deposition in air gap of coaxial DBD with various electrode geometries are also obtained with the obtained electrical parameters, and the heat loss and operation temperature are analyzed by a heat conduction model. It is found that at the same applied voltage, with the increasing of the air gap, the discharge uniformity becomes worse and the discharge power deposition and the energy efficiency decrease. At 2.5 mm air gap and 24 kV applied voltage, the energy efficiency of the coaxial DBD reaches the maximum value of 68.4%, and the power deposition in air gap is 23.6 W and the discharge uniformity is the best at this case. The corresponding operation temperature of the coaxial DBD reaches 64.3 °C after 900 s operation and the temperature of the inner dielectric barrier is 114.4 °C under thermal balance. The experimental results provide important experimental references and are important to optimize the design and the performance of coaxial DBD reactor.

Propagation of diffuse light in a turbid medium with multiple spherical inhomogeneities.

PubMed

Pustovit, Vitaliy N; Markel, Vadim A

2004-01-01

We develop a fast and accurate solver for the forward problem of diffusion tomography in the case of several spherical inhomogeneities. The approach allows one to take into account multiple scattering of diffuse waves between different inhomogeneities. Theoretical results are illustrated with numerical examples; excellent numerical convergence and efficiency are demonstrated. The method is generalized for the case of additional planar diffuse-nondiffuse interfaces and is therefore applicable to the half-space and slab imaging geometries.

Spherical quartz crystals investigated with synchrotron radiation

DOE PAGES

Pereira, N. R.; Macrander, A. T.; Hill, K. W.; ...

2015-10-27

The quality of x-ray spectra and images obtained from plasmas with spherically bent crystals depends in part on the crystal's x-ray diffraction across the entire crystal surface. We employ the energy selectivity and high intensity of synchrotron radiation to examine typical spherical crystals from alpha-quartz for their diffraction quality, in a perpendicular geometry that is particularly convenient to examine sagittal focusing. The crystal's local diffraction is not ideal: the most noticeable problems come from isolated regions that so far have failed to correlate with visible imperfections. In conclusion, excluding diffraction from such problem spots has little effect on the focusmore » beyond a decrease in background.« less

Dielectric spectroscopy platform to measure MCF10A epithelial cell aggregation as a model for spheroidal cell cluster analysis.

PubMed

Heileman, K L; Tabrizian, M

2017-05-02

3-Dimensional cell cultures are more representative of the native environment than traditional cell cultures on flat substrates. As a result, 3-dimensional cell cultures have emerged as a very valuable model environment to study tumorigenesis, organogenesis and tissue regeneration. Many of these models encompass the formation of cell aggregates, which mimic the architecture of tumor and organ tissue. Dielectric impedance spectroscopy is a non-invasive, label free and real time technique, overcoming the drawbacks of established techniques to monitor cell aggregates. Here we introduce a platform to monitor cell aggregation in a 3-dimensional extracellular matrix using dielectric spectroscopy. The MCF10A breast epithelial cell line serves as a model for cell aggregation. The platform maintains sterile conditions during the multi-day assay while allowing continuous dielectric spectroscopy measurements. The platform geometry optimizes dielectric measurements by concentrating cells within the electrode sensing region. The cells show a characteristic dielectric response to aggregation which corroborates with finite element analysis computer simulations. By fitting the experimental dielectric spectra to the Cole-Cole equation, we demonstrated that the dispersion intensity Δε and the characteristic frequency f c are related to cell aggregate growth. In addition, microscopy can be performed directly on the platform providing information about cell position, density and morphology. This platform could yield many applications for studying the electrophysiological activity of cell aggregates.

On-Chip Laser-Power Delivery System for Dielectric Laser Accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Tyler W.; Tan, Si; Zhao, Zhexin; Sapra, Neil V.; Leedle, Kenneth J.; Deng, Huiyang; Miao, Yu; Black, Dylan S.; Solgaard, Olav; Harris, James S.; Vuckovic, Jelena; Byer, Robert L.; Fan, Shanhui; England, R. Joel; Lee, Yun Jo; Qi, Minghao

2018-05-01

We propose an on-chip optical-power delivery system for dielectric laser accelerators based on a fractal "tree-network" dielectric waveguide geometry. This system replaces experimentally demanding free-space manipulations of the driving laser beam with chip-integrated techniques based on precise nanofabrication, enabling access to orders-of-magnitude increases in the interaction length and total energy gain for these miniature accelerators. Based on computational modeling, in the relativistic regime, our laser delivery system is estimated to provide 21 keV of energy gain over an acceleration length of 192 μ m with a single laser input, corresponding to a 108-MV/m acceleration gradient. The system may achieve 1 MeV of energy gain over a distance of less than 1 cm by sequentially illuminating 49 identical structures. These findings are verified by detailed numerical simulation and modeling of the subcomponents, and we provide a discussion of the main constraints, challenges, and relevant parameters with regard to on-chip laser coupling for dielectric laser accelerators.

Algorithms for the Computation of Debris Risks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matney, Mark

2017-01-01

Determining the risks from space debris involve a number of statistical calculations. These calculations inevitably involve assumptions about geometry - including the physical geometry of orbits and the geometry of non-spherical satellites. A number of tools have been developed in NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office to handle these calculations; many of which have never been published before. These include algorithms that are used in NASA's Orbital Debris Engineering Model ORDEM 3.0, as well as other tools useful for computing orbital collision rates and ground casualty risks. This paper will present an introduction to these algorithms and the assumptions upon which they are based.

Numerical study on characteristic of two-dimensional metal/dielectric photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zong, Yi-Xin; Xia, Jian-Bai; Wu, Hai-Bin

2017-04-01

An improved plan-wave expansion method is adopted to theoretically study the photonic band diagrams of two-dimensional (2D) metal/dielectric photonic crystals. Based on the photonic band structures, the dependence of flat bands and photonic bandgaps on two parameters (dielectric constant and filling factor) are investigated for two types of 2D metal/dielectric (M/D) photonic crystals, hole and cylinder photonic crystals. The simulation results show that band structures are affected greatly by these two parameters. Flat bands and bandgaps can be easily obtained by tuning these parameters and the bandgap width may reach to the maximum at certain parameters. It is worth noting that the hole-type photonic crystals show more bandgaps than the corresponding cylinder ones, and the frequency ranges of bandgaps also depend strongly on these parameters. Besides, the photonic crystals containing metallic medium can obtain more modulation of photonic bands, band gaps, and large effective refractive index, etc. than the dielectric/dielectric ones. According to the numerical results, the needs of optical devices for flat bands and bandgaps can be met by selecting the suitable geometry and material parameters. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2011CB922200) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 605210010).

Heterogeneous nucleation in multi-component vapor on a partially wettable charged conducting particle. II. The generalized Laplace, Gibbs-Kelvin, and Young equations and application to nucleation.

PubMed

Noppel, M; Vehkamäki, H; Winkler, P M; Kulmala, M; Wagner, P E

2013-10-07

Based on the results of a previous paper [M. Noppel, H. Vehkamäki, P. M. Winkler, M. Kulmala, and P. E. Wagner, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 134107 (2013)], we derive a thermodynamically consistent expression for reversible or minimal work needed to form a dielectric liquid nucleus of a new phase on a charged insoluble conducting sphere within a uniform macroscopic one- or multicomponent mother phase. The currently available model for ion-induced nucleation assumes complete spherical symmetry of the system, implying that the seed ion is immediately surrounded by the condensing liquid from all sides. We take a step further and treat more realistic geometries, where a cap-shaped liquid cluster forms on the surface of the seed particle. We derive the equilibrium conditions for such a cluster. The equalities of chemical potentials of each species between the nucleus and the vapor represent the conditions of chemical equilibrium. The generalized Young equation that relates contact angle with surface tensions, surface excess polarizations, and line tension, also containing the electrical contribution from triple line excess polarization, expresses the condition of thermodynamic equilibrium at three-phase contact line. The generalized Laplace equation gives the condition of mechanical equilibrium at vapor-liquid dividing surface: it relates generalized pressures in neighboring bulk phases at an interface with surface tension, excess surface polarization, and dielectric displacements in neighboring phases with two principal radii of surface curvature and curvatures of equipotential surfaces in neighboring phases at that point. We also re-express the generalized Laplace equation as a partial differential equation, which, along with electrostatic Laplace equations for bulk phases, determines the shape of a nucleus. We derive expressions that are suitable for calculations of the size and composition of a critical nucleus (generalized version of the classical Kelvin-Thomson equation).

Photo-ionization and modification of nanoparticles on transparent substrates by ultrashort laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruzdev, Vitaly; Komolov, Vladimir; Li, Hao; Yu, Qingsong; Przhibel'skii, Sergey; Smirnov, Dmitry

2011-02-01

The objective of this combined experimental and theoretical research is to study the dynamics and mechanisms of nanoparticle interaction with ultrashort laser pulses and related modifications of substrate surface. For the experimental effort, metal (gold), dielectric (SiO2) and dielectric with metal coating (about 30 nm thick) spherical nanoparticles deposited on glass substrate are utilized. Size of the particles varies from 20 to 200 nm. Density of the particles varies from low (mean inter-particle distance 100 nm) to high (mean inter-particle distance less than 1 nm). The nanoparticle assemblies and the corresponding empty substrate surfaces are irradiated with single 130-fs laser pulses at wavelength 775 nm and different levels of laser fluence. Large diameter of laser spot (0.5-2 mm) provides gradient variations of laser intensity over the spot and allows observing different laser-nanoparticle interactions. The interactions vary from total removal of the nanoparticles in the center of laser spot to gentle modification of their size and shape and totally non-destructive interaction. The removed particles frequently form specific sub-micrometer-size pits on the substrate surface at their locations. The experimental effort is supported by simulations of the nanoparticle interactions with high-intensity ultrashort laser pulse. The simulation employs specific modification of the molecular dynamics approach applied to model the processes of non-thermal particle ablation following laser-induced electron emission. This technique delivers various characteristics of the ablation plume from a single nanoparticle including energy and speed distribution of emitted ions, variations of particle size and overall dynamics of its ablation. The considered geometry includes single isolated particle as well a single particle on a flat substrate that corresponds to the experimental conditions. The simulations confirm existence of the different regimes of laser-nanoparticle interactions depending on laser intensity and wavelength. In particular, implantation of ions departing from the nanoparticles towards the substrate is predicted.

Propagating bound states in the continuum in dielectric gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulgakov, E. N.; Maksimov, D. N.; Semina, P. N.; Skorobogatov, S. A.

2018-06-01

We consider propagating bound states in the continuum in dielectric gratings. The gratings consist of a slab with ridges periodically arranged ether on top or on the both sides of the slab. Based on the Fourier modal approach we recover the leaky zones above the line of light to identify the geometries of the gratings supporting Bloch bound states propagating in the direction perpendicular to the ridges. Most importantly, it is demonstrated that if a two-side grating possesses either mirror or glide symmetry the Bloch bound states are stable to variation of parameters as far as the above symmetries are preserved.

Solid-dielectric compound parabolic concentrators: on their use with photovoltaic devices.

PubMed

Goodman, N B; Ignatius, R; Wharton, L; Winston, R

1976-10-01

Prototype solid dielectric compound parabolic concentrators have been made and tested. By means of the geometry and refractive properties of a transparent solid they provide a technique for increasing the power output of silicon solar cells exposed to the sun by an amount nearly equal to the increase in effective collecting area. The response is uniform over a large angle which eliminates the necessity of diurnal tracking of the sun. The technique can be applied to the construction of thin panels and has the potential for significantly reducing, their cost per unit area.

Calculation of the energy loss for an electron passing near giant fullerenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henrard, L.; Lambin, Ph

1996-11-01

We present a theoretical analysis of the electron energy-loss spectra of isolated giant fullerenes. We use a macroscopic dielectric description of spherical onion-like fullerenes and a discrete dipole approximation (DDA) framework for tubular fullerenes. In the DDA model, an anisotropic dynamical polarizability is assigned to each carbon site. We stress the fundamental importance of the hollow character of giant fullerenes in the electron energy-loss resonances.

Scattering and Polarization Measurements Using the PL/OPA Low Altitude Lidar

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-20

66 A.3.2 Application to Lidar Data .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ... .. 70 References 72 iv List of Figures 1 The Poincare ... the vcctor in the I __ plane is the degree of linear polarization (defined as [Q2 + U2 II/2 /1). The component of the vector along the K axis is the ...scattering refers to the scattering of a monochromatic electromagr1tic plane wave by a spherically shaped, homogeneous, isotropic dielectric and conducting

Small nanoparticles, surface geometry and contact forces.

PubMed

Takato, Yoichi; Benson, Michael E; Sen, Surajit

2018-03-01

In this molecular dynamics study, we examine the local surface geometric effects of the normal impact force between two approximately spherical nanoparticles that collide in a vacuum. Three types of surface geometries-(i) crystal facets, (ii) sharp edges, and (iii) amorphous surfaces of small nanoparticles with radii R <10 nm-are considered. The impact forces are compared with their macroscopic counterparts described by nonlinear contact forces based on Hertz contact mechanics. In our simulations, edge and amorphous surface contacts with weak surface energy reveal that the average impact forces are in excellent agreement with the Hertz contact force. On the other hand, facet collisions show a linearly increasing force with increasing compression. Our results suggest that the nearly spherical nanoparticles are likely to enable some nonlinear dynamic phenomena, such as breathers and solitary waves observed in granular materials, both originating from the nonlinear contact force.

Flow design and simulation of a gas compression system for hydrogen fusion energy production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avital, E. J.; Salvatore, E.; Munjiza, A.; Suponitsky, V.; Plant, D.; Laberge, M.

2017-08-01

An innovative gas compression system is proposed and computationally researched to achieve a short time response as needed in engineering applications such as hydrogen fusion energy reactors and high speed hammers. The system consists of a reservoir containing high pressure gas connected to a straight tube which in turn is connected to a spherical duct, where at the sphere’s centre plasma resides in the case of a fusion reactor. Diaphragm located inside the straight tube separates the reservoir’s high pressure gas from the rest of the plenum. Once the diaphragm is breached the high pressure gas enters the plenum to drive pistons located on the inner wall of the spherical duct that will eventually end compressing the plasma. Quasi-1D and axisymmetric flow formulations are used to design and analyse the flow dynamics. A spike is designed for the interface between the straight tube and the spherical duct to provide a smooth geometry transition for the flow. Flow simulations show high supersonic flow hitting the end of the spherical duct, generating a return shock wave propagating upstream and raising the pressure above the reservoir pressure as in the hammer wave problem, potentially giving temporary pressure boost to the pistons. Good agreement is revealed between the two flow formulations pointing to the usefulness of the quasi-1D formulation as a rapid solver. Nevertheless, a mild time delay in the axisymmetric flow simulation occurred due to moderate two-dimensionality effects. The compression system is settled down in a few milliseconds for a spherical duct of 0.8 m diameter using Helium gas and a uniform duct cross-section area. Various system geometries are analysed using instantaneous and time history flow plots.

Phase behavior of charged hydrophobic colloids on flat and spherical surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelleher, Colm P.

For a broad class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, the transition from isotropic fluid to crystalline solid is described by the theory of melting due to Kosterlitz, Thouless, Halperin, Nelson and Young (KTHNY). According to this theory, long-range order is achieved via elimination of the topological defects which proliferate in the fluid phase. However, many natural and man-made 2D systems posses spatial curvature and/or non-trivial topology, which require the presence of topological defects, even at T=0. In principle, the presence of these defects could profoundly affect the phase behavior of such a system. In this thesis, we develop and characterize an experimental system of charged colloidal particles that bind electrostatically to the interface between an oil and an aqueous phase. Depending on how we prepare the sample, this fluid interface may be flat, spherical, or have a more complicated geometry. Focusing on the cases where the interface is flat or spherical, we measure the interactions between the particles, and probe various aspects of their phase behavior. On flat interfaces, this phase behavior is well-described by KTHNY theory. In spherical geometries, however, we observe spatial structures and inhomogeneous dynamics that cannot be captured by the measures traditionally used to describe flat-space phase behavior. We show that, in the spherical system, ordering is achieved by a novel mechanism: sequestration of topological defects into freely-terminating grain boundaries ("scars"), and simultaneous spatial organization of the scars themselves on the vertices of an icosahedron. The emergence of icosahedral order coincides with the localization of mobility into isolated "lakes" of fluid or glassy particles, situated at the icosahedron vertices. These lakes are embedded in a rigid, connected "continent" of locally crystalline particles.

A mixed pseudospectral/finite difference method for a thermally driven fluid in a nonuniform gravitational field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macaraeg, M. G.

1985-01-01

A numerical study of the steady, axisymmetric flow in a heated, rotating spherical shell is conducted to model the Atmospheric General Circulation Experiment (AGCE) proposed to run aboard a later shuttle mission. The AGCE will consist of concentric rotating spheres confining a dielectric fluid. By imposing a dielectric field across the fluid a radial body force will be created. The numerical solution technique is based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In the method a pseudospectral technique is based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In the method a pseudospectral technique is used in the latitudinal direction, and a second-order accurate finite difference scheme discretizes time and radial derivatives. This paper discusses the development and performance of this numerical scheme for the AGCE which has been modelled in the past only by pure FD formulations. In addition, previous models have not investigated the effect of using a dielectric force to simulate terrestrial gravity. The effect of this dielectric force on the flow field is investigated as well as a parameter study of varying rotation rates and boundary temperatures. Among the effects noted are the production of larger velocities and enhanced reversals of radial temperature gradients for a body force generated by the electric field.

Topological phase transformations and intrinsic size effects in ferroelectric nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mangeri, John; Espinal, Yomery; Jokisaari, Andrea M.

Here, composite materials comprised of ferroelectric nanoparticles in a dielectric matrix are being actively investigated for a variety of functional properties attractive for a wide range of novel electronic and energy harvesting devices. However, the dependence of these functionalities on shapes, sizes, orientation and mutual arrangement of ferroelectric particles is currently not fully understood. In this study, we utilize a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau approach combined with coupled-physics finite-element-method based simulations to elucidate the behavior of polarization in isolated spherical PbTiO 3 or BaTiO 3 nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric medium, including air. The equilibrium polarization topology is strongly affected by particlemore » diameter, as well as the choice of inclusion and matrix materials, with monodomain, vortex-like and multidomain patterns emerging for various combinations of size and materials parameters. This leads to radically different polarization vs electric field responses, resulting in highly tunable size-dependent dielectric properties that should be possible to observe experimentally. Our calculations show that there is a critical particle size below which ferroelectricity vanishes. For the PbTiO 3 particle, this size is 2 and 3.4 nm, respectively, for high- and low-permittivity media. For the BaTiO 3 particle, it is ~3.6 nm regardless of the medium dielectric strength.« less

Direct Correlations of Grain Boundary Potentials to Chemical States and Dielectric Properties of Doped CaCu3Ti4O12 Thin Films.

PubMed

Cho, Ahra; Han, Chan Su; Kang, Meenjoo; Choi, Wooseok; Lee, Jihwan; Jeon, Jaecheol; Yu, Sujae; Jung, Ye Seul; Cho, Yong Soo

2018-05-09

Colossal dielectric constant CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 has been recognized as one of the rare materials having intrinsic interfacial polarization and thus unusual dielectric characteristics, in which the electrical state of the grain boundary is critical. Here, the direct correlation between the grain boundary potential and relative permittivity is proposed for the CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 thin films doped with Zn, Ga, Mn, and Ag as characterized by Kelvin probe force microscopy. The dopants are intended to provide the examples of variable grain boundary potentials that are driven by chemical states including Cu + , Ti 3+ , and oxygen vacancy. Grain boundary potential is nearly linearly proportional to the dielectric constant. This effect is attributed to the increased charge accumulation near the grain boundary, depending on the choice of the dopant. As an example, 1 mol % Ag-doped CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 thin films demonstrate the best relative permittivity as associated with a higher grain boundary potential of 120.3 mV compared with 82.6 mV for the reference film. The chemical states across grain boundaries were further verified by using spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy with the simultaneous electron energy loss spectroscopy.

Topological phase transformations and intrinsic size effects in ferroelectric nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Mangeri, John; Espinal, Yomery; Jokisaari, Andrea M.; ...

2017-01-06

Here, composite materials comprised of ferroelectric nanoparticles in a dielectric matrix are being actively investigated for a variety of functional properties attractive for a wide range of novel electronic and energy harvesting devices. However, the dependence of these functionalities on shapes, sizes, orientation and mutual arrangement of ferroelectric particles is currently not fully understood. In this study, we utilize a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau approach combined with coupled-physics finite-element-method based simulations to elucidate the behavior of polarization in isolated spherical PbTiO 3 or BaTiO 3 nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric medium, including air. The equilibrium polarization topology is strongly affected by particlemore » diameter, as well as the choice of inclusion and matrix materials, with monodomain, vortex-like and multidomain patterns emerging for various combinations of size and materials parameters. This leads to radically different polarization vs electric field responses, resulting in highly tunable size-dependent dielectric properties that should be possible to observe experimentally. Our calculations show that there is a critical particle size below which ferroelectricity vanishes. For the PbTiO 3 particle, this size is 2 and 3.4 nm, respectively, for high- and low-permittivity media. For the BaTiO 3 particle, it is ~3.6 nm regardless of the medium dielectric strength.« less

Effect of chromium substitution on the dielectric properties of mixed Ni-Zn ferrite prepared by WOWS sol–gel technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ashtar, M.; Munir, A.; Anis-ur-Rehman, M.

2016-07-15

Graphical abstract: Variation of AC conductivity (σ{sub AC}) as a function of natural log of angular frequency (lnω) for Ni{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2-x}Cr{sub x}O{sub 4} nanoferrites at room temperature. - Highlights: • Cr doped mixed Ni-Zn ferrites were successfully synthesized by a newly developed WOWS sol gel technique. • The specific surface area and specific surface area to volume ratio increased with decrease in particle size. • The resonance peaks appeared in dielectric loss graphs, shifting towards low frequency with the increase in Cr concentration. • The prepared samples have the lowest values of the dielectric constant. • The dielectricmore » constant were observed to be inversely proportional to square root of the AC resistivity. - Abstract: Cr{sup +3} doped Ni-Zn nanoferrite samples with composition Ni{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2-x}Cr{sub x}O{sub 4}(x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were synthesized With Out Water and Surfactant (WOWS) sol-gel technique. The structural, morphological and dielectric properties of the samples were investigated. The lattice constant, crystallite size, theoretical density and porosity of each sample were obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The specific surface area and specific surface area to volume ratio increased with the decrease in the size of Cr{sup +3} doped Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles, as the concentration of Cr{sup +3} increased. The SEM analysis revealed that the particles were of nano size and of spherical shape. The dielectric parameters such as dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (tanδ) of all the samples as a function of frequency at room temperature were measured. The AC conductivity (σ{sub AC}) was determined from the dielectric parameters, which showed increasing trend with the rise in frequency.« less

Automated semi-spherical irradiance meter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tecpoyotl-Torres, M.; Vera-Dimas, J. G.; Escobedo-Alatorre, J.; Cabello-Ruiz, R.; Varona, J.

2011-09-01

In this semi-spherical meter, a single detector is used to realize all measurements, which is located on the extreme of a rectangular ring (assumed as joined two mobile branches in order to compensate the weights), describing half-meridians from 0° up to 170°. The illumination source under test is located at the center of the mobile support, which can rotate 360° horizontally. The two combined movements allow us to obtain a semi-spherical geometry. The number of measurement points is determined by the two step-motors located under the mobile support of the luminary and on one of the two fixed arms, which support the mobile rectangular ring, respectively. The mechanical arrangement has the enough rigidity to support the precision required for the acquisition stage, based on a dsPIC. The main advantages of this arrange are: Its low costs (using recyclable materials only such as "electronic waste"), a reliable detection based on a single photo-detector, with an integrated amplification stage, and the mechanical design. The received power by the detector is useful to obtain the irradiance profile of the lighting sources under test. The semi-spherical geometry of the meter makes it useful for the analysis of directive and non directive sources, in accordance with the angle described by the mobile ring. In this work, special attention is given to LED lamps due to its impact in several sceneries of the daily life. A comparison between the irradiance patterns of two LED lamps is also given.

New Constraints on the Geometry and Kinematics of Matter Surrounding the Accretion Flow in X-Ray Binaries from Chandra High-Energy Transmission Grating X-Ray Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tzanavaris, P.; Yaqoob, T.

2018-01-01

The narrow, neutral Fe Ka fluorescence emission line in X-ray binaries (XRBs) is a powerful probe of the geometry, kinematics, and Fe abundance of matter around the accretion flow. In a recent study it has been claimed, using Chandra High-Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra for a sample of XRBs, that the circumnuclear material is consistent with a solar-abundance, uniform, spherical distribution. It was also claimed that the Fe Ka line was unresolved in all cases by the HETG. However, these conclusions were based on ad hoc models that did not attempt to relate the global column density to the Fe Ka line emission. We revisit the sample and test a self-consistent model of a uniform, spherical X-ray reprocessor against HETG spectra from 56 observations of 14 Galactic XRBs. We find that the model is ruled out in 13/14 sources because a variable Fe abundance is required. In two sources a spherical distribution is viable, but with nonsolar Fe abundance. We also applied a solar-abundance Compton-thick reflection model, which can account for the spectra that are inconsistent with a spherical model, but spectra with a broader bandpass are required to better constrain model parameters. We also robustly measured the velocity width of the Fe Ka line and found FWHM values of up to approx. 5000 km/s. Only in some spectra was the Fe Ka line unresolved by the HETG.

Electrohydrodynamic interactions in Quincke rotation: from pair dynamics to collective motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Debasish; Saintillan, David

2013-11-01

Weakly conducting dielectric particles suspended in a dielectric liquid can undergo spontaneous sustained rotation when placed in a sufficiently strong dc electric field. This phenomenon of Quincke rotation has interesting implications for the rheology of these suspensions whose effective viscosity can be reduced by application of an external field. While previous models based on the rotation of isolated particles have provided accurate estimates for this viscosity reduction in dilute suspensions discrepancies have been reported in more concentrated systems where particle-particle interactions are likely significant. Motivated by this observation we extend the classic description of Quincke rotation based on the Taylor-Melcher leaky dielectric model to account for pair electrohydrodynamic interactions between identical spheres using method of reflections. We also consider the case of spherical particles undergoing Quincke rotation next to a planar electrode, where hydrodynamic interactions with the no-slip boundary lead to a self-propelled velocity. The interactions between such Quincke rollers are analyzed, and a transition to collective motion is predicted in sufficiently dense collections of many rollers, in agreement with recent experiments.

Iron oxide nanoparticles as dielectric and piezoelectric enhancers for silicone elastomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacob, Mihail; Tugui, Codrin; Tiron, Vasile; Bele, Adrian; Vlad, Stelian; Vasiliu, Tudor; Cazacu, Maria; Vasiliu, Ana-Lavinia; Racles, Carmen

2017-10-01

Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared using an alkaline precipitation method to tune the reaction time so as to afford ferrihydrite with spherical morphology or goethite nanorods. These two nanoparticle types, surface-treated with a surfactant (Pluronic L81), were each incorporated in 10, 20 and 30 wt% within a polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diol (Mn = 60 000 g mol-1). The mixtures were processed as films and crosslinked by condensation with tetraethoxysilane at room temperature. The aged films were investigated concerning filler distribution (by SEM coupled with an energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy module), mechanical (tensile strength, elongation and Young’s modulus), and dielectric properties (permittivity, loss, conductivity and strength). The results show that the fillers have a relatively homogeneous distribution within the matrix and, dependent on the filler nature and amount, generally manifest a mechanical reinforcing effect and act as dielectric permittivity and strength enhancers. In addition, it has been found that the crystalline nanoparticles induce a piezoelectric response, emphasized by piezoelectric force microscopy. The improved properties of the composites make them suitable for applications in mechanical/electrical energy conversion, as theoretical estimates showed.

Multifunctional Properties of Cyanate Ester Composites with SiO2 Coated Fe3O4 Fillers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Weixing; Sun, Wuzhu; Kessler, Michael R

2013-02-22

SiO2 coated Fe3O4 submicrometer spherical particles (a conducting core/insulating shell configuration) are fabricated using a hydrothermal method and are loaded at 10 and 20 vol % into a bisphenol E cyanate ester matrix for synthesis of multifunctional composites. The dielectric constant of the resulting composites is found to be enhanced over a wide frequency and temperature range while the low dielectric loss tangent of the neat cyanate ester polymer is largely preserved up to 160 ?C due to the insulating SiO2 coating on individual conductive Fe3O4 submicrometer spheres. These composites also demonstrate high dielectric breakdown strengths at room temperature. Dynamicmore » mechanical analysis indicates that the storage modulus of the composite with a 20 vol % filler loading is twice as high as that of neat resin, but the glass transition temperature considerably decreases with increasing filler content. Magnetic measurements reveal a large saturation magnetization and negligibly low coercivity and remanent magnetization in these composites.« less

The concept of apparent polarizability for calculating the extinction of electromagnetic radiation by porous aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haspel, C.; Adler, G.

2017-04-01

In the current study, the electromagnetic properties of porous aerosol particles are calculated in two ways. In the first, a porous target input file is generated by carving out voids in an otherwise homogeneous particle, and the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) is used to compute the extinction efficiency of the particle assuming that the voids are near vacuum dielectrics and assuming random particle orientation. In the second, an effective medium approximation (EMA) style approach is employed in which an apparent polarizability of the voids is defined based on the well-known solution to the problem in classical electrostatics of a spherical cavity within a dielectric. It is found that for porous particles with smaller overall diameter with respect to the wavelength of incident radiation, describing the voids as near vacuum dielectrics within the DDA sufficiently reproduces measured values of extinction efficiency, whereas for porous particles with moderate to larger overall diameters with respect to the wavelength of the radiation, the apparent polarizability EMA approach better reproduces the measured values of extinction efficiency.

Electrostatic field and charge distribution in small charged dielectric droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Storozhev, V. B.

2004-08-01

The charge distribution in small dielectric droplets is calculated on the basis of continuum medium approximation. There are considered charged liquid spherical droplets of methanol in the range of nanometer sizes. The problem is solved by the following way. We find the free energy of some ion in dielectric droplet, which is a function of distribution of other ions in the droplet. The probability of location of the ion in some element of volume in the droplet is a function of its free energy in this element of volume. The same approach can be applied to other ions in the droplet. The obtained charge distribution differs considerably from the surface distribution. The curve of the charge distribution in the droplet as a function of radius has maximum near the surface. Relative concentration of charges in the vicinity of the center of the droplet does not equal to zero, and it is the higher, the less is the total charge of the droplet. According to the estimates the model is applicable if the droplet radius is larger than 10 nm.

Compact Radiative Control Structures for Millimeter Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Ari D.; Chuss, David T.; Chervenak, James A.; Henry, Ross M.; Moseley, s. Harvey; Wollack, Edward J.

2010-01-01

We have designed, fabricated, and tested compact radiative control structures, including antireflection coatings and resonant absorbers, for millimeter through submillimeter wave astronomy. The antireflection coatings consist of micromachined single crystal silicon dielectric sub-wavelength honeycombs. The effective dielectric constant of the structures is set by the honeycomb cell geometry. The resonant absorbers consist of pieces of solid single crystal silicon substrate and thin phosphorus implanted regions whose sheet resistance is tailored to maximize absorption by the structure. We present an implantation model that can be used to predict the ion energy and dose required for obtaining a target implant layer sheet resistance. A neutral density filter, a hybrid of a silicon dielectric honeycomb with an implanted region, has also been fabricated with this basic approach. These radiative control structures are scalable and compatible for use large focal plane detector arrays.

Controlling plasmonic properties of epitaxial thin films of indium tin oxide in the near-infrared region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamakura, R.; Fujita, K.; Murai, S.; Tanaka, K.

2015-06-01

Epitaxial thin films of indium tin oxide (ITO) were grown on yttria-stabilized zirconia single-crystal substrates by using a pulsed laser deposition to examine their plasmonic properties. The dielectric function of ITO was characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Through the concentration of SnO2 in the target, the carrier concentration in the films was modified, which directly leads to the tuning of the dielectric function in the near-infrared region. Variable-angle reflectance spectroscopy in the Kretschmann geometry shows the dip in the reflection spectrum of p-polarized light corresponding to the excitation of surface plasmon polaritions (SPPs) in the near-infrared region. The excitation wavelength of the SPPs was shifted with changing the dielectric functions of ITO, which is reproduced by the calculation using transfer matrix method.

Stochastic and deterministic causes of streamer branching in liquid dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadidian, Jouya; Zahn, Markus; Lavesson, Nils; Widlund, Ola; Borg, Karl

2013-08-01

Streamer branching in liquid dielectrics is driven by stochastic and deterministic factors. The presence of stochastic causes of streamer branching such as inhomogeneities inherited from noisy initial states, impurities, or charge carrier density fluctuations is inevitable in any dielectric. A fully three-dimensional streamer model presented in this paper indicates that deterministic origins of branching are intrinsic attributes of streamers, which in some cases make the branching inevitable depending on shape and velocity of the volume charge at the streamer frontier. Specifically, any given inhomogeneous perturbation can result in streamer branching if the volume charge layer at the original streamer head is relatively thin and slow enough. Furthermore, discrete nature of electrons at the leading edge of an ionization front always guarantees the existence of a non-zero inhomogeneous perturbation ahead of the streamer head propagating even in perfectly homogeneous dielectric. Based on the modeling results for streamers propagating in a liquid dielectric, a gauge on the streamer head geometry is introduced that determines whether the branching occurs under particular inhomogeneous circumstances. Estimated number, diameter, and velocity of the born branches agree qualitatively with experimental images of the streamer branching.

Effect of species structure and dielectric constant on C-band forest backscatter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, R. H.; Landry, R.; Kilic, O.; Chauhan, N.; Khadr, N.; Leckie, D.

1993-01-01

A joint experiment between Canadian and USA research teams was conducted early in Oct. 1992 to determine the effect of species structure and dielectric variations on forest backscatter. Two stands, one red pine and one jack pine, in the Petawawa National Forestry Institute (PNFI) were utilized for the experiment. Extensive tree architecture measurements had been taken by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) several months earlier by employing a Total Station surveying instrument which provides detailed information on branch structure. A second part of the experiment consisted of cutting down several trees and using dielectric probes to measure branch and needle permittivity values at both sites. The dielectric and the tree geometry data were used in the George Washington University (GWU) Vegetation Model to determine the C band backscattering coefficients of the individual stands for VV polarization. The model results show that backscatter at C band comes mainly from the needles and small branches and the upper portion of the trunks acts only as an attenuator. A discussion of variation of backscatter with specie structure and how dielectric variations in needles for both species may affect the total backscatter returns is provided.

Physical Chemistry and Biophysics of Single Trapped Microparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dem, Claudiu; Schmitt, Michael; Kiefer, Wolfgang; Popp, Jürgen

Microparticles, particularly in the form of spheres and cylinders with radii larger than the wavelength of light, as well as coated gas bubbles, are at the center of various fields of study that include linear and nonlinear optics, combustion diagnostics, fuel dynamics, colloid chemistry, atmospheric science, telecommunications, and pulmonary medicine. The spectroscopy of single microparticles is feasible nowadays due to the development of various optical and electromagnetic trapping techniques. While data derived from elastic scattering, such as the angular distribution of the scattered radiation or the radiation pressure acting on spherical resonators, e.g., microdroplets, provides mainly information about the morphology of the particle, inelastic light scattering, e.g., Raman spectroscopy, yields additional information concerning the chemical composition of the material under investigation. Trapping techniques allow to obtain Raman spectra of single particles, whose sizes are of the order of or larger than the wavelength of the exciting light. However, in scattering systems with well-defined geometries, e.g., cylindrical, spherical, or spheroidal cavities, the use of Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic probe becomes complicated due to morphologydependent resonances (MDRs) of the cavity. Such cavity resonances may give rise to sharp peaks in a Raman spectrum that are not present in bulk Raman spectra. These peaks result from resonanceinduced enhancements to the Raman scattering. The physical nature of these resonances can be described for dielectric particles by means of the well-known Lorenz-Mie theory. These MDRs can be used together with Raman data for a comprehensive study of the physical properties as well as the time dependence of chemical reactions. Here, we present a short review of our own work on combined inelastic/elastic (Raman/Mie) light scattering studies and their applications to several microchemical reactions as well as on elastic light scattering on a femtosecond timescale. A few representative examples have been chosen to demonstrate the power of such light scattering studies of microparticles trapped by optical or electrodynamical forces.

Compensating for Electrode Polarization in Dielectric Spectroscopy Studies of Colloidal Suspensions: Theoretical Assessment of Existing Methods

PubMed Central

Chassagne, Claire; Dubois, Emmanuelle; Jiménez, María L.; van der Ploeg, J. P. M; van Turnhout, Jan

2016-01-01

Dielectric spectroscopy can be used to determine the dipole moment of colloidal particles from which important interfacial electrokinetic properties, for instance their zeta potential, can be deduced. Unfortunately, dielectric spectroscopy measurements are hampered by electrode polarization (EP). In this article, we review several procedures to compensate for this effect. First EP in electrolyte solutions is described: the complex conductivity is derived as function of frequency, for two cell geometries (planar and cylindrical) with blocking electrodes. The corresponding equivalent circuit for the electrolyte solution is given for each geometry. This equivalent circuit model is extended to suspensions. The complex conductivity of a suspension, in the presence of EP, is then calculated from the impedance. Different methods for compensating for EP are critically assessed, with the help of the theoretical findings. Their limit of validity is given in terms of characteristic frequencies. We can identify with one of these frequencies the frequency range within which data uncorrected for EP may be used to assess the dipole moment of colloidal particles. In order to extract this dipole moment from the measured data, two methods are reviewed: one is based on the use of existing models for the complex conductivity of suspensions, the other is the logarithmic derivative method. An extension to multiple relaxations of the logarithmic derivative method is proposed. PMID:27486575

Modeling and simulation of three dimensional manipulations of biological micro/nanoparticles by applying cylindrical contact mechanics models by means of AFM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korayem, M. H.; Saraee, M. B.; Mahmoodi, Z.; Dehghani, S.

2015-11-01

This paper has attempted to investigate the effective forces in 3D manipulation of biological micro/nano particles. Most of the recent researches have only examined 2D spherical geometries but in this paper, the cylindrical geometries, which are much closer to the real geometries, were considered. For achieving a more accurate modeling, manipulation dynamics was also considered to be three dimensional which have been done for the first time. Because of the sensibility to the amount of endurable applied forces, manipulation process of biological micro/nano particles has some restrictions. Therefore, applied forces exerted on the particles in all different directions were simulated in order to restrict all those possible damages cause by operator of the AFM. Those data from simulated forces will bring a more accurate and sensible understanding for the operator to operate. For the validation of results, the proposed model was compared with the model presented for manipulation of gold nanoparticle and then, by reducing the effective parameters in the 3D manipulation, the results were compared with those obtained for the 2D cylindrical model and with the experimental results of spherical nanoparticle in the 2D manipulation.

Solar proton exposure of an ICRU sphere within a complex structure Part I: Combinatorial geometry.

PubMed

Wilson, John W; Slaba, Tony C; Badavi, Francis F; Reddell, Brandon D; Bahadori, Amir A

2016-06-01

The 3DHZETRN code, with improved neutron and light ion (Z≤2) transport procedures, was recently developed and compared to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using simplified spherical geometries. It was shown that 3DHZETRN agrees with the MC codes to the extent they agree with each other. In the present report, the 3DHZETRN code is extended to enable analysis in general combinatorial geometry. A more complex shielding structure with internal parts surrounding a tissue sphere is considered and compared against MC simulations. It is shown that even in the more complex geometry, 3DHZETRN agrees well with the MC codes and maintains a high degree of computational efficiency. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Hollow spherical shell manufacture

DOEpatents

O'Holleran, T.P.

1991-11-26

A process is disclosed for making a hollow spherical shell of silicate glass composition in which an aqueous suspension of silicate glass particles and an immiscible liquid blowing agent is placed within the hollow spherical cavity of a porous mold. The mold is spun to reduce effective gravity to zero and to center the blowing agent, while being heated so as to vaporize the immiscible liquid and urge the water carrier of the aqueous suspension to migrate into the body of the mold, leaving a green shell compact deposited around the mold cavity. The green shell compact is then removed from the cavity, and is sintered for a time and a temperature sufficient to form a silicate glass shell of substantially homogeneous composition and uniform geometry. 3 figures.

Hollow spherical shell manufacture

DOEpatents

O'Holleran, Thomas P.

1991-01-01

A process for making a hollow spherical shell of silicate glass composition in which an aqueous suspension of silicate glass particles and an immiscible liquid blowing agent is placed within the hollow spherical cavity of a porous mold. The mold is spun to reduce effective gravity to zero and to center the blowing agent, while being heated so as to vaporize the immiscible liquid and urge the water carrier of the aqueous suspension to migrate into the body of the mold, leaving a green shell compact deposited around the mold cavity. The green shell compact is then removed from the cavity, and is sintered for a time and a temperature sufficient to form a silicate glass shell of substantially homogeneous composition and uniform geometry.

Optical and electrical properties of colloidal (spherical Au)-(spinel ferrite nanorod) heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Chandramohan; Genovese, Alessandro; Qiao, Fen; Korobchevskaya, Kseniya; Comin, Alberto; Falqui, Andrea; Marras, Sergio; Roig, Anna; Zhang, Yang; Krahne, Roman; Manna, Liberato

2011-11-01

We report here a simple synthetic route to Au-FexOy heterostructures in which spinel ferrite (FexOy) grows as a nanorod on a spherical gold (Au) seed. The large red shift in the plasmon resonance in the heterostructures could be explained by a dielectric effect (although we could not entirely exclude a contribution due to electron transfer from Au to defect states at the Au-FexOy interface), while the magnetic properties of the Au-FexOy heterostructures were basically the same as those of the corresponding nanocrystals after Au leaching. In films of Au-FexOy heterostructures the electrical conductivity appeared to be mediated by the Au domains.We report here a simple synthetic route to Au-FexOy heterostructures in which spinel ferrite (FexOy) grows as a nanorod on a spherical gold (Au) seed. The large red shift in the plasmon resonance in the heterostructures could be explained by a dielectric effect (although we could not entirely exclude a contribution due to electron transfer from Au to defect states at the Au-FexOy interface), while the magnetic properties of the Au-FexOy heterostructures were basically the same as those of the corresponding nanocrystals after Au leaching. In films of Au-FexOy heterostructures the electrical conductivity appeared to be mediated by the Au domains. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: TEM/HRTEM images of (i) aliquots at the earliest stages of the growth of Au-FexOy HSs; (ii) Au-FexOy HSs synthesized at low DDAB concentrations; (iii) spherical iron oxide nanocrystals synthesized under the same conditions as the HSs, but in the absence of Au seeds; (iv) Au-FexOy urchin like nanostructures, also after attempts to leach out Au; (v) Au-FexOy HSs after treatment with hydrazine; (vi) FexOy HSs after Au leaching from Au-FexOy HSs; additional optical absorption spectra; additional I-V curves, also from films made of Au-FexOy dumbbells; and additional SEM images; vii) X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a sample of Au-FexOy HSs. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10768b

Electrically generated eddies at an eightfold stagnation point within a nanopore

PubMed Central

Sherwood, J. D.; Mao, M.; Ghosal, S.

2014-01-01

Electrically generated flows around a thin dielectric plate pierced by a cylindrical hole are computed numerically. The geometry represents that of a single nanopore in a membrane. When the membrane is uncharged, flow is due solely to induced charge electroosmosis, and eddies are generated by the high fields at the corners of the nanopore. These eddies meet at stagnation points. If the geometry is chosen correctly, the stagnation points merge to form a single stagnation point at which four streamlines cross at a point and eight eddies meet. PMID:25489206

Lightning arrestor connector lead magnesium niobate qualification pellet test procedures.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tuohig, W.; Mahoney, Patrick A.; Tuttle, Bruce Andrew

2009-02-01

Enhanced knowledge preservation for DOE DP technical component activities has recently received much attention. As part of this recent knowledge preservation effort, improved documentation of the sample preparation and electrical testing procedures for lead magnesium niobate--lead titanate (PMN/PT) qualification pellets was completed. The qualification pellets are fabricated from the same parent powders used to produce PMN/PT lightning arrestor connector (LAC) granules at HWF&T. In our report, the procedures for fired pellet surface preparation, electrode deposition, electrical testing and data recording are described. The dielectric measurements described in our report are an information only test. Technical reasons for selecting the electrodemore » material, electrode size and geometry are presented. The electrical testing is based on measuring the dielectric constant and dissipation factor of the pellet during cooling from 280 C to 220 C. The most important data are the temperature for which the peak dielectric constant occurs (Curie Point temperature) and the peak dielectric constant magnitude. We determined that the peak dielectric constant for our procedure would be that measured at 1 kHz at the Curie Point. Both the peak dielectric constant and the Curie point parameters provide semi-quantitative information concerning the chemical and microstructural homogeneity of the parent material used for the production of PMN/PT granules for LACs. Finally, we have proposed flag limits for the dielectric data for the pellets. Specifically, if the temperature of the peak dielectric constant falls outside the range of 250 C {+-} 30 C we propose that a flag limit be imposed that will initiate communication between production agency and design agency personnel. If the peak dielectric constant measured falls outside the range 25,000 {+-} 10,000 we also propose that a flag limit be imposed.« less

Reduced conductivity and enhancement of Debye orientational polarization in lanthanum doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Atta ur; Rafiq, M. A.; Karim, S.; Maaz, K.; Siddique, M.; Hasan, M. M.

2011-12-01

In this work we have investigated the conductivity and dielectric properties of CoLaxFe2-xO4 (x=0.0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) nanoparticles synthesized by chemical co-precipitation route. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the inverse spinal structure of nanoparticles with slight increase in the lattice constant as La concentration increases. Transmission electron microscopy shows spherical nanoparticles with sizes of ∼20 nm. Impedance spectroscopy of the samples was performed in the frequency range 20 Hz-2 MHz at room temperature. The resistance of the grains and grain boundaries was found to increase with lanthanum concentration while the AC conductivity of the samples was observed to decrease with increasing La concentration. Dipolar orientational polarization was found to play an important role in determining dielectric properties of the samples.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Labany, S. K., E-mail: skellabany@hotmail.com; Zedan, N. A., E-mail: nesreenplasma@yahoo.com; El-Taibany, W. F., E-mail: eltaibany@hotmail.com, E-mail: eltaibany@du.edu.eg

The nonplanar amplitude modulation of dust acoustic (DA) envelope solitary waves in a strongly coupled dusty plasma (SCDP) has been investigated. By using a reductive perturbation technique, a modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) including the effects of geometry, polarization, and ion superthermality is derived. The modulational instability (MI) of the nonlinear DA wave envelopes is investigated in both planar and nonplanar geometries. There are two stable regions for the DA wave propagation strongly affected by polarization and ion superthermality. Moreover, it is found that the nonlinear DA waves in spherical geometry are the more structurally stable. The larger growth ratemore » of the nonlinear DA MI is observed in the cylindrical geometry. The salient characteristics of the MI in the nonplanar geometries cannot be found in the planar one. The DA wave propagation and the NLSE solutions are investigated both analytically and numerically.« less

Laser Boron Fusion Reactor With Picosecond Petawatt Block Ignition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hora, Heinrich; Eliezer, Shalom; Wang, Jiaxiang; Korn, Georg; Nissim, Noaz; Xu, Yan-Xia; Lalousis, Paraskevas; Kirchhoff, Gotz J.; Miley, George H.

2018-05-01

For developing a laser boron fusion reactor driven by picosecond laser pulses of more than 30 petawatts power, advances are reported about computations for the plasma block generation by the dielectric explosion of the interaction. Further results are about the direct drive ignition mechanism by a single laser pulse without the problems of spherical irradiation. For the sufficiently large stopping lengths of the generated alpha particles in the plasma results from other projects can be used.

Euclidean sections of protein conformation space and their implications in dimensionality reduction

PubMed Central

Duan, Mojie; Li, Minghai; Han, Li; Huo, Shuanghong

2014-01-01

Dimensionality reduction is widely used in searching for the intrinsic reaction coordinates for protein conformational changes. We find the dimensionality–reduction methods using the pairwise root–mean–square deviation as the local distance metric face a challenge. We use Isomap as an example to illustrate the problem. We believe that there is an implied assumption for the dimensionality–reduction approaches that aim to preserve the geometric relations between the objects: both the original space and the reduced space have the same kind of geometry, such as Euclidean geometry vs. Euclidean geometry or spherical geometry vs. spherical geometry. When the protein free energy landscape is mapped onto a 2D plane or 3D space, the reduced space is Euclidean, thus the original space should also be Euclidean. For a protein with N atoms, its conformation space is a subset of the 3N-dimensional Euclidean space R3N. We formally define the protein conformation space as the quotient space of R3N by the equivalence relation of rigid motions. Whether the quotient space is Euclidean or not depends on how it is parameterized. When the pairwise root–mean–square deviation is employed as the local distance metric, implicit representations are used for the protein conformation space, leading to no direct correspondence to a Euclidean set. We have demonstrated that an explicit Euclidean-based representation of protein conformation space and the local distance metric associated to it improve the quality of dimensionality reduction in the tetra-peptide and β–hairpin systems. PMID:24913095

One stone, two birds: silica nanospheres significantly increase photocatalytic activity and colloidal stability of photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasamani, Kowsalya D.; Foley, Jonathan J., IV; Sun, Yugang

2018-03-01

Silver-doped silver chloride [AgCl(Ag)] nanoparticles represent a unique class of visible-light-driven photocatalysts, in which the silver dopants introduce electron-abundant mid-gap energy levels to lower the bandgap of AgCl. However, free-standing AgCl(Ag) nanoparticles, particularly those with small sizes and large surface areas, exhibit low colloidal stability and low compositional stability upon exposure to light irradiation, leading to easy aggregation and conversion to metallic silver and thus a loss of photocatalytic activity. These problems could be eliminated by attaching the small AgCl(Ag) nanoparticles to the surfaces of spherical dielectric silica particles with submicrometer sizes. The high optical transparency in the visible spectral region (400-800 nm), colloidal stability, and chemical/electronic inertness displayed by the silica spheres make them ideal for supporting photocatalysts and significantly improving their stability. The spherical morphology of the dielectric silica particles can support light scattering resonances to generate significantly enhanced electric fields near the silica particle surfaces, on which the optical absorption cross-section of the AgCl(Ag) nanoparticles is dramatically increased to promote their photocatalytic activity. The hybrid silica/AgCl(Ag) structures exhibit superior photocatalytic activity and stability, suitable for supporting photocatalysis sustainably; for instance, their efficiency in the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue decreases by only ˜9% even after ten cycles of operation.

Effect of solvents on morphology, magnetic and dielectric properties of (α-Fe2O3@SiO2) core-shell nanoparticles.

PubMed

Joshi, Deepika P; Pant, Geeta; Arora, Neha; Nainwal, Seema

2017-02-01

Present work describes the formation of α-Fe 2 O 3 @SiO 2 core shell structure by systematic layer by layer deposition of silica shell on core iron oxide nanoparticles prepared via various solvents. Sol-gel method has been used to synthesize magnetic core and the dielectric shell. The average crystallite size of iron oxide nanoparticles was calculated ∼20 nm by X-ray diffraction pattern. Morphological study by scanning electron microscopy revealed that the core-shell nanoparticles were spherical in shape and the average size of nanoparticles increased by varying solvent from methanol to ethanol to isopropanol due to different chemical structure and nature of the solvents. It was also observed that the particles prepared by solvent ethanol were more regular and homogeneous as compared to other solvents. Magnetic measurements showed the weak ferromagnetic behaviour of both core α-Fe 2 O 3 and silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles which remained same irrespective of the solvent chosen. However, magnetization showed dependency on the types of solvent chosen due to the variation in shell thickness. At room temperature, dielectric constant and dielectric loss of silica nanoparticles for all the solvents showed decrement with the increment in frequency. Decrement in the value of dielectric constant and increment in dielectric loss was observed for silica coated iron oxide nanoparticles in comparison of pure silica, due to the presence of metallic core. Homogeneous and regular silica layer prepared by using ethanol as a solvent could serve as protecting layer to shield the magnetic behaviour of iron oxide nanoparticles as well as to provide better thermal insulation over pure α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles.

Space Radiation Detector with Spherical Geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wrbanek, John D. (Inventor); Fralick, Gustave C. (Inventor); Wrbanek, Susan Y. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A particle detector is provided, the particle detector including a spherical Cherenkov detector, and at least one pair of detector stacks. In an embodiment of the invention, the Cherenkov detector includes a sphere of ultraviolet transparent material, coated by an ultraviolet reflecting material that has at least one open port. The Cherenkov detector further includes at least one photodetector configured to detect ultraviolet light emitted from a particle within the sphere. In an embodiment of the invention, each detector stack includes one or more detectors configured to detect a particle traversing the sphere.

Space Radiation Detector with Spherical Geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wrbanek, John D. (Inventor); Fralick, Gustave C. (Inventor); Wrbanek, Susan Y. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A particle detector is provided, the particle detector including a spherical Cherenkov detector, and at least one pair of detector stacks. In an embodiment of the invention, the Cherenkov detector includes a sphere of ultraviolet transparent material, coated by an ultraviolet reflecting material that has at least one open port. The Cherenkov detector further includes at least one photodetector configured to detect ultraviolet light emitted from a particle within the sphere. In an embodiment of the invention, each detector stack includes one or more detectors configured to detect a particle traversing the sphere.

Projection methods for line radiative transfer in spherical media.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anusha, L. S.; Nagendra, K. N.

An efficient numerical method called the Preconditioned Bi-Conjugate Gradient (Pre-BiCG) method is presented for the solution of radiative transfer equation in spherical geometry. A variant of this method called Stabilized Preconditioned Bi-Conjugate Gradient (Pre-BiCG-STAB) is also presented. These methods are based on projections on the subspaces of the n dimensional Euclidean space mathbb {R}n called Krylov subspaces. The methods are shown to be faster in terms of convergence rate compared to the contemporary iterative methods such as Jacobi, Gauss-Seidel and Successive Over Relaxation (SOR).

Analog geometry in an expanding fluid from AdS/CFT perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilić, Neven; Domazet, Silvije; Tolić, Dijana

2015-04-01

The dynamics of an expanding hadron fluid at temperatures below the chiral transition is studied in the framework of AdS/CFT correspondence. We establish a correspondence between the asymptotic AdS geometry in the 4 + 1 dimensional bulk with the analog spacetime geometry on its 3 + 1 dimensional boundary with the background fluid undergoing a spherical Bjorken type expansion. The analog metric tensor on the boundary depends locally on the soft pion dispersion relation and the four-velocity of the fluid. The AdS/CFT correspondence provides a relation between the pion velocity and the critical temperature of the chiral phase transition.

Geometric analysis of an observer on a spherical earth and an aircraft or satellite

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-09-30

This memorandum contains a large amount of technical detail. However, in significant contrast, : it addresses an easily-understood and fundamental need in surveillance and navigation systems : analysis quantifying the geometry of two locations re...

Computer program optimizes design of nuclear radiation shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lahti, G. P.

1971-01-01

Computer program, OPEX 2, determines minimum weight, volume, or cost for shields. Program incorporates improved coding, simplified data input, spherical geometry, and an expanded output. Method is capable of altering dose-thickness relationship when a shield layer has been removed.

Dielectric micro-resonator-based opto-mechanical systems for sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Amir Roushdy

In recent years, whispering gallery mode (WGM), or morphology dependent optical resonances (MDR) of dielectric micro-resonators have attracted interest with proposed applications in a wide range of areas due to the high optical quality factors, Q, they can exhibit (reaching ~ 10. 9 for silica spheres). Micro-resonator WGMs have been used in applications that include those in spectroscopy, micro-cavity laser technology, optical communications (switching, filtering and multiplexing), sensors technologies and even chemical and biological sensing. The WGM of these dielectric micro-resonators are highly sensitive to morphological changes (such as the size, shape, or refractive index) of the resonance cavity and hence, can be tuned by causing a minute change in the physical condition of the surrounding. In this dissertation, we have been creating opto-mechanical systems, which at their most basic, are extraordinarily sensitive sensors. One of the ultimate goals of this dissertation is to develop sensors capable of detecting the extremely small electric field changes. To improve the performance of the sensors, we couple a polymer cantilever beam to a dielectric micro-resonator. The eventual use of such ultra sensitive electric filed sensors could include neural-machine interfaces for advanced prosthetics devices. The work presented here includes a basic analysis and experimental investigations of the electric field sensitivity and range of micro-resonators of several different materials and geometries followed by the electric field sensor design, testing, and characterization. Also, the effects of angular velocity on the WGM shifts of spherical micro-resonators are also investigated. The elastic deformation that is induced on a spinning resonator due to the centrifugal force may lead to a sufficient shift in the optical resonances and therefore interfering with its desirable operational sensor design. Furthermore, this principle could be used for the development of angular speed detection photonic sensors. In previous applications, the WGM shifts induced by the external effects were monitored by identifying and tracking individual resonance dip in the optical transmission spectrum. The success of the WGM sensors is strongly dependent on the precise and speeds tracking of the shifts of the resonant wavelengths. In this dissertation, we demonstrate the application of WGM micro-resonators for high-speed transient sensing (wide-bandwidth). To facilitate the use of the sensors for high-speed transient applications, we tune the interrogation laser using a harmonic rather than a ramp waveform and calibrate the laser response at various input frequencies and amplitudes using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. WGM shifts are tracked using a fast cross-correlation algorithm on the transmission spectra. We demonstrate dynamic force measurements up to 10 kHz using this approach. We also present a simple lumped-heat capacity thermal model to predict the laser's tuning response.

Gravitation: Foundations and Frontiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmanabhan, T.

2010-01-01

1. Special relativity; 2. Scalar and electromagnetic fields in special relativity; 3. Gravity and spacetime geometry: the inescapable connection; 4. Metric tensor, geodesics and covariant derivative; 5. Curvature of spacetime; 6. Einstein's field equations and gravitational dynamics; 7. Spherically symmetric geometry; 8. Black holes; 9. Gravitational waves; 10. Relativistic cosmology; 11. Differential forms and exterior calculus; 12. Hamiltonian structure of general relativity; 13. Evolution of cosmological perturbations; 14. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime; 15. Gravity in higher and lower dimensions; 16. Gravity as an emergent phenomenon; Notes; Index.

Focusing geometry-induced size tailoring of silver nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stasic, Jelena; Joksic, Gordana; Zivkovic, Ljiljana; Mihailescu, Ion N.; Ghica, Corneliu; Kuncser, Andrei; Trtica, Milan

2014-10-01

Silver nanoparticles were obtained by picosecond laser ablation in water at 1064 nm, using focusing geometry to design the particles’ size. The position of the target surface with respect to the focal point strongly influences the NPs’ size: above and in the focus it is up to 20 nm and below focus ≤ 150 nm. Generated particles have a spherical shape. The solutions were further employed on human cells and the tests showed a deteriorating effect on DNA.

Geometrical characterization of fluorescently labelled surfaces from noisy 3D microscopy data.

PubMed

Shelton, Elijah; Serwane, Friedhelm; Campàs, Otger

2018-03-01

Modern fluorescence microscopy enables fast 3D imaging of biological and inert systems alike. In many studies, it is important to detect the surface of objects and quantitatively characterize its local geometry, including its mean curvature. We present a fully automated algorithm to determine the location and curvatures of an object from 3D fluorescence images, such as those obtained using confocal or light-sheet microscopy. The algorithm aims at reconstructing surface labelled objects with spherical topology and mild deformations from the spherical geometry with high accuracy, rather than reconstructing arbitrarily deformed objects with lower fidelity. Using both synthetic data with known geometrical characteristics and experimental data of spherical objects, we characterize the algorithm's accuracy over the range of conditions and parameters typically encountered in 3D fluorescence imaging. We show that the algorithm can detect the location of the surface and obtain a map of local mean curvatures with relative errors typically below 2% and 20%, respectively, even in the presence of substantial levels of noise. Finally, we apply this algorithm to analyse the shape and curvature map of fluorescently labelled oil droplets embedded within multicellular aggregates and deformed by cellular forces. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

Further Studies of the Inhomgeneous Sheath as the Source of Collisionless Resistance in Plasmas in Spherical Geometry*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, D. N.; Fernsler, R. F.; Blackwell, D. D.; Amatucci, W. E.; Messer, S. J.

2006-05-01

In a recently published work1 we use a simpler derivation of collisionless resistance in spherical geometry than previous authors, relying primarily on Gauss' law along with the continuity and cold fluid equations. The accompanying experimental work is based on measurements of the rf impedance characteristics of a small spherical probe immersed in a laboratory plasma. The data taken are from network analyzer measurements of the reflection coefficient obtained when applying a low level rf signal to the probe which is either near floating potential or negatively dc-biased in a low pressure plasma. The reduced density in the sheath alters the plasma impedance which becomes resistive, in spite of collisionless conditions, and hence the characterization of energy absorption as collisionless arises. Consistent with earlier work, the solutions obtained indicate that the plasma resistance is inversely proportional to the plasma density gradient evaluated at the location where the plasma frequency is equal to the applied frequency. Significant energy absorption is predicted and observed at frequencies generally near one-half the plasma frequency. *Work supported by ONR 1 Walker, D.N., R.F. Fernsler, D.D. Blackwell, W.A. Amatucci, S.J. Messer, Phys of Plasmas, To Appear 3/2006

Fabrication of mitigation pits for improving laser damage resistance in dielectric mirrors by femtosecond laser machining

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolfe, Justin E.; Qiu, S. Roger; Stolz, Christopher J.

2011-03-20

Femtosecond laser machining is used to create mitigation pits to stabilize nanosecond laser-induced damage in multilayer dielectric mirror coatings on BK7 substrates. In this paper, we characterize features and the artifacts associated with mitigation pits and further investigate the impact of pulse energy and pulse duration on pit quality and damage resistance. Our results show that these mitigation features can double the fluence-handling capability of large-aperture optical multilayer mirror coatings and further demonstrate that femtosecond laser macromachining is a promising means for fabricating mitigation geometry in multilayer coatings to increase mirror performance under high-power laser irradiation.

Optimized multilayered wideband absorbers with graded fractal FSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinoy, K. J.; Jose, K. A.; Varadan, Vijay K.; Varadan, Vasundara V.

2001-08-01

Various approaches have been followed for the reduction of radar cross section (RCS), especially of aircraft and missiles. In this paper we present the use of multiple layers of FSS-like fractal geometries printed on dielectric substrates for the same goal. The experimental results shown here indicate 15 dB reduction in the reflection of a flat surface, by the use of this configuration with low loss dielectrics. An extensive optimization scheme is required for extending the angle coverage as well as the bandwidth of the absorber. A brief investigation of such a scheme involving genetic algorithm for this purpose is also presented here.

Manipulation of metal-dielectric core-shell particles in optical fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chvátal, Lukáš; Šiler, Martin; Zemánek, Pavel

2014-12-01

Metal-dielectric core-shell particles represent promising tools in nanoplasmonics. In combination with optical tweezers they can be manipulated in a contactless way through fluid and their plasmonic properties can be used to probe or modify the local environment. We perform a numerical parametric study to find the particle geometry and material parameters under which such particle can be stably confined in optical tweezers. We use the theory based on Mie scattering in the focal field of an ideal water immersion objective of numerical aperture NA=1.2. For very thin metal layers we find that strong trapping on the optical axis can be achieved.

Charging and discharging Teflon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Passenheim, B. C.; Vanlint, V. A. J.

1981-01-01

The charging and discharging characteristics of several common satellite materials exposed to 0-30KV electrons are measured. Teflon is discussed because the charging characteristics are radically altered immediately after a spontaneous discharge. The exterior geometry of the test structure is shown. In all cases dielectric samples were 82 cm in diameter mounted on the front of a 120 cm diameter cylinder supported on an 85 cm, 0.95 cm thick plexiglass disc. Dielectric materials investigated were: back surface aluminized Kapton, back surface silvered Teflon, silicon alkyd white thermal control paint, and 50 cm by 50 cm array of 0.030 cm thick MgF2 coated fused silica solar cell cover slips.

Exciton in a spherical core/shell nanostructure: Influence of surface ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anitha, B.; Nithiananthi, P.

2018-04-01

Studies on exciton in an inverted type I spherical GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As core/shell nanostructure (CSN) are made using variational method. Dielectric constant and effective mass mismatches of the core and shell materials are considered. The effect of core and the shell dimensions on the exciton binding energy (BE) are analyzed for different shell (Rs) and core radii (Rc). It is observed that with the core and the shell inducement, significant change in BE can be achieved. In addition, the influence of ligand enclosureon the BE as a function of shell thickness (ST) is reviewed. The result exhibits that the presence of ligand considerably affects the BE. Further the transmission probability of exciton for various Rc and Rs are reported. The notable changes are compared and examined with and without ligand inclusion.

Metallic nanoshells with semiconductor cores: optical characteristics modified by core medium properties.

PubMed

Bardhan, Rizia; Grady, Nathaniel K; Ali, Tamer; Halas, Naomi J

2010-10-26

It is well-known that the geometry of a nanoshell controls the resonance frequencies of its plasmon modes; however, the properties of the core material also strongly influence its optical properties. Here we report the synthesis of Au nanoshells with semiconductor cores of cuprous oxide and examine their optical characteristics. This material system allows us to systematically examine the role of core material on nanoshell optical properties, comparing Cu(2)O core nanoshells (ε(c) ∼ 7) to lower core dielectric constant SiO(2) core nanoshells (ε(c) = 2) and higher dielectric constant mixed valency iron oxide nanoshells (ε(c) = 12). Increasing the core dielectric constant increases nanoparticle absorption efficiency, reduces plasmon line width, and modifies plasmon energies. Modifying the core medium provides an additional means of tailoring both the near- and far-field optical properties in this unique nanoparticle system.

Noncontact conductivity and dielectric measurement for high throughput roll-to-roll nanomanufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orloff, Nathan D.; Long, Christian J.; Obrzut, Jan; Maillaud, Laurent; Mirri, Francesca; Kole, Thomas P.; McMichael, Robert D.; Pasquali, Matteo; Stranick, Stephan J.; Alexander Liddle, J.

2015-11-01

Advances in roll-to-roll processing of graphene and carbon nanotubes have at last led to the continuous production of high-quality coatings and filaments, ushering in a wave of applications for flexible and wearable electronics, woven fabrics, and wires. These applications often require specific electrical properties, and hence precise control over material micro- and nanostructure. While such control can be achieved, in principle, by closed-loop processing methods, there are relatively few noncontact and nondestructive options for quantifying the electrical properties of materials on a moving web at the speed required in modern nanomanufacturing. Here, we demonstrate a noncontact microwave method for measuring the dielectric constant and conductivity (or geometry for samples of known dielectric properties) of materials in a millisecond. Such measurement times are compatible with current and future industrial needs, enabling real-time materials characterization and in-line control of processing variables without disrupting production.

Thermal Conductivity Measurement of Low-k Dielectric Films: Effect of Porosity and Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam, M. T.; Pulavarthy, R. A.; Bielefeld, J.; King, S. W.; Haque, M. A.

2014-03-01

The thermal conductivity of low-dielectric-constant (low-k) SiOC:H and SiC:H thin films has been measured as a function of porosity using a heat transfer model based on a microfin geometry and infrared thermometry. Microscale specimens were patterned from blanket films, released from the substrate, and subsequently integrated with the experimental setup. Results show that the thermal conductivity of a dense specimen, 0.7 W/mK, can be reduced to as low as 0.1 W/mK by introducing 30% porosity into it. The measured thermal conductivity shows a nonlinear decrease with increasing porosity that approximately follows the porosity-weighted simple medium model for porous materials. Neither the differential effective medium nor the coherent potential model could predict the density dependence of the thermal conductivity. These results suggest that more careful consideration is required for application of generic porous materials modeling to low-k dielectrics.

Noncontact conductivity and dielectric measurement for high throughput roll-to-roll nanomanufacturing

PubMed Central

Orloff, Nathan D.; Long, Christian J.; Obrzut, Jan; Maillaud, Laurent; Mirri, Francesca; Kole, Thomas P.; McMichael, Robert D.; Pasquali, Matteo; Stranick, Stephan J.; Alexander Liddle, J.

2015-01-01

Advances in roll-to-roll processing of graphene and carbon nanotubes have at last led to the continuous production of high-quality coatings and filaments, ushering in a wave of applications for flexible and wearable electronics, woven fabrics, and wires. These applications often require specific electrical properties, and hence precise control over material micro- and nanostructure. While such control can be achieved, in principle, by closed-loop processing methods, there are relatively few noncontact and nondestructive options for quantifying the electrical properties of materials on a moving web at the speed required in modern nanomanufacturing. Here, we demonstrate a noncontact microwave method for measuring the dielectric constant and conductivity (or geometry for samples of known dielectric properties) of materials in a millisecond. Such measurement times are compatible with current and future industrial needs, enabling real-time materials characterization and in-line control of processing variables without disrupting production. PMID:26592441

Photonic mesophases from cut rod rotators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stelson, Angela C.; Liddell Watson, Chekesha M., E-mail: cml66@cornell.edu; Avendano, Carlos

2016-01-14

The photonic band properties of random rotator mesophases are calculated using supercell methods applied to cut rods on a hexagonal lattice. Inspired by the thermodynamic mesophase for anisotropic building blocks, we vary the shape factor of cut fraction for the randomly oriented basis. We find large, stable bandgaps with high gap isotropy in the inverted and direct structures as a function of cut fraction, dielectric contrast, and filling fraction. Bandgap sizes up to 34.5% are maximized at high dielectric contrast for rods separated in a matrix. The bandgaps open at dielectric contrasts as low as 2.0 for the transverse magneticmore » polarization and 2.25 for the transverse electric polarization. Additionally, the type of scattering that promotes the bandgap is correlated with the effect of disorder on bandgap size. Slow light properties are investigated in waveguide geometry and slowdown factors up to 5 × 10{sup 4} are found.« less

Large-Scale All-Dielectric Metamaterial Perfect Reflectors

DOE PAGES

Moitra, Parikshit; Slovick, Brian A.; li, Wei; ...

2015-05-08

All-dielectric metamaterials offer a potential low-loss alternative to plasmonic metamaterials at optical frequencies. In this paper, we take advantage of the low absorption loss as well as the simple unit cell geometry to demonstrate large-scale (centimeter-sized) all-dielectric metamaterial perfect reflectors made from silicon cylinder resonators. These perfect reflectors, operating in the telecommunications band, were fabricated using self-assembly based nanosphere lithography. In spite of the disorder originating from the self-assembly process, the average reflectance of the metamaterial perfect reflectors is 99.7% at 1530 nm, surpassing the reflectance of metallic mirrors. Moreover, the spectral separation of the electric and magnetic resonances canmore » be chosen to achieve the required reflection bandwidth while maintaining a high tolerance to disorder. Finally, the scalability of this design could lead to new avenues of manipulating light for low-loss and large-area photonic applications.« less

Enhancement of Raman scattering in dielectric nanostructures with electric and magnetic Mie resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frizyuk, Kristina; Hasan, Mehedi; Krasnok, Alex; Alú, Andrea; Petrov, Mihail

2018-02-01

Resonantly enhanced Raman scattering in dielectric nanostructures has been recently proven to be an efficient tool for nanothermometry and for the experimental determination of their mode composition. In this paper we develop a rigorous analytical theory based on the Green's function approach to calculate the Raman emission from crystalline high-index dielectric nanoparticles. As an example, we consider silicon nanoparticles which have a strong Raman response due to active optical phonon modes. We relate enhancement of Raman signal emission to the Purcell effect due to the excitation of Mie modes inside the nanoparticles. We also employ our numerical approach to calculate inelastic Raman emission in more sophisticated geometries, which do not allow a straightforward analytical form of the Green's function. The Raman response from a silicon nanodisk has been analyzed with the proposed method, and the contribution of various Mie modes has been revealed.

Dielectric function for doped graphene layer with barium titanate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez Ramos, Manuel; Garces Garcia, Eric; Magana, Fernado; Vazquez Fonseca, Gerardo Jorge

2015-03-01

The aim of our study is to calculate the dielectric function for a system formed with a graphene layer doped with barium titanate. Density functional theory, within the local density approximation, plane-waves and pseudopotentials scheme as implemented in Quantum Espresso suite of programs was used. We considered 128 carbon atoms with a barium titanate cluster of 11 molecules as unit cell with periodic conditions. The geometry optimization is achieved. Optimization of structural configuration is performed by relaxation of all atomic positions to minimize their total energies. Band structure, density of states and linear optical response (the imaginary part of dielectric tensor) were calculated. We thank Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, partial financial support by Grant IN-106514 and we also thank Miztli Super-Computing center the technical assistance.

Plasmonic nano-sensor based on metal-dielectric-metal waveguide with the octagonal cavity ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, Saeed; Dashti, Mohammad Ali; Jabbari, Masoud

2018-06-01

In this paper, a refractive index plasmonic sensor including a waveguide of metal–insulator–metal with side coupled octagonal cavity ring has been suggested. The sensory and transmission feature of the structure has been analyzed numerically using Finite Element Method numerical solution. The effect of coupling distance and changing the width of metal–insulator–metal waveguide and refractive index of the dielectric located inside octagonal cavity—which are the effective factors in determining the sensory feature—have been examined so completely that the results of the numerical simulation show a linear relation between the resonance wavelength and refractive index of the liquid/gas dielectric material inside the octagonal cavity ring. High sensitivity of the sensor in the resonance wavelength, simplicity and a compact geometry are the advantages of the refractive plasmonic sensor advised which make that possible to use it for designing high performance nano-sensor and bio-sensing devices.

Sensing Properties of a Fabry-Perot Dielectric Structure and Dimer Nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Polemi, A.; Shuford, K. L.

2012-01-01

We investigate the use of a Fabry-Perot dielectric structure combined with differently shaped nanoparticles for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering. In particular, we show how an ideal two-layer Fabry-Perot configuration enhances the local surface field of silver nanoparticles positioned on the surface of the structure. We develop the concept using disc dimers and then extend the discussion to bowtie nanoparticles. The structure is excited by a single emitter, which couples to the nanoparticles through the dielectric layers, producing a wide aperture field that can be used to excite multiple dimers. We show how an array of nanoparticles can be properly arrangedmore » in order to increase the total scattering signal generated from the structure. The layered geometry produces robust field properties in between nanoparticles, making the overall sensing characteristics less sensitive to the interparticle seperation distance and incident polarization.« less

Spherical-shell boundaries for two-dimensional compressible convection in a star

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratt, J.; Baraffe, I.; Goffrey, T.; Geroux, C.; Viallet, M.; Folini, D.; Constantino, T.; Popov, M.; Walder, R.

2016-10-01

Context. Studies of stellar convection typically use a spherical-shell geometry. The radial extent of the shell and the boundary conditions applied are based on the model of the star investigated. We study the impact of different two-dimensional spherical shells on compressible convection. Realistic profiles for density and temperature from an established one-dimensional stellar evolution code are used to produce a model of a large stellar convection zone representative of a young low-mass star, like our sun at 106 years of age. Aims: We analyze how the radial extent of the spherical shell changes the convective dynamics that result in the deep interior of the young sun model, far from the surface. In the near-surface layers, simple small-scale convection develops from the profiles of temperature and density. A central radiative zone below the convection zone provides a lower boundary on the convection zone. The inclusion of either of these physically distinct layers in the spherical shell can potentially affect the characteristics of deep convection. Methods: We perform hydrodynamic implicit large eddy simulations of compressible convection using the MUltidimensional Stellar Implicit Code (MUSIC). Because MUSIC has been designed to use realistic stellar models produced from one-dimensional stellar evolution calculations, MUSIC simulations are capable of seamlessly modeling a whole star. Simulations in two-dimensional spherical shells that have different radial extents are performed over tens or even hundreds of convective turnover times, permitting the collection of well-converged statistics. Results: To measure the impact of the spherical-shell geometry and our treatment of boundaries, we evaluate basic statistics of the convective turnover time, the convective velocity, and the overshooting layer. These quantities are selected for their relevance to one-dimensional stellar evolution calculations, so that our results are focused toward studies exploiting the so-called 321D link. We find that the inclusion in the spherical shell of the boundary between the radiative and convection zones decreases the amplitude of convective velocities in the convection zone. The inclusion of near-surface layers in the spherical shell can increase the amplitude of convective velocities, although the radial structure of the velocity profile established by deep convection is unchanged. The impact of including the near-surface layers depends on the speed and structure of small-scale convection in the near-surface layers. Larger convective velocities in the convection zone result in a commensurate increase in the overshooting layer width and a decrease in the convective turnover time. These results provide support for non-local aspects of convection.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jadidian, Jouya; Zahn, Markus; Lavesson, Nils

Streamer branching in liquid dielectrics is driven by stochastic and deterministic factors. The presence of stochastic causes of streamer branching such as inhomogeneities inherited from noisy initial states, impurities, or charge carrier density fluctuations is inevitable in any dielectric. A fully three-dimensional streamer model presented in this paper indicates that deterministic origins of branching are intrinsic attributes of streamers, which in some cases make the branching inevitable depending on shape and velocity of the volume charge at the streamer frontier. Specifically, any given inhomogeneous perturbation can result in streamer branching if the volume charge layer at the original streamer headmore » is relatively thin and slow enough. Furthermore, discrete nature of electrons at the leading edge of an ionization front always guarantees the existence of a non-zero inhomogeneous perturbation ahead of the streamer head propagating even in perfectly homogeneous dielectric. Based on the modeling results for streamers propagating in a liquid dielectric, a gauge on the streamer head geometry is introduced that determines whether the branching occurs under particular inhomogeneous circumstances. Estimated number, diameter, and velocity of the born branches agree qualitatively with experimental images of the streamer branching.« less

Approaching conversion limit with all-dielectric solar cell reflectors.

PubMed

Fu, Sze Ming; Lai, Yi-Chun; Tseng, Chi Wei; Yan, Sheng Lun; Zhong, Yan Kai; Shen, Chang-Hong; Shieh, Jia-Min; Li, Yu-Ren; Cheng, Huang-Chung; Chi, Gou-chung; Yu, Peichen; Lin, Albert

2015-02-09

Metallic back reflectors has been used for thin-film and wafer-based solar cells for very long time. Nonetheless, the metallic mirrors might not be the best choices for photovoltaics. In this work, we show that solar cells with all-dielectric reflectors can surpass the best-configured metal-backed devices. Theoretical and experimental results all show that superior large-angle light scattering capability can be achieved by the diffuse medium reflectors, and the solar cell J-V enhancement is higher for solar cells using all-dielectric reflectors. Specifically, the measured diffused scattering efficiency (D.S.E.) of a diffuse medium reflector is >0.8 for the light trapping spectral range (600nm-1000nm), and the measured reflectance of a diffuse medium can be as high as silver if the geometry of embedded titanium oxide(TiO(2)) nanoparticles is optimized. Moreover, the diffuse medium reflectors have the additional advantage of room-temperature processing, low cost, and very high throughput. We believe that using all-dielectric solar cell reflectors is a way to approach the thermodynamic conversion limit by completely excluding metallic dissipation.

Saddle-like deformation in a dielectric elastomer actuator embedded with liquid-phase gallium-indium electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wissman, J.; Finkenauer, L.; Deseri, L.; Majidi, C.

2014-10-01

We introduce a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) composed of liquid-phase Gallium-Indium (GaIn) alloy electrodes embedded between layers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and examine its mechanics using a specialized elastic shell theory. Residual stresses in the dielectric and sealing layers of PDMS cause the DEA to deform into a saddle-like geometry (Gaussian curvature K <0). Applying voltage Φ to the liquid metal electrodes induces electrostatic pressure (Maxwell stress) on the dielectric and relieves some of the residual stress. This reduces the longitudinal bending curvature and corresponding angle of deflection ϑ. Treating the elastomer as an incompressible, isotropic, NeoHookean solid, we develop a theory based on the principle of minimum potential energy to predict the principal curvatures as a function of Φ. Based on this theory, we predict a dependency of ϑ on Φ that is in strong agreement with experimental measurements performed on a GaIn-PDMS composite. By accurately modeling electromechanical coupling in a soft-matter DEA, this theory can inform improvements in design and fabrication.

First Principles Model of Electric Cable Braid Penetration with Dielectrics

DOE PAGES

Campione, Salvatore; Warne, Larry Kevin; Langston, William L.; ...

2018-01-01

In this study, we report the formulation to account for dielectrics in a first principles multipole-based cable braid electromagnetic penetration model. To validate our first principles model, we consider a one-dimensional array of wires, which can be modeled analytically with a multipole-conformal mapping expansion for the wire charges; however, the first principles model can be readily applied to realistic cable geometries. We compare the elastance (i.e. the inverse of the capacitance) results from the first principles cable braid electromagnetic penetration model to those obtained using the analytical model. The results are found in good agreement up to a radius tomore » half spacing ratio of 0.5-0.6, depending on the permittivity of the dielectric used, within the characteristics of many commercial cables. We observe that for typical relative permittivities encountered in braided cables, the transfer elastance values are essentially the same as those of free space; the self-elastance values are also approximated by the free space solution as long as the dielectric discontinuity is taken into account for the planar mode.« less

Saddle-like deformation in a dielectric elastomer actuator embedded with liquid-phase gallium-indium electrodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wissman, J., E-mail: jwissman@andrew.cmu.edu; Finkenauer, L.; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

We introduce a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) composed of liquid-phase Gallium-Indium (GaIn) alloy electrodes embedded between layers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and examine its mechanics using a specialized elastic shell theory. Residual stresses in the dielectric and sealing layers of PDMS cause the DEA to deform into a saddle-like geometry (Gaussian curvature K<0). Applying voltage Φ to the liquid metal electrodes induces electrostatic pressure (Maxwell stress) on the dielectric and relieves some of the residual stress. This reduces the longitudinal bending curvature and corresponding angle of deflection ϑ. Treating the elastomer as an incompressible, isotropic, NeoHookean solid, we develop a theorymore » based on the principle of minimum potential energy to predict the principal curvatures as a function of Φ. Based on this theory, we predict a dependency of ϑ on Φ that is in strong agreement with experimental measurements performed on a GaIn-PDMS composite. By accurately modeling electromechanical coupling in a soft-matter DEA, this theory can inform improvements in design and fabrication.« less

First Principles Model of Electric Cable Braid Penetration with Dielectrics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Campione, Salvatore; Warne, Larry Kevin; Langston, William L.

In this study, we report the formulation to account for dielectrics in a first principles multipole-based cable braid electromagnetic penetration model. To validate our first principles model, we consider a one-dimensional array of wires, which can be modeled analytically with a multipole-conformal mapping expansion for the wire charges; however, the first principles model can be readily applied to realistic cable geometries. We compare the elastance (i.e. the inverse of the capacitance) results from the first principles cable braid electromagnetic penetration model to those obtained using the analytical model. The results are found in good agreement up to a radius tomore » half spacing ratio of 0.5-0.6, depending on the permittivity of the dielectric used, within the characteristics of many commercial cables. We observe that for typical relative permittivities encountered in braided cables, the transfer elastance values are essentially the same as those of free space; the self-elastance values are also approximated by the free space solution as long as the dielectric discontinuity is taken into account for the planar mode.« less

Experimental and computational studies of electromagnetic cloaking at microwaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaohui

An invisibility cloak is a device that can hide the target by enclosing it from the incident radiation. This intriguing device has attracted a lot of attention since it was first implemented at a microwave frequency in 2006. However, the problems of existing cloak designs prevent them from being widely applied in practice. In this dissertation, we try to remove or alleviate the three constraints for practical applications imposed by loosy cloaking media, high implementation complexity, and small size of hidden objects compared to the incident wavelength. To facilitate cloaking design and experimental characterization, several devices and relevant techniques for measuring the complex permittivity of dielectric materials at microwave frequencies are developed. In particular, a unique parallel plate waveguide chamber has been set up to automatically map the electromagnetic (EM) field distribution for wave propagation through the resonator arrays and cloaking structures. The total scattering cross section of the cloaking structures was derived based on the measured scattering field by using this apparatus. To overcome the adverse effects of lossy cloaking media, microwave cloaks composed of identical dielectric resonators made of low loss ceramic materials are designed and implemented. The effective permeability dispersion was provided by tailoring dielectric resonator filling fractions. The cloak performances had been verified by full-wave simulation of true multi-resonator structures and experimental measurements of the fabricated prototypes. With the aim to reduce the implementation complexity caused by metamaterials employment for cloaking, we proposed to design 2-D cylindrical cloaks and 3-D spherical cloaks by using multi-layer ordinary dielectric material (epsilon r>1) coating. Genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the dielectric profiles of the cloaking shells to provide the minimum scattering cross sections of the cloaked targets. The designed cloaks can be easily scaled to various operating frequencies. The simulation results show that the multi-layer cylindrical cloak essentially outperforms the similarly sized metamaterials-based cloak designed by using the transformation optics-based reduced parameters. For the designed spherical cloak, the simulated scattering pattern shows that the total scattering cross section is greatly reduced. In addition, the scattering in specific directions could be significantly reduced. It is shown that the cloaking efficiency for larger targets could be improved by employing lossy materials in the shell. At last, we propose to hide a target inside a waveguide structure filled with only epsilon near zero materials, which are easy to implement in practice. The cloaking efficiency of this method, which was found to increase for large targets, has been confirmed both theoretically and by simulations.

EARL: Exoplanet Analytic Reflected Lightcurves package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haggard, Hal M.; Cowan, Nicolas B.

2018-05-01

EARL (Exoplanet Analytic Reflected Lightcurves) computes the analytic form of a reflected lightcurve, given a spherical harmonic decomposition of the planet albedo map and the viewing and orbital geometries. The EARL Mathematica notebook allows rapid computation of reflected lightcurves, thus making lightcurve numerical experiments accessible.

An exact solution to the Einstein-Maxwell equations representing a nonspherical, highly charged object

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menon, Govind K.

The Reissner-Nordstrom solution possesses a naked singularity when e2 > m2, where m is the mass and e is the net charge of the system. Also, the singularity at r = 0 is repulsive (i.e., no timelike geodesics (neutral particles) can reach the singularity). These unusual properties of the Reissner-Nordstrom geometry are considered as an accident resulting from the highly symmetric nature of the space-time. Here we wish to generalize the condition of spherical symmetry to axial symmetry and to probe into the issues of naked singularity and gravitational repulsion. To do this, we must construct a nonspherical solution to the Einstein-Maxwell set of equations in the event that e2 > m2. The Erez-Rosen extension of the vacuum Schwarzschild solution to the non-spherical case gave one of the first physically significant solutions of the Einstein field equations. Nonvacuum extensions of the Erez-Rosen solution representing a non-spherical mass containing a very high net charge (i.e., when e2 > m2) will be discussed. The special case of spherical symmetry, as would be expected, results in the Reissner-Nordstrom solution. The search for the physical singularities involves the calculation of a nontrivial scalar constructed from the Riemann curvature tensor. As it turns out, the resulting geometry does indeed possess a naked singularity. In addition, the space-time also entertains gravitational repulsion. However, unlike the Reissner-Nordstrom solution, it has been found that all timelike geodesics are not necessarily repelled from the origin.

New Constraints on the Geometry and Kinematics of Matter Surrounding the Accretion Flow in X-Ray Binaries from Chandra High-energy Transmission Grating X-Ray Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tzanavaris, P.; Yaqoob, T.

2018-03-01

The narrow, neutral Fe Kα fluorescence emission line in X-ray binaries (XRBs) is a powerful probe of the geometry, kinematics, and Fe abundance of matter around the accretion flow. In a recent study it has been claimed, using Chandra High-Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra for a sample of XRBs, that the circumnuclear material is consistent with a solar-abundance, uniform, spherical distribution. It was also claimed that the Fe Kα line was unresolved in all cases by the HETG. However, these conclusions were based on ad hoc models that did not attempt to relate the global column density to the Fe Kα line emission. We revisit the sample and test a self-consistent model of a uniform, spherical X-ray reprocessor against HETG spectra from 56 observations of 14 Galactic XRBs. We find that the model is ruled out in 13/14 sources because a variable Fe abundance is required. In two sources a spherical distribution is viable, but with nonsolar Fe abundance. We also applied a solar-abundance Compton-thick reflection model, which can account for the spectra that are inconsistent with a spherical model, but spectra with a broader bandpass are required to better constrain model parameters. We also robustly measured the velocity width of the Fe Kα line and found FWHM values of up to ∼5000 km s‑1. Only in some spectra was the Fe Kα line unresolved by the HETG.

Cortical geometry as a determinant of brain activity eigenmodes: Neural field analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabay, Natasha C.; Robinson, P. A.

2017-09-01

Perturbation analysis of neural field theory is used to derive eigenmodes of neural activity on a cortical hemisphere, which have previously been calculated numerically and found to be close analogs of spherical harmonics, despite heavy cortical folding. The present perturbation method treats cortical folding as a first-order perturbation from a spherical geometry. The first nine spatial eigenmodes on a population-averaged cortical hemisphere are derived and compared with previous numerical solutions. These eigenmodes contribute most to brain activity patterns such as those seen in electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The eigenvalues of these eigenmodes are found to agree with the previous numerical solutions to within their uncertainties. Also in agreement with the previous numerics, all eigenmodes are found to closely resemble spherical harmonics. The first seven eigenmodes exhibit a one-to-one correspondence with their numerical counterparts, with overlaps that are close to unity. The next two eigenmodes overlap the corresponding pair of numerical eigenmodes, having been rotated within the subspace spanned by that pair, likely due to second-order effects. The spatial orientations of the eigenmodes are found to be fixed by gross cortical shape rather than finer-scale cortical properties, which is consistent with the observed intersubject consistency of functional connectivity patterns. However, the eigenvalues depend more sensitively on finer-scale cortical structure, implying that the eigenfrequencies and consequent dynamical properties of functional connectivity depend more strongly on details of individual cortical folding. Overall, these results imply that well-established tools from perturbation theory and spherical harmonic analysis can be used to calculate the main properties and dynamics of low-order brain eigenmodes.

Ground-state geometries and stability of impurity doped clusters: LinBe and LinMg (n=1-12)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, M.; Dhavale, A.; Zope, R. R.; Chacko, S.; Kanhere, D. G.

2000-12-01

We have investigated the ground-state geometries of LinBe and LinMg (n=1-12) clusters using ab initio molecular dynamics. These divalent impurities Be and Mg induce different geometries and follow a different growth path for n>5. LinMg clusters are significantly different from the host geometries while LinBe clusters can be approximately viewed as Be occupying an interstitial site in the host. Our results indicate that Be gets trapped inside the Li cage, while Mg remains on the surface of the cluster. Mg-induced geometries become three-dimensional earlier at n=4 as compared to the Be system. In spite of a distinct arrangement of atoms in both cases the character of the wave functions in the d manifold is remarkably similar. In both cases an eight valence electron system has been found to be the most stable, in conformity with the spherical jellium model.

Deep-turbulence wavefront sensing using digital holography in the on-axis phase shifting recording geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thornton, Douglas E.; Spencer, Mark F.; Perram, Glen P.

2017-09-01

The effects of deep turbulence in long-range imaging applications presents unique challenges to properly measure and correct for aberrations incurred along the atmospheric path. In practice, digital holography can detect the path-integrated wavefront distortions caused by deep turbulence, and di erent recording geometries offer different benefits depending on the application of interest. Previous studies have evaluated the performance of the off-axis image and pupil plane recording geometries for deep-turbulence sensing. This study models digital holography in the on-axis phase shifting recording geometry using wave optics simulations. In particular, the analysis models spherical-wave propagation through varying deep-turbulence conditions to estimate the complex optical field, and performance is evaluated by calculating the field-estimated Strehl ratio and RMS wavefront error. Altogether, the results show that digital holography in the on-axis phase shifting recording geometry is an effective wavefront-sensing method in the presence of deep turbulence.

Variations in the expansion and shear scalars for dissipative fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akram, A.; Ahmad, S.; Jami, A. Rehman; Sufyan, M.; Zahid, U.

2018-04-01

This work is devoted to the study of some dynamical features of spherical relativistic locally anisotropic stellar geometry in f(R) gravity. In this paper, a specific configuration of tanh f(R) cosmic model has been taken into account. The mass function through technique introduced by Misner-Sharp has been formulated and with the help of it, various fruitful relations are derived. After orthogonal decomposition of the Riemann tensor, the tanh modified structure scalars are calculated. The role of these tanh modified structure scalars (MSS) has been discussed through shear, expansion as well as Weyl scalar differential equations. The inhomogeneity factor has also been explored for the case of radiating viscous locally anisotropic spherical system and spherical dust cloud with and without constant Ricci scalar corrections.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guzatov, D. V., E-mail: dm-guzatov@mail.ru

Analytic expressions for the radiative and nonradiative decay rates for an electric quadrupole source (atom, molecule) in the vicinity of a spherical particle (dielectric, metal) have been derived and analyzed within the classical electrodynamics. It has been shown that the highest increase in the decay rates appears in the quasi-static case, when the wavelength of the transition in question is much larger than the characteristic size of the system formed by the particle and the quadrupole. Asymptotic expressions for the decay rates have been derived for this case.

Nonlinear behaviour of reflectivity of gallium - Silica interface & its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naruka, Preeti; Bissa, Shivangi

2018-05-01

In this paper Optical properties and nonlinear behaviour of Gallium-Silica Interface is studied. Change in reflectivity of gallium film is explained as a function of thickness of metallic layer and intensity of incident light by using non-thermal mechanism. Here variation of dielectric constant of gallium with temperature is also explained on considering Binary nanoshell model of gallium nanoparticles of spherical shape. In the present paper application of structural phase transformation of gallium is explained as a Grating assisted coupler.

Analysis of long wavelength electromagnetic scattering by a magnetized cold plasma prolate spheroid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadizadeh, Yadollah; Jazi, Bahram; Abdoli-Arani, Abbas

2013-08-01

Using dielectric permittivity tensor of the magnetized prolate plasma, the scattering of long wavelength electromagnetic waves from the mentioned object is studied. The resonance frequency and differential scattering cross section for the backward scattered waves are presented. Consistency between the resonance frequency in this configuration and results obtained for spherical plasma are investigated. Finally, the effective factors on obtained results such as incident wave polarization, the frequency of the incident wave, the plasma frequency and the cyclotron frequency are analyzed.

Pair interactions in polyelectrolyte-nanoparticle systems: Influence of dielectric inhomogeneities and the partial dissociation of polymers and nanoparticles.

PubMed

Pryamitsyn, Victor; Ganesan, Venkat

2015-10-28

We study the effective pair interactions between two charged spherical particles in polyelectrolyte solutions using polymer self-consistent field theory. In a recent study [V. Pryamitsyn and V. Ganesan, Macromolecules 47, 6095 (2015)], we considered a model in which the particles possess fixed charge density, the polymers contain a prespecified amount of dissociated charges and, the dielectric constant of the solution was assumed to be homogeneous in space and independent of the polymer concentration. In this article, we present results extending our earlier model to study situations in which either or both the particle and the polymers possess partially dissociable groups. Additionally, we also consider the case when the dielectric constant of the solution depends on the local concentration of the polymers and when the particle's dielectric constant is lower than that of the solvent. For each case, we quantify the polymer-mediated interactions between the particles as a function of the polymer concentrations and the degree of dissociation of the polymer and particles. Consistent with the results of our previous study, we observe that the polymer-mediated interparticle interactions consist of a short-range attraction and a long-range repulsion. The partial dissociablity of the polymer and particles was seen to have a strong influence on the strength of the repulsive portion of the interactions. Rendering the dielectric permittivity to be inhomogeneous has an even stronger effect on the repulsive interactions and results in changes to the qualitative nature of interactions in some parametric ranges.

Molten salt synthesis of nanocrystalline phase of high dielectric constant material CaCu3Ti4O12.

PubMed

Prakash, B Shri; Varma, K B R

2008-11-01

Nanocrystalline powders of giant dielectric constant material, CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO), have been prepared successfully by the molten salt synthesis (MSS) using KCl at 750 degrees C/10 h, which is significantly lower than the calcination temperature (approximately 1000 degrees C) that is employed to obtain phase pure CCTO in the conventional solid-state reaction route. The water washed molten salt synthesized powder, characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed to be a phase pure CCTO associated with approximately 150 nm sized crystallites of nearly spherical shape. The decrease in the formation temperature/duration of CCTO in MSS method was attributed to an increase in the diffusion rate or a decrease in the diffusion length of reacting ions in the molten salt medium. As a consequence of liquid phase sintering, pellets of as-synthesized KCl containing CCTO powder exhibited higher sinterability and grain size than that of KCl free CCTO samples prepared by both MSS method and conventional solid-state reaction route. The grain size and the dielectric constant of KCl containing CCTO ceramics increased with increasing sintering temperature (900 degrees C-1050 degrees C). Indeed the dielectric constants of these ceramics were higher than that of KCl free CCTO samples prepared by both MSS method and those obtained via the solid-state reaction route and sintered at the same temperature. Internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) model was invoked to correlate the observed dielectric constant with the grain size in these samples.

Geometrical enhancement of the electric field: Application of fractional calculus in nanoplasmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baskin, E.; Iomin, A.

2011-12-01

We developed an analytical approach, for a wave propagation in metal-dielectric nanostructures in the quasi-static limit. This consideration establishes a link between fractional geometry of the nanostructure and fractional integro-differentiation. The method is based on fractional calculus and permits to obtain analytical expressions for the electric-field enhancement.

Plasmon‐Mediated Solar Energy Conversion via Photocatalysis in Noble Metal/Semiconductor Composites

PubMed Central

Wang, Mengye; Ye, Meidan; Iocozzia, James

2016-01-01

Plasmonics has remained a prominent and growing field over the past several decades. The coupling of various chemical and photo phenomenon has sparked considerable interest in plasmon‐mediated photocatalysis. Given plasmonic photocatalysis has only been developed for a relatively short period, considerable progress has been made in improving the absorption across the full solar spectrum and the efficiency of photo‐generated charge carrier separation. With recent advances in fundamental (i.e., mechanisms) and experimental studies (i.e., the influence of size, geometry, surrounding dielectric field, etc.) on plasmon‐mediated photocatalysis, the rational design and synthesis of metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructure photocatalysts has been realized. This review seeks to highlight the recent impressive developments in plasmon‐mediated photocatalytic mechanisms (i.e., Schottky junction, direct electron transfer, enhanced local electric field, plasmon resonant energy transfer, and scattering and heating effects), summarize a set of factors (i.e., size, geometry, dielectric environment, loading amount and composition of plasmonic metal, and nanostructure and properties of semiconductors) that largely affect plasmonic photocatalysis, and finally conclude with a perspective on future directions within this rich field of research. PMID:27818901

Plasmon-Mediated Solar Energy Conversion via Photocatalysis in Noble Metal/Semiconductor Composites.

PubMed

Wang, Mengye; Ye, Meidan; Iocozzia, James; Lin, Changjian; Lin, Zhiqun

2016-06-01

Plasmonics has remained a prominent and growing field over the past several decades. The coupling of various chemical and photo phenomenon has sparked considerable interest in plasmon-mediated photocatalysis. Given plasmonic photocatalysis has only been developed for a relatively short period, considerable progress has been made in improving the absorption across the full solar spectrum and the efficiency of photo-generated charge carrier separation. With recent advances in fundamental (i.e., mechanisms) and experimental studies (i.e., the influence of size, geometry, surrounding dielectric field, etc.) on plasmon-mediated photocatalysis, the rational design and synthesis of metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructure photocatalysts has been realized. This review seeks to highlight the recent impressive developments in plasmon-mediated photocatalytic mechanisms (i.e., Schottky junction, direct electron transfer, enhanced local electric field, plasmon resonant energy transfer, and scattering and heating effects), summarize a set of factors (i.e., size, geometry, dielectric environment, loading amount and composition of plasmonic metal, and nanostructure and properties of semiconductors) that largely affect plasmonic photocatalysis, and finally conclude with a perspective on future directions within this rich field of research.

Axially uniform resonant cavity modes for potential use in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mett, Richard R.; Froncisz, Wojciech; Hyde, James S.

2001-11-01

This article is concerned with cylindrical transverse electric TE011 and rectangular TE102 microwave cavity resonators commonly used in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In the cylindrical mode geometry considered here, the sample is along the z axis of the cylinder, dielectric disks of 1/4 wavelength thickness are placed at each end wall, and the diameter of the cylinder is set at the cutoff condition for propagation of microwave energy in a cylindrical waveguide at the desired microwave frequency. The microwave magnetic field is exactly uniform along the sample in the region between the dielectric disks and the resonant frequency is independent of the length of the cylinder without limit. The rectangular TE102 geometry is analogous, but here the microwave magnetic field is exactly uniform in a plane. A uniform microwave field along a line sample is highly advantageous in EPR spectroscopy compared with the usual sinusoidal variation, and these geometries are called "uniform field" modes. Extensive theoretical analysis as well as finite element calculation of field patterns are presented. The perturbation of field patterns caused by sample insertion as functions of the overall length of the resonator and diameter of the sample is analyzed. The article is intended to provide a basis for design of practical structures in the range of 10 to 100 GHz.

Comment on the Exterior Solutions and Their Geometry in Scalar-Tensor Theories of Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuchida, T.; Watanabe, K.

1999-01-01

We study series of stationary solutions with asymptotic flatness properties in the Einstein-Maxwell-free scalar system because they are locally equivalent to the exterior solutions in some class of scalar-tensor theories of gravity. First, we classify spherical exterior solutions into two types of solutions, an apparently black hole type solution and an apparently worm hole type solution. The solutions contain three parameters, and we clarify their physical significance. Second, we reduce the field equations for the axisymmetric exterior solutions. We find that the reduced equations are partially the same as the Ernst equations. As simple examples, we derive new series of static, axisymmetric exterior solutions, which correspond to Voorhees's solutions. We then establish a non-trivial relation between the spherical exterior solutions and our new solutions. Finally, since null geodesics have conformally invariant properties, we study the local geometry of the exterior solutions by using the optical scalar equations and find some anomalous behavior of the null geodesics.

Nanoshells as a high-pressure gauge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tempere, Jacques; van den Broeck, Nick; Putteneers, Katrijn; Silvera, Isaac

2012-02-01

Nanoshells, consisting of multiple spherical layers, have an extensive list of applications, usually performing the function of a probe. We add a new application to this list in the form of a high-pressure gauge in a Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC). In a DAC, where high pressures are reached by pressing two diamonds together, existing gauges fail at higher pressures because of calibration difficulties and obscuring effects in the diamonds. The nanoshell gauge does not face this issue since its optical spectrum can be engineered by altering the thickness of its layers. Furthermore their properties are measured by broad band optical transmission spectroscopy leading to a very large signal-to-noise ratio even in the multi-megabar pressure regime where ruby measurements become challenging. Theoretical calculations based on the Maxwell equations in a spherical geometry combined with the Vinet equation of state show that a three-layer geometry (SiO2-Au-SiO2) indeed has a measurable pressure-dependent optical response desirable for gauges.

Summary of the Madison Dynamo Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendrick, R. D.; Spence, E. J.; Nornberg, M. D.; Forest, C. B.

2001-10-01

A spherical dynamo experiment has been constructed at the University of Wisconsin's liquid sodium facility. The goals of the experiment are to observe and understand magnetic instabilities driven by flow shear in MHD systems, investigate MHD turbulence for magnetic Reynolds numbers of ~100, and understand the role of fluid turbulence in current generation. Magnetic field generation is possible for only specific flow geometries. We have studied and achieved simple roll flow geometries in a full scale water experiment. Results from this experiment have guided the design of the sodium experiment. The experiment consists of a 1 m diameter, spherical stainless steel vessel filled with liquid sodium at 110 Celsius. Two 100 Hp motors with impellers drive flows in the liquid sodium with flow velocities ~ 15 m/s. A gaussian grid of Hall probes on the surface of the sodium vessel measure the generated external magnetic field. Hall probe feed-thru arrays measure the internal field. Preliminary investigations include measurements of the turbulent electromotive force and excitation of magnetic eigenmodes.

Design of the Madison Dynamo Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendrick, R. D.; Bayliss, R. A.; Forest, C. B.; Nornberg, M. D.; O'Connell, R.; Spence, E. J.

2003-10-01

A spherical dynamo experiment has been constructed at the University of Wisconsin's liquid sodium facility. The goals of the experiment are to observe and understand magnetic instabilities driven by flow shear in MHD systems, investigate MHD turbulence for magnetic Reynolds numbers of ˜100, and understand the role of fluid turbulence in current generation. Magnetic field generation is possible for only specific flow geometries. We have studied and achieved simple roll flow geometries in a full scale water experiment. Results from this experiment have guided the design of the sodium experiment. The experiment consists of a 1 m diameter, spherical stainless steel vessel filled with liquid sodium at 110 Celsius. Two 100 Hp motors with impellers drive flows in the liquid sodium with flow velocities ˜ 15 m/s. A grid of Hall probes on the surface of the sodium vessel measure the generated external magnetic field. Hall probe feed-thru arrays measure the internal field. Preliminary investigations include measurements of the turbulent electromotive force and excitation of magnetic eigenmodes.

Vehicle charging and potential on the STS-3 mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williamson, R.

1983-01-01

An electron gun with fast pulse capability was used in the vehicle charging and potential experiment carried on the OSS-1 pallet to study dielectric charging, return current mechanisms, and the techniques required to manage the electrical charging of the orbiter. Return currents and charging of the dielectrics were measured during electron beam emission and plasma characteristics in the payload bay were determined in the absence of electron beam emission. The fast pulse electron generator, charge current probes, spherical retarding potential analyzer, and the digital control interface unit which comprise the experiment are described. Results show that the thrusters produce disturbances which are variable in character and magnitude. Strong ram/wake effects were seen in the ion densities in the bay. Vehicle potentials are variable with respect to the plasma and depend upon location on the vehicle relative to the main engine nozzles, the vehicle attitude, and the direction of the geomagnetic field.

Transmittance properties of one dimensional ternary nanocomposite photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsayed, Hussein A.

2018-03-01

In the present work, we have theoretically investigated the transmittance characteristics of one dimensional ternary photonic crystals that containing a nanocomposite layer. The nanocomposite layer was designed from metallic nanoparticles of (Ag) in a transparent matrix of a dielectric material (MgF2). The numerical results are obtained based on the theoretical modeling of the characteristic matrix method and Maxwell-Garnett model. The investigated results demonstrate the significant effect of the volume fraction of the nanoparticles on the effective permittivity of the nanocomposite material as well as the transmission characteristics of our design. Moreover, the roles played by other parameters such as the thickness of the nanocomposite layer, the permittivity of the host dielectric material and the spherical radius of the nanoparticles are included her. The proposed structure could be promising for many applications such as THz optical filters, reflectors and optical switches.

Image method for electrostatic energy of polarizable dipolar spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gustafson, Kyle S.; Xu, Guoxi; Freed, Karl F.; Qin, Jian

2017-08-01

The multiple-scattering theory for the electrostatics of many-body systems of monopolar spherical particles, embedded in a dielectric medium, is generalized to describe the electrostatics of these particles with embedded dipoles and multipoles. The Neumann image line construction for the electrostatic polarization produced by one particle is generalized to compute the energy, forces, and torques for the many-body system as functions of the positions of the particles. The approach is validated by comparison with direct numerical calculation, and the convergence rate is analyzed and expressed in terms of the discontinuity in dielectric contrast and particle density. As an illustration of this formalism, the stability of small particle clusters is analyzed. The theory is developed in a form that can readily be adapted to Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations for polarizable particles and, more generally, to study the interactions among polarizable molecules.

Design and characterization of a single channel two-liquid capacitor and its application to hyperelastic strain sensing.

PubMed

Liu, Shanliangzi; Sun, Xiaoda; Hildreth, Owen J; Rykaczewski, Konrad

2015-03-07

Room temperature liquid-metal microfluidic devices are attractive systems for hyperelastic strain sensing. These liquid-phase electronics are intrinsically soft and retain their functionality even when stretched to several times their original length. Currently two types of liquid metal-based strain sensors exist for in-plane measurements: single-microchannel resistive and two-microchannel capacitive devices. With a winding serpentine channel geometry, these sensors typically have a footprint of about a square centimeter. This large footprint of an individual device limits the number of sensors that can be embedded into, for example, electronic fabric or skin. In this work we introduce an alternative capacitor design consisting of two liquid metal electrodes separated by a liquid dielectric material within a single straight channel. Using a liquid insulator instead of a solid elastomer enables us to tailor the system's capacitance by selecting high or low dielectric constant liquids. We quantify the effects of the electrode geometry including the diameter, spacing, and meniscus shape as well as the dielectric constant of the insulating liquid on the overall system's capacitance. We also develop a procedure for fabricating the two-liquid capacitor within a single straight polydiemethylsiloxane channel and demonstrate that this device can have about 25 times higher capacitance per sensor's base area when compared to two-channel liquid metal capacitors. Lastly, we characterize the response of this compact device to strain and identify operational issues arising from complex hydrodynamics near liquid-liquid and liquid-elastomer interfaces.

van der Waals interactions between nanostructures: Some analytic results from series expansions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stedman, T.; Drosdoff, D.; Woods, L. M.

2014-01-01

The van der Waals force between objects of nontrivial geometries is considered. A technique based on a perturbation series approach is formulated in the dilute limit. We show that the dielectric response and object size can be decoupled and dominant contributions in terms of object separations can be obtained. This is a powerful method, which enables straightforward calculations of the interaction for different geometries. Our results for planar structures, such as thin sheets, infinitely long ribbons, and ribbons with finite dimensions, may be applicable for nanostructured devices where the van der Waals interaction plays an important role.

Accurate Solution of Multi-Region Continuum Biomolecule Electrostatic Problems Using the Linearized Poisson-Boltzmann Equation with Curved Boundary Elements

PubMed Central

Altman, Michael D.; Bardhan, Jaydeep P.; White, Jacob K.; Tidor, Bruce

2009-01-01

We present a boundary-element method (BEM) implementation for accurately solving problems in biomolecular electrostatics using the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation. Motivating this implementation is the desire to create a solver capable of precisely describing the geometries and topologies prevalent in continuum models of biological molecules. This implementation is enabled by the synthesis of four technologies developed or implemented specifically for this work. First, molecular and accessible surfaces used to describe dielectric and ion-exclusion boundaries were discretized with curved boundary elements that faithfully reproduce molecular geometries. Second, we avoided explicitly forming the dense BEM matrices and instead solved the linear systems with a preconditioned iterative method (GMRES), using a matrix compression algorithm (FFTSVD) to accelerate matrix-vector multiplication. Third, robust numerical integration methods were employed to accurately evaluate singular and near-singular integrals over the curved boundary elements. Finally, we present a general boundary-integral approach capable of modeling an arbitrary number of embedded homogeneous dielectric regions with differing dielectric constants, possible salt treatment, and point charges. A comparison of the presented BEM implementation and standard finite-difference techniques demonstrates that for certain classes of electrostatic calculations, such as determining absolute electrostatic solvation and rigid-binding free energies, the improved convergence properties of the BEM approach can have a significant impact on computed energetics. We also demonstrate that the improved accuracy offered by the curved-element BEM is important when more sophisticated techniques, such as non-rigid-binding models, are used to compute the relative electrostatic effects of molecular modifications. In addition, we show that electrostatic calculations requiring multiple solves using the same molecular geometry, such as charge optimization or component analysis, can be computed to high accuracy using the presented BEM approach, in compute times comparable to traditional finite-difference methods. PMID:18567005

On the effects of planetary rotation on the differentiation of a terrestrial magma ocean in spherical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maas, C.; Hansen, U.

2016-12-01

During a later stage of the accretion about 4.5 billion years ago the early Earth experienced several giant impacts that lead to one or more deep terrestrial magma oceans of global extent. The crystallization of these vigorously convecting magma oceans is of key importance for the chemical structure of the Earth, the subsequent mantle evolution as well as for the initial conditions for the onset of plate tectonics. Due to the fast planetary rotation of the early Earth and the small magma viscosity, rotation probably had a profound effect on early differentiation processes of the mantle and could for example influence the presence and distribution of chemical heterogeneities in the Earth mantle [e.g. Matyska et al., 1994, Garnero and McNamara, 2008].Our previous work in Cartesian geometry studied crystal settling in the polar and equatorial regions separately from each other and revealed a strong influence of rotation as well as of latitude on the crystal settling in a terrestrial magma ocean [Maas and Hansen, 2015]. Based on the preceding study we recently developed a spherical shell model that allows for new insights into the crystal settling in-between the pole and the equator as well as the migration of crystals between these regions. Further the spherical model allows us to include the centrifugal force on the crystals, which significantly affects the lateral and radial distribution of crystals. All in all the first numerical experiments in spherical geometry agree with the results of Maas and Hansen [2015] and show that the crystal distribution crucially depends on latitude, rotational strength and crystal density. ReferencesE. J. Garnero and A. K. McNamara. Structure and dynamics of earth's lower mantle. Science, 320(5876):626-628, 2008.C. Maas and U. Hansen. Effects of earth's rotation on the early dierentiation of a terrestrial magma ocean. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 120(11):7508-7525, 2015.C. Matyska, J. Moser, and D. A. Yuen. The potential influence of radiative heat transfer on the formation of megaplumes in the lower mantle. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 125(1):255-266, 1994.

Comparative Dosimetric Estimates of a 25 keV Electron Micro-beam with three Monte Carlo Codes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mainardi, Enrico; Donahue, Richard J.; Blakely, Eleanor A.

2002-09-11

The calculations presented compare the different performances of the three Monte Carlo codes PENELOPE-1999, MCNP-4C and PITS, for the evaluation of Dose profiles from a 25 keV electron micro-beam traversing individual cells. The overall model of a cell is a water cylinder equivalent for the three codes but with a different internal scoring geometry: hollow cylinders for PENELOPE and MCNP, whereas spheres are used for the PITS code. A cylindrical cell geometry with scoring volumes with the shape of hollow cylinders was initially selected for PENELOPE and MCNP because of its superior simulation of the actual shape and dimensions ofmore » a cell and for its improved computer-time efficiency if compared to spherical internal volumes. Some of the transfer points and energy transfer that constitute a radiation track may actually fall in the space between spheres, that would be outside the spherical scoring volume. This internal geometry, along with the PENELOPE algorithm, drastically reduced the computer time when using this code if comparing with event-by-event Monte Carlo codes like PITS. This preliminary work has been important to address dosimetric estimates at low electron energies. It demonstrates that codes like PENELOPE can be used for Dose evaluation, even with such small geometries and energies involved, which are far below the normal use for which the code was created. Further work (initiated in Summer 2002) is still needed however, to create a user-code for PENELOPE that allows uniform comparison of exact cell geometries, integral volumes and also microdosimetric scoring quantities, a field where track-structure codes like PITS, written for this purpose, are believed to be superior.« less

The latitude dependence of the variance of zonally averaged quantities. [in polar meteorology with attention to geometrical effects of earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

North, G. R.; Bell, T. L.; Cahalan, R. F.; Moeng, F. J.

1982-01-01

Geometric characteristics of the spherical earth are shown to be responsible for the increase of variance with latitude of zonally averaged meteorological statistics. An analytic model is constructed to display the effect of a spherical geometry on zonal averages, employing a sphere labeled with radial unit vectors in a real, stochastic field expanded in complex spherical harmonics. The variance of a zonally averaged field is found to be expressible in terms of the spectrum of the vector field of the spherical harmonics. A maximum variance is then located at the poles, and the ratio of the variance to the zonally averaged grid-point variance, weighted by the cosine of the latitude, yields the zonal correlation typical of the latitude. An example is provided for the 500 mb level in the Northern Hemisphere compared to 15 years of data. Variance is determined to increase north of 60 deg latitude.

Synthesis and physical characterization of γ-Fe2O3 and (α+γ)-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhavani, P.; Reddy, N. Ramamanohar; Reddy, I. Venkata Subba

2017-01-01

Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized at different hydrothermal temperatures (HT; 100, 130, 160 and 190 °C) by using a facile hydrothermal route combined with a subsequent calcination process. The calcined materials were analyzed for phase, microstructure, and magnetic and dielectric properties through different characterization techniques. The structural analyses revealed that the material prepared at a HT of 100 °C and sequentially calcined at 300 °C for 3 h showed a high degree of the maghemite structure. On the other hand calcined materials showed a small additional peak belonging to the hematite structure. FESEM micrographs of the materials calcined at HT, of 100 °C and 190 °C showed spherical-like nanoparticles with diameters in range 30 - 54 nm. Materials prepared at a HT of 160 °C followed by calcination at 300 °C for 3 h exhibited the highest saturation magnetization, Ms = 67 emu/g, with a lower coercivity; all materials were in a single domain state. A high dielectric constant (105.54) was observed for the calcined material that had been prepared at a HT of 130 °C. The dielectric properties of synthesized materials showed an almost frequency-independent behavior.

Generation of dynamo magnetic fields in protoplanetary and other astrophysical accretion disks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stepinski, T. F.; Levy, E. H.

1988-01-01

A computational method for treating the generation of dynamo magnetic fields in astrophysical disks is presented. The numerical difficulty of handling the boundary condition at infinity in the cylindrical disk geometry is overcome by embedding the disk in a spherical computational space and matching the solutions to analytically tractable spherical functions in the surrounding space. The lowest lying dynamo normal modes for a 'thick' astrophysical disk are calculated. The generated modes found are all oscillatory and spatially localized. Tha potential implications of the results for the properties of dynamo magnetic fields in real astrophysical disks are discussed.

Drop tower with no aerodynamic drag

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendall, J. M., Jr.

1981-01-01

Cooling air accelerated to match velocity of falling object eliminates drag. 3 meter drop tower with suction fan and specific geometry causes air to accelerate downward at 1 g. Although cooling of molten material released from top is slow because surrounding air moves with it, drop remains nearly spherical.

Molding of Plasmonic Resonances in Metallic Nanostructures: Dependence of the Non-Linear Electric Permittivity on System Size and Temperature

PubMed Central

Alabastri, Alessandro; Tuccio, Salvatore; Giugni, Andrea; Toma, Andrea; Liberale, Carlo; Das, Gobind; De Angelis, Francesco; Di Fabrizio, Enzo; Zaccaria, Remo Proietti

2013-01-01

In this paper, we review the principal theoretical models through which the dielectric function of metals can be described. Starting from the Drude assumptions for intraband transitions, we show how this model can be improved by including interband absorption and temperature effect in the damping coefficients. Electronic scattering processes are described and included in the dielectric function, showing their role in determining plasmon lifetime at resonance. Relationships among permittivity, electric conductivity and refractive index are examined. Finally, a temperature dependent permittivity model is presented and is employed to predict temperature and non-linear field intensity dependence on commonly used plasmonic geometries, such as nanospheres. PMID:28788366

Dielectric black holes induced by a refractive index perturbation and the Hawking effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belgiorno, F.; Cacciatori, S. L.; Gorini, V.

2011-01-15

We consider a 4D model for photon production induced by a refractive index perturbation in a dielectric medium. We show that, in this model, we can infer the presence of a Hawking type effect. This prediction shows up both in the analogue Hawking framework, which is implemented in the pulse frame and relies on the peculiar properties of the effective geometry in which quantum fields propagate, as well as in the laboratory frame, through standard quantum field theory calculations. Effects of optical dispersion are also taken into account, and are shown to provide a limited energy bandwidth for the emissionmore » of Hawking radiation.« less

Tunable dark modes in one-dimensional “diatomic” dielectric gratings

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Bo; Majumdar, Arka; Wang, Feng

2015-05-04

Recently researchers have demonstrated ultra high quality factor (Q) resonances in one-dimensional (1D) dielectric gratings. Here we theoretically investigate a new class of subwavelength 1D gratings, namely “diatomic” gratings with two nonequivalent subcells in one period, and utilize their intrinsic dark modes to achieve robust ultra high Q resonances. Such “diatomic” gratings provide extra design flexibility, and enable high Q resonators using thinner geometry with smaller filling factors compared to conventional designs like the high contrast gratings (HCGs). More importantly, we show that these high Q resonances can be efficiently tuned in situ, making the design appealing in various applicationsmore » including optical sensing, filtering and displays.« less

Plasmonic nanoparticles for a bottom-up approach to fabricate optical metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dintinger, José; Scharf, Toralf

2012-03-01

We investigate experimentally metallic nanoparticle composites fabricated by bottom-up techniques as potential candidates for optical metamaterials. Depending on the plasmonic resonances sustained by individual NPs and their nanoscale organization into larger meta-atoms, various properties might emerge. Here, the focus of our contribution is on the fabrication and optical characterization of silver NP clusters with a spherical shape. We start with the characterisation of the "bulk" dielectric constants of silver NP inks by spectroscopic ellipsometry for different nanoparticle densities (i.e from strongly diluted dispersions to solid randomly packed films). The inks are then used to prepare spherical nanoparticle clusters by an oil-in water emulsion technique. The study of their optical properties demonstrates their ability to support Mie resonances in the visible. These resonances are associated with the excitation of a magnetic dipole, which constitutes a prerequisite to the realization of metamaterials with negative permeability.

Electro-optic spatial decoding on the spherical-wavefront Coulomb fields of plasma electron sources.

PubMed

Huang, K; Esirkepov, T; Koga, J K; Kotaki, H; Mori, M; Hayashi, Y; Nakanii, N; Bulanov, S V; Kando, M

2018-02-13

Detections of the pulse durations and arrival timings of relativistic electron beams are important issues in accelerator physics. Electro-optic diagnostics on the Coulomb fields of electron beams have the advantages of single shot and non-destructive characteristics. We present a study of introducing the electro-optic spatial decoding technique to laser wakefield acceleration. By placing an electro-optic crystal very close to a gas target, we discovered that the Coulomb field of the electron beam possessed a spherical wavefront and was inconsistent with the previously widely used model. The field structure was demonstrated by experimental measurement, analytic calculations and simulations. A temporal mapping relationship with generality was derived in a geometry where the signals had spherical wavefronts. This study could be helpful for the applications of electro-optic diagnostics in laser plasma acceleration experiments.

DEM simulation of dendritic grain random packing: application to metal alloy solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olmedilla, Antonio; Založnik, Miha; Combeau, Hervé

2017-06-01

The random packing of equiaxed dendritic grains in metal-alloy solidification is numerically simulated and validated via an experimental model. This phenomenon is characterized by a driving force which is induced by the solid-liquid density difference. Thereby, the solid dendritic grains, nucleated in the melt, sediment and pack with a relatively low inertia-to-dissipation ratio, which is the so-called Stokes number. The characteristics of the particle packed porous structure such as solid packing fraction affect the final solidified product. A multi-sphere clumping Discrete Element Method (DEM) approach is employed to predict the solid packing fraction as function of the grain geometry under the solidification conditions. Five different monodisperse noncohesive frictionless particle collections are numerically packed by means of a vertical acceleration: a) three dendritic morphologies; b) spheres and c) one ellipsoidal geometry. In order to validate our numerical results with solidification conditions, the sedimentation and packing of two monodisperse collections (spherical and dendritic) is experimentally carried out in a viscous quiescent medium. The hydrodynamic similarity is respected between the actual phenomenon and the experimental model, that is a low Stokes number, o(10-3). In this way, the experimental average solid packing fraction is employed to validate the numerical model. Eventually, the average packing fraction is found to highly depend on the equiaxed dendritic grain sphericity, with looser packings for lower sphericity.

Solitary waves in shallow water hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics in rotating spherical coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

London, Steven D.

2018-01-01

In a recent paper (London, Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. 2017, vol. 111, pp. 115-130, referred to as L1), we considered a perfect electrically conducting rotating fluid in the presence of an ambient toroidal magnetic field, governed by the shallow water magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in a modified equatorial ?-plane approximation. In conjunction with a WKB type approximation, we used a multiple scale asymptotic scheme, previously developed by Boyd (J. Phys. Oceanogr. 1980, vol. 10, pp. 1699-1717) for equatorial solitary hydrodynamic waves, and found solitary MHD waves. In this paper, as in L1, we apply a WKB type approximation in order to extend the results of L1 from the modified ?-plane to the full spherical geometry. We have included differential rotation in the analysis in order to make the results more relevant to the solar case. In addition, we consider the case of hydrodynamic waves on the rotating sphere in the presence of a differential rotation intended to roughly model the varying large scale currents in the oceans and atmosphere. In the hydrodynamic case, we find the usual equatorial solitary waves as found by Boyd, as well as waves in bands away from the equator for sufficiently strong currents. In the MHD case, we find basically the same equatorial waves found in L1. L1 also found non-equatorial modes; no such modes are found in the full spherical geometry.

Analytical method for analysis of electromagnetic scattering from inhomogeneous spherical structures using duality principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiani, M.; Abdolali, A.; Safari, M.

2018-03-01

In this article, an analytical approach is presented for the analysis of electromagnetic (EM) scattering from radially inhomogeneous spherical structures (RISSs) based on the duality principle. According to the spherical symmetry, similar angular dependencies in all the regions are considered using spherical harmonics. To extract the radial dependency, the system of differential equations of wave propagation toward the inhomogeneity direction is equated with the dual planar ones. A general duality between electromagnetic fields and parameters and scattering parameters of the two structures is introduced. The validity of the proposed approach is verified through a comprehensive example. The presented approach substitutes a complicated problem in spherical coordinate to an easy, well posed, and previously solved problem in planar geometry. This approach is valid for all continuously varying inhomogeneity profiles. One of the major advantages of the proposed method is the capability of studying two general and applicable types of RISSs. As an interesting application, a class of lens antenna based on the physical concept of the gradient refractive index material is introduced. The approach is used to analyze the EM scattering from the structure and validate strong performance of the lens.

Dielectric elastomer bending tube actuators with rigid electrode structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wehrheim, F.; Schlaak, H. F.; Meyer, J.-U.

2010-04-01

The common approach for dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) is based on the assumption that compliant electrodes are a fundamental design requirement. For tube-like applications compliant electrodes cause a change of the actuator diameter during actuation and would require additional support-structures. Focused on thinwalled actuator-tube geometries room consumption and radial stabilityr epresent crucial criteria. Following the ambition of maximum functional integration, the concept of using a rigid electrode structure arises. This structure realizes both, actuation and support characteristics. The intended rigid electrode structure is based on a stacked DEA with a non-compressible dielectric. Byactu ation, the displaced dielectric causes an overlap. This overlap serves as an indicator for geometrical limitations and has been used to extract design rules regarding the electrode size, electrode distance and maximum electrode travel. Bycons idering the strain in anydir ection, the mechanical efficiencyhas been used to define further design aspects. To verifyt he theoretic analysis, a test for determination of the compressive stress-strain-characteristics has been applied for different electrode setups. As result the geometrydep ending elastic pressure module has been formulated by implementation of a shape factor. The presented investigations consider exclusive the static behavior of a DEA-setup with rigid electrodes.

Electroacoustic miniaturized DNA-biosensor.

PubMed

Gamby, Jean; Lazerges, Mathieu; Pernelle, Christine; Perrot, Hubert; Girault, Hubert H; Tribollet, Bernard

2007-11-01

A micrometer-sized electroacoustic DNA-biosensor was developed. The device included a thin semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dielectric layer with two Ag microband electrodes on one side and a DNA thiol-labeled monolayer adsorbed on a gold surface on the other. A resonance wave was observed at 29 MHz with a network analyzer, upon AC voltage application between the two Ag electrodes, corresponding to electromechanical coupling induced by molecular dipoles of the PET polymer chain in the dielectric layer. It was found that the device size and geometry were well adapted to detect DNA hybridization, by measuring the capacity of the resonance response evolution: hybridization induced polarization of the dielectric material that affected the electromechanical coupling established in the dielectric layer. The 0.2 mm(2) sensor sensitive area allows detection in small volumes and still has higher detection levels for bioanalytical applications, the non-contact configuration adopted avoids electric faradic reactions that may damage biosensor sensitive layers, and finally, PET is a costless raw material, easy to process and well adapted for large scale production. The well-balanced technological and economic advantages of this kind of device make it a good candidate for biochip integration.

Initial Simulations of RF Waves in Hot Plasmas Using the FullWave Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Liangji; Svidzinski, Vladimir; Spencer, Andrew; Kim, Jin-Soo

2017-10-01

FullWave is a simulation tool that models RF fields in hot inhomogeneous magnetized plasmas. The wave equations with linearized hot plasma dielectric response are solved in configuration space on adaptive cloud of computational points. The nonlocal hot plasma dielectric response is formulated by calculating the plasma conductivity kernel based on the solution of the linearized Vlasov equation in inhomogeneous magnetic field. In an rf field, the hot plasma dielectric response is limited to the distance of a few particles' Larmor radii, near the magnetic field line passing through the test point. The localization of the hot plasma dielectric response results in a sparse matrix of the problem thus significantly reduces the size of the problem and makes the simulations faster. We will present the initial results of modeling of rf waves using the Fullwave code, including calculation of nonlocal conductivity kernel in 2D Tokamak geometry; the interpolation of conductivity kernel from test points to adaptive cloud of computational points; and the results of self-consistent simulations of 2D rf fields using calculated hot plasma conductivity kernel in a tokamak plasma with reduced parameters. Work supported by the US DOE ``SBIR program.

A layered microchip conductance detector with through-layer access to detection fields and high sensitivity to dielectric constant.

PubMed

Suganuma, Y; Dhirani, A-A

2011-04-01

The present study explores a novel apertured microchip conductance detector (AMCD) that is sensitive to dielectric constant. Fashioned on silicon oxide/silicon using optical microlithography, the detector has novel parallel-plate geometry with a top mesh electrode, a middle apertured insulator, and a bottom conducting electrode. This monolithic apertured architecture is planar and may be provided with a thin insulator layer enabling large capacitances, while the top mesh electrode and middle apertured-insulator enable access to regions of the capacitor where electric fields are strong. Hence, the detector is sensitive yet mechanically robust. To test its response, the AMCD was immersed in various solvents, namely water, methanol, acetonitrile, and hexanes. Its response was found to vary in proportion to the solvents' respective dielectric constants. The AMCD was also able to distinguish quantitatively the presence of various molecules in solution, including molecules with chromophores [such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)] in methanol and those without chrompohores [such as polyethylene glycol 200 Daltons (PEG200)] in methanol or water. The universal nature of dielectric constant and the microchip detector's sensitivity point to a wide range of potential applications. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Dielectric Rheo-SANS: An Instrument for the Simultaneous Interrogation of Rheology, Microstructure and Electronic Properties of Complex Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, Norman; Richards, Jeffrey; Hipp, Julie; Butler, Paul

In situ measurements are an increasingly important tool to inform the complex relationship between nanoscale properties and macroscopic measurements. For conducting colloidal suspensions, we seek intrinsic relationships between the measured electrical and mechanical response of a material both in quiescence and under applied shear. These relationships can be used to inform the development of new materials with enhanced electrical and mechanical performance. In order to study these relationships, we have developed a dielectric rheology instrument that is compatible with small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments. This Dielectric RheoSANS instrument consists of a Couette geometry mounted on an ARES G2 strain controlled rheometer enclosed in a modified Forced Convection Oven (FCO). In this talk, we outline the development of the Dielectric RheoSANS instruments and demonstrate its operation using two systems - a suspension of carbon black particles in propylene carbonate and poly(3-hexylthiophene) organogel - where there is interest in how shear influences the microstructure state of the material. By monitoring the conductivity and rheological response of these materials at the same time, we can capture the entire evolution of the material response to an applied deformation. NCNR NIST Cooperative Agreement #70NANB12H239.

Electromagnetic δ -function sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parashar, Prachi; Milton, Kimball A.; Shajesh, K. V.; Brevik, Iver

2017-10-01

We develop a formalism to extend our previous work on the electromagnetic δ -function plates to a spherical surface. The electric (λe) and magnetic (λg) couplings to the surface are through δ -function potentials defining the dielectric permittivity and the diamagnetic permeability, with two anisotropic coupling tensors. The formalism incorporates dispersion. The electromagnetic Green's dyadic breaks up into transverse electric and transverse magnetic parts. We derive the Casimir interaction energy between two concentric δ -function spheres in this formalism and show that it has the correct asymptotic flat-plate limit. We systematically derive expressions for the Casimir self-energy and the total stress on a spherical shell using a δ -function potential, properly regulated by temporal and spatial point splitting, which are different from the conventional temporal point splitting. In the strong-coupling limit, we recover the usual result for the perfectly conducting spherical shell but in addition there is an integrated curvature-squared divergent contribution. For finite coupling, there are additional divergent contributions; in particular, there is a familiar logarithmic divergence occurring in the third order of the uniform asymptotic expansion that renders it impossible to extract a unique finite energy except in the case of an isorefractive sphere, which translates into λg=-λe.

On the possibility of detecting local refractive index changes in optically transparent objects by means of a point nanoantenna attached to a fibre microaxicon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kulchin, Yu N; Vitrik, O B; Kuchmizhak, A A

2014-10-31

It is shown theoretically that the use of the spectral registration of the dipole local plasmon resonance (DLPR) displacement in a single spherical gold nanoantenna, placed near the surface of a homogeneous dielectric medium, allows the mapping of extremely small variations (to 5 × 10{sup -4}) of the refractive index (RI) of this medium. Using the quasi-static approximation, we have developed an analytic model that allows evaluation of the spectral displacement of the nanoantenna DLPR depending on the variation in the medium refractive index. The point probe based on a fibre microaxicon with a gold spherical nanoantenna attached to itsmore » top is proposed that allows practical implementation of the developed RI scanning method. Numerical calculations of the probe characteristics using the time-domain finite-difference method are presented, and it is shown that for the case of a gold spherical nanoantenna of small size, comparable with the skin layer thickness in gold, the relative spectral shift value is in good agreement with the results obtained by using the developed analytic model. (laser applications and other topics in quantum electronics)« less

Plasmon hybridization in complex metallic nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Feng

With Plasmon Hybridization (PH) and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method, we theoretically investigated the optical properties of some complex metallic nanostructures (coupled nanoparticle/wire, nanostars, nanorings and combined ring/disk nanocavity systems). We applied the analytical formulism of PH studying the plasmonic coupling of a spherical metallic nanoparticle and an infinite long cylindrical nanowire. The plasmon resonance of the coupled system is shown shifted in frequency, which highly depends on the polarization of incident light relative to the geometry of the structure. We also showed the nanoparticle serves as an efficient antenna coupling the electromagnetic radiation into the low-energy propagating wire plasmons. We performed an experimental and theoretical analysis of the optical properties of gold nanorings with different sizes and cross sections. For light polarized parallel to the ring, the optical spectrum sensitively depends on the incident angle. When light incidence is normal to the ring, two dipolar resonance is observed. As the incident light is titled, some previously dark mulipolar plasmon resonances will be excited as a consequence of the retardation. The concept of plasmon hybridization is combined with the power of brute-force numerical methods to understand the plasmonic properties of some very complicated nanostructures. We showed the plasmons of a gold nanostar are a result of hybridization of the plasmons of the core and the tips of the particle. The core serves as a nanoantenna, dramatically enhanced the optical spectrum and the field enhancement of the nanostar. We also applied this method analyzing the plasmonic modes of a nanocavity structure composed of a nanodisk with a surrounding minoring. For the concentric combination, we showed the nature of the plasmon modes can be understood as the plasmon hybrization of an individual ring and disk. The interation results in a blueshifted and broadened superradiant antibonding resonance and a redshifted and narrowed subradiant bonding plasmon. The electric field enhancement of the subradiant mode is significantly larger compared with its parent plasmon modes. For the nonconcentric ring/disk nanocavity, we showed the symmetry breaking caused the coupling betweem different multipolar plamons which results in a tunable Fano resonance. We also show the subradiant and the Fano resonances could be particularly useful in the LSPR and SERS sensing applications. In the thesis, we also presented an efficient dielectric function of gold and silver that is suitable for the FDTD simulations of the optical properties of various nanoparticles. The new dielectric function is able to account for the interband transition in gold and silver, and provides more precise calculations of the optical spectra compared to the Drude dielectric function that is normally used previously.

Drug-polymer interaction between glucosamine sulfate and alginate nanoparticles: FTIR, DSC and dielectric spectroscopy studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Houssiny, A. S.; Ward, A. A.; Mostafa, D. M.; Abd-El-Messieh, S. L.; Abdel-Nour, K. N.; Darwish, M. M.; Khalil, W. A.

2016-06-01

This work involves the preparation and characterization of alginate nanoparticles (Alg NPs) as a new transdermal carrier for site particular transport of glucosamine sulfate (GS). The GS-Alg NPs were examined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric spectroscopy. GS-Alg NPs was efficiently prepared via ionic gelation method which generates favorable conditions for the entrapment of hydrophilic drugs. The TEM studies revealed that GS-Alg NPs are discrete and have spherical shapes. FTIR studies showed a spectral change of the characteristic absorptions bands of Alg NPs after encapsulation with GS because of the amine groups of GS and the carboxylic acid groups of Alg. The DSC data showed changes in the thermal behavior of GS-Alg NPs after the addition of GS indicating signs of main chemical interaction among the drug (GS) and the polymer (Alg). The absence of the drug melting endothermic peak within the DSC thermogram of GS-Alg NPs indicating that GS is molecularly dispersed in the NPs and not crystallize. From the dielectric study, it was found modifications within the dielectric loss (ɛ″) and conductivity (σ) values after the addition of GS. The ɛ″ and σ values of Alg NPs decreased after the addition of GS which indicated the successful encapsulation of GS within Alg NPs. Furthermore, the dielectric study indicated an increase of the activation energy and the relaxation time for the first process in the GS-Alg NPs as compared to Alg NPs. Consequently, the existing observations indicated an initiation of electrostatic interaction among the amine group of GS and carboxyl group of Alg indicating the successful encapsulation of GS inside Alg NPs which could provide favorable circumstance for the encapsulation of GS for topical management.

New Parameters for Higher Accuracy in the Computation of Binding Free Energy Differences upon Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis on Protein-Protein Interfaces.

PubMed

Simões, Inês C M; Costa, Inês P D; Coimbra, João T S; Ramos, Maria J; Fernandes, Pedro A

2017-01-23

Knowing how proteins make stable complexes enables the development of inhibitors to preclude protein-protein (P:P) binding. The identification of the specific interfacial residues that mostly contribute to protein binding, denominated as hot spots, is thus critical. Here, we refine an in silico alanine scanning mutagenesis protocol, based on a residue-dependent dielectric constant version of the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area method. We have used a large data set of structurally diverse P:P complexes to redefine the residue-dependent dielectric constants used in the determination of binding free energies. The accuracy of the method was validated through comparison with experimental data, considering the per-residue P:P binding free energy (ΔΔG binding ) differences upon alanine mutation. Different protocols were tested, i.e., a geometry optimization protocol and three molecular dynamics (MD) protocols: (1) one using explicit water molecules, (2) another with an implicit solvation model, and (3) a third where we have carried out an accelerated MD with explicit water molecules. Using a set of protein dielectric constants (within the range from 1 to 20) we showed that the dielectric constants of 7 for nonpolar and polar residues and 11 for charged residues (and histidine) provide optimal ΔΔG binding predictions. An overall mean unsigned error (MUE) of 1.4 kcal mol -1 relative to the experiment was achieved in 210 mutations only with geometry optimization, which was further reduced with MD simulations (MUE of 1.1 kcal mol -1 for the MD employing explicit solvent). This recalibrated method allows for a better computational identification of hot spots, avoiding expensive and time-consuming experiments or thermodynamic integration/ free energy perturbation/ uBAR calculations, and will hopefully help new drug discovery campaigns in their quest of searching spots of interest for binding small drug-like molecules at P:P interfaces.

The absence of horizon in black-hole formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Pei-Ming

2016-08-01

With the back-reaction of Hawking radiation taken into consideration, the work of Kawai, Matsuo and Yokokura [1] has shown that, under a few assumptions, the collapse of matter does not lead to event horizon nor apparent horizon. In this paper, we relax their assumptions and elaborate on the space-time geometry of a generic collapsing body with spherical symmetry. The geometry outside the collapsing sphere is found to be approximated by the geometry outside the white-hole horizon, hence the collapsing matter remains outside the Schwarzschild radius. As particles in Hawking radiation are created in the vicinity of the collapsing matter, the information loss paradox is alleviated. Assuming that the collapsing body evaporates within finite time, there is no event horizon.

Numerical investigation on the Ångström exponent of black carbon aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ji; Liu, Chao; Yin, Yan; Kumar, K. Raghavendra

2016-04-01

Black carbon (BC) plays an important role on the global and regional climate, whereas there are significant uncertainties on its optical properties. Among various optical properties, the Ångström exponent (AE) indicates the spectral variation of the particle-optic interaction and is widely used to understand the aerosol properties. We consider the influence of BC geometry on its optical properties and assess the sensitivity of the AE to particle geometry and size distribution. The fractal aggregates with different fractal dimensions are used to represent realistic BC particles, and popular equivalent volume spherical and spheroidal models are also considered for comparison. Even if the fractal aggregates become highly compact and spherical, their optical properties are still significantly different from those of equivalent volume spheres or spheroids. Meanwhile, the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans approximation can hardly provide accurate results for all optical quantities of aggregates with different dimensions. The extinction Ångström exponent (EAE) and absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) are sensitive to both particle geometry and size distribution. With BC becoming more compact (from fractal aggregate to spheroid and to sphere), the AE becomes more sensitive to particle size distribution. The EAE and AAE of aggregates with different size distributions vary between 1.10-1.63 and 0.87-1.50, respectively, whereas those of the spheres or spheroids have wider ranges. Furthermore, the AE at smaller wavelengths (between 0.35 µm and 0.55 µm) is more sensitive to geometry and size distribution than that given by optical properties at larger wavelengths (between 0.55 µm and 0.88 µm).

Microwave dielectric relaxation spectroscopy study of propylene glycol/ethanol binary mixtures: Temperature dependence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishwam, T.; Shihab, Suriya; Murthy, V. R. K.; Tiong, Ha Sie; Sreehari Sastry, S.

2017-05-01

Complex dielectric permittivity measurements of propylene glycol (PG) in ethanol at various mole fractions were measured by using open-ended coaxial probe technique at different temperatures in the frequency range 0.02 < ν/GHz < 20. The dipole moment (μ), excess dipole moment (Δμ),excess permittivity (εE), excess inverse relaxation time(1/τ)E, Bruggeman parameter (fB), excess Helmholtz energy (ΔFE) are determined using experimental data. From the minimum energy based geometry optimization, dipole moments of individual monomers of propylene glycol and ethanol and their binary system have been evaluated theoretically at gaseous state as well as alcoholic medium by using PCM and IEFPCM solvation models from the Hatree-Fock (HF) and Density Functional Theory (DFT-B3LYP) methods with 6-311G* and 6-311G** basis sets. The obtained results have been interpreted in terms of the short and long range ordering of the dipoles, Kirkwood correlation factor (geff), thermodynamic parameters, mean molecular polarizability (αM) and interaction in the mixture through hydrogen bonding. Dielectric relaxation study of propylene glycol in ethanol medium Determination of excess dielectric and thermodynamic parameters Comparison of experimental dipole moment with theoretical calculations Interpretation of the molecular interactions in the liquid through H-bonding Correlation between the evaluated dielectric parameters and theoretical results

Method for computationally efficient design of dielectric laser accelerator structures

DOE PAGES

Hughes, Tyler; Veronis, Georgios; Wootton, Kent P.; ...

2017-06-22

Here, dielectric microstructures have generated much interest in recent years as a means of accelerating charged particles when powered by solid state lasers. The acceleration gradient (or particle energy gain per unit length) is an important figure of merit. To design structures with high acceleration gradients, we explore the adjoint variable method, a highly efficient technique used to compute the sensitivity of an objective with respect to a large number of parameters. With this formalism, the sensitivity of the acceleration gradient of a dielectric structure with respect to its entire spatial permittivity distribution is calculated by the use of onlymore » two full-field electromagnetic simulations, the original and ‘adjoint’. The adjoint simulation corresponds physically to the reciprocal situation of a point charge moving through the accelerator gap and radiating. Using this formalism, we perform numerical optimizations aimed at maximizing acceleration gradients, which generate fabricable structures of greatly improved performance in comparison to previously examined geometries.« less

Directional Emission from Dielectric Leaky-Wave Nanoantennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peter, Manuel; Hildebrandt, Andre; Schlickriede, Christian; Gharib, Kimia; Zentgraf, Thomas; Förstner, Jens; Linden, Stefan

2017-07-01

An important source of innovation in nanophotonics is the idea to scale down known radio wave technologies to the optical regime. One thoroughly investigated example of this approach are metallic nanoantennas which employ plasmonic resonances to couple localized emitters to selected far-field modes. While metals can be treated as perfect conductors in the microwave regime, their response becomes Drude-like at optical frequencies. Thus, plasmonic nanoantennas are inherently lossy. Moreover, their resonant nature requires precise control of the antenna geometry. A promising way to circumvent these problems is the use of broadband nanoantennas made from low-loss dielectric materials. Here, we report on highly directional emission from active dielectric leaky-wave nanoantennas made of Hafnium dioxide. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots deposited in the nanoantenna feed gap serve as a local light source. The emission patterns of active nanoantennas with different sizes are measured by Fourier imaging. We find for all antenna sizes a highly directional emission, underlining the broadband operation of our design.

High-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Sanz, Alejandro; Hansen, Henriette Wase; Jakobsen, Bo; Pedersen, Ib H; Capaccioli, Simone; Adrjanowicz, Karolina; Paluch, Marian; Gonthier, Julien; Frick, Bernhard; Lelièvre-Berna, Eddy; Peters, Judith; Niss, Kristine

2018-02-01

In this article, we report on the design, manufacture, and testing of a high-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy. This cell is a unique tool for studying dynamics on different time scales, from kilo- to picoseconds, covering universal features such as the α relaxation and fast vibrations at the same time. The cell, constructed in cylindrical geometry, is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy and operates up to 500 MPa in a temperature range between roughly 2 and 320 K. In order to measure the scattered neutron intensity and the sample capacitance simultaneously, a cylindrical capacitor is positioned within the bore of the high-pressure container. The capacitor consists of two concentric electrodes separated by insulating spacers. The performance of this setup has been successfully verified by collecting simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy data on dipropylene glycol, using both backscattering and time-of-flight instruments. We have carried out the experiments at different combinations of temperature and pressure in both the supercooled liquid and glassy state.

High-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz, Alejandro; Hansen, Henriette Wase; Jakobsen, Bo; Pedersen, Ib H.; Capaccioli, Simone; Adrjanowicz, Karolina; Paluch, Marian; Gonthier, Julien; Frick, Bernhard; Lelièvre-Berna, Eddy; Peters, Judith; Niss, Kristine

2018-02-01

In this article, we report on the design, manufacture, and testing of a high-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy. This cell is a unique tool for studying dynamics on different time scales, from kilo- to picoseconds, covering universal features such as the α relaxation and fast vibrations at the same time. The cell, constructed in cylindrical geometry, is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy and operates up to 500 MPa in a temperature range between roughly 2 and 320 K. In order to measure the scattered neutron intensity and the sample capacitance simultaneously, a cylindrical capacitor is positioned within the bore of the high-pressure container. The capacitor consists of two concentric electrodes separated by insulating spacers. The performance of this setup has been successfully verified by collecting simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy data on dipropylene glycol, using both backscattering and time-of-flight instruments. We have carried out the experiments at different combinations of temperature and pressure in both the supercooled liquid and glassy state.

Degenerate critical coupling in all-dielectric metasurface absorbers

DOE PAGES

Ming, Xianshun; Liu, Xinyu; Sun, Liqun; ...

2017-09-27

We develop the theory of all-dielectric absorbers based on temporal coupled mode theory (TCMT), with parameters extracted from eigenfrequency simulations. An infinite square array of cylindrical resonators embedded in air is investigated, and we find that it supports two eigenmodes of opposite symmetry that are each responsible for half of the total absorption. The even and odd eigenmodes are found to be the hybrid electric (EH111) and hybrid magnetic (HE111) waveguide modes of a dielectric wire of circular cross section, respectively. The geometry of the cylindrical array is shown to be useful for individual tuning of the radiative loss ratesmore » of the eigenmodes, thus permitting frequency degeneracy. Further, by specifying the resonators’ loss tangent, the material loss rate can be made to equal the radiative loss rate, thus achieving a state of degenerate critical coupling and perfect absorption. Our results are supported by S-parameter simulations, and agree well with waveguide theory.« less

Three dielectric constants and orientation order parameters in nematic mesophases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Hyung Guen; Jeong, Seung Yeon; Kumar, Satyendra; Park, Min Sang; Park, Jung Ok; Srinivasarao, M.; Shin, Sung Tae

2011-03-01

Temperature dependence of the three components ɛ1 , ɛ2 , and ɛ3 of dielectric constant and orientation order parameters in the nematic phase of mesogens with rod, banana, and zero-order dendritic shape were measured using the in-plane and vertical switching geometries, and micro-Raman technique. Results on the well-known uniaxial (Nu) nematogens, E7 and 5CB, revealed two components ɛ1 = ~ɛ| | and ɛ2 = ~ɛ3 = ~ɛ⊥ , as expected. The three dielectric constants were different for two azo substituted (A131 and A103) and an oxadiazole based (ODBP-Ph-C12) bent core mesogens, and a Ge core tetrapode. In some cases, two of the components became the same indicating a loss of biaxiality at temperatures coinciding with the previously reported Nu to biaxial nematic transition. This interpretation is substantiated by micro-Raman measurements of the uniaxial and biaxial nematic order parameters. Supported by the US Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences grant ER46572 and by Samsung Electronics Corporation.

Material optimization of multi-layered enhanced nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strobbia, Pietro

The employment of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sensing in real-world scenarios will offer numerous advantages over current optical sensors. Examples of these advantages are the intrinsic and simultaneous detection of multiple analytes, among many others. To achieve such a goal, SERS substrates with throughput and reproducibility comparable to commonly used fluorescence sensors have to be developed. To this end, our lab has discovered a multi-layer geometry, based on alternating films of a metal and a dielectric, that amplifies the SERS signal (multi-layer enhancement). The advantage of these multi-layered structures is to amplify the SERS signal exploiting layer-to-layer interactions in the volume of the structures, rather than on its surface. This strategy permits an amplification of the signal without modifying the surface characteristics of a substrate, and therefore conserving its reproducibility. Multi-layered structures can therefore be used to amplify the sensitivity and throughput of potentially any previously developed SERS sensor. In this thesis, these multi-layered structures were optimized and applied to different SERS substrates. The role of the dielectric spacer layer in the multi-layer enhancement was elucidated by fabricating spacers with different characteristics and studying their effect on the overall enhancement. Thickness, surface coverage and physical properties of the spacer were studied. Additionally, the multi-layered structures were applied to commercial SERS substrates and to isolated SERS probes. Studies on the dependence of the multi-layer enhancement on the thickness of the spacer demonstrated that the enhancement increases as a function of surface coverage at sub-monolayer thicknesses, due to the increasing multi-layer nature of the substrates. For fully coalescent spacers the enhancement decreases as a function of thickness, due to the loss of interaction between proximal metallic films. The influence of the physical properties of the spacer on the multi-layer enhancement were also studied. The trends in Schottky barrier height, interfacial potential and dielectric constant were isolated by using different materials as spacers (i.e., TiO2, HfO2, Ag 2O and Al2O3). The results show that the bulk dielectric constant of the material can be used to predict the relative magnitude of the multi-layer enhancement, with low dielectric constant materials performing more efficiently as spacers. Optimal spacer layers were found to be ultrathin coalescent films (ideally a monolayer) of low dielectric constant materials. Finally, multi-layered structures were observed to be employable to amplify SERS in drastically different substrate geometries. The multi-layered structures were applied to disposable commercial SERS substrates (i.e., Klarite). This project involved the regeneration of the used substrates, by stripping and redepositing the gold coating layer, and their amplification, by using the multi-layer geometry. The latter was observed to amplify the sensitivity of the substrates. Additionally, the multi-layered structures were applied to probes dispersed in solution. Such probes were observed to yield stronger SERS signal when optically trapped and to reduce the background signal. The application of the multi-layered structures on trapped probes, not only further amplified the SERS signal, but also increased the maximum number of applicable layers for the structures.

Prospects of photonic nanojets for precise exposure on microobjects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Geints, Yu. E., E-mail: ygeints@iao.ru; Zuev Institute of Atmospheric Optics, SB Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Zuev Square 1, Tomsk, 634021; Panina, E. K., E-mail: pek@iao.ru

We report on the new optical tool for precise manipulation of various microobjects. This tool is referred to as a “photonic nanojet” (PJ) and corresponds to specific spatially localized and high-intensity area formed near micron-sized transparent spherical dielectric particles illuminated by a visible laser radiation The descriptive analysis of the morphological shapes of photonic nanojets is presented. The PJ shape characterization is based on the numerical calculations of the near-field distribution according to the Mie theory and accounts for jet dimensions and shape complexity.

Polymer-Nanoparticle Composites: From Synthesis to Modern Applications

PubMed Central

Hanemann, Thomas; Szabó, Dorothée Vinga

2010-01-01

The addition of inorganic spherical nanoparticles to polymers allows the modification of the polymers physical properties as well as the implementation of new features in the polymer matrix. This review article covers considerations on special features of inorganic nanoparticles, the most important synthesis methods for ceramic nanoparticles and nanocomposites, nanoparticle surface modification, and composite formation, including drawbacks. Classical nanocomposite properties, as thermomechanical, dielectric, conductive, magnetic, as well as optical properties, will be summarized. Finally, typical existing and potential applications will be shown with the focus on new and innovative applications, like in energy storage systems.

Formation of Polarized Beams in Chains of Dielectric Spheres and Cylinders

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-15

Three different types of coupling to the PFMs. (a) Collimated rays, (b) spherical emitter, and (c) a multimode fiber inserted inside a hollow waveguide...oscillating along the (a) y axis and (b) z axis. (c) The intensity profiles of the focused beams calculated 0.62 μm away from the tip of the end cylinder...ray. In a geometrical optics limit (D ≫ 10λ) the results are not depen- dent on D and λ. (b) d HWG Fiber (c) S Polarizer+Detectors (a) x z y Fig. 3

GRMHD formulation of highly super-Chandrasekhar magnetized white dwarfs: stable configurations of non-spherical white dwarfs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, Upasana; Mukhopadhyay, Banibrata, E-mail: upasana@physics.iisc.ernet.in, E-mail: bm@physics.iisc.ernet.in

The topic of magnetized super-Chandrasekhar white dwarfs is in the limelight, particularly in the last few years, since our proposal of their existence. By full-scale general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) numerical analysis, we confirm in this work the existence of stable, highly magnetized, significantly super-Chandrasekhar white dwarfs with mass more than 3 solar mass. While a poloidal field geometry renders the white dwarfs oblate, a toroidal field makes them prolate retaining an overall quasi-spherical shape, as speculated in our earlier work. These white dwarfs are expected to serve as the progenitors of over-luminous type Ia supernovae.

Generic isolated horizons in loop quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beetle, Christopher; Engle, Jonathan

2010-12-01

Isolated horizons model equilibrium states of classical black holes. A detailed quantization, starting from a classical phase space restricted to spherically symmetric horizons, exists in the literature and has since been extended to axisymmetry. This paper extends the quantum theory to horizons of arbitrary shape. Surprisingly, the Hilbert space obtained by quantizing the full phase space of all generic horizons with a fixed area is identical to that originally found in spherical symmetry. The entropy of a large horizon remains one-quarter its area, with the Barbero-Immirzi parameter retaining its value from symmetric analyses. These results suggest a reinterpretation of the intrinsic quantum geometry of the horizon surface.

Spherical roller bearing analysis. SKF computer program SPHERBEAN. Volume 1: Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kleckner, R. J.; Pirvics, J.

1980-01-01

The models and associated mathematics used within the SPHERBEAN computer program for prediction of the thermomechanical performance characteristics of high speed lubricated double row spherical roller bearings are presented. The analysis allows six degrees of freedom for each roller and three for each half of an optionally split cage. Roller skew, free lubricant, inertial loads, appropriate elastic and friction forces, and flexible outer ring are considered. Roller quasidynamic equilibrium is calculated for a bearing with up to 30 rollers per row, and distinct roller and flange geometries are specifiable. The user is referred to the material contained here for formulation assumptions and algorithm detail.

Structure and dynamics in self-organized C60 fullerenes.

PubMed

Patnaik, Archita

2007-01-01

This manuscript on 'structure and dynamics in self-organized C60 fullerenes' has three sections dealing with: (A) pristine C60 aggregate structure and geometry in solvents of varying dielectric constant. Here, using positronium (Ps) as a fundamental probe which maps changes in the local electron density of the microenvironment, the onset concentration for stable C60 aggregate formation and its phase behavior is deduced from the specific interactions of the Ps atom with the surrounding. (B) A novel methanofullerene dyad, based on a hydrophobic (acceptor C60 moiety)-hydrophilic (bridge with benzene and ester functionalities)-hydrophobic (donor didodecyloxybenzene) network is chosen for investigation of characteristic self-assembly it undergoes leading to supramolecular aggregates. The pi-electronic amphiphile, necessitating a critical dielectric constant epsilon > or = 30 in binary THF-water mixtures, dictated the formation of bilayer vesicles as precursors for spherical fractal aggregates upon complete dyad extraction into a more polar water phase. (C) While the molecular orientation is dependent on the packing density, the ordering of the molecular arrangement, indispensable for self-assembly depends on the balance between the structures demanded by inter-molecular and molecule-substrate interactions. The molecular orientation in a monolayer affects the orientation in a multilayer, formed on the monolayer, suggesting the possibility of the latter to act as a template for controlling the structure of the three dimensionally grown self-assembled molecular aggregation. A systematic study on the electronic structure and orientation associated with C60 functionalized aminothiol self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) surface is presented using surface sensitive Ultra-Violet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) and C-K edge Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The results revealed drastic modifications to d-band structure of Au(111) and the electronic structure was found sensitive towards the S-Au interface and the C60 end functional moiety with formation of localized sigma-(S-Au) and sigma(N-C) bonds, respectively. Upon binding C60 to the amine-terminated alkanethiol SAM, a drastically reduced HOMO-LUMO gap of 2.7 eV as compared to a large electronic gap of approximately 8 eV in alkanethiols enables the SAM to be a potential electron transport medium.

Waveguide to Core: A New Approach to RF Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, John; Shiraiwa, Syunichi; Rf-Scidac Team

2017-10-01

A new technique for the calculation of RF waves in toroidal geometry enables the simultaneous incorporation of antenna geometry, plasma facing components (PFCs), the scrape off-layer (SOL) and core propagation [Shiraiwa, NF 2017]. Calculations with this technique naturally capture wave propagation in the SOL and its interactions with non-conforming PFCs permitting self-consistent calculation of core absorption and edge power loss. The main motivating insight is that the core plasma region having closed flux surfaces requires a hot plasma dielectric while the open field line region in the scrape-off layer needs only a cold plasma dielectric. Spectral approaches work well for the former and finite elements work well for the latter. The validity of this process follows directly from the superposition principle of Maxwell's equations making this technique exact. The method is independent of the codes or representations used and works for any frequency regime. Applications to minority heating in Alcator C-Mod and ITER and high harmonic heating in NSTX-U will be presented in single pass and multi-pass regimes. Support from DoE Grant Number DE-FG02-91-ER54109 (theory and computer resources) and DE-FC02-01ER54648 (RF SciDAC).

Internal charging analysis tools, NUMIT 2.0 and 3D NUMIT, and those applications on Europa Clipper and Juno missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, W.; Chinn, J. Z.; Katz, I.; Jun, I.; Garrett, H. B.

2016-12-01

One of the major concerns in the spacecraft design due to natural space environment interaction is the internal charging in dielectric materials and floating conductors, especially for missions encountering a high radiation environment such as NASA's Juno and proposed Europa Clipper Missions. Sufficiently energetic electrons can penetrate the spacecraft structure or electronics chassis and stop within dielectrics and floating conductors. Electrons can accumulate in dielectrics over time due to the dielectrics' very low conductivity. If the electric field resulting from a charge buildup becomes higher than the breakdown threshold of the dielectric, discharge may occur, potentially damaging near-by sensitive electronics. Indeed, numerous spacecraft anomalies and failures have been attributed to this phenomenon, referred to as internal electrostatic discharge (iESD). Therefore, accurate assessment of the risk of iESD for a given space environment and dielectric geometry is important for spacecraft reliability. To evaluate the risk of iESD, we developed a general three dimensional internal charge analyses method, 3D NUMIT by combining a Monte Carlo radiation transport simulation tool such as MCNPX or GEANT4 and a commercial FEA software such as COMSOL. Also for a simple and fast internal charging assessment, we significantly improved the widely used one dimensional internal charging assessment code, NUMIT and named NUMIT 2.0. We will show the new features of NUMIT 2.0 and the capability of 3D NUMIT with several examples of applications of those tools to iESD assessments on Juno and Europa Clipper Missions.

Short pulse laser stretcher-compressor using a single common reflective grating

DOEpatents

Erbert, Gaylen V.; Biswal, Subrat; Bartolick, Joseph M.; Stuart, Brent C.; Telford, Steve

2004-05-25

The present invention provides an easily aligned, all-reflective, aberration-free pulse stretcher-compressor in a compact geometry. The stretcher-compressor device is a reflective multi-layer dielectric that can be utilized for high power chirped-pulse amplification material processing applications. A reflective grating element of the device is constructed: 1) to receive a beam for stretching of laser pulses in a beam stretcher beam path and 2) to also receive stretched amplified pulses to be compressed in a compressor beam path through the same (i.e., common) reflective multilayer dielectric diffraction grating. The stretched and compressed pulses are interleaved about the grating element to provide the desired number of passes in each respective beam path in order to achieve the desired results.

Excited state electron transfer in systems with a well-defined geometry. [cyclophane

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaufmann, K.J.

1980-12-01

The effect of temperature, dielectric strength and ligand on the structure of the mesopyropheophorbide cyclophanes will be studied. ESR, NMR, emission and absorption spectroscopy, as well as circular dichroism will be used. The changes in structure will be correlated with changes in the photochemical activity. Electron acceptors such as benzoquinone will be utilized to stabilize the charge separation. Charge separation in porphyrin quinone dimers will also be studied. It was found that electron transfer in the cyclophane system is relatively slow. This is presumably due to an orientation requirement for fast electron transfer. Solvent dielectric also is important in producingmore » a charge separation. Decreasing the temperature effects the yield of charge transfer, but not the kinetics.« less

A novel method to assess primary stability of press-fit acetabular cups.

PubMed

Crosnier, Emilie A; Keogh, Patrick S; Miles, Anthony W

2014-11-01

Initial stability is an essential prerequisite to achieve osseointegration of press-fit acetabular cups in total hip replacements. Most in vitro methods that assess cup stability do not reproduce physiological loading conditions and use simplified acetabular models with a spherical cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bone density and acetabular geometry on cup stability using a novel method for measuring acetabular cup micromotion. A press-fit cup was inserted into Sawbones(®) foam blocks having different densities to simulate normal and osteoporotic bone variations and different acetabular geometries. The stability of the cup was assessed in two ways: (a) measurement of micromotion of the cup in 6 degrees of freedom under physiological loading and (b) uniaxial push-out tests. The results indicate that changes in bone substrate density and acetabular geometry affect the stability of press-fit acetabular cups. They also suggest that cups implanted into weaker, for example, osteoporotic, bone are subjected to higher levels of micromotion and are therefore more prone to loosening. The decrease in stability of the cup in the physiological model suggests that using simplified spherical cavities to model the acetabulum over-estimates the initial stability of press-fit cups. This novel testing method should provide the basis for a more representative protocol for future pre-clinical evaluation of new acetabular cup designs. © IMechE 2014.

Two-dimensional radiative transfer for the retrieval of limb emission measurements in the martian atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinböhl, Armin; Friedson, A. James; Schofield, John T.

2017-01-01

The remote sounding of infrared emission from planetary atmospheres using limb-viewing geometry is a powerful technique for deriving vertical profiles of structure and composition on a global scale. Compared with nadir viewing, limb geometry provides enhanced vertical resolution and greater sensitivity to atmospheric constituents. However, standard limb profile retrieval techniques assume spherical symmetry and are vulnerable to biases produced by horizontal gradients in atmospheric parameters. We present a scheme for the correction of horizontal gradients in profile retrievals from limb observations of the martian atmosphere. It characterizes horizontal gradients in temperature, pressure, and aerosol extinction along the line-of-sight of a limb view through neighboring measurements, and represents these gradients by means of two-dimensional radiative transfer in the forward model of the retrieval. The scheme is applied to limb emission measurements from the Mars Climate Sounder instrument on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Retrieval simulations using data from numerical models indicate that biases of up to 10 K in the winter polar region, obtained with standard retrievals using spherical symmetry, are reduced to about 2 K in most locations by the retrieval with two-dimensional radiative transfer. Retrievals from Mars atmospheric measurements suggest that the two-dimensional radiative transfer greatly reduces biases in temperature and aerosol opacity caused by observational geometry, predominantly in the polar winter regions.

The influence of ozone and aerosols on the brightness and color of the twilight sky

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, C. N.; Plass, G. N.; Kattawar, G. W.

1974-01-01

The radiance and color of the twilight sky are calculated for single scattered radiation with the use of spherically symmetric models of the earth's atmosphere. Spherical geometry is used throughout the calculations with no plane-parallel approximations. Refraction effects are taken into account through fine subdivision of the atmosphere into spherical shells of fixed index of refraction. Snell's law of refraction is used to calculate a new direction of travel each time that a photon traverses the interface between layers. Five different models of the atmosphere were used: a pure molecular scattering atmosphere; molecular atmosphere plus ozone absorption; and three models with aerosol concentrations of one, three, and ten times normal together with molecular scattering and ozone absorption. The results of the calculations are shown for various observation positions and local viewing angles in the solar plane for wavelengths in the range from 0.40 to 0.75 micron.

The influence of ozone and aerosols on the brightness and color of the twilight zone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, C. N.; Plass, G. N.; Kattawar, G. W.

1973-01-01

The radiance and color of the twilight sky are calculated for single scattered radiation with the use of spherically symmetric models of the earth's atmosphere. Spherical geometry is used throughout the calculations with no plane parallel approximations. Refraction effects are taken into account through fine subdivision of the atmosphere into spherical shells of fixed index of refraction. Shell's law of refraction is used to calculate a direction of travel each time that a photon traverses the interface between layers. Five different models of the atmosphere were used: a pure molecular scattering atmosphere; molecular atmosphere plus ozone absorption; and three models with aerosol concentrations of 1, 3, and 10 times normal together with molecular scattering and ozone absorption. The results of the calculations are shown for various observation positions and local viewing angles in the solar plane for wavelengths in the range of 0.40 microns to 0.75 microns.

No hair theorem in quasi-dilaton massive gravity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, De-Jun; Zhou, Shuang-Yong

We investigate the static, spherically symmetric black hole solutions in the quasi-dilaton model and its generalizations, which are scalar extended dRGT massive gravity with a shift symmetry. We show that, unlike generic scalar extended massive gravity models, these theories do not admit static, spherically symmetric black hole solutions until the theory parameters in the dRGT potential are fine-tuned. When fine-tuned, the geometry of the static, spherically symmetric black hole is necessarily that of general relativity and the quasi-dilaton field is constant across the spacetime. The fine-tuning and the no hair theorem apply to black holes with flat, anti-de Sitter ormore » de Sitter asymptotics. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Funded by SCOAP(3).« less

Electromagnetic retroreflection augmented by spherical and conical metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Yuping; Shen, Zhongxiang

2017-11-01

The focus of this paper is on phase gradient metasurfaces conformal to spherical and conical bodies of revolution, with an aim of engineering retroreflections and therefore augmenting backscattering cross-sections of those three-dimensional geometries under the illumination of a plane electromagnetic wave. Based on the conducting sphere and cone, the effect of the geometric revolution property on the selection of the unit inclusion of metasurfaces is considered. The procedure for using the selected unit inclusion to implement the proper reflection phase gradient onto the illuminated surfaces of those objects is formulated in detail. Retroreflections resembling conducting plates under normal incidence are observed for both the conducting sphere and cone coated with conformal metasurfaces. As a result, the redirection-induced retroreflection effectively contributes to the backscattering cross-section enhancement. A good agreement between full-wave simulations and measurements demonstrates the validity and effectiveness of backscattering cross-section enhancement using spherical and conical metasurfaces.

No hair theorem in quasi-dilaton massive gravity

DOE PAGES

Wu, De-Jun; Zhou, Shuang-Yong

2016-04-11

We investigate the static, spherically symmetric black hole solutions in the quasi-dilaton model and its generalizations, which are scalar extended dRGT massive gravity with a shift symmetry. We show that, unlike generic scalar extended massive gravity models, these theories do not admit static, spherically symmetric black hole solutions until the theory parameters in the dRGT potential are fine-tuned. When fine-tuned, the geometry of the static, spherically symmetric black hole is necessarily that of general relativity and the quasi-dilaton field is constant across the spacetime. The fine-tuning and the no hair theorem apply to black holes with flat, anti-de Sitter ormore » de Sitter asymptotics. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Funded by SCOAP(3).« less

Numerical Simulation of the Perrin-Like Experiments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mazur, Zygmunt; Grech, Dariusz

2008-01-01

A simple model of the random Brownian walk of a spherical mesoscopic particle in viscous liquids is proposed. The model can be solved analytically and simulated numerically. The analytic solution gives the known Einstein-Smoluchowski diffusion law r[superscript 2] = 2Dt, where the diffusion constant D is expressed by the mass and geometry of a…

Applicability of Rayleigh–Gans Scattering to Spherical Particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kerker, M.; Farone, W. A.; Matijevic, E.

1963-01-01

Exact computations of scattering functions for spheres are compared with those obtained from the Rayleigh-Gans theory of scattering of electromagnetic radiation. The range of validity for spheres as a guide for non-homogeneous particles and other geometries. This study is limited to non-absorbing particles with real indices of refraction. (C.E.S.)

Radar Transponder Antenna Systems Evaluation Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

Poincare Sphere Usage. The plane geometry... Poincare Sphere any coupling factor is numerically equal to the cosine of half the distance between states on the spherical surface. 5-52 Then in...Erhcp, Elhcp) on the Poincare sphere (Paragraph 5.14.1). As such, any antenna whose polarization lies on this plane receives the same

Tunable geometry of bacterial inclusion bodies as substrate materials for tissue engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Fruitós, Elena; Seras-Franzoso, Joaquín; Vazquez, Esther; Villaverde, Antonio

2010-05-01

A spectrum of materials for biomedical applications is produced in bacteria, and some of them, such as metals or polyhydroxyalkanoates, are straightforwardly obtained as particulate entities. We have explored the biofabrication process of bacterial inclusion bodies, particulate proteinaceous materials (ranging from 50 to 500 nm in diameter) recently recognized as suitable for surface topographical modification and tissue engineering. Inclusion bodies have been widely described as spherical or pseudo-spherical particles with only minor morphological variability, mostly restricted to their size. Here we have identified a cellular gene in Escherichia coli (clpP) that controls the in vivo fabrication process of inclusion bodies. In the absence of the encoded protease, the dynamics of protein deposition is perturbed, resulting in unusual tear-shaped particles with enhanced surface-volume ratios. This fact modifies the ability of inclusion bodies to promote mammalian cell attachment and differentiation upon surface decoration. The implications of the genetic control of inclusion body geometry are discussed in the context of their biological fabrication and regarding the biomedical potential of these protein clusters in regenerative medicine.

Using radiance predicted by the P3 approximation in a spherical geometry to predict tissue optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickey, Dwayne J.; Moore, Ronald B.; Tulip, John

2001-01-01

For photodynamic therapy of solid tumors, such as prostatic carcinoma, to be achieved, an accurate model to predict tissue parameters and light dose must be found. Presently, most analytical light dosimetry models are fluence based and are not clinically viable for tissue characterization. Other methods of predicting optical properties, such as Monet Carlo, are accurate but far too time consuming for clinical application. However, radiance predicted by the P3-Approximation, an anaylitical solution to the transport equation, may be a viable and accurate alternative. The P3-Approximation accurately predicts optical parameters in intralipid/methylene blue based phantoms in a spherical geometry. The optical parameters furnished by the radiance, when introduced into fluence predicted by both P3- Approximation and Grosjean Theory, correlate well with experimental data. The P3-Approximation also predicts the optical properties of prostate tissue, agreeing with documented optical parameters. The P3-Approximation could be the clinical tool necessary to facilitate PDT of solid tumors because of the limited number of invasive measurements required and the speed in which accurate calculations can be performed.

Convergent Geometry Foam Buffered Direct Drive Experiments*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watt, R. G.; Wilson, D. C.; Hollis, R. V.; Gobby, P. L.; Chrien, R. E.; Mason, R. J.; Kopp, R. A.; Willi, O.; Iwase, A.; Barringer, L. H.; Gaillard, R.; Kalantar, D. H.; Lerche, R. A.; MacGowan, B.; Nelson, M.; Phillips, T.; Knauer, J. P.; McKenty, P. W.

1996-11-01

A serious concern for directly driven ICF implosions is the asymmetry imparted to the capsule by laser drive non-uniformities, particularly the ``early time imprint'' remaining despite the use of random phase plates and smoothing with spectral dispersion. The use of a foam buffer has been proposed as a means to reduce this imprint. Two types of convergent geometry tests of the technique to correct static nonuniformities have been studied to date; cylindrical implosions at the Trident and Vulcan lasers, and spherical implosions at the NOVA laser, all using 527 nm laser drive. Cylindrical implosions used end on x-ray backlighter imaging of inner surface disruption due an intentional hole in the drive footprint, using 50 mg/cc acyrlate foam with a thin Au preheat layer. Spherical implosions used 50 mg/cc polystyrene foam plus Au to study yield and imploded core symmetry of capsules with and without a foam buffer, in comparison to ``clean 1D'' calculations. For thick enough layers, all cases showed improvement. Details of the experiments and theoretical unpinnings will be shown. *Work performed under US DOE Contract No. W-7405-Eng-36.

A physics-based solver to optimize the illumination of cylindrical targets in spherically distributed high power laser systems.

PubMed

Gourdain, P-A

2017-05-01

In recent years, our understanding of high energy density plasmas has played an important role in improving inertial fusion confinement and in emerging new fields of physics, such as laboratory astrophysics. Every new idea required developing innovative experimental platforms at high power laser facilities, such as OMEGA or NIF. These facilities, designed to focus all their beams onto spherical targets or hohlraum windows, are now required to shine them on more complex targets. While the pointing on planar geometries is relatively straightforward, it becomes problematic for cylindrical targets or target with more complex geometries. This publication describes how the distribution of laser beams on a cylindrical target can be done simply by using a set of physical laws as a pointing procedure. The advantage of the method is threefold. First, it is straightforward, requiring no mathematical enterprise besides solving ordinary differential equations. Second, it will converge if a local optimum exists. Finally, it is computationally inexpensive. Experimental results show that this approach produces a geometrical beam distribution that yields cylindrically symmetric implosions.

Analytic Reflected Lightcurves for Exoplanets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haggard, Hal M.; Cowan, Nicolas B.

2018-04-01

The disk-integrated reflected brightness of an exoplanet changes as a function of time due to orbital and rotational motion coupled with an inhomogeneous albedo map. We have previously derived analytic reflected lightcurves for spherical harmonic albedo maps in the special case of a synchronously-rotating planet on an edge-on orbit (Cowan, Fuentes & Haggard 2013). In this letter, we present analytic reflected lightcurves for the general case of a planet on an inclined orbit, with arbitrary spin period and non-zero obliquity. We do so for two different albedo basis maps: bright points (δ-maps), and spherical harmonics (Y_l^m-maps). In particular, we use Wigner D-matrices to express an harmonic lightcurve for an arbitrary viewing geometry as a non-linear combination of harmonic lightcurves for the simpler edge-on, synchronously rotating geometry. These solutions will enable future exploration of the degeneracies and information content of reflected lightcurves, as well as fast calculation of lightcurves for mapping exoplanets based on time-resolved photometry. To these ends we make available Exoplanet Analytic Reflected Lightcurves (EARL), a simple open-source code that allows rapid computation of reflected lightcurves.

A physics-based solver to optimize the illumination of cylindrical targets in spherically distributed high power laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gourdain, P.-A.

2017-05-01

In recent years, our understanding of high energy density plasmas has played an important role in improving inertial fusion confinement and in emerging new fields of physics, such as laboratory astrophysics. Every new idea required developing innovative experimental platforms at high power laser facilities, such as OMEGA or NIF. These facilities, designed to focus all their beams onto spherical targets or hohlraum windows, are now required to shine them on more complex targets. While the pointing on planar geometries is relatively straightforward, it becomes problematic for cylindrical targets or target with more complex geometries. This publication describes how the distribution of laser beams on a cylindrical target can be done simply by using a set of physical laws as a pointing procedure. The advantage of the method is threefold. First, it is straightforward, requiring no mathematical enterprise besides solving ordinary differential equations. Second, it will converge if a local optimum exists. Finally, it is computationally inexpensive. Experimental results show that this approach produces a geometrical beam distribution that yields cylindrically symmetric implosions.

Collective motion of squirmers in a quasi-2D geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zöttl, Andreas; Stark, Holger

2013-03-01

Microorganisms like bacteria, algae or spermatozoa typically move in an aqueous environment where they interact via hydrodynamic flow fields. Recent experiments studied the collective motion of dense suspensions of bacteria where swarming and large-scale turbulence emerged. Moreover, spherical artificial microswimmers, so-called squirmers, have been constructed and studied in a quasi-2D geometry. Here we present a numerical study of the collective dynamics of squirmers confined in quasi-2D between two parallel walls. Because of their spherical shape the reorientation of squirmers is solely due to noise and hydrodynamic interactions via induced flow fields. This is in contrast to elongated swimmers like bacteria which locally align due to steric interactions. We study the collective motion of pushers, pullers and potential swimmers at different densities. At small densities the squirmers are oriented parallel to the walls and pairwise collisions determine the reorientation rate. In dense suspensions rotational diffusion is greatly enhanced and pushers, in particular, tend to orient perpendicular to the walls. This effects the dynamics of the emerging clusters. In very dense suspensions we observe active jamming and long-lived crystalline structures.

Local Instruction Theory (LIT) on spherical geometry for enhancement students’ strategic competence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuraida, I.; Kusumah, Y. S.; Kartasasmita, B. G.

2018-03-01

This research focused on the analysis of the materials spherical geometry of the wake in an attempt to enhancemet the strategic competence of students and to produce learning trajectory. That is because the materials that are used less catchy concept gives students. Learning materials with Local Instructional Theory (LIT) can enhancemet the strategic competence of the students. This research aims to study the difference of achievement and improving the strategic competence of the students who got the Realistics Mathematics Education (RME) and (LIT) with conventional learning. This research is the Design Research with two cycles. This research has three phases i.e. 1) preparing for the experiment/preliminary; 2) teaching eksperiment; 3) retrospective analysis. The population of the research was the whole IX group junior high school 1 Rajapolah with samples of IXg and IXj group. Results of the analysis of the data shows that students based on Mathematical Prior Knowledge (MPK) acquire learning achievement have RME and LIT and enhancement strategic competence of the mathematical that are higher than those of students who obtain the conventional learning.

Crystalline lens paradoxes revisited: significance of age-related restructuring of the GRIN.

PubMed

Sheil, Conor J; Goncharov, Alexander V

2017-09-01

The accommodating volume-constant age-dependent optical (AVOCADO) model of the crystalline lens is used to explore the age-related changes in ocular power and spherical aberration. The additional parameter m in the GRIN lens model allows decoupling of the axial and radial GRIN profiles, and is used to stabilise the age-related change in ocular power. Data for age-related changes in ocular geometry and lens parameter P in the axial GRIN profile were taken from published experimental data. In our age-dependent eye model, the ocular refractive power shows behaviour similar to the previously unexplained "lens paradox". Furthermore, ocular spherical aberration agrees with the data average, in contrast to the proposed "spherical aberration paradox". The additional flexibility afforded by parameter m , which controls the ratio of the axial and radial GRIN profile exponents, has allowed us to study the restructuring of the lens GRIN medium with age, resulting in a new interpretation of the origin of the power and spherical aberration paradoxes. Our findings also contradict the conceptual idea that the ageing eye is similar to the accommodating eye.

Effect of Particle Morphology on the Reactivity of Explosively Dispersed Titanium Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frost, David L.; Cairns, Malcolm; Goroshin, Samuel; Zhang, Fan

2009-12-01

The effect of particle morphology on the reaction of titanium (Ti) particles explosively dispersed during the detonation of either cylindrical or spherical charges has been investigated experimentally. The explosive charges consisted of packed beds of Ti particles saturated with nitromethane. The reaction behaviour of irregularly-shaped Ti particles in three size ranges is compared with tests with spherical Ti particles. The particle reaction is strongly dependent on particle morphology, e.g., 95 μm spherical Ti particles failed to ignite (in cylinders up to 49 mm in dia), whereas similarly sized irregular Ti particles readily ignited. For irregular particles, the uniformity of ignition on the particle cloud surface was almost independent of particle size, but depended on charge diameter. As the charge diameter was reduced, ignition in the conically expanding particle cloud occurred only at isolated spots or bands. For spherical charges, whereas large irregular Ti particles ignited promptly and uniformly throughout the particle cloud, the smallest particles dispersed nonuniformly and ignition occurred at isolated locations after a delay. Hence the charge geometry, as well as particle morphology, influences the reaction behaviour of the particles.

Twofold orthogonal weavings on cuboids

PubMed Central

Kovács, Flórián

2016-01-01

Some closed polyhedral surfaces can be completely covered by two-way, twofold (rectangular) weaving of strands of constant width. In this paper, a construction for producing all possible geometries for such weavable cuboids is proposed: a theorem on spherical octahedra is proven first that all further theory is based on. The construction method of weavable cuboids itself relies on successive truncations of an initial tetrahedron and is also extended for cases of degenerate (unbounded) polyhedra. Arguments are mainly based on the plane geometry of the development of the respective polyhedra, in connection with some of three-dimensional projective properties of the same. PMID:27118910

Radiative Instabilities in Three-Dimensional Astrophysical Masers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scappaticci, Gerardo A.; Watson, William D.

1995-01-01

Inherent instabilities in the radiative transfer for astrophysical masers have been recognized and calculated in the linear maser idealization in our previous investigations. The same instabilities are now shown to occur in the more realistic, three-dimensional geometries. Fluctuations in the emergent flux result and may be related to the observed fluctuations in the radiative flux from the 1665 MHz OH masers that have been reported to occur on timescales as short as 1000 s. The time-dependent differential equations of radiative transfer are solved numerically for three-dimensional astrophysical masers. Computations are performed for spherical and elongated (rectangular parallelepiped) geometries.

Synthesis, structural and paramagnetic properties of SnO{sub 2} doped NiO nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Islam, I., E-mail: ishtihadahislam@gmail.com; Dwivedi, Sonam; Dar, Hilal A.

2016-05-06

In this work, Sn doped NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation route to explore the impact of doping on lattice structure, dielectric constant and magnetization. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed cubic (Fd-3m) structure of Sn doped NiO. Average crystallite size decreases from 78.2 nm (Ni{sub 0.95}Sn{sub 0.05}O) to 64.23 nm (Ni{sub 0.8}Sn{sub 0.2}O). Scanning electron microscopy images confirm that nanocrystals have agglomerated spherical morphology. The Raman spectrum exhibits a strong, broad peak at 410 cm{sup -1} and is attributed to the Ni-O stretching mode and doped samples show a blue shift. The dielectric constants at about 1 Hz are measured to be about 1.795,more » 1.030, 0.442, and 0.302 × 10{sup 3} Ni{sub 1-x}Sn{sub x}O (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2), respectively. The dielectric constant in nanoparticles of doped Ni{sub 1-x}Sn{sub x}O is three orders of magnitude higher as compared to pure NiO ceramics. The nature of magnetization - applied field (M-H) infers paramagnetic behaviour for Sn doped NiO nanoparticles.« less

Wave Propagation in Non-Stationary Statistical Mantle Models at the Global Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meschede, M.; Romanowicz, B. A.

2014-12-01

We study the effect of statistically distributed heterogeneities that are smaller than the resolution of current tomographic models on seismic waves that propagate through the Earth's mantle at teleseismic distances. Current global tomographic models are missing small-scale structure as evidenced by the failure of even accurate numerical synthetics to explain enhanced coda in observed body and surface waveforms. One way to characterize small scale heterogeneity is to construct random models and confront observed coda waveforms with predictions from these models. Statistical studies of the coda typically rely on models with simplified isotropic and stationary correlation functions in Cartesian geometries. We show how to construct more complex random models for the mantle that can account for arbitrary non-stationary and anisotropic correlation functions as well as for complex geometries. Although this method is computationally heavy, model characteristics such as translational, cylindrical or spherical symmetries can be used to greatly reduce the complexity such that this method becomes practical. With this approach, we can create 3D models of the full spherical Earth that can be radially anisotropic, i.e. with different horizontal and radial correlation functions, and radially non-stationary, i.e. with radially varying model power and correlation functions. Both of these features are crucial for a statistical description of the mantle in which structure depends to first order on the spherical geometry of the Earth. We combine different random model realizations of S velocity with current global tomographic models that are robust at long wavelengths (e.g. Meschede and Romanowicz, 2014, GJI submitted), and compute the effects of these hybrid models on the wavefield with a spectral element code (SPECFEM3D_GLOBE). We finally analyze the resulting coda waves for our model selection and compare our computations with observations. Based on these observations, we make predictions about the strength of unresolved small-scale structure and extrinsic attenuation.

Charging and shielding of a non-spherical dust grain in a plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, L.; Delzanno, G.

2013-12-01

The interaction of objects with a plasma is a classic problem of plasma physics. Originally, it was investigated in the framework of probe theory but more recently its interest has grown in connection with space and complex or dusty plasmas. It is customary to assume that the dust grains are spherical, and theories such as the Orbital Motion Limited (OML) theory are usually applied to calculate the dust charge. However, in nature dust grains have a variety of sizes and shapes. It is therefore natural to ask about the influence of the dust shape on the charging and shielding process. In order to answer this question, we study the charging and shielding of a non-spherical dust grain immersed in a Maxwellian plasma at rest. We consider prolate ellipsoids, varying parametrically the aspect ratio while keeping the surface area constant. The study is conducted with CPIC [1], a newly developed Particle-In-Cell code in curvilinear geometry that conforms to objects of arbitrary shape. For a plasma with temperature ratio equal to unity and for a dust grain with characteristic size of the order of the Debye length, it is shown that the floating potential has a very weak dependence on the geometry, while the charge on the grain increases by a factor of three when the aspect ratio changes from one (a sphere) to hundred (a needle-like ellipsoid). These results are consistent with the higher capacitance of ellipsoidal dust grains, but also indicate that the screening length depends on the geometry. Scaling studies of the dependence of the charging time and screening length on the aspect ratio and plasma conditions are presented, including theoretical considerations to support the numerical results. [1] G.L. Delzanno, et al, ';CPIC: a curvilinear Particle-In-Cell code for plasma-material interaction studies', under review.

The effects of electron thermal radiation on laser ablative shock waves from aluminum plasma into ambient air

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sai Shiva, S.; Leela, Ch.; Prem Kiran, P., E-mail: premkiranuoh@gmail.com, E-mail: prem@uohyd.ac.in

2016-05-15

The effect of electron thermal radiation on 7 ns laser ablative shock waves from aluminum (Al) plasma into an ambient atmospheric air has been numerically investigated using a one-dimensional, three-temperature (electron, ion, and radiation) radiation hydrodynamic code MULTI. The governing equations in Lagrangian form are solved using an implicit scheme for planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometries. The shockwave velocities (V{sub sw}) obtained numerically are compared with our experimental values obtained over the intensity range of 2.0 × 10{sup 10} to 1.4 × 10{sup 11 }W/cm{sup 2}. It is observed that the numerically obtained V{sub sw} is significantly influenced by the thermal radiation effects which are foundmore » to be dominant in the initial stage up to 2 μs depending on the input laser energy. Also, the results are found to be sensitive to the co-ordinate geometry used in the simulation (planar, cylindrical, and spherical). Moreover, it is revealed that shock wave undergoes geometrical transitions from planar to cylindrical nature and from cylindrical to spherical nature with time during its propagation into an ambient atmospheric air. It is also observed that the spatio-temporal evolution of plasma electron and ion parameters such as temperature, specific energy, pressure, electron number density, and mass density were found to be modified significantly due to the effects of electron thermal radiation.« less

Effect of annealing time, weight pressure and cobalt doping on the electrical and magnetic behavior of barium titanate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samuvel, K., E-mail: kssamuvel@gmail.com; Ramachandran, K., E-mail: ramach76@yahoo.com

2016-05-06

BaTi{sub 0.5}CO{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} (BTCO) nanoparticles were prepared by the solid state reaction technique using different starting materials and the microstructure examined by XRD, FESEM, BDS and VSM. X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction patterns showed that the nanoparticles were the tetragonal BTCO phase. The BTCO nanoparticles prepared from the starting materials of as prepared titanium-oxide, Cobalt -oxide and barium carbonate have spherical grain morphology, an average size of 65 nm and a fairly narrow size distribution. The nano-scale presence and the formation of the tetragonal perovskite phase as well as the crystallinity were detected using the mentioned techniques. Dielectric properties ofmore » the samples were measured at different frequencies. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy is applied to investigate the electrical properties of disordered perovskite-like ceramics in a wide temperature range. The doped BTCO samples exhibited low loss factor at 1 kHz and 1 MHz frequencies respectively.« less

Terahertz beam propagation measured through three-dimensional amplitude profile determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reiten, Matthew T.; Harmon, Stacee A.; Cheville, Richard Alan

2003-10-01

To determine the spatio-temporal field distribution of freely propagating terahertz bandwidth pulses, we measure the time-resolved electric field in two spatial dimensions with high resolution. The measured, phase-coherent electric-field distributions are compared with an analytic model in which the radiation from a dipole antenna near a dielectric interface is coupled to free space through a spherical lens. The field external to the lens is limited by reflection at the lens-air dielectric interface, which is minimized at Brewster's angle, leading to an annular field pattern. Field measurements compare favorably with theory. Propagation of terahertz beams is determined both by assuming a TEM0,0 Gaussian profile as well as expanding the beam into a superposition of Laguerre-Gauss modes. The Laguerre-Gauss model more accurately describes the beam profile for free-space propagation and after propagating through a simple optical system. The accuracy of both models for predicting far-field beam patterns depend upon accurately measuring complex field amplitudes of terahertz beams.

New model for high-power electromagnetic field instability in transparent media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gruzdev, V.E.; Libenson, M.N.

A model of high-power field instability is developed to describe local abrupt increasing of electromagnetic field intensity in transparent dielectric. Small local enhancement of the field amplitude is initiated by low-absorbing spherical inclusion which size is less than radiation wavelength. Exceeding threshold of optical bistability results in abrupt increasing of field amplitude in the defect that also leads to local increasing of field amplitude in the host material in the vicinity of the inclusion. Bearing in mind nonlinear dependence of refractive index of the host material on light intensity we develop a model to describe spreading of initial defect upmore » to size appropriate for the first resonant field mode to be formed. Increasing of refraction index due to nonlinear light-matter interaction and existence of high-Q eigenmodes of dielectric sphere can both cause positive feedback`s and result in field instability in the medium. Estimates are obtained of the threshold value of incident-field amplitude.« less

Entanglement growth after a global quench in free scalar field theory

DOE PAGES

Cotler, Jordan S.; Hertzberg, Mark P.; Mezei, Márk; ...

2016-11-28

We compute the entanglement and Rényi entropy growth after a global quench in various dimensions in free scalar field theory. We study two types of quenches: a boundary state quench and a global mass quench. Both of these quenches are investigated for a strip geometry in 1, 2, and 3 spatial dimensions, and for a spherical geometry in 2 and 3 spatial dimensions. We compare the numerical results for massless free scalars in these geometries with the predictions of the analytical quasiparticle model based on EPR pairs, and find excellent agreement in the limit of large region sizes. As amore » result, at subleading order in the region size, we observe an anomalous logarithmic growth of entanglement coming from the zero mode of the scalar.« less

Entanglement growth after a global quench in free scalar field theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cotler, Jordan S.; Hertzberg, Mark P.; Mezei, Márk

We compute the entanglement and Rényi entropy growth after a global quench in various dimensions in free scalar field theory. We study two types of quenches: a boundary state quench and a global mass quench. Both of these quenches are investigated for a strip geometry in 1, 2, and 3 spatial dimensions, and for a spherical geometry in 2 and 3 spatial dimensions. We compare the numerical results for massless free scalars in these geometries with the predictions of the analytical quasiparticle model based on EPR pairs, and find excellent agreement in the limit of large region sizes. As amore » result, at subleading order in the region size, we observe an anomalous logarithmic growth of entanglement coming from the zero mode of the scalar.« less

Spherical Ethylene/Air Diffusion Flames Subject to Concentric DC Electric Field in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, Z. -G.; Hegde, U.; Faeth, G. M.

2001-01-01

It is well known that microgravity conditions, by eliminating buoyant flow, enable many combustion phenomena to be observed that are not possible to observe at normal gravity. One example is the spherical diffusion flame surrounding a porous spherical burner. The present paper demonstrates that by superimposing a spherical electrical field on such a flame, the flame remains spherical so that we can study the interaction between the electric field and flame in a one-dimensional fashion. Flames are susceptible to electric fields that are much weaker than the breakdown field of the flame gases owing to the presence of ions generated in the high temperature flame reaction zone. These ions and the electric current of the moving ions, in turn, significantly change the distribution of the electric field. Thus, to understand the interplay between the electric field and the flame is challenging. Numerous experimental studies of the effect of electric fields on flames have been reported. Unfortunately, they were all involved in complex geometries of both the flow field and the electric field, which hinders detailed study of the phenomena. In a one-dimensional domain, however, the electric field, the flow field, the thermal field and the chemical species field are all co-linear. Thus the problem is greatly simplified and becomes more tractable.

Theoretical and experimental analysis of the electromechanical behavior of a compact spherical loudspeaker array for directivity control.

PubMed

Pasqual, Alexander Mattioli; Herzog, Philippe; Arruda, José Roberto de França

2010-12-01

Sound directivity control is made possible by a compact array of independent loudspeakers operating at the same frequency range. The drivers are usually distributed over a sphere-like frame according to a Platonic solid geometry to obtain a highly symmetrical configuration. The radiation pattern of spherical loudspeaker arrays has been predicted from the surface velocity pattern by approximating the drivers membranes as rigid vibrating spherical caps, although a rigorous assessment of this model has not been provided so far. Many aspects concerning compact array electromechanics remain unclear, such as the effects on the acoustical performance of the drivers interaction inside the array cavity, or the fact that voltages rather than velocities are controlled in practice. This work presents a detailed investigation of the electromechanical behavior of spherical loudspeaker arrays. Simulation results are shown to agree with laser vibrometer measurements and experimental sound power data obtained for a 12-driver spherical array prototype at low frequencies, whereas the non-rigid body motion and the first cavity eigenfrequency yield a discrepancy between theoretical and experimental results at high frequencies. Finally, although the internal acoustic coupling affects the drivers vibration in the low-frequency range, it does not play an important role on the radiated sound power.

Control of the recombination time in photoconductive detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacheco, M. T. T.; Ghizoni, C. C.; Scolari, S. L.

1980-07-01

The current generated at a photoconductive cell depends upon the density of states of the electromagnetic field in the semiconductor film. This density of states is a function of the film geometry and dielectric properties. In this work we demonstrate that, for highly scattering substrate surfaces, which implies in a low density of states, the signal to noise ratio is better than that for smooth surfaces.

In-situ GPR test for three-dimensional mapping of the dielectric constant in a rock mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elkarmoty, Mohamed; Colla, Camilla; Gabrielli, Elena; Papeschi, Paolo; Bonduà, Stefano; Bruno, Roberto

2017-11-01

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to detect subsurface anomalies in several applications. The more the velocity of propagation or the dielectric constant is estimated accurately, the more the detection of anomalies at true subsurface depth can be accurately obtained. Since many GPR applications are performed in rock mass with non-homogeneous discontinuous nature, errors in estimating a bulk velocity of propagation or dielectric constant are possible. This paper presents a new in-situ GPR test for mapping the dielectric constant variability in a rock mass. The main aim is to investigate to what extent the dielectric constant is variable in the micro and macro scale of a typical rock mass and to give attention to GPR users in rock mass mediums. The methodology of this research is based on the insertion of steel rods in a rock mass, thus acting as reflectors. The velocity of propagation can be then modeled, from hyperbolic reflections, in the form of velocity pathways from antenna positions to a buried rod. Each pathway is characterized by discrete points which are assumed in three dimensions as centers of micro cubic rock mass. This allows converting the velocity of propagation into a dielectric constant for mapping and modeling the dielectric constant in a volumetric rock mass using a volumetric data visualization software program (Voxler). In a case study, 6 steel drilling rods were diagonally inserted in a vertical face of a bench in a sandstone quarry. Five equally spaced parallel lines, almost perpendicular to the orientations of the rods, were surveyed by a dual frequency GPR antenna of 200 and 600 MHz. The results show that the dielectric constant is randomly varied within the micro and macro scale either in single radargrams or in the volumetric rock mass. The proposed method can be useful if considered in signal processing software programs, particularly in presence of subsurface utilities with known geometry and dimension, allowing converting double travel time, through portions of a radargram, into more reliable depths using discrete dielectric constant values instead of one value for a whole radargram.

On the Explosion Geometry of Red Supergiant Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, Douglas C.; Dessart, L.; Hillier, D.; Pignata, G.

2012-01-01

From progenitor studies, type II-Plateau supernovae (SNe II-P) have been decisively and uniquely determined to arise from isolated red supergiant stars, establishing the most homogeneous --- and well understood --- progenitor class of any type of core-collapse supernova. The precise nature of the mechanism responsible for the stellar explosion, however, remains the subject of considerable debate. A fundamental clue to the nature of the explosion mechanism is explosion geometry: In short, are supernovae round? Because young supernova atmospheres are electron-scattering dominated, their net linear polarization provides a direct probe of early-time supernova geometry, with higher degrees of polarization generally indicating greater departures from spherical symmetry. Here we present spectropolarimetry data for the most well-sampled SN II-P to date, SN 2008bk, and compare (and contrast) the results with those obtained for SN 2004dj, the only other SN II-P for which spectropolarimetry data were obtained with similar fine temporal sampling before, during, and after the fall off of the photometric plateau (Leonard et al. 2006). Both objects are polarized, indicating departures from spherical symmetry, although the timing of the onset -- as well as the persistence -- of the polarization differ between the two objects. Curiously, the detailed spectropolarimetric characteristics of the two objects at the epochs of recorded maximum polarization are extremely similar, feature by feature, suggesting a common cause --- or, at least, geometry. We interpret the data in light of non-Local-Thermodynamic Equilibrium, time-dependent radiative-transfer simulations specifically crafted for SN II-P ejecta. DCL acknowledges support from NSF grant AST-1009571, under which part of this research was carried out. Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile, under observing programs 081.D-0128, 082.D-0151, and 085.D-0391 (PI: Dessart).

Forward modeling of the Earth's lithospheric field using spherical prisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baykiev, Eldar; Ebbing, Jörg; Brönner, Marco; Fabian, Karl

2014-05-01

The ESA satellite mission Swarm consists of three satellites that measure the magnetic field of the Earth at average flight heights of about 450 km and 530 km above surface. Realistic forward modeling of the expected data is an indispensible first step for both, evaluation and inversion of the real data set. This forward modeling requires a precise definition of the spherical geometry of the magnetic sources. At satellite height only long wavelengths of the magnetic anomalies are reliably measured. Because these are very sensitive to the modeling error in case of a local flat Earth approximation, conventional magnetic modeling tools cannot be reliably used. For an improved modeling approach, we start from the existing gravity modeling code "tesseroids" (http://leouieda.github.io/tesseroids/), which calculates gravity gradient tensor components for any collection of spherical prisms (tesseroids). By Poisson's relation the magnetic field is mathematically equivalent to the gradient of a gravity field. It is therefore directly possible to apply "tesseroids" for magnetic field modeling. To this end, the Earth crust is covered by spherical prisms, each with its own prescribed magnetic susceptibility and remanent magnetization. Induced magnetizations are then derived from the products of the local geomagnetic fields for the chosen main field model (such as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field), and the corresponding tesseroid susceptibilities. Remanent magnetization vectors are directly set. This method inherits the functionality of the original "tesseroids" code and performs parallel computation of the magnetic field vector components on any given grid. Initial global calculations for a simplified geometry and piecewise constant magnetization for each tesseroid show that the method is self-consistent and reproduces theoretically expected results. Synthetic induced crustal magnetic fields and total field anomalies of the CRUST1.0 model converted to magnetic tesseroids reproduce the results of previous forward modelling methods (e.g. using point dipoles as magnetic sources), while reducing error terms. Moreover the spherical-prism method can easily be linked to other geophysical forward or inverse modelling tools. Sensitivity analysis over Fennoscandia will be used to estimate if and how induced and remanent magnetization can be distinguished in data from the Swarm satellite mission.

Dielectric collapse at the LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 (001) heterointerface under applied electric field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minohara, M.; Hikita, Y.; Bell, C.

The fascinating interfacial transport properties at the LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 heterointerface have led to intense investigations of this oxide system. Exploiting the large dielectric constant of SrTiO 3 at low temperatures, tunability in the interfacial conductivity over a wide range has been demonstrated using a back-gate device geometry. In order to understand the effect of back-gating, it is crucial to assess the interface band structure and its evolution with external bias. In this study, we report measurements of the gate-bias dependent interface band alignment, especially the confining potential profile, at the conducting LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 (001) heterointerface using soft andmore » hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy in conjunction with detailed model simulations. Depth-profiling analysis incorporating the electric field dependent dielectric constant in SrTiO 3 reveals that a significant potential drop on the SrTiO 3 side of the interface occurs within ~2 nm of the interface under negative gate-bias. These results demonstrate gate control of the collapse of the dielectric permittivity at the interface, and explain the dramatic loss of electron mobility with back-gate depletion.« less

Dielectric collapse at the LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 (001) heterointerface under applied electric field

DOE PAGES

Minohara, M.; Hikita, Y.; Bell, C.; ...

2017-08-25

The fascinating interfacial transport properties at the LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 heterointerface have led to intense investigations of this oxide system. Exploiting the large dielectric constant of SrTiO 3 at low temperatures, tunability in the interfacial conductivity over a wide range has been demonstrated using a back-gate device geometry. In order to understand the effect of back-gating, it is crucial to assess the interface band structure and its evolution with external bias. In this study, we report measurements of the gate-bias dependent interface band alignment, especially the confining potential profile, at the conducting LaAlO 3/SrTiO 3 (001) heterointerface using soft andmore » hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy in conjunction with detailed model simulations. Depth-profiling analysis incorporating the electric field dependent dielectric constant in SrTiO 3 reveals that a significant potential drop on the SrTiO 3 side of the interface occurs within ~2 nm of the interface under negative gate-bias. These results demonstrate gate control of the collapse of the dielectric permittivity at the interface, and explain the dramatic loss of electron mobility with back-gate depletion.« less

Investigation on the Micro-Discharge Characteristics of Dielectric Barrier Discharge in a Needle-Plate Geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xuechen; Niu, Dongying; Jia, Pengying; Zhao, Na; Yuan, Ning

2011-04-01

In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge device with needle-plate electrodes was used to investigate the characteristics of the micro-discharge in argon at one atmospheric pressure by an optical method. The results show that there are two discharge modes in the dielectric barrier discharge, namely corona mode and filamentary mode. The corona discharge only occurs in the vicinity of the needle tip when the applied voltage is very low. However, the filamentary discharge mode can occur, and micro-discharge bridges the two electrodes when the applied voltage reaches a certain value. The extended area of micro-discharge on the dielectric plate becomes larger with the increase in applied voltage or decrease in gas pressure. The variance of the light emission waveforms is studied as a function of the applied voltage. Results show that very narrow discharge pulse only appears at the negative half cycle of the applied voltage in the corona discharge mode. However, broad hump (about several microseconds) can be discerned at both the negative half cycle and the positive half cycle for a high voltage in the filamentary mode. Furthermore, the inception voltage decreases and the width of the discharge hump increases with the increase in applied voltage. These experimental phenomena can be explained qualitatively by analyzing the discharge mechanism.

Method of making monodisperse nanoparticles

DOEpatents

Fan, Hongyon; Sun, Zaicheng

2012-10-16

A method of making particles of either spherical or cylindrical geometry with a characteristic diameter less than 50 nanometers by mixing at least one structure directing agent dissolved in a solvent with at least one amphiphilic block copolymer dissolved in a solvent to make a solution containing particles, where the particles can be subsequently separated and dispersed in a solvent of choice.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blackfield, Donald T.; Poole, Brian R.

N2F is a C/C++ code used to calculate the far zone electromagnetic (EM) field, given E and H near zone field data. The method used by N2F can be found in Ref. 1 and 2. N2F determines the far field E Φ and E θ in spherical coordinates for near zone data calculated in either Cartesian or Cylindrical geometry.

Nanorice Particles: Hybrid Plasmonic Nanostructures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Fei (Inventor); Halas, Nancy J. (Inventor); Nordlander, Peter (Inventor); Brandl, Daniel (Inventor); Wang, Hui (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A new hybrid nanoparticle, i.e., a nanorice particle, which combines the intense local fields of nanorods with the highly tunable plasmon resonances of nanoshells, is described herein. This geometry possesses far greater structural tunability than previous nanoparticle geometries, along with much larger local field enhancements and far greater sensitivity as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) nanosensor than presently known dielectric-conductive material nanostructures. In an embodiment, a nanoparticle comprises a prolate spheroid-shaped core having a first aspect ratio. The nanoparticle also comprises at least one conductive shell surrounding said prolate spheroid-shaped core. The nanoparticle has a surface plasmon resonance sensitivity of at least 600 nm RIU(sup.-1). Methods of making the disclosed nanorice particles are also described herein.

Resonant Gain Singularities in 1D and 3D Metal/Dielectric Multilayered Nanostructures.

PubMed

Caligiuri, Vincenzo; Pezzi, Luigia; Veltri, Alessandro; De Luca, Antonio

2017-01-24

We present a detailed study on the resonant gain (RG) phenomena occurring in two nanostructures, in which the presence of dielectric singularities is used to reach a huge amplification of the emitted photons resonantly interacting with the system. The presence of gain molecules in the considered nanoresonator systems makes it possible to obtain optical features that are able to unlock several applications. Two noticeable cases have been investigated: a 1D nanoresonator based on hyperbolic metamaterials and a 3D metal/dielectric spherical multishell. The former has been designed in the framework of the effective medium theory, in order to behave as an epsilon-near-zero-and-pole metamaterial, showing extraordinary light confinement and collimation. Such a peculiarity represents the key to lead to a RG behavior, a condition in which the system is demonstrated to behave as a self-amplifying perfect lens. Very high enhancement and spectral sharpness of 1 nm of the emitted light are demonstrated by means of a transfer matrix method simulation. The latter system consists of a metal/doped-dielectric multishell. A dedicated theoretical approach has been set up to finely engineer its doubly tunable resonant nature. The RG condition has been demonstrated also in this case. Finite element method-based simulations, together with an analytical model, clarify the electric field distribution inside the multishell and suggest the opportunity to use this device as a self-enhanced loss compensated multishell, being a favorable scenario for low-threshold SPASER action. Counterintuitively, exceeding the resonant gain amount of molecules in both systems causes a significant drop in the amplitude of the resonance.

Negative refraction in metamaterials based on dielectric spherical particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, T. C.; Wang, B. X.; Zhao, C. Y.

2018-07-01

Negative refraction (NR) metamaterials are featured with unique physical properties and potential to realize full control of electromagnetic waves, which have attracted much attention since the last decade. However, few researches focus on the realization of three-dimensional dielectric NR metamaterials in optic frequency, and the current design methods need further development. In this paper, a three-dimensional all-dielectric NR metamaterial with two NR bands has been realized based on proper excitation of electric and magnetic multipoles. It is also predicted that the coupling of magnetic dipole and electric dipole can lead to the NR bands in near-infrared frequencies, and NR in the visible frequencies can be achieved by the coupling of magnetic quadrupole and electric dipole. Band structures and equal-frequency surfaces of proposed metamaterial arranged in the periodic cubic lattice are solved by adopting the plane wave expansion method, and then the results verify the existence of these two NR frequency bands in periodic metamaterials. In this way, the characteristic parameters such as transmission and absorption of light in two NR bands are also analyzed. In the meantime, the finite-deference time-domain method is used to intuitively display the phenomenon of NR and investigate the effects of disorder in particle arrangement. Besides, it is found that the proposed metamaterials have fine robustness to the disorder in particle arrangement, and these two NR bands can be tuned by adjusting volume fraction. In brief, this work provides means for preliminary designing, profound analysis and intuitively exhibition of NR metamaterials based on dielectric particles.

Photoacoustic Effect Generated from an Expanding Spherical Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Wenyu; Diebold, Gerald J.

2018-02-01

Although the photoacoustic effect is typically generated by amplitude-modulated continuous or pulsed radiation, the form of the wave equation for pressure that governs the generation of sound indicates that optical sources moving in an absorbing fluid can produce sound as well. Here, the characteristics of the acoustic wave produced by a radially symmetric Gaussian source expanding outwardly from the origin are found. The unique feature of the photoacoustic effect from the spherical source is a trailing compressive wave that arises from reflection of an inwardly propagating component of the wave. Similar to the one-dimensional geometry, an unbounded amplification effect is found for the Gaussian source expanding at the sound speed.

Plasmon polaritons in cubic lattices of spherical metallic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamowski, Simon; Mann, Charlie-Ray; Hellbach, Felicitas; Mariani, Eros; Weick, Guillaume; Pauly, Fabian

2018-03-01

We theoretically investigate plasmon polaritons in cubic lattices of spherical metallic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles, each supporting triply-degenerate localized surface plasmons, couple through the Coulomb dipole-dipole interaction, giving rise to collective plasmons that extend over the whole metamaterial. The latter hybridize with photons forming plasmon polaritons, which are the hybrid light-matter eigenmodes of the system. We derive general analytical expressions to evaluate both plasmon and plasmon-polariton dispersions and the corresponding eigenstates. These are obtained within a Hamiltonian formalism, which takes into account retardation effects in the dipolar interaction between the nanoparticles and considers the dielectric properties of the nanoparticles as well as their surrounding. Within this model we predict polaritonic splittings in the near-infrared to the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum that depend on polarization, lattice symmetry, and wave-vector direction. Finally, we show that the predictions of our model are in excellent quantitative agreement with conventional finite-difference frequency-domain simulations, but with the advantages of analytical insight and significantly reduced computational cost.

The effects of temperature, hydrostatic pressure and size on optical gain for GaAs spherical quantum dot laser with hydrogen impurity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owji, Erfan; Keshavarz, Alireza; Mokhtari, Hosein

2016-10-01

In this paper, the effects of temperature, hydrostatic pressure and size on optical gain for GaAs spherical quantum dot laser with hydrogen impurity are investigated. For this purpose, the effects of temperature, pressure and quantum dot size on the band gap energy, effective mass, and dielectric constant are studied. The eigenenergies and eigenstates for valence and conduction band are calculated by using Runge-Kutta numerical method. Results show that changes in the temperature, pressure and size lead to the alteration of the band gap energy and effective mass. Also, increasing the temperature redshifts the optical gain peak and at special temperature ranges lead to increasing or decreasing of it. Further, by reducing the size, temperature-dependent of optical gain is decreased. Additionally, enhancing of the hydrostatic pressure blueshifts the peak of optical gain, and its behavior as a function of pressure which depends on the size. Finally, increasing the radius rises the redshifts of the peak of optical gain.

Spontaneous emission in dielectric nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pukhov, K. K.; Basiev, T. T.; Orlovskii, Yu. V.

2008-09-01

An analytical expression is obtained for the radiative-decay rate of an excited optical center in an ellipsoidal dielectric nanoparticle (with sizes much less than the wavelength) surrounded by a dielectric medium. It is found that the ratio of the decay rate A nano of an excited optical center in the nanoparticle to the decay rate A bulk of an excited optical center in the bulk sample is independent of the local-field correction and, therefore, of the adopted local-field model. Moreover, the expression implies that the ratio A nano/ A bulk for oblate and prolate ellipsoids depends strongly on the orientation of the dipole moment of the transition with respect to the ellipsoid axes. In the case of spherical nanoparticles, a formula relating the decay rate A nano and the dielectric parameters of the nanocomposite and the volumetric content c of these particles in the nanocomposite is derived. This formula reduces to a known expression for spherical nanoparticles in the limit c ≪ 1, while the ratio A nano/ A bulk approaches unity as c tends to unity. The analysis shows that the approach used in a number of papers {H. P. Christensen, D. R. Gabbe, and H. P. Jenssen, Phys. Rev. B 25, 1467 (1982); R. S. Meltzer, S. P. Feofilov, B. Tissue, and H. B. Yuan, Phys. Rev. B 60, R14012 (1999); R. I. Zakharchenya, A. A. Kaplyanskii, A. B. Kulinkin, et al., Fiz. Tverd. Tela 45, 2104 (2003) [Phys. Solid State 45, 2209 (2003)]; G. Manoj Kumar, D. Narayana Rao, and G. S. Agarwal, Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 203903 (2003); Chang-Kui Duan, Michael F. Reid, and Zhongqing Wang, Phys. Lett. A 343, 474 (2005); K. Dolgaleva, R. W. Boyd, and P. W. Milonni, J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 24, 516 (2007)}, for which the formula for A nano is derived merely by substituting the bulk refractive index by the effective refractive index of the nanocomposite must be revised, because the resulting ratio A nano/ A bulk turns out to depend on the local-field model. The formulas for the emission and absorption cross sections σnano for nanoparticles are derived. It is shown that the ratios σnano/σbulk and A nano/ A bulk are not equal in general, which can be used to improve the lasing parameters. The experimentally determined and theoretically evaluated decay times of metastable states of dopant rare-earth ions in crystalline YAG and Y2O3 nanoparticles are compared with the corresponding values for bulk crystals of the same structure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmad, Bhat Zahoor; Want, Basharat, E-mail: bawant@kashmiruniversity.ac.in

We investigate the structure and ferroelectric behavior of a lanthanide based metal-organic framework (MOF), [Nd(C{sub 4}H{sub 5}O{sub 6})(C{sub 4}H{sub 4}O{sub 6})][3H{sub 2}O]. X-ray crystal structure analyses reveal that it crystallizes in the P4{sub 1}2{sub 1}2 space group with Nd centres, coordinated by nine oxygen atoms, forming a distorted capped square antiprismatic geometry. The molecules, bridged by tartrate ligands, form a 2D chiral structure. The 2D sheets are further linked into a 3D porous framework via strong hydrogen-bonding scheme (O-H…O ≈ 2.113 Å). Dielectric studies reveal two anomalies at 295 K and 185 K. The former is a paraelectric-ferroelectric transition, and the later is attributed tomore » the freezing down of the motion of the hydroxyl groups. The phase transition is of second order, and the spontaneous polarization in low temperature phase is attributed to the ordering of protons of hydroxyl groups. The dielectric nonlinearity parameters have been calculated using Landau– Devonshire phenomenological theory. In addition, the most recent semiempirical models, Sparkle/PM7, Sparkle/RM1, and Sparkle/AM1, are tested on the present system to assay the accuracy of semiempirical quantum approaches to predict the geometries of solid MOFs. Our results show that Sparkle/PM7 model is the most accurate to predict the unit cell structure and coordination polyhedron geometry. The semiempirical methods are also used to calculate different ground state molecular properties.« less

Structure, ferroelectric ordering, and semiempirical quantum calculations of lanthanide based metal-organic framework: [Nd(C4H5O6)(C4H4O6)][3H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Bhat Zahoor; Want, Basharat

2016-04-01

We investigate the structure and ferroelectric behavior of a lanthanide based metal-organic framework (MOF), [Nd(C4H5O6)(C4H4O6)][3H2O]. X-ray crystal structure analyses reveal that it crystallizes in the P41212 space group with Nd centres, coordinated by nine oxygen atoms, forming a distorted capped square antiprismatic geometry. The molecules, bridged by tartrate ligands, form a 2D chiral structure. The 2D sheets are further linked into a 3D porous framework via strong hydrogen-bonding scheme (O-H…O ≈ 2.113 Å). Dielectric studies reveal two anomalies at 295 K and 185 K. The former is a paraelectric-ferroelectric transition, and the later is attributed to the freezing down of the motion of the hydroxyl groups. The phase transition is of second order, and the spontaneous polarization in low temperature phase is attributed to the ordering of protons of hydroxyl groups. The dielectric nonlinearity parameters have been calculated using Landau- Devonshire phenomenological theory. In addition, the most recent semiempirical models, Sparkle/PM7, Sparkle/RM1, and Sparkle/AM1, are tested on the present system to assay the accuracy of semiempirical quantum approaches to predict the geometries of solid MOFs. Our results show that Sparkle/PM7 model is the most accurate to predict the unit cell structure and coordination polyhedron geometry. The semiempirical methods are also used to calculate different ground state molecular properties.

Ternary mixed crystal effects on interface optical phonon and electron-phonon coupling in zinc-blende GaN/AlxGa1-xN spherical quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wen Deng; Chen, Guang De; Yuan, Zhao Lin; Yang, Chuang Hua; Ye, Hong Gang; Wu, Ye Long

2016-02-01

The theoretical investigations of the interface optical phonons, electron-phonon couplings and its ternary mixed effects in zinc-blende spherical quantum dots are obtained by using the dielectric continuum model and modified random-element isodisplacement model. The features of dispersion curves, electron-phonon coupling strengths, and its ternary mixed effects for interface optical phonons in a single zinc-blende GaN/AlxGa1-xN spherical quantum dot are calculated and discussed in detail. The numerical results show that there are three branches of interface optical phonons. One branch exists in low frequency region; another two branches exist in high frequency region. The interface optical phonons with small quantum number l have more important contributions to the electron-phonon interactions. It is also found that ternary mixed effects have important influences on the interface optical phonon properties in a single zinc-blende GaN/AlxGa1-xN quantum dot. With the increase of Al component, the interface optical phonon frequencies appear linear changes, and the electron-phonon coupling strengths appear non-linear changes in high frequency region. But in low frequency region, the frequencies appear non-linear changes, and the electron-phonon coupling strengths appear linear changes.

Vertical pillar nanoantenna for emission enhancement and redirection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paparone, J.; Laverdant, J.; Brucoli, G.; Symonds, C.; Crut, A.; Del Fatti, N.; Benoit, J. M.; Bellessa, J.

2018-01-01

Designing efficient metallic nanostructures can help in realizing bright single photon emission in the visible and near-infrared ranges. We propose a novel nanostructure design that combines the benefits of plasmonic hot spot generation in the near-field and the concept of antennas developed in the radio-frequency range. The antenna is formed by a vertical stack of metallic and dielectric nanocylinders. When used for controlling the far-field emission of a localized source, its key features are moderate losses in the metal, relatively large Purcell factors, as well as a low sensibility to the lateral position of the emitter. A redirection process necessary for these vertical structures is proposed, based on the versatility of the vertical geometry, and allows an efficient redirection of the emitted light even for antennas on dielectric substrates.

Nondestructive Superresolution Imaging of Defects and Nonuniformities in Metals, Semiconductors, Dielectrics, Composites, and Plants Using Evanescent Microwaves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabib-Azar, M.; Pathak, P. S.; Ponchak, G.; LeClair, S.

1999-01-01

We have imaged and mapped material nonuniformities and defects using microwaves generated at the end of a microstripline resonator with 0.4 micrometer lateral spatial resolution at 1 GHz. Here we experimentally examine the effect of microstripline substrate permittivity, the feedline-to-resonator coupling strength, and probe tip geometry on the spatial resolution of the probe. Carbon composites, dielectrics, semiconductors, metals, and botanical samples were scanned for defects, residual stresses, subsurface features, areas of different film thickness, and moisture content. The resulting evanescent microwave probe (EMP) images are discussed. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate the overall capabilities of the EMP imaging technique as well as to discuss various probe parameters that can be used to design EMPs for different applications.

Metasurface-based anti-reflection coatings at optical frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monti, Alessio; Alù, Andrea; Toscano, Alessandro; Bilotti, Filiberto

2018-05-01

In this manuscript, we propose a metasurface approach for the reduction of electromagnetic reflection from an arbitrary air‑dielectric interface. The proposed technique exploits the exotic optical response of plasmonic nanoparticles to achieve complete cancellation of the field reflected by a dielectric substrate by means of destructive interference. Differently from other, earlier anti-reflection approaches based on nanoparticles, our design scheme is supported by a simple transmission-line formulation that allows a closed-form characterization of the anti-reflection performance of a nanoparticle array. Furthermore, since the working principle of the proposed devices relies on an average effect that does not critically depend on the array geometry, our approach enables low-cost production and easy scalability to large sizes. Our theoretical considerations are supported by full-wave simulations confirming the effectiveness of this design principle.

A New Poisson-Nernst-Planck Model with Ion-Water Interactions for Charge Transport in Ion Channels.

PubMed

Chen, Duan

2016-08-01

In this work, we propose a new Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) model with ion-water interactions for biological charge transport in ion channels. Due to narrow geometries of these membrane proteins, ion-water interaction is critical for both dielectric property of water molecules in channel pore and transport dynamics of mobile ions. We model the ion-water interaction energy based on realistic experimental observations in an efficient mean-field approach. Variation of a total energy functional of the biological system yields a new PNP-type continuum model. Numerical simulations show that the proposed model with ion-water interaction energy has the new features that quantitatively describe dielectric properties of water molecules in narrow pores and are possible to model the selectivity of some ion channels.

Coherent radiation of relativistic electrons in dielectric fibers in the millimeter wavelength range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naumenko, G. A.; Potylitsyn, A. P.; Bleko, V. V.; Soboleva, V. V.

2015-02-01

The generation of visible light by a relativistic electron beam in dielectric fibers was considered in X. Artru and C. Ray, Nucl. Inst. Meth. B 309, 4 (2013), where the characteristics of radiation induced in a fiber by the electromagnetic field of a relativistic charged particle were studied and it was emphasized that they differ from those in the traditional mechanisms of radiation such as transition and diffraction. We have experimentally studied the characteristics of such a radiation in the millimeter wavelength range. It has been shown that radiation can be generated through different mechanisms depending on the geometry of the position of a fiber with respect to the trajectory of the charged particle. Fibers have been shown to be promising for nondestructive diagnostics of accelerator beams.

Method of manufacturing a shapeable short-resistant capacitor

DOEpatents

Taylor, Ralph S.; Myers, John D.; Baney, William J.

2013-04-02

A method that employs a novel combination of conventional fabrication techniques provides a ceramic short-resistant capacitor that is bendable and/or shapeable to provide a multiple layer capacitor that is extremely compact and amenable to desirable geometries. The method allows thinner and more flexible ceramic capacitors to be made. The method includes forming a first thin metal layer on a substrate; depositing a thin, ceramic dielectric layer over the metal layer; depositing a second thin metal layer over the dielectric layer to form a capacitor exhibiting a benign failure mode; and separating the capacitor from the substrate. The method may also include bending the resulting capacitor into a serpentine arrangement with gaps between the layers that allow venting of evaporated electrode material in the event of a benign failure.

A semi-analytical method to evaluate the dielectric response of a tokamak plasma accounting for drift orbit effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Eester, Dirk

2005-03-01

A semi-analytical method is proposed to evaluate the dielectric response of a plasma to electromagnetic waves in the ion cyclotron domain of frequencies in a D-shaped but axisymmetric toroidal geometry. The actual drift orbit of the particles is accounted for. The method hinges on subdividing the orbit into elementary segments in which the integrations can be performed analytically or by tabulation, and it relies on the local book-keeping of the relation between the toroidal angular momentum and the poloidal flux function. Depending on which variables are chosen, the method allows computation of elementary building blocks for either the wave or the Fokker-Planck equation, but the accent is mainly on the latter. Two types of tangent resonance are distinguished.

A study of electric transmission lines for use on the lunar surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaustad, Krista L.; Gordon, Lloyd B.; Weber, Jennifer R.

1994-01-01

The sources for electrical power on a lunar base are said to include solar/chemical, nuclear (static conversion), and nuclear (dynamic conversion). The transmission of power via transmission lines is more practical than power beaming or superconducting because of its low cost and reliable, proven technology. Transmission lines must have minimum mass, maximum efficiency, and the ability to operate reliably in the lunar environment. The transmission line design includes conductor material, insulator material, conductor geometry, conductor configuration, line location, waveform, phase selection, and frequency. This presentation oulines the design. Liquid and gaseous dielectrics are undesirable for long term use in the lunar vacuum due to a high probability of loss. Thus, insulation for high voltage transmission line will most likely be solid dielectric or vacuum insulation.

Enhancement of Resonant Energy Transfer Due to an Evanescent Wave from the Metal.

PubMed

Poudel, Amrit; Chen, Xin; Ratner, Mark A

2016-03-17

The high density of evanescent modes in the vicinity of a metal leads to enhancement of the near-field Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) rate. We present a classical approach to calculate the FRET rate based on the dyadic Green's function of an arbitrary dielectric environment and consider the nonlocal limit of material permittivity in the case of the metallic half-space and thin film. In a dimer system, we find that the FRET rate is enhanced due to shared evanescent photon modes bridging a donor and an acceptor. Furthermore, a general expression for the FRET rate for multimer systems is derived. The presence of a dielectric environment and the path interference effect enhance the transfer rate, depending on the combination of distance and geometry.

Gradient forces on double-negative particles in optical tweezers using Bessel beams in the ray optics regime.

PubMed

Ambrosio, Leonardo A; Hernández-Figueroa, Hugo E

2010-11-08

Gradient forces on double negative (DNG) spherical dielectric particles are theoretically evaluated for v-th Bessel beams supposing geometrical optics approximations based on momentum transfer. For the first time in the literature, comparisons between these forces for double positive (DPS) and DNG particles are reported. We conclude that, contrary to the conventional case of positive refractive index, the gradient forces acting on a DNG particle may not reverse sign when the relative refractive index n goes from |n|>1 to |n|<1, thus revealing new and interesting trapping properties.

Resonant halide perovskite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiguntseva, Ekaterina Y.; Ishteev, Arthur R.; Komissarenko, Filipp E.; Zuev, Dmitry A.; Ushakova, Elena V.; Milichko, Valentin A.; Nesterov-Mueller, Alexander; Makarov, Sergey V.; Zakhidov, Anvar A.

2017-09-01

The hybrid halide perovskites is a prospective material for fabrication of cost-effective optical devices. Unique perovskites properties are used for solar cells and different photonic applications. Recently, perovskite-based nanophotonics has emerged. Here, we consider perovskite like a high-refractive index dielectric material, which can be considered to be a basis for nanoparticles fabrication with Mie resonances. As a result, we fabricate and study resonant perovskite nanoparticles with different sizes. We reveal, that spherical nanoparticles show enhanced photoluminescence signal. The achieved results lay a cornerstone in the field of novel types of organic-inorganic nanophotonics devices with optical properties improved by Mie resonances.

Recent Progress on Spherical Torus Research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ono, Masayuki; Kaita, Robert

2014-01-01

The spherical torus or spherical tokamak (ST) is a member of the tokamak family with its aspect ratio (A = R0/a) reduced to A ~ 1.5, well below the normal tokamak operating range of A ≥ 2.5. As the aspect ratio is reduced, the ideal tokamak beta β (radio of plasma to magnetic pressure) stability limit increases rapidly, approximately as β ~ 1/A. The plasma current it can sustain for a given edge safety factor q-95 also increases rapidly. Because of the above, as well as the natural elongation κ, which makes its plasma shape appear spherical, the ST configurationmore » can yield exceptionally high tokamak performance in a compact geometry. Due to its compactness and high performance, the ST configuration has various near term applications, including a compact fusion neutron source with low tritium consumption, in addition to its longer term goal of attractive fusion energy power source. Since the start of the two megaampere class ST facilities in 2000, National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) in the US and Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak (MAST) in UK, active ST research has been conducted worldwide. More than sixteen ST research facilities operating during this period have achieved remarkable advances in all of fusion science areas, involving fundamental fusion energy science as well as innovation. These results suggest exciting future prospects for ST research both near term and longer term. The present paper reviews the scientific progress made by the worldwide ST research community during this new mega-ampere-ST era.« less

Numerical simulations for quantitative analysis of electrostatic interaction between atomic force microscopy probe and an embedded electrode within a thin dielectric: meshing optimization, sensitivity to potential distribution and impact of cantilever contribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azib, M.; Baudoin, F.; Binaud, N.; Villeneuve-Faure, C.; Bugarin, F.; Segonds, S.; Teyssedre, G.

2018-04-01

Recent experimental results demonstrated that an electrostatic force distance curve (EFDC) can be used for space charge probing in thin dielectric layers. A main advantage of the method is claimed to be its sensitivity to charge localization, which, however, needs to be substantiated by numerical simulations. In this paper, we have developed a model which permits us to compute an EFDC accurately by using the most sophisticated and accurate geometry for the atomic force microscopy probe. To avoid simplifications and in order to reproduce experimental conditions, the EFDC has been simulated for a system constituted of a polarized electrode embedded in a thin dielectric layer (SiN x ). The individual contributions of forces on the tip and on the cantilever have been analyzed separately to account for possible artefacts. The EFDC sensitivity to potential distribution is studied through the change in electrode shape, namely the width and the depth. Finally, the numerical results have been compared with experimental data.

Thin-film decoupling capacitors for multi-chip modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimos, D.; Lockwood, S. J.; Schwartz, R. W.; Rogers, M. S.

Thin-film decoupling capacitors based on ferroelectric lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) films are being developed for use in advanced packages, such as multi-chip modules. These thin-film decoupling capacitors are intended to replace multi-layer ceramic capacitors for certain applications, since they can be more fully integrated into the packaging architecture. The increased integration that can be achieved should lead to decreased package volume and improved high-speed performance, due to a decrease in interconnect inductance. PLZT films are fabricated by spin coating using metal carboxylate/alkoxide solutions. These films exhibit very high dielectric constants ((var epsilon) greater than or equal to 900), low dielectric losses (tan(delta) = 0.01), excellent insulation resistances (rho greater than 10(exp 13) (Omega)-cm at 125 C), and good breakdown field strengths (E(sub B) = 900 kV/cm). For integrated circuit applications, the PLZT dielectric is less than 1 micron thick, which results in a large capacitance/area (8-9 nF/sq mm). The thin-film geometry and processing conditions also make these capacitors suitable for direct incorporation onto integrated circuits and for packages that require embedded components.

BetaSCPWeb: side-chain prediction for protein structures using Voronoi diagrams and geometry prioritization

PubMed Central

Ryu, Joonghyun; Lee, Mokwon; Cha, Jehyun; Laskowski, Roman A.; Ryu, Seong Eon; Kim, Deok-Soo

2016-01-01

Many applications, such as protein design, homology modeling, flexible docking, etc. require the prediction of a protein's optimal side-chain conformations from just its amino acid sequence and backbone structure. Side-chain prediction (SCP) is an NP-hard energy minimization problem. Here, we present BetaSCPWeb which efficiently computes a conformation close to optimal using a geometry-prioritization method based on the Voronoi diagram of spherical atoms. Its outputs are visual, textual and PDB file format. The web server is free and open to all users at http://voronoi.hanyang.ac.kr/betascpweb with no login requirement. PMID:27151195

Interference effects in the sum frequency generation spectra of thin organic films. II: Applications to different thin-film systems.

PubMed

Tong, Yujin; Zhao, Yanbao; Li, Na; Ma, Yunsheng; Osawa, Masatoshi; Davies, Paul B; Ye, Shen

2010-07-21

In this paper, the results of the modeling calculations carried out for predicting the interference effects expected in the sum frequency generation (SFG) spectra of a specific thin-layer system, described in the accompanying paper, are tested by comparing them with the experimental spectra obtained for a real thin-layer film comprising an organic monolayer/variable thickness dielectric layer/gold substrate. In this system, two contributions to the SFG spectra arise, a resonant contribution from the organic film and a nonresonant contribution from the gold substrate. The modeling calculations are in excellent agreement with the experimental spectra over a wide range of thicknesses and for different polarization combinations. The introduction of another resonant monolayer adjacent to the gold substrate and with the molecules having a reverse orientation has a significant affect on the spectral shapes which is predicted. If a dielectric substrate such as CaF(2) is used instead of a gold substrate, only the spectral intensities vary with the film thickness but not the spectral shapes. The counterpropagating beam geometry will change both the thickness dependent spectral shapes and the intensity of different vibrational modes in comparison with a copropagating geometry. The influences of these experimental factors, i.e., the molecular orientational structure in the thin film, the nature of the substrate, and the selected incident beam geometry, on the experimental SFG spectra are quantitatively predicted by the calculations. The thickness effects on the signals from a SFG active monolayer contained in a thin liquid-layer cell of the type frequently used for in situ electrochemical measurements is also discussed. The modeling calculation is also valid for application to other thin-film systems comprising more than two resonant SFG active interfaces by appropriate choice of optical geometries and relevant optical properties.

Water, something peculiar.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Hylckama, T. E. A.

1979-01-01

Some chemical and physical properties of water are discussed and compared with those of other fluids. For instance, the boiling point is much higher than one would expect considering the molecular weight of water. The heat capacity is also much higher but the viscosity is not. The dielectric constant is exceptionally high. These and other properties of water can be explained by the geometry of the water molecule and the structure of water or ice. -Author

Order and Jamming on Curved Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burke, Christopher J.

Geometric frustration occurs when a physical system's preferred ordering (e.g. spherical particles packing in a hexagonal lattice) is incompatible with the system's geometry. An example of this occurs in arrested relaxation in Pickering emulsions. Pickering emulsions are emulsions (e.g. mixtures of oil and water) with colloidal particles mixed in. The particles tend to lie at an oil-water interface, and can coat the surface of droplets within the emulsion (e.g. an oil droplet surrounded by water.) If a droplet is deformed from its spherical ground state, more particles adsorb at the surface, and the droplet is allowed to relax, then the particles on the surface can become close packed and prevent further relaxation, arresting the droplet in a non-spherical shape. The resulting structures tend to be relatively well ordered with regions of highly hexagonal packings; however, the curvature of the surface prevents perfect ordering and defects in the packing are required. These defects may influence the stability of these structures, making it important to understand how to predict and control them for applications in the food, cosmetic, oil, and medical industries. In this work, we use simulations to study the ordering and stability of sphere packings on arrested emulsions droplets. We first isolate the role of surface geometry by creating packings on a static ellipsoidal surface. Next we perform simulations which include dynamic effects that are present in the experimental Pickering emulsion system. Packings are created by evolving an ellipsoidal surface towards a spherical shape at fixed volume; the effects of relaxation rate, interparticle attraction, and gravity are determined. Finally, we study jamming on curved surfaces. Packings of hard particles are used to study marginally stable packings and the role curvature plays in constraining them. We also study packings of soft particles, compressed beyond marginal stability, and find that geometric frustration plays an important role in determining their mechanical properties.

Modeling RF Fields in Hot Plasmas with Parallel Full Wave Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spencer, Andrew; Svidzinski, Vladimir; Zhao, Liangji; Galkin, Sergei; Kim, Jin-Soo

2016-10-01

FAR-TECH, Inc. is developing a suite of full wave RF plasma codes. It is based on a meshless formulation in configuration space with adapted cloud of computational points (CCP) capability and using the hot plasma conductivity kernel to model the nonlocal plasma dielectric response. The conductivity kernel is calculated by numerically integrating the linearized Vlasov equation along unperturbed particle trajectories. Work has been done on the following calculations: 1) the conductivity kernel in hot plasmas, 2) a monitor function based on analytic solutions of the cold-plasma dispersion relation, 3) an adaptive CCP based on the monitor function, 4) stencils to approximate the wave equations on the CCP, 5) the solution to the full wave equations in the cold-plasma model in tokamak geometry for ECRH and ICRH range of frequencies, and 6) the solution to the wave equations using the calculated hot plasma conductivity kernel. We will present results on using a meshless formulation on adaptive CCP to solve the wave equations and on implementing the non-local hot plasma dielectric response to the wave equations. The presentation will include numerical results of wave propagation and absorption in the cold and hot tokamak plasma RF models, using DIII-D geometry and plasma parameters. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

Simulation of cold magnetized plasmas with the 3D electromagnetic software CST Microwave Studio®

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louche, Fabrice; Křivská, Alena; Messiaen, André; Wauters, Tom

2017-10-01

Detailed designs of ICRF antennas were made possible by the development of sophisticated commercial 3D codes like CST Microwave Studio® (MWS). This program allows for very detailed geometries of the radiating structures, but was only considering simple materials like equivalent isotropic dielectrics to simulate the reflection and the refraction of RF waves at the vacuum/plasma interface. The code was nevertheless used intensively, notably for computing the coupling properties of the ITER ICRF antenna. Until recently it was not possible to simulate gyrotropic medias like magnetized plasmas, but recent improvements have allowed programming any material described by a general dielectric or/and diamagnetic tensor. A Visual Basic macro was developed to exploit this feature and was tested for the specific case of a monochromatic plane wave propagating longitudinally with respect to the magnetic field direction. For specific cases the exact solution can be expressed in 1D as the sum of two circularly polarized waves connected by a reflection coefficient that can be analytically computed. Solutions for stratified media can also be derived. This allows for a direct comparison with MWS results. The agreement is excellent but accurate simulations for realistic geometries require large memory resources that could significantly restrict the possibility of simulating cold plasmas to small-scale machines.

Design And Simulation Of Microstrip Antenna Of 2.4 GHz Using CST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, O. P.; Kushwaha, Alok K.

2011-12-01

This article describes the design, fabrication and testing of micro strip patch antennas operating at 2.4 GHz. Consideration is given on practical design technique, including substrate selection and antenna measurements. It is emphasised to the radiation properties of the antennas—the radiation pattern and polarization purity. A micro strip patch antenna consists of a very thin metallic patch placed a small fraction of a wavelength above a conducting ground-plane. The patch and ground-plane are separated by a dielectric. The patch conductor is normally copper and can assume any shape, but simple geometries generally are used, and this simplifies the analysis and performance prediction. The patches are usually photo etched on the dielectric substrate. The substrate is usually non-magnetic. The relative permittivity of the substrate is normally in the region between 1 and 4, which enhances the fringing fields that account for radiation, but higher values may be used in special circumstances. Due to its simple geometry, the half wave rectangular patch is the most commonly used micro strip antenna. It is characterized by its length L, width w and thickness h. The simplest method of feeding the patch is by a coplanar micro strip line, also photo etched on the substrate. Coaxial feeds are also widely used.

Launching Phonon Polaritons by Natural Boron Nitride Wrinkles with Modifiable Dispersion by Dielectric Environments.

PubMed

Duan, Jiahua; Chen, Runkun; Li, Jingcheng; Jin, Kuijuan; Sun, Zhigang; Chen, Jianing

2017-10-01

Interference-free hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPPs) excited by natural wrinkles in a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) microcrystal are reported both experimentally and theoretically. Although their geometries are off-resonant with the excitation wavelength, the wrinkles compensate for the large momentum mismatch between photon and phonon polariton, and launch the HPPs without interference. The spatial feature of wrinkles is about 200 nm, which is an order of magnitude smaller than resonant metal antennas at the same excitation wavelength. Compared with phonon polaritons launched by an atomic force microscopy tip, the phonon polaritons launched by wrinkles are interference-free, independent of the launcher geometry, and exhibit a smaller damping rate (γ ≈ 0.028). On the same hBN microcrystal, in situ nanoinfrared imaging of HPPs launched by different mechanisms is performed. In addition, the dispersion of HPPs is modified by changing the dielectric environments of hBN crystals. The wavelength of HPPs is compressed twofold when the substrate is changed from SiO 2 to gold. The findings provide insights into the intrinsic properties of hBN-HPPs and demonstrate a new way to launch and control polaritons in van der Waals materials. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Impact of projectiles of different geometries on dry granular media using DEM simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vajrala, Spandana; Bagheri, Hosain; Emady, Heather; Marvi, Hamid; Particulate Process; Product Design Group Team; Birth Lab Collaboration

Recently, several studies involving numerical and experimental methods have focused on the study of impact dynamics in both dry and wet granular media. Most of these studies considered the impact of spherical projectiles under different conditions, while representative models could involve more complex shapes. Examples include such things as an animal's foot impacting sand or an asteroid hitting the ground. Dropping different shaped geometries with conserved density, volume and velocity on a granular bed may experience contrasting drag forces upon penetration. This is the result of the difference in the surface areas coming in contact with the granular media. Therefore, this work will utilize three-dimensional Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) simulations to observe and compare the impact of different geometries like cylinder and cuboid of same material properties and volume. These geometries will be impacted on a loosely packed non-cohesive dry granular bed with the same impact velocities where the effect of surface area in contact with the granular media will be analyzed upon impact and penetration.

Semi-Numerical Studies of the Three-Meter Spherical Couette Experiment Utilizing Data Assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnett, S. C.; Rojas, R.; Perevalov, A.; Lathrop, D. P.

2017-12-01

The model of the Earth's magnetic field has been investigated in recent years through experiments and numerical models. At the University of Maryland, experimental studies are implemented in a three-meter spherical Couette device filled with liquid sodium. The inner and outer spheres of this apparatus mimic the planet's inner core and core-mantle boundary, respectively. These experiments incorporate high velocity flows with Reynolds numbers 108. In spherical Couette geometry, the numerical scheme applied to this work features finite difference methods in the radial direction and pseudospectral spherical harmonic transforms elsewhere [Schaeffer, N. G3 (2013)]. Adding to the numerical model, data assimilation integrates the experimental outer-layer magnetic field measurements. This semi-numerical model can then be compared to the experimental results as well as forecasting magnetic field changes. Data assimilation makes it possible to get estimates of internal motions of the three-meter experiment that would otherwise be intrusive or impossible to obtain in experiments or too computationally expensive with a purely numerical code. If we can provide accurate models of the three-meter device, it is possible to attempt to model the geomagnetic field. We gratefully acknowledge the support of NSF Grant No. EAR1417148 & DGE1322106.

Semi-Numerical Studies of the Three-Meter Spherical Couette Experiment Utilizing Data Assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnett, Sarah; Rojas, Ruben; Perevalov, Artur; Lathrop, Daniel; Ide, Kayo; Schaeffer, Nathanael

2017-11-01

The model of the Earth's magnetic field has been investigated in recent years through experiments and numerical models. At the University of Maryland, experimental studies are implemented in a three-meter spherical Couette device filled with liquid sodium. The inner and outer spheres of this apparatus mimic the planet's inner core and core-mantle boundary, respectively. These experiments incorporate high velocity flows with Reynolds numbers 108 . In spherical Couette geometry, the numerical scheme applied to this work features finite difference methods in the radial direction and pseudospectral spherical harmonic transforms elsewhere. Adding to the numerical model, data assimilation integrates the experimental outer-layer magnetic field measurements. This semi-numerical model can then be compared to the experimental results as well as forecasting magnetic field changes. Data assimilation makes it possible to get estimates of internal motions of the three-meter experiment that would otherwise be intrusive or impossible to obtain in experiments or too computationally expensive with a purely numerical code. If we can provide accurate models of the three-meter device, it is possible to attempt to model the geomagnetic field. We gratefully acknowledge the support of NSF Grant No. EAR1417148 & DGE1322106.

Zonal Flow Velocimetry in Spherical Couette Flow using Acoustic Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Matthew M.; Mautino, Anthony R.; Stone, Douglas R.; Triana, Santiago A.; Lekic, Vedran; Lathrop, Daniel P.

2015-11-01

We present studies of spherical Couette flows using the technique of acoustic mode Doppler velocimetry. This technique uses rotational splittings of acoustic modes to infer the azimuthal velocity profile of a rotating flow, and is of special interest in experiments where direct flow visualization is impractical. The primary experimental system consists of a 60 cm diameter outer spherical shell concentric with a 20 cm diameter sphere, with air or nitrogen gas serving as the working fluid. The geometry of the system approximates that of the Earth's core, making these studies geophysically relevant. A turbulent shear flow is established in the system by rotating the inner sphere and outer shell at different rates. Acoustic modes of the fluid volume are excited using a speaker and measured via microphones, allowingdetermination of rotational splittings. Preliminary results comparing observed splittings with those predicted by theory are presented. While the majority of these studies were performed in the 60 cm diameter device using nitrogen gas, some work has also been done looking at acoustic modes in the 3 m diameter liquid sodium spherical Couette experiment. Prospects for measuring zonal velocity profiles in a wide variety of experiments are discussed.

Fullerene-Based Symmetry in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Pollen

PubMed Central

Andrade, Kleber; Guerra, Sara; Debut, Alexis

2014-01-01

The fullerene molecule belongs to the so-called super materials. The compound is interesting due to its spherical configuration where atoms occupy positions forming a mechanically stable structure. We first demonstrate that pollen of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a strong symmetry regarding the distribution of its spines over the spherical grain. These spines form spherical hexagons and pentagons. The distance between atoms in fullerene is explained applying principles of flat, spherical, and spatial geometry, based on Euclid’s “Elements” book, as well as logic algorithms. Measurements of the pollen grain take into account that the true spine lengths, and consequently the real distances between them, are measured to the periphery of each grain. Algorithms are developed to recover the spatial effects lost in 2D photos. There is a clear correspondence between the position of atoms in the fullerene molecule and the position of spines in the pollen grain. In the fullerene the separation gives the idea of equal length bonds which implies perfectly distributed electron clouds while in the pollen grain we suggest that the spines being equally spaced carry an electrical charge originating in forces involved in the pollination process. PMID:25003375

Surface Plasmon Polariton Resonance of Gold, Silver, and Copper Studied in the Kretschmann Geometry: Dependence on Wavelength, Angle of Incidence, and Film Thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Kentaro; Nair, Selvakumar V.; Watanabe, Ryosuke; Seto, Keisuke; Kobayashi, Takayoshi; Tokunaga, Eiji

2017-12-01

Surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance spectra for noble metals (Au, Ag, and Cu) were comprehensively studied in the Kretschmann attenuated total reflection (ATR) geometry, in the wavelength (λ) range from 300 to 1000 nm with the angle of incidence (θ) ranging from 45 to 60° and the film thickness (d) ranging from 41 to 76 nm. The experimental plasmon resonance spectra were reproduced by a calculation that included the broadening effects as follows: (1) the imaginary part of the bulk dielectric constant, (2) the thickness-dependent radiative coupling of the SPP at the metal-air interface to the prism, (3) the lack of conservation of the wavevector parallel to the interface kx(k||) caused by the surface roughness, (4) scanning λ at a fixed θ (changing both energy and kx at the same time) over the SPP dispersion relation. For Au and Ag, the experimental results were in good agreement with the calculated results using the bulk dielectric constants, showing no film thickness dependence of the plasmon resonance energy. A method to extract the true width of the plasmon resonance from raw ATR spectra is proposed and the results are rigorously compared with those expected from the bulk dielectric function given in the literature. For Au and Ag, the width increases with energy, in agreement with that expected from the relaxation of bulk free electrons including the electron-electron interaction, but there is clear evidence of extra broadening, which is more significant for thinner films, possibly due to relaxation pathways intrinsic to plasmons near the interface. For Cu, the visibility of the plasmon resonance critically depends on the evaporation conditions, and low pressures and fast deposition rates are required. Otherwise, scattering from the surface roughness causes considerable broadening of the plasmon resonance, resulting in an apparently fixed resonance energy without clear incident angle dependence. For Cu, the observed plasmon dispersion agrees well with that expected from the bulk dielectric function even with nominal oxidation of the surface, but the widths at long wavelengths are much larger than those theoretically expected.

Dose in critical body organs in low Earth orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, J. W.; Cucinotta, F.

1984-01-01

Human exposure to trapped radiations in low Earth orbit (LEO) are evaluated on the basis of a simple approximation of the human geometry for spherical shell shields of varying thickness. A data base is presented that may be used to make preliminary assessment of the impact of radiation exposure constraints on human performance. A sample impact assessment is discussed.

Analytic reflected light curves for exoplanets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haggard, Hal M.; Cowan, Nicolas B.

2018-07-01

The disc-integrated reflected brightness of an exoplanet changes as a function of time due to orbital and rotational motions coupled with an inhomogeneous albedo map. We have previously derived analytic reflected light curves for spherical harmonic albedo maps in the special case of a synchronously rotating planet on an edge-on orbit (Cowan, Fuentes & Haggard). In this paper, we present analytic reflected light curves for the general case of a planet on an inclined orbit, with arbitrary spin period and non-zero obliquity. We do so for two different albedo basis maps: bright points (δ-maps), and spherical harmonics (Y_ l^m-maps). In particular, we use Wigner D-matrices to express an harmonic light curve for an arbitrary viewing geometry as a non-linear combination of harmonic light curves for the simpler edge-on, synchronously rotating geometry. These solutions will enable future exploration of the degeneracies and information content of reflected light curves, as well as fast calculation of light curves for mapping exoplanets based on time-resolved photometry. To these ends, we make available Exoplanet Analytic Reflected Lightcurves, a simple open-source code that allows rapid computation of reflected light curves.

The impact of spherical symmetry assumption on radio occultation data inversion in the ionosphere: An assessment study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, M. M.; Notarpietro, R.; Nava, B.

2014-02-01

'Onion-peeling' is a very common technique used to invert Radio Occultation (RO) data in the ionosphere. Because of the implicit assumption of spherical symmetry for the electron density (N(e)) distribution in the ionosphere, the standard Onion-peeling algorithm could give erroneous concentration values in the retrieved electron density profile. In particular, this happens when strong horizontal ionospheric electron density gradients are present, like for example in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region during high solar activity periods. In this work, using simulated RO Total Electron Content (TEC) data computed by means of the NeQuick2 ionospheric electron density model and ideal RO geometries, we tried to formulate and evaluate an asymmetry level index for quasi-horizontal TEC observations. The asymmetry index is based on the electron density variation that a signal may experience along its path (satellite to satellite link) in a RO event and is strictly dependent on the occultation geometry (e.g. azimuth of the occultation plane). A very good correlation has been found between the asymmetry index and errors related to the inversion products, in particular those concerning the peak electron density NmF2 estimate and the Vertical TEC (VTEC) evaluation.

Magnetic Eigenmodes in the Madison Dynamo Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nornberg, M. D.; Bayliss, R. A.; Forest, C. B.; Kendrick, R. D.; O'Connell, R.; Spence, E. J.

2002-11-01

A spherical dynamo experiment has been constructed at the University of Wisconsin's liquid sodium facility. The goals of the experiment are to observe and understand magnetic instabilities driven by flow shear in MHD systems, investigate MHD turbulence for magnetic Reynolds numbers of 100, and understand the role of fluid turbulence in current generation. Magnetic field generation is only possible for specific flow geometries. We have studied and achieved simple roll flow geometries in a full scale water experiment. Results from the water experiment have guided the design of the sodium experiment. The experiment consists of a 1 m diameter, spherical stainless steel vessel filled with liquid sodium at 110 Celsius. Two 100 Hp motors with impellers drive flows in the liquid sodium with flow velocities of 15 m/s. A gaussian grid of 66 Hall probes on the surface of the sodium vessel measure the generated external magnetic field. Hall probe feed-thru arrays measure the internal field. A pair of magnetic field coils produce a roughly uniform field inside the sphere with a centerline field strength of 100 gauss. Preliminary investigations include measurements of the turbulent electromotive force and excitation of magnetic eigenmodes.

Toric focusing for radiation force applications using a toric lens coupled to a spherically focused transducer.

PubMed

Arnal, Bastien; Nguyen, Thu-Mai; O'Donnell, Matthew

2014-12-01

Dynamic elastography using radiation force requires that an ultrasound field be focused during hundreds of microseconds at a pressure of several megapascals. Here, we address the importance of the focal geometry. Although there is usually no control of the elevational focal width in generating a tissue mechanical response, we propose a tunable approach to adapt the focus geometry that can significantly improve radiation force efficiency. Several thin, in-house-made polydimethylsiloxane lenses were designed to modify the focal spot of a spherical transducer. They exhibited low absorption and the focal spot widths were extended up to 8-fold in the elevation direction. Radiation force experiments demonstrated an 8-fold increase in tissue displacements using the same pressure level in a tissue-mimicking phantom with a similar shear wave spectrum, meaning it does not affect elastography resolution. Our results demonstrate that larger tissue responses can be obtained for a given pressure level, or that similar response can be reached at a much lower mechanical index (MI). We envision that this work will impact 3-D elastography using 2-D phased arrays, where such shaping can be achieved electronically with the potential for adaptive optimization.

Virtual photons in imaginary time: Computing exact Casimir forces via standard numerical electromagnetism techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodriguez, Alejandro; Ibanescu, Mihai; Joannopoulos, J. D.

2007-09-15

We describe a numerical method to compute Casimir forces in arbitrary geometries, for arbitrary dielectric and metallic materials, with arbitrary accuracy (given sufficient computational resources). Our approach, based on well-established integration of the mean stress tensor evaluated via the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, is designed to directly exploit fast methods developed for classical computational electromagnetism, since it only involves repeated evaluation of the Green's function for imaginary frequencies (equivalently, real frequencies in imaginary time). We develop the approach by systematically examining various formulations of Casimir forces from the previous decades and evaluating them according to their suitability for numerical computation. We illustratemore » our approach with a simple finite-difference frequency-domain implementation, test it for known geometries such as a cylinder and a plate, and apply it to new geometries. In particular, we show that a pistonlike geometry of two squares sliding between metal walls, in both two and three dimensions with both perfect and realistic metallic materials, exhibits a surprising nonmonotonic ''lateral'' force from the walls.« less

The point explosion with radiation transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhiwei; Zhang, Lu; Kuang, Longyu; Jiang, Shaoen

2017-10-01

Some amount of energy is released instantaneously at the origin to generate simultaneously a spherical radiative heat wave and a spherical shock wave in the point explosion with radiation transport, which is a complicated problem due to the competition between these two waves. The point explosion problem possesses self-similar solutions when only hydrodynamic motion or only heat conduction is considered, which are Sedov solution and Barenblatt solution respectively. The point explosion problem wherein both physical mechanisms of hydrodynamic motion and heat conduction are included has been studied by P. Reinicke and A.I. Shestakov. In this talk we numerically investigate the point explosion problem wherein both physical mechanisms of hydrodynamic motion and radiation transport are taken into account. The radiation transport equation in one dimensional spherical geometry has to be solved for this problem since the ambient medium is optically thin with respect to the initially extremely high temperature at the origin. The numerical results reveal a high compression of medium and a bi-peak structure of density, which are further theoretically analyzed at the end.

Gravitational Anomalies Caused by Zonal Winds in Jupiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, G.; Kong, D.; Zhang, K.

2012-12-01

We present an accurate three-dimensional non-spherical numerical calculation of the gravitational anomalies caused by zonal winds in Jupiter. The calculation is based on a three-dimensional finite element method and accounts for the full effect of significant departure from spherical geometry caused by rapid rotation. Since the speeds of Jupiter's zonal winds are much smaller than that of its rigid-body rotation, our numerical calculation is carried out in two stages. First, we compute the non-spherical distributions of density and pressure at the equilibrium within Jupiter via a hybrid inverse approach by determining an a priori unknown coefficient in the polytropic equation of state that results in a match to the observed shape of Jupiter. Second, by assuming that Jupiter's zonal winds extend throughout the interior along cylinders parallel to the rotation axis, we compute gravitational anomalies produced by the wind-related density anomalies, providing an upper bound to the gravitational anomalies caused by the Jovian zonal winds.

Effects of morphologic left ventricular pressure on right ventricular geometry and tricuspid valve regurgitation in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

PubMed

Kral Kollars, Catharine A; Gelehrter, Sarah; Bove, Edward L; Ensing, Gregory

2010-03-01

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is associated with tricuspid regurgitation (TR), which has been postulated to arise from the effect of ventricular septal position on the attachments of the tricuspid valve. This study was performed to determine the effect of left ventricular (LV) pressure on right ventricular (RV) and LV geometry and the degree of TR. Serial echocardiograms were reviewed from, 30 patients with CCTGA who underwent pulmonary artery banding to train the morphologic left ventricle (n = 14) or left ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit placement and ventricular septal defect closure in conjunction with physiologic repair (n = 16). The degree of TR, the LV/RV pressure ratio, RV and LV sphericity indexes, and tricuspid valve tethering distance and coaptation length were analyzed. After pulmonary artery banding, an increase in LV systolic pressure to > or =2/3 systemic resulted in a decrease in TR from severe to moderate (p = 0.02). The percentage of patients with severe TR decreased from 64% to 18% (p = 0.06). The RV sphericity index decreased (p = 0.05), and the LV sphericity index increased (p = 0.02). After left ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit placement, a decrease in LV pressure to < or =1/2 systemic resulted in an increase in TR from none to mild (p = 0.003). In conclusion, these data indicate that LV pressure in patients with CCTGA affects the degree of TR and that septal shift caused by changes in LV and RV pressure is an important mechanism. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.