Impact of the 2002 Canadian forest fires on particulate matter air quality in Baltimore city.

PubMed

Sapkota, Amir; Symons, J Morel; Kleissl, Jan; Wang, Lu; Parlange, Marc B; Ondov, John; Breysse, Patrick N; Diette, Gregory B; Eggleston, Peyton A; Buckley, Timothy J

2005-01-01

With increasing evidence of adverse health effects associated with particulate matter (PM), the exposure impact of natural sources, such as forest fires, has substantial public health relevance. In addition to the threat to nearby communities, pollutants released from forest fires can travel thousands of kilometers to heavily populated urban areas. There was a dramatic increase in forest fire activity in the province of Quebec, Canada, during July 2002. The transport of PM released from these forest fires was examined using a combination of a moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer satellite image, back-trajectories using a hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory, and local light detection and ranging measurements. Time- and size-resolved PM was evaluated at three ambient and four indoor measurement sites using a combination of direct reading instruments (laser, time-of-flight aerosol spectrometer, nephelometer, and an oscillating microbalance). The transport and monitoring results consistently identified a forest fire related PM episode in Baltimore that occurred the first weekend of July 2002 and resulted in as much as a 30-fold increase in ambientfine PM. On the basis of tapered element oscillating microbalance measurements, the 24 h PM25 concentration reached 86 microg/m3 on July 7, 2002, exceeding the 24 h national ambient air quality standard. The episode was primarily comprised of particles less than 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter, highlighting the preferential transport of the fraction of PM that is of greatest health concern. Penetration of the ambient episode indoors was efficient (median indoor-to-outdoor ratio 0.91) such that the high ambient levels were similarly experienced indoors. These results are significant in demonstrating the impact of a natural source thousands of kilometers away on ambient levels of and potential exposures to air pollution within an urban center. This research highlights the significance of transboundary air pollution and the need for studies that assess the public health impacts associated with such sources and transport processes.

Advanced smoke meter development survey and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pitz, R. W.; Penney, C. M.; Stanforth, C. M.; Shaffernocker, W. M.

1984-01-01

Ideal smoke meter characteristics are determined to provide a basis for evaluation of candidate systems. Five promising techniques are analyzed in detail to evaluate compilance with the practical smoke meter requirements. Four of the smoke measurement concepts are optical methods: Modulated Transmission (MODTRAN), Cross Beam Absorption Counter (CBAC), Laser Induced Incandescence (LIN), and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS). A rapid response filter instrument called a Taper Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) is also evaluated. For each technique, the theoretical principles are described, the expected performance is determined, and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed The expected performance is evaluated against each of the smoke meter specifications, and the key questions for further study are given. The most promising smoke meter technique analyzed was MODTRAN, which is a variation on a direct transmission measurement. The soot-laden gas is passed through a transmission cell, and the gas pressure is modulated by a speaker.

Design considerations of Miller oscillators for high-sensitivity QCM sensors in damping media.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Pardo, Loreto; Fariña, Jose; Gabrielli, Claude; Perrot, Hubert; Brendel, Remi

2007-10-01

In this paper, a new contribution to the design of quartz crystal oscillators for high-sensitivity microbalance sensors used in liquid media is presented. The oscillation condition for a Miller configuration was studied to work in a wide dynamic range of the resonator losses. The equations relating the values of the active and passive components with the maximum supported damping and mass were obtained. Also, the conditions to obtain a stable frequency according to the resonator damping (R(Q)), the static capacity (Cp) and the filter frequency (f(F)) were found. Under these conditions, the circuit oscillation frequency will be proportional to the resonant series frequency and does not depend on the previous parameters (R(Q), f(F), and Cp). If these conditions cannot be satisfied, the expression of the oscillation frequency is given and the discrimination of these effects is obtained through resonator frequency measurements.

A Review of Interface Electronic Systems for AT-cut Quartz Crystal Microbalance Applications in Liquids

PubMed Central

Arnau, Antonio

2008-01-01

From the first applications of AT-cut quartz crystals as sensors in solutions more than 20 years ago, the so-called quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor is becoming into a good alternative analytical method in a great deal of applications such as biosensors, analysis of biomolecular interactions, study of bacterial adhesion at specific interfaces, pathogen and microorganism detection, study of polymer film-biomolecule or cell-substrate interactions, immunosensors and an extensive use in fluids and polymer characterization and electrochemical applications among others. The appropriate evaluation of this analytical method requires recognizing the different steps involved and to be conscious of their importance and limitations. The first step involved in a QCM system is the accurate and appropriate characterization of the sensor in relation to the specific application. The use of the piezoelectric sensor in contact with solutions strongly affects its behavior and appropriate electronic interfaces must be used for an adequate sensor characterization. Systems based on different principles and techniques have been implemented during the last 25 years. The interface selection for the specific application is important and its limitations must be known to be conscious of its suitability, and for avoiding the possible error propagation in the interpretation of results. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the different techniques used for AT-cut quartz crystal microbalance in in-solution applications, which are based on the following principles: network or impedance analyzers, decay methods, oscillators and lock-in techniques. The electronic interfaces based on oscillators and phase-locked techniques are treated in detail, with the description of different configurations, since these techniques are the most used in applications for detection of analytes in solutions, and in those where a fast sensor response is necessary. PMID:27879713

Use of the quartz crystal microbalance to determine the monomeric friction coefficient of polyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bechtold, Mary M.

1995-01-01

When a thin film of polymer is coated on to a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), the QCM can be used to detect the rate of increase in weight of the polymer film as the volatile penetrant diffuses into the polymer. From this rate information the diffusion coefficient of the penetrant into the polymer can be computed. Calculations requiring this diffusion coefficient lead to values which approximate the monomeric friction coefficient of the polymer. This project has been concerned with the trial of crystal oscillating circuits suitable for driving polymer coated crystals in an atmosphere of penetrant. For these studies done at room temperature, natural rubber was used as an easily applied polymer that is readily penetrated by toluene vapors, qualities anticipated with polyimides when they are tested at T(g) in the presence of toluene. Three quartz crystal oscillator circuits were tested. The simplest circuit used +/- 5 volt dc and had a transistor to transistor logic (TTL) inverter chip that provides a 180 deg phase shift via a feed back loop. This oscillator circuit was stable but would not drive the crystal when the crystal was coated with polymer and subjected to toluene vapors. Removal of a variable resistor from this circuit increased stability but did not otherwise increase performance. Another driver circuit tested contained a two stage differential input, differential output, wide band video amplifier and also contain a feed back loop. The circuit voltage could not be varied and operated at +/- 5 volts dc; this circuit was also stable but failed to oscillate the polymer coated crystal in an atmosphere saturated with toluene vapors. The third oscillator circuit was of similar construction and relied on the same video amplifier but allowed operation with variable voltage. This circuit would drive the crystal when the crystal was submerged in liquid toluene and when the crystal was coated with polymer and immersed in toluene vapors. The frequency readings obtained when using this oscillating circuit are highly variable. This circuit requires further modification to stabilize frequency readings before its use in studies to determine the diffusion coefficient of penetrant molecules into a polymer film coated on a QCM.

Micro-electromechanical sensors in the analytical field.

PubMed

Zougagh, Mohammed; Ríos, Angel

2009-07-01

Micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) for use as sensors represent one of the most exciting new fields in analytical chemistry today. These systems are advantageous over currently available non-miniaturized sensors, such as quartz crystal microbalances, thickness shear mode resonators, and flexural plate wave oscillators, because of their high sensitivity, low cost and easy integration into automated systems. In this article, we present and discuss the evolution in the use of MEMS and NEMS, which are basically cantilever-type sensors, as good analytical tools for a wide variety of applications. We discuss the analytical features and the practical potential of micro(nano)-cantilever sensors, which combine the synergetic advantages of selectivity, provided by their functionalization, and the high sensitivity, which is attributed largely to the extremely small size of the sensing element. An insight is given into the different types of functionalization and detection strategies and a critical discussion is presented on the existing state of the art concerning the applications reported for mechanical microsensors. New developments and the possibilities for routine work in the near future are also covered.

An immuno-biosensor system based on quartz crystal microbalance for avian influenza virus detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shengping; Chen, Guoming; Zhou, Qi; Wei, Yunlong

2007-12-01

For the quick detection of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), a biosensor based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) was fabricated according to the specific bonding principle between antibody and antigen. Staphylococcal Protein A (SPA) was extracted from Staphylococcus and purified. Then SPA was coated on the surface of QCM for immobilizing AIV monoclonal antibodies. The use of AIV monoclonal antibody could enhance the specificity of the immuno-biosensor. A multi-channel piezoelectricity detection system for the immuno-biosensor was developed. The system can work for the quick detection of AIV antigen in the case of the entirely aqueous status owe to one special oscillating circuit designed in this work. The optimum conditions of SPA coating and AIV monoclonal antibody immobilization were investigated utilizing the multi-channel detection system. The preliminary application of the immuno-biosensor system for detection of AIV was evaluated. Results indicate that the immuno-biosensor system can detect the AIV antigens with a linear range of 3-200ng/ml. The system can accomplish the detection of AIV antigens around 40 minutes.

40 CFR 86.1312-2007 - Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance specifications, and particulate matter filter handling and... Particulate Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1312-2007 Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation...

40 CFR 86.1312-2007 - Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance specifications, and particulate matter filter handling and... Particulate Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1312-2007 Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation...

40 CFR 86.1312-2007 - Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance specifications, and particulate matter filter handling and... Particulate Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1312-2007 Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation...

40 CFR 86.1312-2007 - Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation environmental conditions, microbalance specifications, and particulate matter filter handling and... Particulate Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1312-2007 Filter stabilization and microbalance workstation...

Simultaneous measurement of the maximum oscillation amplitude and the transient decay time constant of the QCM reveals stiffness changes of the adlayer.

PubMed

Marxer, C Galli; Coen, M Collaud; Bissig, H; Greber, U F; Schlapbach, L

2003-10-01

Interpretation of adsorption kinetics measured with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) can be difficult for adlayers undergoing modification of their mechanical properties. We have studied the behavior of the oscillation amplitude, A(0), and the decay time constant, tau, of quartz during adsorption of proteins and cells, by use of a home-made QCM. We are able to measure simultaneously the frequency, f, the dissipation factor, D, the maximum amplitude, A(0), and the transient decay time constant, tau, every 300 ms in liquid, gaseous, or vacuum environments. This analysis enables adsorption and modification of liquid/mass properties to be distinguished. Moreover the surface coverage and the stiffness of the adlayer can be estimated. These improvements promise to increase the appeal of QCM methodology for any applications measuring intimate contact of a dynamic material with a solid surface.

Skylab electronic technological advancements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornback, G. L.

1974-01-01

The present work describes three electronic devices designed for use in the Skylab airlock module: the teleprinter system, the quartz crystal microbalance contamination monitor (QCM), and the speaker. Design considerations, operation, characteristics, and system development are described for these systems, with accompanying diagrams, graphs, and photographs. The teleprinter is a thermal dot printer used to produce hard copy messages by electrically heating print elements in contact with heat-sensitive paper. The QCM was designed to estimate contamination buildup on optical surfaces of the earth resources experiment package. A vibrating quartz crystal is used as a microbalance relating deposited mass to shifts in the crystal's resonant frequency. Audio devices provide communication between crew members and between crew and STDN, and also provide audible alarms, via the caution and warning system, of out-of-limit-conditions.

BAW sensor readout circuit based on Pierce oscillator architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yang; Yin, Xi-Yang; Han, Bin; Wang, Yu-Hang

2017-10-01

Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators (BAWRs) have been well developed both as filters and as high sensitivity sensors in recent years. In contrast to traditional megahertz quartz resonators, BAWRs offer significant increases in resonant frequency, typically operating in gigahertz regimes. This translates into a potential sensitivity increase of more than three orders of magnitude over traditional QCM (Quartz Crystal Microbalance) devices. Given the micrometer-scale size of BAW sensor-head, read-out circuitry can monolithic integrated with this GHz transducer is urgently needed to produce small, robust, and inexpensive sensor systems. A BAW sensor read-out circuit prototype based on Pierce oscillator architecture is fulfilled in this paper. Based on the differential measurement scheme, two uniform BAWRs are used to constitute two BAW oscillators as a reference and a measurement branch respectively. The resonant frequency shift caused by the measurand is obtained by mixing and filtering the two oscillator signals. Then, the intermediate signal is amplified, shaped and converted to a digital one. And a FPGA is used for frequency detection. Taking 2 GHz BAW mass sensor as a case study, deign procedure are given in details. Simulation and experimental results reveal a 0-99 MHz frequency shift measurement range. Main factors affecting phase noise of the BAW oscillator (i.e. mainly frequency stability of the BAW sensor readout circuit) are also discussed for further optimizations.

Respiratory monitoring by porphyrin modified quartz crystal microbalance sensors.

PubMed

Selyanchyn, Roman; Korposh, Serhiy; Wakamatsu, Shunichi; Lee, Seung-Woo

2011-01-01

A respiratory monitoring system based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a functional film was designed and investigated. Porphyrins 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-sulfophenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (TSPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-sulfophenyl)-21H, 23H-porphine manganese (III) chloride (MnTSPP) used as sensitive elements were assembled with a poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA). Films were deposited on the QCM resonators using layer-by-layer method in order to develop the sensor. The developed system, in which the sensor response reflects lung movements, was able to track human respiration providing respiratory rate (RR) and respiratory pattern (RP). The sensor system was tested on healthy volunteers to compare RPs and calculate RRs. The operation principle of the proposed system is based on the fast adsorption/desorption behavior of water originated from human breath into the sensor films deposited on the QCM electrode.

Respiratory Monitoring by Porphyrin Modified Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensors

PubMed Central

Selyanchyn, Roman; Korposh, Serhiy; Wakamatsu, Shunichi; Lee, Seung-Woo

2011-01-01

A respiratory monitoring system based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a functional film was designed and investigated. Porphyrins 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-sulfophenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (TSPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-sulfophenyl)-21H, 23H-porphine manganese (III) chloride (MnTSPP) used as sensitive elements were assembled with a poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA). Films were deposited on the QCM resonators using layer-by-layer method in order to develop the sensor. The developed system, in which the sensor response reflects lung movements, was able to track human respiration providing respiratory rate (RR) and respiratory pattern (RP). The sensor system was tested on healthy volunteers to compare RPs and calculate RRs. The operation principle of the proposed system is based on the fast adsorption/desorption behavior of water originated from human breath into the sensor films deposited on the QCM electrode. PMID:22346621

Introduction of the new concept: Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM) for Inorganic and Organic Secondary Aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, E.; Root, M. J.; Brune, W. H.

2006-12-01

A new concept, the Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM), is being developed and tested in the laboratory with the goal of deploying instruments to measure PAM in the atmosphere. PAM can be defined as the maximum aerosol mass that precursor gases can be oxidized to form. In the PAM concept, all precursor gases are oxidized to low volatile compounds with excessive amount of oxidants in a small continuous-flow Teflon cylinder, resulting in aerosol formation. Excessive amounts of OH and O3 are produced by a UV light that shines into the Teflon chamber. For our studies, the aerosol mass is then detected with a real-time aerosol mass measurement instrument, the Rupprecht and Patashnick Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) and Filter Dynamic Measurement System (FDMS). As a test of the system, SO2 was oxidized to sulfate; the measured and calculated conversion ratios of sulfate aerosol mass to SO2 mass agree to within 10%. We will discuss the results of a series of laboratory tests that have been conducted with α-pinene to determine the variables that most affect its Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) yield. We will also discuss the results of some atmospheric measurement tests made at a site on the Penn State University campus.

Thickness Dependent Effective Viscosity of a Polymer Solution near an Interface Probed by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Method

PubMed Central

Fang, Jiajie; Zhu, Tao; Sheng, Jie; Jiang, Zhongying; Ma, Yuqiang

2015-01-01

The solution viscosity near an interface, which affects the solution behavior and the molecular dynamics in the solution, differs from the bulk. This paper measured the effective viscosity of a dilute poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) solution adjacent to a Au electrode using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) technique. We evidenced that the effect of an adsorbed PEG layer can be ignored, and calculated the zero shear rate effective viscosity to remove attenuation of high shear frequency oscillations. By increasing the overtone n from 3 to 13, the thickness of the sensed polymer solution decreased from ~70 to 30 nm. The zero shear rate effective viscosity of the polymer solution and longest relaxation time of PEG chains within it decrease with increasing solution thickness. The change trends are independent of the relation between the apparent viscosity and shear frequency and the values of the involved parameter, suggesting that the polymer solution and polymer chains closer to a solid substrate have a greater effective viscosity and slower relaxation mode, respectively. This method can study the effect of an interface presence on behavior and phenomena relating to the effective viscosity of polymer solutions, including the dynamics of discrete polymer chains. PMID:25684747

Effects of compressional waves on the response of quartz crystal microbalance in contact with silicone oil droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Han; Lim, Siak Piang; Lee, Heow Pueh

2009-06-01

Droplet quartz crystal microbalance has been demonstrated to be a promising tool for accessing material properties of fluids as well as the diverse solid-fluid interface phenomena. However, a microliter droplet localized on the surface of the electrodes of finite lateral size may cause a nonuniform distribution of the plane velocity, which may lead to surface normal fluid flow and generate the compressional waves above the crystal surface. In the present article, we report systematical investigation on both resonance frequency and dissipation measurements with reference to the small droplets of silicone oils spreading on the surface of the quartz crystal microbalance. Significant cyclical variations in the resonant frequency and resistance of the crystal have been observed as the characteristic sizes of the silicone oil droplets are close to specific values known to favor compressional wave generation. The experimental results have been compared with the theoretical values predicted by the finite element computation associated with a simple hydrodynamic model. Good agreement between theory and experiment has been obtained. The finding indicates that the small droplets on the crystal surface can act as resonant cavities for the compressional wave generation and that the greatest propensity to exhibit periodical resonance behavior in the frequency and dissipation measurements is at droplet height of λc/2 above the crystal surface.

Fabrication of embedded microball lens in PMMA with high repetition rate femtosecond fiber laser.

PubMed

Zheng, Chong; Hu, Anming; Li, Ruozhou; Bridges, Denzel; Chen, Tao

2015-06-29

Embedded microball lenses with superior optical properties function as convex microball lens (VMBL) and concave microball lens (CMBL) were fabricated inside a PMMA substrate with a high repetition rate femtosecond fiber laser. The VMBL was created by femtosecond laser-induced refractive index change, while the CMBL was fabricated due to the heat accumulation effect of the successive laser pulses irradiation at a high repetition rate. The processing window for both types of the lenses was studied and optimized, and the optical properties were also tested by imaging a remote object with an inverted microscope. In order to obtain the microball lenses with adjustable focal lengths and suppressed optical aberration, a shape control method was thus proposed and examined with experiments and ZEMAX® simulations. Applying the optimized fabrication conditions, two types of the embedded microball lenses arrays were fabricated and then tested with imaging experiments. This technology allows the direct fabrication of microlens inside transparent bulk polymer material which has great application potential in multi-function integrated microfluidic devices.

A living cell quartz crystal microbalance biosensor for continuous monitoring of cytotoxic responses of macrophages to single-walled carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Numerous engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) exist and new ENMs are being developed. A challenge to nanotoxicology and environmental health and safety is evaluating toxicity of ENMs before they become widely utilized. Cellular assays remain the predominant test platform yet these methods are limited by using discrete time endpoints and reliance on organic dyes, vulnerable to interference from ENMs. Label-free, continuous, rapid response systems with biologically meaningful endpoints are needed. We have developed a device to detect and monitor in real time responses of living cells to ENMs. The device, a living cell quartz crystal microbalance biosensor (QCMB), uses macrophages adherent to a quartz crystal. The communal response of macrophages to treatments is monitored continuously as changes in crystal oscillation frequency (Δf). We report the ability of this QCMB to distinguish benign from toxic exposures and reveal unique kinetic information about cellular responses to varying doses of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Results We analyzed macrophage responses to additions of Zymosan A, polystyrene beads (PBs) (benign substances) or SWCNT (3-150 μg/ml) in the QCMB over 18 hrs. In parallel, toxicity was monitored over 24/48 hrs using conventional viability assays and histological stains to detect apoptosis. In the QCMB, a stable unchanging oscillation frequency occurred when cells alone, Zymosan A alone, PBs alone or SWCNTs without cells at the highest dose alone were used. With living cells in the QCMB, when Zymosan A, PBs or SWCNTs were added, a significant decrease in frequency occurred from 1-6 hrs. For SWCNTs, this Δf was dose-dependent. From 6-18 hrs, benign substances or low dose SWCNT (3-30 μg/ml) treatments showed a reversal of the decrease of oscillation frequency, returning to or exceeding pre-treatment levels. Cell recovery was confirmed in conventional assays. The lag time to see the Δf reversal in QCMB plots was linearly SWCNT-dose dependent. Lastly, the frequency never reversed at high dose SWCNT (100-150 μg/ml), and apoptosis/necrosis was documented in conventional 24 and 48 hr-assays. Conclusion These data suggest that the new QCMB detects and provides unique information about peak, sub-lethal and toxic exposures of living cells to ENMs before they are detected using conventional cell assays. PMID:21266033

An oscillating microbalance for meteorological measurements of ice and volcanic ash accumulation from a weather balloon platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Airey, Martin; Harrison, Giles; Nicoll, Keri; Williams, Paul; Marlton, Graeme

2017-04-01

A new, low cost, instrument has been developed for meteorological measurements of the accumulation of ice and volcanic ash that can be readily deployed using commercial radiosondes and weather balloons. It is based on principles used by [1], an instrument originally developed to measure supercooled liquid water profiles in clouds. This new instrument introduces numerous improvements in terms of reduced complexity and cost. It uses the oscillating microbalance principle, whereby a wire vibrating at its natural frequency is subjected to increased loading of the property to be measured. The increase in mass modifies the wire properties such that its natural frequency of oscillation changes. By measuring this frequency, the increase in mass can be inferred and transmitted to a ground base station through the radiosonde's UHF antenna via the PANDORA interface [2], which has been previously developed to provide power and connection to the radiosonde telemetry. The device consists of a simple circuit board controlled by an ATMEGA microcontroller. For calibration, the controller is capable of driving the wire at specified frequencies via excitation by a piezo sounder upon which the wire is mounted. The same piezo sounder is also used during active operation to measure the frequency of the wire in its non-driven state in order to infer the mass change on the wire. A phase-locked loop implemented on the board identifies when resonance occurs and the measured frequency is stable, prompting the microcontroller to send the measurement through the data interface. The device may be used for any application that requires the measurement of incremental mass variation e.g. ice accumulation, frosting, or particle accumulation such as dust and volcanic ash. For the solid particle accumulation, a low temperature, high-tack, adhesive may be applied to the wire prior to deployment to collect the material. In addition, the same instrument may be used for ground-based applications, such as ice accumulation, with direct monitoring via a serial connection or logged to removable storage media in the absence of the radiosonde. References [1] Hill, G.E. and Woffinden, D.S. (1980) Journal of Applied Meteorology, 19, 11, 1285-1292 [2] Harrison, R.G., et al. (2012) Rev. Sci. Instrum., 83, 3

Small Business Innovations (Mass Microbalance)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Femtometrics of Costa Mesa, CA, developed the Model 200-1 SAW Mass Microbalance under a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with Langley Research Center. The product is described as "the next generation of aerosol mass microbalance technology," because a new type of sensor, the Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) piezoelectric crystal, offers mass resolution two orders of magnitude greater than the Quartz Crystal Microbalance cascade impactor (QCM) (used at Langley since 1979 for collection and measurement of aerosol particles in the upper atmosphere). The Model 200-1 SAW Mass Microbalance, which provides a 400-fold increase in mass sensitivity per unit area over the QCM, can be used for real-time particle monitoring in clean rooms, measuring chemical vapors in very low concentrations, measuring target chemicals in the stratosphere and in industry as a toxic vapor monitor.

Ice in space: An experimental and theoretical investigation. [with applications to comets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patashnick, H.; Rupprecht, G.

1976-01-01

The thermodynamics of water ice formation was experimentally investigated under a wide variety of conditions, including those of outer space. This information, and in particular, the lifetime of ice particles as a function of solar distance is an absolute requirement for proper interpretation of photometric profiles of comets. The sublimation of ice particles in a nonequilibrium situation was studied. An oscillating fiber microbalance was used to measure the sublimation rate of water droplets (which were suspended on a long quartz fiber which was oscillating in a vacuum chamber). The influence of particle size, surface temperature, and the index refraction from simulated solar radiation were studied in relation to ice formation. Also examined was the influence of impurities (clathrates) on ice formation. Windows in the vacuum chamber allowed the ice particles to be exposed to a 1 kilowatt xenon arc lamp which was used to simulate solar radiation. Ice is proposed as a possible energy source for comets, as amorphous water ice and ammonia in low temperature and pressure environments demonstrated a clear energy release upon warming. Motion pictures of ice formation were taken and photographs are shown.

Assessing the impact of industrial source emissions on atmospheric carbonaceous aerosol concentrations using routine monitoring networks.

PubMed

Sheesley, Rebecca J; Schauer, James J; Orf, Marya L

2010-02-01

Industrial sources can have a significant but poorly defined impact on ambient particulate matter concentrations in select areas. Detailed emission profiles are often not available and are hard to develop because of the diversity of emissions across time and space at large industrial complexes. A yearlong study was conducted in an industrial area in Detroit, MI, which combined real-time particle mass (tapered element oscillating microbalance) and black carbon (aetholometer) measurements with molecular marker measurements of monthly average concentrations as well as daily concentrations of select high pollution days. The goal of the study was to use the real-time data to define days in which the particulate matter concentration in the atmosphere was largely impacted by local source emissions and to use daily speciation data to derive emission profiles for the industrial source. When combined with motor vehicle exhaust, wood smoke and road dust profiles, the industrial source profile was used to determine the contribution of the local industrial source to the total organic carbon (OC) concentrations using molecular marker-chemical mass balance modeling (MM-CMB). The MM-CMB analysis revealed that the industrial source had minimal impact on the monthly average carbonaceous aerosol concentration, but contributed approximately 2 microg m(-3), or a little over one-third of the total OC, on select high-impact days.

Evaluation of the TEOM method for measurement of ambient particulate mass in urban areas.

PubMed

Allen, G; Sioutas, C; Koutrakis, P; Reiss, R; Lurmann, F W; Roberts, P T

1997-06-01

Increased interest in the health effects of ambient particulate mass (PM) has focused attention on the evaluation of existing mass measurement methodologies and the definition of PM in ambient air. The Rupprecht and Patashnick Tapered Element Oscillating MicroBalance (TEOM) method for PM is compared with time-integrated gravimetric (manual) PM methods in large urban areas during different seasons. Comparisons are conducted for both PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. In urban areas, a substantial fraction of ambient PM can be semi-volatile material. A larger fraction of this component of PM10 may be lost from the TEOM-heated filter than the Federal Reference Method (FRM). The observed relationship between TEOM and FRM methods varied widely among sites and seasons. In East Coast urban areas during the summer, the methods were highly correlated with good agreement. In the winter, correlation was somewhat lower, with TEOM PM concentrations generally lower than the FRM. Rubidoux, CA, and two Mexican sites (Tlalnepantla and Merced) had the highest levels of PM10 and the largest difference between TEOM and manual methods. PM2.5 data from collocation of 24-hour manual samples with the TEOM are also presented. As most of the semi-volatile PM is in the fine fraction, differences between these methods are larger for PM2.5 than for PM10.

An erosion sensor based on a quartz crystal microbalance for quantitative determination of the cleaning efficiency in an ultrasonic vessel.

PubMed

Jüschke, M; Koch, C; Dreyer, T

2014-09-01

The efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning vessels cannot be measured directly in an easy way. In the presented work, a sensor is developed which quantitatively measures the ablation of a test layer. The sensor element is a quartz crystal which is coated with a sacrificial layer. Small changes in mass of this layer can be measured by a frequency shift of the crystal oscillation. For measurements, a 10 MHz AT-cut quartz crystal was used in a cleaning vessel working at 44.9 kHz. To determine the frequency shift by the ablation of the test layer, the quartz crystal was driven by a frequency generator sweeping the frequency in the range of the resonance frequency and a characteristic frequency was determined. The test layer which was applied to the quartz crystal consisted of silica microparticles suspended in varnish. In a preliminary experiment using a commercial cleaner it could be shown that significant changes in resonance frequency by cavitation effect could be detected. The initial frequency shift of the sacrificial layer is reproducible within 10%. The test layer can be adapted to the conditions of the cleaning vessel. By changing the electrical input power of the vessel, a threshold in the cavitation erosion was found. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Real time in situ ellipsometric and gravimetric monitoring for electrochemistry experiments.

PubMed

Broch, Laurent; Johann, Luc; Stein, Nicolas; Zimmer, Alexandre; Beck, Raphaël

2007-06-01

This work describes a new system using real time spectroscopic ellipsometer with simultaneous electrochemical and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements. This method is particularly adapted to characterize electrolyte/electrode interfaces during electrochemical and chemical processes in liquid medium. The ellipsometer, based on a rotating compensator Horiba Jobin-Yvon ellipsometer, has been adapted to acquire Psi-Delta spectra every 25 ms on a spectral range fixed from 400 to 800 nm. Measurements with short sampling times are only achievable with a fixed analyzer position (A=45 degrees ). Therefore the ellipsometer calibration is extremely important for high precision measurements and we propose a spectroscopic calibration (i.e., determination of the azimuth of elements according to the wavelength) on the whole spectral range. A homemade EQCM was developed to detect mass variations attached to the electrode. This additional instrument provides further information useful for ellipsometric data modeling of complex electrochemical systems. The EQCM measures frequency variations of piezoelectric quartz crystal oscillator working at 5 MHz. These frequency variations are linked to mass variations of electrode surface with a precision of 20 ng cm(-2) every 160 ms. Data acquisition has been developed in order to simultaneously record spectroscopic ellipsometry, EQCM, and electrochemical measurements by a single computer. Finally the electrodeposition of bismuth telluride film was monitored by this new in situ experimental setup and the density of electroplated layers was extracted from the optical thickness and EQCM mass.

Position control system for use with micromechanical actuators

DOEpatents

Guckel, Henry; Stiers, Eric W.

2000-01-01

A positioning system adapted for use with micromechanical actuators provides feedback control of the position of the movable element of the actuator utilizing a low Q sensing coil. The effective inductance of the sensing coil changes with position of the movable element to change the frequency of oscillation of a variable oscillator. The output of the variable oscillator is compared in a phase detector to a reference oscillator signal. The phase detector provides a pulsed output having a pulse duty cycle related to the phase or frequency difference between the oscillator signals. The output of the phase detector is provided to a drive coil which applies a magnetic force to the movable element which balances the force of a spring. The movable element can be displaced to a new position by changing the frequency of the reference oscillator.

Intercomparison of an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) with ambient fine aerosol measurements in downtown Atlanta, Georgia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budisulistiorini, S. H.; Canagaratna, M. R.; Croteau, P. L.; Baumann, K.; Edgerton, E. S.; Kollman, M. S.; Ng, N. L.; Verma, V.; Shaw, S. L.; Knipping, E. M.; Worsnop, D. R.; Jayne, J. T.; Weber, R. J.; Surratt, J. D.

2014-07-01

Currently, there are a limited number of field studies that evaluate the long-term performance of the Aerodyne Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) against established monitoring networks. In this study, we present seasonal intercomparisons of the ACSM with collocated fine aerosol (PM2.5) measurements at the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) Jefferson Street (JST) site near downtown Atlanta, GA, during 2011-2012. Intercomparison of two collocated ACSMs resulted in strong correlations (r2 > 0.8) for all chemical species, except chloride (r2 = 0.21) indicating that ACSM instruments are capable of stable and reproducible operation. In general, speciated ACSM mass concentrations correlate well (r2 > 0.7) with the filter-adjusted continuous measurements from JST, although the correlation for nitrate is weaker (r2 = 0.55) in summer. Correlations of the ACSM NR-PM1 (non-refractory particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 1 μm) plus elemental carbon (EC) with tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) PM2.5 and Federal Reference Method (FRM) PM1 mass are strong with r2 > 0.7 and r2 > 0.8, respectively. Discrepancies might be attributed to evaporative losses of semi-volatile species from the filter measurements used to adjust the collocated continuous measurements. This suggests that adjusting the ambient aerosol continuous measurements with results from filter analysis introduced additional bias to the measurements. We also recommend to calibrate the ambient aerosol monitoring instruments using aerosol standards rather than gas-phase standards. The fitting approach for ACSM relative ionization for sulfate was shown to improve the comparisons between ACSM and collocated measurements in the absence of calibrated values, suggesting the importance of adding sulfate calibration into the ACSM calibration routine.

An asymmetric resonant coupling wireless power transmission link for Micro-Ball Endoscopy.

PubMed

Sun, Tianjia; Xie, Xiang; Li, Guolin; Gu, Yingke; Deng, Yangdong; Wang, Ziqiang; Wang, Zhihua

2010-01-01

This paper investigates the design and optimization of a wireless power transmission link targeting Micro-Ball Endoscopy applications. A novel asymmetric resonant coupling structure is proposed to deliver power to an endoscopic Micro-Ball system for image read-out after it is excreted. Such a technology enables many key medical applications with stringent requirements for small system volume and high power delivery efficiency. A prototyping power transmission sub-system of the Micro-Ball system was implemented. It consists of primary coil, middle resonant coil, and cube-like full-direction secondary receiving coils. Our experimental results proved that 200mW of power can be successfully delivered. Such a wireless power transmission capability could satisfy the requirements of the Micro-Ball based endoscopy application. The transmission efficiency is in the range of 41% (worst working condition) to 53% (best working condition). Comparing to conventional structures, Asymmetric Resonant Coupling Structure improves power efficiency by 13%.

Multiple circadian transcriptional elements cooperatively regulate cell-autonomous transcriptional oscillation of Period3, a mammalian clock gene.

PubMed

Matsumura, Ritsuko; Akashi, Makoto

2017-09-29

Cell-autonomous oscillation in clock gene expression drives circadian rhythms. The development of comprehensive analytical techniques, such as bioinformatics and ChIP-sequencing, has enabled the genome-wide identification of potential circadian transcriptional elements that regulate the transcriptional oscillation of clock genes. However, detailed analyses using traditional biochemical and molecular-biological approaches, such as binding and reporter assays, are still necessary to determine whether these potential circadian transcriptional elements are actually functional and how significantly they contribute to driving transcriptional oscillation. Here, we focused on the molecular mechanism of transcriptional oscillations in the mammalian clock gene Period3 ( Per3 ). The PER3 protein is essential for robust peripheral clocks and is a key component in circadian output processes. We found three E box-like elements located upstream of human Per3 transcription start sites that additively contributed to cell-autonomous transcriptional oscillation. However, we also found that Per3 is still expressed in a circadian manner when all three E box-like elements are functionally impaired. We noted that Per3 transcription was activated by the synergistic actions of two D box-like elements and the three E box-like elements, leading to a drastic increase in circadian amplitude. Interestingly, circadian expression of Per3 was completely disrupted only when all five transcriptional elements were functionally impaired. These results indicate that three E box-like and two D box-like elements cooperatively and redundantly regulate cell-autonomous transcriptional oscillation of Per3 . © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

A 16 element quasi-optical FET oscillator power combining array with external injection locking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birkeland, Joel; Itoh, Tatsuo

1992-03-01

The authors present analysis, design and experimental results of a 16 element planar oscillator array for quasi-optical power combining. Each element in the array consists of a single FET oscillator with an input port for injection of the locking signal, and an output port which is connected to a patch radiator. The array is synchronized using a 16-way power dividing network which distributes the locking signal to the oscillating elements. The array is constructed using a two-sided microstrip configuration, with the oscillators and feed network on one side of a ground plane, and the patch radiators on the opposite side. An effective radiated power (ERP) of 28.2 W CW with an isotropic conversion gain of 9.9 dB was measured at 6 GHz. For an injected power of 10.3 dBm, a locking range of 453 MHz at a center frequency of 6.015 GHz was obtained; a bandwidth of 7.5 percent. Because of the simple nature of the individual oscillator elements, this approach is well suited to MMIC implementation.

Surface acoustic-wave piezoelectric crystal aerosol mass microbalance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowers, W. D.; Chuan, R. L.

1989-01-01

The development of a particulate mass-sensing instrument based on a quartz-crystal microbalance and enhanced with the new surface acoustic-wave (SAW) technology is reported. Mass sensitivity comparisons of a 158-MHz SAW piezoelectric microbalance and a conventional 10-MHz quartz-crystal microbalance show that the SAW crystal is 266 times more sensitive, in good agreement with the theoretical value of 250. The frequency stability of a single SAW resonator is 6 parts in 10 to the 8th over 1 min. The response to temperature changes is found to be very linear over the range +30 to -30 C. A strong response to 15 ppm SO2 has been demonstrated on a chemically coated SAW crystal.

Low noise cryogenic dielectric resonator oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dick, G. John (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A microwave oscillator is provided which can operate at a temperature of many degrees above absolute zero while providing very low phase noise that has heretofore generally required temperatures within a few degrees K. The oscillator includes a ring-shaped resonant element of ruby (sapphire plus chromium) or iron sapphire crystal, lying adjacent to a resonator element of sapphire, so that the regenerator element lies directly in the magnetic field of the resonator element. The resonator element is substantially devoid of contact with electrically conductive material. Microwave energy of a pump frequency (e.g., 31 GHz) is outputted from the regenerator element, while signal energy (e.g., 10 GHz) is outputted from the resonator element.

AUTOMATIC FREQUENCY CONTROL SYSTEM

DOEpatents

Hansen, C.F.; Salisbury, J.D.

1961-01-10

A control is described for automatically matching the frequency of a resonant cavity to that of a driving oscillator. The driving oscillator is disconnected from the cavity and a secondary oscillator is actuated in which the cavity is the frequency determining element. A low frequency is mixed with the output of the driving oscillator and the resultant lower and upper sidebands are separately derived. The frequencies of the sidebands are compared with the secondary oscillator frequency. deriving a servo control signal to adjust a tuning element in the cavity and matching the cavity frequency to that of the driving oscillator. The driving oscillator may then be connected to the cavity.

Probing Interfacial Friction and Dissipation in Granular Gold­ Nickel Alloys with a Quartz Crystal Oscillator in an External Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevens, K. M.; Krim, J.

2015-03-01

We present here a quartz crystal microbalance study of two-phase gold nickel alloys whose internal granular properties are probed by exposure to a fluctuating external magnetic field. The work is motivated by prior studies demonstrating that granular two-phase materials exhibited lower friction and wear than solid solution alloys with identical compositions. In particular, we report a ``flexing'' effect which appears when an external magnetic field is applied, and is manifested as a decrease in the magnitude of oscillation amplitude that is synchronized with the applied field; the effect is not seen on the complimentary solid solution samples. The effect is consistent with internal interfacial friction between nickel and gold grains, indicating a degree of freedom which may decrease friction even in the absence of an external magnetic field. This is supported through analysis of energy dissipation in the system, using the Butterworth­-Van Dyke equivalent circuit model. Data and interpretation are also presented that rule out alternate explanations such as giant magnetoresistance and/or other resistive phenomenon within the film. Funding provided by NSF DMR0805204. Thanks to L. Pan for sample preparation.

Response of consumer and research grade indoor air quality monitors to residential sources of fine particles.

PubMed

Singer, B C; Delp, W W

2018-04-23

The ability to inexpensively monitor PM 2.5 to identify sources and enable controls would advance residential indoor air quality (IAQ) management. Consumer IAQ monitors incorporating low-cost optical particle sensors and connections with smart home platforms could provide this service if they reliably detect PM 2.5 in homes. In this study, particles from typical residential sources were generated in a 120 m 3 laboratory and time-concentration profiles were measured with 7 consumer monitors (2-3 units each), 2 research monitors (Thermo pDR-1500, MetOne BT-645), a Grimm Mini Wide-Range Aerosol Spectrometer (GRM), and a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance with Filter Dynamic Measurement System (FDMS), a Federal Equivalent Method for PM 2.5 . Sources included recreational combustion (candles, cigarettes, incense), cooking activities, an unfiltered ultrasonic humidifier, and dust. FDMS measurements, filter samples, and known densities were used to adjust the GRM to obtain time-resolved mass concentrations. Data from the research monitors and 4 of the consumer monitors-AirBeam, AirVisual, Foobot, Purple Air-were time correlated and within a factor of 2 of the estimated mass concentrations for most sources. All 7 of the consumer and both research monitors substantially under-reported or missed events for which the emitted mass was comprised of particles smaller than 0.3 μm diameter. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Investigation of the CCN Activity, BC and UVBC Mass Concentrations of Biomass Burning Aerosols during the 2013 BASELInE Campaign

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsiao, Ta-Chih; Ye, Wei-Cheng; Wang, Sheng-Hsiang; Tsay, Si-Chee; Chen, Wei-Nai; Lin, Neng-Huei; Lee, Chung-Te; Hung, Hui-Ming; Chuang, Ming-Tung; Chantara, Somporn

2015-01-01

Biomass-burning (BB) aerosols, acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), can influence cloud microphysical and radiative properties. In this study, we present CCN measured near the BB source regions over northern Southeast Asia (Doi Ang Khang, Thailand) and at downwind receptor areas (Lulin Atmospheric Background Station, Taiwan), focusing exclusively on 13-20 March 2013 as part of 2013 spring campaign of the Seven SouthEast Asian Studies (7-SEAS) intensive observation. One of the campaigns objectives is to characterize BB aerosols serving as CCN in SouthEast Asia (SEA). CCN concentrations were measured by a CCN counter at 5 supersaturation (SS) levels: 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, 0.60%, and 0.75%. In addition, PM2.5 and black carbon mass concentrations were analyzed by using a tapered element oscillating microbalance and an aethalometer. It was found the number-size distributions and the characteristics of hygroscopicity (e.g., activation ratio and k) of BB aerosols in SEA have a strong diurnal pattern, and different behaviors of patterns were characterized under two distinct weather systems. The overall average value was low (0.05-0.1) but comparable with previous CCN studies in other BB source regions. Furthermore, a large fraction of UV-absorbing organic material (UVBC) and high Delta-C among BB aerosols were also observed, which suggest the existence of substantial particulate organic matter in fresh BB aerosols. These data provide the most extensive characterization of BB aerosols in SEA until now.

Finite-element time evolution operator for the anharmonic oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milton, Kimball A.

1995-01-01

The finite-element approach to lattice field theory is both highly accurate (relative errors approximately 1/N(exp 2), where N is the number of lattice points) and exactly unitary (in the sense that canonical commutation relations are exactly preserved at the lattice sites). In this talk I construct matrix elements for dynamical variables and for the time evolution operator for the anharmonic oscillator, for which the continuum Hamiltonian is H = p(exp 2)/2 + lambda q(exp 4)/4. Construction of such matrix elements does not require solving the implicit equations of motion. Low order approximations turn out to be extremely accurate. For example, the matrix element of the time evolution operator in the harmonic oscillator ground state gives a results for the anharmonic oscillator ground state energy accurate to better than 1 percent, while a two-state approximation reduces the error to less than 0.1 percent.

Ultrasensitive quartz crystal microbalance sensors for detection of M13-Phages in liquids.

PubMed

Uttenthaler, E; Schräml, M; Mandel, J; Drost, S

2001-12-01

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors are widely used for determining liquid properties or probing interfacial processes. For some applications the sensitivity of the QCM sensors typically used (5-20 MHz) is limited compared with other biosensor methods. In this study ultrasensitive QCM sensors with resonant frequencies from 39 to 110 MHz for measurements in the liquid phase are presented. The fundamental sensor effect of a QCM is the decrease of the resonant frequency of an oscillating quartz crystal due to the binding of mass on a coated surface during the measurement. The sensitivity of QCM sensors increases strongly with an increasing resonant frequency and, therefore, with a decreasing thickness of the sensitive area. The new kind of ultrasensitive QCM sensors used in this study is based on chemically milled shear mode quartz crystals which are etched only in the center of the blank, forming a thin quartz membrane with a thick, mechanically stable outer ring. An immunoassay using a virus specific monoclonal antibody and a M13-Phage showed an increase in the signal to noise ratio by a factor of more than 6 for 56 MHz quartz crystals compared with standard 19 MHz quartz crystals, the detection limit was improved by a factor of 200. Probing of acoustic properties of glycerol/water mixtures resulted in an increase in sensitivity, which is in very good agreement with theory. Chemically milled QCM sensors strongly improve the sensitivity in biosensing and probing of acoustic properties and, therefore, offer interesting new application fields for QCM sensors.

A direct repeat of E-box-like elements is required for cell-autonomous circadian rhythm of clock genes

PubMed Central

Nakahata, Yasukazu; Yoshida, Mayumi; Takano, Atsuko; Soma, Haruhiko; Yamamoto, Takuro; Yasuda, Akio; Nakatsu, Toru; Takumi, Toru

2008-01-01

Background The circadian expression of the mammalian clock genes is based on transcriptional feedback loops. Two basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) PAS (for Period-Arnt-Sim) domain-containing transcriptional activators, CLOCK and BMAL1, are known to regulate gene expression by interacting with a promoter element termed the E-box (CACGTG). The non-canonical E-boxes or E-box-like sequences have also been reported to be necessary for circadian oscillation. Results We report a new cis-element required for cell-autonomous circadian transcription of clock genes. This new element consists of a canonical E-box or a non-canonical E-box and an E-box-like sequence in tandem with the latter with a short interval, 6 base pairs, between them. We demonstrate that both E-box or E-box-like sequences are needed to generate cell-autonomous oscillation. We also verify that the spacing nucleotides with constant length between these 2 E-elements are crucial for robust oscillation. Furthermore, by in silico analysis we conclude that several clock and clock-controlled genes possess a direct repeat of the E-box-like elements in their promoter region. Conclusion We propose a novel possible mechanism regulated by double E-box-like elements, not to a single E-box, for circadian transcriptional oscillation. The direct repeat of the E-box-like elements identified in this study is the minimal required element for the generation of cell-autonomous transcriptional oscillation of clock and clock-controlled genes. PMID:18177499

Acoustic-wave sensor for ambient monitoring of a photoresist-stripping agent

DOEpatents

Pfeifer, K.B.; Hoyt, A.E.; Frye, G.C.

1998-08-18

The acoustic-wave sensor is disclosed. The acoustic-wave sensor is designed for ambient or vapor-phase monitoring of a photoresist-stripping agent such as N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), ethoxyethylpropionate (EEP) or the like. The acoustic-wave sensor comprises an acoustic-wave device such as a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) device, a flexural-plate-wave (FPW) device, an acoustic-plate-mode (APM) device, or a thickness-shear-mode (TSM) device (also termed a quartz crystal microbalance or QCM) having a sensing region on a surface thereof. The sensing region includes a sensing film for sorbing a quantity of the photoresist-stripping agent, thereby altering or shifting a frequency of oscillation of an acoustic wave propagating through the sensing region for indicating an ambient concentration of the agent. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the acoustic-wave device is a SAW device; and the sensing film comprises poly(vinylacetate), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), or poly(vinylphenol). 3 figs.

Acoustic-wave sensor for ambient monitoring of a photoresist-stripping agent

DOEpatents

Pfeifer, Kent B.; Hoyt, Andrea E.; Frye, Gregory C.

1998-01-01

The acoustic-wave sensor. The acoustic-wave sensor is designed for ambient or vapor-phase monitoring of a photoresist-stripping agent such as N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), ethoxyethylpropionate (EEP) or the like. The acoustic-wave sensor comprises an acoustic-wave device such as a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) device, a flexural-plate-wave (FPW) device, an acoustic-plate-mode (APM) device, or a thickness-shear-mode (TSM) device (also termed a quartz crystal microbalance or QCM) having a sensing region on a surface thereof. The sensing region includes a sensing film for sorbing a quantity of the photoresist-stripping agent, thereby altering or shifting a frequency of oscillation of an acoustic wave propagating through the sensing region for indicating an ambient concentration of the agent. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the acoustic-wave device is a SAW device; and the sensing film comprises poly(vinylacetate), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidinone), or poly(vinylphenol).

Identification of the functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles formed in photonucleation of aldehydes generated during forest fire events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dultsev, Fedor N.; Mik, Ivan A.; Dubtsov, Sergei N.; Dultseva, Galina G.

2014-11-01

We describe the new procedure developed to determine the functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles formed in photonucleation of furfural, one of the aldehydes generated during forest fire events. The procedure is based on the detection of nanoparticle rupture from chemically modified surface of the quartz crystal microbalance oscillating in the thickness shear mode under voltage sweep. The rupture force is determined from the voltage at which the rupture occurs. It depends on particle mass and on the affinity of the surface functional groups of the particle to the groups that are present on the modified QCM surface. It was demonstrated with the amine modification of the surface that the nanoparticles formed in furfural photonucleation contain carbonyl and carboxyl groups. The applicability of the method for the investigation of functional groups on the surface of the nanoparticles of atmospheric aerosol is demonstrated.

Phase reduction approach to synchronisation of nonlinear oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakao, Hiroya

2016-04-01

Systems of dynamical elements exhibiting spontaneous rhythms are found in various fields of science and engineering, including physics, chemistry, biology, physiology, and mechanical and electrical engineering. Such dynamical elements are often modelled as nonlinear limit-cycle oscillators. In this article, we briefly review phase reduction theory, which is a simple and powerful method for analysing the synchronisation properties of limit-cycle oscillators exhibiting rhythmic dynamics. Through phase reduction theory, we can systematically simplify the nonlinear multi-dimensional differential equations describing a limit-cycle oscillator to a one-dimensional phase equation, which is much easier to analyse. Classical applications of this theory, i.e. the phase locking of an oscillator to a periodic external forcing and the mutual synchronisation of interacting oscillators, are explained. Further, more recent applications of this theory to the synchronisation of non-interacting oscillators induced by common noise and the dynamics of coupled oscillators on complex networks are discussed. We also comment on some recent advances in phase reduction theory for noise-driven oscillators and rhythmic spatiotemporal patterns.

Stochastic dynamics of uncoupled neural oscillators: Fokker-Planck studies with the finite element method

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

Galan, Roberto F.; Urban, Nathaniel N.; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

We have investigated the effect of the phase response curve on the dynamics of oscillators driven by noise in two limit cases that are especially relevant for neuroscience. Using the finite element method to solve the Fokker-Planck equation we have studied (i) the impact of noise on the regularity of the oscillations quantified as the coefficient of variation, (ii) stochastic synchronization of two uncoupled phase oscillators driven by correlated noise, and (iii) their cross-correlation function. We show that, in general, the limit of type II oscillators is more robust to noise and more efficient at synchronizing by correlated noise thanmore » type I.« less

The Quartz-Crystal Microbalance in an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment: I. Fundamentals and Instrumentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsionsky, Vladimir

2007-01-01

The fundamentals, as well as the instrumentation of the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) technique that is used in an undergraduate laboratory experiment are being described. The QCM response can be easily used to change the properties of any system.

Application of quartz crystal microbalance technology in tribological investigation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The last fifteen years have seen considerable growth in the application of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to explore the tribological characteristics of materials. This article reviews some of the advances made in characterizing frictional properties of materials using the QCM, especially with di...

The Quartz-Crystal Microbalance in an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment II: Measuring Viscosity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsionsky, Vladimir

2007-01-01

Various water-alcohol and alcohol-alcohol based experiments are used to demonstrate how the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) technique is used for measuring the viscosity of a system. The technique is very advantageous, as it is inexpensive and provides digital output.

Characterization of fine particulate matter in Ohio: Indoor, outdoor, and personal exposures

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

Crist, Kevin C.; Liu, Bian; Kim, Myoungwoo

2008-01-15

Ambient, indoor, and personal PM{sub 2.5} concentrations were assessed based on an exhaustive study of PM{sub 2.5} performed in Ohio from 1999 to 2000. Locations in Columbus, one in an urban corridor and the other in a suburban area were involved. A third rural location in Athens, Ohio, was also established. At all three locations, elementary schools were utilized to determine outdoor, indoor, and personal PM{sub 2.5} concentrations for fourth and fifth grade students using filter-based measurements. Three groups of 30 students each were used for personal sampling at each school. Continuous ambient PM{sub 2.5} mass concentrations were also measuredmore » with tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs). At all three sites, personal and indoor PM{sub 2.5} concentrations exceeded outdoor levels. This trend is consistent on all week days and most evident in the spring as compared to fall and winter. The ambient PM{sub 2.5} concentrations were similar among the three sites, suggesting the existence of a common regional source influence. At all the three sites, larger variations were found in personal and indoor PM{sub 2.5} than ambient levels. The strongest correlations were found between indoor and personal concentrations, indicating that personal PM{sub 2.5} exposures were significantly affected by indoor PM{sub 2.5} than by ambient PM{sub 2.5}. This was further confirmed by the indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios of PM{sub 2.5} concentrations, which were greater when school was in session than non-school days when the students were absent.« less

New type of chimera structures in a ring of bistable FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators with nonlocal interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shepelev, I. A.; Vadivasova, T. E.; Bukh, A. V.; Strelkova, G. I.; Anishchenko, V. S.

2017-04-01

We study the spatiotemporal dynamics of a ring of nonlocally coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators in the bistable regime. A new type of chimera patterns has been found in the noise-free network and when isolated elements do not oscillate. The region of existence of these structures has been explored when the coupling range and the coupling strength between the network elements are varied.

Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation Desorption of Molecular Contaminants Deposited on Quartz Crystal Microbalances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albyn, Keith; Burns, Dewitt

2006-01-01

Recent quartz crystal microbalance measurements made in the Marshall Space Flight Center, Photo-Deposition Facility, for several materials, recorded a significant loss of deposited contaminants when the deposition surface of the microbalance was illuminated by a deuterium lamp. These measurements differ from observations made by other investigators in which the rate of deposition increased significantly when the deposition surface was illuminated with vacuum ultraviolet radiation. These observations suggest that the accelerated deposition of molecular contaminants on optically sensitive surfaces is dependant upon the contaminant being deposited and must be addressed during the materials selection process by common material screening techniques.

Investigating a Drop-on-Demand Microdispenser for Standardized Sample Preparation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Demand Microdispenser for Standardized Sample Preparation Ellen L. Holthoff, Mikella E. Farrell, and Paul M. Pellegrino Sensors and Electron Devices...instrument. The use of a gravimetric method, such as a quartz crystal microbalance4 ( QCM ) or a sensitive microbalance as discussed in this report, is

The Quartz-Crystal Microbalance in an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment: Measuring Mass

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsionsky, Vladimir

2007-01-01

The study explains the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) technique, which is often used as an undergraduate laboratory experiment for measuring the mass of a system. QCM can be used as a mass sensor only when the measured mass is rigidly attached to the surface.

Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Monitoring of the Cyclic Voltammetric Deposition of Polyaniline

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xie, Qingji; Li, Zhili; Deng, Chunyan; Liu, Meiling; Zhang, Youyu; Ma, Ming; Xia, Shaoxi; Xiao, Xiaoming; Yin, Dulin; Yao, Shouzhuo

2007-01-01

A real-time, labeled-free and nanogram-sensitive mass sensor, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) is used to monitor a cyclic voltammetric deposition of polyaniline (PANI). The results determined that the efficiency for PANI deposition and the anion-doping ratio is calculated in one single cyclic voltammetric.

Quartz crystal microbalance as a sensing active element for rupture scanning within frequency band.

PubMed

Dultsev, F N; Kolosovsky, E A

2011-02-14

A new method based on the use of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as an active sensing element is developed, optimized and tested in a model system to measure the rupture force and deduce size distribution of nanoparticles. As suggested by model predictions, the QCM is shaped as a strip. The ratio of rupture signals at the second and the third harmonics versus the geometric position of a body on QCM surface is investigated theoretically. Recommendations concerning the use of the method for measuring the nanoparticle size distribution are presented. It is shown experimentally for an ensemble of test particles with a characteristic size within 20-30 nm that the proposed method allows one to determine particle size distribution. On the basis of the position and value of the measured rupture signal, a histogram of particle size distribution and percentage of each size fraction were determined. The main merits of the bond-rupture method are its rapid response, simplicity and the ability to discriminate between specific and non-specific interactions. The method is highly sensitive with respect to mass (the sensitivity is generally dependent on the chemical nature of receptor and analyte and may reach 8×10(-14) g mm(-2)) and applicable to measuring rupture forces either for weak bonds, for example hydrogen bonds, or for strong covalent bonds (10(-11)-10(-9) N). This procedure may become a good alternative for the existing methods, such as AFM or optical methods of determining biological objects, and win a broad range of applications both in laboratory research and in biosensing for various purposes. Possible applications include medicine, diagnostics, environmental or agricultural monitoring. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A 200 MHz surface acoustic wave mass microbalance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowers, William D.; Chuan, Raymond L.

1990-01-01

The principle of operation of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) piezoelectric crystals used as microgravimetric sensors in mass microbalances is discussed. Special attention is given to a SAW 200-MHz crystal developed for measuring molecular deposition on spacecrafts, whose operating frequency does not depend on the thickness of the crystal. The frequency stability of the 200 MHz SAW device is better than 5 x 10 exp -9, which corresponds to a lower limit-of-detection of 3 x 10 exp -12 g for a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. A block diagram of the 200 MHz SAW mass microbalance and a schematic diagram of SAW resonator are presented together with performance data of this device.

Drinking-Straw Microbalance and Seesaw: Stability and Instability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapman, Peter; Glasser, Leslie

2015-01-01

The mechanics of a beam balance are little appreciated and seldom understood. We here consider the conditions that result in a stable balance, with center of gravity below the fulcrum (pivot point), while an unstable balance results when the center of gravity is above the fulcrum. The highly sensitive drinking-straw microbalance, which uses a…

On the spring and mass of the Dirac oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, James P.

1993-01-01

The Dirac oscillator is a relativistic generalization of the quantum harmonic oscillator. In particular, the square of the Hamiltonian for the Dirac oscillator yields the Klein-Gordon equation with a potential of the form: (ar(sub 2) + b(L x S)), where a and b are constants. To obtain the Dirac oscillator, a 'minimal substitution' is made in the Dirac equation, where the ordinary derivative is replaced with a covariant derivative. However, an unusual feature of the covariant derivative in this case is that the potential is a non-trivial element of the Clifford algebra. A theory which naturally gives rise to gage potentials which are non-trivial elements of the Clifford algebra is that based on local automorphism invariance. An exact solution of the automorphism gage field equations which reproduces both the potential term and the mass term of the Dirac oscillator is presented.

Amplitude of the Lidov-Kozai I and e oscillations in asteroid families

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinogradova, T. A.

2017-07-01

Asteroid families were used to study secular perturbations induced by the Lidov-Kozai mechanism (LKM). The LKM represents coupled long-period oscillations of the inclination I and the eccentricity e. These oscillations depend on the argument of the perihelion ω and become substantial for high inclinations and large eccentricities. After excluding classical secular perturbations, the LKM oscillations of the elements became visible very clearly in the distributions of orbital elements (sin I, ω) and (e, ω). These oscillations can be approximated by the functions Asin Isin (2ω + 90°) and Aesin (2ω - 90°), respectively, and the amplitudes of the oscillations Asin I and Ae can be easily obtained by the least-squares method. By excluding the LKM oscillations, we can calculate the proper elements Ip and ep. Asteroid families that have different proper inclinations and eccentricities were used to study the amplitudes of the LKM I and e oscillations. As a result, it was found that the net amplitude A = √{A_{sin I}^2+A_e^2} increases with increasing Ip and ep and can be approximated by a power law of the product epsin Ip. If the amplitude A is known, the amplitudes of the e and I oscillations can be calculated as Ae = Acos α and Asin I = Asin α, where tan α = -e_p(1-sin ^2 i_p)/sin i_p(1-e_p^2). It follows that the relationship between the amplitudes is approximately described as Asin I/Ae ≈ ep/sin Ip.

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and quantum steering in pulsed optomechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Q. Y.; Reid, M. D.

2013-11-01

We describe how to generate an Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox between a mesoscopic mechanical oscillator and an optical pulse. We find two types of paradox, defined by whether it is the oscillator or the pulse that shows the effect Schrödinger called “steering”. Only the oscillator paradox addresses the question of mesoscopic local reality for a massive system. In that case, EPR's “elements of reality” are defined for the oscillator, and it is these elements of reality that are falsified (if quantum mechanics is complete). For this sort of paradox, we show that a thermal barrier exists, meaning that a threshold level of pulse-oscillator interaction is required for a given thermal occupation n0 of the oscillator. We find there is no equivalent thermal barrier for the entanglement of the pulse with the oscillator or for the EPR paradox that addresses the local reality of the optical system. Finally, we examine the possibility of an EPR paradox between two entangled oscillators. Our work highlights the asymmetrical effect of thermal noise on quantum nonlocality.

Control of the flow over wing airfoils in transonic regimes by means of force action of surface elements on the flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aul'chenko, S. M.; Zamuraev, V. P.

2012-09-01

Mathematical modeling of the effect of force oscillations of surface elements of a wing airfoil on the shock-wave structure of the transonic flow over it is implemented. The qualitative and quantitative effect of the oscillation parameters on the airfoil wave drag is investigated.

Injection-seeded optical parametric oscillator and system

DOEpatents

Lucht, Robert P.; Kulatilaka, Waruna D.; Anderson, Thomas N.; Bougher, Thomas L.

2007-10-09

Optical parametric oscillators (OPO) and systems are provided. The OPO has a non-linear optical material located between two optical elements where the product of the reflection coefficients of the optical elements are higher at the output wavelength than at either the pump or idler wavelength. The OPO output may be amplified using an additional optical parametric amplifier (OPA) stage.

Response of hot element flush wall gauges in oscillating laminar flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giddings, T. A.; Cook, W. J.

1986-01-01

The time dependent response characteristics of flush-mounted hot element gauges used as instruments to measure wall shear stress in unsteady periodic air flows were investigated. The study was initiated because anomalous results were obtained from the gauges in oscillating turbulent flows for the phase relation of the wall shear stress variation, indicating possible gauge response problems. Flat plate laminar oscillating turbulent flows characterized by a mean free stream velocity with a superposed sinusoidal variation were performed. Laminar rather than turbulent flows were studied, because a numerical solution for the phase angle between the free stream velocity and the wall shear stress variation that is known to be correct can be obtained. The focus is on comparing the phase angle indicated by the hot element gauges with corresponding numerical prediction for the phase angle, since agreement would indicate that the hot element gauges faithfully follow the true wall shear stress variation.

Method for simultaneous measurement of mass loading and fluid property changes using a quartz crystal microbalance

DOEpatents

Granstaff, Victoria E.; Martin, Stephen J.

1993-01-01

A method, using a quartz crystal microbalance, to obtain simultaneous measurement of solid mass accumulation and changes in liquid density-viscosity product. The simultaneous real-time measurements of electrical parameters yields that changes in surface mass can be differentiated from changes in solution properties. Two methods to obtain the admittance/frequency data are employed.

Measurement of light scattering in an urban area with a nephelometer and PM2.5 FDMS TEOM monitor: accounting for the effect of water.

PubMed

Cropper, Paul M; Hansen, Jaron C; Eatough, Delbert J

2013-09-01

The US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new secondary standard based on visibility in urban areas. The proposed standard will be based on light extinction, calculated from 24-hr averaged measurements. It would be desirable to base the standard on a shorter averaging time to better represent human perception of visibility This could be accomplished by either an estimation of extinction from semicontinuous particulate matter (PM) data or direct measurement of scattering and absorption. To this end we have compared 1-hr measurements of fine plus coarse particulate scattering using a nephelometer along with an estimate of absorption from aethalometer measurements. The study took place in Lindon, UT, during February and March 2012. The nephelometer measurements were corrected for coarse particle scattering and compared to the Filter Dynamic Measurement System (FDMS) tapered element oscillating microbalance monitor (TEOM) PM2.5 measurements. The two measurements agreed with a mass scattering coefficient of 3.3 +/- 0.3 m2/g at relative humidity below 80%. However at higher humidity, the nephelometer gave higher scattering results due to water absorbed by ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate in the particles. This particle-associated water is not measured by the FDMS TEOM. The FDMS TEOM data could be corrected for this difference using appropriate IMPROVE protocols if the particle composition is known. However a better approach may be to use a particle measurement system that allows for semicontinuous measurements but also measures particle bound water Data are presented from a 2003 study in Rubidoux, CA, showing how this could be accomplished using a Grimm model 1100 aerosol spectrometer or comparable instrument.

Analysis of Odor-Causing VOCs and Semi-VOCs Associated with Particulate Matter in Swine Barns Using SPME-GC-MS-Olfactometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Lingshuang; Koziel, Jacek A.; Lo, Yin-Cheung; Hoff, Steven J.

2009-05-01

Swine operations can affect air quality by emissions of odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gases, and particulate matter (PM). Particulate matter has been proposed to be an important pathway for carrying odor. However, little is known about the odor-VOCs-PM interactions. In this research, continuous PM sampling was conducted simultaneously with three collocated TEOM analyzers inside a 1000-head swine finish barn located in central Iowa. Each TEOM (tapered element oscillating microbalance) was fitted with total suspended particulate (TSP), PM-10, PM-2.5 and PM-1 preseparators. Used filters were stored in 40 mL vials and transported to the laboratory. VOCs adsorbed/absorbed to dust were allowed to equilibrate with vial headspace. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) 85 μm fibers were used to extract VOCs. Simultaneous chemical and olfactometry analyses of VOCs and odor associated with swine PM were completed using a gas chromatography-mass-olfactometry (GC-MS-O) system. Fifty VOCs categorized into nine chemical function groups were identified and confirmed with standards. Five of them are classified as hazardous air pollutants. VOCs were characterized with a wide range of molecular weight, boiling points, vapor pressures, water solubilities, odor detection thresholds, and atmospheric reactivities. All characteristic swine VOCs and odorants were present in PM and their abundance was proportional to PM size. However, the majority of VOCs and characteristic swine odorants were preferentially bound to smaller-size PM. The findings indicate that a significant fraction of swine odor can be carried by PM. Research of the effects of PM control on swine odor mitigation is warranted.

Aerosol measurement: the use of optical light scattering for the determination of particulate size distribution, and particulate mass, including the semi-volatile fraction.

PubMed

Grimm, Hans; Eatough, Delbert J

2009-01-01

The GRIMM model 1.107 monitor is designed to measure particle size distribution and particulate mass based on a light scattering measurement of individual particles in the sampled air. The design and operation of the instrument are described. Protocols used to convert the measured size number distribution to a mass concentration consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency protocols for measuring particulate matter (PM) less than 10 microm (PM10) and less than 2.5 microm (PM2.5) in aerodynamic diameter are described. The performance of the resulting continuous monitor has been evaluated by comparing GRIMM monitor PM2.5 measurements with results obtained by the Rupprecht and Patashnick Co. (R&P) filter dynamic measurement system (FDMS). Data were obtained during month-long studies in Rubidoux, CA, in July 2003 and in Fresno, CA, in December 2003. The results indicate that the GRIMM monitor does respond to total PM2.5 mass, including the semi-volatile components, giving results comparable to the FDMS. The data also indicate that the monitor can be used to estimate water content of the fine particles. However, if the inlet to the monitor is heated, then the instrument measures only the nonvolatile material, more comparable to results obtained with a conventional heated filter tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) monitor. A recent modification of the model 180, with a Nafion dryer at the inlet, measures total PM2.5 including the nonvolatile and semi-volatile components, but excluding fine particulate water. Model 180 was in agreement with FDMS data obtained in Lindon, UT, during January through February 2007.

Field and laboratory comparison of PM10 instruments in high winds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharratt, Brenton; Pi, Huawei

2018-06-01

Instruments capable of measuring PM10 (particulate matter ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter) concentrations may vary in performance as a result of different technologies utilized in measuring PM10. Therefore, the performance of five instruments capable of measuring PM10 concentrations above eroding soil surfaces was tested during high wind events at field sites in the Columbia Plateau and inside a wind tunnel. Comparisons among the Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) sampler, DustTrak monitor, E-sampler, High-Volume sampler, and Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) monitor were made at field sites during nine wind erosion events and inside a wind tunnel at two wind speeds (7 and 12 m s-1) and two ambient PM10 concentrations (2 and 50 mg m-3). PM10 concentrations were similar for the High-Volume sampler and TEOM monitor as well as for the BSNE samplers and DustTrak monitors but higher for the High-Volume sampler and TEOM monitor than the E-sampler during field erosion events. Based upon wind tunnel experiments, the TEOM monitor measured the highest PM10 concentration while the DustTrak monitor typically measured the lowest PM10 concentration as compared with other instruments. In addition, PM10 concentration appeared to lower for all instruments at a wind speed of 12 as compared with 7 m s-1 inside the wind tunnel. Differences in the performance of instruments in measuring PM10 concentration poses risks in comparing PM10 concentration among different instrument types or using multiple instrument types to jointly measure concentrations in the field or laboratory or even the same instrument type subject to different wind speeds.

Particulate emissions from a beef cattle feedlot using the flux-gradient technique.

PubMed

Bonifacio, Henry F; Maghirang, Ronaldo G; Trabue, Steven L; McConnell, Laura L; Prueger, John H; Razote, Edna B

2013-09-01

Data on air emissions from open-lot beef cattle () feedlots are limited. This research was conducted to determine fluxes of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM) from a commercial beef cattle feedlot in Kansas using the flux-gradient technique, a widely used micrometeorological method for air emissions from open sources. Vertical PM concentration profiles and micrometeorological parameters were measured at the feedlot using tapered element oscillating microbalance PM samplers and eddy covariance instrumentations (i.e., sonic anemometer and infrared hygrometer), respectively, from May 2010 through September 2011, representing feedlot conditions with air temperatures ranging from -24 to 39°C. Calculated hourly PM fluxes varied diurnally and seasonally, ranging up to 272 mg m h, with an overall median of 36 mg m h. For warm conditions (air temperature of 21 ± 10°C), the highest hourly PM fluxes (range 116-146 mg m h) were observed during the early evening period, from 2000 to 2100 h. For cold conditions (air temperature of -2 ± 8°C), the highest PM fluxes (range 14-27 mg m h) were observed in the afternoon, from 1100 to 1500 h. Changes in the hourly trend of PM fluxes coincided with changes in friction velocity, air temperature, sensible heat flux, and surface roughness. The PM emission was also affected by the pen surface water content, where a water content of at least 20% (wet basis) would be sufficient to effectively reduce PM emissions from pens by as much as 60%. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Development of QCM Trimethylamine Sensor Based on Water Soluble Polyaniline.

PubMed

Li, Guang; Zheng, Junbao; Ma, Xingfa; Sun, Yu; Fu, Jun; Wu, Gang

2007-10-17

A rapid, sensitive, low-cost device to detect trimethylamine was presented in thispaper. The preparation of water soluble polyaniline was firstly studied. Then the polyanilinewas characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visiblespectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the water solublepolyaniline film, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor for trimethylamine detectionwas fabricated and its characteristics were examined. The sensor consisted of one quartzcrystal oscillator coated with the polyaniline film for sensing and the other one forreference. Pretreated with trimethylamine, the QCM sensor had an excellent linearsensitivity to trimethylamine. Easily recovered by N2 purgation, the response of the sensorexhibited a good repeatability. Responses of the sensor to trimethylamine, ethanol and ethylacetate were compared, and the results showed that the response was related to the polarityof the analyte vapor. Experimental result also showed that the sensitivity of the sensor wasrelatively stable within one month. The simple and feasible method to prepare and coat thepolyaniline sensing film makes it promising for mass production.

Rapid detection of microorganisms based on active and passive modes of QCM.

PubMed

Farka, Zdeněk; Kovář, David; Skládal, Petr

2014-12-23

Label-free immunosensors are well suited for detection of microorganisms because of their fast response and reasonable sensitivity comparable to infection doses of common pathogens. Active (lever oscillator and frequency counter) and passive (impedance analyzer) modes of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were used and compared for rapid detection of three strains of E. coli. Different approaches for antibody immobilization were compared, the immobilization of reduced antibody using Sulfo-SMCC was most effective achieving the limit of detection (LOD) 8 × 104 CFU·mL-1 in 10 min. For the passive mode, software evaluating impedance characteristics in real-time was developed and used. Almost the same results were achieved using both active and passive modes confirming that the sensor properties are not limited by the frequency evaluation method but mainly by affinity of the antibody. Furthermore, reference measurements were done using surface plasmon resonance. Effect of condition of cells on signal was observed showing that cells ruptured by ultrasonication provided slightly higher signal changes than intact microbes.

Determination of the parameters of binding between lipopolysaccharide and chitosan and its N-acetylated derivative using a gravimetric piezoquartz biosensor.

PubMed

Naberezhnykh, G A; Gorbach, V I; Kalmykova, E N; Solov'eva, T F

2015-03-01

The interaction of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide - LPS) with low molecular weight chitosan (5.5 kDa), its N-acylated derivative and chitoliposomes was studied using a gravimetric piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance biosensor. The optimal conditions for the formation of a biolayer based on immobilized LPS on the resonator surface and its regeneration were elaborated. The association and dissociation rate constants for LPS binding to chitosans were determined and the affinity constants (Kaf) were calculated based on the data on changes in the oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal resonator. The Kaf values correlated with the ones obtained using other methods. The affinity of N-acylated chitosan binding to LPS was higher than that of the parent chitosan binding to LPS. Based on the results obtained, we suggest that water-soluble N-acylated derivatives of chitosan with low degree of substitution of amino groups could be useful compounds for endotoxin binding and neutralization. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid Detection of Microorganisms Based on Active and Passive Modes of QCM

PubMed Central

Farka, Zdeněk; Kovář, David; Skládal, Petr

2015-01-01

Label-free immunosensors are well suited for detection of microorganisms because of their fast response and reasonable sensitivity comparable to infection doses of common pathogens. Active (lever oscillator and frequency counter) and passive (impedance analyzer) modes of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were used and compared for rapid detection of three strains of E. coli. Different approaches for antibody immobilization were compared, the immobilization of reduced antibody using Sulfo‐SMCC was most effective achieving the limit of detection (LOD) 8 × 104 CFU·mL−1 in 10 min. For the passive mode, software evaluating impedance characteristics in real-time was developed and used. Almost the same results were achieved using both active and passive modes confirming that the sensor properties are not limited by the frequency evaluation method but mainly by affinity of the antibody. Furthermore, reference measurements were done using surface plasmon resonance. Effect of condition of cells on signal was observed showing that cells ruptured by ultrasonication provided slightly higher signal changes than intact microbes. PMID:25545267

Advances in SAW gas sensors based on the condensate-adsorption effect.

PubMed

Liu, Jiuling; Wang, Wen; Li, Shunzhou; Liu, Minghua; He, Shitang

2011-01-01

A surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) gas sensor with a low detection limit and fast response for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on the condensate-adsorption effect detection is developed. In this sensor a gas chromatography (GC) column acts as the separator element and a dual-resonator oscillator acts as the detector element. Regarding the surface effective permittivity method, the response mechanism analysis, which relates the condensate-adsorption effect, is performed, leading to the sensor performance prediction prior to fabrication. New designs of SAW resonators, which act as feedback of the oscillator, are devised in order to decrease the insertion loss and to achieve single-mode control, resulting in superior frequency stability of the oscillator. Based on the new phase modulation approach, excellent short-term frequency stability (±3 Hz/s) is achieved with the SAW oscillator by using the 500 MHz dual-port resonator as feedback element. In a sensor experiment investigating formaldehyde detection, the implemented SAW gas sensor exhibits an excellent threshold detection limit as low as 0.38 pg.

Reducing the wave drag of wing airfoils in transonic flow regimes by the force action of airfoil surface elements on the flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aul'chenko, S. M.; Zamuraev, V. P.

2012-11-01

Mathematical modeling of the influence of forced oscillations of surface elements of a wing airfoil on the shock-wave structure of transonic flow past it has been carried out. The qualitative and quantitative influence of the oscillation parameters on the wave drag of the airfoil has been investigated.

An Agile Beam Transmit Array Using Coupled Oscillator Phase Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pogorzelski, Ronald S.; Scaramastra, Rocco P.; Huang, John; Beckon, Robert J.; Petree, Steve M.; Chavez, Cosme

1993-01-01

A few years ago York and colleagues suggested that injection locking of voltage controlled oscillators could be used to implement beam steering in a phased array [I]. The scheme makes use of the fact that when an oscillator is injection locked to an external signal, the phase difference between the output of the oscillator and the injection signal is governed by the difference between the injection frequency and the free running frequency of the oscillator (the frequency to which the oscillator is tuned). Thus, if voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) are used, this phase difference is controlled by an applied voltage. Now, if a set of such oscillators are coupled to nearest neighbors, they can be made to mutually injection lock and oscillate as an ensemble. If they are all tuned to the same frequency, they will all oscillate in phase. Thus, if the outputs are connected to radiating elements forming a linear array, the antenna will radiate normal to the line of elements. Scanning is accomplished by antisymmetrically detuning the end oscillators in the array by application of a pair of appropriate voltages to their tuning ports. This results in a linear phase progression across the array which is just the phasing required to scan the beam. The scan angle is determined by the degree of detuning. We have constructed a seven element one dimensional agile beam array at S-band based on the above principle. Although, a few such arrays have been built in the past, this array possesses two unique features. First, the VCO MMICs have buffer amplifiers which isolate the output from the tuning circuit, and second, the oscillators are weakly coupled to each other at their resonant circuits rather than their outputs. This results in a convenient isolation between the oscillator array design and the radiating aperture design. An important parameter in the design is the so called coupling phase which determines the phase shift of the signals passing from one oscillator to its neighbors. Using this array, we have been able to verify the theoretical predictions concerning the effect of this phase on both the locking range and ensemble frequency of the array. However, the scan range achieved fell somewhat short of the theoretical value because of the amplitude variation of the oscillator outputs with tuning.

Supernova Neutrino-Process and Implication in Neutrino Oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajino, T.; Aoki, W.; Fujiya, W.; Mathews, G. J.; Yoshida, T.; Shaku, K.; Nakamura, K.; Hayakawa, T.

2012-08-01

We studied the supernova nucleosynthesis induced by neutrino interactions and found that several isotopes of rare elements like 7Li, 11B, 138La, 180Ta and many others are predominantly produced by the neutrino-process in core-collapse supernovae. These isotopes are strongly affected by the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the MSW (Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein) effect. We here propose a new novel method to determine the unknown neutrino oscillation parameters, θ13 and mass hierarchy simultaneously from the supernova neutrino-process, combined with the r-process for heavy-element synthsis and the Galactic chemical evolution on light nuclei.

Method for simultaneous measurement of mass loading and fluid property changes using a quartz crystal microbalance

DOEpatents

Granstaff, V.E.; Martin, S.J.

1993-04-13

A method is described, using a quartz crystal microbalance, to obtain simultaneous measurement of solid mass accumulation and changes in liquid density-viscosity product. The simultaneous real-time measurements of electrical parameters yields that changes in surface mass can be differentiated from changes in solution properties. Two methods to obtain the admittance/frequency data are employed.

Collective dynamics of identical bistable self-sustained oscillators with delayed feedback coupled via a mean field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponomarenko, V. I.; Kul'minskii, D. D.; Karavaev, A. S.; Prokhorov, M. D.

2017-03-01

Peculiarities of the collective dynamics of self-sustained oscillators in an ensemble of identical bistable systems with delayed feedback coupled via a mean field have been experimentally studied and numerically simulated. It is established that the ensemble can occur in so-called "chimera" states, whereby some elements exhibit synchronous oscillations, while other oscillators exhibit asynchronous behavior.

Harmonic oscillator states in aberration optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, Kurt Bernardo

1993-01-01

The states of the three-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator classify optical aberrations of axis-symmetric systems due to the isomorphism between the two mathematical structures. Cartesian quanta and angular momentum classifications have their corresponding aberration classifications. The operation of concatenation of optical elements introduces a new operation between harmonic oscillator states.

Active-bridge oscillator

DOEpatents

Wessendorf, Kurt O.

2001-01-01

An active bridge oscillator is formed from a differential amplifier where positive feedback is a function of the impedance of one of the gain elements and a relatively low value common emitter resistance. This use of the nonlinear transistor parameter h stabilizes the output and eliminates the need for ALC circuits common to other bridge oscillators.

Numerical calculations of velocity and pressure distribution around oscillating airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bratanow, T.; Ecer, A.; Kobiske, M.

1974-01-01

An analytical procedure based on the Navier-Stokes equations was developed for analyzing and representing properties of unsteady viscous flow around oscillating obstacles. A variational formulation of the vorticity transport equation was discretized in finite element form and integrated numerically. At each time step of the numerical integration, the velocity field around the obstacle was determined for the instantaneous vorticity distribution from the finite element solution of Poisson's equation. The time-dependent boundary conditions around the oscillating obstacle were introduced as external constraints, using the Lagrangian Multiplier Technique, at each time step of the numerical integration. The procedure was then applied for determining pressures around obstacles oscillating in unsteady flow. The obtained results for a cylinder and an airfoil were illustrated in the form of streamlines and vorticity and pressure distributions.

Improved thermoelectrically cooled quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckeown, W. E.; Corbin, W. E., Jr.; Fox, M. G.

1974-01-01

Design changes in the thermoelectrically-cooled quartz microbalance, which is used to monitor surface contamination in space simulation chambers, is described in terms of its extended temperature range, increased temperature control, mass sensitivity, and cooling power. The mass sensor uses 20 MHz quartz crystals having a sensitivity of 8.8 x 10 to the minus tenth power g/sq cm - Hz. The crystals are optically polished, metal plated, and overplated with magnesium fluoride to simulate an optical surface. The microbalance temperature circuitry is designed to readout and control surface temperature between 100 C and minus 59 C to plus or minus 0.5 C, and readout only temperature between minus 60 C and minus 199 C using auxiliary liquid nitrogen cooling. Data is included on the measurement of oil contamination of surfaces as a function of temperature in space simulation chambers.

Label-free, real-time interaction and adsorption analysis 2: quartz crystal microbalance.

PubMed

Fee, Conan J

2013-01-01

In this chapter, a second biosensor technique is described: the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The quartz crystal microbalance is a physical technique that detects changes in the resonance frequency of an electrically driven quartz crystal with changes in mass. Unlike surface plasmon resonance (SPR), QCM is affected by both the water that may be associated with the adsorbed layer and by conformational changes in the adsorbed species, while SPR is insensitive to both effects. Thus QCM can both corroborate the findings of an SPR experiment and provide some complementary information. Also, the QCM surface is highly versatile and can range from plain quartz, through gold and other metal surfaces (e.g., titanium or stainless steel) to polymeric materials. Thus, the QCM technique has wide utility in tracking interactions with a variety of materials.

A Low-wear Planar-contact Silicon Raceway for Microball Bearing Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

of friction between stainless steel microballs and silicon grooves (18–20). Both linear and rotary micromotors for sensor platforms were developed...mechanism, like a micromotor , will enable devices to reach higher speeds. Previously, the radial surface wear track depth was >15 m for a device...can lead to significant whirl and axial misalignment, which is critical for micromotor and micropump applications. Small changes in the alignment

RF Spectrum Sensing Based on an Overdamped Nonlinear Oscillator Ring for Cognitive Radios.

PubMed

Tang, Zhi-Ling; Li, Si-Min; Yu, Li-Juan

2016-06-09

Existing spectrum-sensing techniques for cognitive radios require an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to work at high dynamic range and a high sampling rate, resulting in high cost. Therefore, in this paper, a spectrum-sensing method based on a unidirectionally coupled, overdamped nonlinear oscillator ring is proposed. First, the numerical model of such a system is established based on the circuit of the nonlinear oscillator. Through numerical analysis of the model, the critical condition of the system's starting oscillation is determined, and the simulation results of the system's response to Gaussian white noise and periodic signal are presented. The results show that once the radio signal is input into the system, it starts oscillating when in the critical region, and the oscillating frequency of each element is fo/N, where fo is the frequency of the radio signal and N is the number of elements in the ring. The oscillation indicates that the spectrum resources at fo are occupied. At the same time, the sampling rate required for an ADC is reduced to the original value, 1/N. A prototypical circuit to verify the functionality of the system is designed, and the sensing bandwidth of the system is measured.

A TEOM (tm) particulate monitor for comet dust, near Earth space, and planetary atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1988-04-01

Scientific missions to comets, near earth space, and planetary atmospheres require particulate and mass accumulation instrumentation for both scientific and navigation purposes. The Rupprecht & Patashnick tapered element oscillating microbalance can accurately measure both mass flux and mass distribution of particulates over a wide range of particle sizes and loadings. Individual particles of milligram size down to a few picograms can be resolved and counted, and the accumulation of smaller particles or molecular deposition can be accurately measured using the sensors perfected and toughened under this contract. No other sensor has the dynamic range or sensitivity attained by these picogram direct mass measurement sensors. The purpose of this contract was to develop and implement reliable and repeatable manufacturing methods; build and test prototype sensors; and outline a quality control program. A dust 'thrower' was to be designed and built, and used to verify performance. Characterization and improvement of the optical motion detection system and drive feedback circuitry was to be undertaken, with emphasis on reliability, low noise, and low power consumption. All the goals of the contract were met or exceeded. An automated glass puller was built and used to make repeatable tapered elements. Materials and assembly methods were standardized, and controllers and calibrated fixtures were developed and used in all phases of preparing, coating and assembling the sensors. Quality control and reliability resulted from the use of calibrated manufacturing equipment with measurable working parameters. Thermal and vibration testing of completed prototypes showed low temperature sensitivity and high vibration tolerance. An electrostatic dust thrower was used in vacuum to throw particles from 2 x 106 g to 7 x 10-12 g in size. Using long averaging times, particles as small as 0.7 to 4 x 1011 g were weighted to resolutions in the 5 to 9 x 10-13 g range. The drive circuit and optics systems were developed beyond what was anticipated in the contract, and are now virtually flight prototypes. There is already commercial interest in the developed capability of measuring picogram mass losses and gains. One area is contamination and outgassing research, both measuring picogram losses from samples and collecting products of outgassing.

Period doubling induced by thermal noise amplification in genetic circuits.

PubMed

Ruocco, G; Fratalocchi, A

2014-11-18

Rhythms of life are dictated by oscillations, which take place in a wide rage of biological scales. In bacteria, for example, oscillations have been proven to control many fundamental processes, ranging from gene expression to cell divisions. In genetic circuits, oscillations originate from elemental block such as autorepressors and toggle switches, which produce robust and noise-free cycles with well defined frequency. In some circumstances, the oscillation period of biological functions may double, thus generating bistable behaviors whose ultimate origin is at the basis of intense investigations. Motivated by brain studies, we here study an "elemental" genetic circuit, where a simple nonlinear process interacts with a noisy environment. In the proposed system, nonlinearity naturally arises from the mechanism of cooperative stability, which regulates the concentration of a protein produced during a transcription process. In this elemental model, bistability results from the coherent amplification of environmental fluctuations due to a stochastic resonance of nonlinear origin. This suggests that the period doubling observed in many biological functions might result from the intrinsic interplay between nonlinearity and thermal noise.

Characterization and Analysis of Viscoelastically Loaded Thin Film Piezoelectric Resonators Incorporated in AN Oscillator Microsensing System.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Toole, Ronald Patrick

1994-01-01

In the recent advancement of piezoelectric resonator technology, there has been a large growth in the application of these devices for chemical sensing. These sensors operate by detecting changes in their environment which perturb the electrical - acoustic operation and in turn can be harnessed by means of supporting electronics and signal processing to monitor various processes. Examples include remote environmental monitoring, chemical process control, and commercial gas phase detectors. In this dissertation, the chemical sensing theory and properties of piezoelectric resonators such as the bulk-acoustic wave thin-film resonator (TFR) and the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) are developed. This analysis concentrates on characterizing the resonance behavior of thickness mode resonators based upon the physical properties at the electrode interface which include interfacial mass density, elasticity, viscosity, and thickness of the composite device consisting of the piezoelectric material, the electrodes, and any deposited layer on the electrode surface in contact with the surrounding medium. In this work, no approximation is made as to the stress or particle displacement variation across the visco-elastic film which allows a complete study of the perturbational mechanical variations on the electrical and resonance properties of the composite resonator. The derivation and verification of equivalent circuit models based on the physical properties of the piezoelectric resonator and visco-elastic sensing film are presented. The results and models from this research will be beneficial to surface chemistry studies and also have application to fabrication techniques and electrical modeling. The use of this theory is employed in a study of a QCM coated with a commercially developed negative resist. Photo-polymerization of the resist results in induced visco-elastic structural changes which can be monitored and characterized using the full admittance theory of the composite thickness mode resonator. In order to validate the chemical sensing concept, the design and implementation of a TFR controlled chemical sensing system is demonstrated. This system employs the frequency selectivity of the chemical sensing TFR as the feedback element in integrated Colpitts oscillators which are downconverted by superheterodyne techniques. The integrated system design philosophy and performance tradeoffs are discussed. This analysis also investigates the phase noise performance and injection locking considerations of the design. The sensor system detection limit is derived which sets the lower limit of signal detection based upon measurand sensitivity and measured phase noise.

New class of optoelectronic oscillators (OEO) for microwave signal generation and processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleki, Lute; Yao, X. S.

1996-11-01

A new class of oscillators based on photonic devices is presented. These opto-electronic oscillators (OEO's) generate microwave oscillation by converting continuous energy from a light source using a feedback circuit which includes a delay element, an electro-optic switch, and a photodetector. Different configurations of OEO's are presented, each of which may be applied to a particular application requiring ultra-high performance, or low cost and small size.

Episodic sequence memory is supported by a theta-gamma phase code.

PubMed

Heusser, Andrew C; Poeppel, David; Ezzyat, Youssef; Davachi, Lila

2016-10-01

The meaning we derive from our experiences is not a simple static extraction of the elements but is largely based on the order in which those elements occur. Models propose that sequence encoding is supported by interactions between high- and low-frequency oscillations, such that elements within an experience are represented by neural cell assemblies firing at higher frequencies (gamma) and sequential order is encoded by the specific timing of firing with respect to a lower frequency oscillation (theta). During episodic sequence memory formation in humans, we provide evidence that items in different sequence positions exhibit greater gamma power along distinct phases of a theta oscillation. Furthermore, this segregation is related to successful temporal order memory. Our results provide compelling evidence that memory for order, a core component of an episodic memory, capitalizes on the ubiquitous physiological mechanism of theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling.

Generation of mechanical oscillation applicable to vibratory rate gyroscopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lemkin, Mark A. (Inventor); Juneau, Thor N. (Inventor); Clark, William A. (Inventor); Roessig, Allen W. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

To achieve a drive-axis oscillation with improved frequency and amplitude stability, additional feedback loops are used to adjust force-feedback loop parameters. An amplitude-control loop measures oscillation amplitude, compares this value to the desired level, and adjusts damping of the mechanical sense-element to grow or shrink oscillation amplitude as appropriate. A frequency-tuning loop measures the oscillation frequency, compares this value with a highly stable reference, and adjusts the gain in the force-feedback loop to keep the drive-axis oscillation frequency at the reference value. The combined topology simultaneously controls both amplitude and frequency. Advantages of the combined topology include improved stability, fast oscillation start-up, low power consumption, and excellent shock rejection.

Coupled Oscillator Based Agile Beam Transmitters and Receivers: A Review of Work at JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pogorzelski, Ronald J.

2006-01-01

This is a review of the work done at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the past decade on development of the coupled oscillator technology in phased array applications to spacecraft telecommunications. First, some historical background is provided to set the work in context. However, this is by no means intended to be a comprehensive review of all work in this area. Rather, the focus is on the JPL contribution with some mention of other work which provided either insight or motivation. In the mid 1990's, R. A. York, and collaborators proposed that an array of mutually injection locked electronic oscillators could provide appropriately phased signals to the radiating elements of an array antenna such that the radiated beam could be steered merely by tuning the end or perimeter oscillators of the array. York, et al. also proposed a receiving system based on such oscillator arrays in which the oscillators provide properly phased local oscillator signals to be mixed with the signals received by the array elements to remove the phase due to angle of arrival of the incident wave. These concepts were viewed as a promising simplification of the beam steering control system that could result in significant cost, mass, and prime power reduction and were therefore attractive for possible space application.

RF Spectrum Sensing Based on an Overdamped Nonlinear Oscillator Ring for Cognitive Radios

PubMed Central

Tang, Zhi-Ling; Li, Si-Min; Yu, Li-Juan

2016-01-01

Existing spectrum-sensing techniques for cognitive radios require an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to work at high dynamic range and a high sampling rate, resulting in high cost. Therefore, in this paper, a spectrum-sensing method based on a unidirectionally coupled, overdamped nonlinear oscillator ring is proposed. First, the numerical model of such a system is established based on the circuit of the nonlinear oscillator. Through numerical analysis of the model, the critical condition of the system’s starting oscillation is determined, and the simulation results of the system’s response to Gaussian white noise and periodic signal are presented. The results show that once the radio signal is input into the system, it starts oscillating when in the critical region, and the oscillating frequency of each element is fo/N, where fo is the frequency of the radio signal and N is the number of elements in the ring. The oscillation indicates that the spectrum resources at fo are occupied. At the same time, the sampling rate required for an ADC is reduced to the original value, 1/N. A prototypical circuit to verify the functionality of the system is designed, and the sensing bandwidth of the system is measured. PMID:27294928

Push Tester For Laminated Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sugimura, Russell S.

1991-01-01

Small instrument used to measure brittleness of polymer film adhesively bonded to hard substrate. Penlike instrument has microball tip. Small pointer in slot on side of instrument used to calibrate and indicate spring force applied by point. Microball dents only small area of specimen. Such measurements used to measure rates of embrittlement in environmental tests of candidate laminated-film covers for photovoltaic modules. Not limited to transparent films; also used on opaque laminated films on back panels of photovoltaic modules.

Hydrazine engine plume contamination mapping. [measuring instruments for rocket exhaust from liquid propellant rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chirivella, J. E.

1975-01-01

Instrumentation for the measurement of plume exhaust specie deposition rates were developed and demonstrated. The instruments, two sets of quartz crystal microbalances, were designed for low temperature operation in the back flow and variable temperature operation in the core flow regions of an exhaust plume. These quartz crystal microbalances performed nominally, and measurements of exhaust specie deposition rates for 8400 number of pulses for a 0.1-lb monopropellant thruster are reported.

Quartz Crystal Micro-Balance Gas Sensor with Ink-Jet Printed Nano-Diamond Sensitive Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulha, Pavel; Kroutil, Jiří; Laposa, Alexandr; Procházka, Václav; Husák, Miroslav

2016-01-01

the paper presents fabrication and characterization of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance based gas sensor with a diamond powder sensitive layer deposited using the ink-jet printing technique. The sensor was exposed to a low concentration of ammonia, acetone vapors and different levels of humidity. Impedance characteristics close to the natural resonant frequency of 10 MHz were examined. The sensor exhibits significant shifts in serial resonant frequency under different gas environments.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance: A tool for analyzing loss of volatile compounds, gas sorption, and curing kinetics

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

Bajric, Sendin

2017-03-16

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has recently procured a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Current popular uses are biological sensors, surface chemistry, and vapor detection. LANL has projects related to analyzing curing kinetics, measuring gas sorption on polymers, and analyzing the loss of volatile compounds in polymer materials. The QCM has yet to be employed; however, this review will cover the use of the QCM in these applications and its potential.

Microball-bearing-supported electrostatic micromachines with polymer dielectric films for electromechanical power conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modafe, A.; Ghalichechian, N.; Frey, A.; Lang, J. H.; Ghodssi, R.

2006-09-01

This paper presents our latest research activities toward the development of electrostatic micromotors/microgenerators with a microball-bearing support mechanism and benzocyclobutene (BCB) low-k polymer insulating layers. The primary applications of these devices are long-range, high-speed micropositioning, high-speed micro pumping and micro power generation. In this paper, we present the development of the first generation of microball-bearing-supported micromachines. This device is a 6-phase, bottom-drive, linear, variable-capacitance micromotor. The design and fabrication of the linear micromotor, and characterization of the motor capacitance, force and motion in 3-phase and 6-phase excitation modes are presented. The micromotor consists of a silicon stator, a silicon slider and four stainless-steel microballs. The aligning force profile of the micromotor was extracted from simulated and measured capacitances of all phases. An average total aligning force of 0.27 mN with a maximum of 0.41 mN at 100 V dc was measured. The ac operation of the micromotor was verified by applying square-wave voltages and characterizing the slider motion. An average slider speed of 7.32 mm s-1 at 40 Hz and 120 V P-P was reached without losing the synchronization. The design, fabrication and characterization methods presented in this paper can be used as a technology platform for developing rotary micromachines.

Temporal behavior of RHEED intensity oscillations during molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAs and AlGaAs on (111)B GaAs substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yen, Ming Y.; Haas, T. W.

1990-10-01

We present the temporal behavior of intensity oscillations in reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) during molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of GaAs and A1GaAs on (1 1 1)B GaAs substrates. The RHEED intensity oscillations were examined as a function of growth parameters in order to provide the insight into the dynamic characteristics and to identify the optimal condition for the two-dimensional layer-by-layer growth. The most intense RHEED oscillation was found to occur within a very narrow temperature range which seems to optimize the surface migration kinetics of the arriving group III elements and the molecular dissodiative reaction of the group V elements. The appearance of an initial transient of the intensity upon commencement of the growth and its implications are described.

Supernova constraints on neutrino oscillation and EoS for proto-neutron star

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajino, T.; Aoki, W.; Cheoun, M.-K.; Hayakawa, T.; Hidaka, J.; Hirai, Y.; Mathews, G. J.; Nakamura, K.; Shibagaki, S.; Suzuki, T.

2014-05-01

Core-collapse supernovae eject huge amount of flux of energetic neutrinos which affect explosive nucleosynthesis of rare isotopes like 7Li, 11B, 92Nb, 138La and Ta and r-process elements. Several isotopes depend strongly on the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) effect. We here discuss how to determine the neutrino temperatures and propose a method to determine still unknown neutrino oscillation parameters, mass hierarchy and θ13, simultaneously. Combining the recent experimental constraints on θ13 with isotopic ratios of the light elements discovered in presolar grains from the Murchison meteorite, we show that our method suggests at a marginal preference for an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy. We also discuss supernova relic neutrinos that may indicate the softness of the equation of state (EoS) of nuclear matter as well as adiabatic conditions of the neutrino oscillation.

(q,{mu}) and (p,q,{zeta})-exponential functions: Rogers-Szego'' polynomials and Fourier-Gauss transform

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

Hounkonnou, Mahouton Norbert; Nkouankam, Elvis Benzo Ngompe

2010-10-15

From the realization of q-oscillator algebra in terms of generalized derivative, we compute the matrix elements from deformed exponential functions and deduce generating functions associated with Rogers-Szego polynomials as well as their relevant properties. We also compute the matrix elements associated with the (p,q)-oscillator algebra (a generalization of the q-one) and perform the Fourier-Gauss transform of a generalization of the deformed exponential functions.

Effects Of Local Oscillator Errors On Digital Beamforming

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

processor EF element factor EW electronic warfare FFM flicker frequency modulation FOV field-of-view FPGA field-programmable gate array FPM flicker...frequencies and also more difficult to measure [15]. 2. Flicker frequency modulation The source for flicker frequency modulation ( FFM ) is attributed to...a physical resonance mechanism of an oscillator or issues controlling electronic components. Some oscillators might not show FFM noise, which might

Emergent global oscillations in heterogeneous excitable media: The example of pancreatic β cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartwright, Julyan H. E.

2000-07-01

Using the standard van der Pol-FitzHugh-Nagumo excitable medium model, I demonstrate a generic mechanism, diversity, that provokes the emergence of global oscillations from individually quiescent elements in heterogeneous excitable media. This mechanism may be operating in the mammalian pancreas, where excitable β cells, quiescent when isolated, are found to oscillate when coupled, despite the absence of a pacemaker region.

Strange nonchaotic self-oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalnine, Alexey Yu.; Kuznetsov, Sergey P.

2016-08-01

An example of strange nonchaotic attractor (SNA) is discussed in a dissipative system of mechanical nature driven by a constant torque applied to one of the elements of the construction. So the external force is not oscillatory, and the system is autonomous. Components of the motion with incommensurable frequencies emerge due to the irrational ratio of the sizes of the involved rotating elements. We regard the phenomenon as strange nonchaotic self-oscillations, and its existence sheds new light on the question of feasibility of SNA in autonomous systems.

Numerical and Analytical Study of Nonlinear Effects of Transonic Flow Past a Wing Airfoil in Oscillation of its Surface Element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aul'chenko, S. M.; Zamuraev, V. P.; Kalinina, A. P.

2014-05-01

The present work is devoted to a criterial analysis and mathematical modeling of the influence of forced oscillations of surface elements of a wing airfoil on the shock-wave structure of transonic flow past it. Parameters that govern the regimes of interaction of the oscillatory motion of airfoil sections with the breakdown compression shock have been established. The qualitative and quantitative influence of these parameters on the wave resistance of the airfoil has been investigated.

Correlation of two bioadhesion assays: the everted sac technique and the CAHN microbalance.

PubMed

Santos, C A; Jacob, J S; Hertzog, B A; Freedman, B D; Press, D L; Harnpicharnchai, P; Mathiowitz, E

1999-08-27

This contribution correlates two in vitro methods utilized to determine bioadhesion. One method, the everted intestinal sac technique, is a passive test for bioadhesion involving several polymer microspheres and a section of everted intestinal tissue. The other method, the CAHN microbalance, employs a CAHN dynamic contact angle analyzer with modified software to record the tensile forces measured as a single polymer microsphere is pulled from intestinal tissue. This study demonstrates that CAHN and everted sac experiments yield similar results when used to quantify the bioadhesive nature of polymer microsphere systems. A polymer showing high adhesion in one method also demonstrates high bioadhesion in the other method; polymers that exhibit high fracture strength and tensile work measurements with the CAHN microbalance also yield high binding percentages with the everted sac method. The polymers tested and reported here are poly(caprolactone) and different copolymer ratios of poly(fumaric-co-sebacic anhydride). The results of this correlation demonstrate that each method alone is a valuable indicator of bioadhesion.

Winner-take-all in a phase oscillator system with adaptation.

PubMed

Burylko, Oleksandr; Kazanovich, Yakov; Borisyuk, Roman

2018-01-11

We consider a system of generalized phase oscillators with a central element and radial connections. In contrast to conventional phase oscillators of the Kuramoto type, the dynamic variables in our system include not only the phase of each oscillator but also the natural frequency of the central oscillator, and the connection strengths from the peripheral oscillators to the central oscillator. With appropriate parameter values the system demonstrates winner-take-all behavior in terms of the competition between peripheral oscillators for the synchronization with the central oscillator. Conditions for the winner-take-all regime are derived for stationary and non-stationary types of system dynamics. Bifurcation analysis of the transition from stationary to non-stationary winner-take-all dynamics is presented. A new bifurcation type called a Saddle Node on Invariant Torus (SNIT) bifurcation was observed and is described in detail. Computer simulations of the system allow an optimal choice of parameters for winner-take-all implementation.

Catalytic Activity and Impedance Behavior of Screen-Printed Nickel Oxide as Efficient Water Oxidation Catalysts.

PubMed

Singh, Archana; Fekete, Monika; Gengenbach, Thomas; Simonov, Alexandr N; Hocking, Rosalie K; Chang, Shery L Y; Rothmann, Mathias; Powar, Satvasheel; Fu, Dongchuan; Hu, Zheng; Wu, Qiang; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Bach, Udo; Spiccia, Leone

2015-12-21

We report that films screen printed from nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and microballs are efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation under near-neutral and alkaline conditions. Investigations of the composition and structure of the screen-printed films by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the material was present as the cubic NiO phase. Comparison of the catalytic activity of the microball films to that of films fabricated by using NiO nanoparticles, under similar experimental conditions, revealed that the microball films outperform nanoparticle films of similar thickness owing to a more porous structure and higher surface area. A thinner, less-resistive NiO nanoparticle film, however, was found to have higher activity per Ni atom. Anodization in borate buffer significantly improved the activity of all three films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that during anodization, a mixed nickel oxyhydroxide phase formed on the surface of all films, which could account for the improved activity. Impedance spectroscopy revealed that surface traps contribute significantly to the resistance of the NiO films. On anodization, the trap state resistance of all films was reduced, which led to significant improvements in activity. In 1.00 m NaOH, both the microball and nanoparticle films exhibit high long-term stability and produce a stable current density of approximately 30 mA cm(-2) at 600 mV overpotential. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Memcapacitor model and its application in chaotic oscillator with memristor.

PubMed

Wang, Guangyi; Zang, Shouchi; Wang, Xiaoyuan; Yuan, Fang; Iu, Herbert Ho-Ching

2017-01-01

Memristors and memcapacitors are two new nonlinear elements with memory. In this paper, we present a Hewlett-Packard memristor model and a charge-controlled memcapacitor model and design a new chaotic oscillator based on the two models for exploring the characteristics of memristors and memcapacitors in nonlinear circuits. Furthermore, many basic dynamical behaviors of the oscillator, including equilibrium sets, Lyapunov exponent spectrums, and bifurcations with various circuit parameters, are investigated theoretically and numerically. Our analysis results show that the proposed oscillator possesses complex dynamics such as an infinite number of equilibria, coexistence oscillation, and multi-stability. Finally, a discrete model of the chaotic oscillator is given and the main statistical properties of this oscillator are verified via Digital Signal Processing chip experiments and National Institute of Standards and Technology tests.

Seismic sources

DOEpatents

Green, M.A.; Cook, N.G.W.; McEvilly, T.V.; Majer, E.L.; Witherspoon, P.A.

1987-04-20

Apparatus is described for placement in a borehole in the earth, which enables the generation of closely controlled seismic waves from the borehole. Pure torsional shear waves are generated by an apparatus which includes a stator element fixed to the borehole walls and a rotor element which is electrically driven to rapidly oscillate on the stator element to cause reaction forces transmitted through the borehole walls to the surrounding earth. Longitudinal shear waves are generated by an armature that is driven to rapidly oscillate along the axis of the borehole, to cause reaction forces transmitted to the surrounding earth. Pressure waves are generated by electrically driving pistons that press against opposite ends of a hydraulic reservoir that fills the borehole. High power is generated by energizing the elements for more than about one minute. 9 figs.

Electronically tunable phase locked loop oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balasis, M.; Davis, M. R.; Jackson, C. R.

1982-02-01

This report describes the design and development of a low noise, high power, variable oscillator incorporating a high 'Q' electronically tunable resonator as the frequency determining element. The VCO provides improved EMC performance in phase locked synthesizers which are a part of communications equipments. The oscillator combines a low noise VMOS transistor with the selectivity and out-of-band attenuation of a coaxial resonator to provide superior EMC performance. Several oscillator designs were examined and the basis for the final configuration is presented. Oscillator noise is discussed and models for analysis are explained. A brass board model was constructed and tested and the technical results are presented.

Mixed-mode oscillations in memristor emulator based Liénard system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kingston, S. Leo; Suresh, K.; Thamilmaran, K.

2018-04-01

We report the existence of mixed-mode oscillations in memristor emulator based Liénard system which is externally driven by sinusoidal force. The charge and flux relationship of memristor emulator device explored based on the smooth cubic nonlinear element. The system exhibits the successive period adding sequences of mixed-mode oscillations in the wide parameter region. The electronics circuit of the memristor emulator is successfully implemented through PSpice simulation and mixed mode oscillations are observed through PSpice experiment and the obtained results are qualitatively matches with the numerical simulation.

Evaluation of different micro/nanobeads used as amplifiers in QCM immunosensor for more sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Jiang, Xuesong; Wang, Ronghui; Wang, Yun; Su, Xiaoli; Ying, Yibin; Wang, Jianping; Li, Yanbin

2011-11-15

Micro/nanobeads with different materials (magnetic, silica and polymer) and different sizes (diameters from 30nm to 970nm) were investigated for their use as amplifiers in a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) immunosensor for more sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. The micro/nanobeads were conjugated with anti-E. coli antibodies. E. coli O157:H7 cells were first captured by the first antibody immobilized on the electrode surface, and then micro/nanobeads labeled secondary antibodies attached to the cells, and finally the complexes of antibody-E. coli-antibody modified beads were formed. The results showed that antibody-labeled beads lead to signal amplification in both the change in frequency (ΔF) and the change in resistance (ΔR). Since the penetration depth of the oscillation-induced shear-waves for a ∼8MHz crystal is limited to 200nm, the interpretation of how the signal is amplified by the adsorbed particles was represented in terms of the coupled-oscillator theory. The amplification is not sensed in terms of increase in mass on the sensor surface. Amplification is sensed as a change in bacterial resonance frequency when the spheres adsorb to the bacteria. The change in the values of ΔF caused by different micro/nanobeads (amplifiers) attaching on target bacterial cells is indicative of the ratio between the resonance frequency of the absorbed bacterial-particle complex (ω(s)), and the resonance frequency of the crystal (ω). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative control of CaCO3 growth on quartz crystal microbalance sensors as a signal amplification method.

PubMed

Wu, Congcong; Sun, Zhaomei; Liu, Li-Shang

2017-07-10

The surface crystallization of CaCO 3 on gold was monitored by a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Quantitative control of the grown crystals was realized by adjusting the ratio of two functional groups, -N(CH 3 ) 3 and -COOH, on SAMs. Crystals with uniform size, morphology and polymorphism were obtained. The amount of crystals formed was found to increase with an increase in the -COOH group. The proposed quantitative control of crystallization can be an effective mass amplification strategy for QCM to enhance its assay sensitivity.

Immunosensors using a quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurosawa, Shigeru; Aizawa, Hidenobu; Tozuka, Mitsuhiro; Nakamura, Miki; Park, Jong-Won

2003-11-01

Better analytical technology has been demanded for accurate and rapid determination of trace amounts of chemical compounds, such as marker proteins for disease or endocrine disrupters like dioxin, which might be contained in blood, food and the environment. The study of immunosensors using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has recently focused on conventional detection methods for the determination of chemical compounds together with the development of reagents and processes. This paper introduces the principle of the detection method of QCM immunosensors developed at AIST and its application to the detection of trace amounts of chemical compounds.

Supernova constraints on neutrino oscillation and EoS for proto-neutron star

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

Kajino, T.; Aoki, W.; Cheoun, M.-K.

2014-05-02

Core-collapse supernovae eject huge amount of flux of energetic neutrinos which affect explosive nucleosynthesis of rare isotopes like {sup 7}Li, {sup 11}B, {sup 92}Nb, {sup 138}La and Ta and r-process elements. Several isotopes depend strongly on the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) effect. We here discuss how to determine the neutrino temperatures and propose a method to determine still unknown neutrino oscillation parameters, mass hierarchy and θ{sub 13}, simultaneously. Combining the recent experimental constraints on θ{sub 13} with isotopic ratios of the light elements discovered in presolar grains from the Murchison meteorite, we show that our methodmore » suggests at a marginal preference for an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy. We also discuss supernova relic neutrinos that may indicate the softness of the equation of state (EoS) of nuclear matter as well as adiabatic conditions of the neutrino oscillation.« less

Electronically Tunable Differential Integrator: Linear Voltage Controlled Quadrature Oscillator.

PubMed

Nandi, Rabindranath; Pattanayak, Sandhya; Venkateswaran, Palaniandavar; Das, Sagarika

2015-01-01

A new electronically tunable differential integrator (ETDI) and its extension to voltage controlled quadrature oscillator (VCQO) design with linear tuning law are proposed; the active building block is a composite current feedback amplifier with recent multiplication mode current conveyor (MMCC) element. Recently utilization of two different kinds of active devices to form a composite building block is being considered since it yields a superior functional element suitable for improved quality circuit design. The integrator time constant (τ) and the oscillation frequency (ω o ) are tunable by the control voltage (V) of the MMCC block. Analysis indicates negligible phase error (θ e ) for the integrator and low active ω o -sensitivity relative to the device parasitic capacitances. Satisfactory experimental verifications on electronic tunability of some wave shaping applications by the integrator and a double-integrator feedback loop (DIFL) based sinusoid oscillator with linear f o variation range of 60 KHz~1.8 MHz at low THD of 2.1% are verified by both simulation and hardware tests.

Superconducting nanowires as nonlinear inductive elements for qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Jaseung; Manucharyan, Vladimir; Bezryadin, Alexey

2011-03-01

We report microwave transmission measurements of superconducting Fabry-Perot resonators, having a superconducting nanowire placed at a supercurrent antinode. As the plasma oscillation is excited, the supercurrent is forced to flow through the nanowire. The microwave transmission of the resonator-nanowire device shows a nonlinear resonance behavior, significantly dependent on the amplitude of the supercurrent oscillation. We show that such amplitude-dependent response is due to the nonlinearity of the current-phase relationship of the nanowire. The results are explained within a nonlinear oscillator model of the Duffing oscillator, in which the nanowire acts as a purely inductive element, in the limit of low temperatures and low amplitudes. The low-quality factor sample exhibits a ``crater'' at the resonance peak at higher driving power, which is due to dissipation. We observe a hysteretic bifurcation behavior of the transmission response to frequency sweep in a sample with a higher quality factor. The Duffing model is used to explain the Duffing bistability diagram. NSF DMR-1005645, DOE DO-FG02-07ER46453.

Tunable, diode side-pumped Er: YAG laser

DOEpatents

Hamilton, Charles E.; Furu, Laurence H.

1997-01-01

A discrete-element Er:YAG laser, side pumped by a 220 Watt peak-power InGaAs diode array, generates >500 mWatts at 2.94 .mu.m, and is tunable over a 6 nm range near about 2.936 .mu.m. The oscillator is a plano-concave resonator consisting of a concave high reflector, a flat output coupler, a Er:YAG crystal and a YAG intracavity etalon, which serves as the tuning element. The cavity length is variable from 3 cm to 4 cm. The oscillator uses total internal reflection in the Er:YAG crystal to allow efficient coupling of the diode emission into the resonating modes of the oscillator. With the tuning element removed, the oscillator produces up to 1.3 Watts of average power at 2.94 .mu.m. The duty factor of the laser is 6.5% and the repetition rate is variable up to 1 kHz. This laser is useful for tuning to an atmospheric transmission window at 2.935 .mu.m (air wavelength). The laser is also useful as a spectroscopic tool because it can access several infrared water vapor transitions, as well as transitions in organic compounds. Other uses include medical applications (e.g., for tissue ablation and uses with fiber optic laser scalpels) and as part of industrial effluent monitoring systems.

Tunable, diode side-pumped Er:YAG laser

DOEpatents

Hamilton, C.E.; Furu, L.H.

1997-04-22

A discrete-element Er:YAG laser, side pumped by a 220 Watt peak-power InGaAs diode array, generates >500 mWatts at 2.94 {micro}m, and is tunable over a 6 nm range near about 2.936 {micro}m. The oscillator is a plano-concave resonator consisting of a concave high reflector, a flat output coupler, a Er:YAG crystal and a YAG intracavity etalon, which serves as the tuning element. The cavity length is variable from 3 cm to 4 cm. The oscillator uses total internal reflection in the Er:YAG crystal to allow efficient coupling of the diode emission into the resonating modes of the oscillator. With the tuning element removed, the oscillator produces up to 1.3 Watts of average power at 2.94 {micro}m. The duty factor of the laser is 6.5% and the repetition rate is variable up to 1 kHz. This laser is useful for tuning to an atmospheric transmission window at 2.935 {micro}m (air wavelength). The laser is also useful as a spectroscopic tool because it can access several infrared water vapor transitions, as well as transitions in organic compounds. Other uses include medical applications (e.g., for tissue ablation and uses with fiber optic laser scalpels) and as part of industrial effluent monitoring systems. 4 figs.

Experimental and theoretical oscillator strengths of Mg I for accurate abundance analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pehlivan Rhodin, A.; Hartman, H.; Nilsson, H.; Jönsson, P.

2017-02-01

Context. With the aid of stellar abundance analysis, it is possible to study the galactic formation and evolution. Magnesium is an important element to trace the α-element evolution in our Galaxy. For chemical abundance analysis, such as magnesium abundance, accurate and complete atomic data are essential. Inaccurate atomic data lead to uncertain abundances and prevent discrimination between different evolution models. Aims: We study the spectrum of neutral magnesium from laboratory measurements and theoretical calculations. Our aim is to improve the oscillator strengths (f-values) of Mg I lines and to create a complete set of accurate atomic data, particularly for the near-IR region. Methods: We derived oscillator strengths by combining the experimental branching fractions with radiative lifetimes reported in the literature and computed in this work. A hollow cathode discharge lamp was used to produce free atoms in the plasma and a Fourier transform spectrometer recorded the intensity-calibrated high-resolution spectra. In addition, we performed theoretical calculations using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock program ATSP2K. Results: This project provides a set of experimental and theoretical oscillator strengths. We derived 34 experimental oscillator strengths. Except from the Mg I optical triplet lines (3p 3P°0,1,2-4s 3S1), these oscillator strengths are measured for the first time. The theoretical oscillator strengths are in very good agreement with the experimental data and complement the missing transitions of the experimental data up to n = 7 from even and odd parity terms. We present an evaluated set of oscillator strengths, gf, with uncertainties as small as 5%. The new values of the Mg I optical triplet line (3p 3P°0,1,2-4s 3S1) oscillator strength values are 0.08 dex larger than the previous measurements.

Dynamics of reflection high-energy electron diffraction intensity oscillations during molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAs on (111)B GaAs substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yen, M. Y.; Haas, T. W.

1990-06-01

We have observed intensity oscillations in reflection high-energy electron diffraction during molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAs on (111)B GaAs substrates. These oscillations only exist over a narrow range of growth conditions and their behavior is strongly dependent on the migration kinetics of group III and the molecular dissociative reaction of group V elements.

Finite element procedures for time-dependent convection-diffusion-reaction systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tezduyar, T. E.; Park, Y. J.; Deans, H. A.

1988-01-01

New finite element procedures based on the streamline-upwind/Petrov-Galerkin formulations are developed for time-dependent convection-diffusion-reaction equations. These procedures minimize spurious oscillations for convection-dominated and reaction-dominated problems. The results obtained for representative numerical examples are accurate with minimal oscillations. As a special application problem, the single-well chemical tracer test (a procedure for measuring oil remaining in a depleted field) is simulated numerically. The results show the importance of temperature effects on the interpreted value of residual oil saturation from such tests.

Finite element analysis of periodic transonic flow problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fix, G. J.

1978-01-01

Flow about an oscillating thin airfoil in a transonic stream was considered. It was assumed that the flow field can be decomposed into a mean flow plus a periodic perturbation. On the surface of the airfoil the usual Neumman conditions are imposed. Two computer programs were written, both using linear basis functions over triangles for the finite element space. The first program uses a banded Gaussian elimination solver to solve the matrix problem, while the second uses an iterative technique, namely SOR. The only results obtained are for an oscillating flat plate.

Characterization of casein and poly-l-arginine multilayer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szyk-Warszyńska, Lilianna; Kilan, Katarzyna; Socha, Robert P.

2014-06-01

Thin films containing casein appear to be a promising material for coatings used in the medical area to promote biomineralization. alfa- and beta-casein and poly-L-arginine multilayer films were formed by the layer-by layer technique and their thickness and mass were analyzed by ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). We investigated the effect of the type of casein used for the film formation and of the polyethyleneimine anchoring layer on the thickness and mass of adsorbed films. The analysis of the mass of films during their post-treatment with the solutions of various ionic strength and pH provided the information concerning films stability, while the XPS elemental analysis confirmed binding of calcium ions by the casein embedded in the multilayers.

Thiolated polyethylene oxide as a non-fouling element for nano-patterned bio-devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisboa, Patrícia; Valsesia, Andrea; Colpo, Pascal; Gilliland, Douglas; Ceccone, Giacomo; Papadopoulou-Bouraoui, Andri; Rauscher, Hubert; Reniero, Fabiano; Guillou, Claude; Rossi, François

2007-03-01

This work describes the synthesis of a thiolated polyethylene oxide that self-assembles on gold to create a non-fouling surface. Thiolated polyethylene oxide was synthesised by reacting 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid with polyethylene glycol mono methyl ether. The coverage of the thiolated polyethylene oxide on gold was studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the modified surfaces were characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry. Protein resistance was assessed using quartz crystal microbalance. Results showed a non-fouling character produced by the thiolated polyethylene oxide. The synthesised product was used as the passivation layer on nano-patterned surfaces consisting of arrayed nano-spots, fabricated by plasma based colloidal lithography. The specific adsorption of anti-bovine serum albumin in the mercaptohexadecanoic acid spots was verified by atomic force microscopy.

Quality-assured measurements of animal building emissions: particulate matter concentrations.

PubMed

Heber, Albert J; Lim, Teng-Teeh; Ni, Ji-Qin; Tao, Pei-Chun; Schmidt, Amy M; Koziel, Jacek A; Hoff, Steven J; Jacobson, Larry D; Zhang, Yuanhui; Baughman, Gerald B

2006-12-01

Federally funded, multistate field studies were initiated in 2002 to measure emissions of particulate matter (PM) < 10 microm (PM10) and total suspended particulate (TSP), ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane, nonmethane hydrocarbons, and odor from swine and poultry production buildings in the United States. This paper describes the use of a continuous PM analyzer based on the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM). In these studies, the TEOM was used to measure PM emissions at identical locations in paired barns. Measuring PM concentrations in swine and poultry barns, compared with measuring PM in ambient air, required more frequent maintenance of the TEOM. External screens were used to prevent rapid plugging of the insect screen in the PM10 preseparator inlet. Minute means of mass concentrations exhibited a sinusoidal pattern that followed the variation of relative humidity, indicating that mass concentration measurements were affected by water vapor condensation onto and evaporation of moisture from the TEOM filter. Filter loading increased the humidity effect, most likely because of increased water vapor adsorption capacity of added PM. In a single layer barn study, collocated TEOMs, equipped with TSP and PM10 inlets, corresponded well when placed near the inlets of exhaust fans in a layer barn. Initial data showed that average daily mean concentrations of TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations at a layer barn were 1440 +/- 182 microg/m3 (n = 2), 553 +/- 79 microg/m3 (n = 4), and 33 +/- 75 microg/m3 (n = 1), respectively. The daily mean TSP concentration (n = 1) of a swine barn sprinkled with soybean oil was 67% lower than an untreated swine barn, which had a daily mean TSP concentration of 1143 +/- 619 microg/m3. The daily mean ambient TSP concentration (n = 1) near the swine barns was 25 +/- 8 microg/m3. Concentrations of PM inside the swine barns were correlated to pig activity.

Materials Combustion Testing and Combustion Product Sensor Evaluations in FY12

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Marit Elisabeth; Mudgett, Paul D.; Hornung, Steven D.; McClure, Mark B.; Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.; Bryg, Victoria; Makel, Darby; Ruff, Gary A.; Hunter, Gary

2013-01-01

NASA Centers continue to collaborate to characterize the chemical species and smoke particles generated by the combustion of current space-rated non-metallic materials including fluoropolymers. This paper describes the results of tests conducted February through September 2012 to identify optimal chemical markers both for augmenting particle-based fire detection methods and for monitoring the post-fire cleanup phase in human spacecraft. These studies follow up on testing conducted in August 2010 and reported at ICES 2011. The tests were conducted at the NASA White Sands Test Facility in a custom glove box designed for burning fractional gram quantities of materials under varying heating profiles. The 623 L chamber was heavily instrumented to quantify organics (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), inorganics by water extraction followed by ion chromatography, and select species by various individual commercially-available sensors. Evaluating new technologies for measuring carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and other species of interest was a key objective of the test. Some of these sensors were located inside the glovebox near the fire source to avoid losses through the sampling lines; the rest were located just outside the glovebox. Instruments for smoke particle characterization included a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Personal Dust Monitor (TEOM PDM) and a TSI Dust Trak DRX to measure particle mass concentration, a TSI PTrak for number concentration and a thermal precipitator for collection of particles for microscopic analysis. Materials studied included Nomex®, M22759 wire insulation, granulated circuit board, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Kapton®, and mixtures of PTFE and Kapton®. Furnace temperatures ranged from 340o to 640o C, focusing on the smoldering regime. Of particular interest in these tests was confirming burn repeatability and production of acid gases with different fuel mixture compositions, as well as the dependence of aerosol concentrations on temperature.

Materials Combustion Testing and Combustion Product Sensor Evaluations in FY12

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Marit E.; Hunter, Gary; Ruff, Gary; Mudgett, Paul D.; Hornung, Steven D.; McClure, Mark B.; Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.; Bryg, Victoria; Makel, Darby

2013-01-01

NASA Centers continue to collaborate to characterize the chemical species and smoke particles generated by the combustion of current space-rated non-metallic materials including fluoropolymers. This paper describes the results of tests conducted February through September 2012 to identify optimal chemical markers both for augmenting particle-based fire detection methods and for monitoring the post-fire cleanup phase in human spacecraft. These studies follow up on testing conducted in August 2010 and reported at ICES 2011. The tests were conducted at the NASA White Sands Test Facility in a custom glove box designed for burning fractional gram quantities of materials under varying heating profiles. The 623 L chamber was heavily instrumented to quantify organics (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), inorganics by water extraction followed by ion chromatography, and select species by various individual commercially-available sensors. Evaluating new technologies for measuring carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and other species of interest was a key objective of the test. Some of these sensors were located inside the glovebox near the fire source to avoid losses through the sampling lines; the rest were located just outside the glovebox. Instruments for smoke particle characterization included a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Personal Dust Monitor (TEOM PDM) and a TSI Dust Trak DRX to measure particle mass concentration, a TSI PTrak for number concentration and a thermal precipitator for collection of particles for microscopic analysis. Materials studied included Nomex(R), M22759 wire insulation, granulated circuit board, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Kapton(R), and mixtures of PTFE and Kapton(R). Furnace temperatures ranged from 340 to 640 C, focusing on the smoldering regime. Of particular interest in these tests was confirming burn repeatability and production of acid gases with different fuel mixture compositions, as well as the dependence of aerosol concentrations on temperature.

High-frequency resonant-tunneling oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, E. R.; Parker, C. D.; Calawa, A. R.; Manfra, M. J.; Chen, C. L.

1991-01-01

Advances in high-frequency resonant-tunneling-diode (RTD) oscillators are described. Oscillations up to a frequency of 420 GHz have been achieved in the GaAs/AlAs system. Recent results obtained with In0.53Ga0.47As/AlAs and InAs/AlSb RTDs show a greatly increased power density and indicate the potential for fundamental oscillations up to about 1 THz. These results are consistent with a lumped-element equivalent circuit model of the RTD. The model shows that the maximum oscillation frequency of the GaAs/AlAs RTDs is limited primarily by series resistance, and that the power density is limited by low peak-to-valley current ratio.

Aging transition in systems of oscillators with global distributed-delay coupling.

PubMed

Rahman, B; Blyuss, K B; Kyrychko, Y N

2017-09-01

We consider a globally coupled network of active (oscillatory) and inactive (nonoscillatory) oscillators with distributed-delay coupling. Conditions for aging transition, associated with suppression of oscillations, are derived for uniform and gamma delay distributions in terms of coupling parameters and the proportion of inactive oscillators. The results suggest that for the uniform distribution increasing the width of distribution for the same mean delay allows aging transition to happen for a smaller coupling strength and a smaller proportion of inactive elements. For gamma distribution with sufficiently large mean time delay, it may be possible to achieve aging transition for an arbitrary proportion of inactive oscillators, as long as the coupling strength lies in a certain range.

A new method for wideband characterization of resonator-based sensing platforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munir, Farasat; Wathen, Adam; Hunt, William D.

2011-03-01

A new approach to the electronic instrumentation for extracting data from resonator-based sensing devices (e.g., microelectromechanical, piezoelectric, electrochemical, and acoustic) is suggested and demonstrated here. Traditionally, oscillator-based circuitry is employed to monitor shift in the resonance frequency of the resonator. These circuits give a single point measurement at the frequency where the oscillation criterion is met. However, the resonator response itself is broadband and contains much more information than a single point measurement. Here, we present a method for the broadband characterization of a resonator using white noise as an excitation signal. The resonator is used in a two-port filter configuration, and the resonator output is subjected to frequency spectrum analysis. The result is a wideband spectral map analogous to the magnitude of the S21 parameters of a conventional filter. Compared to other sources for broadband excitation (e.g., frequency chirp, multisine, or narrow time domain pulse), the white noise source requires no design of the input signal and is readily available for very wide bandwidths (1 MHz-3 GHz). Moreover, it offers simplicity in circuit design as it does not require precise impedance matching; whereas such requirements are very strict for oscillator-based circuit systems, and can be difficult to fulfill. This results in a measurement system that does not require calibration, which is a significant advantage over oscillator circuits. Simulation results are first presented for verification of the proposed system, followed by measurement results with a prototype implementation. A 434 MHz surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator and a 5 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) are measured using the proposed method, and the results are compared to measurements taken by a conventional bench-top network analyzer. Maximum relative differences in the measured resonance frequencies of the SAW and QCM resonators are 0.0004% and 0.002%, respectively. The ability to track a changing sensor response is demonstrated by inducing temperature variations and measuring resonance frequency simultaneously using the proposed technique in parallel with a network analyzer. The relative difference between the two measurements is about 5.53 ppm, highlighting the impressive accuracy of the proposed system. Using commercially available digital signal processors (DSPs), we believe that this technique can be implemented as a system-on-a-chip solution resulting in a very low cost, easy to use, portable, and customizable sensing system. In addition, given the simplicity of the signal and circuit design, and its immunity to other common interface concerns (injection locking, oscillator interference, and drift, etc.), this method is better suited to accommodating array-based systems.

An enriched finite element method to fractional advection-diffusion equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luan, Shengzhi; Lian, Yanping; Ying, Yuping; Tang, Shaoqiang; Wagner, Gregory J.; Liu, Wing Kam

2017-08-01

In this paper, an enriched finite element method with fractional basis [ 1,x^{α }] for spatial fractional partial differential equations is proposed to obtain more stable and accurate numerical solutions. For pure fractional diffusion equation without advection, the enriched Galerkin finite element method formulation is demonstrated to simulate the exact solution successfully without any numerical oscillation, which is advantageous compared to the traditional Galerkin finite element method with integer basis [ 1,x] . For fractional advection-diffusion equation, the oscillatory behavior becomes complex due to the introduction of the advection term which can be characterized by a fractional element Peclet number. For the purpose of addressing the more complex numerical oscillation, an enriched Petrov-Galerkin finite element method is developed by using a dimensionless fractional stabilization parameter, which is formulated through a minimization of the residual of the nodal solution. The effectiveness and accuracy of the enriched finite element method are demonstrated by a series of numerical examples of fractional diffusion equation and fractional advection-diffusion equation, including both one-dimensional and two-dimensional, steady-state and time-dependent cases.

Robust Weak Chimeras in Oscillator Networks with Delayed Linear and Quadratic Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bick, Christian; Sebek, Michael; Kiss, István Z.

2017-10-01

We present an approach to generate chimera dynamics (localized frequency synchrony) in oscillator networks with two populations of (at least) two elements using a general method based on a delayed interaction with linear and quadratic terms. The coupling design yields robust chimeras through a phase-model-based design of the delay and the ratio of linear and quadratic components of the interactions. We demonstrate the method in the Brusselator model and experiments with electrochemical oscillators. The technique opens the way to directly bridge chimera dynamics in phase models and real-world oscillator networks.

A Novel Oscillating Rectenna for Wireless Microwave Power Transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McSpadden, J. O.; Dickinson, R. M.; Fan, L.; Chang, K.

1998-01-01

A new concept for solid state wireless microwave power transmission is presented. A 2.45 GHz rectenna element that was designed for over 85% RF to dc power conversion efficiency has been used to oscillate at 3.3 GHz with an approximate 1% dc to RF conversion efficiency.

A method for trace element determination of single Daphnia specimens using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mages, Margarete; Woelfl, Stefan; v. Tümpling jun, Wolf

2001-11-01

Two new preparation techniques for total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) element determination of single freshwater crustacean specimens (dry weight: 3-40 μg ind -1) have been developed and tested using Daphnia pulex from a deep, oligotrophic freshwater lake located in southern Chile. Dry method: Specimens were washed with 0.2 μm filtered lake water and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The freeze-dried Daphnia specimens were weighed using an ultra-fine microbalance and placed on quartz glass carriers for TXRF analysis. Wet method: Specimens were washed with 0.2 μm filtered lake water and placed on quartz glass carriers for TXRF analysis and dried in air. The dry weight was determined using the previously established body length-dry weight relationship. Method validation for both the dry and the wet preparation method in combination with TXRF spectrometry for the element determination in small single freshwater crustaceans showed that both methods can be used for routine investigations. There were no significant differences between the dry and the wet methods concerning the elements Ca, K, Fe, Zn, Br, P, Cu, but the determination of Mn, S and Sr revealed significant differences between the two methods. It seems that the dry method yields more precise results, but the wet method is easier to handle in the field when samples cannot be fixed with liquid nitrogen.

A TEOM (tm) particulate monitor for comet dust, near Earth space, and planetary atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

Scientific missions to comets, near earth space, and planetary atmospheres require particulate and mass accumulation instrumentation for both scientific and navigation purposes. The Rupprecht & Patashnick tapered element oscillating microbalance can accurately measure both mass flux and mass distribution of particulates over a wide range of particle sizes and loadings. Individual particles of milligram size down to a few picograms can be resolved and counted, and the accumulation of smaller particles or molecular deposition can be accurately measured using the sensors perfected and toughened under this contract. No other sensor has the dynamic range or sensitivity attained by these picogram direct mass measurement sensors. The purpose of this contract was to develop and implement reliable and repeatable manufacturing methods; build and test prototype sensors; and outline a quality control program. A dust 'thrower' was to be designed and built, and used to verify performance. Characterization and improvement of the optical motion detection system and drive feedback circuitry was to be undertaken, with emphasis on reliability, low noise, and low power consumption. All the goals of the contract were met or exceeded. An automated glass puller was built and used to make repeatable tapered elements. Materials and assembly methods were standardized, and controllers and calibrated fixtures were developed and used in all phases of preparing, coating and assembling the sensors. Quality control and reliability resulted from the use of calibrated manufacturing equipment with measurable working parameters. Thermal and vibration testing of completed prototypes showed low temperature sensitivity and high vibration tolerance. An electrostatic dust thrower was used in vacuum to throw particles from 2 x 10(exp 6) g to 7 x 10(exp -12) g in size. Using long averaging times, particles as small as 0.7 to 4 x 10(exp 11) g were weighted to resolutions in the 5 to 9 x 10(exp -13) g range. The drive circuit and optics systems were developed beyond what was anticipated in the contract, and are now virtually flight prototypes. There is already commercial interest in the developed capability of measuring picogram mass losses and gains. One area is contamination and outgassing research, both measuring picogram losses from samples and collecting products of outgassing.

Mercury Sorption and Desorption on Gold: A Comparative Analysis of Surface Acoustic Wave and Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Based Sensors.

PubMed

Kabir, K M Mohibul; Sabri, Ylias M; Esmaielzadeh Kandjani, Ahmad; Matthews, Glenn I; Field, Matthew; Jones, Lathe A; Nafady, Ayman; Ippolito, Samuel J; Bhargava, Suresh K

2015-08-04

Microelectromechanical sensors based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) transducers possess substantial potential as online elemental mercury (Hg(0)) vapor detectors in industrial stack effluents. In this study, a comparison of SAW- and QCM-based sensors is performed for the detection of low concentrations of Hg(0) vapor (ranging from 24 to 365 ppbv). Experimental measurements and finite element method (FEM) simulations allow the comparison of these sensors with regard to their sensitivity, sorption and desorption characteristics, and response time following Hg(0) vapor exposure at various operating temperatures ranging from 35 to 75 °C. Both of the sensors were fabricated on quartz substrates (ST and AT cut quartz for SAW and QCM devices, respectively) and employed thin gold (Au) layers as the electrodes. The SAW-based sensor exhibited up to ∼111 and ∼39 times higher response magnitudes than did the QCM-based sensor at 35 and 55 °C, respectively, when exposed to Hg(0) vapor concentrations ranging from 24 to 365 ppbv. The Hg(0) sorption and desorption calibration curves of both sensors were found to fit well with the Langmuir extension isotherm at different operating temperatures. Furthermore, the Hg(0) sorption and desorption rate demonstrated by the SAW-based sensor was found to decrease as the operating temperature increased, while the opposite trend was observed for the QCM-based sensor. However, the SAW-based sensor reached the maximum Hg(0) sorption rate faster than the QCM-based sensor regardless of operating temperature, whereas both sensors showed similar response times (t90) at various temperatures. Additionally, the sorption rate data was utilized in this study in order to obtain a faster response time from the sensor upon exposure to Hg(0) vapor. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the developed sensors' selectivity showed that the SAW-based sensor had a higher overall selectivity (90%) than did the QCM counterpart (84%) while Hg(0) vapor was measured in the presence of ammonia (NH3), humidity, and a number of volatile organic compounds at the chosen operating temperature of 55 °C.

The Direct Effect of Toroidal Magnetic Fields on Stellar Oscillations: An Analytical Expression for the General Matrix Element

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

Kiefer, René; Schad, Ariane; Roth, Markus

2017-09-10

Where is the solar dynamo located and what is its modus operandi? These are still open questions in solar physics. Helio- and asteroseismology can help answer them by enabling us to study solar and stellar internal structures through global oscillations. The properties of solar and stellar acoustic modes are changing with the level of magnetic activity. However, until now, the inference on subsurface magnetic fields with seismic measures has been very limited. The aim of this paper is to develop a formalism to calculate the effect of large-scale toroidal magnetic fields on solar and stellar global oscillation eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies.more » If the Lorentz force is added to the equilibrium equation of motion, stellar eigenmodes can couple. In quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, this coupling, also known as the direct effect, can be quantified by the general matrix element. We present the analytical expression of the matrix element for a superposition of subsurface zonal toroidal magnetic field configurations. The matrix element is important for forward calculations of perturbed solar and stellar eigenfunctions and frequency perturbations. The results presented here will help to ascertain solar and stellar large-scale subsurface magnetic fields, and their geometric configuration, strength, and change over the course of activity cycles.« less

The Direct Effect of Toroidal Magnetic Fields on Stellar Oscillations: An Analytical Expression for the General Matrix Element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiefer, René; Schad, Ariane; Roth, Markus

2017-09-01

Where is the solar dynamo located and what is its modus operandi? These are still open questions in solar physics. Helio- and asteroseismology can help answer them by enabling us to study solar and stellar internal structures through global oscillations. The properties of solar and stellar acoustic modes are changing with the level of magnetic activity. However, until now, the inference on subsurface magnetic fields with seismic measures has been very limited. The aim of this paper is to develop a formalism to calculate the effect of large-scale toroidal magnetic fields on solar and stellar global oscillation eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies. If the Lorentz force is added to the equilibrium equation of motion, stellar eigenmodes can couple. In quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, this coupling, also known as the direct effect, can be quantified by the general matrix element. We present the analytical expression of the matrix element for a superposition of subsurface zonal toroidal magnetic field configurations. The matrix element is important for forward calculations of perturbed solar and stellar eigenfunctions and frequency perturbations. The results presented here will help to ascertain solar and stellar large-scale subsurface magnetic fields, and their geometric configuration, strength, and change over the course of activity cycles.

A Runge-Kutta discontinuous finite element method for high speed flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bey, Kim S.; Oden, J. T.

1991-01-01

A Runge-Kutta discontinuous finite element method is developed for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws in two space variables. The discontinuous Galerkin spatial approximation to the conservation laws results in a system of ordinary differential equations which are marched in time using Runge-Kutta methods. Numerical results for the two-dimensional Burger's equation show that the method is (p+1)-order accurate in time and space, where p is the degree of the polynomial approximation of the solution within an element and is capable of capturing shocks over a single element without oscillations. Results for this problem also show that the accuracy of the solution in smooth regions is unaffected by the local projection and that the accuracy in smooth regions increases as p increases. Numerical results for the Euler equations show that the method captures shocks without oscillations and with higher resolution than a first-order scheme.

Seismic sources

DOEpatents

Green, Michael A.; Cook, Neville G. W.; McEvilly, Thomas V.; Majer, Ernest L.; Witherspoon, Paul A.

1992-01-01

Apparatus is described for placement in a borehole in the earth, which enables the generation of closely controlled seismic waves from the borehole. Pure torsional shear waves are generated by an apparatus which includes a stator element fixed to the borehole walls and a rotor element which is electrically driven to rapidly oscillate on the stator element to cause reaction forces transmitted through the borehole walls to the surrounding earth. Logitudinal shear waves are generated by an armature that is driven to rapidly oscillate along the axis of the borehole relative to a stator that is clamped to the borehole, to cause reaction forces transmitted to the surrounding earth. Pressure waves are generated by electrically driving pistons that press against opposite ends of a hydraulic reservoir that fills the borehole. High power is generated by energizing the elements at a power level that causes heating to over 150.degree. C. within one minute of operation, but energizing the elements for no more than about one minute.

Collective behavior of coupled nonuniform stochastic oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assis, Vladimir R. V.; Copelli, Mauro

2012-02-01

Theoretical studies of synchronization are usually based on models of coupled phase oscillators which, when isolated, have constant angular frequency. Stochastic discrete versions of these uniform oscillators have also appeared in the literature, with equal transition rates among the states. Here we start from the model recently introduced by Wood et al. [K. Wood, C. Van den Broeck, R. Kawai, K. Lindenberg, Universality of synchrony: critical behavior in a discrete model of stochastic phase-coupled oscillators, Phys. Rev. Lett. 96 (2006) 145701], which has a collectively synchronized phase, and parametrically modify the phase-coupled oscillators to render them (stochastically) nonuniform. We show that, depending on the nonuniformity parameter 0≤α≤1, a mean field analysis predicts the occurrence of several phase transitions. In particular, the phase with collective oscillations is stable for the complete graph only for α≤α‧<1. At α=1 the oscillators become excitable elements and the system has an absorbing state. In the excitable regime, no collective oscillations were found in the model.

Power oscillator

DOEpatents

Gitsevich, Aleksandr

2001-01-01

An oscillator includes an amplifier having an input and an output, and an impedance transformation network connected between the input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier, wherein the impedance transformation network is configured to provide suitable positive feedback from the output of the amplifier to the input of the amplifier to initiate and sustain an oscillating condition, and wherein the impedance transformation network is configured to protect the input of the amplifier from a destructive feedback signal. One example of the oscillator is a single active element device capable of providing over 70 watts of power at over 70% efficiency. Various control circuits may be employed to match the driving frequency of the oscillator to a plurality of tuning states of the lamp.

Nanomechanical resonators based on group IV element monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ji-Dong; Sun, Jia-Sheng; Jiang, Jin-Wu

2018-04-01

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the energy dissipation of the resonant oscillation for the group IV monolayers of puckered configuration, in which the oscillation is driven with different actuation velocities. We find that, in the moderate actuation velocity regime, the nonlinear coupling between the resonant oscillation mode and other high-frequency modes will lead to the non-resonant motion of the system. For the larger actuation velocity, the effective strain generated during the resonant oscillating causes a structural transition from the puckered configuration into the planar configuration, which is a characteristic energy dissipation mechanism for the resonant oscillation of these group IV puckered monolayers. Our findings shed light on mechanical applications of the group IV monolayers in the nanomechanical resonator field.

Period doubling induced by thermal noise amplification in genetic circuits

PubMed Central

Ruocco, G.; Fratalocchi, A.

2014-01-01

Rhythms of life are dictated by oscillations, which take place in a wide rage of biological scales. In bacteria, for example, oscillations have been proven to control many fundamental processes, ranging from gene expression to cell divisions. In genetic circuits, oscillations originate from elemental block such as autorepressors and toggle switches, which produce robust and noise-free cycles with well defined frequency. In some circumstances, the oscillation period of biological functions may double, thus generating bistable behaviors whose ultimate origin is at the basis of intense investigations. Motivated by brain studies, we here study an “elemental” genetic circuit, where a simple nonlinear process interacts with a noisy environment. In the proposed system, nonlinearity naturally arises from the mechanism of cooperative stability, which regulates the concentration of a protein produced during a transcription process. In this elemental model, bistability results from the coherent amplification of environmental fluctuations due to a stochastic resonance of nonlinear origin. This suggests that the period doubling observed in many biological functions might result from the intrinsic interplay between nonlinearity and thermal noise. PMID:25404210

Superconducting nanowires as nonlinear inductive elements for qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Jaseung; Manucharyan, Vladimir; Bezryadin, Alexey

2010-10-01

We report microwave transmission measurements of superconducting Fabry-Perot resonators, having a superconducting nanowire placed at a supercurrent antinode. As the plasma oscillation is excited, the supercurrent is forced to flow through the nanowire. The microwave transmission of the resonator-nanowire device shows a nonlinear resonance behavior, significantly dependent on the amplitude of the supercurrent oscillation. We show that such amplitude-dependent response is due to the nonlinearity of the current-phase relationship of the nanowire. The results are explained within a nonlinear oscillator model of the Duffing oscillator, in which the nanowire acts as a purely inductive element, in the limit of low temperatures and low amplitudes. The low-quality factor sample exhibits a “crater” at the resonance peak at higher driving power, which is due to dissipation. We observe a hysteretic bifurcation behavior of the transmission response to frequency sweep in a sample with a higher quality factor. The Duffing model is used to explain the Duffing bistability diagram. We also propose a concept of a nanowire-based qubit that relies on the current dependence of the kinetic inductance of a superconducting nanowire.

Supernova nucleosynthesis and the physics of neutrino oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajino, Toshitaka

2012-11-01

We studied the explosive nucleosynthesis in core-collapse supernovae and found that several isotopes of rare elements like 7Li, 11B, 138La, 180Ta and others are predominantly produced by the neutrino interactions with several abundant nuclei. These isotopes are strongly affected by the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the MSW (Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein) effect. We here first study how to know the suitable average neutrino temperatures in order to explain the observed solar system abundances of these isotopes, combined with Galactic chemical evolution of the light nuclei and the heavy r-process elements. We then study the neutrino oscillation effects on their abundances, and propose a new novel method to determine the neutrino oscillation parameters, θ13 and mass hierarchy, simultaneously. There is recent evidence that some SiC X grains from the Murchison meteorite may contain supernova-produced neutrino-process 11B and 7Li encapsulated in the grains. Combining the recent experimental constraints on θ13, we show that although the uncertainties are still large, our method hints at a marginal preference for an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy for the first time.

Design and Validation of a 150 MHz HFFQCM Sensor for Bio-Sensing Applications

PubMed Central

Fernández, Román; García, Pablo; García, María; Jiménez, Yolanda; Arnau, Antonio

2017-01-01

Acoustic wave resonators have become suitable devices for a broad range of sensing applications due to their sensitivity, low cost, and integration capability, which are all factors that meet the requirements for the resonators to be used as sensing elements for portable point of care (PoC) platforms. In this work, the design, characterization, and validation of a 150 MHz high fundamental frequency quartz crystal microbalance (HFF-QCM) sensor for bio-sensing applications are introduced. Finite element method (FEM) simulations of the proposed design are in good agreement with the electrical characterization of the manufactured resonators. The sensor is also validated for bio-sensing applications. For this purpose, a specific sensor cell was designed and manufactured that addresses the critical requirements associated with this type of sensor and application. Due to the small sensing area and the sensor’s fragility, these requirements include a low-volume flow chamber in the nanoliter range, and a system approach that provides the appropriate pressure control for assuring liquid confinement while maintaining the integrity of the sensor with a good base line stability and easy sensor replacement. The sensor characteristics make it suitable for consideration as the elemental part of a sensor matrix in a multichannel platform for point of care applications. PMID:28885551

RF Frequency Oscillations in the Early Stages of Vacuum Arc Collapse

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, Steven T.; Thio, Y. C. Francis

2003-01-01

RF frequency oscillations may be produced in a typical capacitive charging / discharging pulsed power system. These oscillations may be benign, parasitic, destructive or crucial to energy deposition. In some applications, proper damping of oscillations may be critical to proper plasma formation. Because the energy deposited into the plasma is a function of plasma and circuit conditions, the entire plasma / circuit system needs to be considered as a unit To accomplish this, the initiation of plasma is modeled as a time-varying, non-linear element in a circuit analysis model. The predicted spectra are compared to empirical power density spectra including those obtained from vacuum arcs.

Resolution in QCM sensors for the viscosity and density of liquids: application to lead acid batteries.

PubMed

Cao-Paz, Ana María; Rodríguez-Pardo, Loreto; Fariña, José; Marcos-Acevedo, Jorge

2012-01-01

In battery applications, particularly in automobiles, submarines and remote communications, the state of charge (SoC) is needed in order to manage batteries efficiently. The most widely used physical parameter for this is electrolyte density. However, there is greater dependency between electrolyte viscosity and SoC than that seen for density and SoC. This paper presents a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor for electrolyte density-viscosity product measurements in lead acid batteries. The sensor is calibrated in H(2)SO(4) solutions in the battery electrolyte range to obtain sensitivity, noise and resolution. Also, real-time tests of charge and discharge are conducted placing the quartz crystal inside the battery. At the same time, the present theoretical "resolution limit" to measure the square root of the density-viscosity product [Formula: see text] of a liquid medium or best resolution achievable with a QCM oscillator is determined. Findings show that the resolution limit only depends on the characteristics of the liquid to be studied and not on frequency. The QCM resolution limit for [Formula: see text] measurements worsens when the density-viscosity product of the liquid is increased, but it cannot be improved by elevating the work frequency.

Dynamics of human cancer cell lines monitored by electrical and acoustic fluctuation analysis.

PubMed

Tarantola, Marco; Marel, Anna-Kristina; Sunnick, Eva; Adam, Holger; Wegener, Joachim; Janshoff, Andreas

2010-03-01

Early determination of the metastatic potential of cancer cells is a crucial step for successful oncological treatment. Besides the remarkable progress in molecular genomics- or proteomics-based diagnostics, there is a great demand for in vitro biosensor devices that allow rapid and selective detection of the invasive properties of tumor cells. Here, the classical cancer cell motility in vitro assays for migration and invasion relying on Boyden chambers are compared to a real-time biosensor that analyzes the dynamic properties of adherent cells electro-acoustically with a time resolution on the order of seconds. The sensor relies on the well-established quartz crystal microbalance technique (QCM) that measures the shift in resonance frequency and damping of an oscillating quartz crystal when adsorption, desorption or changes in material properties close to the quartz surface occur. In addition, the QCM is capable of detecting the rather subtle fluctuations of the cell bodies as an indicator for their micromotility. QCM-based micromotility readings of three different cancer cell lines (HT-29, HSC-4, FaDu) are compared with the well-known electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) revealing collective stochastic motion that corresponds to the malignancy of the cells.

Experimental observation of ballistic nanofriction on graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blue, Brandon; Lodge, Michael; Tang, Chun; Hubbard, William; Martini, Ashlie; Dawson, Ben; Ishigami, Masa

Recent calculations have predicted that gold nanocrystals slide on graphite with two radically different friction coefficients depending on their speeds. At high sliding speeds in the range of 100?m/s, nanocrystals are expected to behave radically differently in what is known as the ballistic nanofriction regime. In this work, we present a direct measurement of ballistic nanofriction for gold nanocrystals on graphene. Nanocrystals are deposited onto an oscillating graphene-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in-situ under UHV and allowed to periodically ring down. After deposition, frictional parameters are measured as a function of oscillatory velocity to investigate the predicted velocity dependence of friction. Lubricity beyond even the predictions of ballistic nanofriction is observed at much lower surface velocities than expected, with drag coefficients approaching 8.65*10-14 kg/s. In comparison to the theoretically-predicted value of 2.0*10-13 kg/s, our results suggest a much lower interaction strength than proposed in contemporary models of nanoscopic sliding contacts even at relatively low speeds. This work is based on research supported by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. 0955625 (MLS, BTB, BDD and MI) and Grant No. CMMI-1265594 (CT and AM). BDD and MI were also supported by the Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Single-pulse and burst-mode ablation of gold films measured by quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrusyak, Oleksiy G.; Bubelnik, Matthew; Mares, Jeremy; McGovern, Theresa; Siders, Craig W.

2005-02-01

Femtosecond ablation has several distinct advantages: the threshold energy fluence for the onset of damage and ablation is orders of magnitude less than for traditional nanosecond laser machining, and by virtue of the rapid material removal of approximately an optical penetration depth per pulse, femtosecond machined cuts can be cleaner and more precise than those made with traditional nanosecond or longer pulse lasers. However, in many materials of interest, especially metals, this limits ablation rates to 10-100 nm/pulse. We present the results of using multiple pulse bursts to significantly increase the per-burst ablation rate compared to a single pulse with the same integrated energy, while keeping the peak intensity of each individual pulse below the air ionization limit. Femtosecond ablation with pulses centered at 800-nm having integrated energy of up to 30 mJ per pulse incident upon thin gold films was measured via resonance frequency shifts in a gold-electrode-coated quartz-crystal oscillator. Measurements were performed using Michelson-interferometer-based burst generators, with up to 2 ns pulse separations, as well as pulse shaping by programmable acousto-optic dispersive filter (Dazzler from FastLite) with up to 2 ps pulse separations.

Resolution in QCM Sensors for the Viscosity and Density of Liquids: Application to Lead Acid Batteries

PubMed Central

Cao-Paz, Ana María; Rodríguez-Pardo, Loreto; Fariña, José; Marcos-Acevedo, Jorge

2012-01-01

In battery applications, particularly in automobiles, submarines and remote communications, the state of charge (SoC) is needed in order to manage batteries efficiently. The most widely used physical parameter for this is electrolyte density. However, there is greater dependency between electrolyte viscosity and SoC than that seen for density and SoC. This paper presents a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor for electrolyte density-viscosity product measurements in lead acid batteries. The sensor is calibrated in H2SO4 solutions in the battery electrolyte range to obtain sensitivity, noise and resolution. Also, real-time tests of charge and discharge are conducted placing the quartz crystal inside the battery. At the same time, the present theoretical “resolution limit” to measure the square root of the density-viscosity product (ρη) of a liquid medium or best resolution achievable with a QCM oscillator is determined. Findings show that the resolution limit only depends on the characteristics of the liquid to be studied and not on frequency. The QCM resolution limit for ρη measurements worsens when the density-viscosity product of the liquid is increased, but it cannot be improved by elevating the work frequency. PMID:23112618

Asymmetric resonance frequency analysis of in-plane electrothermal silicon cantilevers for nanoparticle sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertke, Maik; Hamdana, Gerry; Wu, Wenze; Marks, Markus; Suryo Wasisto, Hutomo; Peiner, Erwin

2016-10-01

The asymmetric resonance frequency analysis of silicon cantilevers for a low-cost wearable airborne nanoparticle detector (Cantor) is described in this paper. The cantilevers, which are operated in the fundamental in-plane resonance mode, are used as a mass-sensitive microbalance. They are manufactured out of bulk silicon, containing a full piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge and an integrated thermal heater for reading the measurement output signal and stimulating the in-plane excitation, respectively. To optimize the sensor performance, cantilevers with different cantilever geometries are designed, fabricated and characterized. Besides the resonance frequency, the quality factor (Q) of the resonance curve has a high influence concerning the sensor sensitivity. Because of an asymmetric resonance behaviour, a novel fitting function and method to extract the Q is created, different from that of the simple harmonic oscillator (SHO). For testing the sensor in a long-term frequency analysis, a phase- locked loop (PLL) circuit is employed, yielding a frequency stability of up to 0.753 Hz at an Allan variance of 3.77 × 10-6. This proposed asymmetric resonance frequency analysis method is expected to be further used in the process development of the next-generation Cantor.

Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated two-dimensional detector array using a single element detector

DOEpatents

Strauss, Charlie E.

1997-01-01

Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated, two-dimensional detector array using a single detector. Synthetic-array heterodyne detection, permits a single-element optical detector to behave as though it were divided into an array of separate heterodyne detector elements. A fifteen-element synthetic array has successfully been experimentally realized on a single-element detector, permitting all of the array elements to be read out continuously and in parallel from one electrical connection. A CO.sub.2 laser and a single-element HgCdTe photodiode are employed. A different heterodyne local oscillator frequency is incident upon the spatially resolvable regions of the detector surface. Thus, different regions are mapped to different heterodyne beat frequencies. One can determine where the photons were incident on the detector surface even though a single electrical connection to the detector is used. This also prevents the destructive interference that occurs when multiple speckles are imaged (similar to spatial diversity), In coherent LIDAR this permits a larger field of view. An acoustooptic modulator generates the local oscillator frequencies and can achieve adequate spatial separation of optical frequencies of the order of a megahertz apart.

Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated two-dimensional detector array using a single element detector

DOEpatents

Strauss, C.E.

1997-11-18

Apparatus and method are disclosed for heterodyne-generated, two-dimensional detector array using a single detector. Synthetic-array heterodyne detection, permits a single-element optical detector to behave as though it were divided into an array of separate heterodyne detector elements. A fifteen-element synthetic array has successfully been experimentally realized on a single-element detector, permitting all of the array elements to be read out continuously and in parallel from one electrical connection. A CO{sub 2} laser and a single-element HgCdTe photodiode are employed. A different heterodyne local oscillator frequency is incident upon the spatially resolvable regions of the detector surface. Thus, different regions are mapped to different heterodyne beat frequencies. One can determine where the photons were incident on the detector surface even though a single electrical connection to the detector is used. This also prevents the destructive interference that occurs when multiple speckles are imaged (similar to spatial diversity), In coherent LIDAR this permits a larger field of view. An acoustooptic modulator generates the local oscillator frequencies and can achieve adequate spatial separation of optical frequencies of the order of a megahertz apart. 4 figs.

Liquid oscillations in the tanks' level sensors of aerospace objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davydov, I. E.; Davydov, E. I.

2017-01-01

Here are considered reasons of longitudinal oscillations appearance in the propellant consumption control system and ways of reducing them. Estimation of the most significant disturbing factors, which influence on the accuracy of the whole system's work, has been made. There is set the formation of geometric layout of sensitive elements in the system's level sensors.

A quick responding quartz crystal microbalance sensor array based on molecular imprinted polyacrylic acids coating for selective identification of aldehydes in body odor.

PubMed

Jha, Sunil K; Hayashi, Kenshi

2015-03-01

In present work, a novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor array has been developed for prompt identification of primary aldehydes in human body odor. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) are prepared using the polyacrylic acid (PAA) polymer matrix and three organic acids (propenoic acid, hexanoic acid and octanoic acid) as template molecules, and utilized as QCM surface coating layer. The performance of MIP films is characterized by 4-element QCM sensor array (three coated with MIP layers and one with pure PAA for reference) dynamic and static responses to target aldehydes: hexanal, heptanal, and nonanal in single, binary, and tertiary mixtures at distinct concentrations. The target aldehydes were selected subsequent to characterization of body odor samples with solid phase-micro extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometer (SPME-GC-MS). The hexanoic acid and octanoic acid imprinted PAA exhibit fast response, and better sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility than the propenoic acid, and non-imprinted PAA in array. The response time and recovery time for hexanoic acid imprinted PAA are obtained as 5 s and 12 s respectively to typical concentrations of binary and tertiary mixtures of aldehydes using the static response. Dynamic sensor array response matrix has been processed with principal component analysis (PCA) for visual, and support vector machine (SVM) classifier for quantitative identification of target odors. Aldehyde odors were identified successfully in principal component (PC) space. SVM classifier results maximum recognition rate 79% for three classes of binary odors and 83% including single, binary, and tertiary odor classes in 3-fold cross validation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance Operation and In Situ Calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albyn, K. C.

2004-01-01

Quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) are commonly used to measure the rate of deposition of molecular species on a surface. The measurement is often used to select materials with a low outgassing rate for applications where the material has a line of sight to a contamination-sensitive surface. A quantitative, in situ calibration of the balance, or balances, using a pure material for which the enthalpy of sublimation is known, is described in this Technical Memorandum. Supporting calculations for surface dwell times of deposited materials and the effusion cell Clausing factor are presented along with examples of multiple QCM measurements of outgassing from a common source.

Acoustic interference suppression of quartz crystal microbalance sensor arrays utilizing phononic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yung-Yu; Huang, Li-Chung; Wang, Wei-Shan; Lin, Yu-Ching; Wu, Tsung-Tsong; Sun, Jia-Hong; Esashi, Masayoshi

2013-04-01

Acoustic interference suppression of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor arrays utilizing phononic crystals is investigated in this paper. A square-lattice phononic crystal structure is designed to have a complete band gap covering the QCM's resonance frequency. The monolithic sensor array consisting of two QCMs separated by phononic crystals is fabricated by micromachining processes. As a result, 12 rows of phononic crystals with band gap boost insertion loss between the two QCMs by 20 dB and also reduce spurious modes. Accordingly, the phononic crystal is verified to be capable of suppressing the acoustic interference between adjacent QCMs in a sensor array.

Quartz crystal microbalance for the cardiac markers/antibodies binding kinetic measurements in the plasma samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agafonova, L. E.; Shumyantseva, V. V.; Archakov, A. I.

2014-06-01

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was exploited for cardiac markers detection and kinetic studies of immunochemical reaction of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and human heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) with the corresponding monoclonal antibodies in undiluted plasma (serum) and standard solutions. The QCM technique allowed to dynamically monitor the kinetic differences in specific interactions and nonspecific sorption, without multiple labeling procedures and separation steps. The affinity binding process was characterized by the association (ka) and the dissociation (kd) kinetic constants and the equilibrium association (K) constant, all of which were obtained from experimental data.

Inexpensive but accurate driving circuits for quartz crystal microbalances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruschi, L.; Delfitto, G.; Mistura, G.

1999-01-01

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a common technique which finds a wide variety of applications in many different areas like adsorption, catalysis, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, etc., and more generally as a sensor in the investigation of viscoelastic films. In this article we describe some driving circuits of the quartz which we have realized and tested in our laboratory. These can be assembled with standard components which can be easily found. Their performance, in some cases, is as good as that of the much more expensive frequency modulation technique employed in very precise QCM measurements and which requires high-quality commercial radiofrequency generators and amplifiers.

Feasibility demonstration for hydrogen chloride detection using a chemisorption technique and a quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jex, D. W.; Workman, G. L.

1975-01-01

A method of measuring concentrations of hydrogen chloride between 1 part per billion and 10 parts per million at standard temperature and pressure is presented. The feasibility of a low-cost device incorporating a chemisorption technique coupled with a quartz crystal microbalance was demonstrated in the field at the Viking B launch using a Titan-Centaur vehicle from Kennedy Space Center on August 20, 1975. Hydrogen chloride is a product of solid rocket combustion. The concentration level of hydrogen chloride for this particular launch was measured as approximately 0.2 parts per million at 4 km from the launch site.

Shunting inhibition improves robustness of gamma oscillations in hippocampal interneuron networks by homogenizing firing rates.

PubMed

Vida, Imre; Bartos, Marlene; Jonas, Peter

2006-01-05

Networks of GABAergic neurons are key elements in the generation of gamma oscillations in the brain. Computational studies suggested that the emergence of coherent oscillations requires hyperpolarizing inhibition. Here, we show that GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition in mature interneurons of the hippocampal dentate gyrus is shunting rather than hyperpolarizing. Unexpectedly, when shunting inhibition is incorporated into a structured interneuron network model with fast and strong synapses, coherent oscillations emerge. In comparison to hyperpolarizing inhibition, networks with shunting inhibition show several advantages. First, oscillations are generated with smaller tonic excitatory drive. Second, network frequencies are tuned to the gamma band. Finally, robustness against heterogeneity in the excitatory drive is markedly improved. In single interneurons, shunting inhibition shortens the interspike interval for low levels of drive but prolongs it for high levels, leading to homogenization of neuronal firing rates. Thus, shunting inhibition may confer increased robustness to gamma oscillations in the brain.

Development of horn antenna mixer array with internal local oscillator module for microwave imaging diagnostics

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

Kuwahara, D., E-mail: dkuwahar@cc.tuat.ac.jp; Ito, N.; Nagayama, Y.

A new antenna array is proposed in order to improve the sensitivity and complexity of microwave imaging diagnostics systems such as a microwave imaging reflectometry, a microwave imaging interferometer, and an electron cyclotron emission imaging. The antenna array consists of five elements: a horn antenna, a waveguide-to-microstrip line transition, a mixer, a local oscillation (LO) module, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. By using an LO module, the LO optics can be removed, and the supplied LO power to each element can be equalized. We report details of the antenna array and characteristics of a prototype antenna array.

Development of horn antenna mixer array with internal local oscillator module for microwave imaging diagnostics.

PubMed

Kuwahara, D; Ito, N; Nagayama, Y; Yoshinaga, T; Yamaguchi, S; Yoshikawa, M; Kohagura, J; Sugito, S; Kogi, Y; Mase, A

2014-11-01

A new antenna array is proposed in order to improve the sensitivity and complexity of microwave imaging diagnostics systems such as a microwave imaging reflectometry, a microwave imaging interferometer, and an electron cyclotron emission imaging. The antenna array consists of five elements: a horn antenna, a waveguide-to-microstrip line transition, a mixer, a local oscillation (LO) module, and an intermediate frequency amplifier. By using an LO module, the LO optics can be removed, and the supplied LO power to each element can be equalized. We report details of the antenna array and characteristics of a prototype antenna array.

Differential Resonant Ring YIG Tuned Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrott, Ronald A.

2010-01-01

A differential SiGe oscillator circuit uses a resonant ring-oscillator topology in order to electronically tune the oscillator over multi-octave bandwidths. The oscillator s tuning is extremely linear, because the oscillator s frequency depends on the magnetic tuning of a YIG sphere, whose resonant frequency is equal to a fundamental constant times the DC magnetic field. This extremely simple circuit topology uses two coupling loops connecting a differential pair of SiGe bipolar transistors into a feedback configuration using a YIG tuned filter creating a closed-loop ring oscillator. SiGe device technology is used for this oscillator in order to keep the transistor s 1/f noise to an absolute minimum in order to achieve minimum RF phase noise. The single-end resonant ring oscillator currently has an advantage in fewer parts, but when the oscillation frequency is greater than 16 GHz, the package s parasitic behavior couples energy to the sphere and causes holes and poor phase noise performance. This is because the coupling to the YIG is extremely low, so that the oscillator operates at near the unloaded Q. With the differential resonant ring oscillator, the oscillation currents are just in the YIG coupling mechanisms. The phase noise is even better, and the physical size can be reduced to permit monolithic microwave integrated circuit oscillators. This invention is a YIG tuned oscillator circuit making use of a differential topology to simultaneously achieve an extremely broadband electronic tuning range and ultra-low phase noise. As a natural result of its differential circuit topology, all reactive elements, such as tuning stubs, which limit tuning bandwidth by contributing excessive open loop phase shift, have been eliminated. The differential oscillator s open-loop phase shift is associated with completely non-dispersive circuit elements such as the physical angle of the coupling loops, a differential loop crossover, and the high-frequency phase shift of the n-p-n transistors. At the input of the oscillator s feedback loop is a pair of differentially connected n-p-n SiGe transistors that provides extremely high gain, and because they are bulk-effect devices, extremely low 1/f noise (leading to ultralow RF phase noise). The 1/f corner frequency for n-p-n SiGe transistors is approximately 500 Hz. The RF energy from the transistor s collector output is connected directly to the top-coupling loop (the excitation loop) of a single-sphere YIG tuned filter. A uniform magnetic field to bias the YIG must be at a right angle to any vector associated with an RF current in a coupling loop in order for the precession to interact with the RF currents.

80-GHz MMIC HEMT Voltage-Controlled Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, Lorene; Radisic, Vesna; Micovic, Miro; Hu, Ming; Janke, Paul; Ngo, Catherine; Nguyen, Loi

2003-01-01

A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that operates in the frequency range from 77.5 to 83.5 GHz has been constructed in the form of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) that includes high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs). This circuit is a prototype of electronically tunable signal sources in the 75-to-110-GHz range, needed for communication, imaging, and automotive radar applications, among others. This oscillator (see Figure 1) includes two AlInAs/GaInAs/InP HEMTs. One HEMT serves mainly as an oscillator gain element. The other HEMT serves mainly as a varactor for controlling the frequency: the frequency-control element is its gate-to-source capacitance, which is varied by changing its gate supply voltage. The gain HEMT is biased for class-A operation (meaning that current is conducted throughout the oscillation cycle). Grounded coplanar waveguides are used as impedance-matching transmission lines, the input and output matching being chosen to sustain oscillation and maximize output power. Air bridges are placed at discontinuities to suppress undesired slot electromagnetic modes. A high density of vias is necessary for suppressing a parallel-plate electromagnetic mode that is undesired because it can propagate energy into the MMIC substrate. Previous attempts at constructing HEMT-based oscillators yielded circuits with relatively low levels of output power and narrow tuning ranges. For example, one HEMT VCO reported in the literature had an output power of 7 dBm (.5 mW) and a tuning range 2-GHz wide centered approximately at a nominal frequency of 77 GHz. In contrast, as shown in Figure 2, the present MMIC HEMT VCO puts out a power of 12.5 dBm (.18 mW) or more over the 6-GHz-wide frequency range from 77.5 to 83.5 GHz

On-chip quantum tomography of mechanical nanoscale oscillators with guided Rydberg atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz-Mora, A.; Wüster, S.; Rost, J.-M.

2017-07-01

Nanomechanical oscillators as well as Rydberg-atomic waveguides hosted on microfabricated chip surfaces hold promise to become pillars of future quantum technologies. In a hybrid platform with both, we show that beams of Rydberg atoms in waveguides can quantum coherently interrogate and manipulate nanomechanical elements, allowing full quantum state tomography. Central to the tomography are quantum nondemolition measurements using the Rydberg atoms as probes. Quantum coherent displacement of the oscillator is also made possible by driving the atoms with external fields while they interact with the oscillator. We numerically demonstrate the feasibility of this fully integrated on-chip control and read-out suite for quantum nanomechanics, taking into account noise and error sources.

The effect of loss of immunity on noise-induced sustained oscillations in epidemics.

PubMed

Chaffee, J; Kuske, R

2011-11-01

The effect of loss of immunity on sustained population oscillations about an endemic equilibrium is studied via a multiple scales analysis of a SIRS model. The analysis captures the key elements supporting the nearly regular oscillations of the infected and susceptible populations, namely, the interaction of the deterministic and stochastic dynamics together with the separation of time scales of the damping and the period of these oscillations. The derivation of a nonlinear stochastic amplitude equation describing the envelope of the oscillations yields two criteria providing explicit parameter ranges where they can be observed. These conditions are similar to those found for other applications in the context of coherence resonance, in which noise drives nearly regular oscillations in a system that is quiescent without noise. In this context the criteria indicate how loss of immunity and other factors can lead to a significant increase in the parameter range for prevalence of the sustained oscillations, without any external driving forces. Comparison of the power spectral densities of the full model and the approximation confirms that the multiple scales analysis captures nonlinear features of the oscillations.

Chimeras in leaky integrate-and-fire neural networks: effects of reflecting connectivities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsigkri-DeSmedt, Nefeli Dimitra; Hizanidis, Johanne; Schöll, Eckehard; Hövel, Philipp; Provata, Astero

2017-07-01

The effects of attracting-nonlocal and reflecting connectivity are investigated in coupled Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) elements, which model the exchange of electrical signals between neurons. Earlier investigations have demonstrated that repulsive-nonlocal and hierarchical network connectivity can induce complex synchronization patterns and chimera states in systems of coupled oscillators. In the LIF system we show that if the elements are nonlocally linked with positive diffusive coupling on a ring network, the system splits into a number of alternating domains. Half of these domains contain elements whose potential stays near the threshold and they are interrupted by active domains where the elements perform regular LIF oscillations. The active domains travel along the ring with constant velocity, depending on the system parameters. When we introduce reflecting coupling in LIF networks unexpected complex spatio-temporal structures arise. For relatively extensive ranges of parameter values, the system splits into two coexisting domains: one where all elements stay near the threshold and one where incoherent states develop, characterized by multi-leveled mean phase velocity profiles.

The measurement of linear frequency drift in oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, J. A.

1985-04-01

A linear drift in frequency is an important element in most stochastic models of oscillator performance. Quartz crystal oscillators often have drifts in excess of a part in ten to the tenth power per day. Even commercial cesium beam devices often show drifts of a few parts in ten to the thirteenth per year. There are many ways to estimate the drift rates from data samples (e.g., regress the phase on a quadratic; regress the frequency on a linear; compute the simple mean of the first difference of frequency; use Kalman filters with a drift term as one element in the state vector; and others). Although most of these estimators are unbiased, they vary in efficiency (i.e., confidence intervals). Further, the estimation of confidence intervals using the standard analysis of variance (typically associated with the specific estimating technique) can give amazingly optimistic results. The source of these problems is not an error in, say, the regressions techniques, but rather the problems arise from correlations within the residuals. That is, the oscillator model is often not consistent with constraints on the analysis technique or, in other words, some specific analysis techniques are often inappropriate for the task at hand. The appropriateness of a specific analysis technique is critically dependent on the oscillator model and can often be checked with a simple whiteness test on the residuals.

Stabilizing an optoelectronic microwave oscillator with photonic filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strekalov, D.; Aveline, D.; Yu, N.; Thompson, R.; Matsko, A. B.; Maleki, L.

2003-01-01

This paper compares methods of active stabilization of an optoelectronic microwave oscillator (OEO) based on insertion of a source of optical group delay into an OEO loop. The performance of an OEO stabilized with either a high- optical cavity or an atomic cell is analyzed. We show that the elements play a role of narrow-band microwave filters improving an OEO stability.

Collective stochastic coherence in recurrent neuronal networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sancristóbal, Belén; Rebollo, Beatriz; Boada, Pol; Sanchez-Vives, Maria V.; Garcia-Ojalvo, Jordi

2016-09-01

Recurrent networks of dynamic elements frequently exhibit emergent collective oscillations, which can show substantial regularity even when the individual elements are considerably noisy. How noise-induced dynamics at the local level coexists with regular oscillations at the global level is still unclear. Here we show that a combination of stochastic recurrence-based initiation with deterministic refractoriness in an excitable network can reconcile these two features, leading to maximum collective coherence for an intermediate noise level. We report this behaviour in the slow oscillation regime exhibited by a cerebral cortex network under dynamical conditions resembling slow-wave sleep and anaesthesia. Computational analysis of a biologically realistic network model reveals that an intermediate level of background noise leads to quasi-regular dynamics. We verify this prediction experimentally in cortical slices subject to varying amounts of extracellular potassium, which modulates neuronal excitability and thus synaptic noise. The model also predicts that this effectively regular state should exhibit noise-induced memory of the spatial propagation profile of the collective oscillations, which is also verified experimentally. Taken together, these results allow us to construe the high regularity observed experimentally in the brain as an instance of collective stochastic coherence.

Corepressive interaction and clustering of degrade-and-fire oscillators

PubMed Central

Fernandez, Bastien; Tsimring, Lev S.

2016-01-01

Strongly nonlinear degrade-and-fire (DF) oscillations may emerge in genetic circuits having a delayed negative feedback loop as their core element. Here we study the synchronization of DF oscillators coupled through a common repressor field. For weak coupling, initially distinct oscillators remain desynchronized. For stronger coupling, oscillators can be forced to wait in the repressed state until the global repressor field is sufficiently degraded, and then they fire simultaneously forming a synchronized cluster. Our analytical theory provides necessary and sufficient conditions for clustering and specifies the maximum number of clusters that can be formed in the asymptotic regime. We find that in the thermodynamic limit a phase transition occurs at a certain coupling strength from the weakly clustered regime with only microscopic clusters to a strongly clustered regime where at least one giant cluster has to be present. PMID:22181453

OGO-6 gas-surface energy transfer experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckeown, D.; Dummer, R. S.; Bowyer, J. M., Jr.; Corbin, W. E., Jr.

1973-01-01

The kinetic energy flux of the upper atmosphere was analyzed using OGO-6 data. Energy transfer between 10 microwatts/sq cm and 0.1 W/sq cm was measured by short-term frequency changes of temperature-sensitive quartz crystals used in the energy transfer probe. The condition of the surfaces was continuously monitored by a quartz crystal microbalance to determine the effect surface contamination had on energy accommodation. Results are given on the computer analysis and laboratory tests performed to optimize the operation of the energy transfer probe. Data are also given on the bombardment of OGO-6 surfaces by high energy particles. The thermoelectrically-cooled quartz crystal microbalance is described in terms of its development and applications.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites thin films coated on quartz crystal microbalance for NO2 detection at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Junlong; Xie, Guangzhong; Zhou, Yong; Xie, Tao; Tai, HuiLing; Yang, Guangjin

2014-08-01

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites are sprayed on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for NO2 sensing. The thin films are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS). The experimental results reveal that PVP/RGO sensor exhibits higher sensitivity and shorter recovery time than those of PVP. Besides, the response to 20 ppm NO2 is higher than other gases such as CO, CO2 and NH3 even at 100ppm. When the PVP/RGO sensor is exposed to these gases, the good selectivity to NO2 makes the sensor ideal for NO2 detection.

Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber-Based Quartz Crystal Microbalance for Sensitive Detection of Safrole

PubMed Central

Julian, Trisna; Hidayat, Shidiq Nur; Suyono, Eko Agus

2018-01-01

Safrole is the main precursor for producing the amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) drug, N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy. We devise a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber-based quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for detecting safrole. The PAN nanofibers were fabricated by direct electrospinning to modify the QCM chips. The PAN nanofiber on the QCM chips has a diameter of 240 ± 10 nm. The sensing of safrole by QCM modified with PAN nanofiber shows good reversibility and an apparent sensitivity of 4.6 Hz·L/mg. The proposed method is simple, inexpensive, and convenient for detecting safrole, and can be an alternative to conventional instrumental analytical methods for general volatile compounds. PMID:29642565

Fabrication of a Quartz-Crystal-Microbalance/Surface-Plasmon-Resonance Hybrid Sensor and Its Use for Detection of Polymer Thin-Film Deposition and Evaluation of Moisture Sorption Phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinbo, Kazunari; Ishikawa, Hiroshi; Baba, Akira; Ohdaira, Yasuo; Kato, Keizo; Kaneko, Futao

2012-03-01

We fabricated a hybrid sensor utilizing quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. We confirmed its effectiveness by observing QCM frequency shifts and SPR wavelength changes for two processes: deposition of various transparent polymer thin films and moisture sorption. For thin-film deposition, the relationship between the QCM frequency and SPR wavelength was found to depend on the refractive index of the film material. For moisture sorption, the direction of SPR wavelength shift depended on the film thickness. This was estimated to be caused by film swelling and decrease in refractive index induced by moisture.

Fabrication of a Quartz-Crystal-Microbalance/Optical-Waveguide Hybrid Sensor and In situ Evaluation of Vacuum-Evaporated Lead Phthalocyanine Thin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinbo, Kazunari; Uno, Akihiro; Hirakawa, Ryo; Baba, Akira; Ohdaira, Yasuo; Kato, Keizo; Kaneko, Futao

2013-05-01

In this study, we fabricated a novel quartz-crystal-microbalance (QCM)/optical-waveguide hybrid sensor. An in situ observation of a lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) thin-film deposition was conducted during vacuum evaporation, and the effectiveness of the sensor was demonstrated. The film thickness was obtained from the QCM frequency, and the optical absorption of the film was observed by optical waveguide spectroscopy using part of the QCM substrate without the electrode. The film absorption depends on the polarization direction, substrate temperature and deposition rate, owing to aggregate formation. The thickness dependence of the absorption property was also investigated.

Plasma deposited polymers as gas sensitive films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radeva, E.; Georgieva, V.; Lazarov, J.; Vergov, L.; Donkov, N.

2012-03-01

The possibility is presented of producing thin plasma polymers with desired properties by using nanofillers. Composite films are synthesized from a mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and detonation nanodiamond particles (DNDs). The chemical structure of the composite consists of DNDs distributed in the polymer matrix. The effect of DNDs on the humidity and ammonia sorptive properties of the polymers obtained is studied by measuring the mass changes as a result of gas sorption by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The results show that, in view of building a sensing element for measuring humidity, ammonia or other gases, it is possible to maximize the sensor sensitivity to a certain gas by using an appropriate concentration of DNDs in HMDSO. Thus, a high degree of sensor sensitivity, together with short response time and minimum hysteresis, can be achieved. Composites of plasma-polymerized HMDSO with DNDs can be used as gas sensitive layers for the development of quartz resonator sensors.

NO2 sensing properties of amorphous silicon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgieva, V.; Donkov, N.; Stefanov, P.; Sendova-Vassileva, M.; Grechnikov, A.; Gadjanova, V.

2012-03-01

The sensitivity to NO2 was studied of amorphous silicon thin films obtained by e-beam evaporation. The process was carried out at an operational-mode vacuum of 1.5×10-5 Torr at a deposition rate of 170 nm/min. The layer's structure was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, while its composition was determined by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). To estimate their sensitivity to NO2, the Si films were deposited on a 16-MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and the correlation was used between the QCM frequency variation and the mass-loading after exposure to NO2 in concentrations from 10 ppm to 5000 ppm. A considerable sensitivity of the films was found in the interval 1000 ppm - 2500 ppm NO2, leading to frequency shifts from 131 Hz to 208 Hz. The results obtained on the films' sorption properties can be applied to the development sensor elements.

Josephson parametric phase-locked oscillator and its application to dispersive readout of superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Z. R.; Inomata, K.; Koshino, K.; Oliver, W. D.; Nakamura, Y.; Tsai, J. S.; Yamamoto, T.

2014-07-01

The parametric phase-locked oscillator (PPLO) is a class of frequency-conversion device, originally based on a nonlinear element such as a ferrite ring, that served as a fundamental logic element for digital computers more than 50 years ago. Although it has long since been overtaken by the transistor, there have been numerous efforts more recently to realize PPLOs in different physical systems such as optical photons, trapped atoms, and electromechanical resonators. This renewed interest is based not only on the fundamental physics of nonlinear systems, but also on the realization of new, high-performance computing devices with unprecedented capabilities. Here we realize a PPLO with Josephson-junction circuitry and operate it as a sensitive phase detector. Using a PPLO, we demonstrate the demodulation of a weak binary phase-shift keying microwave signal of the order of a femtowatt. We apply PPLO to dispersive readout of a superconducting qubit, and achieved high-fidelity, single-shot and non-destructive readout with Rabi-oscillation contrast exceeding 90%.

A simple nonlinear element model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikhailov, S. G.; Rudenko, O. V.

2017-05-01

We study experimentally the behavior of a nonlinear element, a light plate pressed to the opening in the cavity of an acoustic resonator. Measurements of field oscillations inside and outside the cavity have shown that for large amplitudes, they become essentially anharmonic. The time dependences of displacement of the plate with increasing amplitude of the exciting voltage demonstrates a gradual change in the shape of vibrations from harmonic to half-period oscillation. A constant component appears in the cavity: rarefaction or outflow of the medium through the orifice. We construct a theory for nonlinear oscillations of a plate taking into account its different elastic reactions to compression and rarefaction with allowance for monopole radiation by the small-wave-size plate or radiation of a plane wave by the plate. We calculate the amplitudes of the harmonics and solve the problem of low-frequency stationary noise acting on the plate. We obtain expressions for the correlation function and mean power at the output given a normal random process at the input.

Atmospheric particulate measurements in Norfolk, Virginia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Storey, R. W., Jr.; Sentell, R. J.; Woods, D. C.; Smith, J. R.; Harris, F. S., Jr.

1975-01-01

Characterization of atmospheric particulates was conducted at a site near the center of Norfolk, Virginia. Air quality was measured in terms of atmospheric mass loading, particle size distribution, and particulate elemental composition for a period of 2 weeks. The objectives of this study were (1) to establish a mean level of air quality and deviations about this mean, (2) to ascertain diurnal changes or special events in air quality, and (3) to evaluate instrumentation and sampling schedules. Simultaneous measurements were made with the following instruments: a quartz crystal microbalance particulate monitor, a light-scattering multirange particle counter, a high-volume air sampler, and polycarbonate membrane filters. To assess the impact of meteorological conditions on air quality variations, continuous data on temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction were recorded. Particulate elemental composition was obtained from neutron activation and scanning electron microscopy analyses of polycarbonate membrane filter samples. The measured average mass loading agrees reasonably well with the mass loadings determined by the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board. There are consistent diurnal increases in atmospheric mass loading in the early morning and a sample time resolution of 1/2 hour seems necessary to detect most of the significant events.

Optoelectronic oscillator incorporating hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber.

PubMed

Mutugala, U S; Kim, J; Bradley, T D; Wheeler, N V; Sandoghchi, S R; Hayes, J R; Numkam Fokoua, E; Poletti, F; Petrovich, M N; Richardson, D J; Slavík, R

2017-07-01

We demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first optoelectronic oscillator that uses hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber (HC-PBGF) as a delay element of a sufficient length to allow for low-noise operation. We show experimentally that HC-PBGF can improve the temperature stability of the oscillator by a factor of more than 15, as compared to standard optical fiber. We also measured the oscillator's phase noise, allowing evaluation of the suitability of HC-PBGF for this application. Additionally, this Letter also provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first characterization of the temperature stability of a long length (>800  m in our Letter) of low-thermal sensitivity (2  ps/km/K) HC-PBGF wound on a spool.

Interaction of chimera states in a multilayered network of nonlocally coupled oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goremyko, M. V.; Maksimenko, V. A.; Makarov, V. V.; Ghosh, D.; Bera, B.; Dana, S. K.; Hramov, A. E.

2017-08-01

The processes of formation and evolution of chimera states in the model of a multilayered network of nonlinear elements with complex coupling topology are studied. A two-layered network of nonlocally intralayer-coupled Kuramoto-Sakaguchi phase oscillators is taken as the object of investigation. Different modes implemented in this system upon variation of the degree of interlayer interaction are demonstrated.

Graphene-Selenium Hybrid Microballs as Cathode Materials for High-performance Lithium-Selenium Secondary Battery Applications.

PubMed

Youn, Hee-Chang; Jeong, Jun Hui; Roh, Kwang Chul; Kim, Kwang-Bum

2016-08-02

In this study, graphene-selenium hybrid microballs (G-SeHMs) are prepared in one step by aerosol microdroplet drying using a commercial spray dryer, which represents a simple, scalable continuous process, and the potential of the G-SeHMs thus prepared is investigated for use as cathode material in applications of lithium-selenium secondary batteries. These morphologically unique graphene microballs filled with Se particles exhibited good electrochemical properties, such as high initial specific capacity (642 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C, corresponding to Se electrochemical utilisation as high as 95.1%), good cycling stability (544 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 0.1 C; 84.5% retention) and high rate capability (specific capacity of 301 mA h g(-1) at 5 C). These electrochemical properties are attributed to the fact that the G-SeHM structure acts as a confinement matrix for suppressing the dissolution of polyselenides in the organic electrolyte, as well as an electron conduction path for increasing the transport rate of electrons for electrochemical reactions. Notably, based on the weight of hybrid materials, electrochemical performance is considerably better than that of previously reported Se-based cathode materials, attributed to the high Se loading content (80 wt%) in hybrid materials.

Quartz crystal microbalance with coupled spectroscopic ellipsometry-study of temperature-responsive polymer brush systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Stefan; Koenig, Meike; Rodenhausen, Keith Brian; Eichhorn, Klaus-Jochen; Oertel, Ulrich; Schubert, Mathias; Stamm, Manfred; Uhlmann, Petra

2017-11-01

Using a combined setup of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring together with spectroscopic ellipsometry, the thermo-responsive behavior of two different brush systems (poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) and poly(2-oxazoline)s) was investigated and compared to the behavior of the free polymer in solution. Poly(2-oxazoline)s with three different hydrophilicities were prepared by changing the content of a hydrophilic comonomer. While both polymer types exhibit a sharp, discontinuous thermal transition in solution, in the brush state the transition gets broader in the case of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) and is transformed into a continuous transition for poly(2-oxazoline)s. The position of the transition in solution is influenced by the degree of hydrophilicity of the poly(2-oxazoline). The difference in areal mass detected by quartz crystal microbalance and by spectroscopic ellipsometry, has been attributed to the chain segment density profile of the polymer brushes. Applying this density profile information, for poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) two different swelling stages could be identified, while for poly(2-oxazoline) the transition between a parabolic and more step-wise profile is found continuous. The different swelling characteristics were attributed to the different miscibility behavior types, with the brush state acting similar to a crosslinked system.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring: Enabling Real-Time Characterization of Biological Materials and Their Interactions

PubMed Central

Dixon, Matthew C.

2008-01-01

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the number of scientific reports in which the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique has played a key role in elucidating various aspects of biological materials and their interactions. This article illustrates some key advances in the development of a special variation of this technique called quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The main feature and advantage of QCM-D, compared with the conventional QCM, is that it in addition to measuring changes in resonant frequency (Δf), a simultaneous parameter related to the energy loss or dissipation (ΔD) of the system is also measured. Δf essentially measures changes in the mass attached to the sensor surface, while ΔD measures properties related to the viscoelastic properties of the adlayer. Thus, QCM-D measures two totally independent properties of the adlayer. The focus of this review is an overview of the QCM-D technology and highlights of recent applications. Specifically, recent applications dealing with DNA, proteins, lipids, and cells will be detailed. This is not intended as a comprehensive review of all possible applications of the QCM-D technology, but rather a glimpse into a few highlighted application areas in the biomolecular field that were published in 2007. PMID:19137101

A sensitive molecularly imprinted polymer based quartz crystal microbalance nanosensor for selective determination of lovastatin in red yeast rice.

PubMed

Eren, Tanju; Atar, Necip; Yola, Mehmet Lütfi; Karimi-Maleh, Hassan

2015-10-15

Lovastatin (LOV) is a statin, used to lower cholesterol which has been found as a hypolipidemic agent in commercial red yeast rice. In present study, a sensitive molecular imprinted quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor was prepared by fabricating a self-assembling monolayer formation of allylmercaptane on QCM chip surface for selective determination of lovastatin (LOV) in red yeast rice. To prepare molecular imprinted quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) nanosensor, LOV imprinted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-methacryloylamidoaspartic acid) [p(HEMA-MAAsp)] nanofilm was attached on the modified gold surface of QCM chip. The non-modified and improved surfaces were characterized by using contact angle, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The imprinted QCM sensor was validated according to the ICH guideline (International Conference on Harmonisation). The linearity range was obtained as 0.10-1.25 nM. The detection limit of the prepared material was calculated as 0.030 nM. The developed QCM nanosensor was successfully used to examine red yeast rice. Furthermore, the stability and repeatability of the prepared QCM nanosensor were studied. The spectacular long-term stability and repeatability of the prepared LOV-imprinted QCM nanosensor make them intriguing for use in QCM sensors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Simple Bimodular Nonlinear Element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikhailov, S. G.; Rudenko, O. V.

2018-05-01

We have studied the dynamics of an artificial nonlinear element representing a flexible membrane with oscillation limiters and a static pressing force. Such an element has the property of "bimodularity" and demonstrates "modular" nonlinearity. We have constructed a mathematical model that describes these oscillations. Their shapes have been calculated. We follow the analogy with a classical object—Galileo's pendulum. We demonstrate that for a low-frequency excitation of the membrane, the level of the harmonics in the spectrum is higher than in the vicinity of the resonance frequency. We have established a strong dependence of the level of the harmonics on the magnitude of the pressing force for a weak perturbation. We propose a design scheme for a device in the quasi-static approximation possessing the property of bimodularity. We perform an experiment that confirms its operability. We show a qualitative coincidence of the experimental results and calculations when detecting an amplitude-modulated signal.

Method for determining damping properties of materials using a suspended mechanical oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biscans, S.; Gras, S.; Evans, M.; Fritschel, P.; Pezerat, C.; Picart, P.

2018-06-01

We present a new approach for characterizing the loss factor of materials, using a suspended mechanical oscillator. Compared to more standard techniques, this method offers freedom in terms of the size and shape of the tested samples. Using a finite element model and the vibration measurements, the loss factor is deduced from the oscillator's ring-down. In this way the loss factor can be estimated independently for shear and compression deformation of the sample over a range of frequencies. As a proof of concept, we present measurements for EPO-TEK 353ND epoxy samples.

North-south asymmetry of ultra-low-frequency oscillations of Earth's electromagnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guglielmi, Anatol; Klain, Boris; Potapov, Alexander

2017-12-01

In the paper, we present the result of an experimental study of north-south asymmetry of ultralow-frequency electromagnetic oscillations IPCL. This study is based on observations made at Mirny Observatory (Antarctica). IPCLs are excited in the dayside sector of the auroral oval in the range 3-10 min periods and represent one of the most powerful types of oscillations of Earth's magnetosphere. These oscillations were discovered in the 1970s during IPhE AS USSR polar expeditions organized by Prof. V.A. Troitskaya. We have shown that IPCL activity in Mirny depends on the inclination (north-south asymmetry) of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) lines to the plane of the geomagnetic equator before the front of the magnetosphere. The result suggests a controlling exposure of IMF on the magnetospheric oscillations and gives rise to the hypothesis that IPCLs are forced oscillations of a nonlinear dynamical system whose major structural elements are dayside polar cusps. The paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor V.A. Troitskaya (1917-2010).

Benzocyclobutene-based electric micromachines supported on microball bearings: Design, fabrication, and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modafe, Alireza

This dissertation summarizes the research activities that led to the development of the first microball-bearing-supported linear electrostatic micromotor with benzocyclobutene (BCB) low-k polymer insulating layers. The primary application of this device is long-range, high-speed linear micropositioning. The future generations of this device include rotary electrostatic micromotors and microgenerators. The development of the first generation of microball-bearing-supported micromachines, including device theory, design, and modeling, material characterization, process development, device fabrication, and device test and characterization is presented. The first generation of these devices is based on a 6-phase, bottom-drive, linear, variable-capacitance micromotor (B-LVCM). The design of the electrical and mechanical components of the micromotor, lumped-circuit modeling of the device and electromechanical characteristics, including variable capacitance, force, power, and speed are presented. Electrical characterization of BCB polymers, characterization of BCB chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), development of embedded BCB in silicon (EBiS) process, and integration of device components using microfabrication techniques are also presented. The micromotor consists of a silicon stator, a silicon slider, and four stainless-steel microballs. The aligning force profile of the micromotor was extracted from simulated and measured capacitances of all phases. An average total aligning force of 0.27 mN with a maximum of 0.41 mN, assuming a 100 V peak-to-peak square-wave voltage, was measured. The operation of the micromotor was verified by applying square-wave voltages and characterizing the slider motion. An average slider speed of 7.32 mm/s when excited by a 40 Hz, 120 V square-wave voltage was reached without losing the synchronization. This research has a pivotal impact in the field of power microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). It establishes the foundation for the development of more reliable, efficient electrostatic micromachines with variety of applications such as micropropulsion, high-speed micropumping, microfluid delivery, and microsystem power generation.

A fully consistent and conservative vertically adaptive coordinate system for SLIM 3D v0.4 with an application to the thermocline oscillations of Lake Tanganyika

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delandmeter, Philippe; Lambrechts, Jonathan; Legat, Vincent; Vallaeys, Valentin; Naithani, Jaya; Thiery, Wim; Remacle, Jean-François; Deleersnijder, Eric

2018-03-01

The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method is well suited for the modelling, with a relatively small number of elements, of three-dimensional flows exhibiting strong velocity or density gradients. Its performance can be highly enhanced by having recourse to r-adaptivity. Here, a vertical adaptive mesh method is developed for DG finite elements. This method, originally designed for finite difference schemes, is based on the vertical diffusion of the mesh nodes, with the diffusivity controlled by the density jumps at the mesh element interfaces. The mesh vertical movement is determined by means of a conservative arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation. Though conservativity is naturally achieved, tracer consistency is obtained by a suitable construction of the mesh vertical velocity field, which is defined in such a way that it is fully compatible with the tracer and continuity equations at a discrete level. The vertically adaptive mesh approach is implemented in the three-dimensional version of the geophysical and environmental flow Second-generation Louvain-la-Neuve Ice-ocean Model (SLIM 3D; www.climate.be/slim). Idealised benchmarks, aimed at simulating the oscillations of a sharp thermocline, are dealt with. Then, the relevance of the vertical adaptivity technique is assessed by simulating thermocline oscillations of Lake Tanganyika. The results are compared to measured vertical profiles of temperature, showing similar stratification and outcropping events.

Oscillating fluid power generator

DOEpatents

Morris, David C

2014-02-25

A system and method for harvesting the kinetic energy of a fluid flow for power generation with a vertically oriented, aerodynamic wing structure comprising one or more airfoil elements pivotably attached to a mast. When activated by the moving fluid stream, the wing structure oscillates back and forth, generating lift first in one direction then in the opposite direction. This oscillating movement is converted to unidirectional rotational movement in order to provide motive power to an electricity generator. Unlike other oscillating devices, this device is designed to harvest the maximum aerodynamic lift forces available for a given oscillation cycle. Because the system is not subjected to the same intense forces and stresses as turbine systems, it can be constructed less expensively, reducing the cost of electricity generation. The system can be grouped in more compact clusters, be less evident in the landscape, and present reduced risk to avian species.

Friction self-oscillation decrease in nonlinear system of locomotive traction drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antipin, D. Ya; Vorobiyov, V. I.; Izmerov, O. V.; Shorokhov, S. G.; Bondarenko, D. A.

2017-02-01

The problems of the friction self-oscillation decrease in a nonlinear system of a locomotive traction drive are considered. It is determined that the self-oscillation amplitude decrease in a locomotive wheel pair during boxing in traction drives with an elastic linkage between an armature of a traction electric motor and gearing can be achieved due to drive damping capacity during impact vibro-damping in an axle reduction gear with a hard driven gear. The self-oscillation amplitude reduction in a wheel pair in the designs of locomotive traction drives with the location of elastic elements between a wheel pair and gearing can be obtained owing to the application of drive inertial masses as an anti-vibrator. On the basis of the carried out investigations, a design variant of a self-oscillation shock absorber of a traction electric motor framework on a reduction gear suspension with an absorber located beyond a wheel-motor unit was offered.

Piezoelectric Film.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garrison, Steve

1992-01-01

Presents activities that utilize piezoelectric film to familiarize students with fundamental principles of electricity. Describes classroom projects involving chemical sensors, microbalances, microphones, switches, infrared sensors, and power generation. (MDH)

Quorum Sensing in Populations of Spatially Extended Chaotic Oscillators Coupled Indirectly via a Heterogeneous Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bing-Wei; Cao, Xiao-Zhi; Fu, Chenbo

2017-12-01

Many biological and chemical systems could be modeled by a population of oscillators coupled indirectly via a dynamical environment. Essentially, the environment by which the individual element communicates with each other is heterogeneous. Nevertheless, most of previous works considered the homogeneous case only. Here we investigated the dynamical behaviors in a population of spatially distributed chaotic oscillators immersed in a heterogeneous environment. Various dynamical synchronization states (such as oscillation death, phase synchronization, and complete synchronized oscillation) as well as their transitions were explored. In particular, we uncovered a non-traditional quorum sensing transition: increasing the population density leaded to a transition from oscillation death to synchronized oscillation at first, but further increasing the density resulted in degeneration from complete synchronization to phase synchronization or even from phase synchronization to desynchronization. The underlying mechanism of this finding was attributed to the dual roles played by the population density. What's more, by treating the environment as another component of the oscillator, the full system was then effectively equivalent to a locally coupled system. This fact allowed us to utilize the master stability functions approach to predict the occurrence of complete synchronization oscillation, which agreed with that from the direct numerical integration of the system. The potential candidates for the experimental realization of our model were also discussed.

X-ray free-electron laser oscillator with nuclear-resonant cavity stabilization and quantum-optical applications

DOE PAGES

Adams, Bernhard W.; Kim, Kwang -Je

2016-08-09

Here, x-ray free-electron-laser oscillators with nuclear-resonant cavity stabilization (NRS-XFELO) hold the promise for providing x-rays with unprecedented coherence properties that will enable interesting quantum-optical and metrological applications. Among these are atom optics with x-ray-based optical elements providing high momentum transfer, or a frequency standard far surpassing the best state-of the-art atomic clocks.

Incomplete data based parameter identification of nonlinear and time-variant oscillators with fractional derivative elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kougioumtzoglou, Ioannis A.; dos Santos, Ketson R. M.; Comerford, Liam

2017-09-01

Various system identification techniques exist in the literature that can handle non-stationary measured time-histories, or cases of incomplete data, or address systems following a fractional calculus modeling. However, there are not many (if any) techniques that can address all three aforementioned challenges simultaneously in a consistent manner. In this paper, a novel multiple-input/single-output (MISO) system identification technique is developed for parameter identification of nonlinear and time-variant oscillators with fractional derivative terms subject to incomplete non-stationary data. The technique utilizes a representation of the nonlinear restoring forces as a set of parallel linear sub-systems. In this regard, the oscillator is transformed into an equivalent MISO system in the wavelet domain. Next, a recently developed L1-norm minimization procedure based on compressive sensing theory is applied for determining the wavelet coefficients of the available incomplete non-stationary input-output (excitation-response) data. Finally, these wavelet coefficients are utilized to determine appropriately defined time- and frequency-dependent wavelet based frequency response functions and related oscillator parameters. Several linear and nonlinear time-variant systems with fractional derivative elements are used as numerical examples to demonstrate the reliability of the technique even in cases of noise corrupted and incomplete data.

Supernova neutrinos and explosive nucleosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajino, T.; Aoki, W.; Cheoun, M.-K.; Hayakawa, T.; Hidaka, J.; Hirai, Y.; Mathews, G. J.; Nakamura, K.; Shibagaki, S.; Suzuki, T.

2014-05-01

Core-collapse supernovae eject huge amount of flux of energetic neutrinos. We studied the explosive nucleosyn-thesis in supernovae and found that several isotopes 7Li, 11B, 92Nb, 138La and 180Ta as well as r-process nuclei are affected by the neutrino interactions. The abundance of these isotopes therefore depends strongly on the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) effect. We discuss first how to determine the neutrino temperatures in order to explain the observed solar system abundances of these isotopes, combined with Galactic chemical evolution of the light nuclei and the heavy r-process elements. We then study the effects of neutrino oscillation on their abundances, and propose a novel method to determine the still unknown neutrino oscillation parameters, mass hierarchy and θ13, simultaneously. There is recent evidence that SiC X grains from the Murchison meteorite may contain supernova-produced light elements 11B and 7Li encapsulated in the presolar grains. Combining the recent experimental constraints on θ13, we show that our method sug-gests at a marginal preference for an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy. Finally, we discuss supernova relic neutrinos that may indicate the softness of the equation of state (EoS) of nuclear matter as well as adiabatic conditions of the neutrino oscillation.

New Approach to a Practical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor Utilizing an Inkjet Printing System

PubMed Central

Fuchiwaki, Yusuke; Tanaka, Masato; Makita, Yoji; Ooie, Toshihiko

2014-01-01

The present work demonstrates a valuable approach to developing quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor units inexpensively for reliable determination of analytes. This QCM sensor unit is constructed by inkjet printing equipment utilizing background noise removal techniques. Inkjet printing equipment was chosen as an alternative to an injection pump in conventional flow-mode systems to facilitate the commercial applicability of these practical devices. The results demonstrate minimization of fluctuations from external influences, determination of antigen-antibody interactions in an inkjet deposition, and quantification of C-reactive protein in the range of 50–1000 ng(x000B7)mL−1. We thus demonstrate a marketable application of an inexpensive and easily available QCM sensor system. PMID:25360577

Prototypes of newly conceived inorganic and biological sensors for health and environmental applications.

PubMed

Nicolini, Claudio; Adami, Manuela; Sartore, Marco; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi; Bavastrello, Valter; Spera, Rosanna; Pechkova, Eugenia

2012-12-12

This paper describes the optimal implementation of three newly conceived sensors for both health and environmental applications, utilizing a wide range of detection methods and complex nanocomposites. The first one is inorganic and based on matrices of calcium oxide, the second is based on protein arrays and a third one is based on Langmuir-Blodgett laccase multi-layers. Special attention was paid to detecting substances significant to the environment (such as carbon dioxide) and medicine (drug administration, cancer diagnosis and prognosis) by means of amperometric, quartz crystal microbalance with frequency (QCM_F) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM_D) technologies. The resulting three implemented nanosensors are described here along with proofs of principle and their corresponding applications.

Polymer coated quartz crystal microbalance sensors for detection of volatile organic compounds in gas mixtures.

PubMed

Si, Pengchao; Mortensen, John; Komolov, Alexei; Denborg, Jens; Møller, Preben Juul

2007-08-06

By coating different conducting polymers of thiophene and its derivatives on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor surfaces, new novel QCM gas sensors have been produced in two simple ways, which could classify testing gas samples of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) gases. Principle components analysis (PCA) has been performed based on the QCM measurement results, which shows that our QCM sensors array has very good utilizing potential on sensing both polar and low-polar/nonpolar VOC gases. The sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and detection limit of QCM sensors have also been discussed. Quantitative variation of sensitivity response with the increasing concentration has been studied. (PLS) analysis and prediction of concentrations of single gas in mixtures have been carried out.

Data analysis for lidar and quartz crystal microbalance systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kent, G. S.; Deepak, A.

1985-01-01

Results are presented of the analysis of data taken on the stratospheric aerosol, using lidar, Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), and the SAGE and SAM II satellite systems. The main objective of the work reported has been to use the data, taken with the NASA-LaRC instruments to study the stratospheric effects of volcanic eruptions during the period between the launch of the SAGE and SAM II satellite systems and October 1980. Four significant volcanic eruptions, for which data are available, occurred during this period--Soufriere, Sierra Negra, Mt. St. Helens, and Ulawun. Data on these have been analyzed to determine the changes in stratospheric mass loading produced by the eruptions, and to study the dispersion of the newly injected material.

Note: A dual-channel sensor for dew point measurement based on quartz crystal microbalance.

PubMed

Li, Ning; Meng, Xiaofeng; Nie, Jing

2017-05-01

A new sensor with dual-channel was designed for eliminating the temperature effect on the frequency measurement of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in dew point detection. The sensor uses active temperature control, produces condensation on the surface of QCM, and then detects the dew point. Both the single-channel and the dual-channel methods were conducted based on the device. The measurement error of the single-channel method was less than 0.5 °C at the dew point range of -2 °C-10 °C while the dual-channel was 0.3 °C. The results showed that the dual-channel method was able to eliminate the temperature effect and yield better measurement accuracy.

Note: A dual-channel sensor for dew point measurement based on quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ning; Meng, Xiaofeng; Nie, Jing

2017-05-01

A new sensor with dual-channel was designed for eliminating the temperature effect on the frequency measurement of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in dew point detection. The sensor uses active temperature control, produces condensation on the surface of QCM, and then detects the dew point. Both the single-channel and the dual-channel methods were conducted based on the device. The measurement error of the single-channel method was less than 0.5 °C at the dew point range of -2 °C-10 °C while the dual-channel was 0.3 °C. The results showed that the dual-channel method was able to eliminate the temperature effect and yield better measurement accuracy.

Acetylcholinesterase-reduced graphene oxide hybrid films for organophosphorus neurotoxin sensing via quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Shi; Ma, Wenying; Xie, Guangzhong; Su, Yuanjie; Jiang, Yadong

2016-09-01

An acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrid films based biosensor enabled by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has been developed for the detection of organophosphorus neurotoxin in gas phase at room temperature. To improve the sensing performance, RGO was used to immobilize large quantities of enzyme and provide a favorable microenvironment to maintain the enzyme activity. The experimental results reveal that the response of AChE-RGO/glutaraldehyde based sensors is about 8 times larger than that of the AChE with the sensitivity of 1.583 Hz/mg/m3. 1.0 mg amount of RGO, 5% concentration of glutaraldehyde and pH 6.8 is the optimal condition of this biosensor.

Effective field theory in the harmonic oscillator basis

DOE PAGES

Binder, S.; Ekström, Jan A.; Hagen, Gaute; ...

2016-04-25

In this paper, we develop interactions from chiral effective field theory (EFT) that are tailored to the harmonic oscillator basis. As a consequence, ultraviolet convergence with respect to the model space is implemented by construction and infrared convergence can be achieved by enlarging the model space for the kinetic energy. In oscillator EFT, matrix elements of EFTs formulated for continuous momenta are evaluated at the discrete momenta that stem from the diagonalization of the kinetic energy in the finite oscillator space. By fitting to realistic phase shifts and deuteron data we construct an effective interaction from chiral EFT at next-to-leadingmore » order. Finally, many-body coupled-cluster calculations of nuclei up to 132Sn converge fast for the ground-state energies and radii in feasible model spaces.« less

Transfer of non-Gaussian quantum states of mechanical oscillator to light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filip, Radim; Rakhubovsky, Andrey A.

2015-11-01

Non-Gaussian quantum states are key resources for quantum optics with continuous-variable oscillators. The non-Gaussian states can be deterministically prepared by a continuous evolution of the mechanical oscillator isolated in a nonlinear potential. We propose feasible and deterministic transfer of non-Gaussian quantum states of mechanical oscillators to a traveling light beam, using purely all-optical methods. The method relies on only basic feasible and high-quality elements of quantum optics: squeezed states of light, linear optics, homodyne detection, and electro-optical feedforward control of light. By this method, a wide range of novel non-Gaussian states of light can be produced in the future from the mechanical states of levitating particles in optical tweezers, including states necessary for the implementation of an important cubic phase gate.

Piezoelectric drive circuit

DOEpatents

Treu, C.A. Jr.

1999-08-31

A piezoelectric motor drive circuit is provided which utilizes the piezoelectric elements as oscillators and a Meacham half-bridge approach to develop feedback from the motor ground circuit to produce a signal to drive amplifiers to power the motor. The circuit automatically compensates for shifts in harmonic frequency of the piezoelectric elements due to pressure and temperature changes. 7 figs.

Piezoelectric drive circuit

DOEpatents

Treu, Jr., Charles A.

1999-08-31

A piezoelectric motor drive circuit is provided which utilizes the piezoelectric elements as oscillators and a Meacham half-bridge approach to develop feedback from the motor ground circuit to produce a signal to drive amplifiers to power the motor. The circuit automatically compensates for shifts in harmonic frequency of the piezoelectric elements due to pressure and temperature changes.

A search for p-mode oscillations of Jupiter - Serendipitous observations of nonacoustic thermal wave structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deming, Drake; Mumma, Michael J.; Espenak, Fred; Jennings, Donald E.; Kostiuk, Theodor; Wiedemann, Gunter

1989-01-01

Frequencies for the p-mode oscillations of Jupiter have been determined, and infrared brightness temperature fluctuations are used to search for the modes. Measurements of the infrared intensity of the Jovian disk were obtained in a broad bandwidth using a 20-element linear array. No p-mode oscillations were observed at the 0.07-K level in the 8-13-micron brightness temperature. The results suggest that Jovian p modes are not likely to have observable amplitudes. A prominent nonacoustic wave-like structure in the 8-13-micron brightness temperature is found both at 20 deg N and at the equator.

Solar array stepping to minimize array excitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhat, Mahabaleshwar K. P. (Inventor); Liu, Tung Y. (Inventor); Plescia, Carl T. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

Mechanical oscillations of a mechanism containing a stepper motor, such as a solar-array powered spacecraft, are reduced and minimized by the execution of step movements in pairs of steps, the period between steps being equal to one-half of the period of torsional oscillation of the mechanism. Each pair of steps is repeated at needed intervals to maintain desired continuous movement of the portion of elements to be moved, such as the solar array of a spacecraft. In order to account for uncertainty as well as slow change in the period of torsional oscillation, a command unit may be provided for varying the interval between steps in a pair.

The role of amplitude-to-phase conversion in the generation of oscillator flicker phase noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hearn, C. P.

1985-01-01

The role of amplitude-to-phase conversion as a factor in feedback oscillator flicker phase noise is examined. A limiting stage consisting of parallel-connected opposite polarity diodes operating in a circuit environment contining reactance is shown to exhibit amplitude-to-phase conversion. This mechanism coupled with resistive upconversion provides an indirect route for very low frequency flicker noise to be transferred into the phase of an oscillator signal. It is concluded that this effect is more significant in the lower frequency regimes where the onlinear reactances associated with active devices are overwhelmed by linear reactive elements.

A minimal mathematical model combining several regulatory cycles from the budding yeast cell cycle.

PubMed

Sriram, K; Bernot, G; Képès, F

2007-11-01

A novel topology of regulatory networks abstracted from the budding yeast cell cycle is studied by constructing a simple nonlinear model. A ternary positive feedback loop with only positive regulations is constructed with elements that activates the subsequent element in a clockwise fashion. A ternary negative feedback loop with only negative regulations is constructed with the elements that inhibit the subsequent element in an anticlockwise fashion. Positive feedback loop exhibits bistability, whereas the negative feedback loop exhibits limit cycle oscillations. The novelty of the topology is that the corresponding elements in these two homogeneous feedback loops are linked by the binary positive feedback loops with only positive regulations. This results in the emergence of mixed feedback loops in the network that displays complex behaviour like the coexistence of multiple steady states, relaxation oscillations and chaos. Importantly, the arrangement of the feedback loops brings in the notion of checkpoint in the model. The model also exhibits domino-like behaviour, where the limit cycle oscillations take place in a stepwise fashion. As the aforementioned topology is abstracted from the budding yeast cell cycle, the events that govern the cell cycle are considered for the present study. In budding yeast, the sequential activation of the transcription factors, cyclins and their inhibitors form mixed feedback loops. The transcription factors that involve in the positive regulation in a clockwise orientation generates ternary positive feedback loop, while the cyclins and their inhibitors that involve in the negative regulation in an anticlockwise orientation generates ternary negative feedback loop. The mutual regulation between the corresponding elements in the transcription factors and the cyclins and their inhibitors generates binary positive feedback loops. The bifurcation diagram constructed for the whole system can be related to the different events of the cell cycle in terms of dynamical system theory. The checkpoint mechanism that plays an important role in different phases of the cell cycle are accounted for by silencing appropriate feedback loops in the model.

A Side by Side Comparison of Filter-Based PM(sub 2.5) Measurements at a Suburban Site: A Closure Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haines, Jennifer C.; Chen, Lung-Wen A.; Taubman, Brett F.; Doddridge, Bruce G.; Dickerson, Russell R.

2007-01-01

Reliable determination of the effects of air quality on public health and the environment requires accurate measurement of PM(sub 2.5) mass and the individual chemical components of fine aerosols. This study seeks to evaluate PM(sub 2.5) measurements that are part of a newly established national network by comparing them with a more conventional sampling system. Experiments were carried out during 2002 at a suburban site in Maryland, United States, where two samplers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Speciation Trends Network: Met One Speciation Air Sampling System STNS and Thermo Scientific Reference Ambient Air Sampler STNR, two Desert Research Institute Sequential Filter Samplers DRIF, and a continuous TEOM monitor (Thermo Scientific Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance) were sampling air in parallel. These monitors differ not only in sampling configuration but also in protocol-specific sample analysis procedures. Measurements of PM(sub 2.5) mass and major contributing species were well correlated among the different methods with r-values > 0.8. Despite the good correlations, daily concentrations of PM(sub 2.5) mass and major contributing species were significantly different at the 95% confidence level from 5 to 100% of the time. Larger values of PM(sub 2.5) mass and individual species were generally reported from STNR and STNS. The January STNR average PM(sub 2.5) mass (8.8 (micro)g/per cubic meter) was 1.5 (micro)g/per cubic meter larger than the DRIF average mass. The July STNS average PM(sub 2.5) mass (27.8 (micro)g/per cubic meter) was 3.8 (micro)g/per cubic meter larger than the DRIF average mass. These differences can only be partially accounted for by known random errors. Variations in flow control, face velocity, and sampling artifacts likely influence the measurement of PM(sub 2.5) speciation and mass closure. Simple statistical tests indicate that the current uncertainty estimates used in the STN network may underestimate the actual uncertainty.

Ambient and laboratory evaluation of a low-cost particulate matter sensor.

PubMed

Kelly, K E; Whitaker, J; Petty, A; Widmer, C; Dybwad, A; Sleeth, D; Martin, R; Butterfield, A

2017-02-01

Low-cost, light-scattering-based particulate matter (PM) sensors are becoming more widely available and are being increasingly deployed in ambient and indoor environments because of their low cost and ability to provide high spatial and temporal resolution PM information. Researchers have begun to evaluate some of these sensors under laboratory and environmental conditions. In this study, a low-cost, particulate matter sensor (Plantower PMS 1003/3003) used by a community air-quality network is evaluated in a controlled wind-tunnel environment and in the ambient environment during several winter-time, cold-pool events that are associated with high ambient levels of PM. In the wind-tunnel, the PMS sensor performance is compared to two research-grade, light-scattering instruments, and in the ambient tests, the sensor performance is compared to two federal equivalent (one tapered element oscillating microbalance and one beta attenuation monitor) and gravimetric federal reference methods (FEMs/FRMs) as well as one research-grade instrument (GRIMM). The PMS sensor response correlates well with research-grade instruments in the wind-tunnel tests, and its response is linear over the concentration range tested (200-850 μg/m 3 ). In the ambient tests, this PM sensor correlates better with gravimetric methods than previous studies with correlation coefficients of 0.88. However additional measurements under a variety of ambient conditions are needed. Although the PMS sensor correlated as well as the research-grade instrument to the FRM/FEMs in ambient conditions, its response varies with particle properties to a much greater degree than the research-grade instrument. In addition, the PMS sensors overestimate ambient PM concentrations and begin to exhibit a non-linear response when PM 2.5 concentrations exceed 40 μg/m 3 . These results have important implications for communicating results from low-cost sensor networks, and they highlight the importance of using an appropriate correction factor for the target environmental conditions if the user wants to compare the results to FEM/FRMs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PM10 Concentration levels at an urban and background site in Cyprus: The impact of urban sources and dust storms

PubMed Central

Achilleos, Souzana; Evans, John S.; Yiallouros, Panayiotis K.; Kleanthous, Savvas; Schwartz, Joel; Koutrakis, Petros

2016-01-01

Air quality in Cyprus is influenced by both local and transported pollution including desert dust storms. We examined PM10 concentration data collected in Nicosia (urban representative) from April 1, 1993 through December 11, 2008, and Ayia Marina (rural background representative) from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2008. Measurements were conducted using a Tapered Element Oscillating Micro-balance (TEOM). PM10 concentrations, meteorological records and satellite data were used to identify dust storm days. We investigated long term trends using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) after controlling for day of week, month, temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity. In Nicosia, annual PM10 concentrations ranged from 50.4 to 63.8 μg/m3 and exceeded the EU annual standard limit enacted in 2005 of 40 μg/m3 every year. A large, statistically significant impact of urban sources (defined as the difference between urban and background levels) was seen in Nicosia over the period 2000–2008, and was highest during traffic hours, weekdays, cold months, and low wind conditions. Our estimate of the mean (standard error) contribution of urban sources to the daily ambient PM10 was 24.0 (0.4) μg/m3. The study of yearly trends showed that PM10 levels in Nicosia decreased from 59.4 μg/m3 in 1993 to 49.0 μg/m3 in 2008, probably in part as a result of traffic emission control policies in Cyprus. In Ayia Marina, annual concentrations ranged from 27.3 to 35.6 μg/m3, and no obvious time trends were observed. The levels measured at the Cyprus background site are comparable to background concentrations reported in other Eastern Mediterranean countries. Average daily PM10 concentrations during desert dust storms were around 100 μg/m3 since 2000 and much higher in earlier years. Despite the large impact of dust storms and their increasing frequency over time, dust storms were responsible for a small fraction of the exceedances of the daily PM10 limit. PMID:25562931

Characteristics of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter concentrations in high-rise and manure-belt layer hen houses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Ji-Qin; Chai, Lilong; Chen, Lide; Bogan, Bill W.; Wang, Kaiying; Cortus, Erin L.; Heber, Albert J.; Lim, Teng-Teeh; Diehl, Claude A.

2012-09-01

Indoor air pollutants at high concentrations in poultry houses can potentially affect workers' health, and animal welfare and productivity. This paper presents research results of a 2-year continuous monitoring of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and particulate matter (PM) concentrations from to date the most comprehensive study on a single farm in two 180,000-bird high-rise (HR) and two 200,000-bird manure-belt (MB) layer hen houses located in Indiana, USA. Air was sampled at ventilation fans of the mechanically-ventilated houses. Concentrations of NH3 and CO2 were measured with photoacoustic multi-gas monitors. Concentrations of H2S and PM10 were monitored with pulsed fluorescence analyzers and Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalances (TEOM), respectively. The 2-year mean ± standard deviation concentrations at ventilation fans of the four layer hen houses were 48.9 ± 39 and 51.9 ± 40.7 ppm in HR, and 13.3 ± 9.1 and 12.9 ± 10.5 ppm in MB for NH3; 26.4 ± 17.6 and 24.9 ± 19 ppb in HR, 40.0 ± 21.1 and 41.2 ± 31.5 ppb in MB for H2S; 1755 ± 848 and 1804 ± 887 ppm in HR, and 2295 ± 871 and 2285 ± 946 ppm in MB for CO2; and 540 ± 303 and 552 ± 338 μg m-3 in HR, and 415 ± 428 and 761 ± 661 μg m-3 in MB for PM10. Compared with the MB houses, concentrations of the HR houses were higher for NH3, and lower for CO2, H2S, and PM10 (P < 0.05). High concentrations of NH3 detected in winter represent potential challenges to workers' health and animal welfare. Variations in pollutant concentrations at the exhaust fans were affected by outdoor temperature, ventilation, bird condition, and farm operation. A new weekly variation, characterized by significantly lower PM10 concentrations on Sundays, was identified and was related to the weekly schedule of house operational activities.

Three Measures of Forest Fire Smoke Exposure and Their Associations with Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in a Population-Based Cohort

PubMed Central

Brauer, Michael; MacNab, Ying C.; Kennedy, Susan M.

2011-01-01

Background: During the summer of 2003 numerous fires burned in British Columbia, Canada. Objectives: We examined the associations between respiratory and cardiovascular physician visits and hospital admissions, and three measures of smoke exposure over a 92-day study period (1 July to 30 September 2003). Methods: A population-based cohort of 281,711 residents was identified from administrative data. Spatially specific daily exposure estimates were assigned to each subject based on total measurements of particulate matter (PM) ≤ 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) from six regulatory tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) air quality monitors, smoke-related PM10 from a CALPUFF dispersion model run for the study, and a SMOKE exposure metric for plumes visible in satellite images. Logistic regression with repeated measures was used to estimate associations with each outcome. Results: The mean (± SD) exposure based on TEOM-measured PM10 was 29 ± 31 μg/m3, with an interquartile range of 14–31 μg/m3. Correlations between the TEOM, smoke, and CALPUFF metrics were moderate (0.37–0.76). Odds ratios (ORs) for a 30-μg/m3 increase in TEOM-based PM10 were 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.06] for all respiratory physician visits, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.09–1.23) for asthma-specific visits, and 1.15 (95% CI, 1.00–1.29) for respiratory hospital admissions. Associations with cardiovascular outcomes were largely null. Conclusions: Overall we found that increases in TEOM-measured PM10 were associated with increased odds of respiratory physician visits and hospital admissions, but not with cardiovascular health outcomes. Results indicating effects of fire smoke on respiratory outcomes are consistent with previous studies, as are the null results for cardiovascular outcomes. Some agreement between TEOM and the other metrics suggests that exposure assessment tools that are independent of air quality monitoring may be useful with further refinement. PMID:21659039

Assessment of the long-term impacts of PM10 and PM2.5 particles from construction works on surrounding areas.

PubMed

Azarmi, Farhad; Kumar, Prashant; Marsh, Daniel; Fuller, Gary

2016-02-01

Construction activities are common across cities; however, the studies assessing their contribution to airborne PM10 (≤10 μm) and PM2.5 (≤2.5 μm) particles on the surrounding air quality are limited. Herein, we assessed the impact of PM10 and PM2.5 arising from construction works in and around London. Measurements were carried out at 17 different monitoring stations around three construction sites between January 2002 and December 2013. Tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM 1400) and OSIRIS (2315) particle monitors were used to measure the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions in the 0.1-10 μm size range along with the ambient meteorological data. The data was analysed using bivariate concentration polar plots and k-means clustering techniques. Daily mean concentrations of PM10 were found to exceed the European Union target limit value of 50 μg m(-3) at 11 monitoring stations but remained within the allowable 35 exceedences per year, except at two monitoring stations. In general, construction works were found to influence the downwind concentrations of PM10 relatively more than PM2.5. Splitting of the data between working (0800-1800 h; local time) and non-working (1800-0800 h) periods showed about 2.2-fold higher concentrations of PM10 during working hours when compared with non-working hours. However, these observations did not allow to conclude that this increase was from the construction site emissions. Together, the polar concentration plots and the k-means cluster analysis applied to a pair of monitoring stations across the construction sites (i.e. one in upwind and the other in downwind) confirmed the contribution of construction sources on the measured concentrations. Furthermore, pairing the monitoring stations downwind of the construction sites showed a logarithmic decrease (with R(2) about 0.9) in the PM10 and PM2.5 concentration with distance. Our findings clearly indicate an impact of construction activities on the nearby downwind areas and a need for developing mitigation measures to limit their escape from the construction sites.

Emission factors and characteristics of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter at two high-rise layer hen houses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Ji-Qin; Liu, Shule; Diehl, Claude A.; Lim, Teng-Teeh; Bogan, Bill W.; Chen, Lide; Chai, Lilong; Wang, Kaiying; Heber, Albert J.

2017-04-01

Air pollutants emitted from confined animal buildings can cause environmental pollution and ecological damage. Long-term (>6 months) and continuous (or high frequency) monitoring that can reveal seasonal and diurnal variations is needed to obtain emission factors and characteristics about these pollutants. A two-year continuous monitoring of ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM10) emissions from two 218,000-hen high-rise layer houses (H-A and H-B) in Indiana, USA was conducted from June 2007 to May 2009. Gaseous pollutant concentrations were measured with two gas analyzers and PM10 concentrations were measured with three Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalances. The operation and performance of ventilation fans were continuously monitored with multiple methods. Only the emission rates calculated with valid data days (days with more than 18 h, or 75%, of valid data) are reported in this paper. The two-house and two-year mean ± standard deviation emissions per day per hen for NH3, H2S, CO2, and PM10 were 1.08 ± 0.42 g, 1.37 ± 0.83 mg, 76.7 ± 14.6 g, and 20.6 ± 22.5 mg, respectively. Seasonal emission variations were demonstrated for NH3 and CO2, but not evident for H2S and PM10. Ammonia and CO2 emissions were higher in winter than in summer. Significant daily mean emission variations were observed for all four pollutants between the two houses (P < 0.05), and between the two years from the same house (P < 0.01) except for CO2 at one house. Carbon dioxide originated from manure decomposition was >9% of that from bird respiration. Emissions of CO2 during molting were about 80% of those during normal egg production days. Emissions of H2S were not a major concern due to their very low quantities. Emissions of PM10 were more variable than other pollutants. However, not all of the emission statistics are explainable.

Temporal characteristics of black carbon concentrations and its potential emission sources in a southern Taiwan industrial urban area.

PubMed

Cheng, Yu-Hsiang; Lin, Chi-Chi; Liu, Jyh-Jian; Hsieh, Cheng-Ju

2014-03-01

This study investigates the temporal characteristics of black carbon and its potential emission sources, as well as the fractions of BC in PM2.5 levels in Kaohsiung urban area, which is an industrial city in southern Taiwan. Concentrations of BC and PM2.5 are monitored continuously from March 2006 to February 2010, using an aethalometer and a tapered element oscillating microbalance monitor. Additionally, the presence of organic compounds (or UV enhanced species) in particles at the sampling site is determined using the Delta-C (UVBC-BC) value. According to long-term measurement results, BC and PM2.5 concentrations are 3.33 and 34.0 μg m(-3), respectively, in the Kaohsiung urban area. The ratio of BC/PM2.5 is approximately 11 %. Low concentration of BC and PM2.5 in the summer of this study period is mostly likely owing to meteorological conditions that favored dispersion of local air pollutants. Nevertheless, BC concentrations peaked markedly during morning hours (7:00-11:00), likely owing to local traffic congestion. Measurement results suggest that BC is released from local traffic activities and emitted from industrial activities at this sampling site. Additionally, Delta-C values are significantly higher than zero during January-March and November-December periods in this industrial urban area, implying that UV enhanced species can be observed. At this sampling site, these UV enhanced species do not only originate from household activity and solid waste burning but also release from industrial activities. The elevated Delta-C values during nighttime (18:00-6:00) in the autumn and winter seasons are likely related to those UV enhanced species in the atmosphere, which can be condensed on particle surface under low temperature conditions. According to long-term measurement results, significantly positive Delta-C values can be observed under temperatures <20 °C and relative humidity of 60-75 % in this study. Despite the household activity and solid waste burning, the major sources of particles that are bound with UV enhanced species in this sampling site are industrial parks and a coal-fired power plant.

Nuclear weak interactions, supernova nucleosynthesis and neutrino oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajino, Toshitaka

2013-07-01

We study the nuclear weak response in light-to-heavy mass nuclei and calculate neutrino-nucleus cross sections. We apply these cross sections to the explosive nucleosynthesis in core-collapse supernovae and find that several isotopes of rare elements 7Li, 11B, 138La, 180Ta and several others are predominantly produced by the neutrino-process nucleosynthesis. We discuss how to determine the suitable neutrino spectra of three different flavors and their anti-particles in order to explain the observed solar system abundances of these isotopes, combined with Galactic chemical evolution of the light nuclei and the heavy r-process elements. Light-mass nuclei like 7Li and 11B, which are produced in outer He-layer, are strongly affected by the neutrino flavor oscillation due to the MSW (Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein) effect, while heavy-mass nuclei like 138La, 180Ta and r-process elements, which are produced in the inner O-Ne-Mg layer or the atmosphere of proto-neutron star, are likely to be free from the MSW effect. Using such a different nature of the neutrino-process nucleosynthesis, we study the neutrino oscillation effects on their abundances, and propose a new novel method to determine the unknown neutrino oscillation parameters, θ13 and mass hierarchy, simultaneously. There is recent evidence that some SiC X grains from the Murchison meteorite may contain supernova-produced neutrino-process 11B and 7Li encapsulated in the grains. Combining the recent experimental constraints on θ13, we show that although the uncertainties are still large, our method hints at a marginal preference for an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy for the first time.

Organic memristive device as key element for neuromorphic networks

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

Erokhin, Victor

Organic memristive device has three important properties allowing to consider it as a key element of neuromorphic systems. First, its electrical properties are somehow similar to those of synapses. Second, it can be easily transferred into an oscillator. Third, organic nature of the devices allow to assemble them into stochastic 3D networks capable to learning and adaptations.

Quartz crystal microbalance and photoacoustic measurements in dental photocuring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lima, Marcenilda A.; Bastos, Ivan N.; Cella, Norberto

2016-09-01

Photocured dental resins are used extensively in restorative procedures in dentistry. Inadequate curing reduces the lifetime of the dental restoration, and consequently it is essential to precisely measure the polymerisation kinetics. In this study, two techniques, Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS), were used to monitor the real-time cure and to obtain the optical absorption spectra of resins, respectively. From the PAS measurements, the precise peaks of absorption were identified, and were used as the appropriate wavelength of the photocuring light in the QCM monitoring. The combined use of these techniques allows reliable determination of the duration of the phases of physical and chemical changes that occur during photocuring. Two commercial dental resins were tested, and the results confirmed the advantages of using PAS and QCM to study polymerisation kinetics.

In-Line Measurement of Water Contents in Ethanol Using a Zeolite-Coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance

PubMed Central

Kim, Byoung Chul; Yamamoto, Takuji; Kim, Young Han

2015-01-01

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was utilized to measure the water content in ethanol. For the improvement of measurement sensitivity, the QCM was modified by applying zeolite particles on the surface with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) binder. The measurement performance was examined with ethanol of 1% to 5% water content in circulation. The experimental results showed that the frequency drop of the QCM was related with the water content though there was some deviation. The sensitivity of the zeolite-coated QCM was sufficient to be implemented in water content determination, and a higher ratio of silicon to aluminum in the molecular structure of the zeolite gave better performance. The coated surface was inspected by microscopy to show the distribution of zeolite particles and PMMA spread. PMID:26516859

Material Outgassing, Identification and Deposition, MOLIDEP System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scialdone, John J.; Montoya, Alex F.

2002-01-01

The outgassing tests are performed employing a modified vacuum operated Cahn analytical microbalance, identified as the MOLIDEP system. The test measures under high vacuum, the time varying Molecular mass loss of a material sample held at a chosen temperature; it Identifies the outgassing molecular components using an inline SRS 300 amu Residual Gas Analyzer (RGA) and employs a temperature controlled 10 MHz Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) to measure the condensable DEPosits. Both the QCM and the RGA intercept within the conductive passage the outgassing products being evacuated by a turbomolecular pump. The continuous measurements of the mass loss, the rate of loss, the sample temperature, the rate of temperature change, the QCM temperature and the QCM recorded condensable deposits or rate of deposits are saved to an Excel spreadsheet. A separate computer controls the RGA.

Sugar nanowires based on cyclodextrin on quartz crystal microbalance for gas sensing with ultra-high sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asano, Atsushi; Maeyoshi, Yuta; Watanabe, Shogo; Saeki, Akinori; Sugimoto, Masaki; Yoshikawa, Masahito; Nanto, Hidehito; Tsukuda, Satoshi; Tanaka, Shun-Ichiro; Seki, Shu

2013-03-01

Cyclodextrins (CDs), hosting selectively a wide range of guest molecules in their hydrophobic cavity, were directly fabricated into 1-dimensional nanostructures with extremely wide surface area by single particle nanofabrication technique in the present paper. The copolymers of acrylamide and mono(6-allyl)-β-CD were synthesized, and the crosslinking reaction of the polymer alloys with poly(4-bromostyrene) (PBrS) in SPNT gave nanowires on the quarts substrate with high number density of 5×109 cm-2. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurement suggested 320 fold high sensitivity for formic acid vapor adsorption in the nanowire fabricated surfaces compared with that in the thin solid film of PBrS, due to the incorporation of CD units and extremely wide surface area of the nanowires.

Nano-machining of biosensor electrodes through gold nanoparticles deposition produced by femtosecond laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Della Ventura, B.; Funari, R.; Anoop, K. K.; Amoruso, S.; Ausanio, G.; Gesuele, F.; Velotta, R.; Altucci, C.

2015-06-01

We report an application of femtosecond laser ablation to improve the sensitivity of biosensors based on a quartz crystal microbalance device. The nanoparticles produced by irradiating a gold target with 527-nm, 300-fs laser pulses, in high vacuum, are directly deposited on the quartz crystal microbalance electrode. Different gold electrodes are fabricated by varying the deposition time, thus addressing how the nanoparticles surface coverage influences the sensor response. The modified biosensor is tested by weighting immobilized IgG antibody from goat and its analyte (IgG from mouse), and the results are compared with a standard electrode. A substantial increase of biosensor sensitivity is achieved, thus demonstrating that femtosecond laser ablation and deposition is a viable physical method to improve the biosensor sensitivity by means of nanostructured electrodes.

Flight evidence of spacecraft surface contamination rate enhancement by spacecraft charging obtained with a quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, D. M.; Hall, D. F.

1980-01-01

The significance of the fraction of the mass outgassed by a negatively charged space vehicle which is ionized within the vehicle plasma sheath and electrostatically reattracted to the space vehicle was determined. The ML-12 retarding potential analyzer/temperature controlled quartz crystal microbalances (RPA/TQCMs) distinguishes between charged and neutral molecules and investigates contamination mass transport mechanism. Two long term, quick look flight data sets indicate that on the average a significant fraction of mass arriving at one RPA/TQCM is ionized. It is assumed that vehicle frame charging during these periods was approximately uniformly distributed in degree and frequency. It is shown that electrostatic reattraction of ionized molecules is an important contamination mechanism at and near geosynchronous altitudes.

Immersion angle dependence of the resonant-frequency shift of the quartz crystal microbalance in a liquid: effects of longitudinal wave.

PubMed

Yoshimoto, Minoru; Kobirata, Satoshi; Aizawa, Hideo; Kurosawa, Shigeru

2007-06-19

We investigated the effects of the longitudinal wave on the immersion angle dependence of the resonant-frequency shift, deltaF, of the quartz crystal microbalance, QCM. In order to study exactly the effects, we employed the three types of cells: normal cell, cell with the glass beads and cell with sponge. The longitudinal wave exists in the normal cell. On the other hand, both the cell with the glass beads and the cell with sponge eliminate the longitudinal wave. As results, we have found that the tendencies of deltaF are the same in the three types of cells. That is, we conclude that the longitudinal wave does not have effects on the immersion angle dependence of deltaF.

A Practical Model of Quartz Crystal Microbalance in Actual Applications.

PubMed

Huang, Xianhe; Bai, Qingsong; Hu, Jianguo; Hou, Dong

2017-08-03

A practical model of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is presented, which considers both the Gaussian distribution characteristic of mass sensitivity and the influence of electrodes on the mass sensitivity. The equivalent mass sensitivity of 5 MHz and 10 MHz AT-cut QCMs with different sized electrodes were calculated according to this practical model. The equivalent mass sensitivity of this practical model is different from the Sauerbrey's mass sensitivity, and the error between them increases sharply as the electrode radius decreases. A series of experiments which plate rigid gold film onto QCMs were carried out and the experimental results proved this practical model is more valid and correct rather than the classical Sauerbrey equation. The practical model based on the equivalent mass sensitivity is convenient and accurate in actual measurements.

Nuclear fuel pin scanner

DOEpatents

Bramblett, Richard L.; Preskitt, Charles A.

1987-03-03

Systems and methods for inspection of nuclear fuel pins to determine fiss loading and uniformity. The system includes infeed mechanisms which stockpile, identify and install nuclear fuel pins into an irradiator. The irradiator provides extended activation times using an approximately cylindrical arrangement of numerous fuel pins. The fuel pins can be arranged in a magazine which is rotated about a longitudinal axis of rotation. A source of activating radiation is positioned equidistant from the fuel pins along the longitudinal axis of rotation. The source of activating radiation is preferably oscillated along the axis to uniformly activate the fuel pins. A detector is provided downstream of the irradiator. The detector uses a plurality of detector elements arranged in an axial array. Each detector element inspects a segment of the fuel pin. The activated fuel pin being inspected in the detector is oscillated repeatedly over a distance equal to the spacing between adjacent detector elements, thereby multiplying the effective time available for detecting radiation emissions from the activated fuel pin.

Piezoelectric power generation using friction-induced vibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadokoro, Chiharu; Matsumoto, Aya; Nagamine, Takuo; Sasaki, Shinya

2017-06-01

In order to examine the feasibility of power generation by using friction-induced vibration with a piezoelectric element, we performed experiments and numerical analysis. In the experiments, the generated power in the piezoelectric element and the displacement of an oscillator were measured by a newly developed apparatus that embodied a single-degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) system with friction. In the numerical analysis, an analytical model of a 1-DOF system with friction and piezoelectric element was proposed to simulate the experiments. The experimental results demonstrated that the power of a few microwatts was generated by sliding between a steel ball and a steel plate lubricated with glycerol. In this study, a maximum power of approximately 10 μW was generated at a driving velocity of 40 mm s-1 and a normal load of 15 N. The numerical results demonstrated good qualitative agreement with the experimental results. This implies that this analytical model can be applied to optimize the oscillator design in piezoelectric power generation using friction-induced vibration.

Discriminator Stabilized Superconductor/Ferroelectric Thin Film Local Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert R. (Inventor); Miranda, Felix A. (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A tunable local oscillator with a tunable circuit that includes a resonator and a transistor as an active element for oscillation. Tuning of the circuit is achieved with an externally applied dc bias across coupled lines on the resonator. Preferably the resonator is a high temperature superconductor microstrip ring resonator with integral coupled lines formed over a thin film ferroelectric material. A directional coupler samples the output of the oscillator which is fed into a diplexer for determining whether the oscillator is performing at a desired frequency. The high-pass and lowpass outputs of the diplexer are connected to diodes respectively for inputting the sampled signals into a differential operational amplifier. The amplifier compares the sampled signals and emits an output signal if there is a difference between the resonant and crossover frequencies. Based on the sampled signal, a bias supplied to the ring resonator is either increased or decreased for raising or lowering the resonant frequency by decreasing or increasing, respectively, the dielectric constant of the ferroelectric.

Breaking the limitation of mode building time in an optoelectronic oscillator.

PubMed

Hao, Tengfei; Cen, Qizhuang; Dai, Yitang; Tang, Jian; Li, Wei; Yao, Jianping; Zhu, Ninghua; Li, Ming

2018-05-09

An optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is a microwave photonic system with a positive feedback loop used to create microwave oscillation with ultra-low phase noise thanks to the employment of a high-quality-factor energy storage element, such as a fiber delay line. For many applications, a frequency-tunable microwave signal or waveform, such as a linearly chirped microwave waveform (LCMW), is also needed. Due to the long characteristic time constant required for building up stable oscillation at an oscillation mode, it is impossible to generate an LCMW with a large chirp rate using a conventional frequency-tunable OEO. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a new scheme to generate a large chirp-rate LCMW based on Fourier domain mode locking technique to break the limitation of mode building time in an OEO. An LCMW with a high chirp rate of 0.34 GHz/μs and a large time-bandwidth product of 166,650 is demonstrated.

Microscopic heavy-ion theory. Final Report. February 2014-June 2015

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

Ernst, David J.; Oberacker, Volker E.; Umar, A. Sait

The Vanderbilt nuclear theory group conducts research in the areas of low-energy nuclear reactions and in neutrino oscillations. Specically, we study dynamics of nuclear reactions microscopically, in particular for neutron-rich nuclei which will be accessible with current and future radioactive ion beam facilities. The neutrino work concentrates on constructing computational tools for analyzing neutrino oscillation data. The most important of these is the analysis of the Super K atmospheric data. Our research concentrates on the following topics which are part of the DOE Long-Range Plan: STUDIES OF LOW-ENERGY REACTIONS OF EXOTIC NUCLEI (Professors Umar and Oberacker), including sub-barrier fusion crossmore » sections, capture cross sections for superheavy element production, and nuclear astrophysics applications. Our theory project is strongly connected to experiments at RIB facilities around the world, including NSCL-FRIB (MSU) and ATLAS-CARIBU (Argonne). PHENOMENOLOGY OF NEUTRINO OSCILLATIONS (Prof. Ernst), extracting information from existing neutrino oscillation experiments and proposing possible future experiments in order to better understand the oscillation phenomenon.« less

Chaotic Dynamics and Application of LCR Oscillators Sharing Common Nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeevarekha, A.; Paul Asir, M.; Philominathan, P.

2016-06-01

This paper addresses the problem of sharing common nonlinearity among nonautonomous and autonomous oscillators. By choosing a suitable common nonlinear element with the driving point characteristics capable of bringing out chaotic motion in a combined system, we obtain identical chaotic states. The dynamics of the coupled system is explored through numerical and experimental studies. Employing the concept of common nonlinearity, a simple chaotic communication system is modeled and its performance is verified through Multisim simulation.

A rigorous solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for unsteady viscous flow at high Reynolds numbers around oscillating airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bratanow, T.; Aksu, H.; Spehert, T.

1975-01-01

A method based on the Navier-Stokes equations was developed for analyzing the unsteady incompressible viscous flow around oscillating airfoils at high Reynolds numbers. The Navier-Stokes equations have been integrated in their classical Helmholtz vorticity transport equation form, and the instantaneous velocity field at each time step was determined by the solution of Poisson's equation. A refined finite element was utilized to allow for a conformable solution of the stream function and its first space derivatives at the element interfaces. A corresponding set of accurate boundary conditions was applied; thus obtaining a rigorous solution for the velocity field. The details of the computational procedure and examples of computed results describing the unsteady flow characteristics around the airfoil are presented.

Atomic Data Revisions for Transitions Relevant to Observations of Interstellar, Circumgalactic, and Intergalactic Matter

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

Cashman, Frances H.; Kulkarni, Varsha P.; Kisielius, Romas

2017-05-01

Measurements of element abundances in galaxies from astrophysical spectroscopy depend sensitively on the atomic data used. With the goal of making the latest atomic data accessible to the community, we present a compilation of selected atomic data for resonant absorption lines at wavelengths longward of 911.753 Å (the H i Lyman limit), for key heavy elements (heavier than atomic number 5) of astrophysical interest. In particular, we focus on the transitions of those ions that have been observed in the Milky Way interstellar medium (ISM), the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of the Milky Way and/or other galaxies, and the intergalactic mediummore » (IGM). We provide wavelengths, oscillator strengths, associated accuracy grades, and references to the oscillator strength determinations. We also attempt to compare and assess the recent oscillator strength determinations. For about 22% of the lines that have updated oscillator strength values, the differences between the former values and the updated ones are ≳0.1 dex. Our compilation will be a useful resource for absorption line studies of the ISM, as well as studies of the CGM and IGM traced by sight lines to quasars and gamma-ray bursts. Studies (including those enabled by future generations of extremely large telescopes) of absorption by galaxies against the light of background galaxies will also benefit from our compilation.« less

Quantum oscillation evidence for a topological semimetal phase in ZrSnTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jin; Zhu, Yanglin; Gui, Xin; Graf, David; Tang, Zhijie; Xie, Weiwei; Mao, Zhiqiang

2018-04-01

The layered WHM-type (W =Zr /Hf /La , H =Si /Ge /Sn /Sb , M =S /Se /Te ) materials represent a large family of topological semimetals, which provides an excellent platform to study the evolution of topological semimetal state with the fine tuning of spin-orbit coupling and structural dimensionality for various combinations of W , H , and M elements. In this work, through high field de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) quantum oscillation studies, we have found evidence for the predicted topological nontrivial bands in ZrSnTe. Furthermore, from the angular dependence of quantum oscillation frequency, we have revealed the three-dimensional Fermi surface topologies of this layered material owing to strong interlayer coupling.

Tailoring gas sensor arrays via the design of short peptides sequences as binding elements.

PubMed

Mascini, Marcello; Pizzoni, Daniel; Perez, German; Chiarappa, Emilio; Di Natale, Corrado; Pittia, Paola; Compagnone, Dario

2017-07-15

A semi-combinatorial virtual approach was used to prepare peptide-based gas sensors with binding properties towards five different chemical classes (alcohols, aldehydes, esters, hydrocarbons and ketones). Molecular docking simulations were conducted for a complete tripeptide library (8000 elements) versus 58 volatile compounds belonging to those five chemical classes. By maximizing the differences between chemical classes, a subset of 120 tripeptides was extracted and used as scaffolds for generating a combinatorial library of 7912 tetrapeptides. This library was processed in an analogous way to the former. Five tetrapeptides (IHRI, KSDS, LGFD, TGKF and WHVS) were chosen depending on their virtual affinity and cross-reactivity for the experimental step. The five peptides were covalently bound to gold nanoparticles by adding a terminal cysteine to each tetrapeptide and deposited onto 20MHz quartz crystal microbalances to construct the gas sensors. The behavior of peptides after this chemical modification was simulated at the pH range used in the immobilization step. ΔF signals analyzed by principal component analysis matched the virtually screened data. The array was able to clearly discriminate the 13 volatile compounds tested based on their hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity molecules as well as the molecular weight. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the Drosophila Clock promoter reveals heterogeneity in expression between subgroups of central oscillator cells and identifies a novel enhancer region.

PubMed

Gummadova, Jennet Orazmuradovna; Coutts, Graham Andrew; Glossop, Nicholas Robert John

2009-10-01

The CLOCK-CYCLE (CLK-CYC) heterodimer lies at the heart of the circadian oscillator mechanism in Drosophila, yet little is known about the identity of transcription factors that regulate the expression of Clk and/or cyc. Here, the authors have used a transgenic approach to isolate regions of the Clk locus that are necessary for expression in central oscillator neurons in the adult fly brain. This analysis shows that central clock cells can be subdivided into 2 distinct groups based on Clk gene regulation. Expression in the lateral neuron (LN), dorsal neuron 1 anterior (DN1a) and 2 (DN2) clusters requires cis-elements located in a 122 base-pair (bp) region (-206 to -84) of the Clk promoter. Expression in the remaining dorsal neurons, 1 posterior (DN1p) and 3 (DN3) and the lateral posterior neurons (LPN), requires regulatory elements located in the -856 to -206 region. In addition, expression in photoreceptors of the compound eye is enhanced by cis-elements located in a 3rd region of the Clk locus (-1982 to -856). This region also enhances expression in nonoscillator cells in the brain including the Kenyon cells, but expression in these neurons is suppressed by regulatory sites located further upstream of -1982. The authors' analysis reveals clear heterogeneity in Clk gene expression in the adult brain and provides a necessary focus to isolate novel transcription factors that bind at the Clk locus to regulate expression in different oscillator neuron subgroups. These results also suggest that the DN1a/DN2 neurons may have more molecular commonality with the LNs than they do with the DN1p/DN3/LPN neurons. Finally, this analysis has generated new transgenic lines that will enable genes to be misexpressed in subgroups of central oscillator cells that have previously been resistant to discrete genetic manipulation. Hence, these lines provide important new tools to facilitate a more complete dissection of the neural network that regulates output rhythms in physiology and behavior.

Physics Notes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

School Science Review, 1972

1972-01-01

Twelve ideas are presented for physics teachers to implement in the laboratory or classroom. Topics covered include electromagnetic induction, microbalance, capacitors, determination of light velocity, and the compound pendulum. Information regarding laboratory equipment is also provided. (PS)

Combustion oscillation: Chemical control showing mechanistic link to recirculation zone purge time

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

Gemmen, R.S.; Richards, G.A.; Yip, M.J.

1995-12-01

Active control mechanisms are being examined for lean premix combustion applications, such as gas turbine generators. Lean premix combustors are susceptible to large combustion oscillations, particularly when driven very lean to achieve low NOx. While past design work has been focussed on understanding the source of the oscillation and modifying the combustor to avoid such oscillations, commercial combustion designers have more recently considered applying new control elements. As part of the U.S. Department of Energy`s Advanced Gas Turbine Systems Program, the Morgantown Energy Technology Center is investigating various active control techniques. This paper presents results from experiments studying the effectmore » of pilot fuel modulation on combustor oscillation and pollutant emissions for a pilot stabilized dump swirl combustor, typical of gas turbine combustors. The results show that a significant level of attenuation can be achieved in the combustor pressure oscillation (50 to 90 percent) while only moderately affecting pollutant emissions. The control mechanism producing the attenuation is shown to be purely chemical in nature, rather than fluid mechanic. In addition, the frequency region over which control is obtained is shown to be related to the recirculation zone purge time. For this reason, control can be achieved at control frequencies much lower than the frequency of oscillation.« less

Investigation of Combustion Control in a Dump Combustor Using the Feedback Free Fluidic Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meier, Eric J.; Casiano, Matthew J.; Anderson, William E.; Heister, Stephen D.

2015-01-01

A feedback free fluidic oscillator was designed and integrated into a single element rocket combustor with the goal of suppressing longitudinal combustion instabilities. The fluidic oscillator uses internal fluid dynamics to create an unsteady outlet jet at a specific frequency. An array of nine fluidic oscillators was tested to mimic modulated secondary oxidizer injection into the combustor dump plane. The combustor has a coaxial injector that uses gaseous methane and decomposed hydrogen peroxide with an overall O/F ratio of 11.7. A sonic choke plate on an actuator arm allows for continuous adjustment of the oxidizer post acoustics enabling the study of a variety of instability magnitudes. The fluidic oscillator unsteady outlet jet performance is compared against equivalent steady jet injection and a baseline design with no secondary oxidizer injection. At the most unstable operating conditions, the unsteady outlet jet saw a 67% reduction in the instability pressure oscillation magnitude when compared to the steady jet and baseline data. Additionally, computational fluid dynamics analysis of the combustor gives insight into the flow field interaction of the fluidic oscillators. The results indicate that open loop high frequency propellant modulation for combustion control can be achieved through fluidic devices that require no moving parts or electrical power to operate.

Temperature feedback control for long-term carrier-envelope phase locking

DOEpatents

Chang, Zenghu [Manhattan, KS; Yun, Chenxia [Manhattan, KS; Chen, Shouyuan [Manhattan, KS; Wang, He [Manhattan, KS; Chini, Michael [Manhattan, KS

2012-07-24

A feedback control module for stabilizing a carrier-envelope phase of an output of a laser oscillator system comprises a first photodetector, a second photodetector, a phase stabilizer, an optical modulator, and a thermal control element. The first photodetector may generate a first feedback signal corresponding to a first portion of a laser beam from an oscillator. The second photodetector may generate a second feedback signal corresponding to a second portion of the laser beam filtered by a low-pass filter. The phase stabilizer may divide the frequency of the first feedback signal by a factor and generate an error signal corresponding to the difference between the frequency-divided first feedback signal and the second feedback signal. The optical modulator may modulate the laser beam within the oscillator corresponding to the error signal. The thermal control unit may change the temperature of the oscillator corresponding to a signal operable to control the optical modulator.

Non-linear wave phenomena in Josephson elements for superconducting electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christiansen, P. L.; Parmentier, R. D.; Skovgaard, O.

1985-07-01

The long and intermediate length Josephson tunnel junction oscillator with overlap geometry of linear and circular configuration, is investigated by computational solution of the perturbed sine-Gordon equation model and by experimental measurements. The model predicts the experimental results very well. Line oscillators as well as ring oscillators are treated. For long junctions soliton perturbation methods are developed and turn out to be efficient prediction tools, also providing physical understanding of the dynamics of the oscillator. For intermediate length junctions expansions in terms of linear cavity modes reduce computational costs. The narrow linewidth of the electromagnetic radiation (typically 1 kHz of a line at 10 GHz) is demonstrated experimentally. Corresponding computer simulations requiring a relative accuracy of less than 10 to the -7th power are performed on supercomputer CRAY-1-S. The broadening of linewidth due to external microradiation and internal thermal noise is determined.

Theoretical studies of solar oscillations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldreich, P.

1980-01-01

Possible sources for the excitation of the solar 5 minute oscillations were investigated and a linear non-adiabatic stability code was applied to a preliminary study of the solar g-modes with periods near 160 minutes. Although no definitive conclusions concerning the excitation of these modes were reached, the excitation of the 5 minute oscillations by turbulent stresses in the convection zone remains a viable possibility. Theoretical calculations do not offer much support for the identification of the 160 minute global solar oscillation (reported by several independent observers) as a solar g-mode. A significant advance was made in attempting to reconcile mixing-length theory with the results of the calculations of linearly unstable normal modes. Calculations show that in a convective envelope prepared according to mixing length theory, the only linearly unstable modes are those which correspond to the turbulent eddies which are the basic element of the heuristic mixing length theory.

Experimental realization of Bloch oscillations in a parity-time synthetic silicon photonic lattice

PubMed Central

Xu, Ye-Long; Fegadolli, William S.; Gan, Lin; Lu, Ming-Hui; Liu, Xiao-Ping; Li, Zhi-Yuan; Scherer, Axel; Chen, Yan-Feng

2016-01-01

As an important electron transportation phenomenon, Bloch oscillations have been extensively studied in condensed matter. Due to the similarity in wave properties between electrons and other quantum particles, Bloch oscillations have been observed in atom lattices, photonic lattices, and so on. One of the many distinct advantages for choosing these systems over the regular electronic systems is the versatility in engineering artificial potentials. Here by utilizing dissipative elements in a CMOS-compatible photonic platform to create a periodic complex potential and by exploiting the emerging concept of parity-time synthetic photonics, we experimentally realize spatial Bloch oscillations in a non-Hermitian photonic system on a chip level. Our demonstration may have significant impact in the field of quantum simulation by following the recent trend of moving complicated table-top quantum optics experiments onto the fully integrated CMOS-compatible silicon platform. PMID:27095533

Optically Pumped Coherent Mechanical Oscillators: The Laser Rate Equation Theory and Experimental Verification

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-23

Naeini A H, Hill J T, Krause A, Groblacher S, Aspelmeyer M and Painter O 2011 Nature 478 89 [14] Siegman A E 1986 Lasers (Sausalito, CA: University... laser rate equation theory and experimental verification 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT...coherent mechanical oscillators: the laser rate equation theory and experimental verification J B Khurgin1, M W Pruessner2,3, T H Stievater2 and W S

CORE SATURATION BLOCKING OSCILLATOR

DOEpatents

Spinrad, R.J.

1961-10-17

A blocking oscillator which relies on core saturation regulation to control the output pulse width is described. In this arrangement an external magnetic loop is provided in which a saturable portion forms the core of a feedback transformer used with the thermionic or semi-conductor active element. A first stationary magnetic loop establishes a level of flux through the saturation portion of the loop. A second adjustable magnet moves the flux level to select a saturation point giving the desired output pulse width. (AEC)

Bloch oscillating transistor as the readout element for hot electron bolometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassel, Juha; Seppä, Heikki; Lindell, Rene; Hakonen, Pertti

2004-10-01

In this paper we analyse the properties of the Bloch oscillating transistor as a preamplifier in cryogenic devices. We consider here especially the readout of hot electron bolometers (HEBs) based on Normal-Superconductor-Insulator tunnel junctions, but the results also apply more generally. We show that one can get an equivalent noise voltage below 1 nV/√Hz with a single BOT. By using N BOTs in a parallel array configuration, a further reduction by factor √N may be achieved.

Some simple solutions of Schrödinger's equation for a free particle or for an oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, Mark

2018-05-01

For a non-relativistic free particle, we show that the evolution of some simple initial wave functions made up of linear segments can be expressed in terms of Fresnel integrals. Examples include the square wave function and the triangular wave function. The method is then extended to wave functions made from quadratic elements. The evolution of all these initial wave functions can also be found for the harmonic oscillator by a transformation of the free evolutions.

A low cost technique for synthesis of gold nanoparticles using microwave heating and its application in signal amplification for detecting Escherichia Coli O157:H7 bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thanh Ngo, Vo Ke; Giang Nguyen, Dang; Phat Huynh, Trong; Lam, Quang Vinh

2016-09-01

In the present work a low cost technique for preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using microwave heating was developed. The effect of different elements (precursor reagents, irradiation time, and microwave radiation power) on the final morphology of AuNPs obtained through the microwave assisted technique has been investigated. The characterization of the samples has been carried out by transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder x-ray diffraction. The results showed that to some extent the above-mentioned characterizations influenced the size of synthetized nanoparticles and application of microwave heating has many advantages such as low cost, rapid preparation and highly uniform particles. As an application in quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) immunosensor, AuNPs are conjugated with the Escherichia coli (E.coli) O157:H7 antibodies for signal amplification to detect E.coli O157:H7 bacteria residual in QCM system.

Analysis of the transient behavior of rubbing components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quezdou, M. B.; Mullen, R. L.

1986-01-01

Finite element equations are developed for studying deformations and temperatures resulting from frictional heating in sliding system. The formulation is done for linear steady state motion in two dimensions. The equations include the effect of the velocity on the moving components. This gives spurious oscillations in their solutions by Galerkin finite element methods. A method called streamline upwind scheme is used to try to deal with this deficiency. The finite element program is then used to investigate the friction of heating in gas path seal.

A sensor of alcohol vapours based on thin polyaniline base film and quartz crystal microbalance.

PubMed

Ayad, Mohamad M; El-Hefnawey, Gad; Torad, Nagy L

2009-08-30

Thin films of polyaniline base, emeraldine base (EB), coating on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode were used as a sensitive layer for the detection of a number of primary aliphatic alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, 2-propanol and 1-propanol vapours. The frequency shifts (Deltaf) of the QCM were increased due to the vapour adsorption into the EB film. Deltaf were found to be linearly correlated with the concentrations of alcohols vapour in part per million (ppm). The sensitivity of the sensor was found to be governed by the chemical structure of the alcohol. The sensor shows a good reproducibility and reversibility. The diffusions of different alcohols vapour were studied and the diffusion coefficients (D) were calculated. It is concluded that the diffusion of the vapours into the EB film follows Fickian kinetics.

Accounting for unintended binding events in the analysis of quartz crystal microbalance kinetic data.

PubMed

Heller, Gabriella T; Zwang, Theodore J; Sarapata, Elizabeth A; Haber, Michael A; Sazinsky, Matthew H; Radunskaya, Ami E; Johal, Malkiat S

2014-05-01

Previous methods for analyzing protein-ligand binding events using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) fail to account for unintended binding that inevitably occurs during surface measurements and obscure kinetic information. In this article, we present a system of differential equations that accounts for both reversible and irreversible unintended interactions. This model is tested on three protein-ligand systems, each of which has different features, to establish the feasibility of using the QCM-D for protein binding analysis. Based on this analysis, we were able to obtain kinetic information for the intended interaction that is consistent with those obtained in literature via bulk-phase methods. In the appendix, we include a method for decoupling these from the intended binding events and extracting relevant affinity information. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gold nanoparticle-sensitized quartz crystal microbalance sensor for rapid and highly selective determination of Cu(II) ions.

PubMed

Jin, Yulong; Huang, Yanyan; Liu, Guoquan; Zhao, Rui

2013-09-21

A novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor for rapid, highly selective and sensitive detection of copper ions was developed. As a signal amplifier, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were self-assembled onto the surface of the sensor. A simple dip-and-dry method enabled the whole detection procedure to be accomplished within 20 min. High selectivity of the sensor towards copper ions is demonstrated by both individual and coexisting assays with interference ions. This gold nanoparticle mediated amplification allowed a detection limit down to 3.1 μM. Together with good repeatability and regeneration, the QCM sensor was also applied to the analysis of copper contamination in drinking water. This work provides a flexible method for fabricating QCM sensors for the analysis of important small molecules in environmental and biological samples.

Non-gravimetric contributions to QCR sensor response.

PubMed

Lucklum, Ralf

2005-11-01

Quartz crystal resonator (QCR) sensors are commonly known as mass sensitive devices, usually called QCM (Quartz Crystal Microbalance). This constricted view should not be applied to biosensor applications. In many cases the sensor response is strongly influenced or even governed by non-gravimetric effects; the QCR sensor does not act as a microbalance. For better understanding of the sensor response as well as for sensor optimization a more general description of the sensor principle is required. The Transmission Line Model (TLM) is a powerful tool to describe the transduction scheme of QCR and other acoustic-wave based sensors. It is therefore applied to the analysis of the sensor behavior under several conditions, which can be expected in biochemical experiments. The generalization of acoustic parameters provides a concept to overcome some of the limiting assumptions of the present TLM.

An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance study of magnesium dissolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ralston, K. D.; Thomas, S.; Williams, G.; Birbilis, N.

2016-01-01

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used in conjunction with electrochemical measurements to study dissolution of pure magnesium (Mg) sensors in dilute NaCl electrolytes. Open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarisation experiments were conducted in 0.01 M NaCl, having pH values 3 (buffered) and 6 (unbuffered). In the pH 3 solution, the Mg sensor showed a net mass-loss during the electrochemical tests, whereas, in the unbuffered pH 6 solution Mg showed a net mass-gain, corresponding to the growth of an Mg(OH)2 film on its surface. The loss in the electrochemical efficiency of Mg dissolution due to such direct parasitic Mg(OH)2 growth has been estimated to be around 17-34%. This loss relates to the low capacities and voltage fluctuations reported during discharge of primary Mg batteries.

Processing and Characterization of Nanoparticle Coatings for Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurements

PubMed Central

Torrey, Jessica D.; Kirschling, Teresa L.; Greenlee, Lauren F.

2015-01-01

The quartz-crystal microbalance is a sensitive and versatile tool for measuring adsorption of a variety of compounds (e.g. small molecules, polymers, biomolecules, nanoparticles and cells) to surfaces. While the technique has traditionally been used for measuring adsorption to flat surfaces and thin ridged films, it can also be extended to study adsorption to nanoparticle surfaces when the nanoparticles are fixed to the crystal surface. The sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement depend on the users’ ability to reproducibly prepare a thin uniform nanoparticle coating. This study evaluated four coating techniques, including spin coating, spray coating, drop casting, and electrophoretic deposition, for two unique particle chemistries [nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) and titanium dioxide (TiO2)] to produce uniform and reproducible nanoparticle coatings for real-time quartz-crystal microbalance measurements. Uniform TiO2 coatings were produced from a 50 mg/mL methanol suspension via spin coating. Nanoscale zero-valent iron was best applied by spray coating a low concentration 1.0 mg/mL suspended in methanol. The application of multiple coatings, rather than an increase in the suspension concentration, was the best method to increase the mass of nanoparticles on the crystal surface while maintaining coating uniformity. An upper mass threshold was determined to be approximately 96 µg/cm2; above this mass, coatings no longer maintained their uniform rigid characteristic, and a low signal to noise ratio resulted in loss of measurable signal from crystal resonances above the fundamental. PMID:26958434

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

Stratton, Dan; Lange, Sigrun; Kholia, Sharad

Highlights: • Microvesiculating cells record loss of mass on a Quartz Crystal Microbalance. • Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance microvesicles are measured at 0.24 pg. • The QCM-D reveals loss in viscoelastic properties in microvesiculating cells. - Abstract: Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, QCM-D (label-free system) measuring changes in resonant frequency (Δf) that equate to mass deposited on a sensor, we showed the attachment, over a 60 min period, of a monolayer of PC3 cells to the gold electrodes of the quartz crystal sensor, which had been rendered hydrophilic. That MVs were released upon BzATP stimulation ofmore » cells was confirmed by NTA analysis (average 250 nm diameter), flow cytometry, showing high phosphatidylserine exposition and by fluorescent (Annexin V Alexa Fluor® 488-positive) and electron microscopy. Over a period of 1000s (16.7 min) during which early apoptosis increased from 4% plateauing at 10% and late apoptosis rose to 2%, the Δf increased 20 Hz, thereupon remaining constant for the last 1000s of the experiment. Using the Sauerbrey equation, the loss in mass, which corresponded to the release of 2.36 × 10{sup 6} MVs, was calculated to be 23 ng. We therefore estimated the mass of an MV to be 0.24 pg. With the deposition on the QCM-D of 3.5 × 10{sup 7} MVs over 200s, the decrease in Δf (Hz) gave an estimate of 0.235 pg per MV.« less

A 10 GHz Y-Ba-Cu-O/GaAs hybrid oscillator proximity coupled to a circular microstrip patch antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rohrer, Norman J.; Richard, M. A.; Valco, George J.; Bhasin, Kul B.

1993-01-01

A 10 GHz hybrid YBCO/GaAs microwave oscillator proximity coupled to a circular microstrip antenna has been designed, fabricated, and characterized. The oscillator was a reflection mode type using a GaAs MESFET as the active element. The feedline, transmission lines, RF chokes, and bias lines were all fabricated from YBCO superconducting thin films on a 1 cm x 1 cm lanthanum aluminate substrate. The output feedline of the oscillator was wire bonded to a superconducting feedline on a second 1 cm x 1 cm lanthanum aluminate substrate, which was in turn proximity coupled to a circular microstrip patch antenna. Antenna patterns from this active patch antenna and the performance of the oscillator measured at 77 K are reported. The oscillator had a maximum output power of 11.5 dBm at 77 K, which corresponded to an efficiency of 10 percent. In addition, the efficiency of the microstrip patch antenna together with its high temperature superconducting feedline was measured from 85 K to 30 K and was found to be 71 percent at 77 K, increasing to a maximum of 87.4 percent at 30 K.

A 10 GHz Y-Ba-Cu-O/GaAs hybrid oscillator proximity coupled to a circular microstrip patch antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rohrer, Norman J.; Richard, M. A.; Valco, George J.; Bhasin, Kul B.

1993-01-01

A 10 GHz hybrid Y-Ba-Cu-O / GaAs microwave oscillator proximity coupled to a circular microstrip antenna was designed, fabricated and characterized. The oscillator was a reflection mode type using a GaAs MESFET as the active element. The feedline, transmission lines, RF chokes, and bias lines were all fabricated from YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconducting thin films on a 1 cm x 1 cm lanthanum aluminate substrate. The output feedline of the oscillator was wire bonded to a superconducting feedline on a second 1 cm x 1 cm lanthanum aluminate substrate, which was in turn proximity coupled to a circular microstrip patch antenna. Antenna patterns from this active patch antenna and the performance of the oscillator measured at 77 K are reported. The oscillator had a maximum output power of 11.5 dBm at 77 K, which corresponded to an efficiency of 10 percent. In addition, the efficiency of the microstrip patch antenna together with its high temperature superconducting feedline was measured from 85 K to 30 K and was found to be 71 percent at 77 4 increasing to a maximum of 87.4 percent at 30 K.

Open Resonator for Summation of Powers in Sub-Terahertz and Terahertz Frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuz'michev, I. K.; Yeryomka, V. D.; May, A. V.; Troshchilo, A. S.

2017-03-01

Purpose: Study of excitation features for the first higher axialasymmetric type oscillations in an open resonator connected into the waveguide transmission line. Design/methodology/approach: To determine the efficiency of higher oscillation excitation in the resonator by using the highest wave of a rectangular waveguide, the coefficient of the antenna surface utilization is used. The coefficient of reflection from the open resonator is determined by the known method of summation of the partial coefficients of reflection from the resonant system. Findings: The excitation efficiency of the first higher axial asymmetric type TEM10q oscillations in an open resonator connected into the waveguide transmission line, using the TE20 type wave, is considered. The research efforts were made with accounting for the electromagnetic field vector nature. It is shown that for certain sizes of exciting coupler the excitation efficiency of the working excitation is equal to 0.867. Besides, this resonant system has a single frequency response within a wide band of frequencies. Due to this, it can be applied for summation of powers for individual sources of oscillations. Since this resonant system allows separating the matching functions as to the field and coupling, it is possible to provide any prescribed coupling of sources with a resonant volume. For this purpose, one- dimensional diffraction gratings (E-polarization) are used. Conclusions: With the matched excitation of axially asymmetric modes of oscillations the resonant system has an angular and frequency spectrum selection that is of great practical importance for powers summation. By application of one- dimensional diffraction gratings (E-polarization), located in apertures of coupling elements, the active elements can be matched with the resonant volume.

How to couple identical ring oscillators to get quasiperiodicity, extended chaos, multistability, and the loss of symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellen, Edward H.; Volkov, Evgeny

2018-09-01

We study the dynamical regimes demonstrated by a pair of identical 3-element ring oscillators (reduced version of synthetic 3-gene genetic Repressilator) coupled using the design of the 'quorum sensing (QS)' process natural for interbacterial communications. In this work QS is implemented as an additional network incorporating elements of the ring as both the source and the activation target of the fast diffusion QS signal. This version of indirect nonlinear coupling, in cooperation with the reasonable extension of the parameters which control properties of the isolated oscillators, exhibits the formation of a very rich array of attractors. Using a parameter-space defined by the individual oscillator amplitude and the coupling strength, we found the extended area of parameter-space where the identical oscillators demonstrate quasiperiodicity, which evolves to chaos via the period doubling of either resonant limit cycles or complex antiphase symmetric limit cycles with five winding numbers. The symmetric chaos extends over large parameter areas up to its loss of stability, followed by a system transition to an unexpected mode: an asymmetric limit cycle with a winding number of 1:2. In turn, after long evolution across the parameter-space, this cycle demonstrates a period doubling cascade which restores the symmetry of dynamics by formation of symmetric chaos, which nevertheless preserves the memory of the asymmetric limit cycles in the form of stochastic alternating "polarization" of the time series. All stable attractors coexist with some others, forming remarkable and complex multistability including the coexistence of torus and limit cycles, chaos and regular attractors, symmetric and asymmetric regimes. We traced the paths and bifurcations leading to all areas of chaos, and presented a detailed map of all transformations of the dynamics.

Dynamic stability of rolling particles between elastic plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guzev, Mikhail; Dmitriev, Aleksandr; Dyskin, Arcady; Pasternak, Elena

2017-04-01

Mechanical behaviour of a large class of engineering materials from granular materials and interlocking structures to damaged rock and fragmented rock masses is controlled by rotations of the constituents leading to the necessity to introduce internal rotations and rotational degrees of freedom into the constitutive laws. An important (and underappreciated) factor in these cases is the shape of rotating elements as it imposes, in the presence of compressive stress, kinematic constraints that provide additional resistance to rotations. (Despite the universal acknowledgement that the particles in geomaterial and concrete are far from being spherical, the vast majority of models, from the Cosserat continuum to the very recent are still based on spherical or circular elements, e.g. [1]). In the presence of high compressive loading the combination of rotation and non-sphericity of the constituents produces qualitatively new effects: the effect of apparent negative stiffness and a possibility of instability [2]. In order to simplify the analysis we investigate the stability of interacting rotating particles is a sympathetic oscillator [3]. A modified model of the oscillating system, given their rods slide without friction relative to each other was proposed in [4]. An important property of the system is the possibility of bifurcations depending on the distance between the suspension points. Here we study the stability of two linearly - interacting oscillators in a uniform gravity field. The simplest models pertinent to the analysis of stability of such systems is a system of two linked oscillators (masses on rods) with a modification that allows the rods to intersect and slide without friction relative to each other thus providing a simplified modelling of 3D situations. We demonstrate that the analysis of the system trajectories is the most convenient in a 2D parametric space which is generated by the initial relative distance between the masses and the potential energy of the oscillator normalised by the spring's effective energy. We found that the system has symmetrical and asymmetrical equilibrium solutions. In the dynamical case, the asymmetric solutions ensue when the system is deviated from its symmetrical equilibrium. We point out a few features of the global dynamics of the system: 1) at the symmetric equilibrium, the stability region of the sympathetic oscillators does not intersect the stability region of the modified oscillator system below the horizontal suspension line; 2) at the asymmetric equilibrium, the stability region of the sympathetic oscillators intersect the stability region of the modified oscillator system below the suspension line. References [1] Kun, F., I. Varga, S. Lennartz-Sassinek & I.G. Main, 2014. Rupture cascades in a discrete element model of a porous sedimentary rock. Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 065501. [2] Dyskin, A.V. & E. Pasternak, 2012. Mechanical effect of rotating non-spherical particles on failure in compression. Phil. Mag. 92, 3451-3473. [3] A. Sommerfeld, Vorlesungen uber Theoretische Physik, Band 1: Mechanik, Verlag Harri Deutsch, Thun, 1994. [4] P. Ramachandran, S. G. Krishna, Y. M. Ram, Instability of a constrained pendulum system, Am. J. Phys. 79 (4) (2011) 395-400.

Source apportionment revisited for long-term measurements of fine aerosol trace elements at two locations in southern Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maenhaut, Willy

2018-02-01

Five-year-long (1991-1996) aerosol trace element data sets for the fine (PM2) size fraction from the sites of Birkenes and Skreådalen in southern Norway were reanalysed by US EPA positive matrix factorization PMF5 in order to assess the sources and their contribution to the PM2 aerosol. The data sets contained the concentrations of the particulate mass (PM), black carbon (BC) and 21 elements in over 700 samples for each of the two sites. The PM was obtained from weighing with a microbalance and BC was determined with a light reflectance technique. The data for the elements were obtained by a combination of particle-induced X-ray emission and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Eight source factors were retained for each site, i.e., (i) secondary sulfate, which accounted for around 40% of the average measured PM2 mass, (ii) wood burning, with BC, K, Zn and As, which accounted for about 17%, (iii) an iodine factor (with also Br and Se), which is probably related to a marine biogenic source and was responsible for about 6.5%, (iv) aged sea salt with Na, Mg, Cl and Ca, but heavily depleted in Cl; (v) a crustal factor containing Al, Si, Ca, Ti and Fe; (vi) a heavy oil burning factor with V and Ni in a ratio of 3-4; (vii) a general pollution factor (with Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sb and Pb), and (viii) an almost pure manganese factor, which is attributed to Mn and FeMn industries in southern Norway. The results were substantially different from those of an earlier PMF analysis, in which use was made of PMF2.

Ovenized microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonator

DOEpatents

Olsson, Roy H; Wojciechowski, Kenneth; Kim, Bongsang

2014-03-11

An ovenized micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator including: a substantially thermally isolated mechanical resonator cavity; a mechanical oscillator coupled to the mechanical resonator cavity; and a heating element formed on the mechanical resonator cavity.

Statistical mechanics of few-particle systems: exact results for two useful models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miranda, Enrique N.

2017-11-01

The statistical mechanics of small clusters (n ˜ 10-50 elements) of harmonic oscillators and two-level systems is studied exactly, following the microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical formalisms. For clusters with several hundred particles, the results from the three formalisms coincide with those found in the thermodynamic limit. However, for clusters formed by a few tens of elements, the three ensembles yield different results. For a cluster with a few tens of harmonic oscillators, when the heat capacity per oscillator is evaluated within the canonical formalism, it reaches a limit value equal to k B , as in the thermodynamic case, while within the microcanonical formalism the limit value is k B (1-1/n). This difference could be measured experimentally. For a cluster with a few tens of two-level systems, the heat capacity evaluated within the canonical and microcanonical ensembles also presents differences that could be detected experimentally. Both the microcanonical and grand canonical formalism show that the entropy is non-additive for systems this small, while the canonical ensemble reaches the opposite conclusion. These results suggest that the microcanonical ensemble is the most appropriate for dealing with systems with tens of particles.

Representation of the five- and six-dimensional harmonic oscillators in a u(5) ⊃ so(5) ⊃ so(3) basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowe, D. J.

1994-06-01

The duality that exists between the two subgroups SU(1,1) and O(5) of Sp(5,R) to construct basis states for the five-dimensional harmonic oscillator which simultaneously reduce the Sp(5,R)⊇U(5)⊇O(5)⊇SO(3) and Sp(5,R)⊇ SU(1,1)⊇U(1) subgroup chains is used. It is shown that the vector-coherent-state wave functions of the fundamental five-dimensional SO(5) irrep [1,0] realize the traceless bosons introduced by Lohe and Hurst to classify the irreps of the orthogonal groups and employed in Chacon, Moshinsky, and Sharp's construction of a basis for the five-dimensional harmonic oscillator. Moreover, it is shown that VCS theory provides a simple mechanism for constructing matrix elements of the traceless boson operators. These matrix elements are used to extend the VCS representations of SO(5) in an SO(3) basis, given in a previous paper, to irreps of U(5) in an SO(5)⊇ SO(3) basis. The extension to U(6)⊇U(5)⊇SO(5)⊇SO(3) is also given.

High sensitivity broadband 360GHz passive receiver for TeraSCREEN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hui; Oldfield, Matthew; Maestrojuán, Itziar; Platt, Duncan; Brewster, Nick; Viegas, Colin; Alderman, Byron; Ellison, Brian N.

2016-05-01

TeraSCREEN is an EU FP7 Security project aimed at developing a combined active, with frequency channel centered at 360 GHz, and passive, with frequency channels centered at 94, 220 and 360 GHz, imaging system for border controls in airport and commercial ferry ports. The system will include automatic threat detection and classification and has been designed with a strong focus on the ethical, legal and practical aspects of operating in these environments and with the potential threats in mind. Furthermore, both the passive and active systems are based on array receivers with the active system consisting of a 16 element MIMO FMCW radar centered at 360 GHz with a bandwidth of 30 GHz utilizing a custom made direct digital synthesizer. The 16 element passive receiver system at 360 GHz uses commercial Gunn diode oscillators at 90 GHz followed by custom made 90 to 180 GHz frequency doublers supplying the local oscillator for 360 GHz sub-harmonic mixers. This paper describes the development of the passive antenna module, local oscillator chain, frequency mixers and detectors used in the passive receiver array of this system. The complete passive receiver chain is characterized in this paper.

Frequency Combs in a Lumped-Element Josephson-Junction Circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Saeed; Türeci, Hakan E.

2018-04-01

We investigate the dynamics of a microwave-driven Josephson junction capacitively coupled to a lumped-element L C oscillator. In the regime of driving where the Josephson junction can be approximated as a Kerr oscillator, this minimal nonlinear system has been previously shown to exhibit a bistability in phase and amplitude. In the present study, we characterize the full phase diagram and show that besides a parameter regime exhibiting bistability, there is also a regime of self-oscillations characterized by a frequency comb in its spectrum. We discuss the mechanism of comb generation which appears to be different from those studied in microcavity frequency combs and mode-locked lasers. We then address the fate of the comblike spectrum in the regime of strong quantum fluctuations, reached when nonlinearity becomes the dominant scale with respect to dissipation. We find that the nonlinearity responsible for the emergence of the frequency combs also leads to its dephasing, leading to broadening and ultimate disappearance of sharp spectral peaks. Our study explores the fundamental question of the impact of quantum fluctuations for quantum systems which do not possess a stable fixed point in the classical limit.

Inexpensive, Robust Water Stage Sensor for Rural Community Footbridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, A.; McDermot, D. J.; Langenfeld, K.; Kruger, A.; Niemeier, J. J.

2014-12-01

Footbridges across streams and rivers provide rural communities in many countries essential access to hospitals, schools, and economic opportunities. Without these, communities experience isolation during the rainy season. However, many of these bridges are subject to immersion at times, and there is a need for sensing the river stage before venturing onto a bridge. We have developed an inexpensive, robust, self-contained sensor that meets this need. A two-wire electrical cord, purchased in bulk from a home improvement supplier, is the basic sensing element. The two conductors of the cord form a transmission line capacitor. The cord is suspended below the footbridge and the capacitance is a function of the fraction of the electrical cord that is immersed in water. The cord/capacitor is part of the timing element of an electronic oscillator circuit. As the water level rises, the capacitance and oscillator frequency decrease. The oscillator frequency is measured with a microcontroller. The microcontroller calculates the corresponding water stage and displays it on a small LCD display. The electronics are contained in a 12×7×7 cm watertight container. Four AA batteries power the sensor. The device has calibration features to accommodate different types of electrical cord.

Phenomenology of neutron-antineutron conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardner, Susan; Yan, Xinshuai

2018-03-01

We consider the possibility of neutron-antineutron (n -n ¯ ) conversion, in which the change of a neutron into an antineutron is mediated by an external source, as can occur in a scattering process. We develop the connections between n -n ¯ conversion and n -n ¯ oscillation, in which a neutron spontaneously transforms into an antineutron, noting that if n -n ¯ oscillation occurs in a theory with baryon number minus lepton number (B-L) violation, then n -n ¯ conversion can occur also. We show how an experimental limit on n -n ¯ conversion could connect concretely to a limit on n -n ¯ oscillation, and vice versa, using effective field theory techniques and baryon matrix elements computed in the MIT bag model.

Environmentally stable all-PM all-fiber giant chirp oscillator.

PubMed

Erkintalo, Miro; Aguergaray, Claude; Runge, Antoine; Broderick, Neil G R

2012-09-24

We report on an environmentally stable giant chirp oscillator operating at 1030 nm. Thanks to the use of a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror as the mode-locker, we are able to extract pulse energies in excess of 10 nJ from a robust all-PM cavity with no free-space elements. Extensive numerical simulations reveal that the output oscillator energy and duration can simply be up-scaled through the lengthening of the cavity with suitably positioned single-mode fiber. Experimentally, using different cavity lengths we have achieved environmentally stable mode-locking at 10, 3.7 and 1.7 MHz with corresponding pulse energies of 2.3, 10 and 16 nJ. In all cases external grating-pair compression below 400 fs has been demonstrated.

Fiber ring resonator based opto-electronic oscillator: phase noise optimisation and thermal stability study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleh, K.; Bouchier, A.; Merrer, P. H.; Llopis, O.; Cibiel, G.

2011-03-01

In the microwave domain and among many other advantages, optics represents an elegant solution to increase the quality Q factor in a system. Different types of optical resonators lead to Q factors above 109, and these resonators can be used as an alternative to optical delay lines to set up the frequency in optoelectronic oscillators (OEO). However, microwave-optics is also a complex field, and if the use of optical resonators in high spectral purity frequency generation systems like OEO has been already demonstrated, many aspects of these OEOs are still incompletely understood, especially the contribution to the oscillator phase noise of the different optical and microwave elements used in the oscillator system. In order to improve the phase noise of a fiber ring resonator based OEO, this oscillator has been theoretically studied in term of white frequency noise. In this paper, we present a theoretical study that has lead us to optimize a fiber ring resonator and the experimental phase noise results obtained for an OEO based on an optimized optical resonator. The OEO thermal stability is also investigated in this paper.

Spontaneous switching of frequency-locking by periodic stimulus in oscillators of plasmodium of the true slime mold.

PubMed

Takamatsu, A; Yamamoto, T; Fujii, T

2004-01-01

Microfabrication technique was used to construct a model system with a living cell of plasmodium of the true slime mold, Physarum polycephalum, a living coupled oscillator system. Its parameters can be systematically controlled as in computer simulations, so that results are directly comparable to those of general mathematical models. As the first step, we investigated responses in oscillatory cells, the oscillators of the plasmodium, to periodic stimuli by temperature changes to elucidate characteristics of the cells as nonlinear systems whose internal dynamics are unknown because of their complexity. We observed that the forced oscillator of the plasmodium show 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 frequency locking inside so-called Arnold tongues regions as well as in other nonlinear systems such as chemical systems and other biological systems. In addition, we found spontaneous switching behavior from certain frequency locking states to other states, even under certain fixed parameters. This technique can be applied to more complex systems with multiple elements, such as coupled oscillator systems, and would be useful to investigate complicated phenomena in biological systems such as information processing.

Alterations of cortical GABA neurons and network oscillations in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Burgos, Guillermo; Hashimoto, Takanori; Lewis, David A

2010-08-01

The hypothesis that alterations of cortical inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons are a central element in the pathology of schizophrenia has emerged from a series of postmortem studies. How such abnormalities may contribute to the clinical features of schizophrenia has been substantially informed by a convergence with basic neuroscience studies revealing complex details of GABA neuron function in the healthy brain. Importantly, activity of the parvalbumin-containing class of GABA neurons has been linked to the production of cortical network oscillations. Furthermore, growing knowledge supports the concept that gamma band oscillations (30-80 Hz) are an essential mechanism for cortical information transmission and processing. Herein we review recent studies further indicating that inhibition from parvalbumin-positive GABA neurons is necessary to produce gamma oscillations in cortical circuits; provide an update on postmortem studies documenting that deficits in the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase67, which accounts for most GABA synthesis in the cortex, are widely observed in schizophrenia; and describe studies using novel, noninvasive approaches directly assessing potential relations between alterations in GABA, oscillations, and cognitive function in schizophrenia.

Kelvin-Voigt model of wave propagation in fragmented geomaterials with impact damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khudyakov, Maxim; Pasternak, Elena; Dyskin, Arcady

2017-04-01

When a wave propagates through real materials, energy dissipation occurs. The effect of loss of energy in homogeneous materials can be accounted for by using simple viscous models. However, a reliable model representing the effect in fragmented geomaterials has not been established yet. The main reason for that is a mechanism how vibrations are transmitted between the elements (fragments) in these materials. It is hypothesised that the fragments strike against each other, in the process of oscillation, and the impacts lead to the energy loss. We assume that the energy loss is well represented by the restitution coefficient. The principal element of this concept is the interaction of two adjacent blocks. We model it by a simple linear oscillator (a mass on an elastic spring) with an additional condition: each time the system travels through the neutral point, where the displacement is equal to zero, the velocity reduces by multiplying itself by the restitution coefficient, which characterises an impact of the fragments. This additional condition renders the system non-linear. We show that the behaviour of such a model averaged over times much larger than the system period can approximately be represented by a conventional linear oscillator with linear damping characterised by a damping coefficient expressible through the restitution coefficient. Based on this the wave propagation at times considerably greater than the resonance period of oscillations of the neighbouring blocks can be modelled using the Kelvin-Voigt model. The wave velocities and the dispersion relations are obtained.

High-frequency vibration energy harvesting from impulsive excitation utilizing intentional dynamic instability caused by strong nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remick, Kevin; Dane Quinn, D.; Michael McFarland, D.; Bergman, Lawrence; Vakakis, Alexander

2016-05-01

The authors investigate a vibration-based energy harvesting system utilizing essential (nonlinearizable) nonlinearities and electromagnetic coupling elements. The system consists of a grounded, weakly damped linear oscillator (primary system) subjected to a single impulsive load. This primary system is coupled to a lightweight, damped oscillating attachment (denoted as nonlinear energy sink, NES) via a neodymium magnet and an inductance coil, and a piano wire, which generates an essential geometric cubic stiffness nonlinearity. Under impulsive input, the transient damped dynamics of this system exhibit transient resonance captures (TRCs) causing intentional large-amplitude and high-frequency instabilities in the response of the NES. These TRCs result in strong energy transfer from the directly excited primary system to the light-weight attachment. The energy is harvested by the electromagnetic elements in the coupling and, in the present case, dissipated in a resistive element in the electrical circuit. The primary goal of this work is to numerically, analytically, and experimentally demonstrate the efficacy of employing this type of intentional high-frequency dynamic instability to achieve enhanced vibration energy harvesting under impulsive excitation.

Probing Formability Improvement of Ultra-thin Ferritic Stainless Steel Bipolar Plate of PEMFC in Non-conventional Forming Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bong, Hyuk Jong; Barlat, Frédéric; Lee, Myoung-Gyu

2016-08-01

Formability increase in non-conventional forming profiles programmed in the servo-press was investigated using finite element analysis. As an application, forming experiment on a 0.15-mm-thick ferritic stainless steel sheet for a bipolar plate, a primary component of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, was conducted. Four different forming profiles were considered to investigate the effects of forming profiles on formability and shape accuracy. The four motions included conventional V motion, holding motion, W motion, and oscillating motion. Among the four motions, the holding motion, in which the slide was held for a certain period at the bottom dead point, led to the best formability. Finite element simulations were conducted to validate the experimental results and to probe the formability improvement in the non-conventional forming profiles. A creep model to address stress relaxation effect along with tool elastic recovery was implemented using a user-material subroutine, CREEP in ABAQUS finite element software. The stress relaxation and variable contact conditions during the holding and oscillating profiles were found to be the main mechanism of formability improvement.

Solar Pumped Solid State Lasers for Space Solar Power: Experimental Path

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fork, Richard L.; Carrington, Connie K.; Walker, Wesley W.; Cole, Spencer T.; Green, Jason J. A.; Laycock, Rustin L.

2003-01-01

We outline an experimentally based strategy designed to lead to solar pumped solid state laser oscillators useful for space solar power. Our method involves solar pumping a novel solid state gain element specifically designed to provide efficient conversion of sunlight in space to coherent laser light. Kilowatt and higher average power is sought from each gain element. Multiple such modular gain elements can be used to accumulate total average power of interest for power beaming in space, e.g., 100 kilowatts and more. Where desirable the high average power can also be produced as a train of pulses having high peak power (e.g., greater than 10(exp 10 watts). The modular nature of the basic gain element supports an experimental strategy in which the core technology can be validated by experiments on a single gain element. We propose to do this experimental validation both in terrestrial locations and also on a smaller scale in space. We describe a terrestrial experiment that includes diagnostics and the option of locating the laser beam path in vacuum environment. We describe a space based experiment designed to be compatible with the Japanese Experimental Module (JEM) on the International Space Station (ISS). We anticipate the gain elements will be based on low temperature (approx. 100 degrees Kelvin) operation of high thermal conductivity (k approx. 100 W/cm-K) diamond and sapphire (k approx. 4 W/cm-K). The basic gain element will be formed by sequences of thin alternating layers of diamond and Ti:sapphire with special attention given to the material interfaces. We anticipate this strategy will lead to a particularly simple, robust, and easily maintained low mass modelocked multi-element laser oscillator useful for space solar power.

Alcohol vapours sensor based on thin polyaniline salt film and quartz crystal microbalance.

PubMed

Ayad, Mohamad M; Torad, Nagy L

2009-06-15

A sensor based on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique was developed for detection of a number of primary aliphatic alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol vapours. Detection was based on a sensitive and a thin film of polyaniline, emeraldine salt (ES), coated the QCM electrode. The frequency shifts (Delta f) of the QCM were increased due to the vapour absorption into the ES film. The values of Delta f were found to be linearly correlated with the concentrations of alcohols vapour in mg L(-1). The changes in frequency are due to the hydrophilic character of the ES and the electrostatic interaction as well as the type of the alcohol. The sensor shows a good reproducibility and reversibility. The diffusion and diffusion coefficient (D) of different alcohols vapour were determined. It was found that the sensor follows Fickian kinetics.

Highly sensitive quartz crystal microbalance based biosensor using Au dendrite structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asai, Naoto; Terasawa, Hideaki; Shimizu, Tomohiro; Shingubara, Shoso; Ito, Takeshi

2018-02-01

A Au dendrite structure was obtained by only electroplating under a suitable potential. A blanch like nanostructure was formed along the crystal orientation. In this study, we attempted to fabricate a Au dendrite structure on the electrode of a quartz crystal by electroplating to increase the specific surface area. We estimated the effective surface area by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and monitored the frequency shift induced by antigen-antibody interaction by the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method. The dendrite structure with the largest surface area was formed under -0.95 V for 5 min. In the measurement of the antigen-antibody interaction, the frequency shifts of 40, 80, and 110 Hz were obtained with the dendrite structured QCM chips formed at the above potential for 1, 1.5, and 2.0 min, respectively. The sensitivity was improved compared with that QCM chip having a flat surface electrode.

A Noncontact Dibutyl Phthalate Sensor Based on a Wireless-Electrodeless QCM-D Modified with Nano-Structured Nickel Hydroxide.

PubMed

Chen, Daqi; Sun, Xiyang; Zhang, Kaihuan; Fan, Guokang; Wang, You; Li, Guang; Hu, Ruifen

2017-07-21

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely used plasticizer which has been found to be a reproductive and developmental toxicant and ubiquitously existing in the air. A highly sensitive method for DBP monitoring in the environment is urgently needed. A DBP sensor based on a homemade wireless-electrodeless quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) coated with nano-structured nickel hydroxide is presented. With the noncontact configuration, the sensing system could work at a higher resonance frequency (the 3rd overtone) and the response of the system was even more stable compared with a conventional quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The sensor achieved a sensitivity of 7.3 Hz/ppb to DBP in a concentration range of 0.4-40 ppb and an ultra-low detection limit of 0.4 ppb of DBP has also been achieved.

Quartz-Crystal Microbalance (QCM) for Public Health: An Overview of Its Applications.

PubMed

Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi; Amicizia, Daniela; Panatto, Donatella; Tramalloni, Daniela; Valle, Ivana; Gasparini, Roberto

2015-01-01

Nanobiotechnologies, from the convergence of nanotechnology and molecular biology and postgenomics medicine, play a major role in the field of public health. This overview summarizes the potentiality of piezoelectric sensors, and in particular, of quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM), a physical nanogram-sensitive device. QCM enables the rapid, real time, on-site detection of pathogens with an enormous burden in public health, such as influenza and other respiratory viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and drug-resistant bacteria, among others. Further, it allows to detect food allergens, food-borne pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, and food chemical contaminants, as well as water-borne microorganisms and environmental contaminants. Moreover, QCM holds promises in early cancer detection and screening of new antiblastic drugs. Applications for monitoring biohazards, for assuring homeland security, and preventing bioterrorism are also discussed. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of isoelectric points and the role of pH for common quartz crystal microbalance sensors.

PubMed

Cuddy, Michael F; Poda, Aimee R; Brantley, Lauren N

2013-05-01

Isoelectric points (IEPs) were determined by the method of contact angle titration for five common quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. The isoelectric points range from mildly basic in the case of Al2O3 sensors (IEP = 8.7) to moderately acidic for Au (5.2) and SiO2 (3.9), to acidic for Ag (3.2) and Ti (2.9). In general, the values reported here are indicative of inherent surface oxides. A demonstration of the effect of the surface isoelectric point on the packing efficiency of thin mucin films is provided for gold and silica QCM sensors. It is determined that mucin layers on both substrates achieve a maximum and equal layer density of ∼3500 kg/m(3) at the corresponding IEP of either QCM sensor. This implies that mucin film packing is dependent upon short-range electrostatic interactions at the sensor surface.

Non-Equilibrium Water-Glassy Polymer Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Eric; Minelli, Matteo; Baschetti, Marco; Sarti, Giulio; Elabd, Yossef

2012-02-01

For many applications (e.g., medical implants, packaging), an accurate assessment and fundamental understanding of the dynamics of water-glassy polymer interactions is of great interest. In this study, sorption and diffusion of pure water in several glassy polymers films, such as poly(styrene) (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(lactide) (PLA), were measured over a wide range of vapor activities and temperatures using several experimental techniques, including quartz spring microbalance (QSM), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and time-resolved Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy. Non-Fickian behavior (diffusion-relaxation phenomena) was observed by all three techniques, while FTIR-ATR spectroscopy also provides information about the distribution of the states of water and water transport mechanisms on a molecular-level. Specifically, the states of water are significantly different in PS compared to PMMA and PLA. Additionally, a purely predictive non-equilibrium lattice fluid (NELF) model was applied to predict the sorption isotherms of water in these glassy polymers.

Water Vapor Uptake of Ultrathin Films of Biologically Derived Nanocrystals: Quantitative Assessment with Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry.

PubMed

Niinivaara, Elina; Faustini, Marco; Tammelin, Tekla; Kontturi, Eero

2015-11-10

Despite the relevance of water interactions, explicit analysis of vapor adsorption on biologically derived surfaces is often difficult. Here, a system was introduced to study the vapor uptake on a native polysaccharide surface; namely, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) ultrathin films were examined with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). A significant mass uptake of water vapor by the CNC films was detected using the QCM-D upon increasing relative humidity. In addition, thickness changes proportional to changes in relative humidity were detected using SE. Quantitative analysis of the results attained indicated that in preference to being soaked by water at the point of hydration each individual CNC in the film became enveloped by a 1 nm thick layer of adsorbed water vapor, resulting in the detected thickness response.

Adhesion of liposomes: a quartz crystal microbalance study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüthgens, Eike; Herrig, Alexander; Kastl, Katja; Steinem, Claudia; Reiss, Björn; Wegener, Joachim; Pignataro, Bruno; Janshoff, Andreas

2003-11-01

Three different systems are presented, exploring the adhesion of liposomes mediated by electrostatic and lipid-protein interactions as well as molecular recognition of ligand receptor pairs. Liposomes are frequently used to gain insight into the complicated processes involving adhesion and subsequent events such as fusion and fission mainly triggered by specific proteins. We combined liposome technology with the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique as a powerful tool to study the hidden interface between the membrane and functionalized surface. Electrostatic attraction and molecular recognition were employed to bind liposomes to the functionalized quartz crystal. The QCM was used to distinguish between adsorption of vesicles and rupture due to strong adhesive forces. Intact vesicles display viscoelastic behaviour, while planar lipid bilayers as a result of vesicle rupture can be modelled by a thin rigid film. Furthermore, the adhesion of cells was modelled successfully by receptor bearing liposomes. Scanning force microscopy was used to confirm the results obtained by QCM measurements.

SHORT COMMUNICATION: Recognition of supercooled dew in a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor by slip phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Su-Yong; Kim, Jong-Chul; Choi, Byung-Il

2007-10-01

Distinguishing between a supercooled dew and frost below 0 °C in dew/frost-point measurements is an important and challenging problem that has not yet been completely solved. This study presents a new method for the recognition of a supercooled dew in a dew/frost-point sensor. A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor was used as a dew/frost-point sensor to detect a dew and a supercooled dew as well as frost. The slip phenomenon occurring at an interface between the water droplet and the surface of the quartz crystal resonator of the QCM sensor gives a simple and accurate way of distinguishing between a supercooled dew and frost below 0 °C. This method can give a highly accurate measurement of the dew or the frost point without misreading in the dew-point sensor at temperatures below 0 °C.

Establishing linear solvation energy relationships between VOCs and monolayer-protected gold nanoclusters using quartz crystal microbalance.

PubMed

Li, Chi-Lin; Lu, Chia-Jung

2009-08-15

Linear solvation energy relationships (LSERs) have been recognized as a useful model for investigating the chemical forces behind the partition coefficients between vapor molecules and absorbents. This study is the first to determine the solvation properties of monolayer-protected gold nanoclusters (MPCs) with different surface ligands. The ratio of partition coefficients/MPC density (K/rho) of 18 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for four different MPCs obtained through quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) experiments were used for the LSER model calculations. LSER modeling results indicate that all MPC surfaces showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) preference to hydrogen-bond acidic molecules. Through dipole-dipole attraction, 4-methoxythiophenol-capped MPCs can also interact with polar organics (s=1.04). Showing a unique preference for the hydrogen bond basicity of vapors (b=1.11), 2-benzothiazolethiol-capped MPCs provide evidence of an intra-molecular, proton-shift mechanism on surface of nano-gold.

A Noncontact Dibutyl Phthalate Sensor Based on a Wireless-Electrodeless QCM-D Modified with Nano-Structured Nickel Hydroxide

PubMed Central

Sun, Xiyang; Zhang, Kaihuan; Fan, Guokang; Wang, You; Li, Guang; Hu, Ruifen

2017-01-01

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely used plasticizer which has been found to be a reproductive and developmental toxicant and ubiquitously existing in the air. A highly sensitive method for DBP monitoring in the environment is urgently needed. A DBP sensor based on a homemade wireless-electrodeless quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) coated with nano-structured nickel hydroxide is presented. With the noncontact configuration, the sensing system could work at a higher resonance frequency (the 3rd overtone) and the response of the system was even more stable compared with a conventional quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The sensor achieved a sensitivity of 7.3 Hz/ppb to DBP in a concentration range of 0.4–40 ppb and an ultra-low detection limit of 0.4 ppb of DBP has also been achieved. PMID:28753974

Characterization of N3 dye adsorption on TiO2 using quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wayment-Steele, Hannah K.; Johnson, Lewis E.; Dixon, Matthew C.; Johal, Malkiat S.

2013-09-01

Understanding the kinetics of dye adsorption on semiconductors is crucial for designing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with enhanced efficiency. Harms et al. recently applied the Quartz-Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) to study in situ dye adsorption on flat TiO2 surfaces. QCM-D measures adsorption in real time and therefore allows one to determine the kinetics of the process. In this work, we characterize the adsorption of N3, a commercial RuBipy dye, using the native oxide layer of a titanium sensor to simulate the TiO2 substrate of a DSSC. We report equilibrium constants that are in agreement with previous absorbance studies of N3 adsorption, and therefore demonstrate the native oxide layer of a titanium sensor as a valid and readily available planar TiO2 morphology to study dye adsorption.

Development of a high-sensitivity plasticizer sensor based on a quartz crystal microbalance modified with a nanostructured nickel hydroxide film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Ruifen; Zhang, Kaihuan; Fan, Guokang; Luo, Zhiyuan; Li, Guang

2015-05-01

Nanostructured nickel hydroxide (nano-Ni(OH)2) was synthesized at a low temperature without annealing. Accordingly, a plasticizer sensor based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) modified with the nano-Ni(OH)2 sensing film was fabricated to detect dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and its relative film thickness was optimized. The sensor worked at room temperature and exhibited a high sensitivity of 4.91 Hz ppb-1 to DBP in a low concentration range of 5-20 ppb, and an ultra-low detection limit of 5 ppb was achieved. In addition, the sensor maintained good repeatability as well as stability shown by the experimental data. The responses to five possible interferences and four other plasticizers were also measured, which indicated the excellent selectivity of the sensor and its potential use in monitoring plasticizers in a gaseous state.

A survey of the 2001 to 2005 quartz crystal microbalance biosensor literature: applications of acoustic physics to the analysis of biomolecular interactions.

PubMed

Cooper, Matthew A; Singleton, Victoria T

2007-01-01

The widespread exploitation of biosensors in the analysis of molecular recognition has its origins in the mid-1990s following the release of commercial systems based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). More recently, platforms based on piezoelectric acoustic sensors (principally 'bulk acoustic wave' (BAW), 'thickness shear mode' (TSM) sensors or 'quartz crystal microbalances' (QCM)), have been released that are driving the publication of a large number of papers analysing binding specificities, affinities, kinetics and conformational changes associated with a molecular recognition event. This article highlights salient theoretical and practical aspects of the technologies that underpin acoustic analysis, then reviews exemplary papers in key application areas involving small molecular weight ligands, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, cells and lipidic and polymeric interfaces. Key differentiators between optical and acoustic sensing modalities are also reviewed. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nonlinear dynamics of solitary and optically injected two-element laser arrays with four different waveguide structures: a numerical study.

PubMed

Li, Nianqiang; Susanto, H; Cemlyn, B R; Henning, I D; Adams, M J

2018-02-19

We study the nonlinear dynamics of solitary and optically injected two-element laser arrays with a range of waveguide structures. The analysis is performed with a detailed direct numerical simulation, where high-resolution dynamic maps are generated to identify regions of dynamic instability in the parameter space of interest. Our combined one- and two-parameter bifurcation analysis uncovers globally diverse dynamical regimes (steady-state, oscillation, and chaos) in the solitary laser arrays, which are greatly influenced by static design waveguiding structures, the amplitude-phase coupling factor of the electric field, i.e. the linewidth-enhancement factor, as well as the control parameter, e.g. the pump rate. When external optical injection is introduced to one element of the arrays, we show that the whole system can be either injection-locked simultaneously or display rich, different dynamics outside the locking region. The effect of optical injection is to significantly modify the nature and the regions of nonlinear dynamics from those found in the solitary case. We also show similarities and differences (asymmetry) between the oscillation amplitude of the two elements of the array in specific well-defined regions, which hold for all the waveguiding structures considered. Our findings pave the way to a better understanding of dynamic instability in large arrays of lasers.

A weak Galerkin generalized multiscale finite element method

DOE PAGES

Mu, Lin; Wang, Junping; Ye, Xiu

2016-03-31

In this study, we propose a general framework for weak Galerkin generalized multiscale (WG-GMS) finite element method for the elliptic problems with rapidly oscillating or high contrast coefficients. This general WG-GMS method features in high order accuracy on general meshes and can work with multiscale basis derived by different numerical schemes. A special case is studied under this WG-GMS framework in which the multiscale basis functions are obtained by solving local problem with the weak Galerkin finite element method. Convergence analysis and numerical experiments are obtained for the special case.

A weak Galerkin generalized multiscale finite element method

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

Mu, Lin; Wang, Junping; Ye, Xiu

In this study, we propose a general framework for weak Galerkin generalized multiscale (WG-GMS) finite element method for the elliptic problems with rapidly oscillating or high contrast coefficients. This general WG-GMS method features in high order accuracy on general meshes and can work with multiscale basis derived by different numerical schemes. A special case is studied under this WG-GMS framework in which the multiscale basis functions are obtained by solving local problem with the weak Galerkin finite element method. Convergence analysis and numerical experiments are obtained for the special case.

Quantization of set theory and generalization of the fermion algebra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arik, M.; Tekin, S. C.

2002-05-01

The quantum states of a d-dimensional fermion algebra are in one to one correspondence with the subsets of a d-element universal set. In this paper we use this set theoretical motivation to construct a one-parameter deformation of the fermion algebra and extend it to a d-dimensional generalization which is invariant under the group U(d). This discrete fermionic oscillator system is extended to the continuous case. We also show that the q-deformation of these systems is related to supercovariant q-oscillators.

High-power arrays of quantum cascade laser master-oscillator power-amplifiers.

PubMed

Rauter, Patrick; Menzel, Stefan; Goyal, Anish K; Wang, Christine A; Sanchez, Antonio; Turner, George; Capasso, Federico

2013-02-25

We report on multi-wavelength arrays of master-oscillator power-amplifier quantum cascade lasers operating at wavelengths between 9.2 and 9.8 μm. All elements of the high-performance array feature longitudinal (spectral) as well as transverse single-mode emission at peak powers between 2.7 and 10 W at room temperature. The performance of two arrays that are based on different seed-section designs is thoroughly studied and compared. High output power and excellent beam quality render the arrays highly suitable for stand-off spectroscopy applications.

Quantum superintegrable system with a novel chain structure of quadratic algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Yidong; Marquette, Ian; Zhang, Yao-Zhong

2018-06-01

We analyse the n-dimensional superintegrable Kepler–Coulomb system with non-central terms. We find a novel underlying chain structure of quadratic algebras formed by the integrals of motion. We identify the elements for each sub-structure and obtain the algebra relations satisfied by them and the corresponding Casimir operators. These quadratic sub-algebras are realized in terms of a chain of deformed oscillators with factorized structure functions. We construct the finite-dimensional unitary representations of the deformed oscillators, and give an algebraic derivation of the energy spectrum of the superintegrable system.

Transients in the synchronization of asymmetrically coupled oscillator arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantos, C. E.; Hammond, D. K.; Veerman, J. J. P.

2016-09-01

We consider the transient behavior of a large linear array of coupled linear damped harmonic oscillators following perturbation of a single element. Our work is motivated by modeling the behavior of flocks of autonomous vehicles. We first state a number of conjectures that allow us to derive an explicit characterization of the transients, within a certain parameter regime Ω. As corollaries we show that minimizing the transients requires considering non-symmetric coupling, and that within Ω the computed linear growth in N of the transients is independent of (reasonable) boundary conditions.

Production of light elements and 98Tc through the ν-process with the neutrino oscillation in supernova explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Heamin; Kusakabe, Motohiko; Cheoun, Myung-Ki; Kwak, Kyujin; Kim, Kyungsik

2018-04-01

Stars ending with core collapse supernovae (SNe) emit a tremendous number of neutrinos during their explosions. While these neutrinos pass through each layer of the stars, they react with the nuclides in the progenitor. Although the neutrino cross sections are very small, its huge flux is high enough to react with nuclides to change their abundances. We consider this ν-process, by which abundances of some elements may be explained exclusively by this neutrino process. One of the candidates is 98Tc. In this study, we check the ν-process contributions due to the neutrino reactions. In this calculation we also include the neutrino oscillation effect in the matter with varying density, so called MSW effect, not only for 98Tc production but also 4He and 12C destruction, which occurs at first in the He/C layer in the present model.

Nonreciprocal signal routing in an active quantum network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metelmann, A.; Türeci, H. E.

2018-04-01

As superconductor quantum technologies are moving towards large-scale integrated circuits, a robust and flexible approach to routing photons at the quantum level becomes a critical problem. Active circuits, which contain parametrically driven elements selectively embedded in the circuit, offer a viable solution. Here, we present a general strategy for routing nonreciprocally quantum signals between two sites of a given lattice of oscillators, implementable with existing superconducting circuit components. Our approach makes use of a dual lattice of overdamped oscillators linking the nodes of the main lattice. Solutions for spatially selective driving of the lattice elements can be found, which optimally balance coherent and dissipative hopping of microwave photons to nonreciprocally route signals between two given nodes. In certain lattices these optimal solutions are obtained at the exceptional point of the dynamical matrix of the network. We also demonstrate that signal and noise transmission characteristics can be separately optimized.

Chimeras and clusters in networks of hyperbolic chaotic oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cano, A. V.; Cosenza, M. G.

2017-03-01

We show that chimera states, where differentiated subsets of synchronized and desynchronized dynamical elements coexist, can emerge in networks of hyperbolic chaotic oscillators subject to global interactions. As local dynamics we employ Lozi maps, which possess hyperbolic chaotic attractors. We consider a globally coupled system of these maps and use two statistical quantities to describe its collective behavior: the average fraction of elements belonging to clusters and the average standard deviation of state variables. Chimera states, clusters, complete synchronization, and incoherence are thus characterized on the space of parameters of the system. We find that chimera states are related to the formation of clusters in the system. In addition, we show that chimera states arise for a sufficiently long range of interactions in nonlocally coupled networks of these maps. Our results reveal that, under some circumstances, hyperbolicity does not impede the formation of chimera states in networks of coupled chaotic systems, as it had been previously hypothesized.

Stochastic Predator-Prey Dynamics of Transposons in the Human Genome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Chi; Goldenfeld, Nigel

2016-11-01

Transposable elements, or transposons, are DNA sequences that can jump from site to site in the genome during the life cycle of a cell, usually encoding the very enzymes which perform their excision. However, some transposons are parasitic, relying on the enzymes produced by the regular transposons. In this case, we show that a stochastic model, which takes into account the small copy numbers of the active transposons in a cell, predicts noise-induced predator-prey oscillations with a characteristic time scale that is much longer than the cell replication time, indicating that the state of the predator-prey oscillator is stored in the genome and transmitted to successive generations. Our work demonstrates the important role of the number fluctuations in the expression of mobile genetic elements, and shows explicitly how ecological concepts can be applied to the dynamics and fluctuations of living genomes.

Geomagnetic field and length-of-day fluctuations at decadal and subdecadal time scales. A plea for looking beyond the atmosphere for partners in Earth's rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demetrescu, C.; Dobrica, V.; Stefan, C.

2017-12-01

A rich scientific literature is linking length-of-day (LOD) fluctuations to geomagnetic field and flow oscillations in the fluid outer core. We demostrate that the temporal evolution of the geomagnetic field shows the existence of several oscillations at decadal, inter-decadal, and sub-centennial time scales that superimpose on a so-called inter-centennial constituent. We show that while the subcentennial oscillations of the geomagnetic field, produced by torsional oscillations in the core, could be linked to oscillations of LOD at a similar time scale, the oscillations at decadal and sub-decadal time scales, of external origin, can be found in LOD too. We discuss these issues from the perspective of long time-span main field models (gufm1 - Jackson et al., 2000; COV-OBS - Gillet et al., 2013) that are used to retrieve time series of geomagnetic elements in a 2.5x2.5° network. The decadal and sub-decadal constituents of the time series of annual values in LOD and geomagnetic field were separated in the cyclic component of a Hodrick-Prescott filtering applied to data, and shown to highly correlate to variations of external sources such as the magnetospheric ring current.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Deposition on Model Environmental Surfaces

EPA Science Inventory

Deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on model environmental surfaces was investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Deposition behaviors of MWNTs on positively and negatively charged surfaces were in good agreement with Der...

Middle School Science Notes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

School Science Review, 1983

1983-01-01

Demonstrations, experiments, and classroom activities/materials for middle school science are presented. These include: additive color mixing demonstration; electricity activity and worksheet; atmospheric pressure "magic" demonstration; homemade microbalance; energy from soap bubbles; and a model used to demonstrate muscle pairs and how…

Analysis of structural patterns in the brain with the complex network approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maksimenko, Vladimir A.; Makarov, Vladimir V.; Kharchenko, Alexander A.; Pavlov, Alexey N.; Khramova, Marina V.; Koronovskii, Alexey A.; Hramov, Alexander E.

2015-03-01

In this paper we study mechanisms of the phase synchronization in a model network of Van der Pol oscillators and in the neural network of the brain by consideration of macroscopic parameters of these networks. As the macroscopic characteristics of the model network we consider a summary signal produced by oscillators. Similar to the model simulations, we study EEG signals reflecting the macroscopic dynamics of neural network. We show that the appearance of the phase synchronization leads to an increased peak in the wavelet spectrum related to the dynamics of synchronized oscillators. The observed correlation between the phase relations of individual elements and the macroscopic characteristics of the whole network provides a way to detect phase synchronization in the neural networks in the cases of normal and pathological activity.

Sensitivity and Nonlinearity of Thermoacoustic Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juniper, Matthew P.; Sujith, R. I.

2018-01-01

Nine decades of rocket engine and gas turbine development have shown that thermoacoustic oscillations are difficult to predict but can usually be eliminated with relatively small ad hoc design changes. These changes can, however, be ruinously expensive to devise. This review explains why linear and nonlinear thermoacoustic behavior is so sensitive to parameters such as operating point, fuel composition, and injector geometry. It shows how nonperiodic behavior arises in experiments and simulations and discusses how fluctuations in thermoacoustic systems with turbulent reacting flow, which are usually filtered or averaged out as noise, can reveal useful information. Finally, it proposes tools to exploit this sensitivity in the future: adjoint-based sensitivity analysis to optimize passive control designs and complex systems theory to warn of impending thermoacoustic oscillations and to identify the most sensitive elements of a thermoacoustic system.

Technique for predicting high-frequency stability characteristics of gaseous-propellant combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Priem, R. J.; Jefferson, Y. S. Y.

1973-01-01

A technique for predicting the stability characteristics of a gaseous-propellant rocket combustion system is developed based on a model that assumes coupling between the flow through the injector and the oscillating chamber pressure. The theoretical model uses a lumped parameter approach for the flow elements in the injection system plus wave dynamics in the combustion chamber. The injector flow oscillations are coupled to the chamber pressure oscillations with a delay time. Frequency and decay (or growth) rates are calculated for various combustor design and operating parameters to demonstrate the influence of various parameters on stability. Changes in oxidizer design parameters had a much larger influence on stability than a similar change in fuel parameters. A complete description of the computer program used to make these calculations is given in an appendix.

Pilot-Induced Oscillations and Human Dynamic Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McRuer, Duane T.

1995-01-01

This is an in-depth survey and study of pilot-induced oscillations (PIO's) as interactions between human pilot and vehicle dynamics; it includes a broad and comprehensive theory of PIO's. A historical perspective provides examples of the diversity of PIO's in terms of control axes and oscillation frequencies. The constituents involved in PIO phenomena, including effective aircraft dynamics, human pilot dynamic behavior patterns, and triggering precursor events, are examined in detail as the structural elements interacting to produce severe pilot-induced oscillations. The great diversity of human pilot response patterns, excessive lags and/or inappropriate gain in effective aircraft dynamics, and transitions in either the human or effective aircraft dynamics are among the key sources implicated as factors in severe PIO's. The great variety of interactions which may result in severe PIO's is illustrated by examples drawn from famous PIO's. These are generalized under a pilot-behavior-theory-based set of categories proposed as a classification scheme pertinent to a theory of PIO's. Finally, a series of interim prescriptions to avoid PIO is provided.

Elements of Dynamics of a One-Dimensional Trapped Bose-Einstein Condensate Excited by a Time-Dependent Dimple: A Lagrangian Variational Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakhel, Asaad R.; Sakhel, Roger R.

2018-02-01

We examine the dynamics of a one-dimensional harmonically trapped Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), induced by the addition of a dimple trap whose depth oscillates with time. For this purpose, the Lagrangian variational method (LVM) is applied to provide the required analytical equations. The goal is to provide an analytical explanation for the quasiperiodic oscillations of the BEC size at resonance, that is additional to the one given by Adhikari (J Phys B At Mol Opt Phys 36:1109, 2003). It is shown that LVM is able to reproduce instabilities in the dynamics along the same lines outlined by Lellouch et al. (Phys Rev X 7:021015, 2017). Moreover, it is found that at resonance the energy dynamics display ordered oscillations, whereas at off-resonance they tend to be chaotic. Further, by using the Poincare-Lindstedt method to solve the LVM equation of motion, the resulting solution is able to reproduce the quasiperiodic oscillations of the BEC.

The MSW Effect and Matter Effects in Neutrino Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, A. Yu

2005-01-01

The MSW (Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein) effect is the adiabatic or partially adiabatic neutrino flavor conversion in media with varying density. The main notions related to the effect, its dynamics and physical picture are reviewed. The large mixing MSW effect is realized inside the Sun providing a solution of the solar neutrino problem. The small mixing MSW effect driven by the 1 3 mixing can be realized for the supernova (SN) neutrinos. Inside collapsing stars new elements of the MSW dynamics may show up: non-oscillatory transition, non-adiabatic conversion, time dependent adiabaticity violation induced by shock waves. Effects of the resonance enhancement and the parametric enhancement of oscillations can be realized for atmospheric and accelerator neutrinos in the Earth. Precise results for neutrino oscillations in low density media with arbitrary density profile are presented and the attenuation effect is described. The area of applications is the solar and SN neutrinos inside the Earth, and the results are crucial for the neutrino oscillation tomography.

The MSW Effect and Matter Effects in Neutrino Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, A. Yu.

2006-03-01

The MSW (Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein) effect is the adiabatic or partially adiabatic neutrino flavor conversion in media with varying density. The main notions related to the effect, its dynamics and physical picture are reviewed. The large mixing MSW effect is realized inside the Sun providing a solution of the solar neutrino problem. The small mixing MSW effect driven by the 1-3 mixing can be realized for the supernova (SN) neutrinos. Inside collapsing stars new elements of the MSW dynamics may show up: non-oscillatory transition, non-adiabatic conversion, time dependent adiabaticity violation induced by shock waves. Effects of the resonance enhancement and the parametric enhancement of oscillations can be realized for atmospheric and accelerator neutrinos in the Earth. Precise results for neutrino oscillations in low density media with arbitrary density profile are presented and the attenuation effect is described. The area of applications is the solar and SN neutrinos inside the Earth, and the results are crucial for the neutrino oscillation tomography.

Relativistic many-body calculations of excitation energies, oscillator strengths, transition rates, and lifetimes in samarium like ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safronova, Ulyana; Safronova, Alla; Beiersdorfer, Peter

2013-05-01

Excitation energies, oscillator strengths, transition probabilities, and lifetimes are calculated for (5s2 + 5p2 + 5d2 + 5 s 5 d + 5 s 5 g + 5 p 5 f) - (5 s 5 p + 5 s 5 f + 5 p 5 d + 5 p 5 g) electric dipole transitions in Sm-like ions with nuclear charge Z ranging from 74 to 100. Relativistic many-body perturbation theory (RMBPT), including the Breit interaction, is used to evaluate retarded E1 matrix elements in length and velocity forms. The calculations start from a 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 Dirac-Fock potential. First-order perturbation theory is used to obtain intermediate coupling coefficients, and the second-order RMBPT is used to determine the matrix elements. The contributions from negative-energy states are included in the second-order E1 matrix elements to achieve agreement between length-form and velocity-form amplitudes. The resulting transition energies and transition probabilities, and lifetimes for Sm-like W12+ are compared with results obtained by the relativistic Hartree-Fock approximation (COWAN code) to estimate contribution of the 4 f -core-excited states. Trends of excitation energies and oscillator strengths as function of nuclear charge Z are shown graphically for selected states and transitions. This work provides a number of yet unmeasured properti. This research was sponsored by the grant DE-FG02-08ER54951.

Tactical Miniature Crystal Oscillator.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

manufactured by this process are expected to require 30 days to achieve minimum aging rates. (4) FUNDEMENTAL CRYSTAL RETRACE MEASUREMENT. An important crystal...considerable measurement time to detect differences and characterize components. Before investing considerable time in a candidate reactive element, a

Modelling the oscillations of the thermocline in a lake by means of a fully consistent and conservative 3D finite-element model with a vertically adaptive mesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delandmeter, Philippe; Lambrechts, Jonathan; Vallaeys, Valentin; Naithani, Jaya; Remacle, Jean-François; Legat, Vincent; Deleersnijder, Eric

2017-04-01

Vertical discretisation is crucial in the modelling of lake thermocline oscillations. For finite element methods, a simple way to increase the resolution close to the oscillating thermocline is to use vertical adaptive coordinates. With an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation, the mesh can be adapted to increase the resolution in regions with strong shear or stratification. In such an application, consistency and conservativity must be strictly enforced. SLIM 3D, a discontinuous-Galerkin finite element model for shallow-water flows (www.climate.be/slim, e.g. Kärnä et al., 2013, Delandmeter et al., 2015), was designed to be strictly consistent and conservative in its discrete formulation. In this context, special care must be paid to the coupling of the external and internal modes of the model and the moving mesh algorithm. In this framework, the mesh can be adapted arbitrarily in the vertical direction. Two moving mesh algorithms were implemented: the first one computes an a-priori optimal mesh; the second one diffuses vertically the mesh (Burchard et al., 2004, Hofmeister et al., 2010). The criteria used to define the optimal mesh and the diffusion function are related to a suitable measure of shear and stratification. We will present in detail the design of the model and how the consistency and conservativity is obtained. Then we will apply it to both idealised benchmarks and the wind-forced thermocline oscillations in Lake Tanganyika (Naithani et al. 2002). References Tuomas Kärnä, Vincent Legat and Eric Deleersnijder. A baroclinic discontinuous Galerkin finite element model for coastal flows, Ocean Modelling, 61:1-20, 2013. Philippe Delandmeter, Stephen E Lewis, Jonathan Lambrechts, Eric Deleersnijder, Vincent Legat and Eric Wolanski. The transport and fate of riverine fine sediment exported to a semi-open system. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 167:336-346, 2015. Hans Burchard and Jean-Marie Beckers. Non-uniform adaptive vertical grids in one-dimensional numerical ocean models. Ocean Modelling, 6:51-81, 2004. Richard Hofmeister, Hans Burchard and Jean-Marie Beckers. Non-uniform adaptive vertical grids for 3d numerical ocean models. Ocean Modelling, 33:70-86, 2010. Jaya Naithani, Eric Deleersnijder and Pierre-Denis Plisnier. Origin of intraseasonal variability in Lake Tanganyika. Geophysical Research Letters, 29(23), doi:10.1029/2002GL015843, 2002.

The Conundrum of Estrogen Receptor Oscillatory Activity in the Search for an Appropriate Hormone Replacement Therapy

PubMed Central

Della Torre, Sara; Biserni, Andrea; Rando, Gianpaolo; Monteleone, Giuseppina; Ciana, Paolo; Komm, Barry

2011-01-01

By the use of in vivo imaging, we investigated the dynamics of estrogen receptor (ER) activity in intact, ovariectomized, and hormone-replaced estrogen response element-luciferase reporter mice. The study revealed the existence of a long-paced, noncircadian oscillation of ER transcriptional activity. Among the ER-expressing organs, this oscillation was asynchronous and its amplitude and period were tissue dependent. Ovariectomy affected the amplitude but did not suppress ER oscillations, suggesting the presence of tissue endogenous oscillators. Long-term administration of raloxifene, bazedoxifene, combined estrogens alone or with basedoxifene to ovariectomized estrogen response element-luciferase mice showed that each treatment induced a distinct spatiotemporal profile of ER activity, demonstrating that the phasing of ER activity among tissues may be regulated by the chemical nature and the concentration of circulating estrogen. This points to the possibility of a hierarchical organization of the tissue-specific pacemakers. Conceivably, the rhythm of ER transcriptional activity translates locally into the activation of specific gene networks enabling ER to significantly change its physiological activity according to circulating estrogens. In reproductive and nonreproductive organs this hierarchical regulation may provide ER with the signaling plasticity necessary to drive the complex metabolic changes occurring at each female reproductive status. We propose that the tissue-specific oscillatory activity here described is an important component of ER signaling necessary for the full hormone action including the beneficial effects reported for nonreproductive organs. Thus, this mechanism needs to be taken in due consideration to develop novel, more efficacious, and safer hormone replacement therapies. PMID:21505049

From Cool to Hot F-stars: The Influence of Two Ionization Regions in the Acoustic Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brito, Ana; Lopes, Ilídio

2018-02-01

The high-precision data available from the Kepler satellite allows us to study the complex outer convective envelopes of solar-type stars. We use a seismic diagnostic, specialized for investigating the outer layers of solar-type stars, to infer the impact of the ionization processes on the oscillation spectrum, for a sample of Kepler stars. These stars, of spectral type F, cover all of the observational seismic domain of the acoustic oscillation spectrum in solar-type stars. They also cover the range between a cool F-dwarf (∼6000 K) and a hotter F-star (∼6400 K). Our study reveals the existence of two relevant ionization regions. One of these regions, which is located closer to the surface of the star, is commonly associated with the second ionization of helium, although other chemical species also contribute to ionization. The second region, located deeper in the envelope, is linked with the ionization of heavy elements. Specifically, in this study, we analyze the elements carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, neon, and iron. Both regions can be related to the K electronic shell. We show that, while for cooler stars like the Sun, the influence of this second region on the oscillation frequencies is small; in hotter stars, its influence becomes comparable to the influence of the region of the second ionization of helium. This can guide us in the study of the outer layers of F-stars, specifically with the understanding of phenomena related to rotation and magnetic activity in these stars.

Damage detection of civil infrastructures with piezoelectric oscillator sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roh, Y. R.; Kim, D. Y.; Park, S. H.; Yun, C. B.

2006-03-01

Many researches have been reported on the condition monitoring of civil infrastructures by means of piezoelectric sensors. Most of them made use of the impedance change of the piezoelectric device in relation to the creation of internal damages to the structure. The impedance measurement is a well accepted method in the piezoelectric sensor area, and has been proved by many authors to be useful for civil structure diagnosis. However, the impedance measurement normally requires sophisticated equipment and analysis technology. For more general and wide application of the piezoelectric diagnosis tool, a new methodology is desired to overcome the limitations of the impedance measurement. This paper presents the feasibility of a piezoelectric oscillator sensor to detect the damages in civil infrastructures. The oscillator sensor is composed of an electronic feedback oscillator circuit and a piezoelectric thickness mode vibrator to be attached to the structure of interest. Damage to the structure causes a change in the impedance spectrum of the structure, which results in a corresponding change of the resonant frequency of the structure. The oscillator sensors can instantly detect the frequency change in a very simple manner. Feasibility of the piezoelectric oscillator sensor was verified in this work with a sample aluminum plate where artificial cracks of different depth were imposed in sequence. Validity of the measurement was confirmed through comparison of the experimental data with the results of finite element analyses of the plate with cracks. Performance of the oscillator sensor was also compared with that of its conventional counterpart, i.e. impedance measurement, to manifest the superiority of the oscillator sensor.

Some problems of control of dynamical conditions of technological vibrating machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, N. K.; Lapshin, V. L.; Eliseev, A. V.

2017-10-01

The possibility of control of dynamical condition of the shakers that are designed for vibration treatment of parts interacting with granular media is discussed. The aim of this article is to develop the methodological basis of technology of creation of mathematical models of shake tables and the development of principles of formation of vibrational fields, estimation of their parameters and control of the structure vibration fields. Approaches to build mathematical models that take into account unilateral constraints, the relationships between elements, with the vibrating surface are developed. Methods intended to construct mathematical model of linear mechanical oscillation systems are used. Small oscillations about the position of static equilibrium are performed. The original method of correction of vibration fields by introduction of the oscillating system additional ties to the structure are proposed. Additional ties are implemented in the form of a mass-inertial device for changing the inertial parameters of the working body of the vibration table by moving the mass-inertial elements. The concept of monitoring the dynamic state of the vibration table based on the original measuring devices is proposed. Estimation for possible changes in dynamic properties is produced. The article is of interest for specialists in the field of creation of vibration technology machines and equipment.

Synchronization of hyperexcitable systems with phase-repulsive coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balázsi, Gábor; Cornell-Bell, Ann; Neiman, Alexander B.; Moss, Frank

2001-10-01

We study two-dimensional arrays of FitzHugh-Nagumo elements with nearest-neighbor coupling from the viewpoint of synchronization. The elements are diffusively coupled. By varying the diffusion coefficient from positive to negative values, interesting synchronization patterns are observed. The results of the simulations resemble the intracellular oscillation patterns observed in cultured human epileptic astrocytes. Three measures are proposed to determine the degree of synchronization (or coupling) in both the simulated and the experimental system.

Energy dissipation in fragmented geomaterials associated with impacting oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khudyakov, Maxim; Pasternak, Elena; Dyskin, Arcady

2016-04-01

In wave propagation through fragmented geomaterials forced by periodic loadings, the elements (fragments) strike against each other when passing through the neutral position (position with zero mutual rotation), quickly damping the oscillations. Essentially the impacts act as shock absorbers albeit localised at the neutral points. In order to analyse the vibrations of and wave propagation in such structures, a differential equation of a forced harmonic oscillator was investigated, where the each time the system passes through the neutral point the velocity gets reduced by multiplying it with the restitution coefficient which characterise the impact of the fragments. In forced vibrations the impact times depend on both the forced oscillations and the restitution coefficient and form an irregular sequence. Numerical solution of the differential equation was performed using Mathematica software. Along with vibration diagrams, the dependence of the energy dissipation on the ratio of the forcing frequency to the natural frequency was obtained. For small positive values of the restitution coefficient (less than 0.5), the asymmetric oscillations were found, and the phase of the forced vibrations determined the direction of the asymmetry. Also, at some values of the forcing frequencies and the restitution coefficient chaotic behaviour was found.

Blunt forehead trauma and optic canal involvement: finite element analysis of anterior skull base and orbit on causes of vision impairment.

PubMed

Huempfner-Hierl, Heike; Bohne, Alexander; Wollny, Gert; Sterker, Ina; Hierl, Thomas

2015-10-01

Clinical studies report on vision impairment after blunt frontal head trauma. A possible cause is damage to the optic nerve bundle within the optic canal due to microfractures of the anterior skull base leading to indirect traumatic optic neuropathy. A finite element study simulating impact forces on the paramedian forehead in different grades was initiated. The set-up consisted of a high-resolution skull model with about 740 000 elements, a blunt impactor and was solved in a transient time-dependent simulation. Individual bone material parameters were calculated for each volume element to increase realism. Results showed stress propagation from the frontal impact towards the optic foramen and the chiasm even at low-force fist-like impacts. Higher impacts produced stress patterns corresponding to typical fracture patterns of the anterior skull base including the optic canal. Transient simulation discerned two stress peaks equalling oscillation. It can be concluded that even comparatively low stresses and oscillation in the optic foramen may cause micro damage undiscerned by CT or MRI explaining consecutive vision loss. Higher impacts lead to typical comminuted fractures, which may affect the integrity of the optic canal. Finite element simulation can be effectively used in studying head trauma and its clinical consequences. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Characterizing Observed Limit Cycles in the Cassini Main Engine Guidance Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizvi, Farheen; Weitl, Raquel M.

2011-01-01

The Cassini spacecraft dynamics-related telemetry during long Main Engine (ME) burns has indicated the presence of stable limit cycles between 0.03-0.04 Hz frequencies. These stable limit cycles cause the spacecraft to possess non-zero oscillating rates for extended periods of time. This indicates that the linear ME guidance control system does not model the complete dynamics of the spacecraft. In this study, we propose that the observed limit cycles in the spacecraft dynamics telemetry appear from a stable interaction between the unmodeled nonlinear elements in the ME guidance control system. Many nonlinearities in the control system emerge from translating the linear engine gimbal actuator (EGA) motion into a spacecraft rotation. One such nonlinearity comes from the gear backlash in the EGA system, which is the focus of this paper. The limit cycle characteristics and behavior can be predicted by modeling this gear backlash nonlinear element via a describing function and studying the interaction of this describing function with the overall dynamics of the spacecraft. The linear ME guidance controller and gear backlash nonlinearity are modeled analytically. The frequency, magnitude, and nature of the limit cycle are obtained from the frequency response of the ME guidance controller and nonlinear element. In addition, the ME guidance controller along with the nonlinearity is simulated. The simulation response contains a limit cycle with similar characterstics as predicted analytically: 0.03-0.04 Hz frequency and stable, sustained oscillations. The analytical and simulated limit cycle responses are compared to the flight telemetry for long burns such as the Saturn Orbit Insertion and Main Engine Orbit Trim Maneuvers. The analytical and simulated limit cycle characteristics compare well with the actual observed limit cycles in the flight telemetry. Both have frequencies between 0.03-0.04 Hz and stable oscillations. This work shows that the stable limit cycles occur due to the interaction between the unmodeled nonlinear elements and linear ME guidance controller.

Improved circuit for measuring capacitive and inductive reactances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dalins, I.; Mc Carty, V.

1967-01-01

Amplifier circuit measures very small changes of capacitive or inductive reactance, such as produced by a variable capacitance or a variable inductance displacement transducer. The circuit employs reactance-sensing oscillators in which field effect transistors serve as the active elements.

Analysis of spontaneous oscillations for a three-state power-stroke model.

PubMed

Washio, Takumi; Hisada, Toshiaki; Shintani, Seine A; Higuchi, Hideo

2017-02-01

Our study considers the mechanism of the spontaneous oscillations of molecular motors that are driven by the power stroke principle by applying linear stability analysis around the stationary solution. By representing the coupling equation of microscopic molecular motor dynamics and mesoscopic sarcomeric dynamics by a rank-1 updated matrix system, we derived the analytical representations of the eigenmodes of the Jacobian matrix that cause the oscillation. Based on these analytical representations, we successfully derived the essential conditions for the oscillation in terms of the rate constants of the power stroke and the reversal stroke transitions of the molecular motor. Unlike the two-state model, in which the dependence of the detachment rates on the motor coordinates or the applied forces on the motors plays a key role for the oscillation, our three-state power stroke model demonstrates that the dependence of the rate constants of the power and reversal strokes on the strains in the elastic elements in the motor molecules plays a key role, where these rate constants are rationally determined from the free energy available for the power stroke, the stiffness of the elastic element in the molecular motor, and the working stroke size. By applying the experimentally confirmed values to the free energy, the stiffness, and the working stroke size, our numerical model reproduces well the experimentally observed oscillatory behavior. Furthermore, our analysis shows that two eigenmodes with real positive eigenvalues characterize the oscillatory behavior, where the eigenmode with the larger eigenvalue indicates the transient of the system of the quick sarcomeric lengthening induced by the collective reversal strokes, and the smaller eigenvalue correlates with the speed of sarcomeric shortening, which is much slower than lengthening. Applying the perturbation analyses with primal physical parameters, we find that these two real eigenvalues occur on two branches derived from a merge point of a pair of complex-conjugate eigenvalues generated by Hopf bifurcation.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-06

Hydroxyapatite , 10 nm, Sensors • Biotin Functionalized on Gold Sensors • His-tag Capturing Sensor QCM-D techniques provide answers about...UV/Ozone cleaner • Hydroxyapatite , 10 nm, Sensors • Biotin Functionalized on Gold Sensors • His-tag Capturing Sensor QCM-D techniques provide

Relationship Between the Parameters of the Linear and Nonlinear Wave Generation Stages in a Magnetospheric Cyclotron Maser in the Backward-Wave Oscillator Regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demekhov, A. G.

2017-03-01

By using numerical simulations we generalize certain relationships between the parameters of quasimonochromatic whistler-mode waves generated at the linear and nonlinear stages of the cyclotron instability in the backward-wave oscillator regime. One of these relationships is between the wave amplitude at the nonlinear stage and the linear growth rate of the cyclotron instability. It was obtained analytically by V.Yu.Trakhtengerts (1984) for a uniform medium under the assumption of constant frequency and amplitude of the generated wave. We show that a similar relationship also holds for the signals generated in a nonuniform magnetic field and having a discrete structure in the form of short wave packets (elements) with fast frequency drift inside each element. We also generalize the formula for the linear growth rate of absolute cyclotron instability in a nonuniform medium and analyze the relationship between the frequency drift rate in the discrete elements and the wave amplitude. These relationships are important for analyzing the links between the parameters of chorus emissions in the Earth's and planetary magnetospheres and the characteristics of the energetic charged particles generating these signals.

Temperature and frequency dependence of anelasticity in a nickel oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berg, Robert F.

1995-09-01

The frequency dependence of the real and imaginary parts of a nickel oscillator's transfer function is described over 3 decades in frequency by the use of simple expressions. These expressions incorporate only the resonance frequency ω0, the quality factor Q, and a characteristic exponent β determined by a single measurement of creep. They are based on the ansatz φ(ω)=Q-1(ω/ω0)-β, where φ is the imaginary part of the spring constant. Over a 100 K range of temperature T, the exponent β≂0.18 was constant even though Q(T) changed by a factor of 8. These expressions are potentially useful for accurately describing a mechanical oscillator whose transfer function must be modeled at frequencies far below ω0. Examples include accelerometers based on a flexure element and suspensions for interferometric gravitational wave detectors.

Program for an improved hypersonic temperature-sensing probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reilly, Richard J.

1993-01-01

Under a NASA Dryden-sponsored contract in the mid 1960s, temperatures of up to 2200 C were successfully measured using a fluid oscillator. The current program, although limited in scope, explores the problem areas which must be solved if this technique is to be extended to 10,000 R. The potential for measuring extremely high temperatures, using fluid oscillator techniques, stems from the fact that the measuring element is the fluid itself. The containing structure of the oscillator need not be brought to equilibrium temperature with with the fluid for temperature measurement, provided that a suitable calibration can be arranged. This program concentrated on review of high-temperature material developments since the original program was completed. Other areas of limited study included related pressure instrumentation requirements, dissociation, rarefied gas effects, and analysis of sensor time response.

Does the ocean-atmosphere system have more than one stable mode of operation?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broecker, W. S.; Peteet, D. M.; Rind, D.

1985-01-01

The climate record obtained from two long Greenland ice cores reveals several brief climate oscillations during glacial time. The most recent of these oscillations, also found in continental pollen records, has greatest impact in the area under the meteorological influence of the northern Atlantic, but none in the United States. This suggests that these oscillations are caused by fluctuations in the formation rate of deep water in the northern Atlantic. As the present production of deep water in this area is driven by an excess of evaporation over precipitation and continental runoff, atmospheric water transport may be an important element in climate change. Changes in the production rate of deep water in this sector of the ocean may push the climate system from one quasi-stable mode of operation to another.

Primate beta oscillations and rhythmic behaviors.

PubMed

Merchant, Hugo; Bartolo, Ramón

2018-03-01

The study of non-human primates in complex behaviors such as rhythm perception and entrainment is critical to understand the neurophysiological basis of human cognition. Next to reviewing the role of beta oscillations in human beat perception, here we discuss the role of primate putaminal oscillatory activity in the control of rhythmic movements that are guided by a sensory metronome or internally gated. The analysis of the local field potentials of the behaving macaques showed that gamma-oscillations reflect local computations associated with stimulus processing of the metronome, whereas beta-activity involves the entrainment of large putaminal circuits, probably in conjunction with other elements of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit, during internally driven rhythmic tapping. Thus, this review emphasizes the need of parametric neurophysiological observations in non-human primates that display a well-controlled behavior during high-level cognitive processes.

Application of a combined measurement and modeling method to quantify windblown dust emissions from the exposed playa at Mono Lake, California.

PubMed

Ono, Duane; Kiddoo, Phill; Howard, Christopher; Davis, Guy; Richmond, Kenneth

2011-10-01

Particulate matter < or =10 microm (PM10) emissions due to wind erosion can vary dramatically with changing surface conditions. Crust formation, mechanical disturbance, soil texture, moisture, and chemical content of the soil can affect the amount of dust emitted during a wind event. A refined method of quantifying windblown dust emissions was applied at Mono Lake, CA, to account for changing surface conditions. This method used a combination of real-time sand flux monitoring, ambient PM10 monitoring, and dispersion modeling to estimate dust emissions and their downwind impact. The method identified periods with high emissions and periods when the surface was stable (no sand flux), even though winds may have been high. A network of 25 Cox sand catchers (CSCs) was used to measure the mass of saltating particles to estimate sand flux rates across a 2-km2 area. Two electronic sensors (Sensits) were used to time-resolve the CSC sand mass to estimate hourly sand flux rates, and a perimeter tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) monitor measured hourly PM10 concentrations. Hourly sand flux rates were related by dispersion modeling to hourly PM10 concentrations to back-calculate the ratio of vertical PM10 flux to horizontal sand flux (K-factors). Geometric mean K-factor values (K(f)) were found to change seasonally, ranging from 1.3 x 10(-5) to 5.1 x 10(-5) for sand flux measured at 15 cm above the surface (q15). Hourly PM10 emissions, F, were calculated by applying seasonal K-factors to sand flux measurements (F = K(f) x q15). The maximum hourly PM10 emission rate from the study area was 76 g/m2 x hr (10-m wind speed = 23.5 m/sec). Maximum daily PM10 emissions were estimated at 450 g/m2 x day, and annual emissions at 1095 g/m2 x yr. Hourly PM10 emissions were used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline AERMOD dispersion model to estimate downwind ambient impacts. Model predictions compared well with monitor concentrations, with hourly PM10 ranging from 16 to over 60,000 microg/m3 (slope = 0.89, R2 = 0.77).

Direct-reading inhalable dust monitoring--an assessment of current measurement methods.

PubMed

Thorpe, Andrew; Walsh, Peter T

2013-08-01

Direct-reading dust monitors designed specifically to measure the inhalable fraction of airborne dust are not widely available. Current practice therefore often involves comparing the response of photometer-type dust monitors with the concentration measured with a reference gravimetric inhalable sampler, which is used to adjust the dust monitor measurement. However, changes in airborne particle size can result in significant errors in the estimation of inhalable concentration by this method. The main aim of this study was to assess how these dust monitors behave when challenged with airborne dust containing particles in the inhalable size range and also to investigate alternative dust monitors whose response might not be as prone to variations in particle size or that could be adapted to measure inhalable dust concentration. Several photometer-type dust monitors and a Respicon TM, tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) personal dust monitor (PDM) 3600, TEOM 1400, and Dustrak DRX were assessed for the measurement of airborne inhalable dust during laboratory and field trials. The PDM was modified to allow it to sample and measure larger particles in the inhalable size range. During the laboratory tests, the dust monitors and reference gravimetric samplers were challenged inside a large dust tunnel with aerosols of industrial dusts known to present an inhalable hazard and aluminium oxide powders with a range of discrete particle sizes. A constant concentration of each dust type was generated and peak concentrations of larger particles were periodically introduced to investigate the effects of sudden changes in particle size on monitor calibration. The PDM, Respicon, and DataRam photometer were also assessed during field trials at a bakery, joinery, and a grain mill. Laboratory results showed that the Respicon, modified PDM, and TEOM 1400 observed good linearity for all types of dust when compared with measurements made with a reference IOM sampler; the photometer-type dust monitors on the other hand showed little correlation. The Respicon also accurately measured the inhalable concentration, whereas the modified PDM underestimated it by ~27%. Photometer responses varied considerably with changing particle size, which resulted in appreciable errors in airborne inhalable dust concentration measurements. Similar trends were also observed during field trials. Despite having limitations, both the modified PDM and Respicon showed promise as real-time inhalable dust monitors.

Interaction of solitons with a string of coupled quantum dots

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

Kumar, Vijendra, E-mail: vsmedphysics@gmail.com; Swami, O. P., E-mail: omg1789@gmail.com; Nagar, A. K., E-mail: ajaya.nagar@gmail.com

2016-05-06

In this paper, we develop a theory for discrete solitons interaction with a string of coupled quantum dots in view of the local field effects. Discrete nonlinear Schrodinger (DNLS) equations are used to describe the dynamics of the string. Numerical calculations are carried out and results are analyzed with the help of matlab software. With the help of numerical solutions we demonstrate that in the quantum dots string, Rabi oscillations (RO) are self trapped into stable bright Rabi solitons. The Rabi oscillations in different types of nanostructures have potential applications to the elements of quantum logic and quantum memory.

Spontaneous Oscillations and Waves during Chemical Vapor Deposition of InN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, F.; Munkholm, A.; Wang, R.-V.; Streiffer, S. K.; Thompson, Carol; Fuoss, P. H.; Latifi, K.; Elder, K. R.; Stephenson, G. B.

2008-08-01

We report observations of self-sustaining spatiotemporal chemical oscillations during metal-organic chemical vapor deposition of InN onto GaN. Under constant supply of vapor precursors trimethylindium and NH3, the condensed-phase cycles between crystalline islands of InN and elemental In droplets. Propagating fronts between regions of InN and In occur with linear, circular, and spiral geometries. The results are described by a model in which the nitrogen activity produced by surface-catalyzed NH3 decomposition varies with the exposed surface areas of GaN, InN, and In.

Spontaneous oscillations and waves during chemical vapor deposition of InN.

PubMed

Jiang, F; Munkholm, A; Wang, R-V; Streiffer, S K; Thompson, Carol; Fuoss, P H; Latifi, K; Elder, K R; Stephenson, G B

2008-08-22

We report observations of self-sustaining spatiotemporal chemical oscillations during metal-organic chemical vapor deposition of InN onto GaN. Under constant supply of vapor precursors trimethylindium and NH3, the condensed-phase cycles between crystalline islands of InN and elemental In droplets. Propagating fronts between regions of InN and In occur with linear, circular, and spiral geometries. The results are described by a model in which the nitrogen activity produced by surface-catalyzed NH3 decomposition varies with the exposed surface areas of GaN, InN, and In.

Optimal control of parametric oscillations of compressed flexible bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alesova, I. M.; Babadzanjanz, L. K.; Pototskaya, I. Yu.; Pupysheva, Yu. Yu.; Saakyan, A. T.

2018-05-01

In this paper the problem of damping of the linear systems oscillations with piece-wise constant control is solved. The motion of bar construction is reduced to the form described by Hill's differential equation using the Bubnov-Galerkin method. To calculate switching moments of the one-side control the method of sequential linear programming is used. The elements of the fundamental matrix of the Hill's equation are approximated by trigonometric series. Examples of the optimal control of the systems for various initial conditions and different number of control stages have been calculated. The corresponding phase trajectories and transient processes are represented.

Spectra of confined positronium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munjal, D.; Silotia, P.; Prasad, V.

2017-12-01

Positronium is studied under the effect of spherically confined plasma environment. Exponentially Cosine Screened Coulomb potential (ECSC) has been used to include the dense plasma screening effect on positronium. Time independent Schrodinger equation is solved numerically. Various physical parameters such as energy eigenvalues, radial matrix elements, oscillator strengths, and polarizability are well explored as a function of confinement parameters. Oscillator strength gets drastically modified under confinement. We have also obtained the results for Ps confined under spherically confined Debye potential and compared with results of ECSC potential. Also incidental degeneracy for different values of confinement parameters has been reported for the first time for positronium.

Continuous measurement of drying rate of crystalline and amorphous systems during freeze-drying using an in situ microbalance technique.

PubMed

Roth, C; Winter, G; Lee, G

2001-09-01

The use of a novel microbalance (Christ) technique to monitor continuously the weight loss of a vial standing on a shelf of a freeze-dryer has been investigated. The drying rates of the following aqueous solutions were measured during the primary drying phase of a complete freeze-drying cycle: sucrose (75 mg/mL, 2.5-mL fill volume), sucrose and phenylalanine (1:0.2 by weight, 75 mg/mL, 2.5-mL fill volume), and mannitol (75mg/mL, 2.5-mL fill volume). The microbalance yields the cumulative water loss, m(cu) in grams, and the momentary drying rate, Deltam(cu)/Deltat in mg/10 min, of the frozen cake. The momentary drying rate curves were especially useful for examining how Deltam(cu)/Deltat changes with time during primary drying. Initially, Deltam(cu)/Deltat rises to a sharp maximum and then decreases in a fashion depending on shelf temperature, chamber pressure, and the nature of the substance being dried. Different drying behavior was observed for the sucrose and sucrose/phenylalanine systems, which was attributed to the presence of crystalline phenylalanine in the amorphous sucrose. At low shelf-temperature (-24 degrees C) the crystalline mannitol showed lower Deltam(cu)/Deltat than with either sucrose or sucrose/phenylalanine. The balance could also detect differences in Deltam(cu)/Deltat when using different freezing protocols. "Slow" and "moderate" freezing protocols gave similar drying behavior, but "rapid" freezing in liquid nitrogen produced greatly altered drying rate and internal cake morphology. The balance also could be used to detect the endpoint of primary drying. Different endpoint criteria and their influence on final dried cake properties were examined. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association

Investigating calcite growth rates using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Bo; Stack, Andrew G.; Steefel, Carl I.; DePaolo, Donald J.; Lammers, Laura N.; Hu, Yandi

2018-02-01

Calcite precipitation plays a significant role in processes such as geological carbon sequestration and toxic metal sequestration and, yet, the rates and mechanisms of calcite growth under close to equilibrium conditions are far from well understood. In this study, a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) was used for the first time to measure macroscopic calcite growth rates. Calcite seed crystals were first nucleated and grown on sensors, then growth rates of calcite seed crystals were measured in real-time under close to equilibrium conditions (saturation index, SI = log ({Ca2+}/{CO32-}/Ksp) = 0.01-0.7, where {i} represent ion activities and Ksp = 10-8.48 is the calcite thermodynamic solubility constant). At the end of the experiments, total masses of calcite crystals on sensors measured by QCM-D and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were consistent, validating the QCM-D measurements. Calcite growth rates measured by QCM-D were compared with reported macroscopic growth rates measured with auto-titration, ICP-MS, and microbalance. Calcite growth rates measured by QCM-D were also compared with microscopic growth rates measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and with rates predicted by two process-based crystal growth models. The discrepancies in growth rates among AFM measurements and model predictions appear to mainly arise from differences in step densities, and the step velocities were consistent among the AFM measurements as well as with both model predictions. Using the predicted steady-state step velocity and the measured step densities, both models predict well the growth rates measured using QCM-D and AFM. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of reactive site densities on calcite growth rate, which may help design future growth models to predict transient-state step densities.

An Additional Approach to Model Current Followers and Amplifiers with Electronically Controllable Parameters from Commercially Available ICs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotner, R.; Kartci, A.; Jerabek, J.; Herencsar, N.; Dostal, T.; Vrba, K.

2012-12-01

Several behavioral models of current active elements for experimental purposes are introduced in this paper. These models are based on commercially available devices. They are suitable for experimental tests of current- and mixed-mode filters, oscillators, and other circuits (employing current-mode active elements) frequently used in analog signal processing without necessity of onchip fabrication of proper active element. Several methods of electronic control of intrinsic resistance in the proposed behavioral models are discussed. All predictions and theoretical assumptions are supported by simulations and experiments. This contribution helps to find a cheaper and more effective way to preliminary laboratory tests without expensive on-chip fabrication of special active elements.

Network synchronization in hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Penn, Yaron; Segal, Menahem; Moses, Elisha

2016-03-22

Oscillatory activity is widespread in dynamic neuronal networks. The main paradigm for the origin of periodicity consists of specialized pacemaking elements that synchronize and drive the rest of the network; however, other models exist. Here, we studied the spontaneous emergence of synchronized periodic bursting in a network of cultured dissociated neurons from rat hippocampus and cortex. Surprisingly, about 60% of all active neurons were self-sustained oscillators when disconnected, each with its own natural frequency. The individual neuron's tendency to oscillate and the corresponding oscillation frequency are controlled by its excitability. The single neuron intrinsic oscillations were blocked by riluzole, and are thus dependent on persistent sodium leak currents. Upon a gradual retrieval of connectivity, the synchrony evolves: Loose synchrony appears already at weak connectivity, with the oscillators converging to one common oscillation frequency, yet shifted in phase across the population. Further strengthening of the connectivity causes a reduction in the mean phase shifts until zero-lag is achieved, manifested by synchronous periodic network bursts. Interestingly, the frequency of network bursting matches the average of the intrinsic frequencies. Overall, the network behaves like other universal systems, where order emerges spontaneously by entrainment of independent rhythmic units. Although simplified with respect to circuitry in the brain, our results attribute a basic functional role for intrinsic single neuron excitability mechanisms in driving the network's activity and dynamics, contributing to our understanding of developing neural circuits.

Synthesizing Virtual Oscillators to Control Islanded Inverters

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

Johnson, Brian B.; Sinha, Mohit; Ainsworth, Nathan G.

Virtual oscillator control (VOC) is a decentralized control strategy for islanded microgrids where inverters are regulated to emulate the dynamics of weakly nonlinear oscillators. Compared to droop control, which is only well defined in sinusoidal steady state, VOC is a time-domain controller that enables interconnected inverters to stabilize arbitrary initial conditions to a synchronized sinusoidal limit cycle. However, the nonlinear oscillators that are elemental to VOC cannot be designed with conventional linear-control design methods. We address this challenge by applying averaging- and perturbation-based nonlinear analysis methods to extract the sinusoidal steady-state and harmonic behavior of such oscillators. The averaged modelsmore » reveal conclusive links between real- and reactive-power outputs and the terminal-voltage dynamics. Similarly, the perturbation methods aid in quantifying higher order harmonics. The resultant models are then leveraged to formulate a design procedure for VOC such that the inverter satisfies standard ac performance specifications related to voltage regulation, frequency regulation, dynamic response, and harmonic content. Experimental results for a single-phase 750 VA, 120 V laboratory prototype demonstrate the validity of the design approach. They also demonstrate that droop laws are, in fact, embedded within the equilibria of the nonlinear-oscillator dynamics. This establishes the backward compatibility of VOC in that, while acting on time-domain waveforms, it subsumes droop control in sinusoidal steady state.« less

Two-Dimensional Array Beam Scanning Via Externally and Mutually Injection Locked Coupled Oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pogorzelski, Ronald J.

2000-01-01

Some years ago, Stephan proposed an approach to one dimensional (linear) phased array beam steering which requires only a single phase shifter. This involves the use of a linear array of voltage-controlled electronic oscillators coupled to nearest neighbors. The oscillators are mutually injection locked by controlling their coupling and tuning appropriately. Stephan's approach consists of deriving two signals from a master oscillator, one signal phase shifted with respect to the other by means of a single phase shifter. These two signals are injected into the end oscillators of the array. The result is a linear phase progression across the oscillator array. Thus, if radiating elements are connected to each oscillator and spaced uniformly along a line, they will radiate a beam at an angle to that line determined by the phase gradient which is, in turn, determined by the phase difference between the injection signals.The beam direction is therefore controlled by adjusting this phase difference. Recently, Pogorzelski and York presented a formulation which facilitates theoretical analysis of the above beam steering technique. This was subsequently applied by Pogorzelski in analysis of two dimensional beam steering using perimeter detuning of a coupled oscillator array. The formulation is based on a continuum model in which the oscillator phases are represented by a continuous function satisfying a partial differential equation of diffusion type. This equation can be solved via the Laplace transform and the resulting solution exhibits the dynamic behavior of the array as the beam is steered. Stephan's beam steering technique can be similarly generalized to two-dimensional arrays in which the beam control signals are applied to the oscillators on the perimeter of the array. In this paper the continuum model for this two-dimensional case is developed and the dynamic solution for the corresponding aperture phase function is obtained. The corresponding behavior of the resulting far-zone radiation pattern is displayed as well.

PLL jitter reduction by utilizing a ferroelectric capacitor as a VCO timing element.

PubMed

Pauls, Greg; Kalkur, Thottam S

2007-06-01

Ferroelectric capacitors have steadily been integrated into semiconductor processes due to their potential as storage elements within memory devices. Polarization reversal within ferroelectric capacitors creates a high nonlinear dielectric constant along with a hysteresis profile. Due to these attributes, a phase-locked loop (PLL), when based on a ferroelectric capacitor, has the advantage of reduced cycle-to-cycle jitter. PLLs based on ferroelectric capacitors represent a new research area for reduction of oscillator jitter.

Optomechanical oscillator pumped and probed by optically two isolated photonic crystal cavity systems.

PubMed

Tian, Feng; Sumikura, Hisashi; Kuramochi, Eiichi; Taniyama, Hideaki; Takiguchi, Masato; Notomi, Masaya

2016-11-28

Optomechanical control of on-chip emitters is an important topic related to integrated all-optical circuits. However, there is neither a realization nor a suitable optomechanical structure for this control. The biggest obstacle is that the emission signal can hardly be distinguished from the pump light because of the several orders' power difference. In this study, we designed and experimentally verified an optomechanical oscillation system, in which a lumped mechanical oscillator connected two optically isolated pairs of coupled one-dimensional photonic crystal cavities. As a functional device, the two pairs of coupled cavities were respectively used as an optomechanical pump for the lumped oscillator (cavity pair II, wavelengths were designed to be within a 1.5 μm band) and a modulation target of the lumped oscillator (cavity pair I, wavelengths were designed to be within a 1.2 μm band). By conducting finite element method simulations, we found that the lumped-oscillator-supported configurations of both cavity pairs enhance the optomechanical interactions, especially for higher order optical modes, compared with their respective conventional side-clamped configurations. Besides the desired first-order in-plane antiphase mechanical mode, other mechanical modes of the lumped oscillator were investigated and found to possibly have optomechanical applications with a versatile degree of freedom. In experiments, the oscillator's RF spectra were probed using both cavity pairs I and II, and the results matched those of the simulations. Dynamic detuning of the optical spectrum of cavity pair I was then implemented with a pumped lumped oscillator. This was the first demonstration of an optomechanical lumped oscillator connecting two optically isolated pairs of coupled cavities, whose biggest advantage is that one cavity pair can be modulated with an lumped oscillator without interference from the pump light in the other cavity pair. Thus, the oscillator is a suitable platform for optomechanical control of integrated lasers, cavity quantum electrodynamics, and spontaneous emission. Furthermore, this device may open the door on the study of interactions between photons, phonons, and excitons in the quantum regime.

Bacterial Surface Glycans: Microarray and QCM Strategies for Glycophenotyping and Exploration of Recognition by Host Receptors.

PubMed

Kalograiaki, Ioanna; Campanero-Rhodes, María A; Proverbio, Davide; Euba, Begoña; Garmendia, Junkal; Aastrup, Teodor; Solís, Dolores

2018-01-01

Bacterial surfaces are decorated with a diversity of carbohydrate structures that play important roles in the bacteria-host relationships. They may offer protection against host defense mechanisms, elicit strong antigenic responses, or serve as ligands for host receptors, including lectins of the innate immune system. Binding by these lectins may trigger defense responses or, alternatively, promote attachment, thereby enhancing infection. The outcome will depend on the particular bacterial surface landscape, which may substantially differ among species and strains. In this chapter, we describe two novel methods for exploring interactions directly on the bacterial surface, based on the generation of bacterial microarrays and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor chips. Bacterial microarrays enable profiling of accessible carbohydrate structures and screening of their recognition by host receptors, also providing information on binding avidity, while the QCM approach allows determination of binding affinity and kinetics. In both cases, the chief element is the use of entire bacterial cells, so that recognition of the bacterial glycan epitopes is explored in their natural environment. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular layer deposition of alucone films using trimethylaluminum and hydroquinone

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

Choudhury, Devika; Sarkar, Shaibal K., E-mail: shaibal.sarkar@iitb.ac.in; Mahuli, Neha

2015-01-01

A hybrid organic–inorganic polymer film grown by molecular layer deposition (MLD) is demonstrated here. Sequential exposures of trimethylaluminum [Al(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}] and hydroquinone [C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(OH){sub 2}] are used to deposit the polymeric films, which is a representative of a class of aluminum oxide polymers known as “alucones.” In-situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies are employed to determine the growth characteristics. An average growth rate of 4.1 Å per cycle at 150 °C is obtained by QCM and subsequently verified with x-ray reflectivity measurements. Surface chemistry during each MLD-half cycle is studied in depth by in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) vibrationmore » spectroscopy. Self limiting nature of the reaction is confirmed from both QCM and FTIR measurements. The conformal nature of the deposit, typical for atomic layer deposition and MLD, is verified with transmission electron microscopy imaging. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements confirm the uniform elemental distribution along the depth of the films.« less

SevenOperators, a Mathematica script for harmonic oscillator nuclear matrix elements arising in semileptonic electroweak interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haxton, Wick; Lunardini, Cecilia

2008-09-01

Semi-leptonic electroweak interactions in nuclei—such as β decay, μ capture, charged- and neutral-current neutrino reactions, and electron scattering—are described by a set of multipole operators carrying definite parity and angular momentum, obtained by projection from the underlying nuclear charge and three-current operators. If these nuclear operators are approximated by their one-body forms and expanded in the nucleon velocity through order |p→|/M, where p→ and M are the nucleon momentum and mass, a set of seven multipole operators is obtained. Nuclear structure calculations are often performed in a basis of Slater determinants formed from harmonic oscillator orbitals, a choice that allows translational invariance to be preserved. Harmonic-oscillator single-particle matrix elements of the multipole operators can be evaluated analytically and expressed in terms of finite polynomials in q, where q is the magnitude of the three-momentum transfer. While results for such matrix elements are available in tabular form, with certain restriction on quantum numbers, the task of determining the analytic form of a response function can still be quite tedious, requiring the folding of the tabulated matrix elements with the nuclear density matrix, and subsequent algebra to evaluate products of operators. Here we provide a Mathematica script for generating these matrix elements, which will allow users to carry out all such calculations by symbolic manipulation. This will eliminate the errors that may accompany hand calculations and speed the calculation of electroweak nuclear cross sections and rates. We illustrate the use of the new script by calculating the cross sections for charged- and neutral-current neutrino scattering in 12C. Program summaryProgram title: SevenOperators Catalogue identifier: AEAY_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEAY_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2227 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 19 382 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Mathematica Computer: Any computer running Mathematica; tested on Mac OS X PowerPC (32-bit) running Mathematica 6.0.0 Operating system: Any running Mathematica RAM: Memory requirements determined by Mathematica; 512 MB or greater RAM and hard drive space of at least 3.0 GB recommended Classification: 17.16, 17.19 Nature of problem: Algebraic evaluation of harmonic oscillator nuclear matrix elements for the one-body multipole operators governing semi-leptonic weak interactions, such as charged- or neutral-current neutrino scattering off nuclei. Solution method: Mathematica evaluation of associated angular momentum algebra and spherical Bessel function radial integrals. Running time: Depends on the complexity of the one-body density matrix employed, but times of a few seconds are typical.

PULSED ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUE FOR MONITORING ANTIBODY-ANTIGEN REACTIONS AT INTERFACES. (R825323)

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract

The mechanism of pulsed potential waveform for monitoring antibody_¯antigen interactions at immunosensor interfaces is discussed. Some examples of antibody_¯antigen interactions at quartz crystal microbalance and polymer-modified ...

Quartz Microbalance Study of 400-angstrom Thick Films near the lambda Point

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Moses H. W.

2003-01-01

In a recent measurement we observed the thinning of an adsorbed helium film induced by the confinement of critical fluctuations a few millikelvin below the lambda point. A capacitor set-up was used to measure this Casimir effect. In this poster we will present our measurement of an adsorbed helium film of 400 angstroms near the lambda point with a quartz microbalance. For films this thick, we must take into account the non-linear dynamics of the shear waves in the fluid. In spite of the added complications, we were able to confirm the thinning of the film due to the Casimir effect and the onset of the superfluid transition. In addition, we observe a sharp anomaly at the bulk lambda point, most likely related to critical dissipation of the first sound. This work is carried out in collaboration with Rafael Garcia, Stephen Jordon and John Lazzaretti. This work is funded by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research under grant.

Low Energy Sputtering Experiments for Ion Engine Lifetime Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchemin Olivier B.; Polk, James E.

1999-01-01

The sputtering yield of molybdenum under xenon ion bombardment was measured using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance. The measurements were made for ion kinetic energies in the range 100-1keV on molybdenum films deposited by magnetron sputtering in conditions optimized to reproduce or approach bulk-like properties. SEM micrographs for different anode bias voltages during the deposition are compared, and four different methods were implemented to estimate the density of the molybdenum films. A careful discussion of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance is proposed and it is shown that this method can be used to measure mass changes that are distributed unevenly on the crystal electrode surface, if an analytical expression is known for the differential mass-sensitivity of the crystal and the erosion profile. Finally, results are presented that are in good agreement with previously published data, and it is concluded that this method holds the promise of enabling sputtering yield measurements at energies closer to the threshold energy in the very short term.

In situ NMR and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance techniques reveal the structure of the electrical double layer in supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffin, John M.; Forse, Alexander C.; Tsai, Wan-Yu; Taberna, Pierre-Louis; Simon, Patrice; Grey, Clare P.

2015-08-01

Supercapacitors store charge through the electrosorption of ions on microporous electrodes. Despite major efforts to understand this phenomenon, a molecular-level picture of the electrical double layer in working devices is still lacking as few techniques can selectively observe the ionic species at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Here, we use in situ NMR to directly quantify the populations of anionic and cationic species within a working microporous carbon supercapacitor electrode. Our results show that charge storage mechanisms are different for positively and negatively polarized electrodes for the electrolyte tetraethylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile; for positive polarization charging proceeds by exchange of the cations for anions, whereas for negative polarization, cation adsorption dominates. In situ electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements support the NMR results and indicate that adsorbed ions are only partially solvated. These results provide new molecular-level insight, with the methodology offering exciting possibilities for the study of pore/ion size, desolvation and other effects on charge storage in supercapacitors.

Surface Modification Enhanced Reflection Intensity of Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensors upon Molecular Adsorption.

PubMed

Kojima, Taisuke

2018-01-01

Molecular adsorption on a sensing surface involves molecule-substrate and molecule-molecule interactions. Combining optical systems and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) on the same sensing surface allows the quantification of such interactions and reveals the physicochemical properties of the adsorbed molecules. However, low sensitivity of the current reflection-based techniques compared to the QCM technique hinders the quantitative analysis of the adsorption events. Here, a layer-by-layer surface modification of a QCM sensor is studied to increase the optical sensitivity. The intermediate layers of organic-inorganic molecules and metal-metal oxide were explored on a gold (Au) surface of a QCM sensor. First, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-derivatives that served as the organic-inorganic intermediate layer were synthesized and modified on the Au-QCM surface. Meanwhile, titanium oxide, fabricated by anodic oxidation of titanium, was used as a metal-metal oxide intermediate layer on a titanium-coated QCM surface. The developed technique enabled interrogation of the molecular adsorption owing to the enhanced optical sensitivity.

Simultaneous monitoring of humidity and chemical changes using quartz crystal microbalance sensors modified with nano-thin films.

PubMed

Selyanchyn, Roman; Korposh, Serhiy; Wakamatsu, Shunichi; Lee, Seung-Woo

2011-01-01

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrodes modified with nano-thin films were used to develop a system for measuring significant environment changes (smoke, humidity, hazardous material release). A layer-by-layer approach was used for the deposition of sensitive coatings with a nanometer thickness on the electrode surface. The QCM electrode was modified with self-assembled alternate layers of tetrakis-(4-sulfophenyl) porphine (TSPP) (or its manganese derivative, MnTSPP) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The QCM sensors, which had been reported previously for humidity sensing purposes, revealing a high possibility to recognize significant environmental changes. Identifying of the origin of environmental change is possible via differential signal analysis of the obtained data. The sensors showed different responses to humidity changes, hazardous gas (ammonia) or cigarette smoke exposure. Even qualitative analysis is not yet available; it has been shown that ventilation triggers or alarms for monitoring smoke or hazardous material release can be built using the obtained result.

An ultrasensitive micropillar-based quartz crystal microbalance device for real-time measurement of protein immobilization and protein-protein interaction.

PubMed

Su, Junwei; Esmaeilzadeh, Hamed; Zhang, Fang; Yu, Qing; Cernigliaro, George; Xu, Jin; Sun, Hongwei

2018-01-15

A new sensing device was developed to achieve ultrahigh sensitivity, by coupling polymer micropillars with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) substrate to form a two-degree- of-freedom resonance system (QCM-P). The sensitivity of these QCM-P devices was evaluated by measuring mass changes for both deposited gold film and adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively, on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) micropillar surfaces, as well as assessing ligand-analyte binding interactions between anti-human immunoglobulin G (anti-hIgG) and human immunoglobulin G (hIgG). The anti-hIgG and hIgG binding results show QCM-P achieved an eightfold improvement in sensitivity relative to conventional QCM sensors. In addition, the binding affinity obtained from the QCM-P device for anti-hIgG and hIgG proteins was found in good agreement with that measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for the same binding reaction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of contamination character of materials in space technology testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haynes, D. L.; Coulson, D. M.

1972-01-01

The contamination character of selected materials used in space technology testing is presented. Many of these materials contain components that become volatile in a space environment. Most previous data were limited to weight loss or vapor pressure. However, these parameters are not necessarily a direct measure of the contamination character of these materials. Selected materials were exposed to a thermal-vacuum environment, and the degree of contamination was measured by collecting the outgases from these materials on a cold test mirror surface. The degradation of reflectivity of the mirror was measured over a spectral range from 1100 A to 2.5 microns. Half the mirror's surface was also exposed to UV irradiation to determine its effects on the contaminative character of the depositing outgases. The amount of deposit per unit area was measured by microbalances mounted near the mirror; the sensor of one microbalance was UV irradiated. A quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to determine the composition of the outgases.

1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Film as a Highly Selective Sensing Material for Non-Invasive Detection of Acetone Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance.

PubMed

Tao, Wenyan; Lin, Peng; Liu, Sili; Xie, Qingji; Ke, Shanming; Zeng, Xierong

2017-01-20

Breath acetone serves as a biomarker for diabetes. This article reports 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF₄]), a type of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), as a selective sensing material for acetone. The RTIL sensing layer was coated on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for detection. The sensing mechanism is based on a decrease in viscosity and density of the [bmim][BF₄] film due to the solubilization of acetone leading to a positive frequency shift in the QCM. Acetone was detected with a linear range from 7.05 to 750 ppmv. Sensitivity and limit of detection were found to be 3.49 Hz/ppmv and 5.0 ppmv, respectively. The [bmim][BF₄]-modified QCM sensor demonstrated anti-interference ability to commonly found volatile organic compounds in breath, e.g., isoprene, 1,2-pentadiene, d -limonene, and dl -limonene. This technology is useful for applications in non-invasive early diabetic diagnosis.

Application of quartz crystal microbalance to study the impact of pH and ionic strength on protein-silicone oil interactions.

PubMed

Dixit, Nitin; Maloney, Kevin M; Kalonia, Devendra S

2011-06-30

In this study, we have used quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to quantitate the adsorption of a protein on silicone oil coated surfaces as a function of protein concentration, pH and ionic strength using a 5 MHz quartz crystal. Protein adsorption isotherms were generated at different solution pH and ionic strengths. Surface saturation concentrations were selected from adsorption isotherms and used to generate adsorption profiles from pH 3.0 to 9.0, and at ionic strengths of 10 mM and 150 mM. At low ionic strength (10mM) and pH 5.0 (close to the isoelectric point of the protein), maximum adsorption of protein to the silicone oil surface was observed. At higher ionic strength (150 mM), no significant pH influence on adsorption was observed. QCM could be used as a reliable technique to study the binding of proteins to silicone oil coated surfaces. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Superior environment resistance of quartz crystal microbalance with anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiang, Wei; Wei, Li; Shaodan, Wang; Yu, Bai

2015-08-01

The precise measurement of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in the detection and weighing of organic gas molecules is achieved due to excellent superhydrophobicity of a deposited film composite. Photocatalysis is utilized as a method for the self-cleaning of organic molecules on the QCM for extended long-term stability in the precision of the instrument. In this paper, ZnO nanorod array is prepared via in situ methods on the QCM coated with Au film via hydrothermal process. Subsequently, a TiO2/ZnO composite film is synthesized by surface modification with TiO2 via sol-gel methods. Results show the anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite film with a sharp, pencil-like structure exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 155°), non-sticking water properties, and an autonomous cleaning property under UV irradiation. The anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite film facilitates the precise measurement and extended lifetime of the QCM for the detection of organic gas molecules.

Quantitative analysis of oxygen content in copper oxide films using ultra microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Yonghua; Wang, Lianhong; Liu, Chong; Fan, Jing

2014-12-01

Copper oxide films were prepared on quartz substrates through electron beam physical vapor deposition in a vacuum chamber, and the films were observed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The oxygen content of the films were analyzed using an ultra microbalance. Results indicated that when the substrate was heated to 600°C and the oxygen flow rate was 5 sccm, the film was composed of 47% Cu and 53% Cu2O (mass percent), and the oxidation ratio of copper was 25%. After the deposition process at the same condition, i.e. the substrate at temperature of 600°C and blowed by oxygen flowrate of 5 sccm, then in-stu annealed at 600°C in low oxygen pressure of 10 Pa for 30 minutes, the film composition became 22% Cu2O and 78% CuO (mass percent), and the oxidation ratio of copper greatly increased to about 88%.

Accurate dew-point measurement over a wide temperature range using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Su-Yong; Kim, Jong-Chul; Choi, Buyng-Il

2008-11-01

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) dew-point sensors are based on frequency measurement, and so have fast response time, high sensitivity and high accuracy. Recently, we have reported that they have the very convenient attribute of being able to distinguish between supercooled dew and frost from a single scan through the resonant frequency of the quartz resonator as a function of the temperature. In addition to these advantages, by using three different types of heat sinks, we have developed a QCM dew/frost-point sensor with a very wide working temperature range (-90 °C to 15 °C). The temperature of the quartz surface can be obtained effectively by measuring the temperature of the quartz crystal holder and using temperature compensation curves (which showed a high level of repeatability and reproducibility). The measured dew/frost points showed very good agreement with reference values and were within ±0.1 °C over the whole temperature range.

An ultrasensitive quartz crystal microbalance-micropillars based sensor for humidity detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pengtao; Su, Junwei; Su, Che-Fu; Dai, Wen; Cernigliaro, George; Sun, Hongwei

2014-06-01

A unique sensing device, which couples microscale pillars with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) substrate to form a resonant system, is developed to achieve several orders of magnitude enhancement in sensitivity compared to conventional QCM sensors. In this research, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) micropillars are fabricated on a QCM substrate using nanoimprinting lithography. The effects of pillar geometry and physical properties, tuned by molecular weight (MW) of PMMA, on the resonant characteristics of QCM-micropillars device are systematically investigated. It is found that the resonant frequency shift increases with increasing MW. The coupled QCM-micropillars device displays nonlinear frequency response, which is opposite to the linear response of conventional QCM devices. In addition, a positive resonant frequency shift is captured near the resonant point of the coupled QCM-micropillars system. Humidity detection experiments show that compared to current nanoscale feature based QCM sensors, QCM-micropillars devices offer higher sensitivity and moderate response time. This research points to a novel way of improving sensitivity of acoustic wave sensors without the need for fabricating surface nanostructures.

1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Film as a Highly Selective Sensing Material for Non-Invasive Detection of Acetone Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

PubMed Central

Tao, Wenyan; Lin, Peng; Liu, Sili; Xie, Qingji; Ke, Shanming; Zeng, Xierong

2017-01-01

Breath acetone serves as a biomarker for diabetes. This article reports 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]), a type of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), as a selective sensing material for acetone. The RTIL sensing layer was coated on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for detection. The sensing mechanism is based on a decrease in viscosity and density of the [bmim][BF4] film due to the solubilization of acetone leading to a positive frequency shift in the QCM. Acetone was detected with a linear range from 7.05 to 750 ppmv. Sensitivity and limit of detection were found to be 3.49 Hz/ppmv and 5.0 ppmv, respectively. The [bmim][BF4]-modified QCM sensor demonstrated anti-interference ability to commonly found volatile organic compounds in breath, e.g., isoprene, 1,2-pentadiene, d-limonene, and dl-limonene. This technology is useful for applications in non-invasive early diabetic diagnosis. PMID:28117697

Lipid phase behavior studied with a quartz crystal microbalance: A technique for biophysical studies with applications in screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peschel, Astrid; Langhoff, Arne; Uhl, Eva; Dathathreyan, Aruna; Haindl, Susanne; Johannsmann, Diethelm; Reviakine, Ilya

2016-11-01

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is emerging as a versatile tool for studying lipid phase behavior. The technique is attractive for fundamental biophysical studies as well applications because of its simplicity, flexibility, and ability to work with very small amounts of material crucial for biomedical studies. Further progress hinges on the understanding of the mechanism, by which a surface-acoustic technique such as QCM, senses lipid phase changes. Here, we use a custom-built instrument with improved sensitivity to investigate phase behavior in solid-supported lipid systems of different geometries (adsorbed liposomes and bilayers). We show that we can detect a model anesthetic (ethanol) through its effect on the lipid phase behavior. Further, through the analysis of the overtone dependence of the phase transition parameters, we show that hydrodynamic effects are important in the case of adsorbed liposomes, and viscoelasticity is significant in supported bilayers, while layer thickness changes make up the strongest contribution in both systems.

Polythiophene synthesis coupled to quartz crystal microbalance and Raman spectroscopy for detecting bacteria.

PubMed

Kengne-Momo, R P; Lagarde, F; Daniel, Ph; Pilard, J F; Durand, M J; Thouand, G

2012-12-01

A simple electrochemical procedure was used for the synthesis of a polythiophene containing para-benzenesulfonyl chloride groups. The obtained polymer was shown to be very reactive and directly able to covalently bind nucleophile biomolecules. Protein A and a specific antibody were then successively immobilized on the conductive polymer through a covalent bonding of Protein A with the as-prepared linker for bacteria trapping purpose. All reactions were controlled in situ by cyclic voltammetry, quartz crystal microbalance and Raman spectroscopy. The results were compared to those previously obtained on gold surface modified with the same chemical linker. The conductive polymer led to a very high rate of antibody recognition compared to the gold surface and to literature, probably due to a large available surface obtained after polymerization. One example of pathogenic bacteria "Salmonella enterica paratyphi" detection was successfully tested on the substrates. The presented results are promising for the future design of simple and inexpensive immunocapture-based sensors.

Fabrication of phytic acid sensor based on mixed phytase-lipid Langmuir-Blodgett films.

PubMed

Caseli, Luciano; Moraes, Marli L; Zucolotto, Valtencir; Ferreira, Marystela; Nobre, Thatyane M; Zaniquelli, Maria Elisabete D; Rodrigues Filho, Ubirajara P; Oliveira, Osvaldo N

2006-09-26

This paper reports the surface activity of phytase at the air-water interface, its interaction with lipid monolayers, and the construction of a new phytic acid biosensor on the basis of the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. Phytase was inserted in the subphase solution of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) Langmuir monolayers, and its incorporation to the air-water interface was monitored with surface pressure measurements. Phytase was able to incorporate into DPPG monolayers even at high surface pressures, ca. 30 mN/m, under controlled ionic strength, pH, and temperature. Mixed Langmuir monolayers of phytase and DPPG were characterized by surface pressure-area and surface potential-area isotherms, and the presence of the enzyme provided an expansion in the monolayers (when compared to the pure lipid at the interface). The enzyme incorporation also led to significant changes in the equilibrium surface compressibility (in-plane elasticity), especially in liquid-expanded and liquid-condensed regions. The dynamic surface elasticity for phytase-containing interfaces was investigated using harmonic oscillation and axisymmetric drop shape analysis. The insertion of the enzyme at DPPG monolayers caused an increase in the dynamic surface elasticity at 30 mN m(-)(1), indicating a strong interaction between the enzyme and lipid molecules at a high-surface packing. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films containing 35 layers of mixed phytase-DPPG were characterized by ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and crystal quartz microbalance nanogravimetry. The ability in detecting phytic acid was studied with voltammetric measurements.

Direct numerical simulation of instabilities in parallel flow with spherical roughness elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deanna, R. G.

1992-01-01

Results from a direct numerical simulation of laminar flow over a flat surface with spherical roughness elements using a spectral-element method are given. The numerical simulation approximates roughness as a cellular pattern of identical spheres protruding from a smooth wall. Periodic boundary conditions on the domain's horizontal faces simulate an infinite array of roughness elements extending in the streamwise and spanwise directions, which implies the parallel-flow assumption, and results in a closed domain. A body force, designed to yield the horizontal Blasius velocity in the absence of roughness, sustains the flow. Instabilities above a critical Reynolds number reveal negligible oscillations in the recirculation regions behind each sphere and in the free stream, high-amplitude oscillations in the layer directly above the spheres, and a mean profile with an inflection point near the sphere's crest. The inflection point yields an unstable layer above the roughness (where U''(y) is less than 0) and a stable region within the roughness (where U''(y) is greater than 0). Evidently, the instability begins when the low-momentum or wake region behind an element, being the region most affected by disturbances (purely numerical in this case), goes unstable and moves. In compressible flow with periodic boundaries, this motion sends disturbances to all regions of the domain. In the unstable layer just above the inflection point, the disturbances grow while being carried downstream with a propagation speed equal to the local mean velocity; they do not grow amid the low energy region near the roughness patch. The most amplified disturbance eventually arrives at the next roughness element downstream, perturbing its wake and inducing a global response at a frequency governed by the streamwise spacing between spheres and the mean velocity of the most amplified layer.

Seasonal and long-term changes in elemental concentrations and ratios of marine particulate organic matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talarmin, Agathe; Lomas, Michael W.; Bozec, Yann; Savoye, Nicolas; Frigstad, Helene; Karl, David M.; Martiny, Adam C.

2016-11-01

What is the temporal variability of the elemental stoichiometry of marine microbial communities across ocean regions? To answer this question, we present an analysis of environmental conditions, particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations and their ratios across 20 time series (3-25 years duration) representing estuarine, coastal, and open ocean environments. The majority of stations showed significant seasonal oscillations in particulate organic elemental concentrations and ratios. However, shorter-term changes contributed most to overall variance in particulate organic matter concentrations and ratios. We found a correlation between the seasonal oscillations of environmental conditions and elemental ratios at many coastal but not open ocean and estuarine stations. C:N peaked near the seasonal temperature minimum and nutrient maximum, but some stations showed other seasonal links. C:N ratios declined with time over the respective observation periods at all open ocean and estuarine stations as well as at five coastal station but increased at the nine other coastal stations. C:P (but not N:P) declined slightly at Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study but showed large significant increases at Hawaii Ocean Time-series and Arendal stations. The relationships between long-term changes in environmental conditions and particulate organic matter concentrations or ratios were ambiguous, but interactions between changes in temperature and nutrient availability were important. Overall, our analysis demonstrates significant changes in elemental ratios at long-term and seasonal time scales across regions, but the underlying mechanisms are currently unclear. Thus, we need to better understand the detailed mechanisms driving the elemental composition of marine microbial ecosystems in order to predict how oceans will respond to environmental changes.

Fluid-structure finite-element vibrational analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feng, G. C.; Kiefling, L.

1974-01-01

A fluid finite element has been developed for a quasi-compressible fluid. Both kinetic and potential energy are expressed as functions of nodal displacements. Thus, the formulation is similar to that used for structural elements, with the only differences being that the fluid can possess gravitational potential, and the constitutive equations for fluid contain no shear coefficients. Using this approach, structural and fluid elements can be used interchangeably in existing efficient sparse-matrix structural computer programs such as SPAR. The theoretical development of the element formulations and the relationships of the local and global coordinates are shown. Solutions of fluid slosh, liquid compressibility, and coupled fluid-shell oscillation problems which were completed using a temporary digital computer program are shown. The frequency correlation of the solutions with classical theory is excellent.

Frequency spectrum of transepithelial potential difference reveals transport-related oscillations.

PubMed

Montalbetti, Nicolás; Fischbarg, Jorge

2009-09-16

How epithelia transport fluid is a fundamental issue that is unresolved. Explanations offered include molecular engines, local transcellular osmosis, local paracellular osmosis, and paracellular fluid transport. On the basis of experimental and theoretical work done on corneal endothelium, a fluid transporting epithelium, we suggest electroosmotic coupling at the level of the intercellular junctions driven by the transendothelial electrical potential difference as an explanation of paracellular fluid transport. We collect frequency spectra of that potential difference in real-time. For what we believe is the first time for any epithelium, we report that, unexpectedly, the potential difference displays oscillations at many characteristic frequencies. We also show that on both stimulating cell activity and inhibiting ion transport mechanisms, there are corresponding changes in the oscillations amplitudes that mirror changes known previously in rates of fluid transport. We believe these findings provide a novel tool to study the kinetics of electrogenic elements such as channels and transporters, which from this evidence would give rise to current oscillations with characteristic periods going from 150 ms to 8 s.

Experimental study of the oscillation of spheres in an acoustic levitator.

PubMed

Andrade, Marco A B; Pérez, Nicolás; Adamowski, Julio C

2014-10-01

The spontaneous oscillation of solid spheres in a single-axis acoustic levitator is experimentally investigated by using a high speed camera to record the position of the levitated sphere as a function of time. The oscillations in the axial and radial directions are systematically studied by changing the sphere density and the acoustic pressure amplitude. In order to interpret the experimental results, a simple model based on a spring-mass system is applied in the analysis of the sphere oscillatory behavior. This model requires the knowledge of the acoustic pressure distribution, which was obtained numerically by using a linear finite element method (FEM). Additionally, the linear acoustic pressure distribution obtained by FEM was compared with that measured with a laser Doppler vibrometer. The comparison between numerical and experimental pressure distributions shows good agreement for low values of pressure amplitude. When the pressure amplitude is increased, the acoustic pressure distribution becomes nonlinear, producing harmonics of the fundamental frequency. The experimental results of the spheres oscillations for low pressure amplitudes are consistent with the results predicted by the simple model based on a spring-mass system.

CMOS-compatible spintronic devices: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, Alexander; Windbacher, Thomas; Sverdlov, Viktor; Selberherr, Siegfried

2016-11-01

For many decades CMOS devices have been successfully scaled down to achieve higher speed and increased performance of integrated circuits at lower cost. Today’s charge-based CMOS electronics encounters two major challenges: power dissipation and variability. Spintronics is a rapidly evolving research and development field, which offers a potential solution to these issues by introducing novel ‘more than Moore’ devices. Spin-based magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) is already recognized as one of the most promising candidates for future universal memory. Magnetic tunnel junctions, the main elements of MRAM cells, can also be used to build logic-in-memory circuits with non-volatile storage elements on top of CMOS logic circuits, as well as versatile compact on-chip oscillators with low power consumption. We give an overview of CMOS-compatible spintronics applications. First, we present a brief introduction to the physical background considering such effects as magnetoresistance, spin-transfer torque (STT), spin Hall effect, and magnetoelectric effects. We continue with a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art spintronic devices for memory applications (STT-MRAM, domain wall-motion MRAM, and spin-orbit torque MRAM), oscillators (spin torque oscillators and spin Hall nano-oscillators), logic (logic-in-memory, all-spin logic, and buffered magnetic logic gate grid), sensors, and random number generators. Devices with different types of resistivity switching are analyzed and compared, with their advantages highlighted and challenges revealed. CMOS-compatible spintronic devices are demonstrated beginning with predictive simulations, proceeding to their experimental confirmation and realization, and finalized by the current status of application in modern integrated systems and circuits. We conclude the review with an outlook, where we share our vision on the future applications of the prospective devices in the area.

Improved Wavelengths and Oscillator Strengths of Doubly Ionized Iron Group Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Peter L.; Smillie, D. G.; Pickering, J. C.; Nave, G.; Blackwell-Whitehead, R. J.

2007-05-01

Improvements in the resolution, accuracy, and range of astrophysical spectra obtained by state-of-the-art space-and ground-based spectrographs have highlighted the need for corresponding improvements in the atomic data. Transition wavelengths with uncertainties of 1 part in 10^7 and oscillator strengths with uncertainties of 10 to 15% are needed to accurately interpret modern astrophysical spectra. The spectra of hot (B-type) stars are dominated by the doubly ionized spectra of the iron group elements. We present new measurements of Cr III, Fe III, and Co III made with a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and a Penning discharge source. The FTS at Imperial College [J. C. Pickering, Vibrational Spectrosc., 29, pp.27-43 (2002)] covers a spectral range from the visible to the VUV (down to 140 nm) with a typical wavenumber uncertainty of a few parts in 10^8. Additional measurements were carried out at the US National Institute of Standards & Technology using their FTS and the Normal Incidence Vacuum (grating) Spectrograph (NIVS). The NIVS spectra were recorded beyond the FTS wavelength cut-off using phosphor image plates, which have the advantage over conventional photographic plates of a linear intensity response over a wide dynamic range, thus allowing branching ratios, and hence oscillator strengths, to be determined. Intensity- and wavelength-calibrated line lists have been produced, and term analyses are underway. Measured lines are, in many cases, an order of magnitude more accurate than previous measurements and the energy level uncertainty established is typically improved by a factor or 3 more. Work is also underway to establish new measured oscillator strengths for Fe III. This work is supported in part by NASA Grant NAG5-12,668, NASA inter-agency agreement W-10,255, PPARC, the Royal Society of the UK, and by the Leverhulme Trust.

Extreme Wave-Induced Oscillation in Paradip Port Under the Resonance Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Prashant; Gulshan

2017-12-01

A mathematical model is constructed to analyze the long wave-induced oscillation in Paradip Port, Odisha, India under the resonance conditions to avert any extreme wave hazards. Boundary element method (BEM) with corner contribution is utilized to solve the Helmholtz equation under the partial reflection boundary conditions. Furthermore, convergence analysis is also performed for the boundary element scheme with uniform and non-uniform discretization of the boundary. The numerical scheme is also validated with analytic approximation and existing studies based on harbor resonance. Then, the amplification factor is estimated at six key record stations in the Paradip Port with multidirectional incident waves and resonance modes are also estimated at the boundary of the port. Ocean surface wave field is predicted in the interior of Paradip Port for the different directional incident wave at various resonance modes. Moreover, the safe locations in the port have been identified for loading and unloading of moored ship with different resonance modes and directional incident waves.

Numerical Investigation of 'Transonic Resonance' with a Convergent-Divergent Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loh, Ching Y.; Zaman, K. B. M. Q.

2002-01-01

At pressure ratios lower than the design value, convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzles often undergo a flow resonance accompanied by the emission of acoustic tones. The phenomenon, driven by the unsteady shock within the divergent section of the nozzle, has been studied experimentally by Zaman et al. In this paper, the space-time conservation element solution element (CE/SE) method is employed to numerically investigate the phenomenon. The computations are performed for a given nozzle geometry for several different pressure ratios. Sustained 'limit cycle' oscillations are encountered in all cases. The oscillation frequencies, their variation with pressure ratio including a 'stage jump', agree well with the experimental results. The unsteady flow data confirm that stage 1 of the resonance (fundamental) involves a one-quarter standing wave while stage 2 (third harmonic) involves a three-quarter standing wave within the divergent section of the nozzle. Details of the shock motion, and the flow and near acoustic field, are documented for one case each of stages 1 and 2.

Study of Asorption Kinetics of Surfactants onto Polyethersulfone Membrane Surface Using QCM-D

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The adsorption kinetics of surfactants onto the crystal surface spin-coated with a thin layer of a model membrane material, polyethersulfone was monitored through measurements of frequency and dissipation shifts simultaneously using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) device. In ...

Nonlinear channelizer.

PubMed

In, Visarath; Longhini, Patrick; Kho, Andy; Neff, Joseph D; Leung, Daniel; Liu, Norman; Meadows, Brian K; Gordon, Frank; Bulsara, Adi R; Palacios, Antonio

2012-12-01

The nonlinear channelizer is an integrated circuit made up of large parallel arrays of analog nonlinear oscillators, which, collectively, serve as a broad-spectrum analyzer with the ability to receive complex signals containing multiple frequencies and instantaneously lock-on or respond to a received signal in a few oscillation cycles. The concept is based on the generation of internal oscillations in coupled nonlinear systems that do not normally oscillate in the absence of coupling. In particular, the system consists of unidirectionally coupled bistable nonlinear elements, where the frequency and other dynamical characteristics of the emergent oscillations depend on the system's internal parameters and the received signal. These properties and characteristics are being employed to develop a system capable of locking onto any arbitrary input radio frequency signal. The system is efficient by eliminating the need for high-speed, high-accuracy analog-to-digital converters, and compact by making use of nonlinear coupled systems to act as a channelizer (frequency binning and channeling), a low noise amplifier, and a frequency down-converter in a single step which, in turn, will reduce the size, weight, power, and cost of the entire communication system. This paper covers the theory, numerical simulations, and some engineering details that validate the concept at the frequency band of 1-4 GHz.

Active Damping of a Piezoelectric Tube Scanner using Self-Sensing Piezo Actuation

PubMed Central

Kuiper, S.; Schitter, G.

2010-01-01

In most Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), a piezoelectric tube scanner is used to position the sample underneath the measurement probe. Oscillations stemming from the weakly damped resonances of the tube scanner are a major source of image distortion, putting a limitation on the achievable imaging speed. This paper demonstrates active damping of these oscillations in multiple scanning axes without the need for additional position sensors. By connecting the tube scanner in a capacitive bridge circuit the scanner oscillations can be measured in both scanning axes, using the same piezo material as an actuator and sensor simultaneously. In order to compensate for circuit imbalance caused by hysteresis in the piezo element, an adaptive balancing circuit is used. The obtained measurement signal is used for feedback control, reducing the resonance peaks in both scanning axes by 18 dB and the cross-coupling at those frequencies by 30 dB. Experimental results demonstrate a significant reduction in scanner oscillations when applying the typical triangular scanning signals, as well as a strong reduction in coupling induced oscillations. Recorded AFM images show a considerable reduction in image distortion due to the proposed control method, enabling artifact free AFM imaging at a speed of 122 lines per second with a standard piezoelectric tube scanner. PMID:26412944

Surface waves on a soft viscoelastic layer produced by an oscillating microbubble.

PubMed

Tinguely, Marc; Hennessy, Matthew G; Pommella, Angelo; Matar, Omar K; Garbin, Valeria

2016-05-14

Ultrasound-driven bubbles can cause significant deformation of soft viscoelastic layers, for instance in surface cleaning and biomedical applications. The effect of the viscoelastic properties of a boundary on the bubble-boundary interaction has been explored only qualitatively, and remains poorly understood. We investigate the dynamic deformation of a viscoelastic layer induced by the volumetric oscillations of an ultrasound-driven microbubble. High-speed video microscopy is used to observe the deformation produced by a bubble oscillating at 17-20 kHz in contact with the surface of a hydrogel. The localised oscillating pressure applied by the bubble generates surface elastic (Rayleigh) waves on the gel, characterised by elliptical particle trajectories. The tilt angle of the elliptical trajectories varies with increasing distance from the bubble. Unexpectedly, the direction of rotation of the surface elements on the elliptical trajectories shifts from prograde to retrograde at a distance from the bubble that depends on the viscoelastic properties of the gel. To explain these behaviours, we develop a simple three-dimensional model for the deformation of a viscoelastic solid by a localised oscillating force. By using as input for the model the values of the shear modulus obtained from the propagation velocity of the Rayleigh waves, we find good qualitative agreement with the experimental observations.

Numerical Simulation of the Oscillations in a Mixer: An Internal Aeroacoustic Feedback System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgenson, Philip C. E.; Loh, Ching Y.

2004-01-01

The space-time conservation element and solution element method is employed to numerically study the acoustic feedback system in a high temperature, high speed wind tunnel mixer. The computation captures the self-sustained feedback loop between reflecting Mach waves and the shear layer. This feedback loop results in violent instabilities that are suspected of causing damage to some tunnel components. The computed frequency is in good agreement with the available experimental data. The physical phenomena are explained based on the numerical results.

Copper vapour laser with an efficient semiconductor pump generator having comparable pump pulse and output pulse durations

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

Yurkin, A A

2016-03-31

We report the results of experimental studies of a copper vapour laser with a semiconductor pump generator capable of forming virtually optimal pump pulses with a current rise steepness of about 40 A ns{sup -1} in a KULON LT-1.5CU active element. To maintain the operating temperature of the active element's channel, an additional heating pulsed oscillator is used. High efficiency of the pump generator is demonstrated. (lasers)

Phase-selective entrainment of nonlinear oscillator ensembles

DOE PAGES

Zlotnik, Anatoly V.; Nagao, Raphael; Kiss, Istvan Z.; ...

2016-03-18

The ability to organize and finely manipulate the hierarchy and timing of dynamic processes is important for understanding and influencing brain functions, sleep and metabolic cycles, and many other natural phenomena. However, establishing spatiotemporal structures in biological oscillator ensembles is a challenging task that requires controlling large collections of complex nonlinear dynamical units. In this report, we present a method to design entrainment signals that create stable phase patterns in ensembles of heterogeneous nonlinear oscillators without using state feedback information. We demonstrate the approach using experiments with electrochemical reactions on multielectrode arrays, in which we selectively assign ensemble subgroups intomore » spatiotemporal patterns with multiple phase clusters. As a result, the experimentally confirmed mechanism elucidates the connection between the phases and natural frequencies of a collection of dynamical elements, the spatial and temporal information that is encoded within this ensemble, and how external signals can be used to retrieve this information.« less

Nanoelectromechanical digital logic circuits using curved cantilever switches with amorphous-carbon-coated contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayala, Christopher L.; Grogg, Daniel; Bazigos, Antonios; Bleiker, Simon J.; Fernandez-Bolaños, Montserrat; Niklaus, Frank; Hagleitner, Christoph

2015-11-01

Nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches have the potential to complement or replace traditional CMOS transistors in the area of ultra-low-power digital electronics. This paper reports the demonstration of prototype circuits including the first 3-stage ring oscillator built using cell-level digital logic elements based on curved NEM switches. The ring oscillator core occupies an area of 30 μm × 10 μm using 6 NEM switches. Each NEM switch device has a footprint of 5 μm × 3 μm, an air gap of 60 μm and is coated with amorphous carbon (a-C) for reliable operation. The ring oscillator operates at a frequency of 6.7 MHz, and confirms the simulated inverter propagation delay of 25 ns. The successful fabrication and measurement of this demonstrator are key milestones on the way towards an optimized, scaled technology with sub-nanosecond switching times, lower operating voltages and VLSI implementation.

FE Modelling of the Fluid-Structure-Acoustic Interaction for the Vocal Folds Self-Oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Švancara, Pavel; Horáček, J.; Hrůza, V.

The flow induced self-oscillation of the human vocal folds in interaction with acoustic processes in the simplified vocal tract model was explored by three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model. Developed FE model includes vocal folds pretension before phonation, large deformations of the vocal fold tissue, vocal folds contact, fluid-structure interaction, morphing the fluid mesh according the vocal folds motion (Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian approach), unsteady viscous compressible airflow described by the Navier-Stokes equations and airflow separation during the glottis closure. Iterative partitioned approach is used for modelling the fluid-structure interaction. Computed results prove that the developed model can be used for simulation of the vocal folds self-oscillation and resulting acoustic waves. The developed model enables to numerically simulate an influence of some pathological changes in the vocal fold tissue on the voice production.

Phase-selective entrainment of nonlinear oscillator ensembles

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

Zlotnik, Anatoly V.; Nagao, Raphael; Kiss, Istvan Z.

The ability to organize and finely manipulate the hierarchy and timing of dynamic processes is important for understanding and influencing brain functions, sleep and metabolic cycles, and many other natural phenomena. However, establishing spatiotemporal structures in biological oscillator ensembles is a challenging task that requires controlling large collections of complex nonlinear dynamical units. In this report, we present a method to design entrainment signals that create stable phase patterns in ensembles of heterogeneous nonlinear oscillators without using state feedback information. We demonstrate the approach using experiments with electrochemical reactions on multielectrode arrays, in which we selectively assign ensemble subgroups intomore » spatiotemporal patterns with multiple phase clusters. As a result, the experimentally confirmed mechanism elucidates the connection between the phases and natural frequencies of a collection of dynamical elements, the spatial and temporal information that is encoded within this ensemble, and how external signals can be used to retrieve this information.« less

Phase-selective entrainment of nonlinear oscillator ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zlotnik, Anatoly; Nagao, Raphael; Kiss, István Z.; Li-Shin, Jr.

2016-03-01

The ability to organize and finely manipulate the hierarchy and timing of dynamic processes is important for understanding and influencing brain functions, sleep and metabolic cycles, and many other natural phenomena. However, establishing spatiotemporal structures in biological oscillator ensembles is a challenging task that requires controlling large collections of complex nonlinear dynamical units. In this report, we present a method to design entrainment signals that create stable phase patterns in ensembles of heterogeneous nonlinear oscillators without using state feedback information. We demonstrate the approach using experiments with electrochemical reactions on multielectrode arrays, in which we selectively assign ensemble subgroups into spatiotemporal patterns with multiple phase clusters. The experimentally confirmed mechanism elucidates the connection between the phases and natural frequencies of a collection of dynamical elements, the spatial and temporal information that is encoded within this ensemble, and how external signals can be used to retrieve this information.

Varactor with integrated micro-discharge source

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

Elizondo-Decanini, Juan M.; Manginell, Ronald P.; Moorman, Matthew W.

2016-10-18

An apparatus that includes a varactor element and an integrated micro-discharge source is disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one np junction and at least one voltage source that is configured to apply voltage across the np junction. The apparatus further includes an aperture that extends through the np junction. When the voltage is applied across the np junction, gas in the aperture is ionized, forming a plasma, in turn causing a micro-discharge (of light, charge particles, and space charge) to occur. The light (charge particles, and space charge) impinges upon the surface of themore » np junction exposed in the aperture, thereby altering capacitance of the np junction. When used within an oscillator circuit, the effect of the plasma on the np-junction extends the capacitance changes of the np-junction and extends the oscillator frequency range in ways not possible by a conventional voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).« less

Analysis of the characteristics of the synchronous clusters in the adaptive Kuramoto network and neural network of the epileptic brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hramov, Alexander E.; Kharchenko, Alexander A.; Makarov, Vladimir V.; Khramova, Marina V.; Koronovskii, Alexey A.; Pavlov, Alexey N.; Dana, Syamal K.

2016-04-01

In the paper we study the mechanisms of phase synchronization in the adaptive model network of Kuramoto oscillators and the neural network of brain by consideration of the integral characteristics of the observed networks signals. As the integral characteristics of the model network we consider the summary signal produced by the oscillators. Similar to the model situation we study the ECoG signal as the integral characteristic of neural network of the brain. We show that the establishment of the phase synchronization results in the increase of the peak, corresponding to synchronized oscillators, on the wavelet energy spectrum of the integral signals. The observed correlation between the phase relations of the elements and the integral characteristics of the whole network open the way to detect the size of synchronous clusters in the neural networks of the epileptic brain before and during seizure.

Elemental variability in the coralline alga Lithophyllum yemenense as an archive of past climate in the Gulf of Aden (NW Indian Ocean).

PubMed

Caragnano, Annalisa; Basso, Daniela; Storz, David; Jacob, Dorrit E; Ragazzola, Federica; Benzoni, Francesca; Dutrieux, Eric

2017-04-01

This study presents the first algal thallus (skeleton) archive of Asian monsoon strength and Red Sea influence in the Gulf of Aden. Mg/Ca, Li/Ca, and Ba/Ca were measured in Lithophyllum yemenense from Balhaf (Gulf of Aden) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and Mg/Ca ratio oscillation was used to reconstruct the chronology (34 y). Oscillations of element rates corresponding to the algal growth between 1974 and 2008 were compared with recorded climate and oceanographic variability. During this period, sea surface temperatures (SST) in Balhaf recorded a warming trend of 0.55°C, corresponding to an increase in Mg and Li content in the algal thallus of 2.1 mol-% and 1.87 μmol-%, respectively. Lithophyllum yemenense recorded decadal SST variability by Li/Ca, and the influence of the Pacific El-Niño Southern Oscillation on the NW Indian Ocean climate system by Ba/Ca. Additionally, algal Mg/Ca, Li/Ca, and Ba/Ca showed strong and significant correlations with All Indian Rainfall in the decadal range indicating that these proxies can be useful for tracking variability in the Indian monsoon system, possibly due to changes of the surface wind system, with deep water upwelling in summer, and a distinct seasonality. © 2017 Phycological Society of America.

Diurnal oscillations of soybean circadian clock and drought responsive genes.

PubMed

Marcolino-Gomes, Juliana; Rodrigues, Fabiana Aparecida; Fuganti-Pagliarini, Renata; Bendix, Claire; Nakayama, Thiago Jonas; Celaya, Brandon; Molinari, Hugo Bruno Correa; de Oliveira, Maria Cristina Neves; Harmon, Frank G; Nepomuceno, Alexandre

2014-01-01

Rhythms produced by the endogenous circadian clock play a critical role in allowing plants to respond and adapt to the environment. While there is a well-established regulatory link between the circadian clock and responses to abiotic stress in model plants, little is known of the circadian system in crop species like soybean. This study examines how drought impacts diurnal oscillation of both drought responsive and circadian clock genes in soybean. Drought stress induced marked changes in gene expression of several circadian clock-like components, such as LCL1-, GmELF4- and PRR-like genes, which had reduced expression in stressed plants. The same conditions produced a phase advance of expression for the GmTOC1-like, GmLUX-like and GmPRR7-like genes. Similarly, the rhythmic expression pattern of the soybean drought-responsive genes DREB-, bZIP-, GOLS-, RAB18- and Remorin-like changed significantly after plant exposure to drought. In silico analysis of promoter regions of these genes revealed the presence of cis-elements associated both with stress and circadian clock regulation. Furthermore, some soybean genes with upstream ABRE elements were responsive to abscisic acid treatment. Our results indicate that some connection between the drought response and the circadian clock may exist in soybean since (i) drought stress affects gene expression of circadian clock components and (ii) several stress responsive genes display diurnal oscillation in soybeans.

Diurnal Oscillations of Soybean Circadian Clock and Drought Responsive Genes

PubMed Central

Marcolino-Gomes, Juliana; Rodrigues, Fabiana Aparecida; Fuganti-Pagliarini, Renata; Bendix, Claire; Nakayama, Thiago Jonas; Celaya, Brandon; Molinari, Hugo Bruno Correa; de Oliveira, Maria Cristina Neves; Harmon, Frank G.; Nepomuceno, Alexandre

2014-01-01

Rhythms produced by the endogenous circadian clock play a critical role in allowing plants to respond and adapt to the environment. While there is a well-established regulatory link between the circadian clock and responses to abiotic stress in model plants, little is known of the circadian system in crop species like soybean. This study examines how drought impacts diurnal oscillation of both drought responsive and circadian clock genes in soybean. Drought stress induced marked changes in gene expression of several circadian clock-like components, such as LCL1-, GmELF4- and PRR-like genes, which had reduced expression in stressed plants. The same conditions produced a phase advance of expression for the GmTOC1-like, GmLUX-like and GmPRR7-like genes. Similarly, the rhythmic expression pattern of the soybean drought-responsive genes DREB-, bZIP-, GOLS-, RAB18- and Remorin-like changed significantly after plant exposure to drought. In silico analysis of promoter regions of these genes revealed the presence of cis-elements associated both with stress and circadian clock regulation. Furthermore, some soybean genes with upstream ABRE elements were responsive to abscisic acid treatment. Our results indicate that some connection between the drought response and the circadian clock may exist in soybean since (i) drought stress affects gene expression of circadian clock components and (ii) several stress responsive genes display diurnal oscillation in soybeans. PMID:24475115

The Quantum-to-Classical Transition in Strongly Interacting Nanoscale Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benatov, Latchezar Latchezarov

This thesis comprises two separate but related studies, dealing with two strongly interacting nanoscale systems on the border between the quantum and classical domains. In Part 1, we use a Born-Markov approximated master equation approach to study the symmetrized-in-frequency current noise spectrum and the oscillator steady state of a nanoelectromechanical system where a nanoscale resonator is coupled linearly via its momentum to a quantum point contact (QPC). Our current noise spectra exhibit clear signatures of the quantum correlations between the QPC current and the back-action force on the oscillator at a value of the relative tunneling phase where such correlations are expected to be maximized. We also show that the steady state of the oscillator obeys a classical Fokker-Planck equation, but can experience thermomechanical noise squeezing in the presence of a momentum-coupled detector bath and a position-coupled environmental bath. Besides, the full master equation clearly shows that half of the detector back-action is correlated with electron tunneling, indicating a departure from the model of the detector as an effective bath and suggesting that a future calculation valid at lower bias voltage, stronger tunneling and/or stronger coupling might reveal interesting quantum effects in the oscillator dynamics. In the second part of the thesis, we study the subsystem dynamics and thermalization of an oscillator-spin star model, where a nanomechanical resonator is coupled to a few two-level systems (TLS's). We use a fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical algorithm to integrate the Schrodinger equation for the system and obtain our results. We find that the oscillator reaches a Boltzmann steady state when the TLS bath is initially in a thermal state at a temperature higher than the oscillator phonon energy. This occurs in both chaotic and integrable systems, and despite the small number of spins (only six) and the lack of couplings between them. At the same time, pure initial states do not thermalize well in our system, indicating that mixed state thermalization stems from the thermal nature of the initial bath state. Under the influence of a thermal TLS bath, oscillator Fock states decay in an approximately exponential manner, but there is also a concave-down trend at very early times, possibly indicative of Gaussian decay. In the case of initial Fock state superpositions, the diagonal density matrix element behaves very similarly to single initial Fock states, while the off-diagonal matrix element decays sinusoidally with an exponentially decreasing amplitude. The off-diagonal decay time is much smaller then the diagonal one, indicating that superposition states decohere much faster than they decay. Both decay times decrease with increasing Fock state number, but more slowly than the 1/n dependence seen in the presence of an external ohmic bath.

Phase discriminating capacitive array sensor system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vranish, John M. (Inventor); Rahim, Wadi (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A phase discriminating capacitive sensor array system which provides multiple sensor elements which are maintained at a phase and amplitude based on a frequency reference provided by a single frequency stabilized oscillator. Sensor signals provided by the multiple sensor elements are controlled by multiple phase control units, which correspond to the multiple sensor elements, to adjust the sensor signals from the multiple sensor elements based on the frequency reference. The adjustment made to the sensor signals is indicated by output signals which indicate the proximity of the object. The output signals may also indicate the closing speed of the object based on the rate of change of the adjustment made, and the edges of the object based on a sudden decrease in the adjustment made.

Interactive coupling of electronic and optical man-made devices to biological systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozden, Ilker

Fireflies blink synchronously, lasers are "mode-locked" for amplification, cardiac pacemaker cells maintain a steady heartbeat, and crickets chirps get in step. These are examples of coupled oscillators. Coupled non-linear limit-cycle oscillator models are used extensively to provide information about the collective behavior of many physical and biological systems. Depending on the system parameters, namely, the coupling coefficient and the time delay in the coupling, these coupled limit-cycle oscillator exhibit several interesting phenomena; they either synchronize to a common frequency, or oscillate completely independent of each other, or drag each other to a standstill i.e., show "amplitude death". Many neuronal systems exhibit synchronized limit-cycle oscillations in network of electrically coupled cells. The inferior olivary (IO) neuron is an example of such a system. The inferior olive has been widely studied by neuroscientists as it exhibits spontaneous oscillations in its membrane potential, typically in the range of 1--10 Hz. Located in the medulla, the inferior olive is believed to form the neural basis for precise timing and learning in motor circuits by making strong synaptic connections onto Purkinjee cells in the cerebellum. In this thesis work, we report on work, which focuses on the implementation and study of coupling of a biological circuit, which is the inferior olivary system, with a man-made electronic oscillator, the so-called Chua's circuit. We were able to study the interaction between the two oscillators over a wide range coupling conditions. With increasing coupling strength, the oscillators become phase-locked, or synchronized, but with a phase relationship which is either in- or out-of-phase depending on the detailed adjustment in the coupling. Finally, the coupled system reaches the conditions for amplitude death, a rather fundamental result given that the interaction has taken place between purely biological and man-made circuit elements.

Surface relief structures for multiple beam LO generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veldkamp, W. B.

1980-01-01

Linear and binary holograms for use in heterodyne detection with 10.6 micron imaging arrays are described. The devices match the amplitude and phase of the local oscillator to the received signal and thus maximize the system signal to noise ratio and resolution and minimize heat generation on the focal plane. In both the linear and binary approaches, the holographic surface-relief pattern is coded to generate a set of local oscillator beams when the relief pattern is illuminated by a single planewave. Each beam of this set has the same amplitude shape distribution as, and is collinear with, each single element wavefront illuminating array.

Hydrodynamic Characteristics and Strength Analysis of a Novel Dot-matrix Oscillating Wave Energy Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Meng; Xiao, Chengsi; Sun, Jinwei; Shao, Zhuxiao; Zheng, Qiuhong

2017-12-01

The paper analyzes hydrodynamic characteristics and the strength of a novel dot-matrix oscillating wave energy converter, which is in accordance with nowadays’ research tendency: high power, high efficiency, high reliability and low cost. Based on three-dimensional potential flow theory, the paper establishes motion control equations of the wave energy converter unit and calculates wave loads and motions. On this basis, a three-dimensional finite element model of the device is built to check its strength. Through the analysis, it can be confirmed that the WEC is feasible and the research results could be a reference for wave energy’s exploration and utilization.

Chaplygin sleigh with periodically oscillating internal mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizyaev, Ivan A.; Borisov, Alexey V.; Kuznetsov, Sergey P.

2017-09-01

We consider the movement of Chaplygin sleigh on a plane that is a solid body with imposed nonholonomic constraint, which excludes the possibility of motions transversal to the constraint element (“knife-edge”), and complement the model with an attached mass, periodically oscillating relatively to the main platform of the sleigh. Numerical simulations indicate the occurrence of either unrestricted acceleration of the sleigh, or motions with bounded velocities and momenta, depending on parameters. We note the presence of phenomena characteristic to nonholonomic systems with complex dynamics; in particular, attractors occur responsible for chaotic motions. In addition, quasiperiodic regimes take place similar to those observed in conservative nonlinear dynamics.

Transport and Retention of Colloids in Porous Media: Does Shape Really Matter?

EPA Science Inventory

The effect of particle shape on its transport and retention in porous media was evaluated by stretching carboxylate-modified fluorescent polystyrene spheres into rod shapes with aspect ratios of 2:1 and 4:1. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation experiments (QCM-D) were c...

Interactions of Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials with Natural Organic Matter and Metal Oxide Surfaces

EPA Science Inventory

Interactions of graphene oxide (GO) with silica surfaces were investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Both GO deposition and release were monitored on silica- and poly-l-lysine (PLL) coated surfaces as a function of GO concentration a...

Hydrolysis of model cellulose films by cellulosomes: Extension of quartz crystal microbalance techniques to multienzymatic complexes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Clostridium thermocellum, a well-studied cellulolytic bacterium, produces highly active cellulases in the form of cellulosomes. The ability of the cellulose binding module within the cellulosome to adhere C. thermocellum cells to the cellulosic substrate is considered to contribute to its high cellu...

Least-squares finite element methods for compressible Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Bo-Nan; Carey, G. F.

1990-01-01

A method based on backward finite differencing in time and a least-squares finite element scheme for first-order systems of partial differential equations in space is applied to the Euler equations for gas dynamics. The scheme minimizes the L-sq-norm of the residual within each time step. The method naturally generates numerical dissipation proportional to the time step size. An implicit method employing linear elements has been implemented and proves robust. For high-order elements, computed solutions based on the L-sq method may have oscillations for calculations at similar time step sizes. To overcome this difficulty, a scheme which minimizes the weighted H1-norm of the residual is proposed and leads to a successful scheme with high-degree elements. Finally, a conservative least-squares finite element method is also developed. Numerical results for two-dimensional problems are given to demonstrate the shock resolution of the methods and compare different approaches.

Investigation of combustion control in a dump combustor using the feedback free fluidic oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, Eric J.

The feedback free fluidic oscillator uses the unsteady nature of two colliding jets to create a single oscillating outlet jet with a wide sweep angle. These devices have the potential to provide additional combustion control, boundary layer control, thrust vectoring, and industrial flow deflection. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics, CFD, was used to analyze the jet oscillation frequency over a range of operating conditions and to determine the effect that geometric changes in the oscillator design have on the frequency. Results presented illustrate the changes in jet oscillation frequency with gas type, gas temperature, operating pressure, pressure ratio across the oscillator, aspect ratio of the oscillator, and the frequency trends with various changes to the oscillator geometry. A fluidic oscillator was designed and integrated into single element rocket combustor with the goal of suppressing longitudinal combustion instabilities. An array of nine fluidic oscillators was tested to mimic modulated secondary oxidizer injection into the dump plane using 15% of the oxidizer flow. The combustor has a coaxial injector that uses gaseous methane and decomposed hydrogen peroxide at an O/F of 11.66. A sonic choke plate on an actuator arm allows for continuous adjustment of the oxidizer post acoustics for studying a variety of instability magnitudes. The fluidic oscillator unsteady outlet jet performance is compared with equivalent steady jet injection and a baseline design with no secondary oxidizer injection. At the most unstable operating conditions, the unsteady outlet jet saw a 60% reduction in the instability pressure oscillation magnitude when compared to the steady jet and baseline data. The results indicate open loop propellant modulation for combustion control can be achieved through fluidic devices that require no moving parts or electrical power to operate. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics, 3-D CFD, was conducted to determine the mechanism by which the fluidic oscillators were able to suppress the combustion instability. Results for steady jet secondary injection, showed a strong coupling between the jet injection and the combustion instability pressure pulse. The computational results were able to closely match the experimental results and previous CFD data. The model with the oscillating fluidic oscillator injection was unable to match the stable combustion seen in the experimental data. Further investigation is needed to determine the role higher order chemistry kinetics play in the process and the role of manifolds on the un-choked fuel and fluidic oscillator inlets. This research demonstrates the ability to modulate propellant injection and suppress combustion instabilities using fluidic devices that require no electrical power or moving parts. The advent of advanced manufacturing technologies such as direct metal laser sintering will allow for integration of fluidic devices into combustors to provide open loop active control with a high degree of reliability. Additionally, 2-D CFD analysis is demonstrated to be a valid tool for predicting the feedback free fluidic oscillator oscillation mechanism.

Numerical Simulations of Instabilities in Single-Hole Office Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahuja, Vineet; Hosangadi, Ashvin; Hitt, Matthew A.; Lineberry, David M.

2013-01-01

An orifice element is commonly used in liquid rocket engine test facilities either as a flow metering device, a damper for acoustic resonance or to provide a large reduction in pressure over a very small distance in the piping system. While the orifice as a device is largely effective in stepping down pressure, it is also susceptible to a wake-vortex type instability that generates pressure fluctuations that propagate downstream and interact with other elements of the test facility resulting in structural vibrations. Furthermore in piping systems an unstable feedback loop can exist between the vortex shedding and acoustic perturbations from upstream components resulting in an amplification of the modes convecting downstream. Such was the case in several tests conducted at NASA as well as in the Ariane 5 strap-on P230 engine in a static firing test where pressure oscillations of 0.5% resulted in 5% thrust oscillations. Exacerbating the situation in cryogenic test facilities, is the possibility of the formation of vapor clouds when the pressure in the wake falls below the vapor pressure leading to a cavitation instability that has a lower frequency than the primary wake-vortex instability. The cavitation instability has the potential for high amplitude fluctuations that can cause catastrophic damage in the facility. In this paper high-fidelity multi-phase numerical simulations of an orifice element are used to characterize the different instabilities, understand the dominant instability mechanisms and identify the tonal content of the instabilities.

What Would It Take for an Atmospheric Neutrino Detector to Constrain the Hydrogen Content of the Earth's Core ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourret, S.; Coelho, J. A. B.; Kaminski, E. C.; Van Elewyck, V.

2017-12-01

The difference between PREM density and seismic profiles in the Earth's core and the values for pure iron and iron-nickel alloys inferred from high pressure/high temperature experiments and ab initio calculations requires the presence of a few wt% of light elements. The nature and amount of these light elements (O, Si, S, H, C...) remains controversial. Recent studies have renewed the interest in H. It is the most abundant element in the nebula and can be easily dissolved in iron in the early stages of Earth's evolution. 1 to 2 wt% of H could explain the difference between PREM and pure iron. However, current geophysical methods alone cannot settle the debate between H and the other candidate elements. Neutrino oscillation tomography using atmospheric neutrinos opens an avenue to collect independent data on Earth's core composition. This method exploits the quantum phenomenon of neutrino flavour oscillations, which depends on the electron density along the path of the neutrino through the Earth. The combination of a neutrino-based measurement of the electron density with the PREM mass density profile constrains the average proton-to-nucleon ratio of the medium (Z/A). Since this parameter varies among chemical elements, e.g. 0.466 for Fe and 1 for H, this technique has the potential to provide unprecedented insights into the chemical composition of the core, and in particular its hydrogen content. Performing such a measurement requires large-size detectors with good efficiency in the relevant energy range and precise determination of the neutrino energy, arrival direction, and flavour. Considering a generic but realistic model of detector response, we quantify the influence of various detector performance indicators on the sensitivity to the average Z/A in the core. We further evaluate the impact of systematic uncertainties, such as those related to the physical model for neutrino oscillations and the incoming flux of atmospheric neutrinos. We consider specific examples of the next-generation detectors planned to start operating within the decade: ORCA, PINGU, Hyper-Kamiokande, and DUNE. We also identify the most crucial improvements required to reach a measurement of the H content of the core with a precision better than 1 wt%.

Spatio-temporal characterization imaging of Ca2+ oscillations in rat hippocampal neurons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhihong; Lu, Jinling; Zhou, Wei; Liu, Rengang; Zeng, Shaoqun; Luo, Qingming

2001-08-01

Ca2+ is the most common signal transduction element in cells and plays critical rolls in neuronal development and plasticity. Ca2+ signals encode information in their oscillation frequency or amplitude and response time to regular cellular function. In this study, in order to reveal the spatio-temporal characterization of Ca2+ oscillations in rat hippocampal neurons, two kinds of Ca2+ fluorescent probes, yellow cameleons 2.1 (YC2.1) and Fluo-3, were used to monitor the change of the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration (]Ca2+[i). Spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and glutamate elicited Ca2+ oscillations were observed with multi-photon excitation laser scan microscope (MPELSM) and confocal laser scan microscope (CLSM). The observation showed that the spatio- temporal characterization of either spontaneous or glutamate provoked Ca2+ oscillations had difference between the neurites and somata in individual nerons, especially in some distal end of neurites. The result indicated that Ca2+ oscillations were most important signal transduction pattern in neuronal development and activation. The spatio-temporal characterization of difference of Ca2+ signals between the distal endo of neurites and the somata might be associated with the distribution of ionotropic receptor and metabotropic glutamate receptors, and Ca2+ response mechanism mediated by two kinds of glutamate receptor. Ca2+ signal elicited by glutamate in the distal end of neurites appeared more complex and generated faster than that in the somata. It was suggested that Ca2+ signal in glutamate stimulated hippacamal neurons first generated from the distal end of neurites and then transduted to the somata. The complicated Ca2+ signal characterization in the distal end of neurites might be associated with neuronal activitation, neurotransmitter releasing, and other functions of neurons.

Investigation of the interaction between liquid and micro/nanostructured surfaces during condensation with quartz crystal microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Junwei

Dropwise condensation (DWC) on hydrophobic surfaces is attracting attention for its great potential in many industrial applications, such as steam power plants, water desalination, and de-icing of aerodynamic surfaces, to list a few. The direct dynamic characterization of liquid/solid interaction can significantly accelerate the progress toward a full understanding of the thermal and mass transport mechanisms during DWC processes. The research focuses on the development of a novel acoustic-based technique for analyzing the liquid/solid interactions of different condensations on micro- and nanostructured surfaces including DWC. hi addition. the newly developed technology was demonstrated for quantitatively sensing different wetting states of liquid on rough surfaces. First, different micro/nanostructures were fabricated on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), which serves as acoustic sensor. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) micropillars, with varying heights from 6.03 to 25.02 microm, were fabricated on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) substrate by thermal nanoimprinting lithography to form pillar-based QCM (QCM-P). For nanostructured QCM. a copper layer was deposited on the QCM surface and then nanostructures of copper oxide (CuO) films were formed via chemical oxidation in an alkaline solution. Then, these surfaces were treated to make them superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic using oxygen plasma treatment or with coating of 1H,1 H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl-trichlorosilane (PFOTS). Based on the geometry of these micro/nanostructures, the relationship between the frequency responses of QCM and the wetting states of these surfaces was theoretically investigated. Different theoretical models were established to describing the frequency shift of the micro- and nanostructured QCM in different wetting states. For the microstructured surface, the cantilever based model and a two-degree-of-freedom dynamic model were applied to predict the frequency shift of the QCM-P in different wetting states, by taking advantage of the well-defined micropillar structures. For the nanostructured surface, the gravimetric term was applied for the penetrated liquid as it moves synchronously with the oscillating crystal surface. It was revealed that the penetrated wetting state (Wenzel state) causes one order of magnitude higher frequency shift of the QCM than the suspended state (Cassie state) does. For the suspended state, the equivalent liquid mass on the tips of the roughness dominates the frequency shift signal instead of the damping. A nonlinear relationship appears between the frequency shift and micropillar height for both Cassie and Wenzel wetting states, due to the vibration phase veering at the "critical height". This implied that a significant improvement of sensitivity of QCM-P over traditional QCM occurred in the suspended state, as well as in the penetrated state. Besides, the suspended state provides a much higher quality factor than penetrated state. Using the insights gained from the experimental results and modeling results, the frequency shift of the QCM was normalized to reveal the wetting state directly. Then. the QCM device together with the microscopic observation was used to probe the droplets' growth and their coalescence processes. The normalized frequency shifts of QCM devices are clearly linked to the different condensation states at a global level, which cannot be characterized by other techniques such as E-SEM and TEM. The characterization of the trapped liquid in micro/nanostructures, which is very challenging for microscopic observation, can be easily carried out by this acoustic technique. These results quantitatively demonstrated the different condensation states. In addition, the transition between the Cassie and the Wenzel states was successfully captured by this method. The newly developed QCM system provides a valuable tool for the dynamic characterization of different condensation processes.

Study of Pressure Oscillations in Supersonic Parachute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahal, Nimesh; Fukiba, Katsuyoshi; Mizuta, Kazuki; Maru, Yusuke

2018-04-01

Supersonic parachutes are a critical element of planetary mission whose simple structure, light-weight characteristics together with high ratio of aerodynamic drag makes them the most suitable aerodynamic decelerators. The use of parachute in supersonic flow produces complex shock/shock and wake/shock interaction giving rise to dynamic pressure oscillations. The study of supersonic parachute is difficult, because parachute has very flexible structure which makes obtaining experimental pressure data difficult. In this study, a supersonic wind tunnel test using two rigid bodies is done. The wind tunnel test was done at Mach number 3 by varying the distance between the front and rear objects, and the distance of a bundle point which divides suspension lines and a riser. The analysis of Schlieren movies revealed shock wave oscillation which was repetitive and had large pressure variation. The pressure variation differed in each case of change in distance between the front and rear objects, and the change in distance between riser and the rear object. The causes of pressure oscillation are: interaction of wake caused by front object with the shock wave, fundamental harmonic vibration of suspension lines, interference between shock waves, and the boundary layer of suspension lines.

High Resolution Switching Mode Inductance-to-Frequency Converter with Temperature Compensationti

PubMed Central

Matko, Vojko; Milanović, Miro

2014-01-01

This article proposes a novel method for the temperature-compensated inductance-to-frequency converter with a single quartz crystal oscillating in the switching oscillating circuit to achieve better temperature stability of the converter. The novelty of this method lies in the switching-mode converter, the use of additionally connected impedances in parallel to the shunt capacitances of the quartz crystal, and two inductances in series to the quartz crystal. This brings a considerable reduction of the temperature influence of AT-cut crystal frequency change in the temperature range between 10 and 40 °C. The oscillator switching method and the switching impedances connected to the quartz crystal do not only compensate for the crystal's natural temperature characteristics but also any other influences on the crystal such as ageing as well as from other oscillating circuit elements. In addition, the method also improves frequency sensitivity in inductance measurements. The experimental results show that through high temperature compensation improvement of the quartz crystal characteristics, this switching method theoretically enables a 2 pH resolution. It converts inductance to frequency in the range of 85–100 μH to 2–560 kHz. PMID:25325334

Low-Power Photothermal Self-Oscillation of Bimetallic Nanowires.

PubMed

De Alba, Roberto; Abhilash, T S; Rand, Richard H; Craighead, Harold G; Parpia, Jeevak M

2017-07-12

We investigate the nonlinear mechanics of a bimetallic, optically absorbing SiN-Nb nanowire in the presence of incident laser light and a reflecting Si mirror. Situated in a standing wave of optical intensity and subject to photothermal forces, the nanowire undergoes self-induced oscillations at low incident light thresholds of <1 μW due to engineered strong temperature-position (T-z) coupling. Along with inducing self-oscillation, laser light causes large changes to the mechanical resonant frequency ω 0 and equilibrium position z 0 that cannot be neglected. We present experimental results and a theoretical model for the motion under laser illumination. In the model, we solve the governing nonlinear differential equations by perturbative means to show that self-oscillation amplitude is set by the competing effects of direct T-z coupling and 2ω 0 parametric excitation due to T-ω 0 coupling. We then study the linearized equations of motion to show that the optimal thermal time constant τ for photothermal feedback is τ → ∞ rather than the previously reported ω 0 τ = 1. Lastly, we demonstrate photothermal quality factor (Q) enhancement of driven motion as a means to counteract air damping. Understanding photothermal effects on nano- and micromechanical devices, as well as nonlinear aspects of optics-based motion detection, can enable new device applications as oscillators or other electronic elements with smaller device footprints and less stringent ambient vacuum requirements.

40 CFR 92.128 - Particulate handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Particulate handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place each filter in a closed (to... stabilization period, weigh each filter on the microbalance. This reading is the tare weight and must be recorded. (c) The filter shall then be stored in a covered petri dish or a sealed filter holder until...

40 CFR 92.128 - Particulate handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Particulate handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place each filter in a closed (to... stabilization period, weigh each filter on the microbalance. This reading is the tare weight and must be recorded. (c) The filter shall then be stored in a covered petri dish or a sealed filter holder until...

40 CFR 92.128 - Particulate handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Particulate handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place each filter in a closed (to... stabilization period, weigh each filter on the microbalance. This reading is the tare weight and must be recorded. (c) The filter shall then be stored in a covered petri dish or a sealed filter holder until...

40 CFR 92.128 - Particulate handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Particulate handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place each filter in a closed (to... stabilization period, weigh each filter on the microbalance. This reading is the tare weight and must be recorded. (c) The filter shall then be stored in a covered petri dish or a sealed filter holder until...

40 CFR 92.110 - Weighing chamber and micro-balance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed shall be maintained at a measured temperature between 19 °C and 25 °C during all filter conditioning and weighing. (2) Humidity. The relative humidity of the chamber (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed...

40 CFR 92.110 - Weighing chamber and micro-balance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed shall be maintained at a measured temperature between 19 °C and 25 °C during all filter conditioning and weighing. (2) Humidity. The relative humidity of the chamber (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed...

40 CFR 92.110 - Weighing chamber and micro-balance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed shall be maintained at a measured temperature between 19 °C and 25 °C during all filter conditioning and weighing. (2) Humidity. The relative humidity of the chamber (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed...

40 CFR 92.128 - Particulate handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Particulate handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place each filter in a closed (to... stabilization period, weigh each filter on the microbalance. This reading is the tare weight and must be recorded. (c) The filter shall then be stored in a covered petri dish or a sealed filter holder until...

40 CFR 92.110 - Weighing chamber and micro-balance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed shall be maintained at a measured temperature between 19 °C and 25 °C during all filter conditioning and weighing. (2) Humidity. The relative humidity of the chamber (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed...

40 CFR 92.110 - Weighing chamber and micro-balance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed shall be maintained at a measured temperature between 19 °C and 25 °C during all filter conditioning and weighing. (2) Humidity. The relative humidity of the chamber (or room) in which the particulate filters are conditioned and weighed...

Application of Kevin-Voigt Model in Quantifying Whey Protein Adsorption on Polyethersulfone Using QCM-D

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The study of protein adsorption on the membrane surface is of great importance to cheese-making processors that use polymeric membrane-based processes to recover whey protein from the process waste streams. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) is a lab-scale, fast analytical techniq...

Molecular Imprinting Technology in Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Sensors.

PubMed

Emir Diltemiz, Sibel; Keçili, Rüstem; Ersöz, Arzu; Say, Rıdvan

2017-02-24

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as artificial antibodies have received considerable scientific attention in the past years in the field of (bio)sensors since they have unique features that distinguish them from natural antibodies such as robustness, multiple binding sites, low cost, facile preparation and high stability under extreme operation conditions (higher pH and temperature values, etc.). On the other hand, the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an analytical tool based on the measurement of small mass changes on the sensor surface. QCM sensors are practical and convenient monitoring tools because of their specificity, sensitivity, high accuracy, stability and reproducibility. QCM devices are highly suitable for converting the recognition process achieved using MIP-based memories into a sensor signal. Therefore, the combination of a QCM and MIPs as synthetic receptors enhances the sensitivity through MIP process-based multiplexed binding sites using size, 3D-shape and chemical function having molecular memories of the prepared sensor system toward the target compound to be detected. This review aims to highlight and summarize the recent progress and studies in the field of (bio)sensor systems based on QCMs combined with molecular imprinting technology.

Synthesis and binding affinity analysis of α1-2- and α1-6-O/S-linked dimannosides for the elucidation of sulfur in glycosidic bonds using quartz crystal microbalance sensors.

PubMed

Norberg, Oscar; Wu, Bin; Thota, Niranjan; Ge, Jian-Tao; Fauquet, Germain; Saur, Ann-Kathrin; Aastrup, Teodor; Dong, Hai; Yan, Mingdi; Ramström, Olof

2017-11-27

The role of sulfur in glycosidic bonds has been evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance methodology. Synthetic routes towards α1-2- and α1-6-linked dimannosides with S- or O-glycosidic bonds have been developed, and the recognition properties assessed in competition binding assays with the cognate lectin concanavalin A. Mannose-presenting QCM sensors were produced using photoinitiated, nitrene-mediated immobilization methods, and the subsequent binding study was performed in an automated flow-through instrumentation, and correlated with data from isothermal titration calorimetry. The recorded K d -values corresponded well with reported binding affinities for the O-linked dimannosides with affinities for the α1-2-linked dimannosides in the lower micromolar range. The S-linked analogs showed slightly disparate effects, where the α1-6-linked analog showed weaker affinity than the O-linked dimannoside, as well as positive apparent cooperativity, whereas the α1-2-analog displayed very similar binding compared to the O-linked structure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids and proteins using quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance sensors based on target-triggering multiple signal amplification strategy.

PubMed

Sun, Wenbo; Song, Weiling; Guo, Xiaoyan; Wang, Zonghua

2017-07-25

In this study, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors were combined with template enhanced hybridization processes (TEHP), rolling circle amplification (RCA) and biocatalytic precipitation (BCP) for ultrasensitive detection of DNA and protein. The DNA complementary to the aptamer was released by the specific binding of the aptamer to the target protein and then hybridized with the capture probe and the assistant DNA to form a ternary "Y" junction structure. The initiation chain was generated by the template-enhanced hybridization process which leaded to the rolling circle amplification reaction, and a large number of repeating unit sequences were formed. Hybridized with the enzyme-labeled probes, the biocatalytic precipitation reaction was further carried out, resulting in a large amount of insoluble precipitates and amplifying the detection signal. Under the optimum conditions, detection limits as low as 43 aM for target DNA and 53 aM for lysozyme were achieved. In addition, this method also showed good selectivity and sensitivity in human serum. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Time-resolved viscoelastic properties of self-assembling iron oxide nanocube superlattices probed by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring.

PubMed

Kapuscinski, Martin; Agthe, Michael; Bergström, Lennart

2018-07-15

Self-assembly of nanoparticles into superlattices can be used to create hierarchically structured materials with tailored functions. We have used the surface sensitive quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) technique in combination with video microscopy (VM) to obtain time-resolved information on the mass increase and rheological properties of evaporation-induced self-assembly of nanocubes. We have recorded the frequency and dissipation shifts during growth and densification of superlattices formed by self-assembly of oleic acid capped, truncated iron oxide nanocubes and analyzed the time-resolved QCM-D data using a Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model. We show that the nanoparticles first assemble into solvent-containing arrays dominated by a viscous response followed by a solvent-releasing step that results in the formation of rigid and well-ordered superlattices. Our findings demonstrate that QCM-D can be successfully used to follow self-assembly and assist in the design of optimized routes to produce well-ordered superlattices. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anion-Dependent Potential Precycling Effects on Lithium Deposition/Dissolution Reaction Studied by an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance.

PubMed

Smaran, Kumar Sai; Shibata, Sae; Omachi, Asami; Ohama, Ayano; Tomizawa, Eika; Kondo, Toshihiro

2017-10-19

The electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance technique was employed to study the initial stage of the electrodeposition and dissolution of lithium utilizing three kinds of electrolyte solutions such as LiPF 6 , LiTFSI, or LiFSI in tetraglyme. The native-SEI (solid-electrolyte interphase) formed by a potential prescan before lithium deposition/dissolution in all three solutions. Simultaneous additional SEI (add-SEI) deposition and its dissolution with lithium deposition and dissolution, respectively, were observed in LiPF 6 and LiTFSI. Conversely, the add-SEI dissolution with lithium deposition and its deposition with lithium dissolution were observed in LiFSI. Additional potential precycling resulted in the accumulation of a "pre-SEI" layer over the native-SEI layer in all of the solutions. With the pre-SEI, only lithium deposition/dissolution were significantly observed in LiTFSI and LiFSI. On the basis of the potential dependences of the mass and resistance changes, the anion-dependent effects of such a pre-SEI layer presence/absence on the lithium deposition/dissolution processes were discussed.

Post-flight analyses of the crystals from the M0003-14 quartz crystal microbalance experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuckey, W. K.; Radhakrishnan, G.; Wallace, D.

1993-01-01

Quartz Crystal Microbalances constructed by QCM Research were flown on the leading and trailing edges of LDEF as one of the sub-experiments of M0003. Response of the crystals coated with 150 A of In2O3 was recorded during the first 424 days of the mission. A second QCM with crystals coated with 150 A of ZnS was also flown but not monitored. After the flight, the QCM's were disassembled and analyzed in The Aerospace Corporation laboratories. The samples included the crystals from the leading and trailing edge samples of both types of coatings along with the reference crystals, which were inside the QCM housing. Analyses were performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analyses, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ion microprobe mass analysis, and reflectance spectroscopy in the infrared and UV/visible regions. The crystals are contaminated predominantly with silicone compounds. The contamination is higher on the leading edge than on the trailing edge and higher on the exposed crystals than on the reference crystals.

Interactions of hyaluronan grafted on protein surfaces studied using a quartz crystal microbalance and a surface force balance.

PubMed

Jiang, Lei; Han, Juan; Yang, Limin; Ma, Hongchao; Huang, Bo

2015-10-07

Vocal folds are complex and multilayer-structured where the main layer is widely composed of hyaluronan (HA). The viscoelasticity of HA is key to voice production in the vocal fold as it affects the initiation and maintenance of phonation. In this study a simple layer-structured surface model was set up to mimic the structure of the vocal folds. The interactions between two opposing surfaces bearing HA were measured and characterised to analyse HA's response to the normal and shear compression at a stress level similar to that in the vocal fold. From the measurements of the quartz crystal microbalance, atomic force microscopy and the surface force balance, the osmotic pressure, normal interactions, elasticity change, volume fraction, refractive index and friction of both HA and the supporting protein layer were obtained. These findings may shed light on the physical mechanism of HA function in the vocal fold and the specific role of HA as an important component in the effective treatment of the vocal fold disease.

Integration of a Miniature Quartz Crystal Microbalance with a Microfluidic Chip for Amyloid Beta-Aβ42 Quantitation

PubMed Central

Tao, Wenyan; Xie, Qingji; Wang, Hairui; Ke, Shanming; Lin, Peng; Zeng, Xierong

2015-01-01

A miniature quartz crystal microbalance (mQCM) was integrated with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device for on-chip determination of amyloid polypeptide–Aβ42. The integration techniques included photolithography and plasma coupling. Aβ42 antibody was immobilized on the mQCM surface using a cross-linker method, and the resonance frequency of mQCM shifted negatively due to antibody-antigen binding. A linear range from 0.1 µM to 3.2 µM was achieved. By using matrix elimination buffer, i.e., matrix phosphate buffer containing 500 µg/mL dextran and 0.5% Tween 20, Aβ42 could be successfully detected in the presence of 75% human serum. Additionally, high temperature treatments at 150 °C provided a valid method to recover mQCM, and PDMS-mQCM microfluidic device could be reused to some extent. Since the detectable Aβ42 concentration could be as low as 0.1 µM, which is close to cut-off value for Alzheimer patients, the PDMS-mQCM device could be applied in early Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. PMID:26473864

Sensing of contaminants in potable water using TiO{sub 2} functional film

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

Akshatha, N.; Poonia, Monika; Gupta, R. K., E-mail: raj@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in

2016-04-13

The piezoelectric based quartz crystal microbalance is employed for sensing contaminants in potable water. A spin coated thin layer of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was formed at the sensing area of a 5 MHz AT-cut quartz wafer. The thin film of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles forms a mesoporous functional layer for the trapping of water borne contaminants. The morphology of the thin film of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The surface morphology of the TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles reveals the mesoporous structures indicating large number of defects and porous sites. Such film was employed for the detectionmore » of water borne contaminants by detecting the piezoelectric response from a quartz crystal microbalance. We found the film to be very sensitive to the contaminants. The minimum detection limit was found to be 330 ppb. The effect of surface recharging was also studied by altering the physical conditions so that the film can be used for repetitive usage.« less

Study of PEG Tether Length of Pegylated-Lipid Sensing Films in QCM Odor Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyszynski, Bartosz; Somboon, Pakpum; Nakamoto, Takamichi

Odor sensing system using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor array and pattern recognition technique has been for a long time an important research topic. Research of novel sensing materials for QCM odor sensors is vital for realization of artificial olfaction and related devices such as odor recorder. Herein we study quartz crystal microbalance (QCM, 20 MHz, AT-cut) sensors coated with lipopolymers with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tether. The tether's molecular weights were 1000, 2000 and 5000. In addition, we fabricated QCM sensors coated with PEGs of molecular weights 1000, 2000 and 4000. The fabricated sensors' properties were evaluated during experiments of exposures to vapors of alcohols, esters and acids. From the obtained results it is clear that the tether's length (molecular weight) is an important factor influencing the resulting material's sensing properties. Sensititivity patterns of the lipopolymeric sensors were clealrly different from the ones for respective polymers. The obtained sensors seem to have a good capability to discriminate among odor samples according to the functional group of an odorant.

Analysis of Perforin Assembly by Quartz Crystal Microbalance Reveals a Role for Cholesterol and Calcium-independent Membrane Binding.

PubMed

Stewart, Sarah E; Bird, Catherina H; Tabor, Rico F; D'Angelo, Michael E; Piantavigna, Stefania; Whisstock, James C; Trapani, Joseph A; Martin, Lisandra L; Bird, Phillip I

2015-12-25

Perforin is an essential component in the cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated cell death pathway. The traditional view holds that perforin monomers assemble into pores in the target cell membrane via a calcium-dependent process and facilitate translocation of cytotoxic proteases into the cytoplasm to induce apoptosis. Although many studies have examined the structure and role of perforin, the mechanics of pore assembly and granzyme delivery remain unclear. Here we have employed quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to investigate binding and assembly of perforin on lipid membranes, and show that perforin monomers bind to the membrane in a cooperative manner. We also found that cholesterol influences perforin binding and activity on intact cells and model membranes. Finally, contrary to current thinking, perforin efficiently binds membranes in the absence of calcium. When calcium is added to perforin already on the membrane, the QCM-D response changes significantly, indicating that perforin becomes membranolytic only after calcium binding. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Assessing the potential of quartz crystal microbalance to estimate water vapor transfer in micrometric size cellulose particles.

PubMed

Thoury-Monbrun, Valentin; Gaucel, Sébastien; Rouessac, Vincent; Guillard, Valérie; Angellier-Coussy, Hélène

2018-06-15

This study aims at assessing the use of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coupled with an adsorption system to measure water vapor transfer properties in micrometric size cellulose particles. This apparatus allows measuring successfully water vapor sorption kinetics at successive relative humidity (RH) steps on a dispersion of individual micrometric size cellulose particles (1 μg) with a total acquisition duration of the order of one hour. Apparent diffusivity and water uptake at equilibrium were estimated at each step of RH by considering two different particle geometries in mass transfer modeling, i.e. sphere or finite cylinder, based on the results obtained from image analysis. Water vapor diffusivity values varied from 2.4 × 10 -14  m 2  s -1 to 4.2 × 10 -12  m 2  s -1 over the tested RH range (0-80%) whatever the model used. A finite cylinder or spherical geometry could be used equally for diffusivity identification for a particle size aspect ratio lower than 2. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimizing the Mass-Specific Activity of Bilirubin Oxidase Adlayers through Combined Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Dual Polarization Interferometry Analyses.

PubMed

McArdle, Trevor; McNamara, Thomas P; Fei, Fan; Singh, Kulveer; Blanford, Christopher F

2015-11-18

Two surface analysis techniques, dual polarization interferometry (DPI) and analysis by an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation capability (E-QCM-D), were paired to find the deposition conditions that give the highest and most stable electrocatalytic activity per adsorbed mass of enzyme. Layers were formed by adsorption from buffered solutions of bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria at pH 6.0 to planar surfaces, under high enzyme loading (≥1 mg mL(-1)) for contact periods of up to 2 min. Both unmodified and carboxylate-functionalized gold-coated sensors showed that a deposition solution concentration of 10-25 mg mL(-1) gave the highest activity per mass of adsorbed enzyme with an effective catalytic rate constant (k(cat)) of about 60 s(-1). The densification of adsorbed layers observed by DPI correlated with reduced bioactivity observed by parallel E-QCM-D measurements. Postadsorption changes in thickness and density observed by DPI were incorporated into Kelvin-Voigt models of the QCM-D response. The modeled response matched experimental observations when the adlayer viscosity tripled after adsorption.

Polyacrylonitrile nanofiber as polar solvent N,N-dimethyl formamide sensor based on quartz crystal microbalance technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rianjanu, A.; Julian, T.; Hidayat, S. N.; Suyono, E. A.; Kusumaatmaja, A.; Triyana, K.

2018-04-01

Here, we describe an N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) vapour sensor fabricated by coating polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber structured on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The PAN nanofiber sensors with an average diameter of 225 nm to 310 nm were fabricated via electrospinning process with different mass deposition on QCM substrate. The nanostructured of PAN nanofiber offers a high specific surface area that improved the sensing performance of nanofiber sensors. Benefiting from that fine structure, and high polymer-solvent affinity between PAN and DMF, the development of DMF sensors presented good response at ambient temperature. Since there is no chemical reaction between PAN nanofiber and DMF vapour, weak physical interaction such absorption and swelling were responsible for the sensing behavior. The results are indicating that the response of PAN nanofiber sensors has more dependency on the nanofiber structure (specific surface area) rather than its mass deposition. The sensor also showed good stability after a few days sensing. These findings have significant implications for developing DMF vapour sensor based on QCM coated polymer nanofibers.

Probing the interaction between nanoparticles and lipid membranes by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefi, Nariman; Tufenkji, Nathalie

2016-12-01

There is increasing interest in using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to investigate the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with model surfaces. The high sensitivity, ease of use and the ability to monitor interactions in real-time has made it a popular technique for colloid chemists, biologists, bioengineers and biophysicists. QCM-D has been recently used to probe the interaction of NPs with supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) as model cell membranes. The interaction of NPs with SLBs is highly influenced by the quality of the lipid bilayers. Unlike many surface sensitive techniques, using QCM-D, the quality of SLBs can be assessed in real-time, hence QCM-D studies on SLB-NP interactions are less prone to the artefacts arising from bilayers that are not well formed. The ease of use and commercial availability of a wide range of sensor surfaces also have made QCM-D a versatile tool for studying NP interactions with lipid bilayers. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art on QCM-D based techniques for probing the interactions of NPs with lipid bilayers.

A Quartz Crystal Microbalance Immunosensor for Stem Cell Selection and Extraction

PubMed Central

Costanzo, Salvatore; Zambrano, Gerardo; Mauro, Marco; Battaglia, Raffaele; Ferrini, Gianluca; Nastri, Flavia; Pavone, Vincenzo

2017-01-01

A cost-effective immunosensor for the detection and isolation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has been developed. The recognition mechanism relies on anti-CD34 antibodies, DPSC-specific monoclonal antibodies that are anchored on the surface of the quartz crystals. Due to its high specificity, real time detection, and low cost, the proposed technology has a promising potential in the field of cell biology, for the simultaneous detection and sorting of stem cells from heterogeneous cell samples. The QCM surface was properly tailored through a biotinylated self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The biotin–avidin interaction was used to immobilize the biotinylated anti-CD34 antibody on the gold-coated quartz crystal. After antibody immobilization, a cellular pellet, with a mixed cell population, was analyzed; the results indicated that the developed QCM immunosensor is highly specific, being able to detect and sort only CD34+ cells. Our study suggests that the proposed technology can detect and efficiently sort any kind of cell from samples with high complexity, being simple, selective, and providing for more convenient and time-saving operations. PMID:29182568

Low-cost scalable quartz crystal microbalance array for environmental sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muckley, Eric S.; Anazagasty, Cristain; Jacobs, Christopher B.; Hianik, Tibor; Ivanov, Ilia N.

2016-09-01

Proliferation of environmental sensors for internet of things (IoT) applications has increased the need for low-cost platforms capable of accommodating multiple sensors. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) crystals coated with nanometer-thin sensor films are suitable for use in high-resolution ( 1 ng) selective gas sensor applications. We demonstrate a scalable array for measuring frequency response of six QCM sensors controlled by low-cost Arduino microcontrollers and a USB multiplexer. Gas pulses and data acquisition were controlled by a LabVIEW user interface. We test the sensor array by measuring the frequency shift of crystals coated with different compositions of polymer composites based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) while films are exposed to water vapor and oxygen inside a controlled environmental chamber. Our sensor array exhibits comparable performance to that of a commercial QCM system, while enabling high-throughput 6 QCM testing for under $1,000. We use deep neural network structures to process sensor response and demonstrate that the QCM array is suitable for gas sensing, environmental monitoring, and electronic-nose applications.

Electrochemistry, surface plasmon resonance, and quartz crystal microbalance: an associative study on cytochrome c adsorption on pyridine tail-group monolayers on gold.

PubMed

Paulo, Tércio de F; de Sousa, Ticyano P; de Abreu, Dieric S; Felício, Nathalie H; Bernhardt, Paul V; Lopes, Luiz G de F; Sousa, Eduardo H S; Diógenes, Izaura C N

2013-07-25

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and electrochemistry techniques were used to study the electron-transfer (ET) reaction of cytochrome c (Cyt c) on gold surfaces modified with thionicotinamide, thioisonicotinamide, 4-mercaptopyridine, 5-(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol, 5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol, 4,4'-bipyridine, and 4,4'-dithiopyridine. The electrochemical results showed that the ET process is complex, being chiefly diffusional with steps depending on the orientation of the pyridine or phenyl tail group of the modifiers. The correlation between the electrochemical results and those acquired by SPR and QCM indicated the presence of an adlayer of Cyt c adsorbed on the thiolate SAMs. This adlayer, although being not electroactive, is essential to assess the ET reaction of Cyt c in solution. The results presented in this work are consistent with the statement (Feng, Z. Q.; Imabayashi, S.; Kakiuchi, T.; Niki, K. J. Electroanal. Chem. 1995, 394, 149-154) that the ET reaction of Cyt c can be explained in terms of the through-bond tunneling mechanism.

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) affinity biosensor for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) detection.

PubMed

Mannelli, Ilaria; Minunni, Maria; Tombelli, Sara; Mascini, Marco

2003-03-01

A DNA piezoelectric sensor has been developed for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Single stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes were immobilised on the sensor surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device and the hybridisation between the immobilised probe and the target complementary sequence in solution was monitored. The probe sequences were internal to the sequence of the 35S promoter (P) and Nos terminator (T), which are inserted sequences in the genome of GMOs regulating the transgene expression. Two different probe immobilisation procedures were applied: (a) a thiol-dextran procedure and (b) a thiol-derivatised probe and blocking thiol procedure. The system has been optimised using synthetic oligonucleotides, which were then applied to samples of plasmidic and genomic DNA isolated from the pBI121 plasmid, certified reference materials (CRM), and real samples amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The analytical parameters of the sensor have been investigated (sensitivity, reproducibility, lifetime etc.). The results obtained showed that both immobilisation procedures enabled sensitive and specific detection of GMOs, providing a useful tool for screening analysis in food samples.

170-MHz electrodeless quartz crystal microbalance biosensor: capability and limitation of higher frequency measurement.

PubMed

Ogi, Hirotsugu; Nagai, Hironao; Naga, Hironao; Fukunishi, Yuji; Hirao, Masahiko; Nishiyama, Masayoshi

2009-10-01

We develop a highly sensitive quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor with a fundamental resonance frequency of 170 MHz. A naked AT-cut quartz plate of 9.7 microm thick is set in a sensor cell. Its shear vibration is excited by the line wire, and the vibration signals are detected by the other line wire, achieving the noncontacting measurement of the resonance frequency. The mass sensitivity of the 170 MHz QCM biosensor is 15 pg/(cm2 Hz), which is better than that of a conventional 5 MHz QCM by 3 orders of magnitude. Its high sensitivity is confirmed by detecting human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) via Staphylococcus protein A immobilized nonspecifically on both surfaces of the quartz plate. The detection limit is 0.5 pM. Limitation of the high-frequency QCM measurement is then theoretically discussed with a continuum mechanics model for a plate with point masses connected by elastic springs. The result indicates that a QCM measurement will break down at frequencies one-order-of-magnitude higher than the local resonance frequency at specific binding cites.

Apparatus for characterizing conductivity of superconducting materials

DOEpatents

Doss, J.D.

1993-12-07

Apparatus and method for noncontact, radio-frequency shielding current characterization of materials. Self- or mutual inductance changes in one or more inductive elements, respectively, occur when materials capable of supporting shielding currents are placed in proximity thereto, or undergo change in resistivity while in place. Such changes can be observed by incorporating the inductor(s) in a resonant circuit and determining the frequency of oscillation or by measuring the voltage induced on a coupled inductive element. The present invention is useful for determining the critical temperature and superconducting transition width for superconducting samples. 10 figures.

Implementation of reflex loops in a biomechanical finite element model.

PubMed

Salin, Dorian; Arnoux, Pierre-Jean; Kayvantash, Kambiz; Behr, Michel

2016-11-01

In the field of biomechanics, the offer of models which are more and more realistic requires to integrate a physiological response, in particular, the controlled muscle bracing and the reflexes. The following work aims to suggest a unique methodology which couples together a sensory and motor loop with a finite element model. Our method is applied to the study of the oscillation of the elbow in the case of a biceps brachial stretch reflex. The results obtained are promising in the purpose of the development of reactive human body models.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of acoustic instability of solid propellant rocket motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hackett, R. M.; Juruf, R. S.

1976-01-01

A three dimensional finite element solution of the acoustic vibration problem in a solid propellant rocket motor is presented. The solution yields the natural circular frequencies of vibration and the corresponding acoustic pressure mode shapes, considering the coupled response of the propellant grain to the acoustic oscillations occurring in the motor cavity. The near incompressibility of the solid propellant is taken into account in the formulation. A relatively simple example problem is solved in order to illustrate the applicability of the analysis and the developed computer code.

Apparatus and method for characterizing conductivity of materials

DOEpatents

Doss, J.D.

1988-04-13

Apparatus and method for noncontact, radio-frequency shielding current characterization of materials. Self- or mutual inductance changes in one or more inductive elements, respectively, occur when materials capable of supporting shielding currents are placed in proximity thereto, or undergo change in resistivity while in place. Such changes can be observed by incorporating the inductor(s) in a resonant circuit and determining the frequency of oscillation or by measuring the voltage induced on a coupled inductive element. The present invention is useful for determining the critical temperature and superconducting transition width for superconducting samples. 8 figs.

High-frequency Oscillations in Small Magnetic Elements Observed with Sunrise/SuFI

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

Jafarzadeh, S.; Solanki, S. K.; Cameron, R. H.

2017-04-01

We characterize waves in small magnetic elements and investigate their propagation in the lower solar atmosphere from observations at high spatial and temporal resolution. We use the wavelet transform to analyze oscillations of both horizontal displacement and intensity in magnetic bright points found in the 300 nm and the Ca ii H 396.8 nm passbands of the filter imager on board the Sunrise balloon-borne solar observatory. Phase differences between the oscillations at the two atmospheric layers corresponding to the two passbands reveal upward propagating waves at high frequencies (up to 30 mHz). Weak signatures of standing as well as downward propagating waves are alsomore » obtained. Both compressible and incompressible (kink) waves are found in the small-scale magnetic features. The two types of waves have different, though overlapping, period distributions. Two independent estimates give a height difference of approximately 450 ± 100 km between the two atmospheric layers sampled by the employed spectral bands. This value, together with the determined short travel times of the transverse and longitudinal waves provide us with phase speeds of 29 ± 2 km s{sup −1} and 31 ± 2 km s{sup −1}, respectively. We speculate that these phase speeds may not reflect the true propagation speeds of the waves. Thus, effects such as the refraction of fast longitudinal waves may contribute to an overestimate of the phase speed.« less

Semiconductor quantum well irradiated by a two-mode electromagnetic field as a terahertz emitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, S.; Liew, T. C. H.; Kibis, O. V.

2018-04-01

We study theoretically the nonlinear optical properties of a semiconductor quantum well (QW) irradiated by a two-mode electromagnetic wave consisting of a strong resonant dressing field and a weak off-resonant driving field. In the considered strongly coupled electron-field system, the dressing field opens dynamic Stark gaps in the electron energy spectrum of the QW, whereas the driving field induces electron oscillations in the QW plane. Since the gapped electron spectrum restricts the amplitude of the oscillations, the emission of a frequency comb from the QW appears. Therefore, the doubly driven QW operates as a nonlinear optical element which can be used, particularly, for optically controlled generation of terahertz radiation.

On the application of the PFEM to droplet dynamics modeling in fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryzhakov, Pavel B.; Jarauta, Alex; Secanell, Marc; Pons-Prats, Jordi

2017-07-01

The Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) is used to develop a model to study two-phase flow in fuel cell gas channels. First, the PFEM is used to develop the model of free and sessile droplets. The droplet model is then coupled to an Eulerian, fixed-grid, model for the airflow. The resulting coupled PFEM-Eulerian algorithm is used to study droplet oscillations in an air flow and droplet growth in a low-temperature fuel cell gas channel. Numerical results show good agreement with predicted frequencies of oscillation, contact angle, and deformation of injected droplets in gas channels. The PFEM-based approach provides a novel strategy to study droplet dynamics in fuel cells.

Non-synchronous control of self-oscillating resonant converters

DOEpatents

Glaser, John Stanley; Zane, Regan Andrew

2002-01-01

A self-oscillating switching power converter has a controllable reactance including an active device connected to a reactive element, wherein the effective reactance of the reactance and the active device is controlled such that the control waveform for the active device is binary digital and is not synchronized with the switching converter output frequency. The active device is turned completely on and off at a frequency that is substantially greater than the maximum frequency imposed on the output terminals of the active device. The effect is to vary the average resistance across the active device output terminals, and thus the effective output reactance, thereby providing converter output control, while maintaining the response speed of the converter.

A search for sterile neutrinos with IceCube DeepCore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terliuk, Andrii; IceCube Collaboration

2017-09-01

The DeepCore detector is a densely instrumented part of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory that lowers the neutrino detection threshold down to approximately 10 GeV resulting in the ability to measure atmospheric neutrino oscillations. The standard three neutrino mixing scenario can be tested by searching for an additional light sterile neutrino state, which does not interact via the standard weak interaction, but mixes with the three active neutrino states. This leads to an impact on the atmospheric neutrino oscillations below 100 GeV. We present improved limits to the sterile mixing element |U τ4|2 using three years of the DeepCore data taken during 2011-2013.

Fast and wide tuning wavelength-swept source based on dispersion-tuned fiber optical parametric oscillator.

PubMed

Zhou, Yue; Cheung, Kim K Y; Li, Qin; Yang, Sigang; Chui, P C; Wong, Kenneth K Y

2010-07-15

We demonstrate a dispersion-tuned fiber optical parametric oscillator (FOPO)-based swept source with a sweep rate of 40 kHz and a wavelength tuning range of 109 nm around 1550 nm. The cumulative speed exceeds 4,000,000 nm/s. The FOPO is pumped by a sinusoidally modulated pump, which is driven by a clock sweeping linearly from 1 to 1.0006 GHz. A spool of dispersion-compensating fiber is added inside the cavity to perform dispersion tuning. The instantaneous linewidth is 0.8 nm without the use of any wavelength selective element inside the cavity. 1 GHz pulses with pulse width of 150 ps are generated.

Optimization of SIS mixer elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mattauch, Robert J.

1985-01-01

Superconductor-Insulator-Superconductor (SIS) quantum mixers provide an approach to millimeter wave mixing - potentially offering conversion gain, a low local oscillator power demand, and potential mixer noise temperatures near the quantum limit. The development of a reliable fabrication technology for producing such high quality SIS devices for mixer applications in radio astronomy is the focus of the work.

Ambient air contamination: Characterization and detection techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nulton, C. P.; Silvus, H. S.

1985-01-01

Techniques to characterize and detect sources of ambient air contamination are described. Chemical techniques to identify indoor contaminants are outlined, they include gas chromatography, or colorimetric detection. Organics generated from indoor materials at ambient conditions and upon combustion are characterized. Piezoelectric quartz crystals are used as precision frequency determining elements in electronic oscillators.

Lifetimes and Oscillator Strengths for Ultraviolet Transitions Involving ns2nd 2D and nsnp2 2D terms in Pb II, Sn II, and Ge II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Federman, Steven Robert; Heidarian, Negar; Irving, Richard; Ellis, David; Ritchey, Adam M.; Cheng, Song; Curtis, Larry; Furman, Walter

2017-06-01

Radiative transitions of heavy elements are of great importance in astrophysics. Studying the transition rates and their corresponding oscillator strengths allows us to determine abundances of these heavy elements and therefore leads to better understanding of neutron capture processes. We provide the results of our studies on the transitions involving ns2nd 2D and nsnp2 2D terms to the ground term for Pb II, Sn II, and Ge II. These transitions are also of interest due to their strong mixing. Our studies involve experimental measurements performed at the Toledo Heavy Ion Accelerator and theoretical multi-configuration Dirac Hartree-Fock (MCDHF)1 calculations using the development version of the GRASP2K package2. The results are compared with Pb II lines seen in spectra acquired with the Hubble Space Telescope and with other values available in the literature. 1 P. Jönsson et al., The Computational Atomic Structure Group (2014).2 P. Jönsson et al., Comput. Phys. Commun. 184, 2197 (2013).

Cascade flutter analysis with transient response aerodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakhle, Milind A.; Mahajan, Aparajit J.; Keith, Theo G., Jr.; Stefko, George L.

1991-01-01

Two methods for calculating linear frequency domain aerodynamic coefficients from a time marching Full Potential cascade solver are developed and verified. In the first method, the Influence Coefficient, solutions to elemental problems are superposed to obtain the solutions for a cascade in which all blades are vibrating with a constant interblade phase angle. The elemental problem consists of a single blade in the cascade oscillating while the other blades remain stationary. In the second method, the Pulse Response, the response to the transient motion of a blade is used to calculate influence coefficients. This is done by calculating the Fourier Transforms of the blade motion and the response. Both methods are validated by comparison with the Harmonic Oscillation method and give accurate results. The aerodynamic coefficients obtained from these methods are used for frequency domain flutter calculations involving a typical section blade structural model. An eigenvalue problem is solved for each interblade phase angle mode and the eigenvalues are used to determine aeroelastic stability. Flutter calculations are performed for two examples over a range of subsonic Mach numbers.

Analysis of spurious oscillation modes for the shallow water and Navier-Stokes equations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walters, R.A.; Carey, G.F.

1983-01-01

The origin and nature of spurious oscillation modes that appear in mixed finite element methods are examined. In particular, the shallow water equations are considered and a modal analysis for the one-dimensional problem is developed. From the resulting dispersion relations we find that the spurious modes in elevation are associated with zero frequency and large wave number (wavelengths of the order of the nodal spacing) and consequently are zero-velocity modes. The spurious modal behavior is the result of the finite spatial discretization. By means of an artificial compressibility and limiting argument we are able to resolve the similar problem for the Navier-Stokes equations. The relationship of this simpler analysis to alternative consistency arguments is explained. This modal approach provides an explanation of the phenomenon in question and permits us to deduce the cause of the very complex behavior of spurious modes observed in numerical experiments with the shallow water equations and Navier-Stokes equations. Furthermore, this analysis is not limited to finite element formulations, but is also applicable to finite difference formulations. ?? 1983.

A new single-particle basis for nuclear many-body calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puddu, G.

2017-10-01

Predominantly, harmonic oscillator single-particle wave functions are the preferred choice for a basis in ab initio nuclear many-body calculations. These wave-functions, although very convenient in order to evaluate the matrix elements of the interaction in the laboratory frame, have too fast a fall-off at large distances. In the past, as an alternative to the harmonic oscillator, other single-particle wave functions have been proposed. In this work, we propose a new single-particle basis, directly linked to nucleon-nucleon interaction. This new basis is orthonormal and complete, has the proper asymptotic behavior at large distances and does not contain the continuum which would pose severe convergence problems in nuclear many body calculations. We consider the newly proposed NNLO-opt nucleon-nucleon interaction, without any renormalization. We show that, unlike other bases, this single-particle representation has a computational cost similar to the harmonic oscillator basis with the same space truncation and it gives lower energies for 6He and 6Li.

Uncovering low dimensional macroscopic chaotic dynamics of large finite size complex systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skardal, Per Sebastian; Restrepo, Juan G.; Ott, Edward

2017-08-01

In the last decade, it has been shown that a large class of phase oscillator models admit low dimensional descriptions for the macroscopic system dynamics in the limit of an infinite number N of oscillators. The question of whether the macroscopic dynamics of other similar systems also have a low dimensional description in the infinite N limit has, however, remained elusive. In this paper, we show how techniques originally designed to analyze noisy experimental chaotic time series can be used to identify effective low dimensional macroscopic descriptions from simulations with a finite number of elements. We illustrate and verify the effectiveness of our approach by applying it to the dynamics of an ensemble of globally coupled Landau-Stuart oscillators for which we demonstrate low dimensional macroscopic chaotic behavior with an effective 4-dimensional description. By using this description, we show that one can calculate dynamical invariants such as Lyapunov exponents and attractor dimensions. One could also use the reconstruction to generate short-term predictions of the macroscopic dynamics.

Reduction of Dynamic Loads in Mine Lifting Installations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, N. K.; Eliseev, S. V.; Perelygina, A. Yu

2018-01-01

Article is devoted to a problem of decrease in the dynamic loadings arising in transitional operating modes of the mine lifting installations leading to heavy oscillating motions of lifting vessels and decrease in efficiency and reliability of work. The known methods and means of decrease in dynamic loadings and oscillating motions of the similar equipment are analysed. It is shown that an approach based on the concept of the inverse problems of dynamics can be effective method of the solution of this problem. The article describes the design model of a one-ended lifting installation in the form of a two-mass oscillation system, in which the inertial elements are the mass of the lifting vessel and the reduced mass of the engine, reducer, drum and pulley. The simplified mathematical model of this system and results of an efficiency research of an active way of reduction of dynamic loadings of lifting installation on the basis of the concept of the inverse problems of dynamics are given.

Autonomous strange nonchaotic oscillations in a system of mechanical rotators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalnine, Alexey Yu.; Kuznetsov, Sergey P.

2017-05-01

We investigate strange nonchaotic self-oscillations in a dissipative system consisting of three mechanical rotators driven by a constant torque applied to one of them. The external driving is nonoscillatory; the incommensurable frequency ratio in vibrational-rotational dynamics arises due to an irrational ratio of diameters of the rotating elements involved. It is shown that, when losing stable equilibrium, the system can demonstrate two- or three-frequency quasi-periodic, chaotic and strange nonchaotic self-oscillations. The conclusions of the work are confirmed by numerical calculations of Lyapunov exponents, fractal dimensions, spectral analysis, and by special methods of detection of a strange nonchaotic attractor (SNA): phase sensitivity and analysis using rational approximation for the frequency ratio. In particular, SNA possesses a zero value of the largest Lyapunov exponent (and negative values of the other exponents), a capacitive dimension close to 2 and a singular continuous power spectrum. In general, the results of this work shed a new light on the occurrence of strange nonchaotic dynamics.

Leptonic Unitarity Triangle and CP-Violation

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

Farzan, Yasaman

2002-02-01

The area of the unitarity triangle is a measure of CP-violation. We introduce the leptonic unitarity triangles and study their properties. We consider the possibility of reconstructing the unitarity triangle in future oscillation and non-oscillation experiments. A set of measurements is suggested which will, in principle, allow us to measure all sides of the triangle, and consequently to establish CP-violation. For different values of the CP-violating phase, {delta}{sub D}, the required accuracy of measurements is estimated. The key elements of the method include determination of |U{sub e3}| and studies of the {nu}{sub {mu}} - {nu}{sub {mu}} survival probability in oscillationsmore » driven by the solar mass splitting {Delta}m{sub sun}{sup 2}. We suggest additional astrophysical measurements which may help to reconstruct the triangle. The method of the unitarity triangle is complementary to the direct measurements of CP-asymmetry. It requires mainly studies of the survival probabilities and processes where oscillations are averaged or the coherence of the state is lost.« less

High-intensity discharge lamp and Duffing oscillator—Similarities and differences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, Bernd; Schwieger, Joerg; Stein, Ulrich; Hallerberg, Sarah; Wolff, Marcus

2017-12-01

The processes inside the arc tube of high-intensity discharge lamps are investigated using finite element simulations. The behavior of the gas mixture inside the arc tube is governed by differential equations describing mass, energy, and charge conservation, as well as the Helmholtz equation for the acoustic pressure and the Reynolds equations for the flow driven by buoyancy and Reynolds stresses. The model is highly nonlinear and requires a recursion procedure to account for the impact of acoustic streaming on the temperature and other fields. The investigations reveal the presence of a hysteresis and the corresponding jump phenomenon, quite similar to a Duffing oscillator. The similarities and, in particular, the differences of the nonlinear behavior of the high-intensity discharge lamp to that of a Duffing oscillator are discussed. For large amplitudes, the high-intensity discharge lamp exhibits a stiffening effect in contrast to the Duffing oscillator. It is speculated on how the stiffening might affect hysteresis suppression.

Label Free QCM Immunobiosensor for AFB1 Detection Using Monoclonal IgA Antibody as Recognition Element.

PubMed

Ertekin, Özlem; Öztürk, Selma; Öztürk, Zafer Ziya

2016-08-11

This study introduces the use of an IgA isotype aflatoxin (AF) specific monoclonal antibody for the development of a highly sensitive Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) immunobiosensor for the detection of AF in inhibitory immunoassay format. The higher molecular weight of IgA antibodies proved an advantage over commonly used IgG antibodies in label free immunobiosensor measurements. IgA and IgG antibodies with similar affinity for AF were used in the comparative studies. Sensor surface was prepared by covalent immobilization of AFB1, using self assembled monolayer (SAM) formed on gold coated Quartz Crystal, with 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxy succinimide (EDC/NHS) method using a diamine linker. Nonspecific binding to the surface was decreased by minimizing the duration of EDC/NHS activation. Sensor surface was chemically blocked after AF immobilization without any need for protein blocking. This protein free sensor chip endured harsh solutions with strong ionic detergent at high pH, which is required for the regeneration of the high affinity antibody-antigen interaction. According to the obtained results, the detection range with IgA antibodies was higher than IgG antibodies in QCM immunosensor developed for AFB1.

Use of a small overpotential approximation to analyze Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilm impedance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babauta, Jerome T.; Beyenal, Haluk

2017-07-01

The electrochemical impedance of Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms reflects the extracellular electron transfer mechanisms determining the rate of current output. Binned into two characteristic parameters, conductance and capacitance, biofilm impedance has received significant attention. The goal of this study was to evaluate a small overpotential approximation for extracellular electron transfer in G. sulfurreducens biofilms. Our motivation was to determine whether conductance over biofilm growth behaved linearly with respect to limiting current. Biofilm impedance was tracked during growth using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (eQCM). We showed that normalization of the biofilm impedance is useful for characterizing the changes during growth. When the conductance and capacitance were compared to the biofilm current, we found that: 1) conductance had a linear response and 2) constant phase elements (CPE) had a saturating response that coincided with the limiting current. We provided a framework using a simple iV relationship that predicted the conductance-current slope to be 9.57 V-1. CPEs showed more variability across biofilm replicates than conductance values. Although G. sulfurreducens biofilms were used here, other electrochemically active biofilms exhibiting catalytic waves could be studied using the same methods.