Observations of radiation damage and recovery in ammonia targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKee, P. M.

2004-06-01

The Polarized Target Group at the University of Virginia has conducted experiments at both the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in which a high-intensity (100 nA) electron beam was focused on a polarized target of solid ammonia and/ or solid, deuterated ammonia. Analysis of the target polarization data have revealed several unique characteristics of ammonia. Topics discussed include the rate of polarization decay with accumulated charge, methods of recovering polarization through target annealing and damage-induced shifts in the optimum microwave frequency used to drive the polarization.

Versatile spin-polarized electron source

DOEpatents

Jozwiak, Chris; Park, Cheol -Hwan; Gotlieb, Kenneth; Louie, Steven G.; Hussain, Zahid; Lanzara, Alessandra

2015-09-22

One or more embodiments relate generally to the field of photoelectron spin and, more specifically, to a method and system for creating a controllable spin-polarized electron source. One preferred embodiment of the invention generally comprises: method for creating a controllable spin-polarized electron source comprising the following steps: providing one or more materials, the one or more materials having at least one surface and a material layer adjacent to said surface, wherein said surface comprises highly spin-polarized surface electrons, wherein the direction and spin of the surface electrons are locked together; providing at least one incident light capable of stimulating photoemission of said surface electrons; wherein the photon polarization of said incident light is tunable; and inducing photoemission of the surface electron states.

How to design 13C para-hydrogen-induced polarization experiments for MRI applications.

PubMed

Reineri, Francesca; Viale, Alessandra; Dastrù, Walter; Gobetto, Roberto; Aime, Silvio

2011-01-01

The application of hyperpolarization techniques for MRI purposes is gathering increasing attention, especially for nuclei such as (13)C or (129)Xe. Among the different proposed methods, ParaHydrogen Induced Polarization requires relatively cheap equipment. The setup of an MRI experiment by means of parahydrogen requires the application of skills and methodologies that derive from different fields of knowledge. The basic theory and a practical insight of this method are presented here. Parahydrogenation of alkynes, having a labelled (13)CO group adjacent to the triple bond, catalyzed by Rh(I) complexes containing a chelating phosphine, represents the best choice for producing and maintaining high heteronuclear polarization effect. In order to transform anti-phase into in-phase (net) (13)C polarization for MRI application it is necessary to set up the described magnetic field cycle procedure. In vitro and in vivo images have been acquired using fast imaging sequences (RARE and trueFISP). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Temperature and induced electric field dependence on the phase transition of 9/70/30, 9/65/35 and 9/60/40 PLZT ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somwan, Siripong; Funsueb, Narit; Limpichaipanit, Apichart; Ngamjarurojana, Athipong

2018-05-01

In this work, Pb0.91La0.09(Zr1-xTix)0.9775O3 ceramics where x = 0.3, 0.35 and 0.4 (the composition near MPB) were prepared by solid solution method. After fabrication process, electrical property was measured by LCR meter. Polarization and induced strain behavior of the samples were investigated by using interferometry technique modified with Sawyer-Tower circuit at various temperatures. The results of dielectric, polarization and induced strain properties were due to the Zr/Ti ratios, which changed their behavior when temperature was varied (30-70 °C). The normal to macro-micro domains to relaxor and paraelectric phase transition was demonstrated which is related to linear or nonlinear increase of polarization and induced strain as a function of applied subswitching electric field.

Assessment and statistics of surgically induced astigmatism.

PubMed

Naeser, Kristian

2008-05-01

The aim of the thesis was to develop methods for assessment of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in individual eyes, and in groups of eyes. The thesis is based on 12 peer-reviewed publications, published over a period of 16 years. In these publications older and contemporary literature was reviewed(1). A new method (the polar system) for analysis of SIA was developed. Multivariate statistical analysis of refractive data was described(2-4). Clinical validation studies were performed. The description of a cylinder surface with polar values and differential geometry was compared. The main results were: refractive data in the form of sphere, cylinder and axis may define an individual patient or data set, but are unsuited for mathematical and statistical analyses(1). The polar value system converts net astigmatisms to orthonormal components in dioptric space. A polar value is the difference in meridional power between two orthogonal meridians(5,6). Any pair of polar values, separated by an arch of 45 degrees, characterizes a net astigmatism completely(7). The two polar values represent the net curvital and net torsional power over the chosen meridian(8). The spherical component is described by the spherical equivalent power. Several clinical studies demonstrated the efficiency of multivariate statistical analysis of refractive data(4,9-11). Polar values and formal differential geometry describe astigmatic surfaces with similar concepts and mathematical functions(8). Other contemporary methods, such as Long's power matrix, Holladay's and Alpins' methods, Zernike(12) and Fourier analyses(8), are correlated to the polar value system. In conclusion, analysis of SIA should be performed with polar values or other contemporary component systems. The study was supported by Statens Sundhedsvidenskabeligt Forskningsråd, Cykelhandler P. Th. Rasmussen og Hustrus Mindelegat, Hotelejer Carl Larsen og Hustru Nicoline Larsens Mindelegat, Landsforeningen til Vaern om Synet, Forskningsinitiativet for Arhus Amt, Alcon Denmark, and Desirée and Niels Ydes Fond.

Spin polarization properties of benzene/graphene with transition metals as dopants: First principles calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, X. B.; Tian, Y. L.; Zhao, X. W.; Yue, W. W.; Hu, G. C.; Ren, J. F.

2018-05-01

First principles calculations are used to study the spin polarization properties of benzene molecule adsorbed on the graphene surface which doped with transition metals including Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, and Ni. The densities of states (DOS) of the benzene molecule can be induced to be spin split at the Fermi level only when it is adsorbed on Mn-, and Cr-doped graphene. The p-orbital of the benzene molecule will interact with the d orbital of the doped atoms, which will generate new spin coupling states and lead to obvious spin polarization of the benzene molecule. The spin-polarized density distributions as well as the differential charge density distributions of the systems also suggest that Mn-doped graphene will induce bigger spin polarization than that of Cr-doped graphene. Benzene molecule could be spin-polarized when it is adsorbed on the graphene surface with transition metal dopants, which could be a new method for researching graphene-based organic spintronic devices.

Uncertainties of atmospheric polarimetric measurements with sun-sky radiometers induced by errors of relative orientations of polarizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Li; Li, Zhengqiang; Li, Kaitao; Sun, Bin; Wu, Yanke; Xu, Hua; Xie, Yisong; Goloub, Philippe; Wendisch, Manfred

2018-04-01

In this study errors of the relative orientations of polarizers in the Cimel polarized sun-sky radiometers are measured and introduced into the Mueller matrix of the instrument. The linearly polarized light with different polarization directions from 0° to 180° (or 360°) is generated by using a rotating linear polarizer in front of an integrating sphere. Through measuring the referential linearly polarized light, the errors of relative orientations of polarizers are determined. The efficiencies of the polarizers are obtained simultaneously. By taking the error of relative orientation into consideration in the Mueller matrix, the accuracies of the calculated Stokes parameters, the degree of linear polarization, and the angle of polarization are remarkably improved. The method may also apply to other polarization instruments of similar types.

Design and fabrication of a reflection far ultraviolet polarizer and retarder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jongmin; Zukic, Muamer; Wilson, Michele M.; Torr, Douglas G.

1993-01-01

New methods have been developed for the design of a far ultraviolet multilayer reflection polarizer and retarder. A MgF2/Al/MgF2 three-layer structure deposited on a thick opaque Al film (substrate) is used for the design of polarizers and retarders. The induced transmission and absorption method is used for the design of a polarizer and layer-by-layer electric field calculation method is used for the design of a quarterwave retarder. In order to fabricate these designs in a conventional high vacuum chamber, we have to minimize the oxidation of the Al layers and somehow characterize the oxidized layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to investigate the amount and profile of oxidation. Depth profiling results and a seven layer oxidation model are presented.

HAWC+/SOFIA Instrumental Polarization Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michail, Joseph M.; Chuss, David; Dowell, Charles D.; Santos, Fabio; Siah, Javad; Vaillancourt, John; HAWC+ Instrument Team

2018-01-01

HAWC+ is a new far-infrared polarimeter for the NASA/DLR SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) telescope. HAWC+ has the capability to measure the polarization of astronomical sources with unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution in four bands from 50-250 microns. Using data obtained during commissioning flights, we implemented a calibration strategy that separates the astronomical polarization signal from the induced instrumental polarization. The result of this analysis is a map of the instrumental polarization as a function of position in the instrument's focal plane in each band. The results show consistency between bands, as well as with other methods used to determine preliminary instrumental polarization values.

Generalization of the Jones vector-matrix method and the regularity of the Weigert effect for partially polarized light.

PubMed

Kilosanidze, Barbara

2010-06-01

Generalization of the Jones vector for partially polarized radiation carried out by Kakichashvili is given. Partially polarized light is presented as two noncoherent components of mutually orthogonal polarization. The formal operation of amplitude summation of mutually noncoherent components and the symbol of this operation are introduced. The rules of operating with this symbol are determined. The regularity of the Weigert effect is modified for partial polarization of the inducing light. On this basis the modification of the Jones matrix for partially polarized light is made. The rules for the formation of the resulting matrix from the Jones matrices corresponding to the noncoherent components of partially polarized light are determined.

Apparatus and method for increasing the bandwidth of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Chaffee, Paul H.

1991-01-01

A method and apparatus is disclosed that provides a laser output beam having a broad bandwidth and an intensity smooth over time. The bandwidth of the laser output can be varied easily by varying the intensity of a broadband source. The present invention includes an optical modulation apparatus comprising a narrowband laser that outputs a horizontally polarized beam (a "signal beam") and a broadband laser that outputs a vertically polarized beam (a "pump beam") whose intensity varies rapidly. The two beam are coupled into a birefringent laser material so that the respective polarizations coincide with the principal axes of the material. As the two beams travel through the material, the polarization preserving properties of the birefringent material maintain the respective polarizations of the two beam; however there is coupling between the two beams as a result of cross phase modulations, which induces a bandwidth change of the signal beam. The amount of bandwidth change is dependent upon the average intensity of the pump beam. The beams are coupled out from the birefringent material and the modulated signal beam is separated by a polarization selector. The modulated signal beam now has a wider bandwidth, and its shape remains smooth in time. This signal beam can be applied to incoherence inducing systems. The different bandwidths required by these different incoherence inducing systems can be obtained by varying the intensity of the pump beam. The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. W7405-ENG-48 between the United States Department of Energy and the University of California for the operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Para-hydrogen induced polarization without incorporation of para-hydrogen into the analyte.

PubMed

Atkinson, Kevin D; Cowley, Michael J; Duckett, Simon B; Elliott, Paul I P; Green, Gary G R; López-Serrano, Joaquín; Khazal, Iman G; Whitwood, Adrian C

2009-01-19

The cationic iridium complexes [Ir(COD)(PR3)2]BF4 (1a-c) (a, R = Ph; b, R = p-tolyl; c, R = p-C6H4-OMe) react with parahydrogen in the presence of pyridine to give trans, cis, cis-[Ir(PR3)2(py)2(H)2]+ (2a-c) and small amounts of fac, cis-[Ir(PR3)(py)3(H)2]+ (3a-c), each of which exhibit polarized hydride resonances due to the magnetic inequivalence associated with the resultant AA"XX" spin system when 15N-labeled pyridine is employed. The pyridine ligands in 2 are labile, exchanging slowly into free pyridine with a rate constant of 0.4 s(-1) for 2a at 335 K in a dissociative process where DeltaH(double dagger) = 134 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = 151 +/- 5 J mol(-1) K(-1). Pyridine ligand exchange in 2 proves to be slower than that determined for 3. Parahydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) based on the hydride ligands of 2 and 3 is transferred efficiently to the 15N nuclei of the bound pyridine ligand by suitable insensitive-nuclei-enhanced-by-polarization-transfer (INEPT) based procedures. Related methods are then used to facilitate the sensitization of the free pyridine 15N signal by a factor of 120-fold through ligand exchange even though this substrate does not contain parahydrogen. This therefore corresponds to the successful polarization of an analyte by parahydrogen induced polarization methods without the need for the actual chemical incorporation of any parahydrogen derived nuclei into it.

Experimental boundaries of the quantum rotor induced polarization (QRIP) in liquid state NMR.

PubMed

Icker, Maik; Fricke, Pascal; Grell, Toni; Hollenbach, Julia; Auer, Henry; Berger, Stefan

2013-12-01

The Haupt-effect is a rather seldom used hyperpolarization method. It is based on the interdependence between nuclear spin states and rotational states of nearly free rotating methyl groups having C3 symmetry. A sudden change in temperature from 4.2 K to room temperature by fast dissolution yields considerably enhanced (13)C and (1)H resonance signals. This phenomenon is now termed quantum rotor induced polarization. More than 40 substances have been studied by this approach in order to identify them as polarizable by the 'Haupt-effect in the liquid state'. Influencing factors have been analyzed systematically. It could be concluded that substances having a high tunneling frequency, which is due to a small and narrow potential barrier, are most likely to feature quantum rotor induced polarization-enhanced signals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Optically buffered Jones-matrix-based multifunctional optical coherence tomography with polarization mode dispersion correction

PubMed Central

Hong, Young-Joo; Makita, Shuichi; Sugiyama, Satoshi; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2014-01-01

Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) degrades the performance of Jones-matrix-based polarization-sensitive multifunctional optical coherence tomography (JM-OCT). The problem is specially acute for optically buffered JM-OCT, because the long fiber in the optical buffering module induces a large amount of PMD. This paper aims at presenting a method to correct the effect of PMD in JM-OCT. We first mathematically model the PMD in JM-OCT and then derive a method to correct the PMD. This method is a combination of simple hardware modification and subsequent software correction. The hardware modification is introduction of two polarizers which transform the PMD into global complex modulation of Jones matrix. Subsequently, the software correction demodulates the global modulation. The method is validated with an experimentally obtained point spread function with a mirror sample, as well as by in vivo measurement of a human retina. PMID:25657888

NMR at earth's magnetic field using para-hydrogen induced polarization.

PubMed

Hamans, Bob C; Andreychenko, Anna; Heerschap, Arend; Wijmenga, Sybren S; Tessari, Marco

2011-09-01

A method to achieve NMR of dilute samples in the earth's magnetic field by applying para-hydrogen induced polarization is presented. Maximum achievable polarization enhancements were calculated by numerically simulating the experiment and compared to the experimental results and to the thermal equilibrium in the earth's magnetic field. Simultaneous 19F and 1H NMR detection on a sub-milliliter sample of a fluorinated alkyne at millimolar concentration (∼10(18) nuclear spins) was realized with just one single scan. A highly resolved spectrum with a signal/noise ratio higher than 50:1 was obtained without using an auxiliary magnet or any form of radio frequency shielding. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scalar quantum electrodynamics via Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau gauge theory in the Heisenberg picture: Vacuum polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beltran, J.; Maia, N. T.; Pimentel, B. M.

2018-04-01

Scalar Quantum Electrodynamics is investigated in the Heisenberg picture via the Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau gauge theory. On this framework, a perturbative method is used to compute the vacuum polarization tensor and its corresponding induced current for the case of a charged scalar field in the presence of an external electromagnetic field. Charge renormalization is brought into discussion for the interpretation of the results for the vacuum polarization.

Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium and Polarization Behavior of the GCP Water Model: Gaussian Charge-on-Spring versus Dipole Self-Consistent Field Approaches to Induced Polarization

DOE PAGES

Chialvo, Ariel A.; Moucka, Filip; Vlcek, Lukas; ...

2015-03-24

Here we implemented the Gaussian charge-on-spring (GCOS) version of the original self-consistent field implementation of the Gaussian Charge Polarizable water model and test its accuracy to represent the polarization behavior of the original model involving smeared charges and induced dipole moments. Moreover, for that purpose we adapted the recently developed multiple-particle-move (MPM) within the Gibbs and isochoric-isothermal ensembles Monte Carlo methods for the efficient simulation of polarizable fluids. We also assessed the accuracy of the GCOS representation by a direct comparison of the resulting vapor-liquid phase envelope, microstructure, and relevant microscopic descriptors of water polarization along the orthobaric curve againstmore » the corresponding quantities from the actual GCP water model.« less

Modeling optical and UV polarization of AGNs. IV. Polarization timing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rojas Lobos, P. A.; Goosmann, R. W.; Marin, F.; Savić, D.

2018-03-01

Context. Optical observations cannot resolve the structure of active galactic nuclei (AGN), and a unified model for AGN was inferred mostly from indirect methods, such as spectroscopy and variability studies. Optical reverberation mapping allowed us to constrain the spatial dimension of the broad emission line region and thereby to measure the mass of supermassive black holes. Recently, reverberation was also applied to the polarized signal emerging from different AGN components. In principle, this should allow us to measure the spatial dimensions of the sub-parsec reprocessing media. Aim. We conduct numerical modeling of polarization reverberation and provide theoretical predictions for the polarization time lag induced by different AGN components. The model parameters are adjusted to the observational appearance of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4151. Methods: We modeled scattering-induced polarization and tested different geometries for the circumnuclear dust component. Our tests included the effects of clumpiness and different dust prescriptions. To further extend the model, we also explored the effects of additional ionized winds stretched along the polar direction, and of an equatorial scattering ring that is responsible for the polarization angle observed in pole-on AGN. The simulations were run using a time-dependent version of the STOKES code. Results: Our modeling confirms the previously found polarization characteristics as a function of the observer`s viewing angle. When the dust adopts a flared-disk geometry, the lags reveal a clear difference between type 1 and type 2 AGN. This distinction is less clear for a torus geometry where the time lag is more sensitive to the geometry and optical depth of the inner surface layers of the funnel. The presence of a scattering equatorial ring and ionized outflows increased the recorded polarization time lags, and the polar outflows smooths out dependence on viewing angle, especially for the higher optical depth of the wind (τ = 0.3). Conclusions: Together with other AGN observables, the polarization time lag places new, independent "seismological" constraints on the inner geometry of AGN. If we conduct time-dependent spectropolarimetric observing campaigns of AGN, this method has a high potential for a census of supermassive black holes.

3-D Forward modeling of Induced Polarization Effects of Transient Electromagnetic Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Y.; Ji, Y.; Guan, S.; Li, D.; Wang, A.

2017-12-01

In transient electromagnetic (TEM) detection, Induced polarization (IP) effects are so important that they cannot be ignored. The authors simulate the three-dimensional (3-D) induced polarization effects in time-domain directly by applying the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) based on Cole-Cole model. Due to the frequency dispersion characteristics of the electrical conductivity, the computations of convolution in the generalized Ohm's law of fractional order system makes the forward modeling particularly complicated. Firstly, we propose a method to approximate the fractional order function of Cole-Cole model using a lower order rational transfer function based on error minimum theory in the frequency domain. In this section, two auxiliary variables are introduced to transform nonlinear least square fitting problem of the fractional order system into a linear programming problem, thus avoiding having to solve a system of equations and nonlinear problems. Secondly, the time-domain expression of Cole-Cole model is obtained by using Inverse Laplace transform. Then, for the calculation of Ohm's law, we propose an e-index auxiliary equation of conductivity to transform the convolution to non-convolution integral; in this section, the trapezoid rule is applied to compute the integral. We then substitute the recursion equation into Maxwell's equations to derive the iterative equations of electromagnetic field using the FDTD method. Finally, we finish the stimulation of 3-D model and evaluate polarization parameters. The results are compared with those obtained from the digital filtering solution of the analytical equation in the homogeneous half space, as well as with the 3-D model results from the auxiliary ordinary differential equation method (ADE). Good agreements are obtained across the three methods. In terms of the 3-D model, the proposed method has higher efficiency and lower memory requirements as execution times and memory usage were reduced by 20% compared with ADE method.

Distribution Analysis of Sulphide Mineral (Pyrite) Using Induced Polarization Method in Libureng, Bone, South Sulawesi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altin Massinai, Muhammad; Lantu; Latuconsina, Hidayat; Fawzy Ismullah M, Muhammad

2018-03-01

Sulphide minerals are any member of a group of compounds of sulphur with one or more metals. Some of these sulphide minerals are economically important. This study used induced polarization method to identify distribution and mineralized zone of sulphide mineral (Pyrite), in Libureng, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi. The data processing yielded resistivity value, percent frequency effect (PPE) value, and metal factor (MF) value which were then used to produce 2-D and 3-D section model. Based on the data interpretation, an anomaly linked to pyrite deposits was seen in four trajectories with resistivity value < = 50, PFE = > 3%, and MF > = 150, deposited in hydrothermal alteration zone, sericite zone.

The effect of polarized light on the organization of collagen secreted by fibroblasts.

PubMed

Akilbekova, Dana; Boddupalli, Anuraag; Bratlie, Kaitlin M

2018-04-01

Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of low-power lasers and polarized light on wound healing, inflammation, and the treatment of rheumatologic and neurologic disorders. The overall effect of laser irradiation treatment is still controversial due to the lack of studies on the biochemical mechanisms and the optimal parameters for the incident light that should be chosen for particular applications. Here, we study how NIH/3T3 fibroblasts respond to irradiation with linearly polarized light at different polarization angles. In particular, we examined vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, differentiation to myofibroblasts, and collagen organization in response to 800 nm polarized light at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° with a power density of 40 mW/cm 2 for 6 min every day for 6 days. Additional experiments were conducted in which the polarization angle of the incident was changed every day to induce an isotropic distribution of collagen. The data presented here shows that polarized light can upregulate VEGF production, myofibroblast differentiation, and induce different collagen organization in response to different polarization angles of the incident beam. These results are encouraging and demonstrate possible methods for controlling cell response through the polarization angle of the laser light, which has potential for the treatment of wounds.

Optically Induced Nuclear Spin Polarization in the Quantum Hall Regime: The Effect of Electron Spin Polarization through Exciton and Trion Excitations.

PubMed

Akiba, K; Kanasugi, S; Yuge, T; Nagase, K; Hirayama, Y

2015-07-10

We study nuclear spin polarization in the quantum Hall regime through the optically pumped electron spin polarization in the lowest Landau level. The nuclear spin polarization is measured as a nuclear magnetic field B(N) by means of the sensitive resistive detection. We find the dependence of B(N) on the filling factor nonmonotonic. The comprehensive measurements of B(N) with the help of the circularly polarized photoluminescence measurements indicate the participation of the photoexcited complexes, i.e., the exciton and trion (charged exciton), in nuclear spin polarization. On the basis of a novel estimation method of the equilibrium electron spin polarization, we analyze the experimental data and conclude that the filling factor dependence of B(N) is understood by the effect of electron spin polarization through excitons and trions.

Field-scale comparison of frequency- and time-domain spectral induced polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurya, P. K.; Fiandaca, G.; Christiansen, A. V.; Auken, E.

2018-05-01

In this paper we present a comparison study of the time-domain (TD) and frequency-domain (FD) spectral induced polarization (IP) methods in terms of acquisition time, data quality, and spectral information retrieved from inversion. We collected TDIP and FDIP surface measurements on three profiles with identical electrode setups, at two different field sites with different lithology. In addition, TDIP data were collected in two boreholes using the El-Log drilling technique, in which apparent formation resistivity and chargeability values are measured during drilling using electrodes integrated within the stem auger.

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

Sajadian, Sedighe; Hundertmark, Markus, E-mail: s.sajadian@cc.iut.ac.ir

A close-in giant planetary (CGP) system has a net polarization signal whose value varies depending on the orbital phase of the planet. This polarization signal is either caused by the stellar occultation or by reflected starlight from the surface of the orbiting planet. When the CGP system is located in the Galactic bulge, its polarization signal becomes too weak to be measured directly. One method for detecting and characterizing these weak polarization signatures due to distant CGP systems is gravitational microlensing. In this work, we focus on potential polarimetric observations of highly magnified microlensing events of CGP systems. When themore » lens is passing directly in front of the source star with its planetary companion, the polarimetric signature caused by the transiting planet is magnified. As a result, some distinct features in the polarimetry and light curves are produced. In the same way, microlensing amplifies the reflection-induced polarization signal. While the planet-induced perturbations are magnified whenever these polarimetric or photometric deviations vanish for a moment, the corresponding magnification factor of the polarization component(s) is related to the planet itself. Finding these exact times in the planet-induced perturbations helps us to characterize the planet. In order to evaluate the observability of such systems through polarimetric or photometric observations of high-magnification microlensing events, we simulate these events by considering confirmed CGP systems as their source stars and conclude that the efficiency for detecting the planet-induced signal with the state-of-the-art polarimetric instrument (FORS2/VLT) is less than 0.1%. Consequently, these planet-induced polarimetry perturbations can likely be detected under favorable conditions by the high-resolution and short-cadence polarimeters of the next generation.« less

Polarimetry Microlensing of Close-in Planetary Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajadian, Sedighe; Hundertmark, Markus

2017-04-01

A close-in giant planetary (CGP) system has a net polarization signal whose value varies depending on the orbital phase of the planet. This polarization signal is either caused by the stellar occultation or by reflected starlight from the surface of the orbiting planet. When the CGP system is located in the Galactic bulge, its polarization signal becomes too weak to be measured directly. One method for detecting and characterizing these weak polarization signatures due to distant CGP systems is gravitational microlensing. In this work, we focus on potential polarimetric observations of highly magnified microlensing events of CGP systems. When the lens is passing directly in front of the source star with its planetary companion, the polarimetric signature caused by the transiting planet is magnified. As a result, some distinct features in the polarimetry and light curves are produced. In the same way, microlensing amplifies the reflection-induced polarization signal. While the planet-induced perturbations are magnified whenever these polarimetric or photometric deviations vanish for a moment, the corresponding magnification factor of the polarization component(s) is related to the planet itself. Finding these exact times in the planet-induced perturbations helps us to characterize the planet. In order to evaluate the observability of such systems through polarimetric or photometric observations of high-magnification microlensing events, we simulate these events by considering confirmed CGP systems as their source stars and conclude that the efficiency for detecting the planet-induced signal with the state-of-the-art polarimetric instrument (FORS2/VLT) is less than 0.1%. Consequently, these planet-induced polarimetry perturbations can likely be detected under favorable conditions by the high-resolution and short-cadence polarimeters of the next generation.

Optically controllable nanobreaking of metallic nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Lina; Lu, Jinsheng; Yang, Hangbo; Luo, Si; Wang, Wei; Lv, Jun; Qiu, Min; Li, Qiang

2017-02-01

Nanobreaking of nanowires has shown its necessity for manufacturing integrated nanodevices as nanojoining does. In this letter, we develop a method for breaking gold pentagonal nanowires by taking advantage of the photothermal effect with a 532 nm continuous-wave (CW) laser. The critical power required for nanobreaking is much lower for perpendicular polarization than that for parallel polarization. By controlling the polarization and the power of the irradiation light for nanobreaking, the nanowires can be cut into segments with gap widths ranging from dozens of nanometers to several micrometers. This CW light-induced single point nanobreaking of metallic nanowires provides a highly useful and promising method in constructing nanosystems.

First-principles calculation of the polarization-dependent force driving the Eg mode in bismuth under optical excitation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, Eamonn; Fahy, Stephen

2014-03-01

Using first principles electronic structure methods, we calculate the induced force on the Eg (zone centre transverse optical) phonon mode in bismuth immediately after absorption of polarized light. When radiation with polarization perpendicular to the c-axis is absorbed in bismuth, the distribution of excited electrons and holes breaks the three-fold rotational symmetry and leads to a net force on the atoms in the direction perpendicular to the axis. We calculate the initial excited electronic distribution as a function of photon energy and polarization and find the resulting transverse and longitudinal forces experienced by the atoms. Using the measured, temperature-dependent rate of decay of the transverse force[2], we predict the approximate amplitude of induced atomic motion in the Eg mode as a function of temperature and optical fluence. This work is supported by Science Foundation Ireland and a Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship.

Electric field induced spin-polarized current

DOEpatents

Murakami, Shuichi; Nagaosa, Naoto; Zhang, Shoucheng

2006-05-02

A device and a method for generating an electric-field-induced spin current are disclosed. A highly spin-polarized electric current is generated using a semiconductor structure and an applied electric field across the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure can be a hole-doped semiconductor having finite or zero bandgap or an undoped semiconductor of zero bandgap. In one embodiment, a device for injecting spin-polarized current into a current output terminal includes a semiconductor structure including first and second electrodes, along a first axis, receiving an applied electric field and a third electrode, along a direction perpendicular to the first axis, providing the spin-polarized current. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor material whose spin orbit coupling energy is greater than room temperature (300 Kelvin) times the Boltzmann constant. In one embodiment, the semiconductor structure is a hole-doped semiconductor structure, such as a p-type GaAs semiconductor layer.

The PEPPo method for polarized positrons and PEPPo II

DOE PAGES

Cardman, Lawrence S.

2018-05-01

The Polarized Electrons for Polarized Positrons (PEPPo) experiment at the injector of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility demonstrated for the first time the efficient transfer of polarization from electrons to positrons via a two-step process: polarized bremsstrahlung radiation is induced by a polarized electron beam in a high-Z target; then the polarized bremsstrahlung produces polarized positrons via the pair-production process in the same target. Positron polarization up to 82% was measured for an initial electron beam momentum of 8.19 MeV/c, limited only by the electron beam polarization of 85%. This technique extends polarized positron capabilities from GeV to MeVmore » electron beams, and opens access to polarized positron beam physics to a wide community. We present the results of the PEPPo experiment and outline tentative plans for a follow-up experiment that would investigate key aspects of an approach based on PEPPo as a polarized positron source for the 12 GeV Upgrade of CEBAF.« less

Level anti-crossings are a key factor for understanding para-hydrogen-induced hyperpolarization in SABRE experiments.

PubMed

Pravdivtsev, Andrey N; Yurkovskaya, Alexandra V; Vieth, Hans-Martin; Ivanov, Konstantin L; Kaptein, Robert

2013-10-07

Various hyperpolarization methods are able to enhance the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by several orders of magnitude. Among these methods are para-hydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) and signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE), which exploit the strong nuclear alignment of para-hydrogen. Several SABRE experiments have been reported but, so far, it has not been possible to account for the experimentally observed sign and magnetic-field dependence of substrate polarization. Herein, we present an analysis based on level anti-crossings (LACs), which provides a complete understanding of the SABRE effect. The field-dependence of both net and anti-phase polarization is measured for several ligands, which can be reproduced by the theory. The similar SABRE field-dependence for different ligands is also explained. In general, the LAC concept allows complex spin dynamics to be unraveled, and is crucial for optimizing the performance of novel hyperpolarization methods in NMR and MRI techniques. Copyright © 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Theoretical study of polarization dependence of carrier-induced refractive index change of quantum dot.

PubMed

Miao, Qingyuan; Yang, Ziyi; Dong, Jianji; He, Ping-An; Huang, Dexiu

2018-02-05

The influences of dot material component, barrier material component, aspect ratio and carrier density on the refractive index changes of TE mode and TM mode of columnar quantum dot are analyzed, and a multiparameter adjustment method is proposed to realize low polarization dependence of refractive index change. Then the quantum dots with low polarization dependence of refractive index change (<1.5%) within C-band (1530 nm - 1565 nm) are designed, and it shows that quantum dots with different material parameters are anticipated to have similar characteristics of low polarization dependence.

Theoretical model of a polarization diffractive elements for the light beams conversion holographic formation in PDLCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharangovich, Sergey N.; Semkin, Artem O.

2017-12-01

In this work a theoretical model of the holographic formation of the polarization diffractive optical elements for the transformation of Gaussian light beams into Bessel-like ones in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) is developed. The model is based on solving the equations of photo-induced Fredericks transition processes for polarization diffractive elements formation by orthogonally polarized light beams with inhomogeneous amplitude and phase profiles. The results of numerical simulation of the material's dielectric tensor changing due to the structure's formation process are presented for various recording beams' polarization states. Based on the results of numerical simulation, the ability to form the diffractive optical elements for light beams transformation by the polarization holography methods is shown.

Rotation Detection Using the Precession of Molecular Electric Dipole Moment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Yi; Deng, Xiao-Bing; Hu, Zhong-Kun

2017-11-01

We present a method to detect the rotation by using the precession of molecular electric dipole moment in a static electric field. The molecular electric dipole moments are polarized under the static electric field and a nonzero electric polarization vector emerges in the molecular gas. A resonant radio-frequency pulse electric field is applied to realize a 90° flip of the electric polarization vector of a particular rotational state. After the pulse electric field, the electric polarization vector precesses under the static electric field. The rotation induces a shift in the precession frequency which is measured to deduce the angular velocity of the rotation. The fundamental sensitivity limit of this method is estimated. This work is only a proposal and does not involve experimental results.

Method for removing strongly adsorbed surfactants and capping agents from metal to facilitate their catalytic applications

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

Adzic, Radoslav R.; Gong, Kuanping; Cai, Yun

A method of synthesizing activated electrocatalyst, preferably having a morphology of a nanostructure, is disclosed. The method includes safely and efficiently removing surfactants and capping agents from the surface of the metal structures. With regard to metal nanoparticles, the method includes synthesis of nanoparticle(s) in polar or non-polar solution with surfactants or capping agents and subsequent activation by CO-adsorption-induced surfactant/capping agent desorption and electrochemical oxidation. The method produces activated macroparticle or nanoparticle electrocatalysts without damaging the surface of the electrocatalyst that includes breaking, increasing particle thickness or increasing the number of low coordination sites.

Method for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

DOEpatents

Hu, Jun; Ogletree, D. Frank; Salmeron, Miguel; Xiao, Xudong

1999-01-01

The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged.

Comparative study of microwave radiation-induced magnetoresistive oscillations induced by circularly- and linearly- polarized photo-excitation

PubMed Central

Ye, Tianyu; Liu, Han-Chun; Wang, Zhuo; Wegscheider, W.; Mani, Ramesh G.

2015-01-01

A comparative study of the radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations in the high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure two dimensional electron system (2DES) under linearly- and circularly- polarized microwave excitation indicates a profound difference in the response observed upon rotating the microwave launcher for the two cases, although circularly polarized microwave radiation induced magnetoresistance oscillations observed at low magnetic fields are similar to the oscillations observed with linearly polarized radiation. For the linearly polarized radiation, the magnetoresistive response is a strong sinusoidal function of the launcher rotation (or linear polarization) angle, θ. For circularly polarized radiation, the oscillatory magnetoresistive response is hardly sensitive to θ. PMID:26450679

Comparative study of microwave radiation-induced magnetoresistive oscillations induced by circularly- and linearly- polarized photo-excitation.

PubMed

Ye, Tianyu; Liu, Han-Chun; Wang, Zhuo; Wegscheider, W; Mani, Ramesh G

2015-10-09

A comparative study of the radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations in the high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure two dimensional electron system (2DES) under linearly- and circularly- polarized microwave excitation indicates a profound difference in the response observed upon rotating the microwave launcher for the two cases, although circularly polarized microwave radiation induced magnetoresistance oscillations observed at low magnetic fields are similar to the oscillations observed with linearly polarized radiation. For the linearly polarized radiation, the magnetoresistive response is a strong sinusoidal function of the launcher rotation (or linear polarization) angle, θ. For circularly polarized radiation, the oscillatory magnetoresistive response is hardly sensitive to θ.

Para-hydrogen induced polarization of Si-29 NMR resonances as a potentially useful tool for analytical applications.

PubMed

Ellena, Silvano; Viale, Alessandra; Gobetto, Roberto; Aime, Silvio

2012-08-01

Para-hydrogen-induced polarization effects have been observed in the (29)Si NMR spectra of trimethylsilyl para-hydrogenated molecules. The high signal enhancements and the long T(1) values observed for the (29)Si hyperpolarized resonances point toward the possibility of using (29)Si for hyperpolarization applications. A method for the discrimination of multiple compounds and/or complex mixtures of hydroxylic compounds (such as steroids), consisting of the silylization of alcoholic functionalities with an unsaturated silylalkyl moiety and subsequent reaction with para-H(2), is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Shear wave induced resonance elastography of spherical masses with polarized torsional waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadj Henni, Anis; Schmitt, Cédric; Trop, Isabelle; Cloutier, Guy

2012-03-01

Shear wave induced resonance (SWIR) is a technique for dynamic ultrasound elastography of confined mechanical inclusions. It was developed for breast tumor imaging and tissue characterization. This method relies on the polarization of torsional shear waves modeled with the Helmholtz equation in spherical coordinates. To validate modeling, an invitro set-up was used to measure and image the first three eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes of a soft sphere. A preliminary invivo SWIR measurement on a breast fibroadenoma is also reported. Results revealed the potential of SWIR elastography to detect and mechanically characterize breast lesions for early cancer detection.

Shear wave induced resonance elastography of spherical masses with polarized torsional waves.

PubMed

Henni, Anis Hadj; Schmitt, Cédric; Trop, Isabelle; Cloutier, Guy

2012-03-26

Shear Wave Induced Resonance (SWIR) is a technique for dynamic ultrasound elastography of confined mechanical inclusions. It was developed for breast tumor imaging and tissue characterization. This method relies on the polarization of torsional shear waves modeled with the Helmholtz equation in spherical coordinates. To validate modeling, an in vitro set-up was used to measure and image the first three eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes of a soft sphere. A preliminary in vivo SWIR measurement on a breast fibroadenoma is also reported. Results revealed the potential of SWIR elastography to detect and mechanically characterize breast lesions for early cancer detection.

Numerical method for N electrons bound to a polar quantum dot with a Coulomb impurity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yau, J. K.; Lee, C. M.

2003-03-01

A numerical method is proposed to calculate the Frohlich Hamiltonian containing N electrons bound to polar quantum dot with a Coulomb impurity without transformation to the coordination frame of the center of mass and by direct diagonalization. As an example to demonstrate the formalism of this method, the low-lying spectra of three interacting electrons bound to an on-center Coulomb impurity, both for accepter and donor, are calculated and analyzed in a polar quantum dot under a perpendicular magnetic field. Taking polaron effect into account, the physical meaning of the phonon-induced terms, both self-square terms and cross terms of the Hamiltonian are discussed. The calculation can also be applied to systems containing particles with opposite charges, such as excitons.

A Metastability-Exchange Optical Pumping and Compression System using Polarized 3 He for a Proposed Laboratory Search for Neutron Monopole-Dipole Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Erick; Ariadne Collaboration

2015-04-01

3 He nuclei polarized using the metastability-exchange optical pumping (MEOP) method have been used for scientific applications such as magnetometry in space, neutron polarization and analysis, and medical imaging. In this talk we explain how this technique is also well-suited for a proposed experiment to search for possible monopole-dipole interactions of polarized 3 He nuclei with matter. The P-odd and T-odd monopole-dipole potential proposed by Moody and Wilczek is proportional to s-> . r-> where s-> is the 3 He spin and r-> is the separation between the particles. It can be induced by axions, and ARIADNE proposes to perform NMR on a polarized 3 He ensemble at 4K with a radially-slotted tungsten disk spinning at a multiple of the 3 He Larmour frequency to induce a resonant monopole-dipole perturbation. The radial slot length variations are chosen to maximize sensitivity to a monopole-dipole interaction range corresponding to the axion window. We describe the advantages that MEOP presents for this experiment and describe the MEOP-based polarized 3 He gas compression system at Indiana University.

Robust statistical methods for impulse noise suppressing of spread spectrum induced polarization data, with application to a mine site, Gansu province, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Weiqiang; Chen, Rujun; Cai, Hongzhu; Luo, Weibin

2016-12-01

In this paper, we investigated the robust processing of noisy spread spectrum induced polarization (SSIP) data. SSIP is a new frequency domain induced polarization method that transmits pseudo-random m-sequence as source current where m-sequence is a broadband signal. The potential information at multiple frequencies can be obtained through measurement. Removing the noise is a crucial problem for SSIP data processing. Considering that if the ordinary mean stack and digital filter are not capable of reducing the impulse noise effectively in SSIP data processing, the impact of impulse noise will remain in the complex resistivity spectrum that will affect the interpretation of profile anomalies. We implemented a robust statistical method to SSIP data processing. The robust least-squares regression is used to fit and remove the linear trend from the original data before stacking. The robust M estimate is used to stack the data of all periods. The robust smooth filter is used to suppress the residual noise for data after stacking. For robust statistical scheme, the most appropriate influence function and iterative algorithm are chosen by testing the simulated data to suppress the outliers' influence. We tested the benefits of the robust SSIP data processing using examples of SSIP data recorded in a test site beside a mine in Gansu province, China.

Comparative study of microwave radiation-induced magnetoresistive oscillations induced by circularly- and linearly- polarized photo-excitation

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

Ye, Tianyu; Liu, Han -Chun; Wang, Zhuo

A comparative study of the radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations in the high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure two dimensional electron system (2DES) under linearly- and circularly- polarized microwave excitation indicates a profound difference in the response observed upon rotating the microwave launcher for the two cases, although circularly polarized microwave radiation induced magnetoresistance oscillations observed at low magnetic fields are similar to the oscillations observed with linearly polarized radiation. For the linearly polarized radiation, the magnetoresistive response is a strong sinusoidal function of the launcher rotation (or linear polarization) angle, θ. As a result, for circularly polarized radiation, the oscillatory magnetoresistive response ismore » hardly sensitive to θ.« less

Comparative study of microwave radiation-induced magnetoresistive oscillations induced by circularly- and linearly- polarized photo-excitation

DOE PAGES

Ye, Tianyu; Liu, Han -Chun; Wang, Zhuo; ...

2015-10-09

A comparative study of the radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations in the high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure two dimensional electron system (2DES) under linearly- and circularly- polarized microwave excitation indicates a profound difference in the response observed upon rotating the microwave launcher for the two cases, although circularly polarized microwave radiation induced magnetoresistance oscillations observed at low magnetic fields are similar to the oscillations observed with linearly polarized radiation. For the linearly polarized radiation, the magnetoresistive response is a strong sinusoidal function of the launcher rotation (or linear polarization) angle, θ. As a result, for circularly polarized radiation, the oscillatory magnetoresistive response ismore » hardly sensitive to θ.« less

Method for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

DOEpatents

Hu, J.; Ogletree, D.F.; Salmeron, M.; Xiao, X.

1999-03-09

The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged. 9 figs.

Spectral Induced Polarization Response of Biofilm Formation in Hanford Vadose Zone Sediment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, A.; Katsenovich, Y.; Lee, B.; Whitman, D.

2017-12-01

As a result of the U.S. Nuclear weapons program during the second world war and the cold war, there now exists a significant amount of uranium contamination at the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford site located in Washington state. In-situ immobilization of mobile uranium via injections of a soluble sodium tripolyphosphate amendment may prove effective in the formation of insoluble uranyl phosphate mineral, autunite. However, the injected polyphosphate undergoes hydrolysis in aqueous solutions to form orthophosphate, which serves as a readily available nutrient for the various microorganisms in the sediment. Sediment-filled column experiments conducted under saturated oxygen restricted conditions using geophysical Spectral Induced Polarization technique have shown the impact of microbes on the dissolution of autunite, a calcium uranyl phosphate mineral. Spectral Induced Polarization may be an effective way to track changes indicative of bacterial activities on the surrounding environment. This method can be a cost-effective alternative to the drilling of boreholes at a field scale.

Nuclear spin circular dichroism.

PubMed

Vaara, Juha; Rizzo, Antonio; Kauczor, Joanna; Norman, Patrick; Coriani, Sonia

2014-04-07

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in magneto-optic spectroscopy techniques that use nuclear magnetization as the source of the magnetic field. Here we present a formulation of magnetic circular dichroism (CD) due to magnetically polarized nuclei, nuclear spin-induced CD (NSCD), in molecules. The NSCD ellipticity and nuclear spin-induced optical rotation (NSOR) angle correspond to the real and imaginary parts, respectively, of (complex) quadratic response functions involving the dynamic second-order interaction of the electron system with the linearly polarized light beam, as well as the static magnetic hyperfine interaction. Using the complex polarization propagator framework, NSCD and NSOR signals are obtained at frequencies in the vicinity of optical excitations. Hartree-Fock and density-functional theory calculations on relatively small model systems, ethene, benzene, and 1,4-benzoquinone, demonstrate the feasibility of the method for obtaining relatively strong nuclear spin-induced ellipticity and optical rotation signals. Comparison of the proton and carbon-13 signals of ethanol reveals that these resonant phenomena facilitate chemical resolution between non-equivalent nuclei in magneto-optic spectra.

Antidiabetic activity of medium-polar extract from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. (Bertoni) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

PubMed Central

Misra, Himanshu; Soni, Manish; Silawat, Narendra; Mehta, Darshana; Mehta, B. K.; Jain, D. C.

2011-01-01

Objective: To investigate the medicative effects of medium-polar (benzene:acetone, 1:1, v/v) extract of leaves from Stevia rebaudiana (family Asteraceae) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in adult albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of alloxan (180 mg/kg). Medium-polar extract was administered orally at daily dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt. basis for 10 days. The control group received normal saline (0.9%) for the same duration. Glibenclamide was used as positive control reference drug against Stevia extract. Results: Medium-polar leaf extract of S. rebaudiana (200 and 400 mg/kg) produced a delayed but significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the blood glucose level, without producing condition of hypoglycemia after treatment, together with lesser loss in the body weight as compared with standard positive control drug glibenclamide. Conclusions: Treatment of diabetes with sulfonylurea drugs (glibenclamide) causes hypoglycemia followed by greater reduction in body weight, which are the most worrisome effects of these drugs. Stevia extract was found to antagonize the necrotic action of alloxan and thus had a re-vitalizing effect on β-cells of pancreas. PMID:21687353

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

Feng, Yefeng; Gong, Honghong; Xie, Yunchuan

Interface polarization and interface zone have been widely utilized to account for the abnormally improved dielectric properties of composites although their formation is rather vague and their influence has never been directly measured. In this work, micro α-SiC was designed as the filler particles incorporated into poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) with internal double bonds (P(VDF-CTFE-DB)) to construct polymer micro composites through solution casting method. The dielectric constant of the composites is found to be increasing linearly as SiC content increases at lower content and the highest value is obtained as 83 at 100 Hz, which is unusually higher than both pristine polymer (13@100 Hz) andmore » SiC filler (17@100 Hz). By studying the dielectric properties of a bilayer model composite, the real dielectric permittivity of SiC sheet and P(VDF-CTFE-DB) layer has been directly measured to be significantly enhanced than their original value. The induced polarity between high polar PVDF units in polymer matrix and the electron-hole dipoles in α-SiC is responsible for the elevated dielectric properties of both components, which could address the failure of binary series and parallel models in predicting the dielectric permittivity of 0-3 composites as well. The strong dependence of induced polarity on the volume content, thickness, and polar nature of both components strongly suggests establishing promising high induced polarity between polymer matrix and fillers may provide an alternative strategy for fabricating high-k composites.« less

Polarized deuterium internal target at AmPS (NIKHEF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferro-Luzzi, M.; Zhou, Z.-L.; van den Brand, J. F. J.; Bulten, H. J.; Alarcon, R.; van Bakel, N.; Botto, T.; Bouwhuis, M.; van Buuren, L.; Comfort, J.; Doets, M.; Dolfini, S.; Ent, R.; Geurts, D.; Heimberg, P.; Higinbotham, D. W.; de Jager, C. W.; Lang, J.; de Lange, D. J.; Norum, B.; Passchier, I.; Poolman, H. R.; Six, E.; Steijger, J.; Szczerba, D.; Unal, O.; de Vries, H.

1998-01-01

We describe the polarized deuterium target internal to the NIKHEF medium-energy electron storage ring. Tensor polarized deuterium was produced in an atomic beam source and injected into a storage cell target. A Breit-Rabi polarimeter was used to monitor the injected atomic beam intensity and polarization. An electrostatic ion-extraction system and a Wien filter were utilized to measure on-line the atomic fraction of the target gas in the storage cell. This device was supplemented with a tensor polarization analyzer using the neutron anisotropy of the 3H(d,n)α reaction at 60 keV. This method allows determining the density-averaged nuclear polarization of the target gas, independent of spatial and temporal variations. We address issues important for polarized hydrogen/deuterium internal targets, such as the effects of spin-exchange collisions and resonant transitions induced by the RF fields of the charged particle beam.

Dental caries detection by optical spectroscopy: a polarized Raman approach with fibre-optic coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, A. C.-T.; Choo-Smith, L.-P.; Werner, J.; Hewko, M.; Sowa, M. G.; Dong, C.; Cleghorn, B.

2006-09-01

Incipient dental caries lesions appear as white spots on the tooth surface; however, accurate detection of early approximal lesions is difficult due to limited sensitivity of dental radiography and other traditional diagnostic tools. A new fibre-optic coupled spectroscopic method based on polarized Raman spectroscopy (P-RS) with near-IR laser excitation is introduced which provides contrast for detecting and characterizing incipient caries. Changes in polarized Raman spectra are observed in PO 4 3- vibrations arising from hydroxyapatite of mineralized tooth tissue. Demineralization-induced morphological/orientational alteration of enamel crystallites is believed to be responsible for the reduction of Raman polarization anisotropy observed in the polarized Raman spectra of caries lesions. Supporting evidence obtained by polarized Raman spectral imaging is presented. A specially designed fibre-optic coupled setup for simultaneous measurement of parallel- and cross-polarized tooth Raman spectra is demonstrated in this study.

Polarized deuterium internal target at AmPS (NIKHEF)

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

Norum, Blaine; De Jager, Cornelis; Geurts, D.

1997-08-01

We describe the polarized deuterium target internal to the NIKHEF medium-energy electron storage ring. Tensor polarized deuterium was produced in an atomic beam source and injected into a storage cell target. A Breit-Rabi polarimeter was used to monitor the injected atomic beam intensity and polarization. An electrostatic ion-extraction system and a Wien filter were utilized to measure on-line the atomic fraction of the target gas in the storage cell. This device was supplemented with a tensor polarization analyzer using the neutron anisotropy of the 3H(d,n)sigma reaction at 60 keV. This method allows determining the density-averaged nuclear polarization of the targetmore » gas, independent of spatial and temporal variations. We address issues important for polarized hydrogen/deuterium internal targets, such as the effects of spin-exchange collisions and resonant transitions induced by the RF fields of the charged particle beam.« less

Polarized deuterium internal target at AmPS (NIKHEF)

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

Ferro-Luzzi, M.; NIKHEF, P.O. Box 41882, 1009 DB Amsterdam; Zhou, Z.-L.

1998-01-20

We describe the polarized deuterium target internal to the NIKHEF medium-energy electron storage ring. Tensor polarized deuterium was produced in an atomic beam source and injected into a storage cell target. A Breit-Rabi polarimeter was used to monitor the injected atomic beam intensity and polarization. An electrostatic ion-extraction system and a Wien filter were utilized to measure on-line the atomic fraction of the target gas in the storage cell. This device was supplemented with a tensor polarization analyzer using the neutron anisotropy of the {sup 3}H(d,n){alpha} reaction at 60 keV. This method allows determining the density-averaged nuclear polarization of themore » target gas, independent of spatial and temporal variations. We address issues important for polarized hydrogen/deuterium internal targets, such as the effects of spin-exchange collisions and resonant transitions induced by the RF fields of the charged particle beam.« less

Robust techniques for polarization and detection of nuclear spin ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheuer, Jochen; Schwartz, Ilai; Müller, Samuel; Chen, Qiong; Dhand, Ish; Plenio, Martin B.; Naydenov, Boris; Jelezko, Fedor

2017-11-01

Highly sensitive nuclear spin detection is crucial in many scientific areas including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and quantum computing. The tiny thermal nuclear spin polarization represents a major obstacle towards this goal which may be overcome by dynamic nuclear spin polarization (DNP) methods. The latter often rely on the transfer of the thermally polarized electron spins to nearby nuclear spins, which is limited by the Boltzmann distribution of the former. Here we utilize microwave dressed states to transfer the high (>92 % ) nonequilibrium electron spin polarization of a single nitrogen-vacancy center (NV) induced by short laser pulses to the surrounding 13C carbon nuclear spins. The NV is repeatedly repolarized optically, thus providing an effectively infinite polarization reservoir. A saturation of the polarization of the nearby nuclear spins is achieved, which is confirmed by the decay of the polarization transfer signal and shows an excellent agreement with theoretical simulations. Hereby we introduce the polarization readout by polarization inversion method as a quantitative magnetization measure of the nuclear spin bath, which allows us to observe by ensemble averaging macroscopically hidden polarization dynamics like Landau-Zener-Stückelberg oscillations. Moreover, we show that using the integrated solid effect both for single- and double-quantum transitions nuclear spin polarization can be achieved even when the static magnetic field is not aligned along the NV's crystal axis. This opens a path for the application of our DNP technique to spins in and outside of nanodiamonds, enabling their application as MRI tracers. Furthermore, the methods reported here can be applied to other solid state systems where a central electron spin is coupled to a nuclear spin bath, e.g., phosphor donors in silicon and color centers in silicon carbide.

Tracing Magnetic Fields With The Polarization Of Submillimeter Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Heshou; Yan, Huirong

2017-10-01

Magnetic fields play important roles in many astrophysical processes. However, there is no universal diagnostic for the magnetic fields in the interstellar medium (ISM) and each magnetic tracer has its limitation. Any new detection method is thus valuable. Theoretical studies have shown that submillimeter fine-structure lines are polarized due to atomic alignment by Ultraviolet (UV) photon-excitation, which opens up a new avenue to probe interstellar magnetic fields. The method is applicable to all radiative-excitation dominant region, e.g., H II Regions, PDRs. The polarization of the submillimeter fine-structure lines induced by atomic alignment could be substantial and the applicability of using the spectro-polarimetry of atomic lines to trace magnetic fields has been supported by synthetic observations of simulated ISM in our recent paper. Our results demonstrate that the polarization of submillimeter atomic lines is a powerful magnetic tracer and add great value to the observational studies of the submilimeter astronomy.

Multilayer thin film design for far ultraviolet polarizers using an induced transmission and absorption technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jongmin; Zukic, Muamer; Torr, Douglas G.

1993-01-01

An explanation of induced transmission for spectral regions excluding the far ultraviolet (FUV) is given to better understand how induced transmission and absorption can be used to design effective polarizers in the FUV spectral region. We achieve high s-polarization reflectance and a high degree of polarization (P equals (Rs-Rp)/(Rs+Rp)) by means of a MgF2/Al/MgF2 three layer structure on an opaque thick film of Al as the substrate. For example, our polarizer designed for the Lyman-alpha line (lambda equals 121.6 nm) has 87.95 percent reflectance for the s-polarization case and 0.43 percent for the p-polarization case, with a degree of polarization of 99.03 percent. If a double reflection polarizer is made with this design, it will have a degree of polarization of 99.99 percent and s-polarization throughput of 77.35 percent.

Valley-polarized quantum transport generated by gauge fields in graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Settnes, Mikkel; Garcia, Jose H.; Roche, Stephan

2017-09-01

We report on the possibility to simultaneously generate in graphene a bulk valley-polarized dissipative transport and a quantum valley Hall effect by combining strain-induced gauge fields and real magnetic fields. Such unique phenomenon results from a ‘resonance/anti-resonance’ effect driven by the superposition/cancellation of superimposed gauge fields which differently affect time reversal symmetry. The onset of a valley-polarized Hall current concomitant to a dissipative valley-polarized current flow in the opposite valley is revealed by a {{e}2}/h Hall conductivity plateau. We employ efficient linear scaling Kubo transport methods combined with a valley projection scheme to access valley-dependent conductivities and show that the results are robust against disorder.

Quantum-rotor-induced polarization.

PubMed

Meier, Benno

2018-07-01

Quantum-rotor-induced polarization is closely related to para-hydrogen-induced polarization. In both cases, the hyperpolarized spin order derives from rotational interaction and the Pauli principle by which the symmetry of the rotational ground state dictates the symmetry of the associated nuclear spin state. In quantum-rotor-induced polarization, there may be several spin states associated with the rotational ground state, and the hyperpolarization is typically generated by hetero-nuclear cross-relaxation. This review discusses preconditions for quantum-rotor-induced polarization for both the 1-dimensional methyl rotor and the asymmetric rotor H 2 17 O@C 60 , that is, a single water molecule encapsulated in fullerene C 60 . Experimental results are presented for both rotors. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Paramagnet induced signal quenching in MAS-DNP experiments in frozen homogeneous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corzilius, Björn; Andreas, Loren B.; Smith, Albert A.; Ni, Qing Zhe; Griffin, Robert G.

2014-03-01

The effects of nuclear signal quenching induced by the presence of a paramagnetic polarizing agent are documented for conditions used in magic angle spinning (MAS)-dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments on homogeneous solutions. In particular, we present a detailed analysis of three time constants: (1) the longitudinal build-up time constant TB for 1H; (2) the rotating frame relaxation time constant T1ρ for 1H and 13C and (3) T2 of 13C, the transverse relaxation time constant in the laboratory frame. These relaxation times were measured during microwave irradiation at a magnetic field of 5 T (140 GHz) as a function of the concentration of four polarizing agents: TOTAPOL, 4-amino-TEMPO, trityl (OX063), and Gd-DOTA and are compared to those obtained for a sample lacking paramagnetic doping. We also report the EPR relaxation time constants T1S and T2S, the DNP enhancements, ε, and the parameter E, defined below, which measures the sensitivity enhancement for the four polarizing agents as a function of the electron concentration. We observe substantial intensity losses (paramagnetic quenching) with all of the polarizing agents due to broadening mechanisms and cross relaxation during MAS. In particular, the monoradical trityl and biradical TOTAPOL induce ∼40% and 50% loss of signal intensity. In contrast there is little suppression of signal intensity in static samples containing these paramagnetic species. Despite the losses due to quenching, we find that all of the polarizing agents provide substantial gains in signal intensity with DNP, and in particular that the net enhancement is optimal for biradicals that operate with the cross effect. We discuss the possibility that much of this polarization loss can be regained with the development of instrumentation and methods to perform electron decoupling.

Reconstruction of CMB temperature anisotropies with primordial CMB induced polarization in galaxy clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guo-Chin; Ichiki, Kiyotomo; Tashiro, Hiroyuki; Sugiyama, Naoshi

2016-07-01

Scattering of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation in galaxy clusters induces polarization signals determined by the quadrupole anisotropy in the photon distribution at the location of clusters. This `remote quadrupole' derived from the measurements of the induced polarization in galaxy clusters provides an opportunity to reconstruct local CMB temperature anisotropies. In this Letter, we develop an algorithm of the reconstruction through the estimation of the underlying primordial gravitational potential, which is the origin of the CMB temperature and polarization fluctuations and CMB induced polarization in galaxy clusters. We found a nice reconstruction for the quadrupole and octopole components of the CMB temperature anisotropies with the assistance of the CMB induced polarization signals. The reconstruction can be an important consistency test on the puzzles of CMB anomalies, especially for the low-quadrupole and axis-of-evil problems reported in Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe and Planck data.

Origin and effective reduction of inversion domains in aluminum nitride grown by a sublimation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shigetoh, Keisuke; Horibuchi, Kayo; Nakamura, Daisuke

2017-11-01

Owing to the large differences in the chemical properties between Al and N polarities in aluminum nitride (AlN), the choice of the polar direction for crystal growth strongly affects not only the quality but also the shape (facet formation) of the grown crystal. In particular, N-polar (0 0 0 -1) has been considered to be a more preferable direction than Al-polar (0 0 0 1) for sublimation growth because compared to Al-polar (0 0 0 1), N-polar (0 0 0 -1) exhibits better stability at high growth rate (high supersaturation) conditions and enables easier lateral enlargement of the crystal. However, some critical growth conditions induce polarity inversion and hinder stable N-polar growth. Furthermore, the origin of the polarity inversion in AlN growth by the sublimation method is still unclear. To ensure stable N-polar growth without polarity inversion, the formation mechanism of the inversion domain during AlN sublimation growth must be elucidated. Therefore, herein, we demonstrate homoepitaxial growth on an N-polar seed and carefully investigate the obtained crystal that shows polarity inversion. Annular bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that polarity is completely converted to the Al polarity via the formation of a 30 nm thick mixed polar layer (MPL) just above the seed. Moreover, three-dimensional atom probe tomography shows the segregation of the oxygen impurities in the MPL with a high concentration of about 3 atom%. Finally, by avoiding the incorporation of oxygen impurity into the crystal at the initial stage of the growth, we demonstrate an effective reduction (seven orders of magnitude) of the inversion domain boundary formation.

Induced solitons formed by cross-polarization coupling in a birefringent cavity fiber laser.

PubMed

Zhang, H; Tang, D Y; Zhao, L M; Tam, H Y

2008-10-15

We report on the experimental observation of induced solitons in a passively mode-locked fiber ring laser with a birefringence cavity. Owing to the cross coupling between the two orthogonal polarization components of the laser, it was found that if a soliton was formed along one cavity polarization axis, a weak soliton was also induced along the orthogonal polarization axis, and depending on the net cavity birefringence, the induced soliton could have either the same or different center wavelengths to that of the inducing soliton. Moreover, the induced soliton always had the same group velocity as that of the inducing soliton. They formed a vector soliton in the cavity. Numerical simulations confirmed the experimental observations.

Ultra-high polarity ceramics induced extrinsic high permittivity of polymers contributing to high permittivity of 2-2 series composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yefeng; Zhang, Jianxiong; Hu, Jianbing; Peng, Cheng; He, Renqi

2018-01-01

Induced polarization at interface has been confirmed to have significant impact on the dielectric properties of 2-2 series composites bearing Si-based semi-conductor sheet and polymer layer. By compositing, the significantly elevated high permittivity in Si-based semi-conductor sheet should be responsible for the obtained high permittivity in composites. In that case, interface interaction could include two aspects namely a strong electrostatic force from high polarity polymeric layer and a newborn high polarity induced in Si-based ceramic sheet. In this work, this class of interface induced polarization was successfully extended into another 2-2 series composite system made up of ultra-high polarity ceramic sheet and high polarity polymer layer. By compositing, the greatly improved high permittivity in high polarity polymer layer was confirmed to strongly contribute to the high permittivity achieved in composites. In this case, interface interaction should consist of a rather large electrostatic force from ultra-high polarity ceramic sheet with ionic crystal structure and an enhanced high polarity induced in polymer layer based on a large polarizability of high polarity covalent dipoles in polymer. The dielectric and conductive properties of four designed 2-2 series composites and their components have been detailedly investigated. Increasing of polymer inborn polarity would lead to a significant elevating of polymer overall polarity in composite. Decline of inherent polarities in two components would result in a mild improving of polymer total polarity in composite. Introducing of non-polarity polymeric layer would give rise to a hardly unaltered polymer overall polarity in composite. The best 2-2 composite could possess a permittivity of ˜463 at 100 Hz 25.7 times of the original permittivity of polymer in it. This work might offer a facile route for achieving the promising composite dielectrics by constructing the 2-2 series samples from two high polarity components.

Method of targeted delivery of laser beam to isolated retinal rods by fiber optics.

PubMed

Sim, Nigel; Bessarab, Dmitri; Jones, C Michael; Krivitsky, Leonid

2011-11-01

A method of controllable light delivery to retinal rod cells using an optical fiber is described. Photo-induced current of the living rod cells was measured with the suction electrode technique. The approach was tested with measurements relating the spatial distribution of the light intensity to photo-induced current. In addition, the ion current responses of rod cells to polarized light at two different orientation geometries of the cells were studied.

77 FR 54935 - Government-Owned Inventions, Available for Licensing.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-06

...: Systems and Methods for Peak-Seeking Control Polarization-Induced Fading in Fiber-Optic System; NASA Case... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark W. Homer, Patent Counsel, NASA Management Office--JPL, 4800 Oak Grove...; NASA Case No. NPO-47580-1: Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods of Assembling Same; NASA Case No. NPO...

An Empirical Polarizable Force Field Based on the Classical Drude Oscillator Model: Development History and Recent Applications

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Molecular mechanics force fields that explicitly account for induced polarization represent the next generation of physical models for molecular dynamics simulations. Several methods exist for modeling induced polarization, and here we review the classical Drude oscillator model, in which electronic degrees of freedom are modeled by charged particles attached to the nuclei of their core atoms by harmonic springs. We describe the latest developments in Drude force field parametrization and application, primarily in the last 15 years. Emphasis is placed on the Drude-2013 polarizable force field for proteins, DNA, lipids, and carbohydrates. We discuss its parametrization protocol, development history, and recent simulations of biologically interesting systems, highlighting specific studies in which induced polarization plays a critical role in reproducing experimental observables and understanding physical behavior. As the Drude oscillator model is computationally tractable and available in a wide range of simulation packages, it is anticipated that use of these more complex physical models will lead to new and important discoveries of the physical forces driving a range of chemical and biological phenomena. PMID:26815602

Temperature Dependence of Faraday Effect-Induced Bias Error in a Fiber Optic Gyroscope

PubMed Central

Li, Xuyou; Guang, Xingxing; Xu, Zhenlong; Li, Guangchun

2017-01-01

Improving the performance of interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) in harsh environments, such as magnetic field and temperature field variation, is necessary for its practical applications. This paper presents an investigation of Faraday effect-induced bias error of IFOG under varying temperature. Jones matrix method is utilized to formulize the temperature dependence of Faraday effect-induced bias error. Theoretical results show that the Faraday effect-induced bias error changes with the temperature in the non-skeleton polarization maintaining (PM) fiber coil. This phenomenon is caused by the temperature dependence of linear birefringence and Verdet constant of PM fiber. Particularly, Faraday effect-induced bias errors of two polarizations always have opposite signs that can be compensated optically regardless of the changes of the temperature. Two experiments with a 1000 m non-skeleton PM fiber coil are performed, and the experimental results support these theoretical predictions. This study is promising for improving the bias stability of IFOG. PMID:28880203

Temperature Dependence of Faraday Effect-Induced Bias Error in a Fiber Optic Gyroscope.

PubMed

Li, Xuyou; Liu, Pan; Guang, Xingxing; Xu, Zhenlong; Guan, Lianwu; Li, Guangchun

2017-09-07

Improving the performance of interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) in harsh environments, such as magnetic field and temperature field variation, is necessary for its practical applications. This paper presents an investigation of Faraday effect-induced bias error of IFOG under varying temperature. Jones matrix method is utilized to formulize the temperature dependence of Faraday effect-induced bias error. Theoretical results show that the Faraday effect-induced bias error changes with the temperature in the non-skeleton polarization maintaining (PM) fiber coil. This phenomenon is caused by the temperature dependence of linear birefringence and Verdet constant of PM fiber. Particularly, Faraday effect-induced bias errors of two polarizations always have opposite signs that can be compensated optically regardless of the changes of the temperature. Two experiments with a 1000 m non-skeleton PM fiber coil are performed, and the experimental results support these theoretical predictions. This study is promising for improving the bias stability of IFOG.

Elliptically polarized terahertz radiation from a chiral oxide

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

Takeda, R.; Kida, N., E-mail: kida@k.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Sotome, M.

2015-09-28

Polarization control of terahertz wave is a challenging subject in terahertz science and technology. Here, we report a simple method to control polarization state of the terahertz wave in terahertz generation process. At room temperature, terahertz radiation from a noncentrosymmetric and chiral oxide, sillenite Bi{sub 12}GeO{sub 20}, is observed by the irradiation of linearly polarized femtosecond laser pulses at 800 nm. The polarization state of the emitted terahertz wave is found to be elliptic with an ellipticity of ∼0.37 ± 0.10. Furthermore, the ellipticity was altered to a nearly zero (∼0.01 ± 0.01) by changing the polarization of the incident linearly polarized femtosecond laser pulses.more » Such a terahertz radiation characteristic is attributable to variation of the polarization state of the emitted terahertz waves, which is induced by retardation due to the velocity mismatch between the incident femtosecond laser pulse and generated terahertz wave and by the polarization tilting due to the optical activity at 800 nm.« less

Theory of topological insulator waveguides: polarization control and the enhancement of the magneto-electric effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crosse, J. A.

2017-02-01

Topological insulators subject to a time-reversal-symmetry-breaking perturbation are predicted to display a magneto-electric effect that causes the electric and magnetic induction fields to mix at the material’s surface. This effect induces polarization rotations of between ≈1-10 mrad per interface in an incident plane-polarized electromagnetic wave normal to a multilayered structure. Here we show, theoretically and numerically, that by using a waveguide geometry with a topological insulator guide layer and magneto-dielectric cladding it is possible to achieve rotations of ≈100 mrad and generate an elliptical polarization with only a three-layered structure. This geometry is beneficial, not only as a way to enhance the magneto-electric effect, rendering it easier to observe, but also as a method for controlling the polarization of electromagnetic radiation.

Electrically-induced polarization selection rules of a graphene quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Qing-Rui; Li, Yan; Jia, Chen; Wang, Fu-Li; Zhang, Ya-Ting; Liu, Chun-Xiang

2018-05-01

We study theoretically the single-electron triangular zigzag graphene quantum dot in uniform in-plane electric fields. The absorption spectra of the dot are calculated by the tight-binding method. The energy spectra and the distribution of wave functions are also presented to analyse the absorption spectra. The orthogonal zero-energy eigenstates are arranged along to the direction of the external field. The remarkable result is that all intraband transitions and some interband transitions are forbidden when the absorbed light is polarized along the direction of the electric field. With x-direction electric field, all intraband absorption is y polarized due to the electric-field-direction-polarization selection rule. Moreover, with y-direction electric field, all absorption is either x or y polarized due to the parity selection rule as well as to the electric-field-direction-polarization selection rule. Our calculation shows that the formation of the absorption spectra is co-decided by the polarization selection rules and the overlap between the eigenstates of the transition.

Detection and quantification of hydrocarbons in sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wynn, Jeff; Williamson, Mike; Frank, Jeff

2016-01-01

A new technology developed by the US Geological Survey now allows for fast, direct detection of hydrocarbon plumes both in rivers and drifting in the deep ocean. Recent experiments show that the method can also detect and quantify hydrocarbons buried in river sediments and estuaries. This approach uses a variant of induced polarization, a surface-sensitive physical property of certain polarizable materials immersed in an electrolyte that can accept and adsorb charge under an inducing voltage. Known polarizable materials include most sulfides, ilmenite (FeTiO3), metallic objects such as buried wrecks and pipelines, and now hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon-in-water response to induced polarization is in fact nearly two orders of magnitude greater than the IP response of any of the hard minerals. The oil:water detection limit for hydrocarbons so far is down to 0.0002% in the laboratory.

Characterization of process-induced damage in Cu/low-k interconnect structure by microscopic infrared spectroscopy with polarized infrared light

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

Seki, Hirofumi, E-mail: Hirofumi-Seki@trc.toray.co.jp; Hashimoto, Hideki; Ozaki, Yukihiro

Microscopic Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra are measured for a Cu/low-k interconnect structure using polarized IR light for different widths of low-k spaces and Cu lines, and for different heights of Cu lines, on Si substrates. Although the widths of the Cu line and the low-k space are 70 nm each, considerably smaller than the wavelength of the IR light, the FT-IR spectra of the low-k film were obtained for the Cu/low-k interconnect structure. A suitable method was established for measuring the process-induced damage in a low-k film that was not detected by the TEM-EELS (Transmission Electron Microscope-Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy) using microscopicmore » IR polarized light. Based on the IR results, it was presumed that the FT-IR spectra mainly reflect the structural changes in the sidewalls of the low-k films for Cu/low-k interconnect structures, and the mechanism of generating process-induced damage involves the generation of Si-OH groups in the low-k film when the Si-CH{sub 3} bonds break during the fabrication processes. The Si-OH groups attract moisture and the OH peak intensity increases. It was concluded that the increase in the OH groups in the low-k film is a sensitive indicator of low-k damage. We achieved the characterization of the process-induced damage that was not detected by the TEM-EELS and speculated that the proposed method is applicable to interconnects with line and space widths of 70 nm/70 nm and on shorter scales of leading edge devices. The location of process-induced damage and its mechanism for the Cu/low-k interconnect structure were revealed via the measurement method.« less

Studies to enhance the hyperpolarization level in PHIP-SAH-produced C13-pyruvate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavallari, Eleonora; Carrera, Carla; Aime, Silvio; Reineri, Francesca

2018-04-01

The use of [1-13C]pyruvate, hyperpolarized by dissolution-Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (d-DNP), in in vivo metabolic studies has developed quickly, thanks to the imaging probe's diagnostic relevance. Nevertheless, the cost of a d-DNP polarizer is quite high and the speed of hyperpolarization process is relatively slow, meaning that its use is limited to few research laboratories. ParaHydrogen Induced Polarization Side Arm Hydrogenation (PHIP-SAH) (Reineri et al., 2015) is a cost effective and easy-to-handle method that produces 13C-MR hyperpolarization in [1-13C]pyruvate and other metabolites. This work aims to identify the main determinants of the hyperpolarization levels observed in C13-pyruvate using this method. By dissecting the various steps of the PHIP-SAH procedure, it has been possible to assess the role of several experimental parameters whose optimization must be pursued if this method is to be made suitable for future translational steps. The search for possible solutions has led to improvements in the polarization of sodium [1-13C]pyruvate from 2% to 5%. Moreover, these results suggest that observed polarization levels could be increased considerably by an automatized procedure which would reduce the time required for the work-up passages that are currently carried out manually. The results reported herein mean that the attainment of polarization levels suitable for the metabolic imaging applications of these hyperpolarized substrates show significant promise.

Joint Inversion of Source Location and Source Mechanism of Induced Microseismics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, C.

2014-12-01

Seismic source mechanism is a useful property to indicate the source physics and stress and strain distribution in regional, local and micro scales. In this study we jointly invert source mechanisms and locations for microseismics induced in fluid fracturing treatment in the oil and gas industry. For the events that are big enough to see waveforms, there are quite a few techniques can be applied to invert the source mechanism including waveform inversion, first polarity inversion and many other methods and variants based on these methods. However, for events that are too small to identify in seismic traces such as the microseismics induced by the fluid fracturing in the Oil and Gas industry, a source scanning algorithms (SSA for short) with waveform stacking are usually applied. At the same time, a joint inversion of location and source mechanism are possible but at a cost of high computation budget. The algorithm is thereby called Source Location and Mechanism Scanning Algorithm, SLMSA for short. In this case, for given velocity structure, all possible combinations of source locations (X,Y and Z) and source mechanism (Strike, Dip and Rake) are used to compute travel-times and polarities of waveforms. Correcting Normal moveout times and polarities, and stacking all waveforms, the (X, Y, Z , strike, dip, rake) combination that gives the strongest stacking waveform is identified as the solution. To solve the problem of high computation problem, CPU-GPU programing is applied. Numerical datasets are used to test the algorithm. The SLMSA has also been applied to a fluid fracturing datasets and reveal several advantages against the location only method: (1) for shear sources, the source only program can hardly locate them because of the canceling out of positive and negative polarized traces, but the SLMSA method can successfully pick up those events; (2) microseismic locations alone may not be enough to indicate the directionality of micro-fractures. The statistics of source mechanisms can certainly provide more knowledges on the orientation of fractures; (3) in our practice, the joint inversion method almost always yield more events than the source only method and for those events that are also picked by the SSA method, the stacking power of SLMSA are always higher than the ones obtained in SSA.

Finding buried metallic pipes using a non-destructive approach based on 3D time-domain induced polarization data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Zhenlu; Revil, André; Mao, Deqiang; Wang, Deming

2018-04-01

The location of buried utility pipes is often unknown. We use the time-domain induced polarization method to non-intrusively localize metallic pipes. A new approach, based on injecting a primary electrical current between a pair of electrodes and measuring the time-lapse voltage response on a set of potential electrodes after shutting down this primary current is used. The secondary voltage is measured on all the electrodes with respect to a single electrode used as a reference for the electrical potential, in a way similar to a self-potential time lapse survey. This secondary voltage is due to the formation of a secondary current density in the ground associated with the polarization of the metallic pipes. An algorithm is designed to localize the metallic object using the secondary voltage distribution by performing a tomography of the secondary source current density associated with the polarization of the pipes. This algorithm is first benchmarked on a synthetic case. Then, two laboratory sandbox experiments are performed with buried metallic pipes located in a sandbox filled with some clean sand. In Experiment #1, we use a horizontal copper pipe while in Experiment #2 we use an inclined stainless steel pipe. The result shows that the method is effective in localizing these two pipes. At the opposite, electrical resistivity tomography is not effective in localizing the pipes because they may appear resistive at low frequencies. This is due to the polarization of the metallic pipes which blocks the charge carriers at its external boundaries.

Induced dark solitary pulse in an anomalous dispersion cavity fiber laser.

PubMed

Shao, Guodong; Song, Yufeng; Guo, Jun; Zhao, Luming; Shen, Deyuan; Tang, Dingyuan

2015-11-02

We report on the formation of induced dark solitary pulses in a net anomalous dispersion cavity fiber laser. In a weak birefringence cavity fiber laser simultaneous laser oscillation along the two orthogonal polarization directions of the cavity could be achieved. Under suitable conditions bright cavity solitons could be formed along one polarization direction while CW emission occurs along the orthogonal polarization direction. In a previous paper we have shown that under incoherent polarization coupling a bright soliton always induces a broad dark pulse on the CW beam. In the paper we further show that under coherent polarization coupling a bright soliton could further induce either a weak bright or a dark solitary pulse on the bottom of the broad dark pulse. Numerical simulations have also well reproduced the experimental observations, and further show whether a weak dark or bright solitary pulse is induced is determined by the presence or absence of a phase jump in the induced pulse.

Correlative STED and Atomic Force Microscopy on Live Astrocytes Reveals Plasticity of Cytoskeletal Structure and Membrane Physical Properties during Polarized Migration

PubMed Central

Curry, Nathan; Ghézali, Grégory; Kaminski Schierle, Gabriele S.; Rouach, Nathalie; Kaminski, Clemens F.

2017-01-01

The plasticity of the cytoskeleton architecture and membrane properties is important for the establishment of cell polarity, adhesion and migration. Here, we present a method which combines stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution imaging and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to correlate cytoskeletal structural information with membrane physical properties in live astrocytes. Using STED compatible dyes for live cell imaging of the cytoskeleton, and simultaneously mapping the cell surface topology with AFM, we obtain unprecedented detail of highly organized networks of actin and microtubules in astrocytes. Combining mechanical data from AFM with optical imaging of actin and tubulin further reveals links between cytoskeleton organization and membrane properties. Using this methodology we illustrate that scratch-induced migration induces cytoskeleton remodeling. The latter is caused by a polarization of actin and microtubule elements within astroglial cell processes, which correlates strongly with changes in cell stiffness. The method opens new avenues for the dynamic probing of the membrane structural and functional plasticity of living brain cells. It is a powerful tool for providing new insights into mechanisms of cell structural remodeling during physiological or pathological processes, such as brain development or tumorigenesis. PMID:28469559

Polarization-induced hole doping in N-polar III-nitride LED grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Long; Zhang, Yuantao; Han, Xu; Deng, Gaoqiang; Li, Pengchong; Yu, Ye; Chen, Liang; Li, Xiaohang; Song, Junfeng

2018-04-01

Polarization-induced doping has been shown to be effective for wide-bandgap III-nitrides. In this work, we demonstrated a significantly enhanced hole concentration via linearly grading an N-polar AlxGa1-xN (x = 0-0.3) layer grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The hole concentration increased by ˜17 times compared to that of N-polar p-GaN at 300 K. The fitting results of temperature-dependent hole concentration indicated that the holes in the graded p-AlGaN layer comprised both polarization-induced and thermally activated ones. By optimizing the growth conditions, the hole concentration was further increased to 9.0 × 1017 cm-3 in the graded AlGaN layer. The N-polar blue-violet light-emitting device with the graded p-AlGaN shows stronger electroluminescence than the one with the conventional p-GaN. The study indicates the potential of the polarization doping technique in high-performance N-polar light-emitting devices.

A nanoparticle catalyst for heterogeneous phase para-hydrogen-induced polarization in water.

PubMed

Glöggler, Stefan; Grunfeld, Alexander M; Ertas, Yavuz N; McCormick, Jeffrey; Wagner, Shawn; Schleker, P Philipp M; Bouchard, Louis-S

2015-02-16

Para-hydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) is a technique capable of producing spin polarization at a magnitude far greater than state-of-the-art magnets. A significant application of PHIP is to generate contrast agents for biomedical imaging. Clinically viable and effective contrast agents not only require high levels of polarization but heterogeneous catalysts that can be used in water to eliminate the toxicity impact. Herein, we demonstrate the use of Pt nanoparticles capped with glutathione to induce heterogeneous PHIP in water. The ligand-inhibited surface diffusion on the nanoparticles resulted in a (1) H polarization of P=0.25% for hydroxyethyl propionate, a known contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography. Transferring the (1) H polarization to a (13) C nucleus using a para-hydrogen polarizer yielded a polarization of 0.013%. The nuclear-spin polarizations achieved in these experiments are the first reported to date involving heterogeneous reactions in water. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Polarization-induced interference within electromagnetically induced transparency for atoms of double-V linkage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yuan; Liu, Chang; Chen, Ping-Xing; Liu, Liang

2018-02-01

People have been paying attention to the role of atoms' complex internal level structures in the research of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for a long time, where the various degenerate Zeeman levels usually generate complex linkage patterns for the atomic transitions. It turns out, with special choices of the atomic states and the atomic transitions' linkage structure, clear signatures of quantum interference induced by the probe and coupling light's polarizations can emerge from a typical EIT phenomena. We propose to study a four-state system with double-V linkage pattern for the transitions and analyze the polarization-induced interference under the EIT condition. We show that such interference arises naturally under mild conditions on the optical field and atom manipulation techniques. Moreover, we construct a variation form of double-M linkage pattern where the polarization-induced interference enables polarization-dependent cross modulation between incident weak lights that can be effective even at the few-photon level. The theme is to gain more insight into the essential question: how can we build a nontrivial optical medium where incident lights experience polarization-dependent nonlinear optical interactions, valid for a wide range of incidence intensities down to the few-photon level?

Hyperoxia Exacerbates Postnatal Inflammation-Induced Lung Injury in Neonatal BRP-39 Null Mutant Mice Promoting the M1 Macrophage Phenotype

PubMed Central

Syed, Mansoor A.

2013-01-01

Rationale. Hyperoxia exposure to developing lungs—critical in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia—may augment lung inflammation by inhibiting anti-inflammatory mediators in alveolar macrophages. Objective. We sought to determine the O2-induced effects on the polarization of macrophages and the role of anti-inflammatory BRP-39 in macrophage phenotype and neonatal lung injury. Methods. We used RAW264.7, peritoneal, and bone marrow derived macrophages for polarization (M1/M2) studies. For in vivo studies, wild-type (WT) and BRP-39−/− mice received continuous exposure to 21% O2 (control mice) or 100% O2 from postnatal (PN) 1 to PN7 days, along with intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered on alternate days (PN2, -4, and -6). Lung histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts, BAL protein, and cytokines measurements were performed. Measurements and Main Results. Hyperoxia differentially contributed to macrophage polarization by enhancing LPS induced M1 and inhibiting interleukin-4 induced M2 phenotype. BRP-39 absence led to further enhancement of the hyperoxia and LPS induced M1 phenotype. In addition, BRP-39−/− mice were significantly more sensitive to LPS plus hyperoxia induced lung injury and mortality compared to WT mice. Conclusions. These findings collectively indicate that BRP-39 is involved in repressing the M1 proinflammatory phenotype in hyperoxia, thereby deactivating inflammatory responses in macrophages and preventing neonatal lung injury. PMID:24347826

3D printed polarizing grids for IR-THz synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Meguya; Linklater, Denver; Hart, William; Balčytis, Armandas; Skliutas, Edvinas; Malinauskas, Mangirdas; Appadoo, Dominique; Tan, Yaw-Ren Eugene; Ivanova, Elena P.; Morikawa, Junko; Juodkazis, Saulius

2018-03-01

Grid polarisers 3D-printed out of commercial acrilic resin were tested for the polariser function and showed spectral regions where the dichroic ratio {D}R> 1 and < 1 implying importance of molecular and/or stress induced anisotropy. Metal-coated 3D-printed THz optical elements can find a range of applications in intensity and polarization control of IR-THz beams. The used 3D printing method allows for fabrication of an arbitrary high aspect ratio grid polarisers. Polarization analysis of synchrotron THz radiation was carried out with a standard stretched polyethylene polariser and revealed that the linearly polarized (horizontal) component contributes up to 22% ± 5% to the circular polarized synchrotron emission extracted by a gold-coated mirror with a horizontal slit inserted near the bending magnet edge. Comparison with theoretical predictions shows a qualitative match with dominance of the edge radiation.

Theory of topological insulator waveguides: polarization control and the enhancement of the magneto-electric effect

PubMed Central

Crosse, J. A.

2017-01-01

Topological insulators subject to a time-reversal-symmetry-breaking perturbation are predicted to display a magneto-electric effect that causes the electric and magnetic induction fields to mix at the material’s surface. This effect induces polarization rotations of between ≈1–10 mrad per interface in an incident plane-polarized electromagnetic wave normal to a multilayered structure. Here we show, theoretically and numerically, that by using a waveguide geometry with a topological insulator guide layer and magneto-dielectric cladding it is possible to achieve rotations of ≈100 mrad and generate an elliptical polarization with only a three-layered structure. This geometry is beneficial, not only as a way to enhance the magneto-electric effect, rendering it easier to observe, but also as a method for controlling the polarization of electromagnetic radiation. PMID:28220875

Synergistic promotion of polar phase crystallization of PVDF by ionic liquid with PEG segment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Pei; Fu, Weijia; Cui, Zhaopei; Ding, Yunsheng

2018-06-01

To investigate the effect of imidazolium ionic liquid with poly(ethylene glycol) segment (IL) on the polar phase crystallization behavior of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), a series of PVDF/IL composites were prepared using solution-cast method. The crystallization peak temperature of PVDF composites and the growth speed of samples decrease with increasing of IL. The >CF2 groups in amorphous region are retained and >CF2 groups in crystalline region are liberated by the PEG long soft segments of IL. The intensity of peaks represented as α phase reduces, moreover polar phase content increases with increasing of IL. The interaction between the >CF2 and the imidazolium cation can induce the polar phase, and the interaction between the >CF2 and PEG soft segment can strengthen polar crystalline induction. PVDF/12IL composite can form big γ spherulite circled by β phase.

Depth Profile of Induced Magnetic Polarization in Cu Layers of Co/Cu(111) Metallic Superlattices by Resonant X-ray Magnetic Scattering at the Cu K Absorption Edge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uegaki, Shin; Yoshida, Akihiro; Hosoito, Nobuyoshi

2015-03-01

We investigated induced spin polarization of 4p conduction electrons in Cu layers of antiferromagnetically (AFM) and ferromagnetically (FM) coupled Co/Cu(111) metallic superlattices by resonant X-ray magnetic scattering at the Cu K absorption edge. Magnetic reflectivity profiles of the two superlattices were measured in the magnetic saturation state with circularly polarized synchrotron radiation X-rays at 8985 eV. Depth profiles of the resonant magnetic scattering length of Cu, which corresponds to the induced spin polarization of Cu, were evaluated in the two Co/Cu superlattices by analyzing the observed magnetic reflectivity profiles. We demonstrated that the spin polarization induced in the Cu layer was distributed around the Co/Cu interfaces with an attenuation length of several Å in both AFM and FM coupled superlattices. The uniform component, which exists in Au layers of Fe/Au(001) superlattices, was not found in the depth distribution of induced magnetic polarization in the Cu layers of Co/Cu(111) superlattices.

Polarization effects in recoil-induced resonances

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

Lazebnyi, D. B., E-mail: becks.ddf@gmail.com; Brazhnikov, D. V.; Taichenachev, A. V.

2017-01-15

The effect of the field polarization on the amplitude of recoil-induced resonances (RIRs) is considered for laser-cooled free atoms and for atoms in a working magneto-optical trap (MOT). For all closed dipole transitions, explicit analytical expressions are obtained for the polarization dependence of the resonance amplitudes within a perturbation theory. Optimal polarization conditions are found for the observation of resonances.

Full-Stokes polarimetry with circularly polarized feeds. Sources with stable linear and circular polarization in the GHz regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myserlis, I.; Angelakis, E.; Kraus, A.; Liontas, C. A.; Marchili, N.; Aller, M. F.; Aller, H. D.; Karamanavis, V.; Fuhrmann, L.; Krichbaum, T. P.; Zensus, J. A.

2018-01-01

We present an analysis pipeline that enables the recovery of reliable information for all four Stokes parameters with high accuracy. Its novelty relies on the effective treatment of the instrumental effects even before the computation of the Stokes parameters, contrary to conventionally used methods such as that based on the Müller matrix. For instance, instrumental linear polarization is corrected across the whole telescope beam and significant Stokes Q and U can be recovered even when the recorded signals are severely corrupted by instrumental effects. The accuracy we reach in terms of polarization degree is of the order of 0.1-0.2%. The polarization angles are determined with an accuracy of almost 1°. The presented methodology was applied to recover the linear and circular polarization of around 150 active galactic nuclei, which were monitored between July 2010 and April 2016 with the Effelsberg 100-m telescope at 4.85 GHz and 8.35 GHz with a median cadence of 1.2 months. The polarized emission of the Moon was used to calibrate the polarization angle measurements. Our analysis showed a small system-induced rotation of about 1° at both observing frequencies. Over the examined period, five sources have significant and stable linear polarization; three sources remain constantly linearly unpolarized; and a total of 11 sources have stable circular polarization degree mc, four of them with non-zero mc. We also identify eight sources that maintain a stable polarization angle. All this is provided to the community for future polarization observations reference. We finally show that our analysis method is conceptually different from those traditionally used and performs better than the Müller matrix method. Although it has been developed for a system equipped with circularly polarized feeds, it can easily be generalized to systems with linearly polarized feeds as well. The data used to create Fig. C.1 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/609/A68

Electrically induced mechanical precompression of ferroelectric plates

DOEpatents

Chen, P.J.

1987-03-02

A method of electrically inducing mechanical precompression of ferroelectric plate covered with electrodes utilizes the change in strains of the plate as functions of applied electric field. A first field polarizes and laterally shrinks the entire plate. An outer portion of the electrodes are removed, and an opposite field partially depolarizes and expands the central portion of the plate against the shrunk outer portion. 2 figs.

Electrically induced mechanical precompression of ferroelectric plates

DOEpatents

Chen, Peter J.

1987-01-01

A method of electrically inducing mechanical precompression of a ferroelectric plate covered with electrodes utilizes the change in strains of the plate as functions of applied electric field. A first field polarizes and laterally shrinks the entire plate. An outer portion of the electrodes are removed, and an opposite field partially depolarizes and expands the central portion of the plate against the shrunk outer portion.

Dust-acoustic waves modulational instability and rogue waves in a polarized dusty plasma

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

Bouzit, Omar; Tribeche, Mouloud

2015-10-15

The polarization force-induced changes in the dust-acoustic waves (DAWs) modulational instability (MI) are examined. Using the reductive perturbation method, the nonlinear Schrödinger equation that governs the MI of the DAWs is obtained. It is found that the effect of the polarization term R is to narrow the wave number domain for the onset of instability. The amplitude of the wave envelope decreases as R increases, meaning that the polarization force effects render weaker the associated DA rogue waves. The latter may therefore completely damp in the vicinity of R ∼ 1, i.e., as the polarization force becomes close to the electrostatic onemore » (the net force acting on the dust particles becomes vanishingly small). The DA rogue wave profile is very sensitive to any change in the restoring force acting on the dust particles. It turns out that the polarization effects may completely smear out the DA rogue waves.« less

Daytime sky polarization calibration limitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrington, David M.; Kuhn, Jeffrey R.; Ariste, Arturo López

2017-01-01

The daytime sky has recently been demonstrated as a useful calibration tool for deriving polarization cross-talk properties of large astronomical telescopes. The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and other large telescopes under construction can benefit from precise polarimetric calibration of large mirrors. Several atmospheric phenomena and instrumental errors potentially limit the technique's accuracy. At the 3.67-m AEOS telescope on Haleakala, we performed a large observing campaign with the HiVIS spectropolarimeter to identify limitations and develop algorithms for extracting consistent calibrations. Effective sampling of the telescope optical configurations and filtering of data for several derived parameters provide robustness to the derived Mueller matrix calibrations. Second-order scattering models of the sky show that this method is relatively insensitive to multiple-scattering in the sky, provided calibration observations are done in regions of high polarization degree. The technique is also insensitive to assumptions about telescope-induced polarization, provided the mirror coatings are highly reflective. Zemax-derived polarization models show agreement between the functional dependence of polarization predictions and the corresponding on-sky calibrations.

Room-temperature in situ nuclear spin hyperpolarization from optically pumped nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond

DOE PAGES

King, Jonathan P.; Jeong, Keunhong; Vassiliou, Christophoros C.; ...

2015-12-07

Low detection sensitivity stemming from the weak polarization of nuclear spins is a primary limitation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging. Methods have been developed to enhance nuclear spin polarization but they typically require high magnetic fields, cryogenic temperatures or sample transfer between magnets. Here we report bulk, room-temperature hyperpolarization of 13C nuclear spins observed via high-field magnetic resonance. The technique harnesses the high optically induced spin polarization of diamond nitrogen vacancy centres at room temperature in combination with dynamic nuclear polarization. We observe bulk nuclear spin polarization of 6%, an enhancement of ~170,000 over thermal equilibrium. The signal ofmore » the hyperpolarized spins was detected in situ with a standard nuclear magnetic resonance probe without the need for sample shuttling or precise crystal orientation. In conclusion, hyperpolarization via optical pumping/dynamic nuclear polarization should function at arbitrary magnetic fields enabling orders of magnitude sensitivity enhancement for nuclear magnetic resonance of solids and liquids under ambient conditions.« less

Understanding the multiferroicity in TmMn2O5 by a magnetically induced ferrielectric model

PubMed Central

Yang, L.; Li, X.; Liu, M. F.; Li, P. L.; Yan, Z. B.; Zeng, M.; Qin, M. H.; Gao, X. S.; Liu, J.-M.

2016-01-01

The magnetically induced electric polarization behaviors in multiferroic TmMn2O5 in response to varying temperature and magnetic field are carefully investigated by means of a series of characterizations including the high precision pyroelectric current technique. Here polycrystalline rather than single crystal samples are used for avoiding the strong electrically self-polarized effect in single crystals, and various parallel experiments on excluding the thermally excited current contributions are performed. The temperature-dependent electric polarization flop as a major character is identified for different measuring paths. The magneto-current measurements indicate that the electric polarization in the low temperature magnetic phase region has different origin from that in the high temperature magnetic phase. It is suggested that the electric polarization does have multiple components which align along different orientations, including the Mn3+-Mn4+-Mn3+ exchange striction induced polarization PMM, the Tm3+-Mn4+-Tm3+ exchange striction induced polarization PTM, and the low temperature polarization PLT probably associated with the Tm3+ commensurate phase. The observed electric polarization flop can be reasonably explained by the ferrielectric model proposed earlier for DyMn2O5, where PMM and PTM are the two antiparallel components both along the b-axis and PLT may align along the a-axis. Finally, several issues on the unusual temperature dependence of ferroelectric polarizations are discussed. PMID:27713482

Golgi polarization plays a role in the directional migration of neonatal dermal fibroblasts induced by the direct current electric fields.

PubMed

Kim, Min Sung; Lee, Mi Hee; Kwon, Byeong-Ju; Koo, Min-Ah; Seon, Gyeung Mi; Park, Jong-Chul

2015-05-01

Directional cell migration requires cell polarization. The reorganization of the Golgi apparatus is an important phenomenon in the polarization and migration of many types of cells. Direct current electric fields (dc (EF) induced directional cell migration in a wide variety of cells. Here nHDFs migrated toward cathode under 1 V/cm dc EF, however 1 μM of brefeldin A (BFA) inhibited the dc EF induced directional migration. BFA (1 μM) did not cause the complete Golgi dispersal for 2 h. When the Golgi polarization maintained their direction of polarity, the direction of cell migration also kept toward the same direction of the Golgi polarization even though the dc EF was reversed. In this study, the importance of the Golgi polarization in the directional migration of nHDf under dc EF was identified. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spectral Induced Polarization Response of Unconsolidated Saturated Sand and Surfactant Solutions

EPA Science Inventory

Dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL), such as chlorinated solvents, are common groundwater contaminants. Traditional pump-and-treat methods are often not effective at removing residual DNAPL from the subsurface. Surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation is a promising remediatio...

Adenosine Triphosphate Promotes Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation and Th17 Cell Polarization in Neutrophilic Asthma.

PubMed

Zhang, Fang; Su, Xin; Huang, Gang; Xin, Xiao-Feng; Cao, E-Hong; Shi, Yi; Song, Yong

2017-01-01

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a key mediator to alert the immune dysfunction by acting on P2 receptors. Here, we found that allergen challenge caused an increase of ATP secretion in a murine model of neutrophilic asthma, which correlated well with neutrophil counts and interleukin-17 production. When ATP signaling was blocked by intratracheal administration of the ATP receptor antagonist suramin before challenge, neutrophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and Th17-type responses were reduced significantly. Also, neutrophilic inflammation was abrogated when airway ATP levels were locally neutralized using apyrase. Furthermore, ATP promoted the Th17 polarization of splenic CD4 + T cells from DO11.10 mice in vitro. In addition, ovalbumin (OVA) challenge induced neutrophilic inflammation and Th17 polarization in DO11.10 mice, whereas administration of suramin before challenge alleviated these parameters. Thus, ATP may serve as a marker of neutrophilic asthma, and local blockade of ATP signaling might provide an alternative method to prevent Th17-mediated airway inflammation in neutrophilic asthma.

Topologically trivial and nontrivial edge bands in graphene induced by irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Mou; Cai, Zhi-Jun; Wang, Rui-Qiang; Bai, Yan-Kui

2016-08-01

We proposed a minimal model to describe the Floquet band structure of two-dimensional materials with light-induced resonant inter-band transition. We applied it to graphene to study the band features caused by the light irradiation. Linearly polarized light induces pseudo gaps (gaps are functions of wavevector), and circularly polarized light causes real gaps on the quasi-energy spectrum. If the polarization of light is linear and along the longitudinal direction of zigzag ribbons, flat edge bands appear in the pseudo gaps, and if it is in the lateral direction of armchair ribbons, curved edge bands can be found. For the circularly polarized cases, edge bands arise and intersect in the gaps of both types of ribbons. The edge bands induced by the circularly polarized light are helical and those by linearly polarized light are topologically trivial ones. The Chern number of the Floquet band, which reflects the number of pairs of helical edge bands in graphene ribbons, can be reduced into the winding number at resonance.

Spectral Induced Polarization of Low-pH Concrete. Influence of the Electrical Double Layer and Pore Size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leroy, P. G.; Gaboreau, S.; Zimmermann, E.; Hoerdt, A.; Claret, F.; Huisman, J. A.; Tournassat, C.

2017-12-01

Low-pH concretes are foreseen to be used in nuclear waste disposal. Understanding their reactivity upon the considered host-rock is a key point. Evolution of mineralogy, porosity, pore size distribution and connectivity can be monitored in situ using geophysical methods such as induced polarization (IP). This electrical method consists of injecting an alternating current and measuring the resulting voltage in the porous medium. Spectral IP (SIP) measurements in the 10 mHz to 10 kHz frequency range were carried out on low-pH concrete and cement paste first in equilibrium and then in contact with a CO2 enriched and diluted water. We observed a very high resistivity of the materials (> 10 kOhm m) and a strong phase shift between injected current and measured voltage (superior to 40 mrad and above 100 mrad for frequencies > 100 Hz). These observations were modelled by considering membrane polarization with ion exclusion in nanopores whose surface electrical properties were computed using a basic Stern model of the cement/water interface. Pore size distribution was deduced from SIP and was compared to the measured ones. In addition, we observed a decrease of the material resistivity due to the dissolution of cement in contact with external water. Our results show that SIP may be a valuable method to monitor the mineralogy and the petrophysical and transport properties of cements.

2D Inversion of DCR and Time Domain IP data: an example from ore exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adrian, J.; Tezkan, B.

2015-12-01

Ore deposits often appear as disseminated sulfidic materials. Exploring these deposits with the Direct Current Resistivity (DCR) method alone is challenging because the resistivity signatures caused by disseminated material is often hard to detect. The Time-domain Induced Polarization (TDIP) method, on the other hand, is qualified to detect areas with disseminated sulfidic ores due to large electrode polarization effects which result in large chargeability anomalies. By employing both methods we gain information about both, the resistivity and the chargeability distribution of the subsurface.On the poster we present the current state of the development of a 2D smoothness constraint inversion algorithm for DCR and TDIP data. The implemented forward algorithm uses a Finite Element approach with an unstructured mesh. The model parameters resistivity and chargeability are connected by either a simple conductivity pertubation approach or a complex conductivity approach.As a case study, the 2D inversion results of DCR/TDIP and RMT data obtained during a survey on a sulfidic copper ore deposit in Turkey are presented. The presence of an ore deposit is indicated by areas with low resistivity and significantly high chargeability in the inversion models.This work is part of the BMBF/TUEBITAK funded project ``Two-dimensional joint interpretation of Radiomagnetotellurics (RMT), Direct Current Resistivity (DCR) and Induced Polarization (IP) data: an example from ore exploration''.

Image method for induced surface charge from many-body system of dielectric spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Jian; de Pablo, Juan J.; Freed, Karl F.

2016-09-01

Charged dielectric spheres embedded in a dielectric medium provide the simplest model for many-body systems of polarizable ions and charged colloidal particles. We provide a multiple scattering formulation for the total electrostatic energy for such systems and demonstrate that the polarization energy can be rapidly evaluated by an image method that generalizes the image methods for conducting spheres. Individual contributions to the total electrostatic energy are ordered according to the number of polarized surfaces involved, and each additional surface polarization reduces the energy by a factor of (a/R)3ɛ, where a is the sphere radius, R the average inter-sphere separation, and ɛ the relevant dielectric mismatch at the interface. Explicit expressions are provided for both the energy and the forces acting on individual spheres, which can be readily implemented in Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations of polarizable charged spheres, thereby avoiding costly computational techniques that introduce a surface charge distribution that requires numerical solution.

IImage method for induced surface charge from many-body system of dielectric spheres

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

Qin, Jian; de Pablo, Juan J.; Freed, Karl F.

2016-09-28

Charged dielectric spheres embedded in a dielectric medium provide the simplest model for many-body systems of polarizable ions and charged colloidal particles. We provide a multiple scattering formulation for the total electrostatic energy for such systems and demonstrate that the polarization energy can be rapidly evaluated by an image method that generalizes the image methods for conducting spheres. Individual contributions to the total electrostatic energy are ordered according to the number of polarized surfaces involved, and each additional surface polarization reduces the energy by a factor of (a/R)(3) epsilon, where a is the sphere radius, R the average inter-sphere separation,more » and. the relevant dielectric mismatch at the interface. Explicit expressions are provided for both the energy and the forces acting on individual spheres, which can be readily implemented in Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations of polarizable charged spheres, thereby avoiding costly computational techniques that introduce a surface charge distribution that requires numerical solution.« less

Investigating dust trapping in transition disks with millimeter-wave polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohl, A.; Kataoka, A.; Pinilla, P.; Dullemond, C. P.; Henning, Th.; Birnstiel, T.

2016-08-01

Context. Spatially resolved polarized (sub-)mm emission has been observed for example in the protoplanetary disk around HL Tau. Magnetically aligned grains are commonly interpreted as the source of polarization. However, self-scattering by large dust grains with a high enough albedo is another polarization mechanism, which is becoming a compelling method independent of the spectral index to constrain the dust grain size in protoplanetary disks. Aims: We study the dust polarization at mm wavelengths in the dust trapping scenario proposed for transition disks, when a giant planet opens a gap in the disk. We investigate the characteristic polarization patterns and their dependence on disk inclination, dust size evolution, planet position, and observing wavelength. Methods: We combine two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of planet-disk interactions with self-consistent dust growth models. These size-dependent dust density distributions are used for follow-up three-dimensional radiative transfer calculations to predict the polarization degree at ALMA bands due to scattered thermal emission. Results: Dust self-scattering has been proven to be a viable mechanism for producing polarized mm-wave radiation. We find that the polarization pattern of a disk with a planetary gap after 1 Myr of dust evolution shows a distinctive three-ring structure. Two narrow inner rings are located at the planet gap edges. A third wider ring of polarization is situated in the outer disk beyond 100 au. For increasing observing wavelengths, all three rings change their position slightly, where the innermost and outermost rings move inward. This distance is detectable when comparing the results at ALMA bands 3, 6, and 7. Within the highest polarized intensity regions the polarization vectors are oriented in the azimuthal direction. For an inclined disk there is an interplay between polarization originating from a flux gradient and inclination-induced quadrupole polarization. For intermediate inclined transition disks, the polarization degree is as high as ~2% at λ = 3.1 mm (band 3), which is well above the detection limit of future ALMA observations.

Optics of short-pitch deformed-helix ferroelectric liquid crystals: Symmetries, exceptional points, and polarization-resolved angular patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiselev, Alexei D.; Chigrinov, Vladimir G.

2014-10-01

In order to explore electric-field-induced transformations of polarization singularities in the polarization-resolved angular (conoscopic) patterns emerging after deformed-helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC) cells with subwavelength helix pitch, we combine the transfer matrix formalism with the results for the effective dielectric tensor of biaxial FLCs evaluated using an improved technique of averaging over distorted helical structures. Within the framework of the transfer matrix method, we deduce a number of symmetry relations and show that the symmetry axis of L lines (curves of linear polarization) is directed along the major in-plane optical axis which rotates under the action of the electric field. When the angle between this axis and the polarization plane of incident linearly polarized light is above its critical value, the C points (points of circular polarization) appear in the form of symmetrically arranged chains of densely packed star-monstar pairs. We also emphasize the role of phase singularities of a different kind and discuss the enhanced electro-optic response of DHFLCs near the exceptional point where the condition of zero-field isotropy is fulfilled.

Cell cycle entry triggers a switch between two modes of Cdc42 activation during yeast polarization

PubMed Central

Witte, Kristen; Strickland, Devin; Glotzer, Michael

2017-01-01

Cell polarization underlies many cellular and organismal functions. The GTPase Cdc42 orchestrates polarization in many contexts. In budding yeast, polarization is associated with a focus of Cdc42•GTP which is thought to self sustain by recruiting a complex containing Cla4, a Cdc42-binding effector, Bem1, a scaffold, and Cdc24, a Cdc42 GEF. Using optogenetics, we probe yeast polarization and find that local recruitment of Cdc24 or Bem1 is sufficient to induce polarization by triggering self-sustaining Cdc42 activity. However, the response to these perturbations depends on the recruited molecule, the cell cycle stage, and existing polarization sites. Before cell cycle entry, recruitment of Cdc24, but not Bem1, induces a metastable pool of Cdc42 that is sustained by positive feedback. Upon Cdk1 activation, recruitment of either Cdc24 or Bem1 creates a stable site of polarization that induces budding and inhibits formation of competing sites. Local perturbations have therefore revealed unexpected features of polarity establishment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.26722.001 PMID:28682236

Protein-Ligand Interaction Detection with a Novel Method of Transient Induced Molecular Electronic Spectroscopy (TIMES): Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

PubMed

Zhang, Tiantian; Wei, Tao; Han, Yuanyuan; Ma, Heng; Samieegohar, Mohammadreza; Chen, Ping-Wei; Lian, Ian; Lo, Yu-Hwa

2016-11-23

Protein-ligand interaction detection without disturbances (e.g., surface immobilization, fluorescent labeling, and crystallization) presents a key question in protein chemistry and drug discovery. The emergent technology of transient induced molecular electronic spectroscopy (TIMES), which incorporates a unique design of microfluidic platform and integrated sensing electrodes, is designed to operate in a label-free and immobilization-free manner to provide crucial information for protein-ligand interactions in relevant physiological conditions. Through experiments and theoretical simulations, we demonstrate that the TIMES technique actually detects protein-ligand binding through signals generated by surface electric polarization. The accuracy and sensitivity of experiments were demonstrated by precise measurements of dissociation constant of lysozyme and N -acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) ligand and its trimer, NAG 3 . Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computation is performed to demonstrate that the surface's electric polarization signal originates from the induced image charges during the transition state of surface mass transport, which is governed by the overall effects of protein concentration, hydraulic forces, and surface fouling due to protein adsorption. Hybrid atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy computation show that ligand binding affects lysozyme structure and stability, producing different adsorption orientation and surface polarization to give the characteristic TIMES signals. Although the current work is focused on protein-ligand interactions, the TIMES method is a general technique that can be applied to study signals from reactions between many kinds of molecules.

Quantification of asymmetric microtubule nucleation at sub-cellular structures

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xiaodong; Kaverina, Irina

2012-01-01

Cell polarization is important for multiple physiological processes. In polarized cells, microtubules (MTs) are organized into a spatially polarized array. Generally, in non-differentiated cells, it is assumed that MTs are symmetrically nucleated exclusively from centrosome (microtubule organizing center, MTOC) and then reorganized into the asymmetric array. We have recently identified the Golgi complex as an additional MTOC that asymmetrically nucleates MTs toward one side of the cell. Methods used for alternative MTOC identification include microtubule re-growth after complete drug-induced depolymerization and tracking of growing microtubules using fluorescence labeled MT +TIP binding proteins in living cells. These approaches can be used for quantification of MT nucleation sites at diverse sub-cellular structures. PMID:21773933

Application of NIR Raman spectroscopy for detecting and characterizing early dental caries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, A. C.; Choo-Smith, L.-P.; Zhu, R.; Hewko, M.; Dong, C.; Cleghorn, B.; Sowa, M. G.

2006-02-01

Early dental caries detection facilitates implementation of non-surgical methods for arresting caries progression and promoting tooth remineralization. We present a method based on Raman spectroscopy with near-IR laser excitation to provide biochemical contrast for detecting and characterizing incipient carious lesions found in extracted human teeth. Changes in Raman spectra are observed in PO 4 3- vibrations arising from hydroxyapatite of mineralized tooth tissue. Examination of various intensities of the PO 4 3- ν2, ν3, ν4 vibrations showed consistent increased intensities in spectra of carious lesions compared to sound enamel. The spectral changes are attributed to demineralization-induced alterations of enamel crystallite morphology and/or orientation. This hypothesis is supported by reduced Raman polarization anisotropy derived from polarized Raman spectra of carious lesions. Polarized Raman spectral imaging of carious lesions found on whole (i.e. un-sectioned) tooth samples will also be presented.

Polarization-induced Zener tunnel junctions in wide-band-gap heterostructures.

PubMed

Simon, John; Zhang, Ze; Goodman, Kevin; Xing, Huili; Kosel, Thomas; Fay, Patrick; Jena, Debdeep

2009-07-10

The large electronic polarization in III-V nitrides allows for novel physics not possible in other semiconductor families. In this work, interband Zener tunneling in wide-band-gap GaN heterojunctions is demonstrated by using polarization-induced electric fields. The resulting tunnel diodes are more conductive under reverse bias, which has applications for zero-bias rectification and mm-wave imaging. Since interband tunneling is traditionally prohibitive in wide-band-gap semiconductors, these polarization-induced structures and their variants can enable a number of devices such as multijunction solar cells that can operate under elevated temperatures and high fields.

Current-induced spin polarization in InGaAs and GaAs epilayers with varying doping densities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luengo-Kovac, M.; Huang, S.; Del Gaudio, D.; Occena, J.; Goldman, R. S.; Raimondi, R.; Sih, V.

2017-11-01

The current-induced spin polarization and momentum-dependent spin-orbit field were measured in InxGa1 -xAs epilayers with varying indium concentrations and silicon doping densities. Samples with higher indium concentrations and carrier concentrations and lower mobilities were found to have larger electrical spin generation efficiencies. Furthermore, current-induced spin polarization was detected in GaAs epilayers despite the absence of measurable spin-orbit fields, indicating that the extrinsic contributions to the spin-polarization mechanism must be considered. Theoretical calculations based on a model that includes extrinsic contributions to the spin dephasing and the spin Hall effect, in addition to the intrinsic Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling, are found to reproduce the experimental finding that the crystal direction with the smaller net spin-orbit field has larger electrical spin generation efficiency and are used to predict how sample parameters affect the magnitude of the current-induced spin polarization.

The Plunger Hypothesis: an overview of a new theory of stratosphere-troposphere dynamic coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, S.; Baldwin, M. P.; Stephenson, D.

2015-12-01

I will demonstrate the advantages of a new method of quantifying polar stratosphere-troposphere coupling by considering large-scale movements of mass into and out of the polar stratosphere. This project aims to use these mass movements to explain pressure and temperature anomalies throughout the polar troposphere and lower stratosphere in the aftermath of extreme stratospheric events. We hypothesise that these mass movements are induced by deposition of momentum by breaking waves in the stratosphere, slowing the wintertime polar vortex, and so are associated with sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs). Such a mass movement in the upper stratosphere acts to compress the polar atmosphere below it in the manner of a plunger. In this way the pressure anomaly in the upper polar stratosphere 'controls' the pressure and temperature anomalies below by adiabatic compression of the polar atmospheric column. Better understanding this method of control will allow us to use stratospheric data to improve medium-range forecasting ability in the troposphere. One of the key innovations featured in this project is considering pressure and temperature fields at fixed geopotential surfaces, allowing for the easy observation of mass movement into and out of a polar cap region (which we have defined as north of 65N) as a function of altitude. Reanalysis data considered in this manner demonstrates a relationship between tropospheric pressure anomalies and stratospheric anomalies in the polar cap, and so a way to predict tropospheric variability given stratospheric information. This work forms part of a three and a half year PhD project.

Gynogenesis in carp, Cyprinus Carpio L. and tench, Tinca Tinca L. induced by 60Co radiation in highly homogeneous radiating field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pipota, J.; Linhart, O.

The paper deals with a method of fertility inactivation of fish spermatozoa by gamma radiation. Spermatozoa motility remained unchanged after irradiation. Irradiated sperm has been utilized to induced gynogenesis by means of retention of the second polar body and of mitotic gynogenesis, realized in carp for the first time. Homogeneity of gamma-rays field was + - 1 %.

Polarization-controlled optimal scatter suppression in transient absorption spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Malý, Pavel; Ravensbergen, Janneke; Kennis, John T. M.; van Grondelle, Rienk; Croce, Roberta; Mančal, Tomáš; van Oort, Bart

2017-01-01

Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy is a powerful technique to study fast photo-induced processes, such as electron, proton and energy transfer, isomerization and molecular dynamics, in a diverse range of samples, including solid state materials and proteins. Many such experiments suffer from signal distortion by scattered excitation light, in particular close to the excitation (pump) frequency. Scattered light can be effectively suppressed by a polarizer oriented perpendicular to the excitation polarization and positioned behind the sample in the optical path of the probe beam. However, this introduces anisotropic polarization contributions into the recorded signal. We present an approach based on setting specific polarizations of the pump and probe pulses, combined with a polarizer behind the sample. Together, this controls the signal-to-scatter ratio (SSR), while maintaining isotropic signal. We present SSR for the full range of polarizations and analytically derive the optimal configuration at angles of 40.5° between probe and pump and of 66.9° between polarizer and pump polarizations. This improves SSR by (or compared to polarizer parallel to probe). The calculations are validated by transient absorption experiments on the common fluorescent dye Rhodamine B. This approach provides a simple method to considerably improve the SSR in transient absorption spectroscopy. PMID:28262765

Calculating permittivity of semi-conductor fillers in composites based on simplified effective medium approximation models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yefeng; Wu, Qin; Hu, Jianbing; Xu, Zhichao; Peng, Cheng; Xia, Zexu

2018-03-01

Interface induced polarization has a significant impact on permittivity of 0–3 type polymer composites with Si based semi-conducting fillers. Polarity of Si based filler, polarity of polymer matrix and grain size of filler are closely connected with induced polarization and permittivity of composites. However, unlike 2–2 type composites, the real permittivity of Si based fillers in 0–3 type composites could be not directly measured. Therefore, achieving the theoretical permittivity of fillers in 0–3 composites through effective medium approximation (EMA) models should be very necessary. In this work, the real permittivity results of Si based semi-conducting fillers in ten different 0–3 polymer composite systems were calculated by linear fitting of simplified EMA models, based on particularity of reported parameters in those composites. The results further confirmed the proposed interface induced polarization. The results further verified significant influences of filler polarity, polymer polarity and filler size on induced polarization and permittivity of composites as well. High self-consistency was gained between present modelling and prior measuring. This work might offer a facile and effective route to achieve the difficultly measured dielectric performances of discrete filler phase in some special polymer based composite systems.

A telluric method for natural field induced polarization studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zorin, Nikita; Epishkin, Dmitrii; Yakovlev, Andrey

2016-12-01

Natural field induced polarization (NFIP) is a branch of low-frequency electromagnetics designed for detection of buried polarizable objects from magnetotelluric (MT) data. The conventional approach to the method deals with normalized MT apparent resistivity. We show that it is more favorable to extract the IP effect from solely electric (telluric) transfer functions instead. For lateral localization of polarizable bodies it is convenient to work with the telluric tensor determinant, which does not depend on the rotation of the receiving electric dipoles. Applicability of the new method was verified in the course of a large-scale field research. The field work was conducted in a well-explored area in East Kazakhstan known for the presence of various IP sources such as graphite, magnetite, and sulfide mineralization. A new multichannel processing approach allowed the determination of the telluric tensor components with very good accuracy. This holds out a hope that in some cases NFIP data may be used not only for detection of polarizable objects, but also for a rough estimation of their spectral IP characteristics.

Induced polarization and self-potential geophysical signature of bacterial activity in porous media (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, A.

2013-12-01

The first part of the presentation will be dedicated to the spectral induced polarization signature of bacteria in porous media. We developed a quantitative model to investigate frequency-domain induced polarization response of suspensions of bacteria and bacteria growth in porous media. Induced polarization of bacteria (alpha-polarization) is related to the properties of the electrical double layer of the bacteria. Surface conductivity and alpha-polarization are due to the Stern layer of counterions occurring in a brush of polymers coating the surface of the bacteria. These phenomena can be related to the cation exchange capacity of the bacteria. The mobility of the counterions in this Stern layer is found to be very small (4.7×10-10 m2s-1 V-1 at 25°C). This implies a very low relaxation frequency for the alpha-polarization of the bacteria cells (typically around 0.1 to 5 Hertz) in agreement with experimental observations. This new model can be coupled to reactive transport modeling codes in which the evolution of bacterial populations are usually described by Monod kinetics. We show that the growth rate and endogenous decay coefficients of bacteria in a porous sand can be inferred non-intrusively from time lapse frequency-domain induced polarization data. The second part of the presentation will concern the biogeobattery mechanism showing new data, the concept of transient biogeobattery and the influence of the concentration of the electron acceptors in the process.

Trigonal warping induced unusual spin texture and strong spin polarization in graphene with the Rashba effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Da-Shuai; Yu, Zhi-Ming; Pan, Hui; Yao, Yugui

2018-02-01

We study the electronic and scattering properties of graphene with moderate Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The Rashba SOC in graphene tends to distort the band structure and gives rise to a trigonally warped Fermi surface. For electrons at a pronouncedly warped Fermi surface, the spin direction exhibits a staircase profile as a function of the momentum, making an unusual spin texture. We also study the spin-resolved scattering on a Rashba barrier and find that the trigonal warping is essential for producing spin polarization of the transmitted current. Particularly, both the direction and strength of the spin polarization can be controlled by kinds of electric methods. Our work unveils that not only SOC but also the geometry of the Fermi surface is important for generating spin polarization.

Polarization microscopy by use of digital holography: application to optical-fiber birefringence measurements.

PubMed

Colomb, Tristan; Dürr, Florian; Cuche, Etienne; Marquet, Pierre; Limberger, Hans G; Salathé, René-Paul; Depeursinge, Christian

2005-07-20

We present a digital holographic microscope that permits one to image polarization state. This technique results from the coupling of digital holographic microscopy and polarization digital holography. The interference between two orthogonally polarized reference waves and the wave transmitted by a microscopic sample, magnified by a microscope objective, is recorded on a CCD camera. The off-axis geometry permits one to reconstruct separately from this single hologram two wavefronts that are used to image the object-wave Jones vector. We applied this technique to image the birefringence of a bent fiber. To evaluate the precision of the phase-difference measurement, the birefringence induced by internal stress in an optical fiber is measured and compared to the birefringence profile captured by a standard method, which had been developed to obtain high-resolution birefringence profiles of optical fibers.

NMR Shielding in Metals Using the Augmented Plane Wave Method

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We present calculations of solid state NMR magnetic shielding in metals, which includes both the orbital and the complete spin response of the system in a consistent way. The latter contains an induced spin-polarization of the core states and needs an all-electron self-consistent treatment. In particular, for transition metals, the spin hyperfine field originates not only from the polarization of the valence s-electrons, but the induced magnetic moment of the d-electrons polarizes the core s-states in opposite direction. The method is based on DFT and the augmented plane wave approach as implemented in the WIEN2k code. A comparison between calculated and measured NMR shifts indicates that first-principle calculations can obtain converged results and are more reliable than initially concluded based on previous publications. Nevertheless large k-meshes (up to 2 000 000 k-points in the full Brillouin-zone) and some Fermi-broadening are necessary. Our results show that, in general, both spin and orbital components of the NMR shielding must be evaluated in order to reproduce experimental shifts, because the orbital part cancels the shift of the usually highly ionic reference compound only for simple sp-elements but not for transition metals. This development paves the way for routine NMR calculations of metallic systems. PMID:26322148

An optical liquid level sensor based on core-offset fusion splicing method using polarization-maintaining fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lou, Weimin; Chen, Debao; Shen, Changyu; Lu, Yanfang; Liu, Huanan; Wei, Jian

2016-01-01

A simple liquid level sensor using a small piece of hydrofluoric acid (HF) etched polarization maintaining fiber (PMF), with SMF-PMF-SMF fiber structure based on Mach- Zehnder interference (MZI) mechanism is proposed. The core-offset fusion splicing method induced cladding modes interfere with the core mode. Moreover, the changing liquid level would influence the optical path difference of the MZI since the effective refractive indices of the air and the liquid is different. Both the variations of the wavelength shifts and power intensity attenuation corresponding to the liquid level can be obtained with a sensitivity of 0.4956nm/mm and 0.2204dB/mm, respectively.

Complex conductivity of volcanic rocks and the geophysical mapping of alteration in volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, A.; Revil, A.; Coperey, A.; Soueid Ahmed, A.; Roque, S.; Heap, M. J.; Grandis, H.; Viveiros, F.

2018-05-01

Induced polarization measurements can be used to image alteration at the scale of volcanic edifices to a depth of few kilometers. Such a goal cannot be achieved with electrical conductivity alone, because too many textural and environmental parameters influence the electrical conductivity of volcanic rocks. We investigate the spectral induced polarization measurements (complex conductivity) in the frequency band 10 mHz-45 kHz of 85 core samples from five volcanoes: Merapi and Papandayan in Indonesia (32 samples), Furnas in Portugal (5 samples), Yellowstone in the USA (26 samples), and Whakaari (White Island) in New Zealand (22 samples). This collection of samples covers not only different rock compositions (basaltic andesite, andesite, trachyte and rhyolite), but also various degrees of alteration. The specific surface area is found to be correlated to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the samples measured by the cobalthexamine method, both serving as rough proxies of the hydrothermal alteration experienced by these materials. The in-phase (real) conductivity of the samples is the sum of a bulk contribution associated with conduction in the pore network and a surface conductivity that increases with alteration. The quadrature conductivity and the normalized chargeability are two parameters related to the polarization of the electrical double layer coating the minerals of the volcanic rocks. Both parameters increase with the degree of alteration. The surface conductivity, the quadrature conductivity, and the normalized chargeability (defined as the difference between the in-phase conductivity at high and low frequencies) are linearly correlated to the CEC normalized by the bulk tortuosity of the pore space. The effects of temperature and pyrite-content are also investigated and can be understood in terms of a physics-based model. Finally, we performed a numerical study of the use of induced polarization to image the normalized chargeability of a volcanic edifice. Induced polarization tomography can be used to map alteration of volcanic edifices with applications to geohazard mapping.

Excitation of high density surface plasmon polariton vortex array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Chun-Fu; Chu, Shu-Chun

2018-06-01

This study proposes a method to excite surface plasmon polariton (SPP) vortex array of high spatial density on metal/air interface. A doughnut vector beam was incident at four rectangularly arranged slits to excite SPP vortex array. The doughnut vector beam used in this study has the same field intensity distribution as the regular doughnut laser mode, TEM01* mode, but a different polarization distribution. The SPP vortex array is achieved through the matching of both polarization state and phase state of the incident doughnut vector beam with the four slits. The SPP field distribution excited in this study contains stable array-distributed time-varying optical vortices. Theoretical derivation, analytical calculation and numerical simulation were used to discuss the characteristics of the induced SPP vortex array. The period of the SPP vortex array induced by the proposed method had only half SPPs wavelength. In addition, the vortex number in an excited SPP vortex array can be increased by enlarging the structure.

Experiments and Theory of Induced Optical Magnetization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, Alexander A.

This thesis reports the results of light scattering experiments at moderate optical intensities (˜ 108 W/cm2) in which the magnetic component of light induces magnetic dipolar response of unprecedented intensity by a novel nonlinear mechanism. Both experimentally and theoretically the amplitude of induced magnetization is found to be as large as electric polarization (M = cP) at intensities above ~ 108 W/cm2 in different materials, greatly exceeding the conventional bounds of the multipole expansion. The transverse nature of the magnetization, its frequency, and its quadratic dependence on incident light intensity are in agreement with an exact theory which identifies the importance of magnetically-induced torque in achieving 2-photon resonance of this ultrafast process. In this work we report and compare the intensity dependence of cross-polarized scattering in the transparent molecular liquids CCl4, SiCl 4, SiBr4, SnCl4, C6H6, C 6D6, C6H5NH2, and C 6H5CN and the crystalline solid Gd3Ga5O 12. Complete radiation patterns of co-polarized and cross-polarized light scattering were recorded as a function of intensity in these homogeneous media and subsequently decomposed into polarized and unpolarized components to provide a more complete picture of scattering dynamics than has been possible in past experiments. The cross-polarized scattering observed from spherical-top molecules CCl4, SiCl4, SiBr4, and SnCl4 and crystalline GGG is argued to originate from magnetic dipoles induced by a second-order optical nonlinearity driven jointly by the E and B fields of light. Among the spherical top molecular liquids, SnCl4 developed more intense magnetic scattering at a fixed intensity than CCl4, in agreement with the predicted dependence on rotational frequency and damping. Cross-polarized scattering in anisotropic molecules C6H6, C6D6, C6 H5NH2, and C6H5CN, on the other hand, is known to originate from optical orientation of permanent electric dipole moments in first-order or differential polarizability in third-order. The importance of rotational dynamics to depolarization in all the liquids studied is outlined and confirmed through observation of an isotopic effect in the scattering from C6H6 vs. C6D 6. Finally, the new nonlinear optical process investigated here provides a method for generating oriented rotations of molecules.

Imprint control of BaTiO 3 thin films via chemically induced surface polarization pinning

DOE PAGES

Lee, Hyungwoo; Kim, Tae Heon; Patzner, Jacob J.; ...

2016-02-22

Surface-adsorbed polar molecules can significantly alter the ferroelectric properties of oxide thin films. Thus, fundamental understanding and controlling the effect of surface adsorbates are crucial for the implementation of ferroelectric thin film devices, such as ferroelectric tunnel junctions. Herein, we report an imprint control of BaTiO 3 (BTO) thin films by chemically induced surface polarization pinning in the top few atomic layers of the water-exposed BTO films. Our studies based on synchrotron X-ray scattering and coherent Bragg rod analysis demonstrate that the chemically induced surface polarization is not switchable but reduces the polarization imprint and improves the bistability of ferroelectricmore » phase in BTO tunnel junctions. Here, we conclude that the chemical treatment of ferroelectric thin films with polar molecules may serve as a simple yet powerful strategy to enhance functional properties of ferroelectric tunnel junctions for their practical applications.« less

Unidirectionally oriented nanocracks on metal surfaces irradiated by low-fluence femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Masahiro; Hashida, Masaki; Miyasaka, Yasuhiro; Tokita, Shigeki; Sakabe, Shuji

2013-10-01

We have investigated the origin of nanostructures formed on metals by low-fluence femtosecond laser pulses. Nanoscale cracks oriented perpendicular to the incident laser polarization are induced on tungsten, molybdenum, and copper targets. The number density of the cracks increases with the number of pulses, but crack length plateaus. Electromagnetic field simulation by the finite-difference time-domain method indicates that electric field is locally enhanced along the direction perpendicular to the incident laser polarization around a nanoscale hole on the metal surface. Crack formation originates from the hole.

Field-induced phase transitions in chiral smectic liquid crystals studied by the constant current method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

H, Dhaouadi; R, Zgueb; O, Riahi; F, Trabelsi; T, Othman

2016-05-01

In ferroelectric liquid crystals, phase transitions can be induced by an electric field. The current constant method allows these transition to be quickly localized and thus the (E,T) phase diagram of the studied product can be obtained. In this work, we make a slight modification to the measurement principles based on this method. This modification allows the characteristic parameters of ferroelectric liquid crystal to be quantitatively measured. The use of a current square signal highlights a phenomenon of ferroelectric hysteresis with remnant polarization at null field, which points out an effect of memory in this compound.

Longitudinal terahertz wave generation from an air plasma filament induced by a femtosecond laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minami, Yasuo; Kurihara, Takayuki; Yamaguchi, Keita; Nakajima, Makoto; Suemoto, Tohru

2013-04-01

We have generated and detected a longitudinally polarized (Z-polarized) terahertz (THz) wave by focusing a conically propagating THz beam generated from a plasma filament induced by a femtosecond laser pulse. In the experiment, we observed a radially polarized field in a collimated region and Z-polarized field at focus in the time domain. The maximum value of the Z-polarized THz electric field reached 1.0 kV/cm. It was also quantitatively discussed about the Z-polarized field and the radial field at the focal point. We expect this technique to find application in THz time domain spectroscopy.

Understanding the influence of solvent field and fluctuations on the stability of photo-induced charge-separated state in molecular triad

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balamurugan, D.; Aquino, Adelia; Lischka, Hans; Dios, Francis; Flores, Lionel; Cheung, Margaret

2013-03-01

Molecular triad composed of fullerene, porphyrin, and carotene is an artificial analogue of natural photosynthetic system and is considered for applications in solar energy conversion because of its ability to produce long-lived photo-induced charge separated state. The goal of the present multiscale simulation is to understand how the stability of photo-induced charge-separated state in molecular triad is influenced by a polar organic solvent, namely tetrahydrofuran (THF). The multiscale approach is based on combined quantum, classical molecular dynamics, and statistical physics calculations. The quantum chemical calculations were performed on the triad using the second order algebraic diagrammatic perturbation and time-dependent density functional theory. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on triad in a box of THF solvent with the replica exchange method. The two methods on different length and time scales are bridged through an important sampling technique. We have analyzed the free energy landscape, structural fluctuations, and the long- range electrostatic interactions between triad and solvent molecules. The results suggest that the polarity and re-organization of the solvent is critical in stabilization of charge-separated state in triad. Supported by DOE (DE-FG02-10ER16175)

Effects of polarization and absorption on laser induced optical breakdown threshold for skin rejuvenation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varghese, Babu; Bonito, Valentina; Turco, Simona; Verhagen, Rieko

2016-03-01

Laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) is a non-linear absorption process leading to plasma formation at locations where the threshold irradiance for breakdown is surpassed. In this paper we experimentally demonstrate the influence of polarization and absorption on laser induced breakdown threshold in transparent, absorbing and scattering phantoms made from water suspensions of polystyrene microspheres. We demonstrate that radially polarized light yields a lower irradiance threshold for creating optical breakdown compared to linearly polarized light. We also demonstrate that the thermal initiation pathway used for generating seed electrons results in a lower irradiance threshold compared to multiphoton initiation pathway used for optical breakdown.

FNDC5 attenuates adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance via AMPK-mediated macrophage polarization in obesity.

PubMed

Xiong, Xiao-Qing; Geng, Zhi; Zhou, Bing; Zhang, Feng; Han, Ying; Zhou, Ye-Bo; Wang, Jue-Jin; Gao, Xing-Ya; Chen, Qi; Li, Yue-Hua; Kang, Yu-Ming; Zhu, Guo-Qing

2018-06-01

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation is critical in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, and the recruitment and proinflammatory activation of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) is important for the development of this process. Here, we examined the effects of fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) on inflammation and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Male wild-type (WT) and FNDC5 -/- mice were fed with standard chow (Ctrl) or high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to induce obesity and insulin resistance. Firstly, effects of FNDC5 gene deletion on obesity, insulin resistance, macrophage accumulation and polarization and adipose tissue inflammation were determined in mice. Secondly, the macrophage polarity shift was further examined with flow cytometry in isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Thirdly, the effects of exogenous FNDC5 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage polarization, inflammation and the underlying signaling mechanism were investigated in RAW264.7 macrophages and primary mouse peritoneal cavity macrophages (PMs). Finally, the therapeutic effects of FNDC5 overexpression were examined in HFD-induced obese WT and FNDC5 -/- mice. FNDC5 gene deletion aggravated obesity, insulin resistance, fat accumulation and inflammation accompanied with enhanced AMPK inhibition, macrophages recruitment and M1 polarization in mice fed with HFD. Exogenous FNDC5 inhibited LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization and inflammatory cytokine production via AMPK phosphorylation in both RAW264.7 macrophages and PMs. FNDC5 overexpression attenuated insulin resistance, AMPK inhibition, M1 macrophage polarization and inflammatory cytokine production in adipose tissue of obese WT and FNDC5 -/- mice. FNDC5 attenuates adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance via AMPK-mediated macrophage polarization in HFD-induced obesity. FNDC5 plays several beneficial roles in obesity and may be used as a therapeutic regimen for preventing inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity and diabetes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Long Noncoding RNA Profiling from Fasciola Gigantica Excretory/Secretory Product-Induced M2 to M1 Macrophage Polarization.

PubMed

Luo, Honglin; Zhang, Yaoyao; Sheng, Zhaoan; Luo, Tao; Chen, Jie; Liu, Junjie; Wang, Huifeng; Chen, Miao; Shi, Yunliang; Li, Lequn

2018-05-22

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well known regulators of gene expression that play essential roles in macrophage activation and polarization. However, the role of lncRNA in Fasciola gigantica excretory/secretory products (ESP)-induced M2 polarization into M1 macrophages is unclear. Herein, we performed lncRNA profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs during the ESP-induced macrophage polarization process. F. gigantica ESP was used to induce peritoneal cavity M2 macrophages in BALB/c mice (5-6 weeks old) in vivo, and these cells were subsequently isolated and stimulated with IFN-γ + LPS to induce M1 cells in vitro. LncRNA and mRNA profiling was performed via microarray at the end of both polarization stages. In total, 2,844 lncRNAs (1,579 upregulated and 1,265 downregulated) and 1,782 mRNAs (789 upregulated and 993 downregulated) were differentially expressed in M2 macrophages compared to M1 macrophages, and six lncRNAs were identified during polarization. We selected 34 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs to validate the results of microarray analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses demonstrated that these altered transcripts were involved in multiple biological processes, particularly peptidase activity and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, coding and non-coding gene (CNC) and mRNA-related ceRNA network analyses were conducted to predict lncRNA expression trends and the potential target genes of these lncRNAs and mRNAs. Moreover, we determined that four lncRNAs and four mRNAs might participate in F. gigantica ESP-induced M2 polarization into M1 macrophages. This study illustrates the basic profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs during F. gigantica ESP-induced M2 polarization into M1 macrophages and deepens our understanding of the mechanism underlying this process. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Polarization mechanism in a ns laser-induced plasma spectroscopy of Al alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghababaei Nejad, Mahboobeh; Soltanolkotabi, Mahmood; Eslami Majd, Abdollah

2018-01-01

Polarization emission from aluminum alloy by ns laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is carefully investigated in air using a non-gated CCD camera at integration time of 100 ms. First, the analysis reveals that the small polarization degree is the same for both continuum and discrete line emission spectra which also increases slowly with wavelength growth; second, laser fluence in the range of 347.81-550.10 J/cm2 has no significant changes in plasma polarization; and third, larger polarization in comparison with polarization introduced by preferential reflection of emission from the target surface (Fresnel reflectivity) is observed. The residual fluctuations of the anisotropic recombining plasma and the dynamic polarization of an ion's core are suggested as the possible main sources for observed polarized radiation in ns-LIBS.

Enhancement of polar phase and conductivity relaxation in PIL-modified GO/PVDF composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Pei; Fu, Weijia; Cui, Zhaopei; Ding, Yunsheng

2018-02-01

To investigate the effect of graphene oxide (GO) modified by polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) on the crystallization and dielectric relaxation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), a series of PVDF composites have been prepared using the solution casting method. The ion-dipole interaction between PIL and >CF2 and the π-dipole interaction between GO and >CF2 can induce synergistically the polar phase, and the π-ion interaction between GO and PIL can strengthen the induction effect of the polar phase and decrease the degree of crystallization of PVDF. The electric modulus and conductivity relaxation are employed to analyze the experimental complex dielectric permittivity. In the frequency spectra of complex permittivity of PVDF composites, space charge polarization and conductivity lead to a large value of dielectric permittivity. The temperature dependence of relaxation time of conductivity relaxation accords with the Arrhenius equation. A low degree of crystallization, more ion concentration, and polar phase in PVDF/PIL/GO enhance the movement of the polymer chain segment and charge carriers.

Polarized micro-Raman studies of femtosecond laser written stress-induced optical waveguides in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotillo, B.; Chiappini, A.; Bharadwaj, V.; Hadden, J. P.; Bosia, F.; Olivero, P.; Ferrari, M.; Ramponi, R.; Barclay, P. E.; Eaton, S. M.

2018-01-01

Understanding the physical mechanisms of the refractive index modulation induced by femtosecond laser writing is crucial for tailoring the properties of the resulting optical waveguides. In this work, we apply polarized Raman spectroscopy to study the origin of stress-induced waveguides in diamond, produced by femtosecond laser writing. The change in the refractive index induced by the femtosecond laser in the crystal is derived from the measured stress in the waveguides. The results help to explain the waveguide polarization sensitive guiding mechanism, as well as provide a technique for their optimization.

EVALUATION OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF SUBSURFACE TETRACHLOROETHYLENE IN CONTROLLED SPILL EXPERIMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

This paper presents some of the results of five of the techniques: cross borehole complex resistivity (CR) also referred to as spectral induced polarization (SIP), cross borehole high resolution seismic (HRS), borehole self potential (SP), surface ground penetration radar (GPR), ...

A new model for the spectral induced polarization signature of bacterial growth in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, A.; Atekwana, E.; Zhang, C.; Jardani, A.; Smith, S.

2012-09-01

The complex conductivity of porous materials and colloidal suspensions comprises two components: an in-phase conductivity associated with electromigration of the charge carriers and a quadrature conductivity associated with the reversible storage of the charges at some polarization length scales. We developed a quantitative model to investigate the frequency domain induced polarization response of suspensions of bacteria and bacteria growth in porous media. Induced polarization of bacteria (α polarization) is related to the properties of the electrical double layer of the bacteria. Surface conductivity and α polarization are due to the Stern layer of counterions occurring in a brush of polymers coating the surface of the bacteria. These phenomena can be related to their cation exchange capacity. The mobility of the counterions in this Stern layer is found to be very small (4.7 × 10-10 m2 s-1 V-1 at 25°C). This implies a very low relaxation frequency for the αpolarization of the bacteria cells (typically around 0.1-5 Hz), in agreement with experimental observations. This new model can be coupled to reactive transport modeling codes in which the evolution of bacterial populations are usually described by Monod kinetics. We show that the growth rate and endogenous decay coefficients of bacteria in a porous sand can be inferred nonintrusively from time-lapse frequency domain induced polarization data.

A novel strategy to increase separated electron-hole dipoles in commercial Si based solar panel to assist photovoltaic effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yefeng; He, Cheng-En; Xu, Zhichao; Hu, Jianbing; Peng, Cheng

2018-01-01

Interface induced polarization has been found to have a significant impact on dielectric properties of 2-2 type polymer composites bearing Si based semi-conducting ceramic sheets. Inherent overall polarity of polymer layers in 2-2 composites has been verified to be closely connected with interface effect and achieved permittivity in composites. In present work, conducting performances of monocrystalline Si sheets coated by varied high polarity material layers were deeply researched. The positive results inspired us to propose a novel strategy to improve separated electron-hole dipoles in commercial Si based solar cell panel for assisting photovoltaic effect, based on strong interface induced polarization. Conducting features of solar panels coated by two different high polarity polymer layers were detected to be greatly elevated compared with solar panel standalone, thanks to interface induced polarization between panel and polymer. Polymer coating with higher polarity would lead to more separated electron-hole dipole pairs in solar panel contributing to higher conductivity of panel. Valid synergy of interface effect and photovoltaic effect was based on their unidirectional traits of electron transfer. Dielectric properties of solar panels in composites further confirmed that strategy. This work might provide a facile route to prepare promising Si based solar panels with higher photoelectric conversion efficiency by enhancing interface induced polarization between panel and polymer coating.

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

Battum, LJ van; Heukelom, S

Purpose This study investigates the origin of lateral optical density (OD) variation for Gafchromic film (EBT and EBT2) scanned in transmission mode with Epson flatbed scanners (1680 Expression Pro and 10000XL). Effects investigated are: cross talk, optical path length and polarization. Methods Cross talk has been examined with triangular shaped light-transmission sheets with OD ranging from 0 to opaque. Optical path length has been studied with absorptive and reflective OD-filters (OD range 0.2 to 2.0). Dependency on light-polarization on the scanner read out has been investigated using linear polarizer sheets. All experiments have been performed at centre scanner position (normmore » point) and at several lateral scan positions, without and with (un)irradiated EBT-film. Dose values used ranged between 0.2 to 9 Gy, yielding an OD-range between 0.25 to 1.1. Results The lateral OD variation is dose dependent and increases up to 14% at most lateral position for dose up to 9 Gy. Cross talk effect contributes to 0.5% in clinical used OD ranges but equals 2% for extreme high dose gradients. Film induced optical path length will effect the lateral OD variation up to 3% at most lateral points. Light polarization is inherent present in these scanners due to multiple reflection on mirrors. In addition film induced polarization is the most important effect generating the observed lateral OD variation. Both Gafchromic film base and sensitive layer have polarizing capabilities; for the sensitive layer its influence is dose dependent. Conclusions Lateral OD variation origins from optical physics (i.e. polarization and reflection) related to scanner and film construction. Cross talk can be ignored in film dosimetry for clinical used dose values and gradients. Therefore it is recommended to determine the lateral OD variation per film type and scanner.« less

Identification of P/S-wave successions for application in microseismicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deflandre, J.-P.; Dubesset, M.

1992-09-01

Interpretation of P/S-wave successions is used in induced or passive microseismicity. It makes the location of microseismic events possible when the triangulation technique cannot be used. To improve the reliability of the method, we propose a technique that identifies the P/S-wave successions among recorded wave successions. A polarization software is used to verify the orthogonality between the P and S polarization axes. The polarization parameters are computed all along the 3-component acoustic signal. Then the algorithm detects time windows within which the signal polarization axis is perpendicular to the polarization axis of the wave in the reference time window (representative of the P wave). The technique is demonstrated for a synthetic event, and three application cases are presented. The first one corresponds to a calibration shot within which the arrivals of perpendicularly polarized waves are correctly detected in spite of their moderate amplitude. The second example presents a microseismic event recorded during gas withdrawal from an underground gas storage reservoir. The last example is chosen as a counter-example, concerning a microseismic event recorded during a hydraulic fracturing job. The detection algorithm reveals that, in this case, the wave succession does not correspond to a P/S one. This implies that such an event must not be located by the method based on the interpretation of a P/S-wave succession as no such a succession is confirmed.

Optical microfiber-loaded surface plasmonic TE-pass polarizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Youqiao; Farrell, Gerald; Semenova, Yuliya; Li, Binghui; Yuan, Jinhui; Sang, Xinzhu; Yan, Binbin; Yu, Chongxiu; Guo, Tuan; Wu, Qiang

2016-04-01

We propose a novel optical microfiber-loaded plasmonic TE-pass polarizer consisting of an optical microfiber placed on top of a silver substrate and demonstrate its performance both numerically by using the finite element method (FEM) and experimentally. The simulation results show that the loss in the fundamental TE mode is relatively low while at the same time the fundamental TM mode suffers from a large metal dissipation loss induced by excitation of the microfiber-loaded surface plasmonic mode. The microfiber was fabricated using the standard microheater brushing-tapering technique. The measured extinction ratio over the range of the C-band wavelengths is greater than 20 dB for the polarizer with a microfiber diameter of 4 μm, which agrees well with the simulation results.

Current-induced spin polarization in InGaAs and GaAs epilayers with varying doping densities

DOE PAGES

Luengo-Kovac, Marta; Huang, Simon; Del Gaudio, Davide; ...

2017-11-16

Here, the current-induced spin polarization and momentum-dependent spin-orbit field were measured in In xGa 1-xAs epilayers with varying indium concentrations and silicon doping densities. Samples with higher indium concentrations and carrier concentrations and lower mobilities were found to have larger electrical spin generation efficiencies. Furthermore, current-induced spin polarization was detected in GaAs epilayers despite the absence of measurable spin-orbit fields, indicating that the extrinsic contributions to the spin-polarization mechanism must be considered. Theoretical calculations based on a model that includes extrinsic contributions to the spin dephasing and the spin Hall effect, in addition to the intrinsic Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbitmore » coupling, are found to reproduce the experimental finding that the crystal direction with the smaller net spin-orbit field has larger electrical spin generation efficiency and are used to predict how sample parameters affect the magnitude of the current-induced spin polarization.« less

Current-induced spin polarization in InGaAs and GaAs epilayers with varying doping densities

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

Luengo-Kovac, Marta; Huang, Simon; Del Gaudio, Davide

Here, the current-induced spin polarization and momentum-dependent spin-orbit field were measured in In xGa 1-xAs epilayers with varying indium concentrations and silicon doping densities. Samples with higher indium concentrations and carrier concentrations and lower mobilities were found to have larger electrical spin generation efficiencies. Furthermore, current-induced spin polarization was detected in GaAs epilayers despite the absence of measurable spin-orbit fields, indicating that the extrinsic contributions to the spin-polarization mechanism must be considered. Theoretical calculations based on a model that includes extrinsic contributions to the spin dephasing and the spin Hall effect, in addition to the intrinsic Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbitmore » coupling, are found to reproduce the experimental finding that the crystal direction with the smaller net spin-orbit field has larger electrical spin generation efficiency and are used to predict how sample parameters affect the magnitude of the current-induced spin polarization.« less

Hydrostatic pressure mimics gravitational pressure in characean cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Staves, M. P.; Wayne, R.; Leopold, A. C.

1992-01-01

Hydrostatic pressure applied to one end of a horizontal Chara cell induces a polarity of cytoplasmic streaming, thus mimicking the effect of gravity. A positive hydrostatic pressure induces a more rapid streaming away from the applied pressure and a slower streaming toward the applied pressure. In contrast, a negative pressure induces a more rapid streaming toward and a slower streaming away from the applied pressure. Both the hydrostatic pressure-induced and gravity-induced polarity of cytoplasmic streaming respond identically to cell ligation, UV microbeam irradiation, external Ca2+ concentrations, osmotic pressure, neutral red, TEA Cl-, and the Ca2+ channel blockers nifedipine and LaCl3. In addition, hydrostatic pressure applied to the bottom of a vertically-oriented cell can abolish and even reverse the gravity-induced polarity of cytoplasmic streaming. These data indicate that both gravity and hydrostatic pressure act at the same point of the signal transduction chain leading to the induction of a polarity of cytoplasmic streaming and support the hypothesis that characean cells respond to gravity by sensing a gravity-induced pressure differential between the cell ends.

Hydrostatic pressure mimics gravitational pressure in characean cells.

PubMed

Staves, M P; Wayne, R; Leopold, A C

1992-01-01

Hydrostatic pressure applied to one end of a horizontal Chara cell induces a polarity of cytoplasmic streaming, thus mimicking the effect of gravity. A positive hydrostatic pressure induces a more rapid streaming away from the applied pressure and a slower streaming toward the applied pressure. In contrast, a negative pressure induces a more rapid streaming toward and a slower streaming away from the applied pressure. Both the hydrostatic pressure-induced and gravity-induced polarity of cytoplasmic streaming respond identically to cell ligation, UV microbeam irradiation, external Ca2+ concentrations, osmotic pressure, neutral red, TEA Cl-, and the Ca2+ channel blockers nifedipine and LaCl3. In addition, hydrostatic pressure applied to the bottom of a vertically-oriented cell can abolish and even reverse the gravity-induced polarity of cytoplasmic streaming. These data indicate that both gravity and hydrostatic pressure act at the same point of the signal transduction chain leading to the induction of a polarity of cytoplasmic streaming and support the hypothesis that characean cells respond to gravity by sensing a gravity-induced pressure differential between the cell ends.

Review: Some low-frequency electrical methods for subsurface characterization and monitoring in hydrogeology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, A.; Karaoulis, M.; Johnson, T.; Kemna, A.

2012-06-01

Low-frequency geoelectrical methods include mainly self-potential, resistivity, and induced polarization techniques, which have potential in many environmental and hydrogeological applications. They provide complementary information to each other and to in-situ measurements. The self-potential method is a passive measurement of the electrical response associated with the in-situ generation of electrical current due to the flow of pore water in porous media, a salinity gradient, and/or the concentration of redox-active species. Under some conditions, this method can be used to visualize groundwater flow, to determine permeability, and to detect preferential flow paths. Electrical resistivity is dependent on the water content, the temperature, the salinity of the pore water, and the clay content and mineralogy. Time-lapse resistivity can be used to assess the permeability and dispersivity distributions and to monitor contaminant plumes. Induced polarization characterizes the ability of rocks to reversibly store electrical energy. It can be used to image permeability and to monitor chemistry of the pore water-minerals interface. These geophysical methods, reviewed in this paper, should always be used in concert with additional in-situ measurements (e.g. in-situ pumping tests, chemical measurements of the pore water), for instance through joint inversion schemes, which is an area of fertile on-going research.

Electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomography in identifying the plume of chlorinated hydrocarbons in sedimentary formation: a case study in Rho (Milan - Italy).

PubMed

Cardarelli, Ettore; Di Filippo, Gerardina

2009-09-01

Resistivity and induced polarization surveying were originally developed for mineral exploration but are now finding new applications in the field of environmental and engineering geophysics. The present article reports the results of a geophysical survey performed with the aim of identifying a plume of chlorinated hydrocarbons in sedimentary formations of the Pandania plain. The tested site is characterized by three sand and gravel aquifers containing a quantity of clay particles which influence the overall bulk resistivity and chargeability. According to data obtained using shallow boreholes, mainly dense non-aqueous phase liquids were found as contaminants in the first and second aquifer. The aforementioned geo-electrical methods were applied in both two- and three-dimensional approaches. Steel and copper electrodes were used in the process of field data acquisition and the results of the survey were compared. The geophysical survey revealed some anomalies that could be explained by the presence of dense non-aqueous phase liquids in the soil medium. The concept of normalized chargeability facilitates the interpretation of detected induced polarization anomalies. The shape of the plume was inferred from maps of resistivity and chargeability to a depth of 25 m below the surface of the ground.

Viscosity induced emission of red-emitting NLOphoric coumarin morpholine-thiazole hybrid styryl dyes as FMRs: Consolidated experimental and theoretical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avhad, Kiran C.; Patil, Dinesh S.; Chitrambalam, S.; Sreenath, M. C.; Joe, I. Hubert; Sekar, Nagaiyan

2018-05-01

Four new coumarin hybrid styryl dyes are synthesized by condensing 4-(7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-2-morpholinothiazole-5-carbaldehyde with dicyanovinylene containing active methylene intermediates and their linear and non-linear optical properties are studied. The dye having dicyanovinylene-isophorone acceptor displayed a large Stokes shift of 3702-4795 cm-1 in non-polar to polar solvent respectively. The dyes exhibit a good charge transfer characteristics and positive emission solvatochromism (∼50 nm-72 nm) in non-polar to a polar solvent which is well supported by multi-linear regression analysis. Viscosity induced enhancement study in ethanol/polyethylene glycol-400 system shows 2.71-6.78 fold increase in emission intensity. The intra and twisted-intramolecular charge transfer (ICT-TICT) characteristics were established using emission solvatochromism, polarity plots, generalised Mullikan-Hush (GMH) analysis and optimized geometry. A dye having the highest charge transfer dipole moment relatively possess the maximum two-photon absorption cross-section area (KK-1 = 165-207 GM) which was established using theoretical two-level model. The NLO properties have been investigated employing solvatochromic and computational methods and were found to be directly proportional to the polarity of the solvent. Z-scan results reveal that the dyes KK-1 and KK-2 possesses reverse saturable kind of behaviour whereas KK-3 and KK-4 show saturable kind of behaviour. From the experimental and theoretical data, these coumarin thiazole hybrid dyes can be considered as promising candidates for FMR and NLOphores.

A new method for the preparation of a [Sn2(H2PO2)3]Br SHG-active polar crystal via surfactant-induced strategy.

PubMed

Xie, Jie-Ling; Zhou, Yu-Hua; Li, Long-Hua; Zhang, Jian-Han; Song, Jun-Ling

2017-07-25

Herein, unprecedented NLO-brominated tin hypophosphites, namely [Sn 2 (H 2 PO 2 ) 3 ]Br, were discovered via a facile surfactant-induced method, which displayed a moderate powder SHG intensity (3.0 × KDP) in type - I phase matching behavior. This complex has high chemical and thermal stability at room temperature. DFT calculations and SHG coefficient analyses revealed that the alignment of the SHG-active-units SnO 3 trigonal pyramids and Br - anions in its structure mainly contribute to the macroscopical SHG behaviors.

Optical polarimetry of KIC 8462852 in 2017 May-August

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steele, I. A.; Copperwheat, C. M.; Jermak, H. E.; Kennedy, G. M.; Lamb, G. P.

2018-01-01

We present optical polarimetry in the period of 2017 May-August of the enigmatic `dipping' star KIC 8462852. During that period, three ˜1 per cent photometric dips were reported by other observers. We measured the average absolute polarization of the source, and find no excess or unusual polarization compared to a nearby comparison star. We place tight upper limits on any change in the degree of polarization of the source between epochs in-dip and out-of-dip of <0.1 per cent (8500 Å) and <0.2 per cent (7050 Å and 5300 Å). How our limits are interpreted depends on the specific model being considered. If the whole stellar disc were covered by material with an optical depth of ˜0.01, then the fractional polarization introduced by this material must be less than 10-20 per cent. While our non-detection does not constrain the comet scenario, it predicts that even modest amounts of dust that have properties similar to Solar system comets may be detectable. We note that the sensitivity of our method scales with the depth of the dip. Should a future ˜20 per cent photometric dip be observed (as was previously detected by Kepler), our method would constrain any induced polarization associated with any occulting material to 0.5-1.0 per cent.

Tailoring polarization of electromagnetically induced transparency based on non-centrosymmetric metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hai-ming; Xue, Feng

2017-09-01

In this manuscript, tailoring polarization of analogy of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT-like) based on non-centrosymmetric metasurfaces has been numerically and experimentally demonstrated. The EIT-like metamaterial is composed of a rectangle ring and two cut wires. The rectangle ring and the cut wire are chosen as the bright mode and the quasi-dark mode, respectively. Under the incident electromagnetic wave excitation, a polarization insensitive EIT-like transmission window can be observed at specific polarization angles. Within the transmission window, the phase steeply changes, which leads to the large group index. Tailoring polarization of EIT-like metamaterial with large group index at specific polarization angles may have potential application in slow light devices.

Laser Induced Optical Pumping Measurements of Cross Sections for Fine and Hyperfine Structure Transitions in Sodium Induced by Collisions with Helium Argon Atoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobson, Chris C.; Sung, C. C.

1998-01-01

Optical pumping of the ground states of sodium can radically alter the shape of the laser induced fluorescence excitation spectrum, complicating measurements of temperature, pressure, etc., which are based on these spectra. Modeling of the fluorescence using rate equations for the eight hyperfine states of the sodium D manifolds can be used to quantify the contribution to the ground state pumping of transitions among the hyperfine excited states induced by collisions with buffer gas atoms. This model is used here to determine, from the shape of experimental spectra, cross sections for (Delta)F transitions of the P(sub 3/2) state induced by collisions with helium and argon atoms, for a range of values assumed for the P(sub 1/2), (Delta)F cross sections. The hyperfine cross sections measured using this method, which is thought to be novel, are compared with cross sections for transitions involving polarized magnetic substates, m(sub F), measured previously using polarization sensitive absorption. Also, fine structure transition ((Delta)J) cross sections were measured in the pumped vapor, giving agreement with previous measurements made in the absence of pumping.

Laser-Induced Optical Pumping Measurements of Cross Section for Fine- and Hyperfine-Structure Transitions in Sodium Induced by Collisions with Helium and Argon Atoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobson, Chris C.; Sung, C. C.

1999-01-01

Optical pumping of the ground states of sodium can radically alter the shape of the laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum, complicating measurements of temperature, pressure, etc., which are based on these spectra. Modeling of the fluorescence using rate equations for the eight hyperfine states of the sodium D manifolds can be used to quantify the contribution to the ground state pumping of transitions among the hyperfine excited states induced by collisions with buffer gas atoms. This model is used here to determine, from the shape of experimental spectra, cross sections lor DELTA.F transitions of the P(sub 3/2) state induced by collisions with helium and argon atoms, for a range of values assumed for the P(sub 1/2), DELTA.F cross sections. The hyperfine cross sections measured using this method, which to our knowledge is novel, are compared with cross sections for transitions involving polarized magnetic substates m(sub F) measured previously using polarization sensitive absorption. Also, fine-structure transition cross sections were measured in the pumped vapor, giving agreement with previous measurements made in the absence of pumping.

Laser induced periodic surface structure formation in germanium by strong field mid IR laser solid interaction at oblique incidence.

PubMed

Austin, Drake R; Kafka, Kyle R P; Trendafilov, Simeon; Shvets, Gennady; Li, Hui; Yi, Allen Y; Szafruga, Urszula B; Wang, Zhou; Lai, Yu Hang; Blaga, Cosmin I; DiMauro, Louis F; Chowdhury, Enam A

2015-07-27

Laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS or ripples) were generated on single crystal germanium after irradiation with multiple 3 µm femtosecond laser pulses at a 45° angle of incidence. High and low spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL and LSFL, respectively) were observed for both s- and p-polarized light. The measured LSFL period for p-polarized light was consistent with the currently established LIPSS origination model of coupling between surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) and the incident laser pulses. A vector model of SPP coupling is introduced to explain the formation of s-polarized LSFL away from the center of the damage spot. Additionally, a new method is proposed to determine the SPP propagation length from the decay in ripple depth. This is used along with the measured LSFL period to estimate the average electron density and Drude collision time of the laser-excited surface. Finally, full-wave electromagnetic simulations are used to corroborate these results while simultaneously offering insight into the nature of LSFL formation.

Inversion of time-domain induced polarization data based on time-lapse concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Bitnarae; Nam, Myung Jin; Kim, Hee Joon

2018-05-01

Induced polarization (IP) surveys, measuring overvoltage phenomena of the medium, are widely and increasingly performed not only for exploration of mineral resources but also for engineering applications. Among several IP survey methods such as time-domain, frequency-domain and spectral IP surveys, this study introduces a noble inversion method for time-domain IP data to recover the chargeability structure of target medium. The inversion method employs the concept of 4D inversion of time-lapse resistivity data sets, considering the fact that measured voltage in time-domain IP survey is distorted by IP effects to increase from the instantaneous voltage measured at the moment the source current injection starts. Even though the increase is saturated very fast, we can consider the saturated and instantaneous voltages as a time-lapse data set. The 4D inversion method is one of the most powerful method for inverting time-lapse resistivity data sets. Using the developed IP inversion algorithm, we invert not only synthetic but also field IP data to show the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the recovered chargeability models with those from linear inversion that was used for the inversion of the field data in a previous study. Numerical results confirm that the proposed inversion method generates reliable chargeability models even though the anomalous bodies have large IP effects.

Sensing the Presence and Transport of Engineered Nanoparticles in Saturated PorousMedia using Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP) Method

EPA Science Inventory

Nano-materials are emerging into the global marketplace. Engineered Nano-particles, and other throwaway nanodevices may constitute a whole new class of non-biodegradable pollutants of which scientists have very little understanding. Therefore, the production of significant quanti...

Time-Lapse 3D Inversion of Complex Conductivity Data Using an Active Time Constrained (ATC) Approach

EPA Science Inventory

Induced polarization (more precisely the magnitude and the phase of the impedance of the subsurface) is measured using a network of electrodes located at the ground surface or in boreholes. This method yields important information related to the distribution of permeability and ...

A comparison between Gauss-Newton and Markov chain Monte Carlo basedmethods for inverting spectral induced polarization data for Cole-Coleparameters

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

Chen, Jinsong; Kemna, Andreas; Hubbard, Susan S.

2008-05-15

We develop a Bayesian model to invert spectral induced polarization (SIP) data for Cole-Cole parameters using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling methods. We compare the performance of the MCMC based stochastic method with an iterative Gauss-Newton based deterministic method for Cole-Cole parameter estimation through inversion of synthetic and laboratory SIP data. The Gauss-Newton based method can provide an optimal solution for given objective functions under constraints, but the obtained optimal solution generally depends on the choice of initial values and the estimated uncertainty information is often inaccurate or insufficient. In contrast, the MCMC based inversion method provides extensive globalmore » information on unknown parameters, such as the marginal probability distribution functions, from which we can obtain better estimates and tighter uncertainty bounds of the parameters than with the deterministic method. Additionally, the results obtained with the MCMC method are independent of the choice of initial values. Because the MCMC based method does not explicitly offer single optimal solution for given objective functions, the deterministic and stochastic methods can complement each other. For example, the stochastic method can first be used to obtain the means of the unknown parameters by starting from an arbitrary set of initial values and the deterministic method can then be initiated using the means as starting values to obtain the optimal estimates of the Cole-Cole parameters.« less

Inhibition of polar calcium movement and gravitropism in roots treated with auxin-transport inhibitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. S.; Mulkey, T. J.; Evans, M. L.

1984-01-01

Primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) exhibit strong positive gravitropism. In both species, gravistimulation induces polar movement of calcium across the root tip from the upper side to the lower side. Roots of onion (Allium cepa L.) are not responsive to gravity and gravistimulation induces little or no polar movement of calcium across the root tip. Treatment of maize or pea roots with inhibitors of auxin transport (morphactin, naphthylphthalamic acid, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) prevents both gravitropism and gravity-induced polar movement of calcium across the root tip. The results indicate that calcium movement and auxin movement are closely linked in roots and that gravity-induced redistribution of calcium across the root cap may play an important role in the development of gravitropic curvature.

Testosterone regulates 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation and epididymal fat accumulation in mice through modulating macrophage polarization.

PubMed

Ren, Xiaojiao; Fu, Xiaojian; Zhang, Xinhua; Chen, Shiqiang; Huang, Shuguang; Yao, Lun; Liu, Guoquan

2017-09-15

Low testosterone levels are strongly related to obesity in males. The balance between the classically M1 and alternatively M2 polarized macrophages also plays a critical role in obesity. It is not clear whether testosterone regulates macrophage polarization and then affects adipocyte differentiation. In this report, we demonstrate that testosterone strengthens interleukin (IL) -4-induced M2 polarization and inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1 polarization, but has no direct effect on adipocyte differentiation. Cellular signaling studies indicate that testosterone regulates macrophage polarization through the inhibitory regulative G-protein (Gαi) mainly, rather than via androgen receptors, and phosphorylation of Akt. Moreover, testosterone inhibits pre-adipocyte differentiation induced by M1 macrophage medium. Lowering of serum testosterone in mice by injecting a luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) peptide increases epididymal white adipose tissue. Testosterone supplementation reverses this effect. Therefore, our findings indicate that testosterone inhibits pre-adipocyte differentiation by switching macrophages to M2 polarization through the Gαi and Akt signaling pathways. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Angular distribution and polarization of X-ray radiation in highly charged He-like ions: hyperfine-induced transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhan-Bin; Dong, Chen-Zhong

2018-06-01

The angular distribution and polarization properties of the X-rays produced by the hyperfine-induced transition are investigated within a fully relativistic distorted-wave approximation. The calculations are performed for the 1 s2 p 3/2 3P2 F i = 3/2 → 1 s 2 1S0 F f = 1/2 component of the Kα 1 decay for highly charged He-like 119Sn48+ and 207Tl79+ ions with nuclear spin I = 1/2 following impact excitations by an un-polarized and a completely longitudinally-polarized electron beam, respectively. The Breit interaction and mutipole mixing between the leading M2 decay and the hyperfine-induced E1 decay corrections to both linear and circular polarizations of the emitted X-ray radiations are evaluated. All these effects are found to be significant and may potentially explain the disagreement between the theories and experiments related to the polarization properties of the X-ray radiation.

Photo-induced spin and valley-dependent Seebeck effect in the low-buckled Dirac materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, Yawar

2018-04-01

Employing the Landauer-Buttiker formula we investigate the spin and valley dependence of Seebeck effect in low-buckled Dirac materials (LBDMs), whose band structure are modulated by local application of a gate voltage and off-resonant circularly polarized light. We calculate the charge, spin and valley Seebeck coefficients of an irradiated LBDM as functions of electronic doping, light intensity and the amount of the electric field in the linear regime. Our calculation reveal that all Seebeck coefficients always shows an odd features with respect to the chemical potential. Moreover, we show that, due to the strong spin-orbit coupling in the LBDMs, the induced thermovoltage in the irradiated LBDMs is spin polarized, and can also become valley polarized if the gate voltage is applied too. It is also found that the valley (spin) polarization of the induced thermovoltage could be inverted by reversing the circular polarization of light or reversing the direction the electric field (only by reversing the circular polarization of light).

Tip-induced domain structures and polarization switching in ferroelectric amino acid glycine

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

Seyedhosseini, E., E-mail: Seyedhosseini@ua.pt; Ivanov, M.; Bdikin, I.

2015-08-21

Bioorganic ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics are becoming increasingly important in view of their intrinsic compatibility with biological environment and biofunctionality combined with strong piezoelectric effect and a switchable polarization at room temperature. Here, we study tip-induced domain structures and polarization switching in the smallest amino acid β-glycine, representing a broad class of non-centrosymmetric amino acids. We show that β-glycine is indeed a room-temperature ferroelectric and polarization can be switched by applying a bias to non-polar cuts via a conducting tip of atomic force microscope (AFM). Dynamics of these in-plane domains is studied as a function of an applied voltage and pulsemore » duration. The domain shape is dictated by polarization screening at the domain boundaries and mediated by growth defects. Thermodynamic theory is applied to explain the domain propagation induced by the AFM tip. Our findings suggest that the properties of β-glycine are controlled by the charged domain walls which in turn can be manipulated by an external bias.« less

Noise-induced polarization switching in complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haerter, Jan O.; Díaz-Guilera, Albert; Serrano, M. Ángeles

2017-04-01

The combination of bistability and noise is ubiquitous in complex systems, from biology to social interactions, and has important implications for their functioning and resilience. Here we use a simple three-state dynamical process, in which nodes go from one pole to another through an intermediate state, to show that noise can induce polarization switching in bistable systems if dynamical correlations are significant. In large, fully connected networks, where dynamical correlations can be neglected, increasing noise yields a collapse of bistability to an unpolarized configuration where the three possible states of the nodes are equally likely. In contrast, increased noise induces abrupt and irreversible polarization switching in sparsely connected networks. In multiplexes, where each layer can have a different polarization tendency, one layer is dominant and progressively imposes its polarization state on the other, offsetting or promoting the ability of noise to switch its polarization. Overall, we show that the interplay of noise and dynamical correlations can yield discontinuous transitions between extremes, which cannot be explained by a simple mean-field description.

High-power electro-optic switch technology based on novel transparent ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue-Jiao, Zhang; Qing, Ye; Rong-Hui, Qu; Hai-wen, Cai

2016-03-01

A novel high-power polarization-independent electro-optic switch technology based on a reciprocal structure Sagnac interferometer and a transparent quadratic electro-optic ceramic is proposed and analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The electro-optic ceramic is used as a phase retarder for the clockwise and counter-clockwise polarized light, and their polarization directions are adjusted to their orthogonal positions by using two half-wave plates. The output light then becomes polarization-independent with respect to the polarization direction of the input light. The switch characteristics, including splitter ratios and polarization states, are theoretically analyzed and simulated in detail by the matrix multiplication method. An experimental setup is built to verify the analysis and experimental results. A new component ceramic is used and a non-polarizing cube beam splitter (NPBS) replaces the beam splitter (BS) to lower the ON/OFF voltage to 305 V and improve the extinction ratio by 2 dB. Finally, the laser-induced damage threshold for the proposed switch is measured and discussed. It is believed that potential applications of this novel polarization-independent electro-optic switch technology will be wide, especially for ultrafast high-power laser systems. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61137004, 61405218, and 61535014).

Laser-Induced Acoustic Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization via VUV-Generating Microplasmas.

PubMed

Benham, Kevin; Hodyss, Robert; Fernández, Facundo M; Orlando, Thomas M

2016-11-01

We demonstrate the first application of laser-induced acoustic desorption (LIAD) and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) as a mass spectrometric method for detecting low-polarity organics. This was accomplished using a Lyman-α (10.2 eV) photon generating microhollow cathode discharge (MHCD) microplasma photon source in conjunction with the addition of a gas-phase molecular dopant. This combination provided a soft desorption and a relatively soft ionization technique. Selected compounds analyzed include α-tocopherol, perylene, cholesterol, phenanthrene, phylloquinone, and squalene. Detectable surface concentrations as low as a few pmol per spot sampled were achievable using test molecules. The combination of LIAD and APPI provided a soft desorption and ionization technique that can allow detection of labile, low-polarity, structurally complex molecules over a wide mass range with minimal fragmentation. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

A novel scattering switch-on detection technique for target-induced plasmon-coupling based sensing by single-particle optical anisotropy imaging.

PubMed

Peng, Lan; Cao, Xuan; Xiong, Bin; He, Yan; Yeung, Edward S

2016-06-18

We reported a novel scattering switch-on detection technique using flash-lamp polarization darkfield microscopy (FLPDM) for target-induced plasmon-coupling based sensing in homogeneous solution. With this method, we demonstrated sub-nM sensitivity for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detection over a dynamic range of five orders of magnitude. This robust technique holds great promise for applications in toxic environmental pollutants and biological molecules.

Publications - GMC 378 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

DGGS GMC 378 Publication Details Title: 1967 report on the induced polarization and resistivity survey Bibliographic Reference McPhar Geophysics Limited, 2010, 1967 report on the induced polarization and resistivity

Effectiveness of Natural Field Induced Polarization for Detecting Polymetallic Deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

YANG, Jin; LIU, Zhaoping; WANG, Long

To validate the effect of Natural Field Induced Polarization (NFIP), a certain polymetallic deposit was chosen as the test site, where Induced Polarization (IP) using gradient array and the Magnetotelluric (MT) sounding were conducted simultaneously. Analysis and comparison of the data indicated that the anomaly of the Relative Percent Frequency Effect (RPFE) from the MT data and the anomaly of IP coincided well with each other in the extents of the anomalous site and anomaly magnitudes. The results showed that NFIP was effective in the exploration of polymetallic deposits, under certain conditions.

Optical field induced rotation of polarization in rubidium atoms with the additional magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ummal Momeen, M.; Hu, Jianping

2017-11-01

We present the magnetic and optical field induced rotation of polarization in 87Rb and 85Rb atoms at geophysical magnetic fields. The line shape varies considerably in the presence of a magnetic field of the order of a few mG. Multiple Zeeman sublevel EIT systems involving rubidium atoms are investigated. Theoretical formalism of optical field induced polarization rotation in the presence of a magnetic field is discussed by considering all the Zeeman sublevels. It is noted that the ground state population distribution also plays a major role.

Terahertz radiation by subpicosecond spin-polarized photocurrent originating from Dirac electrons in a Rashba-type polar semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinoshita, Yuto; Kida, Noriaki; Miyamoto, Tatsuya; Kanou, Manabu; Sasagawa, Takao; Okamoto, Hiroshi

2018-04-01

The spin-splitting energy bands induced by the relativistic spin-orbit interaction in solids provide a new opportunity to manipulate the spin-polarized electrons on the subpicosecond timescale. Here, we report one such example in a bulk Rashba-type polar semiconductor BiTeBr. Strong terahertz electromagnetic waves are emitted after the resonant excitation of the interband transition between the Rashba-type spin-splitting energy bands with a femtosecond laser pulse circularly polarized. The phase of the emitted terahertz waves is reversed by switching the circular polarization. This suggests that the observed terahertz radiation originates from the subpicosecond spin-polarized photocurrents, which are generated by the asymmetric depopulation of the Dirac state. Our result provides a way for the current-induced terahertz radiation and its phase control by the circular polarization of incident light without external electric fields.

Electrical Deflection of Polar Liquid Streams: A Misunderstood Demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziaei-Moayyed, Maryam; Goodman, Edward; Williams, Peter

2000-11-01

The electrical deflection of polar liquid streams, commonly used as a textbook illustration of the behavior of polar molecules, is shown to be due to the formation of electrically charged droplets in the polar liquid stream, induced by a nearby charged object, rather than any force exerted on molecular dipoles. Streams of water and polar organic liquids could be deflected in a uniform electric field, which could not have exerted any force on dipolar species. Water and polar organic liquid streams formed within a grounded, electrically screened region could not be deflected after exiting the screened region, demonstrating that there is no electrical force on uncharged polar liquid droplets. Induced charging was observed also in insulating polar organic liquids and is suggested to be due to ionic impurities. A weak deflection of a stream of a nonpolar liquid (tetrachloroethylene) was also observed, indicating that such impurity effects are quite general, even in nonpolar liquids.

Symmetry breaking and electrical frustration during tip-induced polarization switching in the non-polar cut of lithium niobate single crystals

DOE PAGES

Ievlev, Anton; Alikin, Denis O.; Morozovska, A. N.; ...

2014-12-15

Polarization switching in ferroelectric materials is governed by a delicate interplay between bulk polarization dynamics and screening processes at surfaces and domain walls. Here we explore the mechanism of tip-induced polarization switching in the non-polar cuts of uniaxial ferroelectrics. In this case, in-plane component of polarization vector switches, allowing for detailed observations of resultant domain morphologies. We observe surprising variability of resultant domain morphologies stemming from fundamental instability of formed charged domain wall and associated electric frustration. In particular, we demonstrate that controlling vertical tip position allows the polarity of the switching to be controlled. This represents very unusual formmore » of symmetry breaking where mechanical motion in vertical direction controls the lateral domain growth. The implication of these studies for ferroelectric devices and domain wall electronics are discussed.« less

Hierarchical Bayesian method for mapping biogeochemical hot spots using induced polarization imaging

DOE PAGES

Wainwright, Haruko M.; Flores Orozco, Adrian; Bucker, Matthias; ...

2016-01-29

In floodplain environments, a naturally reduced zone (NRZ) is considered to be a common biogeochemical hot spot, having distinct microbial and geochemical characteristics. Although important for understanding their role in mediating floodplain biogeochemical processes, mapping the subsurface distribution of NRZs over the dimensions of a floodplain is challenging, as conventional wellbore data are typically spatially limited and the distribution of NRZs is heterogeneous. In this work, we present an innovative methodology for the probabilistic mapping of NRZs within a three-dimensional (3-D) subsurface domain using induced polarization imaging, which is a noninvasive geophysical technique. Measurements consist of surface geophysical surveys andmore » drilling-recovered sediments at the U.S. Department of Energy field site near Rifle, CO (USA). Inversion of surface time domain-induced polarization (TDIP) data yielded 3-D images of the complex electrical resistivity, in terms of magnitude and phase, which are associated with mineral precipitation and other lithological properties. By extracting the TDIP data values colocated with wellbore lithological logs, we found that the NRZs have a different distribution of resistivity and polarization from the other aquifer sediments. To estimate the spatial distribution of NRZs, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to integrate the geophysical and wellbore data. In addition, the resistivity images were used to estimate hydrostratigraphic interfaces under the floodplain. Validation results showed that the integration of electrical imaging and wellbore data using a Bayesian hierarchical model was capable of mapping spatially heterogeneous interfaces and NRZ distributions thereby providing a minimally invasive means to parameterize a hydrobiogeochemical model of the floodplain.« less

Visualisation of exercise-induced ischaemia of the right ventricle by thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography.

PubMed Central

Chiba, J.; Takeishi, Y.; Abe, S.; Tomoike, H.

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Exercise thallium-201 (201T1) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been used to detect potential ischaemia in the left ventricular myocardium but not in the right ventricle. The purpose of this study was to establish the clinical usefulness of a right ventricular polar map of 201T1 SPECT for visualisation of exercise-induced right ventricular ischaemia. METHODS: Myocardial 201T1 SPECT was obtained immediately after treadmill exercise in 97 patients with suspected coronary artery disease. A region of interest was placed over the right ventricle (RV) on post-stress transaxial images. Short axis images of this region were generated and reconstructed as a bull's eye polar map. Normal ranges of RV 201T1 uptake were determined in 12 patients with normal coronary arteries. Scintigraphic criteria for identifying RV perfusion abnormality were derived from 25 patients with right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis greater than 75%. These criteria were applied to 60 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease. RESULTS: Perfusion defects in the RV were larger in patients with proximal RCA stenosis than in those with distal RCA stenosis (mean (SD) 28 (16)% v 6 (5)%, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the RV polar map for the detection of proximal RCA stenosis were 67% (8/12) and 98% (47/48), respectively. RV perfusion defects became undetectable in 9 patients who had successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty to a proximal RCA lesion. CONCLUSIONS: A right ventricular polar map display was useful for visualising exercise-induced right ventricular ischaemia. Images PMID:9038692

Quantum coherent π-electron rotations in a non-planar chiral molecule induced by using a linearly polarized UV laser pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mineo, Hirobumi; Fujimura, Yuichi

2015-06-01

We propose an ultrafast quantum switching method of π-electron rotations, which are switched among four rotational patterns in a nonplanar chiral aromatic molecule (P)-2,2’- biphenol and perform the sequential switching among four rotational patterns which are performed by the overlapped pump-dump laser pulses. Coherent π-electron dynamics are generated by applying the linearly polarized UV pulse laser to create a pair of coherent quasidegenerated excited states. We also plot the time-dependent π-electron ring current, and discussed ring current transfer between two aromatic rings.

Theoretical study of polarization insensitivity of carrier-induced refractive index change of multiple quantum well.

PubMed

Miao, Qingyuan; Zhou, Qunjie; Cui, Jun; He, Ping-An; Huang, Dexiu

2014-12-29

Characteristics of polarization insensitivity of carrier-induced refractive index change of 1.55 μm tensile-strained multiple quantum well (MQW) are theoretically investigated. A comprehensive MQW model is proposed to effectively extend the application range of previous models. The model considers the temperature variation as well as the nonuniform distribution of injected carrier in MQW. Tensile-strained MQW is expected to achieve polarization insensitivity of carrier-induced refractive index change over a wide wavelength range as temperature varies from 0°C to 40°C, while the magnitude of refractive index change keeps a large value (more than 3 × 10^-3). And that the polarization insensitivity of refractive index change can maintain for a wide range of carrier concentration. Multiple quantum well with different material and structure parameters is anticipated to have the similar polarization insensitivity of refractive index change, which shows the design flexibility.

Effects of uniform extracellular DC electric fields on excitability in rat hippocampal slices in vitro.

PubMed

Bikson, Marom; Inoue, Masashi; Akiyama, Hiroki; Deans, Jackie K; Fox, John E; Miyakawa, Hiroyoshi; Jefferys, John G R

2004-05-15

The effects of uniform steady state (DC) extracellular electric fields on neuronal excitability were characterized in rat hippocampal slices using field, intracellular and voltage-sensitive dye recordings. Small electric fields (1 s) changes in neuronal excitability. Electric fields perpendicular to the apical-dendritic axis did not induce somatic polarization, but did modulate orthodromic responses, indicating an effect on afferents. These results demonstrate that DC fields can modulate neuronal excitability in a time-dependent manner, with no clear threshold, as a result of interactions between neuronal compartments, the non-linear properties of the cell membrane, and effects on afferents.

Polarization-induced Zener tunnel diodes in GaN/InGaN/GaN heterojunctions

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

Yan, Xiaodong; Li, Wenjun; Islam, S. M.

By the insertion of thin In{sub x}Ga{sub 1−x}N layers into Nitrogen-polar GaN p-n junctions, polarization-induced Zener tunnel junctions are studied. The reverse-bias interband Zener tunneling current is found to be weakly temperature dependent, as opposed to the strongly temperature-dependent forward bias current. This indicates tunneling as the primary reverse-bias current transport mechanism. The Indium composition in the InGaN layer is systematically varied to demonstrate the increase in the interband tunneling current. Comparing the experimentally measured tunneling currents to a model helps identify the specific challenges in potentially taking such junctions towards nitride-based polarization-induced tunneling field-effect transistors.

Cytokine responses induced by diesel exhaust particles are suppressed by PAR-2 silencing and antioxidant treatment, and driven by polar and non-polar soluble constituents.

PubMed

Bach, Nicolai; Bølling, Anette Kocbach; Brinchmann, Bendik C; Totlandsdal, Annike I; Skuland, Tonje; Holme, Jørn A; Låg, Marit; Schwarze, Per E; Øvrevik, Johan

2015-10-14

Adsorbed soluble organics seem to be the main drivers of inflammatory responses induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP). The specific compounds contributing to this process and the cellular mechanisms behind DEP-induced inflammation are not well known. We have assessed pro-inflammatory effects of DEP and various soluble DEP fractions, in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). DEP increased the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and CXCL8. Silencing of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by siRNA or pretreatment with AhR-antagonists did not attenuate DEP-induced IL-6 and CXCL8 responses. However, the halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon (HAH)-selective AhR antagonist CH223191 caused a considerable reduction in DEP-induced CYP1A1 expression indicating that this response may be due to dioxin or dioxin-like constituents in DEP. Knock-down of protease activated receptor (PAR)-2 attenuated IL-6 responses without affecting CXCL8. Antioxidants did not affect IL-6 expression after 4h DEP-exposure and only partly reduced CXCL8 expression. However, after 24h exposure antioxidant treatment partly suppressed IL-6 protein release and completely blocked CXCL8 release. Furthermore, a heptane-soluble (non-polar) extract of DEP induced both IL-6 and CXCL8 release, whereas a PBS-soluble (highly polar) extract induced only IL-6. Thus, pro-inflammatory responses in DEP-exposed epithelial cells appear to be the result of both reactive oxygen species and receptor signaling, mediated through combinatorial effects between both non-polar and polar constituents adhered to the particle surface. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Modulation of the phase and polarization of modes in a few-mode fiber waveguide subjected to axial deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belovolov, M. I.; Vitrik, O. B.; Dianov, Evgenii M.; Kulchin, Yurii N.; Obukh, V. F.

1989-11-01

An investigation was made of modulation of the phase and polarization of modes in a few-mode fiber waveguide subjected to axial deformation. The simplest and most convenient (for analysis) controlled interference pattern was obtained on addition, at the exit from a waveguide, of the fields of two modes of different order or of components of two orthogonally polarized waves of the same mode when an additional phase shift between these waves was induced by deformation. The two investigated schemes were suitable for the construction of simple and highly sensitive sensors capable of detecting small strains with characteristics which could be varied by suitable selection of the waveguide parameters and of the signal processing method.

Observation of linear-polarization-sensitivity in the microwave-radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations

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

Mani, R. G.; Ramanayaka, A. N.; Wegscheider, W.

2013-12-04

We examine the linear polarization sensitivity of the radiation- induced magneto-resistance oscillations by investigating the effect of rotating in-situ the electric field of linearly polarized microwaves relative to the current, in the GaAs/AlGaAs system. We find that the frequency and the phase of the photo-excited magneto-resistance oscillations are insensitive to the polarization. On the other hand, the amplitude of the resistance oscillations are strongly sensitive to the relative orientation between the microwave antenna and the current-axis in the specimen.

Electron spin polarization in realistic trajectories around the magnetic node of two counter-propagating, circularly polarized, ultra-intense lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Sorbo, D.; Seipt, D.; Thomas, A. G. R.; Ridgers, C. P.

2018-06-01

It has recently been suggested that two counter-propagating, circularly polarized, ultra-intense lasers can induce a strong electron spin polarization at the magnetic node of the electromagnetic field that they setup (Del Sorbo et al 2017 Phys. Rev. A 96 043407). We confirm these results by considering a more sophisticated description that integrates over realistic trajectories. The electron dynamics is weakly affected by the variation of power radiated due to the spin polarization. The degree of spin polarization differs by approximately 5% if considering electrons initially at rest or already in a circular orbit. The instability of trajectories at the magnetic node induces a spin precession associated with the electron migration that establishes an upper temporal limit to the polarization of the electron population of about one laser period.

Coumarin/BODIPY Hybridisation for Ratiometric Sensing of Intracellular Polarity Oscillation.

PubMed

Bai, Yang; Shi, Xiangchao; Chen, Yuncong; Zhu, Chengcheng; Jiao, Yang; Han, Zhong; He, Weijiang; Guo, Zijian

2018-05-23

With different polarity responses, coumarin and 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) were hybridised to construct polarity fluorescent sensors, CBDP and iso-CBDP, to overcome the disadvantages of solvatochromic sensors in ratiometric polarity sensing. Only CBDP displayed an emission ratio (I Cou /I BDP , coumarin to BODIPY emissions) that increased with an exponential dependence on medium relative permittivity over a wide polarity range (ϵ r <57.9). This sensing ability of CBDP was not affected by medium pH; viscosity; and most intracellular species, especially reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species. Apart from local cytoplasmic polarity quantification through lambda imaging, CBDP enables real-time ratiometric imaging for intracellular polarity oscillation induced by oxidative stimulation. Ratiometric polarity flow cytometry was developed, for the first time, with CBDP, which demonstrated that a high concentration H 2 O 2 induced cytoplasmic polarity enhancement, whereas pre-incubation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine inhibited this effect. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anti-parallel polarization switching in a triglycine sulfate organic ferroelectric insulator: The role of surface charges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, He; Wu, Zhuangchun; Peng, Dongwen; Wang, Yaojin; Wang, Yiping; Yang, Ying; Yuan, Guoliang

2018-04-01

Four consecutive ferroelectric polarization switchings and an abnormal ring-like domain pattern can be introduced by a single tip bias of a piezoresponse force microscope in the (010) triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystal. The external electric field anti-parallel to the original polarization induces the first polarization switching; however, the surface charges of TGS can move toward the tip location and induce the second polarization switching once the tip bias is removed. The two switchings allow a ring-like pattern composed of the central domain with downward polarization and the outer domain with upward polarization. Once the two domains disappear gradually as a result of depolarization, the other two polarization switchings occur one by one at the TGS where the tip contacts. However, the backswitching phenomenon does not occur when the external electric field is parallel to the original polarization. These results can be explained according to the surface charges instead of the charges injected inside.

Determination of fluoroquinolone antibiotics via ionic-liquid-based, salt-induced, dual microextraction in swine feed.

PubMed

Wang, Huili; Gao, Ming; Gao, Jiajia; Yu, Nana; Huang, Hong; Yu, Qing; Wang, Xuedong

2016-09-01

In conventional microextraction procedures, the disperser (organic solvent or ionic liquid) is left in the aqueous phase and discarded after finishing the microextraction process. Because the disperser is water-soluble, it results in low extraction recovery for polar compounds. In this investigation, an ionic-liquid-based microextraction (ILBME) was integrated with salting-out assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (SALLME) to build an ionic-liquid-based, salt-induced, dual microextraction (ILSDME) for isolation of five fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) with high polarity (log P, -1.0 to 1.0). The proposed ILSDME method incorporates a dual microextraction by converting the disperser in the ILBME to the extractor in the SALLME. Optimization of key factors was conducted by integrating single-factor experiments and central composite design. The optimized experimental parameters were 80 μL [C8MIM][PF6] as extractor, 505 μL acetone as disperser, pH = 2.0, 4.1 min extraction time, and 4.2 g of Na2SO4. Under optimized conditions, high ERs (90.6-103.2 %) and low LODs (0.07-0.61 μg kg(-1)) were determined for five FQs in swine feed. Experimental precision based on RSDs was 1.4-5.2 % for intra-day and 2.4-6.9 % for inter-day analyses. The combination of ILBME with SALLME increased FQ recoveries by 15-20 % as compared with SALLME, demonstrating that the ILSDME method can enhance extraction efficiency for polar compounds compared to single-step microextraction. Therefore, the ILSDME method developed in this study has wide application for pretreatment of moderately to highly polar pollutants in complex matrices. Graphical Abstract A dual microextraction was developed by integrating ionic-liquid-based microextraction with salting-out assisted liquid-liquid microextraction for isolation of five fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) with high polarity (log P = -1.0 to 1.0). The principle of dual microextraction is based on converting the remaining disperser from the first microextraction into an extractor in the second microextraction. Single-factor experiment and central composite design were applied for optimizing operational parameters using 3D response surfaces and contour lines. Under optimized conditions, the method provided high extraction recoveries and low LODs for five FQs in swine feed. The prominent advantage of the dual microextraction is rapid and highly efficient extraction of moderately to highly polar fluoroquinolones from complex matrices.

Proton magnetic resonance imaging with para-hydrogen induced polarization.

PubMed

Dechent, Jan F; Buljubasich, Lisandro; Schreiber, Laura M; Spiess, Hans W; Münnemann, Kerstin

2012-02-21

A major challenge in imaging is the detection of small amounts of molecules of interest. In the case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) their signals are typically concealed by the large background signal of e.g. the body. This problem can be tackled by hyperpolarization which increases the NMR signals up to several orders of magnitude. However, this strategy is limited for (1)H, the most widely used nucleus in NMR and MRI, because the enormous number of protons in the body screens the small amount of hyperpolarized ones. Here, we describe a method giving rise to high (1)H MRI contrast for hyperpolarized molecules against a large background signal. The contrast is based on the J-coupling induced rephasing of the NMR signal of molecules hyperpolarized via PHIP and it can easily be implemented in common pulse sequences. We discuss several scenarios with different or equal dephasing times T(2)* for the hyperpolarized and thermally polarized compounds and verify our approach by experiments. This method may open up unprecedented opportunities to use the standard MRI nucleus (1)H for e.g. metabolic imaging in the future.

Targeting NCK-Mediated Endothelial Cell Front-Rear Polarity Inhibits Neovascularization.

PubMed

Dubrac, Alexandre; Genet, Gael; Ola, Roxana; Zhang, Feng; Pibouin-Fragner, Laurence; Han, Jinah; Zhang, Jiasheng; Thomas, Jean-Léon; Chedotal, Alain; Schwartz, Martin A; Eichmann, Anne

2016-01-26

Sprouting angiogenesis is a key process driving blood vessel growth in ischemic tissues and an important drug target in a number of diseases, including wet macular degeneration and wound healing. Endothelial cells forming the sprout must develop front-rear polarity to allow sprout extension. The adaptor proteins Nck1 and 2 are known regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and polarity, but their function in angiogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show that the Nck adaptors are required for endothelial cell front-rear polarity and migration downstream of the angiogenic growth factors VEGF-A and Slit2. Mice carrying inducible, endothelial-specific Nck1/2 deletions fail to develop front-rear polarized vessel sprouts and exhibit severe angiogenesis defects in the postnatal retina and during embryonic development. Inactivation of NCK1 and 2 inhibits polarity by preventing Cdc42 and Pak2 activation by VEGF-A and Slit2. Mechanistically, NCK binding to ROBO1 is required for both Slit2- and VEGF-induced front-rear polarity. Selective inhibition of polarized endothelial cell migration by targeting Nck1/2 prevents hypersprouting induced by Notch or Bmp signaling inhibition, and pathological ocular neovascularization and wound healing, as well. These data reveal a novel signal integration mechanism involving NCK1/2, ROBO1/2, and VEGFR2 that controls endothelial cell front-rear polarity during sprouting angiogenesis. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Remnant field detector

DOEpatents

Visser, Age T.

1988-05-03

A method apparatus for qualitatively detecting remnant magnetic fields in matched pairs of magnet cores. Equal magnitude and oppositely oriented magnetic flux is induced in the magnet cores by oppositely wound primary windings and current source. Identically wound secondary windings generate output voltages in response to the induced flux. The output voltages generated should be of equal magnitude and opposite polarity if there is no remnant field in the cores. The output voltages will be unequal which is detected if either core has a remnant field.

Remnant field detector

DOEpatents

Visser, Age T.

1988-01-01

A method apparatus for qualitatively detecting remnant magnetic fields in matched pairs of magnet cores. Equal magnitude and oppositely oriented magnetic flux is induced in the magnet cores by oppositely wound primary windings and current source. Identically wound secondary windings generate output voltages in response to the induced flux. The output voltages generated should be of equal magnitude and opposite polarity if there is no remnant field in the cores. The output voltages will be unequal which is detected if either core has a remnant field.

[DNA hydroxymethylase 10-11 translocation 2 (TET2) inhibits mouse macrophage activation and polarization].

PubMed

Li, Bingyi; Huo, Yi; Lin, Zhifeng; Wang, Tao

2017-09-01

Objective To study the role of DNA hydroxymethylase 10-11 translocation 2 (TET2) in macrophage activation and polarization. Methods RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured in vitro and stimulated with 100 ng/mL LPS for 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 hours. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect TET2 mRNA expression. TET2 expression was knocked down with siRNA and the knock-down efficiency was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Following siRNA transfection for 48 hours, RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS for 4 hours, and then real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA were performed to detect the expressions of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-12. The M1 polarizing markers TNF-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-12, and M2 polarizing markers mannose receptor (MR), arginase 1 (Arg-1) and chitinase 3-like molecule 1 (Ym1) were tested after M1 or M2 induction by LPS/IFN-γ or IL-4. Results TET2 expression increased after LPS treatment in RAW264.7 cells and reached the peak at 2 hours later. The siRNA effectively reduced the expression of TET2. The expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 mRNAs increased after TET2 knock-down and LPS stimulation. The expressions of M1 polarization markers and M2 markers were up-regulated by the corresponding stimulations after TET2 knock-down. Conclusion TET2 has the effect of inhibiting LPS-induced macrophage activation and plays an inhibitory role in macrophage M1 and M2 polarization.

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase II is necessary for macrophage M1 polarization and phagocytosis via toll-like receptor 2.

PubMed

Liao, Wei-Ting; You, Huey-Ling; Li, Changgui; Chang, Jan-Gowth; Chang, Shun-Jen; Chen, Chung-Jen

2015-05-01

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase II (cGKII; PRKG2) phosphorylates a variety of biological targets and has been identified as a gout-susceptible gene. However, the regulatory role of cGKII in triggering gout disease has yet to be clarified. Thus, we plan to explore the specific function of cGKII in macrophages related to gout disease. By using cGKII gene knockdown method, we detected macrophage M1/M2 polarization, phagocytosis, and their responses to stimulation by monosodium urate (MSU). cGKII was highly expressed in M1 phenotype, but not in M2, and cGKII knockdown significantly inhibited macrophage M1 polarization by decreasing M1 chemokine markers (CXCL10 and CCL2) and downregulating phagocytosis function. We further identified that cGKII-associated phagocytosis was mediated by upregulating toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression, but not by TLR4. Mimicking gout condition by MSU treatments, we found that MSU alone induced cGKII and TLR2 expression with increased M1 polarization markers and phagocytosis activity. It means that cGKII knockdown significantly inhibited this MSU-induced cGKII-TLR2-phagocytosis axis. Our study showed that cGKII plays a key role in M1 polarization, especially in TLR2-mediated phagocytosis under MSU exposure. The findings provide evidence for the possible role of cGKII as an inflammation exciter in gout disease. Gout-susceptible gene cGKII is necessary for macrophage M1 polarization. cGKII regulates M1 phagocytosis function via TLR2. Monosodium urate treatments increase cGKII expression and related function. This study reveals the role of cGKII in enhancing gouty inflammatory responses.

Compensation of non-ideal beam splitter polarization distortion effect in Michelson interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yeng-Cheng; Lo, Yu-Lung; Liao, Chia-Chi

2016-02-01

A composite optical structure consisting of two quarter-wave plates and a single half-wave plate is proposed for compensating for the polarization distortion induced by a non-ideal beam splitter in a Michelson interferometer. In the proposed approach, the optimal orientations of the optical components within the polarization compensator are determined using a genetic algorithm (GA) such that the beam splitter can be treated as a free-space medium and modeled using a unit Mueller matrix accordingly. Two implementations of the proposed polarization controller are presented. In the first case, the compensator is placed in the output arm of Michelson interferometer such that the state of polarization of the interfered output light is equal to that of the input light. However, in this configuration, the polarization effects induced by the beam splitter in the two arms of the interferometer structure cannot be separately addressed. Consequently, in the second case, compensator structures are placed in the Michelson interferometer for compensation on both the scanning and reference beams. The practical feasibility of the proposed approach is introduced by considering a Mueller polarization-sensitive (PS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) structure with three polarization controllers in the input, reference and sample arms, respectively. In general, the results presented in this study show that the proposed polarization controller provides an effective and experimentally-straightforward means of compensating for the polarization distortion effects induced by the non-ideal beam splitters in Michelson interferometers and Mueller PS-OCT structures.

The polarization of Sb overlayers on NiMnSb(100)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komesu, Takashi; Borca, C. N.; Jeong, Hae-Kyung; Dowben, P. A.; Ristoiu, Delia; Nozières, J. P.; Stadler, Shane; Idzerda, Y. U.

2000-08-01

We have investigated the induced polarization of paramagnetic Sb overlayers on the Heusler alloy NiMnSb. From combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and spin-polarized inverse photoemission spectroscopy (SPIPES), we can assign some of the unoccupied states of the Heusler alloy NiMnSb. With increasing thickness of the Sb overlayer, there is a decline in the density of states near the Fermi energy, as expected for a semimetal overlayer on a metallic substrate. While the Sb is polarized by the ferromagnetic NiMnSb substrate, consistent with the expectations of mean field theory, the polarization at the center of the surface/overlayer Brillouin zone cannot be easily related to the induced magnetization.

Focal mechanism determination for induced seismicity using the neighbourhood algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Yuyang; Zhang, Haijiang; Li, Junlun; Yin, Chen; Wu, Furong

2018-06-01

Induced seismicity is widely detected during hydraulic fracture stimulation. To better understand the fracturing process, a thorough knowledge of the source mechanism is required. In this study, we develop a new method to determine the focal mechanism for induced seismicity. Three misfit functions are used in our method to measure the differences between observed and modeled data from different aspects, including the waveform, P wave polarity and S/P amplitude ratio. We minimize these misfit functions simultaneously using the neighbourhood algorithm. Through synthetic data tests, we show the ability of our method to yield reliable focal mechanism solutions and study the effect of velocity inaccuracy and location error on the solutions. To mitigate the impact of the uncertainties, we develop a joint inversion method to find the optimal source depth and focal mechanism simultaneously. Using the proposed method, we determine the focal mechanisms of 40 stimulation induced seismic events in an oil/gas field in Oman. By investigating the results, we find that the reactivation of pre-existing faults is the main cause of the induced seismicity in the monitored area. Other observations obtained from the focal mechanism solutions are also consistent with earlier studies in the same area.

Epitaxial engineering of polar ɛ-Ga2O3 for tunable two-dimensional electron gas at the heterointerface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Sung Beom; Mishra, Rohan

2018-04-01

We predict the formation of a polarization-induced two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface of ɛ-Ga2O3 and CaCO3, wherein the density of the 2DEG can be tuned by reversing the spontaneous polarization in ɛ-Ga2O3, for example, with an applied electric field. ɛ-Ga2O3 is a polar and metastable ultra-wide band-gap semiconductor. We use density-functional theory (DFT) calculations and coincidence-site lattice model to predict the region of epitaxial strain under which ɛ-Ga2O3 can be stabilized over its other competing polymorphs and suggest promising substrates. Using group-theoretical methods and DFT calculations, we show that ɛ-Ga2O3 is a ferroelectric material where the spontaneous polarization can be reversed through a non-polar phase by using an electric field. Based on the calculated band alignment of ɛ-Ga2O3 with various substrates, we show the formation of a 2DEG with a high sheet charge density of 1014 cm-2 at the interface with CaCO3 due to the spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in ɛ-Ga2O3, which makes the system attractive for high-power and high-frequency applications.

Relaxation Time Distribution (RTD) of Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP) data from environmental studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ntarlagiannis, D.; Ustra, A.; Slater, L. D.; Zhang, C.; Mendonça, C. A.

2015-12-01

In this work we present an alternative formulation of the Debye Decomposition (DD) of complex conductivity spectra, with a new set of parameters that are directly related to the continuous Debye relaxation model. The procedure determines the relaxation time distribution (RTD) and two frequency-independent parameters that modulate the induced polarization spectra. The distribution of relaxation times quantifies the contribution of each distinct relaxation process, which can in turn be associated with specific polarization processes and characterized in terms of electrochemical and interfacial parameters as derived from mechanistic models. Synthetic tests show that the procedure can successfully fit spectral induced polarization (SIP) data and accurately recover the RTD. The procedure was applied to different data sets, focusing on environmental applications. We focus on data of sand-clay mixtures artificially contaminated with toluene, and crude oil-contaminated sands experiencing biodegradation. The results identify characteristic relaxation times that can be associated with distinct polarization processes resulting from either the contaminant itself or transformations associated with biodegradation. The inversion results provide information regarding the relative strength and dominant relaxation time of these polarization processes.

Investigating the effects of external fields polarization on the coupling of pure magnetic waves in the human body in very low frequencies

PubMed Central

2007-01-01

In this paper we studied the effects of external fields' polarization on the coupling of pure magnetic fields into human body. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is used to calculate the current densities induced in a 1 cm resolution anatomically based model with proper tissue conductivities. Twenty different tissues have been considered in this investigation and scaled FDTD technique is used to convert the results of computer code run in 15 MHz to low frequencies which are encountered in the vicinity of industrial induction heating and melting devices. It has been found that external magnetic field's orientation due to human body has a pronounced impact on the level of induced currents in different body tissues. This may potentially help developing protecting strategies to mitigate the situations in which workers are exposed to high levels of external magnetic radiation. PMID:17504520

Dynamic evolution of light-induced orientation of dye-doped liquid crystals in liquid phase studied by time-resolved optically heterodyned optical Kerr effect technique.

PubMed

Yang, Pei; Liu, Liying; Xu, Lei

2008-02-28

Transient evolution of light-induced molecular reorientation both in 1-amino-anthraquinone (1AAQ) dye and azobenzene doped isotropic liquid crystals (LCs) were studied by time-resolved optically heterodyned optical Kerr effect method. The results give clear direct experimental proof that under short pulse (30 ps) excitation, LC molecules orientate toward the excitation light polarization direction in the 1AAQ/LC system. However, LC molecular orientation becomes orthogonal to the light polarization in azobenzene/LC system. Time-resolved excited-state absorption of 1AAQ and wavelength dependent excited-state absorption of azobenzene were also observed and their contributions to the early dynamics of the third order optical responses of the two systems were confirmed. A simplified two-level mean-field theory was derived to reveal the intensity dependence of orientation enhancement factor in azobenzene/LC system considering the photoisomerization process.

Communication: Nuclear quadrupole moment-induced Cotton-Mouton effect in noble gas atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Li-juan; Rizzo, Antonio; Vaara, Juha

2013-11-01

New, high-sensitivity and high-resolution spectroscopic and imaging methods may be developed by exploiting nuclear magneto-optic effects. A first-principles electronic structure formulation of nuclear electric quadrupole moment-induced Cotton-Mouton effect (NQCME) is presented for closed-shell atoms. In NQCME, aligned quadrupole moments alter the index of refraction of the medium along with and perpendicular to the direction of nuclear alignment. The roles of basis-set convergence, electron correlation, and relativistic effects are investigated for three quadrupolar noble gas isotopes: 21Ne, 83Kr, and 131Xe. The magnitude of the resulting ellipticities is predicted to be 10-4-10-6 rad/(M cm) for fully spin-polarized nuclei. These should be detectable in the Voigt setup. Particularly interesting is the case of 131Xe, in which a high degree of spin polarization can be achieved via spin-exchange optical hyperpolarization.

Enhanced light absorption of solar cells and photodetectors by diffraction

DOEpatents

Zaidi, Saleem H.; Gee, James M.

2005-02-22

Enhanced light absorption of solar cells and photodetectors by diffraction is described. Triangular, rectangular, and blazed subwavelength periodic structures are shown to improve performance of solar cells. Surface reflection can be tailored for either broadband, or narrow-band spectral absorption. Enhanced absorption is achieved by efficient optical coupling into obliquely propagating transmitted diffraction orders. Subwavelength one-dimensional structures are designed for polarization-dependent, wavelength-selective absorption in solar cells and photodetectors, while two-dimensional structures are designed for polarization-independent, wavelength-selective absorption therein. Suitable one and two-dimensional subwavelength periodic structures can also be designed for broadband spectral absorption in solar cells and photodetectors. If reactive ion etching (RIE) processes are used to form the grating, RIE-induced surface damage in subwavelength structures can be repaired by forming junctions using ion implantation methods. RIE-induced surface damage can also be removed by post RIE wet-chemical etching treatments.

Frequency modulation of high-order harmonic generation in an orthogonally polarized two-color laser field.

PubMed

Li, Guicun; Zheng, Yinghui; Ge, Xiaochun; Zeng, Zhinan; Li, Ruxin

2016-08-08

We have experimentally investigated the frequency modulation of high-order harmonics in an orthogonally polarized two-color laser field consisting of a mid-infrared 1800nm fundamental pulse and its second harmonic pulse. It is demonstrated that the high harmonic spectra can be fine-tuned as we slightly change the relative delay of the two-color laser pulses. By analyzing the relative frequency shift of each harmonic at different two-color delays, the nonadiabatic spectral shift induced by the rapid variation of the intensity-dependent intrinsic dipole phase can be distinguished from the blueshift induced by the change of the refractive index during self-phase modulation (SPM). Our comprehensive analysis shows that the frequency modulation pattern is a reflection of the average emission time of high-order harmonic generation (HHG), thus offering a simple method to fine-tune the spectra of the harmonics on a sub-cycle time scale.

Controllable rotating behavior of individual dielectric microrod in a rotating electric field.

PubMed

Liu, Weiyu; Ren, Yukun; Tao, Ye; Li, Yanbo; Chen, Xiaoming

2017-06-01

We report herein controllable rotating behavior of an individual dielectric microrod driven by a background rotating electric field. By disposing or removing structured floating microelectrode, the rigid rod suspended in electrolyte solution accordingly exhibits cofield or antifield rotating motion. In the absence of the ideally polarizable metal surface, the dielectric rod rotates opposite to propagation of electric field, with the measured rotating rate much larger than predicted by Maxwell-Wager interfacial polarization theory incorporating surface conduction of fixed bond charge. Surprisingly, with floating electrode embedded, a novel kind of cofield rotation mode occurs in the presence of induced double-layer polarization, due to the action of hydrodynamic torque from rotating induced-charge electroosmosis. This method of achieving switchable spin modes of dielectric particles would direct implications in constructing flexible electrokinetic framework for analyzing 3D profile of on-chip biomicrofluidic samples. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ferroelectric domain wall motion induced by polarized light

PubMed Central

Rubio-Marcos, Fernando; Del Campo, Adolfo; Marchet, Pascal; Fernández, Jose F.

2015-01-01

Ferroelectric materials exhibit spontaneous and stable polarization, which can usually be reoriented by an applied external electric field. The electrically switchable nature of this polarization is at the core of various ferroelectric devices. The motion of the associated domain walls provides the basis for ferroelectric memory, in which the storage of data bits is achieved by driving domain walls that separate regions with different polarization directions. Here we show the surprising ability to move ferroelectric domain walls of a BaTiO3 single crystal by varying the polarization angle of a coherent light source. This unexpected coupling between polarized light and ferroelectric polarization modifies the stress induced in the BaTiO3 at the domain wall, which is observed using in situ confocal Raman spectroscopy. This effect potentially leads to the non-contact remote control of ferroelectric domain walls by light. PMID:25779918

Antimutagenic activity of extracts of leaves of four common edible vegetable plants in Nigeria (west Africa).

PubMed

Obaseiki-Ebor, E E; Odukoya, K; Telikepalli, H; Mitscher, L A; Shankel, D M

1993-06-01

Organic solvent extracts of leaves of 4 common edible vegetable plants--Bryophyllum pinnatum, Dialium guincense, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina--had inhibitory activity for His- to His+ reverse-mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate acting on Salmonella typhimurium TA100. The concentrated ethyl acetate, methanol and petroleum ether extracts were heat-stable when dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. The Bryophyllum ethyl acetate extract was fractionated into alkaloidal/water-soluble, acids, polar lipid and non-polar lipid fractions. The polar and non-polar lipid fractions inhibited reversion mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate acting on TA100 or TA102, and were also active against reversions induced by 4-nitro-O-phenylenediamine and 2-aminofluorene in TA98. The alkaloidal/water-soluble and the acid fractions had no appreciable antimutagenic activities.

Metal surface coloration by oxide periodic structures formed with nanosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veiko, Vadim; Karlagina, Yulia; Moskvin, Mikhail; Mikhailovskii, Vladimir; Odintsova, Galina; Olshin, Pavel; Pankin, Dmitry; Romanov, Valery; Yatsuk, Roman

2017-09-01

In this work, we studied a method of laser-induced coloration of metals, where small-scale spatially periodic structures play a key role in the process of color formation. The formation of such structures on a surface of AISI 304 stainless steel was demonstrated for the 1.06 μm fiber laser with nanosecond duration of pulses and random (elliptical) polarization. The color of the surface depends on the period, height and orientation of periodic surface structures. Adjustment of the polarization of the laser radiation or change of laser incidence angle can be used to control the orientation of the structures. The formation of markings that change their color under the different viewing angles becomes possible. The potential application of the method is metal product protection against falsification.

A study on high NA and evanescent imaging with polarized illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Seung-Hune

Simulation techniques are developed for high NA polarized microscopy with Babinet's principle, partial coherence and vector diffraction for non-periodic geometries. A mathematical model for the Babinet approach is developed and interpreted. Simulation results of the Babinet's principle approach are compared with those of Rigorous Coupled Wave Theory (RCWT) for periodic structures to investigate the accuracy of this approach and its limitations. A microscope system using a special solid immersion lens (SIL) is introduced to image Blu-Ray (BD) optical disc samples without removing the protective cover layer. Aberration caused by the cover layer is minimized with a truncated SIL. Sub-surface imaging simulation is achieved by RCWT, partial coherence, vector diffraction and Babinet's Principle. Simulated results are compared with experimental images and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement. A technique for obtaining native and induced using a significant amount of evanescent energy is described for a solid immersion lens (SIL) microscope. Characteristics of native and induced polarization images for different object structures and materials are studied in detail. Experiments are conducted with a NA = 1.48 at lambda = 550nm microscope. Near-field images are simulated and analyzed with an RCWT approach. Contrast curve versus object spatial frequency calculations are compared with experimental measurements. Dependencies of contrast versus source polarization angles and air gap for native and induced polarization image profiles are evaluated. By using the relationship between induced polarization and topographical structure, an induced polarization image of an alternating phase shift mask (PSM) is converted into a topographical image, which shows very good agreement with AFM measurement. Images of other material structures include a dielectric grating, chrome-on-glass grating, silicon CPU structure, BD-R and BD-ROM.

Fractal model of polarization switching kinetics in ferroelectrics under nonequilibrium conditions of electron irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslovskaya, A. G.; Barabash, T. K.

2018-03-01

The paper presents the results of the fractal and multifractal analysis of polarization switching current in ferroelectrics under electron irradiation, which allows statistical memory effects to be estimated at dynamics of domain structure. The mathematical model of formation of electron beam-induced polarization current in ferroelectrics was suggested taking into account the fractal nature of domain structure dynamics. In order to realize the model the computational scheme was constructed using the numerical solution approximation of fractional differential equation. Evidences of electron beam-induced polarization switching process in ferroelectrics were specified at a variation of control model parameters.

Effect of cross-phase-modulation-induced polarization scattering on optical polarization mode dispersion compensation in wavelength-division-multiplexed systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Chongjin; Möller, Lothar; Kilper, Daniel C.; Mollenauer, Linn F.

2003-12-01

Interchannel cross-phase-modulation-induced polarization scattering (XPMIPS) and its effect on the performance of optical polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensation in wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) systems are studied. The level of XPMIPS in long-haul WDM transmission systems is theoretically quantified, and its effect on optical PMD compensation is evaluated with numerical simulations. We show that in 10-Gbit/s ultra-long-haul dense WDM systems XPMIPS could reduce the PMD compensation efficiency by 50%, whereas for 40-Gbit/s systems the effect of XPMIPS is smaller.

Domain switching mechanisms in polycrystalline ferroelectrics with asymmetric hysteretic behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anton, Eva-Maria; García, R. Edwin; Key, Thomas S.; Blendell, John E.; Bowman, Keith J.

2009-01-01

A numerical method is presented to predict the effect of microstructure on the local polarization switching of bulk ferroelectric ceramics. The model shows that a built-in electromechanical field develops in a ferroelectric material as a result of the spatial coupling of the grains and the direct physical coupling between the thermomechanical and electromechanical properties of a bulk ceramic material. The built-in fields that result from the thermomechanically induced grain-grain electromechanical interactions result in the appearance of four microstructural switching mechanisms: (1) simple switching, where the c-axes of ferroelectric domains will align with the direction of the applied macroscopic electric field by starting from the core of each grain; (2) grain boundary induced switching, where the domain's switching response will initiate at grain corners and boundaries as a result of the polarization and stress that is locally generated from the strong anisotropy of the dielectric permittivity and the local piezoelectric contributions to polarization from the surrounding material; (3) negative poling, where abutting ferroelectric domains of opposite polarity actively oppose domain switching by increasing their degree of tetragonality by interacting with the surrounding domains that have already switched to align with the applied electrostatic field. Finally, (4) domain reswitching mechanism is observed at very large applied electric fields, and is characterized by the appearance of polarization domain reversals events in the direction of their originally unswitched state. This mechanism is a consequence of the competition between the macroscopic applied electric field, and the induced electric field that results from the neighboring domains (or grains) interactions. The model shows that these built-in electromechanical fields and mesoscale mechanisms contribute to the asymmetry of the macroscopic hysteretic behavior in poled samples. Furthermore, below a material-dependent operating temperature, the predicted built-in electric fields can potentially drive the aging and electrical fatigue of the system to further skew the shape of the hysteresis loops.

SPEAR-induced field-aligned irregularities observed from bi-static HF radio scattering in the polar ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagoveshchenskaya, N. F.; Borisova, T. D.; Kornienko, V. A.; Kalishin, A. S.; Robinson, T. R.; Yeoman, T. K.; Wright, D. M.; Baddeley, L. J.

2009-01-01

Experimental results from SPEAR HF heating experiments in the polar ionosphere are examined. Bi-static scatter measurements of HF diagnostic signals were carried out on the Pori (Finland)-SPEAR-St. Petersburg path at operational frequencies of 11,755 and 15,400 kHz and the London-SPEAR-St. Petersburg path at frequencies of 12,095 and 17,700 kHz, using a Doppler spectral method. The SPEAR HF heating facility generates heater-induced artificial field-aligned small-scale irregularities (AFAIs), which can be detected by HF diagnostic bi-static radio scatter techniques at St. Petersburg at a distance of about 2000 km. In accordance with the Bragg condition, HF bi-static backscatters were sensitive to small-scale irregularities having spatial sizes of the order of 9-13 m across the geomagnetic field line. The properties and behaviour of AFAIs have been considered in the winter and summer seasons under quiet magnetic conditions and under various status of the polar ionosphere (the presence of "thick" and "thin" sporadic Es layers, different structures of the F2 layer). The experimental results obtained have shown that AFAIs can be excited in the F as well as in the E regions of the polar ionosphere. The excitation of a very intense wide-band spectral component with an abrupt increase in the spectral width up to 16-20 Hz has been found in the signals scattered from striations. Along with a wide-band component, a narrow-band spectral component can be also seen in the Doppler sonograms and in the average spectra of the signals scattered from the SPEAR-induced striations. AFAIs were excited even when the HF heater frequency was up to 0.5 MHz larger than the critical frequency. A simulation of the ray geometry for the diagnostic HF radio waves scattered from AFAIs in the polar ionosphere has been made for the geophysical conditions prevailing during experiments carried out in both the winter and summer seasons.

A Signaling Network Induced by β2 Integrin Controls the Polarization of Lytic Granulesin Cytotoxic Cells

PubMed Central

Zhang, Minggang; March, Michael E.; Lane, William S.; Long, Eric O.

2014-01-01

Cytotoxic lymphocyte skill target cells by polarized release of the content of perforin-containing granules. In natural killer cells, the binding of β2 integrin to its ligand ICAM-1 is sufficient to promote not only adhesion but also lytic granule polarization. This provided a unique opportunity to study polarization in the absence of degranulation, and β2 integrin signaling independently of inside-out signals from other receptors. Using an unbiased proteomics approach we identified a signaling network centered on an integrin-linked kinase (ILK)–Pyk2–Paxillin core that was required for granule polarization. Downstream of ILK, the highly conserved Cdc42–Par6 signaling pathway that controls cell polarity was activated and required for granule polarization. These results delineate two connected signaling networks induced upon β2 integrin engagement alone, which are integrated to control polarization of the microtubule organizing center and associated lytic granules toward the site of contact with target cells during cellular cytotoxicity. PMID:25292215

Electromagnetically induced disintegration and polarization plane rotation of laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parshkov, Oleg M.; Budyak, Victoria V.; Kochetkova, Anastasia E.

2017-04-01

The numerical simulation results of disintegration effect of linear polarized shot probe pulses of electromagnetically induced transparency in the counterintuitive superposed linear polarized control field are presented. It is shown, that this disintegration occurs, if linear polarizations of interacting pulses are not parallel or mutually perpendicular. In case of weak input probe field the polarization of one probe pulse in the medium is parallel, whereas the polarization of another probe pulse is perpendicular to polarization direction of input control radiation. The concerned effect is analogous to the effect, which must to take place when short laser pulse propagates along main axes of biaxial crystal because of group velocity of normal mod difference. The essential difference of probe pulse disintegration and linear process in biaxial crystal is that probe pulse preserves linear polarization in all stages of propagation. The numerical simulation is performed for scheme of degenerated quantum transitions between 3P0 , 3P01 and 3P2 energy levels of 208Pb isotope.

Laser system refinements to reduce variability in infarct size in the rat photothrombotic stroke model

PubMed Central

Alaverdashvili, Mariam; Paterson, Phyllis G.; Bradley, Michael P.

2015-01-01

Background The rat photothrombotic stroke model can induce brain infarcts with reasonable biological variability. Nevertheless, we observed unexplained high inter-individual variability despite using a rigorous protocol. Of the three major determinants of infarct volume, photosensitive dye concentration and illumination period were strictly controlled, whereas undetected fluctuation in laser power output was suspected to account for the variability. New method The frequently utilized Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) lasers emitting 532 nm (green) light can exhibit fluctuations in output power due to temperature and input power alterations. The polarization properties of the Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 crystals commonly used in these lasers are another potential source of fluctuation, since one means of controlling output power uses a polarizer with a variable transmission axis. Thus, the properties of DPSS lasers and the relationship between power output and infarct size were explored. Results DPSS laser beam intensity showed considerable variation. Either a polarizer or a variable neutral density filter allowed adjustment of a polarized laser beam to the desired intensity. When the beam was unpolarized, the experimenter was restricted to using a variable neutral density filter. Comparison with existing method(s) Our refined approach includes continuous monitoring of DPSS laser intensity via beam sampling using a pellicle beamsplitter and photodiode sensor. This guarantees the desired beam intensity at the targeted brain area during stroke induction, with the intensity controlled either through a polarizer or variable neutral density filter. Conclusions Continuous monitoring and control of laser beam intensity is critical for ensuring consistent infarct size. PMID:25840363

Photoinduced topological phase transition and spin polarization in a two-dimensional topological insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, M. N.; Su, W.; Deng, M. X.; Ruan, Jiawei; Luo, W.; Shao, D. X.; Sheng, L.; Xing, D. Y.

2016-11-01

A great deal of attention has been paid to the topological phases engineered by photonics over the past few years. Here, we propose a topological quantum phase transition to a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) phase induced by off-resonant circularly polarized light in a two-dimensional system that is initially in a quantum spin Hall phase or a trivial insulator phase. This provides an alternative method to realize the QAH effect, other than magnetic doping. The circularly polarized light effectively creates a Zeeman exchange field and a renormalized Dirac mass, which are tunable by varying the intensity of the light and drive the quantum phase transition. Both the transverse and longitudinal Hall conductivities are studied, and the former is consistent with the topological phase transition when the Fermi level lies in the band gap. A highly controllable spin-polarized longitudinal electrical current can be generated when the Fermi level is in the conduction band, which may be useful for designing topological spintronics.

Self-consistent theory of nanodomain formation on non-polar surfaces of ferroelectrics

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

Morozovska, Anna N.; Obukhovskii, Vyacheslav; Fomichov, Evhen

2016-04-28

We propose a self-consistent theoretical approach capable of describing the features of the anisotropic nanodomain formation induced by a strongly inhomogeneous electric field of a charged scanning probe microscopy tip on nonpolar cuts of ferroelectrics. We obtained that a threshold field, previously regarded as an isotropic parameter, is an anisotropic function that is specified from the polar properties and lattice pinning anisotropy of a given ferroelectric in a self-consistent way. The proposed method for the calculation of the anisotropic threshold field is not material specific, thus the field should be anisotropic in all ferroelectrics with the spontaneous polarization anisotropy alongmore » the main crystallographic directions. The most evident examples are uniaxial ferroelectrics, layered ferroelectric perovskites, and low-symmetry incommensurate ferroelectrics. Obtained results quantitatively describe the differences at several times in the nanodomain length experimentally observed on X and Y cuts of LiNbO3 and can give insight into the anisotropic dynamics of nanoscale polarization reversal in strongly inhomogeneous electric fields.« less

Particular features of ternary fission induced by polarized neutrons in the major actinides U,235233 and Pu,241239

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagarski, A.; Gönnenwein, F.; Guseva, I.; Jesinger, P.; Kopatch, Yu.; Kuzmina, T.; Lelièvre-Berna, E.; Mutterer, M.; Nesvizhevsky, V.; Petrov, G.; Soldner, T.; Tiourine, G.; Trzaska, W. H.; Zavarukhina, T.

2016-05-01

Ternary fission in (n ,f ) reactions was studied with polarized neutrons for the isotopes U,235233 and Pu,241239. A cold longitudinally polarized neutron beam was available at the High Flux Reactor of the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble, France. The beam was hitting the fissile targets mounted at the center of a reaction chamber. Detectors for fission fragments and ternary particles were installed in a plane perpendicular to the beam. In earlier work it was discovered that the angular correlations between neutron spin and the momenta of fragments and ternary particles were very different for 233U or 235U. These correlations could now be shown to be simultaneously present in all of the above major actinides though with different weights. For one of the correlations it was observed that up to scission the compound nucleus is rotating with the axis of rotation parallel to the neutron beam polarization. Entrained by the fragments also the trajectories of ternary particles are turned away albeit by a smaller angle. The difference in turning angles becomes observable upon reversing the sense of rotation by flipping neutron spin. All turning angles are smaller than 1∘. The phenomenon was called the ROT effect. As a distinct second phenomenon it was found that for fission induced by polarized neutrons an asymmetry in the emission probability of ternary particles relative to a plane formed by fragment momentum and neutron spin appears. The asymmetry is attributed to the Coriolis force present in the nucleus while it is rotating up to scission. The size of the asymmetry is typically 10-3. This asymmetry was termed the TRI effect. The interpretation of both effects is based on the transition state model. Both effects are shown to be steered by the properties of the collective (J ,K ) transition states which are specific for any of the reactions studied. The study of asymmetries of ternary particle emission in fission induced by slow polarized neutrons provides a new method for the spectroscopy of transition states (J ,K ) near the fission barrier. Implications of collective rotation on fragment angular momenta are discussed.

On the use of unshielded cables in ionization chamber dosimetry for total-skin electron therapy.

PubMed

Chen, Z; Agostinelli, A; Nath, R

1998-03-01

The dosimetry of total-skin electron therapy (TSET) usually requires ionization chamber measurements in a large electron beam (up to 120 cm x 200 cm). Exposing the chamber's electric cable, its connector and part of the extension cable to the large electron beam will introduce unwanted electronic signals that may lead to inaccurate dosimetry results. While the best strategy to minimize the cable-induced electronic signal is to shield the cables and its connector from the primary electrons, as has been recommended by the AAPM Task Group Report 23 on TSET, cables without additional shielding are often used in TSET dosimetry measurements for logistic reasons, for example when an automatic scanning dosimetry is used. This paper systematically investigates the consequences and the acceptability of using an unshielded cable in ionization chamber dosimetry in a large TSET electron beam. In this paper, we separate cable-induced signals into two types. The type-I signal includes all charges induced which do not change sign upon switching the chamber polarity, and type II includes all those that do. The type-I signal is easily cancelled by the polarity averaging method. The type-II cable-induced signal is independent of the depth of the chamber in a phantom and its magnitude relative to the true signal determines the acceptability of a cable for use under unshielded conditions. Three different cables were evaluated in two different TSET beams in this investigation. For dosimetry near the depth of maximum buildup, the cable-induced dosimetry error was found to be less than 0.2% when the two-polarity averaging technique was applied. At greater depths, the relative dosimetry error was found to increase at a rate approximately equal to the inverse of the electron depth dose. Since the application of the two-polarity averaging technique requires a constant-irradiation condition, it was demonstrated than an additional error of up to 4% could be introduced if the unshielded cable's spatial configuration were altered during the two-polarity measurements. This suggests that automatic scanning systems with unshielded cables should not be used in TSET ionization chamber dosimetry. However, the data did show that an unshielded cable may be used in TSET ionization chamber dosimetry if the size of cable-induced error in a given TSET beam is pre-evaluated and the measurement is carefully conducted. When such an evaluation has not been performed, additional shielding should be applied to the cable being used, making measurements at multiple points difficult.

Inhomogeneous nuclear spin polarization induced by helicity-modulated optical excitation of fluorine-bound electron spins in ZnSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heisterkamp, F.; Greilich, A.; Zhukov, E. A.; Kirstein, E.; Kazimierczuk, T.; Korenev, V. L.; Yugova, I. A.; Yakovlev, D. R.; Pawlis, A.; Bayer, M.

2015-12-01

Optically induced nuclear spin polarization in a fluorine-doped ZnSe epilayer is studied by time-resolved Kerr rotation using resonant excitation of donor-bound excitons. Excitation with helicity-modulated laser pulses results in a transverse nuclear spin polarization, which is detected as a change of the Larmor precession frequency of the donor-bound electron spins. The frequency shift in dependence on the transverse magnetic field exhibits a pronounced dispersion-like shape with resonances at the fields of nuclear magnetic resonance of the constituent zinc and selenium isotopes. It is studied as a function of external parameters, particularly of constant and radio frequency external magnetic fields. The width of the resonance and its shape indicate a strong spatial inhomogeneity of the nuclear spin polarization in the vicinity of a fluorine donor. A mechanism of optically induced nuclear spin polarization is suggested based on the concept of resonant nuclear spin cooling driven by the inhomogeneous Knight field of the donor-bound electron.

Nonlocal effects on the polarization state of a photon, induced by distant absorbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryff, Luis Carlos B.

1994-01-01

A variant of a Franson's two-photon correlation experiment is discussed, in which the linear polarization state of one of the photons depends on the path followed in the interferometer. It is shown that although the path difference is greater than the coherence length, the photon can be found in a polarization state represented by the superposition of the polarization states associated to the paths when there is coincident detection. Since the photons, produced via parametric down-conversion, are fairly well localized in space and time, the situation in which one of the photons is detected before the other can reach the interferometer raises an intriguing point: it seems that in some cases the second photon would have to be described by two wave packets simultaneously. Unlike previous experiments, in which nonlocal effects were induced by means of polarizers of phase shifters, in the proposed experiment nonlocal effects can be induced by means of variable absorbers.

Simulation studies of nucleation of ferroelectric polarization reversal.

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

Brennecka, Geoffrey L.; Winchester, Benjamin Michael

2014-08-01

Electric field-induced reversal of spontaneous polarization is the defining characteristic of a ferroelectric material, but the process(es) and mechanism(s) associated with the initial nucleation of reverse-polarity domains are poorly understood. This report describes studies carried out using phase field modeling of LiTaO 3, a relatively simple prototype ferroelectric material, in order to explore the effects of either mechanical deformation or optically-induced free charges on nucleation and resulting domain configuration during field-induced polarization reversal. Conditions were selected to approximate as closely as feasible those of accompanying experimental work in order to provide not only support for the experimental work but alsomore » ensure that additional experimental validation of the simulations could be carried out in the future. Phase field simulations strongly support surface mechanical damage/deformation as effective for dramatically reducing the overall coercive field (Ec) via local field enhancements. Further, optically-nucleated polarization reversal appears to occur via stabilization of latent nuclei via the charge screening effects of free charges.« less

Analytical Evaluation of the Effect of Cross-Polarization-induced Crosstalk on the BER Performance of a PDM-QPSK Coherent Homodyne Optical Transmission System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taher, K. A.; Majumder, S. P.

2017-05-01

An analytical approach is developed to find the effect of cross-polarization (XPol)-induced crosstalk on the bit error rate (BER) performance of a polarization division multiplex (PDM) quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) optical transmission system with polarization diversity receiver. Analytical expression for the XPol-induced crosstalk and signal to crosstalk plus noise ratio (SCNR) are developed at the output of polarization diversity PDM-QPSK coherent optical homodyne receiver conditioned on a given value of mean misalignment angle. Considering Maxwellian distribution for the pdf of the misalignment angle, the average SCNR and average BER are derived. Results show that there is significant deterioration in the BER performance and power penalty due to XPol-induced crosstalk. Penalties in signal power are found to be 8.85 dB, 11.28 dB and 12.59 dB correspondingly for LO laser power of -10 dBm, -5 dBm and 0 dBm at a data rate of 100 Gbps, mean misalignment angle of 7.5 degree and BER of 10-9 compared to the signal power without crosstalk.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Deficiency in T Cells Accelerates Chronic Rejection by Influencing the Differentiation of CD4+ T Cells and Alternatively Activated Macrophages

PubMed Central

Ye, Ping; Cheng, Chao; Wu, Jie; Wang, Sihua; Sun, Yuan; Liu, Zheng; Xie, Aini; Xia, Jiahong

2014-01-01

Background In a previous study, activation of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) inhibited chronic cardiac rejection. However, because of the complexity of chronic rejection and the fact that PPARγ is widely expressed in immune cells, the mechanism of the PPARγ - induced protective effect was unclear. Materials and Methods A chronic rejection model was established using B6.C-H-2bm12KhEg (H-2bm12) mice as donors, and MHC II-mismatched T-cell-specific PPARγ knockout mice or wild type (WT) littermates as recipients. The allograft lesion was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. T cells infiltrates in the allograft were isolated, and cytokines and subpopulations were detected using cytokine arrays and flow cytometry. Transcription levels in the allograft were measured by RT-PCR. In vitro, the T cell subset differentiation was investigated after culture in various polarizing conditions. PPARγ-deficient regularory T cells (Treg) were cocultured with monocytes to test their ability to induce alternatively activated macrophages (AAM). Results T cell-specific PPARγ knockout recipients displayed reduced cardiac allograft survival and an increased degree of pathology compared with WT littermates. T cell-specific PPARγ knockout resulted in more CD4+ T cells infiltrating into the allograft and altered the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios. The polarization of AAM was also reduced by PPARγ deficiency in T cells through the action of Th2 and Treg. PPARγ-deficient T cells eliminated the pioglitazone-induced polarization of AAM and reduced allograft survival. Conclusions PPARγ-deficient T cells influenced the T cell subset and AAM polarization in chronic allograft rejection. The mechanism of PPARγ activation in transplantation tolerance could yield a novel treatment without side effects. PMID:25383620

Surface plasmon resonance and polarization change properties in centrosymmetric nanoright-triangle dimer arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qilin; Liu, Guangqiang; Chen, Yiqing; Zhao, Qian; Guo, Jing; Yang, Shaosong; Cai, Weiping

2018-03-01

Dimer nanoparticles in a sandwich structure exhibit a large electric-field intensity enhancement. The dispersion relation between the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and particle size has not been reported yet, owing to the effects of the particle size, shape, materials, etc. A sandwich structure, which contains a nano-right-triangle dimer array, SiO2 spacer, and Au film, is proposed, with a significant electric-field intensity enhancement and polarization-changing properties. The dependence of the peak positions of the two localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes as a function of the triangle thicknesses is discussed; different trends are observed for the different LSPR modes. We introduce a concept on the rule for LSPR peak position change, which can contribute to a better understanding of the LSPR modes. In addition, centrosymmetric but not axisymmetric structures, which like in our study exhibit surface plasmon polaritons typically show different responses to a different polarization of the incident light. Here, we showed that our centrosymmetric but not axisymmetric structure can change the linearly polarized light into a circularly or elliptically polarized wave, by surface plasmon-induced polarization properties. Far-field distribution maps are used to study the properties of the surface plasmons-induced circular or elliptic polarization wave. These findings could be employed to better understand the surface plasmon-induced polarization properties showed in previous reports and near-field of surface plasmons. These findings could be employed to better understand the near-field of surface plasmons and polarization properties.

Selective scanning tunnelling microscope electron-induced reactions of single biphenyl molecules on a Si(100) surface.

PubMed

Riedel, Damien; Bocquet, Marie-Laure; Lesnard, Hervé; Lastapis, Mathieu; Lorente, Nicolas; Sonnet, Philippe; Dujardin, Gérald

2009-06-03

Selective electron-induced reactions of individual biphenyl molecules adsorbed in their weakly chemisorbed configuration on a Si(100) surface are investigated by using the tip of a low-temperature (5 K) scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) as an atomic size source of electrons. Selected types of molecular reactions are produced, depending on the polarity of the surface voltage during STM excitation. At negative surface voltages, the biphenyl molecule diffuses across the surface in its weakly chemisorbed configuration. At positive surface voltages, different types of molecular reactions are activated, which involve the change of adsorption configuration from the weakly chemisorbed to the strongly chemisorbed bistable and quadristable configurations. Calculated reaction pathways of the molecular reactions on the silicon surface, using the nudge elastic band method, provide evidence that the observed selectivity as a function of the surface voltage polarity cannot be ascribed to different activation energies. These results, together with the measured threshold surface voltages and the calculated molecular electronic structures via density functional theory, suggest that the electron-induced molecular reactions are driven by selective electron detachment (oxidation) or attachment (reduction) processes.

Radially and azimuthally polarized laser induced shape transformation of embedded metallic nanoparticles in glass.

PubMed

Tyrk, Mateusz A; Zolotovskaya, Svetlana A; Gillespie, W Allan; Abdolvand, Amin

2015-09-07

Radially and azimuthally polarized picosecond (~10 ps) pulsed laser irradiation at 532 nm wavelength led to the permanent reshaping of spherical silver nanoparticles (~30 - 40 nm in diameter) embedded in a thin layer of soda-lime glass. The observed peculiar shape modifications consist of a number of different orientations of nano-ellipsoids in the cross-section of each written line by laser. A Second Harmonic Generation cross-sectional scan method from silver nanoparticles in transmission geometry was adopted for characterization of the samples after laser modification. The presented approach may lead to sophisticated marking of information in metal-glass nanocomposites.

Regulatory T cells ameliorate intracerebral hemorrhage-induced inflammatory injury by modulating microglia/macrophage polarization through the IL-10/GSK3β/PTEN axis.

PubMed

Zhou, Kai; Zhong, Qi; Wang, Yan-Chun; Xiong, Xiao-Yi; Meng, Zhao-You; Zhao, Ting; Zhu, Wen-Yao; Liao, Mao-Fan; Wu, Li-Rong; Yang, Yuan-Rui; Liu, Juan; Duan, Chun-Mei; Li, Jie; Gong, Qiu-Wen; Liu, Liang; Yang, Mei-Hua; Xiong, Ao; Wang, Jian; Yang, Qing-Wu

2017-03-01

Inflammation mediated by the peripheral infiltration of inflammatory cells plays an important role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) induced secondary injury. Previous studies have indicated that regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) might reduce ICH-induced inflammation, but the precise mechanisms that contribute to ICH-induced inflammatory injury remain unclear. Our results show that the number of Tregs in the brain increases after ICH. Inducing Tregs deletion using a CD25 antibody or Foxp3 DTR -mice increased neurological deficient scores (NDS), the level of inflammatory factors, hematoma volumes, and neuronal degeneration. Meanwhile, boosting Tregs using a CD28 super-agonist antibody reduced the inflammatory injury. Furthermore, Tregs depletion shifted microglia/macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype while boosting Tregs shifted this transition toward the M2 phenotype. In vitro, a transwell co-culture model of microglia and Tregs indicated that Tregs changed the polarization of microglia, decreased the expression of MHC-II, IL-6, and TNF-α and increased CD206 expression. IL-10 originating from Tregs mediated the microglia polarization by increasing the expression of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), which phosphorylates and inactivates Phosphatase and Tensin homologue (PTEN) in microglia, TGF-β did not participate in this conversion. Thus, Tregs ameliorated ICH-induced inflammatory injury by modulating microglia/macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype through the IL-10/GSK3β/PTEN axis.

Research on polarization imaging information parsing method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Hongwu; Zhou, Pucheng; Wang, Xiaolong

2016-11-01

Polarization information parsing plays an important role in polarization imaging detection. This paper focus on the polarization information parsing method: Firstly, the general process of polarization information parsing is given, mainly including polarization image preprocessing, multiple polarization parameters calculation, polarization image fusion and polarization image tracking, etc.; And then the research achievements of the polarization information parsing method are presented, in terms of polarization image preprocessing, the polarization image registration method based on the maximum mutual information is designed. The experiment shows that this method can improve the precision of registration and be satisfied the need of polarization information parsing; In terms of multiple polarization parameters calculation, based on the omnidirectional polarization inversion model is built, a variety of polarization parameter images are obtained and the precision of inversion is to be improve obviously; In terms of polarization image fusion , using fuzzy integral and sparse representation, the multiple polarization parameters adaptive optimal fusion method is given, and the targets detection in complex scene is completed by using the clustering image segmentation algorithm based on fractal characters; In polarization image tracking, the average displacement polarization image characteristics of auxiliary particle filtering fusion tracking algorithm is put forward to achieve the smooth tracking of moving targets. Finally, the polarization information parsing method is applied to the polarization imaging detection of typical targets such as the camouflage target, the fog and latent fingerprints.

CMB lensing forecasts for constraining the primordial perturbations: adding to the CMB temperature and polarization information

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

Kasanda, Simon Muya; Moodley, Kavilan, E-mail: simon.muya.kasanda@gmail.com, E-mail: moodleyk41@ukzn.ac.za

2014-12-01

We forecast how current (PLANCK) and future (PRISM) cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments constrain the adiabatic mode and its admixtures with primordial isocurvature modes. The forecasts are based on measurements of the reconstructed CMB lensing potential and lensing-induced CMB B-mode polarization anisotropies in combination with the CMB temperature and E-mode polarization anisotropies. We first study the characteristic features of the CMB temperature, polarization and lensing spectra for adiabatic and isocurvature modes. We then consider how information from the CMB lensing potential and B-mode polarization induced by lensing can improve constraints on an admixture of adiabatic and three correlated isocurvature modes.more » We find that the CMB lensing spectrum improves constraints on isocurvature modes by at most 10% for the PLANCK and PRISM experiments. The limited improvement is a result of the low amplitude of isocurvature lensing spectra and cancellations between these spectra that render them only slightly detectable. There is a larger gain from using the lensing-induced B-mode polarization spectrum measured by PRISM. In this case constraints on isocurvature mode amplitudes improve by as much as 40% relative to the CMB temperature and E-mode polarization constraints. The addition of both lensing and lensing-induced B-mode polarization information constrains isocurvature mode amplitudes at the few percent level or better. In the case of admixtures of the adiabatic mode with one or two correlated isocurvature modes we find that constraints at the percent level or better are possible. We investigate the dependence of our results to various assumptions in our analysis, such as the inclusion of dark energy parameters, the CMB temperature-lensing correlation, and the presence of primordial tensor modes, and find that these assumptions do not significantly change our main results.« less

Induced Proton Polarization for pi0 Electroproduction at Q2 = 0.126 GeV2/c2 Around the Delta(1232) Resonance

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

Glen Warren; Ricardo Alarcon; Christopher Armstrong

1998-12-01

We present a measurement of the induced proton polarization P{sub n} in {pi}{sup 0} electroproduction on the proton around the {Delta} resonance. The measurement was made at a central invariant mass and a squared four-momentum transfer of W = 1231 MeV and Q{sup 2} = 0.126 GeV{sup 2}/c{sup 2}, respectively. We measured a large induced polarization, P{sub n} = -0.397 {+-} 0.055 {+-} 0.009. The data suggest that the scalar background is larger than expected from a recent effective Hamiltonian model.

Effect on cosmic microwave background polarization of coupling of quintessence to pseudoscalar formed from the electromagnetic field and its dual.

PubMed

Liu, Guo-Chin; Lee, Seokcheon; Ng, Kin-Wang

2006-10-20

We present the full set of power spectra of cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization anisotropies due to the coupling between quintessence and pseudoscalar of electromagnetism. This coupling induces a rotation of the polarization plane of the CMB, thus resulting in a nonvanishing B mode and parity-violating TB and EB modes. Using the BOOMERANG data from the flight of 2003, we derive the most stringent constraint on the coupling strength. We find that in some cases the rotation-induced B mode can confuse the hunting for the gravitational lensing-induced B mode.

Optically induced Lifshitz transition in bilayer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iorsh, I. V.; Dini, K.; Kibis, O. V.; Shelykh, I. A.

2017-10-01

It is shown theoretically that the renormalization of the electron energy spectrum of bilayer graphene with a strong high-frequency electromagnetic field (dressing field) results in the Lifshitz transition—the abrupt change in the topology of the Fermi surface near the band edge. This effect substantially depends on the polarization of the field: The linearly polarized dressing field induces the Lifshitz transition from the quadruply connected Fermi surface to the doubly connected one, whereas the circularly polarized field induces the multicritical point where the four different Fermi topologies may coexist. As a consequence, the discussed phenomenon creates a physical basis to control the electronic properties of bilayer graphene with light.

p16INK4a deficiency promotes IL-4-induced polarization and inhibits proinflammatory signaling in macrophages

PubMed Central

Cudejko, Céline; Wouters, Kristiaan; Fuentes, Lucía; Hannou, Sarah Anissa; Paquet, Charlotte; Bantubungi, Kadiombo; Bouchaert, Emmanuel; Vanhoutte, Jonathan; Fleury, Sébastien; Remy, Patrick; Tailleux, Anne; Chinetti, Giulia; Dombrowicz, David; Staels, Bart; Paumelle, Réjane

2011-01-01

The CDKN2A locus, which contains the tumor suppressor gene p16INK4a, is associated with an increased risk of age-related inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, in which macrophages play a crucial role. Monocytes can polarize towards classically (CAMφ) or alternatively (AAMφ) activated macrophages. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of these phenotypes are not well defined. Here, we show that p16INK4a-deficiency (p16−/−) modulates the macrophage phenotype. Transcriptome analysis revealed that p16−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) exhibit a phenotype resembling interleukin (IL)-4-induced macrophage polarization. In line with this observation, p16−/− BMDM displayed a decreased response to classically polarizing IFNγ and LPS and an increased sensitivity to alternative polarization by IL-4. Furthermore, mice transplanted with p16−/− bone marrow displayed higher hepatic AAMφ marker expression levels upon Schistosoma mansoni infection, an in vivo model of AAMφ phenotype-skewing. Surprisingly, p16−/− BMDM did not display increased IL-4-induced STAT6 signaling, but decreased IFNγ-induced STAT1 and LPS-induced IKKα,β phosphorylation. This decrease correlated with decreased JAK2 phosphorylation and with higher levels of inhibitory acetylation of STAT1 and IKKα,β. These findings identify p16INK4a as a modulator of macrophage activation and polarization via the JAK2-STAT1 pathway with possible roles in inflammatory diseases. PMID:21636855

Evidence for oxygen vacancy or ferroelectric polarization induced switchable diode and photovoltaic effects in BiFeO3 based thin films.

PubMed

Guo, Yiping; Guo, Bing; Dong, Wen; Li, Hua; Liu, Hezhou

2013-07-12

The diode and photovoltaic effects of BiFeO3 and Bi0.9Sr0.1FeO(3-δ) polycrystalline thin films were investigated by poling the films with increased magnitude and alternating direction. It was found that both electromigration of oxygen vacancies and polarization flipping are able to induce switchable diode and photovoltaic effects. For the Bi0.9Sr0.1FeO(3-δ) thin films with high oxygen vacancy concentration, reversibly switchable diode and photovoltaic effects can be observed due to the electromigration of oxygen vacancies under an electric field much lower than its coercive field. However, for the pure BiFeO3 thin films with lower oxygen vacancy concentration, the reversibly switchable diode and photovoltaic effect is hard to detect until the occurrence of polarization flipping. The switchable diode and photovoltaic effects can be explained well using the concepts of Schottky-like barrier-to-Ohmic contacts resulting from the combination of oxygen vacancies and polarization. The sign of photocurrent could be independent of the direction of polarization when the modulation of the energy band induced by oxygen vacancies is large enough to offset that induced by polarization. The photovoltaic effect induced by the electromigration of oxygen vacancies is unstable due to the diffusion of oxygen vacancies or the recombination of oxygen vacancies with hopping electrons. Our work provides deep insights into the nature of diode and photovoltaic effects in ferroelectric films, and will facilitate the advanced design of switchable devices combining spintronic, electronic, and optical functionalities.

Electromagnon excitation in the field-induced nonlinear ferrimagnetic phase of Ba 2Mg 2Fe 12O 22 studied by polarized inelastic neutron and terahertz time-domain optical spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Nakajima, Taro; Takahashi, Youtarou; Kibayashi, Shunsuke; ...

2016-01-19

We have studied magnetic excitations in a field-induced noncollinear commensurate ferrimagnetic phase of Ba 2Mg 2Fe 12O 22 by means of polarized inelastic neutron scattering (PINS) and terahertz (THz) time-domain optical spectroscopy under magnetic field. A previous THz spectroscopy study reported that the field-induced phase exhibits electric-dipole-active excitations with energies of around 5 meV [Kida et al., Phys. Rev. B 83, 064422 (2011)]. In the present PINS measurements, we observed inelastic scattering signals around 5 meV at the zone center in the spin-flip channel. This directly shows that the electric-dipole-active excitations are indeed of magnetic origin, that is, electromagnons. Inmore » addition, the present THz spectroscopy confirms that the excitations have oscillating electric polarization parallel to the c axis. In terms of the spin-current model (Katsura-Nagaosa-Balatsky model), the noncollinear magnetic order in the field-induced phase can induce static electric polarization perpendicular to the c axis, but not dynamic electric polarization along the c axis. Furthermore, we suggest that the electromagnon excitations can be explained by applying the magnetostriction model to the out-of-phase oscillations of the magnetic moments, which is deduced from the present experimental results.« less

Method And Apparatus For Examining A Tissue Using The Spectral Wing Emission Therefrom Induced By Visible To Infrared Photoexcitation.

DOEpatents

Alfano, Robert R.; Demos, Stavros G.; Zhang, Gang

2003-12-16

Method and an apparatus for examining a tissue using the spectral wing emission therefrom induced by visible to infrared photoexcitation. In one aspect, the method is used to characterize the condition of a tissue sample and comprises the steps of (a) photoexciting the tissue sample with substantially monochromatic light having a wavelength of at least 600 nm; and (b) using the resultant far red and near infrared spectral wing emission (SW) emitted from the tissue sample to characterize the condition of the tissue sample. In one embodiment, the substantially monochromatic photoexciting light is a continuous beam of light, and the resultant steady-state far red and near infrared SW emission from the tissue sample is used to characterize the condition of the tissue sample. In another embodiment, the substantially monochromatic photoexciting light is a light pulse, and the resultant time-resolved far red and near infrared SW emission emitted from the tissue sample is used to characterize the condition of the tissue sample. In still another embodiment, the substantially monochromatic photoexciting light is a polarized light pulse, and the parallel and perpendicular components of the resultant polarized time-resolved SW emission emitted from the tissue sample are used to characterize the condition of the tissue sample.

High temperature dielectric relaxation anomaly of Y³⁺ and Mn²⁺ doped barium strontium titanate ceramics

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

Yan, Shiguang; Mao, Chaoliang, E-mail: maochaoliang@mail.sic.ac.cn, E-mail: xldong@mail.sic.ac.cn; Wang, Genshui

2014-10-14

Relaxation like dielectric anomaly is observed in Y³⁺ and Mn²⁺ doped barium strontium titanate ceramics when the temperature is over 450 K. Apart from the conventional dielectric relaxation analysis method with Debye or modified Debye equations, which is hard to give exact temperature dependence of the relaxation process, dielectric response in the form of complex impedance, assisted with Cole-Cole impedance model corrected equivalent circuits, is adopted to solve this problem and chase the polarization mechanism in this paper. Through this method, an excellent description to temperature dependence of the dielectric relaxation anomaly and its dominated factors are achieved. Further analysismore » reveals that the exponential decay of the Cole distribution parameter n with temperature is confirmed to be induced by the microscopic lattice distortion due to ions doping and the interaction between the defects. At last, a clear sight to polarization mechanism containing both the intrinsic dipolar polarization and extrinsic distributed oxygen vacancies hopping response under different temperature is obtained.« less

A solid-state dedicated circularly polarized luminescence spectrophotometer: Development and application.

PubMed

Harada, Takunori; Hayakawa, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Masayuki; Takamoto, Makoto

2016-07-01

A new solid-state dedicated circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) instrument (CPL-200CD) was successfully developed for measuring true CPL spectra for optically anisotropic samples on the basis of the Stokes-Mueller matrix approach. Electric components newly installed in the CPL-200CD include a pulse motor-driven sample rotation holder and a 100 kHz lock-in amplifier to achieve the linearly polarized luminescence measurement, which is essential for obtaining the true CPL signal for optically anisotropic samples. An acquisition approach devised for solid-state CPL analysis reduces the measurement times for a data set by ca. 98% compared with the time required in our previous method. As a result, the developed approach is very effective for samples susceptible to light-induced degradation. The theory and implementation of the method are described, and examples of its application to a CPL sample with macroscopic anisotropies are provided. An important advantage of the developed instrument is its ability to obtain molecular information for both excited and ground states because circular dichroism measurements can be performed by switching the monochromatic light to white light without rearrangement of the sample.

Observation of Gravitationally Induced Vertical Striation of Polarized Ultracold Neutrons by Spin-Echo Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afach, S.; Ayres, N. J.; Ban, G.; Bison, G.; Bodek, K.; Chowdhuri, Z.; Daum, M.; Fertl, M.; Franke, B.; Griffith, W. C.; Grujić, Z. D.; Harris, P. G.; Heil, W.; Hélaine, V.; Kasprzak, M.; Kermaidic, Y.; Kirch, K.; Knowles, P.; Koch, H.-C.; Komposch, S.; Kozela, A.; Krempel, J.; Lauss, B.; Lefort, T.; Lemière, Y.; Mtchedlishvili, A.; Musgrave, M.; Naviliat-Cuncic, O.; Pendlebury, J. M.; Piegsa, F. M.; Pignol, G.; Plonka-Spehr, C.; Prashanth, P. N.; Quéméner, G.; Rawlik, M.; Rebreyend, D.; Ries, D.; Roccia, S.; Rozpedzik, D.; Schmidt-Wellenburg, P.; Severijns, N.; Thorne, J. A.; Weis, A.; Wursten, E.; Wyszynski, G.; Zejma, J.; Zenner, J.; Zsigmond, G.

2015-10-01

We describe a spin-echo method for ultracold neutrons (UCNs) confined in a precession chamber and exposed to a |B0|=1 μ T magnetic field. We have demonstrated that the analysis of UCN spin-echo resonance signals in combination with knowledge of the ambient magnetic field provides an excellent method by which to reconstruct the energy spectrum of a confined ensemble of neutrons. The method takes advantage of the relative dephasing of spins arising from a gravitationally induced striation of stored UCNs of different energies, and also permits an improved determination of the vertical magnetic-field gradient with an exceptional accuracy of 1.1 pT /cm . This novel combination of a well-known nuclear resonance method and gravitationally induced vertical striation is unique in the realm of nuclear and particle physics and should prove to be invaluable for the assessment of systematic effects in precision experiments such as searches for an electric dipole moment of the neutron or the measurement of the neutron lifetime.

Observation of spin-polarized photoconductivity in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction without magnetic field

PubMed Central

Wu, Qing; Liu, Yu; Wang, Hailong; Li, Yuan; Huang, Wei; Zhao, Jianhua; Chen, Yonghai

2017-01-01

In the absent of magnetic field, we have observed the anisotropic spin polarization degree of photoconduction (SPD-PC) in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction. We think three kinds of mechanisms contribute to the magnetic related signal, (i) (Ga,Mn)As self-producing due to the valence band polarization, (ii) unequal intensity of left and right circularly polarized light reaching to GaAs layer to excite unequal spin polarized carriers in GaAs layer, and (iii) (Ga,Mn)As as the spin filter layer for spin transport from GaAs to (Ga,Mn)As. Different from the previous experiments, the influence coming from the Zeeman splitting induced by an external magnetic field can be avoided here. While temperature dependence experiment indicates that the SPD-PC is mixed with the magnetic uncorrelated signals, which may come from current induced spin polarization. PMID:28084437

Production of Highly Polarized Positrons Using Polarized Electrons at MeV Energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbott, D.; Adderley, P.; Adeyemi, A.; Aguilera, P.; Ali, M.; Areti, H.; Baylac, M.; Benesch, J.; Bosson, G.; Cade, B.; Camsonne, A.; Cardman, L. S.; Clark, J.; Cole, P.; Covert, S.; Cuevas, C.; Dadoun, O.; Dale, D.; Dong, H.; Dumas, J.; Fanchini, E.; Forest, T.; Forman, E.; Freyberger, A.; Froidefond, E.; Golge, S.; Grames, J.; Guèye, P.; Hansknecht, J.; Harrell, P.; Hoskins, J.; Hyde, C.; Josey, B.; Kazimi, R.; Kim, Y.; Machie, D.; Mahoney, K.; Mammei, R.; Marton, M.; McCarter, J.; McCaughan, M.; McHugh, M.; McNulty, D.; Mesick, K. E.; Michaelides, T.; Michaels, R.; Moffit, B.; Moser, D.; Muñoz Camacho, C.; Muraz, J.-F.; Opper, A.; Poelker, M.; Réal, J.-S.; Richardson, L.; Setiniyaz, S.; Stutzman, M.; Suleiman, R.; Tennant, C.; Tsai, C.; Turner, D.; Ungaro, M.; Variola, A.; Voutier, E.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; PEPPo Collaboration

2016-05-01

The Polarized Electrons for Polarized Positrons experiment at the injector of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility has demonstrated for the first time the efficient transfer of polarization from electrons to positrons produced by the polarized bremsstrahlung radiation induced by a polarized electron beam in a high-Z target. Positron polarization up to 82% have been measured for an initial electron beam momentum of 8.19 MeV /c , limited only by the electron beam polarization. This technique extends polarized positron capabilities from GeV to MeV electron beams, and opens access to polarized positron beam physics to a wide community.

Production of Highly Polarized Positrons Using Polarized Electrons at MeV Energies

DOE PAGES

Abbott, D.; Adderley, P.; Adeyemi, A.; ...

2016-05-27

The Polarized Electrons for Polarized Positrons experiment at the injector of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility has demonstrated for the first time the efficient transfer of polarization from electrons to positrons produced by the polarized bremsstrahlung radiation induced by a polarized electron beam in a high-Z target. Positron polarization up to 82% have been measured for an initial electron beam momentum of 8.19~MeV/c, limited only by the electron beam polarization. We report that this technique extends polarized positron capabilities from GeV to MeV electron beams, and opens access to polarized positron beam physics to a wide community.

Para-hydrogen induced polarization of amino acids, peptides and deuterium-hydrogen gas.

PubMed

Glöggler, Stefan; Müller, Rafael; Colell, Johannes; Emondts, Meike; Dabrowski, Martin; Blümich, Bernhard; Appelt, Stephan

2011-08-14

Signal Amplification by Reversible-Exchange (SABRE) is a method of hyperpolarizing substrates by polarization transfer from para-hydrogen without hydrogenation. Here, we demonstrate that this method can be applied to hyperpolarize small amounts of all proteinogenic amino acids and some chosen peptides down to the nanomole regime and can be detected in a single scan in low-magnetic fields down to 0.25 mT (10 kHz proton frequency). An outstanding feature is that depending on the chemical state of the used catalyst and the investigated amino acid or peptide, hyperpolarized hydrogen-deuterium gas is formed, which was detected with (1)H and (2)H NMR spectroscopy at low magnetic fields of B(0) = 3.9 mT (166 kHz proton frequency) and 3.2 mT (20 kHz deuterium frequency).

Observation of long-lived persistent spin polarization in a topological insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jifa; Hong, Seokmin; Miotkowski, Ireneusz; Datta, Supriyo; Chen, Yong P.

3D Topological insulators (TI), featuring helically spin-momentum-locked topological surface states (TSS), are considered promising for spintronics applications. Several recent experiments in TIs have demonstrated a current induced electronic spin polarization that may be used for all electrical spin generation and injection. Here, we report spin potentiometric measurements in TIs that have revealed a long-lived persistent electron spin polarization even at zero current. Unaffected by a small bias current and persisting for several days at low temperature, the spin polarization can be induced and reversed by a large ``writing'' current applied for an extended time. Such an electrically controlled persistent spin polarization with unprecedented long lifetime could enable a rechargeable spin battery and rewritable spin memory for potential applications in spintronics and quantum information.

Estimation of electrode location in a rat motor cortex by laminar analysis of electrophysiology and intracortical electrical stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdan-Shahmorad, A.; Lehmkuhle, M. J.; Gage, G. J.; Marzullo, T. C.; Parikh, H.; Miriani, R. M.; Kipke, D. R.

2011-08-01

While the development of microelectrode arrays has enabled access to disparate regions of a cortex for neurorehabilitation, neuroprosthetic and basic neuroscience research, accurate interpretation of the signals and manipulation of the cortical neurons depend upon the anatomical placement of the electrode arrays in a layered cortex. Toward this end, this report compares two in vivo methods for identifying the placement of electrodes in a linear array spaced 100 µm apart based on in situ laminar analysis of (1) ketamine-xylazine-induced field potential oscillations in a rat motor cortex and (2) an intracortical electrical stimulation-induced movement threshold. The first method is based on finding the polarity reversal in laminar oscillations which is reported to appear at the transition between layers IV and V in laminar 'high voltage spindles' of the rat cortical column. Analysis of histological images in our dataset indicates that polarity reversal is detected 150.1 ± 104.2 µm below the start of layer V. The second method compares the intracortical microstimulation currents that elicit a physical movement for anodic versus cathodic stimulation. It is based on the hypothesis that neural elements perpendicular to the electrode surface are preferentially excited by anodic stimulation while cathodic stimulation excites those with a direction component parallel to its surface. With this method, we expect to see a change in the stimulation currents that elicits a movement at the beginning of layer V when comparing anodic versus cathodic stimulation as the upper cortical layers contain neuronal structures that are primarily parallel to the cortical surface and lower layers contain structures that are primarily perpendicular. Using this method, there was a 78.7 ± 68 µm offset in the estimate of the depth of the start of layer V. The polarity reversal method estimates the beginning of layer V within ±90 µm with 95% confidence and the intracortical stimulation method estimates it within ±69.3 µm. We propose that these methods can be used to estimate the in situ location of laminar electrodes implanted in the rat motor cortex.

Deriving the polarization behavior of many-layer mirror coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Amanda J.; Harrington, David M.; Sueoka, Stacey R.

2018-06-01

End-to-end models of astronomical instrument performance are becoming commonplace to demonstrate feasibility and guarantee performance at large observatories. Astronomical techniques like adaptive optics and high contrast imaging have made great strides towards making detailed performance predictions, however, for polarimetric techniques, fundamental tools for predicting performance do not exist. One big missing piece is predicting the wavelength and field of view dependence of a many-mirror articulated optical system particularly with complex protected metal coatings. Predicting polarization performance of instruments requires combining metrology of mirror coatings, tools to create mirror coating models, and optical modeling software for polarized beam propagation. The inability to predict instrument induced polarization or to define polarization performance expectations has far reaching implications for up and coming major observatories, such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), that aim to take polarization measurements at unprecedented sensitivity and resolution.Here we present a method for modelling the wavelength dependent refractive index of an optic using Berreman calculus - a mathematical formalism that describes how an electromagnetic field propagates through a birefringent medium. From Berreman calculus, we can better predict the Mueller matrix, diattenuation, and retardance of an arbitrary thicknesses of amorphous many-layer coatings as well as stacks of birefringent crystals from laboratory measurements. This will allow for the wavelength dependent refractive index to be accurately determined and the polarization behavior to be derived for a given optic.

INTERFEROMETRIC UPPER LIMITS ON MILLIMETER POLARIZATION OF THE DISKS AROUND DG Tau, GM Aur, AND MWC 480

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

Hughes, A. Meredith; Hull, Charles L. H.; Plambeck, Richard L.

2013-04-15

Millimeter-wavelength polarization measurements offer a promising method for probing the geometry of magnetic fields in circumstellar disks. Single dish observations and theoretical work have hinted that magnetic field geometries might be predominantly toroidal, and that disks should exhibit millimeter polarization fractions of 2%-3%. While subsequent work has not confirmed these high polarization fractions, either the wavelength of observation or the target sources differed from the original observations. Here we present new polarimetric observations of three nearby circumstellar disks at 2'' resolution with the Submillimeter Array and the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter Astronomy. We reobserve GM Aur and DGmore » Tau, the systems in which millimeter polarization detections have been claimed. Despite higher resolution and sensitivity at wavelengths similar to the previous observations, the new observations do not show significant polarization. We also add observations of a new HAeBe system, MWC 480. These observations demonstrate that a very low ({approx}<0.5%) polarization fraction is probably common at large ({approx}>100 AU) scales in bright circumstellar disks. We suggest that high-resolution observations may be worthwhile to probe magnetic field structure on linear distances smaller than the disk scale height, as well as in regions closer to the star that may have larger MRI-induced magnetic field strengths.« less

POLARIMETRIC DETECTION OF EXOPLANETS TRANSITING T AND L BROWN DWARFS

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

Sengupta, Sujan, E-mail: sujan@iiap.res.in

While scattering of light by atoms and molecules yields large amounts of polarization at the B-band of both T and L dwarfs, scattering by dust grains in the cloudy atmosphere of L dwarfs gives rise to significant polarization at the far-optical and infrared wavelengths where these objects are much brighter. However, the observable disk-averaged polarization should be zero if the clouds are uniformly distributed and the object is spherically symmetric. Therefore, in order to explain the observed large polarization of several L dwarfs, rotation-induced oblateness or horizontally inhomogeneous cloud distribution in the atmosphere is invoked. On the other hand, whenmore » an extra-solar planet of Earth-size or larger transits the brown dwarf along the line of sight, the asymmetry induced during the transit gives rise to a net non-zero, time-dependent polarization. Employing atmospheric models for a range of effective temperature and surface gravity appropriate for T and L dwarfs, I derive the time-dependent polarization profiles of these objects during the transit phase and estimate the peak amplitude of polarization that occurs during the inner contact points of the transit ingress/egress phase. It is found that peak polarization in the range of 0.2%–1.0% at I and J band may arise of cloudy L dwarfs occulted by Earth-size or larger exoplanets. Such an amount of polarization is higher than what can be produced by rotation-induced oblateness of even rapidly rotating L dwarfs. Hence, I suggest that time-resolved imaging polarization could be a potential technique for detecting transiting exoplanets around L dwarfs.« less

Polarization dependent photo-induced bias stress effect in organic transistors.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podzorov, Vitaly; Choi, Hyun Ho; Najafov, Hikmet; Saranin, Danila; Kharlamov, Nikolai A.; Kuznetzov, Denis V.; Didenko, Sergei I.; Cho, Kilwon; Briseno, Alejandro L.; Rutgers-Misis Collaboration; Ru-P Collaboration; Ru-Um Collaboration; Um-P Collaboration

Photo-induced charge transfer between a semiconductor and a gate insulator that occurs in organic transistors operating under illumination leads to a shift of the onset gate voltage in these devices. Here we report an observation of a polarization dependent photo-induced bias-stress effect in two prototypical single-crystal organic field-effect transistors, based on rubrene and TPBIQ. We find that the rate of the effect is a periodic function of polarization angle of a linearly polarized photoexcitation, with a periodicity of π. The observed phenomenon provides an effective tool for addressing the relationship between molecular packing and parameter drift in organic transistors under illumination. The work was carried out with financial support from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in the framework of Increase Competitiveness Program of NUST «MISiS» (No. K3-2016-004), by gov. decree 16/03/2013, N 211.

Polar Lipids of Burkholderia pseudomallei Induce Different Host Immune Responses

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Juarrero, Mercedes; Mima, Naoko; Trunck, Lily A.; Schweizer, Herbert P.; Bowen, Richard A.; Dascher, Kyle; Mwangi, Waithaka; Eckstein, Torsten M.

2013-01-01

Melioidosis is a disease in tropical and subtropical regions of the world that is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. In endemic regions the disease occurs primarily in humans and goats. In the present study, we used the goat as a model to dissect the polar lipids of B. pseudomallei to identify lipid molecules that could be used for adjuvants/vaccines or as diagnostic tools. We showed that the lipidome of B. pseudomallei and its fractions contain several polar lipids with the capacity to elicit different immune responses in goats, namely rhamnolipids and ornithine lipids which induced IFN-γ, whereas phospholipids and an undefined polar lipid induced strong IL-10 secretion in CD4+ T cells. Autologous T cells co-cultured with caprine dendritic cells (cDCs) and polar lipids of B. pseudomallei proliferated and up-regulated the expression of CD25 (IL-2 receptor) molecules. Furthermore, we demonstrated that polar lipids were able to up-regulate CD1w2 antigen expression in cDCs derived from peripheral blood monocytes. Interestingly, the same polar lipids had only little effect on the expression of MHC class II DR antigens in the same caprine dendritic cells. Finally, antibody blocking of the CD1w2 molecules on cDCs resulted in decreased expression for IFN-γ by CD4+ T cells. Altogether, these results showed that polar lipids of B. pseudomallei are recognized by the caprine immune system and that their recognition is primarily mediated by the CD1 antigen cluster. PMID:24260378

Do Not Resonate with Actions: Sentence Polarity Modulates Cortico-Spinal Excitability during Action-Related Sentence Reading

PubMed Central

Liuzza, Marco Tullio; Candidi, Matteo; Aglioti, Salvatore Maria

2011-01-01

Background Theories of embodied language suggest that the motor system is differentially called into action when processing motor-related versus abstract content words or sentences. It has been recently shown that processing negative polarity action-related sentences modulates neural activity of premotor and motor cortices. Methods and Findings We sought to determine whether reading negative polarity sentences brought about differential modulation of cortico-spinal motor excitability depending on processing hand-action related or abstract sentences. Facilitatory paired-pulses Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (pp-TMS) was applied to the primary motor representation of the right-hand and the recorded amplitude of induced motor-evoked potentials (MEP) was used to index M1 activity during passive reading of either hand-action related or abstract content sentences presented in both negative and affirmative polarity. Results showed that the cortico-spinal excitability was affected by sentence polarity only in the hand-action related condition. Indeed, in keeping with previous TMS studies, reading positive polarity, hand action-related sentences suppressed cortico-spinal reactivity. This effect was absent when reading hand action-related negative polarity sentences. Moreover, no modulation of cortico-spinal reactivity was associated with either negative or positive polarity abstract sentences. Conclusions Our results indicate that grammatical cues prompting motor negation reduce the cortico-spinal suppression associated with affirmative action sentences reading and thus suggest that motor simulative processes underlying the embodiment may involve even syntactic features of language. PMID:21347305

Scattering linear polarization of late-type active stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakobchuk, T. M.; Berdyugina, S. V.

2018-05-01

Context. Many active stars are covered in spots, much more so than the Sun, as indicated by spectroscopic and photometric observations. It has been predicted that star spots induce non-zero intrinsic linear polarization by breaking the visible stellar disk symmetry. Although small, this effect might be useful for star spot studies, and it is particularly significant for a future polarimetric atmosphere characterization of exoplanets orbiting active host stars. Aims: Using models for a center-to-limb variation of the intensity and polarization in presence of continuum scattering and adopting a simplified two-temperature photosphere model, we aim to estimate the intrinsic linear polarization for late-type stars of different gravity, effective temperature, and spottedness. Methods: We developed a code that simulates various spot configurations or uses arbitrary surface maps, performs numerical disk integration, and builds Stokes parameter phase curves for a star over a rotation period for a selected wavelength. It allows estimating minimum and maximum polarization values for a given set of stellar parameters and spot coverages. Results: Based on assumptions about photosphere-to-spot temperature contrasts and spot size distributions, we calculate the linear polarization for late-type stars with Teff = 3500 K-6000 K, log g = 1.0-5.0, using the plane-parallel and spherical atmosphere models. Employing random spot surface distribution, we analyze the relation between spot coverage and polarization and determine the influence of different input parameters on results. Furthermore, we consider spot configurations with polar spots and active latitudes and longitudes.

Polar nature of stress-induced twin walls in ferroelastic CaTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokota, H.; Niki, S.; Haumont, R.; Hicher, P.; Uesu, Y.

2017-08-01

A compressive uniaxial mechanical stress is applied on ferroelastic CaTiO3 (CTO), and a change in the domain structure is observed under a polarization microscope and a second harmonic generation (SHG) microscope. New twin walls (TWs) appear perpendicular to the original TWs under stress. The SHG microscope observations and analyses confirm that this type of stress-induced TWs is polar, similar to the original TWs, and is crystallographically prominent with monoclinic symmetry m. A quantitative estimation of this stress-induced effect reveals that CTO is hard ferroelastic in the sense that the TW movement requires a large stress. A possible application of this phenomenon is discussed.

Induced polarization of Λ (1116) in kaon electroproduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabrielyan, M.; Raue, B. A.; Carman, D. S.; Park, K.; Adhikari, K. P.; Adikaram, D.; Amaryan, M. J.; Anefalos Pereira, S.; Avakian, H.; Ball, J.; Baltzell, N. A.; Battaglieri, M.; Baturin, V.; Bedlinskiy, I.; Biselli, A. S.; Bono, J.; Boiarinov, S.; Briscoe, W. J.; Brooks, W. K.; Burkert, V. D.; Cao, T.; Celentano, A.; Chandavar, S.; Charles, G.; Colaneri, L.; Cole, P. L.; Contalbrigo, M.; Cortes, O.; Crede, V.; D'Angelo, A.; Dashyan, N.; De Vita, R.; De Sanctis, E.; Deur, A.; Djalali, C.; Doughty, D.; Dupre, R.; El Fassi, L.; Eugenio, P.; Fedotov, G.; Fegan, S.; Fleming, J. A.; Forest, T. A.; Garillon, B.; Gevorgyan, N.; Ghandilyan, Y.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Giovanetti, K. L.; Girod, F. X.; Goetz, J. T.; Golovatch, E.; Gothe, R. W.; Griffioen, K. A.; Guidal, M.; Guo, L.; Hafidi, K.; Hakobyan, H.; Hattawy, M.; Hicks, K.; Ho, D.; Holtrop, M.; Hughes, S. M.; Ilieva, Y.; Ireland, D. G.; Ishkhanov, B. S.; Jenkins, D.; Jiang, H.; Jo, H. S.; Joo, K.; Keller, D.; Khandaker, M.; Kim, W.; Klein, F. J.; Koirala, S.; Kubarovsky, V.; Kuhn, S. E.; Kuleshov, S. V.; Lenisa, P.; Levine, W. I.; Livingston, K.; MacGregor, I. J. D.; Mayer, M.; McKinnon, B.; Meyer, C. A.; Mestayer, M. D.; Mirazita, M.; Mokeev, V.; Moody, C. I.; Moutarde, H.; Movsisyan, A.; Munevar, E.; Munoz Camacho, C.; Nadel-Turonski, P.; Niccolai, S.; Niculescu, G.; Osipenko, M.; Pappalardo, L. L.; Paremuzyan, R.; Pasyuk, E.; Peng, P.; Phelps, W.; Phillips, J. J.; Pisano, S.; Pogorelko, O.; Pozdniakov, S.; Price, J. W.; Procureur, S.; Protopopescu, D.; Rimal, D.; Ripani, M.; Rizzo, A.; Sabatié, F.; Salgado, C.; Schott, D.; Schumacher, R. A.; Simonyan, A.; Smith, G. D.; Sober, D. I.; Sokhan, D.; Stepanyan, S. S.; Stepanyan, S.; Strakovsky, I. I.; Strauch, S.; Sytnik, V.; Tang, W.; Ungaro, M.; Vlassov, A. V.; Voskanyan, H.; Voutier, E.; Walford, N. K.; Watts, D. P.; Wei, X.; Weinstein, L. B.; Zachariou, N.; Zana, L.; Zhang, J.; Zonta, I.; CLAS Collaboration

2014-09-01

We have measured. the induced polarization of the Λ(1116) in the reaction ep →e'K+Λ, detecting the scattered e' and K+ in the final state along with the proton from the decay Λ →pπ-. The present study used the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS), which allowed for a large kinematic acceptance in invariant energy W (1.6≤W≤2.7 GeV) and covered the full range of the kaon production angle at an average momentum transfer Q2=1.90GeV2. In this experiment a 5.50-GeV electron beam was incident upon an unpolarized liquid-hydrogen target. We have mapped out the W and kaon production angle dependencies of the induced polarization and found striking differences from photoproduction data over most of the kinematic range studied. However, we also found that the induced polarization is essentially Q2 independent in our kinematic domain, suggesting that somewhere below the Q2 covered here there must be a strong Q2 dependence. Along with previously published photo- and electroproduction cross sections and polarization observables, these data are needed for the development of models, such as effective field theories, and as input to coupled-channel analyses that can provide evidence of previously unobserved s-channel resonances.

COLLISION-INDUCED MAGNETIC RECONNECTION AND A UNIFIED INTERPRETATION OF POLARIZATION PROPERTIES OF GRBs AND BLAZARS

DOE PAGES

Deng; Zhang; Zhang; ...

2016-04-11

The jet composition and energy dissipation mechanism of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and blazars are fundamental questions that remain not fully understood. One plausible model is to interpret the γ-ray emission of GRBs and optical emission of blazars as synchrotron radiation of electrons accelerated from the collision-induced magnetic dissipation regions in Poynting-flux-dominated jets. The polarization observation is an important and independent information to test this model. Based on our recent 3D relativistic MHD simulations of collision-induced magnetic dissipation of magnetically dominated blobs, here we perform calculations of the polarization properties of the emission in the dissipation region and apply the resultsmore » to model the polarization observational data of GRB prompt emission and blazar optical emission. In this article, we show that the same numerical model with different input parameters can reproduce well the observational data of both GRBs and blazars, especially the 90° polarization angle (PA) change in GRB 100826A and the 180° PA swing in blazar 3C279. This supports a unified model for GRB and blazar jets, suggesting that collision-induced magnetic reconnection is a common physical mechanism to power the relativistic jet emission from events with very different black hole masses.« less

Non-electrolytic synthesis of copper oxide/carbon nanocomposite by surface plasma in super-dehydrated ethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozak, Dmytro S.; Sergiienko, Ruslan A.; Shibata, Etsuro; Iizuka, Atsushi; Nakamura, Takashi

2016-02-01

Electrolytic processes are widely used to synthesize different nanomaterials and it does not depend on what kind of the method has been applied (wet-chemistry, sonochemistry, plasma chemistry, electrolysis and so on). Generally, the reactions in the electrolyte are considered to be reduction/oxidation (REDOX) reactions between chemical reagents or the deposition of matter on the electrodes, in line with Faraday’s law. Due to the presence of electroconductive additives in any electrolyte, the polarization effect of polar molecules conducting an electrical current disappears, when external high-strength electric field is induced. Because initially of the charge transfer always belongs of electroconductive additive and it does not depend on applied voltage. The polarization of ethanol molecules has been applied to conduct an electric current by surface plasma interaction for the synthesis of a copper oxide/carbon nanocomposite material.

Inhomogeneity and velocity fields effects on scattering polarization in solar prominences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milić, I.; Faurobert, M.

2015-10-01

One of the methods for diagnosing vector magnetic fields in solar prominences is the so called "inversion" of observed polarized spectral lines. This inversion usually assumes a fairly simple generative model and in this contribution we aim to study the possible systematic errors that are introduced by this assumption. On two-dimensional toy model of a prominence, we first demonstrate importance of multidimensional radiative transfer and horizontal inhomogeneities. These are able to induce a significant level of polarization in Stokes U, without the need for the magnetic field. We then compute emergent Stokes spectrum from a prominence which is pervaded by the vector magnetic field and use a simple, one-dimensional model to interpret these synthetic observations. We find that inferred values for the magnetic field vector generally differ from the original ones. Most importantly, the magnetic field might seem more inclined than it really is.

Direct Measurement of the Density Matrix of a Quantum System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thekkadath, G. S.; Giner, L.; Chalich, Y.; Horton, M. J.; Banker, J.; Lundeen, J. S.

2016-09-01

One drawback of conventional quantum state tomography is that it does not readily provide access to single density matrix elements since it requires a global reconstruction. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a scheme that can be used to directly measure individual density matrix elements of general quantum states. The scheme relies on measuring a sequence of three observables, each complementary to the last. The first two measurements are made weak to minimize the disturbance they cause to the state, while the final measurement is strong. We perform this joint measurement on polarized photons in pure and mixed states to directly measure their density matrix. The weak measurements are achieved using two walk-off crystals, each inducing a polarization-dependent spatial shift that couples the spatial and polarization degrees of freedom of the photons. This direct measurement method provides an operational meaning to the density matrix and promises to be especially useful for large dimensional states.

Direct Measurement of the Density Matrix of a Quantum System.

PubMed

Thekkadath, G S; Giner, L; Chalich, Y; Horton, M J; Banker, J; Lundeen, J S

2016-09-16

One drawback of conventional quantum state tomography is that it does not readily provide access to single density matrix elements since it requires a global reconstruction. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a scheme that can be used to directly measure individual density matrix elements of general quantum states. The scheme relies on measuring a sequence of three observables, each complementary to the last. The first two measurements are made weak to minimize the disturbance they cause to the state, while the final measurement is strong. We perform this joint measurement on polarized photons in pure and mixed states to directly measure their density matrix. The weak measurements are achieved using two walk-off crystals, each inducing a polarization-dependent spatial shift that couples the spatial and polarization degrees of freedom of the photons. This direct measurement method provides an operational meaning to the density matrix and promises to be especially useful for large dimensional states.

Spectral induced polarization and electrodic potential monitoring of microbially mediated iron sulfide transformations

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

Hubbard, Susan; Personna, Y.R.; Ntarlagiannis, D.

2008-02-15

Stimulated sulfate-reduction is a bioremediation technique utilized for the sequestration of heavy metals in the subsurface.We performed laboratory column experiments to investigate the geoelectrical response of iron sulfide transformations by Desulfo vibriovulgaris. Two geoelectrical methods, (1) spectral induced polarization (SIP), and (2) electrodic potential measurements, were investigated. Aqueous geochemistry (sulfate, lactate, sulfide, and acetate), observations of precipitates (identified from electron microscopy as iron sulfide), and electrodic potentials on bisulfide ion (HS) sensitive silver-silver chloride (Ag-AgCl) electrodes (630 mV) were diagnostic of induced transitions between an aerobic iron sulfide forming conditions and aerobic conditions promoting iron sulfide dissolution. The SIP datamore » showed 10m rad anomalies during iron sulfide mineralization accompanying microbial activity under an anaerobic transition. These anomalies disappeared during iron sulfide dissolution under the subsequent aerobic transition. SIP model parameters based on a Cole-Cole relaxation model of the polarization at the mineral-fluid interface were converted to (1) estimated biomineral surface area to pore volume (Sp), and (2) an equivalent polarizable sphere diameter (d) controlling the relaxation time. The temporal variation in these model parameters is consistent with filling and emptying of pores by iron sulfide biofilms, as the system transitions between anaerobic (pore filling) and aerobic (pore emptying) conditions. The results suggest that combined SIP and electrodic potential measurements might be used to monitor spatiotemporal variability in microbial iron sulfide transformations in the field.« less

Giant electrocaloric effect in a cracked ferroelectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Cheng; Yang, Hai-Bing; Gao, Cun-Fa

2018-04-01

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) is the temperature change in a material induced by electrical field variation under adiabatic condition. Considering an external electric load applied on a cracked ferroelectric solid, a non-uniform electric field would be induced at the crack tip, and thus, incompatible strain field and local stress concentration would be generated around it. Furthermore, the enormous strain energy and the electrostatic energy would affect the polarization switching of the ferroelectric solid, important for the electrocaloric response. In this paper, the large negative and positive ECEs in a ferroelectric sheet with a conducting crack are investigated by the phase field method with the consideration of time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation. The numerical calculations indicated that the polarization field generates a sharp rise during the domain transition from polydomain to monodomain under a certain electric load. Large negative ECEs, about -10.21 K and -7.55 K, are obtained at 135 °C and 85 °C, respectively. The domain transition temperature is much lower than the Curie temperature, which enlarges the existence scope of the large ECE in ferroelectrics. The results also imply that the domain transition from a multi-domain state to a single domain takes place with the minimization of total free energy, which involves the courses of the electric field, stress field, temperature, and polarization interaction. Therefore, the non-uniform distributions of the stress-electric fields induced by the crack play an important role in ECE.

Scattering of E Polarized Plane Wave by Rectangular Cavity With Finite Flanges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinogradova, Elena D.

2017-11-01

The rigorous Method of Regularization is implemented for accurate analysis of wave scattering by rectangular cavity with finite flanges. The solution is free from limitations on problem parameters. The calculation of the induced surface current, bistatic radar cross section (RCS) and frequency dependence of monostatic RCS are performed with controlled accuracy in a wide frequency band.

Thin film tritium dosimetry

DOEpatents

Moran, Paul R.

1976-01-01

The present invention provides a method for tritium dosimetry. A dosimeter comprising a thin film of a material having relatively sensitive RITAC-RITAP dosimetry properties is exposed to radiation from tritium, and after the dosimeter has been removed from the source of the radiation, the low energy electron dose deposited in the thin film is determined by radiation-induced, thermally-activated polarization dosimetry techniques.

M2 polarization of macrophages facilitates arsenic-induced cell transformation of lung epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Li, Hui; Dai, Lu; Frank, Jacqueline A.; Peng, Shaojun; Wang, Siying; Chen, Gang

2017-01-01

The alterations in microenvironment upon chronic arsenic exposure may contribute to arsenic-induced lung carcinogenesis. Immune cells, such as macrophages, play an important role in mediating the microenvironment in the lungs. Macrophages carry out their functions after activation. There are two activation status for macrophages: classical (M1) or alternative (M2); the latter is associated with tumorigenesis. Our previous work showed that long-term arsenic exposure induces transformation of lung epithelial cells. However, the crosstalk between epithelial cells and macrophages upon arsenic exposure has not been investigated. In this study, using a co-culture system in which human lung epithelial cells are cultured with macrophages, we determined that long-term arsenic exposure polarizes macrophages towards M2 status through ROS generation. Co-culture with epithelial cells further enhanced the polarization of macrophages as well as transformation of epithelial cells, while blocking macrophage M2 polarization decreased the transformation. In addition, macrophage M2 polarization decreased autophagy activity, which may account for increased cell transformation of epithelial cells with co-culture of macrophages. PMID:28423485

Discovery of a complex linearly polarized spectrum of Betelgeuse dominated by depolarization of the continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aurière, M.; López Ariste, A.; Mathias, P.; Lèbre, A.; Josselin, E.; Montargès, M.; Petit, P.; Chiavassa, A.; Paletou, F.; Fabas, N.; Konstantinova-Antova, R.; Donati, J.-F.; Grunhut, J. H.; Wade, G. A.; Herpin, F.; Kervella, P.; Perrin, G.; Tessore, B.

2016-06-01

Context. Betelgeuse is an M supergiant that harbors spots and giant granules at its surface and presents linear polarization of its continuum. Aims: We have previously discovered linear polarization signatures associated with individual lines in the spectra of cool and evolved stars. Here, we investigate whether a similar linearly polarized spectrum exists for Betelgeuse. Methods: We used the spectropolarimeter Narval, combining multiple polarimetric sequences to obtain high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of individual lines, as well as the least-squares deconvolution (LSD) approach, to investigate the presence of an averaged linearly polarized profile for the photospheric lines. Results: We have discovered the existence of a linearly polarized spectrum for Betelgeuse, detecting a rather strong signal (at a few times 10-4 of the continuum intensity level), both in individual lines and in the LSD profiles. Studying its properties and the signal observed for the resonant Na I D lines, we conclude that we are mainly observing depolarization of the continuum by the absorption lines. The linear polarization of the Betelgeuse continuum is due to the anisotropy of the radiation field induced by brightness spots at the surface and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere. We have developed a geometrical model to interpret the observed polarization, from which we infer the presence of two brightness spots and their positions on the surface of Betelgeuse. We show that applying the model to each velocity bin along the Stokes Q and U profiles allows the derivation of a map of the bright spots. We use the Narval linear polarization observations of Betelgeuse obtained over a period of 1.4 yr to study the evolution of the spots and of the atmosphere. Conclusions: Our study of the linearly polarized spectrum of Betelgeuse provides a novel method for studying the evolution of brightness spots at its surface and complements quasi-simultaneous observations obtained with PIONIER at the VLTI. Based on observations obtained at the Télescope Bernard Lyot (TBL) at Observatoire du Pic du Midi, CNRS/INSU and Université de Toulouse, France.

Vortex phase-induced changes of the statistical properties of a partially coherent radially polarized beam.

PubMed

Guo, Lina; Chen, Yahong; Liu, Xianlong; Liu, Lin; Cai, Yangjian

2016-06-27

Partially coherent radially polarized (PCRP) beam was introduced and generated in recent years. In this paper, we investigate the statistical properties of a PCRP beam embedded with a vortex phase (i.e., PCRP vortex beam). We derive the analytical formula for the cross-spectral density matrix of a PCRP vortex beam propagating through a paraxial ABCD optical system and analyze the statistical properties of a PCRP vortex beam focused by a thin lens. It is found that the statistical properties of a PCRP vortex beam on propagation are much different from those of a PCRP beam. The vortex phase induces not only the rotation of the beam spot, but also the changes of the beam shape, the degree of polarization and the state of polarization. We also find that the vortex phase plays a role of resisting the coherence-induced degradation of the intensity distribution and the coherence-induced depolarization. Furthermore, we report experimental generation of a PCRP vortex beam for the first time. Our results will be useful for trapping and rotating particles, free-space optical communications and detection of phase object.

Testing New Physics with the Cosmic Microwave Background

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gluscevic, Vera

2013-01-01

In my thesis work, I have developed and applied tests of new fundamental physics that utilize high-precision CMB polarization measurements. I especially focused on a wide class of dark energy models that propose existence of new scalar fields to explain accelerated expansion of the Universe. Such fields naturally exhibit a weak interaction with photons, giving rise to "cosmic birefringence"---a rotation of the polarization plane of light traveling cosmological distances, which alters the statistics of the CMB fluctuations in the sky by inducing a characteristic B-mode polarization. A birefringent rotation of the CMB would be smoking-gun evidence that dark energy is a dynamical component rather than a cosmological constant, while its absence gives clues about the allowed regions of the parameter space for new models. I developed a full-sky formalism to search for cosmic birefringence by cross-correlating CMB temperature and polarization maps, after allowing for the rotation angle to vary across the sky. With my collaborators, I also proposed a cross-correlation of the rotation-angle estimator with the CMB temperature as a novel statistical probe which can boost signal-to-noise in the case of marginal detection and help disentangle the underlying physical models. I then investigated the degeneracy between the rotation signal and the signals from other exotic scenarios that induce a similar B-mode polarization signature, such as chiral primordial gravitational waves, and demonstrated that these effects are completely separable. Finally, I applied this formalism to WMAP-7 data and derived the first CMB constraint on the power spectrum of the birefringent-rotation angle and presented forecasts for future experiments. To demonstrate the value of this analysis method beyond the search for direction-dependent cosmic birefringence, I have also used it to probe patchy screening from the epoch of cosmic reionization with WMAP-7 data.

Probing cardiac metabolism by hyperpolarized 13C MR using an exclusively endogenous substrate mixture and photo-induced non-persistent radicals

PubMed Central

Bastiaansen, Jessica A. M.; Yoshihara, Hikari A. I.; Capozzi, Andrea; Schwitter, Juerg; Gruetter, Rolf; Merritt, Matthew E.; Comment, Arnaud

2018-01-01

Purpose To probe the cardiac metabolism of carbohydrates and short chain fatty acids simultaneously in vivo following the injection of a hyperpolarized 13C-labeled substrate mixture prepared using photo-induced non-persistent radicals. Methods Droplets of mixed [1-13C]pyruvic and [1-13C]butyric acids were frozen into glassy beads in liquid nitrogen. Ethanol addition was investigated as a means to increase the polarization level. The beads were irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light and the radical concentration was measured by ESR spectroscopy. Following dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) in a 7T polarizer, the beads were dissolved, and the radical-free hyperpolarized solution was rapidly transferred into an injection pump located inside a 9.4T scanner. The hyperpolarized solution was injected in healthy rats to measure cardiac metabolism in vivo. Results UV-irradiation created non-persistent radicals in a mixture containing 13C-labeled pyruvic and butyric acids and enabled the hyperpolarization of both substrates by DNP. Ethanol addition increased the radical concentration from 16 to 26 mM. Liquid-state 13C polarization was 3% inside the pump at the time of injection, and increased to 5% by addition of ethanol to the substrate mixture prior to UV irradiation. In the rat heart, the in vivo13C signals from lactate, alanine, bicarbonate and acetylcarnitine were detected following the metabolism of the injected substrate mixture. Conclusion Co-polarization of two 13C-labeled substrates and the detection of their myocardial metabolism in vivo was achieved without using persistent radicals. The absence of radicals in the solution containing the hyperpolarized 13C-substrates may simplify the translation to clinical use because no filtration is required prior to injection. PMID:29411415

Large birefringence and polarization holographic gratings formed in photocross-linkable polymer liquid crystals comprising bistolane mesogenic side groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emoto, Akira; Matsumoto, Taro; Yamashita, Ayumi; Shioda, Tatsutoshi; Ono, Hiroshi; Kawatsuki, Nobuhiro

2009-10-01

Polarization gratings with large birefringence are formed in photoreactive polymer liquid crystals with bistolane moiety and terminal cinnamic acid moiety by the use of polarized ultraviolet interference light and subsequent annealing. The polarized ultraviolet light causes the axis-selective photoreaction between the cinnamic acid groups and subsequent annealing induce the reorientation of peripheral molecules without cross-linking along the cross-linked groups. Long bistolane mesogenic moiety exhibits large birefringence in comparison with a biphenyl mesogenic moiety, the value of the induced birefringence in the bistolane mesogenic liquid crystalline (LC) polymer is strongly dependent on both the grating constant and the wavelength of the reconstruction light.

Study of polarization phenomena in Schottky CdTe diodes using infrared light illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Goro; Fukuyama, Taro; Watanabe, Shin; Ikeda, Hirokazu; Ohta, Masayuki; Ishikawa, Shin'nosuke; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Shiraki, Hiroyuki; Ohno, Ryoichi

2011-10-01

Schottky CdTe diode detectors suffer from a polarization phenomenon, which is characterized by degradation of the spectral properties over time following exposure to high bias voltage. This is considered attributable to charge accumulation at deep acceptor levels. A Schottky CdTe diode was illuminated with an infrared light for a certain period during a bias operation, and two opposite behaviors emerged. The detector showed a recovery when illuminated after the bias-induced polarization had completely progressed. Conversely, when the detector was illuminated before the emergence of bias-induced polarization, the degradation of the spectral properties was accelerated. Interpretation of these effects and discussion on the energy level of deep acceptors are presented.

Method for making nanoporous hydrophobic coatings

DOEpatents

Fan, Hongyou; Sun, Zaicheng

2013-04-23

A simple coating method is used to form nanoporous hydrophobic films that can be used as optical coatings. The method uses evaporation-induced self-assembly of materials. The coating method starts with a homogeneous solution comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a surfactant polymer in a selective solvent. The solution is coated onto a substrate. The surfactant polymer forms micelles with the hydrophobic polymer residing in the particle core when the coating is dried. The surfactant polymer can be dissolved and selectively removed from the separated phases by washing with a polar solvent to form the nanoporous hydrophobic film.

Electromagnetically induced transparency in the case of elliptic polarization of interacting fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parshkov, Oleg M.

2018-04-01

The theoretical investigation results of disintegration effect of elliptic polarized shot probe pulses of electromagnetically induced transparency in the counterintuitive superposed elliptic polarized control field and in weak probe field approximation are presented. It is shown that this disintegration occurs because the probe field in the medium is the sum of two normal modes, which correspond to elliptic polarized pulses with different speeds of propagation. The polarization ellipses of normal modes have equal eccentricities and mutually perpendicular major axes. Major axis of polarization ellipse of one normal mode is parallel to polarization ellipse major axis of control field, and electric vector of this mode rotates in the opposite direction, than electric vector of the control field. The electric vector other normal mode rotates in the same direction that the control field electric vector. The normal mode speed of the first type aforementioned is less than that of the second type. The polarization characteristics of the normal mode depend uniquely on the polarization characteristics of elliptic polarized control field and remain changeless in the propagation process. The theoretical investigation is performed for Λ-scheme of degenerated quantum transitions between 3P0, 3P10 and 3P2 energy levels of 208Pb isotope.

The loss of essential oil components induced by the Purge Time in the Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) procedure of Cupressus sempervirens.

PubMed

Dawidowicz, Andrzej L; Czapczyńska, Natalia B; Wianowska, Dorota

2012-05-30

The influence of different Purge Times on the effectiveness of Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) of volatile oil components from cypress plant matrix (Cupressus sempervirens) was investigated, applying solvents of diverse extraction efficiencies. The obtained results show the decrease of the mass yields of essential oil components as a result of increased Purge Time. The loss of extracted components depends on the extrahent type - the greatest mass yield loss occurred in the case of non-polar solvents, whereas the smallest was found in polar extracts. Comparisons of the PLE method with Sea Sand Disruption Method (SSDM), Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Method (MSPD) and Steam Distillation (SD) were performed to assess the method's accuracy. Independent of the solvent and Purge Time applied in the PLE process, the total mass yield was lower than the one obtained for simple, short and relatively cheap low-temperature matrix disruption procedures - MSPD and SSDM. Thus, in the case of volatile oils analysis, the application of these methods is advisable. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Berberine inhibits macrophage M1 polarization via AKT1/SOCS1/NF-κB signaling pathway to protect against DSS-induced colitis.

PubMed

Liu, Yunxin; Liu, Xiang; Hua, Weiwei; Wei, Qingyan; Fang, Xianjun; Zhao, Zheng; Ge, Chun; Liu, Chao; Chen, Chen; Tao, Yifu; Zhu, Yubing

2018-04-01

Berberine has been reported to have protective effects in colitis treatment. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that berberine could protect against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization. In the colitis mouse model, berberine ameliorated DSS-induced colon shortening and colon tissue injury. Moreover, berberine-treated mice showed significant reduction in the disease activity index (DAI), pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and macrophages infiltration compared with the DSS-treated mice. Notably, berberine significantly reduced the percentage of M1 macrophages. In vitro analysis also confirmed the inhibitory effects of berberine on macrophages M1 polarization in RAW267.4 cells. Further investigation showed that berberine promoted AKT1 expression in mRNA and protein level. Silence of AKT1 abolished the inhibitory effect of berberine on macrophages M1 polarization. The berberine-induced AKT1 expression promoted suppressers of cytokine signaling (SOCS1) activation, which inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. In addition, we also found that berberine activated AKT1/SOCS1 signaling pathway but inhibited p65 phosphorylation in macrophages in vivo. Therefore, we concluded that berberine played a regulatory role in macrophages M1 polarization in DSS-induced colitis via AKT1/SOCS1/NF-κB signaling pathway. This unexpected property of berberine may provide a potential explanation for its protective effects in colitis treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polarized type 2 alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ donor T cells fail to induce experimental acute graft-versus-host disease.

PubMed

Krenger, W; Snyder, K M; Byon, J C; Falzarano, G; Ferrara, J L

1995-07-15

Acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is thought to be mediated by alloreactive T cells with a type 1 cytokine phenotype. To prevent the development of acute GVHD, we have successfully polarized mature donor T cells toward a type 2 cytokine phenotype ex-vivo by incubating them with murine rIL-4 in a primary MLC. Polarized type 2 T cells were then transplanted with T cell-depleted bone marrow cells into irradiated recipients across either MHC class II (bm12-->C57BL/6) or class I (bm1-->C57BL/6) barriers, and the intensity of GVHD was measured by assessment of several in vitro and in vivo parameters. The injection of polarized type 2 T cells abrogated the mitogen-induced production of IFN-gamma by splenocytes from transplanted hosts on day 13 after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Injection of polarized type 2 T cells failed to induce secretion of the effector phase cytokine TNF-alpha by splenocytes stimulated with LPS both in vitro and in vivo, and survival of transplanted mice after i.v. injection with LPS was significantly improved. Furthermore, cell-mixing experiments revealed that polarized type 2 T cells were able to inhibit type 1 cytokine responses induced by naive T cells after BMT. These data demonstrate that both polarized CD4+ and CD8+ type 2 alloreactive donor T cells can be generated in vitro from mature T cell populations. These cells function in vivo to inhibit type 1 T cell responses, and such inhibition attenuates the systemic morbidity of GVHD after BMT across both MHC class II or class I barriers in mice.

Field-aligned Currents Induced by Electrostatic Polarization at the Ionosphere: Application to the Poleward Boundary Intensification (PBI) of Auroral Emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohtani, S.; Yoshikawa, A.

2016-12-01

Although the field-aligned currents (Birkeland currents) are generally considered to be driven by magnetospheric processes, it is possible that some field-aligned currents are locally induced in the ionosphere in the presence of sharp conductance gradient. In this presentation we shall discuss the poleward boundary intensification (PBI) of auroral emission as an example effect of such electrostatic polarization. The observations show that the PBIs are very often preceded by the fast polar cap convection approaching the nightside auroral oval. We propose that the ionospheric currents driven by the associated electric field diverges/converges at the poleward boundary of the auroral oval as the background ionospheric conductance changes sharply in space, and they close with field-aligned currents. The associated upward field-aligned current is accompanied by electron precipitation, which may cause auroral emission as observed as PBIs. We test this idea by modeling the ionosphere as a slab-shaped enhancement of conductance and the polar cap flow channel as a pair of upward and downward FACs. The results show that (i) a pair of upward and downward FACs is induced at the poleward boundary when the front of the polar cap flow channel approaches the auroral oval; (ii) the upward FAC extends westward much wider in longitude than the flow channel; (iii) the peak FAC density is significantly larger than the incident FAC; and (iv) the induced upward and downward FACs are distributed almost symmetrically in longitude, indicating that the Pedersen polarization dominates the Hall polarization. These results are consistent with some general characteristics of PBIs, which are rather difficult to explain if the PBIs are the ionospheric manefestation of distant reconnection as often suggested.

FABP4 inhibition suppresses PPARγ activity and VLDL-induced foam cell formation in IL-4-polarized human macrophages.

PubMed

Boss, Marcel; Kemmerer, Marina; Brüne, Bernhard; Namgaladze, Dmitry

2015-06-01

Macrophages, converted to lipid-loaded foam cells, accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions. Macrophage lipid metabolism is transcriptionally regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and its target gene fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis in mouse models. Since expression of PPARγ and FABP4 is increased upon interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced macrophage polarization, we aimed to investigate the role of FABP4 in human IL-4-polarized macrophages. We investigated the impact of FABP4 on PPARγ-dependent gene expression in primary human monocytes differentiated to macrophages in the presence of IL-4. IL-4 increased PPARγ and its target genes lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and FABP4 compared to non-polarized or LPS/interferon γ-stimulated macrophages. LPL expression correlated with increased very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-induced triglyceride accumulation in IL-4-polarized macrophages, which was sensitive to inhibition of lipolysis or PPARγ antagonism. Inhibition of FABP4 during differentiation using chemical inhibitors BMS309403 and HTS01037 or FABP4 siRNA decreased the expression of FABP4 and LPL, and reduced lipid accumulation in macrophages treated with VLDL. FABP4 or LPL inhibition also reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and IL-1β in response to VLDL in IL-4-polarized macrophages. PPARγ luciferase reporter assays confirmed that FABP4 supports fatty acid-induced PPARγ activation. Our findings suggest that IL-4 induces a lipid-accumulating macrophage phenotype by activating PPARγ and subsequent LPL expression. Inhibition of FABP4 decreases VLDL-induced foam cell formation, indicating that anti-atherosclerotic effects achieved by FABP4 inhibition in mouse models may be feasible in the human system as well. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Attosecond Electron Correlation Dynamics in Double Ionization of Benzene Probed with Two-Electron Angular Streaking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winney, Alexander H.; Lee, Suk Kyoung; Lin, Yun Fei; Liao, Qing; Adhikari, Pradip; Basnayake, Gihan; Schlegel, H. Bernhard; Li, Wen

2017-09-01

With a novel three-dimensional electron-electron coincidence imaging technique and two-electron angular streaking method, we show that the emission time delay between two electrons can be measured from tens of attoseconds to more than 1 fs. Surprisingly, in benzene, the double ionization rate decays as the time delay between the first and second electron emission increases during the first 500 as. This is further supported by the decay of the Coulomb repulsion in the direction perpendicular to the laser polarization. This result reveals that laser-induced electron correlation plays a major role in strong field double ionization of benzene driven by a nearly circularly polarized field.

New estimates of asymmetric decomposition of racemic mixtures by natural beta-radiation sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hegstrom, R. A.; Rich, A.; Van House, J.

1985-01-01

Some recent calculations that appeared to invalidate the Vester-Ulbricht hypothesis, which suggests that the chirality of biological molecules originates from the beta-radiolysis of prebiotic racemic mixtures, are reexamined. These calculations apparently showed that the radiolysis-induced chiral polarization can never exceed the chiral polarization produced by statistical fluctuations. It is here shown that several overly restrictive conditions were imposed on these calculations which, when relaxed, allow the radiolysis-induced polarization to exceed that produced by statistical fluctuations, in accordance with the Vester-Ulbricht hypothesis.

Nonlinear Saturable and Polarization-induced Absorption of Rhenium Disulfide

PubMed Central

Cui, Yudong; Lu, Feifei; Liu, Xueming

2017-01-01

Monolayer of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), with lamellar structure as that of graphene, has attracted significant attentions in optoelectronics and photonics. Here, we focus on the optical absorption response of a new member TMDs, rhenium disulphide (ReS2) whose monolayer and bulk forms have the nearly identical band structures. The nonlinear saturable and polarization-induced absorption of ReS2 are investigated at near-infrared communication band beyond its bandgap. It is found that the ReS2-covered D-shaped fiber (RDF) displays the remarkable polarization-induced absorption, which indicates the different responses for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations relative to ReS2 plane. Nonlinear saturable absorption of RDF exhibits the similar saturable fluence of several tens of μJ/cm2 and modulation depth of about 1% for ultrafast pulses with two orthogonal polarizations. RDF is utilized as a saturable absorber to achieve self-started mode-locking operation in an Er-doped fiber laser. The results broaden the operation wavelength of ReS2 from visible light to around 1550 nm, and numerous applications may benefit from the anisotropic and nonlinear absorption characteristics of ReS2, such as in-line optical polarizers, high-power pulsed lasers, and optical communication system. PMID:28053313

Efficacy of electrical resistivity and induced polarization methods for revealing fluoride contaminated groundwater in granite terrain.

PubMed

Mondal, Nepal C; Rao, Ananda V; Singh, Vijay P

2010-09-01

The accumulation of fluoride (F) in groundwater is a common phenomenon in India and worldwide. Its location can be identified through a direct hydrochemical analysis, which was carried out in Kurmapalli watershed (located 60 km SE of Hyderabad city), Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India affected by F contamination. The results of the hydrochemical analysis showed that F varied from 0.71 to 19.01 mg/l and its concentration exceeded the permissible limit (i.e., 1.5 mg/l) in 78% of the total 32 samples analyzed. The highest F value (19.01 mg/l) was found near Madnapur village, which is located in the central part of the watershed. Resistivity and induced polarization (IP) surveys were also carried out to reveal the zones where elevated F-contaminated groundwater exists. The objective of this paper was to highlight the utility of resistivity and IP surveys, using hydrochemical constituents as constraint, for the successful delineation of such contaminated/polluted groundwater zones in the granite area.

Epithelial sheet folding induces lumen formation by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in a collagen gel.

PubMed

Ishida, Sumire; Tanaka, Ryosuke; Yamaguchi, Naoya; Ogata, Genki; Mizutani, Takeomi; Kawabata, Kazushige; Haga, Hisashi

2014-01-01

Lumen formation is important for morphogenesis; however, an unanswered question is whether it involves the collective migration of epithelial cells. Here, using a collagen gel overlay culture method, we show that Madin-Darby canine kidney cells migrated collectively and formed a luminal structure in a collagen gel. Immediately after the collagen gel overlay, an epithelial sheet folded from the periphery, migrated inwardly, and formed a luminal structure. The inhibition of integrin-β1 or Rac1 activity decreased the migration rate of the peripheral cells after the sheets folded. Moreover, lumen formation was perturbed by disruption of apical-basolateral polarity induced by transforming growth factor-β1. These results indicate that cell migration and cell polarity play an important role in folding. To further explore epithelial sheet folding, we developed a computer-simulated mechanical model based on the rigidity of the extracellular matrix. It indicated a soft substrate is required for the folding movement.

Temporal correlation and correlated momentum distribution in nonsequential double ionization of Mg by circularly polarized laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Tong-Tong; Ben, Shuai; Guo, Pei-Ying; Song, Kai-Li; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Xue-Shen

2017-07-01

We use the classical ensemble method to investigate the nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) process of Mg atoms in circularly polarized laser fields at a lower laser intensity. We illustrate the temporal correlation of the ‘side-by-side’ and the ‘back-to-back emission’. It indicates that the two electrons are more likely to be emitted at the same time for the ‘side-by-side emission’. We demonstrate the electronic trajectories from recollision-induced ionization (RII) and recollision-induced excitation with subsequent ionization (RESI). The distribution of the angle between the two ionized directions of the two electrons and the ion momentum distribution show that the anticorrelation distribution is dominant in the RESI mechanism and correlation distribution is dominant in the RII mechanism. The momentum distributions of Mg atoms for the slow and the fast electrons present a similar structure to the experimental observation of Ar atoms by Liu et al 2014 (Phys. Rev. Lett. 112 013003).

Communication: Nuclear quadrupole moment-induced Cotton-Mouton effect in noble gas atoms

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

Fu, Li-juan; Vaara, Juha, E-mail: juha.vaara@iki.fi; Rizzo, Antonio

New, high-sensitivity and high-resolution spectroscopic and imaging methods may be developed by exploiting nuclear magneto-optic effects. A first-principles electronic structure formulation of nuclear electric quadrupole moment-induced Cotton-Mouton effect (NQCME) is presented for closed-shell atoms. In NQCME, aligned quadrupole moments alter the index of refraction of the medium along with and perpendicular to the direction of nuclear alignment. The roles of basis-set convergence, electron correlation, and relativistic effects are investigated for three quadrupolar noble gas isotopes: {sup 21}Ne, {sup 83}Kr, and {sup 131}Xe. The magnitude of the resulting ellipticities is predicted to be 10{sup −4}–10{sup −6} rad/(M cm) for fully spin-polarized nuclei.more » These should be detectable in the Voigt setup. Particularly interesting is the case of {sup 131}Xe, in which a high degree of spin polarization can be achieved via spin-exchange optical hyperpolarization.« less

Longitudinally polarized shear wave optical coherence elastography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Yusi; Zhu, Jiang; Qi, Li; Qu, Yueqiao; He, Youmin; Gao, Yiwei; Chen, Zhongping

2017-02-01

Shear wave measurement enables quantitative assessment of tissue viscoelasticity. In previous studies, a transverse shear wave was measured using optical coherence elastography (OCE), which gives poor resolution along the force direction because the shear wave propagates perpendicular to the applied force. In this study, for the first time to our knowledge, we introduce an OCE method to detect a longitudinally polarized shear wave that propagates along the force direction. The direction of vibration induced by a piezo transducer (PZT) is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, which is perpendicular to the OCT beam. A Doppler variance method is used to visualize the transverse displacement. Both homogeneous phantoms and a side-by-side two-layer phantom were measured. The elastic moduli from mechanical tests closely matched to the values measured by the OCE system. Furthermore, we developed 3D computational models using finite element analysis to confirm the shear wave propagation in the longitudinal direction. The simulation shows that a longitudinally polarized shear wave is present as a plane wave in the near field of planar source due to diffraction effects. This imaging technique provides a novel method for the assessment of elastic properties along the force direction, which can be especially useful to image a layered tissue.

Improving the lifetime in optical microtraps by using elliptically polarized dipole light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, Sébastien; Reichel, Jakob; Long, Romain

2018-02-01

Tightly focused optical dipole traps induce vector light shifts ("fictitious magnetic fields") which complicate their use for single-atom trapping and manipulation. The problem can be mitigated by adding a larger, real magnetic field, but this solution is not always applicable; in particular, it precludes fast switching to a field-free configuration. Here we show that this issue can be addressed elegantly by deliberately adding a small elliptical polarization component to the dipole trap beam. In our experiments with single 87Rb atoms laser-cooled in a chopped trap, we observe improvements up to a factor of 11 of the trap lifetime compared to the standard, seemingly ideal linear polarization. This effect results from a modification of heating processes via spin-state diffusion in state-dependent trapping potentials. We develop Monte Carlo simulations of the evolution of the atom's internal and motional states and find that they agree quantitatively with the experimental data. The method is general and can be applied in all experiments where the longitudinal polarization component is non-negligible.

Similarity of SABRE field dependence in chemically different substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dücker, Eibe B.; Kuhn, Lars T.; Münnemann, Kerstin; Griesinger, Christian

2012-01-01

The Non-Hydrogenative Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (NH-PHIP) technique, which is referred to as Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE), has been reported to be applicable to various substrates and catalysts. For more detailed studies, pyridine was mainly examined in the past. Here, we examined several pyrazole derivatives towards their amenability to this method using Crabtree's Catalyst, which is the polarization transfer catalyst that is best documented. Additionally, the dependence of the signal enhancement on the field strength, at which the polarization step takes place, was examined for pyridine and four different pyrazoles. To achieve this, the polarization step was performed at numerous previously determined magnetic fields in the stray field of the NMR spectrometer. The substrate dependence of the field dependence proved to be relatively small for the different pyrazoles and a strong correlation to the field dependence for pyridine was observed. Reducing the number of spins in the catalyst by deuteration leads to increased enhancement. This indicates that more work has to be invested in order to be able to reproduce the SABRE field dependence by simulations.

Shear-strain gradient induced polarization reversal in ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films: A first-principles total-energy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guannan; Huang, Xiaokun; Hu, Jingsan; Zhang, Weiyi

2017-04-01

Based on the first-principles total-energy calculation, we have studied the shear-strain gradient effect on the polarization reversal of ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films. By calculating the energies of double-domain supercells for different electric polarization, shear-strain gradients, and domain-wall displacement, we extracted, in addition to the domain-wall energy, the polarization energy, elastic energy, and flexoelectric coefficient of a single domain. The constructed Landau-Devonshire phenomenological theory yields a critical shear-strain gradient of 9.091 ×107/m (or a curvature radius (R ) of 110 Å) for reversing the 180∘ domain at room temperature, which is on the same order of the experimentally estimated value of 3.333 ×107/m (R =300 Å ). In contrast to the commonly used linear response theory, the flexoelectric coefficient derived from fitting the total energy to a Landau-Devonshire energy functional does not depend on the specific pseudopotential. Thus, our method offers an alternative numerical approach to study the flexoelectric effect.

Graphene Exfoliation at a Ferroelectric Domain Wall Induced by the Piezoelectric Effect: Impact on the Conductance of the Graphene Channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozovska, Anna N.; Kurchak, Anatolii I.; Strikha, Maksym V.

2017-11-01

p -n junctions in graphene on ferroelectric substrates have been actively studied, but the impact of the piezoelectric effect in ferroelectric substrate with ferroelectric domain walls (FDWs) on graphene characteristics was not considered. Because of the piezoeffect, ferroelectric domain stripes with opposite spontaneous polarizations elongate or contract depending on the polarity of voltage applied to the substrate. We show that the alternating piezoelectric displacement of the ferroelectric domain surfaces can lead to the alternate stretching and separation of graphene areas at the steps between elongated and contracted domains. Graphene separation at FDWs induced by the piezoeffect can cause unusual effects. In particular, the conductance of the graphene channel in a field-effect transistor increases significantly because electrons in the stretched section scatter on acoustic phonons. At the same time, the graphene conductance is determined by ferroelectric spontaneous polarization and varies greatly in the presence of FDWs. The revealed piezomechanism of graphene conductance control is promising for next generations of graphene-based field-effect transistors, modulators, electrical transducers, and piezoresistive elements. Also, our results propose the method of suspended graphene fabrication based on the piezoeffect in a ferroelectric substrate that does not require any additional technological procedures.

Umbrisols at Lower Altitudes, Case Study from Borská lowland (Slovakia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenčo, Marián; Matečný, Igor; Putiška, René; Burian, Libor; Tančárová, Kristína; Kušnirák, Dávid

2018-05-01

Umbrisols generally develop in a cool and humid climate. Therefore, occurrence of these soils in the Borská lowland of southwestern Slovakia is very uncommon, and this inspired the aim of this paper: Analysis of the natural conditions suitable for Umbrisol development. Umbrisols in the Borská lowland developed from aeolian quartz sands accumulated on Neogenne marine clay sediments. Their occurrence is connected with the groundwater table relatively close to the ground surface and this particularly determines Umbrisol genesis in this area. Sufficient input via organic matter is an important factor for formation of the umbric horizon, and only the rich herbaceous undergrowth of the prevailing planted pine and mixed pine-oak forests is capable of providing it. A growth of diep-rooted grass is closely connected with higher soil moisture content, and quite moist areas occur in the deeper inter-dunes depressions. Constant soil moisture in these sites is facilitated by water capillary elevation. While Umbrisols are transformed to Arenosols at increased altitude, they can be transformed to Gleysols in deep depressions. Herein, induced polarization provided suitable geophysical method for detection of arenic Umbrisol inclusions. Sharp transformation of the humus layer to dry non-polarized aeolian quartz sands enabled the surface horizon to be distinguished by induced polarization

Femtosecond laser-induced herringbone patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcell, Erik M.; Lam, Billy; Guo, Chunlei

2018-06-01

Femtosecond laser-induced herringbone patterns are formed on copper (Cu). These novel periodic structures are created following s-polarized, large incident angle, femtosecond laser pulses. Forming as slanted and axially symmetric laser-induced periodic surface structures along the side walls of ablated channels, the result is a series of v-shaped structures that resemble a herringbone pattern. Fluence mapping, incident angle studies, as well as polarization studies have been conducted and provide a clear understanding of this new structure.

Induced proton polarization for {pi}{sup 0} electroproduction at Q{sup 2}=0.126 GeV{sup 2}/c{sup 2} around the {Delta}(1232) resonance

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

Alarcon, R.; Comfort, J.R.; Dolfini, S.

1998-12-01

We present a measurement of the induced proton polarization P{sub n} in {pi}{sup 0} electroproduction on the proton around the {Delta} resonance. The measurement was made at a central invariant mass and a squared four-momentum transfer of W=1231 MeV and Q{sup 2}=0.126 GeV{sup 2}/c{sup 2}, respectively. We measured a large induced polarization, P{sub n}={minus}0.397{plus_minus}0.055{plus_minus}0.009. The data suggest that the scalar background is larger than expected from a recent effective Hamiltonian model. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}

Stress-induced nematicity in EuFe 2 As 2 studied by Raman spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Zhang, W. -L.; Sefat, Athena S.; Ding, H.; ...

2016-07-18

Here, we use polarized Raman scattering to study the structural phase transition in EuFe 2 As 2 , the parent compound of the 122-ferropnictide superconductors. The in-plane lattice anisotropy is characterized by measurements of the side surface with different strains induced by different preparation methods. We also show that while a fine surface polishing leaves the samples free of residual internal strain, in which case the onset of the C 4 symmetry breaking is observed at the nominal structural phase transition temperature T S , cutting the side surface induces a permanent fourfold rotational symmetry breaking spanning tens ofmore » degrees above T S .« less

Dynamic nuclear polarization in solid samples by electrical-discharge-induced radicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katz, Itai; Blank, Aharon

2015-12-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is a method for enhancing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals that has many potential applications in chemistry and medicine. Traditionally, DNP signal enhancement is achieved through the use of exogenous radicals mixed in a solution with the molecules of interest. Here we show that proton DNP signal enhancements can be obtained for solid samples without the use of solvent and exogenous radicals. Radicals are generated primarily on the surface of a solid sample using electrical discharges. These radicals are found suitable for DNP. They are stable under moderate vacuum conditions, yet readily annihilate upon compound dissolution or air exposure. This feature makes them attractive for use in medical applications, where the current variety of radicals used for DNP faces regulatory problems. In addition, this solvent-free method may be found useful for analytical NMR of solid samples which cannot tolerate solvents, such as certain pharmaceutical products.

Video-rate terahertz electric-field vector imaging

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

Takai, Mayuko; Takeda, Masatoshi; Sasaki, Manabu

We present an experimental setup to dramatically reduce a measurement time for obtaining spatial distributions of terahertz electric-field (E-field) vectors. The method utilizes the electro-optic sampling, and we use a charge-coupled device to detect a spatial distribution of the probe beam polarization rotation by the E-field-induced Pockels effect in a 〈110〉-oriented ZnTe crystal. A quick rotation of the ZnTe crystal allows analyzing the terahertz E-field direction at each image position, and the terahertz E-field vector mapping at a fixed position of an optical delay line is achieved within 21 ms. Video-rate mapping of terahertz E-field vectors is likely to bemore » useful for achieving real-time sensing of terahertz vector beams, vector vortices, and surface topography. The method is also useful for a fast polarization analysis of terahertz beams.« less

Multifold polar states in Zn-doped Sr0.9Ba0.1TiO3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yan-Yan; Guo, Yun-Jun; Wei, Tong; Liu, Jun-Ming

2015-12-01

We investigate the effect of Zn doping on the dielectricity and ferroelectricity of a series of polycrystalline Sr0.9-xZnxBa0.1TiO3 (0.0% ≤ x ≤ 5.0%) ceramics. It is surprisingly observed that the Zn doping will produce the multifold polar states, i.e., the Zn-doped ceramic will convert a reduced polar state into an enhanced polar state, and eventually into a stabilized polar state with increasing the doping level x. It is revealed that in the background of quantum fluctuations, the competition between the Zn-doping-induced lattice contraction and the Ba-doping-induced lattice expansion is responsible for both the reduced polar state and the enhanced polar state coming into being. Also, the addition of the antiferrodistortive effect, which is the antipolar interaction originating from the opposite tilted-TiO6 octahedra rotation, represents the core physics behind the stabilized polar state. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11304158, 51431006, 51102277, and 11104118), the Scientific Research Foundation of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China (Grant No. NY213020), and the Qing Lan Project of Jiangsu Province, China.

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

Bao, C.; Hanany, S.; Baccigalupi, C.

We extend a general maximum likelihood foreground estimation for cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization data to include estimation of instrumental systematic effects. We focus on two particular effects: frequency band measurement uncertainty and instrumentally induced frequency dependent polarization rotation. We assess the bias induced on the estimation of the B-mode polarization signal by these two systematic effects in the presence of instrumental noise and uncertainties in the polarization and spectral index of Galactic dust. Degeneracies between uncertainties in the band and polarization angle calibration measurements and in the dust spectral index and polarization increase the uncertainty in the extracted CMBmore » B-mode power, and may give rise to a biased estimate. We provide a quantitative assessment of the potential bias and increased uncertainty in an example experimental configuration. For example, we find that with 10% polarized dust, a tensor to scalar ratio of r = 0.05, and the instrumental configuration of the E and B experiment balloon payload, the estimated CMB B-mode power spectrum is recovered without bias when the frequency band measurement has 5% uncertainty or less, and the polarization angle calibration has an uncertainty of up to 4°.« less

Thermal annihilation of photo-induced radicals following dynamic nuclear polarization to produce transportable frozen hyperpolarized 13C-substrates

PubMed Central

Capozzi, Andrea; Cheng, Tian; Boero, Giovanni; Roussel, Christophe; Comment, Arnaud

2017-01-01

Hyperpolarization via dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is pivotal for boosting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity and dissolution DNP can be used to perform in vivo real-time 13C MRI. The type of applications is however limited by the relatively fast decay time of the hyperpolarized spin state together with the constraint of having to polarize the 13C spins in a dedicated apparatus nearby but separated from the MRI magnet. We herein demonstrate that by polarizing 13C with photo-induced radicals, which can be subsequently annihilated using a thermalization process that maintains the sample temperature below its melting point, hyperpolarized 13C-substrates can be extracted from the DNP apparatus in the solid form, while maintaining the enhanced 13C polarization. The melting procedure necessary to transform the frozen solid into an injectable solution containing the hyperpolarized 13C-substrates can therefore be performed ex situ, up to several hours after extraction and storage of the polarized solid. PMID:28569840

Gastrointestinal cell lines form polarized epithelia with an adherent mucus layer when cultured in semi-wet interfaces with mechanical stimulation.

PubMed

Navabi, Nazanin; McGuckin, Michael A; Lindén, Sara K

2013-01-01

Mucin glycoproteins are secreted in large quantities by mucosal epithelia and cell surface mucins are a prominent feature of the glycocalyx of all mucosal epithelia. Currently, studies investigating the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier use either animal experiments or non-in vivo like cell cultures. Many pathogens cause different pathology in mice compared to humans and the in vitro cell cultures used are suboptimal because they are very different from an in vivo mucosal surface, are often not polarized, lack important components of the glycocalyx, and often lack the mucus layer. Although gastrointestinal cell lines exist that produce mucins or polarize, human cell line models that reproducibly create the combination of a polarized epithelial cell layer, functional tight junctions and an adherent mucus layer have been missing until now. We trialed a range of treatments to induce polarization, 3D-organization, tight junctions, mucin production, mucus secretion, and formation of an adherent mucus layer that can be carried out using standard equipment. These treatments were tested on cell lines of intestinal (Caco-2, LS513, HT29, T84, LS174T, HT29 MTX-P8 and HT29 MTX-E12) and gastric (MKN7, MKN45, AGS, NCI-N87 and its hTERT Clone5 and Clone6) origins using Ussing chamber methodology and (immuno)histology. Semi-wet interface culture in combination with mechanical stimulation and DAPT caused HT29 MTX-P8, HT29 MTX-E12 and LS513 cells to polarize, form functional tight junctions, a three-dimensional architecture resembling colonic crypts, and produce an adherent mucus layer. Caco-2 and T84 cells also polarized, formed functional tight junctions and produced a thin adherent mucus layer after this treatment, but with less consistency. In conclusion, culture methods affect cell lines differently, and testing a matrix of methods vs. cell lines may be important to develop better in vitro models. The methods developed herein create in vitro mucosal surfaces suitable for studies of host-pathogen interactions at the mucosal surface.

Gastrointestinal Cell Lines Form Polarized Epithelia with an Adherent Mucus Layer when Cultured in Semi-Wet Interfaces with Mechanical Stimulation

PubMed Central

Navabi, Nazanin; McGuckin, Michael A.; Lindén, Sara K.

2013-01-01

Mucin glycoproteins are secreted in large quantities by mucosal epithelia and cell surface mucins are a prominent feature of the glycocalyx of all mucosal epithelia. Currently, studies investigating the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier use either animal experiments or non-in vivo like cell cultures. Many pathogens cause different pathology in mice compared to humans and the in vitro cell cultures used are suboptimal because they are very different from an in vivo mucosal surface, are often not polarized, lack important components of the glycocalyx, and often lack the mucus layer. Although gastrointestinal cell lines exist that produce mucins or polarize, human cell line models that reproducibly create the combination of a polarized epithelial cell layer, functional tight junctions and an adherent mucus layer have been missing until now. We trialed a range of treatments to induce polarization, 3D-organization, tight junctions, mucin production, mucus secretion, and formation of an adherent mucus layer that can be carried out using standard equipment. These treatments were tested on cell lines of intestinal (Caco-2, LS513, HT29, T84, LS174T, HT29 MTX-P8 and HT29 MTX-E12) and gastric (MKN7, MKN45, AGS, NCI-N87 and its hTERT Clone5 and Clone6) origins using Ussing chamber methodology and (immuno)histology. Semi-wet interface culture in combination with mechanical stimulation and DAPT caused HT29 MTX-P8, HT29 MTX-E12 and LS513 cells to polarize, form functional tight junctions, a three-dimensional architecture resembling colonic crypts, and produce an adherent mucus layer. Caco-2 and T84 cells also polarized, formed functional tight junctions and produced a thin adherent mucus layer after this treatment, but with less consistency. In conclusion, culture methods affect cell lines differently, and testing a matrix of methods vs. cell lines may be important to develop better in vitro models. The methods developed herein create in vitro mucosal surfaces suitable for studies of host-pathogen interactions at the mucosal surface. PMID:23869232

Doubling the Spectrum of Time-Domain Induced Polarization: Removal of Harmonic Noise and Self-Potential Drift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiandaca, G.; Olsson, P. I.; Auken, E.; Larsen, J. J.; Maurya, P. K.; Dahlin, T.

2015-12-01

The extraction of spectral information in the inversion process of time-domain (TD) induced polarization (IP) data is changing the use of the IP method. Data interpretation is evolving from a qualitative description of the soil, able only to discriminate the presence of contrasts in chargeability parameters, towards a quantitative analysis of the investigated media, which allows soil-type characterization. Two major limitations restrict the extraction of the spectral information of TDIP data in the field: i) the difficulty of acquiring reliable early-time measurements, in the millisecond range and ii) the self-potential drift in the measured potentials distorting the shape of the late time IP decays, in the second range. For measuring at early-times, we developed a new method for removing the powerline noise contained in the data through a model-based approach, localizing the fundamental frequency of the powerline signal in the full-waveform IP recordings. By this, we cancel both the fundamental signal and its harmonics. This noise cancellation allows the use of earlier and narrower gates, down to a few milliseconds after the current turn-off. Even earlier gates can be measured but they will be inductively "contaminated" which we at present want to avoid. A proper removal of the self-potential drift present between the potential electrodes is essential for preserving the shape of the TD decays, especially for late times. Usually constant or linear drift-removal algorithms are used, but these algorithms fail in removing the background potentials due to the polarization of the electrodes previously used for current injection. We developed a drift-removal scheme that model the polarization effect and efficiently allows for preserving the shape of the IP decays. The removal of both the harmonic noise and self-potential drift allows for doubling the usable range of TDIP data to more than three decades in time (corresponding to three decays in frequency), and will significantly advance the science and the applicability of the IP method in exploration and environmental geophysics.

Polarization variations in installed fibers and their influence on quantum key distribution systems.

PubMed

Ding, Yu-Yang; Chen, Hua; Wang, Shuang; He, De-Yong; Yin, Zhen-Qiang; Chen, Wei; Zhou, Zheng; Guo, Guang-Can; Han, Zheng-Fu

2017-10-30

Polarization variations in the installed fibers are complex and volatile, and would severely affect the performances of polarization-sensitive quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. Based on the recorded data about polarization variations of different installed fibers, we establish an analytical methodology to quantitatively evaluate the influence of polarization variations on polarization-sensitive QKD systems. Using the increased quantum bit error rate induced by polarization variations as a key criteria, we propose two parameters - polarization drift time and required tracking speed - to characterize polarization variations. For field buried and aerial fibers with different length, we quantitatively evaluate the influence of polarization variations, and also provide requirements and suggestions for polarization basis alignment modules of QKD systems deployed in different kind of fibers.

Nuclear quadrupole moment-induced Cotton-Mouton effect in molecules

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

Fu, Li-juan, E-mail: lijuan.fu@oulu.fi, E-mail: juha.vaara@iki.fi; Vaara, Juha, E-mail: lijuan.fu@oulu.fi, E-mail: juha.vaara@iki.fi

Nuclear magneto-optic effects could make important contributions to novel, high-sensitivity, and high-resolution spectroscopic and imaging methods that provide nuclear site-specific structural and dynamic information on molecular and materials systems. Here we present a first-principles electronic structure formulation of nuclear quadrupole moment-induced Cotton-Mouton effect in terms of response theory, as well as ab initio and density-functional theory calculations of this phenomenon for a series of molecular liquids: H{sub 2}O, CH{sub 3}NO{sub 2}, CH{sub 3}CH{sub 2}OH, C{sub 6}H{sub 6}, C{sub 6}H{sub 12} (cyclohexane), HI, XeF{sub 2}, WF{sub 5}Cl, and Pt(C{sub 2}dtp){sub 2}. The roles of basis-set convergence, electron correlation, and relativistic effectsmore » are discussed. The estimated order of magnitude of the overall ellipticities induced to linearly polarized light is 10{sup −3}–10{sup −7} rad/(M cm) for fully spin polarized nuclei. The cases with the largest presently obtained ellipticities should be detectable with modern instrumentation in the Voigt magneto-optic setup, particularly for the heavy nuclei.« less

Flow-induced voltage generation in non-ionic liquids over monolayer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho Lee, Seung; Jung, Yousung; Kim, Soohyun; Han, Chang-Soo

2013-02-01

To clarify the origin of the flow-induced voltage generation in graphene, we prepared a new experimental device whose electrodes were aligned perpendicular to the flow with a non-ionic liquid. We found that significant voltage in our device was generated with increasing flow velocity, thereby confirming that voltage was due to an intrinsic interaction between graphene and the flowing liquid. To understand the mechanism of the observed flow-induced voltage generation, we systematically varied several important experimental parameters: flow velocity, electrode alignment, liquid polarity, and liquid viscosity. Based on these measurements, we suggest that polarity of the fluid is a significant factor in determining the extent of the voltage generated, and the major mechanism can be attributed to instantaneous potential differences induced in the graphene due to an interaction with polar liquids and to the momentum transferred from the flowing liquid to the graphene.

Fast Erase Method and Apparatus For Digital Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oakely, Ernest C. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A non-contact fast erase method for erasing information stored on a magnetic or optical media. The magnetic media element includes a magnetic surface affixed to a toroidal conductor and stores information in a magnetic polarization pattern. The fast erase method includes applying an alternating current to a planar inductive element positioned near the toroidal conductor, inducing an alternating current in the toroidal conductor, and heating the magnetic surface to a temperature that exceeds the Curie-point so that information stored on the magnetic media element is permanently erased. The optical disc element stores information in a plurality of locations being defined by pits and lands in a toroidal conductive layer. The fast erase method includes similarly inducing a plurality of currents in the optical media element conductive layer and melting a predetermined portion of the conductive layer so that the information stored on the optical medium is destroyed.

Nonlinear temperature dependence of glue-induced birefringence in polarization maintaining FBG sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopf, Barbara; Koch, Alexander W.; Roths, Johannes

2016-05-01

Glue-induced stresses decrease the accuracy of surface-mounted fiber Bragg gratings (FBG). Significant temperature dependent glue-induced birefringence was verified when a thermally cured epoxy-based bonding technique had been used. Determining the peak separation of two azimuthally aligned FBGs in PM fibers combined with a polarization resolved measurement set-up in a temperature range between -30°C and 150°C revealed high glue-induced stresses at low temperatures. Peak separations of about 60 pm and a nonlinear temperature dependence of the glue-induced birefringence due to stress relaxation processes and a visco-elastic behavior of the used adhesive have been shown.

Generalized Doppler and aberration kernel for frequency-dependent cosmological observables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasini, Siavash; Pierpaoli, Elena

2017-11-01

We introduce a frequency-dependent Doppler and aberration transformation kernel for the harmonic multipoles of a general cosmological observable with spin weight s , Doppler weight d and arbitrary frequency spectrum. In the context of cosmic microwave background (CMB) studies, the frequency-dependent formalism allows to correct for the motion-induced aberration and Doppler effects on individual frequency maps with different masks. It also permits to deboost background radiations with non-blackbody frequency spectra, like extragalactic foregrounds and CMB spectra with primordial spectral distortions. The formalism can also be used to correct individual E and B polarization modes and account for motion-induced E/B mixing of polarized observables with d ≠1 at different frequencies. We apply the generalized aberration kernel on polarized and unpolarized specific intensity at 100 and 217 GHz and show that the motion-induced effects typically increase with the frequency of observation. In all-sky CMB experiments, the frequency-dependence of the motion-induced effects for a blackbody spectrum are overall negligible. However in a cut-sky analysis, ignoring the frequency dependence can lead to percent level error in the polarized and unpolarized power spectra over all angular scales. In the specific cut-sky used in our analysis (b >4 5 ° ,fsky≃14 % ), and for the dipole-inferred velocity β =0.00123 typically attributed to our peculiar motion, the Doppler and aberration effects can change polarized and unpolarized power spectra of specific intensity in the CMB rest frame by 1 - 2 % , but we find the polarization cross-leakage between E and B modes to be negligible.

High-frequency polarization dynamics in spin-lasers: pushing the limits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerhardt, Nils C.; Lindemann, Markus; Pusch, Tobias; Michalzik, Rainer; Hofmann, Martin R.

2017-09-01

While the high-frequency performance of conventional lasers is limited by the coupled carrier-photon dynamics, spin-polarized lasers have a high potential to overcome this limitation and to push the direct modulation bandwidth beyond 100 GHz. The key is to utilize the ultrafast polarization dynamics in spin-polarized vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs) which is decoupled from the intensity dynamics and its fundamental limitations. The polarization dynamics in such devices, characterized by the polarization oscillation resonance frequency, is mainly determined by the amount of birefringence in the cavity. Using an approach for manipulating the birefringence via mechanical strain we were able to increase the polarization dynamics to resonance frequencies of more than 40 GHz. Up to now these values are only limited by the setup to induce birefringence and do not reflect any fundamental limitations. Taking our record results for the birefringence-induced mode splitting of more than 250 GHz into account, the concept has the potential to provide polarization modulation in spin-VCSELs with modulation frequencies far beyond 100 GHz. This makes them ideal devices for next-generation fast optical interconnects. In this paper we present experimental results for ultrafast polarization dynamics up to 50 GHz and compare them to numerical simulations.

Generation of orthogonally polarized self-mode-locked Nd:YAG lasers with tunable beat frequencies from the thermally induced birefringence.

PubMed

Sung, C L; Cheng, H P; Lee, C Y; Cho, C Y; Liang, H C; Chen, Y F

2016-04-15

The simultaneous self-mode-locking of two orthogonally polarized states in a Nd:YAG laser is demonstrated by using a short linear cavity. A total output power of 3.8 W can be obtained at an incident pump power of 8.2 W. The beat frequency Δfc between two orthogonally polarized mode-locked components is observed and measured precisely. It is found that the beat frequency increases linearly with an increase in the absorbed pump power. The origin of the beat frequency can be utterly manifested by considering the thermally induced birefringence in the Nd:YAG crystal. The present result offers a promising approach to generate orthogonally polarized mode-locked lasers with tunable beat frequency.

Femtosecond laser-induced surface structures on carbon fibers.

PubMed

Sajzew, Roman; Schröder, Jan; Kunz, Clemens; Engel, Sebastian; Müller, Frank A; Gräf, Stephan

2015-12-15

The influence of different polarization states during the generation of periodic nanostructures on the surface of carbon fibers was investigated using a femtosecond laser with a pulse duration τ=300  fs, a wavelength λ=1025  nm, and a peak fluence F=4  J/cm². It was shown that linear polarization results in a well-aligned periodic pattern with different orders of magnitude concerning their period and an alignment parallel and perpendicular to fiber direction, respectively. For circular polarization, both types of uniform laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) patterns appear simultaneously with different dominance in dependence on the position at the fiber surface. Their orientation was explained by the polarization-dependent absorptivity and the geometrical anisotropy of the carbon fibers.

A HILIC-UHPLC-MS/MS untargeted urinary metabonomics combined with quantitative analysis of five polar biomarkers on osteoporosis rats after oral administration of Gushudan.

PubMed

Wu, Xiao; Huang, Yue; Sun, Jinghan; Wen, Yongqing; Qin, Feng; Zhao, Longshan; Xiong, Zhili

2018-01-01

A HILIC-UHPLC-MS/MS untargeted urinary metabonomic method combined with quantitative analysis of five potential polar biomarkers in rat urine was developed and validated, to further understand the anti-osteoporosis effect of Gushudan(GSD) and its mechanism on prednisolone-induced osteoporosis(OP) rats in this study. The metabolites were separated and identified on Waters BEH HILIC (2.1mm×100mm, 1.7μm) column using the Waters ACQUITY™ ultra performance liquid chromatography system (Waters Corporation, Milford, USA) coupled with a Micromass Quattro Micro™ API mass spectrometer (Waters Corp, Milford, MA, USA). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify potential biomarkers. Primary potential polar biomarkers including creatinine, taurine, betaine, hypoxanthine and cytosine, which were related to energy metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, were found in the untargeted metabonomic research. Moreover, these targeted biomarkers were further separated and quantified in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) with positive ionization mode, using tinidazole as internal standard (I.S.). Good linearities (r>0.99) were obtained for all the analytes with the low limit of quantification from 1.00 to 12.8μg/mL. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the intra-day and inter-day precisions were within 15.0% and the accuracy ranged from -14.3% to 13.5%. The recovery was more than 85.0%. And the validated method was successfully applied to investigate the urine samples of the control group, prednisolone-induced osteoporosis model group and Gushudan-treatment group in rats. Compared to the control group, the level of creatinine, taurine, betaine, hypoxanthine and cytosine in the model group revealed a significant decrease trend (p<0.05), while the Gushudan-treatment group showed no statistically differences by an independent sample t-test. This paper provided a better understanding of the therapeutic effect and mechanism of GSD on prednisolone-induced osteoporosis rats. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Bayesian inference of spectral induced polarization parameters for laboratory complex resistivity measurements of rocks and soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bérubé, Charles L.; Chouteau, Michel; Shamsipour, Pejman; Enkin, Randolph J.; Olivo, Gema R.

2017-08-01

Spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements are now widely used to infer mineralogical or hydrogeological properties from the low-frequency electrical properties of the subsurface in both mineral exploration and environmental sciences. We present an open-source program that performs fast multi-model inversion of laboratory complex resistivity measurements using Markov-chain Monte Carlo simulation. Using this stochastic method, SIP parameters and their uncertainties may be obtained from the Cole-Cole and Dias models, or from the Debye and Warburg decomposition approaches. The program is tested on synthetic and laboratory data to show that the posterior distribution of a multiple Cole-Cole model is multimodal in particular cases. The Warburg and Debye decomposition approaches yield unique solutions in all cases. It is shown that an adaptive Metropolis algorithm performs faster and is less dependent on the initial parameter values than the Metropolis-Hastings step method when inverting SIP data through the decomposition schemes. There are no advantages in using an adaptive step method for well-defined Cole-Cole inversion. Finally, the influence of measurement noise on the recovered relaxation time distribution is explored. We provide the geophysics community with a open-source platform that can serve as a base for further developments in stochastic SIP data inversion and that may be used to perform parameter analysis with various SIP models.

Complex conductivity of oil-contaminated clayey soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yaping; Shi, Xiaoqing; Revil, André; Wu, Jichun; Ghorbani, A.

2018-06-01

Spectral induced polarization (SIP) is considered as a promising tool in environmental investigations. However, few works have done regarding the electrical signature of oil contamination of clayey soils upon induced polarization. Laboratory column experiments plus one sandbox experiment are conducted in this study to investigate the performances of the SIP method in oil-contaminated soils. First, a total of 12 soils are investigated to reveal the influences of water and soil properties on the saturation dependence of the complex conductivity below 100 Hz. Results show that the magnitude of the complex conductivity consistently decreases with decreasing water saturation for all soils samples. The saturation n and quadrature conductivity p exponents tend to increase slightly with increasing water salinity when using a linear conductivity model. The saturation exponent increases marginally with the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the specific surface area (Ssp) while the quadrature conductivity exponent exhibits a relatively stronger dependence on both CEC and Ssp. For the low CEC soil samples (normally ≤10 meq/100 g), the quadrature conductivity exponent p correlates well with the saturation exponent n using the relationship p = n-1. SIP method is further applied in a sandbox experiment to estimate the saturation distribution and total volume of the oil. Results demonstrate that the SIP method has a great potential for mapping the organic contaminant plume and quantifying the oil volume.

Environmental Chemicals Modulate Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) and Adipogenesis in Vitro.

PubMed

Routti, Heli; Lille-Langøy, Roger; Berg, Mari K; Fink, Trine; Harju, Mikael; Kristiansen, Kurt; Rostkowski, Pawel; Rusten, Marte; Sylte, Ingebrigt; Øygarden, Lene; Goksøyr, Anders

2016-10-04

We studied interactions between polar bear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pbPPARG) and selected compounds using a luciferase reporter assay and predictions through molecular docking. Furthermore, we studied adipogenesis by liver and adipose tissue extracts from a polar bear and three synthetic mixtures of contaminants in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and polar bear adipose tissue-derived stem cells (pbASCs). PCB153 and p,p'-DDE antagonized pbPPARG, although their predicted receptor-ligand affinity was weak. PBDEs, tetrabromobisphenol A, and PCB170 had a weak agonistic effect on pbPPARG, while hexabromocyclododecane, bisphenol A, oxychlordane, and endosulfan were weak antagonists. pbPPARG-mediated luciferase activity was suppressed by synthetic contaminant mixtures reflecting levels measured in polar bear adipose tissue, as were transcript levels of PPARG and the PPARG target gene fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in pbASCs. Contaminant extracts from polar bear tissues enhanced triglyceride accumulation in murine 3T3-L1 cells and pbASCs, whereas triglyceride accumulation was not affected by the synthetic mixtures. Chemical characterization of extracts using nontarget methods revealed presence of exogenous compounds that have previously been reported to induce adipogenesis. These compounds included phthalates, tonalide, and nonylphenol. In conclusion, major legacy contaminants in polar bear adipose tissue exert antagonistic effects on PPARG, but adipogenesis by a mixture containing emerging compounds may be enhanced through PPARG or other pathways.

A non-linear induced polarization effect on transient electromagnetic soundings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallbauer-Zadorozhnaya, Valeriya Yu.; Santarato, Giovanni; Abu Zeid, Nasser; Bignardi, Samuel

2016-10-01

In a TEM survey conducted for characterizing the subsurface for geothermal purposes, a strong induced polarization effect was recorded in all collected data. Surprisingly, anomalous decay curves were obtained in part of the sites, whose shape depended on the repetition frequency of the exciting square waveform, i.e. on current pulse length. The Cole-Cole model, besides being not directly related to physical parameters of rocks, was found inappropriate to model the observed distortion, due to induced polarization, because this model is linear, i.e. it cannot fit any dependence on current pulse. This phenomenon was investigated and explained as due to the presence of membrane polarization linked to constrictivity of (fresh) water-saturated pores. An algorithm for mathematical modeling of TEM data was then developed to fit this behavior. The case history is then discussed: 1D inversion, which accommodates non-linear effects, produced models that agree quite satisfactorily with resistivity and chargeability models obtained by an electrical resistivity tomography carried out for comparison.

Blue-light-induced PIN3 polarization for root negative phototropic response in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Zhang, Kun-Xiao; Xu, Heng-Hao; Yuan, Ting-Ting; Zhang, Liang; Lu, Ying-Tang

2013-10-01

Root negative phototropism is an important response in plants. Although blue light is known to mediate this response, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying root negative phototropism remain unclear. Here, we report that the auxin efflux carrier PIN-FORMED (PIN) 3 is involved in asymmetric auxin distribution and root negative phototropism. Unilateral blue-light illumination polarized PIN3 to the outer lateral membrane of columella cells at the illuminated root side, and increased auxin activity at the illuminated side of roots, where auxin promotes growth and causes roots bending away from the light source. Furthermore, root negative phototropic response and blue-light-induced PIN3 polarization were modulated by a brefeldin A-sensitive, GNOM-dependent, trafficking pathway and by phot1-regulated PINOID (PID)/PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2A (PP2A) activity. Our results indicate that blue-light-induced PIN3 polarization is needed for asymmetric auxin distribution during root negative phototropic response. © 2013 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Successive Magnetic-Field-Induced Transitions and Colossal Magnetoelectric Effect in Ni 3 TeO 6

DOE PAGES

Kim, Jae Wook; Artyukhin, Sergei; Mun, Eun Deok; ...

2015-09-24

In this paper, we report the discovery of a metamagnetic phase transition in a polar antiferromagnet Ni 3TeO 6 that occurs at 52 T. The new phase transition accompanies a colossal magnetoelectric effect, with a magnetic-field-induced polarization change of 0.3 μC/cm 2, a value that is 4 times larger than for the spin-flop transition at 9 T in the same material, and also comparable to the largest magnetically induced polarization changes observed to date. Via density-functional calculations we construct a full microscopic model that describes the data. We model the spin structures in all fields and clarify the physics behindmore » the 52 T transition. The high-field transition involves a competition between multiple different exchange interactions which drives the polarization change through the exchange-striction mechanism. Finally, the resultant spin structure is rather counterintuitive and complex, thus providing new insights on design principles for materials with strong magnetoelectric coupling.« less

Induced polarization imaging of volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, Andre; Soueid Ahmed, Abdellahi

2017-04-01

The first part of the presentation is related to the petrophysics of induced polarization of volcanic rocks. We described induced polarization of these rocks using a dynamic Stern layer model describing the polarization of the electrical double layer around the mineral grains. This model shows that the normalized chargeability and quadrature conductivity of volcanic rocks is sensitive to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of these materials and therefore to their alteration. In the second part pf the presentation, we use a geostatistical inversion framework to image chargeability in 2.5D or in 3D. This new framework is benchmarked using synthetic data and data from various volcanoes (Kilaua, Furnas, Yellowstone). We show that chargeability tomography is very complementary to the now classical electrical resistivity tomography in order to image volcanic structures and to separate the conduction in the bulk pore network from interfacial effects such as surface conductivity. This approach appears to be promising as a first step toward joint inversion with seismic and gravity data.

Chemical state evolution in ferroelectric films during tip-induced polarization and electroresistive switching

DOE PAGES

Ievlev, Anton V.; Maksymovych, Petro; Trassin, Morgan; ...

2016-10-11

Domain formation and ferroelectric switching is fundamentally inseparable from polarization screening, which on free surfaces can be realized via band bending and ionic adsorption. In the latter case, polarization switching is intrinsically coupled to the surface electrochemical phenomena, and the electrochemical stage can control kinetics and induce long-range interactions. However, despite extensive evidence towards the critical role of surface electrochemistry, little is known about the nature of the associated processes. Here we combine SPM tip induce polarization switching and secondary ion mass spectrometry to explore the evolution of chemical state of ferroelectric during switching. Surprisingly, we find that even pristinemore » surfaces contain ions (e.g. Cl -) that are not anticipated based on chemistry of the system and processing. In the ferroelectric switching regime, we find surprising changes in surface chemistry, including redistribution of base cations. Finally, at higher voltages in the electroforming regime significant surface deformation was observed and associated with a strong ion intermixing.« less

Defect-Induced Hedgehog Polarization States in Multiferroics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Linze; Cheng, Xiaoxing; Jokisaari, Jacob R.; Gao, Peng; Britson, Jason; Adamo, Carolina; Heikes, Colin; Schlom, Darrell G.; Chen, Long-Qing; Pan, Xiaoqing

2018-03-01

Continuous developments in nanotechnology require new approaches to materials synthesis that can produce novel functional structures. Here, we show that nanoscale defects, such as nonstoichiometric nanoregions (NSNRs), can act as nano-building blocks for creating complex electrical polarization structures in the prototypical multiferroic BiFeO3 . An array of charged NSNRs are produced in BiFeO3 thin films by tuning the substrate temperature during film growth. Atomic-scale scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging reveals exotic polarization rotation patterns around these NSNRs. These polarization patterns resemble hedgehog or vortex topologies and can cause local changes in lattice symmetries leading to mixed-phase structures resembling the morphotropic phase boundary with high piezoelectricity. Phase-field simulations indicate that the observed polarization configurations are mainly induced by charged states at the NSNRs. Engineering defects thus may provide a new route for developing ferroelectric- or multiferroic-based nanodevices.

Detecting chameleons: The astronomical polarization produced by chameleonlike scalar fields

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

Burrage, Clare; Davis, Anne-Christine; Shaw, Douglas J.

2009-02-15

We show that a coupling between chameleonlike scalar fields and photons induces linear and circular polarization in the light from astrophysical sources. In this context chameleonlike scalar fields include those of the Olive-Pospelov (OP) model, which describes a varying fine structure constant. We determine the form of this polarization numerically and give analytic expressions in two useful limits. By comparing the predicted signal with current observations we are able to improve the constraints on the chameleon-photon coupling and the coupling in the OP model by over 2 orders of magnitude. It is argued that, if observed, the distinctive form ofmore » the chameleon induced circular polarization would represent a smoking gun for the presence of a chameleon. We also report a tentative statistical detection of a chameleonlike scalar field from observations of starlight polarization in our galaxy.« less

Defect-Induced Hedgehog Polarization States in Multiferroics.

PubMed

Li, Linze; Cheng, Xiaoxing; Jokisaari, Jacob R; Gao, Peng; Britson, Jason; Adamo, Carolina; Heikes, Colin; Schlom, Darrell G; Chen, Long-Qing; Pan, Xiaoqing

2018-03-30

Continuous developments in nanotechnology require new approaches to materials synthesis that can produce novel functional structures. Here, we show that nanoscale defects, such as nonstoichiometric nanoregions (NSNRs), can act as nano-building blocks for creating complex electrical polarization structures in the prototypical multiferroic BiFeO_{3}. An array of charged NSNRs are produced in BiFeO_{3} thin films by tuning the substrate temperature during film growth. Atomic-scale scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging reveals exotic polarization rotation patterns around these NSNRs. These polarization patterns resemble hedgehog or vortex topologies and can cause local changes in lattice symmetries leading to mixed-phase structures resembling the morphotropic phase boundary with high piezoelectricity. Phase-field simulations indicate that the observed polarization configurations are mainly induced by charged states at the NSNRs. Engineering defects thus may provide a new route for developing ferroelectric- or multiferroic-based nanodevices.

Cu-Induced Dielectric Breakdown of Porous Low-Dielectric-Constant Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yi-Lung; Lee, Chih-Yen; Huang, Yao-Liang; Sun, Chung-Ren; Lee, Wen-Hsi; Chen, Giin-Shan; Fang, Jau-Shiung; Phan, Bach Thang

2017-06-01

Dielectric breakdown induced by Cu ion migration in porous low- k dielectric films has been investigated in alternating-polarity bias conditions using a metal-insulator-metal capacitor with Cu top metal electrode. The experimental results indicated that Cu ions migrated into the dielectric film under stress with positive polarity, leading to weaker dielectric strength and shorter time to failure (TTF). In the alternating-polarity test, the measured TTFs increased with decreasing stressing frequency, implying backward migration of Cu ions during reverse-bias stress. Additionally, compared with a direct-current stress condition, the measured TTFs were higher as the frequency was decreased to 10-2 Hz. The electric-field acceleration factor for porous low- k dielectric film breakdown in the alternating-polarity test was also found to increase. This Cu backward migration effect is effective when the stressing time under negative polarity is longer than 0.1 s.

Polarization-based compensation of astigmatism.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Dola Roy; Bhattacharya, Kallol; Chakraborty, Ajay K; Ghosh, Raja

2004-02-01

One approach to aberration compensation of an imaging system is to introduce a suitable phase mask at the aperture plane of an imaging system. We utilize this principle for the compensation of astigmatism. A suitable polarization mask used on the aperture plane together with a polarizer-retarder combination at the input of the imaging system provides the compensating polarization-induced phase steps at different quadrants of the apertures masked by different polarizers. The aberrant phase can be considerably compensated by the proper choice of a polarization mask and suitable selection of the polarization parameters involved. The results presented here bear out our theoretical expectation.

Experimental observation and determination of the laser-induced frequency shift of hyperfine levels of ultracold polar molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wenliang; Wang, Xiaofeng; Wu, Jizhou; Su, Xingliang; Wang, Shen; Sovkov, Vladimir B.; Ma, Jie; Xiao, Liantuan; Jia, Suotang

2017-08-01

We report on the experimental observation and quantitative determination of the laser-induced frequency shift (LIFS) of the ultracold polar molecules formed by photoassociation (PA). The experiments are performed by detecting a series of double PA spectra with a molecular hyperfine structure, which are induced by two PA lasers with a precise and adjustable frequency reference. We find that the LIFS of the molecular hyperfine levels shows a linear dependence on PA laser intensity.

Structural, morphological and Raman studies on hybridized PVDF/BaTiO3 nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajamanickam, N.; Jayakumar, K.; Ramachandran, K.

2017-05-01

Hybridized nanocomposites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nano - barium titanate (BaTiO3) were prepared using the solution casting method for different concentrations of nano-BaTiO3 and were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The flower like structure for morphology was observed in SEM. Raman analysis showed that the modified BaTiO3 particles, due to higher specific surfaces, induce, predominantly, the crystallization of the electrically active β-phase of PVDF, while the initial micron size particles induce the formation of the most common but non-polar α-crystal form.

Can polar bears use terrestrial foods to offset lost ice-based hunting opportunities?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rode, Karyn D.; Robbins, Charles T.; Nelson, Lynne; Amstrup, Steven C.

2015-01-01

Increased land use by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) due to climate-change-induced reduction of their sea-ice habitat illustrates the impact of climate change on species distributions and the difficulty of conserving a large, highly specialized carnivore in the face of this global threat. Some authors have suggested that terrestrial food consumption by polar bears will help them withstand sea-ice loss as they are forced to spend increasing amounts of time on land. Here, we evaluate the nutritional needs of polar bears as well as the physiological and environmental constraints that shape their use of terrestrial ecosystems. Only small numbers of polar bears have been documented consuming terrestrial foods even in modest quantities. Over much of the polar bear's range, limited terrestrial food availability supports only low densities of much smaller, resident brown bears (Ursus arctos), which use low-quality resources more efficiently and may compete with polar bears in these areas. Where consumption of terrestrial foods has been documented, polar bear body condition and survival rates have declined even as land use has increased. Thus far, observed consumption of terrestrial food by polar bears has been insufficient to offset lost ice-based hunting opportunities but can have ecological consequences for other species. Warming-induced loss of sea ice remains the primary threat faced by polar bears.

Geophysical methods for monitoring soil stabilization processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saneiyan, Sina; Ntarlagiannis, Dimitrios; Werkema, D. Dale; Ustra, Andréa

2018-01-01

Soil stabilization involves methods used to turn unconsolidated and unstable soil into a stiffer, consolidated medium that could support engineered structures, alter permeability, change subsurface flow, or immobilize contamination through mineral precipitation. Among the variety of available methods carbonate precipitation is a very promising one, especially when it is being induced through common soil borne microbes (MICP - microbial induced carbonate precipitation). Such microbial mediated precipitation has the added benefit of not harming the environment as other methods can be environmentally detrimental. Carbonate precipitation, typically in the form of calcite, is a naturally occurring process that can be manipulated to deliver the expected soil strengthening results or permeability changes. This study investigates the ability of spectral induced polarization and shear-wave velocity for monitoring calcite driven soil strengthening processes. The results support the use of these geophysical methods as soil strengthening characterization and long term monitoring tools, which is a requirement for viable soil stabilization projects. Both tested methods are sensitive to calcite precipitation, with SIP offering additional information related to long term stability of precipitated carbonate. Carbonate precipitation has been confirmed with direct methods, such as direct sampling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study advances our understanding of soil strengthening processes and permeability alterations, and is a crucial step for the use of geophysical methods as monitoring tools in microbial induced soil alterations through carbonate precipitation.

Electric polarization switching in an atomically thin binary rock salt structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez-Castro, Jose; Piantek, Marten; Schubert, Sonja; Persson, Mats; Serrate, David; Hirjibehedin, Cyrus F.

2018-01-01

Inducing and controlling electric dipoles is hindered in the ultrathin limit by the finite screening length of surface charges at metal-insulator junctions1-3, although this effect can be circumvented by specially designed interfaces4. Heterostructures of insulating materials hold great promise, as confirmed by perovskite oxide superlattices with compositional substitution to artificially break the structural inversion symmetry5-8. Bringing this concept to the ultrathin limit would substantially broaden the range of materials and functionalities that could be exploited in novel nanoscale device designs. Here, we report that non-zero electric polarization can be induced and reversed in a hysteretic manner in bilayers made of ultrathin insulators whose electric polarization cannot be switched individually. In particular, we explore the interface between ionic rock salt alkali halides such as NaCl or KBr and polar insulating Cu2N terminating bulk copper. The strong compositional asymmetry between the polar Cu2N and the vacuum gap breaks inversion symmetry in the alkali halide layer, inducing out-of-plane dipoles that are stabilized in one orientation (self-poling). The dipole orientation can be reversed by a critical electric field, producing sharp switching of the tunnel current passing through the junction.

Electrically active bioceramics: a review of interfacial responses.

PubMed

Baxter, F R; Bowen, C R; Turner, I G; Dent, A C E

2010-06-01

Electrical potentials in mechanically loaded bone have been implicated as signals in the bone remodeling cycle. Recently, interest has grown in exploiting this phenomenon to develop electrically active ceramics for implantation in hard tissue which may induce improved biological responses. Both polarized hydroxyapatite (HA), whose surface charge is not dependent on loading, and piezoelectric ceramics, which produce electrical potentials under stress, have been studied in order to determine the possible benefits of using electrically active bioceramics as implant materials. The polarization of HA has a positive influence on interfacial responses to the ceramic. In vivo studies of polarized HA have shown polarized samples to induce improvements in bone ingrowth. The majority of piezoelectric ceramics proposed for implant use contain barium titanate (BaTiO(3)). In vivo and in vitro investigations have indicated that such ceramics are biocompatible and, under appropriate mechanical loading, induce improved bone formation around implants. The mechanism by which electrical activity influences biological responses is yet to be clearly defined, but is likely to result from preferential adsorption of proteins and ions onto the polarized surface. Further investigation is warranted into the use of electrically active ceramics as the indications are that they have benefits over existing implant materials.

Optical parametric amplification of arbitrarily polarized light in periodically poled LiNbO3.

PubMed

Shao, Guang-hao; Song, Xiao-shi; Xu, Fei; Lu, Yan-qing

2012-08-13

Optical parametric amplification (OPA) of arbitrarily polarized light is proposed in a multi-section periodically poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN). External electric field is applied on selected sections to induce the polarization rotation of involved lights, thus the quasi-phase matched optical parametric processes exhibit polarization insensitivity under suitable voltage. In addition to the amplified signal wave, an idler wave with the same polarization is generated simultaneously. As an example, a ~10 times OPA showing polarization independency is simulated. Applications of this technology are also discussed.

Polar Value Analysis of Low to Moderate Astigmatism with Wavefront-Guided Sub-Bowman Keratomileusis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yu

2017-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the astigmatic outcomes of wavefront-guided sub-Bowman keratomileusis (WFG-SBK) for low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Methods This study enrolled 100 right eyes from 100 patients who underwent WFG-SBK for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. The polar value method was performed with anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism measured with Scheimpflug camera combined with Placido corneal topography (Sirius, CSO) and refractive astigmatism preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Results Similar results for surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and error of the procedure in both anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA) and total ocular astigmatism (TOA). There was a minor undercorrection of the cylinder in both ACA and TOA. Posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA) showed no significant change. Conclusions Wavefront-guided SBK could provide good astigmatic outcomes for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. The surgical effects were largely attributed to the astigmatic correction of the anterior corneal surface. Posterior corneal astigmatism remained unchanged even after WFG-SBK for myopic astigmatism. Polar value analysis can be used to guide adjustments to the treatment cylinder alongside a nomogram designed to optimize postoperative astigmatic outcomes in myopic WFG-SBK. PMID:28831306

Magnetically induced ferroelectricity in Bi2CuO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, L.; Guo, H.; Schmidt, W.; Nemkovski, K.; Mostovoy, M.; Komarek, A. C.

2017-08-01

The tetragonal copper oxide Bi2CuO4 has an unusual crystal structure with a three-dimensional network of well separated CuO4 plaquettes. The spin structure of Bi2CuO4 in the magnetically ordered state below TN˜43 K remains controversial. Here we present the results of detailed studies of specific heat, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Bi2CuO4 single crystals grown by the floating zone technique, combined with the polarized neutron scattering and high-resolution x-ray measurements. Down to 3.5 K our polarized neutron scattering measurements reveal ordered magnetic Cu moments which are aligned within the a b plane. Below the onset of the long range antiferromagnetic ordering we observe an electric polarization induced by an applied magnetic field, which indicates inversion symmetry breaking by the ordered state of Cu spins. For the magnetic field applied perpendicular to the tetragonal axis, the spin-induced ferroelectricity is explained in terms of the linear magnetoelectric effect that occurs in a metastable magnetic state. A relatively small electric polarization induced by the field parallel to the tetragonal axis may indicate a more complex magnetic ordering in Bi2CuO4 .

Primary aberrations in focused radially polarized vortex beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biss, David P.; Brown, T. G.

2004-02-01

We study the effect of primary aberrations on the 3-D polarization of the electric field in a focused lowest order radially polarized beam. A full vector diffraction treatment of the focused beams is used. Attention is given to the effects of primary spherical, astigmatic, and comatic aberrations on the local polarization, Strehl ratio, and aberration induced degradation of the longitudinal field at focus

Direct detection of the optical field beyond single polarization mode.

PubMed

Che, Di; Sun, Chuanbowen; Shieh, William

2018-02-05

Direct detection is traditionally regarded as a detection method that recovers only the optical intensity. Compared with coherent detection, it owns a natural advantage-the simplicity-but lacks a crucial capability of field recovery that enables not only the multi-dimensional modulation, but also the digital compensation of the fiber impairments linear with the optical field. Full-field detection is crucial to increase the capacity-distance product of optical transmission systems. A variety of methods have been investigated to directly detect the optical field of the single polarization mode, which normally sends a carrier traveling with the signal for self-coherent detection. The crux, however, is that any optical transmission medium supports at least two propagating modes (e.g. single mode fiber supports two polarization modes), and until now there is no direct detection that can recover the complete set of optical fields beyond one polarization, due to the well-known carrier fading issue after mode demultiplexing induced by the random mode coupling. To avoid the fading, direct detection receivers should recover the signal in an intensity space isomorphic to the optical field without loss of any degrees of freedom, and a bridge should be built between the field and its isomorphic space for the multi-mode field recovery. Based on this thinking, we propose, for the first time, the direct detection of dual polarization modes by a novel receiver concept, the Stokes-space field receiver (SSFR) and its extension, the generalized SSFR for multiple spatial modes. The idea is verified by a dual-polarization field recovery of a polarization-multiplexed complex signal over an 80-km single mode fiber transmission. SSFR can be applied to a much wider range of fields beyond optical communications such as coherent sensing and imaging, where simple field recovery without an extra local laser is desired for enhanced system performance.

A new gradient shimming method based on undistorted field map of B0 inhomogeneity.

PubMed

Bao, Qingjia; Chen, Fang; Chen, Li; Song, Kan; Liu, Zao; Liu, Chaoyang

2016-04-01

Most existing gradient shimming methods for NMR spectrometers estimate field maps that resolve B0 inhomogeneity spatially from dual gradient-echo (GRE) images acquired at different echo times. However, the distortions induced by B0 inhomogeneity that always exists in the GRE images can result in estimated field maps that are distorted in both geometry and intensity, leading to inaccurate shimming. This work proposes a new gradient shimming method based on undistorted field map of B0 inhomogeneity obtained by a more accurate field map estimation technique. Compared to the traditional field map estimation method, this new method exploits both the positive and negative polarities of the frequency encoded gradients to eliminate the distortions caused by B0 inhomogeneity in the field map. Next, the corresponding automatic post-data procedure is introduced to obtain undistorted B0 field map based on knowledge of the invariant characteristics of the B0 inhomogeneity and the variant polarity of the encoded gradient. The experimental results on both simulated and real gradient shimming tests demonstrate the high performance of this new method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Observation of Gravitationally Induced Vertical Striation of Polarized Ultracold Neutrons by Spin-Echo Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Afach, S; Ayres, N J; Ban, G; Bison, G; Bodek, K; Chowdhuri, Z; Daum, M; Fertl, M; Franke, B; Griffith, W C; Grujić, Z D; Harris, P G; Heil, W; Hélaine, V; Kasprzak, M; Kermaidic, Y; Kirch, K; Knowles, P; Koch, H-C; Komposch, S; Kozela, A; Krempel, J; Lauss, B; Lefort, T; Lemière, Y; Mtchedlishvili, A; Musgrave, M; Naviliat-Cuncic, O; Pendlebury, J M; Piegsa, F M; Pignol, G; Plonka-Spehr, C; Prashanth, P N; Quéméner, G; Rawlik, M; Rebreyend, D; Ries, D; Roccia, S; Rozpedzik, D; Schmidt-Wellenburg, P; Severijns, N; Thorne, J A; Weis, A; Wursten, E; Wyszynski, G; Zejma, J; Zenner, J; Zsigmond, G

2015-10-16

We describe a spin-echo method for ultracold neutrons (UCNs) confined in a precession chamber and exposed to a |B0|=1  μT magnetic field. We have demonstrated that the analysis of UCN spin-echo resonance signals in combination with knowledge of the ambient magnetic field provides an excellent method by which to reconstruct the energy spectrum of a confined ensemble of neutrons. The method takes advantage of the relative dephasing of spins arising from a gravitationally induced striation of stored UCNs of different energies, and also permits an improved determination of the vertical magnetic-field gradient with an exceptional accuracy of 1.1  pT/cm. This novel combination of a well-known nuclear resonance method and gravitationally induced vertical striation is unique in the realm of nuclear and particle physics and should prove to be invaluable for the assessment of systematic effects in precision experiments such as searches for an electric dipole moment of the neutron or the measurement of the neutron lifetime.

The antecedents and belief-polarized effects of thought confidence.

PubMed

Chou, Hsuan-Yi; Lien, Nai-Hwa; Liang, Kuan-Yu

2011-01-01

This article investigates 2 possible antecedents of thought confidence and explores the effects of confidence induced before or during ad exposure. The results of the experiments indicate that both consumers' dispositional optimism and spokesperson attractiveness have significant effects on consumers' confidence in thoughts that are generated after viewing the advertisement. Higher levels of thought confidence will influence the quality of the thoughts that people generate, lead to either positively or negatively polarized message processing, and therefore induce better or worse advertising effectiveness, depending on the valence of thoughts. The authors posit the belief-polarization hypothesis to explain these findings.

How to derotate the cosmic microwave background polarization.

PubMed

Kamionkowski, Marc

2009-03-20

If the linear polarization of the cosmic microwave background is rotated in a frequency-independent manner as it propagates from the surface of last scatter, it may introduce a B-mode polarization. Here I show that measurement of higher-order TE, EE, EB, and TB correlations induced by this rotation can be used to reconstruct the rotation angle as a function of position on the sky. This technique can be used to distinguish primordial B modes from those induced by rotation. The effects of rotation can be distinguished geometrically from similar effects due to cosmic shear.

Design and fabrication of thin-film polarizer at wavelength of 1540 nm and investigation of its laser-induced damage threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahraee, Masoume; Fallah, Hamid Reza; Moradi, Badri; Zabolian, Hosein; Mahmoodzade, Morteza Haji

2014-12-01

In this paper a thin-film polarizer at a wavelength of 1540 nm was designed and fabricated. These types of polarizer are usually used in laser systems to obtain linearly polarized light beams. Our design consists of a system of eighteen dielectric thin-film layers from repeated pairs of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide layers that are deposited on a BK7 glass substrate. Design was carried out based on theoretical principles and computer calculations. Thin-film design software was used for designing the polarizer. The angle of incidence was supposed to be 56° that is the Browster angle for BK7 glass. Performance and laser-induced damage threshold of the polarizer were enhanced by a suitable selection of various parameters including thickness of each layer, their number and the electric field distribution of layers. After several designs, fabrications and refinement of parameters, the final polarizer was designed. Then the final sample of the polarizer was prepared using the electron beam evaporation (EBE) technique with Balzers BAK 760 coating machine. Spectral transmittance of the sample was measured by Shimadzu 3100 UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. Investigation of spectral transmittance showed that at a wavelength of 1540nm, the transmission of P polarization is 87.82 and the transmission of S polarization is 0.43 which show a ratio ( T P / T S of 204. So, this ratio is an acceptable value for our desired polarizer.

SLP-76-ADAP adaptor module regulates LFA-1 mediated costimulation and T cell motility.

PubMed

Wang, Hongyan; Wei, Bin; Bismuth, Georges; Rudd, Christopher E

2009-07-28

Although adaptor ADAP (FYB) and its binding to SLP-76 has been implicated in TcR-induced "inside-out" signaling for LFA-1 activation in T cells, little is known regarding its role in LFA-1-mediated "outside-in" signaling. In this study, we demonstrate that ADAP and SLP-76-ADAP binding are coupled to LFA-1 costimulation of IL-2 production, F-actin clustering, cell polarization, and T cell motility. LFA-1 enhancement of anti-CD3-induced IL-2 production was completely dependent on SLP-76-ADAP binding. Further, anti-CD3 was found to require CD11a ligation by antibody or ICAM1 to cause T cell polarization. ADAP augmented this polarization induced by anti-CD3/CD11a, but not by anti-CD3 alone. ADAP expression with LFA-1 ligation alone was sufficient to polarize T cells directly and to increase T cell motility whereas the loss of ADAP in ADAP-/- primary T cells reduced motility. A mutant lacking SLP-76-binding sites (M12) blocked LFA-1 costimulation of IL-2 production, polarization, and motility. LFA-1-ADAP polarization was also dependent on src kinases, Rho GTPases, phospholipase C, and phosphoinositol 3-kinase. Our findings provide evidence of an obligatory role for the SLP-76-ADAP module in LFA-1-mediated costimulation in T cells.

Assessing cortical synchronization during transcranial direct current stimulation: A graph-theoretical analysis.

PubMed

Mancini, Matteo; Brignani, Debora; Conforto, Silvia; Mauri, Piercarlo; Miniussi, Carlo; Pellicciari, Maria Concetta

2016-10-15

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique that can alter cortical excitability and modulate behaviour in a polarity-dependent way. Despite the widespread use of this method in the neuroscience field, its effects on ongoing local or global (network level) neuronal activity are still not foreseeable. A way to shed light on the neuronal mechanisms underlying the cortical connectivity changes induced by tDCS is provided by the combination of tDCS with electroencephalography (EEG). In this study, twelve healthy subjects underwent online tDCS-EEG recording (i.e., simultaneous), during resting-state, using 19 EEG channels. The protocol involved anodal, cathodal and sham stimulation conditions, with the active and the reference electrodes in the left frontocentral area (FC3) and on the forehead over the right eyebrow, respectively. The data were processed using a network model, based on graph theory and the synchronization likelihood. The resulting graphs were analysed for four frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta and gamma) to evaluate the presence of tDCS-induced differences in synchronization patterns and graph theory measures. The resting state network connectivity resulted altered during tDCS, in a polarity-specific manner for theta and alpha bands. Anodal tDCS weakened synchronization with respect to the baseline over the fronto-central areas in the left hemisphere, for theta band (p<0.05). In contrast, during cathodal tDCS a significant increase in inter-hemispheric synchronization connectivity was observed over the centro-parietal, centro-occipital and parieto-occipital areas for the alpha band (p<0.05). Local graph measures showed a tDCS-induced polarity-specific differences that regarded modifications of network activities rather than specific region properties. Our results show that applying tDCS during the resting state modulates local synchronization as well as network properties in slow frequency bands, in a polarity-specific manner. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dispersions of Goethite Nanorods in Aprotic Polar Solvents

PubMed Central

Coursault, Delphine; Dozov, Ivan; Nobili, Maurizio; Dupont, Laurent; Chanéac, Corinne

2017-01-01

Colloidal suspensions of anisotropic nanoparticles can spontaneously self-organize in liquid-crystalline phases beyond some concentration threshold. These phases often respond to electric and magnetic fields. At lower concentrations, usual isotropic liquids are observed but they can display very strong Kerr and Cotton-Mouton effects (i.e., field-induced particle orientation). For many examples of these colloidal suspensions, the solvent is water, which hinders most electro-optic applications. Here, for goethite (α-FeOOH) nanorod dispersions, we show that water can be replaced by polar aprotic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), without loss of colloidal stability. By polarized-light microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and electro-optic measurements, we found that the nematic phase, with its field-response properties, is retained. Moreover, a strong Kerr effect was also observed with isotropic goethite suspensions in these polar aprotic solvents. Furthermore, we found no significant difference in the behavior of both the nematic and isotropic phases between the aqueous and non-aqueous dispersions. Our work shows that goethite nanorod suspensions in polar aprotic solvents, suitable for electro-optic applications, can easily be produced and that they keep all their outstanding properties. It also suggests that this solvent replacement method could be extended to the aqueous colloidal suspensions of other kinds of charged anisotropic nanoparticles. PMID:29039797

Collisional Transfer of Population and Orientation in NaK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolfe, C. M.; Ashman, S.; Huennekens, J.; Beser, B.; Bai, J.; Lyyra, A. M.

2010-03-01

We report current work to study transfer of population and orientation in collisions of NaK molecules with argon and potassium atoms using polarization labeling (PL) and laser- induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy. In the PL experiment, a circularly polarized pump laser excites a specific NaK A^1&+circ;(v'=16, J') <- X^1&+circ;(v''=0, J'±1) transition, creating an orientation (non-uniform MJ' level distribution) in both levels. The linearly polarized probe laser is scanned over various 3^1π(v, J'±1) <- A^1&+circ;(v'=16, J') transitions. The probe laser passes through a crossed linear polarizer before detection, and signal is recorded if the probe laser polarization has been modified by the vapor (which occurs when it comes into resonance with an oriented level). Using both spectroscopic methods, analysis of weak collisional satellite lines adjacent to these directly populated lines, as a function of argon buffer gas pressure and cell temperature, allows us to discern separately the effects collisions with argon atoms and potassium atoms have on the population and orientation of the molecule. In addition, code has been written which provides a theoretical analysis of the process, through a solution of the density matrix equations of motion for the system.

Intracellular Survival and Persistence of Chlamydia muridarum Is Determined by Macrophage Polarization

PubMed Central

Gracey, Eric; Lin, Aifeng; Akram, Ali; Chiu, Basil; Inman, Robert D.

2013-01-01

Macrophages can display a number of distinct phenotypes, known collectively as polarized macrophages. The best defined of these phenotypes are the classically-activated, interferon gamma (IFNγ)/LPS induced (M1) and alternatively-activated, IL-4 induced (M2) macrophages. The goal of this study is to characterize macrophage- Chlamydia interactions in the context of macrophage polarization. Here we use Chlamydia muridarum and murine bone-marrow derived macrophages to show Chlamydia does not induce M2 polarization in macrophages as a survival strategy. Unexpectedly, the infection of macrophages was silent with no upregulation of M1 macrophage-associated genes. We further demonstrate that macrophages polarized prior to infection have a differential capacity to control Chlamydia . M1 macrophages harbor up to 40-fold lower inclusion forming units (IFU) than non-polarized or M2 polarized macrophages. Gene expression analysis showed an increase in 16sRNA in M2 macrophages with no change in M1 macrophages. Suppressed Chlamydia growth in M1 macrophages correlated with the induction of a bacterial gene expression profile typical of persistence as evident by increased Euo expression and decreased Omp1 and Tal expression. Observations of permissive Chlamydia growth in non-polarized and M2 macrophages and persistence in M1 macrophages were supported through electron microscopy. This work supports the importance of IFNγ in the innate immune response to Chlamydia . However, demonstration that the M1 macrophages, despite an antimicrobial signature, fail to eliminate intracellular Chlamydia supports the notion that host–pathogen co-evolution has yielded a pathogen that can evade cellular defenses against this pathogen, and persist for prolonged periods of time in the host. PMID:23967058

Assigning Polarity to Causal Information in Financial Articles on Business Performance of Companies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakai, Hiroyuki; Masuyama, Shigeru

We propose a method of assigning polarity to causal information extracted from Japanese financial articles concerning business performance of companies. Our method assigns polarity (positive or negative) to causal information in accordance with business performance, e.g. “zidousya no uriage ga koutyou: (Sales of cars are good)” (The polarity positive is assigned in this example). We may use causal expressions assigned polarity by our method, e.g., to analyze content of articles concerning business performance circumstantially. First, our method classifies articles concerning business performance into positive articles and negative articles. Using them, our method assigns polarity (positive or negative) to causal information extracted from the set of articles concerning business performance. Although our method needs training dataset for classifying articles concerning business performance into positive and negative ones, our method does not need a training dataset for assigning polarity to causal information. Hence, even if causal information not appearing in the training dataset for classifying articles concerning business performance into positive and negative ones exist, our method is able to assign it polarity by using statistical information of this classified sets of articles. We evaluated our method and confirmed that it attained 74.4% precision and 50.4% recall of assigning polarity positive, and 76.8% precision and 61.5% recall of assigning polarity negative, respectively.

Ultrafast Magnetization of a Dense Molecular Gas with an Optical Centrifuge.

PubMed

Milner, A A; Korobenko, A; Milner, V

2017-06-16

Strong laser-induced magnetization of oxygen gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure is achieved experimentally on the subnanosecond time scale. The method is based on controlling the electronic spin of paramagnetic molecules by means of manipulating their rotation with an optical centrifuge. Spin-rotational coupling results in a high degree of spin polarization on the order of one Bohr magneton per centrifuged molecule. Owing to the nonresonant interaction with the laser pulses, the demonstrated technique is applicable to a broad class of paramagnetic rotors. Executed in a high-density gas, it may offer an efficient way of generating macroscopic magnetic fields remotely (as shown in this work) and producing a large amount of spin-polarized electrons.

Ultrafast Magnetization of a Dense Molecular Gas with an Optical Centrifuge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milner, A. A.; Korobenko, A.; Milner, V.

2017-06-01

Strong laser-induced magnetization of oxygen gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure is achieved experimentally on the subnanosecond time scale. The method is based on controlling the electronic spin of paramagnetic molecules by means of manipulating their rotation with an optical centrifuge. Spin-rotational coupling results in a high degree of spin polarization on the order of one Bohr magneton per centrifuged molecule. Owing to the nonresonant interaction with the laser pulses, the demonstrated technique is applicable to a broad class of paramagnetic rotors. Executed in a high-density gas, it may offer an efficient way of generating macroscopic magnetic fields remotely (as shown in this work) and producing a large amount of spin-polarized electrons.

Stress-induced phase sensitivity of small diameter polarization maintaining solid-core photonic crystal fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhihao; Zhang, Chunxi; Xu, Xiaobin

2017-09-01

Small diameter (cladding and coating diameter of 100 and 135 μm) polarization maintaining photonic crystal fibres (SDPM-PCFs) possess many unique properties and are extremely suitable for applications in fibre optic gyroscopes. In this study, we have investigated and measured the stress characteristics of an SDPM-PCF using the finite-element method and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, respectively. Our results reveal a radial and axial sensitivity of 0.315 ppm/N/m and 25.2 ppm per 1 × 105 N/m2, respectively, for the SDPM-PCF. These values are 40% smaller than the corresponding parameters of conventional small diameter (cladding and coating diameter of 80 and 135 μm) panda fibres.

Probing the magnetic profile of diluted magnetic semiconductors using polarized neutron reflectivity.

PubMed

Luo, X; Tseng, L T; Lee, W T; Tan, T T; Bao, N N; Liu, R; Ding, J; Li, S; Lauter, V; Yi, J B

2017-07-24

Room temperature ferromagnetism has been observed in the Cu doped ZnO films deposited under an oxygen partial pressure of 10 -3 and 10 -5 torr on Pt (200 nm)/Ti (45 nm)/Si (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Due to the deposition at relatively high temperature (873 K), Cu and Ti atoms diffuse to the surface and interface, which significantly affects the magnetic properties. Depth sensitive polarized neutron reflectometry method provides the details of the composition and magnetization profiles and shows that an accumulation of Cu on the surface leads to an increase in the magnetization near the surface. Our results reveal that the presence of the copper at Zn sites induces ferromagnetism at room temperature, confirming intrinsic ferromagnetism.

Nonsequential double ionization channels control of Ar with few-cycle elliptically polarized laser pulse by carrier-envelope-phase.

PubMed

Ben, Shuai; Wang, Tian; Xu, Tongtong; Guo, Jing; Liu, Xueshen

2016-04-04

The carrier-envelop-phase (CEP) dependence of nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) of atomic Ar with few-cycle elliptically polarized laser pulse is investigated using 2D classical ensemble method. We distinguish two particular recollision channels in NSDI, which are recollision-impact ionization (RII) and recollision-induced excitation with subsequent ionization (RESI). We separate the RII and RESI channels according to the delay time between recollision and final double ionization. By tracing the history of the trajectories, we find the electron correlation spectra as well as the competition between the two channels are sensitively dependent on the laser field CEP. Finally, control can be achieved between the two channels by varying the CEP.

Characterization for imperfect polarizers under imperfect conditions.

PubMed

Nee, S M; Yoo, C; Cole, T; Burge, D

1998-01-01

The principles for measuring the extinction ratio and transmittance of a polarizer are formulated by use of the principal Mueller matrix, which includes both polarization and depolarization. The extinction ratio is about half of the depolarization, and the contrast is the inverse of the extinction ratio. Errors in the extinction ratio caused by partially polarized incident light and the misalignment of polarizers can be corrected by the devised zone average method and the null method. Used with a laser source, the null method can measure contrasts for very good polarizers. Correct algorithms are established to deduce the depolarization for three comparable polarizers calibrated mutually. These methods are tested with wire-grid polarizers used in the 3-5-microm wavelength region with a laser source and also a lamp source. The contrasts obtained from both methods agree.

Gigantic magnetoelectric effect caused by magnetic-field-induced canted antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition in quasi-two-dimensional Ca2CoSi2O7 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akaki, M.; Tozawa, J.; Akahoshi, D.; Kuwahara, H.

2009-05-01

We have investigated the magnetic and dielectric properties of Ca2CoSi2O7 crystal. The dielectricity and magnetism of Ca2CoSi2O7 are strongly coupled below a canted antiferromagnetic transition temperature (TN). Magnetic fields induce electric polarization below TN. Interestingly, the magnetic-field-induced electric polarization is detected even without poling electric fields. Below TN, a canted antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition is induced by magnetic fields. The large magnetocapacitance is observed around TN. The origin of the large magnetocapacitance is due to the magnetic-field-induced the canted antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition.

Design and building of new spin polarized Positron Annihilation Induced Auger Electron Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Zheng Hui; Mishler, Michael; Joglekar, Prasad; Shastry, Karthik; Koymen, Ali; Sharma, Suresh; Weiss, Alexander

2014-03-01

We propose to develop a next generation high flux variable energy spin-polarized position beam facility for materials studies. This new system will have a higher efficiency than our current system, and it will also be the first in the world to combine spin polarization with a time of flight Positron Annihilation induced Auger Electron Spectroscopy (PAES). The spin polarized positrons are electromagnetically guided towards the sample with an axial magnetic field and perpendicular electric fields. These incident positrons get annihilated at the surface of the sample creating two gamma rays and auger electrons via Auger transitions. These signals are useful in characterizing material surface, surface magnetization, and energy sharing in valence band. This new spectrometer, which is currently under construction, will be a next generation positron system. NSF.

Multifunction waveform generator for EM receiver testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kai; Jin, Sheng; Deng, Ming

2018-01-01

In many electromagnetic (EM) methods - such as magnetotelluric, spectral-induced polarization (SIP), time-domain-induced polarization (TDIP), and controlled-source audio magnetotelluric (CSAMT) methods - it is important to evaluate and test the EM receivers during their development stage. To assess the performance of the developed EM receivers, controlled synthetic data that simulate the observed signals in different modes are required. In CSAMT and SIP mode testing, the waveform generator should use the GPS time as the reference for repeating schedule. Based on our testing, the frequency range, frequency precision, and time synchronization of the currently available function waveform generators on the market are deficient. This paper presents a multifunction waveform generator with three waveforms: (1) a wideband, low-noise electromagnetic field signal to be used for magnetotelluric, audio-magnetotelluric, and long-period magnetotelluric studies; (2) a repeating frequency sweep square waveform for CSAMT and SIP studies; and (3) a positive-zero-negative-zero signal that contains primary and secondary fields for TDIP studies. In this paper, we provide the principles of the above three waveforms along with a hardware design for the generator. Furthermore, testing of the EM receiver was conducted with the waveform generator, and the results of the experiment were compared with those calculated from the simulation and theory in the frequency band of interest.

Polarization imprint effects on the photovoltaic effect in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Zhengwei; Tian, Junjiang; Fan, Zhen; Lu, Zengxing; Zhang, Luyong; Zheng, Dongfeng; Wang, Yadong; Chen, Deyang; Qin, Minghui; Zeng, Min; Lu, Xubing; Gao, Xingsen; Liu, Jun-Ming

2018-04-01

The polarization imprint along with the photovoltaic (PV) effect has been studied in Pt/Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3/SrRuO3 ferroelectric capacitors. It is shown that the positive DC poling induces the imprint with a downward direction whereas the negative DC poling suppresses the imprint (i.e., rejuvenation). In the polarization up state, the imprinted capacitor exhibits degraded PV properties compared with the rejuvenated one. This may be because the imprint reduces the number of upward domains, thus lowering the driving force for the PV effect. In the polarization down state, however, the rejuvenated capacitor enters the imprinted state spontaneously. This rejuvenation-to-imprint transition can be further aggravated by applying positive voltages and ultraviolet illumination. It is proposed that the domain pinning/depinning, which are associated with the oxygen vacancies and trapped electrons modulated by polarization, voltage, and illumination, may be responsible for the polarization imprint and rejuvenation. Our study therefore sheds light on the correlation between the polarization imprint and the PV effect in the ferroelectrics and also provides some viable suggestions to address the imprint-induced degradation of PV performance.

Rhinovirus infection induces distinct transcriptome profiles in polarized human macrophages.

PubMed

Rajput, Charu; Walsh, Megan P; Eder, Breanna N; Metitiri, Ediri E; Popova, Antonia P; Hershenson, Marc B

2018-05-01

Infections with rhinovirus (RV) cause asthma exacerbations. Recent studies suggest that macrophages play a role in asthmatic airway inflammation and the innate immune response to RV infection. Macrophages exhibit phenotypes based on surface markers and gene expression. We hypothesized that macrophage polarization state alters gene expression in response to RV infection. Cells were derived from human peripheral blood derived monocytes. M1 and M2 polarization was carried out by using IFN-γ and IL-4, respectively, and RNA was extracted for Affymetrix Human Gene ST2.1 exon arrays. Selected genes were validated by quantitative (q)PCR. Treatment of nonactivated (M0) macrophages with IFN-γ and IL-4 induced the expression of 252 and 153 distinct genes, respectively, including previously-identified M1 and M2 markers. RV infection of M0 macrophages induced upregulation of 232 genes; pathway analysis showed significant overrepresentation of genes involved in IFN-α/β signaling and cytokine signaling in the immune system. RV infection induced differential expression of 195 distinct genes in M1-like macrophages but only seven distinct genes in M2-like-polarized cells. In a secondary analysis, comparison between M0-, RV-infected, and M1-like-polarized, RV-infected macrophages revealed differential expression of 227 genes including those associated with asthma and its exacerbation. qPCR demonstrated increased expression of CCL8, CXCL10, TNFSF10, TNFSF18, IL6, NOD2, and GSDMD and reduced expression of VNN1, AGO1, and AGO2. Together, these data show that, in contrast to M2-like-polarized macrophages, gene expression of M1-like macrophages is highly regulated by RV.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced in vitro by solvent-extractable organic matter of size-segregated urban particulate matter.

PubMed

Velali, Ekaterini; Papachristou, Eleni; Pantazaki, Anastasia; Choli-Papadopoulou, Theodora; Argyrou, Nikoleta; Tsourouktsoglou, Theodora; Lialiaris, Stergios; Constantinidis, Alexandros; Lykidis, Dimitrios; Lialiaris, Thedore S; Besis, Athanasios; Voutsa, Dimitra; Samara, Constantini

2016-11-01

Three organic fractions of different polarity, including a non polar organic fraction (NPOF), a moderately polar organic fraction (MPOF), and a polar organic fraction (POF) were obtained from size-segregated (<0.49, 0.49-0.97, 0.97-3 and >3 μm) urban particulate matter (PM) samples, and tested for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using a battery of in vitro assays. The cytotoxicity induced by the organic PM fractions was measured by the mitochondrial dehydrogenase (MTT) cell viability assay applied on MRC-5 human lung epithelial cells. DNA damages were evaluated through the comet assay, determination of the poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity, and the oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation, while pro-inflammatory effects were assessed by determination of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mediator release. In addition, the Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) inducibility of the solvent-extractable organic matter was measured on human peripheral lymphocyte. Variations of responses were assessed in relation to the polarity (hence the expected composition) of the organic PM fractions, particle size, locality, and season. Organic PM fractions were found to induce rather comparable Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of PM appeared to be rather independent from the polarity of the extractable organic PM matter (EOM) with POF often being relatively more toxic than NPOF or MPOF. All assays indicated stronger mass-normalized bioactivity for fine than coarse particles peaking in the 0.97-3 and/or the 0.49-0.97 μm size ranges. Nevertheless, the air volume-normalized bioactivity in all assays was highest for the <0.49 μm size range highlighting the important human health risk posed by the inhalation of these quasi-ultrafine particles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polarization induced doped transistor

DOEpatents

Xing, Huili; Jena, Debdeep; Nomoto, Kazuki; Song, Bo; Zhu, Mingda; Hu, Zongyang

2016-06-07

A nitride-based field effect transistor (FET) comprises a compositionally graded and polarization induced doped p-layer underlying at least one gate contact and a compositionally graded and doped n-channel underlying a source contact. The n-channel is converted from the p-layer to the n-channel by ion implantation, a buffer underlies the doped p-layer and the n-channel, and a drain underlies the buffer.

PPAR Activation Induces M1 Macrophage Polarization via cPLA2-COX-2 Inhibition, Activating ROS Production against Leishmania mexicana

PubMed Central

Díaz-Gandarilla, J. A.; Osorio-Trujillo, C.; Hernández-Ramírez, V. I.; Talamás-Rohana, P.

2013-01-01

Defence against Leishmania depends upon Th1 inflammatory response and, a major problem in susceptible models, is the turnoff of the leishmanicidal activity of macrophages with IL-10, IL-4, and COX-2 upregulation, as well as immunosuppressive PGE2, all together inhibiting the respiratory burst. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) activation is responsible for macrophages polarization on Leishmania susceptible models where microbicide functions are deactivated. In this paper, we demonstrated that, at least for L. mexicana, PPAR activation, mainly PPARγ, induced macrophage activation through their polarization towards M1 profile with the increase of microbicide activity against intracellular pathogen L. mexicana. PPAR activation induced IL-10 downregulation, whereas the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 remained high. Moreover, PPAR agonists treatment induced the deactivation of cPLA2-COX-2-prostaglandins pathway together with an increase in TLR4 expression, all of whose criteria meet the M1 macrophage profile. Finally, parasite burden, in treated macrophages, was lower than that in infected nontreated macrophages, most probably associated with the increase of respiratory burst in these treated cells. Based on the above data, we conclude that PPAR agonists used in this work induces M1 macrophages polarization via inhibition of cPLA2 and the increase of aggressive microbicidal activity via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. PMID:23555077

Precision phase estimation based on weak-value amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Xiaodong; Xie, Linguo; Liu, Xiong; Luo, Lan; Li, Zhaoxue; Zhang, Zhiyou; Du, Jinglei

2017-02-01

In this letter, we propose a precision method for phase estimation based on the weak-value amplification (WVA) technique using a monochromatic light source. The anomalous WVA significantly suppresses the technical noise with respect to the intensity difference signal induced by the phase delay when the post-selection procedure comes into play. The phase measured precision of this method is proportional to the weak-value of a polarization operator in the experimental range. Our results compete well with the wide spectrum light phase weak measurements and outperform the standard homodyne phase detection technique.

Enhanced M1 Macrophage Polarization in Human Helicobacter pylori-Associated Atrophic Gastritis and in Vaccinated Mice

PubMed Central

Quiding-Järbrink, Marianne; Raghavan, Sukanya; Sundquist, Malin

2010-01-01

Background Infection with Helicobacter pylori triggers a chronic gastric inflammation that can progress to atrophy and gastric adenocarcinoma. Polarization of macrophages is a characteristic of both cancer and infection, and may promote progression or resolution of disease. However, the role of macrophages and their polarization during H. pylori infection has not been well defined. Methodology/Principal Findings By using a mouse model of infection and gastric biopsies from 29 individuals, we have analyzed macrophage recruitment and polarization during H. pylori infection by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. We found a sequential recruitment of neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages to the gastric mucosa of infected mice. Gene expression analysis of stomach tissue and sorted macrophages revealed that gastric macrophages were polarized to M1 after H. pylori infection, and this process was substantially accelerated by prior vaccination. Human H. pylori infection was characterized by a mixed M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. However, in H. pylori-associated atrophic gastritis, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was markedly increased compared to uncomplicated gastritis, indicative of an enhanced M1 macrophage polarization in this pre-malignant lesion. Conclusions/Significance These results show that vaccination of mice against H. pylori amplifies M1 polarization of gastric macrophages, and that a similar enhanced M1 polarization is present in human H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis. PMID:21124899

DETECTING EXOMOONS AROUND SELF-LUMINOUS GIANT EXOPLANETS THROUGH POLARIZATION.

PubMed

Sengupta, Sujan; Marley, Mark S

2016-01-01

Many of the directly imaged self-luminous gas giant exoplanets have been found to have cloudy atmospheres. Scattering of the emergent thermal radiation from these planets by the dust grains in their atmospheres should locally give rise to significant linear polarization of the emitted radiation. However, the observable disk averaged polarization should be zero if the planet is spherically symmetric. Rotation-induced oblateness may yield a net non-zero disk averaged polarization if the planets have sufficiently high spin rotation velocity. On the other hand, when a large natural satellite or exomoon transits a planet with cloudy atmosphere along the line of sight, the asymmetry induced during the transit should give rise to a net non-zero, time resolved linear polarization signal. The peak amplitude of such time dependent polarization may be detectable even for slowly rotating exoplanets. Therefore, we suggest that large exomoons around directly imaged self-luminous exoplanets may be detectable through time resolved imaging polarimetry. Adopting detailed atmospheric models for several values of effective temperature and surface gravity which are appropriate for self-luminous exoplanets, we present the polarization profiles of these objects in the infrared during transit phase and estimate the peak amplitude of polarization that occurs during the inner contacts of the transit ingress/egress phase. The peak polarization is predicted to range between 0.1 and 0.3 % in the infrared.

Polar Flagellar Motility of the Vibrionaceae

PubMed Central

McCarter, Linda L.

2001-01-01

Polar flagella of Vibrio species can rotate at speeds as high as 100,000 rpm and effectively propel the bacteria in liquid as fast as 60 μm/s. The sodium motive force powers rotation of the filament, which acts as a propeller. The filament is complex, composed of multiple subunits, and sheathed by an extension of the cell outer membrane. The regulatory circuitry controlling expression of the polar flagellar genes of members of the Vibrionaceae is different from the peritrichous system of enteric bacteria or the polar system of Caulobacter crescentus. The scheme of gene control is also pertinent to other members of the gamma purple bacteria, in particular to Pseudomonas species. This review uses the framework of the polar flagellar system of Vibrio parahaemolyticus to provide a synthesis of what is known about polar motility systems of the Vibrionaceae. In addition to its propulsive role, the single polar flagellum of V. parahaemolyticus is believed to act as a tactile sensor controlling surface-induced gene expression. Under conditions that impede rotation of the polar flagellum, an alternate, lateral flagellar motility system is induced that enables movement through viscous environments and over surfaces. Although the dual flagellar systems possess no shared structural components and although distinct type III secretion systems direct the simultaneous placement and assembly of polar and lateral organelles, movement is coordinated by shared chemotaxis machinery. PMID:11528005

DETECTING EXOMOONS AROUND SELF-LUMINOUS GIANT EXOPLANETS THROUGH POLARIZATION

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

Sengupta, Sujan; Marley, Mark S., E-mail: sujan@iiap.res.in, E-mail: Mark.S.Marley@NASA.gov

Many of the directly imaged self-luminous gas-giant exoplanets have been found to have cloudy atmospheres. Scattering of the emergent thermal radiation from these planets by the dust grains in their atmospheres should locally give rise to significant linear polarization of the emitted radiation. However, the observable disk-averaged polarization should be zero if the planet is spherically symmetric. Rotation-induced oblateness may yield a net non-zero disk-averaged polarization if the planets have sufficiently high spin rotation velocity. On the other hand, when a large natural satellite or exomoon transits a planet with a cloudy atmosphere along the line of sight, the asymmetrymore » induced during the transit should give rise to a net non-zero, time-resolved linear polarization signal. The peak amplitude of such time-dependent polarization may be detectable even for slowly rotating exoplanets. Therefore, we suggest that large exomoons around directly imaged self-luminous exoplanets may be detectable through time-resolved imaging polarimetry. Adopting detailed atmospheric models for several values of effective temperature and surface gravity that are appropriate for self-luminous exoplanets, we present the polarization profiles of these objects in the infrared during the transit phase and estimate the peak amplitude of polarization that occurs during the inner contacts of the transit ingress/egress phase. The peak polarization is predicted to range between 0.1% and 0.3% in the infrared.« less

Detecting Exomoons Around Self-Luminous Giant Exoplanets Through Polarization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sengupta, Sujan; Marley, Mark Scott

2016-01-01

Many of the directly imaged self-luminous gas giant exoplanets have been found to have cloudy atmo- spheres. Scattering of the emergent thermal radiation from these planets by the dust grains in their atmospheres should locally give rise to significant linear polarization of the emitted radiation. However, the observable disk averaged polarization should be zero if the planet is spherically symmetric. Rotation-induced oblateness may yield a net non-zero disk averaged polarization if the planets have sufficiently high spin rotation velocity. On the other hand, when a large natural satellite or exomoon transits a planet with cloudy atmosphere along the line of sight, the asymmetry induced during the transit should give rise to a net non-zero, time resolved linear polarization signal. The peak amplitude of such time dependent polarization may be detectable even for slowly rotating exoplanets. Therefore, we suggest that large exomoons around directly imaged self-luminous exoplanets may be detectable through time resolved imaging polarimetry. Adopting detailed atmospheric models for several values of effective temperature and surface gravity which are appropriate for self-luminous exoplanets, we present the polarization profiles of these objects in the infrared during transit phase and estimate the peak amplitude of polarization that occurs during the the inner contacts of the transit ingress/egress phase. The peak polarization is predicted to range between 0.1 and 0.3 % in the infrared.

DETECTING EXOMOONS AROUND SELF-LUMINOUS GIANT EXOPLANETS THROUGH POLARIZATION

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Sujan; Marley, Mark S.

2017-01-01

Many of the directly imaged self-luminous gas giant exoplanets have been found to have cloudy atmospheres. Scattering of the emergent thermal radiation from these planets by the dust grains in their atmospheres should locally give rise to significant linear polarization of the emitted radiation. However, the observable disk averaged polarization should be zero if the planet is spherically symmetric. Rotation-induced oblateness may yield a net non-zero disk averaged polarization if the planets have sufficiently high spin rotation velocity. On the other hand, when a large natural satellite or exomoon transits a planet with cloudy atmosphere along the line of sight, the asymmetry induced during the transit should give rise to a net non-zero, time resolved linear polarization signal. The peak amplitude of such time dependent polarization may be detectable even for slowly rotating exoplanets. Therefore, we suggest that large exomoons around directly imaged self-luminous exoplanets may be detectable through time resolved imaging polarimetry. Adopting detailed atmospheric models for several values of effective temperature and surface gravity which are appropriate for self-luminous exoplanets, we present the polarization profiles of these objects in the infrared during transit phase and estimate the peak amplitude of polarization that occurs during the inner contacts of the transit ingress/egress phase. The peak polarization is predicted to range between 0.1 and 0.3 % in the infrared. PMID:29430024

Effects of molecular chirality on self-assembly and switching in liquid crystals at the cross-over between rod-like and bent shapes.

PubMed

Ocak, Hale; Poppe, Marco; Bilgin-Eran, Belkız; Karanlık, Gürkan; Prehm, Marko; Tschierske, Carsten

2016-09-21

A bent-core compound derived from a 4-cyanoresorcinol core unit with two terephthalate based rod-like wings and carrying chiral 3,7-dimethyloctyloxy side chains has been synthesized in racemic and enantiomerically pure form and characterized by polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and electro-optical investigations to study the influence of molecular chirality on the superstructural chirality and polar order in lamellar liquid crystalline phases. Herein we demonstrate that the coupling of molecular chirality with superstructural layer chirality in SmCsPF domain phases (forming energetically distinct diastereomeric pairs) can fix the tilt direction and thus stabilize synpolar order, leading to bistable ferroelectric switching in the SmC* phases of the (S)-enantiomer, whereas tristable modes determine the switching of the racemate. Moreover, the mechanism of electric field induced molecular reorganization changes from a rotation around the molecular long axis in the racemate to a rotation on the tilt-cone for the (S)-enantiomer. At high temperature the enantiomer behaves like a rod-like molecule with a chirality induced ferroelectric SmC* phase and an electroclinic effect in the SmA'* phase. At reduced temperature sterically induced polarization, due to the bent molecular shape, becomes dominating, leading to much higher polarization values, thus providing access to high polarization ferroelectric materials with weakly bent compounds having only "weakly chiral" stereogenic units. Moreover, the field induced alignment of the SmCsPF(()*()) domains gives rise to a special kind of electroclinic effect appearing even in the absence of molecular chirality. Comparison with related compounds indicates that the strongest effects of chirality appear for weakly bent molecules with a relatively short coherence length of polar order, whereas for smectic phases with long range polar order the effects of the interlayer interfaces can override the chirality effects.

Dielectric-spectroscopy approach to ferrofluid nanoparticle clustering induced by an external electric field.

PubMed

Rajnak, Michal; Kurimsky, Juraj; Dolnik, Bystrik; Kopcansky, Peter; Tomasovicova, Natalia; Taculescu-Moaca, Elena Alina; Timko, Milan

2014-09-01

An experimental study of magnetic colloidal particles cluster formation induced by an external electric field in a ferrofluid based on transformer oil is presented. Using frequency domain isothermal dielectric spectroscopy, we study the influence of a test cell electrode separation distance on a low-frequency relaxation process. We consider the relaxation process to be associated with an electric double layer polarization taking place on the particle surface. It has been found that the relaxation maximum considerably shifts towards lower frequencies when conducting the measurements in the test cells with greater electrode separation distances. As the electric field intensity was always kept at a constant value, we propose that the particle cluster formation induced by the external ac electric field accounts for that phenomenon. The increase in the relaxation time is in accordance with the Schwarz theory of electric double layer polarization. In addition, we analyze the influence of a static electric field generated by dc bias voltage on a similar shift in the relaxation maximum position. The variation of the dc electric field for the hysteresis measurements purpose provides understanding of the development of the particle clusters and their decay. Following our results, we emphasize the utility of dielectric spectroscopy as a simple, complementary method for detection and study of clusters of colloidal particles induced by external electric field.

Online monitoring of chemical reactions by polarization-induced electrospray ionization.

PubMed

Meher, Anil Kumar; Chen, Yu-Chie

2016-09-21

Polarization-induced electrospray ionization (PI-ESI) is a simple technique for instant generation of gas-phase ions directly from a microliter-sized droplet for mass spectrometric analysis. A sample droplet was placed over a dielectric substrate and in proximity (2-3 mm) to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. Owing to the polarization effect induced by the high electric field provided by the mass spectrometer, the droplet was polarized and the electrospray was generated from the apex of the droplet. The polarization-induced electrospray could last for tens of seconds, which was sufficiently long to monitor fast reactions occurring within few seconds. Thus, we demonstrated the feasibility of using the droplet-based PI-ESI MS for the online monitoring of fast reactions by simply mixing two droplets (5-10 μL) containing reactants on a dielectric substrate placed in front of a mass spectrometer applied with a high voltage (-4500 V). Schiff base reactions and oxidation reactions that can generate intermediates/products within a few seconds were selected as the model reactions. The ionic reaction species generated from intermediates and products can be simultaneously monitored by PI-ESI MS in real time. We also used this approach to selectively detect acetone from a urine sample, in which acetone was derivatized in situ. In addition, the possibility of using this approach for quantitative analysis of acetone from urine samples was examined. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Angular-momentum-assisted dissociation of CO in strong optical fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullin, Amy; Ogden, Hannah; Murray, Matthew; Liu, Qingnan; Toro, Carlos

2017-04-01

Filaments are produced in CO gas by intense, chirped laser pulses. Visible emission from C2 is observed as a result of chemical reactions of highly excited CO. At laser intensities greater than 1014 W cm-2, the C2 emission shows a strong dependence on laser polarization. Oppositely chirped pulses of light with ω0 = 800 nm are recombined spatially and temporally to generate angularly accelerating electric fields (up to 30 THz) that either have an instantaneous linear polarization or act as a dynamic polarization grating that oscillates among linear and circular polarizations. The angularly accelerating linear polarization corresponds to an optical centrifuge that concurrently drives molecules into high rotational states (with J 50) and induces strong-field dissociation. Higher order excitation is observed for the time-varying laser polarization configuration that does not induce rotational excitation. The results indicate that the presence of rotational angular momentum lowers the threshold for CO dissociation in strong optical fields by coupling nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom. Support from NSF CHE-1058721 and the University of Maryland.

Circularly polarized attosecond pulse generation and applications to ultrafast magnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandrauk, André D.; Guo, Jing; Yuan, Kai-Jun

2017-12-01

Attosecond science is a growing new field of research and potential applications which relies on the development of attosecond light sources. Achievements in the generation and application of attosecond pulses enable to investigate electron dynamics in the nonlinear nonperturbative regime of laser-matter interactions on the electron’s natural time scale, the attosecond. In this review, we describe the generation of circularly polarized attosecond pulses and their applications to induce attosecond magnetic fields, new tools for ultrafast magnetism. Simulations are performed on aligned one-electron molecular ions by using nonperturbative nonlinear solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. We discuss how bichromatic circularly polarized laser pulses with co-rotating or counter-rotating components induce electron-parent ion recollisions, thus producing circularly polarized high-order harmonic generation, the source of circularly polarized attosecond pulses. Ultrafast quantum electron currents created by the generated attosecond pulses give rise to attosecond magnetic field pulses. The results provide a guiding principle for producing circularly polarized attosecond pulses and ultrafast magnetic fields in complex molecular systems for future research in ultrafast magneto-optics.

Non-ultraviolet-based patterning of polymer structures by optically induced electrohydrodynamic instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Feifei; Yu, Haibo; Liu, Na; Mai, John D.; Liu, Lianqing; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Jung Li, Wen

2013-11-01

We report here an approach to rapidly construct organized formations of micron-scale pillars from a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film by optically induced electrohydrodynamic instability (OEHI). In OEHI, a heterogeneous electric field is induced across two thin fluidic layers by stimulating a photoconductive thin film in a parallel-plate capacitor configuration with visible light. We demonstrated that this OEHI method could control nucleation sites of pillars formed by electrohydrodynamic instability. To investigate this phenomenon, a tangential electric force component is assumed to have arisen from the surface polarization charge and is introduced into the traditional perfect dielectric model for PDMS films. Numerical simulation results showed that this tangential electric force played an important role in OEHI.

A Thermally Insulating Textile Inspired by Polar Bear Hair.

PubMed

Cui, Ying; Gong, Huaxin; Wang, Yujie; Li, Dewen; Bai, Hao

2018-04-01

Animals living in the extremely cold environment, such as polar bears, have shown amazing capability to keep warm, benefiting from their hollow hairs. Mimicking such a strategy in synthetic fibers would stimulate smart textiles for efficient personal thermal management, which plays an important role in preventing heat loss and improving efficiency in house warming energy consumption. Here, a "freeze-spinning" technique is used to realize continuous and large-scale fabrication of fibers with aligned porous structure, mimicking polar bear hairs, which is difficult to achieve by other methods. A textile woven with such biomimetic fibers shows an excellent thermal insulation property as well as good breathability and wearability. In addition to passively insulating heat loss, the textile can also function as a wearable heater, when doped with electroheating materials such as carbon nanotubes, to induce fast thermal response and uniform electroheating while maintaining its soft and porous nature for comfortable wearing. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Spin-orbit beams for optical chirality measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samlan, C. T.; Suna, Rashmi Ranjan; Naik, Dinesh N.; Viswanathan, Nirmal K.

2018-01-01

Accurate measurement of chirality is essential for the advancement of natural and pharmaceutical sciences. We report here a method to measure chirality using non-separable states of light with geometric phase-gradient in the circular polarization basis, which we refer to as spin-orbit beams. A modified polarization Sagnac interferometer is used to generate spin-orbit beams wherein the spin and orbital angular momentum of the input Gaussian beam are coupled. The out-of-phase interference between counter-propagating Gaussian beams with orthogonal spin states and lateral-shear or/and linear-phase difference between them results in spin-orbit beams with linear and azimuthal phase gradient. The spin-orbit beams interact efficiently with the chiral medium, inducing a measurable change in the center-of-mass of the beam, using the polarization rotation angle and hence the chirality of the medium are accurately calculated. Tunable dynamic range of measurement and flexibility to introduce large values of orbital angular momentum for the spin-orbit beam, to improve the measurement sensitivity, highlight the techniques' versatility.

Self-energy effect and Coulomb potential modulation of the exciton in monolayer MoS2 on polar substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zi-Wu; Xiao, Yao; Li, Run-Ze; Li, Wei-Ping; Li, Zhi-Qing

2017-11-01

We theoretically investigate the correction of exciton binding energy in monolayer MoS2 resulting from the exciton couples with surface optical (SO) phonons induced by polar substrate. The total correction of binding energy can be divided into the self-energy effect and modification of Coulomb potential using the unitary transformation method. We find that both the self-energy and Coulomb potential vary from tens of meV to several hundreds of meV depending on the cut-off wave vector of SO phonon modes, polarizability of substrate materials and internal distance between the monolayer MoS2 and polar substrate. An effective Coulomb potential is obtained by combining the modified term into the Coulomb potential. This potentially could be widely used in various two-dimensional materials. Our theoretical results not only propose the ways to externally control the exciton binding energy in experiment, but also enrich the understanding of the exciton properties in the dielectric environment.

Multilayer thin film design as far ultraviolet polarizers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jongmin; Zukic, Muamer; Torr, Douglas T.

1993-01-01

We use a concept of induced transmission and absorption to design multilayer thin film reflection polarizers in the FUV region. We achieve high s-polarization reflectance and a high degree of polarization by means of a MgF2/Al/MgF2 three layer structure on an opaque thick film of aluminum as the substrate. For convenience they are designed at a 45 deg angle of incidence. For example, our polarizer designed for the Lyman-alpha line (121.6 nm) has 88.67 percent reflectance for the s-polarization case, and 1.21 percent for the p-polarization case, with a degree of polarization of 97.31 percent. If we make a double surface polarizer with this design, it will have a degree of polarization of 99.96 percent and s-polarization throughput of 78.62 percent.

Polarized x-ray emission from magnetized neutron stars: signature of strong-field vacuum polarization.

PubMed

Lai, Dong; Ho, Wynn C G

2003-08-15

In the atmospheric plasma of a strongly magnetized neutron star, vacuum polarization can induce a Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein type resonance across which an x-ray photon may (depending on its energy) convert from one mode into the other, with significant changes in opacities and polarizations. We show that this vacuum resonance effect gives rise to a unique energy-dependent polarization signature in the surface emission from neutron stars. The detection of polarized x rays from neutron stars can provide a direct probe of strong-field quantum electrodynamics and constrain the neutron star magnetic field and geometry.

Polarized X-Ray Emission from Magnetized Neutron Stars: Signature of Strong-Field Vacuum Polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Dong; Ho, Wynn C.

2003-08-01

In the atmospheric plasma of a strongly magnetized neutron star, vacuum polarization can induce a Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein type resonance across which an x-ray photon may (depending on its energy) convert from one mode into the other, with significant changes in opacities and polarizations. We show that this vacuum resonance effect gives rise to a unique energy-dependent polarization signature in the surface emission from neutron stars. The detection of polarized x rays from neutron stars can provide a direct probe of strong-field quantum electrodynamics and constrain the neutron star magnetic field and geometry.

Loss of macrophage fatty acid oxidation does not potentiate systemic metabolic dysfunction

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Hurtado, Elsie; Lee, Jieun; Choi, Joseph; Selen Alpergin, Ebru S.; Collins, Samuel L.; Horton, Maureen R.

2017-01-01

Fatty acid oxidation in macrophages has been suggested to play a causative role in high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, particularly in the etiology of adipose-driven insulin resistance. To understand the contribution of macrophage fatty acid oxidation directly to metabolic dysfunction in high-fat diet-induced obesity, we generated mice with a myeloid-specific knockout of carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT2 Mϕ-KO), an obligate step in mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation. While fatty acid oxidation was clearly induced upon IL-4 stimulation, fatty acid oxidation-deficient CPT2 Mϕ-KO bone marrow-derived macrophages displayed canonical markers of M2 polarization following IL-4 stimulation in vitro. In addition, loss of macrophage fatty acid oxidation in vivo did not alter the progression of high-fat diet-induced obesity, inflammation, macrophage polarization, oxidative stress, or glucose intolerance. These data suggest that although IL-4-stimulated alternatively activated macrophages upregulate fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid oxidation is dispensable for macrophage polarization and high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction. Macrophage fatty acid oxidation likely plays a correlative, rather than causative, role in systemic metabolic dysfunction. PMID:28223293

MyD88-dependent expansion of an immature GR-1+CD11b+ population induces T cell suppression and Th2 polarization in sepsis

PubMed Central

Delano, Matthew J.; Scumpia, Philip O.; Weinstein, Jason S.; Coco, Dominique; Nagaraj, Srinivas; Kelly-Scumpia, Kindra M.; O'Malley, Kerri A.; Wynn, James L.; Antonenko, Svetlana; Al-Quran, Samer Z.; Swan, Ryan; Chung, Chun-Shiang; Atkinson, Mark A.; Ramphal, Reuben; Gabrilovich, Dmitry I.; Reeves, Wesley H.; Ayala, Alfred; Phillips, Joseph; LaFace, Drake; Heyworth, Paul G.; Clare-Salzler, Michael; Moldawer, Lyle L.

2007-01-01

Polymicrobial sepsis alters the adaptive immune response and induces T cell suppression and Th2 immune polarization. We identify a GR-1+CD11b+ population whose numbers dramatically increase and remain elevated in the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow during polymicrobial sepsis. Phenotypically, these cells are heterogeneous, immature, predominantly myeloid progenitors that express interleukin 10 and several other cytokines and chemokines. Splenic GR-1+ cells effectively suppress antigen-specific CD8+ T cell interferon (IFN) γ production but only modestly suppress antigen-specific and nonspecific CD4+ T cell proliferation. GR-1+ cell depletion in vivo prevents both the sepsis-induced augmentation of Th2 cell–dependent and depression of Th1 cell–dependent antibody production. Signaling through MyD88, but not Toll-like receptor 4, TIR domain–containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β, or the IFN-α/β receptor, is required for complete GR-1+CD11b+ expansion. GR-1+CD11b+ cells contribute to sepsis-induced T cell suppression and preferential Th2 polarization. PMID:17548519

Decoupling of superposed textures in an electrically biased piezoceramic with a 100 preferred orientation

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

Fancher, Chris M.; Blendell, John E.; Bowman, Keith J.

2017-02-07

A method leveraging Rietveld full-pattern texture analysis to decouple induced domain texture from a preferred grain orientation is presented in this paper. The proposed method is demonstrated by determining the induced domain texture in a polar polymorph of 100 oriented 0.91Bi 1/2Na 1/2TiO 3-0.07BaTiO 3-0.02K 0.5Na 0.5NbO 3. Domain textures determined using the present method are compared with results obtained via single peak fitting. Texture determined using single peak fitting estimated more domain alignment than that determined using the Rietveld based method. These results suggest that the combination of grain texture and phase transitions can lead to single peak fittingmore » under or over estimating domain texture. Finally, while demonstrated for a bulk piezoelectric, the proposed method can be applied to quantify domain textures in multi-component systems and thin films.« less

Aspergillus fumigatus Cell Wall α-(1,3)-Glucan Stimulates Regulatory T-Cell Polarization by Inducing PD-L1 Expression on Human Dendritic Cells.

PubMed

Stephen-Victor, Emmanuel; Karnam, Anupama; Fontaine, Thierry; Beauvais, Anne; Das, Mrinmoy; Hegde, Pushpa; Prakhar, Praveen; Holla, Sahana; Balaji, Kithiganahalli N; Kaveri, Srini V; Latgé, Jean-Paul; Aimanianda, Vishukumar; Bayry, Jagadeesh

2017-12-05

Human dendritic cell (DC) response to α-(1,3)-glucan polysaccharide of Aspergillus fumigatus and ensuing CD4+ T-cell polarization are poorly characterized. α-(1,3)-Glucan was isolated from A. fumigatus conidia and mycelia cell wall. For the analysis of polarization, DCs and autologous naive CD4+ T cells were cocultured. Phenotype of immune cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blocking antibodies were used to dissect the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in regulating α-(1,3)-glucan-mediated DC activation and T-cell responses. DCs from TLR2-deficient mice were additionally used to consolidate the findings. α-(1,3)-Glucan induced the maturation of DCs and was dependent in part on TLR2. "α-(1,3)-Glucan-educated" DCs stimulated the activation of naive T cells and polarized a subset of these cells into CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Mechanistically, Treg stimulation by α-(1,3)-glucan was dependent on the PD-L1 pathway that negatively regulated interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion. Short α-(1,3)-oligosaccharides lacked the capacity to induce maturation of DCs but significantly blocked α-(1,3)-glucan-induced Treg polarization. PD-L1 dictates the balance between Treg and IFN-γ responses induced by α-(1,3)-glucan. Our data provide a rationale for the exploitation of immunotherapeutic approaches that target PD-1-PD-L1 to enhance protective immune responses to A. fumigatus infections. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A new model for the spectral induced polarization signature of bacterial growth in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, C.; Revil, A.; Atekwana, E. A.; Jardani, A.; Smith, S.

2012-12-01

Recent biogeophysics studies demonstrated the sensitivity of complex conductivity to bacterial growth and microbial mediated mineral transformations in porous media. Frequency-domain induced polarization is a minimally invasive manner to measure the complex conductivity of a material over a broad range of frequencies. The real component of complex conductivity is associated with electromigration of the charge carriers, and the imaginary component represents reversible energy storage of charge carriers at polarization length scales. Quantitative relationship between frequency-domain induced polarization responses and bacterial growth and decay in porous media is analyzed in this study using a new developed model. We focus on the direct contribution of bacteria themselves to the complex conductivity in porous media in the absence of biomineralization. At low frequencies, the induced polarization of bacteria (α-polarization) is related to the properties of the electrical double layer surrounding the membrane surface of bacteria. Surface conductivity and α-polarization are due to the Stern layer of the counterions occurring in a brush of polymers coating the surface of the bacteria, and can be related to the cation exchange capacity of the bacteria. From the modeling results, at low frequencies (< 10 Hz), the mobility of the counterions (K+) in the Stern layer of bacteria is found to be extremely small (4.7×10-10 m2s-1 V-1 at 25°C), and is close to the mobility of the same counterions along the surface of clay minerals (Na+, 1.5×10-10 m2s-1 V-1 at 25°C). This result is in agreement with experimental observations and it indicates a very low relaxation frequency for the α-polarization of the bacteria cells (typically around 0.1 to 5 Hertz). By coupling this new model with reactive transport modeling in which the evolution of bacterial populations are usually described by Monod kinetics, we show that the changes in imaginary conductivity with time can be used to determine bacterial growth kinetics parameters such as the growth and endogenous decay coefficient.

A spin filter transistor made of topological Weyl semimetal

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

Shi, Zhangsheng; Wang, Maoji; Wu, Jiansheng, E-mail: wujs@sustc.edu.cn

2015-09-07

Topological boundary states (TBSs) in Weyl semimetal (WSM) thin film can induce tunneling. Such TBSs are spin polarized inducing spin-polarized current, which can be used to build a spin-filter transistor (SFT) in spintronics. The WSM thin film can be viewed as a series of decoupled quantum anomalous Hall insulator (QAHI) wires connected in parallel, so compared with the proposed SFT made of QAHI nanowire, this SFT has a broader working energy region and easier to be manipulated. And within a narrow region outside this energy domain, the 2D WSM is with very low conductance, so it makes a good on/offmore » switch device with controllable chemical potential induced by liquid ion gate. We also construct a loop device made of 2D WSM with inserted controllable flux to control the polarized current.« less

Multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography as a non-invasive tool to characterize and monitor crop root systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weigand, Maximilian; Kemna, Andreas

2017-02-01

A better understanding of root-soil interactions and associated processes is essential in achieving progress in crop breeding and management, prompting the need for high-resolution and non-destructive characterization methods. To date, such methods are still lacking or restricted by technical constraints, in particular the charactization and monitoring of root growth and function in the field. A promising technique in this respect is electrical impedance tomography (EIT), which utilizes low-frequency (< 1 kHz)- electrical conduction- and polarization properties in an imaging framework. It is well established that cells and cell clusters exhibit an electrical polarization response in alternating electric-current fields due to electrical double layers which form at cell membranes. This double layer is directly related to the electrical surface properties of the membrane, which in turn are influenced by nutrient dynamics (fluxes and concentrations on both sides of the membranes). Therefore, it can be assumed that the electrical polarization properties of roots are inherently related to ion uptake and translocation processes in the root systems. We hereby propose broadband (mHz to hundreds of Hz) multi-frequency EIT as a non-invasive methodological approach for the monitoring and physiological, i.e., functional, characterization of crop root systems. The approach combines the spatial-resolution capability of an imaging method with the diagnostic potential of electrical-impedance spectroscopy. The capability of multi-frequency EIT to characterize and monitor crop root systems was investigated in a rhizotron laboratory experiment, in which the root system of oilseed plants was monitored in a water-filled rhizotron, that is, in a nutrient-deprived environment. We found a low-frequency polarization response of the root system, which enabled the successful delineation of its spatial extension. The magnitude of the overall polarization response decreased along with the physiological decay of the root system due to the stress situation. Spectral polarization parameters, as derived from a pixel-based Debye decomposition analysis of the multi-frequency imaging results, reveal systematic changes in the spatial and spectral electrical response of the root system. In particular, quantified mean relaxation times (of the order of 10 ms) indicate changes in the length scales on which the polarization processes took place in the root system, as a response to the prolonged induced stress situation. Our results demonstrate that broadband EIT is a capable, non-invasive method to image root system extension as well as to monitor changes associated with the root physiological processes. Given its applicability on both laboratory and field scales, our results suggest an enormous potential of the method for the structural and functional imaging of root systems for various applications. This particularly holds for the field scale, where corresponding methods are highly desired but to date are lacking.

Nanoscale probing of image-dipole interactions in a metallic nanostructure

PubMed Central

Ropp, Chad; Cummins, Zachary; Nah, Sanghee; Fourkas, John T.; Shapiro, Benjamin; Waks, Edo

2015-01-01

An emitter near a surface induces an image dipole that can modify the observed emission intensity and radiation pattern. These image-dipole effects are generally not taken into account in single-emitter tracking and super-resolved imaging applications. Here we show that the interference between an emitter and its image dipole induces a strong polarization anisotropy and a large spatial displacement of the observed emission pattern. We demonstrate these effects by tracking the emission of a single quantum dot along two orthogonal polarizations as it is deterministically positioned near a silver nanowire. The two orthogonally polarized diffraction spots can be displaced by up to 50 nm, which arises from a Young’s interference effect between the quantum dot and its induced image dipole. We show that the observed spatially varying interference fringe provides a useful measure for correcting image-dipole-induced distortions. These results provide a pathway towards probing and correcting image-dipole effects in near-field imaging applications. PMID:25790228

Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymeric Substrates and Method Relating Thereto

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Joycelyn O. (Inventor); St.Clair, Terry L. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

Production of an electric voltage in response to mechanical excitation (piezoelectricity) or thermal excitation (pyroelectricity) requires a material to have a preferred dipole orientation in its structure. This preferred orientation or polarization occurs naturally in some crystals such as quartz and can be induced into some ceramic and polymeric materials by application of strong electric or mechanical fields. For some materials, a combination of mechanical and electrical orientation is necessary to completely polarize the material. The only commercially available piezoelectric polymer is poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2). However, this polymer has material and process limitations which prohibit its use in numerous device applications where thermal stability is a requirement. By the present invention, thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrates were prepared from polymers having a softening temperature greater than 1000C. A metal electrode material is deposited onto the polymer substrate and several electrical leads are attached to it. The polymer substrate is heated in a low dielectric medium to enhance molecular mobility of the polymer chains. A voltage is then applied to the polymer substrate inducing polarization. The voltage is then maintained while the polymer substrate is cooled 'freezing in' the molecular orientation. The novelty of the invention resides in the process of preparing the piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate. The nonobviousness of the invention is found in heating the polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium while applying a voltage.

Roto-flexoelectric coupling impact on the phase diagrams and pyroelectricity of thin SrTiO 3 films

DOE PAGES

Morozovska, Anna N.; Eliseev, Eugene A.; Bravina, Svetlana L.; ...

2012-09-20

The influence of the flexoelectric and rotostriction coupling on the phase diagrams of ferroelastic-quantum paraelectric SrTiO 3 films was studied using Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) theory. We calculated the phase diagrams in coordinates temperature - film thickness for different epitaxial misfit strains. Tensile misfit strains stimulate appearance of the spontaneous out-of-plane structural order parameter (displacement vector of an appropriate oxygen atom from its cubic position) in the structural phase. For compressive misfit strains are stimulated because of the spontaneous in-plane structural order parameter. Furthermore, gradients of the structural order parameter components, which inevitably exist in the vicinity of film surfaces due tomore » the termination and symmetry breaking, induce improper polarization and pyroelectric response via the flexoelectric and rotostriction coupling mechanism. Flexoelectric and rotostriction coupling results in the roto-flexoelectric field that is antisymmetric inside the film, small in the central part of the film, where the gradients of the structural parameter are small, and maximal near the surfaces, where the gradients of the structural parameter are highest. The field induces improper polarization and pyroelectric response. Penetration depths of the improper phases (both polar and structural) can reach several nm from the film surfaces. An improper pyroelectric response of thin films is high enough to be registered with planar-type electrode configurations by conventional pyroelectric methods.« less

Method to simulate and analyse induced stresses for laser crystal packaging technologies.

PubMed

Ribes-Pleguezuelo, Pol; Zhang, Site; Beckert, Erik; Eberhardt, Ramona; Wyrowski, Frank; Tünnermann, Andreas

2017-03-20

A method to simulate induced stresses for a laser crystal packaging technique and the consequent study of birefringent effects inside the laser cavities has been developed. The method has been implemented by thermo-mechanical simulations implemented with ANSYS 17.0. ANSYS results were later imported in VirtualLab Fusion software where input/output beams in terms of wavelengths and polarization were analysed. The study has been built in the context of a low-stress soldering technique implemented for glass or crystal optics packaging's called the solderjet bumping technique. The outcome of the analysis showed almost no difference between the input and output laser beams for the laser cavity constructed with an yttrium aluminum garnet active laser crystal, a second harmonic generator beta-barium borate, and the output laser mirror made of fused silica assembled by the low-stress solderjet bumping technique.

Improved Location of Microseismic Events in Borehole Monitoring by Inclusion of Particle Motion Analysis: a Case Study at a CBM Field in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verdhora Ry, Rexha; Septyana, T.; Widiyantoro, S.; Nugraha, A. D.; Ardjuna, A.

2017-04-01

Microseismic monitoring and constraining its hypocenters in and around hydrocarbon reservoirs provides insight into induced deformation related to hydraulic fracturing. In this study, we used data from a single vertical array of sensors in a borehole, providing measures of arrival times and polarizations. Microseismic events are located using 1-D velocity models and arrival times of P- and S-waves. However, in the case of all the sensors being deployed in a near-vertical borehole, there is a high ambiguity in the source location. Herein, we applied a procedure using azimuth of P-wave particle motion to constrain and improve the source location. We used a dataset acquired during 1-day of fracture stimulation at a CBM field in Indonesia. We applied five steps of location procedure to investigate microseismic events induced by these hydraulic fracturing activities. First, arrival times for 1584 candidate events were manually picked. Then we refined the arrival times using energy ratio method to obtain high consistency picking. Using these arrival times, we estimated back-azimuth using P-wave polarization analysis. We also added the combination of polarities analysis to remove 180° ambiguity. In the end, we determined hypocenter locations using grid-search method that guided in the back-azimuth trace area to minimize the misfit function of arrival times. We have successfully removed the ambiguity and produced a good solution for hypocenter locations as indicated statistically by small RMS. Most of the events clusters highlight coherent structures around the treatment well site and revealed faults. The same procedure can be applied to various other cases such as microseismic monitoring in the field of geothermal and shale gas/oil exploration, also CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) development.

Chemical modulation of electronic structure at the excited state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, F.; Song, C.; Gu, Y. D.; Saleem, M. S.; Pan, F.

2017-12-01

Spin-polarized electronic structures are the cornerstone of spintronics, and have thus attracted a significant amount of interest; in particular, researchers are looking into how to modulate the electronic structure to enable multifunctional spintronics applications, especially in half-metallic systems. However, the control of the spin polarization has only been predicted in limited two-dimensional systems with spin-polarized Dirac structures and is difficult to achieve experimentally. Here, we report the modulation of the electronic structure in the light-induced excited state in a typical half-metal, L a1 /2S r1 /2Mn O3 -δ . According to the spin-transport measurements, there appears a light-induced increase in magnetoresistance due to the enhanced spin scattering, which is closely associated with the excited spin polarization. Strikingly, the light-induced variation can be enhanced via alcohol processing and reduced by oxygen annealing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that in the chemical process, a redox reaction occurs with a change in the valence of Mn. Furthermore, first-principles calculations reveal that the change in the valence of Mn alters the electronic structure and consequently modulates the spin polarization in the excited state. Our findings thus report a chemically tunable electronic structure, demonstrating interesting physics and the potential for multifunctional applications and ultrafast spintronics.

Exosomes derived from hypoxic epithelial ovarian cancer deliver microRNA-940 to induce macrophage M2 polarization.

PubMed

Chen, Xin; Ying, Xiang; Wang, Xinjing; Wu, Xiaoli; Zhu, Qinyi; Wang, Xipeng

2017-07-01

Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors. It is closely related to tumor progression. Exosomal microRNAs derived from cancers are considered to be mediators between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In addition, the number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment has also been demonstrated to correlate with tumor development. However, the relationship between tumor-secreted exosomes and TAM polarization under hypoxic conditions during tumor progression is not clear. Herein, we demonstrated that hypoxia induces the high expression of microRNA-940 (miR‑940) in exosomes derived from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We also found that miR‑940 is highly expressed in exosomes isolated from ascites of EOC patients. Moreover, the overexpression of miR‑940 in macrophages delivered by exosomes stimulated M2 phenotype polarization, while the M2 subtype macrophages promoted EOC proliferation and migration. These results highlight the function of hypoxia in enhancing the high level of expression of miR‑940 in tumor exosomes taken up by macrophages. We also showed that the tumor-promoting function of miR‑940 is mediated by TAM polarization in EOC. These findings show that tumor-derived exosomal miR‑940 induced by hypoxia plays an important role in stimulating TAM polarization in the progression of EOC.

Controlled release of cytokines using silk-biomaterials for macrophage polarization.

PubMed

Reeves, Andrew R D; Spiller, Kara L; Freytes, Donald O; Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana; Kaplan, David L

2015-12-01

Polarization of macrophages into an inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype is important for clearing pathogens and wound repair, however chronic activation of either type of macrophage has been implicated in several diseases. Methods to locally control the polarization of macrophages is of great interest for biomedical implants and tissue engineering. To that end, silk protein was used to form biopolymer films that release either IFN-γ or IL-4 to control the polarization of macrophages. Modulation of the solubility of the silk films through regulation of β-sheet (crystalline) content enabled a short-term release (4-8 h) of either cytokine, with smaller amounts released out to 24 h. Altering the solubility of the films was accomplished by varying the time that the films were exposed to water vapor. The released IFN-γ or IL-4 induced polarization of THP-1 derived macrophages into the M1 or M2 phenotypes, respectively. The silk biomaterials were able to release enough IFN-γ or IL-4 to repolarize the macrophage from M1 to M2 and vice versa, demonstrating the well-established plasticity of macrophages. High β-sheet content films that are not soluble and do not release the trapped cytokines were also able to polarize macrophages that adhered to the surface through degradation of the silk protein. Chemically conjugating IFN-γ to silk films through disulfide bonds allowed for longer-term release to 10 days. The release of covalently attached IFN-γ from the films was also able to polarize M1 macrophages in vitro. Thus, the strategy described here offers new approaches to utilizing biomaterials for directing the polarization of macrophages. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Controlled Release of Cytokines Using Silk-biomaterials for Macrophage Polarization

PubMed Central

Reeves, Andrew R.D.; Spiller, Kara L.; Freytes, Donald O.; Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana

2015-01-01

Polarization of macrophages into an inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype is important for clearing pathogens and wound repair, however chronic activation of either type of macrophages has been implicated in several diseases. Methods to locally control the polarization of macrophages is of great interest for biomedical implants and tissue engineering. To that end, silk protein was used to form biopolymer films that release either IFN-γ or IL-4 to control the polarization of macrophages. Modulation of the solubility of the silk films through regulation of β-sheet (crystalline) content enabled a short-term release (4–8 hours) of either cytokine, with smaller amounts released out to 24 hours. Altering the solubility of the films was accomplished by varying the time that the films were exposed to water vapor. The released IFN-γ or IL-4 induced polarization of THP-1 derived macrophages into the M1 or M2 phenotypes, respectively. The silk biomaterials were able to release enough IFN-γ or IL-4 to repolarize the macrophage from M1 to M2 and vice versa, demonstrating the well-established plasticity of macrophages. High β-sheet content films that are not soluble and do not release the trapped cytokines were also able to polarize macrophages that adhered to the surface through degradation of the silk protein. Chemically conjugating IFN-γ to silk films through disulfide bonds allowed for longer-term release to 10 days. The release of covalently attached IFN-γ from the films was also able to polarize M1 macrophages in vitro. Thus, the strategy described here offers new approaches to utilizing biomaterials for directing the polarization of macrophages. PMID:26421484

Voltage sensing systems and methods for passive compensation of temperature related intrinsic phase shift

DOEpatents

Davidson, James R.; Lassahn, Gordon D.

2001-01-01

A small sized electro-optic voltage sensor capable of accurate measurement of high levels of voltages without contact with a conductor or voltage source is provided. When placed in the presence of an electric field, the sensor receives an input beam of electromagnetic radiation into the sensor. A polarization beam displacer serves as a filter to separate the input beam into two beams with orthogonal linear polarizations. The beam displacer is oriented in such a way as to rotate the linearly polarized beams such that they enter a Pockels crystal at a preferred angle of 45 degrees. The beam displacer is therefore capable of causing a linearly polarized beam to impinge a crystal at a desired angle independent of temperature. The Pockels electro-optic effect induces a differential phase shift on the major and minor axes of the input beam as it travels through the Pockels crystal, which causes the input beam to be elliptically polarized. A reflecting prism redirects the beam back through the crystal and the beam displacer. On the return path, the polarization beam displacer separates the elliptically polarized beam into two output beams of orthogonal linear polarization representing the major and minor axes. In crystals that introduce a phase differential attributable to temperature, a compensating crystal is provided to cancel the effect of temperature on the phase differential of the input beam. The system may include a detector for converting the output beams into electrical signals, and a signal processor for determining the voltage based on an analysis of the output beams. The output beams are amplitude modulated by the frequency of the electric field and the amplitude of the output beams is proportional to the magnitude of the electric field, which is related to the voltage being measured.

New constraints on cosmic polarization rotation from B-mode polarization in the cosmic microwave background

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

Alighieri, Sperello di Serego; Ni, Wei-Tou; Pan, Wei-Ping, E-mail: sperello@arcetri.astro.it, E-mail: weitou@gmail.com, E-mail: d9722518@oz.nthu.edu.tw

2014-09-01

SPTpol, POLARBEAR, and BICEP2 have recently measured the cosmic microwave background (CMB) B-mode polarization in various sky regions of several tens of square degrees and obtained BB power spectra in the multipole range 20-3000, detecting the components due to gravitational lensing and to inflationary gravitational waves. We analyze jointly the results of these three experiments and propose modifications to their analyses of the spectra to include in the model, in addition to the gravitational lensing and the inflationary gravitational wave components, and also the effects induced by the cosmic polarization rotation (CPR), if it exists within current upper limits. Althoughmore » in principle our analysis would also lead to new constraints on CPR, in practice these can only be given on its fluctuations (δα{sup 2}), since constraints on its mean angle are inhibited by the derotation which is applied by current CMB polarization experiments, in order to cope with the insufficient calibration of the polarization angle. The combined data fits from all three experiments (with 29% CPR-SPTpol correlation, depending on the theoretical model) gives the constraint (δα{sup 2}){sup 1/2} < 27.3 mrad (1.°56), with r = 0.194 ± 0.033. These results show that the present data are consistent with no CPR detection and the constraint on CPR fluctuation is about 1.°5. This method of constraining the CPR is new, is complementary to previous tests, which use the radio and optical/UV polarization of radio galaxies and the CMB E-mode polarization, and adds a new constraint for the sky areas observed by SPTpol, POLARBEAR, and BICEP2.« less

Differential S1P Receptor Profiles on M1- and M2-Polarized Macrophages Affect Macrophage Cytokine Production and Migration.

PubMed

Müller, Jan; von Bernstorff, Wolfram; Heidecke, Claus-Dieter; Schulze, Tobias

2017-01-01

Introduction . Macrophages are key players in complex biological processes. In response to environmental signals, macrophages undergo polarization towards a proinflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lysophospholipid that acts via 5 G-protein coupled receptors (S1P 1-5 ) in order to influence a broad spectrum of biological processes. This study assesses S1P receptor expression on macrophages before and after M1 and M2 polarization and performs a comparative analysis of S1P signalling in the two activational states of macrophages. Methods . Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) from C57 BL/6 mice were cultured under either M1- or M2-polarizing conditions. S1P-receptor expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Influence of S1P on macrophage activation, migration, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion was assessed in vitro. Results . All 5 S1P receptor subclasses were expressed in macrophages. Culture under both M1- and M2-polarizing conditions led to significant downregulation of S1P 1 . In contrast, M1-polarized macrophages significantly downregulated S1P 4 . The expression of the remaining three S1P receptors did not change. S1P increased expression of iNOS under M2-polarizing conditions. Furthermore, S1P induced chemotaxis in M1 macrophages and changed cytokine production in M2 macrophages. Phagocytosis was not affected by S1P-signalling. Discussion . The expression of different specific S1P receptor profiles may provide a possibility to selectively influence M1- or M2-polarized macrophages.

Magnetoelectric coupling in oxygen deficient La0.67Sr0.33MnO3-δ/BaTiO3 composite film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jianyuan; Han, Zhuokun; Bai, Jianying; Luo, Bingcheng; Chen, Changle

2018-04-01

The effect of magnetic field on the polarization and dielectric properties in oxygen deficient La0.67Sr0.33MnO3-δ/BaTiO3 composite film are investigated. A temperature dependent polarization variation induced by the magnetic field is observed. Under a magnetic fields of 0.8 T, the enhancement of saturation polarization is remarkable at low temperature region with a maximum changing rate 66.5% occurring at 70 K, whereas it is indistinctive at high temperature. The composite film also exhibits significant magnetodielectric property. The positive changing rate of dielectric constant ηε induced by 0.8 T magnetic field reaches the maximum of 80% and 57% at 80 K with the frequency of 1 kHz and 100 kHz, respectively, and the corresponding changing rate of dielectric loss get the negative peak of -27% and -22%. The magneto-induced polarization and dielectric change may result from the charge-based coupling as well as the Maxwell-Wagner effect in this heterojunction.

Interplay of hot electrons from localized and propagating plasmons.

PubMed

Hoang, Chung V; Hayashi, Koki; Ito, Yasuo; Gorai, Naoki; Allison, Giles; Shi, Xu; Sun, Quan; Cheng, Zhenzhou; Ueno, Kosei; Goda, Keisuke; Misawa, Hiroaki

2017-10-03

Plasmon-induced hot-electron generation has recently received considerable interest and has been studied to develop novel applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics and green chemistry. Such hot electrons are typically generated from either localized plasmons in metal nanoparticles or propagating plasmons in patterned metal nanostructures. Here we simultaneously generate these heterogeneous plasmon-induced hot electrons and exploit their cooperative interplay in a single metal-semiconductor device to demonstrate, as an example, wavelength-controlled polarity-switchable photoconductivity. Specifically, the dual-plasmon device produces a net photocurrent whose polarity is determined by the balance in population and directionality between the hot electrons from localized and propagating plasmons. The current responsivity and polarity-switching wavelength of the device can be varied over the entire visible spectrum by tailoring the hot-electron interplay in various ways. This phenomenon may provide flexibility to manipulate the electrical output from light-matter interaction and offer opportunities for biosensors, long-distance communications, and photoconversion applications.Plasmon-induced hot electrons have potential applications spanning photodetection and photocatalysis. Here, Hoang et al. study the interplay between hot electrons generated by localized and propagating plasmons, and demonstrate wavelength-controlled polarity-switchable photoconductivity.

Ultrafast Coulomb-Induced Intervalley Coupling in Atomically Thin WS2.

PubMed

Schmidt, Robert; Berghäuser, Gunnar; Schneider, Robert; Selig, Malte; Tonndorf, Philipp; Malić, Ermin; Knorr, Andreas; Michaelis de Vasconcellos, Steffen; Bratschitsch, Rudolf

2016-05-11

Monolayers of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides hold the promise for a new paradigm in electronics by exploiting the valley degree of freedom in addition to charge and spin. For MoS2, WS2, and WSe2, valley polarization can be conveniently initialized and read out by circularly polarized light. However, the underlying microscopic processes governing valley polarization in these atomically thin equivalents of graphene are still not fully understood. Here, we present a joint experiment-theory study on the ultrafast time-resolved intervalley dynamics in monolayer WS2. Based on a microscopic theory, we reveal the many-particle mechanisms behind the observed spectral features. We show that Coulomb-induced intervalley coupling explains the immediate and prominent pump-probe signal in the unpumped valley and the seemingly low valley polarization degrees typically observed in pump-probe measurements compared to photoluminescence studies. The gained insights are also applicable to other light-emitting monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2 and WSe2, where the Coulomb-induced intervalley coupling also determines the initial carrier dynamics.

Optical chirality in AgCl-Ag thin films through formation of laser-induced planar crossed-chain nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nahal, Arashmid; Kashani, Somayeh

2017-09-01

Irradiation of AgCl-Ag thin films by a linearly polarized He-Ne laser beam results in the formation of self-organized periodic nanostructures. As a result of secondary irradiation of the initially exposed sample by the same linearly polarized He-Ne laser beam, but with different orientations of polarization, a complex crossed-chain nanostructure forms. We found that such a complex nanostructure has noticeable chirality and increased optical anisotropy, resulting in optical activity of the sample. Double exposure produces two gratings, crossing each other with angle α, which leads to the formation of crossed building blocks with chiroptical effects. It is established that the amount and the sign of the angle between the two laser-induced gratings (±α) determine the amount and the direction of rotation of the linearly polarized probe beam, respectively. We have also observed an induced anisotropy-dependent ellipticity for the probe light, which is passed through the sample. It is shown that the amount of ellipticity depends on the angle α.

Study on Brewster angle thin film polarizer using hafnia-silica mixture as high-refractive-index material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Nuo; Zhu, Meiping; Sun, Jian; Chai, Yingjie; Kui, Yi; Zhao, Yuanan; Shao, Jianda

2018-02-01

Two kinds of polarizer coatings were prepared by electron beam evaporation, using HfO2-SiO2 mixture and HfO2 as the high-refractive-index materials, respectively. The HfO2-SiO2 mixture layer was implemented by coevaporating SiO2 and metal Hf, the materials were deposited at an oxygen atmosphere to achieve stoichiometric coatings. The certain HfO2 and SiO2 content ratio is controlled by adjusting the deposition rate of HfO2 and SiO2 using individual quartz crystal monitor. The spectral performance, surface and interfacial properties, as well as the laser-induced damage performance were studied and compared. Comparing with polarizer coating using HfO2 as high-refractive-index material, the polarizer coating using HfO2-SiO2 mixture as high-refractive-index material shows better performance with broader polarizing bandwidth, lower surface roughness, better interfacial property while maintaining high laser-induced damage threshold.

The effect of disseminated ironsands on the spectral induced polarization response of New Zealand sands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ingham, Malcolm

2018-01-01

The effect of naturally occurring ironsand on the spectral induced polarization response of shallow aquifer sands has been investigated. Laboratory measurements on mixtures of a low polarization silica sand with different proportions of ironsand characterize the main effect of an increasing proportion of ironsand as a lowering of the frequency at which the high frequency SIP phase starts to rise significantly. This ultimately obscures any low frequency polarization which might be related to the hydraulic properties of the sample. The measurements can be successfully modelled using the Maxwell-Clausius-Mossotti relationship and this has also been used to predict the expected SIP response of naturally occurring sands with different concentrations of ironsand. Modelling of these calculated responses using a Cole-Cole model suggests that the low frequency polarization time constant can be well resolved up to mass concentrations of ironsand of between 5 and 10%. The implications of this for the ability of SIP measurements to accurately map permeability variations in shallow aquifers are discussed.

Atomic-Scale Mechanisms of Defect-Induced Retention Failure in Ferroelectrics.

PubMed

Li, Linze; Zhang, Yi; Xie, Lin; Jokisaari, Jacob R; Beekman, Christianne; Yang, Jan-Chi; Chu, Ying-Hao; Christen, Hans M; Pan, Xiaoqing

2017-06-14

The ability to switch the ferroelectric polarization using an electric field makes ferroelectrics attractive for application in nanodevices such as high-density memories. One of the major challenges impeding this application, however, has been known as "retention failure", which is a spontaneous process of polarization back-switching that can lead to data loss. This process is generally thought to be caused by the domain instability arising from interface boundary conditions and countered by defects, which can pin the domain wall and impede the back-switching. Here, using in situ transmission electron microscopy and atomic-scale scanning transmission electron microscopy, we show that the polarization retention failure can be induced by commonly observed nanoscale impurity defects in BiFeO 3 thin films. The interaction between polarization and the defects can also lead to the stabilization of novel functional nanodomains with mixed-phase structures and head-to-head polarization configurations. Thus, defect engineering provides a new route for tuning properties of ferroelectric nanosystems.

Automated polarization control for the precise alignment of laser-induced self-organized nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermens, Ulrike; Pothen, Mario; Winands, Kai; Arntz, Kristian; Klocke, Fritz

2018-02-01

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) found in particular applications in the fields of surface functionalization have been investigated since many years. The direction of these ripple structures with a periodicity in the nanoscale can be manipulated by changing the laser polarization. For industrial use, it is useful to manipulate the direction of these structures automatically and to obtain smooth changes of their orientation without any visible inhomogeneity. However, currently no system solution exists that is able to control the polarization direction completely automated in one software solution so far. In this paper, a system solution is presented that includes a liquid crystal polarizer to control the polarization direction. It is synchronized with a scanner, a dynamic beam expander and a five axis-system. It provides fast switching times and small step sizes. First results of fabricated structures are also presented. In a systematic study, the conjunction of LIPSS with different orientation in two parallel line scans has been investigated.

Improper magnetic ferroelectricity of nearly pure electronic nature in helicoidal spiral CaMn7O12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jin Soo; Saldana-Greco, Diomedes; Rappe, Andrew M.

2018-01-01

Helicoidal magnetic order breaks inversion symmetry in quadruple perovskite CaMn7O12 , generating one of the largest spin-induced ferroelectric polarizations measured to date. Here, the microscopic origin of the polarization, including exchange interactions, coupling to the spin helicity, and charge density redistribution, is explored via first-principles calculations. The B -site Mn4 + (Mn3) spin adopts a noncentrosymmetric configuration, stabilized not only by spin-orbit coupling (SOC), but also by the fully anisotropic Hubbard J parameter in the absence of SOC, to break inversion symmetry and generate polarization. Berry phase computed polarization (Pelec=2169 μ C /m2 ) exhibits nearly pure electronic behavior, with negligible Mn displacements (≈0.7 m Å ). Orbital-resolved density of states shows that p -d orbital mixing is microscopically driven by nonrelativistic exchange striction within the commensurate ionic structure. Persistent electronic polarization induced by helical spin order in the nearly inversion-symmetric ionic crystal lattice suggests opportunities for ultrafast magnetoelectric response.

Effects of quantum coherence and interference in atoms near nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhayal, Suman; Rostovtsev, Yuri V.

2016-04-01

Optical properties of ensembles of realistic quantum emitters coupled to plasmonic systems are studied by using adequate models that can take into account full atomic geometry. In particular, the coherent effects such as forming "dark states," optical pumping, coherent Raman scattering, and the stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) are revisited in the presence of metallic nanoparticles. It is shown that the dark states are still formed but they have more complicated structure, and the optical pumping and the STIRAP cannot be employed in the vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures. Also, there is a huge difference in the behavior of the local atomic polarization and the atomic polarization averaged over an ensemble of atoms homogeneously spread near nanoparticles. The average polarization is strictly related to the polarization induced by the external field, while the local polarization can be very different from the one induced by the external field. This is important for the excitation of single molecules, e.g., different components of scattering from single molecules can be used for their efficient detection.

Spontaneous polarization induced electric field in zinc oxide nanowires and nanostars

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

Farid, S., E-mail: sfarid3@uic.edu; Choi, M.; Datta, D.

We report on the detection mechanism of spontaneous polarization using electrostatic force microscopy in zinc oxide nanowires and nanostars grown by vapor-liquid-solid technique. Optical and structural properties are investigated in detail to understand the complex ZnO nanostructures comprehensively. Calculations are carried out to estimate the electric field from the change in interleave amplitude induced by the electrostatic force due to the spontaneous polarization effects. Attraction of the probe between the tip and the sample varies for different structures with a stronger attraction for nanostars as compared to nanowires. Strength of electric field is dependent on the orientation of nanowires andmore » nanostars c-axis with measured magnitude of electric field to be ∼10{sup 7 }V/m and 10{sup 8 }V/m respectively. This technique presents a unique detection mechanism of built-in spontaneous polarization and electric field from polar ZnO nanowires with applications in voltage gated ion channels, nano-bio interfaces, optoelectronic and photonic devices.« less

Rotation of the cosmic microwave background polarization from weak gravitational lensing.

PubMed

Dai, Liang

2014-01-31

When a cosmic microwave background (CMB) photon travels from the surface of last scatter through spacetime metric perturbations, the polarization vector may rotate about its direction of propagation. This gravitational rotation is distinct from, and occurs in addition to, the lensing deflection of the photon trajectory. This rotation can be sourced by linear vector or tensor metric perturbations and is fully coherent with the curl deflection field. Therefore, lensing corrections to the CMB polarization power spectra as well as the temperature-polarization cross correlations due to nonscalar perturbations are modified. The rotation does not affect lensing by linear scalar perturbations, but needs to be included when calculations go to higher orders. We present complete results for weak lensing of the full-sky CMB power spectra by general linear metric perturbations, taking into account both deflection of the photon trajectory and rotation of the polarization. For the case of lensing by gravitational waves, we show that the B modes induced by the rotation largely cancel those induced by the curl component of deflection.

ac electroosmotic pumping induced by noncontact external electrodes.

PubMed

Wang, Shau-Chun; Chen, Hsiao-Ping; Chang, Hsueh-Chia

2007-09-21

Electroosmotic (EO) pumps based on dc electroosmosis is plagued by bubble generation and other electrochemical reactions at the electrodes at voltages beyond 1 V for electrolytes. These disadvantages limit their throughput and offset their portability advantage over mechanical syringe or pneumatic pumps. ac electroosmotic pumps at high frequency (>100 kHz) circumvent the bubble problem by inducing polarization and slip velocity on embedded electrodes,1 but they require complex electrode designs to produce a net flow. We report a new high-throughput ac EO pump design based on induced-polarization on the entire channel surface instead of just on the electrodes. Like dc EO pumps, our pump electrodes are outside of the load section and form a cm-long pump unit consisting of three circular reservoirs (3 mm in diameter) connected by a 1x1 mm channel. The field-induced polarization can produce an effective Zeta potential exceeding 1 V and an ac slip velocity estimated as 1 mmsec or higher, both one order of magnitude higher than earlier dc and ac pumps, giving rise to a maximum throughput of 1 mulsec. Polarization over the entire channel surface, quadratic scaling with respect to the field and high voltage at high frequency without electrode bubble generation are the reasons why the current pump is superior to earlier dc and ac EO pumps.

Complete stress-induced depolarization of relaxor ferroelectric crystals without transition through a non-polar phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shkuratov, Sergey I.; Baird, Jason; Antipov, Vladimir G.; Hackenberger, Wesley; Luo, Jun; Zhang, Shujun; Lynch, Christopher S.; Chase, Jay B.; Jo, Hwan R.; Roberts, Christopher C.

2018-03-01

The development of relaxor ferroelectric single crystal technology is driven by the ability to tailor ferroelectric properties through domain engineering not achievable in polycrystalline materials. In this study, three types of domain-engineered rhombohedral Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 crystals were subjected to transverse high strain rate loading. The experimental results indicate that the domain configuration has a significant effect on the stress-induced depolarization and the associated charge released. A complete depolarization of the single-domain crystals with 3m symmetry is observed, while multidomain crystals with 4mm and mm2 symmetries retain a fraction of their initial remanent polarization. The complete depolarization of single-domain crystals is unique without transition to a non-polar phase, with a stress-induced charge density of 0.48 C/m2. This is up to three times higher than that of the multidomain crystals and PbZrxTi1-xO3 ferroelectric ceramics that are critical for ultrahigh-power transducer applications. The main offering of this work is to propose a detailed mechanism for complete stress-induced depolarization in ferroelectric crystals which does not involve an intermediate transformation to a non-polar phase.

Rigorous theory of molecular orientational nonlinear optics

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

Kwak, Chong Hoon, E-mail: chkwak@ynu.ac.kr; Kim, Gun Yeup

2015-01-15

Classical statistical mechanics of the molecular optics theory proposed by Buckingham [A. D. Buckingham and J. A. Pople, Proc. Phys. Soc. A 68, 905 (1955)] has been extended to describe the field induced molecular orientational polarization effects on nonlinear optics. In this paper, we present the generalized molecular orientational nonlinear optical processes (MONLO) through the calculation of the classical orientational averaging using the Boltzmann type time-averaged orientational interaction energy in the randomly oriented molecular system under the influence of applied electric fields. The focal points of the calculation are (1) the derivation of rigorous tensorial components of the effective molecularmore » hyperpolarizabilities, (2) the molecular orientational polarizations and the electronic polarizations including the well-known third-order dc polarization, dc electric field induced Kerr effect (dc Kerr effect), optical Kerr effect (OKE), dc electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH), degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) and third harmonic generation (THG). We also present some of the new predictive MONLO processes. For second-order MONLO, second-order optical rectification (SOR), Pockels effect and difference frequency generation (DFG) are described in terms of the anisotropic coefficients of first hyperpolarizability. And, for third-order MONLO, third-order optical rectification (TOR), dc electric field induced difference frequency generation (EFIDFG) and pump-probe transmission are presented.« less

Novel nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for studying biological molecules

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

Laws, David Douglas

2000-06-01

Over the fifty-five year history of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), considerable progress has been made in the development of techniques for studying the structure, function, and dynamics of biological molecules. The majority of this research has involved the development of multi-dimensional NMR experiments for studying molecules in solution, although in recent years a number of groups have begun to explore NMR methods for studying biological systems in the solid-state. Despite this new effort, a need still exists for the development of techniques that improve sensitivity, maximize information, and take advantage of all the NMR interactions available in biological molecules. Inmore » this dissertation, a variety of novel NMR techniques for studying biomolecules are discussed. A method for determining backbone (Φ/Ψ) dihedral angles by comparing experimentally determined 13C a, chemical-shift anisotropies with theoretical calculations is presented, along with a brief description of the theory behind chemical-shift computation in proteins and peptides. The utility of the Spin-Polarization Induced Nuclear Overhauser Effect (SPINOE) to selectively enhance NMR signals in solution is examined in a variety of systems, as are methods for extracting structural information from cross-relaxation rates that can be measured in SPINOE experiments. Techniques for the production of supercritical and liquid laser-polarized xenon are discussed, as well as the prospects for using optically pumped xenon as a polarizing solvent. In addition, a detailed study of the structure of PrP 89-143 is presented. PrP 89-143 is a 54 residue fragment of the prion proteins which, upon mutation and aggregation, can induce prion diseases in transgenic mice. Whereas the structure of the wild-type PrP 89-143 is a generally unstructured mixture of α-helical and β-sheet conformers in the solid state, the aggregates formed from the PrP 89-143 mutants appear to be mostly β-sheet.« less

A novel design measuring method based on linearly polarized laser interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yanbo; Ai, Hua; Zhao, Nan

2013-09-01

The interferometric method is widely used in the precision measurement, including the surface quality of the large-aperture mirror. The laser interference technology has been developing rapidly as the laser sources become more and more mature and reliable. We adopted the laser diode as the source for the sake of the short coherent wavelength of it for the optical path difference of the system is quite shorter as several wavelengths, and the power of laser diode is sufficient for measurement and safe to human eye. The 673nm linearly laser was selected and we construct a novel form of interferometric system as we called `Closed Loop', comprised of polarizing optical components, such as polarizing prism and quartz wave plate, the light from the source split by which into measuring beam and referencing beam, they've both reflected by the measuring mirror, after the two beams transforming into circular polarization and spinning in the opposite directions we induced the polarized light synchronous phase shift interference technology to get the detecting fringes, which transfers the phase shifting in time domain to space, so that we did not need to consider the precise-controlled shift of optical path difference, which will introduce the disturbance of the air current and vibration. We got the interference fringes from four different CCD cameras well-alignment, and the fringes are shifted into four different phases of 0, π/2, π, and 3π/2 in time. After obtaining the images from the CCD cameras, we need to align the interference fringes pixel to pixel from different CCD cameras, and synthesis the rough morphology, after getting rid of systematic error, we could calculate the surface accuracy of the measuring mirror. This novel design detecting method could be applied into measuring the optical system aberration, and it would develop into the setup of the portable structural interferometer and widely used in different measuring circumstances.

Intrinsic Polarization and Tunable Color of Electroluminescence from Organic Single Crystal-based Light-Emitting Devices

PubMed Central

Ding, Ran; Feng, Jing; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Xu-Lin; Fang, Hong-Hua; Yang, Tong; Wang, Hai-Yu; Hotta, Shu; Sun, Hong-Bo

2015-01-01

A single crystal-based organic light-emitting device (OLED) with intrinsically polarized and color-tunable electroluminescence (EL) has been demonstrated without any subsequent treatment. The polarization ratio of 5:1 for the transversal-electric (TE) and transversal-magnetic (TM) polarization at the emission peak of 575 nm, and 4.7:1 for the TM to TE polarization at the emission peak of 635 nm, respectively, have been obtained. The emitting color is tunable between yellow, yellow-green and orange by changing the polarization angle. The polarized EL and the polarization-induced color tunability can be attributed to the anisotropic microcavity formed by the BP3T crystal with uniaxial alignment of the molecules. PMID:26207723

Polarity control of h-BN nanoribbon edges by strain and edge termination.

PubMed

Yamanaka, Ayaka; Okada, Susumu

2017-03-29

We studied the polarity of h-BN nano-flakes in terms of their edge geometries, edge hydrogen termination, and uniaxial strain by evaluating their electrostatic potential using density functional theory. Our calculations have shown that the polarity of the nanoribbons is sensitive to their edge shape, edge termination, and uniaxial tensile strain. Polarity inversion of the ribbons can be induced by controlling the hydrogen concentration at the edges and the uniaxial tensile strain. The polarity inversion indicates that h-BN nanoribbons can exhibit non-polar properties at a particular edge hydrogen concentration and tensile strain, even though the nanoribbons essentially have polarity at the edge. We also found that the edge angle affects the polarity of nanoribbons with hydrogenated edges.

Polarization-insensitive ultralow-power second-harmonic generation frequency-resolved optical gating.

PubMed

Miao, Houxun; Weiner, Andrew M; Langrock, Carsten; Roussev, Rostislav V; Fejer, Martin M

2007-04-01

We demonstrate polarization-insensitive ultralow-power second-harmonic generation frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) measurements with a fiber-pigtailed, aperiodically poled lithium niobate waveguide. By scrambling the polarization much faster than the measurement integration time, we eliminate the impairment that frequency-independent random polarization fluctuations induce in FROG measurements. As a result we are able to retrieve intensity and phase profiles of few hundred femtosecond optical pulses with 50 MHz repetition rates at 5.2 nW coupled average power without control of the input polarization.

Parahydrogen-induced polarization transfer to 19F in perfluorocarbons for 19F NMR spectroscopy and MRI.

PubMed

Plaumann, Markus; Bommerich, Ute; Trantzschel, Thomas; Lego, Denise; Dillenberger, Sonja; Sauer, Grit; Bargon, Joachim; Buntkowsky, Gerd; Bernarding, Johannes

2013-05-10

Fluorinated substances are important in chemistry, industry, and the life sciences. In a new approach, parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) is applied to enhance (19)F MR signals of (perfluoro-n-hexyl)ethene and (perfluoro-n-hexyl)ethane. Unexpectedly, the end-standing CF3 group exhibits the highest amount of polarization despite the negligible coupling to the added protons. To clarify this non-intuitive distribution of polarization, signal enhancements in deuterated chloroform and acetone were compared and (19)F-(19)F NOESY spectra, as well as (19)F T1 values were measured by NMR spectroscopy. By using the well separated and enhanced signal of the CF3 group, first (19)F MR images of hyperpolarized linear semifluorinated alkenes were recorded. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Current-induced spin polarization on metal surfaces probed by spin-polarized positron beam

PubMed Central

Zhang, H. J.; Yamamoto, S.; Fukaya, Y.; Maekawa, M.; Li, H.; Kawasuso, A.; Seki, T.; Saitoh, E.; Takanashi, K.

2014-01-01

Current-induced spin polarization (CISP) on the outermost surfaces of Au, Cu, Pt, Pd, Ta, and W nanoscaled films were studied using a spin-polarized positron beam. The Au and Cu surfaces showed no significant CISP. In contrast, the Pt, Pd, Ta, and W films exhibited large CISP (3~15% per input charge current of 105 A/cm2) and the CISP of Ta and W were opposite to those of Pt and Pd. The sign of the CISP obeys the same rule in spin Hall effect suggesting that the spin-orbit coupling is mainly responsible for the CISP. The magnitude of the CISP is explained by the Rashba-Edelstein mechanism rather than the diffusive spin Hall effect. This settles a controversy, that which of these two mechanisms dominates the large CISP on metal surfaces. PMID:24776781

Method and apparatus for measuring birefringent particles

DOEpatents

Bishop, James K.; Guay, Christopher K.

2006-04-18

A method and apparatus for measuring birefringent particles is provided comprising a source lamp, a grating, a first polarizer having a first transmission axis, a sample cell and a second polarizer having a second polarization axis. The second polarizer has a second polarization axis that is set to be perpendicular to the first polarization axis, and thereby blocks linearly polarized light with the orientation of the beam of light passing through the first polarizer. The beam of light passing through the second polarizer is measured using a detector.

Fast divide-and-conquer algorithm for evaluating polarization in classical force fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nocito, Dominique; Beran, Gregory J. O.

2017-03-01

Evaluation of the self-consistent polarization energy forms a major computational bottleneck in polarizable force fields. In large systems, the linear polarization equations are typically solved iteratively with techniques based on Jacobi iterations (JI) or preconditioned conjugate gradients (PCG). Two new variants of JI are proposed here that exploit domain decomposition to accelerate the convergence of the induced dipoles. The first, divide-and-conquer JI (DC-JI), is a block Jacobi algorithm which solves the polarization equations within non-overlapping sub-clusters of atoms directly via Cholesky decomposition, and iterates to capture interactions between sub-clusters. The second, fuzzy DC-JI, achieves further acceleration by employing overlapping blocks. Fuzzy DC-JI is analogous to an additive Schwarz method, but with distance-based weighting when averaging the fuzzy dipoles from different blocks. Key to the success of these algorithms is the use of K-means clustering to identify natural atomic sub-clusters automatically for both algorithms and to determine the appropriate weights in fuzzy DC-JI. The algorithm employs knowledge of the 3-D spatial interactions to group important elements in the 2-D polarization matrix. When coupled with direct inversion in the iterative subspace (DIIS) extrapolation, fuzzy DC-JI/DIIS in particular converges in a comparable number of iterations as PCG, but with lower computational cost per iteration. In the end, the new algorithms demonstrated here accelerate the evaluation of the polarization energy by 2-3 fold compared to existing implementations of PCG or JI/DIIS.

Large reflector antenna study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christodoulou, C. G.

1986-01-01

In some applications, the wires used to construct the grids are plated over with highly conducting materials such as gold or silver. In those cases, depending on the frequency of operation, the coating may not be thick enough to prevent currents from flowing in the substrate. The conjugate gradient method, in conjunction with the fast Fourier transform is employed to solve the problem of scattering from such rectangular grids. An internal impedance is utilized to account for the effects of the substrate conductivity on the induced current densities. Calculated values of the reflection coefficient and induced currents from different coating thicknesses, angles of incidence and polarizations are presented and discussed.

A coherent detection technique via optically biased field for broadband terahertz radiation.

PubMed

Du, Hai-Wei; Dong, Jia-Meng; Liu, Yi; Shi, Chang-Cheng; Wu, Jing-Wei; Peng, Xiao-Yu

2017-09-01

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally a coherent terahertz detection technique based on an optically biased field functioning as a local oscillator and a second harmonic induced by the terahertz electric field in the air sensor working in free space. After optimizing the polarization angle and the energy of the probe pulse, and filling the system with dry nitrogen, the terahertz radiation generated from a two-color-femtosecond-laser-pulses induced plasma filament is measured by this technique with a bandwidth of 0.1-10 THz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 48 dB. Our technique provides an alternative simple method for coherent broadband terahertz detection.

Generation of continuously rotating polarization by combining cross-polarizations and its application in surface structuring.

PubMed

Lam, Billy; Zhang, Jihua; Guo, Chunlei

2017-08-01

In this study, we develop a simple but highly effective technique that generates a continuously varying polarization within a laser beam. This is achieved by having orthogonal linear polarizations on each side of the beam. By simply focusing such a laser beam, we can attain a gradually and continuously changing polarization within the entire Rayleigh range due to diffraction. To demonstrate this polarization distribution, we apply this laser beam onto a metal surface and create a continuously rotating laser induced periodic surface structure pattern. This technique provides a very effective way to produce complex surface structures that may potentially find applications, such as polarization modulators and metasurfaces.

Integrated Geophysical Measurements for Bioremediation Monitoring: Combining Spectral Induced Polarization, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Methods

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

Keating, Kristina; Slater, Lee; Ntarlagiannis, Dimitris

2015-02-24

This documents contains the final report for the project "Integrated Geophysical Measurements for Bioremediation Monitoring: Combining Spectral Induced Polarization, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Methods" (DE-SC0007049) Executive Summary: Our research aimed to develop borehole measurement techniques capable of monitoring subsurface processes, such as changes in pore geometry and iron/sulfur geochemistry, associated with remediation of heavy metals and radionuclides. Previous work has demonstrated that geophysical method spectral induced polarization (SIP) can be used to assess subsurface contaminant remediation; however, SIP signals can be generated from multiple sources limiting their interpretation value. Integrating multiple geophysical methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)more » and magnetic susceptibility (MS), with SIP, could reduce the ambiguity of interpretation that might result from a single method. Our research efforts entails combining measurements from these methods, each sensitive to different mineral forms and/or mineral-fluid interfaces, providing better constraints on changes in subsurface biogeochemical processes and pore geometries significantly improving our understanding of processes impacting contaminant remediation. The Rifle Integrated Field Research Challenge (IFRC) site was used as a test location for our measurements. The Rifle IFRC site is located at a former uranium ore-processing facility in Rifle, Colorado. Leachate from spent mill tailings has resulted in residual uranium contamination of both groundwater and sediments within the local aquifer. Studies at the site include an ongoing acetate amendment strategy, native microbial populations are stimulated by introduction of carbon intended to alter redox conditions and immobilize uranium. To test the geophysical methods in the field, NMR and MS logging measurements were collected before, during, and after acetate amendment. Next, laboratory NMR, MS, and SIP measurements were collected on columns of Rifle sediments during acetate amendment. The laboratory experiments were designed to simulate the field experiments; changes in geophysical signals were expected to correlate with changes in redox conditions and iron speciation. Field MS logging measurements revealed vertically stratified magnetic mineralization, likely the result of detrital magnetic fraction within the bulk alluvium. Little to no change was observed in the MS data suggesting negligible production of magnetic phases (e.g. magnetite, pyrrhotite) as a result of sulfidogenesis. Borehole NMR measurements contained high levels of noise contamination requiring significant signal processing, and analysis suggests that any changes may be difficult to differentiate from simultaneous changes in water content. Laboratory MS and NMR measurements remained relatively stable throughout the course of the acetate amendment experiment, consistent with field measurements. However, SIP measurements changed during the acetate amendment associated with the formation of iron-sulfide mineral phases; a finding that is consistent with chemical analysis of the solid phase materials in the columns.« less

Engineering an Insulating Ferroelectric Superlattice with a Tunable Band Gap from Metallic Components

DOE PAGES

Ghosh, Saurabh; Borisevich, Albina Y.; Pantelides, Sokrates T.

2017-10-25

The recent discovery of “polar metals” with ferroelectriclike displacements offers the promise of designing ferroelectrics with tunable energy gaps by inducing controlled metal-insulator transitions. Here in this work, we employ first-principles calculations to design a metallic polar superlattice from nonpolar metal components and show that controlled intermixing can lead to a true insulating ferroelectric with a tunable band gap. We consider a 2/2 superlattice made of two centrosymmetric metallic oxides, La 0.75Sr 0.25MnO 3 and LaNiO 3, and show that ferroelectriclike displacements are induced. The ferroelectriclike distortion is found to be strongly dependent on the carrier concentration (Sr content). Further,more » we show that a metal-to-insulator (MI) transition is feasible in this system via disproportionation of the Ni sites. Such a disproportionation and, hence, a MI transition can be driven by intermixing of transition metal ions between Mn and Ni layers. Finally, as a result, the energy gap of the resulting ferroelectric can be tuned by varying the degree of intermixing in the experimental fabrication method.« less

Engineering an Insulating Ferroelectric Superlattice with a Tunable Band Gap from Metallic Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Saurabh; Borisevich, Albina Y.; Pantelides, Sokrates T.

2017-10-01

The recent discovery of "polar metals" with ferroelectriclike displacements offers the promise of designing ferroelectrics with tunable energy gaps by inducing controlled metal-insulator transitions. Here we employ first-principles calculations to design a metallic polar superlattice from nonpolar metal components and show that controlled intermixing can lead to a true insulating ferroelectric with a tunable band gap. We consider a 2 /2 superlattice made of two centrosymmetric metallic oxides, La0.75 Sr0.25 MnO3 and LaNiO3 , and show that ferroelectriclike displacements are induced. The ferroelectriclike distortion is found to be strongly dependent on the carrier concentration (Sr content). Further, we show that a metal-to-insulator (MI) transition is feasible in this system via disproportionation of the Ni sites. Such a disproportionation and, hence, a MI transition can be driven by intermixing of transition metal ions between Mn and Ni layers. As a result, the energy gap of the resulting ferroelectric can be tuned by varying the degree of intermixing in the experimental fabrication method.

Engineering an Insulating Ferroelectric Superlattice with a Tunable Band Gap from Metallic Components

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

Ghosh, Saurabh; Borisevich, Albina Y.; Pantelides, Sokrates T.

The recent discovery of “polar metals” with ferroelectriclike displacements offers the promise of designing ferroelectrics with tunable energy gaps by inducing controlled metal-insulator transitions. Here in this work, we employ first-principles calculations to design a metallic polar superlattice from nonpolar metal components and show that controlled intermixing can lead to a true insulating ferroelectric with a tunable band gap. We consider a 2/2 superlattice made of two centrosymmetric metallic oxides, La 0.75Sr 0.25MnO 3 and LaNiO 3, and show that ferroelectriclike displacements are induced. The ferroelectriclike distortion is found to be strongly dependent on the carrier concentration (Sr content). Further,more » we show that a metal-to-insulator (MI) transition is feasible in this system via disproportionation of the Ni sites. Such a disproportionation and, hence, a MI transition can be driven by intermixing of transition metal ions between Mn and Ni layers. Finally, as a result, the energy gap of the resulting ferroelectric can be tuned by varying the degree of intermixing in the experimental fabrication method.« less

Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures on niobium by femtosecond laser irradiation

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

Pan, A.; Dias, A.; Gomez-Aranzadi, M.

2014-05-07

The surface morphology of a Niobium sample, irradiated in air by a femtosecond laser with a wavelength of 800 nm and pulse duration of 100 fs, was examined. The period of the micro/nanostructures, parallel and perpendicularly oriented to the linearly polarized fs-laser beam, was studied by means of 2D Fast Fourier Transform analysis. The observed Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) were classified as Low Spatial Frequency LIPSS (periods about 600 nm) and High Spatial Frequency LIPSS, showing a periodicity around 300 nm, both of them perpendicularly oriented to the polarization of the incident laser wave. Moreover, parallel high spatial frequency LIPSS were observedmore » with periods around 100 nm located at the peripheral areas of the laser fingerprint and overwritten on the perpendicular periodic gratings. The results indicate that this method of micro/nanostructuring allows controlling the Niobium grating period by the number of pulses applied, so the scan speed and not the fluence is the key parameter of control. A discussion on the mechanism of the surface topology evolution was also introduced.« less

Swelling-induced optical anisotropy of thermoresponsive hydrogels based on poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate): deswelling kinetics probed by quantitative Mueller matrix polarimetry.

PubMed

Patil, Nagaraj; Soni, Jalpa; Ghosh, Nirmalya; De, Priyadarsi

2012-11-29

Thermodynamically favored polymer-water interactions below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) caused swelling-induced optical anisotropy (linear retardance) of thermoresponsive hydrogels based on poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate). This was exploited to study the macroscopic deswelling kinetics quantitatively by a generalized polarimetry analysis method, based on measurement of the Mueller matrix and its subsequent inverse analysis via the polar decomposition approach. The derived medium polarization parameters, namely, linear retardance (δ), diattenuation (d), and depolarization coefficient (Δ), of the hydrogels showed interesting differences between the gels prepared by conventional free radical polymerization (FRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and also between dry and swollen state. The effect of temperature, cross-linking density, and polymerization technique employed to synthesize hydrogel on deswelling kinetics was systematically studied via conventional gravimetry and corroborated further with the corresponding Mueller matrix derived quantitative polarimetry characteristics (δ, d, and Δ). The RAFT gels exhibited higher swelling ratio and swelling-induced optical anisotropy compared to FRP gels and also deswelled faster at 30 °C. On the contrary, at 45 °C, deswelling was significantly retarded for the RAFT gels due to formation of a skin layer, which was confirmed and quantified via the enhanced diattenuation and depolarization parameters.

Photo-assisted Kelvin probe force microscopy investigation of three dimensional GaN structures with various crystal facets, doping types, and wavelengths of illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali Deeb, Manal; Ledig, Johannes; Wei, Jiandong; Wang, Xue; Wehmann, Hergo-Heinrich; Waag, Andreas

2017-08-01

Three dimensional GaN structures with different crystal facets and doping types have been investigated employing the surface photo-voltage (SPV) method to monitor illumination-induced surface charge behavior using Kelvin probe force microscopy. Various photon energies near and below the GaN bandgap were used to modify the generation of electron-hole pairs and their motion under the influence of the electric field near the GaN surface. Fast and slow processes for Ga-polar c-planes on both Si-doped n-type as well as Mg-doped p-type GaN truncated pyramid micro-structures were found and their origin is discussed. The immediate positive (for n-type) and negative (for p-type) SPV response dominates at band-to-band and near-bandgap excitation, while only the slow process is present at sub-bandgap excitation. The SPV behavior for the semi-polar facets of the p-type GaN truncated pyramids has a similar characteristic to that on its c-plane, which indicates that it has a comparable band bending and no strong influence of the polarity-induced charges is detectable. The SPV behavior of the non-polar m-facets of the Si-doped n-type part of a transferred GaN column is similar to that of a clean c-plane GaN surface during illumination. However, the SPV is smaller in magnitude, which is attributed to intrinsic surface states of m-plane surfaces and their influence on the band bending. The SPV behavior of the non-polar m-facet of the slightly Mg-doped part of this GaN column is found to behave differently. Compared to c- and r-facets of p-type surfaces of GaN-light-emitting diode micro-structures, the m-plane is more chemically stable.

Polarization-polarization correlation measurement --- Experimental test of the PPCO methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Droste, Ch.; Starosta, K.; Wierzchucka, A.; Morek, T.; Rohoziński, S. G.; Srebrny, J.; Wesolowski, E.; Bergstrem, M.; Herskind, B.

1998-04-01

A significant fraction of modern multidetector arrays used for "in-beam" gamma-ray spectroscopy consist of a detectors which are sensitive to linear polarization of gamma quanta. This yields the opportunity to carry out correlation measurements between the gamma rays registered in polarimeters to get information concerning spins and parities of excited nuclear states. The aim of the present work was to study the ability of the polarization- polarization correlation method (the PPCO method). The correlation between the linear polarization of one gamma quantum and the polarization of the second quantum emitted in a cascade from an oriented nucleus (due to a heavy ion reaction) was studied in detail. The appropriate formulae and methods of analysis are presented. The experimental test of the method was performed using the EUROGAM II array. The CLOVER detectors are the parts of the array used as polarimeters. The ^164Yb nucleus was produced via the ^138Ba(^30Si, 4n) reaction. It was found that the PPCO method together with the standard DCO analysis and the polarization- direction correlation method (PDCO) can be helpful for spin, parity and multipolarity assignments. The results suggest that the PPCO method can be applied to modern spectrometers in which a large number of detectors (e.g. CLOVER) are sensitive to polarization of gamma rays.

Structural tuning of nanogaps using electromigration induced by field emission current with bipolar biasing

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

Yagi, Mamiko; Ito, Mitsuki; Shirakashi, Jun-ichi, E-mail: shrakash@cc.tuat.ac.jp

We report a new method for fabrication of Ni nanogaps based on electromigration induced by a field emission current. This method is called “activation” and is demonstrated here using a current source with alternately reversing polarities. The activation procedure with alternating current bias, in which the current source polarity alternates between positive and negative bias conditions, is performed with planar Ni nanogaps defined on SiO{sub 2}/Si substrates at room temperature. During negative biasing, a Fowler-Nordheim field emission current flows from the source (cathode) to the drain (anode) electrode. The Ni atoms at the tip of the drain electrode are thusmore » activated and then migrate across the gap from the drain to the source electrode. In contrast, in the positive bias case, the field emission current moves the activated atoms from the source to the drain electrode. These two procedures are repeated until the tunnel resistance of the nanogaps is successively reduced from 100 TΩ to 48 kΩ. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies showed that the gap separation narrowed from approximately 95 nm to less than 10 nm because of the Ni atoms that accumulated at the tips of both the source and drain electrodes. These results show that the alternately biased activation process, which is a newly proposed atom transfer technique, can successfully control the tunnel resistance of the Ni nanogaps and is a suitable method for formation of ultrasmall nanogap structures.« less

Preliminary results of spectral induced polarization measurements, Wadi Bidah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Bruce D.; Tippens, C.L.; Flanigan, V.J.; Sadek, Hamdy

1983-01-01

Laboratory spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements on 29 carbonaceous schist samples from the Wadi Bidah district show that most are associated with very long polarization decays or, equivalently, large time constants. In contrast, measurements on two massive sulfide samples indicate shorter polarization decays or smaller time constants. This difference in time constants for the polarization process results in two differences in the phase spectra in the frequency range of from 0.06 to 1Hz. First, phase values of carbonaceous rocks generally decrease as a function of increasing frequency. Second, phase values of massive sulfide-bearing rocks increase as a function of increasing frequency. These results from laboratory measurements agree well with those from other reported SIP measurements on graphites and massive sulfides from the Canadian Shield. Four SIP lines, measured by using a 50-m dipole-dipole array, were surveyed at the Rabathan 4 prospect to test how well the results of laboratory sample measurements can be applied to larger scale field measurements. Along one line, located entirely over carbonaceous schists, the phase values decreased as a function of increasing frequency. Along a second line, located over both massive sulfides and carbonaceous schists as defined by drilling, the phase values measured over carbonaceous schists decreased as a function of increasing frequency, whereas those measured over massive sulfides increased. In addition, parts of two lines were surveyed down the axes of the massive sulfide and carbonaceous units. The phase values along these lines showed similar differences between the carbonaceous schists and massive sulfides. To date, the SIP survey and the SIP laboratory measurements have produced the only geophysical data that indicate an electrical difference between the massive sulfide-bearing rocks and the surrounding carbonaceous rocks in the Wadi Bidah district. However, additional sample and field measurements in areas of known mineralization would fully evaluate the SIP method as applied to various geologic environments and styles of massive sulfide mineralization. Additionally, the efficiency of SIP surveys in delineating areas of sulfide mineralization might be improved by surveying lines down the axes of known electrical conductors. An evaluation of the applied research done on the SIP method to date suggests that this technique offers significant exploration applications to massive sulfide exploration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Interference Thin Films for Spectral Filtering, Polarizing, Phase Retarding, and Intensity Splitting of FUV Radiation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jongmin

The development of thin film technology for the far ultraviolet (FUV: 120~220 nm) has not progressed as rapidly as in the visible and infrared regions because substrate and thin film materials exhibit absorption characteristics that complicate the design process. Mathematically, these absorbing materials can be treated in the same manner as non-absorbing materials if a complex representation of the optical constants is used. Realization of higher throughput can be achieved by operating in a reflective rather than a transmissive mode. The spectral filter II -stack design method obtains a high reflectance by minimizing absorptance in the high refractive index layer while maintaining the constructive interference between reflected waves at the boundary of HL pairs. Reflective polarizers are designed by inducing transmission and absorption of the p-polarized light. Utilizing a MgF_2/Al/MgF _2 three layer structure on a thick Al layer as a substrate, high s-polarization reflectance (>88%) and a high degree of polarization (>99%) are obtained. Out-of-band rejection in the spectral filter and the degree of polarization in the polarizer are significantly improved by combining multiple reflectors in tandem. The high-low absorbing material boundaries in the MgF_2/Al/MgF_2 structure are also useful for obtaining phase retardance between s and p-polarized reflected fields. Two equations established by the ideal quarterwave retarder (QWR) requirement and electric field relations are used to determine the MgF_2 layer thicknesses to achieve excellent QWR performances. Calculated results show that a high reflectance for both polarizations (>80%) and almost 90^circ of phase retardance are possible. Discrepancies between the designed and measured polarizer performance are mainly caused by Al layer oxidation during fabrication in a conventional high vacuum chamber. XPS depth profiling is used to analyze the oxidation and the results show that oxidized layer thicknesses are greater than typically reported from optical techniques. A method is established to predict the maximum oxygen concentration at each Al interface based only on the pressure to rate ratio during film deposition. Along with polarizers and retarders, beam-splitters are also difficult to make due to absorption; and transparent conductive coatings have not been studied in the FUV region. A beam-splitter with improved TR product (transmittance times reflectance: TR = 0.20, 0.18) is designed with a dielectric multilayer. It is found that Cr is a significantly better film material for transparent conductive coatings than indium-tin-oxide (ITO) in the FUV region.

Valley polarization in silicene induced by circularly-polarized resonance light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Jie; Qi, Fenghua

2017-06-01

In the presence of circularly-polarized resonance light, silicene develops dynamical band gaps in its quasi-energy band structure. Using numerical calculations, our results show that the gap appearing at ħω/2, where ħω is the photon energy. More importantly, we find that these gaps are non-symmetric for two inequivalent valleys. Therefore we can introduce light-controlled valley polarization in these dynamical band gaps. Different valleytronic devices can be realized using this technique.

Noise-immune complex correlation for vasculature imaging based on standard and Jones-matrix optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makita, Shuichi; Kurokawa, Kazuhiro; Hong, Young-Joo; Li, En; Miura, Masahiro; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2016-03-01

A new optical coherence angiography (OCA) method, called correlation mapping OCA (cmOCA), is presented by using the SNR-corrected complex correlation. An SNR-correction theory for the complex correlation calculation is presented. The method also integrates a motion-artifact-removal method for the sample motion induced decorrelation artifact. The theory is further extended to compute more reliable correlation by using multi- channel OCT systems, such as Jones-matrix OCT. The high contrast vasculature imaging of in vivo human posterior eye has been obtained. Composite imaging of cmOCA and degree of polarization uniformity indicates abnormalities of vasculature and pigmented tissues simultaneously.

Demonstrating ultrafast polarization dynamics in spin-VCSELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindemann, Markus; Pusch, Tobias; Michalzik, Rainer; Gerhardt, Nils C.; Hofmann, Martin R.

2018-02-01

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are used for short-haul optical data transmission with increasing bit rates. The optimization involves both enhanced device designs and the use of higher-order modulation formats. In order to improve the modulation bandwidth substantially, the presented work employs spin-pumped VCSELs (spin-VCSELs) and their polarization dynamics instead of relying on intensity-modulated devices. In spin-VCSELs, the polarization state of the emitted light is controllable via spin injection. By optical spin pumping a single-mode VCSEL is forced to emit light composed of both orthogonal linearly polarized fundamental modes. The frequencies of these two modes differ slightly by a value determined by the cavity birefringence. As a result, the circular polarization degree oscillates with their beat frequency, i.e., with the birefringence-induced mode splitting. We used this phenomenon to show so-called polarization oscillations, which are generated by pulsed spin injection. Their frequency represents the polarization dynamics resonance frequency and can be tuned over a wide range via the birefringence, nearly independent from any other laser parameter. In previous work we demonstrated a maximum birefringence-induced mode splitting of more than 250 GHz. In this work, compared to previous publications, we show an almost doubled polarization oscillation frequency of more than 80 GHz. Furthermore, we discuss concepts to achieve even higher values far above 100 GHz.

Measuring fluorescence polarization with a dichrometer.

PubMed

Sutherland, John C

2017-09-01

A method for obtaining fluorescence polarization data from an instrument designed to measure circular and linear dichroism is compared with a previously reported approach. The new method places a polarizer between the sample and a detector mounted perpendicular to the direction of the incident beam and results in determination of the fluorescence polarization ratio, whereas the previous method does not use a polarizer and yields the fluorescence anisotropy. A similar analysis with the detector located axially with the excitation beam demonstrates that there is no frequency modulated signal due to fluorescence polarization in the absence of a polarizer. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A marked animal-vegetal polarity in the localization of Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity and its down-regulation following progesterone-induced maturation.

PubMed

Mohanty, Basant Kumar; Gupta, Brij L

2012-02-01

The stage-VI Xenopus oocyte has a very distinct animal-vegetal polarity with structural and functional asymmetry. In this study, we show the expression and distribution pattern of Na(+),K(+) -ATPase in stage-VI oocytes, and its changes following progesterone-induced maturation. Using enzyme-specific electron microscopy phosphatase histochemistry, [(3) H]-ouabain autoradiography, and immunofluorescence cytochemistry at light microscopic level, we find that Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity is mainly confined to the animal hemisphere. Electron microscopy histochemical results also suggest that polarized distribution of Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity persists following progesterone-induced maturation, and it becomes gradually more polarized towards the animal pole. The time course following progesterone-induced maturation suggests that there is an initial up-regulation and then gradual down-regulation of Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity leading to germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). By GVBD, the Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity is completely down-regulated due to endocytotic removal of pump molecules from the plasma membrane into the sub-cortical region of the oocyte. This study provides the first direct evidence for a marked asymmetric localization of Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity in any vertebrate oocyte. Here, we propose that such asymmetry in Na(+),K(+) -ATPase activity in stage-VI oocytes, and their down-regulation following progesterone-induced maturation, is likely to have a role in the active state of the germinal vesicle in stage-VI oocytes and chromosomal condensation after GVBD. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Theory and compensation method of axial magnetic error induced by axial magnetic field in a polarization-maintaining fiber optic gyro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yanru; Zhao, Yuxiang; Tian, Hui; Zhang, Dengwei; Huang, Tengchao; Miao, Lijun; Shu, Xiaowu; Che, Shuangliang; Liu, Cheng

2016-12-01

In an axial magnetic field (AMF), which is vertical to the plane of the fiber coil, a polarization-maintaining fiber optic gyro (PM-FOG) appears as an axial magnetic error. This error is linearly related to the intensity of an AMF, the radius of the fiber coil, and the light wavelength, and also influenced by the distribution of fiber twist. When a PM-FOG is manufactured completely, this error only appears a linear correlation with the AMF. A real-time compensation model is established to eliminate the error, and the experimental results show that the axial magnetic error of the PM-FOG is decreased from 5.83 to 0.09 deg/h in 12G AMF with 18-dB suppression.

Electromagnetic near-field coupling induced polarization conversion and asymmetric transmission in plasmonic metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yu-Xiang; Wang, Kai-Jun; He, Meng-Dong; Luo, Jian-Hua; Zhang, Xin-Min; Li, Jian-Bo; Tan, Shi-Hua; Liu, Jian-Qiang; Hu, Wei-Da; Chen, Xiaoshuang

2018-04-01

In this paper, we demonstrate the effect of polarization conversion in a plasmonic metasurface structure, in which each unit cell consists of a metal bar and four metal split-ring resonators (SRRs). Such effect is attributed to the fact that the dark plasmon mode of SRRs (bar), which radiates cross-polarized component, is induced by the bright plasmon mode of bar (SRRs) due to the electromagnetic near-field coupling between bar and SRRs. We find that there are two ways to achieve a large cross-polarized component in our proposed metasurface structure. The first way is realized when the dark plasmon mode of bar (SRRs) is in resonance, while at this time the bright plasmon mode of SRRs (bar) is not at resonant state. The second way is realized when the bright plasmon mode of SRRs (bar) is resonantly excited, while the dark plasmon mode of bar (SRRs) is at nonresonant state. It is also found that the linearly polarized light can be rotated by 56.50 after propagation through the metasurface structure. Furthermore, our proposed metasurface structure exhibits an asymmetric transmission for circularly polarized light. Our findings take a further step in developing integrated metasurface-based photonics devices for polarization manipulation and modulation.

Electrically polarized PLLA nanofibers as neural tissue engineering scaffolds with improved neuritogenesis.

PubMed

Barroca, Nathalie; Marote, Ana; Vieira, Sandra I; Almeida, Abílio; Fernandes, Maria H V; Vilarinho, Paula M; da Cruz E Silva, Odete A B

2018-07-01

Tissue engineering is evolving towards the production of smart platforms exhibiting stimulatory cues to guide tissue regeneration. This work explores the benefits of electrical polarization to produce more efficient neural tissue engineering platforms. Poly (l-lactic) acid (PLLA)-based scaffolds were prepared as solvent cast films and electrospun aligned nanofibers, and electrically polarized by an in-lab built corona poling device. The characterization of the platforms by thermally stimulated depolarization currents reveals a polarization of 60 × 10 -10 C cm -2 that is stable on poled electrospun nanofibers for up to 6 months. Further in vitro studies using neuroblastoma cells reveals that platforms' polarization potentiates Retinoic Acid-induced neuronal differentiation. Additionally, in differentiating embryonic cortical neurons, poled aligned nanofibers further increased neurite outgrowth by 30% (+70 μm) over non-poled aligned nanofibers, and by 50% (+100 μm) over control conditions. Therefore, the synergy of topographical cues and electrical polarization of poled aligned nanofibers places them as promising biocompatible and bioactive platforms for neural tissue regeneration. Given their long lasting induced polarization, these PLLA poled nanofibrous scaffolds can be envisaged as therapeutic devices of long shelf life for neural repair applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Understanding the basis of I50V-induced affinity decrease in HIV-1 protease via molecular dynamics simulations using polarized force field.

PubMed

Duan, Rui; Lazim, Raudah; Zhang, Dawei

2015-09-30

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 protease is one of the most promising drug target commonly utilized to combat Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). However, with the emergence of drug resistance arising from mutations, the efficiency of protease inhibitors (PIs) as a viable treatment for AIDS has been greatly reduced. I50V mutation as one of the most significant mutations occurring in HIV-1 protease will be investigated in this study. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was utilized to examine the effect of I50V mutation on the binding of two PIs namely indinavir and amprenavir to HIV-1 protease. Prior to the simulations conducted, the electron density distributions of the PI and each residue in HIV-1 protease are derived by combining quantum fragmentation approach molecular fractionation with conjugate caps and Poisson-Boltzmann solvation model based on polarized protein-specific charge scheme. The atomic charges of the binding complex are subsequently fitted using delta restrained electrostatic potential (delta-RESP) method to overcome the poor charge determination of buried atom. This way, both intraprotease polarization and the polarization between protease and the PI are incorporated into partial atomic charges. Through this study, the mutation-induced affinity variations were calculated and significant agreement between experiments and MD simulations conducted was observed for both HIV-1 protease-drug complexes. In addition, the mechanism governing the decrease in the binding affinity of PI in the presence of I50V mutation was also explored to provide insights pertaining to the design of the next generation of anti-HIV drugs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Low Al-composition p-GaN/Mg-doped Al0.25Ga0.75N/n+-GaN polarization-induced backward tunneling junction grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on sapphire substrate

PubMed Central

Zhang, Kexiong; Liang, Hongwei; Liu, Yang; Shen, Rensheng; Guo, Wenping; Wang, Dongsheng; Xia, Xiaochuan; Tao, Pengcheng; Yang, Chao; Luo, Yingmin; Du, Guotong

2014-01-01

Low Al-composition p-GaN/Mg-doped Al0.25Ga0.75N/n+-GaN polarization-induced backward tunneling junction (PIBTJ) was grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on sapphire substrate. A self-consistent solution of Poisson-Schrödinger equations combined with polarization-induced theory was used to model PIBTJ structure, energy band diagrams and free carrier concentrations distribution. The PIBTJ displays reliable and reproducible backward tunneling with a current density of 3 A/cm2 at the reverse bias of −1 V. The absence of negative differential resistance behavior of PIBTJ at forward bias can mainly be attributed to the hole compensation centers, including C, H and O impurities, accumulated at the p-GaN/Mg-doped AlGaN heterointerface. PMID:25205042

Magnetoelectric Andreev Effect due to Proximity-Induced Nonunitary Triplet Superconductivity in Helical Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkachov, G.

2017-01-01

Noncentrosymmetric superconductors exhibit the magnetoelectric effect, which manifests itself in the appearance of the magnetic spin polarization in response to a dissipationless electric current (supercurrent). While much attention has been dedicated to the thermodynamic version of this phenomenon (Edelstein effect), nonequilibrium transport magnetoelectric effects have not been explored yet. We propose the magnetoelectric Andreev effect (MAE), which consists in the generation of spin-polarized triplet Andreev conductance by an electric supercurrent. The MAE stems from the spin polarization of the Cooper-pair condensate due to a supercurrent-induced nonunitary triplet pairing. We propose the realization of such a nonunitary pairing and MAE in superconducting proximity structures based on two-dimensional helical metals—strongly spin-orbit-coupled electronic systems with the Dirac spectrum such as the topological surface states. Our results uncover an unexplored route towards electrically controlled superconducting spintronics and are a smoking gun for induced unconventional superconductivity in spin-orbit-coupled materials.

Vibration energy harvesting based on stress-induced polarization switching: a phase field approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dan; Wang, Linxiang; Melnik, Roderick

2017-06-01

Different from the traditional piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting, a new strategy based on stress-induced polarization switching has been proposed in the current paper. Two related prototypes are presented and the associated advantages and drawbacks have been discussed in detail. It has been demonstrated that, with the assistance of a bias electric field, the robustness of the energy harvesters is improved. Furthermore, the real-space phase-field model has been employed to study the nonlinear hysteretic behavior involved in the proposed energy harvesting process. A substantially larger electric current associated with the stress-induced polarization switching has been demonstrated when compared with that with piezoelectric effect. In addition, the effects of bias electric potential, bias resistance, mechanical boundary conditions, charge leakage and electrodes arrangements have also been investigated by the phase-field simulation, which provides a guidance for future real implementations.

Low Al-composition p-GaN/Mg-doped Al0.25Ga0.75N/n+-GaN polarization-induced backward tunneling junction grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on sapphire substrate.

PubMed

Zhang, Kexiong; Liang, Hongwei; Liu, Yang; Shen, Rensheng; Guo, Wenping; Wang, Dongsheng; Xia, Xiaochuan; Tao, Pengcheng; Yang, Chao; Luo, Yingmin; Du, Guotong

2014-09-10

Low Al-composition p-GaN/Mg-doped Al0.25Ga0.75N/n(+)-GaN polarization-induced backward tunneling junction (PIBTJ) was grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on sapphire substrate. A self-consistent solution of Poisson-Schrödinger equations combined with polarization-induced theory was used to model PIBTJ structure, energy band diagrams and free carrier concentrations distribution. The PIBTJ displays reliable and reproducible backward tunneling with a current density of 3 A/cm(2) at the reverse bias of -1 V. The absence of negative differential resistance behavior of PIBTJ at forward bias can mainly be attributed to the hole compensation centers, including C, H and O impurities, accumulated at the p-GaN/Mg-doped AlGaN heterointerface.

Determining Thunderstorm Electric Fields using Radio Emission from Cosmic-Ray Air Showers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hare, B.; Scholten, O.; Trinh, G. T. N.; Ebert, U.; Rutjes, C.

2017-12-01

We report on a novel non-intrusive way to investigate electric fields in thunderclouds.Energetic cosmic rays penetrating the atmosphere create a particle avalanche called an extensive air shower. The front of the shower is a plasma cloud that contains 10^6 or more free electrons and positrons moving towards the Earth's surface at the speed of light. The electric fields that exists in thunderclouds induces electric currents in the plasma cloud that emit radio waves. The radio footprint for intensity, linear and circular polarization thus contains the finger print of the atmospheric electric fields along the path of the air shower.Here we report on the analysis of many cosmic-ray radio footprints as have been measured at LOFAR, a dense array of simple radio antennas (several thousands of dual-polarized antennas) primarily developed for radio-astronomy observations. We show that this method can be used to determine the charge structure in thunderclouds and discuss the accuracy of the method. We have observed seasonal dependencies.

Permanent magnet machine and method with reluctance poles and non-identical PM poles for high density operation

DOEpatents

Hsu, John S.

2010-05-18

A method and apparatus in which a stator (11) and a rotor (12) define a primary air gap (20) for receiving AC flux and at least one source (23, 40), and preferably two sources (23, 24, 40) of DC excitation are positioned for inducing DC flux at opposite ends of the rotor (12). Portions of PM material (17, 17a) are provided as boundaries separating PM rotor pole portions from each other and from reluctance poles. The PM poles (18) and the reluctance poles (19) can be formed with poles of one polarity having enlarged flux paths in relation to flux paths for pole portions of an opposite polarity, the enlarged flux paths communicating with a core of the rotor (12) so as to increase reluctance torque produced by the electric machine. Reluctance torque is increased by providing asymmetrical pole faces. The DC excitation can also use asymmetric poles and asymmetric excitation sources. Several embodiments are disclosed with additional variations.

Enhancing boron rejection in FO using alkaline draw solutions.

PubMed

Wang, Yi-Ning; Li, Weiyi; Wang, Rong; Tang, Chuyang Y

2017-07-01

This study provides a novel method to enhance boron removal in a forward osmosis (FO) process. It utilizes the reverse solute diffusion (RSD) of ions from alkaline draw solutions (DSs) and the concentration polarization of the hydroxyl ions to create a highly alkaline environment near the membrane active surface. The results show that boron rejection can be significantly enhanced by increasing the pH of NaCl DS to 12.5 in the active-layer-facing-feed-solution (AL-FS) orientation. The effect of RSD enhanced boron rejection was further promoted in the presence of concentration polarization (e.g., in the active-layer-facing-draw-solution (AL-DS) orientation). The current study opens a new dimension for controlling contaminant removal by FO using tailored DS chemistry, where the RSD-induced localized water chemistry change is taken advantage in contrast to the conventional method of chemical dosing to the bulk feed water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An ensemble of paired spin(-1/2) nuclei in a rotating solid: Polarization evolution and NMR spectrum in a wobbling frame.

PubMed

Kundla, Enn

2007-04-01

The evolution of the magnetic polarization of an ensemble of paired spin(-1/2) nuclei in an MAS NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) experiment and the induced spectrum are described theoretically by means of a Liouville-von Neumann equation representation in a wobbling rotating frame in combination with the averaged Hamiltonian theory. In this method, the effect of a high-intensity external static magnetic field and the effects of the leftover interaction components of the Hamiltonian that commute with the approximate Hamiltonian are taken into account simultaneously and equivalently. This method reproduces details that really exist in the recorded spectra, caused by secular terms in the Hamiltonian, which might otherwise be smoothed out owing to the approximate treatment of the effects of the secular terms. Complete analytical expressions, which describe the whole NMR spectrum including the rotational sideband sets, and which consider all the relevant intermolecular interactions, are obtained.

[The application of the modern phototherapeutic technologies for the medical rehabilitation of the children].

PubMed

Khan, M A; Chubarova, А I; Pogonchenkova, I V; Rassulova, M A; Sergeenko, E Y; Vakhova, E L; Lyan, N A; Mikitchenko, N A

2017-12-28

This literature review is focused on the application of polychromatic and monochromatic polarized light for the treatment of various diseases of the childhood including those in the newborns and the premature babies. The analysis of the data of scientific research gives evidence of the beneficial effect of polychromatic polarized light on the clinical course of various skin diseases in the newborn children. Moreover, the improved immunological and reparative processes were revealed after the surgical interventions for congenital heart defects in the newborns. The light-induced changes in the skin contribute to the realization of therapeutic effects of polarized polychromatic light in such children's diseases as atopic dermatitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, neurogenic urinary bladder dysfunction, and the traumatic injuries of the limbs. The biologically positive physiological effects of monochromatic polarized light are known to contribute to the improvement of the clinical and functional status in the children presenting with bronchial asthma and in the patients frequently suffering from acute respiratory diseases. The versatility of the biological effects of polarized light taken together with the possibility of its application from the first days of the child's life, the short duration of the procedure, the absence of unpleasant sensations and contact between the damaged surface and the device as well as the simplicity of using the equipment determine the promising prospects for the use of the proposed method in the clinical pediatric practice.

Studying the Polarization Switching in Polycrystalline BiFeO3 Films by 2D Piezoresponse Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Yaming; Lu, Xiaomei; Zhang, Junting; Kan, Yi; Bo, Huifeng; Huang, Fengzhen; Xu, Tingting; Du, Yingchao; Xiao, Shuyu; Zhu, Jinsong

2015-07-01

For rhombohedral multiferroelectrics, non-180° ferroelectric domain switching may induce ferroelastic and/or (anti-)ferromagnetic effect. So the determination and control of ferroelectric domain switching angles is crucial for nonvolatile information storage and exchange-coupled magnetoelectric devices. We try to study the intrinsic characters of polarization switching in BiFeO3 by introducing a special data processing method to determine the switching angle from 2D PFM (Piezoresponse Force Microscopy) images of randomly oriented samples. The response surface of BiFeO3 is first plotted using the piezoelectric tensor got from first principles calculations. Then from the normalized 2D PFM signals before and after switching, the switching angles of randomly oriented BiFeO3 grains can be determined through numerical calculations. In the polycrystalline BiFeO3 films, up to 34% of all switched area is that with original out-of-plane (OP) polarization parallel to the poling field. 71° polarization switching is more favorable, with the area percentages of 71°, 109° and 180° domain switching being about 42%, 29% and 29%, respectively. Our analysis further reveals that IP stress and charge migration have comparable effect on switching, and they are sensitive to the geometric arrangements. This work helps exploring a route to control polarization switching in BiFeO3, so as to realize desirable magnetoelectric coupling.

Searching for New Spin- and Velocity-Dependent Interactions by Spin Relaxation of Polarized ^{3}He Gas.

PubMed

Yan, H; Sun, G A; Peng, S M; Zhang, Y; Fu, C; Guo, H; Liu, B Q

2015-10-30

We have constrained possible new interactions which produce nonrelativistic potentials between polarized neutrons and unpolarized matter proportional to ασ[over →]·v[over →] where σ[over →] is the neutron spin and v[over →] is the relative velocity. We use existing data from laboratory measurements on the very long T_{1} and T_{2} spin relaxation times of polarized ^{3}He gas in glass cells. Using the best available measured T_{2} of polarized ^{3}He gas atoms as the polarized source and the Earth as an unpolarized source, we obtain constraints on two new interactions. We present a new experimental upper bound on possible vector-axial-vector (V_{VA}) type interactions for ranges between 1 and 10^{8} m. In combination with previous results, we set the most stringent experiment limits on g_{V}g_{A} ranging from ~μm to ~10^{8} m. We also report what is to our knowledge the first experimental upper limit on the possible torsion fields induced by the Earth on its surface. Dedicated experiments could further improve these bounds by a factor of ~100. Our method of analysis also makes it possible to probe many velocity dependent interactions which depend on the spins of both neutrons and other particles which have never been searched for before experimentally.

Utilising psychophysical techniques to investigate the effects of age, typeface design, size and display polarity on glance legibility

PubMed Central

Dobres, Jonathan; Chahine, Nadine; Reimer, Bryan; Gould, David; Mehler, Bruce; Coughlin, Joseph F.

2016-01-01

Abstract Psychophysical research on text legibility has historically investigated factors such as size, colour and contrast, but there has been relatively little direct empirical evaluation of typographic design itself, particularly in the emerging context of glance reading. In the present study, participants performed a lexical decision task controlled by an adaptive staircase method. Two typefaces, a ‘humanist’ and ‘square grotesque’ style, were tested. Study I examined positive and negative polarities, while Study II examined two text sizes. Stimulus duration thresholds were sensitive to differences between typefaces, polarities and sizes. Typeface also interacted significantly with age, particularly for conditions with higher legibility thresholds. These results are consistent with previous research assessing the impact of the same typefaces on interface demand in a simulated driving environment. This simplified methodology of assessing legibility differences can be adapted to investigate a wide array of questions relevant to typographic and interface designs. Practitioner Summary: A method is described for rapidly investigating relative legibility of different typographical features. Results indicate that during glance-like reading induced by the psychophysical technique and under the lighting conditions considered, humanist-style type is significantly more legible than a square grotesque style, and that black-on-white text is significantly more legible than white-on-black. PMID:26727912

Utilising psychophysical techniques to investigate the effects of age, typeface design, size and display polarity on glance legibility.

PubMed

Dobres, Jonathan; Chahine, Nadine; Reimer, Bryan; Gould, David; Mehler, Bruce; Coughlin, Joseph F

2016-10-01

Psychophysical research on text legibility has historically investigated factors such as size, colour and contrast, but there has been relatively little direct empirical evaluation of typographic design itself, particularly in the emerging context of glance reading. In the present study, participants performed a lexical decision task controlled by an adaptive staircase method. Two typefaces, a 'humanist' and 'square grotesque' style, were tested. Study I examined positive and negative polarities, while Study II examined two text sizes. Stimulus duration thresholds were sensitive to differences between typefaces, polarities and sizes. Typeface also interacted significantly with age, particularly for conditions with higher legibility thresholds. These results are consistent with previous research assessing the impact of the same typefaces on interface demand in a simulated driving environment. This simplified methodology of assessing legibility differences can be adapted to investigate a wide array of questions relevant to typographic and interface designs. Practitioner Summary: A method is described for rapidly investigating relative legibility of different typographical features. Results indicate that during glance-like reading induced by the psychophysical technique and under the lighting conditions considered, humanist-style type is significantly more legible than a square grotesque style, and that black-on-white text is significantly more legible than white-on-black.

Non-polar lipids accumulate during storage of transfusion products and do not contribute to the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury.

PubMed

Peters, A L; Vervaart, M A T; van Bruggen, R; de Korte, D; Nieuwland, R; Kulik, W; Vlaar, A P J

2017-01-01

The accumulation of non-polar lipids arachidonic acid, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12-HETE and 15-HETE during storage of transfusion products may play a role in the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), a syndrome of respiratory distress after transfusion. We investigated non-polar lipid accumulation in red blood cells (RBCs) stored for 42 days, plasma stored for 7 days at either 4 or 20°C and platelet (PLT) transfusion products stored for 7 days. Furthermore, we investigated whether transfusion of RBCs with increased levels of non-polar lipids induces TRALI in a 'two-hit' human volunteer model. All products were produced following Dutch Blood Bank protocols and are according to European standards. Non-polar lipids were measured with high-performance liquid chromotography followed by mass spectrometry. All non-polar lipids increased in RBCs after 21 days of storage compared to baseline. The non-polar lipid concentration in plasma increased significantly, and the increase was even more pronounced in products stored at 20°C. In platelets, baseline levels of 5-HETE and 15-HETE were higher than in RBCs or plasma. However, the non-polar lipids did not change significantly during storage of PLT products. Infusion of RBCs with increased levels of non-polar lipids did not induce TRALI in LPS-primed human volunteers. We conclude that non-polar lipids accumulate in RBC and plasma transfusion products and that accumulation is temperature dependent. Accumulation of non-polar lipids does not appear to explain the onset of TRALI (Dutch Trial Register - NTR4455). © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

The effect of organic contaminants on the spectral induced polarization response of porous media - mechanistic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, N.; Huisman, J. A.; Furman, A.

2012-12-01

In recent years, there is a growing interest in using geophysical methods in general and spectral induced polarization (SIP) in particular as a tool to detect and monitor organic contaminants within the subsurface. The general idea of the SIP method is to inject alternating current through a soil volume and to measure the resultant potential in order to obtain the relevant soil electrical properties (e.g. complex impedance, complex conductivity/resistivity). Currently, a complete mechanistic understanding of the effect of organic contaminants on the SIP response of soil is still absent. In this work, we combine laboratory experiments with modeling to reveal the main processes affecting the SIP signature of soil contaminated with organic pollutant. In a first set of experiments, we investigate the effect of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) on the complex conductivity of unsaturated porous media. Our results show that addition of NAPL to the porous media increases the real component of the soil electrical conductivity and decreases the polarization of the soil (imaginary component of the complex conductivity). Furthermore, addition of NAPL to the soil resulted in an increase of the electrical conductivity of the soil solution. Based on these results, we suggest that adsorption of NAPL to the soil surface, and exchange process between polar organic compounds in the NAPL and inorganic ions in the soil are the main processes affecting the SIP signature of the contaminated soil. To further support our hypothesis, the temporal change of the SIP signature of a soil as function of a single organic cation concentration was measured. In addition to the measurements of the soil electrical properties, we also measured the effect of the organic cation on the chemical composition of both the bulk and the surface of the soil. The results of those experiments again showed that the electrical conductivity of the soil increased with increasing contaminant concentration. In addition, direct evidence showed that the organic cation was adsorbed on the soil surface and exchanged with inorganic ions that usually exist in soil. This experiment confirmed that adsorption to the soil surface and the associated release of inorganic ions is the main mechanism affecting the complex conductivity of the contaminated porous media. Furthermore, our results show that adsorption of organic ions to the soil surface resulted in a decrease of the soil polarization. Using a chemical complexation model of the soil surface and a model for the polarization of the Stern layer, we were able to show that the decrease in the polarization of the soil can be related to the decrease in the surface site density of inorganic ions, and that the contribution of the soil-organic complexes to the polarization of the soil is negligible. We attribute this to the strong interaction between polar organic compounds and soil which results in a significant decrease in the mobility of the organic compounds in the Stern layer. The results of this work are essential to better interpret SIP signatures of soil contaminated with organic contaminants.

Electromagnetic wave propagating along a space curve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Meng-Yun; Wang, Yong-Long; Liang, Guo-Hua; Wang, Fan; Zong, Hong-Shi

2018-03-01

By using the thin-layer approach, we derive the effective equation for the electromagnetic wave propagating along a space curve. We find intrinsic spin-orbit, extrinsic spin-orbit, and extrinsic orbital angular-momentum and intrinsic orbital angular-momentum couplings induced by torsion, which can lead to geometric phase, spin, and orbital Hall effects. And we show the helicity inversion induced by curvature that can convert a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic wave into a left-handed polarized one, vice versa. Finally, we demonstrate that the gauge invariance of the effective dynamics is protected by the geometrically induced gauge potential.

Polarization extinction ratio of the polarization crosstalk caused by point pressure force in the polarization-maintaining fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhtubayev, Azamat B.; Aksarin, Stanislav M.; Strigalev, Vladimir E.

2017-11-01

A study of the orthogonal polarization modes crosstalk changes in the point of different mechanical actions (pressure force) in the polarization-maintaining fiber with straining elliptical cladding is presented. It was found that by increasing of the pressure force the polarization extinction ratio increases nonlinearly. Also revealed the dependence of the extinction coefficient and the angle between vector of the mechanical action and polarization axes of the test fiber, which leads to change the extinction coefficient variable from -57 dB to -25 dB under the pressure force of 0.7 N. Also it was found that the cross angle of the fiber axes doesn't influence on the extinction ratio value of the mechanical induced polarization crosstalk.

Detection of current induced spin polarization in epitaxial Bi2Te3 thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Rik; Roy, Anupam; Pramanik, Tanmoy; Rai, Amritesh; Heon Shin, Seung; Majumder, Sarmita; Register, Leonard F.; Banerjee, Sanjay K.

2017-03-01

We electrically detect charge current induced spin polarization on the surface of a molecular beam epitaxy grown Bi2Te3 thin film in a two-terminal device with a ferromagnetic MgO/Fe contact and a nonmagnetic Ti/Au contact. The two-point resistance, measured in an applied magnetic field, shows a hysteresis tracking the magnetization of Fe. A theoretical estimate is obtained for the change in resistance on reversing the magnetization direction of Fe from coupled spin-charge transport equations based on the quantum kinetic theory. The order of magnitude and the sign of the hysteresis are consistent with the spin-polarized surface state of Bi2Te3.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Anisotropic waveguides with an elliptic stress-inducing cladding and a circular core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arutyunyan, Z. É.; Grudinin, A. B.; Gur'yanov, A. N.; Gusovskiĭ, D. D.; Dianov, Evgenii M.; Ignat'ev, S. V.; Smirnov, O. B.

1990-10-01

A technology of fabrication of anisotropic single-mode fiber waveguides with an elliptic stress-inducing cladding and a circular core was developed. This technology was used to make fiber waveguides with a birefringence (1-3) × 10 - 4, a coefficient representing the coupling between the polarization modes h = (5-7) × 10 - 5 m - 1, and optical losses a = 0.5 dB/km in the vicinity of 1.6 μm. A comparison was made of the experimental data with the results of a theoretical analysis. It was found that certain mechanisms restricted the ability of these waveguides to maintain a constant polarization of the injected linearly polarized radiation.

Achieving 1% NMR polarization in water in less than 1 min using SABRE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Haifeng; Xu, Jiadi; McMahon, Michael T.; Lohman, Joost A. B.; van Zijl, Peter C. M.

2014-09-01

The development of biocompatible hyperpolarized media is a crucial step towards application of hyperpolarization in vivo. This article describes the achievement of 1% hyperpolarization of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazine protons in water using the parahydrogen induced polarization technique based on signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE). Polarization was achieved in less than 1 min.

Optical atomic magnetometer

DOEpatents

Budker, Dmitry; Higbie, James; Corsini, Eric P.

2013-11-19

An optical atomic magnetometers is provided operating on the principles of nonlinear magneto-optical rotation. An atomic vapor is optically pumped using linearly polarized modulated light. The vapor is then probed using a non-modulated linearly polarized light beam. The resulting modulation in polarization angle of the probe light is detected and used in a feedback loop to induce self-oscillation at the resonant frequency.

In-situ probing of coupled atomic restructuring and metallicity of oxide heterointerfaces induced by polar adsorbates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, S.; Zhou, H.; Paudel, T. R.; Irwin, J.; Podkaminer, J. P.; Bark, C. W.; Lee, D.; Kim, T. H.; Fong, D. D.; Rzchowski, M. S.; Tsymbal, E. Y.; Eom, C. B.

2017-10-01

Microscopic understanding of the surface-controlled conductivity of the two dimensional electron gas at complex oxide interfaces is crucial for developing functional interfaces. We observe conductivity and structural modification using in-situ synchrotron surface x-ray diffraction as the surface of a model LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructure is changed by polar adsorbates. We find that polar adsorbate-induced interfacial metallicity reduces polar distortions in the LaAlO3 layer. First-principles density functional theory calculations show that surface dipoles introduced by polar adsorbates lead to additional charge transfer and the reduction of polar displacements in the LaAlO3 layer, consistent with the experimental observations. Our study supports that internal structural deformations controlling functionalities can be driven without the application of direct electrical or thermal bias and offers a route to tuning interfacial properties. These results also highlight the important role of in-situ x-ray scattering with atomic resolution in capturing and exploring structural distortions and charge density changes caused by external perturbations such as chemical adsorption, redox reaction, and generation and/or annihilation of surface defects.

Inducing electric polarization in ultrathin insulating layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez-Castro, Jose; Piantek, Marten; Persson, Mats; Serrate, David; Hirjibehedin, Cyrus F.

Studies of ultrathin polar oxide films have attracted the interest of researchers for a long time due to their different properties compared to bulk materials. However they present several challenges such as the difficulty in the stabilization of the polar surfaces and the limited success in tailoring their properties. Moreover, recently developed Van der Waals materials have shown that the stacking of 2D-layers trigger new collective states thanks to the interaction between layers. Similarly, interface phenomena emerge in polar oxides, like induced ferroelectricity. This represents a promising way for the creation of new materials with customized properties that differ from those of the isolated layers. Here we present a new approach for the fabrication and study of atomically thin insulating films. We show that the properties of insulating polar layers of sodium chloride (NaCl) can be engineered when they are placed on top of a charge modulated template of copper nitride (Cu2N). STM studies carried out in ultra-high vacuum and at low temperatures over NaCl/Cu2N/Cu(001) show that we are able to build up and stabilize interfaces of polar surface at the limit of one atomic layer showing new properties not present before at the atomic scale.

Moringa oleifera, a species with potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

PubMed

Martínez-González, Claudia Lizbeth; Martínez, Laura; Martínez-Ortiz, Efraín J; González-Trujano, María Eva; Déciga-Campos, Myrna; Ventura-Martínez, Rosa; Díaz-Reval, Irene

2017-03-01

Moringa oleifera has long been used in large demand in folk medicine to treat pain. The present study was undertaken to examine the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory spectrum of M. oleifera leaf extracts discriminating the constituents' nature by using different kind of experimental models in rats. Pharmacological evaluation of a non-polar and/or polar extracts at several doses (30-300mg/kg, p.o.) was explored through experimental nociception using formalin test, carrageenan-induced paw edema and arthritis with subcutaneous injection of collagen in rats. Basic morphology characterization was done by scanning electronic microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Not only polar (from 30 or 100mg/kg, p.o.) but also non-polar extract produced significant inhibition of the nociceptive behavior with major efficacy in the inflammatory response in different assessed experimental models. This antinociceptive activity involved constituents of different nature and depended on the intensity of the induced painful stimulus. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of kaempferol-3-glucoside in the polar extract and fatty acids like chlorogenic acid, among others, in the non-polar extract. Data obtained with M. oleifera leaf extracts give evidence of its potential for pain treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

In-situ probing of coupled atomic restructuring and metallicity of oxide heterointerfaces induced by polar adsorbates

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

Ryu, S.; Zhou, H.; Paudel, T. R.

Microscopic understanding of the surface-controlled conductivity of the two dimensional electron gas at complex oxide interfaces is crucial for developing functional interfaces. We observe conductivity and structural modification using in-situ synchrotron surface x-ray diffraction as the surface of a model LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructure is changed by polar adsorbates. We find that polar adsorbate-induced interfacial metallicity reduces polar distortions in the LaAlO3 layer. First-principles density functional theory calculations show that surface dipoles introduced by polar adsorbates lead to additional charge transfer and the reduction of polar displacements in the LaAlO3 layer, consistent with the experimental observations. Our study supports that internalmore » structural deformations controlling functionalities can be driven without the application of direct electrical or thermal bias and offers a route to tuning interfacial properties. These results also highlight the important role of in-situ x-ray scattering with atomic resolution in capturing and exploring structural distortions and charge density changes caused by external perturbations such as chemical adsorption, redox reaction, and generation and/or annihilation of surface defects.« less

Two-stage optical recording: photoinduced birefringence and surface-mediated bits storage in bisazo-containing copolymers towards ultrahigh data memory.

PubMed

Hu, Yanlei; Wu, Dong; Li, Jiawen; Huang, Wenhao; Chu, Jiaru

2016-10-03

Ultrahigh density data storage is in high demand in the current age of big data and thus motivates many innovative storage technologies. Femtosecond laser induced multi-dimensional optical data storage is an appealing method to fulfill the demand of ultrahigh storage capacity. Here we report a femtosecond laser induced two-stage optical storage in bisazobenzene copolymer films by manipulating the recording energies. Different mechanisms can be selected for specified memory use: two-photon isomerization (TPI) and laser induced surface deformation. Giant birefringence can be generated by TPI and brings about high signal-to-noise ratio (>20 dB) multi-dimensional reversible storage. Polarization-dependent surface deformation arises when increasing the recording energy, which not only facilitates the multi-level storage by black bits (dots), but also enhances the bits' readout signal and storing stability. This facile bits recording method, which enables completely different recording mechanisms in an identical storage medium, paves the way for sustainable big data storage.

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

Kim, Jae Wook; Artyukhin, Sergei; Mun, Eun Deok

In this paper, we report the discovery of a metamagnetic phase transition in a polar antiferromagnet Ni 3TeO 6 that occurs at 52 T. The new phase transition accompanies a colossal magnetoelectric effect, with a magnetic-field-induced polarization change of 0.3 μC/cm 2, a value that is 4 times larger than for the spin-flop transition at 9 T in the same material, and also comparable to the largest magnetically induced polarization changes observed to date. Via density-functional calculations we construct a full microscopic model that describes the data. We model the spin structures in all fields and clarify the physics behindmore » the 52 T transition. The high-field transition involves a competition between multiple different exchange interactions which drives the polarization change through the exchange-striction mechanism. Finally, the resultant spin structure is rather counterintuitive and complex, thus providing new insights on design principles for materials with strong magnetoelectric coupling.« less

Topological induced valley polarization in bilayer graphene/Boron Nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basile, Leonardo; Idrobo, Juan C.

2015-03-01

Novel electronic devices relay in our ability to control internal quantum degrees of freedom of the electron e.g., its spin. The valley number degree of freedom is a pseudospin that labels degenerate eigenstates at local maximum/minimum on the valence/conduction band. Valley polarization, that is, selective electronic localization in a momentum valley and its manipulation can be achieved by means of circular polarized light (CPL) in a system with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC). In this talk, we will show theoretically that despite the fact that neither graphene or BN have a strong SOC, a bilayer of graphene on BN oriented at a twist angle has different absorption for right- and left- CPL. This induced polarization occurs due to band folding of the electronic bands, i.e., it has a topological origin. This research was supported EPN multidisciplinary grant and by DOE SUFD MSED.

Controlling periodic ripple microstructure formation on 4H-SiC crystal with three time-delayed femtosecond laser beams of different linear polarizations.

PubMed

He, Wanlin; Yang, Jianjun; Guo, Chunlei

2017-03-06

The control of laser-induced periodic ripple microstructures on 4H-SiC crystal surface is studied using temporally delayed collinear three femtosecond laser pulse trains linearly polarized in different directions. The ripple orientation appears to develop independent of the individual laser polarizations and exhibits non-monotonical change with variable time delays, whose variation tendency is also affected by the polarization intersection angles. Remarkably, the ripple period is observed to transfer from high- to low-spatial-frequency regions, accompanied by distinctly improved morphological uniformity and clearness. The results are satisfactorily interpreted based on a physical model of the surface wave excitation on a transient index metasurface, which is confirmed by further experiments. Our investigations indicate that transient noneqilibrium dynamics of the material surface provides an effective way to manipulate the laser-induced microstructures.

Global positioning method based on polarized light compass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jun; Yang, Jiangtao; Wang, Yubo; Tang, Jun; Shen, Chong

2018-05-01

This paper presents a global positioning method based on a polarized light compass system. A main limitation of polarization positioning is the environment such as weak and locally destroyed polarization environments, and the solution to the positioning problem is given in this paper which is polarization image de-noising and segmentation. Therefore, the pulse coupled neural network is employed for enhancing positioning performance. The prominent advantages of the present positioning technique are as follows: (i) compared to the existing position method based on polarized light, better sun tracking accuracy can be achieved and (ii) the robustness and accuracy of positioning under weak and locally destroyed polarization environments, such as cloudy or building shielding, are improved significantly. Finally, some field experiments are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed global positioning technique. The experiments have shown that our proposed method outperforms the conventional polarization positioning method, the real time longitude and latitude with accuracy up to 0.0461° and 0.0911°, respectively.

TNF-α Decreases VEGF Secretion in Highly Polarized RPE Cells but Increases It in Non-Polarized RPE Cells Related to Crosstalk between JNK and NF-κB Pathways

PubMed Central

Terasaki, Hiroto; Kase, Satoru; Shirasawa, Makoto; Otsuka, Hiroki; Hisatomi, Toshio; Sonoda, Shozo; Ishida, Susumu; Ishibashi, Tatsuro; Sakamoto, Taiji

2013-01-01

Asymmetrical secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in situ is critical for maintaining the homeostasis of the retina and choroid. VEGF is also involved in the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We studied the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on the secretion of VEGF in polarized and non-polarized RPE cells (P-RPE cells and N-RPE cells, respectively) in culture and in situ in rats. A subretinal injection of TNF-α caused a decrease in VEGF expression and choroidal atrophy. Porcine RPE cells were seeded on Transwell™ filters, and their maturation and polarization were confirmed by the asymmetrical VEGF secretion and trans electrical resistance. Exposure to TNF-α decreased the VEGF secretion in P-RPE cells but increased it in N-RPE cells in culture. TNF-α inactivated JNK in P-RPE cells but activated it in N-RPE cells, and TNF-α activated NF-κB in P-RPE cells but not in N-RPE cells. Inhibition of NF-κB activated JNK in both types of RPE cells indicating crosstalk between JNK and NF-κB. TNF-α induced the inhibitory effects of NF-κB on JNK in P-RPE cells because NF-κB is continuously inactivated. In N-RPE cells, however, it was not evident because NF-κB was already activated. The basic activation pattern of JNK and NF-κB and their crosstalk led to opposing responses of RPE cells to TNF-α. These results suggest that VEGF secretion under inflammatory conditions depends on cellular polarization, and the TNF-α-induced VEGF down-regulation may result in choroidal atrophy in polarized physiological RPE cells. TNF-α-induced VEGF up-regulation may cause neovascularization by non-polarized or non-physiological RPE cells. PMID:23922887

Mechanical and electro-optical properties of unconventional liquid crystal systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Guangxun

Four types of unconventional liquid crystal systems - amphotropic glycolipids; novel bent-core liquid crystals, bent-core liquid crystal and glycolipid mixtures, and colloidal crystal-liquid crystal systems - were studied and characterized by polarizing microscopy, electrical current, digital scanning calorimetry, and dielectric spectroscopy. Thermotropic properties of glycolipids show a number of unusual properties, most notably high (60-120) relative dielectric constants mainly proportional to the number of polar sugar heads. The relaxation of this dielectric mode is found to be governed by the hydrogen bonding between sugar heads. Studies on novel bent-core liquid crystals reveal a new optically isotropic ferroelectric phase, molecular chirality-induced polarity, and transitions between molecular chirality and polarity driven phases. Mixtures of several bent-core substances with nematic, polar SmA and SmC phases, and a simple amphiphilic sugar lipid with SmA mesophase found to obey the well known miscibility rules, i.e. the sugar lipid mixes best with the polar SmA bent-core material. In addition, the chiral sugar lipid was found to induce tilt to the non-tilted polar SmA phase, which represents a new direction among the chirality--polarity--tilt relations. The effects of the surface properties and electric fields were studied on various colloid particles--and liquid crystal systems. It is found that the surface properties (hydrophobicity, roughness, rubbing) of the substrates are important in determining the size and symmetry of colloidal crystals. The director field of the liquid crystal infiltrated in the colloid crystals can be rendered both random and uniform along one of the crystallographic axis. We present the first observations of DC electric-field-induced rotational and translational motion of finite particles in liquid crystals. The electrorotation is essentially identical to the well - known Quincke rotation, which in liquid crystals triggers an additional translational motion at higher fields. Analysis of the electro-rotation and translations provides new ways to probe local rheological properties of liquid crystals.

SMAD-PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway Mediates BMP-7 Polarization of Monocytes into M2 Macrophages

PubMed Central

Rocher, Crystal; Singla, Dinender K.

2013-01-01

Previously we demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) treatment polarizes monocytes into M2 macrophages and increases the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Despite these findings, the mechanisms for the observed BMP-7 induced monocyte polarization into M2 macrophages are completely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate the mechanisms involved in the polarization of monocytes into M2 macrophages. Apoptotic conditioned media (ACM) was generated to mimic the stressed conditions, inducing monocyte polarization. Monocytes were treated with ACM along with BMP-7 and/or its inhibitor, follistatin, for 48 hours. Furthermore, an inhibitor of the PI3K pathway, LY-294002, was also studied. Our data show that BMP-7 induces polarization of monocytes into M2 macrophages while significantly increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory markers, arginase-1 and IL-10, and significantly (p<0.05) decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory markers iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1; (p<0.05). Moreover, addition of the PI3K inhibitor, LY-294002, significantly (p<0.05) decreases upregulation of IL-10 and arginase-1, suggesting involvement of the PI3K pathway in M2 macrophage polarization. Next, following BMP-7 treatment, a significant (p<0.05) increase in p-SMAD1/5/8 and p-PI3K expression resulting in downstream activation of p-Akt and p-mTOR was observed. Furthermore, expression of p-PTEN, an inhibitor of the PI3K pathway, was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the ACM group. However, BMP-7 treatment inhibited its expression, suggesting involvement of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrate that BMP-7 polarizes monocytes into M2 macrophages and enhances anti-inflammatory cytokine expression which is mediated by the activated SMAD-PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. PMID:24376781

Low pressure hugoniot cusp in polymeric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheffield, S. A.; Bloomquist, D. D.

1982-04-01

It has previously been shown that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) exhibits a cusp in the shock Hugoniot at about 2.0 GPa which corresponds with the beginning of shock-induced polarization and the beginning of an exothermic reaction measured in thermocouple and resistivity gauge temperature studies. We now report results we have recently obtained from an ongoing study which indicate that other polymers have similar behavior at about the same pressure. Quartz gauge impact experiments have been performed using polypyro-ellitimide (Vespel) and polysulfone impactors to obtain Hugoniot information and the stress history at the impact plane. In the case of Vespel a slight Hugoniot cusp was observed at about 1.8 GPa which coincides with the start of shock-induced polarization. Polysulfone does not appear to have a cusp but does show stress relaxation at the impact plane beginning at about 1.8 GPa, again coinciding with the start of shock-induced polarization. It has been suggested earlier that the abnormal behavior in PMMA is the result of a shock-induced chemical reaction. This new information suggests that a stress of about 2 GPa is a threshold for shock-induced chemical reaction in several polymers.

Size-Dependent Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Uptake on Maturation and Antitumor Functions of Human Dendritic Cells In Vitro

PubMed Central

Tomić, Sergej; Đokić, Jelena; Vasilijić, Saša; Ogrinc, Nina; Rudolf, Rebeka; Pelicon, Primož; Vučević, Dragana; Milosavljević, Petar; Janković, Srđa; Anžel, Ivan; Rajković, Jelena; Rupnik, Marjan Slak; Friedrich, Bernd; Čolić, Miodrag

2014-01-01

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are claimed as outstanding biomedical tools for cancer diagnostics and photo-thermal therapy, but without enough evidence on their potentially adverse immunological effects. Using a model of human dendritic cells (DCs), we showed that 10 nm- and 50 nm-sized GNPs (GNP10 and GNP50, respectively) were internalized predominantly via dynamin-dependent mechanisms, and they both impaired LPS-induced maturation and allostimulatory capacity of DCs, although the effect of GNP10 was more prominent. However, GNP10 inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-12p70 by DCs, and potentiated their Th2 polarization capacity, while GNP50 promoted Th17 polarization. Such effects of GNP10 correlated with a stronger inhibition of LPS-induced changes in Ca2+ oscillations, their higher number per DC, and more frequent extra-endosomal localization, as judged by live-cell imaging, proton, and electron microscopy, respectively. Even when released from heat-killed necrotic HEp-2 cells, GNP10 inhibited the necrotic tumor cell-induced maturation and functions of DCs, potentiated their Th2/Th17 polarization capacity, and thus, impaired the DCs' capacity to induce T cell-mediated anti-tumor cytotoxicity in vitro. Therefore, GNP10 could potentially induce more adverse DC-mediated immunological effects, compared to GNP50. PMID:24802102