The strain-rate sensitivity of high-strength high-toughness steels.

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

Dilmore, M.F.; Crenshaw, Thomas B.; Boyce, Brad Lee

2006-01-01

The present study examines the strain-rate sensitivity of four high strength, high-toughness alloys at strain rates ranging from 0.0002 s-1 to 200 s-1: Aermet 100, a modified 4340, modified HP9-4-20, and a recently developed Eglin AFB steel alloy, ES-1c. A refined dynamic servohydraulic method was used to perform tensile tests over this entire range. Each of these alloys exhibit only modest strain-rate sensitivity. Specifically, the strain-rate sensitivity exponent m, is found to be in the range of 0.004-0.007 depending on the alloy. This corresponds to a {approx}10% increase in the yield strength over the 7-orders of magnitude change in strain-rate.more » Interestingly, while three of the alloys showed a concominant {approx}3-10% drop in their ductility with increasing strain-rate, the ES1-c alloy actually exhibited a 25% increase in ductility with increasing strain-rate. Fractography suggests the possibility that at higher strain-rates ES-1c evolves towards a more ductile dimple fracture mode associated with microvoid coalescence.« less

Development of high-sensitivity SWIR APD receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Xiaogang; Yuan, Ping; Chang, James; Sudharsanan, Rengarajan; Krainak, Michael; Yang, Guangning; Sun, Xiaoli; Lu, Wei

2013-06-01

Emerging short wavelength infrared (SWIR) LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) and long range laser rangefinder systems, require large optical aperture avalanche photodiodes (APDs) receivers with high sensitivity and high bandwidth. A large optical aperture is critical to increase the optical coupling efficiency and extend the LIDAR sensing range of the above systems. Both APD excess noise and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) noise need to be reduced in order to achieve high receiver sensitivity. The dark current and capacitance of large area APDs increase with APD aperture and thus limit the sensitivity and bandwidth of receivers. Spectrolab has been developing low excess noise InAlAs/InGaAs APDs with impact ionization engineering (I2E) designs for many years and has demonstrated APDs with optical gain over 100 utilizing multiple period I2E structures in the APD multiplier. These high gain I2E APDs have an excess noise factor less than 0.15. With an optical aperture of 200 μm, low excess noise multiple periods I2E APDs have capacitances about 1.7 pF. In addition, optical gains of InAlAs based APDs show very little temperature dependence and will enable APD photoreceivers without thermal electric cooling.

Optical transitions in highly charged californium ions with high sensitivity to variation of the fine-structure constant.

PubMed

Berengut, J C; Dzuba, V A; Flambaum, V V; Ong, A

2012-08-17

We study electronic transitions in highly charged Cf ions that are within the frequency range of optical lasers and have very high sensitivity to potential variations in the fine-structure constant, α. The transitions are in the optical range despite the large ionization energies because they lie on the level crossing of the 5f and 6p valence orbitals in the thallium isoelectronic sequence. Cf(16+) is a particularly rich ion, having several narrow lines with properties that minimize certain systematic effects. Cf(16+) has very large nuclear charge and large ionization energy, resulting in the largest α sensitivity seen in atomic systems. The lines include positive and negative shifters.

Refractometers for different refractive index range by surface plasmon resonance sensors in multimode optical fibers with different metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuppella, P.; Corso, Alain J.; Pelizzo, Maria G.; Cennamo, N.; Zeni, L.

2016-09-01

We have realized a plasmonic sensor based on Au/Pd metal bilayer in a multimode plastic optical fiber. This metal bilayer, based on a metal with high imaginary part of the refractive index and gold, shows interesting properties in terms of sensitivity and performances, in different refractive index ranges. The development of highly sensitive platforms for high refractive index detection (higher than 1.38) is interesting for chemical applications based on molecularly imprinted polymer as receptors, while the aqueous medium is the refractive index range of biosensors based on bio-receptors. In this work we have presented an Au/Pd metal bilayer optimized for 1.38-1.42 refractive index range.

Highly sensitive and selective liquid crystal optical sensor for detection of ammonia.

PubMed

Niu, Xiaofang; Zhong, Yuanbo; Chen, Rui; Wang, Fei; Luo, Dan

2017-06-12

Ammonia detection technologies are very important in environment monitoring. However, most existing technologies are complex and expensive, which limit the useful range of real-time application. Here, we propose a highly sensitive and selective optical sensor for detection of ammonia (NH 3 ) based on liquid crystals (LCs). This optical sensor is realized through the competitive binding between ammonia and liquid crystals on chitosan-Cu 2+ that decorated on glass substrate. We achieve a broad detection range of ammonia from 50 ppm to 1250 ppm, with a low detection limit of 16.6 ppm. This sensor is low-cost, simple, fast, and highly sensitive and selective for detection of ammonia. The proposal LC sensing method can be a sensitive detection platform for other molecule monitors such as proteins, DNAs and other heavy metal ions by modifying sensing molecules.

A Highly Sensitive Fiber Optic Sensor Based on Two-Core Fiber for Refractive Index Measurement

PubMed Central

Guzmán-Sepúlveda, José Rafael; Guzmán-Cabrera, Rafael; Torres-Cisneros, Miguel; Sánchez-Mondragón, José Javier; May-Arrioja, Daniel Alberto

2013-01-01

A simple and compact fiber optic sensor based on a two-core fiber is demonstrated for high-performance measurements of refractive indices (RI) of liquids. In order to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed sensor to perform high-sensitivity sensing in a variety of applications, the sensor has been used to measure the RI of binary liquid mixtures. Such measurements can accurately determine the salinity of salt water solutions, and detect the water content of adulterated alcoholic beverages. The largest sensitivity of the RI sensor that has been experimentally demonstrated is 3,119 nm per Refractive Index Units (RIU) for the RI range from 1.3160 to 1.3943. On the other hand, our results suggest that the sensitivity can be enhanced up to 3485.67 nm/RIU approximately for the same RI range. PMID:24152878

Horizontal film balance having wide range and high sensitivity

DOEpatents

Abraham, B.M.; Miyano, K.; Ketterson, J.B.

1981-03-05

A thin-film, horizontal balance instrument is provided for measuring surface tension (surface energy) of thin films suspended on a liquid substrate. The balance includes a support bearing and an optical feedback arrangement for wide-range, high sensitivity measurements. The force on the instrument is balanced by an electromagnet, the current through the magnet providing a measure of the force applied to the instrument. A novel float construction is also disclosed.

Horizontal film balance having wide range and high sensitivity

DOEpatents

Abraham, B.M.; Miyano, K.; Ketterson, J.B.

1983-11-08

A thin-film, horizontal balance instrument is provided for measuring surface tension (surface energy) of thin films suspended on a liquid substrate. The balance includes a support bearing and an optical feedback arrangement for wide-range, high sensitivity measurements. The force on the instrument is balanced by an electromagnet, the current through the magnet providing a measure of the force applied to the instrument. A novel float construction is also disclosed. 5 figs.

Horizontal film balance having wide range and high sensitivity

DOEpatents

Abraham, Bernard M.; Miyano, Kenjiro; Ketterson, John B.

1983-01-01

A thin-film, horizontal balance instrument is provided for measuring surface tension (surface energy) of thin films suspended on a liquid substrate. The balance includes a support bearing and an optical feedback arrangement for wide-range, high sensitivity measurements. The force on the instrument is balanced by an electromagnet, the current through the magnet providing a measure of the force applied to the instrument. A novel float construction is also disclosed.

Optofluidic refractive index sensor based on partial reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Zhang, Zhang; Wang, Yichuan; Ye, Meiying; Fang, Wei; Tong, Limin

2017-06-01

We demonstrate a novel optofluidic refractive index (RI) sensor with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range based on partial reflection. Benefited from the divergent incident light and the output fibers with different tilting angles, we have achieved highly sensitive RI sensing in a wide range from 1.33 to 1.37. To investigate the effectiveness of this sensor, we perform a measurement of RI with a resolution of ca. 5.0×10-5 refractive index unit (RIU) for ethylene glycol solutions. Also, we have measured a series of liquid solutions by using different output fibers, achieving a resolution of ca. 0.52 mg/mL for cane surge. The optofluidic RI sensor takes advantage of the high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, small footprint, and low sample consumption, as well as the efficient fluidic sample delivery, making it useful for applications in the food industry.

Flexible hemispheric microarrays of highly pressure-sensitive sensors based on breath figure method.

PubMed

Wang, Zhihui; Zhang, Ling; Liu, Jin; Jiang, Hao; Li, Chunzhong

2018-05-30

Recently, flexible pressure sensors featuring high sensitivity, broad sensing range and real-time detection have aroused great attention owing to their crucial role in the development of artificial intelligent devices and healthcare systems. Herein, highly sensitive pressure sensors based on hemisphere-microarray flexible substrates are fabricated via inversely templating honeycomb structures deriving from a facile and static breath figure process. The interlocked and subtle microstructures greatly improve the sensing characteristics and compressibility of the as-prepared pressure sensor, endowing it a sensitivity as high as 196 kPa-1 and a wide pressure sensing range (0-100 kPa), as well as other superior performance, including a lower detection limit of 0.5 Pa, fast response time (<26 ms) and high reversibility (>10 000 cycles). Based on the outstanding sensing performance, the potential capability of our pressure sensor in capturing physiological information and recognizing speech signals has been demonstrated, indicating promising application in wearable and intelligent electronics.

Highly sensitive torsion sensor based on long period fiber grating fabricated by femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Xinran; Xie, Zheng; Song, Yuxin; Yin, Kai; Luo, Zhi; Duan, Ji'an; Wang, Cong

2017-12-01

A highly sensitive torsion sensor based on long period fiber grating (LPFG) fabricated by 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses is proposed and demonstrated. LPFG with an attenuation depth of ∼14 dB is achieved within the wavelength range of 1425-1575 nm. The experiment results show that the LP02 and LP03 resonant wavelengths experience red-shift when the twist direction is clockwise while they occur blue-shift in the twist counterclockwise direction as the twist rate increases. However, the LP04 resonant wavelength is always shifted toward shorter wavelength independently of the twist directions and higher twist sensitivity is observed. In addition, the loss peak amplitude of LPFG shows a tendency to decrease with the twist rate increases whether the LPFG is twisted clockwise or counterclockwise. Meanwhile, the resonant wavelength occurs splitting phenomenon in the case of higher twist rate as well as the high order resonant wavelength performs more significantly. Additionally, the sensor shows a twist sensitivity as high as 118.7 pm/(rad/m) in the range of -105 to -52.5 rad/m and that of 181.7 pm/(rad/m) in the range of 52.5-105 rad/m.

A High Sensitivity and Wide Dynamic Range Fiber-Optic Sensor for Low-Concentration VOC Gas Detection

PubMed Central

Khan, Md. Rajibur Rahaman; Kang, Shin-Won

2014-01-01

In this paper, we propose a volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensing system with high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range that is based on the principle of the heterodyne frequency modulation method. According to this method, the time period of the sensing signal shift when Nile Red containing a VOC-sensitive membrane of a fiber-optic sensing element comes into contact with a VOC. This sensing membrane produces strong, fast and reversible signals when exposed to VOC gases. The response and recovery times of the proposed sensing system were less than 35 s, and good reproducibility and accuracy were obtained. PMID:25490592

Real-Time and In-Flow Sensing Using a High Sensitivity Porous Silicon Microcavity-Based Sensor.

PubMed

Caroselli, Raffaele; Martín Sánchez, David; Ponce Alcántara, Salvador; Prats Quilez, Francisco; Torrijos Morán, Luis; García-Rupérez, Jaime

2017-12-05

Porous silicon seems to be an appropriate material platform for the development of high-sensitivity and low-cost optical sensors, as their porous nature increases the interaction with the target substances, and their fabrication process is very simple and inexpensive. In this paper, we present the experimental development of a porous silicon microcavity sensor and its use for real-time in-flow sensing application. A high-sensitivity configuration was designed and then fabricated, by electrochemically etching a silicon wafer. Refractive index sensing experiments were realized by flowing several dilutions with decreasing refractive indices, and measuring the spectral shift in real-time. The porous silicon microcavity sensor showed a very linear response over a wide refractive index range, with a sensitivity around 1000 nm/refractive index unit (RIU), which allowed us to directly detect refractive index variations in the 10 -7 RIU range.

Maternal sensitivity in rural Andean and Amazonian Peru.

PubMed

Fourment, Katherine; Nóblega, Magaly; Conde, Gabriela; Del Prado, Juan Nuñez; Mesman, Judi

2018-03-27

In the current study, we observed 12 mothers with a 4-21-month-old infant during their daily activities for around 3 h per dyad, focusing on daily caregiving practices such as feeding, bathing, and soothing in the rural multiple-caregiver cultural contexts of the Andean and Amazonian parts of Peru. Overall, sensitivity levels were high, with an average of 7.33 (out of 9), and 7 out of the 12 mothers scoring in the high range (scores 7-9), and the remaining 5 in the good-enough range (scores 5-6). In-depth descriptions of mother-infant interactions show that these high sensitivity levels reflect mothers' ability to multitask, combining household and agricultural chores with high sensitive responsiveness to their infants' signals. The presence of multiple caregivers seemed to allow mothers to make sure the infants were well attended when they were temporarily unavailable but combined with quick renewed availability if the infant seemed to need maternal proximity.

Surface plasmon aided high sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor using Au/NiAu multilayered nanowire arrays.

PubMed

Wang, Lanfang; Zhu, Weiqi; Lu, Wenbo; Qin, Xiufang; Xu, Xiaohong

2018-07-15

A novel plasmon aided non-enzymatic glucose sensor was first constructed based on the unique half-rough Au/NiAu multilayered nanowire arrays. These multilayered and half-rough nanowires provide high chemical activity and large surface area for glucose oxidation in an alkaline solution. Under visible light irradiation, the surface plasmons originated from Au part enhance the electron transfer in the vertically aligned nanowires, leading to high sensitivity and wide detection range. The resulting sensor exhibits a wide glucose detection concentration range, low detection limit, and high sensitivity for plasmon aided non-enzymatic glucose sensor. Moreover, the detection sensitivity is enhanced by almost 2 folds compared to that in the dark, which significantly enhanced the performance of Au/NiAu multilayered nanowire arrays sensor. An excellent selectivity and acceptable stability were also achieved. These results indicate that surface plasmon aided nanostructures are promising new platforms for the construction of non-enzymatic glucose sensors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wide field and highly sensitive angiography based on optical coherence tomography with akinetic swept source.

PubMed

Xu, Jingjiang; Song, Shaozhen; Wei, Wei; Wang, Ruikang K

2017-01-01

Wide-field vascular visualization in bulk tissue that is of uneven surface is challenging due to the relatively short ranging distance and significant sensitivity fall-off for most current optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) systems. We report a long ranging and ultra-wide-field OCTA (UW-OCTA) system based on an akinetic swept laser. The narrow instantaneous linewidth of the swept source with its high phase stability, combined with high-speed detection in the system enable us to achieve long ranging (up to 46 mm) and almost negligible system sensitivity fall-off. To illustrate these advantages, we compare the basic system performances between conventional spectral domain OCTA and UW-OCTA systems and their functional imaging of microvascular networks in living tissues. In addition, we show that the UW-OCTA is capable of different depth-ranging of cerebral blood flow within entire brain in mice, and providing unprecedented blood perfusion map of human finger in vivo . We believe that the UW-OCTA system has promises to augment the existing clinical practice and explore new biomedical applications for OCT imaging.

Wide field and highly sensitive angiography based on optical coherence tomography with akinetic swept source

PubMed Central

Xu, Jingjiang; Song, Shaozhen; Wei, Wei; Wang, Ruikang K.

2016-01-01

Wide-field vascular visualization in bulk tissue that is of uneven surface is challenging due to the relatively short ranging distance and significant sensitivity fall-off for most current optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) systems. We report a long ranging and ultra-wide-field OCTA (UW-OCTA) system based on an akinetic swept laser. The narrow instantaneous linewidth of the swept source with its high phase stability, combined with high-speed detection in the system enable us to achieve long ranging (up to 46 mm) and almost negligible system sensitivity fall-off. To illustrate these advantages, we compare the basic system performances between conventional spectral domain OCTA and UW-OCTA systems and their functional imaging of microvascular networks in living tissues. In addition, we show that the UW-OCTA is capable of different depth-ranging of cerebral blood flow within entire brain in mice, and providing unprecedented blood perfusion map of human finger in vivo. We believe that the UW-OCTA system has promises to augment the existing clinical practice and explore new biomedical applications for OCT imaging. PMID:28101428

Declines in low-elevation subalpine tree populations outpace growth in high-elevation populations with warming

DOE PAGES

Conlisk, Erin; Castanha, Cristina; Germino, Matthew J.; ...

2017-02-08

Species distribution shifts in response to climate change require that recruitment increase beyond current range boundaries. For trees with long life spans, the importance of climate-sensitive seedling establishment to the pace of range shifts has not been demonstrated quantitatively. Using spatially explicit, stochastic population models combined with data from long-term forest surveys, we explored whether the climate-sensitivity of recruitment observed in climate manipulation experiments was sufficient to alter populations and elevation ranges of two widely distributed, high-elevation North American conifers. Empirically observed, warming-driven declines in recruitment led to rapid modelled population declines at the low-elevation, ‘warm edge’ of subalpine forestmore » and slow emergence of populations beyond the high-elevation, ‘cool edge’. Because population declines in the forest occurred much faster than population emergence in the alpine, we observed range contraction for both species. For Engelmann spruce, this contraction was permanent over the modelled time horizon, even in the presence of increased moisture. For limber pine, lower sensitivity to warming may facilitate persistence at low elevations – especially in the presence of increased moisture – and rapid establishment above tree line, and, ultimately, expansion into the alpine. Synthesis. Assuming 21st century warming and no additional moisture, population dynamics in high-elevation forests led to transient range contractions for limber pine and potentially permanent range contractions for Engelmann spruce. Thus, limitations to seedling recruitment with warming can constrain the pace of subalpine tree range shifts.« less

Declines in low-elevation subalpine tree populations outpace growth in high-elevation populations with warming

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

Conlisk, Erin; Castanha, Cristina; Germino, Matthew J.

Species distribution shifts in response to climate change require that recruitment increase beyond current range boundaries. For trees with long life spans, the importance of climate-sensitive seedling establishment to the pace of range shifts has not been demonstrated quantitatively. Using spatially explicit, stochastic population models combined with data from long-term forest surveys, we explored whether the climate-sensitivity of recruitment observed in climate manipulation experiments was sufficient to alter populations and elevation ranges of two widely distributed, high-elevation North American conifers. Empirically observed, warming-driven declines in recruitment led to rapid modelled population declines at the low-elevation, ‘warm edge’ of subalpine forestmore » and slow emergence of populations beyond the high-elevation, ‘cool edge’. Because population declines in the forest occurred much faster than population emergence in the alpine, we observed range contraction for both species. For Engelmann spruce, this contraction was permanent over the modelled time horizon, even in the presence of increased moisture. For limber pine, lower sensitivity to warming may facilitate persistence at low elevations – especially in the presence of increased moisture – and rapid establishment above tree line, and, ultimately, expansion into the alpine. Synthesis. Assuming 21st century warming and no additional moisture, population dynamics in high-elevation forests led to transient range contractions for limber pine and potentially permanent range contractions for Engelmann spruce. Thus, limitations to seedling recruitment with warming can constrain the pace of subalpine tree range shifts.« less

Declines in low-elevation subalpine tree populations outpace growth in high-elevation populations with warming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Conlisk, Erin; Castanha, Cristina; Germino, Matthew J.; Veblen, Thomas T; Smith, Jeremy M.; Kueppers, Lara M.

2017-01-01

Species distribution shifts in response to climate change require that recruitment increase beyond current range boundaries. For trees with long life spans, the importance of climate-sensitive seedling establishment to the pace of range shifts has not been demonstrated quantitatively.Using spatially explicit, stochastic population models combined with data from long-term forest surveys, we explored whether the climate-sensitivity of recruitment observed in climate manipulation experiments was sufficient to alter populations and elevation ranges of two widely distributed, high-elevation North American conifers.Empirically observed, warming-driven declines in recruitment led to rapid modelled population declines at the low-elevation, ‘warm edge’ of subalpine forest and slow emergence of populations beyond the high-elevation, ‘cool edge’. Because population declines in the forest occurred much faster than population emergence in the alpine, we observed range contraction for both species. For Engelmann spruce, this contraction was permanent over the modelled time horizon, even in the presence of increased moisture. For limber pine, lower sensitivity to warming may facilitate persistence at low elevations – especially in the presence of increased moisture – and rapid establishment above tree line, and, ultimately, expansion into the alpine.Synthesis. Assuming 21st century warming and no additional moisture, population dynamics in high-elevation forests led to transient range contractions for limber pine and potentially permanent range contractions for Engelmann spruce. Thus, limitations to seedling recruitment with warming can constrain the pace of subalpine tree range shifts.

absorption sensor for sensitive temperature and species measurements in high-temperature gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spearrin, R. M.; Ren, W.; Jeffries, J. B.; Hanson, R. K.

2014-09-01

A continuous-wave laser absorption diagnostic, based on the infrared CO2 bands near 4.2 and 2.7 μm, was developed for sensitive temperature and concentration measurements in high-temperature gas systems using fixed-wavelength methods. Transitions in the respective R-branches of both the fundamental υ 3 band (~2,350 cm-1) and combination υ 1 + υ 3 band (~3,610 cm-1) were chosen based on absorption line-strength, spectral isolation, and temperature sensitivity. The R(76) line near 2,390.52 cm-1 was selected for sensitive CO2 concentration measurements, and a detection limit of <5 ppm was achieved in shock tube kinetics experiments (~1,300 K). A cross-band, two-line thermometry technique was also established utilizing the R(96) line near 2,395.14 cm-1, paired with the R(28) line near 3,633.08 cm-1. This combination yields high temperature sensitivity (ΔE" = 3,305 cm-1) and expanded range compared with previous intra-band CO2 sensors. Thermometry performance was validated in a shock tube over a range of temperatures (600-1,800 K) important for combustion. Measured temperature accuracy was demonstrated to be better than 1 % over the entire range of conditions, with a standard error of ~0.5 % and µs temporal resolution.

Poster - 24: Characterization of the energy dependence of high-sensitivity MCP-N TLD and Al2O3:C OSLD in-vivo dosimetry systems for 40–100 kVp energies

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

Poirier, Yannick; Kuznetsova, Svetlana; Barajas, E

Purpose: To characterize the energy dependence of high-sensitivity MCP-N TLD and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C OSLD dosimetry systems at low (40–100 kVp) energies for in-vivo dosimetry. Methods: We assessed the variation of response with energy of two detectors in the 40–100 kVp energy range: high-sensitivity MCP-N TLDs (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) and OSLDs (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C). The detectors were irradiated with an XRad 320ix biological irradiator under reference conditions. The delivered dose was 10 cGy for 7 beam qualities ranging from 40–100 kVp, 1.7–4.0 mm Al, and effective energies 26.9–37.9 keV. Both sets of detectors were also irradiated under reference conditions at 6 MVmore » using a Varian Clinac 21Ex to assess the change in response from high-energy beams. Results: The MCP-N high-sensitivity TLDs were relatively insensitive to energies in the kV range, as their response varied by ±5%, i.e. well within the reproducibility limits of these detectors. However, the OSLDs exhibited a linearly-decreasing response with energy with a response 18.7% higher at 40 kVp than at 100 kVp for the same nominal dose. Compared to the 6 MV beams used in conventional radiotherapy, OSLDs responded 3.3–3.9 times higher depending on beam quality while the MCP-N TLD response was unchanged within experimental uncertainty. Conclusions: Unlike the more commonly used TLD-100, the high-sensitivity MCP-N TLDs exhibit little to no energy response. OSLDs are shown to be highly energy-dependent, both from MV to kV and within the kV range.« less

Polarization-sensitive and broadband germanium sulfide photodetectors with excellent high-temperature performance.

PubMed

Tan, Dezhi; Zhang, Wenjin; Wang, Xiaofan; Koirala, Sandhaya; Miyauchi, Yuhei; Matsuda, Kazunari

2017-08-31

Layered materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides and black phosphorene, have been established rapidly as intriguing building blocks for optoelectronic devices. Here, we introduce highly polarization sensitive, broadband, and high-temperature-operation photodetectors based on multilayer germanium sulfide (GeS). The GeS photodetector shows a high photoresponsivity of about 6.8 × 10 3 A W -1 , an extremely high specific detectivity of 5.6 × 10 14 Jones, and broad spectral response in the wavelength range of 300-800 nm. More importantly, the GeS photodetector has high polarization sensitivity to incident linearly polarized light, which provides another degree of freedom for photodetectors. Tremendously enhanced photoresponsivity is observed with a temperature increase, and high responsivity is achievable at least up to 423 K. The establishment of larger photoinduced reduction of the Schottky barrier height will be significant for the investigation of the photoresponse mechanism of 2D layered material-based photodetectors. These attributes of high photocurrent generation in a wide temperature range, broad spectral response, and polarization sensitivity coupled with environmental stability indicate that the proposed GeS photodetector is very suitable for optoelectronic applications.

High Sensitivity Refractometer Based on Reflective Smf-Small Diameter No Core Fiber Structure.

PubMed

Zhou, Guorui; Wu, Qiang; Kumar, Rahul; Ng, Wai Pang; Liu, Hao; Niu, Longfei; Lalam, Nageswara; Yuan, Xiaodong; Semenova, Yuliya; Farrell, Gerald; Yuan, Jinhui; Yu, Chongxiu; Zeng, Jie; Tian, Gui Yun; Fu, Yong Qing

2017-06-16

A high sensitivity refractive index sensor based on a single mode-small diameter no core fiber structure is proposed. In this structure, a small diameter no core fiber (SDNCF) used as a sensor probe, was fusion spliced to the end face of a traditional single mode fiber (SMF) and the end face of the SDNCF was coated with a thin film of gold to provide reflective light. The influence of SDNCF diameter and length on the refractive index sensitivity of the sensor has been investigated by both simulations and experiments, where results show that the diameter of SDNCF has significant influence. However, SDNCF length has limited influence on the sensitivity. Experimental results show that a sensitivity of 327 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) has been achieved for refractive indices ranging from 1.33 to 1.38, which agrees well with the simulated results with a sensitivity of 349.5 nm/RIU at refractive indices ranging from 1.33 to 1.38.

Balloon-like singlemode-tapered multimode-singlemode fiber structure for refractive index sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Biyao; Niu, Yanxiong; Yang, Bowen; Dai, Lingling; Hu, Yanhui; Yin, Yiheng; Ding, Ming

2017-10-01

A novel high sensitivity refractive index sensor based on balloon-like singlemode-tapered multimode-singlemode (STMS) fiber structure has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Combining the tapering and bending endows the proposed sensor with large evanescent field, resulting in high sensitivity. Experimental results show that the proposed sensor has an average sensitivity of 1104.75 nm/RIU (RI Unit) in the range of 1.33-1.41 and a maximum sensitivity of 3374.50 nm/RIU at RI of 1.41.

Multimode fiber tip Fabry-Perot cavity for highly sensitive pressure measurement.

PubMed

Chen, W P; Wang, D N; Xu, Ben; Zhao, C L; Chen, H F

2017-03-23

We demonstrate an optical Fabry-Perot interferometer fiber tip sensor based on an etched end of multimode fiber filled with ultraviolet adhesive. The fiber device is miniature (with diameter of less than 60 μm), robust and low cost, in a convenient reflection mode of operation, and has a very high gas pressure sensitivity of -40.94 nm/MPa, a large temperature sensitivity of 213 pm/°C within the range from 55 to 85 °C, and a relatively low temperature cross-sensitivity of 5.2 kPa/°C. This device has a high potential in monitoring environment of high pressure.

Bulk and integrated acousto-optic spectrometers for radio astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chin, G.; Buhl, D.; Florez, J. M.

1981-01-01

The development of sensitive heterodyne receivers (front end) in the centimeter and millimeter range, and the construction of sensitive RF spectrometers (back end) enable the spectral lines of interstellar molecules to be detected and identified. A technique was developed which combines acoustic bending of a collimated coherent light beam by a Bragg cell followed by detection by a sensitive array of photodetectors (thus forming an RF acousto-optic spectrometer (AOS). An AOS has wide bandwidth, large number of channels, and high resolution, and is compact, lightweight, and energy efficient. The thrust of receiver development is towards high frequency heterodyne systems, particularly in the millimeter, submillimeter, far infrared, and 10 micron spectral ranges.

High-Sensitivity and Low-Hysteresis Porous MIM-Type Capacitive Humidity Sensor Using Functional Polymer Mixed with TiO2 Microparticles

PubMed Central

Liu, Ming-Qing; Wang, Cong; Kim, Nam-Young

2017-01-01

In this study, a high-sensitivity and low-hysteresis porous metal–insulator–metal-type capacitive humidity sensor is investigated using a functional polymer mixed with TiO2 microparticles. The humidity sensor consists of an optimally designed porous top electrode, a functional polymer humidity sensitive layer, a bottom electrode, and a glass substrate. The porous top electrode is designed to increase the contact area between the sensing layer and water vapor, leading to high sensitivity and quick response time. The functional polymer mixed with TiO2 microparticles shows excellent hysteresis under a wide humidity-sensing range with good long-term stability. The results show that as the relative humidity ranges from 10% RH to 90% RH, the proposed humidity sensor achieves a high sensitivity of 0.85 pF/% RH and a fast response time of less than 35 s. Furthermore, the sensor shows an ultra-low hysteresis of 0.95% RH at 60% RH, a good temperature dependence, and a stable capacitance value with a maximum of 0.17% RH drift during 120 h of continuous test. PMID:28157167

Flexible, highly sensitive pressure sensor with a wide range based on graphene-silk network structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ying; Tao, Lu-Qi; Wang, Dan-Yang; Zhang, Tian-Yu; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2017-03-01

In this paper, a flexible, simple-preparation, and low-cost graphene-silk pressure sensor based on soft silk substrate through thermal reduction was demonstrated. Taking silk as the support body, the device had formed a three-dimensional structure with ordered multi-layer structure. Through a simple and low-cost process technology, graphene-silk pressure sensor can achieve the sensitivity value of 0.4 kPa - 1 , and the measurement range can be as high as 140 kPa. Besides, pressure sensor can have a good combination with knitted clothing and textile product. The signal had good reproducibility in response to different pressures. Furthermore, graphene-silk pressure sensor can not only detect pressure higher than 100 kPa, but also can measure weak body signals. The characteristics of high-sensitivity, good repeatability, flexibility, and comfort for skin provide the high possibility to fit on various wearable electronics.

High-sensitivity refractive index sensor based on large-angle tilted fiber grating with carbon nanotube deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badmos, Abdulyezir A.; Sun, Qizhen; Yan, Zhijun; Arif, Raz N.; Zhang, Junxi; Rozhin, Alex; Zhang, Lin

2016-04-01

This paper presents a highly sensitive ambient refractive index (RI) sensor based on 81° tilted fiber grating (81°-TFG) structure UV-inscribed in standard telecom fiber (62.5μm cladding radius) with carbon nanotube (CNT) overlay deposition. The sensing mechanism is based on the ability of CNT to induce change in transmitted optical power and the high sensitivity of 81°-TFG to ambient refractive index. The thin CNT film with high refractive index enhances the cladding modes of the TFG, resulting in the significant interaction between the propagating light and the surrounding medium. Consequently, the surrounding RI change will induce not only the resonant wavelength shift but also the power intensity change of the attenuation band in the transmission spectrum. Result shows that the change in transmitted optical power produces a corresponding linear reduction in intensity with increment in RI values. The sample shows high sensitivities of 207.38nm/RIU, 241.79nm/RIU at RI range 1.344-1.374 and 113.09nm/RIU, 144.40nm/RIU at RI range 1.374-1.392 (for X-pol and Y-pol respectively). It also shows power intensity sensitivity of 65.728dBm/RIU and 45.898 (for X-pol and Y-pol respectively). The low thermal sensitivity property of the 81°-TFG offers reduction in thermal cross-sensitivity and enhances specificity of the sensor.

Advances in HgCdTe APDs and LADAR Receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Steven; McKeag, William; Wang, Jinxue; Jack, Michael; Amzajerdian, Farzin

2010-01-01

Raytheon is developing NIR sensor chip assemblies (SCAs) for scanning and staring 3D LADAR systems. High sensitivity is obtained by integrating high performance detectors with gain i.e. APDs with very low noise Readout Integrated Circuits. Unique aspects of these designs include: independent acquisition (non-gated) of pulse returns, multiple pulse returns with both time and intensity reported to enable full 3D reconstruction of the image. Recent breakthrough in device design has resulted in HgCdTe APDs operating at 300K with essentially no excess noise to gains in excess of 100, low NEP <1nW and GHz bandwidths and have demonstrated linear mode photon counting. SCAs utilizing these high performance APDs have been integrated and demonstrated excellent spatial and range resolution enabling detailed 3D imagery both at short range and long ranges. In this presentation we will review progress in high resolution scanning, staring and ultra-high sensitivity photon counting LADAR sensors.

High Sensitivity Refractive Index Sensor Based on Dual-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber with Hexagonal Lattice.

PubMed

Wang, Haiyang; Yan, Xin; Li, Shuguang; An, Guowen; Zhang, Xuenan

2016-10-08

A refractive index sensor based on dual-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with hexagonal lattice is proposed. The effects of geometrical parameters of the PCF on performances of the sensor are investigated by using the finite element method (FEM). Two fiber cores are separated by two air holes filled with the analyte whose refractive index is in the range of 1.33-1.41. Numerical simulation results show that the highest sensitivity can be up to 22,983 nm/RIU(refractive index unit) when the analyte refractive index is 1.41. The lowest sensitivity can reach to 21,679 nm/RIU when the analyte refractive index is 1.33. The sensor we proposed has significant advantages in the field of biomolecule detection as it provides a wide-range of detection with high sensitivity.

High Sensitivity Refractive Index Sensor Based on Dual-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber with Hexagonal Lattice

PubMed Central

Wang, Haiyang; Yan, Xin; Li, Shuguang; An, Guowen; Zhang, Xuenan

2016-01-01

A refractive index sensor based on dual-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with hexagonal lattice is proposed. The effects of geometrical parameters of the PCF on performances of the sensor are investigated by using the finite element method (FEM). Two fiber cores are separated by two air holes filled with the analyte whose refractive index is in the range of 1.33–1.41. Numerical simulation results show that the highest sensitivity can be up to 22,983 nm/RIU(refractive index unit) when the analyte refractive index is 1.41. The lowest sensitivity can reach to 21,679 nm/RIU when the analyte refractive index is 1.33. The sensor we proposed has significant advantages in the field of biomolecule detection as it provides a wide-range of detection with high sensitivity. PMID:27740607

Enhanced Strain Measurement Range of an FBG Sensor Embedded in Seven-Wire Steel Strands.

PubMed

Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Chul-Min; Choi, Song-Yi; Lee, Bang Yeon

2017-07-18

FBG sensors offer many advantages, such as a lack of sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, small size, high durability, and high sensitivity. However, their maximum strain measurement range is lower than the yield strain range (about 1.0%) of steel strands when embedded in steel strands. This study proposes a new FBG sensing technique in which an FBG sensor is recoated with polyimide and protected by a polyimide tube in an effort to enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. The validation test results showed that the proposed FBG sensing technique has a maximum strain measurement range of 1.73% on average, which is 1.73 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. It was confirmed that recoating the FBG sensor with polyimide and protecting the FBG sensor using a polyimide tube could effectively enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands.

Highly Sensitive Multifilament Fiber Strain Sensors with Ultrabroad Sensing Range for Textile Electronics.

PubMed

Lee, Jaehong; Shin, Sera; Lee, Sanggeun; Song, Jaekang; Kang, Subin; Han, Heetak; Kim, SeulGee; Kim, Seunghoe; Seo, Jungmok; Kim, DaeEun; Lee, Taeyoon

2018-05-22

Highly stretchable fiber strain sensors are one of the most important components for various applications in wearable electronics, electronic textiles, and biomedical electronics. Herein, we present a facile approach for fabricating highly stretchable and sensitive fiber strain sensors by embedding Ag nanoparticles into a stretchable fiber with a multifilament structure. The multifilament structure and Ag-rich shells of the fiber strain sensor enable the sensor to simultaneously achieve both a high sensitivity and largely wide sensing range despite its simple fabrication process and components. The fiber strain sensor simultaneously exhibits ultrahigh gauge factors (∼9.3 × 10 5 and ∼659 in the first stretching and subsequent stretching, respectively), a very broad strain-sensing range (450 and 200% for the first and subsequent stretching, respectively), and high durability for more than 10 000 stretching cycles. The fiber strain sensors can also be readily integrated into a glove to control a hand robot and effectively applied to monitor the large volume expansion of a balloon and a pig bladder for an artificial bladder system, thereby demonstrating the potential of the fiber strain sensors as candidates for electronic textiles, wearable electronics, and biomedical engineering.

A new dual-channel optical signal probe for Cu2+ detection based on morin and boric acid.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Yuan, Bin Fang; Li, Nian Bing; Luo, Hong Qun

2014-01-01

In this work we utilized the common analytical reagent morin to develop a new a dual-channel, cost-effective, and sensitive method for determination of Cu(2+). It is found that morin is only weakly fluorescent by itself, but forms highly fluorescent complexes with boric acid. Moreover, the fluorescence of complexes of morin with boric acid is quenched linearly by Cu(2+) in a certain concentration range. Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence quenching efficiency was linearly proportional to the concentration of cupric ions in the range of 0.5-25 μM with high sensitivity, and the detection limit for Cu(2+) was 0.38 μM. The linear range was 1-25 μM determined by spectrophotometry, and the detection limit for cupric ions was 0.8 μM. Furthermore, the mechanism of sensitive fluorescence quenching response of morin to Cu(2+) is discussed.

Electron-density-sensitive Line Ratios of Fe XIII– XVI from Laboratory Sources Compared to CHIANTI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weller, M. E.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Soukhanovskii, V. A.; Scotti, F.; LeBlanc, B. P.

2018-02-01

We present electron-density-sensitive line ratios for Fe XIII– XVI measured in the spectral wavelength range of 200–440 Å and an electron density range of (1–4) × 1013 cm‑3. The results provide a test at the high-density limit of density-sensitive line ratios useful for astrophysical studies. The measurements were performed on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade, where electron densities were measured independently by the laser Thomson scattering diagnostic. Spectra were collected with a flat-field grazing-incidence spectrometer, which provided a spectral resolution of up to 0.3 Å, i.e., high resolution across the broad wavelength range. The response of the instrument was relatively calibrated using spectroscopic techniques in order to improve accuracy. The line ratios are compared to other laboratory sources and the latest version of CHIANTI (8.0.2), and an agreement within 30% is found.

Spectral Sensitivity of the ctenid spider Cupiennius salei Keys

PubMed Central

Zopf, Lydia M.; Schmid, Axel; Fredman, David; Eriksson, Bo Joakim

2014-01-01

Summary The spectral sensitivity of adult male Cupiennius salei Keys, a nocturnal hunting spider, was studied in a behavioural test. As known from earlier behavioural tests, C. salei walks towards a black target presented in front of a white background. In this study a black target (size 42 × 70 cm) was presented in a white arena illuminated by monochromatic light in the range of 365 to 695 nm using 19 monochromatic filters (HW in the range of 6 – 10 nm). In the first trial, the transmission of the optical filters was between 40 % and 80%. In a second trial the transmission was reduced to 5%, using a neutral density filter. At the high intensity the spiders showed a spectral sensivity in the range from 380 to 670 nm. In the second trial the animals only showed directed walks if the illumination was in the range of 449 to 599 nm, indicating a lower sensitivity at the margins of the spectral sensitivity. In previous intracellular recordings, the measured spectral sensitivity was between 320 and 620 nm. Interestingly, these results do not completely match the behaviourally tested spectral sensitivity of the photoreceptors, where the sensitivity range is shifted to longer wavelengths. In order to investigate the molecular background of spectral sensitivity, we searched for opsin genes in C. salei. We found three visual opsins that correspond to UV and middle to long wavelength sensitive opsins as described for jumping spiders. PMID:23948480

Ultra-sensitive transducer advances micro-measurement range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogallo, V. L.

1964-01-01

An ultrasensitive piezoelectric transducer, that converts minute mechanical forces into electrical impulses, measures the impact of micrometeoroids against space vehicles. It has uniform sensitivity over the entire target area and a high degree of stability.

A Novel High-Sensitivity, Low-Power, Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensor

PubMed Central

Algorri, José Francisco; Urruchi, Virginia; Bennis, Noureddine; Sánchez-Pena, José Manuel

2014-01-01

A novel temperature sensor based on nematic liquid crystal permittivity as a sensing magnitude, is presented. This sensor consists of a specific micrometric structure that gives considerable advantages from other previous related liquid crystal (LC) sensors. The analytical study reveals that permittivity change with temperature is introduced in a hyperbolic cosine function, increasing the sensitivity term considerably. The experimental data has been obtained for ranges from −6 °C to 100 °C. Despite this, following the LC datasheet, theoretical ranges from −40 °C to 109 °C could be achieved. These results have revealed maximum sensitivities of 33 mVrms/°C for certain temperature ranges; three times more than of most silicon temperature sensors. As it was predicted by the analytical study, the micrometric size of the proposed structure produces a high output voltage. Moreover the voltage's sensitivity to temperature response can be controlled by the applied voltage. This response allows temperature measurements to be carried out without any amplification or conditioning circuitry, with very low power consumption. PMID:24721771

Psychological adaptation to ICDs and the influence of anxiety sensitivity.

PubMed

Lemon, Jim; Edelman, Sarah

2007-03-01

Forty-nine patients scheduled for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation completed self-report psychological questionnaires prior to surgery and at 2, 4 and 6 months after surgery. The most common psychological problem identified was anxiety, with clinically significant cases based on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) ranging between 26% and 34%. Clinically significant depression ranged between 8% and 20%. Anxiety sensitivity was associated with high levels of anxiety, depression and stress at baseline, but not at follow-up assessments. It is possible that within this population anxiety sensitivity is associated with distress during high-threat situations, but the relationship diminishes once the threat has passed. In addition, the reassurance provided by the ICD may reduce negative perceptions of symptoms, promoting psychological adaptation.

Highly sensitive refractive index fiber inline Mach-Zehnder interferometer fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining and chemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiao-Yan; Chu, Dong-Kai; Dong, Xin-Ran; Zhou, Chu; Li, Hai-Tao; Luo-Zhi; Hu, You-Wang; Zhou, Jian-Ying; Cong-Wang; Duan, Ji-An

2016-03-01

A High sensitive refractive index (RI) sensor based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) in a conventional single-mode optical fiber is proposed, which is fabricated by femtosecond laser transversal-scanning inscription method and chemical etching. A rectangular cavity structure is formed in part of fiber core and cladding interface. The MZI sensor shows excellent refractive index sensitivity and linearity, which exhibits an extremely high RI sensitivity of -17197 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) with the linearity of 0.9996 within the refractive index range of 1.3371-1.3407. The experimental results are consistent with theoretical analysis.

High sensitivity and high Q-factor nanoslotted parallel quadrabeam photonic crystal cavity for real-time and label-free sensing

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

Yang, Daquan; State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Information and Communication Engineering, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing 100876; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

We experimentally demonstrate a label-free sensor based on nanoslotted parallel quadrabeam photonic crystal cavity (NPQC). The NPQC possesses both high sensitivity and high Q-factor. We achieved sensitivity (S) of 451 nm/refractive index unit and Q-factor >7000 in water at telecom wavelength range, featuring a sensor figure of merit >2000, an order of magnitude improvement over the previous photonic crystal sensors. In addition, we measured the streptavidin-biotin binding affinity and detected 10 ag/mL concentrated streptavidin in the phosphate buffered saline solution.

Multiscale Hierarchical Design of a Flexible Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor with High Sensitivity and Wide Linearity Range.

PubMed

Shi, Jidong; Wang, Liu; Dai, Zhaohe; Zhao, Lingyu; Du, Mingde; Li, Hongbian; Fang, Ying

2018-05-30

Flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors have been attracting wide attention for applications in health monitoring and human-machine interfaces because of their simple device structure and easy-readout signals. For practical applications, flexible pressure sensors with both high sensitivity and wide linearity range are highly desirable. Herein, a simple and low-cost method for the fabrication of a flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor with a hierarchical structure over large areas is presented. The piezoresistive pressure sensor consists of arrays of microscale papillae with nanoscale roughness produced by replicating the lotus leaf's surface and spray-coating of graphene ink. Finite element analysis (FEA) shows that the hierarchical structure governs the deformation behavior and pressure distribution at the contact interface, leading to a quick and steady increase in contact area with loads. As a result, the piezoresistive pressure sensor demonstrates a high sensitivity of 1.2 kPa -1 and a wide linearity range from 0 to 25 kPa. The flexible pressure sensor is applied for sensitive monitoring of small vibrations, including wrist pulse and acoustic waves. Moreover, a piezoresistive pressure sensor array is fabricated for mapping the spatial distribution of pressure. These results highlight the potential applications of the flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor for health monitoring and electronic skin. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sensitivity to ocean acidification parallels natural pCO2 gradients experienced by Arctic copepods under winter sea ice

PubMed Central

Lewis, Ceri N.; Brown, Kristina A.; Edwards, Laura A.; Cooper, Glenn; Findlay, Helen S.

2013-01-01

The Arctic Ocean already experiences areas of low pH and high CO2, and it is expected to be most rapidly affected by future ocean acidification (OA). Copepods comprise the dominant Arctic zooplankton; hence, their responses to OA have important implications for Arctic ecosystems, yet there is little data on their current under-ice winter ecology on which to base future monitoring or make predictions about climate-induced change. Here, we report results from Arctic under-ice investigations of copepod natural distributions associated with late-winter carbonate chemistry environmental data and their response to manipulated pCO2 conditions (OA exposures). Our data reveal that species and life stage sensitivities to manipulated OA conditions were correlated with their vertical migration behavior and with their natural exposures to different pCO2 ranges. Vertically migrating adult Calanus spp. crossed a pCO2 range of >140 μatm daily and showed only minor responses to manipulated high CO2. Oithona similis, which remained in the surface waters and experienced a pCO2 range of <75 μatm, showed significantly reduced adult and nauplii survival in high CO2 experiments. These results support the relatively untested hypothesis that the natural range of pCO2 experienced by an organism determines its sensitivity to future OA and highlight that the globally important copepod species, Oithona spp., may be more sensitive to future high pCO2 conditions compared with the more widely studied larger copepods. PMID:24297880

MOF-Bacteriophage Biosensor for Highly Sensitive and Specific Detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Bhardwaj, Neha; Bhardwaj, Sanjeev K; Mehta, Jyotsana; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Deep, Akash

2017-10-04

To produce a sensitive and specific biosensor for Staphylococcus aureus, bacteriophages have been interfaced with a water-dispersible and environmentally stable metal-organic framework (MOF), NH 2 -MIL-53(Fe). The conjugation of the MOF with bacteriophages has been achieved through the use of glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. Highly sensitive detection of S. aureus in both synthetic and real samples was realized by the proposed MOF-bacteriophage biosensor based on the photoluminescence quenching phenomena: limit of detection (31 CFU/mL) and range of detection (40 to 4 × 10 8 CFU/mL). This is the first report exploiting the use of an MOF-bacteriophage complex for the biosensing of S. aureus. The results of our study highlight that the proposed biosensor is more sensitive than most of the previous methods while exhibiting some advanced features like specificity, regenerability, extended range of linear detection, and stability for long-term storage (even at room temperature).

Long range surface plasmon resonance with ultra-high penetration depth for self-referenced sensing and ultra-low detection limit using diverging beam approach

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

Isaacs, Sivan, E-mail: sivan.isaacs@gmail.com; Abdulhalim, Ibrahim; NEW CREATE Programme, School of Materials Science and Engineering, 1 CREATE Way, Research Wing, #02-06/08, Singapore 138602

2015-05-11

Using an insulator-metal-insulator structure with dielectric having refractive index (RI) larger than the analyte, long range surface plasmon (SP) resonance exhibiting ultra-high penetration depth is demonstrated for sensing applications of large bioentities at wavelengths in the visible range. Based on the diverging beam approach in Kretschmann-Raether configuration, one of the SP resonances is shown to shift in response to changes in the analyte RI while the other is fixed; thus, it can be used as a built in reference. The combination of the high sensitivity, high penetration depth and self-reference using the diverging beam approach in which a dark linemore » is detected of the high sensitivity, high penetration depth, self-reference, and the diverging beam approach in which a dark line is detected using large number of camera pixels with a smart algorithm for sub-pixel resolution, a sensor with ultra-low detection limit is demonstrated suitable for large bioentities.« less

Epidermis Microstructure Inspired Graphene Pressure Sensor with Random Distributed Spinosum for High Sensitivity and Large Linearity.

PubMed

Pang, Yu; Zhang, Kunning; Yang, Zhen; Jiang, Song; Ju, Zhenyi; Li, Yuxing; Wang, Xuefeng; Wang, Danyang; Jian, Muqiang; Zhang, Yingying; Liang, Renrong; Tian, He; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2018-03-27

Recently, wearable pressure sensors have attracted tremendous attention because of their potential applications in monitoring physiological signals for human healthcare. Sensitivity and linearity are the two most essential parameters for pressure sensors. Although various designed micro/nanostructure morphologies have been introduced, the trade-off between sensitivity and linearity has not been well balanced. Human skin, which contains force receptors in a reticular layer, has a high sensitivity even for large external stimuli. Herein, inspired by the skin epidermis with high-performance force sensing, we have proposed a special surface morphology with spinosum microstructure of random distribution via the combination of an abrasive paper template and reduced graphene oxide. The sensitivity of the graphene pressure sensor with random distribution spinosum (RDS) microstructure is as high as 25.1 kPa -1 in a wide linearity range of 0-2.6 kPa. Our pressure sensor exhibits superior comprehensive properties compared with previous surface-modified pressure sensors. According to simulation and mechanism analyses, the spinosum microstructure and random distribution contribute to the high sensitivity and large linearity range, respectively. In addition, the pressure sensor shows promising potential in detecting human physiological signals, such as heartbeat, respiration, phonation, and human motions of a pushup, arm bending, and walking. The wearable pressure sensor array was further used to detect gait states of supination, neutral, and pronation. The RDS microstructure provides an alternative strategy to improve the performance of pressure sensors and extend their potential applications in monitoring human activities.

Chemically Designed Metallic/Insulating Hybrid Nanostructures with Silver Nanocrystals for Highly Sensitive Wearable Pressure Sensors.

PubMed

Kim, Haneun; Lee, Seung-Wook; Joh, Hyungmok; Seong, Mingi; Lee, Woo Seok; Kang, Min Su; Pyo, Jun Beom; Oh, Soong Ju

2018-01-10

With the increase in interest in wearable tactile pressure sensors for e-skin, researches to make nanostructures to achieve high sensitivity have been actively conducted. However, limitations such as complex fabrication processes using expensive equipment still exist. Herein, simple lithography-free techniques to develop pyramid-like metal/insulator hybrid nanostructures utilizing nanocrystals (NCs) are demonstrated. Ligand-exchanged and unexchanged silver NC thin films are used as metallic and insulating components, respectively. The interfaces of each NC layer are chemically engineered to create discontinuous insulating layers, i.e., spacers for improved sensitivity, and eventually to realize fully solution-processed pressure sensors. Device performance analysis with structural, chemical, and electronic characterization and conductive atomic force microscopy study reveals that hybrid nanostructure based pressure sensor shows an enhanced sensitivity of higher than 500 kPa -1 , reliability, and low power consumption with a wide range of pressure sensing. Nano-/micro-hierarchical structures are also designed by combining hybrid nanostructures with conventional microstructures, exhibiting further enhanced sensing range and achieving a record sensitivity of 2.72 × 10 4 kPa -1 . Finally, all-solution-processed pressure sensor arrays with high pixel density, capable of detecting delicate signals with high spatial selectivity much better than the human tactile threshold, are introduced.

CRDS with a VECSEL for broad-band high sensitivity spectroscopy in the 2.3 μm window.

PubMed

Čermák, P; Chomet, B; Ferrieres, L; Vasilchenko, S; Mondelain, D; Kassi, S; Campargue, A; Denet, S; Lecocq, V; Myara, M; Cerutti, L; Garnache, A

2016-08-01

The integration of an industry ready packaged Sb-based Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting-Laser (VECSEL) into a Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer (CRDS) is presented. The instrument operates in the important 2.3 μm atmospheric transparency window and provides a high sensitivity (minimum detectable absorption of 9 × 10(-11) cm(-1)) over a wide spectra range. The VECSEL performances combine a large continuous tunability over 120 cm(-1) around 4300 cm(-1) together with a powerful (∼5 mW) TEM00 diffraction limited beam and linewidth at MHz level (for 1 ms of integration time). The achieved performances are illustrated by high sensitivity recordings of the very weak absorption spectrum of water vapor in the region. The developed method gives potential access to the 2-2.7 μm range for CRDS.

CRDS with a VECSEL for broad-band high sensitivity spectroscopy in the 2.3 μm window

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

Čermák, P., E-mail: cermak@fmph.uniba.sk; CNRS, LIPhy, UMR 5588, F-38000 Grenoble; Department of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Mlynská Dolina, 842 48 Bratislava

2016-08-15

The integration of an industry ready packaged Sb-based Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting-Laser (VECSEL) into a Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer (CRDS) is presented. The instrument operates in the important 2.3 μm atmospheric transparency window and provides a high sensitivity (minimum detectable absorption of 9 × 10{sup −11} cm{sup −1}) over a wide spectra range. The VECSEL performances combine a large continuous tunability over 120 cm{sup −1} around 4300 cm{sup −1} together with a powerful (∼5 mW) TEM{sub 00} diffraction limited beam and linewidth at MHz level (for 1 ms of integration time). The achieved performances are illustrated by high sensitivity recordings of themore » very weak absorption spectrum of water vapor in the region. The developed method gives potential access to the 2-2.7 μm range for CRDS.« less

A Wireless Fiber Photometry System Based on a High-Precision CMOS Biosensor With Embedded Continuous-Time Modulation.

PubMed

Khiarak, Mehdi Noormohammadi; Martianova, Ekaterina; Bories, Cyril; Martel, Sylvain; Proulx, Christophe D; De Koninck, Yves; Gosselin, Benoit

2018-06-01

Fluorescence biophotometry measurements require wide dynamic range (DR) and high-sensitivity laboratory apparatus. Indeed, it is often very challenging to accurately resolve the small fluorescence variations in presence of noise and high-background tissue autofluorescence. There is a great need for smaller detectors combining high linearity, high sensitivity, and high-energy efficiency. This paper presents a new biophotometry sensor merging two individual building blocks, namely a low-noise sensing front-end and a order continuous-time modulator (CTSDM), into a single module for enabling high-sensitivity and high energy-efficiency photo-sensing. In particular, a differential CMOS photodetector associated with a differential capacitive transimpedance amplifier-based sensing front-end is merged with an incremental order 1-bit CTSDM to achieve a large DR, low hardware complexity, and high-energy efficiency. The sensor leverages a hardware sharing strategy to simplify the implementation and reduce power consumption. The proposed CMOS biosensor is integrated within a miniature wireless head mountable prototype for enabling biophotometry with a single implantable fiber in the brain of live mice. The proposed biophotometry sensor is implemented in a 0.18- CMOS technology, consuming from a 1.8- supply voltage, while achieving a peak dynamic range of over a 50- input bandwidth, a sensitivity of 24 mV/nW, and a minimum detectable current of 2.46- at a 20- sampling rate.

Absolute auditory thresholds in three Old World monkey species (Cercopithecus aethiops, C. neglectus, Macaca fuscata) and humans (Homo sapiens).

PubMed

Owren, M J; Hopp, S L; Sinnott, J M; Petersen, M R

1988-06-01

We investigated the absolute auditory sensitivities of three monkey species (Cercopithecus aethiops, C. neglectus, and Macaca fuscata) and humans (Homo sapiens). Results indicated that species-typical variation exists in these primates. Vervets, which have the smallest interaural distance of the species that we tested, exhibited the greatest high-frequency sensitivity. This result is consistent with Masterton, Heffner, and Ravizza's (1969) observations that head size and high-frequency acuity are inversely correlated in mammals. Vervets were also the most sensitive in the middle frequency range. Furthermore, we found that de Brazza's monkeys, though they produce a specialized, low-pitched boom call, did not show the enhanced low-frequency sensitivity that Brown and Waser (1984) showed for blue monkeys (C. mitis), a species with a similar sound. This discrepancy may be related to differences in the acoustics of the respective habitats of these animals or in the way their boom calls are used. The acuity of Japanese monkeys was found to closely resemble that of rhesus macaques (M. mulatta) that were tested in previous studies. Finally, humans tested in the same apparatus exhibited normative sensitivities. These subjects responded more readily to low frequencies than did the monkeys but rapidly became less sensitive in the high ranges.

Ultrahigh-Sensitivity Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors for Detection of Tiny Pressure.

PubMed

Li, Hongwei; Wu, Kunjie; Xu, Zeyang; Wang, Zhongwu; Meng, Yancheng; Li, Liqiang

2018-06-20

High-sensitivity pressure sensors are crucial for the ultrasensitive touch technology and E-skin, especially at the tiny-pressure range below 100 Pa. However, it is highly challenging to substantially promote sensitivity beyond the current level at several to 200 kPa -1 and to improve the detection limit lower than 0.1 Pa, which is significant for the development of pressure sensors toward ultrasensitive and highly precise detection. Here, we develop an efficient strategy to greatly improve the sensitivity near to 2000 kPa -1 using short-channel coplanar device structure and sharp microstructure, which is systematically proposed for the first time and rationalized by the mathematic calculation and analysis. Significantly, benefiting from the ultrahigh sensitivity, the detection limit is improved to be as small as 0.075 Pa. The sensitivity and detection limit are both superior to the current levels and far surpass the function of human skin. Furthermore, the sensor shows fast response time (50 μs), excellent reproducibility and stability, and low power consumption. Remarkably, the sensor shows excellent detection capacity in the tiny-pressure range, including light-emitting diode switching with a pressure of 7 Pa, ringtone (2-20 Pa) recognition, and ultrasensitive (0.1 Pa) electronic glove. This work represents a performance and strategic progress in the field of pressure sensing.

Temperature sensitivity of silicon nitride nanocoated long-period gratings working in various surrounding media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smietana, M.; Bock, W. J.; Mikulic, P.

2011-11-01

This paper presents the temperature sensing properties of a silicon nitride (SiNx) nanocoated long-period grating (LPG). A high-temperature, radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposited SiNx nanocoating was applied to tune the external refractive index (RI) sensitivity of LPGs written with UV and electric arc techniques in boron co-doped and standard germanium doped fibers, respectively. The technique allows for deposition of good quality, hard and wear-resistant nanofilms as are required for optical sensors. Thanks to the high-RI SiNx nanocoating, which is less than 90 nm thick, it is possible to reduce RI sensitivity over a wide range (from nD = 1.333 to 1.479), simultaneously decreasing its cross-sensitivity to temperature. For the presented nanocoated LPGs, the temperature effect on resonance wavelength is linear and slightly dependent on the thermo-optic coefficient of the surrounding liquid. The other advantage of the nanocoating is that it makes the resonance clearly visible in the whole investigated external RI range. To the best of our knowledge, this work presents for the first time a nanocoating able to simultaneously tune the RI sensitivity and enable temperature measurements in high-RI liquids applied to LPGs.

Core/shell colloidal quantum dot exciplex states for the development of highly efficient quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Mora-Seró, Iván; Pan, Zhenxiao; Zhao, Ke; Zhang, Hua; Feng, Yaoyu; Yang, Guang; Zhong, Xinhua; Bisquert, Juan

2013-10-23

Searching suitable panchromatic QD sensitizers for expanding the light-harvesting range, accelerating charge separation, and retarding charge recombination is an effective way to improve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). One possible way to obtain a wide absorption range is to use the exciplex state of a type-II core/shell-structured QDs. In addition, this system could also provide a fast charge separation and low charge-recombination rate. Herein, we report on using a CdTe/CdSe type-II core/shell QD sensitizer with an absorption range extending into the infrared region because of its exciplex state, which is covalently linked to TiO2 mesoporous electrodes by dropping a bifunctional linker molecule mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped QD aqueous solution onto the film electrode. High loading and a uniform distribution of QD sensitizer throughout the film electrode thickness have been confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental mapping. The accelerated electron injection and retarded charge-recombination pathway in the built CdTe/CdSe QD cells in comparison with reference CdSe QD-based cells have been confirmed by impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence decay, and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy (IMPS/IMVS) analysis. With the combination of the high QD loading and intrinsically superior optoelectronic properties of type-II core/shell QD (wide absorption range, fast charge separation, and slow charge recombination), the resulting CdTe/CdSe QD-based regenerative sandwich solar cells exhibit a record PCE of 6.76% (J(sc) = 19.59 mA cm(-2), V(oc) = 0.606 V, and FF = 0.569) with a mask around the active film under a full 1 sun illumination (simulated AM 1.5), which is the highest reported to date for liquid-junction QDSCs.

Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Coupled Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berggren, Susan Anne Elizabeth

This research focuses on conducting an extensive computational investigation and mathematical analysis into the average voltage response of arrays of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). These arrays will serve as the basis for the development of a sensitive, low noise, significantly lower Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) antenna integrated with Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) using the SQUID technology. The goal for this antenna is to be capable of meeting all requirements for Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) 1000 class ships for Information Operations/Signals Intelligence (IO/SIGINT) applications in Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency (V/UHF) bands. The device will increase the listening capability of receivers by moving technology into a new regime of energy detection allowing wider band, smaller size, more sensitive, stealthier systems. The smaller size and greater sensitivity will allow for ships to be “de-cluttered” of their current large dishes and devices, replacing everything with fewer and smaller SQUID antenna devices. The fewer devices present on the deck of a ship, the more invisible the ship will be to enemy forces. We invent new arrays of SQUIDs, optimized for signal detection with very high dynamic range and excellent spur-free dynamic range, while maintaining extreme small size (and low radar cross section), wide bandwidth, and environmentally noise limited sensitivity, effectively shifting the bottle neck of receiver systems forever away from the antenna itself deeper into the receiver chain. To accomplish these goals we develop and validate mathematical models for different designs of SQUID arrays and use them to invent a new device and systems design. This design is capable of significantly exceeding, per size weight and power, state-of-the-art receiver system measures of performance, such as bandwidth, sensitivity, dynamic range, and spurious-free dynamic range.

High-performance optical projection controllable ZnO nanorod arrays for microweighing sensors.

PubMed

Wang, Hongbo; Jiang, Shulan; Zhang, Lei; Yu, Bingjun; Chen, Duoli; Yang, Weiqing; Qian, Linmao

2018-03-08

Optical microweighing sensors are an essential component of micro-force measurements in physical, chemical, and biological detection fields, although, their limited detection range (less than 15°) severely hinders their wide application. Such a limitation is mainly attributed to the essential restrictions of traditional light reflection and optical waveguide modes. Here, we report a high-performance optical microweighing sensor based on the synergistic effects of both a new optical projection mode and a ZnO nanorod array sensor. Ascribed to the unique configuration design of this sensing method, this optical microweighing sensor has a wide detection range (more than 80°) and a high sensitivity of 90 nA deg -1 , which is much larger than that of conventional microcantilever-based optical microweighing sensors. Furthermore, the location of the UV light source can be adjusted within a few millimeters, meaning that the microweighing sensor does not need repetitive optical calibration. More importantly, for low height and small incident angles of the UV light source, we can obtain highly sensitive microweighing properties on account of the highly sensitive ZnO nanorod array-based UV sensor. Therefore, this kind of large detection range, non-contact, and non-destructive microweighing sensor has potential applications in air quality monitoring and chemical and biological detection.

Design of efficient, broadband single-element (20-80 MHz) ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging applications.

PubMed

Cannata, Jonathan M; Ritter, Timothy A; Chen, Wo-Hsing; Silverman, Ronald H; Shung, K Kirk

2003-11-01

This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and testing of sensitive broadband lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single-element ultrasonic transducers in the 20-80 MHz frequency range. Transducers of varying dimensions were built for an f# range of 2.0-3.1. The desired focal depths were achieved by either casting an acoustic lens on the transducer face or press-focusing the piezoelectric into a spherical curvature. For designs that required electrical impedance matching, a low impedance transmission line coaxial cable was used. All transducers were tested in a pulse-echo arrangement, whereby the center frequency, bandwidth, insertion loss, and focal depth were measured. Several transducers were fabricated with center frequencies in the 20-80 MHz range with the measured -6 dB bandwidths and two-way insertion loss values ranging from 57 to 74% and 9.6 to 21.3 dB, respectively. Both transducer focusing techniques proved successful in producing highly sensitive, high-frequency, single-element, ultrasonic-imaging transducers. In vivo and in vitro ultrasonic backscatter microscope (UBM) images of human eyes were obtained with the 50 MHz transducers. The high sensitivity of these devices could possibly allow for an increase in depth of penetration, higher image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and improved image contrast at high frequencies when compared to previously reported results.

A Eu/Tb-mixed MOF for luminescent high-temperature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huizhen; Zhao, Dian; Cui, Yuangjing; Yang, Yu; Qian, Guodong

2017-02-01

Temperature measurements and thermal mapping using luminescent MOF operating in the high-temperature range are of great interest in the micro-electronic diagnosis. In this paper, we report a thermostable Eu/Tb-mixed MOF Eu0.37Tb0.63-BTC-a exhibiting strong luminescence at elevated temperature, which can serve as a ratiometric luminescent thermometer for high-temperature range. The high-temperature operating range (313-473 K), high relative sensitivity and accurate temperature resolution, make such a Eu/Tb-mixed MOF useful for micro-electronic diagnosis.

High sensitive X-ray films to detect electron showers in 100 GeV region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taira, T.; Shirai, T.; Tateyama, N.; Torii, S.; Nishimura, J.; Fujii, M.; Yoshida, A.; Aizu, H.; Nomura, Y.; Kazuno, M.

1985-01-01

Nonscreen type X-ray films were used in emulsion chamber experiments to detect high energy showers in cosmic rays. Ranges of the detection threshold is from about 1 to 2 TeV depending on the exposure conditions. Different types of X-ray films and sheets i.e. high sensitive screen type X-ray films and luminescence sheets were tested. The threshold of the shower detection is found to be about 200 GeV, which is much lower than that of nonscreen type X-ray films. These films are useful to detect showers in the medium energy range, a few hundred GeV, of the cosmic ray electrons.

Enhanced Strain Measurement Range of an FBG Sensor Embedded in Seven-Wire Steel Strands

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Chul-Min; Choi, Song-Yi

2017-01-01

FBG sensors offer many advantages, such as a lack of sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, small size, high durability, and high sensitivity. However, their maximum strain measurement range is lower than the yield strain range (about 1.0%) of steel strands when embedded in steel strands. This study proposes a new FBG sensing technique in which an FBG sensor is recoated with polyimide and protected by a polyimide tube in an effort to enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. The validation test results showed that the proposed FBG sensing technique has a maximum strain measurement range of 1.73% on average, which is 1.73 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. It was confirmed that recoating the FBG sensor with polyimide and protecting the FBG sensor using a polyimide tube could effectively enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. PMID:28718826

Electron-density-sensitive Line Ratios of Fe xiii– xvi from Laboratory Sources Compared to CHIANTI

DOE PAGES

Weller, M. E.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Soukhanovskii, V. A.; ...

2018-02-15

We present electron-density-sensitive line ratios for Fe xiii– xvi measured in the spectral wavelength range of 200–440 Å and an electron density range of (1-4) × 10 13 cm -3. The results provide a test at the high-density limit of density-sensitive line ratios useful for astrophysical studies. The measurements were performed on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade, where electron densities were measured independently by the laser Thomson scattering diagnostic. Spectra were collected with a flat-field grazing-incidence spectrometer, which provided a spectral resolution of up to 0.3 Å, i.e., high resolution across the broad wavelength range. The response of the instrumentmore » was relatively calibrated using spectroscopic techniques in order to improve accuracy. Lastly, the line ratios are compared to other laboratory sources and the latest version of CHIANTI (8.0.2), and an agreement within 30% is found.« less

Electron-density-sensitive Line Ratios of Fe xiii– xvi from Laboratory Sources Compared to CHIANTI

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

Weller, M. E.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Soukhanovskii, V. A.

We present electron-density-sensitive line ratios for Fe xiii– xvi measured in the spectral wavelength range of 200–440 Å and an electron density range of (1-4) × 10 13 cm -3. The results provide a test at the high-density limit of density-sensitive line ratios useful for astrophysical studies. The measurements were performed on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade, where electron densities were measured independently by the laser Thomson scattering diagnostic. Spectra were collected with a flat-field grazing-incidence spectrometer, which provided a spectral resolution of up to 0.3 Å, i.e., high resolution across the broad wavelength range. The response of the instrumentmore » was relatively calibrated using spectroscopic techniques in order to improve accuracy. Lastly, the line ratios are compared to other laboratory sources and the latest version of CHIANTI (8.0.2), and an agreement within 30% is found.« less

Fabry-Perot interferometer fiber tip sensor based on a glass microsphere glued at the etched end of multimode fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weiping P.; Wang, Dongning N.; Xu, Ben; Wang, Zhaokun K.; Zhao, Chun-Liu

2017-05-01

We demonstrate an optical Fabry-Perot interferometer fiber tip sensor based on a glass microsphere glued at the etched end of a multimode fiber. The fiber device is miniature and robust, with a convenient reflection mode of operation, a high temperature sensitivity of 202.6 pm/°C within the range from 5°C to 90°C, a good refractive index sensitivity of ˜119 nm/RIU within the range from 1.331 to 1.38, and a gas pressure sensitivity of 0.19 dB/MPa.

Correlated evolution between hearing sensitivity and social calls in bats

PubMed Central

Bohn, Kirsten M; Moss, Cynthia F; Wilkinson, Gerald S

2006-01-01

Echolocating bats are auditory specialists, with exquisite hearing that spans several octaves. In the ultrasonic range, bat audiograms typically show highest sensitivity in the spectral region of their species-specific echolocation calls. Well-developed hearing in the audible range has been commonly attributed to a need to detect sounds produced by prey. However, bat pups often emit isolation calls with low-frequency components that facilitate mother–young reunions. In this study, we examine whether low-frequency hearing in bats exhibits correlated evolution with (i) body size; (ii) high-frequency hearing sensitivity or (iii) pup isolation call frequency. Using published audiograms, we found that low-frequency hearing sensitivity is not dependent on body size but is related to high-frequency hearing. After controlling for high-frequency hearing, we found that low-frequency hearing exhibits correlated evolution with isolation call frequency. We infer that detection and discrimination of isolation calls have favoured enhanced low-frequency hearing because accurate parental investment is critical: bats have low reproductive rates, non-volant altricial young and must often identify their pups within large crèches. PMID:17148288

Milagro Limits and HAWC Sensitivity for the Rate-Density of Evaporating Primordial Black Holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdo, A. A.; Abeysekara, A. U.; Alfaro, R.; Allen, B.T.; Alvarez, C.; Alvarez, J. D.; Arceo, R.; Arteaga-Velazquez, J. C.; Aune, T.; Ayala Solares, H. A.;

A highly sensitive and specific capacitive aptasensor for rapid and label-free trace analysis of Bisphenol A (BPA) in canned foods.

PubMed

Mirzajani, Hadi; Cheng, Cheng; Wu, Jayne; Chen, Jiangang; Eda, Shigotoshi; Najafi Aghdam, Esmaeil; Badri Ghavifekr, Habib

2017-03-15

A rapid, highly sensitive, specific and low-cost capacitive affinity biosensor is presented here for label-free and single step detection of Bisphenol A (BPA). The sensor design allows rapid prototyping at low-cost using printed circuit board material by benchtop equipment. High sensitivity detection is achieved through the use of a BPA-specific aptamer as probe molecule and large electrodes to enhance AC-electroelectrothermal effect for long-range transport of BPA molecules toward electrode surface. Capacitive sensing technique is used to determine the bounded BPA level by measuring the sample/electrode interfacial capacitance of the sensor. The developed biosensor can detect BPA level in 20s and exhibits a large linear range from 1 fM to 10 pM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 152.93 aM. This biosensor was applied to test BPA in canned food samples and could successfully recover the levels of spiked BPA. This sensor technology is demonstrated to be highly promising and reliable for rapid, sensitive and on-site monitoring of BPA in food samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Milagro Limits and HAWC Sensitivity for the Rate-Density of Evaporating Primordial Black Holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdo, A. A.; Abeysekara, A. U.; Alfaro, R.; Allen, B. T.; Alvarez, C.; Alvarez, J. D.; Arceo, R.; Arteaga-Velazquez, J. C.; Aune, T.; Ayala Solares, H. A.;

A Highly Sensitive Nonenzymatic Glucose Biosensor Based on the Regulatory Effect of Glucose on Electrochemical Behaviors of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles on MoS₂†.

PubMed

Anderson, Kash; Poulter, Benjamin; Dudgeon, John; Li, Shu-En; Ma, Xiang

2017-08-05

A novel and highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose biosensor was developed by nucleating colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on MoS₂. The facile fabrication method, high reproducibility (97.5%) and stability indicates a promising capability for large-scale manufacturing. Additionally, the excellent sensitivity (9044.6 μA mM -1 cm -2 ), low detection limit (0.03 μM), appropriate linear range of 0.1-1000 μM, and high selectivity suggests that this biosensor has a great potential to be applied for noninvasive glucose detection in human body fluids, such as sweat and saliva.

High-sensitivity temperature sensor based on highly-birefringent microfiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Li-Peng; Li, Jie; Jin, Long; Gao, Shuai; Tian, Zhuang; Ran, Yang; Guan, Bai-Ou

2013-09-01

We demonstrate an ultrasensitive temperature sensor by sealing a highly-birefringent microfiber into an alcoholinfiltrated copper capillary. With a Sagnac loop configuration, the interferometric spectrum is strongly dependent on the external refractive index (RI) with sensitivity of 36800nm/RIU around RI=1.356. As mainly derived from the ultrahigh RI sensitivity, the temperature response can reach as high as -14.72 nm/°C in the range of 30.9-36.9 °C. The measured response time is ~8s, as determined by the heat-conducting characteristic of the device and the diameter of the copper capillary. Our sensor is featured with low cost, easy fabrication and robustness.

Demodulation method for tilted fiber Bragg grating refractometer with high sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Xuantung; Si, Jinhai; Chen, Tao; Wang, Ruize; Yan, Lihe; Cao, Houjun; Hou, Xun

2018-05-01

In this paper, we propose a demodulation method for refractive index (RI) sensing with tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs). It operates by monitoring the TFBG cladding mode resonance "cut-off wavelengths." The idea of a "cut-off wavelength" and its determination method are introduced. The RI sensitivities of TFBGs are significantly enhanced in certain RI ranges by using our demodulation method. The temperature-induced cross sensitivity is eliminated. We also demonstrate a parallel-double-angle TFBG (PDTFBG), in which two individual TFBGs are inscribed in the fiber core in parallel using a femtosecond laser and a phase mask. The RI sensing range of the PDTFBG is significantly broader than that of a conventional single-angle TFBG. In addition, its RI sensitivity can reach 1023.1 nm/refractive index unit in the 1.4401-1.4570 RI range when our proposed demodulation method is used.

Optical fiber pressure sensor based on fiber Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Dongcao

In oil field, it is important to measure the high pressure and temperature for down-hole oil exploration and well-logging, the available traditional electronic sensor is challenged due to the harsh, flammable environment. Recently, applications based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor in the oil industry have become a popular research because of its distinguishing advantages such as electrically passive operation, immunity to electromagnetic interference, high resolution, insensitivity to optical power fluctuation etc. This thesis is divided into two main sections. In the first section, the design of high pressure sensor based on FBG is described. Several sensing elements based on FBG for high pressure measurements have been proposed, for example bulk-modulus or free elastic modulus. But the structure of bulk-modulus and free elastic modulus is relatively complex and not easy to fabricate. In addition, the pressure sensitivity is not high and the repeatability of the structure has not been investigated. In this thesis, a novel host material of carbon fiber laminated composite (CFLC) for high pressure sensing is proposed. The mechanical characteristics including principal moduli in three directions and the shape repeatability are investigated. Because of it's Young's modulus in one direction and anisotropic characteristics, the pressure sensor made by CFLC has excellent sensitivity. This said structure can be used in very high pressure measurement due to carbon fiber composite's excellent shape repetition even under high pressure. The experimental results show high pressure sensitivity of 0.101nm/MPa and high pressure measurement up to 70MPa. A pressure sensor based on CFLC and FBG with temperature compensation has been designed. In the second section, the design of low pressure sensor based on FBG is demonstrated. Due to the trade off between measurement range and sensitivity, a sensor for lower pressure range needs more sensitivity. A novel material of carbon fiber ribbon-wound composite cylindrical shell is proposed. The mechanical characteristics are analyzed. Due to the smaller longitudinal Young's modulus of this novel material, the sensitivity is improved to 0.452nm/MPa and the measurement range can reach 8MPa. The experimental results indicated excellent repeatability of the material and a good linearity between Bragg wavelength shift and the applied pressure. The sensor has the potential to find many industrial low pressure applications.

HIgh-Q Optical Micro-cavity Resonators as High Sensitive Bio-chemical and Ultrasonic Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, Tao

Optical micro-cavity resonators have quickly emerged in the past few years as a new sensing platform in a wide range of applications, such as bio-chemical molecular detection, environmental monitoring, acoustic and electromagnetic waves detection. In this thesis, we will mainly focus on developing high sensitivity silica micro-tube resonator bio-chemical sensors and high sensitivity polymer micro-ring resonator acoustic sensors. In high sensitivity silica micro-tube resonator bio-chemical sensors part: We first demonstrated a prism coupled silica micro-tube bio-chemical sensing platform to overcome the reliability problem in a fiber coupled thin wall silica micro-tube sensing platform. In refractive index sensing experiment, a unique resonance mode with sensitivity around 600nm/refractive index unit (RIU) has been observed. Surface sensing experiments also have been performed in this platform to detect lipid monolayer, lipid bilayer, electrostatic self assemble layer-by-layer as well as the interaction between the lipid bilayer and proteins. Then a theoretical study on various sensing properties on the silica micro-tube based sensing platform has been realized. Furthermore, we have proposed a coupled cavity system to further enhance the device's sensitivity above 1000nm/RIU. In high sensitivity polymer micro-ring resonator acoustic sensors part: We first presented a simplified fabrication process and realized a polymer microring with a Q factor around 6000. The fabricated device has been used to detect acoustic wave with noise equivalent pressure (NEP) around 230Pa over 1-75MHz frequency rang, which is comparable to state-of-art piezoelectric transducer and the device's frequency response also have been characterized to be up to 90MHz. A new fabrication process combined with resist reflow and thermal oxidation process has been used to improve the Q factor up to 10 5 and the device's NEP has been tested to be around 88Pa over 1-75MHz range. Further improving the device's Q factor has been realized by shifting the device's working wavelength to near-visible wavelength and further reducing the device's sidewall roughness. A record new high Q-˜x105 has been measured and the device's NEP as low as 21Pa has been measured. Furthermore, a smaller size polymer microring device has been developed and fabricated to realize larger angle beam forming applications.

Functional design of electrolytic biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamage Preethichandra, D. M.; Mala Ekanayake, E. M. I.; Onoda, M.

2017-11-01

A novel amperometric biosensbased on conjugated polypyrrole (PPy) deposited on a Pt modified ITO (indium tin oxide) conductive glass substrate and their performances are described. We have presented a method of developing a highly sensitive and low-cost nano-biosensor for blood glucose measurements. The fabrication method proposed decreases the cost of production significantly as the amount of noble metals used is minimized. A nano-corrugated PPy substrate was developed through pulsed electrochemical deposition. The sensitivity achieved was 325 mA/(Mcm2) and the linear range of the developed sensor was 50-60 mmol/l. Then the application of the electrophoresis helps the glucose oxidase (GOx) on the PPy substrate. The main reason behind this high enzyme loading is the high electric field applied across the sensor surface (working electrode) and the counter electrode where that pushes the nano-scale enzyme particles floating in the phosphate buffer solution towards the substrate. The novel technique used has provided an extremely high sensitivities and very high linear ranges for enzyme (GOx) and therefore can be concluded that this is a very good technique to load enzyme onto the conducting polymer substrates.

Fabrication of sensitive enzymatic biosensor based on multi-layered reduced graphene oxide added PtAu nanoparticles-modified hybrid electrode

PubMed Central

Hossain, Md Faruk; Park, Jae Y.

2017-01-01

A highly sensitive amperometric glucose sensor was developed by immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) onto multi-layer reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) sheets decorated with platinum and gold flower-like nanoparticles (PtAuNPs) modified Au substrate electrode. The fabricated MRGO/PtAuNPs modified hybrid electrode demonstrated high electrocatalytic activities toward oxidation of H2O2, to which it had a wide linear response that ranged from 0.5 to 8 mM (R2 = 0.997), and high sensitivity of 506.25 μA/mMcm2. Furthermore, glucose oxidase-chitosan composite and cationic polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) were assembled by a casting method on the surface of MRGO/PtAuNPs modified electrode. This as-fabricated hybrid biosensor electrode exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for the detection of glucose in PBS. It demonstrated good analytical properties in terms of a low detection limit of 1 μM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3), short response time (3 s), high sensitivity (17.85 μA/mMcm2), and a wide linear range (0.01–8 mM) for glucose sensing. These results reveal that the newly developed sensing electrode offers great promise for new type enzymatic biosensor applications. PMID:28333943

Evaluation of the highly sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay "Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ" for hepatitis B virus screening.

PubMed

Deguchi, Matsuo; Kagita, Masanori; Yoshioka, Nori; Tsukamoto, Hiroko; Takao, Miyuki; Tahara, Kazuko; Maeda, Ikuhiro; Hidaka, Yoh; Yamauchi, Satoshi; Kaneko, Atsushi; Miyakoshi, Hideo; Isomura, Mitsuo

2017-10-06

Ongoing efforts in the development of HBsAg detection kits are focused on improving sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an improved, highly sensitive quantitative assay, "Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ", a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay designed for a fully automated instrument, the "Lumipulse G1200". Serum samples for reproducibility, dilution, correlation, sensitivity, and specificity studies were obtained from patients at the Osaka University Hospital. Seroconversion and sensitivity panels were purchased from a commercial vender. Subtype, sensitivity panels, and HBsAg recombinant proteins with one or two amino acid substitutions were prepared in-house. The coefficients of variation for the low, medium, and high concentration samples ranged from 1.93 to 2.55%. The HBsAg-HQ reagent for dilution testing showed good linearity in the 0.005-150 HBsAg IU/mL range and no prozone phenomenon. All 102 HBV carrier samples were positive by HBsAg-HQ, while other commercial reagents showed one or more to be negative. In the seroconversion panel, the 14-day blood sample was positive. The sensitivity against HBsAg-HQ "ad" and "ay" subtypes was 0.025 ng/mL. Comparisons among the HBsAg-HQ, HISCL, and Architect HBsAg reagents were performed using the Bland-Altman plot. Specificity for 1000 seronegative individuals was 99.7%. HBsAg-HQ detected 29 positive serum among 12 231 routinely obtained serum samples, which showed concentrations of 0.005-0.05 HBsAg IU/mL. According to these results, the Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ assay, with a highly sensitive limit of detection of 0.005 IU/mL, may facilitate the development of a better management strategy for a considerable proportion of infected patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sensitivity of crop cover to climate variability: insights from two Indian agro-ecoregions.

PubMed

Mondal, Pinki; Jain, Meha; DeFries, Ruth S; Galford, Gillian L; Small, Christopher

2015-01-15

Crop productivity in India varies greatly with inter-annual climate variability and is highly dependent on monsoon rainfall and temperature. The sensitivity of yields to future climate variability varies with crop type, access to irrigation and other biophysical and socio-economic factors. To better understand sensitivities to future climate, this study focuses on agro-ecological subregions in Central and Western India that span a range of crops, irrigation, biophysical conditions and socioeconomic characteristics. Climate variability is derived from remotely-sensed data products, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM - precipitation) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS - temperature). We examined green-leaf phenologies as proxy for crop productivity using the MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from 2000 to 2012. Using both monsoon and winter growing seasons, we assessed phenological sensitivity to inter-annual variability in precipitation and temperature patterns. Inter-annual EVI phenology anomalies ranged from -25% to 25%, with some highly anomalous values up to 200%. Monsoon crop phenology in the Central India site is highly sensitive to climate, especially the timing of the start and end of the monsoon and intensity of precipitation. In the Western India site, monsoon crop phenology is less sensitive to precipitation variability, yet shows considerable fluctuations in monsoon crop productivity across the years. Temperature is critically important for winter productivity across a range of crop and management types, such that irrigation might not provide a sufficient buffer against projected temperature increases. Better access to weather information and usage of climate-resilient crop types would play pivotal role in maintaining future productivity. Effective strategies to adapt to projected climate changes in the coming decades would also need to be tailored to regional biophysical and socio-economic conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reactive chromophores for sensitive and selective detection of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frye-Mason, Greg; Leuschen, Martin; Wald, Lara; Paul, Kateri; Hancock, Lawrence F.

2005-05-01

A reactive chromophore developed at MIT exhibits sensitive and selective detection of surrogates for G-class nerve agents. This reporter acts by reacting with the agent to form an intermediate that goes through an internal cyclization reaction. The reaction locks the molecule into a form that provides a strong fluorescent signal. Using a fluorescent sensor platform, Nomadics has demonstrated rapid and sensitive detection of reactive simulants such as diethyl chloro-phosphate (simulant for sarin, soman, and related agents) and diethyl cyanophosphate (simulant for tabun). Since the unreacted chromophore does not fluoresce at the excitation wavelength used for the cyclized reporter, the onset of fluo-rescence can be easily detected. This fluorescence-based detection method provides very high sensitivity and could enable rapid detection at permissible exposure levels. Tests with potential interferents show that the reporter is very selective, with responses from only a few highly toxic, electrophilic chemicals such as phosgene, thionyl chloride, and strong acids such as HF, HCl, and nitric acid. Dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), a common and inactive simu-lant for other CW detectors, is not reactive enough to generate a signal. The unique selectivity to chemical reactivity means that a highly toxic and hazardous chemical is present when the reporter responds and illustrates that this sensor can provide very low false alarm rates. Current efforts focus on demonstrating the sensitivity and range of agents and toxic industrial chemicals detected with this reporter as well as developing additional fluorescent reporters for a range of chemical reactivity classes. The goal is to produce a hand-held sensor that can sensitively detect a broad range of chemical warfare agent and toxic industrial chemical threats.

High sensitivity refractive index sensor based on a tapered small core single-mode fiber structure.

PubMed

Liu, Dejun; Mallik, Arun Kumar; Yuan, Jinhui; Yu, Chongxiu; Farrell, Gerald; Semenova, Yuliya; Wu, Qiang

2015-09-01

A high sensitivity refractive index (RI) sensor based on a tapered small core single-mode fiber (SCSMF) structure sandwiched between two traditional single-mode fibers (SMF28) is reported. The microheater brushing technique was employed to fabricate the tapered fiber structures with different waist diameters of 12.5, 15.0, and 18.8 μm. Experiments demonstrate that the fiber sensor with a waist diameter of 12.5 μm offers the best sensitivity of 19212.5  nm/RIU (RI unit) in the RI range of 1.4304 to 1.4320. All sensors fabricated in this Letter show good linearity in terms of the spectral wavelength shift versus changes in RI. Furthermore, the sensor with the best sensitivity to RI was also used to measure relative humidity (RH) without any coating materials applied to the fiber surface. Experimental results show that the spectral wavelength shift changes exponentially as the RH varies from 60% to 95%. A maximum sensitivity of 18.3 nm per relative humidity unit (RHU) was achieved in the RH range of 90.4% to 94.5% RH.

Piezoresistive pressure sensor with high sensitivity for medical application using peninsula-island structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Tingzhong; Wang, Hongyan; Xia, Yong; Zhao, Zhiming; Huang, Mimi; Wang, Jiuhong; Zhao, Libo; Zhao, Yulong; Jiang, Zhuangde

2017-12-01

A novel micro-electromechanical systems piezoresistive pressure sensor with a diagonally positioned peninsula-island structure has high sensitivity for ultralow- pressure measurement. The pressure sensor was designed with a working range of 0-500 Pa and had a high sensitivity of 0.06 mV·V-1·Pa-1. The trade-off between high sensitivity and linearity was alleviated. Moreover, the influence of the installation angle on the sensing chip output was analyzed, and an application experiment of the sensor was conducted using the built pipettor test platform. Findings indicated that the proposed pressure sensor had sufficient resolution ability and accuracy to detect the pressure variation in the pipettor chamber. Therefore, the proposed pressure sensor has strong potential for medical equipment application.

Highly sensitive and selective sugar detection by terahertz nano-antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dong-Kyu; Kang, Ji-Hun; Lee, Jun-Seok; Kim, Hyo-Seok; Kim, Chulki; Hun Kim, Jae; Lee, Taikjin; Son, Joo-Hiuk; Park, Q.-Han; Seo, Minah

2015-10-01

Molecular recognition and discrimination of carbohydrates are important because carbohydrates perform essential roles in most living organisms for energy metabolism and cell-to-cell communication. Nevertheless, it is difficult to identify or distinguish various carbohydrate molecules owing to the lack of a significant distinction in the physical or chemical characteristics. Although there has been considerable effort to develop a sensing platform for individual carbohydrates selectively using chemical receptors or an ensemble array, their detection and discrimination limits have been as high in the millimolar concentration range. Here we show a highly sensitive and selective detection method for the discrimination of carbohydrate molecules using nano-slot-antenna array-based sensing chips which operate in the terahertz (THz) frequency range (0.5-2.5 THz). This THz metamaterial sensing tool recognizes various types of carbohydrate molecules over a wide range of molecular concentrations. Strongly localized and enhanced terahertz transmission by nano-antennas can effectively increase the molecular absorption cross sections, thereby enabling the detection of these molecules even at low concentrations. We verified the performance of nano-antenna sensing chip by both THz spectra and images of transmittance. Screening and identification of various carbohydrates can be applied to test even real market beverages with a high sensitivity and selectivity.

Highly sensitive and selective sugar detection by terahertz nano-antennas

PubMed Central

Lee, Dong-Kyu; Kang, Ji-Hun; Lee, Jun-Seok; Kim, Hyo-Seok; Kim, Chulki; Hun Kim, Jae; Lee, Taikjin; Son, Joo-Hiuk; Park, Q-Han; Seo, Minah

2015-01-01

Molecular recognition and discrimination of carbohydrates are important because carbohydrates perform essential roles in most living organisms for energy metabolism and cell-to-cell communication. Nevertheless, it is difficult to identify or distinguish various carbohydrate molecules owing to the lack of a significant distinction in the physical or chemical characteristics. Although there has been considerable effort to develop a sensing platform for individual carbohydrates selectively using chemical receptors or an ensemble array, their detection and discrimination limits have been as high in the millimolar concentration range. Here we show a highly sensitive and selective detection method for the discrimination of carbohydrate molecules using nano-slot-antenna array-based sensing chips which operate in the terahertz (THz) frequency range (0.5–2.5 THz). This THz metamaterial sensing tool recognizes various types of carbohydrate molecules over a wide range of molecular concentrations. Strongly localized and enhanced terahertz transmission by nano-antennas can effectively increase the molecular absorption cross sections, thereby enabling the detection of these molecules even at low concentrations. We verified the performance of nano-antenna sensing chip by both THz spectra and images of transmittance. Screening and identification of various carbohydrates can be applied to test even real market beverages with a high sensitivity and selectivity. PMID:26494203

Negative axial strain sensitivity in gold-coated eccentric fiber Bragg gratings

PubMed Central

Chah, Karima; Kinet, Damien; Caucheteur, Christophe

2016-01-01

New dual temperature and strain sensor has been designed using eccentric second-order fiber Bragg gratings produced in standard single-mode optical fiber by point-by-point direct writing technique with tight focusing of 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses. With thin gold coating at the grating location, we experimentally show that such gratings exhibit a transmitted amplitude spectrum composed by the Bragg and cladding modes resonances that extend in a wide spectral range exceeding one octave. An overlapping of the first order and second order spectrum is then observed. High-order cladding modes belonging to the first order Bragg resonance coupling are close to the second order Bragg resonance, they show a negative axial strain sensitivity (−0.55 pm/με) compared to the Bragg resonance (1.20 pm/με) and the same temperature sensitivity (10.6 pm/°C). With this well conditioned system, temperature and strain can be determined independently with high sensitivity, in a wavelength range limited to a few nanometers. PMID:27901059

FIR Detector Sensitivity, Dynamic Range, and Multiplexing Requirements for the Origins Space Telescope (OST)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staguhn, Johannes G.

2018-05-01

Spectroscopic, cold, space-based mid-to-far-infrared (FIR) missions, such as the Origins Space Telescope, will require large (tens of kilopixels), ultra-sensitive FIR detector arrays with sufficient dynamic range and high-density multiplexing schemes for the readout, in order to optimize the scientific return while staying within a realistic cost range. Issues like power consumption of multiplexers and their readout are significantly more important for space missions than they are for ground-based or suborbital applications. In terms of the detectors and their configuration into large arrays, significant development efforts are needed even for both of the most mature candidate superconducting detector technologies, namely transition edge sensors and (microwave) kinetic inductance detectors. Here we explore both practical and fundamental limits for those technologies in order to lay out a realistic path forward for both technologies. We conclude that beyond the need to enhance the detector sensitivities and pixel numbers by about an order of magnitude over currently existing devices, improved concepts for larger dynamic range and multiplexing density will be needed in order to optimize the scientific return of future cold FIR space missions. Background-limited, very high spectral resolution instruments will require photon-counting detectors.

Importance of optimizing chromatographic conditions and mass spectrometric parameters for supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Fujito, Yuka; Hayakawa, Yoshihiro; Izumi, Yoshihiro; Bamba, Takeshi

2017-07-28

Supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry (SFC/MS) has great potential in high-throughput and the simultaneous analysis of a wide variety of compounds, and it has been widely used in recent years. The use of MS for detection provides the advantages of high sensitivity and high selectivity. However, the sensitivity of MS detection depends on the chromatographic conditions and MS parameters. Thus, optimization of MS parameters corresponding to the SFC condition is mandatory for maximizing performance when connecting SFC to MS. The aim of this study was to reveal a way to decide the optimum composition of the mobile phase and the flow rate of the make-up solvent for MS detection in a wide range of compounds. Additionally, we also showed the basic concept for determination of the optimum values of the MS parameters focusing on the MS detection sensitivity in SFC/MS analysis. To verify the versatility of these findings, a total of 441 pesticides with a wide polarity range (logP ow from -4.21 to 7.70) and pKa (acidic, neutral and basic). In this study, a new SFC-MS interface was used, which can transfer the entire volume of eluate into the MS by directly coupling the SFC with the MS. This enabled us to compare the sensitivity or optimum MS parameters for MS detection between LC/MS and SFC/MS for the same sample volume introduced into the MS. As a result, it was found that the optimum values of some MS parameters were completely different from those of LC/MS, and that SFC/MS-specific optimization of the analytical conditions is required. Lastly, we evaluated the sensitivity of SFC/MS using fully optimized analytical conditions. As a result, we confirmed that SFC/MS showed much higher sensitivity than LC/MS when the analytical conditions were fully optimized for SFC/MS; and the high sensitivity also increase the number of the compounds that can be detected with good repeatability in real sample analysis. This result indicates that SFC/MS has potential for practical use in the multiresidue analysis of a wide range of compounds that requires high sensitivity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantum cascade laser-based sensor system for nitric oxide detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tittel, Frank K.; Allred, James J.; Cao, Yingchun; Sanchez, Nancy P.; Ren, Wei; Jiang, Wenzhe; Jiang, Dongfang; Griffin, Robert J.

2015-01-01

Sensitive detection of nitric oxide (NO) at ppbv concentration levels has an important impact in diverse fields of applications including environmental monitoring, industrial process control and medical diagnostics. For example, NO can be used as a biomarker of asthma and inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Trace gas sensor systems capable of high sensitivity require the targeting of strong rotational-vibrational bands in the mid-IR spectral range. These bands are accessible using state-of-the-art high heat load (HHL) packaged, continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) permits the design of fast, sensitive, selective, and compact sensor systems. A QEPAS sensor was developed employing a room-temperature CW DFB-QCL emitting at 5.26 μm with an optical excitation power of 60 mW. High sensitivity is achieved by targeting a NO absorption line at 1900.08 cm-1 free of interference by H2O and CO2. The minimum detection limit of the sensor is 7.5 and 1 ppbv of NO with 1and 100 second averaging time respectively . The sensitivity of the sensor system is sufficient for detecting NO in exhaled human breath, with typical concentration levels ranging from 24.0 ppbv to 54.0 ppbv.

Molecular Tools for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

PubMed Central

de Ruiter, C. M.; van der Veer, C.; Leeflang, M. M. G.; Deborggraeve, S.; Lucas, C.

2014-01-01

Molecular methods have been proposed as highly sensitive tools for the detection of Leishmania parasites in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these tools in a meta-analysis of the published literature. The selection criteria were original studies that evaluate the sensitivities and specificities of molecular tests for diagnosis of VL, adequate classification of study participants, and the absolute numbers of true positives and negatives derivable from the data presented. Forty studies met the selection criteria, including PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The sensitivities of the individual studies ranged from 29 to 100%, and the specificities ranged from 25 to 100%. The pooled sensitivity of PCR in whole blood was 93.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.0 to 95.2), and the specificity was 95.6% (95% CI, 87.0 to 98.6). The specificity was significantly lower in consecutive studies, at 63.3% (95% CI, 53.9 to 71.8), due either to true-positive patients not being identified by parasitological methods or to the number of asymptomatic carriers in areas of endemicity. PCR for patients with HIV-VL coinfection showed high diagnostic accuracy in buffy coat and bone marrow, ranging from 93.1 to 96.9%. Molecular tools are highly sensitive assays for Leishmania detection and may contribute as an additional test in the algorithm, together with a clear clinical case definition. We observed wide variety in reference standards and study designs and now recommend consecutively designed studies. PMID:24829226

Highly compressible fluorescent particles for pressure sensing in liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cellini, F.; Peterson, S. D.; Porfiri, M.

2017-05-01

Pressure sensing in liquids is important for engineering applications ranging from industrial processing to naval architecture. Here, we propose a pressure sensor based on highly compressible polydimethylsiloxane foam particles embedding fluorescent Nile Red molecules. The particles display pressure sensitivities as low as 0.0018 kPa-1, which are on the same order of magnitude of sensitivities reported in commercial pressure-sensitive paints for air flows. We envision the application of the proposed sensor in particle image velocimetry toward an improved understanding of flow kinetics in liquids.

Reasonable Temperature Schedules for Cold or Hot Charging of Continuously Cast Steel Slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Chen, Xin; Liu, Ke; Wang, Jing; Wen, Jin; Zhang, Jiaquan

2013-12-01

Some continuously cast steel slabs are sensitive to transverse fracture problems during transportation or handling away from their storage state, while some steel slabs are sensitive to surface transverse cracks during the following rolling process in a certain hot charging temperature range. It is revealed that the investigated steel slabs with high fracture tendency under room cooling condition always contain pearlite transformation delayed elements, which lead to the internal brittle bainitic structure formation, while some microalloyed steels exhibit high surface crack susceptibility to hot charging temperatures due to carbonitride precipitation. According to the calculated internal cooling rates and CCT diagrams, the slabs with high fracture tendency during cold charging should be slowly cooled after cutting to length from hot strand or charged to the reheating furnace directly above their bainite formation temperatures. Based on a thermodynamic calculation for carbonitride precipitation in austenite, the sensitive hot charging temperature range of related steels was revealed for the determination of reasonable temperature schedules.

Inhomogeneous Forcing and Transient Climate Sensitivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shindell, Drew T.

2014-01-01

Understanding climate sensitivity is critical to projecting climate change in response to a given forcing scenario. Recent analyses have suggested that transient climate sensitivity is at the low end of the present model range taking into account the reduced warming rates during the past 10-15 years during which forcing has increased markedly. In contrast, comparisons of modelled feedback processes with observations indicate that the most realistic models have higher sensitivities. Here I analyse results from recent climate modelling intercomparison projects to demonstrate that transient climate sensitivity to historical aerosols and ozone is substantially greater than the transient climate sensitivity to CO2. This enhanced sensitivity is primarily caused by more of the forcing being located at Northern Hemisphere middle to high latitudes where it triggers more rapid land responses and stronger feedbacks. I find that accounting for this enhancement largely reconciles the two sets of results, and I conclude that the lowest end of the range of transient climate response to CO2 in present models and assessments (less than 1.3 C) is very unlikely.

Determination and experimental verification of high-temperature SAW orientations on langatate.

PubMed

Davulis, Peter M; da Cunha, Mauricio Pereira

2012-02-01

Langatate (LGT) is a member of the langasite family of crystals appropriate for high-temperature frequency control and sensing applications. This paper identifies multiple LGT SAW orientations for use at high temperature, specifically in the 400°C to 900°C range. Orientations with low sensitivity to temperature are desired for frequency control devices and many sensors, conversely large temperature sensitivity is a benefit for temperature sensors. The LGT SAW temperature behavior has been calculated for orientations sweeping the Euler angles (0°, Θ, ψ), (90°, Θ, ψ), and (ψ, 90°, ψ), based on newly identified high-temperature elastic constants and temperature coefficients for this material. The temperature coefficient of delay (TCD) and total frequency change over the temperature range were analyzed from 400°C to 900°C. Multiple SAW orientations were identified with zero-TCD between 400°C and 500°C. Although no orientations that have turn-over temperatures above 500°C were identified, several have low frequency variation with temperature, of the order of -0.8% over the range 400°C to 800°C. Temperature-sensitive orientations with TCD up to 75 ppm/°C at 900°C were identified, with potential for high-temperature sensor applications. The reported predictions are shown to agree with measured behavior of LGT SAW delay lines fabricated along 6 orientations in the (90°, 23°, ψ) plane. In addition, this work demonstrates that concurrently operated LGT SAW devices fabricated on the same wafer provide means of temperature sensing. In particular, the measured frequency difference between delay lines oriented along (90°, 23°, 0°) and (90°, 23°, 48°) has fractional temperature sensitivity that ranges from -172 ppm/°C at 25°C to -205 ppm/°C at 900°C.

Nanocrystalline SiC film thermistors for cryogenic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitin, V. F.; Kholevchuk, V. V.; Semenov, A. V.; Kozlovskii, A. A.; Boltovets, N. S.; Krivutsa, V. A.; Slepova, A. S.; Novitskii, S. V.

2018-02-01

We developed a heat-sensitive material based on nanocrystalline SiC films obtained by direct deposition of carbon and silicon ions onto sapphire substrates. These SiC films can be used for resistance thermometers operating in the 2 K-300 K temperature range. Having high heat sensitivity, they are relatively low sensitive to the magnetic field. The designs of the sensors are presented together with a discussion of their thermometric characteristics and sensitivity to magnetic fields.

The Commercialization of the SiC Flame Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedison, Jeffrey B.

2002-03-01

The technical and scientific steps required to produce large quantities of SiC flame sensors is described. The technical challenges required to understand, fabricate, test and package SiC photodiodes in 1990 were numerous since SiC device know how was embryonic. A sense of urgency for a timely replacement of the Geiger Muller gas discharge tube soon entered the scene. New dual fuel GE Power Systems gas turbines, which were designed to lean burn either natural gas or oil for low NOx emissions required a much higher sensitivity sensor. Joint work between GE CRD and Cree Research sponsored by the GE Aircraft Engine Division developed the know how for the fabrication of high sensitivity, high yield, reliable SiC photodiodes. Yield issues were uncovered and overcome. The urgency for system insertion required that SiC diode and sensor circuitry development needed to be carried out simultaneously with power plant field tests of laboratory or prototype sensor assemblies. The sensor and reliability specifications were stringent since the sensors installed on power plant turbine combustor walls are subjected to high levels of vibration, elevated temperatures, and high pressures. Furthermore a fast recovery time was required to sense flame out in spite of the fact that the amplifier circuit needed have high gain and high dynamic range. SiC diode technical difficulties were encountered and overcome. The science of hydrocarbon flames will also be described together with the fortunate overlap of the strong OH emission band with the SiC photodiode sensitivity versus wavelength characteristic. The extremely low dark current (<1pA/cm^2) afforded by the wide band gap and the 3eV sensitivity cutoff at 400nm made if possible to produce low amplifier offsets, high sensitivity and high dynamic range along with immunity to black body radiation from combustor walls. Field tests at power plants that had experienced turbine tripping, whenever oil fuel and/or oil with steam injection for power augmentation, were extremely encouraging. This warrantee problem previously due to the low sensitivity of the Geiger Muller tube was solved using the much higher sensitivity SiC detector. This sensitivity increase is partially due to the fact that the SiC photodiode “sees” the strong OH emission band whereas the Geiger Muller tube can only respond to the shorter wavelength CO emission band. Other successful field tests were observed and acclaimed by power plant operators, which for the first time could track mode switching and power level (flame intensity) because of the high dynamic range (>5000:1). The demand for this product thereupon rose dramatically. This success, the first for SiC devices other than that of SiC blue LEDs, is leading GE to implement this technology in other application fields.

Changes in CR-39 proton sensitivity due to prolonged exposure to high vacuums relevant to the National Ignition Facility and OMEGA.

PubMed

Manuel, M J-E; Rosenberg, M J; Sinenian, N; Rinderknecht, H; Zylstra, A B; Séguin, F H; Frenje, J; Li, C K; Petrasso, R D

2011-09-01

When used at facilities like OMEGA and the NIF, CR-39 is exposed to high vacuum environments before and after irradiation by charged particles and neutrons. Using an electrostatic linear accelerator at MIT, studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of high vacuum exposure on the sensitivity of CR-39 to fusion protons in the ~1-9 MeV energy range. High vacuum conditions, of order 10(-5) Torr, experienced by CR-39 samples at these facilities were emulated. It is shown that vacuum exposure times longer than ~16 h before proton irradiation result in a decrease in proton sensitivity, whereas no effect was observed for up to 67 h of vacuum exposure after proton irradiation. CR-39 sensitivity curves are presented for samples with prolonged exposure to high vacuum before and after proton irradiation. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

A fluorescent graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet biosensor for highly sensitive, label-free detection of alkaline phosphatase.

PubMed

Xiang, Mei-Hao; Liu, Jin-Wen; Li, Na; Tang, Hao; Yu, Ru-Qin; Jiang, Jian-Hui

2016-02-28

Graphitic C3N4 (g-C3N4) nanosheets provide an attractive option for bioprobes and bioimaging applications. Utilizing highly fluorescent and water-dispersible ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets, a highly sensitive, selective and label-free biosensor has been developed for ALP detection for the first time. The developed approach utilizes a natural substrate of ALP in biological systems and thus affords very high catalytic efficiency. This novel biosensor is demonstrated to enable quantitative analysis of ALP in a wide range from 0.1 to 1000 U L(-1) with a low detection limit of 0.08 U L(-1), which is among the most sensitive assays for ALP. It is expected that the developed method may provide a low-cost, convenient, rapid and highly sensitive platform for ALP-based clinical diagnostics and biomedical applications.

Assessment of Spatial Transferability of Process-Based Hydrological Model Parameters in Two Neighboring Catchments in the Himalayan Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nepal, S.

2016-12-01

The spatial transferability of the model parameters of the process-oriented distributed J2000 hydrological model was investigated in two glaciated sub-catchments of the Koshi river basin in eastern Nepal. The basins had a high degree of similarity with respect to their static landscape features. The model was first calibrated (1986-1991) and validated (1992-1997) in the Dudh Koshi sub-catchment. The calibrated and validated model parameters were then transferred to the nearby Tamor catchment (2001-2009). A sensitivity and uncertainty analysis was carried out for both sub-catchments to discover the sensitivity range of the parameters in the two catchments. The model represented the overall hydrograph well in both sub-catchments, including baseflow and medium range flows (rising and recession limbs). The efficiency results according to both Nash-Sutcliffe and the coefficient of determination was above 0.84 in both cases. The sensitivity analysis showed that the same parameter was most sensitive for Nash-Sutcliffe (ENS) and Log Nash-Sutcliffe (LNS) efficiencies in both catchments. However, there were some differences in sensitivity to ENS and LNS for moderate and low sensitive parameters, although the majority (13 out of 16 for ENS and 16 out of 16 for LNS) had a sensitivity response in a similar range. A generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) result suggest that most of the time the observed runoff is within the parameter uncertainty range, although occasionally the values lie outside the uncertainty range, especially during flood peaks and more in the Tamor. This may be due to the limited input data resulting from the small number of precipitation stations and lack of representative stations in high-altitude areas, as well as to model structural uncertainty. The results indicate that transfer of the J2000 parameters to a neighboring catchment in the Himalayan region with similar physiographic landscape characteristics is viable. This indicates the possibility of applying process-based J2000 model be to the ungauged catchments in the Himalayan region, which could provide important insights into the hydrological system dynamics and provide much needed information to support water resources planning and management.

The Influences of Face Inversion and Facial Expression on Sensitivity to Eye Contact in High-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vida, Mark D.; Maurer, Daphne; Calder, Andrew J.; Rhodes, Gillian; Walsh, Jennifer A.; Pachai, Matthew V.; Rutherford, M. D.

2013-01-01

We examined the influences of face inversion and facial expression on sensitivity to eye contact in high-functioning adults with and without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants judged the direction of gaze of angry, fearful, and neutral faces. In the typical group only, the range of directions of gaze leading to the perception of eye…

Milagro limits and HAWC sensitivity for the rate-density of evaporating primordial black holes

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

Abdo, A. A.; Abeysekara, A. U.; Alfaro, R.

Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) are gravitationally collapsed objects that may have been created by density fluctuations in the early universe and could have arbitrarily small masses down to the Planck scale. Hawking showed that due to quantum effects, a black hole has a temperature inversely proportional to its mass and will emit all species of fundamental particles thermally. PBHs with initial masses of ~ 5.0 × 10¹⁴ g should be expiring in the present epoch with bursts of high-energy particles, including gamma radiation in the GeV – TeV energy range. The Milagro high energy observatory, which operated from 2000 tomore » 2008, is sensitive to the high end of the PBH evaporation gamma-ray spectrum. Due to its large field-of-view, more than 90% duty cycle and sensitivity up to 100 TeV gamma rays, the Milagro observatory is well suited to perform a search for PBH bursts. Based on a search on the Milagro data, we report new PBH burst rate density upper limits over a range of PBH observation times. In addition, we report the sensitivity of the Milagro successor, the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory, to PBH evaporation events.« less

Milagro limits and HAWC sensitivity for the rate-density of evaporating primordial black holes

DOE PAGES

Abdo, A. A.; Abeysekara, A. U.; Alfaro, R.; ...

2015-04-01

Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) are gravitationally collapsed objects that may have been created by density fluctuations in the early universe and could have arbitrarily small masses down to the Planck scale. Hawking showed that due to quantum effects, a black hole has a temperature inversely proportional to its mass and will emit all species of fundamental particles thermally. PBHs with initial masses of ~ 5.0 × 10¹⁴ g should be expiring in the present epoch with bursts of high-energy particles, including gamma radiation in the GeV – TeV energy range. The Milagro high energy observatory, which operated from 2000 tomore » 2008, is sensitive to the high end of the PBH evaporation gamma-ray spectrum. Due to its large field-of-view, more than 90% duty cycle and sensitivity up to 100 TeV gamma rays, the Milagro observatory is well suited to perform a search for PBH bursts. Based on a search on the Milagro data, we report new PBH burst rate density upper limits over a range of PBH observation times. In addition, we report the sensitivity of the Milagro successor, the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory, to PBH evaporation events.« less

A novel Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Göbel, J.; Kessler, M.; Langmeier, A.

2009-05-01

IMS is a well know technology within the range of security based applications. Its main advantages lie in the simplicity of measurement, along with a fast and sensitive detection method. Contemporary technology often fails due to interference substances, in conjunction with saturation effects and a low dynamic detection range. High throughput facilities, such as airports, require the analysis of many samples at low detection limits within a very short timeframe. High detection reliability is a requirement for safe and secure operation. In our present work we developed a laser based ion-mobility-sensor which shows several advantages over known IMS sensor technology. The goal of our research was to increase the sensitivity compared to the range of 63Ni based instruments. This was achieved with an optimised geometric drift tube design and a pulsed UV laser system at an efficient intensity. In this intensity range multi-photon ionisation is possible, which leads to higher selectivity in the ion-formation process itself. After high speed capturing of detection samples, a custom designed pattern recognition software toolbox provides reliable auto-detection capability with a learning algorithm and a graphical user interface.

A highly sensitive ethanol sensor based on mesoporous ZnO-SnO2 nanofibers.

PubMed

Song, Xiaofeng; Wang, Zhaojie; Liu, Yongben; Wang, Ce; Li, Lijuan

2009-02-18

A facile and versatile method for the large-scale synthesis of sensitive mesoporous ZnO-SnO(2) (m-Z-S) nanofibers through a combination of surfactant-directed assembly and an electrospinning approach is reported. The morphology and the structure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis. The results showed that the diameters of fibers ranged from 100 to 150 nm with mixed structures of wurtzite (ZnO) and rutile (SnO(2)), and a mesoporous structure was observed in the m-Z-S nanofibers. The sensor performance of the prepared m-Z-S nanofibers was measured for ethanol. It is found that the mesoporous fiber film obtained exhibited excellent ethanol sensing properties, such as high sensitivity, quick response and recovery, good reproducibility, and linearity in the range 3-500 ppm.

A case of high noise sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, M.; Sakamoto, H.

1995-10-01

A case of noise sensitivity with a five-year follow-up period is reported. The patient was a 34-year-old single man who was diagnosed as having psychosomatic disorder triggered by two stressful life events in rapid succession with secondary hypersensitivity to noise. Hypersensitivity to light and cold also developed later in the clinical course. The auditory threshold was within the normal range. The discomfort threshold as a measure of the noise sensitivity secondary to mental illness was measured repeatedly using test tone of audiometry. The discomfort threshold varied depending upon his mental status, ranging from 40-50 dB in the comparatively poorer mental state to 70-95 dB in the relatively good mental state. The features of noise sensitivity, including that secondary to mental illness, are discussed.

Etched Polymer Fibre Bragg Gratings and Their Biomedical Sensing Applications

PubMed Central

Rajan, Ginu; Bhowmik, Kishore; Xi, Jiangtao; Peng, Gang-Ding

2017-01-01

Bragg gratings in etched polymer fibres and their unique properties and characteristics are discussed in this paper. Due to the change in material and mechanical properties of the polymer fibre through etching, Bragg gratings inscribed in such fibres show high reflectivity and enhanced intrinsic sensitivity towards strain, temperature, and pressure. The short-term and long-term stability of the gratings and the effect of hysteresis on the dynamic characteristics are also discussed. The unique properties and enhanced intrinsic sensitivity of etched polymer fibre Bragg grating are ideal for the development of high-sensitivity sensors for biomedical applications. To demonstrate their biomedical sensing capabilities, a high-sensitivity pressure transducer that operates in the blood pressure range, and a breathing rate monitoring device are developed and presented. PMID:29027945

Indium Tin Oxide Resistor-Based Nitric Oxide Microsensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Jennifer C.; Hunter, Gary W.; Gonzalez, Jose M., III; Liu, Chung-Chiun

2012-01-01

A sensitive resistor-based NO microsensor, with a wide detection range and a low detection limit, has been developed. Semiconductor microfabrication techniques were used to create a sensor that has a simple, robust structure with a sensing area of 1.10 0.99 mm. A Pt interdigitated structure was used for the electrodes to maximize the sensor signal output. N-type semiconductor indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film was sputter-deposited as a sensing material on the electrode surface, and between the electrode fingers. Alumina substrate (250 m in thickness) was sequentially used for sensor fabrication. The resulting sensor was tested by applying a voltage across the two electrodes and measuring the resulting current. The sensor was tested at different concentrations of NO-containing gas at a range of temperatures. Preliminary results showed that the sensor had a relatively high sensitivity to NO at 450 C and 1 V. NO concentrations from ppm to ppb ranges were detected with the low limit of near 159 ppb. Lower NO concentrations are being tested. Two sensing mechanisms were involved in the NO gas detection at ppm level: adsorption and oxidation reactions, whereas at ppb level of NO, only one sensing mechanism of adsorption was involved. The NO microsensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, small size, simple batch fabrication, high sensor yield, low cost, and low power consumption due to its microsize. The resistor-based thin-film sensor is meant for detection of low concentrations of NO gas, mainly in the ppb or lower range, and is being developed concurrently with other sensor technology for multispecies detection. This development demonstrates that ITO is a sensitive sensing material for NO detection. It also provides crucial information for future selection of nanostructured and nanosized NO sensing materials, which are expected to be more sensitive and to consume less power.

Highly sensitive detection of dipicolinic acid with a water-dispersible terbium-metal organic framework.

PubMed

Bhardwaj, Neha; Bhardwaj, Sanjeev; Mehta, Jyotsana; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Deep, Akash

2016-12-15

The sensitive detection of dipicolinic acid (DPA) is strongly associated with the sensing of bacterial organisms in food and many types of environmental samples. To date, the demand for a sensitive detection method for bacterial toxicity has increased remarkably. Herein, we investigated the DPA detection potential of a water-dispersible terbium-metal organic framework (Tb-MOF) based on the fluorescence quenching mechanism. The Tb-MOF showed a highly sensitive ability to detect DPA at a limit of detection of 0.04nM (linear range of detection: 1nM to 5µM) and also offered enhanced selectivity from other commonly associated organic molecules. The present study provides a basis for the application of Tb-MOF for direct, convenient, highly sensitive, and specific detection of DPA in the actual samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

m-Cresol purple functionalized surface enhanced Raman scattering paper chips for highly sensitive detection of pH in the neutral pH range.

PubMed

Zou, Xinxin; Wang, Yunqing; Liu, Wanhui; Chen, Lingxin

2017-06-26

Herein, a pH sensitive paper SERS chip was prepared by selecting m-cresol purple, a molecule with halochromic properties in the neutral pH range as a Raman reporter. The adsorbed m-cresol purple underwent a reversible change in its electronic configuration from a non-resonant species to a resonant species, which resulted in a significant Raman signal intensity variation due to the transformation of the sensing mode from SERS to surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS). The chips have a sensitive pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and exhibited good performance for the detection of natural water samples with detection precision of approximately 0.03 pH units, suggesting great potential for environmental pH monitoring applications.

Variability of Diabetes Alert Dog Accuracy in a Real-World Setting

PubMed Central

Gonder-Frederick, Linda A.; Grabman, Jesse H.; Shepard, Jaclyn A.; Tripathi, Anand V.; Ducar, Dallas M.; McElgunn, Zachary R.

2017-01-01

Background: Diabetes alert dogs (DADs) are growing in popularity as an alternative method of glucose monitoring for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Only a few empirical studies have assessed DAD accuracy, with inconsistent results. The present study examined DAD accuracy and variability in performance in real-world conditions using a convenience sample of owner-report diaries. Method: Eighteen DAD owners (44.4% female; 77.8% youth) with T1D completed diaries of DAD alerts during the first year after placement. Diary entries included daily BG readings and DAD alerts. For each DAD, percentage hits (alert with BG ≤ 5.0 or ≥ 11.1 mmol/L; ≤90 or ≥200 mg/dl), percentage misses (no alert with BG out of range), and percentage false alarms (alert with BG in range) were computed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and true positive rates were also calculated. Results: Overall comparison of DAD Hits to Misses yielded significantly more Hits for both low and high BG. Total sensitivity was 57.0%, with increased sensitivity to low BG (59.2%) compared to high BG (56.1%). Total specificity was 49.3% and PLR = 1.12. However, high variability in accuracy was observed across DADs, with low BG sensitivity ranging from 33% to 100%. Number of DADs achieving ≥ 60%, 65% and 70% true positive rates was 71%, 50% and 44%, respectively. Conclusions: DADs may be able to detect out-of-range BG, but variability across DADs is evident. Larger trials are needed to further assess DAD accuracy and to identify factors influencing the complexity of DAD accuracy in BG detection. PMID:28627305

Temperature insensitive curvature sensor based on cascading photonic crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Guangwei; Li, Yunpu; Fu, Xinghu; Jin, Wa; Bi, Weihong

2018-03-01

A temperature insensitive curvature sensor is proposed based on cascading photonic crystal fiber. Using the arc fusion splicing method, this sensor is fabricated by cascading together a single-mode fiber (SMF), a three layers air holes structure of photonic crystal fiber (3PCF), a five layers air holes structure of photonic crystal fiber (5PCF) and a SMF in turn. So the structure SMF-3PCF-5PCF-SMF can be obtained with a total length of 20 mm. During the process of fabrication, the splicing machine parameters and the length of each optical fiber are adjusted to obtain a high sensitivity curvature sensor. The experimental results show that the curvature sensitivity is -8.40 nm/m-1 in the curvature variation range of 0-1.09 m-1, which also show good linearity. In the range of 30-90 °C, the temperature sensitivity is only about 3.24 pm/°C, indicating that the sensor is not sensitive to temperature. The sensor not only has the advantages of easy fabricating, simple structure, high sensitivity but also can solve the problem of temperature measurement cross sensitivity, so it can be used for different areas including aerospace, large-scale bridge, architectural structure health monitoring and so on.

Evaluation and construction of diagnostic criteria for inclusion body myositis

PubMed Central

Mammen, Andrew L.; Amato, Anthony A.; Weiss, Michael D.; Needham, Merrilee

2014-01-01

Objective: To use patient data to evaluate and construct diagnostic criteria for inclusion body myositis (IBM), a progressive disease of skeletal muscle. Methods: The literature was reviewed to identify all previously proposed IBM diagnostic criteria. These criteria were applied through medical records review to 200 patients diagnosed as having IBM and 171 patients diagnosed as having a muscle disease other than IBM by neuromuscular specialists at 2 institutions, and to a validating set of 66 additional patients with IBM from 2 other institutions. Machine learning techniques were used for unbiased construction of diagnostic criteria. Results: Twenty-four previously proposed IBM diagnostic categories were identified. Twelve categories all performed with high (≥97%) specificity but varied substantially in their sensitivities (11%–84%). The best performing category was European Neuromuscular Centre 2013 probable (sensitivity of 84%). Specialized pathologic features and newly introduced strength criteria (comparative knee extension/hip flexion strength) performed poorly. Unbiased data-directed analysis of 20 features in 371 patients resulted in construction of higher-performing data-derived diagnostic criteria (90% sensitivity and 96% specificity). Conclusions: Published expert consensus–derived IBM diagnostic categories have uniformly high specificity but wide-ranging sensitivities. High-performing IBM diagnostic category criteria can be developed directly from principled unbiased analysis of patient data. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class II evidence that published expert consensus–derived IBM diagnostic categories accurately distinguish IBM from other muscle disease with high specificity but wide-ranging sensitivities. PMID:24975859

THz QCL-Based Cryogen-Free Spectrometer for in Situ Trace Gas Sensing

PubMed Central

Consolino, Luigi; Bartalini, Saverio; Beere, Harvey E.; Ritchie, David A.; Vitiello, Miriam Serena; De Natale, Paolo

2013-01-01

We report on a set of high-sensitivity terahertz spectroscopy experiments making use of QCLs to detect rotational molecular transitions in the far-infrared. We demonstrate that using a compact and transportable cryogen-free setup, based on a quantum cascade laser in a closed-cycle Stirling cryostat, and pyroelectric detectors, a considerable improvement in sensitivity can be obtained by implementing a wavelength modulation spectroscopy technique. Indeed, we show that the sensitivity of methanol vapour detection can be improved by a factor ≈ 4 with respect to standard direct absorption approaches, offering perspectives for high sensitivity detection of a number of chemical compounds across the far-infrared spectral range. PMID:23478601

THz QCL-based cryogen-free spectrometer for in situ trace gas sensing.

PubMed

Consolino, Luigi; Bartalini, Saverio; Beere, Harvey E; Ritchie, David A; Vitiello, Miriam Serena; De Natale, Paolo

2013-03-11

We report on a set of high-sensitivity terahertz spectroscopy experiments making use of QCLs to detect rotational molecular transitions in the far-infrared. We demonstrate that using a compact and transportable cryogen-free setup, based on a quantum cascade laser in a closed-cycle Stirling cryostat, and pyroelectric detectors, a considerable improvement in sensitivity can be obtained by implementing a wavelength modulation spectroscopy technique. Indeed, we show that the sensitivity of methanol vapour detection can be improved by a factor ≈ 4 with respect to standard direct absorption approaches, offering perspectives for high sensitivity detection of a number of chemical compounds across the far-infrared spectral range.

A CMOS-based large-area high-resolution imaging system for high-energy x-ray applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodricks, Brian; Fowler, Boyd; Liu, Chiao; Lowes, John; Haeffner, Dean; Lienert, Ulrich; Almer, John

2008-08-01

CCDs have been the primary sensor in imaging systems for x-ray diffraction and imaging applications in recent years. CCDs have met the fundamental requirements of low noise, high-sensitivity, high dynamic range and spatial resolution necessary for these scientific applications. State-of-the-art CMOS image sensor (CIS) technology has experienced dramatic improvements recently and their performance is rivaling or surpassing that of most CCDs. The advancement of CIS technology is at an ever-accelerating pace and is driven by the multi-billion dollar consumer market. There are several advantages of CIS over traditional CCDs and other solid-state imaging devices; they include low power, high-speed operation, system-on-chip integration and lower manufacturing costs. The combination of superior imaging performance and system advantages makes CIS a good candidate for high-sensitivity imaging system development. This paper will describe a 1344 x 1212 CIS imaging system with a 19.5μm pitch optimized for x-ray scattering studies at high-energies. Fundamental metrics of linearity, dynamic range, spatial resolution, conversion gain, sensitivity are estimated. The Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) is also estimated. Representative x-ray diffraction images are presented. Diffraction images are compared against a CCD-based imaging system.

A new signal amplification strategy of photoelectrochemical immunoassay for highly sensitive interleukin-6 detection based on TiO2/CdS/CdSe dual co-sensitized structure.

PubMed

Fan, Gao-Chao; Ren, Xiao-Lin; Zhu, Cheng; Zhang, Jian-Rong; Zhu, Jun-Jie

2014-09-15

Dual co-sensitized structure of TiO2/CdS/CdSe was designed to develop a novel photoelectrochemical immunoassay for highly sensitive detection of human interleukin-6 (IL-6). To construct a sensing electrode, TiO2/CdS hybrid was prepared by successive adsorption and reaction of Cd(2+) and S(2-) ions on the surface of TiO2 and then was employed as matrix for immobilization of anti-IL-6 antibody, whereas CdSe QDs linked to IL-6 were used for signal amplification via the specific antibody-antigen immunoreaction between anti-IL-6 and IL-6-CdSe bioconjugate. Greatly enhanced sensitivity for IL-6 detection was derived from the new co-sensitization signal amplification strategy. First, the TiO2/CdS/CdSe co-sensitized structure extended the absorption range to long wavelength of white light, which adequately utilized the light energy. Second, the TiO2/CdS/CdSe co-sensitized structure possessed stepwise band-edge levels favoring ultrafast transfer of photogenerated electrons and significantly prompted the photoelectrochemical performance. Besides, the introduction of CdSe effectively prevented the recombination of photogenerated electrons in the conduction band of CdS, further causing an enhanced photocurrent. Accordingly, upon the co-sensitization strategy, a novel immunoassay based on the competitive binding of anti-IL-6 antibody with IL-6 antigen and IL-6-CdSe bioconjugate was developed, and it exhibited a wide linear range from 1.0 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.38 pg/mL for IL-6 detection. The proposed co-sensitization strategy presented high sensitivity, reproducibility, specificity and stability, and also opened up a new promising platform for detection of other biomarkers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Environmental impacts of dredging and other sediment disturbances on corals: a review.

PubMed

Erftemeijer, Paul L A; Riegl, Bernhard; Hoeksema, Bert W; Todd, Peter A

2012-09-01

A review of published literature on the sensitivity of corals to turbidity and sedimentation is presented, with an emphasis on the effects of dredging. The risks and severity of impact from dredging (and other sediment disturbances) on corals are primarily related to the intensity, duration and frequency of exposure to increased turbidity and sedimentation. The sensitivity of a coral reef to dredging impacts and its ability to recover depend on the antecedent ecological conditions of the reef, its resilience and the ambient conditions normally experienced. Effects of sediment stress have so far been investigated in 89 coral species (~10% of all known reef-building corals). Results of these investigations have provided a generic understanding of tolerance levels, response mechanisms, adaptations and threshold levels of corals to the effects of natural and anthropogenic sediment disturbances. Coral polyps undergo stress from high suspended-sediment concentrations and the subsequent effects on light attenuation which affect their algal symbionts. Minimum light requirements of corals range from <1% to as much as 60% of surface irradiance. Reported tolerance limits of coral reef systems for chronic suspended-sediment concentrations range from <10 mg L(-1) in pristine offshore reef areas to >100 mg L(-1) in marginal nearshore reefs. Some individual coral species can tolerate short-term exposure (days) to suspended-sediment concentrations as high as 1000 mg L(-1) while others show mortality after exposure (weeks) to concentrations as low as 30 mg L(-1). The duration that corals can survive high turbidities ranges from several days (sensitive species) to at least 5-6 weeks (tolerant species). Increased sedimentation can cause smothering and burial of coral polyps, shading, tissue necrosis and population explosions of bacteria in coral mucus. Fine sediments tend to have greater effects on corals than coarse sediments. Turbidity and sedimentation also reduce the recruitment, survival and settlement of coral larvae. Maximum sedimentation rates that can be tolerated by different corals range from <10 mg cm(-2) d(-1) to >400 mg cm(-2) d(-1). The durations that corals can survive high sedimentation rates range from <24 h for sensitive species to a few weeks (>4 weeks of high sedimentation or >14 days complete burial) for very tolerant species. Hypotheses to explain substantial differences in sensitivity between different coral species include the growth form of coral colonies and the size of the coral polyp or calyx. The validity of these hypotheses was tested on the basis of 77 published studies on the effects of turbidity and sedimentation on 89 coral species. The results of this analysis reveal a significant relationship of coral sensitivity to turbidity and sedimentation with growth form, but not with calyx size. Some of the variation in sensitivities reported in the literature may have been caused by differences in the type and particle size of sediments applied in experiments. The ability of many corals (in varying degrees) to actively reject sediment through polyp inflation, mucus production, ciliary and tentacular action (at considerable energetic cost), as well as intraspecific morphological variation and the mobility of free-living mushroom corals, further contribute to the observed differences. Given the wide range of sensitivity levels among coral species and in baseline water quality conditions among reefs, meaningful criteria to limit the extent and turbidity of dredging plumes and their effects on corals will always require site-specific evaluations, taking into account the species assemblage present at the site and the natural variability of local background turbidity and sedimentation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polystyrene Oxygen Optodes Doped with Ir(III) and Pd(II) meso-Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin Using an LED-Based High-Sensitivity Phosphorimeter.

PubMed

Filho, Alexandre F De Moraes; Gewehr, Pedro M; Maia, Joaquim M; Jakubiak, Douglas R

2018-06-15

This paper presents a gaseous oxygen detection system based on time-resolved phosphorimetry (time-domain), which is used to investigate O2 optical transducers. The primary sensing elements were formed by incorporating iridium(III) and palladium(II) meso -tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin complexes (IrTFPP-CO-Cl and PdTFPP) in polystyrene (PS) solid matrices. Probe excitation was obtained using a violet light-emitting diode (LED) (low power), and the resulting phosphorescence was detected by a high-sensitivity compact photomultiplier tube. The detection system performance and the preparation of the transducers are presented along with their optical properties, phosphorescence lifetimes, calibration curves and photostability. The developed lifetime measuring system showed a good signal-to-noise ratio, and reliable results were obtained from the optodes, even when exposed to moderate levels of O2. The new IrTFPP-CO-Cl membranes exhibited room temperature phosphorescence and moderate sensitivity: <τ0>/<τ21%> ratio of ≈6. A typically high degree of dynamic phosphorescence quenching was observed for the traditional indicator PdTFPP: <τ0>/<τ21%> ratio of ≈36. Pulsed-source time-resolved phosphorimetry combined with a high-sensitivity photodetector can offer potential advantages such as: (i) major dynamic range, (ii) extended temporal resolution (Δτ/Δ[O2]) and (iii) high operational stability. IrTFPP-CO-Cl immobilized in polystyrene is a promising alternative for O2 detection, offering adequate photostability and potentially mid-range sensitivity over Pt(II) and Pd(II) metalloporphyrins.

Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers as high-power and wideband, gapless sources for spectroscopy.

PubMed

Röben, Benjamin; Lü, Xiang; Hempel, Martin; Biermann, Klaus; Schrottke, Lutz; Grahn, Holger T

2017-07-10

Terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are powerful radiation sources for high-resolution and high-sensitivity spectroscopy with a discrete spectrum between 2 and 5 THz as well as a continuous coverage of several GHz. However, for many applications, a radiation source with a continuous coverage of a substantially larger frequency range is required. We employed a multi-mode THz QCL operated with a fast ramped injection current, which leads to a collective tuning of equally-spaced Fabry-Pérot laser modes exceeding their separation. A continuous coverage over 72 GHz at about 4.7 THz was achieved. We demonstrate that the QCL is superior to conventional sources used in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio as well as the dynamic range by one to two orders of magnitude. Our results pave the way for versatile THz spectroscopic systems with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity across a wide frequency range.

Molecular tools for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

PubMed

de Ruiter, C M; van der Veer, C; Leeflang, M M G; Deborggraeve, S; Lucas, C; Adams, E R

2014-09-01

Molecular methods have been proposed as highly sensitive tools for the detection of Leishmania parasites in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these tools in a meta-analysis of the published literature. The selection criteria were original studies that evaluate the sensitivities and specificities of molecular tests for diagnosis of VL, adequate classification of study participants, and the absolute numbers of true positives and negatives derivable from the data presented. Forty studies met the selection criteria, including PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The sensitivities of the individual studies ranged from 29 to 100%, and the specificities ranged from 25 to 100%. The pooled sensitivity of PCR in whole blood was 93.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.0 to 95.2), and the specificity was 95.6% (95% CI, 87.0 to 98.6). The specificity was significantly lower in consecutive studies, at 63.3% (95% CI, 53.9 to 71.8), due either to true-positive patients not being identified by parasitological methods or to the number of asymptomatic carriers in areas of endemicity. PCR for patients with HIV-VL coinfection showed high diagnostic accuracy in buffy coat and bone marrow, ranging from 93.1 to 96.9%. Molecular tools are highly sensitive assays for Leishmania detection and may contribute as an additional test in the algorithm, together with a clear clinical case definition. We observed wide variety in reference standards and study designs and now recommend consecutively designed studies. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

An atomic magnetometer with autonomous frequency stabilization and large dynamic range

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

Pradhan, S., E-mail: spradhan@barc.gov.in, E-mail: pradhans75@gmail.com; Poornima,; Dasgupta, K.

2015-06-15

The operation of a highly sensitive atomic magnetometer using elliptically polarized resonant light is demonstrated. It is based on measurement of zero magnetic field resonance in degenerate two level systems using polarimetric detection. The transmitted light through the polarimeter is used for laser frequency stabilization, whereas reflected light is used for magnetic field measurement. Thus, the experimental geometry allows autonomous frequency stabilization of the laser frequency leading to compact operation of the overall device and has a preliminary sensitivity of <10 pT/Hz{sup 1/2} @ 1 Hz. Additionally, the dynamic range of the device is improved by feedback controlling the biasmore » magnetic field without compromising on its sensitivity.« less

Perspectives on MEMS in bioengineering: a novel capacitive position microsensor.

PubMed

Pedrocchi, A; Hoen, S; Ferrigno, G; Pedotti, A

2000-01-01

We describe a novel capacitive position sensor using micromachining to achieve high sensitivity and large range of motion. These sensors require a new theoretical framework to describe and optimize their performance. Employing a complete description of the electrical fields, the sensor should deviate from the standard geometries used for capacitive sensors. By this optimization, the sensor gains a twofold increase in sensitivity. Results on a PC board 10x model imply that the micromachined sensor should achieve a sensitivity of less than 10 nm over 500-micron range of travel. Some bioengineering applications are addressed, including positioning of micromirrors for laser surgery and dose control for implantable drug delivery systems.

Development of high sensitivity eight-element multiplexed fiber laser acoustic pressure hydrophone array and interrogation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ming; Sun, Zhihui; Zhang, Xiaolei; Li, Shujuan; Song, Zhiqiang; Wang, Meng; Guo, Jian; Ni, Jiasheng; Wang, Chang; Peng, Gangding; Xu, Xiangang

2017-09-01

Fiber laser hydrophones have got widespread concerns due to the unique advantages and broad application prospects. In this paper, the research results of the eight-element multiplexed fiber laser acoustic pressure array and the interrogation system are introduced, containing low-noise distributed feedback fiber laser (DFB-FL) fabrication, sensitivity enhancement packaging, and interferometric signal demodulation. The frequency response range of the system is 10Hz-10kHz, the laser frequency acoustic pressure sensitivity reaches 115 dB re Hz/Pa, and the equivalent noise acoustic pressure is less than 60μPa/Hz1/2. The dynamic range of the system is greater than 120 dB.

Comparison of sensitivity and specificity among 15 criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

PubMed

Breiner, Ari; Brannagan, Thomas H

2014-07-01

There have been 15 formal sets of criteria published for the diagnosis of CIDP. No study to date has compared the sensitivity and specificity of all published criteria in the same patient population. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with CIDP (n = 56) and controls with diabetic polyneuropathy (n = 37) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 39) who were followed in an academic neuromuscular practice. The sensitivity and specificity of each CIDP criterion was calculated, including clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic components. Sensitivities ranged from 1.8% to 87.5%; the Dyck (87.5%), Neuropathy Association (75%), and European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS; 73.2%) criteria ranked highest. Specificities ranged from 65.6% to 100% and, among the 3 most sensitive criteria, the EFNS (90.8%) and Neuropathy Association (82.9%) criteria were most specific. In our patient population, the EFNS and Neuropathy Association criteria stand out due to high sensitivity and specificity. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Water vapor δ(2) H, δ(18) O and δ(17) O measurements using an off-axis integrated cavity output spectrometer - sensitivity to water vapor concentration, delta value and averaging-time.

PubMed

Tian, Chao; Wang, Lixin; Novick, Kimberly A

2016-10-15

High-precision analysis of atmospheric water vapor isotope compositions, especially δ(17) O values, can be used to improve our understanding of multiple hydrological and meteorological processes (e.g., differentiate equilibrium or kinetic fractionation). This study focused on assessing, for the first time, how the accuracy and precision of vapor δ(17) O laser spectroscopy measurements depend on vapor concentration, delta range, and averaging-time. A Triple Water Vapor Isotope Analyzer (T-WVIA) was used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of δ(2) H, δ(18) O and δ(17) O measurements. The sensitivity of accuracy and precision to water vapor concentration was evaluated using two international standards (GISP and SLAP2). The sensitivity of precision to delta value was evaluated using four working standards spanning a large delta range. The sensitivity of precision to averaging-time was assessed by measuring one standard continuously for 24 hours. Overall, the accuracy and precision of the δ(2) H, δ(18) O and δ(17) O measurements were high. Across all vapor concentrations, the accuracy of δ(2) H, δ(18) O and δ(17) O observations ranged from 0.10‰ to 1.84‰, 0.08‰ to 0.86‰ and 0.06‰ to 0.62‰, respectively, and the precision ranged from 0.099‰ to 0.430‰, 0.009‰ to 0.080‰ and 0.022‰ to 0.054‰, respectively. The accuracy and precision of all isotope measurements were sensitive to concentration, with the higher accuracy and precision generally observed under moderate vapor concentrations (i.e., 10000-15000 ppm) for all isotopes. The precision was also sensitive to the range of delta values, although the effect was not as large compared with the sensitivity to concentration. The precision was much less sensitive to averaging-time than the concentration and delta range effects. The accuracy and precision performance of the T-WVIA depend on concentration but depend less on the delta value and averaging-time. The instrument can simultaneously and continuously measure δ(2) H, δ(18) O and δ(17) O values in water vapor, opening a new window to better understand ecological, hydrological and meteorological processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Wearable Resistive Pressure Sensor Based on Highly Flexible Carbon Composite Conductors with Irregular Surface Morphology.

PubMed

Kim, Kang-Hyun; Hong, Soon Kyu; Jang, Nam-Su; Ha, Sung-Hun; Lee, Hyung Woo; Kim, Jong-Man

2017-05-24

Wearable pressure sensors are crucial building blocks for potential applications in real-time health monitoring, artificial electronic skins, and human-to-machine interfaces. Here we present a highly sensitive, simple-architectured wearable resistive pressure sensor based on highly compliant yet robust carbon composite conductors made of a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forest embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix with irregular surface morphology. A roughened surface of the VACNT/PDMS composite conductor is simply formed using a sandblasted silicon master in a low-cost and potentially scalable manner and plays an important role in improving the sensitivity of resistive pressure sensor. After assembling two of the roughened composite conductors, our sensor shows considerable pressure sensitivity of ∼0.3 kPa -1 up to 0.7 kPa as well as stable steady-state responses under various pressures, a wide detectable range of up to 5 kPa before saturation, a relatively fast response time of ∼162 ms, and good reproducibility over 5000 cycles of pressure loading/unloading. The fabricated pressure sensor can be used to detect a wide range of human motions ranging from subtle blood pulses to dynamic joint movements, and it can also be used to map spatial pressure distribution in a multipixel platform (in a 4 × 4 pixel array).

Thermal sterilization of heat-sensitive products using high-temperature short-time sterilization.

PubMed

Mann, A; Kiefer, M; Leuenberger, H

2001-03-01

High-temperature short-time (HTST) sterilization with a continuous-flow sterilizer, developed for this study, was evaluated. The evaluation was performed with respect to (a) the chemical degradation of two heat-sensitive drugs in HTST range (140-160 degrees C) and (b) the microbiological effect of HTST sterilization. Degradation kinetics of two heat-sensitive drugs showed that a high peak temperature sterilization process resulted in less chemical degradation for the same microbiological effect than a low peak temperature process. Both drugs investigated could be sterilized with acceptable degradation at HTST conditions. For the evaluation of the microbiological effect, Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 spores were used as indicator bacteria. Indicator spore kinetics (D(T), z value, k, and E(a)), were determined in the HTST range. A comparison between the Bigelow model (z value concept) and the Arrhenius model, used to describe the temperature coefficient of the microbial inactivation, demonstrated that the Bigelow model is more accurate in prediction of D(T) values in the HTST range. The temperature coefficient decreased with increasing temperature. The influence of Ca(2+) ions and pH value on the heat resistance of the indicator spores, which is known under typical sterilization conditions, did not change under HTST conditions.

Sensitivity Gains, Linearity, and Spectral Reproducibility in Nonuniformly Sampled Multidimensional MAS NMR Spectra of High Dynamic Range.

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

Suiter, Christopher L.; Paramasivam, Sivakumar; Hou, Guangjin

Recently, we have demonstrated that considerable inherent sensitivity gains are attained in MAS NMR spectra acquired by nonuniform sampling (NUS) and introduced maximum entropy interpolation (MINT) processing that assures the linearity of transformation between the time and frequency domains. In this report, we examine the utility of the NUS/MINT approach in multidimensional datasets possessing high dynamic range, such as homonuclear 13C–13C correlation spectra. We demonstrate on model compounds and on 1–73-(U-13C,15N)/74–108-(U-15N) E. coli thioredoxin reassembly, that with appropriately constructed 50 % NUS schedules inherent sensitivity gains of 1.7–2.1-fold are readily reached in such datasets. We show that both linearity andmore » line width are retained under these experimental conditions throughout the entire dynamic range of the signals. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the reproducibility of the peak intensities is excellent in the NUS/MINT approach when experiments are repeated multiple times and identical experimental and processing conditions are employed. Finally, we discuss the principles for design and implementation of random exponentially biased NUS sampling schedules for homonuclear 13C–13C MAS correlation experiments that yield high quality artifact-free datasets.« less

Sensitivity gains, linearity, and spectral reproducibility in nonuniformly sampled multidimensional MAS NMR spectra of high dynamic range

PubMed Central

Suiter, Christopher L.; Paramasivam, Sivakumar; Hou, Guangjin; Sun, Shangjin; Rice, David; Hoch, Jeffrey C.; Rovnyak, David

2014-01-01

Recently, we have demonstrated that considerable inherent sensitivity gains are attained in MAS NMR spectra acquired by nonuniform sampling (NUS) and introduced maximum entropy interpolation (MINT) processing that assures the linearity of transformation between the time and frequency domains. In this report, we examine the utility of the NUS/MINT approach in multidimensional datasets possessing high dynamic range, such as homonuclear 13C–13C correlation spectra. We demonstrate on model compounds and on 1–73-(U-13C, 15N)/74–108-(U-15N) E. coli thioredoxin reassembly, that with appropriately constructed 50 % NUS schedules inherent sensitivity gains of 1.7–2.1-fold are readily reached in such datasets. We show that both linearity and line width are retained under these experimental conditions throughout the entire dynamic range of the signals. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the reproducibility of the peak intensities is excellent in the NUS/MINT approach when experiments are repeated multiple times and identical experimental and processing conditions are employed. Finally, we discuss the principles for design and implementation of random exponentially biased NUS sampling schedules for homonuclear 13C–13C MAS correlation experiments that yield high-quality artifact-free datasets. PMID:24752819

A highly sensitive CMOS digital Hall sensor for low magnetic field applications.

PubMed

Xu, Yue; Pan, Hong-Bin; He, Shu-Zhuan; Li, Li

2012-01-01

Integrated CMOS Hall sensors have been widely used to measure magnetic fields. However, they are difficult to work with in a low magnetic field environment due to their low sensitivity and large offset. This paper describes a highly sensitive digital Hall sensor fabricated in 0.18 μm high voltage CMOS technology for low field applications. The sensor consists of a switched cross-shaped Hall plate and a novel signal conditioner. It effectively eliminates offset and low frequency 1/f noise by applying a dynamic quadrature offset cancellation technique. The measured results show the optimal Hall plate achieves a high current related sensitivity of about 310 V/AT. The whole sensor has a remarkable ability to measure a minimum ± 2 mT magnetic field and output a digital Hall signal in a wide temperature range from -40 °C to 120 °C.

Highly sensitive twist sensor based on tilted fiber Bragg grating of polarization-dependent properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yanfang; Shen, Changyu; Chen, Debao; Chu, Jinlei; Wang, Qiang; Dong, Xinyong

2014-10-01

The transmission intensity of the tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) is strongly dependent on the polarization properties of the TFBG. The polarization characteristic of the cladding modes can be used for twist measuring. In this paper, a highly sensitive fiber twist sensor is proposed. The transmission intensity on the strong loss wavelength showed a quasi-sin θ changing with the twist angle ranging from 0° to 180° for S- or P-polarized input. A high sensitivity of 0.299 dB/° is achieved, which is almost 17.9 times higher than that of the current similar existing twist sensor. The twist angle can be measured precisely with the matrix.

HSQC-1,n-ADEQUATE: a new approach to long-range 13C-13C correlation by covariance processing.

PubMed

Martin, Gary E; Hilton, Bruce D; Willcott, M Robert; Blinov, Kirill A

2011-10-01

Long-range, two-dimensional heteronuclear shift correlation NMR methods play a pivotal role in the assembly of novel molecular structures. The well-established GHMBC method is a high-sensitivity mainstay technique, affording connectivity information via (n)J(CH) coupling pathways. Unfortunately, there is no simple way of determining the value of n and hence no way of differentiating two-bond from three- and occasionally four-bond correlations. Three-bond correlations, however, generally predominate. Recent work has shown that the unsymmetrical indirect covariance or generalized indirect covariance processing of multiplicity edited GHSQC and 1,1-ADEQUATE spectra provides high-sensitivity access to a (13)C-(13) C connectivity map in the form of an HSQC-1,1-ADEQUATE spectrum. Covariance processing of these data allows the 1,1-ADEQUATE connectivity information to be exploited with the inherent sensitivity of the GHSQC spectrum rather than the intrinsically lower sensitivity of the 1,1-ADEQUATE spectrum itself. Data acquisition times and/or sample size can be substantially reduced when covariance processing is to be employed. In an extension of that work, 1,n-ADEQUATE spectra can likewise be subjected to covariance processing to afford high-sensitivity access to the equivalent of (4)J(CH) GHMBC connectivity information. The method is illustrated using strychnine as a model compound. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Methods for Probabilistic Radiological Dose Assessment at a High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maheras, Steven James

Methods were developed to assess and evaluate the uncertainty in offsite and onsite radiological dose at a high-level radioactive waste repository to show reasonable assurance that compliance with applicable regulatory requirements will be achieved. Uncertainty in offsite dose was assessed by employing a stochastic precode in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation using an offsite radiological dose assessment code. Uncertainty in onsite dose was assessed by employing a discrete-event simulation model of repository operations in conjunction with an occupational radiological dose assessment model. Complementary cumulative distribution functions of offsite and onsite dose were used to illustrate reasonable assurance. Offsite dose analyses were performed for iodine -129, cesium-137, strontium-90, and plutonium-239. Complementary cumulative distribution functions of offsite dose were constructed; offsite dose was lognormally distributed with a two order of magnitude range. However, plutonium-239 results were not lognormally distributed and exhibited less than one order of magnitude range. Onsite dose analyses were performed for the preliminary inspection, receiving and handling, and the underground areas of the repository. Complementary cumulative distribution functions of onsite dose were constructed and exhibited less than one order of magnitude range. A preliminary sensitivity analysis of the receiving and handling areas was conducted using a regression metamodel. Sensitivity coefficients and partial correlation coefficients were used as measures of sensitivity. Model output was most sensitive to parameters related to cask handling operations. Model output showed little sensitivity to parameters related to cask inspections.

Integrated arrays of air-dielectric graphene transistors as transparent active-matrix pressure sensors for wide pressure ranges.

PubMed

Shin, Sung-Ho; Ji, Sangyoon; Choi, Seiho; Pyo, Kyoung-Hee; Wan An, Byeong; Park, Jihun; Kim, Joohee; Kim, Ju-Young; Lee, Ki-Suk; Kwon, Soon-Yong; Heo, Jaeyeong; Park, Byong-Guk; Park, Jang-Ung

2017-03-31

Integrated electronic circuitries with pressure sensors have been extensively researched as a key component for emerging electronics applications such as electronic skins and health-monitoring devices. Although existing pressure sensors display high sensitivities, they can only be used for specific purposes due to the narrow range of detectable pressure (under tens of kPa) and the difficulty of forming highly integrated arrays. However, it is essential to develop tactile pressure sensors with a wide pressure range in order to use them for diverse application areas including medical diagnosis, robotics or automotive electronics. Here we report an unconventional approach for fabricating fully integrated active-matrix arrays of pressure-sensitive graphene transistors with air-dielectric layers simply formed by folding two opposing panels. Furthermore, this realizes a wide tactile pressure sensing range from 250 Pa to ∼3 MPa. Additionally, fabrication of pressure sensor arrays and transparent pressure sensors are demonstrated, suggesting their substantial promise as next-generation electronics.

Integrated arrays of air-dielectric graphene transistors as transparent active-matrix pressure sensors for wide pressure ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Sung-Ho; Ji, Sangyoon; Choi, Seiho; Pyo, Kyoung-Hee; Wan An, Byeong; Park, Jihun; Kim, Joohee; Kim, Ju-Young; Lee, Ki-Suk; Kwon, Soon-Yong; Heo, Jaeyeong; Park, Byong-Guk; Park, Jang-Ung

2017-03-01

Integrated electronic circuitries with pressure sensors have been extensively researched as a key component for emerging electronics applications such as electronic skins and health-monitoring devices. Although existing pressure sensors display high sensitivities, they can only be used for specific purposes due to the narrow range of detectable pressure (under tens of kPa) and the difficulty of forming highly integrated arrays. However, it is essential to develop tactile pressure sensors with a wide pressure range in order to use them for diverse application areas including medical diagnosis, robotics or automotive electronics. Here we report an unconventional approach for fabricating fully integrated active-matrix arrays of pressure-sensitive graphene transistors with air-dielectric layers simply formed by folding two opposing panels. Furthermore, this realizes a wide tactile pressure sensing range from 250 Pa to ~3 MPa. Additionally, fabrication of pressure sensor arrays and transparent pressure sensors are demonstrated, suggesting their substantial promise as next-generation electronics.

Integrated arrays of air-dielectric graphene transistors as transparent active-matrix pressure sensors for wide pressure ranges

PubMed Central

Shin, Sung-Ho; Ji, Sangyoon; Choi, Seiho; Pyo, Kyoung-Hee; Wan An, Byeong; Park, Jihun; Kim, Joohee; Kim, Ju-Young; Lee, Ki-Suk; Kwon, Soon-Yong; Heo, Jaeyeong; Park, Byong-Guk; Park, Jang-Ung

2017-01-01

Integrated electronic circuitries with pressure sensors have been extensively researched as a key component for emerging electronics applications such as electronic skins and health-monitoring devices. Although existing pressure sensors display high sensitivities, they can only be used for specific purposes due to the narrow range of detectable pressure (under tens of kPa) and the difficulty of forming highly integrated arrays. However, it is essential to develop tactile pressure sensors with a wide pressure range in order to use them for diverse application areas including medical diagnosis, robotics or automotive electronics. Here we report an unconventional approach for fabricating fully integrated active-matrix arrays of pressure-sensitive graphene transistors with air-dielectric layers simply formed by folding two opposing panels. Furthermore, this realizes a wide tactile pressure sensing range from 250 Pa to ∼3 MPa. Additionally, fabrication of pressure sensor arrays and transparent pressure sensors are demonstrated, suggesting their substantial promise as next-generation electronics. PMID:28361867

Trifunctional molecular beacon-mediated quadratic amplification for highly sensitive and rapid detection of mercury(II) ion with tunable dynamic range.

PubMed

Zhao, Yue; Liu, Huaqing; Chen, Feng; Bai, Min; Zhao, Junwu; Zhao, Yongxi

2016-12-15

Analyses of target with low abundance or concentration varying over many orders of magnitude are severe challenges faced by numerous assay methods due to their modest sensitivity and limited dynamic range. Here, we introduce a homogeneous and rapid quadratic polynomial amplification strategy through rational design of a trifunctional molecular beacon, which serves as not only a reporter molecule but also a bridge to couple two stage amplification modules without adding any reaction components or process other than basic linear amplification. As a test bed for our studies, we took mercury(II) ion as an example and obtained a high sensitivity with detection limit down to 200 pM within 30min. In order to create a tunable dynamic range, homotropic allostery is employed to modulate the target specific binding. When the number of metal binding site varies from 1 to 3, signal response is programmed accordingly with useful dynamic range spanning 50, 25 and 10 folds, respectively. Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed method in river water and biological samples are successfully verified with good recovery and reproducibility, indicating considerable potential for its practicality in complex real samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid, sensitive, and reusable detection of glucose by a robust radiofrequency integrated passive device biosensor chip.

PubMed

Kim, Nam-Young; Adhikari, Kishor Kumar; Dhakal, Rajendra; Chuluunbaatar, Zorigt; Wang, Cong; Kim, Eun-Soo

2015-01-15

Tremendous demands for sensitive and reliable label-free biosensors have stimulated intensive research into developing miniaturized radiofrequency resonators for a wide range of biomedical applications. Here, we report the development of a robust, reusable radiofrequency resonator based integrated passive device biosensor chip fabricated on a gallium arsenide substrate for the detection of glucose in water-glucose solutions and sera. As a result of the highly concentrated electromagnetic energy between the two divisions of an intertwined spiral inductor coupled with an interdigital capacitor, the proposed glucose biosensor chip exhibits linear detection ranges with high sensitivity at center frequency. This biosensor, which has a sensitivity of up to 199 MHz/mgmL(-1) and a short response time of less than 2 sec, exhibited an ultralow detection limit of 0.033 μM and a reproducibility of 0.61% relative standard deviation. In addition, the quantities derived from the measured S-parameters, such as the propagation constant (γ), impedance (Z), resistance (R), inductance (L), conductance (G) and capacitance (C), enabled the effective multi-dimensional detection of glucose.

Rapid, Sensitive, and Reusable Detection of Glucose by a Robust Radiofrequency Integrated Passive Device Biosensor Chip

PubMed Central

Kim, Nam-Young; Adhikari, Kishor Kumar; Dhakal, Rajendra; Chuluunbaatar, Zorigt; Wang, Cong; Kim, Eun-Soo

2015-01-01

Tremendous demands for sensitive and reliable label-free biosensors have stimulated intensive research into developing miniaturized radiofrequency resonators for a wide range of biomedical applications. Here, we report the development of a robust, reusable radiofrequency resonator based integrated passive device biosensor chip fabricated on a gallium arsenide substrate for the detection of glucose in water-glucose solutions and sera. As a result of the highly concentrated electromagnetic energy between the two divisions of an intertwined spiral inductor coupled with an interdigital capacitor, the proposed glucose biosensor chip exhibits linear detection ranges with high sensitivity at center frequency. This biosensor, which has a sensitivity of up to 199 MHz/mgmL−1 and a short response time of less than 2 sec, exhibited an ultralow detection limit of 0.033 μM and a reproducibility of 0.61% relative standard deviation. In addition, the quantities derived from the measured S-parameters, such as the propagation constant (γ), impedance (Z), resistance (R), inductance (L), conductance (G) and capacitance (C), enabled the effective multi-dimensional detection of glucose. PMID:25588958

MEMS fiber-optic Fabry-Perot pressure sensor for high temperature application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, G. C.; Jia, P. G.; Cao, Q.; Xiong, J. J.

2016-10-01

We design and demonstrate a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot pressure sensor (FOFPPS) for high-temperature sensing by employing micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology. The FOFPPS is fabricated by anodically bonding the silicon wafer and the Pyrex glass together and fixing the facet of the optical fiber in parallel with the silicon surface by glass frit and organic adhesive. The silicon wafer can be reduced through dry etching technology to construct the sensitive diaphragm. The length of the cavity changes with the deformation of the diaphragm due to the loaded pressure, which leads to a wavelength shift of the interference spectrum. The pressure can be gauged by measuring the wavelength shift. The pressure experimental results show that the sensor has linear pressure sensitivities ranging from 0 kPa to 600 kPa at temperature range between 20°C to 300°C. The pressure sensitivity at 300°C is approximately 27.63 pm/kPa. The pressure sensitivities gradually decrease with increasing the temperature. The sensor also has a linear thermal drift when temperature changes from 20°C - 300°C.

Time-Resolved Fluorescent Immunochromatography of Aflatoxin B1 in Soybean Sauce: A Rapid and Sensitive Quantitative Analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Du; Zhang, Zhaowei; Li, Peiwu; Zhang, Qi; Zhang, Wen

2016-07-14

Rapid and quantitative sensing of aflatoxin B1 with high sensitivity and specificity has drawn increased attention of studies investigating soybean sauce. A sensitive and rapid quantitative immunochromatographic sensing method was developed for the detection of aflatoxin B1 based on time-resolved fluorescence. It combines the advantages of time-resolved fluorescent sensing and immunochromatography. The dynamic range of a competitive and portable immunoassay was 0.3-10.0 µg·kg(-1), with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 µg·kg(-1) and recoveries of 87.2%-114.3%, within 10 min. The results showed good correlation (R² > 0.99) between time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic strip test and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Soybean sauce samples analyzed using time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic strip test revealed that 64.2% of samples contained aflatoxin B1 at levels ranging from 0.31 to 12.5 µg·kg(-1). The strip test is a rapid, sensitive, quantitative, and cost-effective on-site screening technique in food safety analysis.

Facile and scalable disposable sensor based on laser engraved graphene for electrochemical detection of glucose

PubMed Central

Tehrani, Farshad; Bavarian, Behzad

2016-01-01

A novel and highly sensitive disposable glucose sensor strip was developed using direct laser engraved graphene (DLEG) decorated with pulse deposited copper nanocubes (CuNCs). The high reproducibility (96.8%), stability (97.4%) and low cost demonstrated by this 3-step fabrication method indicates that it could be used for high volume manufacturing of disposable glucose strips. The fabrication method also allows for a high degree of flexibility, allowing for control of the electrode size, design, and functionalization method. Additionally, the excellent selectivity and sensitivity (4,532.2 μA/mM.cm2), low detection limit (250 nM), and suitable linear range of 25 μM–4 mM, suggests that these sensors may be a great potential platform for glucose detection within the physiological range for tear, saliva, and/or sweat. PMID:27306706

Facile and scalable disposable sensor based on laser engraved graphene for electrochemical detection of glucose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tehrani, Farshad; Bavarian, Behzad

2016-06-01

A novel and highly sensitive disposable glucose sensor strip was developed using direct laser engraved graphene (DLEG) decorated with pulse deposited copper nanocubes (CuNCs). The high reproducibility (96.8%), stability (97.4%) and low cost demonstrated by this 3-step fabrication method indicates that it could be used for high volume manufacturing of disposable glucose strips. The fabrication method also allows for a high degree of flexibility, allowing for control of the electrode size, design, and functionalization method. Additionally, the excellent selectivity and sensitivity (4,532.2 μA/mM.cm2), low detection limit (250 nM), and suitable linear range of 25 μM-4 mM, suggests that these sensors may be a great potential platform for glucose detection within the physiological range for tear, saliva, and/or sweat.

Superiority of Low Energy 160 KV X-Rays Compared to High Energy 6 MV X-Rays in Heavy Element Radiosensitization for Cancer Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Sara N.; Pradhan, Anil K.; Nahar, Sultana N.; Barth, Rolf F.; Yang, Weilian; Nakkula, Robin J.; Palmer, Alycia; Turro, Claudia

2013-06-01

High energy X-rays in the MeV range are generally employed in conventional radiation therapy from linear accelerators (LINAC) to ensure sufficient penetration depths. However, lower energy X-rays in the keV range may be more effective when coupled with heavy element (high-Z or HZ) radiosensitizers. Numerical simulations of X-ray energy deposition for tumor phantoms sensitized with HZ radiosensitizers were performed using the Monte Carlo code Geant4. The results showed enhancement in energy deposition to radiosensitized phantoms relative to unsensitized phantoms for low energy X-rays in the keV range. In contrast, minimal enhancement was seen using high energy X-rays in the MeV range. Dose enhancement factors (DEFs) were computed and showed radiosensitization only in the low energy range < 200 keV, far lower than the energy of the majority of photons in the LINAC energy range. In vitro studies were carried to demonstrate the tumoricidal effects of HZ sensitized F98 rat glioma cells following irradiation with both low energy 160 kV and high energy 6 MV X-ray sources. The platinum compound, pyridine terpyridine Pt(II) nitrate, was initially used because it was 7x less toxic that an equivalent amount of carboplatin in vitro studies. This would allow us to separate the radiotoxic and the chemotoxic effects of HZ sensitizers. Results from this study showed a 10-fold dose dependent reduction in surviving fractions (SF) of radiosensitized cells treated with low energy 160 kV X-rays compared to those treated with 6 MV X-rays. This is in agreement with our simulations that show an increase in dose deposition in radiosensitized tumors for low energy X-rays. Due to unforeen in vivo toxicity, however, another in vitro study was performed using the commonly used, Pt-based chemotherapeutic drug carboplatin which confirmed earlier results. This lays the ground work for a planned in vivo study using F98 glioma bearing rats. This study demonstrates that while high energy X-rays are commonly used in cancer radiotherapy, low energy keV X-rays might be much more effective with HZ radiosensitization.

Geotechnical properties of ash deposits near Hilo, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wieczorek, G.F.; Jibson, R.W.; Wilson, R.C.; Buchanan-Banks, J. M.

1982-01-01

Two holes were hand augered and sampled in ash deposits near Hilo, Hawaii. Color, water content and sensitivity of the ash were measured in the field. The ash alternated between reddish brown and dark reddish brown in color and had water contents as high as 392%. A downhole vane shear device measured sensitivities as high as 6.9. A series of laboratory tests including grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, X-ray diffraction analysis, total carbon determination, vane shear, direct shear and triaxial tests were performed to determine the composition and geotechnical properties of the ash. The ash is very fine grained, highly plastic and composed mostly of gibbsite and amorphous material presumably allophane. The ash has a high angle of internal friction ranging from 40-43? and is classified as medium to very sensitive. A series of different ash layers was distinguished on the basis of plasticity and other geotechnical properties. Sensitivity may be due to a metastable fabric, cementation, leaching, high organic content, and thixotropy. The sensitivity of the volcanic ash deposits near Hilo is consistent with documented slope instability during earthquakes in Hawaii. The high angles of internal friction and cementation permit very steep slopes under static conditions. However, because of high sensitivity of the ash, these slopes are particularly susceptible to seismically-induced landsliding.

Micropatterned Pyramidal Ionic Gels for Sensing Broad-Range Pressures with High Sensitivity.

PubMed

Cho, Sung Hwan; Lee, Seung Won; Yu, Seunggun; Kim, Hyeohn; Chang, Sooho; Kang, Donyoung; Hwang, Ihn; Kang, Han Sol; Jeong, Beomjin; Kim, Eui Hyuk; Cho, Suk Man; Kim, Kang Lib; Lee, Hyungsuk; Shim, Wooyoung; Park, Cheolmin

2017-03-22

The development of pressure sensors that are effective over a broad range of pressures is crucial for the future development of electronic skin applicable to the detection of a wide pressure range from acoustic wave to dynamic human motion. Here, we present flexible capacitive pressure sensors that incorporate micropatterned pyramidal ionic gels to enable ultrasensitive pressure detection. Our devices show superior pressure-sensing performance, with a broad sensing range from a few pascals up to 50 kPa, with fast response times of <20 ms and a low operating voltage of 0.25 V. Since high-dielectric-constant ionic gels were employed as constituent sensing materials, an unprecedented sensitivity of 41 kPa -1 in the low-pressure regime of <400 Pa could be realized in the context of a metal-insulator-metal platform. This broad-range capacitive pressure sensor allows for the efficient detection of pressure from a variety of sources, including sound waves, a lightweight object, jugular venous pulses, radial artery pulses, and human finger touch. This platform offers a simple, robust approach to low-cost, scalable device design, enabling practical applications of electronic skin.

High Sensitivity Refractometer Based on TiO₂-Coated Adiabatic Tapered Optical Fiber via ALD Technology.

PubMed

Zhu, Shan; Pang, Fufei; Huang, Sujuan; Zou, Fang; Guo, Qiang; Wen, Jianxiang; Wang, Tingyun

2016-08-15

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology is introduced to fabricate a high sensitivity refractometer based on an adiabatic tapered optical fiber. Different thicknesses of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanofilm were coated around the tapered fiber precisely and uniformly under different deposition cycles. Attributed to the higher refractive index of the TiO₂ nanofilm compared to that of silica, an asymmetric Fabry-Perot (F-P) resonator could be constructed along the fiber taper. The central wavelength of the F-P resonator could be controlled by adjusting the thickness of the TiO₂ nanofilm. Such a F-P resonator is sensitive to changes in the surrounding refractive index (SRI), which is utilized to realize a high sensitivity refractometer. The refractometer developed by depositing 50.9-nm-thickness TiO₂ on the tapered fiber shows SRI sensitivity as high as 7096 nm/RIU in the SRI range of 1.3373-1.3500. Due to TiO₂'s advantages of high refractive index, lack of toxicity, and good biocompatibility, this refractometer is expected to have wide applications in the biochemical sensing field.

High temperature tensile and creep behaviour of low pressure plasma-sprayed Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Y coating alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebsur, M. G.; Miner, R. V.

1986-01-01

The high temperature tensile and creep behavior of low pressure plasma-sprayed plates of a typical Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Y alloy has been studied. From room temperature to 800 K, the Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Y alloy studied has nearly a constant low ductility and a high strength. At higher temperatures, it becomes weak and highly ductile. At and above 1123 K, the behavior is highly dependent on strain rate and exhibits classic superplastic characteristics with a high ductility at intermediate strain rates and a strain rate sensitivity of about 0.5. At either higher or lower strain rates, the ductility decreases and the strain rate sensitivities are about 0.2. In the superplastic deformation range, the activation energy for creep is 120 + or - 20 kJ/mol, suggesting a diffusion-aided grain boundary sliding mechanism. Outside the superplastic range, the activation energy for creep is calculated to be 290 + or - 20 kJ/mol.

Nanothermometer Based on Resonant Tunneling Diodes: From Cryogenic to Room Temperatures.

PubMed

Pfenning, Andreas; Hartmann, Fabian; Rebello Sousa Dias, Mariama; Castelano, Leonardo Kleber; Süßmeier, Christoph; Langer, Fabian; Höfling, Sven; Kamp, Martin; Marques, Gilmar Eugenio; Worschech, Lukas; Lopez-Richard, Victor

2015-06-23

Sensor miniaturization together with broadening temperature sensing range are fundamental challenges in nanothermometry. By exploiting a large temperature-dependent screening effect observed in a resonant tunneling diode in sequence with a GaInNAs/GaAs quantum well, we present a low dimensional, wide range, and high sensitive nanothermometer. This sensor shows a large threshold voltage shift of the bistable switching of more than 4.5 V for a temperature raise from 4.5 to 295 K, with a linear voltage-temperature response of 19.2 mV K(-1), and a temperature uncertainty in the millikelvin (mK) range. Also, when we monitor the electroluminescence emission spectrum, an optical read-out control of the thermometer is provided. The combination of electrical and optical read-outs together with the sensor architecture excel the device as a thermometer with the capability of noninvasive temperature sensing, high local resolution, and sensitivity.

Near infrared harvesting dye-sensitized solar cells enabled by rare-earth upconversion materials.

PubMed

Li, Deyang; Ågren, Hans; Chen, Guanying

2018-02-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been deemed as promising alternatives to silicon solar cells for the conversion of clean sunlight energy into electricity. A major limitation to their conversion efficiency is their inability to utilize light in the infrared (IR) spectral range, which constitutes almost half the energy of the sun's radiation. This fact has elicited motivations and endeavors to extend the response wavelength of DSSCs to the IR range. Photon upconversion through rare-earth ions constitutes one of the most promising approaches toward the goal of converting near-IR (NIR) or IR light into visible or ultraviolet light, where DSSCs typically have high sensitivity. In the present review, we summarize recent progress based on the utilization of various upconversion materials and device structures to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells.

A hydrogeologic framework for characterizing summer streamflow sensitivity to climate warming in the Pacific Northwest, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safeeq, M.; Grant, G. E.; Lewis, S. L.; Kramer, M. G.; Staab, B.

2014-09-01

Summer streamflows in the Pacific Northwest are largely derived from melting snow and groundwater discharge. As the climate warms, diminishing snowpack and earlier snowmelt will cause reductions in summer streamflow. Most regional-scale assessments of climate change impacts on streamflow use downscaled temperature and precipitation projections from general circulation models (GCMs) coupled with large-scale hydrologic models. Here we develop and apply an analytical hydrogeologic framework for characterizing summer streamflow sensitivity to a change in the timing and magnitude of recharge in a spatially explicit fashion. In particular, we incorporate the role of deep groundwater, which large-scale hydrologic models generally fail to capture, into streamflow sensitivity assessments. We validate our analytical streamflow sensitivities against two empirical measures of sensitivity derived using historical observations of temperature, precipitation, and streamflow from 217 watersheds. In general, empirically and analytically derived streamflow sensitivity values correspond. Although the selected watersheds cover a range of hydrologic regimes (e.g., rain-dominated, mixture of rain and snow, and snow-dominated), sensitivity validation was primarily driven by the snow-dominated watersheds, which are subjected to a wider range of change in recharge timing and magnitude as a result of increased temperature. Overall, two patterns emerge from this analysis: first, areas with high streamflow sensitivity also have higher summer streamflows as compared to low-sensitivity areas. Second, the level of sensitivity and spatial extent of highly sensitive areas diminishes over time as the summer progresses. Results of this analysis point to a robust, practical, and scalable approach that can help assess risk at the landscape scale, complement the downscaling approach, be applied to any climate scenario of interest, and provide a framework to assist land and water managers in adapting to an uncertain and potentially challenging future.

Detection of the Peanut Allergens Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 in Human Breast Milk: Development of 2 Sensitive and Specific Sandwich ELISA Assays.

PubMed

Schocker, Frauke; Scharf, Alexandra; Kull, Skadi; Jappe, Uta

2017-01-01

Little is known about breast milk as a vehicle for tolerance development or sensitization to peanuts very early in life. Thus, well-characterized and highly sensitive detection systems for the reliable determination of peanut allergens in breast milk are mandatory. For the quantification of the marker allergens Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 in the low nanogram per milliliter range in breast milk samples of a German cohort, sensitive and highly specific sandwich ELISAs were optimized and validated. The Ara h 2 ELISA revealed a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.3 ng Ara h 2/mL and a quantification range of 2.3-250 ng/mL, the Ara h 6 ELISA showed an LOD of 0.7 ng/mL and a working range of 1.1-14.4 ng/mL. The assays showed no relevant cross-reactivity against other potentially cross-reactive legume, seed, and tree nut extracts (<0.01%, except for Ara h 1 in the Ara h 2 ELISA <0.1%). Ara h 2 was detectable in breast milk samples from 14/40 (35%) of the participants in concentrations from 2.3 to 184 ng/mL, Ara h 6 appeared in 9/40 (22.5%) of the lactating mothers between 1.1 and 9.7 ng/mL, and 1 highly positive sample with 79 ng/mL. Both allergens appeared at the same time points, but Ara h 6 in lower concentrations than Ara h 2. Sensitive and specific diagnostic tools for the determination of Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 in human breast milk were established. The kinetics of secreted Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 seem to be similar but with a difference in concentration. Follow-up investigations on their tolerogenic or sensitizing properties in breast milk become now accessible. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Extended dynamic range of Doppler OCT by application of a new method to high density B-scans using a MHz FDML swept laser source (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elahi, Sahar; Thrane, Lars; Rollins, Andrew M.; Jenkins, Michael W.

2017-02-01

The limited dynamic range of optical coherence tomography (OCT) Doppler velocity measurements makes it difficult to conduct experiments on samples requiring a large dynamic range without phase wrapping at high velocities or loss of sensitivity at slow velocities. Hemodynamics and wall motion undergo significant increases in velocity as the embryonic heart develops. Experimental studies indicate that altered hemodynamics in early-stage embryonic hearts can lead to congenital heart diseases (CHDs), motivating close monitoring of blood flow over several stages of development. We have built a high-speed OCT system using an FDML laser (Optores GmbH, Germany) at a sweep rate of 1.68 MHz (axial resolution - 12 μm, sensitivity - 105 dB, phase stability - 17 mrad). The speed of this OCT system allows us to acquire high-density B-scans to obtain an extended velocity dynamic range without sacrificing the frame rate (100 Hz). The extended dynamic range within a frame is achieved by varying the A-scan interval at which the phase difference is found, enabling detection of velocities ranging from tens of microns per second to hundreds of millimeters per second. The extra lines in a frame can also be utilized to improve the structural and Doppler images via complex averaging. In structural images where the presence of blood causes additional scattering, complex averaging helps retrieve features located deeper in the tissue. Moreover, high-density frames can be registered to 4D volumes to determine the orthogonal direction of flow for calculating shear stress as well as estimating the cardiac output. In conclusion, high density B-scans acquired by our high-speed OCT system enable image enhancement and direct measurement of biological parameters in cohort studies.

From nature to MEMS: towards the detection-limit of crickets' hair sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dagamseh, A. M. K.

2013-05-01

Crickets use highly sensitive mechanoreceptor hairs to detect approaching spiders. The high sensitivity of these hairs enables perceiving tiny air-movements which are only just distinguishable from noise. This forms our source of inspiration to design sensitive arrays made of artificial hair sensors for flow pattern observation i.e. Flow camera. The realization of such high-sensitive hair sensor requires designs with low thermo-mechanical noise to match the detection-limit of crickets' hairs. Here we investigate the damping factor in our artificial hair-sensor using different models as it is the source of the thermo-mechanical noise in MEMS structures. The results show that the damping factor estimated in air is in the range of 10-12 N.m/rad.s-1 which translates into a 52 μm/s threshold flow velocity.

NK sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells determined by a highly sensitive coupled luminescent method

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

Ogbomo, Henry; Hahn, Anke; Geiler, Janina

2006-01-06

The measurement of natural killer (NK) cells toxicity against tumor or virus-infected cells especially in cases with small blood samples requires highly sensitive methods. Here, a coupled luminescent method (CLM) based on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase release from injured target cells was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of interleukin-2 activated NK cells against neuroblastoma cell lines. In contrast to most other methods, CLM does not require the pretreatment of target cells with labeling substances which could be toxic or radioactive. The effective killing of tumor cells was achieved by low effector/target ratios ranging from 0.5:1 to 4:1. CLM provides highly sensitive, safe,more » and fast procedure for measurement of NK cell activity with small blood samples such as those obtained from pediatric patients.« less

LUMOS--A Sensitive and Reliable Optode System for Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in the Nanomolar Range.

PubMed

Lehner, Philipp; Larndorfer, Christoph; Garcia-Robledo, Emilio; Larsen, Morten; Borisov, Sergey M; Revsbech, Niels-Peter; Glud, Ronnie N; Canfield, Donald E; Klimant, Ingo

2015-01-01

Most commercially available optical oxygen sensors target the measuring range of 300 to 2 μmol L-1. However these are not suitable for investigating the nanomolar range which is relevant for many important environmental situations. We therefore developed a miniaturized phase fluorimeter based measurement system called the LUMOS (Luminescence Measuring Oxygen Sensor). It consists of a readout device and specialized "sensing chemistry" that relies on commercially available components. The sensor material is based on palladium(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorphenyl)-porphyrin embedded in a Hyflon AD 60 polymer matrix and has a KSV of 6.25 x 10-3 ppmv-1. The applicable measurement range is from 1000 nM down to a detection limit of 0.5 nM. A second sensor material based on the platinum(II) analogue of the porphyrin is spectrally compatible with the readout device and has a measurement range of 20 μM down to 10 nM. The LUMOS device is a dedicated system optimized for a high signal to noise ratio, but in principle any phase flourimeter can be adapted to act as a readout device for the highly sensitive and robust sensing chemistry. Vise versa, the LUMOS fluorimeter can be used for read out of less sensitive optical oxygen sensors based on the same or similar indicator dyes, for example for monitoring oxygen at physiological conditions. The presented sensor system exhibits lower noise, higher resolution and higher sensitivity than the electrochemical STOX sensor previously used to measure nanomolar oxygen concentrations. Oxygen contamination in common sample containers has been investigated and microbial or enzymatic oxygen consumption at nanomolar concentrations is presented.

LUMOS - A Sensitive and Reliable Optode System for Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in the Nanomolar Range

PubMed Central

Lehner, Philipp; Larndorfer, Christoph; Garcia-Robledo, Emilio; Larsen, Morten; Borisov, Sergey M.; Revsbech, Niels-Peter; Glud, Ronnie N.; Canfield, Donald E.; Klimant, Ingo

2015-01-01

Most commercially available optical oxygen sensors target the measuring range of 300 to 2 μmol L-1. However these are not suitable for investigating the nanomolar range which is relevant for many important environmental situations. We therefore developed a miniaturized phase fluorimeter based measurement system called the LUMOS (Luminescence Measuring Oxygen Sensor). It consists of a readout device and specialized “sensing chemistry” that relies on commercially available components. The sensor material is based on palladium(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorphenyl)-porphyrin embedded in a Hyflon AD 60 polymer matrix and has a KSV of 6.25 x 10-3 ppmv-1. The applicable measurement range is from 1000 nM down to a detection limit of 0.5 nM. A second sensor material based on the platinum(II) analogue of the porphyrin is spectrally compatible with the readout device and has a measurement range of 20 μM down to 10 nM. The LUMOS device is a dedicated system optimized for a high signal to noise ratio, but in principle any phase flourimeter can be adapted to act as a readout device for the highly sensitive and robust sensing chemistry. Vise versa, the LUMOS fluorimeter can be used for read out of less sensitive optical oxygen sensors based on the same or similar indicator dyes, for example for monitoring oxygen at physiological conditions. The presented sensor system exhibits lower noise, higher resolution and higher sensitivity than the electrochemical STOX sensor previously used to measure nanomolar oxygen concentrations. Oxygen contamination in common sample containers has been investigated and microbial or enzymatic oxygen consumption at nanomolar concentrations is presented. PMID:26029920

Fluorescent probes for "off-on" highly sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ and L-cysteine based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi; Cui, Peipei; Zhang, Feng; Feng, Xiaoting; Wang, Yaling; Yang, Yongzhen; Liu, Xuguang

2016-05-15

Fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were synthesized by a facile, and low-cost one-step hydrothermal strategy using citric acid as carbon source and ammonia solution as nitrogen source for the first time. The obtained NCDs show stable blue fluorescence with a high quantum yield of 35.4%, along with the fluorescence lifetime of ca. 6.75 ns. Most importantly, Hg(2+) can completely quench the fluorescence of NCDs as a result of the formation of a non-fluorescent stable NCDs-Hg(2+) complex. Static fluorescence quenching towards Hg(2+) is proved by the Stern-Volmer equation, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra, temperature dependent quenching and fluorescence lifetime measurements. Subsequently, the fluorescence of the NCDs-Hg(2+) system is completely recovered with the addition L-cysteine (L-Cys) owing to the dissociation of NCDs-Hg(2+) complex to form a more stable Hg(2+)-L-Cys complex by Hg(2+)-S bonding. Therefore, such NCDs can be used as an effective fluorescent "turn-off" probe for rapid, rather highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg(2+), with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1.48 nM and a linear detection range of 0-10 μM. Interestingly, NCDs-Hg(2+) system can be conveniently employed as a fluorescent "turn-on" sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of L-Cys with a low LOD of 0.79 nM and a wide linear detection range of 0-50 μM. Further, the sensitivity of NCDs to Hg(2+) is preserved in tap water with a LOD of 1.65 nM and a linear detection range of 0-10 μM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Ultrastable Europium(III)-Organic Framework with the Capacity of Discriminating Fe2+/Fe3+ Ions in Various Solutions.

PubMed

Wen, Guo-Xuan; Wu, Ya-Pan; Dong, Wen-Wen; Zhao, Jun; Li, Dong-Sheng; Zhang, Jian

2016-10-05

An ultrastable luminescent europium-organic framework, {[Eu(L)(H 2 O) 2 ]·NMP·H 2 O} n (CTGU-2; NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), can first detect Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ cations in different medium systems with high selectivity and sensitivity, and it also exhibits high sensitivity for Cr 2 O 7 2- anion and acetone with a wide linear range and a low detection limit.

Molecular imprinting ratiometric fluorescence sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of phycocyanin.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoyan; Yu, Jialuo; Kang, Qi; Shen, Dazhong; Li, Jinhua; Chen, Lingxin

2016-03-15

A facile strategy was developed to prepare molecular imprinting ratiometric fluorescence sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of phycocyanin (PC) based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), via a sol-gel polymerization process using nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) as fluorescent signal source. The ratio of two fluorescence peak emission intensities of NBD and PC was utilized to determine the concentration of PC, which could effectively reduce the background interference and fluctuation of diverse conditions. As a result, this sensor obtained high sensitivity with a low detection limit of 0.14 nM within 6 min, and excellent recognition specificity for PC over its analogues with a high imprinting factor of 9.1. Furthermore, the sensor attained high recoveries in the range of 93.8-110.2% at three spiking levels of PC, with precisions below 4.7% in seawater and lake water samples. The developed sensor strategy demonstrated simplicity, reliability, rapidity, high selectivity and high sensitivity, proving to be a feasible way to develop high efficient fluorescence sensors and thus potentially applicable for ultratrace analysis of complicated matrices. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of an intraluminal differential frequency-domain photoacoustics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lashkari, Bahman; Son, Jungik; Liang, Simon; Castelino, Robin; Foster, F. Stuart; Courtney, Brian; Mandelis, Andreas

2016-03-01

Cardiovascular related diseases are ranked as the second highest cause of death in Canada. Among the most important cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis. Current methods of diagnosis of atherosclerosis consist of angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). None of these methods possesses adequate sensitivity, as the ideal technique should be capable of both depth profiling, as well as functional imaging. An alternative technique is photoacoustics (PA) which can perform deep imaging and spectroscopy. The presented study explores the application of wavelength-modulated differential photoacoustic radar (WM-DPAR) for characterizing arterial vessels. The wavelength-modulated differential photoacoustic technique was shown to be able to substantially increase the dynamic range and sensitivity of hemoglobin oxygenation level detection. In this work the differential PA technique was used with a very high frequency modulation range. To perform spectroscopic PA imaging, at least two wavelengths are required. The selected wavelengths for this work are 1210 nm and 980 nm. 1210 nm corresponds to the maximum optical absorption coefficient of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters which are the main constituents of plaques. Since water, elastin and collagen also have high absorption coefficients at 1210 nm, this wavelength alone cannot provide very high sensitivity and specificity. The additional wavelength, 980 nm corresponds to high absorption coefficient of those constituents of healthy artery tissue. The simultaneous application of the abovementioned wavelengths can provide higher sensitivity and improved specificity in detecting lipids in the arterial vessels.

Demonstration of high sensitivity laser ranging system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Millar, Pamela S.; Christian, Kent D.; Field, Christopher T.

1994-01-01

We report on a high sensitivity semiconductor laser ranging system developed for the Gravity and Magnetic Earth Surveyor (GAMES) for measuring variations in the planet's gravity field. The GAMES laser ranging instrument (LRI) consists of a pair of co-orbiting satellites, one which contains the laser transmitter and receiver and one with a passive retro-reflector mounted in an drag-stabilized housing. The LRI will range up to 200 km in space to the retro-reflector satellite. As the spacecraft pair pass over the spatial variations in the gravity field, they experience along-track accelerations which change their relative velocity. These time displaced velocity changes are sensed by the LRI with a resolution of 20-50 microns/sec. In addition, the pair may at any given time be drifting together or apart at a rate of up to 1 m/sec, introducing a Doppler shift into the ranging signals. An AlGaAs laser transmitter intensity modulated at 2 GHz and 10 MHz is used as fine and medium ranging channels. Range is measured by comparing phase difference between the transmit and received signals at each frequency. A separate laser modulated with a digital code, not reported in this paper, will be used for coarse ranging to unambiguously determine the distance up to 200 km.

High-contrast X-ray micro-tomography of low attenuation samples using large area hybrid semiconductor pixel detector array of 10 × 5 Timepix chips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karch, J.; Krejci, F.; Bartl, B.; Dudak, J.; Kuba, J.; Kvacek, J.; Zemlicka, J.

2016-01-01

State-of-the-art hybrid pixel semiconductor detectors provide excellent imaging properties such as unlimited dynamic range, high spatial resolution, high frame rate and energy sensitivity. Nevertheless, a limitation in the use of these devices for imaging has been the small sensitive area of a few square centimetres. In the field of microtomography we make use of a large area pixel detector assembled from 50 Timepix edgeless chips providing fully sensitive area of 14.3 × 7.15 cm2. We have successfully demonstrated that the enlargement of the sensitive area enables high-quality tomographic measurements of whole objects with high geometrical magnification without any significant degradation in resulting reconstructions related to the chip tilling and edgeless sensor technology properties. The technique of micro-tomography with the newly developed large area detector is applied for samples formed by low attenuation, low contrast materials such a seed from Phacelia tanacetifolia, a charcoalified wood sample and a beeswax seal sample.

Direct Observation of Individual Charges and Their Dynamics on Graphene by Low-Energy Electron Holography.

PubMed

Latychevskaia, Tatiana; Wicki, Flavio; Longchamp, Jean-Nicolas; Escher, Conrad; Fink, Hans-Werner

2016-09-14

Visualizing individual charges confined to molecules and observing their dynamics with high spatial resolution is a challenge for advancing various fields in science, ranging from mesoscopic physics to electron transfer events in biological molecules. We show here that the high sensitivity of low-energy electrons to local electric fields can be employed to directly visualize individual charged adsorbates and to study their behavior in a quantitative way. This makes electron holography a unique probing tool for directly visualizing charge distributions with a sensitivity of a fraction of an elementary charge. Moreover, spatial resolution in the nanometer range and fast data acquisition inherent to lens-less low-energy electron holography allows for direct visual inspection of charge transfer processes.

NBS work on neutron resonance radiography

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

Schrack, R.A.

1987-01-01

NBS has been engaged in a wide-ranging program in Neutron Resonance Radiography utilizing both one- and two-dimensional position-sensitive neutron detectors. The ability to perform a position-sensitive assay of up to 16 isotopes in a complex matrix has been demonstrated for a wide variety of sample types, including those with high gamma activity. A major part of the program has been the development and application of the microchannel-plate-based position-sensitive neutron detector. This detector system has high resolution and sensitivity, together with adequate speed of response to be used with neutron time-of-flight techniques. This system has demonstrated the ability to simultaneously imagemore » three isotopes in a sample with no interference.« less

Directional Sensitivity in Light-Mass Dark Matter Searches with Single-Electron-Resolution Ionization Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadribasic, Fedja; Mirabolfathi, Nader; Nordlund, Kai; Sand, Andrea E.; Holmström, Eero; Djurabekova, Flyura

2018-03-01

We propose a method using solid state detectors with directional sensitivity to dark matter interactions to detect low-mass weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) originating from galactic sources. In spite of a large body of literature for high-mass WIMP detectors with directional sensitivity, no available technique exists to cover WIMPs in the mass range <1 GeV /c2 . We argue that single-electron-resolution semiconductor detectors allow for directional sensitivity once properly calibrated. We examine the commonly used semiconductor material response to these low-mass WIMP interactions.

Method and apparatus for coherent burst ranging

DOEpatents

Wachter, Eric A.; Fisher, Walter G.

1998-01-01

A high resolution ranging method is described utilizing a novel modulated waveform, hereafter referred to as coherent burst modulation. In the coherent burst method, high frequency modulation of an acoustic or electromagnetic transmitter, such as a laser, is performed at a modulation frequency. This modulation frequency is transmitted quasi-continuously in the form of interrupted bursts of radiation. Energy from the transmitter is directed onto a target, interacts with the target, and the returning energy is collected. The encoded burst pattern contained in the collected return signal is detected coherently by a receiver that is tuned so as to be principally sensitive to the modulation frequency. The receiver signal is processed to determine target range using both time-of-flight of the burst envelope and phase shift of the high frequency modulation. This approach effectively decouples the maximum unambiguous range and range resolution relationship of earlier methods, thereby allowing high precision ranging to be conducted at arbitrarily long distances using at least one burst of encoded energy. The use of a receiver tuned to the high frequency modulation contained within the coherent burst vastly improves both sensitivity in the detection of the target return signal and rejection of background interferences, such as ambient acoustic or electromagnetic noise. Simultaneous transmission at several energies (or wavelengths) is possible by encoding each energy with a separate modulation frequency or pattern; electronic demodulation at the receiver allows the return pattern for each energy to be monitored independently. Radial velocity of a target can also be determined by monitoring change in phase shift of the return signal as a function of time.

Indium phosphide all air-gap Fabry-Pérot filters for near-infrared spectroscopic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullah, A.; Butt, M. A.; Fomchenkov, S. A.; Khonina, S. N.

2016-08-01

Food quality can be characterized by noninvasive techniques such as spectroscopy in the Near Infrared wavelength range. For example, 930 -1450 nm wavelength range can be used to detect diseases and differentiate between meat samples. Miniaturization of such NIR spectrometers is useful for quick and mobile characterization of food samples. Spectrometers can be miniaturized, without compromising the spectral resolution, using Fabry-Pérot (FP) filters consisting of two highly reflecting mirrors with a central cavity in between. The most commonly used mirrors in the design of FP filters are Distributed Bragg Reflections (DBRs) consisting of alternating high and low refractive index material pairs, due to their high reflectivity compared to metal mirrors. However, DBRs have high reflectivity for a selected range of wavelengths known as the stopband of the DBR. This range is usually much smaller than the sensitivity range of the spectrometer detector. Therefore, a bandpass filter is usually required to restrict wavelengths outside the stopband of the FP DBRs. Such bandpass filters are difficult to design and implement. Alternatively, high index contrast materials must be can be used to broaden the stopband width of the FP DBRs. In this work, Indium phosphide all air-gap filters are proposed in conjunction with InGaAs based detectors. The designed filter has a wide stopband covering the entire InGaAs detector sensitivity range. The filter can be tuned in the 950-1450 nm with single mode operation. The designed filter can hence be used for noninvasive meat quality control.

Method and apparatus for coherent burst ranging

DOEpatents

Wachter, E.A.; Fisher, W.G.

1998-04-28

A high resolution ranging method is described utilizing a novel modulated waveform, hereafter referred to as coherent burst modulation. In the coherent burst method, high frequency modulation of an acoustic or electromagnetic transmitter, such as a laser, is performed at a modulation frequency. This modulation frequency is transmitted quasi-continuously in the form of interrupted bursts of radiation. Energy from the transmitter is directed onto a target, interacts with the target, and the returning energy is collected. The encoded burst pattern contained in the collected return signal is detected coherently by a receiver that is tuned so as to be principally sensitive to the modulation frequency. The receiver signal is processed to determine target range using both time-of-flight of the burst envelope and phase shift of the high frequency modulation. This approach effectively decouples the maximum unambiguous range and range resolution relationship of earlier methods, thereby allowing high precision ranging to be conducted at arbitrarily long distances using at least one burst of encoded energy. The use of a receiver tuned to the high frequency modulation contained within the coherent burst vastly improves both sensitivity in the detection of the target return signal and rejection of background interferences, such as ambient acoustic or electromagnetic noise. Simultaneous transmission at several energies (or wavelengths) is possible by encoding each energy with a separate modulation frequency or pattern; electronic demodulation at the receiver allows the return pattern for each energy to be monitored independently. Radial velocity of a target can also be determined by monitoring change in phase shift of the return signal as a function of time. 12 figs.

Normal range of serum highly-sensitive troponin-T in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5.

PubMed

Chotivanawan, Thunnop; Krittayaphong, Rungroj

2012-02-01

Serum troponin-T concentrations are commonly increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) without acute coronary syndrome. Highly-sensitive troponin-T the new tool that helpful for diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, provides few data about normal value in patients with chronic kidney disease. The authors studied 89 patients with CKD stage 3-5: 40 had CKD stage 3, 26 had CKD stage 4 and 23 had CKD stage 5. Serum samples were collected for the analysis of highly-sensitive troponin-T levels. The values of highly-sensitive troponin-T of the total group and each CKD stage were presented. The level of highly-sensitive troponin-T in patients with CKD stage 3-5 was 0.044 +/- 0.076 ng/ml. For CKD stages 3, 4 and 5 levels were 0.015 +/- 0.016, 0.043 +/- 0.056, 0.098 +/- 0.121 ng/ml, respectively. 95th percentile of the total group was 0.139 ng/ml. 95th percentile for stage 3, 4 and 5 were 0.052, 0.136, 0.297 ng/ml, respectively. 95th percentile for highly-sensitive troponin-T of patients with CKD stage 3-5 was 0.139 ng/ml. This number may be considered as the cut-off value for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

A Small Range Six-Axis Accelerometer Designed with High Sensitivity DCB Elastic Element

PubMed Central

Sun, Zhibo; Liu, Jinhao; Yu, Chunzhan; Zheng, Yili

2016-01-01

This paper describes a small range six-axis accelerometer (the measurement range of the sensor is ±g) with high sensitivity DCB (Double Cantilever Beam) elastic element. This sensor is developed based on a parallel mechanism because of the reliability. The accuracy of sensors is affected by its sensitivity characteristics. To improve the sensitivity, a DCB structure is applied as the elastic element. Through dynamic analysis, the dynamic model of the accelerometer is established using the Lagrange equation, and the mass matrix and stiffness matrix are obtained by a partial derivative calculation and a conservative congruence transformation, respectively. By simplifying the structure of the accelerometer, a model of the free vibration is achieved, and the parameters of the sensor are designed based on the model. Through stiffness analysis of the DCB structure, the deflection curve of the beam is calculated. Compared with the result obtained using a finite element analysis simulation in ANSYS Workbench, the coincidence rate of the maximum deflection is 89.0% along the x-axis, 88.3% along the y-axis and 87.5% along the z-axis. Through strain analysis of the DCB elastic element, the sensitivity of the beam is obtained. According to the experimental result, the accuracy of the theoretical analysis is found to be 90.4% along the x-axis, 74.9% along the y-axis and 78.9% along the z-axis. The measurement errors of linear accelerations ax, ay and az in the experiments are 2.6%, 0.6% and 1.31%, respectively. The experiments prove that accelerometer with DCB elastic element performs great sensitive and precision characteristics. PMID:27657089

Ratiometric near infrared luminescent thermometer based on lanthanide metal-organic frameworks

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

Yue, Dan; Zhang, Jun; Zhao, Dian

2016-09-15

A near infrared luminescent MOFs thermometer (Nd{sub 0.676}Yb{sub 0.324}BTC) was prepared via a simple solvothermal method using Ln{sup 3+} (Ln=Nd, Yb) ions and 1, 3, 5-benznenetricarboxylic acid (H{sub 3}BTC), and characterized by PXRD, TGA, ICP, and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. These results indicate that the Nd{sub 0.676}Yb{sub 0.324}BTC displays high relative sensitivity and excellent repeatability in the physiological temperature range (288–323 K), and the maximum relative sensitivity is determined to be 1.187% K{sup −1} at 323 K. These NIR luminescent MOFs may have potential applications in physiological temperature sensing. - Graphical abstract: A near infrared luminescent MOFs thermometer (Nd{sub 0.054}Yb{sub 0.946}BTCmore » ) displays high relative sensitivity and excellent repeatability in the physiological temperature range (288–323 K). Display Omitted - Highlights: • A ratiometric near infrared luminescent MOFs thermometer (Nd{sub 0.676}Yb{sub 0.324}BTC) was prepared via a simple solvothermal method. • The maximum relative sensitivity of Nd{sub 0.676}Yb{sub 0.324}BTC is determined to be 1.187% K{sup −1} at 323 K. • Nd{sub 0.676}Yb{sub 0.324}BTC showed excellent repeatability in the physiological temperature range (288–323 K).« less

Distinguishable circumferential inclined direction tilt sensor based on fiber Bragg grating with wide measuring range and high accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shanchao; Wang, Jing; Sui, Qingmei

2015-11-01

One novel distinguishable circumferential inclined direction tilt sensor is demonstrated by incorporating two strain sensitivity fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with two orthogonal triangular cantilever beam and using one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) as temperature compensation element. According to spatial vector and space geometry, theory calculation model of the proposed FBG tilt sensor which can be used to obtain the azimuth and tile angle of the inclined direction is established. To obtain its measuring characteristics, calibration experiment on one prototype of the proposed FBG tilt sensor is carried out. After temperature sensitivity experiment data analysis, the proposed FBG tilt sensor exhibits excellent temperature compensation characteristics. In 2-D tilt angle experiment, tilt measurement sensitivities of these two strain sensitivity FBGs are 140.85°/nm and 101.01°/nm over a wide range of 60º. Further, azimuth and tile angle of the inclined direction can be obtained by the proposed FBG tilt sensor which is verified in circumferential angle experiment. Experiment data show that relative errors of azimuth are 0.55% (positive direction) and 1.14% (negative direction), respectively, and relative errors of tilt angle are all less than 3%. Experiment results confirm that the proposed distinguishable circumferential inclined direction tilt sensor based on FBG can achieve azimuth and tile angle measurement with wide measuring range and high accuracy.

The Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glesener, Lindsay; Krucker, S.; Christe, S.; Turin, P.; McBride, S.

2009-01-01

The Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager (FOXSI) is a NASA Low Cost Access to Space sounding rocket payload scheduled to fly in late 2010 to observe hard X-ray emission (HXR) from the quiet Sun. Particle acceleration in small "nanoflares" in the quiet Sun is thought to play an important role in the heating of the corona to millions of degrees Kelvin. FOXSI HXR observations of these flares will provide first estimates of the non-thermal energy content in small flares from the quiet Sun. Imaging nanoflares requires high energy sensitivity and a large dynamic range. To date, the most sensitive HXR images are made using a rotating modulating collimator aboard the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager satellite (RHESSI). However, the rotating modulation technique is intrinsically limited in sensitivity and dynamic range. The focusing optics of FOXSI will achieve a sensitivity 100 times better than that of RHESSI at energies around 10 keV. FOXSI uses nested-shell, grazing-angle optics and silicon strip detectors to achieve an angular resolution of 12" (FWHM) and 1 keV energy resolution. FOXSI will observe the quiet Sun in the 4 to 15 keV range for 5 minutes. The focusing optics technique developed by FOXSI will prove useful to future solar HXR observing missions, especially those interested in imaging faint HXR emission from particle acceleration regions in the corona.

A novel photonic crystal fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for enhancing refractive index measurement sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yong; Xia, Feng; Hu, Hai-feng; Chen, Mao-qing

2017-11-01

A novel refractive index (RI) sensor based on photonic crystal fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (PCF-MZI) was proposed. It was realized by cascading a section of PCF with half-taper collapse regions (HTCRs) between two single mode fibers (SMFs). The relationship between RI sensitivity and interference length of the PCF-MZI was firstly investigated. Both simulation and experimental results showed that RI sensitivity increased with the increase of interference length. Afterwards, influence of HTCR parameters on RI sensitivity was experimentally investigated to further improve the sensitivity. With intensification of arc discharge intensity in HTCR fabrication process, HTCR with larger maximum taper diameter and longer collapsed region length was obtained, which enhanced evanescent field of the PCF-MZI and then generated higher RI sensitivity. Consequently, a high RI sensitivity of 181.96 nm/refractive index unit (RIU) was achieved in the RI range of 1.3333-1.3574. Increasing arc discharge intensity in HTCR fabrication process has the capacity to improve RI sensitivity of PCF-MZI and meanwhile provides higher mechanical strength and longer sensor life compared to the traditional method of tapering the fiber, which improves the RI sensitivity at the cost of reducing mechanical strength of the sensor. This PCF-MZI was characterized by high RI sensitivity, ease of fabrication, high mechanical strength, and robustness.

Hair-based sensors for micro-autonomous systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, Mahdi M.; Peterson, Rebecca L.; Najafi, Khalil

2012-06-01

We seek to harness microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies to build biomimetic devices for low-power, high-performance, robust sensors and actuators on micro-autonomous robot platforms. Hair is used abundantly in nature for a variety of functions including balance and inertial sensing, flow sensing and aerodynamic (air foil) control, tactile and touch sensing, insulation and temperature control, particle filtering, and gas/chemical sensing. Biological hairs, which are typically characterized by large surface/volume ratios and mechanical amplification of movement, can be distributed in large numbers over large areas providing unprecedented sensitivity, redundancy, and stability (robustness). Local neural transduction allows for space- and power-efficient signal processing. Moreover by varying the hair structure and transduction mechanism, the basic hair form can be used for a wide diversity of functions. In this paper, by exploiting a novel wafer-level, bubble-free liquid encapsulation technology, we make arrays of micro-hydraulic cells capable of electrostatic actuation and hydraulic amplification, which enables high force/high deflection actuation and extremely sensitive detection (sensing) at low power. By attachment of cilia (hair) to the micro-hydraulic cell, air flow sensors with excellent sensitivity (< few cm/s) and dynamic range (> 10 m/s) have been built. A second-generation design has significantly reduced the sensor response time while maintaining sensitivity of about 2 cm/s and dynamic range of more than 15 m/s. These sensors can be used for dynamic flight control of flying robots or for situational awareness in surveillance applications. The core biomimetic technologies developed are applicable to a broad range of sensors and actuators.

The Python pit organ: imaging and immunocytochemical analysis of an extremely sensitive natural infrared detector.

PubMed

Grace, M S; Church, D R; Kelly, C T; Lynn, W F; Cooper, T M

1999-01-01

The Python infrared-sensitive pit organ is a natural infrared imager that combines high sensitivity, ambient temperature function, microscopic dimensions, and self-repair. We are investigating the spectral sensitivity and signal transduction process in snake infrared-sensitive neurons, neither of which is understood. For example, it is unknown whether infrared receptor neurons function on a thermal or a photic mechanism. We imaged pit organs in living Python molurus and Python regius using infrared-sensitive digital video cameras. Pit organs were significantly more absorptive and/or emissive than surrounding tissues in both 3-5 microns and 8-12 microns wavelength ranges. Pit organs exhibited greater absorption/emissivity in the 8-12 microns range than in the 3-5 microns range. To directly test the relationship between photoreceptors and pit organ infrared-sensitive neurons, we performed immunocytochemistry using antisera directed against retinal photoreceptor opsins. Retinal photoreceptors were labeled with antisera specific for retinal opsins, but these antisera failed to label terminals of infrared-sensitive neurons in the pit organ. Infrared-receptive neurons were also distinguished from retinal photoreceptors on the basis of their calcium-binding protein content. These results indicate that the pit organ absorbs infrared radiation in two major atmospheric transmission windows, one of which (8-12 microns) matches emission of targeted prey, and that infrared receptors are biochemically distinct from retinal photoreceptors. These results also provide the first identification of prospective biochemical components of infrared signal transduction in pit organ receptor neurons.

Precisely Controlled Ultrathin Conjugated Polymer Films for Large Area Transparent Transistors and Highly Sensitive Chemical Sensors.

PubMed

Khim, Dongyoon; Ryu, Gi-Seong; Park, Won-Tae; Kim, Hyunchul; Lee, Myungwon; Noh, Yong-Young

2016-04-13

A uniform ultrathin polymer film is deposited over a large area with molecularlevel precision by the simple wire-wound bar-coating method. The bar-coated ultrathin films not only exhibit high transparency of up to 90% in the visible wavelength range but also high charge carrier mobility with a high degree of percolation through the uniformly covered polymer nanofibrils. They are capable of realizing highly sensitive multigas sensors and represent the first successful report of ethylene detection using a sensor based on organic field-effect transistors. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ultra-Sensitive Photoreceiver Boosts Data Transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

NASA depends on advanced, ultra-sensitive photoreceivers and photodetectors to provide high-data communications and pinpoint image-detection and -recognition capabilities from great distances. In 2003, Epitaxial Technologies LLC was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from Goddard Space Flight Center to address needs for advanced sensor components. Epitaxial developed a photoreciever capable of single proton sensitivity that is also smaller, lighter, and requires less power than its predecessor. This receiver operates in several wavelength ranges; will allow data rate transmissions in the terabit range; and will enhance Earth-based missions for remote sensing of crops and other natural resources, including applications for fluorescence and phosphorescence detection. Widespread military and civilian applications are anticipated, especially through enhancing fiber optic communications, laser imaging, and laser communications.

High mass resolution time of flight mass spectrometer for measuring products in heterogeneous catalysis in highly sensitive microreactors

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

Andersen, T.; Jensen, R.; Christensen, M. K.

2012-07-15

We demonstrate a combined microreactor and time of flight system for testing and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts with high resolution mass spectrometry and high sensitivity. Catalyst testing is performed in silicon-based microreactors which have high sensitivity and fast thermal response. Gas analysis is performed with a time of flight mass spectrometer with a modified nude Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge as gas ionization source. The mass resolution of the time of flight mass spectrometer using the ion gauge as ionization source is estimated to m/{Delta}m > 2500. The system design is superior to conventional batch and flow reactors with accompanying product detectionmore » by quadrupole mass spectrometry or gas chromatography not only due to the high sensitivity, fast temperature response, high mass resolution, and fast acquisition time of mass spectra but it also allows wide mass range (0-5000 amu in the current configuration). As a demonstration of the system performance we present data from ammonia oxidation on a Pt thin film showing resolved spectra of OH and NH{sub 3}.« less

High mass resolution time of flight mass spectrometer for measuring products in heterogeneous catalysis in highly sensitive microreactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersen, T.; Jensen, R.; Christensen, M. K.; Pedersen, T.; Hansen, O.; Chorkendorff, I.

2012-07-01

We demonstrate a combined microreactor and time of flight system for testing and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts with high resolution mass spectrometry and high sensitivity. Catalyst testing is performed in silicon-based microreactors which have high sensitivity and fast thermal response. Gas analysis is performed with a time of flight mass spectrometer with a modified nude Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge as gas ionization source. The mass resolution of the time of flight mass spectrometer using the ion gauge as ionization source is estimated to m/Δm > 2500. The system design is superior to conventional batch and flow reactors with accompanying product detection by quadrupole mass spectrometry or gas chromatography not only due to the high sensitivity, fast temperature response, high mass resolution, and fast acquisition time of mass spectra but it also allows wide mass range (0-5000 amu in the current configuration). As a demonstration of the system performance we present data from ammonia oxidation on a Pt thin film showing resolved spectra of OH and NH3.

High mass resolution time of flight mass spectrometer for measuring products in heterogeneous catalysis in highly sensitive microreactors.

PubMed

Andersen, T; Jensen, R; Christensen, M K; Pedersen, T; Hansen, O; Chorkendorff, I

2012-07-01

We demonstrate a combined microreactor and time of flight system for testing and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts with high resolution mass spectrometry and high sensitivity. Catalyst testing is performed in silicon-based microreactors which have high sensitivity and fast thermal response. Gas analysis is performed with a time of flight mass spectrometer with a modified nude Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge as gas ionization source. The mass resolution of the time of flight mass spectrometer using the ion gauge as ionization source is estimated to m/Δm > 2500. The system design is superior to conventional batch and flow reactors with accompanying product detection by quadrupole mass spectrometry or gas chromatography not only due to the high sensitivity, fast temperature response, high mass resolution, and fast acquisition time of mass spectra but it also allows wide mass range (0-5000 amu in the current configuration). As a demonstration of the system performance we present data from ammonia oxidation on a Pt thin film showing resolved spectra of OH and NH(3).

Highest drought sensitivity and lowest resistance to growth suppression are found in the range core of the tree Fagus sylvatica L. not the equatorial range edge.

PubMed

Cavin, Liam; Jump, Alistair S

2017-01-01

Biogeographical and ecological theory suggests that species distributions should be driven to higher altitudes and latitudes as global temperatures rise. Such changes occur as growth improves at the poleward edge of a species distribution and declines at the range edge in the opposite or equatorial direction, mirrored by changes in the establishment of new individuals. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that such processes are underway for a wide variety of species. Case studies from populations at the equatorial range edge of a variety of woody species have led us to understand that widespread growth decline and distributional shifts are underway. However, in apparent contrast, other studies report high productivity and reproduction in some range edge populations. We sought to assess temporal trends in the growth of the widespread European beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) across its latitudinal range. We explored the stability of populations to major drought events and the implications for predicted widespread growth decline at its equatorial range edge. In contrast to expectations, we found greatest sensitivity and low resistance to drought in the core of the species range, whilst dry range edge populations showed particularly high resistance to drought and little evidence of drought-linked growth decline. We hypothesize that this high range edge resistance to drought is driven primarily by local environmental factors that allow relict populations to persist despite regionally unfavourable climate. The persistence of such populations demonstrates that range-edge decline is not ubiquitous and is likely to be driven by declining population density at the landscape scale rather than sudden and widespread range retraction. © 2016 The Authors. Global Change Biology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Compact Highly Sensitive Multi-species Airborne Mid-IR Spectrometer

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

Richter, Dirk; Weibring, P.; Walega, J.

2015-02-01

We report on the development and airborne field deployment of a mid-IR laser based spectrometer. The instrument was configured for the simultaneous in-situ detection of formaldehyde (CH2O) and ethane (C2H6). Numerous mechanical, optical, electronic, and software improvements over a previous instrument design resulted in reliable highly sensitive airborne operation with long stability times yielding 90% airborne measurement coverage during the recent air quality study over the Colorado front range, FRAPPÉ 2014. Airborne detection sensitivities of ~ 15 pptv (C2H6) and ~40 pptv (CH2O) were generally obtained for 1 s of averaging for simultaneous detection.

Development of an Amorphous Selenium-Based Photodetector Driven by a Diamond Cold Cathode

PubMed Central

Masuzawa, Tomoaki; Saito, Ichitaro; Yamada, Takatoshi; Onishi, Masanori; Yamaguchi, Hisato; Suzuki, Yu; Oonuki, Kousuke; Kato, Nanako; Ogawa, Shuichi; Takakuwa, Yuji; Koh, Angel T. T.; Chua, Daniel H. C.; Mori, Yusuke; Shimosawa, Tatsuo; Okano, Ken

2013-01-01

Amorphous-selenium (a-Se) based photodetectors are promising candidates for imaging devices, due to their high spatial resolution and response speed, as well as extremely high sensitivity enhanced by an internal carrier multiplication. In addition, a-Se is reported to show sensitivity against wide variety of wavelengths, including visible, UV and X-ray, where a-Se based flat-panel X-ray detector was proposed. In order to develop an ultra high-sensitivity photodetector with a wide detectable wavelength range, a photodetector was fabricated using a-Se photoconductor and a nitrogen-doped diamond cold cathode. In the study, a prototype photodetector has been developed, and its response to visible and ultraviolet light are characterized. PMID:24152932

Design criteria for a high energy Compton Camera and possible application to targeted cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conka Nurdan, T.; Nurdan, K.; Brill, A. B.; Walenta, A. H.

2015-07-01

The proposed research focuses on the design criteria for a Compton Camera with high spatial resolution and sensitivity, operating at high gamma energies and its possible application for molecular imaging. This application is mainly on the detection and visualization of the pharmacokinetics of tumor targeting substances specific for particular cancer sites. Expected high resolution (< 0.5 mm) permits monitoring the pharmacokinetics of labeled gene constructs in vivo in small animals with a human tumor xenograft which is one of the first steps in evaluating the potential utility of a candidate gene. The additional benefit of high sensitivity detection will be improved cancer treatment strategies in patients based on the use of specific molecules binding to cancer sites for early detection of tumors and identifying metastasis, monitoring drug delivery and radionuclide therapy for optimum cell killing at the tumor site. This new technology can provide high resolution, high sensitivity imaging of a wide range of gamma energies and will significantly extend the range of radiotracers that can be investigated and used clinically. The small and compact construction of the proposed camera system allows flexible application which will be particularly useful for monitoring residual tumor around the resection site during surgery. It is also envisaged as able to test the performance of new drug/gene-based therapies in vitro and in vivo for tumor targeting efficacy using automatic large scale screening methods.

Highly Sensitive and Long Term Stable Electrochemical Microelectrodes for Implantable Glucose Monitoring Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiang, Liangliang

A miniature wireless implantable electrochemical glucose system for continuous glucose monitoring with good selectivity, sensitivity, linearity and long term stability was developed. First, highly sensitive, long-term stable and reusable planar H2O2 microelectrodes have been fabricated by microlithography. These electrodes composed of a 300 nm Pt black layer situated on a 5 um thick Au layer, provide effective protection to the underlying chromium adhesion layer. Using repeated cyclic voltammetric sweeps in flowing buffer solution, highly sensitive Pt black working electrodes were realized with five-decade linear dynamic range and low detection limit (10 nM) for H2O2 at low oxidation potentials. Second, a highly sensitive, low cost and flexible microwire biosensor was described using 25-mum thick gold wire as working electrode together with 125-mum thick Pt/Ir and Ag wires as counter and reference electrode, embedded within a PDMS-filled polyethylene tube. Surface area and activity of sensor was enhanced by converting gold electrode to nanoporous configuration followed by electrodeposition of platinum black. Glucose oxidase based biosensors by electrodeposition of poly(o-phenylenediamine) and glucose oxidase on the working electrode, displayed a higher glucose sensitivity (1.2 mA mM-1 cm-2) than highest literature reported. In addition it exhibits wide detection range (up to 20 mM) and selectivity (>95%). Third, novel miniaturized and flexible microelectrode arrays with 8 of 25 mum electrodes displayed the much needed 3D diffusion profiles similar to a single 25 mum microelectrode, but with one order increase in current levels. These microelectrode arrays displayed a H2O2 sensitivity of 13 mA mM-1 cm-2, a wide dynamic range of 100 nM to 10 mM, limit of detection of 10 nM. These microwire based edge plane microsensors incorporated flexibility, miniaturization and low operation potential are an promising approach for continuous in vivo metabolic monitoring. Fourth, homemade miniature wireless potentisotat was fabricated based on low power consumption integrated circuits and surface mount parts. The miniature wireless potentisotat with up to two week life-time for continuous glucose sensing has a size less than 9x22x10 mm and weight ˜3.4 grams. Primary in vivo experiment showed homemade system has the exactly same respond and trend as commercial glucose meter.

High speed parallel spectral-domain OCT using spectrally encoded line-field illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kye-Sung; Hur, Hwan; Bae, Ji Yong; Kim, I. Jong; Kim, Dong Uk; Nam, Ki-Hwan; Kim, Geon-Hee; Chang, Ki Soo

2018-01-01

We report parallel spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 500 000 A-scan/s. This is the highest-speed spectral-domain (SD) OCT system using a single line camera. Spectrally encoded line-field scanning is proposed to increase the imaging speed in SD-OCT effectively, and the tradeoff between speed, depth range, and sensitivity is demonstrated. We show that three imaging modes of 125k, 250k, and 500k A-scan/s can be simply switched according to the sample to be imaged considering the depth range and sensitivity. To demonstrate the biological imaging performance of the high-speed imaging modes of the spectrally encoded line-field OCT system, human skin and a whole leaf were imaged at the speed of 250k and 500k A-scan/s, respectively. In addition, there is no sensitivity dependence in the B-scan direction, which is implicit in line-field parallel OCT using line focusing of a Gaussian beam with a cylindrical lens.

Double-pinned magnetic tunnel junction sensors with spin-valve-like sensing layers

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

Yuan, Z. H.; Huang, L.; Feng, J. F., E-mail: jiafengfeng@iphy.ac.cn

2015-08-07

MgO magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensors with spin-valve-like sensing layers of Ir{sub 22}Mn{sub 78} (6)/Ni{sub 80}Fe{sub 20} (t{sub NiFe} = 20–70)/Ru (0.9)/Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 40}B{sub 20} (3) (unit: nm) have been fabricated. A linear field dependence of magnetoresistance for these MTJ sensors was obtained by carrying out a two-step field annealing process. The sensitivity and linear field range can be tuned by varying the thickness of NiFe layer and annealing temperature, and a high sensitivity of 37%/mT has been achieved in the MTJ sensors with 70 nm NiFe at the optimum annealing temperature of 230 °C. Combining the spin-valve-like sensing structure and a soft magneticmore » NiFe layer, MTJ sensors with relatively wide field sensing range have been achieved and could be promising for showing high sensitivity magnetic field sensing applications.« less

Highly sensitive detection of target molecules using a new fluorescence-based bead assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheffler, Silvia; Strauß, Denis; Sauer, Markus

2007-07-01

Development of immunoassays with improved sensitivity, specificity and reliability are of major interest in modern bioanalytical research. We describe the development of a new immunomagnetic fluorescence detection (IM-FD) assay based on specific antigen/antibody interactions and on accumulation of the fluorescence signal on superparamagnetic PE beads in combination with the use of extrinsic fluorescent labels. IM-FD can be easily modified by varying the order of coatings and assay conditions. Depending on the target molecule, antibodies (ABs), entire proteins, or small protein epitopes can be used as capture molecules. The presence of target molecules is detected by fluorescence microscopy using fluorescently labeled secondary or detection antibodies. Here, we demonstrate the potential of the new assay detecting the two tumor markers IGF-I and p53 antibodies in the clinically relevant concentration range. Our data show that the fluorescence-based bead assay exhibits a large dynamic range and a high sensitivity down to the subpicomolar level.

The Georgia Tech High Sensitivity Microwave Measurement System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deboer, David R.; Steffes, Paul G.

1996-01-01

As observations and models of the planets become increasingly more accurate and sophisticated, the need for highly accurate laboratory measurements of the microwave properties of the component gases present in their atmospheres become ever more critical. This paper describes the system that has been developed at Georgia Tech to make these measurements at wavelengths ranging from 13.3 cm to 1.38 cm with a sensitivity of 0.05 dB/km at the longest wavelength and 0.6 db/km at the shortest wavelength.

Highly sensitive, self-powered and wearable electronic skin based on pressure-sensitive nanofiber woven fabric sensor.

PubMed

Zhou, Yuman; He, Jianxin; Wang, Hongbo; Qi, Kun; Nan, Nan; You, Xiaolu; Shao, Weili; Wang, Lidan; Ding, Bin; Cui, Shizhong

2017-10-11

The wearable electronic skin with high sensitivity and self-power has shown increasing prospects for applications such as human health monitoring, robotic skin, and intelligent electronic products. In this work, we introduced and demonstrated a design of highly sensitive, self-powered, and wearable electronic skin based on a pressure-sensitive nanofiber woven fabric sensor fabricated by weaving PVDF electrospun yarns of nanofibers coated with PEDOT. Particularly, the nanofiber woven fabric sensor with multi-leveled hierarchical structure, which significantly induced the change in contact area under ultra-low load, showed combined superiority of high sensitivity (18.376 kPa -1 , at ~100 Pa), wide pressure range (0.002-10 kPa), fast response time (15 ms) and better durability (7500 cycles). More importantly, an open-circuit voltage signal of the PPNWF pressure sensor was obtained through applying periodic pressure of 10 kPa, and the output open-circuit voltage exhibited a distinct switching behavior to the applied pressure, indicating the wearable nanofiber woven fabric sensor could be self-powered under an applied pressure. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential application of this wearable nanofiber woven fabric sensor in electronic skin for health monitoring, human motion detection, and muscle tremor detection.

Effects of snow persistence on streamflow generation in mountain regions of the western U.S.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, J. C.; Kampf, S. K.

2015-12-01

In mountain regions, both snowpack trend analyses and modeling studies suggest that streamflow generation is sensitive to loss of snow, yet we still lack understanding of where the most snow-sensitive regions are located. Snow persistence (SP), defined as the fraction of year that an area is snow-covered, is a useful variable for identifying snow-sensitive regions because it is easily observed globally using remote sensing. SP can affect streamflow generation by shifting the timing and magnitude of water input. All other factors being equal, we hypothesize that declining SP decreases the ratio of streamflow to precipitation (runoff ratio), and the magnitude of this effect is greater in arid climates than in humid climates. To evaluate whether streamflow generation declines with decreasing SP, we used the MODSCAG fractional snow cover product and 68 USGS reference catchments across five mountainous regions of the Western U.S. to compute annual and mean annual SP and discharge for water years 2000 to 2011. We used PRISM precipitation to compute the annual and mean annual runoff ratio for each catchment. Results show strong positive relationships between annual SP and annual runoff ratio in the Northern Rockies, Southern Rockies, and Basin and Range, where annual precipitation ranges from 0.25 m at low elevations in the Basin and Range to 2.5 m at high elevations in the Northern Rockies. Mean annual runoff ratios for these regions range from 0.32-0.53, and they also increase with mean annual SP. No relationships between annual SP and runoff ratios are evident in the wetter North Cascades and Sierra Nevada ranges, where annual precipitation ranges from 0.44 m in the low elevation Sierras to 4.8 m in the high elevation Cascades. Mean annual runoff ratios for these regions are 0.53-0.87 and show no clear dependence on SP. These results suggest that streamflow generation in arid regions may be most sensitive to loss of persistent winter snow.

Fabrications and Performance of Wireless LC Pressure Sensors through LTCC Technology.

PubMed

Lin, Lin; Ma, Mingsheng; Zhang, Faqiang; Liu, Feng; Liu, Zhifu; Li, Yongxiang

2018-01-25

This paper presents a kind of passive wireless pressure sensor comprised of a planar spiral inductor and a cavity parallel plate capacitor fabricated through low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The LTCC material with a low Young's modulus of ~65 GPa prepared by our laboratory was used to obtain high sensitivity. A three-step lamination process was applied to construct a high quality cavity structure without using any sacrificial materials. The effects of the thickness of the sensing membranes on the sensitivity and detection range of the pressure sensors were investigated. The sensor with a 148 μm sensing membrane showed the highest sensitivity of 3.76 kHz/kPa, and the sensor with a 432 μm sensing membrane presented a high detection limit of 2660 kPa. The tunable sensitivity and detection limit of the wireless pressure sensors can meet the requirements of different scenes.

Refractive index sensor based on lateral-offset of coreless silica interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baharin, Nur Faizzah; Azmi, Asrul Izam; Abdullah, Ahmad Sharmi; Mohd Noor, Muhammad Yusof

2018-02-01

A compact, cost-effective and high sensitivity fiber interferometer refractive index (RI) sensor based on symmetrical offset coreless silica fiber (CSF) configuration is proposed, optimized and demonstrated. The sensor is formed by splicing a section of CSF between two CSF sections in an offset manner. Thus, two distinct optical paths are created with large index difference, the first path through the connecting CSF sections and the second path is outside the CSF through the surrounding media. RI sensing is established from direct interaction of light with surrounding media, hence high sensitivity can be achieved with a relatively compact sensor length. In the experimental work, a 1.5 mm sensor demonstrates RI sensitivity of 750 nm/RIU for RI range between 1.33 and 1.345. With the main attributes of high sensitivity and compact size, the proposed sensor can be further developed for related applications including blood diagnosis, water quality control and food industries.

Elucidation of high sensitivity of δ-HMX: New insight from first principles simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuklja, Maija M.; Tsyshevsky, Roman V.; Sharia, Onise

2017-01-01

Understanding of a significant difference in sensitivities of β and δ phases of cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX) has been long one of the challenges in the field of high energy density materials. Despite many experimental and theoretical efforts to explain the high sensitivity of the δ phase, convincing reasons behind the HMX behavior remained unclear. We established that the presence of a polar surface in δ-HMX has fundamental implications for stability and overall chemical behavior of the material. A comparative quantum-chemical analysis of decomposition mechanisms in polar δ-HMX and nonpolar β-HMX discovered a considerable difference in dominating dissociation reactions, activation barriers, and reaction rates. The polarization-induced charge transfer offered a logical explanation for different sensitivity of β-HMX and δ-HMX polymorphs to detonation initiation. Our conclusions also removed long-standing contradictions and explained a large range of experimental data on thermal decomposition of HMX.

Fast, Highly-Sensitive, and Wide-Dynamic-Range Interdigitated Capacitor Glucose Biosensor Using Solvatochromic Dye-Containing Sensing Membrane

PubMed Central

Khan, Md. Rajibur Rahaman; Khalilian, Alireza; Kang, Shin-Won

2016-01-01

In this paper, we proposed an interdigitated capacitor (IDC)-based glucose biosensor to measure different concentrations of glucose from 1 μM to 1 M. We studied four different types of solvatochromic dyes: Auramine O, Nile red, Rhodamine B, and Reichardt’s dye (R-dye). These dyes were individually incorporated into a polymer [polyvinyl chloride (PVC)] and N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) solution to make the respective dielectric/sensing materials. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time an IDC glucose biosensing system utilizing a solvatochromic-dye-containing sensing membrane. These four dielectric or sensing materials were individually placed into the interdigitated electrode (IDE) by spin coating to make four IDC glucose biosensing elements. The proposed IDC glucose biosensor has a high sensing ability over a wide dynamic range and its sensitivity was about 23.32 mV/decade. It also has fast response and recovery times of approximately 7 s and 5 s, respectively, excellent reproducibility with a standard deviation of approximately 0.023, highly stable sensing performance, and real-time monitoring capabilities. The proposed IDC glucose biosensor was compared with an IDC, potentiometric, FET, and fiber-optic glucose sensor with respect to response time, dynamic range width, sensitivity, and linearity. We observed that the designed IDC glucose biosensor offered excellent performance. PMID:26907291

Fast, Highly-Sensitive, and Wide-Dynamic-Range Interdigitated Capacitor Glucose Biosensor Using Solvatochromic Dye-Containing Sensing Membrane.

PubMed

Khan, Md Rajibur Rahaman; Khalilian, Alireza; Kang, Shin-Won

2016-02-20

In this paper, we proposed an interdigitated capacitor (IDC)-based glucose biosensor to measure different concentrations of glucose from 1 μM to 1 M. We studied four different types of solvatochromic dyes: Auramine O, Nile red, Rhodamine B, and Reichardt's dye (R-dye). These dyes were individually incorporated into a polymer [polyvinyl chloride (PVC)] and N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) solution to make the respective dielectric/sensing materials. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time an IDC glucose biosensing system utilizing a solvatochromic-dye-containing sensing membrane. These four dielectric or sensing materials were individually placed into the interdigitated electrode (IDE) by spin coating to make four IDC glucose biosensing elements. The proposed IDC glucose biosensor has a high sensing ability over a wide dynamic range and its sensitivity was about 23.32 mV/decade. It also has fast response and recovery times of approximately 7 s and 5 s, respectively, excellent reproducibility with a standard deviation of approximately 0.023, highly stable sensing performance, and real-time monitoring capabilities. The proposed IDC glucose biosensor was compared with an IDC, potentiometric, FET, and fiber-optic glucose sensor with respect to response time, dynamic range width, sensitivity, and linearity. We observed that the designed IDC glucose biosensor offered excellent performance.

Highly Sensitive and Wide-Dynamic-Range Multichannel Optical-Fiber pH Sensor Based on PWM Technique.

PubMed

Khan, Md Rajibur Rahaman; Kang, Shin-Won

2016-11-09

In this study, we propose a highly sensitive multichannel pH sensor that is based on an optical-fiber pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. According to the optical-fiber PWM method, the received sensing signal's pulse width changes when the optical-fiber pH sensing-element of the array comes into contact with pH buffer solutions. The proposed optical-fiber PWM pH-sensing system offers a linear sensing response over a wide range of pH values from 2 to 12, with a high pH-sensing ability. The sensitivity of the proposed pH sensor is 0.46 µs/pH, and the correlation coefficient R² is approximately 0.997. Additional advantages of the proposed optical-fiber PWM pH sensor include a short/fast response-time of about 8 s, good reproducibility properties with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of about 0.019, easy fabrication, low cost, small size, reusability of the optical-fiber sensing-element, and the capability of remote sensing. Finally, the performance of the proposed PWM pH sensor was compared with that of potentiometric, optical-fiber modal interferometer, and optical-fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer pH sensors with respect to dynamic range width, linearity as well as response and recovery times. We observed that the proposed sensing systems have better sensing abilities than the above-mentioned pH sensors.

Highly Sensitive and Wide-Dynamic-Range Multichannel Optical-Fiber pH Sensor Based on PWM Technique

PubMed Central

Khan, Md. Rajibur Rahaman; Kang, Shin-Won

2016-01-01

In this study, we propose a highly sensitive multichannel pH sensor that is based on an optical-fiber pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. According to the optical-fiber PWM method, the received sensing signal’s pulse width changes when the optical-fiber pH sensing-element of the array comes into contact with pH buffer solutions. The proposed optical-fiber PWM pH-sensing system offers a linear sensing response over a wide range of pH values from 2 to 12, with a high pH-sensing ability. The sensitivity of the proposed pH sensor is 0.46 µs/pH, and the correlation coefficient R2 is approximately 0.997. Additional advantages of the proposed optical-fiber PWM pH sensor include a short/fast response-time of about 8 s, good reproducibility properties with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of about 0.019, easy fabrication, low cost, small size, reusability of the optical-fiber sensing-element, and the capability of remote sensing. Finally, the performance of the proposed PWM pH sensor was compared with that of potentiometric, optical-fiber modal interferometer, and optical-fiber Fabry–Perot interferometer pH sensors with respect to dynamic range width, linearity as well as response and recovery times. We observed that the proposed sensing systems have better sensing abilities than the above-mentioned pH sensors. PMID:27834865

Modification of YAPE keypoint detection algorithm for wide local contrast range images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukoyanov, A.; Nikolaev, D.; Konovalenko, I.

2018-04-01

Keypoint detection is an important tool of image analysis, and among many contemporary keypoint detection algorithms YAPE is known for its computational performance, allowing its use in mobile and embedded systems. One of its shortcomings is high sensitivity to local contrast which leads to high detection density in high-contrast areas while missing detections in low-contrast ones. In this work we study the contrast sensitivity of YAPE and propose a modification which compensates for this property on images with wide local contrast range (Yet Another Contrast-Invariant Point Extractor, YACIPE). As a model example, we considered the traffic sign recognition problem, where some signs are well-lighted, whereas others are in shadows and thus have low contrast. We show that the number of traffic signs on the image of which has not been detected any keypoints is 40% less for the proposed modification compared to the original algorithm.

Rapid mapping of polarization switching through complete information acquisition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somnath, Suhas; Belianinov, Alex; Kalinin, Sergei V.; Jesse, Stephen

2016-12-01

Polarization switching in ferroelectric and multiferroic materials underpins a broad range of current and emergent applications, ranging from random access memories to field-effect transistors, and tunnelling devices. Switching in these materials is exquisitely sensitive to local defects and microstructure on the nanometre scale, necessitating spatially resolved high-resolution studies of these phenomena. Classical piezoresponse force microscopy and spectroscopy, although providing necessary spatial resolution, are fundamentally limited in data acquisition rates and energy resolution. This limitation stems from their two-tiered measurement protocol that combines slow (~1 s) switching and fast (~10 kHz-1 MHz) detection waveforms. Here we develop an approach for rapid probing of ferroelectric switching using direct strain detection of material response to probe bias. This approach, facilitated by high-sensitivity electronics and adaptive filtering, enables spectroscopic imaging at a rate 3,504 times faster the current state of the art, achieving high-veracity imaging of polarization dynamics in complex microstructures.

Wearable Wide-Range Strain Sensors Based on Ionic Liquids and Monitoring of Human Activities

PubMed Central

Zhang, Shao-Hui; Wang, Feng-Xia; Li, Jia-Jia; Peng, Hong-Dan; Yan, Jing-Hui; Pan, Ge-Bo

2017-01-01

Wearable sensors for detection of human activities have encouraged the development of highly elastic sensors. In particular, to capture subtle and large-scale body motion, stretchable and wide-range strain sensors are highly desired, but still a challenge. Herein, a highly stretchable and transparent stain sensor based on ionic liquids and elastic polymer has been developed. The as-obtained sensor exhibits impressive stretchability with wide-range strain (from 0.1% to 400%), good bending properties and high sensitivity, whose gauge factor can reach 7.9. Importantly, the sensors show excellent biological compatibility and succeed in monitoring the diverse human activities ranging from the complex large-scale multidimensional motions to subtle signals, including wrist, finger and elbow joint bending, finger touch, breath, speech, swallow behavior and pulse wave. PMID:29135928

The Design and Optimization of a Highly Sensitive and Overload-Resistant Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor

PubMed Central

Meng, Xiawei; Zhao, Yulong

2016-01-01

A piezoresistive pressure sensor with a beam-membrane-dual-island structure is developed for micro-pressure monitoring in the field of aviation, which requires great sensitivity and overload resistance capacity. The design, fabrication, and test of the sensor are presented in this paper. By analyzing the stress distribution of sensitive elements using the finite element method, a novel structure incorporating sensitive beams with a traditional bossed diaphragm is built up. The proposed structure proved to be advantageous in terms of high sensitivity and high overload resistance compared with the conventional bossed diaphragm and flat diaphragm structures. Curve fittings of surface stress and deflection based on ANSYS simulation results are performed to establish the sensor equations. Fabricated on an n-type single crystal silicon wafer, the sensor chips are wire-bonded to a printed circuit board (PCB) and packaged for experiments. The static and dynamic characteristics are tested and discussed. Experimental results show that the sensor has a sensitivity as high as 17.339 μV/V/Pa in the range of 500 Pa at room temperature, and a high overload resistance of 200 times overpressure. Due to the excellent performance, the sensor can be applied in measuring micro-pressure lower than 500 Pa. PMID:27005627

Wide-Field Imaging Using Nitrogen Vacancies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Englund, Dirk Robert (Inventor); Trusheim, Matthew Edwin (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Nitrogen vacancies in bulk diamonds and nanodiamonds can be used to sense temperature, pressure, electromagnetic fields, and pH. Unfortunately, conventional sensing techniques use gated detection and confocal imaging, limiting the measurement sensitivity and precluding wide-field imaging. Conversely, the present sensing techniques do not require gated detection or confocal imaging and can therefore be used to image temperature, pressure, electromagnetic fields, and pH over wide fields of view. In some cases, wide-field imaging supports spatial localization of the NVs to precisions at or below the diffraction limit. Moreover, the measurement range can extend over extremely wide dynamic range at very high sensitivity.

Ionic pH and glucose sensors fabricated using hydrothermal ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jyh-Liang; Yang, Po-Yu; Hsieh, Tsang-Yen; Juan, Pi-Chun

2016-01-01

Hydrothermally synthesized aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) nanostructures have been adopted in extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) sensors to demonstrate the sensitive and stable pH and glucose sensing characteristics of AZO-nanostructured EGFET sensors. The AZO-nanostructured EGFET sensors exhibited the following superior pH sensing characteristics: a high current sensitivity of 0.96 µA1/2/pH, a high linearity of 0.9999, less distortion of output waveforms, a small hysteresis width of 4.83 mV, good long-term repeatability, and a wide sensing range from pHs 1 to 13. The glucose sensing characteristics of AZO-nanostructured biosensors exhibited the desired sensitivity of 60.5 µA·cm-2·mM-1 and a linearity of 0.9996 up to 13.9 mM. The attractive characteristics of high sensitivity, high linearity, and repeatability of using ionic AZO-nanostructured EGFET sensors indicate their potential use as electrochemical and disposable biosensors.

Fabrication of a highly sensitive penicillin sensor based on charge transfer techniques.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Ro; Rahman, M M; Sawada, Kazuaki; Ishida, Makoto

2009-03-15

A highly sensitive penicillin biosensor based on a charge-transfer technique (CTTPS) has been fabricated and demonstrated in this paper. CTTPS comprised a charge accumulation technique for penicilloic acid and H(+) ions perception system. With the proposed CTTPS, it is possible to amplify the sensing signals without external amplifier by using the charge accumulation cycles. The fabricated CTTPS exhibits excellent performance for penicillin detection and exhibit a high-sensitivity (47.852 mV/mM), high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), large span (1445 mV), wide linear range (0-25 mM), fast response time (<3s), and very good reproducibility. A very lower detection limit of about 0.01 mM was observed from the proposed sensor. Under optimum conditions, the proposed CTTPS outstripped the performance of the widely used ISFET penicillin sensor and exhibited almost eight times greater sensitivity as compared to ISFET (6.56 mV/mM). The sensor system is implemented for the measurement of the penicillin concentration in penicillin fermentation broth.

Freely suspended nanocomposite membranes as highly sensitive sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chaoyang; Markutsya, Sergiy; Pikus, Yuri; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.

2004-10-01

Highly sensitive sensor arrays are in high demand for prospective applications in remote sensing and imaging. Measuring microscopic deflections of compliant micromembranes and cantilevers is developing into one of the most versatile approaches for thermal, acoustic and chemical sensing. Here, we report on an innovative fabrication of compliant nanocomposite membranes with nanoscale thickness showing extraordinary sensitivity and dynamic range, which makes them candidates for a new generation of membrane-based sensor arrays. These nanomembranes with a thickness of 25-70 nm, which can be freely suspended over large (hundred micrometres) openings are fabricated with molecular precision by time-efficient, spin-assisted layer-by-layer assembly. They are designed as multilayered molecular composites made of a combination of polymeric monolayers and a metal nanoparticle intralayer. We demonstrate that these nanocomposite membranes possess unparalleled sensitivity and a unique autorecovering ability. The membrane nanostructure that is responsible for these outstanding properties combines multilayered polymer/nanoparticle organization, high polymer-chain orientation, and a pre-stretched state.

Stimulus Sensitivity of a Spiking Neural Network Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chevallier, Julien

2018-02-01

Some recent papers relate the criticality of complex systems to their maximal capacity of information processing. In the present paper, we consider high dimensional point processes, known as age-dependent Hawkes processes, which have been used to model spiking neural networks. Using mean-field approximation, the response of the network to a stimulus is computed and we provide a notion of stimulus sensitivity. It appears that the maximal sensitivity is achieved in the sub-critical regime, yet almost critical for a range of biologically relevant parameters.

Highly-sensitive and large-dynamic diffuse optical tomography system for breast tumor detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Wenwen; Zhang, Limin; Yin, Guoyan; Zhang, Yanqi; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng

2018-02-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) as a new functional imaging has important clinical applications in many aspects such as benign and malignant breast tumor detection, tumor staging and so on. For quantitative detection of breast tumor, a three-wavelength continuous-wave DOT prototype system combined the ultra-high sensitivity of the photon-counting detection and the measurement parallelism of the lock-in technique was developed to provide high temporal resolution, high sensitivity, large dynamic detection range and signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, a CT-analogous scanning mode was proposed to cost-effectively increase the detection data. To evaluate the feasibility of the system, a series of assessments were conducted. The results demonstrate that the system can obtain high linearity, stability and negligible inter-wavelength crosstalk. The preliminary phantom experiments show the absorption coefficient is able to be successfully reconstructed, indicating that the system is one of the ideal platforms for optical breast tumor detection.

Development of techniques for the analysis of isoflavones in soy foods and nutraceuticals.

PubMed

Dentith, Susan; Lockwood, Brian

2008-05-01

For over 20 years, soy isoflavones have been investigated for their ability to prevent a wide range of cancers and cardiovascular problems, and numerous other disease states. This research is underpinned by the ability of researchers to analyse isoflavones in various forms in a range of raw materials and biological fluids. This review summarizes the techniques recently used in their analysis. The speed of high performance liquid chromatography analysis has been improved, allowing analysis of more samples, and increasing the sensitivity of detection techniques allows quantification of isoflavones down to nanomoles per litre levels in biological fluids. The combination of high-performance liquid chromatography with immunoassay has allowed identification and estimation of low-level soy isoflavones. The use of soy isoflavone supplements has shown an increase in their circulating levels in plasma and urine, aiding investigation of their biological effects. The significance of the metabolite equol has spurned research into new areas, and recently the specific enantiomers have been studied. High-performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and gas chromatography are widely used with a range of detection systems. Increasingly, immunoassay is being used because of its high sensitivity and low cost.

Towards the determination of sulfonamides in meat samples: A magnetic and mesoporous metal-organic framework as an efficient sorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Xia, Lian; Liu, Lijie; Lv, Xiaoxia; Qu, Fei; Li, Guoliang; You, Jinmao

2017-06-02

A magnetic, mesoporous core/shell structured Fe 3 O 4 @JUC-48 nanocomposite was synthesized and employed as a magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) sorbent for the determination of trace sulfonamides (SAs) in meat samples. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Brunner-Emmet-Teller, and vibrating sample magnetometry; the Fe 3 O 4 @JUC-48 nanocomposite exhibited a distinctive morphology, large surface area, high magnetism, open adsorption sites, and high chemical stability. By combining the optimized MSPE conditions with high performance liquid chromatography diode array detection, an accurate and sensitive method for the determination of 5 SAs, including sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfathiazole (STZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfamethazine (SMZ), and sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP), was developed. The method exhibited good linearity in the range of 3.97-1000ng/g with R ranging from 0.9991 to 0.9994, high sensitivity with LODs ranging from 1.73 to 5.23ng/g, adequate recoveries between 76.1 and 102.6% with low relative standard deviations ranging from 2.1 to 6.4%, and high precision with RSD<4.5%. The Fe 3 O 4 @JUC-48 magnetic nanocomposite is a promising sorbent for the rapid and efficient extraction of SAs from complex biological samples such as chicken, pork, and shrimp. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New feature of the neutron color image intensifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nittoh, Koichi; Konagai, Chikara; Noji, Takashi; Miyabe, Keisuke

2009-06-01

We developed prototype neutron color image intensifiers with high-sensitivity, wide dynamic range and long-life characteristics. In the prototype intensifier (Gd-Type 1), a terbium-activated Gd 2O 2S is used as the input-screen phosphor. In the upgraded model (Gd-Type 2), Gd 2O 3 and CsI:Na are vacuum deposited to form the phosphor layer, which improved the sensitivity and the spatial uniformity. A europium-activated Y 2O 2S multi-color scintillator, emitting red, green and blue photons with different intensities, is utilized as the output screen of the intensifier. By combining this image intensifier with a suitably tuned high-sensitive color CCD camera, higher sensitivity and wider dynamic range could be simultaneously attained than that of the conventional P20-phosphor-type image intensifier. The results of experiments at the JRR-3M neutron radiography irradiation port (flux: 1.5×10 8 n/cm 2/s) showed that these neutron color image intensifiers can clearly image dynamic phenomena with a 30 frame/s video picture. It is expected that the color image intensifier will be used as a new two-dimensional neutron sensor in new application fields.

A portable synthesis of water-soluble carbon dots for highly sensitive and selective detection of chlorogenic acid based on inner filter effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Huan; Yang, Liu; Yuan, Yusheng; Pan, Shuang; Yang, Jidong; Yan, Jingjing; Zhang, Hui; Sun, Qianqian; Hu, Xiaoli

2018-01-01

In this work, a simple and facile hydrothermal method for synthesis of water-soluble carbon dots (CDs) with malic acid and urea, and were then employed as a high-performance fluorescent probe for selective and sensitive determination of chlorogenic acid (CGA) based on inner filter effect. The as-synthesized CDs was systematically characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, spectrofluorophotometry, and the results indicated that the sizes of CDs were mainly distributed in the range of 1.0 nm-3.0 nm with an average diameter of 2.1 nm. More significantly, the as-prepared CDs possessed remarkable selectivity and sensitivity towards CGA with the linear range of 0.15 μmol L- 1-60 μmol L- 1 and the detection limit for CGA was 45 nmol L- 1 (3σ/k). The practical applications of CDs for detection of CGA have already been successfully demonstrated in Honeysuckle. This sensitive, selective method has a great application prospect in the pharmaceutical and biological analysis field owing to its simplicity and rapidity for the detection of CGA.

The Design and Operation of Ultra-Sensitive and Tunable Radio-Frequency Interferometers.

PubMed

Cui, Yan; Wang, Pingshan

2014-12-01

Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) is an important technique for scientific and technological investigations in various areas. DS sensitivity and operating frequency ranges are critical for many applications, including lab-on-chip development where sample volumes are small with a wide range of dynamic processes to probe. In this work, we present the design and operation considerations of radio-frequency (RF) interferometers that are based on power-dividers (PDs) and quadrature-hybrids (QHs). Such interferometers are proposed to address the sensitivity and frequency tuning challenges of current DS techniques. Verified algorithms together with mathematical models are presented to quantify material properties from scattering parameters for three common transmission line sensing structures, i.e., coplanar waveguides (CPWs), conductor-backed CPWs, and microstrip lines. A high-sensitivity and stable QH-based interferometer is demonstrated by measuring glucose-water solution at a concentration level that is ten times lower than some recent RF sensors while our sample volume is ~1 nL. Composition analysis of ternary mixture solutions are also demonstrated with a PD-based interferometer. Further work is needed to address issues like system automation, model improvement at high frequencies, and interferometer scaling.

A High Sensitivity IDC-Electronic Tongue Using Dielectric/Sensing Membranes with Solvatochromic Dyes

PubMed Central

Khan, Md. Rajibur Rahaman; Khalilian, Alireza; Kang, Shin-Won

2016-01-01

In this paper, an electronic tongue/taste sensor array containing different interdigitated capacitor (IDC) sensing elements to detect different types of tastes, such as sweetness (glucose), saltiness (NaCl), sourness (HCl), bitterness (quinine-HCl), and umami (monosodium glutamate) is proposed. We present for the first time an IDC electronic tongue using sensing membranes containing solvatochromic dyes. The proposed highly sensitive (30.64 mV/decade sensitivity) IDC electronic tongue has fast response and recovery times of about 6 s and 5 s, respectively, with extremely stable responses, and is capable of linear sensing performance (R2 ≈ 0.985 correlation coefficient) over the wide dynamic range of 1 µM to 1 M. The designed IDC electronic tongue offers excellent reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of about 0.029. The proposed device was found to have better sensing performance than potentiometric-, cascoded compatible lateral bipolar transistor (C-CLBT)-, Electronic Tongue (SA402)-, and fiber-optic-based taste sensing systems in what concerns dynamic range width, response time, sensitivity, and linearity. Finally, we applied principal component analysis (PCA) to distinguish between various kinds of taste in mixed taste compounds. PMID:27171095

A High Sensitivity IDC-Electronic Tongue Using Dielectric/Sensing Membranes with Solvatochromic Dyes.

PubMed

Khan, Md Rajibur Rahaman; Khalilian, Alireza; Kang, Shin-Won

2016-05-10

In this paper, an electronic tongue/taste sensor array containing different interdigitated capacitor (IDC) sensing elements to detect different types of tastes, such as sweetness (glucose), saltiness (NaCl), sourness (HCl), bitterness (quinine-HCl), and umami (monosodium glutamate) is proposed. We present for the first time an IDC electronic tongue using sensing membranes containing solvatochromic dyes. The proposed highly sensitive (30.64 mV/decade sensitivity) IDC electronic tongue has fast response and recovery times of about 6 s and 5 s, respectively, with extremely stable responses, and is capable of linear sensing performance (R² ≈ 0.985 correlation coefficient) over the wide dynamic range of 1 µM to 1 M. The designed IDC electronic tongue offers excellent reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of about 0.029. The proposed device was found to have better sensing performance than potentiometric-, cascoded compatible lateral bipolar transistor (C-CLBT)-, Electronic Tongue (SA402)-, and fiber-optic-based taste sensing systems in what concerns dynamic range width, response time, sensitivity, and linearity. Finally, we applied principal component analysis (PCA) to distinguish between various kinds of taste in mixed taste compounds.

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

Gao, Liang; Dong, Dongdong; Qiao, Keke

Wearable and sensitive photodetectors (PDs) have been demonstrated based on a blend film of PbS quantum dots (QDs) and QDs modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Owing to the synergetic effect from high light sensitivity of PbS QDs and excellent conductive and mechanical properties of MWCNTs, the blend PDs show high sensitivity and flexibility performance: device responsivity and detectivity reach 583 mA/W and 3.25 × 10{sup 12 }Jones, respectively, and could stand large number (at least 10 000 cycles) and wide angle (up to 80°) bending. Furthermore, the wearable and sensitive PDs have been applied to measure the heart rate in both red and near infraredmore » (NIR) ranges. The presented PDs are expected to work as sensor candidates in integrated electronic skin.« less

Experimental Investigation of a Piezo-Optical Transducer for Highly Sensitive Strain Gauges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulish, A. G.; Zagubisalo, P. S.; Barakov, V. N.; Pavlov, M. A.

2018-03-01

The characteristics of a piezo-optical transducer of a new design with high strain sensitivity at compact size have been studied.The original form of the photoelastic element provides a considerable increase in the stress in its working area at a given external force, resulting in an increase in the sensitivity of the transducer. The main characteristics of the transducer were measured using a specially designed device. The strain at a given applied force was calculated using a developed mathematical model of the transducer. As a result, the sensitivity to the relative strain was Δ x/ x=3 · 10-10, the dynamic range was at least four orders of magnitude higher and the gauge factor three orders of magnitude higher than those of strain-resistive gauges.

High Sensitivity Refractometer Based on TiO2-Coated Adiabatic Tapered Optical Fiber via ALD Technology

PubMed Central

Zhu, Shan; Pang, Fufei; Huang, Sujuan; Zou, Fang; Guo, Qiang; Wen, Jianxiang; Wang, Tingyun

2016-01-01

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology is introduced to fabricate a high sensitivity refractometer based on an adiabatic tapered optical fiber. Different thicknesses of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofilm were coated around the tapered fiber precisely and uniformly under different deposition cycles. Attributed to the higher refractive index of the TiO2 nanofilm compared to that of silica, an asymmetric Fabry–Perot (F-P) resonator could be constructed along the fiber taper. The central wavelength of the F-P resonator could be controlled by adjusting the thickness of the TiO2 nanofilm. Such a F-P resonator is sensitive to changes in the surrounding refractive index (SRI), which is utilized to realize a high sensitivity refractometer. The refractometer developed by depositing 50.9-nm-thickness TiO2 on the tapered fiber shows SRI sensitivity as high as 7096 nm/RIU in the SRI range of 1.3373–1.3500. Due to TiO2’s advantages of high refractive index, lack of toxicity, and good biocompatibility, this refractometer is expected to have wide applications in the biochemical sensing field. PMID:27537885

Sampling methods for bats.

Treesearch

D.W. Thomas; S.D. West

1989-01-01

Bats represent the second most diverse group of mammals inhabiting the western slopes of the Cascade Range in southern Washington and the Oregon Coast Range. Bat populations may well be sensitive to changes in forest age, structure, or distribution, but their nocturnal habits and high mobility render the study of the habitat requirements of bats problematical. Unlike...

Micro-optoelectromechanical systems accelerometer based on intensity modulation using a one-dimensional photonic crystal.

PubMed

Sheikhaleh, Arash; Abedi, Kambiz; Jafari, Kian; Gholamzadeh, Reza

2016-11-10

In this paper, we propose what we believe is a novel sensitive micro-optoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) accelerometer based on intensity modulation by using a one-dimensional photonic crystal. The optical sensing system of the proposed structure includes an air-dielectric multilayer photonic bandgap material, a laser diode (LD) light source, a typical photodiode (1550 nm) and a set of integrated optical waveguides. The proposed sensor provides several advantages, such as a relatively wide measurement range, good linearity in the whole measurement range, integration capability, negligible cross-axis sensitivity, high reliability, and low air-damping coefficient, which results in a wider frequency bandwidth for a fixed resonance frequency. Simulation results show that the functional characteristics of the sensor are as follows: a mechanical sensitivity of 119.21 nm/g, a linear measurement range of ±38g and a resonance frequency of 1444 Hz. Thanks to the above-mentioned characteristics, the proposed MOEMS accelerometer is suitable for a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace and inertial navigation.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging-compatible optical detectors for in-magnet tissue spectroscopy: photodiodes versus silicon photomultipliers

PubMed Central

El-Ghussein, Fadi; Jiang, Shudong; Pogue, Brian W.; Paulsen, Keith D.

2014-01-01

Abstract. Tissue spectroscopy inside the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system adds a significant value by measuring fast vascular hemoglobin responses or completing spectroscopic identification of diagnostically relevant molecules. Advances in this type of spectroscopy instrumentation have largely focused on fiber coupling into and out of the MRI; however, nonmagnetic detectors can now be placed inside the scanner with signal amplification performed remotely to the high field environment for optimized light detection. In this study, the two possible detector options, such as silicon photodiodes (PD) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPM), were systematically examined for dynamic range and wavelength performance. Results show that PDs offer 108 (160 dB) dynamic range with sensitivity down to 1 pW, whereas SiPMs have 107 (140 dB) dynamic range and sensitivity down to 10 pW. A second major difference is the spectral sensitivity of the two detectors. Here, wavelengths in the 940 nm range are efficiently captured by PDs (but not SiPMs), likely making them the superior choice for broadband spectroscopy guided by MRI. PMID:25006986

Reynolds Number Effects on Leading Edge Radius Variations of a Supersonic Transport at Transonic Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivers, S. M. B.; Wahls, R. A.; Owens, L. R.

2001-01-01

A computational study focused on leading-edge radius effects and associated Reynolds number sensitivity for a High Speed Civil Transport configuration at transonic conditions was conducted as part of NASA's High Speed Research Program. The primary purposes were to assess the capabilities of computational fluid dynamics to predict Reynolds number effects for a range of leading-edge radius distributions on a second-generation supersonic transport configuration, and to evaluate the potential performance benefits of each at the transonic cruise condition. Five leading-edge radius distributions are described, and the potential performance benefit including the Reynolds number sensitivity for each is presented. Computational results for two leading-edge radius distributions are compared with experimental results acquired in the National Transonic Facility over a broad Reynolds number range.

Ultra-broadband phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry with a temporally sequenced multi-frequency source.

PubMed

Wang, Zhaoyong; Pan, Zhengqing; Fang, Zujie; Ye, Qing; Lu, Bin; Cai, Haiwen; Qu, Ronghui

2015-11-15

A phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) with a temporally sequenced multi-frequency (TSMF) source is proposed. This technique can improve the system detection bandwidth without the sensing range decreasing. Up to 0.5 MHz detection bandwidth over 9.6 km is experimentally demonstrated as an example. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a high detection bandwidth over such a long sensing range is reported in Φ-OTDR-based distributed vibration sensing. The technical issues of TSMF Φ-OTDR are discussed in this Letter. This technique will help Φ-OTDR find new important foreground in long-haul distributed broadband-detection applications, such as structural-health monitoring and partial-discharge online monitoring of high voltage power cables.

Highly sensitive, colorimetric detection of mercury(II) in aqueous media by quaternary ammonium group-capped gold nanoparticles at room temperature.

PubMed

Liu, Dingbin; Qu, Weisi; Chen, Wenwen; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Zhuo; Jiang, Xingyu

2010-12-01

We provide a highly sensitive and selective assay to detect Hg(2+) in aqueous solutions using gold nanoparticles modified with quaternary ammonium group-terminated thiols at room temperature. The mechanism is the abstraction of thiols by Hg(2+) that led to the aggregation of nanoparticles. With the assistance of solar light irradiation, the detection limit can be as low as 30 nM, which satisfies the guideline concentration of Hg(2+) in drinking water set by the WHO. In addition, the dynamic range of detection is wide (3 × 10(-8)-1 × 10(-2) M). This range, to our best knowledge, is the widest one that has been reported so far in gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based assays for Hg(2+).

Novel biomarkers in critical care: utility or futility?

PubMed Central

Ackland, Gareth L; Mythen, Michael G

2007-01-01

One of the holy grails of modern medicine, across a range of clinical sub-specialties, is establishing highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for various diseases. Significant success has been achieved in some of these clinical areas, most notably identifying high-sensitivity C-reactive peptide, troponin I/T and brain natriuretic peptide as significant prognosticators for both the acute outcome and the development of cardiovascular pathology. However, it is highly debatable whether this translates to complex, multi-system pathophysiological insults. Is critical care immune from the application of these novel biomarkers, given the numerous confounding factors interfering with their interpretation? PMID:18001503

Performance Sensitivity Studies on the PIAA Implementation of the High-Contrast Imaging Testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sidick, Erkin; Lou, John; Shaklan, Stuart; Levine, Marie

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the sensitivity studies on the Phase-Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA), or pupil mapping using the High-Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT). PIAA is a promising technique in high-dynamic range stellar coronagraph. This presentation reports on the investigation of the effects of the phase and rigid-body errors of various optics on the narrowband contrast performance of the PIAA/HCIT hybrid system. The results have shown that the 2-step wavefront control method utilizing 2-DMs is quite effective in compensating the effects of realistic phase and rigid-body errors of various optics

Single diode laser sensor for wide-range H2O temperature measurements.

PubMed

Gharavi, Mohammadreza; Buckley, Steven G

2004-04-01

A single diode laser absorption sensor (near 1477 nm) useful for simultaneous temperature and H2O concentration measurements is developed. The diode laser tunes approximately 1.2 cm(-1) over three H2O absorption transitions in each measurement. The line strengths of the transitions are measured over a temperature range from 468 to 977 K, based on high-resolution absorption measurements in a heated static cell. The results indicate that the selected transitions are suitable for sensitive temperature measurements in atmospheric pressure combustion systems using absorption line ratios. Comparing the results with HITRAN 96 data, it appears that these transitions will be sensitive over a wide range of temperatures (450-2000 K), suggesting applicability for combustion measurements.

Patient safety and systematic reviews: finding papers indexed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL.

PubMed

Tanon, A A; Champagne, F; Contandriopoulos, A-P; Pomey, M-P; Vadeboncoeur, A; Nguyen, H

2010-10-01

To develop search strategies for identifying papers on patient safety in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Six journals were electronically searched for papers on patient safety published between 2000 and 2006. Identified papers were divided into two gold standards: one to build and the other to validate the search strategies. Candidate terms for strategy construction were identified using a word frequency analysis of titles, abstracts and keywords used to index the papers in the databases. Searches were run for each one of the selected terms independently in every database. Sensitivity, precision and specificity were calculated for each candidate term. Terms with sensitivity greater than 10% were combined to form the final strategies. The search strategies developed were run against the validation gold standard to assess their performance. A final step in the validation process was to compare the performance of each strategy to those of other strategies found in the literature. We developed strategies for all three databases that were highly sensitive (range 95%-100%), precise (range 40%-60%) and balanced (the product of sensitivity and precision being in the range of 30%-40%). The strategies were very specific and outperformed those found in the literature. The strategies we developed can meet the needs of users aiming to maximise either sensitivity or precision, or seeking a reasonable compromise between sensitivity and precision, when searching for papers on patient safety in MEDLINE, EMBASE or CINAHL.

Monitoring of high refractive index edible oils using coated long period fiber grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coelho, Luís.; Viegas, Diana; Santos, José Luís.; de Almeida, Jose Manuel M. M.

2015-05-01

Monitoring the quality of high refractive index edible oils is of great importance for the human health. Uncooked edible oils in general are healthy foodstuff, olive oil in particular, however, they are frequently used for baking and cooking. High quality edible oils are made from seeds, nuts or fruits by mechanical processes. Nevertheless, once the mechanical extraction is complete, up to 15% of the oil remains in oil pomace and in the mill wastewater, which can be extracted using organic solvents, often hexane. Optical fiber sensors based on long period fiber gratings (LPFG) have very low wavelength sensitivity when the surround refractive index is higher than the refractive index of the cladding. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated LPFG could lead to the realization of high sensitivity chemical sensor for the food industry. In this work LPFG coated with a TiO2 thin film were successfully used for to detect small levels of hexane diluted in edible oils and for real time monitoring the thermal deterioration of edible oils. For a TiO2 coating of 30 nm a wavelength sensitivity of 1361.7 nm/RIU (or 0.97 nm / % V/V) in the 1.4610-1.4670 refractive index range was achieved, corresponding to 0 to 12 % V/V of hexane in olive oil. A sensitivity higher than 638 nm/RIU at 225 ºC was calculated, in the 1.4670-1.4735 refractive index range with a detection limit of thermal deterioration of about 1 minute.

Technical Note: Using dual step-wedge and 2D scintillator to achieve highly precise and robust proton range quality assurance.

PubMed

Deng, Wei; Liu, Wei; Robertson, Daniel G; Bues, Martin; Sio, Terence T; Keole, Sameer R; Shen, Jiajian

2018-05-12

To develop a fast method for proton range quality assurance (QA) using a dual step-wedge and 2D scintillator and to evaluate the robustness, sensitivity, and long term reproducibility of this method. An in-house customized dual step-wedge and a 2D scintillator were developed to measure proton ranges. Proton beams with homogenous fluence were delivered through wedge, and the images captured by the scintillator were used to calculate the proton ranges by a simple trigonometric method. The range measurements of 97 energies, comprising all clinically available synchrotron energies at our facility (ranges varying from 4 to 32 cm) were repeated 10 times in all four gantry rooms for range baseline values. They were then used for evaluating room-to-room range consistencies. The robustness to setup uncertainty was evaluated by measuring ranges with ±2mm setup deviations in the x, y, and z directions. The long term reproducibility was evaluated by one month of daily range measurements by this method. Ranges of all 97 energies were measured in less than 10 minutes including setup time. The reproducibility in a single day and daily over one month is within 0.1 mm and 0.15 mm, respectively. The method was very robust to setup uncertainty, with measured range consistencies within 0.15mm for ±2mm couch shifts. The method was also sensitive enough for validating range consistencies among gantry rooms and for detecting small range variations. The new method of using a dual step-wedge and scintillator for proton range QA was efficient, highly reproducible, and robust. This method of proton range QA was highly feasible, and appealing from a workflow point of view. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Comment on: Polar Plumes and Fine-scale Coronal Structures - On the Interpretation of Coronal Radio Sounding Data by Patzold and Bird

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woo, R.; Habbal, S. R.

1998-01-01

Radio occultation measurements, which probe electron density over a wide dynamic range with high sensitivity and high spatial and temporal resolution reveal a solar corona permeated by a hierarchy of filamentary structures.

Photodiode array for position-sensitive detection using high X-ray flux provided by synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jucha, A.; Bonin, D.; Dartyge, E.; Flank, A. M.; Fontaine, A.; Raoux, D.

1984-09-01

Synchrotron radiation provides a high intensity source over a large range of wavelengths. This is the prominent quality that has laid the foundations of the EXAFS development (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure). EXAFS data can be collected in different ways. A full scan requires 5 to 10 min, compared to the one-day data collection of a conventional Bremsstrahlung X-ray tube. Recently, by using the new photodiode array (R 1024 SFX) manufactured by Reticon, it has been possible to reduce the data collection time to less than 100 ms. The key elements of this new EXAFS method are a dispersive optics combined with a position sensitive detector able to work under very high flux conditions. The total aperture of 2500 μm × 25 μm for each pixel is well suited to spectroscopic applications. Besides its high dynamic range (> 10 4) and its linearity, the rapidity of the readout allows a flux of 10 9-10 10 photons/s over the 1024 sensing elements.

A sensitive gel-based global O-glycomics approach reveals high levels of mannosyl glycans in the high mass region of the mouse brain proteome.

PubMed

Breloy, Isabelle; Pacharra, Sandra; Aust, Christina; Hanisch, Franz-Georg

2012-08-01

We developed a gel-based global O-glycomics method applicable for highly complex protein mixtures entrapped in discontinuous gradient gel layers. The protocol is based on in-gel proteolysis with pronase followed by (glyco)peptide elution and off-gel reductive β-elimination. The protocol offers robust performance with sensitivity in the low picomolar range, is compatible with gel-based proteomics, and shows superior performance in global applications in comparison with workflows eliminating glycans in-gel or from electroblotted glycoproteins. By applying this method, we analyzed the O-glycome of human myoblasts and of the mouse brain O-glycoproteome. After semipreparative separation of mouse brain proteins by one-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis, the O-glycans from proteins in different mass ranges were characterized with a focus on O-mannose-based glycans. The relative proportion of the latter, which generally represent a rare modification, increases to comparatively high levels in the mouse brain proteome in dependence of increasing protein masses.

Using the emergency department as a screening site for high blood pressure. A method for improving hypertension detection and appropriate referral.

PubMed

Mamon, J; Green, L; Levine, D M; Gibson, G; Gurley, H T

1987-08-01

This study describes the development and testing of a high blood pressure protocol for use in emergency departments (ED) to enhance detection of those patients appropriate for subsequent referral. The protocol involves two serial blood pressure measurements and a patient interview to determine: 1) previous history of high blood pressure (HBP), 2) treatment in past year for HBP, and 3) usual source of medical care. The accuracy of patient reporting was validated by comparison with the patients' hospital record (reflecting outpatient and inpatient visits). Results indicate that these self-reports have high levels of sensitivity (range 90-100%) and specificity (range 79-96%). Use of the additional patient information increased the sensitivity of the screening protocol in identifying when and where a patient should be referred. Use of this methodology indicates that the protocol is a simple and effective method for HBP screening. The findings also suggest that the ED is an ideal site for screening the "hard-to-reach" hypertensive population.

High sensitivity gas sensor based on high-Q suspended polymer photonic crystal nanocavity

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

Clevenson, Hannah, E-mail: hannahac@mit.edu; Desjardins, Pierre; Gan, Xuetao

2014-06-16

We present high-sensitivity, multi-use optical gas sensors based on a one-dimensional photonic crystal cavity. These devices are implemented in versatile, flexible polymer materials which swell when in contact with a target gas, causing a measurable cavity length change. This change causes a shift in the cavity resonance, allowing precision measurements of gas concentration. We demonstrate suspended polymer nanocavity sensors and the recovery of sensors after the removal of stimulant gas from the system. With a measured quality factor exceeding 10{sup 4}, we show measurements of gas concentration as low as 600 parts per million (ppm) and an experimental sensitivity ofmore » 10 ppm; furthermore, we predict detection levels in the parts-per-billion range for a variety of gases.« less

Advances in Multicollector ICPMS for precise and accurate isotope ratio measurements of Uranium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouman, C.; Lloyd, N. S.; Schwieters, J.

2011-12-01

The accurate and precise determination of uranium isotopes is challenging, because of the large dynamic range posed by the U isotope abundances and the limited available sample material. Various mass spectrometric techniques are used for the measurement of U isotopes, where TIMS is the most accepted and accurate one. Multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) can offer higher productivity compared to TIMS, but is traditionally limited by low efficiency of sample utilisation. This contribution will discuss progress in MC-ICPMS for detecting 234U, 235U, 236U and 238U in various uranium reference materials from IRMM and NBL. The Thermo Scientific NEPTUNE Plus with Jet Interface offers a modified dry plasma ICP interface using a large interface pump combined with a special set of sample and skimmer cones giving ultimate sensitivity for all elements across the mass range. For uranium, an ion yield of > 3 % was reported previously [1]. The NEPTUNE Plus also offers Multi Ion Counting using discrete dynode electron multipliers as well as two high abundance-sensitivity filters to discriminate against peak tailing effects on 234U and 236U originating from the major uranium beams. These improvements in sensitivity and dynamic range allow accurate measurements of 234U, 235U and 236U abundances on very small samples and at low concentration. In our approach, minor U isotopes 234U and 236U were detected on ion counters with high abundance sensitivity filters, whereas 235U and 238U were detected on Faraday Cups using a high gain current amplifier (10e12 Ohm) for 235U. Precisions and accuracies for 234U and 236U were down to ~1%. For 235U, subpermil levels were reached.

Rapid concentration and sensitive detection of hookworm ova from wastewater matrices using a real-time PCR method.

PubMed

Gyawali, P; Sidhu, J P S; Ahmed, W; Jagals, P; Toze, S

2015-12-01

The risk of human hookworm infections from land application of wastewater matrices could be high in regions with high hookworm prevalence. A rapid, sensitive and specific hookworm detection method from wastewater matrices is required in order to assess human health risks. Currently available methods used to identify hookworm ova to the species level are time consuming and lack accuracy. In this study, a real-time PCR method was developed for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of canine hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) ova from wastewater matrices. A. caninum was chosen because of its morphological similarity to the human hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). The newly developed PCR method has high detection sensitivity with the ability to detect less than one A. caninum ova from 1 L of secondary treated wastewater at the mean threshold cycle (CT) values ranging from 30.1 to 34.3. The method is also able to detect four A. caninum ova from 1 L of raw wastewater and from ∼4 g of treated sludge with mean CT values ranging from 35.6 to 39.8 and 39.8 to 39.9, respectively. The better detection sensitivity obtained for secondary treated wastewater compared to raw wastewater and sludge samples could be attributed to sample turbidity. The proposed method appears to be rapid, sensitive and specific compared to traditional methods and has potential to aid in the public health risk assessment associated with land application of wastewater matrices. Furthermore, the method can be adapted to detect other helminth ova of interest from wastewater matrices. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Aspect Ratio Perforated Co₃O₄ Nanowires Derived from Cobalt-Carbonate-Hydroxide Nanowires with Enhanced Sensing Performance.

PubMed

Zhou, Tuantuan; Gao, Wanlin; Wang, Qiang; Umar, Ahmad

2018-05-01

Herein, we report the facile synthesis of high-aspect ratio perforated Co3O4 nanowires derived from cobalt-carbonate-hydroxide (Co(CO3)0.5(OH) 0.11H2O) nanowires. The Co(CO3)0.5(OH) 0.11H2O nanowires were synthesized by simple hydrothermal process at 120 °C while annealing of such nanowires at 400 °C leads the formation of perforated Co3O4 nanowires. The prepared nanowires were characterized by several techniques which confirmed the high aspect ratio and well-crystallinity for the synthesized nanowires. For application point of view, the prepared perforated Co3O4 nanowires were used as efficient electrode material to fabricate highly sensitive and selective hydrazine chemical sensor. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was employed to confirm the successful modification of the electrode. The key parameters of chemical sensor, such as detection limit, sensitivity, and linear range, have been systematically explored. The fabricated hydrazine sensor displayed a rather low detection limit of 4.52 μM (S/N = 3), a good sensitivity of 25.70 μA · mM-1, and a wide linear range of 16.97-358.34 μM.

Highly sensitive protein detection using a plasmonic field effect transistor (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shokri-Kojori, Hossein; Ji, Yiwen; Han, Xu; Paik, Younghun; Braunschweig, Adam; Kim, Sung Jin

2016-03-01

Localized surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) is a nanoscale phenomenon which presents strong resonance associated with noble metal nanostructures. This plasmon resonance based technology enables highly sensitive detection for chemical and biological applications. Recently, we have developed a plasmon field effect transistor (FET) that enables direct plasmonic-to-electric signal conversion with signal amplification. The plasmon FET consists of back-gated field effect transistor incorporated with gold nanoparticles on top of the FET channel. The gold nanostructures are physically separated from transistor electrodes and can be functionalized for a specific biological application. In this presentation, we report a successful demonstration of a model system to detect Con A proteins using Carbohydrate linkers as a capture molecule. The plasmon FET detected a very low concentration of Con A (0.006 mg/L) while it offers a wide dynamic range of 0.006-50 mg/L. In this demonstration, we used two-color light sources instead of a bulky spectrometer to achieve high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. The details of two-color based differential measurement method will be discussed. This novel protein-based sensor has several advantages such as extremely small size for point-of-care system, multiplexing capability, no need of complex optical geometry.

Joint Bearing and Range Estimation of Multiple Objects from Time-Frequency Analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Jeng-Cheng; Cheng, Yuang-Tung; Hung, Hsien-Sen

2018-01-19

Direction-of-arrival (DOA) and range estimation is an important issue of sonar signal processing. In this paper, a novel approach using Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) is proposed for joint bearing and range estimation of multiple targets based on a uniform linear array (ULA) of hydrophones. The structure of this ULA based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, and thus has attractive features of small size, high sensitivity and low cost, and is suitable for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operations. This proposed target localization method has the following advantages: only a single snapshot of data is needed and real-time processing is feasible. The proposed algorithm transforms a very complicated nonlinear estimation problem to a simple nearly linear one via time-frequency distribution (TFD) theory and is verified with HHT. Theoretical discussions of resolution issue are also provided to facilitate the design of a MEMS sensor with high sensitivity. Simulation results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

The development and validation of an UHPLC–MS/MS method for the rapid quantification of the antiretroviral agent dapivirine in human plasma

PubMed Central

Seserko, Lauren A; Emory, Joshua F; Hendrix, Craig W; Marzinke, Mark A

2014-01-01

Background Dapivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor designed to prevent HIV-1 viral replication and subsequent propagation. A sensitive method is required to quantify plasma concentrations to assess drug efficacy. Results Dapivirine-spiked plasma was combined with acetonitrile containing deuterated IS and was processed for analysis. The method has an analytical measuring range from 20 to 10,000 pg/ml. For the LLOQ, low, mid and high QCs, intra- and inter-assay precision (%CV) ranged from 5.58 to 13.89% and 5.23 to 13.36%, respectively, and intra- and inter-day accuracy (% deviation) ranged from -5.61 to 0.75% and -4.30 to 6.24%, respectively. Conclusion A robust and sensitive LC–MS/MS assay for the high-throughput quantification of the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in human plasma was developed and validated following bioanalytical validation guidelines. The assay meets criteria for the analysis of samples from large research trials. PMID:24256358

The development and validation of an UHPLC-MS/MS method for the rapid quantification of the antiretroviral agent dapivirine in human plasma.

PubMed

Seserko, Lauren A; Emory, Joshua F; Hendrix, Craig W; Marzinke, Mark A

2013-11-01

Dapivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor designed to prevent HIV-1 viral replication and subsequent propagation. A sensitive method is required to quantify plasma concentrations to assess drug efficacy. Dapivirine-spiked plasma was combined with acetonitrile containing deuterated IS and was processed for analysis. The method has an analytical measuring range from 20 to 10,000 pg/ml. For the LLOQ, low, mid and high QCs, intra- and inter-assay precision (%CV) ranged from 5.58 to 13.89% and 5.23 to 13.36%, respectively, and intra- and inter-day accuracy (% deviation) ranged from -5.61 to 0.75% and -4.30 to 6.24%, respectively. A robust and sensitive LC-MS/MS assay for the high-throughput quantification of the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in human plasma was developed and validated following bioanalytical validation guidelines. The assay meets criteria for the analysis of samples from large research trials.

The Extended Range X-Ray Telescope center director's discretionary fund report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, R. B.; Cumings, N. P.; Hildner, E.; Moore, R. L.; Tandberg-Hanssen, E. A.

1985-01-01

An Extended Range X-Ray Telescope (ERXRT) of high sensitivity and spatial resolution capable of functioning over a broad region of the X-ray/XUV portion of the spectrum has been designed and analyzed. This system has been configured around the glancing-incidence Wolter Type I X-ray mirror system which was flown on the Skylab Apollo Telescope Mount as ATM Experiment S-056. Enhanced sensitivity over a vastly broader spectral range can be realized by the utilization of a thinned, back-illuminated, buried-channel Charge Coupled Device (CCD) as the X-ray/XUV detector rather than photographic film. However, to maintain the high spatial resolution inherent in the X-ray optics when a CCD of 30 micron pixel size is used, it is necessary to increase the telescope plate scale. This can be accomplished by use of a glancing-incidence X-ray microscope to enlarge and re-focus the primary image onto the focal surface of the CCD.

Microgels for multiplex and direct fluorescence detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Causa, Filippo; Aliberti, Anna; Cusano, Angela M.; Battista, Edmondo; Netti, Paolo A.

2015-05-01

Blood borne oligonucleotides fragments contain useful clinical information whose detection and monitoring represent the new frontier in liquid biopsy as they can transform the current diagnosis procedure. For instance, recent studies have identified a new class of circulating biomarkers such as s miRNAs, and demonstrated that changes in their concentration are closely associated with the development of cancer and other pathologies. However, direct detection of miRNAs in body fluids is particularly challenging and demands high sensitivity -concentration range between atto to femtomolarspecificity, and multiplexing Here we report on engineered multifunctional microgels and innovative probe design for a direct and multiplex detection of relevant clinical miRNAs in fluorescence by single particle assay. Polyethyleneglycol-based microgels have a coreshell architecture with two spectrally encoded fluorescent dyes for multiplex analyses and are endowed with fluorescent probes for miRNA detection. Encoding and detection fluorescence signals are distinguishable by not overlapping emission spectra. Tuneable fluorescence probe conjugation and corresponding emission confinement on single microgel allows for enhanced target detection. Such suspension array has indeed high selectivity and sensitivity with a detection limit of 10-15 M and a dynamic range from 10-9 to 10-15 M. We believe that sensitivity in the fM concentration range, signal background minimization, multiplexed capability and direct measurement of such microgels will translate into diagnostic benefits opening up new roots toward liquid biopsy in the context of point-of-care testing through an easy and fast detection of sensitive diagnostic biomarkers directly in serum.

Validity of parent's self-reported responses to home safety questions.

PubMed

Osborne, Jodie M; Shibl, Rania; Cameron, Cate M; Kendrick, Denise; Lyons, Ronan A; Spinks, Anneliese B; Sipe, Neil; McClure, Roderick J

2016-09-01

The aim of the study was to describe the validity of parent's self-reported responses to questions on home safety practices for children of 2-4 years. A cross-sectional validation study compared parent's self-administered responses to items in the Home Injury Prevention Survey with home observations undertaken by trained researchers. The relationship between the questionnaire and observation results was assessed using percentage agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and intraclass correlation coefficients. Percentage agreements ranged from 44% to 100% with 40 of the total 45 items scoring higher than 70%. Sensitivities ranged from 0% to 100%, with 27 items scoring at least 70%. Specificities also ranged from 0% to 100%, with 33 items scoring at least 70%. As such, the study identified a series of self-administered home safety questions that have sensitivities, specificities and predictive values sufficiently high to allow the information to be useful in research and injury prevention practice.

Nanoelectromechanical systems: Nanodevice motion at microwave frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry Huang, Xue Ming; Zorman, Christian A.; Mehregany, Mehran; Roukes, Michael L.

2003-01-01

It has been almost forgotten that the first computers envisaged by Charles Babbage in the early 1800s were mechanical and not electronic, but the development of high-frequency nanoelectromechanical systems is now promising a range of new applications, including sensitive mechanical charge detectors and mechanical devices for high-frequency signal processing, biological imaging and quantum measurement. Here we describe the construction of nanodevices that will operate with fundamental frequencies in the previously inaccessible microwave range (greater than 1 gigahertz). This achievement represents a significant advance in the quest for extremely high-frequency nanoelectromechanical systems.

Validation of a novel high-sensitivity radioimmunoassay procedure for measurement of total thyroxine concentration in psittacine birds and snakes.

PubMed

Greenacre, C B; Young, D W; Behrend, E N; Wilson, G H

2001-11-01

To validate a novel high-sensitivity radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure developed to accurately measure the relatively low serum total thyroxine (T4) concentrations of birds and reptiles and to establish initial reference ranges forT4 concentration in selected species of psittacine birds and snakes. 56 healthy nonmolting adult psittacine birds representing 6 species and 42 captive snakes representing 4 species. A solid-phase RIA designed to measure free T4 concentrations in dialysates of human serum samples was used without dialysis to evaluate total T4 concentration in treated samples obtained from birds and reptiles. Serum T4 binding components were removed to allow assay of undialyzed samples. Assay validation was assessed by determining recovery of expected amounts of T4 in treated samples that were serially diluted or to which T4 was added. Intra- and interassay coefficient of variation (CV) was determined. Mean recovery of T4 added at 4 concentrations ranged from 84.9 to 115.0% and 95.8 to 119.4% in snakes and birds, respectively. Intra- and interassay CV was 3.8 and 11.3%, respectively. Serum total T4 concentrations for 5 species of birds ranged from 2.02 to 768 nmol/L but ranged from 3.17 to 142 nmol/L for blue-fronted Amazon parrots; concentrations ranged from 0.21 to 6.06 nmol/L for the 4 species of snakes. This new RIA method provides a commercially available, accurate, and sensitive method for measurement of the relatively low serum T4 concentrations of birds and snakes. Initial ranges for the species evaluated were established.

Skin inspired fractal strain sensors using a copper nanowire and graphite microflake hybrid conductive network.

PubMed

Jason, Naveen N; Wang, Stephen J; Bhanushali, Sushrut; Cheng, Wenlong

2016-09-22

This work demonstrates a facile "paint-on" approach to fabricate highly stretchable and highly sensitive strain sensors by combining one-dimensional copper nanowire networks with two-dimensional graphite microflakes. This paint-on approach allows for the fabrication of electronic skin (e-skin) patches which can directly replicate with high fidelity the human skin surface they are on, regardless of the topological complexity. This leads to high accuracy for detecting biometric signals for applications in personalised wearable sensors. The copper nanowires contribute to high stretchability and the graphite flakes offer high sensitivity, and their hybrid coating offers the advantages of both. To understand the topological effects on the sensing performance, we utilized fractal shaped elastomeric substrates and systematically compared their stretchability and sensitivity. We could achieve a high stretchability of up to 600% and a maximum gauge factor of 3000. Our simple yet efficient paint-on approach enabled facile fine-tuning of sensitivity/stretchability simply by adjusting ratios of 1D vs. 2D materials in the hybrid coating, and the topological structural designs. This capability leads to a wide range of biomedical sensors demonstrated here, including pulse sensors, prosthetic hands, and a wireless ankle motion sensor.

High operating temperature IR-modules with reduced pitch for SWaP sensitive applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breiter, R.; Wendler, J.; Lutz, H.; Rutzinger, S.; Ihle, T.; Ziegler, J.; Rühlich, I.

2011-06-01

Low size, weight and power (SWaP) are the most critical requirements for portable thermal imagers like weapon sights or handheld observations devices. On the other hand due to current asymmetrical conflicts there are high requirements for the e/o performance of these devices providing the ability to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants in adequate ranges. Despite of all the success with uncooled technology, such requirements usually still require cooled detectors. AIM has developed a family of thermal weapon sights called HuntIR and RangIR based on high performance cooled IR-modules which are used e.g. in the infantryman of the future program of the German army (IdZ). The specific capability of these devices is a high ID range >1500m for tank targets being suitable in use as thermal sights for .50 cal rifles like the G82, targeting units for the 40mm AGL or for night observation. While such ranges sound far beyond the operational needs in urban operations, the a.m. specific needs of asymmetric warfare require sometimes even more range performance. High operating temperature (HOT) is introduced in the AIM MCT 640x512/15μm MWIR or LWIR modules for further reduction of cooler power consumption, shorter cooldown times and higher MTTF. As a key component to keep performance while further reducing SWaP AIM is developing a new cooled MCT IR-module with reduced pitch of 12 μm operating at a temperature >120 K. The module will provide full TV format with 640x480 elements sensitive in the MWIR spectral band. The paper will show recent results of AIM IR-modules with high operating temperature and the impact of design regarding the IR-module itself and thermal sights making use of it.

A new attraction-disseverance model for explaining landsliding in clay-rich tephras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kluger, M. O.; Moon, V.; Kreiter, S.; Lowe, D.; Churchman, J.; Hepp, D. A.; Seibel, D.; Jorat, E.; Mörz, T.

2016-12-01

Altered tephras are highly susceptible to landsliding and account for fatalities and property damage every year. The clay mineral halloysite is often associated with landslide-prone layers within weathered tephra successions, especially in deposits with high sensitivity, which describes the post-failure strength loss. However, the precise role of halloysite on the development of sensitivity and thus sudden and unpredictable landsliding is unknown. Here we show that an abundance of halloysite, dominated by a distinctive ovate mushroom-cap-shaped (MCS) spherical morphology, governs the development of sensitivity, and hence proneness to landsliding, in weathered rhyolitic tephras in eastern North Island, New Zealand. We found that a highly sensitive layer, which was involved in a retrogressive landslide, has an extraordinarily high content of aggregated MCS spheres with imperfectly-closed exterior surfaces, i.e., the MCS spheres have substantial openings on one side. We suggest that short-range electrostatic and van der Waals' interactions enabled the MCS spheres to form interconnected aggregates by attraction between numerous paired silanol and aluminol layers with a weakly positive, or neutral, charge exposed in the openings and the negatively-charged convex silanol faces on the curved exterior surfaces of the spheres. However, if these weak attractions are overcome during slope failure, the prevailing repulsion between two exterior surfaces result in a low remolded shear strength, i.e., a high sensitivity, and thus a high propensity for flow-like landsliding. Our results indicate that this novel electrostatic attraction-disseverance model explains the high sensitivity and therefore contributes to a general understanding of the mechanisms of landsliding in sensitive altered tephras rich in spherical halloysite.

Present-day nearshore pH differentially depresses fertilization in congeneric sea urchins.

PubMed

Frieder, Christina A

2014-02-01

Ocean acidification impacts fertilization in some species of sea urchin, but whether sensitivity is great enough to be influenced by present-day pH variability has not been documented. In this study, fertilization in two congeneric sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and S. franciscanus, was found to be sensitive to reduced pH, <7.50, but only within a range of sperm-egg ratios that was species-specific. By further testing fertilization across a broad range of pH, pH-fertilization curves were generated and revealed that S. purpuratus was largely robust to pH, while fertilization in S. franciscanus was sensitive to even modest reductions in pH. Combining the pH-fertilization response curves with pH data collected from these species' habitat demonstrated that relative fertilization success remained high for S. purpuratus but could be as low as 79% for S. franciscanus during periods of naturally low pH. In order for S. franciscanus to maintain high fertilization success in the present and future, adequate adult densities, and thus sufficient sperm-egg ratios, will be required to negate the effects of low pH. In contrast, fertilization of S. purpuratus was robust to a broad range of pH, encompassing both present-day and future ocean acidification scenarios, even though the two congeners have similar habitats.

Carbon monoxide detector. [electrochemical gas detector for spacecraft use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holleck, G. L.; Bradspies, J. L.; Brummer, S. B.; Nelsen, L. L.

1973-01-01

A sensitive carbon monoxide detector, developed specifically for spacecraft use, is described. An instrument range of 0 to 60 ppm CO in air was devised. The fuel cell type detector is used as a highly sensitive electrolysis cell for electrochemically detecting gases. The concept of an electrochemical CO detector is discussed and the CO oxidation behavior in phosphoric and sulfuric acid electrolytes is reported.

Ozone and haze pollution weakens net primary productivity in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Xu; Unger, Nadine; Harper, Kandice; Xia, Xiangao; Liao, Hong; Zhu, Tong; Xiao, Jingfeng; Feng, Zhaozhong; Li, Jing

2017-05-01

Atmospheric pollutants have both beneficial and detrimental effects on carbon uptake by land ecosystems. Surface ozone (O3) damages leaf photosynthesis by oxidizing plant cells, while aerosols promote carbon uptake by increasing diffuse radiation and exert additional influences through concomitant perturbations to meteorology and hydrology. China is currently the world's largest emitter of both carbon dioxide and short-lived air pollutants. The land ecosystems of China are estimated to provide a carbon sink, but it remains unclear whether air pollution acts to inhibit or promote carbon uptake. Here, we employ Earth system modeling and multiple measurement datasets to assess the separate and combined effects of anthropogenic O3 and aerosol pollution on net primary productivity (NPP) in China. In the present day, O3 reduces annual NPP by 0.6 Pg C (14 %) with a range from 0.4 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 0.8 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). In contrast, aerosol direct effects increase NPP by 0.2 Pg C (5 %) through the combination of diffuse radiation fertilization, reduced canopy temperatures, and reduced evaporation leading to higher soil moisture. Consequently, the net effects of O3 and aerosols decrease NPP by 0.4 Pg C (9 %) with a range from 0.2 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 0.6 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). However, precipitation inhibition from combined aerosol direct and indirect effects reduces annual NPP by 0.2 Pg C (4 %), leading to a net air pollution suppression of 0.8 Pg C (16 %) with a range from 0.6 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 1.0 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). Our results reveal strong dampening effects of air pollution on the land carbon uptake in China today. Following the current legislation emission scenario, this suppression will be further increased by the year 2030, mainly due to a continuing increase in surface O3. However, the maximum technically feasible reduction scenario could drastically relieve the current level of NPP damage by 70 % in 2030, offering protection of this critical ecosystem service and the mitigation of long-term global warming.

NEMA NU-4 performance evaluation of PETbox4, a high sensitivity dedicated PET preclinical tomograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Z.; Taschereau, R.; Vu, N. T.; Wang, H.; Prout, D. L.; Silverman, R. W.; Bai, B.; Stout, D. B.; Phelps, M. E.; Chatziioannou, A. F.

2013-06-01

PETbox4 is a new, fully tomographic bench top PET scanner dedicated to high sensitivity and high resolution imaging of mice. This manuscript characterizes the performance of the prototype system using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association NU 4-2008 standards, including studies of sensitivity, spatial resolution, energy resolution, scatter fraction, count-rate performance and image quality. The PETbox4 performance is also compared with the performance of PETbox, a previous generation limited angle tomography system. PETbox4 consists of four opposing flat-panel type detectors arranged in a box-like geometry. Each panel is made by a 24 × 50 pixelated array of 1.82 × 1.82 × 7 mm bismuth germanate scintillation crystals with a crystal pitch of 1.90 mm. Each of these scintillation arrays is coupled to two Hamamatsu H8500 photomultiplier tubes via a glass light guide. Volumetric images for a 45 × 45 × 95 mm field of view (FOV) are reconstructed with a maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm incorporating a system model based on a parameterized detector response. With an energy window of 150-650 keV, the peak absolute sensitivity is approximately 18% at the center of FOV. The measured crystal energy resolution ranges from 13.5% to 48.3% full width at half maximum (FWHM), with a mean of 18.0%. The intrinsic detector spatial resolution is 1.5 mm FWHM in both transverse and axial directions. The reconstructed image spatial resolution for different locations in the FOV ranges from 1.32 to 1.93 mm, with an average of 1.46 mm. The peak noise equivalent count rate for the mouse-sized phantom is 35 kcps for a total activity of 1.5 MBq (40 µCi) and the scatter fraction is 28%. The standard deviation in the uniform region of the image quality phantom is 5.7%. The recovery coefficients range from 0.10 to 0.93. In comparison to the first generation two panel PETbox system, PETbox4 achieves substantial improvements on sensitivity and spatial resolution. The overall performance demonstrates that the PETbox4 scanner is suitable for producing high quality images for molecular imaging based biomedical research.

High-resolution high-sensitivity and truly distributed optical frequency domain reflectometry for structural crack detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenhai; Bao, Xiaoyi; Chen, Liang

2014-05-01

Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) with the use of polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) is capable of distinguishing strain and temperature, which is critical for successful field applications such as structural health monitoring (SHM) and smart material. Location-dependent measurement sensitivities along PMF are compensated by cross- and auto-correlations measurements of the spectra form a distributed parameter matrix. Simultaneous temperature and strain measurement accuracy of 1μstrain and 0.1°C is achieved with 2.5mm spatial resolution in over 180m range.

Highly sensitive detection of explosive triacetone triperoxide by an In2O3 sensor.

PubMed

Zhang, Wen-Hui; Zhang, Wei-De; Chen, Lu-Ya

2010-08-06

Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is one of the most sensitive known explosives and can be easily synthesized using the commonly available chemicals acetone and hydrogen peroxide, but is difficult to be detected. In this study, In(2)O(3) nanoparticles were synthesized by a glucose-assisted solvothermal method at 120 degrees C for 18 h. The gas sensor based on In(2)O(3) nanoparticles exhibits a high response, fast response and recovery, a wide detecting range of 0.50-500 mg, good stability and excellent stability to TATP.

High Sensitivity MEMS Strain Sensor: Design and Simulation

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Ahmed A. S.; Moussa, Walied A.; Lou, Edmond

2008-01-01

In this article, we report on the new design of a miniaturized strain microsensor. The proposed sensor utilizes the piezoresistive properties of doped single crystal silicon. Employing the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, high sensor sensitivities and resolutions have been achieved. The current sensor design employs different levels of signal amplifications. These amplifications include geometric, material and electronic levels. The sensor and the electronic circuits can be integrated on a single chip, and packaged as a small functional unit. The sensor converts input strain to resistance change, which can be transformed to bridge imbalance voltage. An analog output that demonstrates high sensitivity (0.03mV/με), high absolute resolution (1με) and low power consumption (100μA) with a maximum range of ±4000με has been reported. These performance characteristics have been achieved with high signal stability over a wide temperature range (±50°C), which introduces the proposed MEMS strain sensor as a strong candidate for wireless strain sensing applications under harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, this sensor has been designed, verified and can be easily modified to measure other values such as force, torque…etc. In this work, the sensor design is achieved using Finite Element Method (FEM) with the application of the piezoresistivity theory. This design process and the microfabrication process flow to prototype the design have been presented. PMID:27879841

Static FBG strain sensor with high resolution and large dynamic range by dual-comb spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kuse, Naoya; Ozawa, Akira; Kobayashi, Yohei

2013-05-06

We demonstrate a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensor with optical frequency combs. To precisely characterize the optical response of the FBG when strain is applied, dual-comb spectroscopy is used. Highly sensitive dual-comb spectroscopy of the FBG enabled strain measurements with a resolution of 34 nε. The optical spectral bandwidth of the measurement exceeds 1 THz. Compared with conventional FBG strain sensor using a continuous-wave laser that requires rather slow frequency scanning with a limited range, the dynamic range and multiplexing capability are significantly improved by using broadband dual-comb spectroscopy.

Multiorgan insulin sensitivity in lean and obese subjects.

PubMed

Conte, Caterina; Fabbrini, Elisa; Kars, Marleen; Mittendorfer, Bettina; Patterson, Bruce W; Klein, Samuel

2012-06-01

To provide a comprehensive assessment of multiorgan insulin sensitivity in lean and obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance. The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure with stable isotopically labeled tracer infusions was performed in 40 obese (BMI 36.2 ± 0.6 kg/m(2), mean ± SEM) and 26 lean (22.5 ± 0.3 kg/m(2)) subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Insulin was infused at different rates to achieve low, medium, and high physiological plasma concentrations. In obese subjects, palmitate and glucose R(a) in plasma decreased with increasing plasma insulin concentrations. The decrease in endogenous glucose R(a) was greater during low-, medium-, and high-dose insulin infusions (69 ± 2, 74 ± 2, and 90 ± 2%) than the suppression of palmitate R(a) (52 ± 4, 68 ± 1, and 79 ± 1%). Insulin-mediated increase in glucose disposal ranged from 24 ± 5% at low to 253 ± 19% at high physiological insulin concentrations. The suppression of palmitate R(a) and glucose R(a) were greater in lean than obese subjects during low-dose insulin infusion but were the same in both groups during high-dose insulin infusion, whereas stimulation of glucose R(d) was greater in lean than obese subjects across the entire physiological range of plasma insulin. Endogenous glucose production and adipose tissue lipolytic rate are both very sensitive to small increases in circulating insulin, whereas stimulation of muscle glucose uptake is minimal until high physiological plasma insulin concentrations are reached. Hyperinsulinemia within the normal physiological range can compensate for both liver and adipose tissue insulin resistance, but not skeletal muscle insulin resistance, in obese people who have normal glucose tolerance.

Assessment of Small Arms Munitions Impacts on Natural Infrastructure in Sensitive Downrange Areas on Military Installations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

forecasting the risk of munitions constituents (MC), such as high explosives and metals , that leave firing and training ranges and contaminate the...quality terrestrial natural infrastructure exist down- range of small arms training ranges on Department of Defense (DoD) in- stallations. Live- fire ...CERL TN-16-1 iv Illustrations Figures A-1 Initial horizontal trajectory of a tracer bullet fired at a 600 m target at the Malone 5 range on Fort

A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics

PubMed Central

Huang, Haiyun; Wang, Dejun; Xu, Yue

2015-01-01

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW. PMID:26516864

A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics.

PubMed

Huang, Haiyun; Wang, Dejun; Xu, Yue

2015-10-27

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW.

Integrating heterogeneous drug sensitivity data from cancer pharmacogenomic studies.

PubMed

Pozdeyev, Nikita; Yoo, Minjae; Mackie, Ryan; Schweppe, Rebecca E; Tan, Aik Choon; Haugen, Bryan R

2016-08-09

The consistency of in vitro drug sensitivity data is of key importance for cancer pharmacogenomics. Previous attempts to correlate drug sensitivities from the large pharmacogenomics databases, such as the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), have produced discordant results. We developed a new drug sensitivity metric, the area under the dose response curve adjusted for the range of tested drug concentrations, which allows integration of heterogeneous drug sensitivity data from the CCLE, the GDSC, and the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP). We show that there is moderate to good agreement of drug sensitivity data for many targeted therapies, particularly kinase inhibitors. The results of this largest cancer cell line drug sensitivity data analysis to date are accessible through the online portal, which serves as a platform for high power pharmacogenomics analysis.

SERS strategy based on the modified Au nanoparticles for highly sensitive detection of bisphenol A residues in milk.

PubMed

Yang, Libin; Chen, Yongliang; Shen, Yu; Yang, Ming; Li, Xiuling; Han, Xiaoxia; Jiang, Xin; Zhao, Bing

2018-03-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a highly toxic chemical, and its residue in milk product is threatening people's health due to its possible leaching from the packagings and cans with BPA coating. In this work, halides modified Au nanoparticles (NPs) as the modification substrates were first designed for rapid and sensitive determination of BPA residue in real milk by SERS method with the assistance of aggregation agents (Zn 2+ ). It can be concluded that Au NPs modification substrate with assistance of the aggregation agent can remarkably improve the detection sensitivity of BPA residue, which can significantly enhance the SERS signal of BPA and achieve the trace-level detection of BPA residue. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of BPA residue can be as low as to 4.3 × 10 -9 mol/L (equal to 0.98 × 10 -3 mg/kg), which is much less than the standard of European Union (0.6mg/kg). And, there is a good linear relationship (R 2 = 0.990) between the intensity of SERS signal and the logarithm of BPA concentration in the range of 1.0 × 10 -8 -1.0 × 10 -3 mol/L. By this method, the recovery of BPA residue ranges from 89.5% to 100.2% with relative standard deviation between 4.6% and 2.7%. The proposed SERS method proves to be reliable, highly sensitive and possesses good reproducibility, which is very promising for sensitive detection of bisphenols residue in foodstuff. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How does the sensitivity of climate affect stratospheric solar radiation management?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ricke, K.; Rowlands, D. J.; Ingram, W.; Keith, D.; Morgan, M. G.

2011-12-01

If implementation of proposals to engineer the climate through solar radiation management (SRM) ever occurs, it is likely to be contingent upon climate sensitivity. Despite this, no modeling studies have examined how the effectiveness of SRM forcings differs between the typical Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs) with climate sensitivities close to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) mean and ones with high climate sensitivities. Here, we use a perturbed physics ensemble modeling experiment to examine variations in the response of climate to SRM under different climate sensitivities. When SRM is used as a substitute for mitigation its ability to maintain the current climate state gets worse with increased climate sensitivity and with increased concentrations of greenhouse gases. However, our results also demonstrate that the potential of SRM to slow climate change, even at the regional level, grows with climate sensitivity. On average, SRM reduces regional rates of temperature change by more than 90 percent and rates of precipitation change by more than 50 percent in these higher sensitivity model configurations. To investigate how SRM might behave in models with high climate sensitivity that are also consistent with recent observed climate change we perform a "perturbed physics" ensemble (PPE) modelling experiment with the climateprediction.net (cpdn) version of the HadCM3L AOGCM. Like other perturbed physics climate modelling experiments, we simulate past and future climate scenarios using a wide range of model parameter combinations that both reproduce past climate within a specified level of accuracy and simulate future climates with a wide range of climate sensitivities. We chose 43 members ("model versions") from a subset of the 1,550 from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) climateprediction.net project that have data that allow restarts. We use our results to explore how much assessments of SRM that use best-estimate models, and so near-median climate sensitivity, may be ignoring important contingencies associated with implementing SRM in reality. A primary motivation for studying SRM via the injection of aerosols in the stratosphere is to evaluate its potential effectiveness as "insurance" in the case of higher-than-expected climate response to global warming. We find that this is precisely when SRM appears to be least effective in returning regional climates to their baseline states and reducing regional rates of precipitation change. On the other hand, given the very high regional temperature anomalies associated with rising greenhouse gas concentrations in high sensitivity models, it is also where SRM is most effective in reducing rates of change relative to a no SRM alternative.

Fines classification based on sensitivity to pore-fluid chemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jang, Junbong; Santamarina, J. Carlos

2016-01-01

The 75-μm particle size is used to discriminate between fine and coarse grains. Further analysis of fine grains is typically based on the plasticity chart. Whereas pore-fluid-chemistry-dependent soil response is a salient and distinguishing characteristic of fine grains, pore-fluid chemistry is not addressed in current classification systems. Liquid limits obtained with electrically contrasting pore fluids (deionized water, 2-M NaCl brine, and kerosene) are combined to define the soil “electrical sensitivity.” Liquid limit and electrical sensitivity can be effectively used to classify fine grains according to their fluid-soil response into no-, low-, intermediate-, or high-plasticity fine grains of low, intermediate, or high electrical sensitivity. The proposed methodology benefits from the accumulated experience with liquid limit in the field and addresses the needs of a broader range of geotechnical engineering problems.

Rugged switch responds to minute pressure differentials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friend, L. C.; Shaub, K. D.

1967-01-01

Pressure responsive switching device exhibits high sensitivity but is extremely rugged and resistant to large amplitude shock and velocity loading. This snap-action, single pole-double throw switch operates over a wide temperature range.

Direct Growth of Graphene Films on 3D Grating Structural Quartz Substrates for High-Performance Pressure-Sensitive Sensors.

PubMed

Song, Xuefen; Sun, Tai; Yang, Jun; Yu, Leyong; Wei, Dacheng; Fang, Liang; Lu, Bin; Du, Chunlei; Wei, Dapeng

2016-07-06

Conformal graphene films have directly been synthesized on the surface of grating microstructured quartz substrates by a simple chemical vapor deposition process. The wonderful conformality and relatively high quality of the as-prepared graphene on the three-dimensional substrate have been verified by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectra. This conformal graphene film possesses excellent electrical and optical properties with a sheet resistance of <2000 Ω·sq(-1) and a transmittance of >80% (at 550 nm), which can be attached with a flat graphene film on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) substrate, and then could work as a pressure-sensitive sensor. This device possesses a high-pressure sensitivity of -6.524 kPa(-1) in a low-pressure range of 0-200 Pa. Meanwhile, this pressure-sensitive sensor exhibits super-reliability (≥5000 cycles) and an ultrafast response time (≤4 ms). Owing to these features, this pressure-sensitive sensor based on 3D conformal graphene is adequately introduced to test wind pressure, expressing higher accuracy and a lower background noise level than a market anemometer.

Dual energy scanning beam laminographic x-radiography

DOEpatents

Majewski, Stanislaw; Wojcik, Randolph F.

1998-01-01

A multiple x-ray energy level imaging system includes a scanning x-ray beam and two detector design having a first low x-ray energy sensitive detector and a second high x-ray energy sensitive detector. The low x-ray energy detector is placed next to or in front of the high x-ray energy detector. The low energy sensitive detector has small stopping power for x-rays. The lower energy x-rays are absorbed and converted into electrical signals while the majority of the higher energy x-rays pass through undetected. The high energy sensitive detector has a large stopping power for x-rays as well as it having a filter placed between it and the object to absorb the lower energy x-rays. In a second embodiment; a single energy sensitive detector is provided which provides an output signal proportional to the amount of energy in each individual x-ray it absorbed. It can then have an electronic threshold or thresholds set to select two or more energy ranges for the images. By having multiple detectors located at different positions, a dual energy laminography system is possible.

Dual energy scanning beam laminographic x-radiography

DOEpatents

Majewski, S.; Wojcik, R.F.

1998-04-21

A multiple x-ray energy level imaging system includes a scanning x-ray beam and two detector design having a first low x-ray energy sensitive detector and a second high x-ray energy sensitive detector. The low x-ray energy detector is placed next to or in front of the high x-ray energy detector. The low energy sensitive detector has small stopping power for x-rays. The lower energy x-rays are absorbed and converted into electrical signals while the majority of the higher energy x-rays pass through undetected. The high energy sensitive detector has a large stopping power for x-rays as well as it having a filter placed between it and the object to absorb the lower energy x-rays. In a second embodiment; a single energy sensitive detector is provided which provides an output signal proportional to the amount of energy in each individual x-ray it absorbed. It can then have an electronic threshold or thresholds set to select two or more energy ranges for the images. By having multiple detectors located at different positions, a dual energy laminography system is possible. 6 figs.

Use of the reaction of malachite green with 11-molybdogermanic heteropolyacid

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

Mirzoyan, F.V.; Airiyan, E.K.; Tarayan, V.M.

1985-05-01

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the interaction of malachite green (MG) with molybdogermanic heteropolyacid (MGA) in a wide range of acidity and concentrations of the reacting componenets in order to establish the optimum conditions of formation and isolation of more highly substituted salts of MGA and to increase the sensitivity of the photometric determination of germanium. It is shown that 11-molybdogermanic acid interacts quantitatively with malachite green in a wide range of acidity, forming three solid phase compounds of different compositions, contining 2, 4, and 8 associated cations of the dye. The compound with composition 8:1more » was used to develop a highly sensitive method of determining submicro- and microgram quantities of germanium after its extraction determination in the form of GeC1/sub 4/.« less

Fluorescence hydrogen peroxide probe based on a microstructured polymer optical fiber modified with a titanium dioxide film.

PubMed

Li, Dongdong; Wang, Lili

2010-05-01

A highly sensitive microstructured polymer optical fiber (MPOF) probe for hydrogen peroxide was made by forming a rhodamine 6G-doped titanium dioxide film on the side walls of array holes in an MPOF. It was found that hydrogen peroxide only has a response to the MPOF probe in a certain concentration of potassium iodide in sulfuric acid solution. The calibration graph of fluorescence intensity versus hydrogen peroxide concentration is linear in the range of 1.6 x 10(-7) mol/L to 9.6 x 10(-5) mol/L. The method, with high sensitivity and a wide linear range, has been applied to the determination of trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in a few real samples, such as rain water and contact lens disinfectant, with satisfactory results.

A sensitive and efficient method for determination of N-acetylhexosamines and N-acetylneuraminic acid in breast milk and milk-based products by high-performance liquid chromatography via UV detection and mass spectrometry identification.

PubMed

Chuanxiang, Wu; Lian, Xia; Lijie, Liu; Fengli, Qu; Zhiwei, Sun; Xianen, Zhao; Jinmao, You

2016-02-01

A sensitive and efficient method of high performance liquid chromatography using 1-(2-naphthyl)-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (NMP) as pre-column derivatization reagent coupled with UV detection (HPLC-UV) and online mass spectrometry identification was established for determination of the most common N-Acetylhexosamines (N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GalNAc)) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). In order to obtain the highest liberation level of the three monosaccharides without destruction of Neu5Ac or conversion of GlcNAc/GalNAc to GlcN/GalN in the hydrolysis procedure, the pivotal parameters affecting the liberation of N-acetylhexosamines/Neu5Ac from sample were investigated with response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimized condition, maximum yield was obtained. The effects of key parameters on derivatization, separation and detection were also investigated. At optimized conditions, three monosaccharides were labeled fast and entirely, and all derivatives exhibited a good baseline resolution and high detection sensitivity. The developed method was linear over the calibration range 0.25-12μM, with R(2)>0.9991. The detection limits of the method were between 0.48 and 2.01pmol. Intra- and inter-day precisions for the three monosaccharides (GlcNAc, GalNAc and Neu5Ac) were found to be in the range of 3.07-4.02% and 3.69-4.67%, respectively. Individual monosaccharide recovery from spiked milk was in the range of 81%-97%. The sensitivity of the method, the facility of the derivatization procedure and the reliability of the hydrolysis conditions suggest the proposed method has a high potential for utilization in routine trace N-acetylhexosamines and Neu5Ac analysis in biological samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A nanocomposite optosensor containing carboxylic functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes and quantum dots incorporated into a molecularly imprinted polymer for highly selective and sensitive detection of ciprofloxacin.

PubMed

Yuphintharakun, Naphat; Nurerk, Piyaluk; Chullasat, Kochaporn; Kanatharana, Proespichaya; Davis, Frank; Sooksawat, Dhassida; Bunkoed, Opas

2018-08-05

A nanocomposite optosensor consisting of carboxylic acid functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes and CdTe quantum dots embedded inside a molecularly imprinted polymer (COOH@MWCNT-MIP-QDs) was developed for trace ciprofloxacin detection. The COOH@MWCNT-MIP-QDs were synthesized through a facile sol-gel process using ciprofloxacin as a template molecule, 3-aminopropylethoxysilane as a functional monomer and tetraethoxysilane as a cross-linker at a molar ratio of 1:8:20. The synthesized nanocomposite optosensor had high sensitivity, excellent specificity and high binding affinity to ciprofloxacin. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence intensity of the optosensor decreased in a linear fashion with the concentration of ciprofloxacin and two linear dynamic ranges were obtained, 0.10-1.0 μg L -1 and 1.0-100.0 μg L -1 with a very low limit of detection of 0.066 μg L -1 . The imprinting factors of the two linear range were 17.67 and 4.28, respectively. The developed nanocomposite fluorescence probe was applied towards the determination of ciprofloxacin levels in chicken muscle and milk samples with satisfactory recoveries being obtained in the range of 82.6 to 98.4%. The results were also in good agreement with a HPLC method which indicates that the optosensor can be used as a sensitive, selective and rapid method to detect ciprofloxacin in chicken and milk samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A cute and highly contrast-sensitive superposition eye - the diurnal owlfly Libelloides macaronius.

PubMed

Belušič, Gregor; Pirih, Primož; Stavenga, Doekele G

2013-06-01

The owlfly Libelloides macaronius (Insecta: Neuroptera) has large bipartite eyes of the superposition type. The spatial resolution and sensitivity of the photoreceptor array in the dorsofrontal eye part was studied with optical and electrophysiological methods. Using structured illumination microscopy, the interommatidial angle in the central part of the dorsofrontal eye was determined to be Δϕ=1.1 deg. Eye shine measurements with an epi-illumination microscope yielded an effective superposition pupil size of about 300 facets. Intracellular recordings confirmed that all photoreceptors were UV-receptors (λmax=350 nm). The average photoreceptor acceptance angle was 1.8 deg, with a minimum of 1.4 deg. The receptor dynamic range was two log units, and the Hill coefficient of the intensity-response function was n=1.2. The signal-to-noise ratio of the receptor potential was remarkably high and constant across the whole dynamic range (root mean square r.m.s. noise=0.5% Vmax). Quantum bumps could not be observed at any light intensity, indicating low voltage gain. Presumably, the combination of large aperture superposition optics feeding an achromatic array of relatively insensitive receptors with a steep intensity-response function creates a low-noise, high spatial acuity instrument. The sensitivity shift to the UV range reduces the clutter created by clouds within the sky image. These properties of the visual system are optimal for detecting small insect prey as contrasting spots against both clear and cloudy skies.

A compact, large-range interferometer for precision measurement and inertial sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, S. J.; Collins, C. J.; Green, A. C.; Hoyland, D.; Speake, C. C.; Freise, A.; Mow-Lowry, C. M.

2018-05-01

We present a compact, fibre-coupled interferometer with high sensitivity and a large working range. We propose to use this interferometer as a readout mechanism for future inertial sensors, removing a major limiting noise source, and in precision positioning systems. The interferometer’s peak sensitivity is 2 × 10-{14} m \\sqrt{Hz-1} at 70 Hz and 7 × 10-{11} m \\sqrt{Hz-1} at 10 mHz. If deployed on a GS-13 geophone, the resulting inertial sensing output will be limited by the suspension thermal noise of the reference mass from 10 mHz to 2 Hz.

Wide-range nuclear magnetic resonance detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sturman, J. C.; Jirberg, R. J.

1972-01-01

Compact and easy to use solid state nuclear magnetic resonance detector is designed for measuring field strength to 20 teslas in cryogenically cooled magnets. Extremely low noise and high sensitivity make detector applicable to nearly all types of analytical nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and can be used in high temperature and radiation environments.

Increasing sensitivity and angle-of-view of mid-wave infrared detectors by integration with dielectric microspheres

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

Allen, Kenneth W., E-mail: kenneth.allen@gtri.gatech.edu; Astratov, Vasily N., E-mail: astratov@uncc.edu; Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

2016-06-13

We observed up to 100 times enhancement of sensitivity of mid-wave infrared photodetectors in the 2–5 μm range by using photonic jets produced by sapphire, polystyrene, and soda-lime glass microspheres with diameters in the 90–300 μm range. By finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for modeling, we gain insight into the role of the microspheres refractive index, size, and alignment with respect to the detector mesa. A combination of enhanced sensitivity with angle-of-view (AOV) up to 20° is demonstrated for individual photodetectors. It is proposed that integration with microspheres can be scaled up for large focal plane arrays, which should provide maximal light collectionmore » efficiencies with wide AOVs, a combination of properties highly attractive for imaging applications.« less

Quadrant photodetector sensitivity.

PubMed

Manojlović, Lazo M

2011-07-10

A quantitative theoretical analysis of the quadrant photodetector (QPD) sensitivity in position measurement is presented. The Gaussian light spot irradiance distribution on the QPD surface was assumed to meet most of the real-life applications of this sensor. As the result of the mathematical treatment of the problem, we obtained, in a closed form, the sensitivity function versus the ratio of the light spot 1/e radius and the QPD radius. The obtained result is valid for the full range of the ratios. To check the influence of the finite light spot radius on the interaxis cross talk and linearity, we also performed a mathematical analysis to quantitatively measure these types of errors. An optimal range of the ratio of light spot radius and QPD radius has been found to simultaneously achieve low interaxis cross talk and high linearity of the sensor. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Design of highly sensitive multichannel bimetallic photonic crystal fiber biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hameed, Mohamed Farhat O.; Alrayk, Yassmin K. A.; Shaalan, Abdelhamid A.; El Deeb, Walid S.; Obayya, Salah S. A.

2016-10-01

A design of a highly sensitive multichannel biosensor based on photonic crystal fiber is proposed and analyzed. The suggested design has a silver layer as a plasmonic material coated by a gold layer to protect silver oxidation. The reported sensor is based on detection using the quasi transverse electric (TE) and quasi transverse magnetic (TM) modes, which offers the possibility of multichannel/multianalyte sensing. The numerical results are obtained using a finite element method with perfect matched layer boundary conditions. The sensor geometrical parameters are optimized to achieve high sensitivity for the two polarized modes. High-refractive index sensitivity of about 4750 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) and 4300 nm/RIU with corresponding resolutions of 2.1×10-5 RIU, and 2.33×10-5 RIU can be obtained according to the quasi TM and quasi TE modes of the proposed sensor, respectively. Further, the reported design can be used as a self-calibration biosensor within an unknown analyte refractive index ranging from 1.33 to 1.35 with high linearity and high accuracy. Moreover, the suggested biosensor has advantages in terms of compactness and better integration of microfluidics setup, waveguide, and metallic layers into a single structure.

Sensitive high frequency hearing in earless and partially eared harlequin frogs (Atelopus).

PubMed

Womack, Molly C; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Coloma, Luis A; Hoke, Kim L

2018-04-19

Harlequin frogs, genus Atelopus , communicate at high frequencies despite most species lacking a complete tympanic middle ear that facilitates high frequency hearing in most anurans and other tetrapods. Here we test whether Atelopus are better at sensing high frequency acoustic sound compared to other eared and earless species in the Bufonidae family, determine whether middle ear variation within Atelopus affects hearing sensitivity, and test potential hearing mechanisms in Atelopus We determine that at high frequencies (2000-4000 Hz) Atelopus are 10-34 dB more sensitive than other earless bufonids but are relatively insensitive to mid-range frequencies (900-1500 Hz) compared to eared bufonids. Hearing among Atelopus species is fairly consistent, evidence that the partial middle ears present in a subset of Atelopus species do not convey a substantial hearing advantage. We further demonstrate that Atelopus hearing is not likely facilitated by vibration of the skin overlying the normal tympanic membrane region or the body lung wall, leaving the extratympanic hearing pathways in Atelopus enigmatic. Together these results show Atelopus have sensitive high frequency hearing without the aid of a tympanic middle ear and prompt further study of extratympanic hearing mechanisms in anurans. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

A 0.13µm CMOS Bluetooth EDR Transceiver with High Sensitivity over Wide Temperature Range and Immunity to Process Variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agawa, Kenichi; Ishizuka, Shinichiro; Majima, Hideaki; Kobayashi, Hiroyuki; Koizumi, Masayuki; Nagano, Takeshi; Arai, Makoto; Shimizu, Yutaka; Maki, Asuka; Urakawa, Go; Terada, Tadashi; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Hamada, Mototsugu; Fujii, Fumie; Kato, Tadamasa; Yoshitomi, Sadayuki; Otsuka, Nobuaki

A 2.4GHz 0.13µm CMOS transceiver LSI, supporting Bluetooth V2.1 + enhanced data rate (EDR) standard, has achieved a high reception sensitivity and high-quality transmission signals between -40°C and +90°C. A low-IF receiver and direct-conversion transmitter architecture are employed. A temperature compensated receiver chain including a low-noise amplifier accomplishes a sensitivity of -90dBm at frequency shift keying modulation even in the worst environmental condition. Design optimization of phase noise in a local oscillator and linearity of a power amplifier improves transmission signals and enables them to meet Bluetooth radio specifications. Fabrication in scaled 0.13µm CMOS and operation at a low supply voltage of 1.5V result in small area and low power consumption.

Cluster analyses of 20th century growth patterns in high elevation Great Basin bristlecone pine in the Snake Mountain Range, Nevada, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, T. J.; Bruening, J. M.; Bunn, A. G.; Salzer, M. W.; Weiss, S. B.

2015-12-01

Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is a useful climate proxy because of the species' long lifespan (up to 5000 years) and the climatic sensitivity of its annually-resolved rings. Past studies have shown that growth of individual trees can be limited by temperature, soil moisture, or a combination of the two depending on biophysical setting at the scale of tens of meters. We extend recent research suggesting that trees vary in their growth response depending on their position on the landscape to analyze how growth patterns vary over time. We used hierarchical cluster analysis to examine the growth of 52 bristlecone pine trees near the treeline of Mount Washington, Nevada, USA. We classified growth of individual trees over the instrumental climate record into one of two possible scenarios: trees belonging to a temperature-sensitive cluster and trees belonging to a precipitation-sensitive cluster. The number of trees in the precipitation-sensitive cluster outnumbered the number of trees in the temperature-sensitive cluster, with trees in colder locations belonging to the temperature-sensitive cluster. When we separated the temporal range into two sections (1895-1949 and 1950-2002) spanning the length of the instrumental climate record, we found that most of the 52 trees remained loyal to their cluster membership (e.g., trees in the temperature-sensitive cluster in 1895-1949 were also in the temperature sensitive cluster in 1950-2002), though not without exception. Of those trees that do not remain consistent in cluster membership, the majority changed from temperature-sensitive to precipitation-sensitive as time progressed. This could signal a switch from temperature limitation to water limitation with warming climate. We speculate that topographic complexity in high mountain environments like Mount Washington might allow for climate refugia where growth response could remain constant over the Holocene.

Determination of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Water Using Highly Sensitive Mid-Infrared Sensor Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Rui; Mizaikoff, Boris; Li, Wen-Wei; Qian, Chen; Katzir, Abraham; Raichlin, Yosef; Sheng, Guo-Ping; Yu, Han-Qing

2013-08-01

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (CHCs) are toxic and carcinogenic contaminants commonly found in environmental samples, and efficient online detection of these contaminants is still challenging at the present stage. Here, we report an advanced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) sensor for in-situ and simultaneous detection of multiple CHCs, including monochlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and chloroform. The polycrystalline silver halide sensor fiber had a unique integrated planar-cylindric geometry, and was coated with an ethylene/propylene copolymer membrane to act as a solid phase extractor, which greatly amplified the analytical signal and contributed to a higher detection sensitivity compared to the previously reported sensors. This system exhibited a high detection sensitivity towards the CHCs mixture at a wide concentration range of 5~700 ppb. The FTIR-ATR sensor described in this study has a high potential to be utilized as a trace-sensitive on-line device for water contamination monitoring.

Determination of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Water Using Highly Sensitive Mid-Infrared Sensor Technology

PubMed Central

Lu, Rui; Mizaikoff, Boris; Li, Wen-Wei; Qian, Chen; Katzir, Abraham; Raichlin, Yosef; Sheng, Guo-Ping; Yu, Han-Qing

2013-01-01

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (CHCs) are toxic and carcinogenic contaminants commonly found in environmental samples, and efficient online detection of these contaminants is still challenging at the present stage. Here, we report an advanced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) sensor for in-situ and simultaneous detection of multiple CHCs, including monochlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and chloroform. The polycrystalline silver halide sensor fiber had a unique integrated planar-cylindric geometry, and was coated with an ethylene/propylene copolymer membrane to act as a solid phase extractor, which greatly amplified the analytical signal and contributed to a higher detection sensitivity compared to the previously reported sensors. This system exhibited a high detection sensitivity towards the CHCs mixture at a wide concentration range of 5~700 ppb. The FTIR-ATR sensor described in this study has a high potential to be utilized as a trace-sensitive on-line device for water contamination monitoring. PMID:23982222

Determination of chlorinated hydrocarbons in water using highly sensitive mid-infrared sensor technology.

PubMed

Lu, Rui; Mizaikoff, Boris; Li, Wen-Wei; Qian, Chen; Katzir, Abraham; Raichlin, Yosef; Sheng, Guo-Ping; Yu, Han-Qing

2013-01-01

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (CHCs) are toxic and carcinogenic contaminants commonly found in environmental samples, and efficient online detection of these contaminants is still challenging at the present stage. Here, we report an advanced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) sensor for in-situ and simultaneous detection of multiple CHCs, including monochlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and chloroform. The polycrystalline silver halide sensor fiber had a unique integrated planar-cylindric geometry, and was coated with an ethylene/propylene copolymer membrane to act as a solid phase extractor, which greatly amplified the analytical signal and contributed to a higher detection sensitivity compared to the previously reported sensors. This system exhibited a high detection sensitivity towards the CHCs mixture at a wide concentration range of 5~700 ppb. The FTIR-ATR sensor described in this study has a high potential to be utilized as a trace-sensitive on-line device for water contamination monitoring.

Performance analysis of higher mode spoof surface plasmon polariton for terahertz sensing

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

Yao, Haizi; Tu, Wanli; Zhong, Shuncong, E-mail: zhongshuncong@hotmail.com

2015-04-07

We investigated the spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) on 1D grooved metal surface for terahertz sensing of refractive index of the filling analyte through a prism-coupling attenuated total reflection setup. From the dispersion relation analysis and the finite element method-based simulation, we revealed that the dispersion curve of SSPP got suppressed as the filling refractive index increased, which cause the coupling resonance frequency redshifting in the reflection spectrum. The simulated results for testing various refractive indexes demonstrated that the incident angle of terahertz radiation has a great effect on the performance of sensing. Smaller incident angle will result in amore » higher sensitive sensing with a narrower detection range. In the meanwhile, the higher order mode SSPP-based sensing has a higher sensitivity with a narrower detection range. The maximum sensitivity is 2.57 THz/RIU for the second-order mode sensing at 45° internal incident angle. The proposed SSPP-based method has great potential for high sensitive terahertz sensing.« less

A Laboratory-Based Evaluation of Four Rapid Point-of-Care Tests for Syphilis

PubMed Central

Causer, Louise M.; Kaldor, John M.; Fairley, Christopher K.; Donovan, Basil; Karapanagiotidis, Theo; Leslie, David E.; Robertson, Peter W.; McNulty, Anna M.; Anderson, David; Wand, Handan; Conway, Damian P.; Denham, Ian; Ryan, Claire; Guy, Rebecca J.

2014-01-01

Background Syphilis point-of-care tests may reduce morbidity and ongoing transmission by increasing the proportion of people rapidly treated. Syphilis stage and co-infection with HIV may influence test performance. We evaluated four commercially available syphilis point-of-care devices in a head-to-head comparison using sera from laboratories in Australia. Methods Point-of-care tests were evaluated using sera stored at Sydney and Melbourne laboratories. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by standard methods, comparing point-of-care results to treponemal immunoassay (IA) reference test results. Additional analyses by clinical syphilis stage, HIV status, and non-treponemal antibody titre were performed. Non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals (CI) were considered statistically significant differences in estimates. Results In total 1203 specimens were tested (736 IA-reactive, 467 IA-nonreactive). Point-of-care test sensitivities were: Determine 97.3%(95%CI:95.8–98.3), Onsite 92.5%(90.3–94.3), DPP 89.8%(87.3–91.9) and Bioline 87.8%(85.1–90.0). Specificities were: Determine 96.4%(94.1–97.8), Onsite 92.5%(90.3–94.3), DPP 98.3%(96.5–99.2), and Bioline 98.5%(96.8–99.3). Sensitivity of the Determine test was 100% for primary and 100% for secondary syphilis. The three other tests had reduced sensitivity among primary (80.4–90.2%) compared to secondary syphilis (94.3–98.6%). No significant differences in sensitivity were observed by HIV status. Test sensitivities were significantly higher among high-RPR titre (RPR≥8) (range: 94.6–99.5%) than RPR non-reactive infections (range: 76.3–92.9%). Conclusions The Determine test had the highest sensitivity overall. All tests were most sensitive among high-RPR titre infections. Point-of-care tests have a role in syphilis control programs however in developed countries with established laboratory infrastructures, the lower sensitivities of some tests observed in primary syphilis suggest these would need to be supplemented with additional tests among populations where syphilis incidence is high to avoid missing early syphilis cases. PMID:24618681

Novel Blue Organic Dye for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Achieving High Efficiency in Cobalt-Based Electrolytes and by Co-Sensitization.

PubMed

Hao, Yan; Saygili, Yasemin; Cong, Jiayan; Eriksson, Anna; Yang, Wenxing; Zhang, Jinbao; Polanski, Enrico; Nonomura, Kazuteru; Zakeeruddin, Shaik Mohammed; Grätzel, Michael; Hagfeldt, Anders; Boschloo, Gerrit

2016-12-07

Blue and green dyes as well as NIR-absorbing dyes have attracted great interest because of their excellent ability of absorbing the incident photons in the red and near-infrared range region. A novel blue D-π-A dye (Dyenamo Blue), based on the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-core, has been designed and synthesized. Assembled with the cobalt bipyridine-based electrolytes, the device with Dyenamo Blue achieved a satisfying efficiency of 7.3% under one sun (AM1.5 G). The co-sensitization strategy was further applied on this blue organic dye together with a red D-π-A dye (D35). The successful co-sensitization outperformed a panchromatic light absorption and improved the photocurrent density; this in addition to the open-circuit potential result in an efficiency of 8.7%. The extended absorption of the sensitization and the slower recombination reaction between the blue dye and TiO 2 surface inhibited by the additional red sensitizer could be the two main reasons for the higher performance. In conclusion, from the results, the highly efficient cobalt-based DSSCs could be achieved with the co-sensitization between red and blue D-π-A organic dyes with a proper design, which showed us the possibility of applying this strategy for future high-performance solar cells.

Incorporation of beams into bossed diaphragm for a high sensitivity and overload micro pressure sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhongliang; Zhao, Yulong; Sun, Lu; Tian, Bian; Jiang, Zhuangde

2013-01-01

The paper presents a piezoresistive absolute micro pressure sensor, which is of great benefits for altitude location. In this investigation, the design, fabrication, and test of the sensor are involved. By analyzing the stress distribution of sensitive elements using finite element method, a novel structure through the introduction of sensitive beams into traditional bossed diaphragm is built up. The proposed configuration presents its advantages in terms of high sensitivity and high overload resistance compared with the conventional bossed diaphragm and flat diaphragm structures. Curve fittings of surface stress and deflection based on ANSYS simulation results are performed to establish the equations about the sensor. Nonlinear optimization by MATLAB is carried out to determine the structure dimensions. The output signals in both static and dynamic environments are evaluated. Silicon bulk micromachining technology is utilized to fabricate the sensor prototype, and the fabrication process is discussed. Experimental results demonstrate the sensor features a high sensitivity of 11.098 μV/V/Pa in the operating range of 500 Pa at room temperature, and a high overload resistance of 200 times overpressure to promise its survival under atmosphere. Due to the excellent performance above, the sensor can be applied in measuring the absolute micro pressure lower than 500 Pa.

A biolayer interferometry-based enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay for real-time and highly sensitive detection of PDGF-BB.

PubMed

Gao, Shunxiang; Zheng, Xin; Wu, Jihong

2018-04-15

Accurate, fast and sensitive detection of disease-specific protein biomarkers, especially in blood, urine, or other bodily fluids, is an important approach to achieve early disease diagnosis. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), a widely used biomarker, is involved in a substantial number of serious diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, atherosclerosis, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease and is often over-expressed in human malignant tumors. Therefore, the development of sensitive and specific detection methods for PDGF-BB is of great importance for the early diagnosis of disease and assessments of patient recovery. In the current study, a biolayer interferometry-based enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay (BLI-ELASA) was successfully established for rapid (20-25min), high-throughput (8 or 16 samples) and real-time monitoring of PDGF-BB in clinical samples. The method exhibited a broad detection range from 0.5 to 1000ng/mL of PDGF-BB (good linear range from 0.5 to 10ng/mL), with a low detection limit of 0.08ng/mL. Moreover, BLI-ELASA was applied to the detection of PDGF-BB in spiked serum and urine samples and showed a high degree of selectivity for PDGF-BB, good reproducibility, and stability. We believe that the methodology in this work can be easily adapted to detect other biomolecules in clinical samples, including viruses, pathogens and toxins, in a rapid, sensitive, high-throughput and real-time manner. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel and fast method for proton range verification using a step wedge and 2D scintillator.

PubMed

Shen, Jiajian; Allred, Bryce C; Robertson, Daniel G; Liu, Wei; Sio, Terence T; Remmes, Nicholas B; Keole, Sameer R; Bues, Martin

2017-09-01

To implement and evaluate a novel and fast method for proton range verification by using a planar scintillator and step wedge. A homogenous proton pencil beam plan with 35 energies was designed and delivered to a 2D flat scintillator with a step wedge. The measurement was repeated 15 times (3 different days, 5 times per day). The scintillator image was smoothed, the Bragg peak and distal fall off regions were fitted by an analytical equation, and the proton range was calculated using simple trigonometry. The accuracy of this method was verified by comparing the measured ranges to those obtained using an ionization chamber and a scanning water tank, the gold standard. The reproducibility was evaluated by comparing the ranges over 15 repeated measurements. The sensitivity was evaluated by delivering to same beam to the system with a film inserted under the wedge. The range accuracy of all 35 proton energies measured over 3 days was within 0.2 mm. The reproducibility in 15 repeated measurements for all 35 proton ranges was ±0.045 mm. The sensitivity to range variation is 0.1 mm for the worst case. This efficient procedure permits measurement of 35 proton ranges in less than 3 min. The automated data processing produces results immediately. The setup of this system took less than 5 min. The time saving by this new method is about two orders of magnitude when compared with the time for water tank range measurements. A novel method using a scintillator with a step wedge to measure the proton range was implemented and evaluated. This novel method is fast and sensitive, and the proton range measured by this method was accurate and highly reproducible. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

High-Resolution Detector For X-Ray Diffraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Daniel C.; Withrow, William K.; Pusey, Marc L.; Yost, Vaughn H.

1988-01-01

Proposed x-ray-sensitive imaging detector offers superior spatial resolution, counting-rate capacity, and dynamic range. Instrument based on laser-stimulated luminescence and reusable x-ray-sensitive film. Detector scans x-ray film line by line. Extracts latent image in film and simultaneously erases film for reuse. Used primarily for protein crystallography. Principle adapted to imaging detectors for electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy and general use in astronomy, engineering, and medicine.

Seafloor Pressure Array Studies at Ultra-Low Frequencies

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

broadband instrument design and deployment. In order to measure broadband noise routinely, a low frequency pressure gauge designed for deep ocean...below the microseism band (Moore et al, 1981). A differential pressure gauge , developed for low frequency recordings by Cox et al (1984) and sensitive to...design differential pressure gauge (Cox et al, 1984) with a sensitivity -3- ULF Seafloor Pressure Array Studies range of 0.01-5 Hz. The high

High Dynamic Range Nonlinear Measurement using Analog Cancellation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

shield around sensitive areas. The target may also be sensitive to radiated coupling from the system and will benefit from a shield box or Faraday ... cage , if it is not already enclosed. On the shared measurement path and through the target, cross-channel coupling cannot be prevented, so low-PIM...testing is desired, traditional filtering is recommended, as the primary benefits of the analog canceller are effectively nullified. 2.4 Wideband

Rituximab in highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients.

PubMed

Munoz, A S; Rioveros, A A; Cabanayan-Casasola, C B; Danguilan, R A; Ona, E T

2008-09-01

Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy, depletes B cells and suppresses antibody production. This study sought to describe the efficacy and safety of rituximab among seven highly sensitized kidney transplant patients. A highly sensitized patient was defined as panel-reactive antibody (PRA) >30%, more than three pregnancies, or history of positive tissue crossmatch. Demographics, immunological risk profile, and immunosuppression were collected on all highly sensitized patients transplanted from March to July 2007 and given rituximab. We noted graft function as well as clinical events posttransplantation. The seven patients included in the study showed a mean age of 39 years (range = 17-60) and a mean follow-up of 3 months (range = 1.5-5). Their average PRA was 62% with mean HLA mismatches of three. Five patients (71%) were retransplantations; one had a history of a positive crossmatch, and two had multiple pregnancies. Two had donor-specific antibody, but negative tissue crossmatches. All had living donors. Six patients received a single dose of rituximab (375 mg/m2) 1 day prior to transplantation and one received two doses after 19 sessions of plasmapheresis. All were given tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids combined with induction therapy using 30 mg alemtuzumab in 33%; two doses of 20 mg basiliximab in 33%; and seven doses of 1 mg/kg/dose of daclizumab in 14%. Mean shown creatinine levels were 1.1 and 1.2 mg/dL at 1 and 6 months posttransplantation. Two recipients experienced acute humoral rejections within 1 month after transplantation. Both were given steroid pulsing, one of whom was steroid-resistant necessitating alemtuzumab therapy and plasmapheresis. Graft function of both improved with creatinine values of 1.3 mg/dL on discharge. No episodes of infection were noted. Rituximab can be safely administered and may be effective to improve outcomes among highly sensitized kidney transplant patients.

A practical and highly sensitive C3N4-TYR fluorescent probe for convenient detection of dopamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hao; Yang, Manman; Liu, Juan; Zhang, Yalin; Yang, Yanmei; Huang, Hui; Liu, Yang; Kang, Zhenhui

2015-07-01

The C3N4-tyrosinase (TYR) hybrid is a highly accurate, sensitive and simple fluorescent probe for the detection of dopamine (DOPA). Under optimized conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity of C3N4-TYR is proportional to the DOPA concentration in the range from 1 × 10-3 to 3 × 10-8 mol L-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.995. In the present system, the detection limit achieved is as low as 3 × 10-8 mol L-1. Notably, these quantitative detection results for clinical samples are comparable to those of high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, the enzyme-encapsulated C3N4 sensing arrays on both glass slide and test paper were evaluated, which revealed sensitive detection and excellent stability. The results reported here provide a new approach for the design of a multifunctional nanosensor for the detection of bio-molecules.The C3N4-tyrosinase (TYR) hybrid is a highly accurate, sensitive and simple fluorescent probe for the detection of dopamine (DOPA). Under optimized conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity of C3N4-TYR is proportional to the DOPA concentration in the range from 1 × 10-3 to 3 × 10-8 mol L-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.995. In the present system, the detection limit achieved is as low as 3 × 10-8 mol L-1. Notably, these quantitative detection results for clinical samples are comparable to those of high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, the enzyme-encapsulated C3N4 sensing arrays on both glass slide and test paper were evaluated, which revealed sensitive detection and excellent stability. The results reported here provide a new approach for the design of a multifunctional nanosensor for the detection of bio-molecules. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03316k

Increasing Electrochemiluminescence Intensity of a Wireless Electrode Array Chip by Thousands of Times Using a Diode for Sensitive Visual Detection by a Digital Camera.

PubMed

Qi, Liming; Xia, Yong; Qi, Wenjing; Gao, Wenyue; Wu, Fengxia; Xu, Guobao

2016-01-19

Both a wireless electrochemiluminescence (ECL) electrode microarray chip and the dramatic increase in ECL by embedding a diode in an electromagnetic receiver coil have been first reported. The newly designed device consists of a chip and a transmitter. The chip has an electromagnetic receiver coil, a mini-diode, and a gold electrode array. The mini-diode can rectify alternating current into direct current and thus enhance ECL intensities by 18 thousand times, enabling a sensitive visual detection using common cameras or smart phones as low cost detectors. The detection limit of hydrogen peroxide using a digital camera is comparable to that using photomultiplier tube (PMT)-based detectors. Coupled with a PMT-based detector, the device can detect luminol with higher sensitivity with linear ranges from 10 nM to 1 mM. Because of the advantages including high sensitivity, high throughput, low cost, high portability, and simplicity, it is promising in point of care testing, drug screening, and high throughput analysis.

High Sensitivity, Wearable, Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors Based on Irregular Microhump Structures and Its Applications in Body Motion Sensing.

PubMed

Wang, Zongrong; Wang, Shan; Zeng, Jifang; Ren, Xiaochen; Chee, Adrian J Y; Yiu, Billy Y S; Chung, Wai Choi; Yang, Yong; Yu, Alfred C H; Roberts, Robert C; Tsang, Anderson C O; Chow, Kwok Wing; Chan, Paddy K L

2016-07-01

A pressure sensor based on irregular microhump patterns has been proposed and developed. The devices show high sensitivity and broad operating pressure regime while comparing with regular micropattern devices. Finite element analysis (FEA) is utilized to confirm the sensing mechanism and predict the performance of the pressure sensor based on the microhump structures. Silicon carbide sandpaper is employed as the mold to develop polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microhump patterns with various sizes. The active layer of the piezoresistive pressure sensor is developed by spin coating PSS on top of the patterned PDMS. The devices show an averaged sensitivity as high as 851 kPa(-1) , broad operating pressure range (20 kPa), low operating power (100 nW), and fast response speed (6.7 kHz). Owing to their flexible properties, the devices are applied to human body motion sensing and radial artery pulse. These flexible high sensitivity devices show great potential in the next generation of smart sensors for robotics, real-time health monitoring, and biomedical applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Axial strain and temperature sensing characteristics of the single-coreless-single mode fiber structure-based fiber ring laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhi-bo; Yin, Bin; Liang, Xiao; Bai, Yunlong; Tan, Zhongwei; Liu, Shuo; Li, Yang; Liu, Yan; Jian, Shuisheng

2014-06-01

This paper experimentally demonstrated a singlemode-coreless-singlemode (SCS) fiber structure-based fiber ring cavity laser for strain and temperature measurement. The basis of the sensing system is the multimodal interference occurs in coreless fiber, and the transmission spectrum is sensitive to the ambient perturbation. In this sensing system, the SCS fiber structure not only acts as the sensing head of the sensor but also the band-pass filter of the ring laser. Blue shift with strain sensitivity of ˜ -2 pm/μɛ ranging from 0 to 730 μɛ and red shift with temperature sensitivity of ˜ 11 pm/°C ranging from 5 to 75 °C have been achieved. Experimental results also show the proposal has great potential in using long-distance operation. The fiber ring laser sensing system has a optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) more than 50 and 3 dB bandwidth less than 0.05 nm. The result shows that the coreless fiber has no improvement of the temperature and axial strain sensitivity. However, compared to the common singlemode-multimode-singlemode fiber structure sensors, the laser sensing system has the additional advantages of high OSNR, high intensity and narrow 3 dB bandwidth, and thus improves the accuracy.

Microelectromechanical systems for experimental physics and optical telecommunications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aksyuk, Vladimir Anatolyevich

1999-12-01

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are an emerging technology, which, when applied to the field of physical sensors, offers not only an obvious advantage of being small and cheap, but more importantly, provides some unique experimental opportunities. These are based on the way physical properties scale with decreasing size. This thesis discusses these basic principles and corresponding advantages and limitations of MEMS technology and presents several experiments in which micromachines are used to do physical measurements that could not be done before. Three types of micromechanical magnetometers are demonstrated. When compared to the state of the art traditional techniques they show greater sensitivity, faster response and can be applied over a wider range of experimental conditions. The high-Q micromechanical torsional oscillator magnetometer is used to observe mesoscopic vortex physics, including single flux lines penetrating into a type-II superconductor just above the first critical field. The Faraday balance ``Trampoline'' magnetometer combines high sensitivity, high bandwidth and can be operated in a wide temperature range. It is used in both high pulsed magnetic fields to record deHaas-vanAlphen oscillations and in DC magnetic fields for magnetization measurements at temperatures down to 100mK. The high sensitivity DC torque magnetometer offers yet higher sensitivity and can be used for a variety of magnetization measurements. Several other MEMS devices for physics and telecommunications applications are presented, including a micromachined near field scanning optical microscope, MEMS fiberoptic switches and large-area large-angle scanners. They provide examples of complex functionality that can be achieved with micromechanics by combining sensors with inherently low-power electrostatic actuators. The optically powered optical power limiter demonstrates the possibility of operating MEMS with optical rather than electrical power.

Improving the range of UHF RFID transponders using solar energy harvesting under low light conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ascher, A.; Lehner, M.; Eberhardt, M.; Biebl, E.

2015-11-01

The sensitivity of passive UHF RFID transponders (Radio Frequency Identification) is the key issue, which determines the maximum read range of an UHF RFID system. During this work the ability of improving the sensitivity using solar energy harvesting, especially for low light conditions, is shown. To use the additional energy harvested from the examined silicon and organic solar cells, the passive RFID system is changed into a semi-active one. This needs no changes on the reader hardware itself, only the used RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) of the transponder has to possess an additional input pin for an external supply voltage. The silicon and organic cells are evaluated and compared to each other regarding their low light performance. The different cells are examined in a shielded box, which is protected from the environmental lighting. Additionally, a demonstrator is shown, which makes the measurement of the extended read range with respect to the lighting conditions possible. If the cells are completely darkened, the sensitivity gain is ascertained using high capacity super caps. Due to the measurements an enhancement in range up to 70 % could be guaranteed even under low light conditions.

Cavitation-threshold Determination and Rheological-parameters Estimation of Albumin-stabilized Nanobubbles.

PubMed

Lafond, Maxime; Watanabe, Akiko; Yoshizawa, Shin; Umemura, Shin-Ichiro; Tachibana, Katsuro

2018-05-10

Nanobubbles (NBs) are of high interest for ultrasound (US) imaging as contrast agents and therapy as cavitation nuclei. Because of their instability (Laplace pressure bubble catastrophe) and low sensitivity to US, reducing the size of commonly used microbubbles to submicron-size is not trivial. We introduce stabilized NBs in the 100-250-nm size range, manufactured by agitating human serum albumin and perfluoro-propane. These NBs were exposed to 3.34- and 5.39-MHz US, and their sensitivity to US was proven by detecting inertial cavitation. The cavitation-threshold information was used to run a numerical parametric study based on a modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation (with a Newtonian rheology model). The determined values of surface tension ranged from 0 N/m to 0.06 N/m. The corresponding values of dilatational viscosity ranged from 5.10 -10 Ns/m to 1.10 -9 Ns/m. These parameters were reported to be 0.6 N/m and 1.10 -8 Ns/m for the reference microbubble contrast agent. This result suggests the possibility of using albumin as a stabilizer for the nanobubbles that could be maintained in circulation and presenting satisfying US sensitivity, even in the 3-5-MHz range.

Automated assessment of blood flow in developing embryonic hearts by extending dynamic range of Doppler OCT using a MHz FDML swept laser source (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elahi, Sahar; Thrane, Lars; Rollins, Andrew M.; Jenkins, Michael W.

2017-02-01

Altered hemodynamics in developing embryonic hearts lead to congenital heart diseases, motivating close monitoring of blood flow over several stages of development. Doppler OCT can assess blood flow in tubular hearts, but the maximum velocity increases drastically during the period of cardiac cushion (valve precursors) formation. Therefore, the limited dynamic range of Doppler OCT velocity measurement makes it difficult to conduct longitudinal studies without phase wrapping at high velocities or loss of sensitivity to slow velocities. We have built a high-speed OCT system using an FDML laser (Optores GmbH, Germany) at a sweep rate of 1.68 MHz (axial resolution - 12 μm, sensitivity - 105 dB, phase stability - 17 mrad). The speed of this OCT system allows us to acquire high-density B-scans to obtain an extended velocity dynamic range without sacrificing the frame rate. The extended dynamic range within a frame is achieved by varying the A-scan interval at which the phase difference is found, enabling detection of velocities ranging from tens of microns per second to hundreds of mm per second. The extra lines in a frame can also be utilized to improve the structural and Doppler images via complex averaging. In structural images where presence of blood causes additional scattering, complex averaging helps retrieve features located deeper in the tissue. Moreover, high-density frames can be registered to 4D volumes to determine the orthogonal direction of flow and calculate shear stress. In conclusion, our high-speed OCT system will enable automated Doppler imaging of embryonic hearts in cohort studies.

A digital wide range neutron flux measuring system for HL-2A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Chen; Wu, Jun; Yin, Zejie

2017-08-01

To achieve wide-range, high-integration, and real-time performance on the neutron flux measurement on the HL-2A tokamak, a digital neutron flux measuring (DNFM) system based on the peripheral component interconnection (PCI) eXtension for Instrumentation express (PXIe) bus was designed. This system comprises a charge-sensitive preamplifier and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based main electronics plug-in. The DNFM totally covers source-range and intermediate-range neutron flux measurements, and increases system integration by a large margin through joining the pulse-counting mode and Campbell mode. Meanwhile, the neutron flux estimation method based on pulse piling proportions is able to choose and switch measuring modes in accordance with current flux, and this ensures the accuracy of measurements when the neutron flux changes suddenly. It has been demonstrated by simulated signals that the DNFM enhances the full-scale measuring range up to 1.9 × 108 cm-2 s-1, with relative error below 6.1%. The DNFM has been verified to provide a high temporal sensitivity at 10 ms time intervals on a single fission chamber on HL-2A. Contributed paper, published as part of the Proceedings of the 3rd Domestic Electromagnetic Plasma Diagnostics Workshop, September 2016, Hefei, China.

Rapid mapping of polarization switching through complete information acquisition

DOE PAGES

Somnath, Suhas; Belianinov, Alex; Kalinin, Sergei V.; ...

2016-12-02

Polarization switching in ferroelectric and multiferroic materials underpins a broad range of current and emergent applications, ranging from random access memories to field-effect transistors, and tunnelling devices. Switching in these materials is exquisitely sensitive to local defects and microstructure on the nanometre scale, necessitating spatially resolved high-resolution studies of these phenomena. Classical piezoresponse force microscopy and spectroscopy, although providing necessary spatial resolution, are fundamentally limited in data acquisition rates and energy resolution. This limitation stems from their two-tiered measurement protocol that combines slow (~1 s) switching and fast (~10 kHz–1 MHz) detection waveforms. Here we develop an approach for rapidmore » probing of ferroelectric switching using direct strain detection of material response to probe bias. This approach, facilitated by high-sensitivity electronics and adaptive filtering, enables spectroscopic imaging at a rate 3,504 times faster the current state of the art, achieving high-veracity imaging of polarization dynamics in complex microstructures.« less

Rapid mapping of polarization switching through complete information acquisition

PubMed Central

Somnath, Suhas; Belianinov, Alex; Kalinin, Sergei V.; Jesse, Stephen

2016-01-01

Polarization switching in ferroelectric and multiferroic materials underpins a broad range of current and emergent applications, ranging from random access memories to field-effect transistors, and tunnelling devices. Switching in these materials is exquisitely sensitive to local defects and microstructure on the nanometre scale, necessitating spatially resolved high-resolution studies of these phenomena. Classical piezoresponse force microscopy and spectroscopy, although providing necessary spatial resolution, are fundamentally limited in data acquisition rates and energy resolution. This limitation stems from their two-tiered measurement protocol that combines slow (∼1 s) switching and fast (∼10 kHz–1 MHz) detection waveforms. Here we develop an approach for rapid probing of ferroelectric switching using direct strain detection of material response to probe bias. This approach, facilitated by high-sensitivity electronics and adaptive filtering, enables spectroscopic imaging at a rate 3,504 times faster the current state of the art, achieving high-veracity imaging of polarization dynamics in complex microstructures. PMID:27910941

An enzymatic biosensor based on three-dimensional ZnO nanotetrapods spatial net modified AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistors

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

Song, Yu; Bioengineering Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015; Zhang, Xiaohui

2014-11-24

We designed and constructed three dimensional (3D) zinc oxide Nanotetrapods (T-ZnOs) modified AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) for enzymatic uric acid (UA) detection. The chemical vapor deposition synthesized T-ZnOs was distributed on the gate areas of HEMTs in order to immobilize uricase and improve the sensitivity of the HEMTs. Combining with the high efficiency of enzyme immobilization by T-ZnOs and high sensitivity from HEMT, the as-constructed uricase/T-ZnOs/HEMTs biosensor showed fast response towards UA at ∼1 s, wide linear range from 0.2 nM to 0.2 mM and the low detect limit at 0.2 nM. The results point out an avenue to design electronic devicemore » as miniaturized lab-on-chip device for high sensitive and specific in biomedical and clinical diagnosis applications.« less

Hydrogen peroxide preferentially activates capsaicin-sensitive high threshold afferents via TRPA1 channels in the guinea pig bladder.

PubMed

Nicholas, S; Yuan, S Y; Brookes, S J H; Spencer, N J; Zagorodnyuk, V P

2017-01-01

There is increasing evidence suggesting that ROS play a major pathological role in bladder dysfunction induced by bladder inflammation and/or obstruction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of H 2 O 2 on different types of bladder afferents and its mechanism of action on sensory neurons in the guinea pig bladder. 'Close-to-target' single unit extracellular recordings were made from fine branches of pelvic nerves entering the guinea pig bladder, in flat sheet preparations, in vitro. H 2 O 2 (300-1000 μM) preferentially and potently activated capsaicin-sensitive high threshold afferents but not low threshold stretch-sensitive afferents, which were only activated by significantly higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The TRPV1 channel agonist, capsaicin, excited 86% of high threshold afferents. The TRPA1 channel agonist, allyl isothiocyanate and the TRPM8 channel agonist, icilin activated 72% and 47% of capsaicin-sensitive high threshold afferents respectively. The TRPA1 channel antagonist, HC-030031, but not the TRPV1 channel antagonist, capsazepine or the TRPM8 channel antagonist, N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-[[3-methoxy-4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]methyl]thiophene-2-carboxamide, significantly inhibited the H 2 O 2 -induced activation of high threshold afferents. Dimethylthiourea and deferoxamine did not significantly change the effect of H 2 O 2 on high threshold afferents. The findings show that H 2 O 2 , in the concentration range detected in inflammation or reperfusion after ischaemia, evoked long-lasting activation of the majority of capsaicin-sensitive high threshold afferents, but not low threshold stretch-sensitive afferents. The data suggest that the TRPA1 channels located on these capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres are probable targets of ROS released during oxidative stress. © 2016 The British Pharmacological Society.

Oxygen sensitive polymeric nanocapsules for optical dissolved oxygen sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Zhijuan; Cai, Chenxin; Guo, Fei; Ye, Changhuai; Luo, Yingwu; Ye, Shuming; Luo, Jianchao; Zhu, Fan; Jiang, Chunyue

2018-04-01

Immobilization of the oxygen-sensitive probes (OSPs) in the host matrix greatly impacts the performance and long-term usage of the optical dissolved oxygen (DO) sensors. In this work, fluorescent dyes, as the OSPs, were encapsulated with a crosslinked fluorinated polymer shell by interfacial confined reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer miniemulsion polymerization to fabricate oxygen sensitive polymeric nanocapsules (NCs). The location of fluorescent dyes and the fluorescent properties of the NCs were fully characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrometer, x-ray photoelectron spectrometer and fluorescent spectrum. Dye-encapsulated capacity can be precisely tuned from 0 to 1.3 wt% without self-quenching of the fluorescent dye. The crosslinked fluorinated polymer shell is not only extremely high gas permeability, but also prevents the fluorescent dyes from leakage in aqueous as well as in various organic solvents, such as ethanol, acetone and tetrahydrofuran (THF). An optical DO sensor based on the oxygen sensitive NCs was fabricated, showing high sensitivity, short response time, full reversibility, and long-term operational stability of online monitoring DO. The sensitivity of the optical DO sensor is 7.02 (the ratio of the response value in fully deoxygenated and saturated oxygenated water) in the range 0.96-14.16 mg l-1 and the response time is about 14.3 s. The sensor’s work curve was fit well using the modified Stern-Volmer equation by two-site model, and its response values are hardly affected by pH ranging from 2 to 12 and keep constant during continuous measurement for 3 months. It is believed that the oxygen sensitive polymeric NCs-based optical DO sensor could be particularly useful in long-term online DO monitoring in both aqueous and organic solvent systems.

Aging influence on sensing properties of porous silica films sensitized toward ammonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyszkiewicz, Cuma; Rogoziński, Roman

2015-12-01

The sol-gel technology allows preparation of thin silica films ranging in porosity from dense to highly porous. These films can function as a matrix binding molecules of the pH-sensitive dyes and can be utilized as the sensitive films for intensity based planar evanescent wave chemical sensors. Sensitive properties of these dyes decreases in time due to aging processes. We report characterization of weakening of sensing properties of highly porous silica films doped with the bromocresole purple (BCP). In the presence of the gaseous ammonia, the absorption band (AB) of protonated BCP centered at λ=430 nm, is shifted toward λ=591 nm due to deprotonation, resulting in the increase of sensitive films absorption in the range of wavelengths of shifted AB. Two sets of films were investigated. Films from the first one were cyclically exposed to the ammonia and stored isolated from the daylight. Films from the second set weren't exposed to the ammonia and were stored in a staining jar exposed to the daylight. A depth of the AB at λ=430 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer. A sensitivity of the films toward ammonia was measured using LED emitting at center wavelength λ=610 nm. As was shown, the sensitivity of these films exposed to the ammonia diluted in dry air, and isolated from the daylight, decreases in time exponentially. The magnitude of that decrease monotonically depends on the ammonia concentration. It was also shown that the daylight causes quick aging of films not exposed to the ammonia. A depth of the AB centered at λ=430 nm relatively quickly decreased when compared with films isolated from the daylight and exposed to the ammonia.

Detector with internal gain for short-wave infrared ranging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathipour, Vala; Mohseni, Hooman

2017-09-01