Initial nucleation study and new technique for sublimation growth of AlN on SiC substrate

Single crystal platelets of AlN were successfully grown on 6H-SiC(0001) by a novel technique designed to suppress SiC decomposition, promote two-dimensional growth, and eliminate cracking in the AlN. X-ray diffractometry and synchrotron white beam X-ray topography demonstrate that the final AlN single crystal is of high structural quality.

A 2D [FeII-bistetrazole] coordination polymer exhibiting spin-crossover properties

The reaction of 1,3-bis(tetrazol-1-yl)-2-propanol (btzpol) with Fe(BF4)2 · 6H2O in acetonitrile yields the remarkable 2D coordination polymer [FeII(btzpol)1.8(btzpol-OBF3)1.2](BF4)0.8 · (H2O)0.8(CH3CN) (1). This compound has been structurally characterized using an X-ray single-crystal synchrotron radiation source. The iron(II) centers are bridged by means of double btzpol bridges along the c direction, and by single btzpol bridges along the b direction. The reaction of part of the ligand with the counterion has forced the compound to crystallize in this extended two dimensional structure. The compound shows spin-transition properties, both induced by temperature and light, with T½ = 112 K and T(LIESST) = 46 K, respectively. The relaxation of the metastable high-spin state created by irradiation is exponential, following an Arrhenius type behavior at high temperature, and dominated by a temperature independent tunneling process at lower temperatures.

Recent advances in the heterogeneously catalysed aerobic selective oxidation of alcohols

The heterogeneously catalysed selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols is an important tool for the synthesis of valuable chemical intermediates and a hot topic within both academic and industrial arenas. In this mini-review, selected aspects of catalyst formulation, process operating conditions, and progress in identifying the active sites and surface reaction mechanisms notably through the application of synchrotron radiation, are highlighted. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diffractive variable attenuator for femtosecond laser radiation control

We present a diffractive phase variable attenuator for femtosecond laser radiation control. It allows the control of beam power up to 0.75 10 ¹³ W/cm² without introducing serious distortions in spectra and beam shape while it operates in zero order diffraction. The attenuator can operate with wavelengths from DUV to IR. © 2009 Optical Society of America.

Optical trapping with superfocused high-M2 laser diode beam

Many applications of high-power laser diodes demand tight focusing. This is often not possible due to the multimode nature of semiconductor laser radiation possessing beam propagation parameter M2 values in double-digits. We propose a method of 'interference' superfocusing of high-M2 diode laser beams with a technique developed for the generation of Bessel beams based on the employment of an axicon fabricated on the tip of a 100 μm diameter optical fiber with highprecision direct laser writing. Using axicons with apex angle 140º and rounded tip area as small as 10 μm diameter, we demonstrate 2-4 μm diameter focused laser 'needle' beams with approximately 20 μm propagation length generated from multimode diode laser with beam propagation parameter M2=18 and emission wavelength of 960 nm. This is a few-fold reduction compared to the minimal focal spot size of 11 μm that could be achieved if focused by an 'ideal' lens of unity numerical aperture. The same technique using a 160º axicon allowed us to demonstrate few-μm-wide laser 'needle' beams with nearly 100 μm propagation length with which to demonstrate optical trapping of 5-6 μm rat blood red cells in a water-heparin solution. Our results indicate the good potential of superfocused diode laser beams for applications relating to optical trapping and manipulation of microscopic objects including living biological objects with aspirations towards subsequent novel lab-on-chip configurations.

Dynamic analysis of submerged microscale plates:the effects of acoustic radiation and viscous dissipation

The aim of this paper is to study the dynamic characteristics of micromechanical rectangular plates used as sensing elements in a viscous compressible fluid. A novel modelling procedure for the plate- fluid interaction problem is developed on the basis of linearized Navier-Stokes equations and noslip conditions. Analytical expression for the fluidloading impedance is obtained using a double Fourier transform approach. This modelling work provides us an analytical means to study the effects of inertial loading, acoustic radiation and viscous dissipation of the fluid acting on the vibration of microplates. The numerical simulation is conducted on microplates with different boundary conditions and fluids with different viscosities. The simulation results reveal that the acoustic radiation dominates the damping mechanism of the submerged microplates. It is also proved that microplates offer better sensitivities (Q-factors) than the conventional beam type microcantilevers beingmass sensing platforms in a viscous fluid environment. The frequency response features of microplates under highly viscous fluid loading are studied using the present model. The dynamics of the microplates with all edges clamped are less influenced by the highly viscous dissipation of the fluid than the microplates with other types of boundary conditions.