Down-conversion process in Tb3+-Yb3+ co-doped Calibo glasses

The down-conversion process in Tb3+-Yb3+ co-doped Calibo glasses was studied. The emission, excitation and time-resolved measurements indicated the existence of an energy conversion through the excitation of Tb3+ ions to near-infrared emission by Yb3+ ions. The emission intensity dependence on excitation power confirms that the one-photon process is responsible for the Yb3+ emission. An enhanced Yb3+ emission was observed with Yb3+ doping and an optimal energy transfer efficiency of 32% was obtained before reaching near-infrared emission quenching. The mechanism of the non-resonant energy transfer from Tb3+ to Yb3+ is discussed in terms of the Tb3+-Yb3+ cross-relaxation and multiphonon decay processes. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Near-infrared quantum cutting through a three-step energy transfer process in Nd3+-Yb3+ co-doped fluoroindogallate glasses

The Nd3+-Yb3+ couple was investigated in fluoroindogallate glasses using optical spectroscopy to elucidate the energy transfer mechanisms involved in the downconversion (DC) process. Upon excitation of a Nd3+ ion by an ultraviolet photon, DC through a three-step energy transfer process occurs, in which the energy of the ultraviolet photon absorbed by the Nd3+ ion is converted into three infrared photons emitted by Yb3+ ions, i.e. quantum cutting (QC). In addition, with excitation in the visible, our results confirm that the DC process occurs through a one-step energy transfer process, in which the energy of a visible photon absorbed by the Nd3+ ion is converted into only one infrared photon emitted by an Yb3+ ion. Time-resolved measurements enabled the estimation of the efficiencies of the cross-relaxation processes between Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions.

Linking origin of the electric field-assisted beta-PbF2 crystallization in lead oxyfluoroborate glasses below T (g) to simultaneous cathode/anode-compensated electrochemical reactions

Full validation of the electrochemical mechanisms so far postulated as driving force of electric field-assisted non-spontaneous crystallization development in given glasses has suffered experimental restrictions. In this work, we looked into origin of this phenomenon in lead oxyfluoroborate glasses, resulting in beta-PbF2 growth even below the corresponding glass transition temperatures, through achieving a systematic study of not only Pt,Ag/Glass/Ag,Pt- but also Pt,Ag/Glass/YSZ:PbF2/Ag,Pt-type cells, where YSZ:PbF2 represents a two-phase system (formed by Y2O3-doped ZrO2 and PbF2). It is demonstrated that crystallization induction in these glasses involves Pb2+ ions reduction at the cathode, the phenomenon being, however, confirmed only when the F- ions were simultaneously also able to reach the anode for oxidation, after assuring either a direct glass-anode contact or percolation pathways for free fluoride migration across the YSZ:PbF2 mixtures. A further support of this account is that the electrochemically induced beta-PbF2 phase crystallizes showing ramified-like microstructure morphology that arises, accordingly, from development of electroconvective diffusion processes under electric field action.

Spectroscopic investigation and heat generation of Yb3+/Ho3+ codoped aluminosilicate glasses looking for the emission at 2 μm

Energy transfer (ET) and heat generation processes in Yb3+/Ho3+-codoped low-silica calcium aluminosilicate glasses were investigated using thermal lens (TL) and photoluminescence measurements looking for the emission around 2.0 μm. Stepwise ET processes from Yb3+ to Ho3+, upon excitation at 0.976 μm, produced highly efficient emission in the mid-infrared range at around 2.0 μm, with high fluorescence quantum efficiency (η1 ∼ 0.85 and independent of Ho3+ concentration) and relatively very low thermal loading (<0.4) for concentration up to 1.5% of Ho2O3. An equation was deduced for the description of the TL results that provided the absolute value of η1 and the number of emitted photons at 2.0 μm per absorbed pump photon by the Yb3+ ions, the latter reaching 60% for the highest Ho3+ concentration. These results suggest that the studied codoped system would be a promising candidate for the construction of photonic devices, especially for medical applications.

Monte Carlo simulations of Potts glasses

A complete understanding of the glass transition isstill a challenging problem. Some researchers attributeit to the (hypothetical) occurrence of a static phasetransition, others emphasize the dynamical transitionof mode coupling-theory from an ergodic to a non ergodicstate. A class of disordered spin models has been foundwhich unifies both scenarios. One of these models isthe p-state infinite range Potts glass with p>4, whichexhibits in the thermodynamic limit both a dynamicalphase transition at a temperature T_D, and a static oneat T_0 < T_D. In this model every spins interacts withall the others, irrespective of distance. Interactionsare taken from a Gaussian distribution.In order to understand better its behavior forfinite number N of spins and the approach to thethermodynamic limit, we have performed extensive MonteCarlo simulations of the p=10 Potts glass up to N=2560.The time-dependent spin-autocorrelation function C(t)shows strong finite size effects and it does not showa plateau even for temperatures around the dynamicalcritical temperature T_D. We show that the N-andT-dependence of the relaxation time for T > T_D can beunderstood by means of a dynamical finite size scalingAnsatz.The behavior in the spin glass phase down to atemperature T=0.7 (about 60% of the transitiontemperature) is studied. Well equilibratedconfigurations are obtained with the paralleltempering method, which is also useful for properlyestablishing static properties, such as the orderparameter distribution function P(q). Evidence is givenfor the compatibility with a one step replica symmetrybreaking scenario. The study of the cumulants of theorder parameter does not permit a reliable estimation ofthe static transition temperature. The autocorrelationfunction at low T exhibits a two-step decay, and ascaling behavior typical of supercooled liquids, thetime-temperature superposition principle, is observed. Inthis region the dynamics is governed by Arrheniusrelaxations, with barriers growing like N^{1/2}.We analyzed the single spin dynamics down to temperaturesmuch lower than the dynamical transition temperature. We found strong dynamical heterogeneities, which explainthe non-exponential character of the spin autocorrelationfunction. The spins seem to relax according to dynamicalclusters. The model in three dimensions tends to acquireferromagnetic order for equal concentration of ferro-and antiferromagnetic bonds. The ordering has differentcharacteristics from the pure ferromagnet. The spinglass susceptibility behaves like chi_{SG} proportionalto 1/T in the region where a spin glass is predicted toexist in mean-field. Also the analysis of the cumulantsis consistent with the absence of spin glass orderingat finite temperature. The dynamics shows multi-scalerelaxations if a bimodal distribution of bonds isused. We propose to understand it with a model based onthe local spin configuration. This is consistent with theabsence of plateaus if Gaussian interactions are used.

Computer simulation studies of vector spin glasses

Die vorliegende Doktorarbeit befasst sich mit klassischen Vektor-Spingläsern eine Art von ungeordneten Magneten - auf verschiedenen Gittertypen. Da siernbedeutsam für eine experimentelle Realisierung sind, ist ein theoretisches Verständnis von Spinglas-Modellen mit wenigen Spinkomponenten und niedriger Gitterdimension von großer Bedeutung. Da sich dies jedoch als sehr schwierigrnerweist, sind neue, aussichtsreiche Ansätze nötig. Diese Arbeit betrachtet daher den Limesrnunendlich vieler Spindimensionen. Darin entstehen mehrere Vereinfachungen im Vergleichrnzu Modellen niedriger Spindimension, so dass für dieses bedeutsame Problem Eigenschaften sowohl bei Temperatur Null als auch bei endlichen Temperaturenrnüberwiegend mit numerischen Methoden ermittelt werden. Sowohl hyperkubische Gitter als auch ein vielseitiges 1d-Modell werden betrachtet. Letzteres erlaubt es, unterschiedliche Universalitätsklassen durch bloßes Abstimmen eines einzigen Parameters zu untersuchen. "Finite-size scaling''-Formen, kritische Exponenten, Quotienten kritischer Exponenten und andere kritische Größen werden nahegelegt und mit numerischen Ergebnissen verglichen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Herleitungen aller numerisch ausgewerteter Gleichungen wird ebenso angegeben. Bei Temperatur Null wird eine gründliche Untersuchung der Grundzustände und Defektenergien gemacht. Eine Reihe interessanter Größen wird analysiert und insbesondere die untere kritische Dimension bestimmt. Bei endlicher Temperatur sind der Ordnungsparameter und die Spinglas-Suszeptibilität über die numerisch berechnete Korrelationsmatrix zugänglich. Das Spinglas-Modell im Limes unendlich vieler Spinkomponenten kann man als Ausgangspunkt zur Untersuchung der natürlicheren Modelle mit niedriger Spindimension betrachten. Wünschenswert wäre natürlich ein Modell, das die Vorteile des ersten mit den Eigenschaften des zweiten verbände. Daher wird in Modell mit Anisotropie vorgeschlagen und getestet, mit welchem versucht wird, dieses Ziel zu erreichen. Es wird auf reizvolle Wege hingewiesen, das Modell zu nutzen und eine tiefergehende Beschäftigung anzuregen. Zuletzt werden sogenannte "real-space" Renormierungsgruppenrechnungen sowohl analytisch als auch numerisch für endlich-dimensionale Vektor-Spingläser mit endlicher Anzahl von Spinkomponenten durchgeführt. Dies wird mit einer zuvor bestimmten neuen Migdal-Kadanoff Rekursionsrelation geschehen. Neben anderen Größen wird die untere kritische Dimension bestimmt.

Rigorous results in Spin Glasses and Monomer-Dimer systems

In this work I reported recent results in the field of Statistical Mechanics of Equilibrium, and in particular in Spin Glass models and Monomer Dimer models . We start giving the mathematical background and the general formalism for Spin (Disordered) Models with some of their applications to physical and mathematical problems. Next we move on general aspects of the theory of spin glasses, in particular to the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model which is of fundamental interest for the work. In Chapter 3, we introduce the Multi-species Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model (MSK), we prove the existence of the thermodynamical limit and the Guerra's Bound for the quenched pressure together with a detailed analysis of the annealed and the replica symmetric regime. The result is a multidimensional generalization of the Parisi's theory. Finally we brie y illustrate the strategy of the Panchenko's proof of the lower bound. In Chapter 4 we discuss the Aizenmann-Contucci and the Ghirlanda-Guerra identities for a wide class of Spin Glass models. As an example of application, we discuss the role of these identities in the proof of the lower bound. In Chapter 5 we introduce the basic mathematical formalism of Monomer Dimer models. We introduce a Gaussian representation of the partition function that will be fundamental in the rest of the work. In Chapter 6, we introduce an interacting Monomer-Dimer model. Its exact solution is derived and a detailed study of its analytical properties and related physical quantities is performed. In Chapter 7, we introduce a quenched randomness in the Monomer Dimer model and show that, under suitable conditions the pressure is a self averaging quantity. The main result is that, if we consider randomness only in the monomer activity, the model is exactly solvable.

Molecular dynamics simulations of silicate and borate glasses and melts : structure, diffusion dynamics and vibrational properties

Molecular dynamics simulations of silicate and borate glasses and melts: Structure, diffusion dynamics and vibrational properties. In this work computer simulations of the model glass formers SiO2 and B2O3 are presented, using the techniques of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum mechanical calculations, based on density functional theory (DFT). The latter limits the system size to about 100−200 atoms. SiO2 and B2O3 are the two most important network formers for industrial applications of oxide glasses. Glass samples are generated by means of a quench from the melt with classical MD simulations and a subsequent structural relaxation with DFT forces. In addition, full ab initio quenches are carried out with a significantly faster cooling rate. In principle, the structural properties are in good agreement with experimental results from neutron and X-ray scattering, in all cases. A special focus is on the study of vibrational properties, as they give access to low-temperature thermodynamic properties. The vibrational spectra are calculated by the so-called ”frozen phonon” method. In all cases, the DFT curves show an acceptable agreement with experimental results of inelastic neutron scattering. In case of the model glass former B2O3, a new classical interaction potential is parametrized, based on the liquid trajectory of an ab initio MD simulation at 2300 K. In this course, a structural fitting routine is used. The inclusion of 3-body angular interactions leads to a significantly improved agreement of the liquid properties of the classical MD and ab initio MD simulations. However, the generated glass structures, in all cases, show a significantly lower fraction of 3-membered planar boroxol rings as predicted by experimental results (f=60%-80%). The largest boroxol ring fraction of f=15±5% is observed in the full ab initio quenches from 2300 K. In case of SiO2, the glass structures after the quantum mechanical relaxation are the basis for calculations of the linear thermal expansion coefficient αL(T), employing the quasi-harmonic approximation. The striking observation is a change change of sign of αL(T) going along with a temperature range of negative αL(T) at low temperatures, which is in good agreement with experimental results.

Sistemi di realtà aumentata basati su smart-glasses

Grazie al progresso nel potenziamento dell'hardware sono state sviluppate tecnologie che stanno rivoluzionando drasticamente il modo di interagire con l'ambiente circostante. Una di queste è sicuramente l'avvento degli Smartglasses e della relativa Realtà Aumentata (AR). Sulla scia del rapido diffondersi di questa tecnologia negli ultimi anni, questa tesi vuole mettere in evidenza le opportunità e i benefici legati al suo impiego esponendo come questa aprirà nuove forme di servizi e metterà in discussione il mondo così come lo si conosce. In particolare la tesi è strutturata in questo modo: nel capitolo uno verranno esposte le tre principali tecnologie wearables rispettivamente SmartWatches, FitnessTracker e SmartGlasses, quest'ultimi visti non solo come dei semplici wearables ma come dispositivi per la Realtà Aumentata, mostrando la maggior parte di quelli presenti sul mercato con una relativa descrizione delle caratteristiche hardware. Nel secondo capitolo verrà dunque esposto il concetto di Realtà Aumentata con l'illustrazione di come si progetta generalmente un'applicazione AR ed analizzando alcuni degli innumerevoli scenari applicativi. Nel terzo capitolo verrà presentato come la tecnologia smartglass utilizzi la realtà aumentata e verranno mostrate le proposte applicative che i più importanti prodotti offrono. Nel quarto capitolo invece si parlerà dei vari tools di sviluppo per progettare ed implementare applicazioni di realtà aumentata in particolare per dispositivi smartglasses. Nel quinto capitolo verrà approfondito proprio uno di questi tools: le librerie di ARToolKit raccontandone le caratteristiche principali e mostrando la struttura generale di un'applicazione che ne fa uso. Infine nel sesto capitolo verrà discusso come questa realtà aumentata grazie all'ausilio di tutti questi dispositivi sta cambiando il modo di interagire con tutto l'ambiente, creando scenari futuristici che coinvolgono ambienti intelligenti nei quali si creerà un livello digitale che aumenterà il mondo fisico.

Azo-propofols: photochromic potentiators of GABA(A) receptors

Shine and rise! GABA(A) receptors are ligand-gated chloride ion channels that respond to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mammalian central nervous system. Azobenzene derivatives of propofol, such as compound 1 (see scheme), increase GABA-induced currents in the dark form and lose this property upon light exposure and thus function as photochromic potentiators. Compound 1 can be employed as a light-dependent general anesthetic in translucent tadpoles.

Bulk Metallic Glasses Deform via Slip Avalanches

For the first time in metallic glasses, we extract both the exponents and scaling functions that describe the nature, statistics, and dynamics of slip events during slow deformation, according to a simple mean field model. We model the slips as avalanches of rearrangements of atoms in coupled shear transformation zones (STZs). Using high temporal resolution measurements, we find the predicted, different statistics and dynamics for small and large slips thereby excluding self-organized criticality. The agreement between model and data across numerous independent measures provides evidence for slip avalanches of STZs as the elementary mechanism of inhomogeneous deformation in metallic glasses.

Shear bands in metallic glasses are not necessarily hot

We have used the fusible tin coating method to detect shear band heating in amorphous Zr57Ti5Cu20Ni8Al10 loaded under quasi-static uniaxial compression. High-rate load data allowed a precise determination of the duration of shearing events and final fracture. When loading was halted prior to fracture we saw no evidence of melted tin despite the presence of shear offsets up to 6μm on some shear bands. Samples loaded to fracture showed evidence of tin melting near the fracture surface. We attribute the difference to the duration of the events, which is much longer for shear banding (milliseconds) than for fracture (microseconds).