Observations on some experiments on visual masking.
Review and interpretation of experiments on masking of visual stimuli
VISUAL STIMULI↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “MASKING”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Single unit analysis of backward visual masking and metacontrast in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus.
Single unit analysis of backward visual masking and metacontrast in lateral geniculate nucleus in cats
MASKING↗
Astronomical Near-neighbor Detection with a Four-quadrant Phase Mask (FQPM) Coronagraph
Direct detection of planets around nearby stars requires the development of high-contrast imaging techniques, because of their very different respective fluxes. We thus investigated the innovative coronagraphic approach based on the use of a four-quadrant phase mask (FQPM). Simulations showed that, combined with high-level wavefront correction on an unobscured off-axis section of a large telescope, this method allows high-contrast imaging very close to stars, with detection capability superior to that of a traditional coronagraph. A FQPM instrument was thus built to test the feasibility of near-neighbor observations with our new off-axis approach on a ground-based telescope. In June 2005, we deployed our instrument to the Palomar 200-inch telescope, using existing facilities as much as possible for rapid implementation. In these initial observations, using data processing techniques specific to FQPM coronagraphs, we reached extinction levels of the order of 200:1. Here we discuss our simulations and on-sky results obtained so far.
phase mask↗
An Off-Axis Four-Quadrant Phase Mask (FQPM) Coronagraph for Palomar: High-Contrast Near Bright Stars Imager
Direct detection of planets around nearby stars requires the development of high-contrast imaging techniques because of the high difference between their respective fluxes. This led us to test a new coronagraphic approach based on the use of phase mask instead of dark occulting ones. Combined with high-level wavefront correction on an unobscured off-axis section of a large telescope, this method allows imaging very close to the star. Calculations indicate that for a given ground-based on-axis telescope, use of such an off-axis coronagraph provides a near-neighbor detection capability superior to that of a traditional coronagraph utilizing the full telescope aperture. Setting up a laboratory experiment working in near infrared allowed us to demonstrate the principle of the method, and a rejection of 2000:1 has already been achieved.
coronagraphy↗
Characterizing Fit Factor of a One Size Fits-Most Emergency Mask using Subjects with Smaller Neck Circumferences
The Emergency Mask (EM) is an integral part of fire response on ISS, Orion and Gateway. The EM is a hood type protection respirator sealing around the subject’s neck, with an additional nose cup covering the subject’s oral nasal region. When integrated with a pair of Fire Cartridges (FCs), this system can be used to provide safe breathing air in a post-fire environment. The initial EM was certified as a ‘one size fits most’, however a recent requirements scrub discovered that the neck circumferences of the smallest possible crew population were not included in the initial requirement set. The test described in this paper uses the same slightly modified industry standard respirator test called a ‘Fit Factor’ used to certify the existing EM for larger subjects. Tests were performed on eight test subjects with neck circumference smaller than the initial EM requirement to determine if the current EM provided adequate protection during post-fire scenarios. The test included subjects donning an EM and then performing a number of head movements in a tent filled with approximately 50,000 particles/cm3 of smoke particulate. During these motions, particulate measurements were obtained from within the EM and compared with particulate measurements in the surrounding environment to determine the protection the EM provided in a simulated post-fire environment. This paper provides descriptions of the test hardware, methodology and results, which have provided rationale to design and build an EM to accommodate subjects with smaller necks.
Respirator↗
Building a Better Gas Mask
Berkeley Lab scientists have been putting the X-ray spotlight on composite materials in respirators used by the military, police, and first responders, work that could eventually lead to more advanced gas masks as well as protective gear for civilian applications.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Assessment of Cloud Mask Forecasts from the WRF-Solar Ensemble Prediction System: Preprint
Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are important tools used by government agencies and the renewable energy enterprise to forecast solar radiation. Cloud prediction, a key process of NWP models, has the highest impact on the accuracy of solar forecasting. This study uses satellite observations from the National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB) to evaluate the cloud mask forecast by the WRF-Solar Ensemble Prediction System (WRF-Solar EPS). Preliminary analysis of the data in 2018 demonstrates the need of further improvement in predicting thin and low-level clouds. The information obtained from this work will be used to enhance the WRF-Solar EPS in reproducing the cloud field over the contiguous U.S. and reducing solar forecasting errors.
41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
Controlled Selective CVD Growth of ZnO Nanowires Enabled by Mask‐Free Fabrication Approach using Aqueous Fe Catalytic Inks
Abstract Fabrication process that enables selective growth of vertically oriented zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) via chemical vapor deposition method and mask‐free patterning approach is reported. It is shown that synthesis of high‐quality ZnO nanowires in various architectures is achievable by optimizing the growth conditions and by precise patterning of catalytic ink precursors. Parallel direct‐write patterning method is utilized to fabricate arrays of different architectures on Si/SiO 2 substrates and directly on devices at preselected locations. The production of high‐quality, crystalline ZnO NWs is demonstrated using aqueous iron catalytic inks. The composition of the ink and the lateral size of the patterns deposited on substrates are shown to affect the resulting nanowires and thus, allowing to control the geometry (length and diameter) of the individual ZnO NWs in the patterned assemblies. The results indicate that our protocols are tailored to the fabrication of ZnO NWs with specific surface geometries and interface functionalities for variety of targeted device applications.
Alameri, Dheyaa↗
Synthesis and Characterization of a Masked Terminal Nickel-Oxide Complex
In exploring terminal nickel-oxo complexes, postulated to be the active oxidant in natural and non-natural oxidation reactions, we report the synthesis of the pseudo-trigonal bipyramidal Ni II complexes (K)[Ni II (L Ph )(DMF)] (1[DMF]) and (NMe 4 ) 2 [Ni II (L Ph )(OAc)] (1[OAc]) (L Ph =2,2’,2’’-nitrilo-tris-(N-phenylacetamide); DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide; - OAc=acetate). Both complexes were characterized using NMR, FTIR, ESI-MS, and X-ray crystallography, showing the L Ph ligand to bind in a tetradentate fashion, together with an ancillary donor. The reaction of 1[OAc] with peroxyphenyl acetic acid (PPAA) resulted in the formation of [(L Ph )Ni III -O-H∙∙∙OAc] 2- , 2, that displays many of the characteristics of a terminal Ni=O species. 2 was characterized by UV-Vis, EPR, and XAS spectroscopies and ESI-MS. 2 decayed to yield a Ni II -phenolate complex 3 (through aromatic electrophilic substitution) that was characterized by NMR, FTIR, ESI-MS, and X-ray crystallography. 2 was capable of hydroxylation of hydrocarbons and epoxidation of olefins, as well as oxygen atom transfer oxidation of phosphines at exceptional rates. While the oxo-wall remains standing, this complex represents an excellent example of a masked metal-oxide that displays all of the properties expected of the ever elusive terminal M=O beyond the oxo-wall.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Xanthohumol Microbiome and Signature in Healthy Adults (the XMaS Trial): Safety and Tolerability Results of a Phase I Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Scope Xanthohumol, a prenylflavonoid from hops, has been extensively studied preclinically but has undergone limited research in human subjects. A triple-masked, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial was conducted to examine the safety and tolerability of xanthohumol. Methods and results Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to 24?mg/day xanthohumol (99.8% pure) or placebo for eight weeks. Comprehensive metabolic panels, complete blood counts, body weight, vital signs, and health-related quality of life questionnaires were assessed every two weeks. Participants were interviewed for adverse events (AEs) throughout the trial. Thirteen of 14 (93%) and 14 of 16 (88%) participants completed the trial in Group A and B respectively. There were no withdrawals due to AEs. There were no clinically relevant, between-group differences in laboratory biomarkers, body weight, vital signs, or health-related quality of life. There were no severe or FDA-defined serious AEs, but non-serious AEs were documented in both Group A (n=42) and Group B (n=58). Conclusion Over an eight-week period, 24 mg daily xanthohumol was safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults.
Langley, Blake↗
Tuning Gold Nanoparticle Size with Fixed Interparticle Spacing in Large-Scale Arrays: Implications for Plasmonics and Nanoparticle Etching Masks
Gold nanoparticles play an important role in plasmonic arrays, including, but not limited to, photovoltaic, biomedical, sensing, optical, and catalytic applications. For plasmonic arrays, control over spatial variables of the array, such as nanoparticle size and spacing, must be judiciously cared for. In this work, we present here a multistep deposit/dewet process for nanoparticle ensemble fabrication that exploits thermally driven solid-state diffusional dewetting, coupled with Ostwald ripening, to tune the nanoparticle size or area coverage for a particular particle–particle spacing. The initial dewetting process defines the spatial period of the array, with subsequent dewetting steps growing the nanoparticles while adhering to the “seeded” period from the first dewetting. Following the fifth deposit/dewet cycle, relative to the first cycle, the mean nanoparticle height exhibited a percent increase of 90 and 66% for 5 and 7.5 nm multistep deposit/dewet processes, respectively, while minimally impacting the ensemble period. This provides unprecedented control over the spatial parameters of large-scale nanoparticle ensembles for plasmonic and etching-mask applications where a particular particle size and spacing are desired. Due to the simplicity of the technique and its area scalability, the cyclic deposition/dewetting process is shown here to be a method that can be easily scaled up to apply to large-area (up to meter-size) applications.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
The Nitro Group as a Masked Electrophile in Covalent Enzyme Inhibition
We report the unprecedented reaction between a nitroalkane and an active-site cysteine residue to yield a thiohydroximate adduct. Structural and kinetic evidence suggests the nitro group is activated by conversion to its nitronic acid tautomer within the active site. Here, the nitro group, therefore, shows promise as a masked electrophile in the design of covalent inhibitors targeting binding pockets with appropriately placed cysteine and general acid residues.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Top-down fabrication of high-uniformity nanodiamonds by self-assembled block copolymer masks
Abstract Nanodiamonds hosting colour centres are a promising material platform for various quantum technologies. The fabrication of non-aggregated and uniformly-sized nanodiamonds with systematic integration of single quantum emitters has so far been lacking. Here, we present a top-down fabrication method to produce 30.0 ± 5.4 nm uniformly-sized single-crystal nanodiamonds by block copolymer self-assembled nanomask patterning together with directional and isotropic reactive ion etching. We show detected emission from bright single nitrogen vacancy centres hosted in the fabricated nanodiamonds. The lithographically precise patterning of large areas of diamond by self-assembled masks and their release into uniformly sized nanodiamonds open up new possibilities for quantum information processing and sensing.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Magneto-transport properties of InAs nanowires laterally-grown by selective area molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (110) masked substrates
We prepared InAs nanowires (NWs) by lateral growth on GaAs (110) masked substrates in molecular beam epitaxy. We measured magneto-transport properties of the InAs NWs. In spite of parallel-NW multi-channels, we observed fluctuating magneto-conductance. From the fluctuation, we evaluated phase coherence length as a function of measurement temperature, and found decrease in the length with increase in the temperature. We also evaluate phase coherence length as a function of gate voltage.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Patterned graphene functionalization via mask-free scanning of micro-plasma jet under ambient condition
In this work, a mask-free method is introduced for patterned nitrogen doping of graphene using a micro-plasma jet under ambient condition. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra indicate that nitrogen atoms are incorporated into the graphene lattice with the two-dimensional spatial distribution precisely controlled in the range of mm down to 10 μm. Since the chemistry of the micro-plasma jet can be controlled by the choice of the gas mixture, this direct writing process with micro-plasma jet can be a versatile approach for patterned functionalization of graphene with high spatial resolution. This could have promising applications in graphene-based electronics.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Site specific isolated nanostructure array formation on a large area by broad ion beam without any mask and resist
We report the formation of isolated nanostructure arrays on a large area via broad ion beam implantation without the aid of any mask or resist. Desired ions have been implanted at specific locations of the prefabricated silicon ripple or triangular structures by exploiting the variation of local ion impact angles. We have shown that the implantation of Fe ions on an O{sup +} ions induced pre fabricated triangular shaped patterned Si surface results in a self-organized periodic array of striped magnetic nanostructures having several micron length and about 50 nm width arranged with a spacial separation of ∼200 nm. The morphology, composition, crystalline structure, and magnetic property of these nanopatterns have been analyzed using high-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. A geometrical model has been proposed to explain the fundamental features of such ion-induced nanopattern structures.
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
Residue-free fabrication of high-performance graphene devices by patterned PMMA stencil mask
Two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals and their hybrid structures have recently attracted much attention due to their potential applications. The fabrication of metallic contacts or nanostructures on 2D materials is very common and generally achieved by performing electron-beam (e-beam) lithography. However, e-beam lithography is not applicable in certain situations, e.g., cases in which the e-beam resist does not adhere to the substrates or the intrinsic properties of the 2D materials are greatly altered and degraded. Here, we present a residue-free approach for fabricating high-performance graphene devices by patterning a thin film of e-beam resist as a stencil mask. This technique can be generally applied to substrates with varying surface conditions, while causing negligible residues on graphene. The technique also preserves the design flexibility offered by e-beam lithography and therefore allows us to fabricate multi-probe metallic contacts. The graphene field-effect transistors fabricated by this method exhibit smooth surfaces, high mobility, and distinct magnetotransport properties, confirming the advantages and versatility of the presented residue-free technique for the fabrication of devices composed of 2D materials.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Fabrication of triangular nanobeam waveguide networks in bulk diamond using single-crystal silicon hard masks
A scalable approach for integrated photonic networks in single-crystal diamond using triangular etching of bulk samples is presented. We describe designs of high quality factor (Q = 2.51 × 10{sup 6}) photonic crystal cavities with low mode volume (V{sub m} = 1.062 × (λ/n){sup 3}), which are connected via waveguides supported by suspension structures with predicted transmission loss of only 0.05 dB. We demonstrate the fabrication of these structures using transferred single-crystal silicon hard masks and angular dry etching, yielding photonic crystal cavities in the visible spectrum with measured quality factors in excess of Q = 3 × 10{sup 3}.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗