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At least 1,711 records · Page 95

Combined Au-plasmonic nanoparticles with mesoporous carbon material (CMK-3) for photocatalytic water splitting

The conventional TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode for water splitting was integrated with ordered mesoporous carbon material (CMK-3) and Au metal nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation. Compared to TiO{sub 2}, Au/TiO{sub 2}-CMK-3 photoelectrode demonstrated over two orders of magnitude enhancement of photocurrent under 532 nm laser irradiation due to the generation of hot electron and near field from Au NPs. Furthermore, the improvement of free carrier transport and additional long-wavelength absorption can be achieved by exploiting the superior conductivity and blackbody-like property of CMK-3. This proposed enhancement mechanism was proved by the measurements of photoluminescence emission spectrum and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The variation of solar proton energy spectra size distribution with heliolongitude

A statistical study of the initial phases of 185 solar particle events was carried out using the data from cosmic ray experiments on IMP 4 and IMP 5. Special emphasis was placed on the identification of the associated solar flare, as the parent flare can be determined for 68% of the events. It appears probable that most of the unidentified increases occur on the non-visible disc of the sun. The existence of a 'preferred-connection' longitude between 20 W and 80 W was established by examining the heliolongitude of all the flare associated events. It is demonstrated that the energy spectra determined at the time of maximum particle in the 20 to 80 MeV or 4 to 20 Mev interval range give results identical to that obtained by the 'distance-travelled' method.

Vanhollebeke, M. A. I.↗

Solution-processable white-light-emitting germanium nanocrystals

This paper describes an efficient chemical route for the synthesis of visible light emitting nanocrystals of germanium (ncGe). The synthesis started by heating Ge(II) iodide at 300 °C in argon atmosphere. Spectroscopic characterizations confirmed the formation of diamond cubic lattice structures of ncGe. By grafting hydrophobic chains on the ncGe surface, the dispersions in nonpolar solvents of the ncGe became very stable. The as-synthesized ncGe showed the bluish white photoluminescence (PL) feature, but it was found that the PL spectrum is composed of many different emission spectra. Therefore, the color-tuning of white light emission is demonstrated through the witting removal of extra ncGe with unfavorable emission feature by making full use of column chromatographic techniques. - Highlights: • Visible light emitting nanocrystals of germanium was synthesized by chemical reduction of germanium iodide. • White light emission was achieved by control over size distribution of germanium nanocrystals. • Tuning the color of white light was achieved by separation of nanocrystals by emission.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Carbon and nitrogen lines in the spectra of Wolf-Rayet stars

The one-representative-point radiative transfer theory of Castor and van Blerkom (1970) is used to predict the relative energies in emission lines of the ions of carbon and nitrogen in Wolf-Rayet atmospheres for a wide range of parameters. The predicted ratios are compared with observed relative energies of lines in the visible and ultraviolet spectral ranges of six Wolf-Rayet stars. It is found that the lower levels of C II, C III, N III, and N IV are strongly overpopulated relative to their populations in LTE. The differences between WC and WN spectra appear to be due chiefly to a difference in electron temperature in the line-emitting regions. The typical volume of stars studied is estimated to be in the range of 10 to the 41st to 10 to the 44th cu cm. Possible ways in which the line-emitting regions may be arranged around the star are discussed, noting that the high-temperature line-emitting plasma may lie in a thin annular disk approximately 10 to the 15th cm from the star.

Bhatia, A. K.↗

Reflectance Experiment Laboratory (RELAB) Description and User's Manual

Spectroscopic data acquired in the laboratory provide the interpretive foundation upon which compositional information about unexplored or unsampled planetary surfaces is derived from remotely obtained reflectance spectra. The RELAB is supported by NASA as a multi-user spectroscopy facility, and laboratory time can be made available at no charge to investigators who are in funded NASA programs. RELAB has two operational spectrometers available to NASA scientists: 1) a near- ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared bidirectional spectrometer and 2) a near- and mid- infrared FT-IR spectrometer. The overall purpose of the design and operation of the RELAB bidirectional spectrometer is to obtain high precision, high spectral resolution, bidirectional reflectance spectra of earth and planetary materials. One of the key elements of its design is the ability to measure samples using viewing geometries specified by the user. This allows investigators to simulate, under laboratory conditions, reflectance spectra obtained remotely (i.e., with spaceborne, telescopic, and airborne systems) as well as to investigate geometry dependent reflectance properties of geologic materials. The Nicolet 740 FT-IR spectrometer currently operates in reflectance mode from 0.9 to 25 Fm. Use and scheduling of the RELAB is monitored by a 4-member advisory committee. NASA investigators should direct inquiries to the Science Manager or RELAB Operator.

Pieters, Carle M.↗

Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of an efficient Ag@AgBr/K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} composite photocatalyst under visible light

Highlights: • The plasmatic Ag@AgBr sensitized K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} composite photocatalysts. • Ag@AgBr greatly increased visible light absorption for K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9}. • The plamonic photocatalysts exhibited enhanced activity for the degradation of RhB. - Abstract: Ag@AgBr nanoparticle-sensitized K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} composite photocatalysts (Ag@AgBr/K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9}) were prepared by a facile precipitation–photoreduction method. The photocatalytic activities of the Ag@AgBr/K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} nanocomposites were evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The composites exhibited excellent visible light absorption, which was attributable to the surface plasmon effect of Ag nanoparticles. The Ag@AgBr was uniformly scattered on the surface of K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} and possessed sizes in the range of 20–50 nm. The loading amount of Ag@AgBr was also studied, and was found to influence the absorption spectra of the resulting composites. Approximately 95.9% of RhB was degraded by Ag@AgBr (20 wt.%)/K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} after irradiation for 1 h. The stability of the material was also investigated by performing consecutive runs. Additionally, studies performed using radical scavengers indicated that ·O{sub 2}{sup −} and Br{sup 0} acted as the main reactive species. Based on the experimental results, a photocatalytic mechanism for organics degradation over Ag@AgBr/K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} photocatalysts was proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The window of visibility: A psychological theory of fidelity in time-sampled visual motion displays

Many visual displays, such as movies and television, rely upon sampling in the time domain. The spatiotemporal frequency spectra for some simple moving images are derived and illustrations of how these spectra are altered by sampling in the time domain are provided. A simple model of the human perceiver which predicts the critical sample rate required to render sampled and continuous moving images indistinguishable is constructed. The rate is shown to depend upon the spatial and temporal acuity of the observer, and upon the velocity and spatial frequency content of the image. Several predictions of this model are tested and confirmed. The model is offered as an explanation of many of the phenomena known as apparent motion. Finally, the implications of the model for computer-generated imagery are discussed.

Watson, A. B.↗

A new model for Mars atmospheric dust based upon analysis of ultraviolet through infrared observations from Mariner 9, Viking, and Phobos

We propose key modifications to the Toon et al. (1977) model of the particle size distribution and composition of Mars atmospheric dust, based on a variety of spacecraft and wavelength observations of the dust. A much broader (r(sub eff)variance-0.8 micron), smaller particle size (r(sub mode)-0.02 microns) distribution coupled with a "palagonite-like" composition is argued to fit the complete ultraviolet-to-30-micron absorption properties of the dust better than the montmorillonite-basalt r(sub eff)variance= 0.4 micron, r(sub mode)= 0.40 micron dust model of Toon et al. Mariner 9 (infrared interferometer spectrometer) IRIS spectra of high atmospheric dust opacities during the 1971 - 1972 Mars global dust storm are analyzed in terms of the Toon et al. dust model, and a Hawaiian palagonite sample with two different size distribution models incorporating smaller dust particle sizes. Viking Infrared Thermal Mapper (IRTM) emission-phase-function (EPF) observations at 9 microns are analyzed to retrieve 9-micron dust opacities coincident with solar band dust opacities obtained from the same EPF sequences. These EPF dust opacities provide an independent measurement of the visible/9-microns extinction opacity ratio (> or equal to 2) for Mars atmospheric dust, which is consistent with a previous measurement by Martin (1986). Model values for the visible/9-microns opacity ratio and the ultraviolet and visible single-scattering albedos are calculated for the palagonite model with the smaller particle size distributions and compared to the same properties for the Toon et al. model of dust. The montmorillonite model of the dust is found to fit the detailed shape of the dust 9-micron absorption well. However, it predicts structured, deep absorptions at 20 microns which are not observed and requires a separate ultraviolet-visible absorbing component to match the observed behavior of the dust in this wavelength region. The modeled palagonite does not match the 8- to 9-micron absorption presented by the dust in the IRIS spectra, probably due to its low SiO2 content (31%). However, it does provide consistent levels of ultraviolet/visible absorption, 9- to 12-micron absorption, and a lack of structured absorption at 20 microns. The ratios of dust extinction opacities at visible, 9 microns, and 30 microns are strongly affected by the dust particle size distribution. The Toon et al. dust size distribution (r(sub mode)= 0.40, r(sub eff)variance= 0.4 microns, r(sub cw mu)= 2.7 microns) predicts the correct ratio of the 9- to 30-micron opacity, but underpredicts the visible/9-micron opacity ratio considerably (1 versus > or equal to 2). A similar particle distribution width with smaller particle sizes (r(sub mode)= 0.17, r(sub eff)variance= 0.4 microns, r(sub cw mu)=1.2 microns) will fit the observed visible/9-micron opacity ratio, but overpredicts the observed 9-micron/30-micron opacity ratio. A smaller and much broader particle size distribution (r(sub mode)= 0.02, r(sub eff)variance= 0.8 microns, r(sub cw mu)= 1.8 microns) can fit both dust opacity ratios. Overall, the nanocrystalline structure of palagonite coupled with a smaller, broader distribution of dust particle sizes provides a more consistent fit than the Toon et al. model of the dust to the IRIS spectra, the observed visible/9-micron dust opacity ratio, the Phobos occultation measurements of dust particle sizes, and the weakness of surface near IR absorptions expected for clay minerals.

Clancy, R. T.↗

An algorithm for chlorophyll using first difference transformations of AVIRIS reflectance spectra

Experimental results have shown the existence of a strong relationship between chlorophyll alpha concentration and remote sensing reflectance measured at lake level with a high resolution spectroradiometer. The objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between surface chlorophyll alpha concentration at Mono Lake and water reflectance retrieved from Airborne Visible - Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data obtained in october 7, 1992. AVIRIS data were atmospherically corrected as described by Green et al. A description of the lake-level sampling is found in Melack and Gastil. The relationship between chlorophyll concentration and both the single band reflectance and the first difference transformation of the reflectance spectra for the first 40 AVIRIS spectral bands (400 nm to 740 nm) was examined. The relationship was then used to produce a map of the surface chlorophyll distribution.

Novo, Evlyn↗

Influence of γ-Irradiation on the Optical Properties of the Polyimide–YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 6.7} System

Influence of γ-irradiation on the optical properties of a polyimide film and its polymer compositions with fillers of a dispersed powder of a high-temperature superconductor ҮBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 6.7} (YBaCuO) with concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.50 wt.% was studied. It was established that γ-irradiation with a dose up to 600 kGy does not affect the transparency of polyimide films in the visible region of the spectrum. However, at irradiation doses of 250 and 600 kGy, a weakly expressed fine structure appears in the spectra of polyimide films in the range of 220–300 nm due to the contribution of the resulting diene structures to the optical transmission and the increased content of oxygen atoms. The YBaCuO filler and γ-irradiation cause the polyimide transition from the amorphous state to the crystalline state, which is manifested in a sharp change in the spectrum in the range of ~2.3–3.9 eV. A significant increase in the extinction coefficient was found in the composite containing 0.50 wt.% of the filler that is associated with an increase in the radius of action of structurally active fillers on the macromolecules of the matrix.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electrodeposition Process and Performance of CuIn(Se{sub x}S{sub 1−x}){sub 2} Film for Absorption Layer of Thin-Film Solar Cells

CuIn(Se{sub x}S{sub 1−x}){sub 2} thin film is prepared by the electrodeposition method for the absorption layer of the solar cell. The CuIn(Se{sub x}S{sub 1−x}){sub 2} films are characterized by cyclic voltammetry measurement for the reduction of copper, indium, selenium and sulfur in selenium and sulfur in aqueous solutions with sodium citrate and without sodium citrate. In the four cases, the defined reduction process for every single element is obtained and it is observed that sodium citrate changes the reduction potentials. A linear relationship between the current density of the reduction peak and (scan rate v){sup 1/2} for copper and indium is achieved, indicating that the process is diffusion controlled. The diffusion coefficients of copper and indium ions are calculated. The diffusional coefficient D value of copper is higher than that of indium, and this is the reason why the deposition rate of copper is higher. When four elements are co-deposited in the aqueous solution with sodium citrate, the quaternary compound of CuIn(Se{sub x}S{sub 1−x}){sub 2} is deposited together with Cu{sub 3}Se{sub 2} impure phases after annealing, as found by XRD spectra. Morphology is observed by SEM and AFM. The chemical state of the films components is analyzed by XPS. The UV-Visible spectrophotometer and electrochemistry workstation are employed to measure the photoelectric properties. The results show that the smooth, uniform and compact CuIn(Se{sub x}S{sub 1−x}){sub 2} film is a semiconductor with a band gap of 1.49 eV and a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 0.45%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Matrix Optical Absorption in UV-MALDI MS

In ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (UV-MALDI MS) matrix compound optical absorption governs the uptake of laser energy, which in turn has a strong influence on experimental results. Despite this, quantitative absorption measurements are lacking for most matrix compounds. Furthermore, despite the use of UV-MALDI MS to detect a vast range of compounds, investigations into the effects of laser energy have been primarily restricted to single classes of analytes. We report the absolute solid state absorption spectra of the matrix compounds α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), para-nitroaniline (PNA), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB), and 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP). The desorption/ionization characteristics of these matrix compounds with respect to laser fluence was investigated using mixed systems of matrix with either angiotensin II, PC(34:1) lipid standard, or haloperidol, acting as representatives for typical classes of analyte encountered in UV-MALDI MS. The first absolute solid phase spectra for PNA, MBT, and THAP are reported; additionally, inconsistencies between previously published spectra for CHCA are resolved. In light of these findings, suggestions are made for experimental optimization with regards to matrix and laser wavelength selection. The relationship between matrix optical cross-section and wavelength-dependant threshold fluence, fluence of maximum ion yield, and R, a new descriptor for the change in ion intensity with fluence, are described. A matrix cross-section of 1.3 × 10{sup –17} cm{sup –2} was identified as a potential minimum for desorption/ionization of analytes. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Photoluminescence properties of a new orange–red emitting Sm{sup 3+}-doped Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15} phosphor

A series of novel Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:xSm{sup 3+} ( (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) phosphors for white light-emitting (W-LEDs) were successfully prepared by the solid state reaction technology at 973 K for 12 h. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The emission spectra of the Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm{sup 3+} ions centered at 565 nm, 605 nm, 650 nm, and 712 nm. The strongest one is located at 605 nm due to {sup 4}G{sub 5/2}–{sup 6}H{sub 7/2} transition of Sm{sup 3+}, generating bright orange–red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm{sup 3+} ions in Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:xSm{sup 3+} is around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Sm{sup 3+} is calculated as 23.32 Å. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:0.05Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were located in the orange reddish region. The Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. - Graphical abstract: The excitation spectrum of Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} is composed of a broad band and some sharp f–f transitions. Under 407 nm excitation, the phosphor presents some sharp emission peaks of Sm{sup 3+} ions. - Highlights: • An orange–red emitting Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor has been firstly synthesized. • Their structures, luminescent properties have also been investigated. • The optical absorption edge for the molybdate lies around 325 nm. • The CIE chromaticity coordinates were located in the orange reddish region.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optical properties change of Ge{sub 12.5}Sb{sub 25}Se{sub 62.5} thin films by laser irradiation

The thermally evaporated Ge{sub 12.5}Sb{sub 25}Se{sub 62.5} thin films of 800 nm thickness were subjected to light exposure for photo induced studies. The as-prepared and illuminated thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The optical band gap was increased due to photo induced effects along with the decrease in disorder. These optical properties changes are due to the change of homopolar bond densities. The core level peak shifting in XPS spectra supports the optical changes happening in the film due to light exposure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Doping-tunable thermal emission from plasmon polaritons in semiconductor epsilon-near-zero thin films

We utilize the unique dispersion properties of leaky plasmon polaritons in epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) thin films to demonstrate thermal radiation control. Owing to its highly flat dispersion above the light line, a thermally excited leaky wave at the ENZ frequency out-couples into free space without any scattering structures, resulting in a narrowband, wide-angle, p-polarized thermal emission spectrum. We demonstrate this idea by measuring angle- and polarization-resolved thermal emission spectra from a single layer of unpatterned, doped semiconductors with deep-subwavelength film thickness (d/λ{sub 0} ∼ 6×10{sup −3}, where d is the film thickness and λ{sub 0} is the free space wavelength). We show that this semiconductor ENZ film effectively works as a leaky wave thermal radiation antenna, which generates far-field radiation from a thermally excited mode. The use of semiconductors makes the radiation frequency highly tunable by controlling doping densities and also facilitates device integration with other components. Therefore, this leaky plasmon polariton emission from semiconductor ENZ films provides an avenue for on-chip control of thermal radiation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Discrete photon implementation for plasma simulations

The self-produced light emission from pulsed plasma discharges and its impact on plasma development are challenging to characterize through simulation and modeling, chiefly due to the large number of radiating species and limited computer memory. Often, photo-processes, such as photo-ionization or photo-emission of electrons, are implemented through over-simplifying approximations or neglected altogether. Here, a method applicable to plasma simulations is implemented in a Particle-in-Cell /Monte Carlo Collision model, which is capable of discretely tracking photons and their corresponding wavelengths. Combined with the appropriate cross sections or quantum yields, a wavelength dependent model for photo-ionization or photo-emission may be implemented. Additionally, by resolving the wavelengths of each photon, an emission spectrum for a region of interest may be generated. Simulations for a pure nitrogen environment reveal that the calculated emission profile of the second positive system agrees well with the experimental spectrum of a pulsed, nanosecond discharge in the same spectral region.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

THE HERBIG BE STAR V1818 ORI AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

The little-studied Herbig Be star V1818 Ori is located in the direction of the southern L1641 cloud and the Mon R2 star-forming complex, and is most likely associated with the latter at a distance of ∼900 pc. A high-resolution spectrum is consistent with a spectral type around B7 V, with lines of Hα, the red Ca ii triplet, and several forbidden lines in emission. An All Sky Automated Survey V-band light curve spanning 9 yr reveals major variability with deep absorption episodes reminiscent of the UX Orionis stars. We have searched for additional young stars clustering around V1818 Ori using grism images and the 2MASS and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer catalogs, and have found almost two dozen fainter stars with evidence of youth. Direct images show that the bright star IRAS 05510–1025, only about 3 arcmin from V1818 Ori, is surrounded by a reflection nebula, indicating its association with a molecular cloud. A spectrum of the star shows no emission-lines, and it is found to be a close binary with late B and early G type components. Its radial velocity indicates that it is an interloper, accidentally passing through the cloud and not physically associated with V1818 Ori.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

THE MASSIVE STAR POPULATION IN M101. III. SPECTRA AND PHOTOMETRY OF THE LUMINOUS AND VARIABLE STARS

We discuss moderate-resolution spectra, multicolor photometry, and light curves of 31 of the most luminous stars and variables in the giant spiral M101. The majority are intermediate A- to F-type supergiants. We present new photometry and light curves for three known “irregular blue variables,” V2, V4, and V9, and identify a new candidate. Their spectra and variability confirm that they are luminous blue variable (LBV) candidates and V9 may be in an LBV-like maximum light state or eruption.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗