Universally Applicable Fabrication Technique for Biomimetic Nanocone Arrays on Flexible Polymer Substrates for Anti-Reflection Functionality

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yupeng Li ◽  
Xia Liu ◽  
Xiaoyu Li ◽  
Bao Zhu ◽  
Mingkai Lei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Oxygen Plasma Treatment ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Refractive Index Gradient ◽  
Polymer Substrates ◽  
Flexible Polymer ◽  
Fluorocarbon Polymer

Abstract Inspired by the anti-reflection functionality of cicada wings decorated with nanocone arrays, a facile technique to endow flexible polymer substrates of diverse chemical compositions with the same functionalities has been devised. In this universally applicable two-step technique based on a capacitatively coupled radiofrequency plasma (CCRP), first oxygen-plasma treatment (OPT) is implemented to grow arrays of vertical elongated nanostructures with almost uniform cross-sectional diameter of the polymer substrate, and then fluorocarbon polymer deposition (FPD) is carried out so that the nanostructures evolve into nanocones with small apex angle. The dependence of ion-bombardment-induced sputtering on the local impingement angle of ions taper the vertical nanostructures into the nanocones during the FPD under CCRP. The nanocone arrays exhibit low specular reflectance in a broad wavelength range and a wide incidence angle range that is quite insensitive to the polarization state of the incident light. The effective refractive index gradient of irregularly arranged nanocone arrays is characterized from the refractive index of the fluorocarbon polymer and the volume fraction considering the nanocone probability with the Gaussian distribution. The excellent broadband and omnidirectional anti-reflection properties are in consequence of a graded refractive index.

scholarly journals Effect of Localized Mechanical Indentation on Skin Water Content Evaluated Using OCT

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijit A. Gurjarpadhye ◽  
William C. Vogt ◽  
Yajing Liu ◽  
Christopher G. Rylander
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Effective Strain ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Porcine Skin ◽  
Swept Source

The highly disordered refractive index distribution in skin causes multiple scattering of incident light and limits optical imaging and therapeutic depth. We hypothesize that localized mechanical compression reduces scattering by expulsing unbound water from the dermal collagen matrix, increasing protein concentration and decreasing the number of index mismatch interfaces between tissue constituents. A swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was used to assess changes in thickness and group refractive index inex vivoporcine skin, as well as changes in signal intensity profile when imagingin vivohuman skin. Compression ofex vivoporcine skin resulted in an effective strain of −58.5%, an increase in refractive index from 1.39 to 1.50, and a decrease in water volume fraction from 0.66 to 0.20.In vivoOCT signal intensity increased by 1.5 dB at a depth of 1 mm, possibly due to transport of water away from the compressed regions. These finding suggest that local compression could be used to enhance light-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Stress Whitening in Polypropylene. I. Light Scattering Theory and Model Experiments

1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 1875-1887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Holoubek ◽  
Miroslav Raab
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Light Scattering ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Wavelength Dependence ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Surrounding Matrix ◽  
Embedded Particles ◽  
The One ◽  
Stress Whitening

Theoretical background for an optical method is presented which makes it possible to distinguish unambiguously between voids and particles as light scattering sites in polymeric materials. Typical dependences of turbidity as a function of diameter of scattering elements, their volume fractions and also turbidity curves as a function of the wavelength of the incident light were calculated, based both on the Lorenz-Mie theory and the fluctuation theory. Such dependences calculated for polypropylene-containing voids on the one hand and particles, differing only slightly from the surrounding matrix in their refractive index, on the other hand, are markedly different. The most significant results are: (i) Turbidity is at least by two orders of magnitude larger for voids in comparison to embedded particles of ethylene-propylene (EPDM) rubber of the same size, concentration and at the same wavelength. (ii) The wavelength dependence of turbidity for EPDM particles and the inherent refractive index fluctuations in the polypropylene matrix is much steeper as compared to voids for all considered diameters (0.1-10 μm). Thus, the nature of stress whitening in complex polymeric materials can be determined from turbidity measurements.

Solid–liquid–liquid phase envelopes from temperature-scanned refractive index data

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alcides J. Sitoe ◽  
Franco Pretorius ◽  
Walter W. Focke ◽  
René Androsch ◽  
Elizabeth L. du Toit
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Solution Temperature ◽  
Linear Behavior ◽  
Upper Critical Solution Temperature ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Solid Liquid ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

Abstract A novel method for estimating the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)-polyethylene systems was developed. It was validated using data for the dimethylacetamide (DMA)-alkane systems which showed that refractive index mixing rules, linear in volume fraction, can accurately predict mixture composition for amide-alkane systems. Furthermore, rescaling the composition descriptor with a single adjustable parameter proved adequate to address any asymmetry when modeling the DMA-alkane phase envelopes. This allowed the translation of measured refractive index cooling trajectories of DEET-alkane systems into phase diagrams and facilitated the estimation of the UCST values by fitting the data with an adjusted composition descriptor model. For both the DEET- and DMA-alkane systems, linear behavior of UCST values in either the Flory–Huggins critical interaction parameter, or the alkane critical temperature, with increasing alkane molar mass is evident. The UCST values for polymer diluent systems were estimated by extrapolation using these two complimentary approaches. For the DEET-polyethylene system, values of 183.4 and 180.1 °C respectively were obtained. Both estimates are significantly higher than the melting temperature range of polyethylene. Initial liquid–liquid phase separation is therefore likely to be responsible for the previously reported microporous microstructure of materials formed from this binary system.

scholarly journals Flexible Methyl Cellulose/Polyaniline/Silver Composite Films with Enhanced Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1225
Author(s):  
Ali Atta ◽  
Mostufa M. Abdelhamied ◽  
Ahmed M. Abdelreheem ◽  
Mohamed R. Berber
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Band Gap ◽  
Nonlinear Optical ◽  
Composite Films ◽  
Methyl Cellulose ◽  
Carbon Cluster ◽  
Nonlinear Susceptibility ◽  
Optical Parameters ◽  
Flexible Polymer

In order to potentiate implementations in optical energy applications, flexible polymer composite films comprising methyl cellulose (MC), polyaniline (PANI) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully fabricated through a cast preparation method. The composite structure of the fabricated film was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, indicating a successful incorporation of AgNPs into the MC/PANI blend. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images have indicated a homogenous loading and dispersion of AgNPs into the MC/PANI blend. The optical parameters such as band gap (Eg), absorption edge (Ed), number of carbon cluster (N) and Urbach energy (Eu) of pure MC polymer, MC/PANI blend and MC/PANI/Ag films were determined using the UV optical absorbance. The effects of AgNPs and PANI on MC polymer linear optical (LO) and nonlinear optical (NLO) parameters including reflection extinction coefficient, refractive index, dielectric constant, nonlinear refractive index, and nonlinear susceptibility are studied. The results showed a decrease in the band gap of MC/PANI/AgNPs compared to the pure MC film. Meanwhile, the estimated carbon cluster number enhanced with the incorporation of the AgNPs. The inclusion of AgNPs and PANI has enhanced the optical properties of the MC polymer, providing a new composite suitable for energy conversion systems, solar cells, biosensors, and nonlinear optical applications.

scholarly journals Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Aspects of Two High-Manganese Steels with TWIP/TRIP Effects: A Comparative Study

Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Matías Bordone ◽  
Juan Perez-Ipiña ◽  
Raúl Bolmaro ◽  
Alfredo Artigas ◽  
Alberto Monsalve
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
High Manganese ◽  
Microstructural Changes ◽  
Ε Martensite ◽  
High Manganese Steels ◽  
Manganese Steels

This article is focused on the mechanical behavior and its relationship with the microstructural changes observed in two high-manganese steels presenting twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) and transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP), namely Steel B and Steel C, respectively. Chemical compositions were similar in manganese, but carbon content of Steel B approximately doubles Steel C, which directly impacted on the stacking fault energy (SFE), microstructure and mechanical response of each alloy. Characterization of as-cast condition by optical microscope revealed a fully austenitic microstructure in Steel B and a mixed microstructure in Steel C consisting of austenite grains and thermal-induced (εt) martensite platelets. Same phases were observed after the thermo-mechanical treatment and tensile tests, corroborated by means of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), which confirms no phase transformation in Steel B and TRIP effect in Steel C, due to the strain-induced γFCC→εHCP transformation that results in an increase in the ε-martensite volume fraction. Higher values of ultimate tensile strength, yield stress, ductility and impact toughness were obtained for Steel B. Significant microstructural changes were revealed in tensile specimens as a consequence of the operating hardening mechanisms. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations on the tensile and impact test specimens showed differences in fracture micro-mechanisms.

scholarly journals Comparisons between high-resolution profiles of squared refractive index gradient <i>M</i><sup>2</sup> measured by the Middle and Upper Atmosphere Radar and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the Shigaraki UAV-Radar Experiment 2015 campaign

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Luce ◽  
Lakshmi Kantha ◽  
Hiroyuki Hashiguchi ◽  
Dale Lawrence ◽  
Masanori Yabuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Convective Cloud ◽  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Refractive Index Gradient ◽  
Very High Frequency ◽  
Range Resolution ◽  
Mu Radar ◽  
Radar Echo ◽  
Index Gradient ◽  
Complex Features

Abstract. New comparisons between the square of the generalized potential refractive index gradient M2, estimated from the very high-frequency (VHF) Middle and Upper Atmosphere (MU) Radar, located at Shigaraki, Japan, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) measurements are presented. These comparisons were performed at unprecedented temporal and range resolutions (1–4 min and  ∼  20 m, respectively) in the altitude range  ∼  1.27–4.5 km from simultaneous and nearly collocated measurements made during the ShUREX (Shigaraki UAV-Radar Experiment) 2015 campaign. Seven consecutive UAV flights made during daytime on 7 June 2015 were used for this purpose. The MU Radar was operated in range imaging mode for improving the range resolution at vertical incidence (typically a few tens of meters). The proportionality of the radar echo power to M2 is reported for the first time at such high time and range resolutions for stratified conditions for which Fresnel scatter or a reflection mechanism is expected. In more complex features obtained for a range of turbulent layers generated by shear instabilities or associated with convective cloud cells, M2 estimated from UAV data does not reproduce observed radar echo power profiles. Proposed interpretations of this discrepancy are presented.

scholarly journals Label-Free Digital Holo-tomographic Microscopy Reveals Virus-Induced Cytopathic Effects in Live Cells

mSphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Artur Yakimovich ◽  
Robert Witte ◽  
Vardan Andriasyan ◽  
Fanny Georgi ◽  
Urs F. Greber
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Vaccinia Virus ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Refractive Index Gradient ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Cytopathic Effects ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Index Gradient

ABSTRACTCytopathic effects (CPEs) are a hallmark of infections. CPEs are difficult to observe due to phototoxicity from classical light microscopy. We report distinct patterns of virus infections in live cells using digital holo-tomographic microscopy (DHTM). DHTM is label-free and records the phase shift of low-energy light passing through the specimen on a transparent surface with minimal perturbation. DHTM measures the refractive index (RI) and computes the refractive index gradient (RIG), unveiling optical heterogeneity in cells. We find that vaccinia virus (VACV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and rhinovirus (RV) infections progressively and distinctly increased RIG. VACV infection, but not HSV and RV infections, induced oscillations of cell volume, while all three viruses altered cytoplasmic membrane dynamics and induced apoptotic features akin to those caused by the chemical compound staurosporine. In sum, we introduce DHTM for quantitative label-free microscopy in infection research and uncover virus type-specific changes and CPE in living cells with minimal interference.IMPORTANCEThis study introduces label-free digital holo-tomographic microscopy (DHTM) and refractive index gradient (RIG) measurements of live, virus-infected cells. We use DHTM to describe virus type-specific cytopathic effects, including cyclic volume changes of vaccinia virus infections, and cytoplasmic condensations in herpesvirus and rhinovirus infections, distinct from apoptotic cells. This work shows for the first time that DHTM is suitable to observe virus-infected cells and distinguishes virus type-specific signatures under noninvasive conditions. It provides a basis for future studies, where correlative fluorescence microscopy of cell and virus structures annotate distinct RIG values derived from DHTM.

scholarly journals The scattering of light by turbid media.–Part II

1931 ◽  
Vol 131 (817) ◽  
pp. 464-475 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Absorption Coefficient ◽  
Spherical Shell ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Single Particle ◽  
Unit Volume ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Parallel Beam ◽  
Photometric Observations ◽  
Transmission And Reflection

In Part I it was shown how the values of the transmission and reflection of a sheet of a medium containing particles in suspension can he calculated. First the amounts of light scattered in the forward and forward directions from a single particle were determined; from these results the transmission 1 and rejection R for diffuse incident light were found for a layer of the disusing medium, when the effects of boundary reflections are negligible. At this stage, the expressions developed apply to a mist or fog consisting of particles suspended in air. Finally it was shown how, if the particles are suspended in some other medium, having a different refractive index from that of air, the transmission and reflection ז and p can be expressed in terms of T and R and the surface rejection coefficients. The more general expressions, for the case when the incident light is a parallel beam, were also developed. We shall now show how the absorption coefficient μ can be determined from photometric observations. As a check on the theory, we shall deduce the diameter D of the particles and the number N present per unit volume and compare these calculated values with those found by direct observation, Finally, the necessary modifications of the theory will be made to cover the case when the diffusing medium is in the form of a spherical shell.

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