Polariton condensation in an organic microcavity utilising a hybrid metal-DBR mirror

We have developed a simplified approach to fabricate high-reflectivity mirrors suitable for applications in a strongly-coupled organic-semiconductor microcavity. Such mirrors are based on a small number of quarter-wave dielectric pairs deposited on top of a thick silver film that combine high reflectivity and broad reflectivity bandwidth. Using this approach, we construct a microcavity containing the molecular dye BODIPY-Br in which the bottom cavity mirror is composed of a silver layer coated by a SiO2 and a Nb2O5 film, and show that this cavity undergoes polariton condensation at a similar threshold to that of a control cavity whose bottom mirror consists of ten quarter-wave dielectric pairs. We observe, however, that the roughness of the hybrid mirror—caused by limited adhesion between the silver and the dielectric pair—apparently prevents complete collapse of the population to the ground polariton state above the condensation threshold.

Star-shaped Triazine-derivatives: would they crossbind SARS-CoV-2 spike helices?

This work describes synthesizable water-soluble Triazine-derivatives computationally crossbinding the S spike helices of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS)-CoV-2. The "spring-loaded switch-folding” (S-SLSF) α-helices included in the S homotrimer top-to-bottom cavity and implicated in viral-host membrane fusion were targeted by star-shaped Trihydroxyl-Triphenyl-Triazines (TTT) leads at subnanomolar binding-scores. Exploration of in silico leads among millions of molecular candidates, included several similar searches, core-replacement, fragment extensions, or convolutional neural network deep-screening combined with hundreds of water-soluble lead-derivatives identified by manual iterations and commercially available building-blocks for chemical synthesis. The lead-derivatives are briefly discussed for in vitro validation and possibilities of fusion inhibition substituting mutations.

Numerical Investigation of Open Cavities with Parallel Insulated Baffles

This research reports the outcome of a numerical investigation of convection in ventilation square cavities contains parallel insulated baffles. The left and right walls of the cavity are kept at the high temperature. Whereas the top, bottom cavity walls, parallel baffles are adiabatic. The opening slots are positioned at the top, bottom corners of the hot vertical walls. The governing Navier-Stokes equations are formulated in the form of vorticity- stream functions. The finite difference method is used to find the values of the primitive variables. The effects of baffles size (Sb − 0.25, 0.50, 0.75), 3 various positions of the parallel baffle, Rayleigh number (103 − 106), Reynolds number (30, 300, 600) are discussed with the flow fields, isotherms, and Nusselt number. It is found that the behavior of ventilation cavities does not only depend on the size of the baffles and its positions. It highly depends on the configuration of the ventilation cavity too. Further, the flow fields are restricted by the largest baffles size of Sb = 0.75.

OUTDOOR TESTS OF A TOWED BOAT MODEL WITH FUEL COMBUSTION IN A BOTTOM CAVITY

To reduce the hydrodynamic drag force to the movement of the boat, an artificial gas cavity is organized under its bottom. Such a cavity partially insulates the bottom from direct contact with water and provides “gas lubrication” by means of forced supply of atmospheric air or exhaust gases from the main propulsion system. A proper longitudinal and transverse shaping of the gas cavity can significantly (by 20%-30%) reduce the hydrodynamic drag of the boat at low (less than 3%) consumption of the propulsion system power for gas supply.

Numerical analysis and explore of asymmetrical fluid flow in a two-sided lid-driven cavity

The two-dimensional asymmetrical flow in a two-sided lid-driven square cavity is numerically analyzed by the finite volume method (FVM). The top and bottom walls slide in parallel and antiparallel motions with various velocity ratio (UT/Ub=λ) where |λ|=2, 4, 8, and 10. In this study, the Reynolds number Re1 = 200, 400, 800 and 1000 is applied for the upper side and Re2 = 100 constant on the lower side. The numerical results are presented in terms of streamlines, vorticity contours and velocity profiles. These results reveal the effect of varying the velocity ratio and consequently the Reynolds ratio on the flow behaviour and fluid characteristics inside the cavity. Unlike conventional symmetrical driven flows, asymmetrical flow patterns and velocity distributions distinct the bulk of the cavity with the rising Reynolds ratio. For λ>2, in addition to the main vortex, the parallel motion of the walls induces two secondary vortices near the bottom cavity corners. however, the antiparallel motion generates two secondary vortices on the bottom right corner. The parallel flow proves affected considerably compared to the antiparallel flow.

Silicon-On-Nothing Micro-Pirani Gauge for Interior-Pressure Measurement

In the current work, we present a compact and cost effective Pirani gauge based on Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) technology. The proposed design uses an innovative approach of etching the sensing element directly in a crystalline silicon membrane. Such configuration allows pressure dependent heat losses to act on the substrate not only through the bottom cavity and trenches but also via the top cavity on the lid, which is formed by means of a sacrificial layer. By ensuring process compatibility with other SON-based MEMS, the proposed device can be used as a tool for cavity pressure monitoring and product support over the whole life cycle of MEMS: ranging from fabrication to calibration during field tests. Performance of the device is investigated based on numerical simulations and measurements. Furthermore, work includes a discussion of the fabrication process along with an additional cavity pressure characterization.

Turbulent natural convection combined with surface thermal radiation in a square cavity with local heater

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a numerical analysis of transient turbulent natural convection combined with surface thermal radiation in a square cavity with a local heater. Design/methodology/approach The domain of interest includes the air-filled cavity with cold vertical walls, adiabatic horizontal walls and isothermal heater located on the bottom cavity wall. It is assumed in the analysis that the thermophysical properties of the fluid are independent of temperature and the flow is turbulent. Surface thermal radiation is considered for more accurate analysis of the complex heat transfer inside the cavity. The governing equations have been discretized using the finite difference method with the non-uniform grid on the basis of the special algebraic transformation. Turbulence was modeled using the k–ε model. Simulations have been carried out for different values of the Rayleigh number, surface emissivity and location of the heater. Findings It has been found that the presence of surface radiation leads to both an increase in the average total Nusselt number and intensive cooling of such type of system. A significant intensification of convective flow was also observed owing to an increase in the Rayleigh number. It should be noted that a displacement of the heater from central part of the bottom wall leads to significant modification of the thermal plume and flow pattern inside the cavity. Originality/value An efficient numerical technique has been developed to solve this problem. The originality of this work is to analyze unsteady turbulent natural convection combined with surface thermal radiation in a square air-filled cavity in the presence of a local isothermal heater. The results would benefit scientists and engineers to become familiar with the analysis of turbulent convective–radiative heat transfer in enclosures with local heaters, and the way to predict the heat transfer rate in advanced technical systems, in industrial sectors including transportation, power generation, chemical sectors and electronics.