Photochemical Micro-/Nano-Swelling of Silicone Rubber Induced by Long Pulse-Repetition Interval of an ArF Excimer Laser

Long pulse-repetition intervals of 100 to 500 ms of a 193 nm ArF excimer laser successfully increased the height of the photochemical micro-/nano-swelling of silicone rubber, observed with a scanning electron microscope. The effect of the interval was seen despite the heating of the silicone rubber to 80 °C during laser irradiation. The height of the micro-/nano-swelling was saturated when the laser pulse number was 300 or greater, although each of the saturated heights of the micro-/nano-swelling formed by several pulse-repetition intervals was different. Thus, a second ArF excimer laser irradiated the growing micro-/nano-swelling before the saturation; the saturated height of the growing micro-/nano-swelling could be controlled by the pulse-repetition interval of the second ArF excimer laser. To examine the process of micro-/nano-swelling, an early stage of the growth was observed using an atomic force microscope; a dent structure of the micro-/nano-swelling was clearly recognized. In addition, a needle-like structure of the micro-/nano-swelling could be formed when silica glass microspheres were sparsely aligned.

Theoretical Minimum Detection Range for a Rapidly Moving Target and an Experimental Evaluation

There have been considerable challenges with radar systems for detecting high-speed projectiles at a short range. This necessitates the presentation of a guideline for the minimum detection range that will guarantee detection of a target. In this letter, the detection range for a rapidly flying target is studied based on the characteristics of the target, such as speed and launch angle, and radar parameters such as pulse repetition interval, dwell time, beamwidth, and so on. The derived equation was applied to parametric studies for different characteristics of targets in order to investigate the influential parameters that affect the minimum detection range. A field test using the radar system’s prototype was performed to evaluate the validity of the proposed equation.

Is it all about the feeling? Affective and (meta-)cognitive mechanisms underlying the truth effect

People are more likely to judge repeatedly perceived statements as true. A decisive explanation for this so-called truth effect is that the repeated information can be processed more fluently than new information and that this fluency experience renders the information more familiar and trustworthy. Little is known, however, regarding whether and how affective states and dispositional cognitive preferences influence the truth effect. To this end, we conducted two experiments in which we manipulated (a) processing fluency via repetition, (b) the time interval (10 min vs. 1 week) between repetitions, and (c) short-term affective states using the presentation of emotional faces (Experiment 1) or the presence of an irrelevant source for changes in affective states (Experiment 2). Additionally, we assessed the dispositional variables need for cognitive closure (NCC), preference for deliberation (PD) and preference for intuition (PI). Results of Experiment 1 showed that the truth effect was significantly reduced for statements that were followed by a negative prime, although this was the case only for the longer repetition lag. Furthermore, higher NCC and lower PD scores were associated with an increased truth effect. Results of Experiment 2 replicated the moderating role of NCC and further showed that participants, who were provided with an alternative source for changes in their affective states, showed a reduced truth effect. Together, the findings suggest that (a) fluency-related changes in affective states may be (co-)responsible for the truth effect, (b) the truth effect is decreased when the repetition interval is long rather than short, and (c) the truth effect is increased for individuals with a higher need for cognitive closure. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.