Continuous Wave (continuous + wave)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Effects of Different Doses of Low Power Continuous Wave He,Ne Laser Radiation on Some Seed Thermodynamic and Germination Parameters, and Potential Enzymes Involved in Seed Germination of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
Rashida Perveen
In this study, water-soaked seeds of sunflower were exposed to He,Ne laser irradiation of different energies to determine whether or not He,Ne laser irradiation caused changes to seed thermodynamic and germination parameters as well as effects on the activities of germination enzymes. The experiment comprised four energy levels: 0 (control), 100, 300 and 500 mJ of laser energy and each treatment replicated four times arranged in a completely randomized design. The experimentation was performed under the greenhouse conditions in the net-house of the Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The seed thermodynamic parameters were calculated according to seed germination thermograms determined with a calorimeter at 25.8°C for 72 h. Various thermodynamic parameters of seed (,H, (,S)e, (,S)c, (,S)e/,t and (,S)c/,t) were affected significantly due to presowing laser treatment. Significant changes in seed germination parameters and enzyme activities were observed in seeds treated with He,Ne laser. The He,Ne laser seed treatment resulted in increased activities of amylase and protease. These results indicate that the low power continuous wave He,Ne laser light seed treatment has considerable biological effects on seed metabolism. This seed treatment technique can be potentially employed to enhance agricultural productivity. [source]


Cognitive function and symptoms in adults and adolescents in relation to rf radiation from UMTS base stations

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2008
Ingunn S. Riddervold
Abstract There is widespread public concern about the potential adverse health effects of mobile phones in general and their associated base stations in particular. This study was designed to investigate the acute effects of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) mobile phone base stations on human cognitive function and symptoms. Forty adolescents (15,16 years) and 40 adults (25,40 years) were exposed to four conditions: (1) sham, (2) a Continuous Wave (CW) at 2140 MHz, (3) a signal at 2140 MHz modulated as UMTS and (4) UMTS at 2140 MHz including all control features in a randomized, double blinded cross-over design. Each exposure lasted 45 min. During exposure the participants performed different cognitive tasks with the Trail Making B (TMB) test as the main outcome and completed a questionnaire measuring self reported subjective symptoms. No statistically significant differences between the UMTS and sham conditions were found for performance on TMB. For the adults, the estimated difference between UMTS and sham was ,3.2% (,9.2%; 2.9%) and for the adolescents 5.5% (,1.1%; 12.2%). No significant changes were found in any of the cognitive tasks. An increase in ,headache rating' was observed when data from the adolescents and adults were combined (P,=,0.027), an effect that may be due to differences at baseline. In conclusion, the primary hypothesis that UMTS radiation reduces general performance in the TMB test was not confirmed. However, we suggest that the hypothesis of subjective symptoms and EMF exposure needs further research. Bioelectromagnetics 29:257,267, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Continuous wave and passively Q-switched laser performance of the mixed crystal Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4

LASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 5 2010
S. Zhang
Abstract Laser characteristics of a novel mixed laser crystal Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 was investigated. It is attractive for Q-switching with high repetition rate and short pulse width due to its suitable stimulated emission cross-section and short upper level lifetime. Continuous wave (CW) output power of 8.18 W was obtained at the pump power of 18.9 W, corresponding to the optical conversion efficiency of 43.3% and the slope efficiency of 47%. In the passive Q-switching operation, the minimum pulse width attained was 7.8 ns, with the pulse repetition frequency of 23.2 kHz, with the single pulse energy and peak power estimated to be 94.8 ,J and 12.2 kW, respectively. (© 2010 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source]


Slice-selective images of free radicals in mice with modulated field gradient electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2008
Hideo Sato-Akaba
Abstract Continuous wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging can be used to obtain slice-selective images of free radicals without measuring three-dimensional (3D) projection data. A method that incorporated a modulated magnetic field gradient (MFG) was combined with polar field gradients to select a slice in the subject noninvasively. The slice-selective in vivo EPR imaging of triarylmethyl radicals in the heads of live mice is reported. 3D surface-rendered images were successfully obtained from slice-selective images. In the experiment in mice, a slice thickness of 1.8 mm was achieved. Magn Reson Med 59:885,890, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Removal of the PsaF Polypeptide Biases Electron Transfer in Favor of the PsaB Branch of Cofactors in Triton X-100 Photosystem I Complexes from Synechococcus sp.

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
PCC 700
Continuous wave (CW) and transient electron paramagnetic resonance studies have implied that when PsaF is removed genetically, the double reduction of A1A is facile, the lifetime of A1A, is shorter and the ratio of fast to slow kinetic phases increases in PS I complexes isolated with Triton X-100 (Van der Est, A., A. I. Valieva, Y. E. Kandrashkin, G. Shen, D. A. Bryant and J. H. Golbeck [2004] Biochemistry43, 1264,1275). Changes in the lifetimes of A1A, and A1B, are characteristic of mutants involving the quinone binding sites, but changes in the relative amplitudes of A1A, and A1B, are characteristic of mutants involving the primary electron acceptors, A0A and A0B. Here, we measured the fast and slow phases of electron transfer from A1B, and A1A, to FX in psaF and psaE psaF null mutants using time-resolved CW and pump-probe optical absorption spectroscopy. The lifetime of the fast kinetic phase was found to be unaltered, but the lifetime of the slow kinetic phase was shorter in the psaF null mutant and even more so in the psaE psaF null mutant. Concomitantly, the amplitude of the fast kinetic phase increased by a factor of 1.8 and 2.0 in the psaF and psaE psaF null mutants, respectively, at the expense of the slow kinetic phase. The change in ratio of the fast to slow kinetic phases is explained as either a redirection of electron transfer through A1B at the expense of A1A, or a shortening of the lifetime of A1A, to become identical to that of A1B,. The constant lifetime and the characteristics of the near-UV spectrum of the fast kinetic phase favor the former explanation. A unified hypothesis is presented of a displacement of the A-jk(1) ,-helix and switchback loop, which would weaken the H-bond from Leu722 to A1A, accounting for the acceleration of the slow kinetic phase, as well as weaken the H-bond from Tyr696 to A0A, accounting for the bias of electron transfer in favor of the PsaB branch of cofactors. [source]


Continuous wave and simulated GSM exposure at 1.8 W/kg and 1.8 GHz do not induce hsp16-1 heat-shock gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 2 2008
Adam S. Dawe
Abstract Recent data suggest that there might be a subtle thermal explanation for the apparent induction by radiofrequency (RF) radiation of transgene expression from a small heat-shock protein (hsp16-1) promoter in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. The RF fields used in the C. elegans study were much weaker (SAR 5,40 mW,kg,1) than those routinely tested in many other published studies (SAR ,2 W,kg,1). To resolve this disparity, we have exposed the same transgenic hsp16-1::lacZ strain of C. elegans (PC72) to higher intensity RF fields (1.8 GHz; SAR ,1.8 W,kg,1). For both continuous wave (CW) and Talk-pulsed RF exposures (2.5 h at 25 °C), there was no indication that RF exposure could induce reporter expression above sham control levels. Thus, at much higher induced RF field strength (close to the maximum permitted exposure from a mobile telephone handset), this particular nematode heat-shock gene is not up-regulated. However, under conditions where background reporter expression was moderately elevated in the sham controls (perhaps as a result of some unknown co-stressor), we found some evidence that reporter expression may be reduced by ,15% following exposure to either Talk-pulsed or CW RF fields. Bioelectromagnetics 29:92,99, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Synthesis and Optical Properties of KYF4/Yb, Er Nanocrystals, and their Surface Modification with Undoped KYF4,

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2008
Helmut Schäfer
Abstract KYF4/Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals with a mean diameter of approximately 13,nm were synthesized at 200,°C in the high boiling organic solvent N -(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (HEEDA). The particles crystallize in the cubic phase known from , -NaYF4 and form transparent colloidal solutions in tetraethylene glycol (TEG) or propanol. Solutions containing 1,wt % of the nanocrystals in TEG display visible upconversion emission upon continuous wave (CW) excitation at 978,nm. Growing undoped KYF4 on the surface of the KYF4/Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals increases the upconversion efficiency by more than a factor of 20. The XRD data of these particles, display a slight increase in the mean particle size from 13 to 15.5,nm, indicating that only a part of the subsequently added KYF4 shell material is deposited onto the particle surface. Nevertheless the performed surface modification obviously leads to core/shell structured particles. [source]


Bond strength of AH Plus and Epiphany sealers on root dentine irradiated with 980 nm diode laser

INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 9 2008
E. Alfredo
Abstract Aim, To evaluate the bond strength of AH Plus and Epiphany sealers to human root canal dentine irradiated with a 980 nm diode laser at different power and frequency parameters, using the push-out test. Methodology, Sixty canine roots were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction to provide 4-mm-thick dentine discs that had their root canals prepared with a tapered bur and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and distilled water. The specimens were assigned to five groups (n = 12): one control (no laser) and four experimental groups that were submitted to 980 nm diode laser irradiation at different power (1.5 and 3.0 W) and frequency (continuous wave and 100 Hz) parameters. Half of specimens in each group had their canals filled with AH Plus sealer and half with Epiphany. The push-out test was performed and data (MPa) were analysed statistically by anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The specimens were split longitudinally and examined under SEM to assess the failure modes after sealer displacement. Results, The specimens irradiated with the diode laser and filled with AH Plus had significantly higher bond strength values (8.69 ± 2.44) than those irradiated and filled with Epiphany (3.28 ± 1.58) and the nonirradiated controls (3.86 ± 0.60). The specimens filled with Epiphany did not differ significantly to each other or to the control (1.75 ± 0.69). There was a predominance of adhesive failures at Epiphany,dentine interface (77%) and mixed failures at AH Plus,dentine interface (67%). Conclusions, The 980 nm diode laser irradiation of root canal dentine increased the bond strength of AH Plus sealer, but did not affect the adhesion of Epiphany sealer. [source]


High-resolution millimeter-wave radar systems for visualization of unstructured outdoor environments

JOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 10 2006
Graham Brooker
This paper examines the use of millimeter-wave radar systems for visualization and navigation in unstructured outdoor environments. Three types of radar systems are described. The first is a long range, 94 GHz, frequency modulated interrupted continuous wave radar which is capable of producing two-dimensional (2D) reflectivity images to a range of more than 3 km. This is intended for use in long-range path planning. The second is a class of medium range 77 GHz frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar with two axis mirror scanners which is capable of producing high resolution threedimensional (3D) imagery out to 500 m at a reasonably slow frame rate. The final class also operates using the FMCW principle, but at 94 GHz, to produce high resolution 2D and 3D images out to about 50 m at a much higher update rate. These shorter range sensors may be used to determine the traversability of the local terrain. The outputs produced by the different classes of radar are examined and the paper considers their advantages when compared to other sensors such as vision and scanning laser. Using radar images, the final section compiles rules for interpreting radar reflectivity images from a path-planning perspective. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Multiphoton microscopy in life sciences

JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, Issue 2 2000
K. König
Near infrared (NIR) multiphoton microscopy is becoming a novel optical tool of choice for fluorescence imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution, diagnostics, photochemistry and nanoprocessing within living cells and tissues. Three-dimensional fluorescence imaging based on non-resonant two-photon or three-photon fluorophor excitation requires light intensities in the range of MW cm,2 to GW cm,2, which can be derived by diffraction limited focusing of continuous wave and pulsed NIR laser radiation. NIR lasers can be employed as the excitation source for multifluorophor multiphoton excitation and hence multicolour imaging. In combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), this novel approach can be used for multi-gene detection (multiphoton multicolour FISH). Owing to the high NIR penetration depth, non-invasive optical biopsies can be obtained from patients and ex vivo tissue by morphological and functional fluorescence imaging of endogenous fluorophores such as NAD(P)H, flavin, lipofuscin, porphyrins, collagen and elastin. Recent botanical applications of multiphoton microscopy include depth-resolved imaging of pigments (chlorophyll) and green fluorescent proteins as well as non-invasive fluorophore loading into single living plant cells. Non-destructive fluorescence imaging with multiphoton microscopes is limited to an optical window. Above certain intensities, multiphoton laser microscopy leads to impaired cellular reproduction, formation of giant cells, oxidative stress and apoptosis-like cell death. Major intracellular targets of photodamage in animal cells are mitochondria as well as the Golgi apparatus. The damage is most likely based on a two-photon excitation process rather than a one-photon or three-photon event. Picosecond and femtosecond laser microscopes therefore provide approximately the same safe relative optical window for two-photon vital cell studies. In labelled cells, additional phototoxic effects may occur via photodynamic action. This has been demonstrated for aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX and other porphyrin sensitizers in cells. When the light intensity in NIR microscopes is increased to TW cm,2 levels, highly localized optical breakdown and plasma formation do occur. These femtosecond NIR laser microscopes can also be used as novel ultraprecise nanosurgical tools with cut sizes between 100 nm and 300 nm. Using the versatile nanoscalpel, intracellular dissection of chromosomes within living cells can be performed without perturbing the outer cell membrane. Moreover, cells remain alive. Non-invasive NIR laser surgery within a living cell or within an organelle is therefore possible. [source]


Tellurite glass lasers operating close to 2, m

LASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 3 2010
B. Richards
Abstract Recent work in the area of Tm3+ and Ho3+ -doped tellurite fibre and bulk glass lasers operating close to 2 , m is reviewed. Spectroscopic properties of these doped glasses are discussed as well as the relevant pump schemes and energy transfer processes involved. Results of continuous wave (CW) and Q-switched Tm3+ and Ho3+ -doped tellurite fibre lasers are then presented and discussed. Finally, the results of tellurite bulk glass laser experiments conducted to date are reported. (© 2010 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source]


8.5 W room temperature continuous wave operation of a Ho:LuAG laser

LASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 12 2009
X.M. Duan
Abstract We report the continuous wave Ho:LuAG laser operated at room temperature. Using the diode-pumped Tm:YLF laser as a pumping source, maximum output power of 8.5 W at 2100 nm was obtained under the incident pump power of 18.4 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 51.3% and a conversion efficiency of 46.2%. (© 2009 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source]


Bidirectional operation and gyroscopic properties of passively mode-locked Nd:YVO4 ring laser

LASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 3 2007
Y. Liu
Abstract A simple LD-end-pumped, passively mode-locked Nd:YVO4 ring laser with bidirectional outputs was demonstrated, and the gyroscopic properties of the ring laser was studied. The laser was continuous wave mode-locked by use of a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM), and both clockwise and counter-clockwise outputs are stable laser pulse trains with pulse duration of 64 ps. The continuous wave modelocking was obtained under pump power as low as 540 mW. The average output power is 50 mW for the counter-clockwise laser and 52 mW for the clockwise laser under pump power of 1378 mW. The whole slope efficiency of the ring laser is about 9.4%. The two output pulse trains of the ring laser were combined to study its gyroscopic properties. The beat frequency of the pulsed solid-state laser gyro versus the rotation rates follows the Sagnac formula. The laser gyro has a large dead band of 6 , 8 dec/s, which was believed to be caused by the long pulse duration and the colliding of the opposite pulses on the SESAM. (© 2007 by Astro, Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) (© 2007 by Astro, Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source]


Effect of pulsing in low-level light therapy,

LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
Javad T. Hashmi MD
Abstract Background and Objective Low level light (or laser) therapy (LLLT) is a rapidly growing modality used in physical therapy, chiropractic, sports medicine and increasingly in mainstream medicine. LLLT is used to increase wound healing and tissue regeneration, to relieve pain and inflammation, to prevent tissue death, to mitigate degeneration in many neurological indications. While some agreement has emerged on the best wavelengths of light and a range of acceptable dosages to be used (irradiance and fluence), there is no agreement on whether continuous wave or pulsed light is best and on what factors govern the pulse parameters to be chosen. Study Design/Materials and Methods The published peer-reviewed literature was reviewed between 1970 and 2010. Results The basic molecular and cellular mechanisms of LLLT are discussed. The type of pulsed light sources available and the parameters that govern their pulse structure are outlined. Studies that have compared continuous wave and pulsed light in both animals and patients are reviewed. Frequencies used in other pulsed modalities used in physical therapy and biomedicine are compared to those used in LLLT. Conclusion There is some evidence that pulsed light does have effects that are different from those of continuous wave light. However further work is needed to define these effects for different disease conditions and pulse structures. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:450,466, 2010. © 2010 Wiley,Liss, Inc. [source]


Targeting of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by means of a rapidly scanned continuous wave (CW) laser beam

LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 4 2003
Ralf Brinkmann
Abstract Background and Objectives Selective treatment of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by repetitively applying green ,s-laser pulses is a new method for retinal diseases associated with a degradation of the RPE, which spares the neural retina. We investigated an alternative approach to realize repetitive ,s-laser exposure by rapidly scanning a continuous wave (CW)-laser beam across the RPE. Study Design/Materials and Methods An Ar+ laser beam (514 nm) with a diameter of 18.75 ,m was repetitively scanned across porcine RPE samples in vitro providing an irradiation time of 1.6 ,s per point on the central scan axis. RPE cell damage was investigated by means of the fluorescence viability assay Calcein-AM. Results The ED50 cell damage is 305 mJ/cm2 when applying 10 scans with a repetition rate of 500 Hz. The threshold decreases with the number of scans, a saturation was found at 135 mJ/cm2 with more than 500 exposures applied. The depth of focus in beam direction is 350 ,m, defined by an increase of the threshold radiant exposure by 20%. Conclusions Targeting of pigmented cells with high local resolution has been proved with a laser-scanning device. Looking ahead selective RPE-treatment, the adaptation of a laser-scanning device on a slit-lamp or into a modified retina angiograph seems to be an attractive alternative to the pulsed ,s laser device. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:252,264, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Development of a K-band FMCW phased array radar sensor with low complexity receiver based on antenna switching

MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 12 2009
Moon-Sik Lee
Abstract A K-band frequency-modulated continuous wave phased array radar sensor with low-complexity receiver based on antenna switching is developed. The radar sensor comprises a single transmitter, a single transmitting antenna, four receiving antennas, a single-pole four-throw switch, and a single receiving channel. The receiving antennas are switched to the single receiving channel periodically. The performance of the developed radar sensor is evaluated experimentally on the basis of the angle and range information obtained by using a beamforming method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2848,2850, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24785 [source]


A method stabilizing the wavelength of mode-locked fiber laser with injected continuous wave,

MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 7 2006
Likai Zhu
Abstract Stimulated by an injected continuous wave, a set of longitudinal modes wins the competition for gain medium continuously. In this paper, the linewidth of the longitudinal mode is broadened by the injected continuous wave. The wavelength of an actively mode-locked fiber laser based on EDFA is stabilized in the experiment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1385,1388, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21645 [source]


InGaN-based 518 and 488,nm laser diodes on c -plane GaN substrate

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010
Takashi Miyoshi
Abstract We succeeded in fabricating InGaN-based laser diodes (LDs) with a wavelength of 518 and 488,nm under continuous wave (cw) operation. The both LDs structures were grown on conventional c -plane GaN substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The threshold current and threshold voltage were 45,mA and 5.5,V at 518,nm, 30,mA and 4.5,V at 488,nm, respectively. The lifetime test of these LDs was carried out under high driving temperature up to 80,°C in cw operation. Lifetime was estimated to be over 5000,h with an optical output power of 5,mW at 80,°C in 515,518,nm LDs from 1000,h operation, and was estimated to be over 10,000,h with an output power of 60,mW at 60,°C in 488,nm LDs from 2000,h operation. [source]


Long-wavelength (, , 1.3 µm) InGaAlAs,InP vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers for applications in optical communication and sensing

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 14 2006
Markus-Christian Amann
Abstract In this paper we present an overview of the properties and applications of long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) based on the InGaAlAs,InP material system. With respect to significant temperature sensitivity of active material gain as well as insufficient thermal conductivity of InP-based epitaxial compound layers, the effective thermal heat management appears as a major issue for application suitable device performance. In this context, the incorporation of a buried tunnel junction (BTJ) in connection with improved heat sinking resembles a breakthrough for long-wavelength VCSELs. With the utilization of n-type spreading layers and consequently ultralow series resistances, BTJ-VCSELs exhibit sharply reduced excess heat generation. Furthermore, the BTJ-approach enables self-aligned optical and current confinement. A hybrid dielectric stack with Au-coating yields an improved thermal heatsinking. The current status of BTJ-VCSELs encompasses a number of superior performance values. At 1.55 µm wavelength, this includes room temperature single- and multimode continuous wave (cw) output powers of more than 3 mW and 10 mW, respectively, laser operation for heat sink temperatures well exceeding 100 °C, and optical data transmission rates up to 10 Gbit/s. The versatility of compound layer composition enables arbitrary emission wavelengths within a broad range of 1.3 and 2 µm. With respect to sensing applications, BTJ-VCSELs appear as ideal components for optical detection of infrared active gases. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Thermo-optic nonlinear response of silver nanoparticle colloids under a low power laser irradiation at 532,nm

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 2 2010
Rouhollah Karimzadeh
Abstract The thermo-optical properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the water are investigated under irradiation of a continuous wave (CW) laser at 532,nm. Thermal conductivity of the AgNP colloids is estimated using the Maxwell model. The closed Z-scan measurements reveal thermal contribution for the nonlinear refractive index of the AgNPs. The Z-scan behavior is investigated based on nonlocal thermo-optic process. It is shown that the aberrant thermal lens model is in excellent agreement with the Z-scan experimental results of the sample. A fit allows extracting the values of nonlinear refractive index and thermo-optic coefficient to be ,1.0,×,10,8,cm2/W and ,0.99,×,10,4,W/mK, respectively. Our results suggest that thermal nonlinear effects play an important role in the development of photonic application involving metal nanoparticle colloids and in the investigation of nonlocal nonlinear processes. [source]


Analysis of minority carrier lifetime for InAlAs/InGaAs high electron mobility transistors by using 1.55-,m femto-second pulse laser

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 9 2008
Hirohisa Taguchi
Abstract The minority carrier lifetime (,) of High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) made using the InAlAs/InGaAs material system lattice-matched to the InP substrate had been obtained from optical response measurements with a 1.55-,m femto-second pulse laser where the laser was illuminated onto the backside of a wafer. The drain current of HEMTs associated with the optical pulse was detected using a digitizing oscilloscope, and , was estimated from the exponential dependence of drain current on time. In our current investigation, we found that , is dominated by the following modes: (1) the amount of time required for holes to transit across the channel toward the source, and (2) the amount of time required for the holes accumulated in the source region to recombine with two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) through the Auger mechanism. Because the sheet concentration (ps) of holes accumulated in source region is low at a low source-to-drain voltage (VDS), Auger recombination is not predominant, and , was only dominated by the hole transit time. At a high VDS, ps became high enough for Auger recombination to occur and dominate ,. Furthermore, we investigated the optical power dependence of , where the optical power was supplied in a continuous wave (CW) to generate photo-excited holes in a steady state. The value of , decreased monotonically as VDS increased and saturated in as little as 6x10,10 s when the optical power was increased. The theoretical investigation was made to understand this saturation phenomenon. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Tracking ligand-migration pathways of carbonmonoxy myoglobin in crystals at cryogenic temperatures

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 2 2010
Ayana Tomita
In order to explore the ligand-migration dynamics in myoglobin induced by photodissociation, cryogenic X-ray crystallographic investigations of carbonmonoxy myoglobin crystals illuminated by continuous wave and pulsed lasers at 1,15,kHz repetition rate have been carried out. Here it is shown that this novel method, extended pulsed-laser pumping of carbonmonoxy myoglobin, promotes ligand migration in the protein matrix by crossing the glass transition temperature repeatedly, and enables the visualization of the migration pathway of the photodissociated ligands in native Mb at cryogenic temperatures. It has revealed that the migration of the CO molecule into each cavity induces structural changes of the amino-acid residues around the cavity which result in the expansion of the cavity. The sequential motion of the ligand and the cavity suggests a self-opening mechanism of the ligand-migration channel arising by induced fit. [source]


Continuous wave and simulated GSM exposure at 1.8 W/kg and 1.8 GHz do not induce hsp16-1 heat-shock gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 2 2008
Adam S. Dawe
Abstract Recent data suggest that there might be a subtle thermal explanation for the apparent induction by radiofrequency (RF) radiation of transgene expression from a small heat-shock protein (hsp16-1) promoter in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. The RF fields used in the C. elegans study were much weaker (SAR 5,40 mW,kg,1) than those routinely tested in many other published studies (SAR ,2 W,kg,1). To resolve this disparity, we have exposed the same transgenic hsp16-1::lacZ strain of C. elegans (PC72) to higher intensity RF fields (1.8 GHz; SAR ,1.8 W,kg,1). For both continuous wave (CW) and Talk-pulsed RF exposures (2.5 h at 25 °C), there was no indication that RF exposure could induce reporter expression above sham control levels. Thus, at much higher induced RF field strength (close to the maximum permitted exposure from a mobile telephone handset), this particular nematode heat-shock gene is not up-regulated. However, under conditions where background reporter expression was moderately elevated in the sham controls (perhaps as a result of some unknown co-stressor), we found some evidence that reporter expression may be reduced by ,15% following exposure to either Talk-pulsed or CW RF fields. Bioelectromagnetics 29:92,99, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Acute exposure to low-level CW and GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency does not affect Ba2+ currents through voltage-gated calcium channels in rat cortical neurons

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 8 2007
Daniela Platano
Abstract We have studied the non-thermal effects of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on Ba2+ currents () through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), recorded in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons using the patch-clamp technique. To assess whether low-level acute RF field exposure could modify the amplitude and/or the voltage-dependence of , Petri dishes containing cultured neurons were exposed for 1,3 periods of 90 s to 900 MHz RF-EMF continuous wave (CW) or amplitude-modulated according to global system mobile communication standard (GSM) during whole-cell recording. The specific absorption rates (SARs) were 2 W/kg for CW and 2 W/kg (time average value) for GSM-modulated signals, respectively. The results obtained indicate that single or multiple acute exposures to either CW or GSM-modulated 900 MHz RF-EMFs do not significantly alter the current amplitude or the current,voltage relationship of , through VGCC. Bioelectromagnetics 28:599,607, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Ornithine decarboxylase activity of L929 cells after exposure to continuous wave or 50 Hz modulated radiofrequency radiation,a replication study

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 7 2007
A. Höytö
Abstract A replication study with some extensions was made to confirm enhancement of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in murine L929 fibroblasts after radiofrequency (RF) field exposure reported in earlier studies. L929 cells purchased from two cell banks were exposed for 2, 8, or 24 h to continuous wave or DAMPS (burst modulated at 50 Hz, with 33% duty cycle) signals at specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of 2.5 or 6.0 W/kg. Exposures were carried out in Crawford and waveguide chambers, at frequencies 835 and 872 MHz, respectively. The results did not confirm findings of previous studies reporting increased ODC activity in RF-exposed cells. When Crawford cell exposure system was used, ODC activity was either not affected (in the case of 8 or 24 h exposures) or decreased after 2 h exposure at the highest SAR level (6 W/kg). The decrease was most pronounced when cooling with air flow was not used, and is most likely related to increased temperature. The minor methodological differences (use of antibiotics, increased sensitivity of ODC assay) are not likely to explain the inconsistency of the findings of the present and previous studies. Different results were obtained in experiments with the waveguide system that involves more efficient temperature control. In this exposure system, ODC activity was increased after 8 h exposure at 6 W/kg. Further studies are warranted to explore whether this finding reflects a true non-thermal effect. The present study did not provide evidence for modulation-specific effects reported in earlier studies. Bioelectromagnetics 28:501,508, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Mobile phone base station-emitted radiation does not induce phosphorylation of Hsp27

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 2 2007
H. Hirose
Abstract An in vitro study focusing on the effects of low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields act to induce phosphorylation and overexpression of heat shock protein hsp27. First, we evaluated the responses of human cells to microwave exposure at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 80 mW/kg, which corresponds to the limit of the average whole-body SAR for general public exposure defined as a basic restriction in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. Second, we investigated whether continuous wave (CW) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) modulated signal RF fields at 2.1425 GHz induced activation or gene expression of hsp27 and other heat shock proteins (hsps). Human glioblastoma A172 cells were exposed to W-CDMA radiation at SARs of 80 and 800 mW/kg for 2,48 h, and CW radiation at 80 mW/kg for 24 h. Human IMR-90 fibroblasts from fetal lungs were exposed to W-CDMA at 80 and 800 mW/kg for 2 or 28 h, and CW at 80 mW/kg for 28 h. Under the RF field exposure conditions described above, no significant differences in the expression levels of phosphorylated hsp27 at serine 82 (hsp27[pS82]) were observed between the test groups exposed to W-CDMA or CW signal and the sham-exposed negative controls, as evaluated immediately after the exposure periods by bead-based multiplex assays. Moreover, no noticeable differences in the gene expression of hsps were observed between the test groups and the negative controls by DNA Chip analysis. Our results confirm that exposure to low-level RF field up to 800 mW/kg does not induce phosphorylation of hsp27 or expression of hsp gene family. Bioelectromagnetics © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Cytogenetic damage in human lymphocytes following GMSK phase modulated microwave exposure

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 1 2002
Guglielmo d'Ambrosio
Abstract The present study investigated, using in vitro experiments on human lymphocytes, whether exposure to a microwave frequency used for mobile communication, either unmodulated or in presence of phase only modulation, can cause modification of cell proliferation kinetics and/or genotoxic effects, by evaluating the cytokinesis block proliferation index and the micronucleus frequency. In the GSM 1800 mobile communication systems the field is both phase (Gaussian minimum shift keying, GMSK) and amplitude (time domain multiple access, TDMA) modulated. The present study investigated only the effects of phase modulation, and no amplitude modulation was applied. Human peripheral blood cultures were exposed to 1.748 GHz, either continuous wave (CW) or phase only modulated wave (GMSK), for 15 min. The maximum specific absorption rate (,5 W/kg) was higher than that occurring in the head of mobile phone users; however, no changes were found in cell proliferation kinetics after exposure to either CW or GMSK fields. As far as genotoxicity is concerned, the micronucleus frequency result was not affected by CW exposure; however, a statistically significant micronucleus effect was found following exposure to phase modulated field. These results would suggest a genotoxic power of the phase modulation per se. Bioelectromagnetics 23:7,13, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Partial-body exposure of human volunteers to 2450,MHz pulsed or CW fields provokes similar thermoregulatory responses,

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2001
Eleanor R. Adair
Abstract Many reports describe data showing that continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (PW) radiofrequency (RF) fields, at the same frequency and average power density (PD), yield similar response changes in the exposed organism. During whole-body exposure of squirrel monkeys at 2450 MHz CW and PW fields, heat production and heat loss responses were nearly identical. To explore this question in humans, we exposed two different groups of volunteers to 2450,MHz CW (two females, five males) and PW (65,,s pulse width, 104,pps; three females, three males) RF fields. We measured thermophysiological responses of heat production and heat loss (esophageal and six skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local skin blood flow, and local sweat rate) under a standardized protocol (30,min baseline, 45,min RF or sham exposure, 10,min baseline), conducted in three ambient temperatures (Ta,=,24, 28, and 31°C). At each Ta, average PDs studied were 0, 27, and 35,mW/cm2 (Specific absorption rate (SAR),=,0, 5.94, and 7.7,W/kg). Mean data for each group showed minimal changes in core temperature and metabolic heat production for all test conditions and no reliable differences between CW and PW exposure. Local skin temperatures showed similar trends for CW and PW exposure that were PD-dependent; only the skin temperature of the upper back (facing the antenna) showed a reliably greater increase (P,=,.005) during PW exposure than during CW exposure. Local sweat rate and skin blood flow were both Ta - and PD-dependent and showed greater variability than other measures between CW and PW exposures; this variability was attributable primarily to the characteristics of the two subject groups. With one noted exception, no clear evidence for a differential response to CW and PW fields was found. Bioelectromagnetics 22:246,259, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Structural Investigation of a High-Affinity MnII Binding Site in the Hammerhead Ribozyme by EPR Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations.

CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 10 2003
Effects of Neomycin B on Metal-Ion Binding
Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and density functional theory methods were used to study the structure of a single, high-affinity MnIIbinding site in the hammerhead ribozyme. This binding site exhibits a dissociation constant Kdof 4.4 ,M in buffer solutions containing 1,M NaCl, as shown by titrations monitored by continuous wave (cw) EPR. A combination of electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) and hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) experiments revealed that the paramagnetic manganese(II) ion in this binding site is coupled to a single nitrogen atom with a quadrupole coupling constant,of 0.7 MHz, an asymmetry parameter,of 0.4, and an isotropic hyperfine coupling constant of Aiso(14N)=2.3 MHz. All three EPR parameters are sensitive to the arrangement of the MnIIligand sphere and can therefore be used to determine the structure of the binding site. A possible location for this binding site may be at the G10.1, A9 site found to be occupied by MnIIin crystals (MacKay et al., Nature 1994, 372, 68 and Scott et al., Science 1996, 274, 2065). To determine whether the structure of the binding site is the same in frozen solution, we performed DFT calculations for the EPR parameters, based on the structure of the MnIIsite in the crystal. Computations with the BHPW91 density function in combination with a 9s7p4d basis set for the manganese(II) center and the Iglo-II basis set for all other atoms yielded values of,(14N)=+0.80 MHz, ,=0.324, and Aiso(14N)=+2.7 MHz, in excellent agreement with the experimentally obtained EPR parameters, which suggests that the binding site found in the crystal and in frozen solution are the same. In addition, we demonstrated by EPR that MnIIis released from this site upon binding of the aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin B (Kd=1.2 ,M) to the hammerhead ribozyme. Neomycin B has previously been shown to inhibit the catalytic activity of this ribozyme (Uhlenbeck et al., Biochemistry 1995, 34, 11,186). [source]