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Optical Characteristics (optical + characteristic)
Selected AbstractsFabrication and Optical Characteristics of Position-Controlled ZnO Nanotubes and ZnO/Zn0.8Mg0.2O Coaxial Nanotube Quantum Structure ArraysADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Jinkyoung Yoo Abstract The position-controlled growth and structural and optical characteristics of ZnO nanotubes and their coaxial heterostructures are reported. To control both the shape and position of ZnO nanotubes, hole-patterned SiO2 growth-mask layers on Si(111) substrates with GaN/AlN intermediate layers using conventional lithography are prepared. ZnO nanotubes are grown only on the hole patterns at 600,°C by catalyst-free metal,organic vapor-phase epitaxy. Furthermore, the position-controlled nanotube growth method allows the fabrication of artificial arrays of ZnO-based coaxial nanotube single-quantum-well structures (SQWs) on Si substrates. In situ heteroepitaxial growth of ZnO and Zn0.8Mg0.2O layers along the circumference of the ZnO nanotube enable an artificial formation of quantum-well arrays in a designed fashion. The structural and optical characteristics of the ZnO nanotubes and SQW arrays are also investigated using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffractometry and photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. [source] In vivo spectroscopy in dermatology: methods and new fields of applicationJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2000K Liebold Abstract Background,The human skin is an easily accessible organ on which non-invasive examination methods can be applied. Remittance spectroscopy uses registration of the proportion of reflected light from the skin surface. Optical characteristics of skin are determined by scattering, reflection and absorption. The remittance is influenced by various test conditions and topography. Spectroscopic methods are applied for determination of microcirculation, measuring of erythema and pigmentation and in pharmacology and toxicology of applied drugs. Conclusion,The standardization of spectroscopic measurement of human skin is essential to reduce error sources. In future a better investigation of skin structures and molecules, which are responsible for optical characteristics of skin and a more precise evaluation of spectroscopic signals are necessary to get more information about the state of skin and to develop new fields of applications, such as early diagnosis of skin diseases or monitoring of metabolic processes. [source] Optical characteristics of thin rf sputtered Ta2O5 layersPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 2 2005Tz. Babeva Abstract The optical properties of rf sputtered (30; 52 nm) Ta2O5 before and after O2 annealing at 1173 K have been investigated in the terms of storage capacitor applications for high density dynamic memories. Refractive index and thickness of the films are determined from transmittance and reflectance measurements at normal light incidence in the spectral range 400,800 nm. The film density explored by refractive index is improved with increasing film thickness as well as after annealing. The optical band gap is found to be 4.20 eV for 30 nm and 4.12 eV for 52 nm Ta2O5 regardless of the amorphous status of the layers-amorphous (as-deposited) or polycrystalline (annealed layers). (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] ZnO nanowires: chemical growth, electrodeposition, and application to intracellular nano-sensorsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 9 2008M. Willander Abstract In this paper we present our results on growth, characterization, and nano-devices based on ZnO nano-structures. The ZnO nano-structures were grown by mainly two methods, the catalytic Vapor Liquid Solid (VLS) and the low temperature chemical growth. We show that by multiple coating combined with low temperature chemical growth, well aligned with size controlled ZnO nanowires on silicon substrates can be achieved. The dissolution, due to its important on the stability of ZnO nano-structures in aqueous medium, is then discussed and some preliminary experimental results are shown. Basic Optical characteristics of ZnO nano-rods are briefly discussed. Finally, electrochemical intracellular nano-sensors based on ZnO nano-wires are demonstrated as efficient nano-sensors for monitoring the human cell activity with minute pH changes. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Diverse optical characteristic of the prostate and light delivery system: implications for computer modelling of prostatic photodynamic therapyBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2005Jerzy Jankun OBJECTIVE To explore the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a minimally invasive form of treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer, for although there are several therapies, ablative treatments are associated with significant morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the photosensitizer tin etiopurpurin, dogs were treated with interstitially placed laser fibres in an effort to validate PDT for treating prostate cancer. Earlier models assumed a uniform distribution of light output from a cylindrical fibre and a uniform attenuation coefficient throughout the prostate. Subsequent observations show that this model was too simple and that light radiance is not linear. To overcome under-treatment, a computer program to complement real-time fibre placement was developed. RESULTS As light radiance from interstitially placed laser fibres varies significantly from the commonly assumed ideal cylindrical emission, a predictive mathematical model of prostate PDT needs to consider the real emission. Also, the optical properties of the prostate, e.g. absorption and scattering of light, are anisotropic. Differences in the attenuation coefficient (combining absorption and scattering of light) also varied among different animals. Incorporating all these variables into a computer program produced a virtual model of the photo-ablated zone within ± 2 mm of that observed in animals. CONCLUSION PDT of the prostate is not trivial and should benefit from computer-aided methods as it is developed for clinical use. [source] Weathering and allophane neoformation in soils developed on volcanic ash in the AzoresEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007M. Gérard Summary On Faial and Pico islands (Azores), we studied two profiles on basaltic pyroclasts that contain buried horizons, and we focussed on petrography, micropedology and mineralogy. Emphasis was given to weathering of the lapilli and ashes, and the neoformation of allophane. A combination of optical studies, in situ chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy of clay fractions revealed that allophane is present both in the micromass of the groundmass, in alteromorphs after lapilli or pumice, and in clay coatings. Whereas most studies describe allophane as a colloidal fraction formed by the congruent and total dissolution of the ashes, this study shows evidence for the formation of allophane alteromorphs, due to leaching of Si and cations, with preservation of the original shapes of the tephra. The allophane alteromorphs often display optical characteristics that resemble those of palagonite. Increasing alteration is observed through three steps: (i) hydration of the glass associated with strong cation and Si leaching, (ii) allophane hypocoatings, and (iii) allophane alteromorphs with development of intragrain bridges. The chemical signature of the alteromorphs varies from a pure alumino-silicate at one extreme to an Fe(Ti) enriched alumino-silicate at the other. Between those two extremes, the colour grades from yellow to dark orange, with microzonations. An Al-rich allophane composition is associated with gibbsite in the EUR6-Pico profile, whereas at the base of the EUR5-Faial profile, Si-rich allophane is associated with halloysite. Some variations of the palaeo-environment are also suggested by strong iron segregation observed with various secondary phases (ferrihydrite, haematite, iddingsite). [source] Fabrication and Optical Characteristics of Position-Controlled ZnO Nanotubes and ZnO/Zn0.8Mg0.2O Coaxial Nanotube Quantum Structure ArraysADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Jinkyoung Yoo Abstract The position-controlled growth and structural and optical characteristics of ZnO nanotubes and their coaxial heterostructures are reported. To control both the shape and position of ZnO nanotubes, hole-patterned SiO2 growth-mask layers on Si(111) substrates with GaN/AlN intermediate layers using conventional lithography are prepared. ZnO nanotubes are grown only on the hole patterns at 600,°C by catalyst-free metal,organic vapor-phase epitaxy. Furthermore, the position-controlled nanotube growth method allows the fabrication of artificial arrays of ZnO-based coaxial nanotube single-quantum-well structures (SQWs) on Si substrates. In situ heteroepitaxial growth of ZnO and Zn0.8Mg0.2O layers along the circumference of the ZnO nanotube enable an artificial formation of quantum-well arrays in a designed fashion. The structural and optical characteristics of the ZnO nanotubes and SQW arrays are also investigated using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffractometry and photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. [source] Photonic Crystal Fibers and Their ApplicationsIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2009Osamu Tohyama Member Abstract Dramatic advances in research and development on photonic crystal fibers (PCF) have created new properties that had not been achievable using conventional fibers. PCFs have many fascinating features. The very high relative refractive index between the fiber core and air-hole cladding enables several prominent properties, notably endlessly single-mode (ESM) operation, high nonlinearity, wide-ranging dispersion management, and the ability to maintain high polarization. The processes involved in manufacturing PCFs are quite different from those used to manufacture conventional fibers, and this is largely because of the profusion of air holes in the silica glass that comprises PCFs. The authors have optimized the technology to manufacture photonic crystals with the required optical characteristics. This paper describes the properties and application of large-mode and ESM guidance, nonlinearity, and double cladding. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Ultrathin Films of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electronics and Sensors: A Review of Fundamental and Applied AspectsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 1 2009Qing Cao Abstract Ultrathin films of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) represent an attractive, emerging class of material, with properties that can approach the exceptional electrical, mechanical, and optical characteristics of individual SWNTs, in a format that, unlike isolated tubes, is readily suitable for scalable integration into devices. These features suggest the potential for realistic applications as conducting or semiconducting layers in diverse types of electronic, optoelectronic and sensor systems. This article reviews recent advances in assembly techniques for forming such films, modeling and experimental work that reveals their collective properties, and engineering aspects of implementation in sensors and in electronic devices and circuits with various levels of complexity. A concluding discussion provides some perspectives on possibilities for future work in fundamental and applied aspects. [source] Petrology of coesite-bearing eclogite from Habutengsu Valley, western Tianshan, NW China and its tectonometamorphic implicationJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 9 2009Z. LÜ Abstract Coesite inclusions in garnet have been found in eclogite boudins enclosed in coesite-bearing garnet micaschist in the Habutengsu Valley, Chinese western Tianshan, which are distinguished from their retrograde quartz by means of optical characteristics, CL imaging and Raman spectrum. The coesite-bearing eclogite is mainly composed of porphyroblastic garnet, omphacite, paragonite, glaucophane and barroisite, minor amounts of rutile and dotted (or banded) graphite. In addition to coesite and quartz, the zoned porphyroblastic garnet contains inclusions of omphacite, Na-Ca amphibole, calcite, albite, chlorite, rutile, ilmenite and graphite. Multi-phase inclusions (e.g. Czo + Pg ± Qtz, Grt II + Qtz and Chl + Pg) can be interpreted as breakdown products of former lawsonite and possibly chloritoid. Coesite occurs scattered within a compositionally homogenous but narrow domain of garnet (outer core), indicative of equilibrium at the UHP stage. The estimate by garnet-clinopyroxene thermometry yields peak temperatures of 420,520 °C at 2.7 GPa. Phase equilibrium calculations further constrain the P,T conditions for the UHP mineral assemblage Grt + Omp + Lws + Gln + Coe to 2.4,2.7 GPa and 470,510 °C. Modelled modal abundances of major minerals along a 5 °C km,1 geothermal gradient suggests two critical dehydration processes at ,430 and ,510 °C respectively. Computed garnet composition patterns are in good agreement with measured core-rim profiles. The petrological study of coesite-bearing eclogite in this paper provides insight into the metamorphic evolution in a cold subduction zone. Together with other reported localities of UHP rocks from the entire orogen of Chinese western Tianshan, it is concluded that the regional extent of UHP-LT metamorphism in Chinese western Tianshan is extensive and considerably larger than previously thought, although intensive retrogression has erased UHP-LT assemblages at most localities. [source] In vivo spectroscopy in dermatology: methods and new fields of applicationJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2000K Liebold Abstract Background,The human skin is an easily accessible organ on which non-invasive examination methods can be applied. Remittance spectroscopy uses registration of the proportion of reflected light from the skin surface. Optical characteristics of skin are determined by scattering, reflection and absorption. The remittance is influenced by various test conditions and topography. Spectroscopic methods are applied for determination of microcirculation, measuring of erythema and pigmentation and in pharmacology and toxicology of applied drugs. Conclusion,The standardization of spectroscopic measurement of human skin is essential to reduce error sources. In future a better investigation of skin structures and molecules, which are responsible for optical characteristics of skin and a more precise evaluation of spectroscopic signals are necessary to get more information about the state of skin and to develop new fields of applications, such as early diagnosis of skin diseases or monitoring of metabolic processes. [source] New Cyclic Olefin Copolymer for the Preparation of Thermally Responsive Luminescent FilmsMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 9 2009Filippo Donati Abstract Polymer films with optical properties as indicators to thermal stress were obtained through the controlled dispersion of moderate amounts (,0.1 wt.-%) of the 4,4,-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)stilbene (BBS) dye into a new semicrystalline ethylene-norbornene (E - co - N, N content of 15.3 mol.-%) copolymer characterized by a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 64,°C. All the pristine films showed optical characteristics coming from noninteracting BBS chromophores. In contrast permanent optical changes were detected after film annealing at a T,,,Tg due to the variation of the BBS supramolecular structure. The easy modulation of the optical features of polymer films by thermal perturbations suggests applications as threshold temperature visual indicators in thermoplastic materials. [source] Absorption Spectra of Human Skin In Vivo in the Ultraviolet Wavelength Range Measured by OptoacousticsPHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Merve Meinhardt Knowledge of the optical properties of human skin in the ultraviolet range is fundamental for photobiologic research. However, optical properties of human skin in the ultraviolet spectral range have so far mainly been measured ex vivo. We have determined the absorption spectra of human skin in vivo in the wavelength range from 290 to 341 nm in 3 nm steps using laser optoacoustics. In this technique, optical properties are derived from the pressure profile generated by absorbed light energy in the sample. In a study on 20 subjects belonging to phototypes I,IV, we studied the optical properties at the volar and dorsal aspect of the forearm as well as on the thenar. Analysis of the measured absorption spectra shows that comparable skin areas,like different sides of the forearm,have qualitatively similar optical characteristics. Still, the optical properties may vary substantially within the same area, probably due to the skin structure and inhomogeneities. Comparison of the spectra from different skin sites indicates that the spectral characteristics of the stratum corneum and its chromophores play an important role for the optical properties of human skin in vivo in the ultraviolet B range. [source] Sensitivity of the Early Life Stages of Macroalgae from the Northern Hemisphere to Ultraviolet Radiation,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Michael Y. Roleda The reproductive cells of macroalgae are regarded as the life history stages most susceptible to various environmental stresses, including UV radiation (UVR). UVR is proposed to determine the upper depth distribution limit of macroalgae on the shore. These hypotheses were tested by UV-exposure experiments, using spores and young thalli of the eulittoral Rhodophyceae Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus and various sublittoral brown macroalgae (Phaeophyceae) with different depth distribution from Helgoland (German Bight) and Spitsbergen (Arctic). In spores, the degree of UV-induced inhibition of photosynthesis is lower in eulittoral species and higher in sublittoral species. After UV stress, recovery of photosynthetic capacity is faster in eulittoral compared to sublittoral species. DNA damage is lowest while repair of DNA damage is highest in eulittoral compared to sublittoral species. When the negative impact of UVR prevails, spore germination is inhibited. This is observed in deep water kelp species whereas the same UVR doses do not inhibit germination of shallow water kelp species. A potential acclimation mechanism to increase UV tolerance of brown algal spores is the species-specific ability to increase the content of UV-absorbing phlorotannins in response to UV-exposure. Growth rates of young Mastocarpus and Chondrus gametophytes exposed to experimental doses of UVR are not affected while growth rates of all young kelp sporophytes exposed to UVR are significantly lowered. Furthermore, morphological UV damage in Laminaria ochroleuca includes tissue deformation, lesion, blistering and thickening of the meristematic part of the lamina. The sensitivity of young sporophytes to DNA damage is correlated with thallus thickness and their optical characteristics. Growth rate is an integrative parameter of all physiological processes in juvenile plants. UV inhibition of growth may affect the upper distribution depth limit of adult life history stages. Juveniles possess several mechanisms to minimize UVR damage and, hence, are less sensitive but at the expense of growth. The species-specific susceptibility of the early life stages of macroalgae to UVR plays an important role for the determination of zonation patterns and probably also for shaping up community structure. [source] Degradation of InGaN-based laser diodes due to increased non-radiative recombination ratePHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010N. Trivellin Abstract With this paper we analyze the correlation between the degradation of InGaN-based laser diodes (LDs) and the increase in the non-radiative recombination rate in the active region. Several 405,nm MOCVD LDs have been submitted to CW stress, for 2000,h (stress current in the range 40,100,mA, case temperature,=,75,°C). During stress, we extensively evaluated the optical characteristics of the LDs: a technique for the evaluation of the non-radiative recombination lifetime (,nr) in the active material was developed and used for the analysis of the stress effects. We demonstrate the following: (1) degradation determines the increase in LDs threshold current (Ith) and the decrease in the ,nr; (2) degradation of Ith and ,nr have similar kinetics; and (3) the degradation rate of the LDs is almost linearly related to the stress current level. The degradation process is therefore ascribed to the decrease of internal quantum efficiency caused by the increase of the non-radiative recombination rate in the active region. [source] NiO-induced crystallization and optical characteristics of Li2O,CaF2,P2O5 glass systemPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008G. Murali Krishna Abstract Li2O,CaF2,P2O5 glasses mixed with different concentrations of NiO (ranging from 0 mol% to 2.0 mol%) were crystallized. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. Studies were extended to optical absorption and magnetic susceptibility of these glass ceramic samples. The XRD and SEM studies reveal the presence of lithium phosphate, calcium phosphate and nickel phosphate crystal phases. The optical absorption studies together with magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a gradual transformation of nickel ions from tetrahedral sites to octahedral sites (lasing sites) as the concentration of NiO is increased beyond 0.8 mol%. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Improved luminescence efficiency of InAs quantum dots grown on atomic terraced GaAs surface prepared with in-situ chemical etchingPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 4 2009Yasuhiro Idutsu Abstract Observation of the enhanced luminescence efficiency of InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on atomically controlled GaAs surfaces is reported. With the trisdimethylaminoarsenic (TDMAAs) in-situ surface etching process, formation of atomic steps and terraces on GaAs surfaces were clearly observed. InAs QDs grown on the processed GaAs surfaces showed the clear dependence of QDs size, density and optical characteristics on the surface properties, i.e., the increase of the QDs height and diameter the decrease of the QDs density. About 6-times enhancement of photoluminescence efficiency which has the peak around 1550-nm wavelength was observed by growing InAs QDs on atomically controlled GaAs surfaces. This is due to the migration enhancement of InAs during thegrowth the QDs. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] The synthesis of CdSe quantum dots with carboxyl group and study on their optical characteristicsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 4 2009Chen Ye Abstract Quantum dots are nanocrystal semiconductors which attract lots of research interests due to their peculiar optical properties. CdSe/ZnS quantum dots have been synthesized via pyrolysis of organometallic reagents. The color of the quantum dot changes from yellow-green to red as their size increases with reaction time. Photoluminescence quantum efficiency of CdSe quantum dots have been enhanced by passivating the surface of CdSe quantum dots with ZnS layers. Quantum dots are nanocrystal semiconductors which attract lots of research interests due to their peculiar optical properties. CdSe/ZnS quantum dots have been synthesized via pyrolysis of organometallic reagents. The color of the quantum dot changes from yellow-green to red as their size increases with reaction time. Photoluminescence quantum efficiency of CdSe quantum dots have been enhanced by passivating the surface of CdSe quantum dots with ZnS layers. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Current crowding effects on blue LED operationPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 6 2006I. Yu. Abstract A hybrid 1D/3D approach to modeling of the electric current spreading in a light emitting diode (LED) die is suggested and validated by comparing the theoretical predictions with available observations. Large-area LEDs with different contact electrode configurations suitable for high-power operation are analyzed in terms of simulations with the focus on the current non-uniformity and its impact on the device electrical and optical characteristics. The factors controlling the LED series resistance are identified by modeling, and ways for the resistance improvement are examined. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] GaN-free transparent structure for ultraviolet light emitting diodesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 6 2004T. Nishida Abstract AlGaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) are expected to be the next generation of ultraviolet light (UV) sources. With the aim of achieving AlGaN-based UV-LEDs comparable to those of conventional blue and red LEDs, we have investigated the regular epitaxial growth, the fabrication of uniform and abrupt heterointerfaces, the optical characteristics of AlGaN-based nitride quantum structures, the validity of the band engineering, the p-n junction designs, radiative recombination and light extraction. Efficient and transparent UV-LEDs grown on a high-quality AlN-template layer on a sapphire substrate are free from binary GaN, and have great potential for lighting equipment and other applications. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Photo-activity induced by amyloidogenesisPROTEIN SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Olga Tcherkasskaya Abstract Accumulation of chemically altered proteins is a noted characteristic of biological aging, and increasing evidence suggests a variety of deleterious cellular developments associated with senescence. Concomitantly, the "aging" of protein deposits associated with numerous neurological disorders may involve covalent modifications of their constituents. However, the link between disease-related protein aggregation and chemical alterations of its molecular constituents has yet to be established. The present study of amyloidogenic ,-synuclein protein points to a decisive change in the biophysical behavior of growing protein aggregates with progressive photo-activity in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. I hypothesize that the photo-activity induced by filament formation is governed by the same mechanism as seen for the intrinsic chromophore of 4-(p-hydroxybenzylidene)-5-imidazolinone-type in the family of green fluorescent proteins. This type of the covalent alterations is initiated concurrently with amyloid elongation and involves a complex multi-step process of chain cyclization, amino acid dehydration, and aerial oxidation. Given that different stages in filament formation yield distinct optical characteristics, the photo-activity induced by amyloidogenesis may have application in molecular biology by enabling in vivo visualization of protein aggregation and its impact on cellular function. [source] Aircraft observations of cloud droplet number concentration: Implications for climate studiesTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 602 2004I. Gultepe Abstract Droplet number concentration (Nd) is a major parameter affecting cloud physical processes and cloud optical characteristics. In most climate models, Nd is usually assumed to be constant or a function of the droplet and aerosol number concentration (Na). Three types of cloud systems over Canada, namely Arctic clouds, maritime boundary-layer clouds, and winter storms, were studied to obtain values of Nd as a function of temperature (T). The probability density function of Nd was also calculated to show the variability of this parameter. The results show that Nd reaches a maximum at about 10 °C (200 cm,3) and then decreases gradually to a minimum (,1,3 cm,3) at about ,35°C. A comparison of relationships between Nd and Na indicates that estimates of Nd from Na can have an uncertainty of about 30,50 cm,3, resulting in up to a 42% uncertainty in cloud short-wave radiative forcing. This study concludes that the typical fixed values of Nd, which are ,100 cm,3 and ,200 cm,3 for maritime and continental clouds, respectively, and the present relationships of Nd to Na, could result in a large uncertainty in the heat and moisture budgets of the earth's atmosphere. It is suggested that the use of relationships between Nd and T can improve climate simulations. © Crown copyright, 2004. Royal Meteorological Society [source] 4241: Optical characterization of PCOACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010TJTP VAN DEN BERG Purpose Opacification of the posterior capsule (PCO) is known to degrade visual function on both counts: small angle resolution (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) as well as large angle light scatter (straylight). No studies have been performed to delineate the optical characteristics of PCO as a basis for explanation of these visual function defects. Methods Preparations of IOL-capsule combinations were harvested from donor eyes after removal of the cornea. They were mounted submersed in saline in an optical set-up, used earlier to characterize the optics of the crystalline lens (van den Berg et al. VR 1999). Illuminated by monochromatic beams of light, the light spreading originating from different areas of the preparation was measured as function of wavelength for different angles. Based on physical optics theory, the optical characteristics of PCO was derived. The data will be presented translated into the straylight parameter, directly comparable to the figures obtained in vivo using the clinical straylight meter (C-Quant from Oculus). Results Twenty successful preparations were harvested with at least some PCO areas. PCO grades varied from severe to slight. Two physically different types of light spreading could be discriminated. One type corresponding to pearl-like appearance, characterized by little wavelenght dependence and smal angle dominance. The other type corresponding to diffuse scatter, characterized by strong wavelength dependence and large angle dominance. The scatter values measured corresponded to clinical measures of straylight in PCO patients using the C-Quant. Conclusion The light scattering characteristics of PCO show two types of optical disturbance: a refractile type, probably dominated by pearl-like structures, and a diffuse type of scattering of yet unclear origin. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||