Novel Applications of ZnO: Random Lasing and UV Photonic Light Sources

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Umar ◽  
Kyungtaek Min ◽  
Sookyoung Kim ◽  
Sunghwan Kim

Abstract Gain amplification and coherent lasing lines through random lasing (RL) can be produced by a random distribution of scatterers in a gain medium. If these amplified light sources can be seamlessly integrated into biological systems, they can have useful bio-optical applications, such as highly accurate sensing and high-resolution imaging. In this paper, a fully biocompatible light source showing RL and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with a reduced threshold is reported. Random cavities were induced in a biocompatible silk protein film by incorporating an inverse opal with an inherent disorder and a biocompatible dye for optical gain into the film. By choosing the appropriate air-sphere diameters, clear RL spikes in the emission spectra that were clearly distinguished from those of the ASE were observed in the silk inverse opal (SIO) with optical gain. Additionally, the RL output exhibited spatial coherence; however, the ASE did not. The high surface-to-volume ratio and amplification of the SIO led to highly efficient chemosensing in the detection of hydrogen chloride vapor. Moreover, SIO could be miniaturized to be made suitable for injection into biological tissues and obtain RL signals. Our results, which open the way for the development of a new generation of miniaturized bio-lasers, may be considered as the first example of engineered RL with biocompatible materials.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyang Xu ◽  
Junhua Tong ◽  
Xiaoyu Shi ◽  
Jinxiang Deng ◽  
Tianrui Zhai

A compound cavity was proposed to achieve both whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing and random lasing. The WGM-random compound cavity consisted of a random structure with an annular boundary, which was fabricated by a method combining both inkjet printing and metal-assisted chemical etching methods. An ultrathin polymer membrane was attached to the WGM-random compound cavity, forming a polymer laser device. A transformation from WGM lasing to random lasing was observed under optical pumping conditions. The laser performance could be easily tailored by changing the parameter of the WGM-random compound cavity. These results provide a new avenue for the design of integrated light sources for sensing applications.


Author(s):  
A. M. Bradshaw

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) was not developed by Siegbahn and co-workers as a surface analytical technique, but rather as a general probe of electronic structure and chemical reactivity. The method is based on the phenomenon of photoionisation: The absorption of monochromatic radiation in the target material (free atoms, molecules, solids or liquids) causes electrons to be injected into the vacuum continuum. Pseudo-monochromatic laboratory light sources (e.g. AlKα) have mostly been used hitherto for this excitation; in recent years synchrotron radiation has become increasingly important. A kinetic energy analysis of the so-called photoelectrons gives rise to a spectrum which consists of a series of lines corresponding to each discrete core and valence level of the system. The measured binding energy, EB, given by EB = hv−EK, where EK is the kineticenergy relative to the vacuum level, may be equated with the orbital energy derived from a Hartree-Fock SCF calculation of the system under consideration (Koopmans theorem).


Author(s):  
C.J. Stuart ◽  
B.E. Viani ◽  
J. Walker ◽  
T.H. Levesque

Many techniques of imaging used to characterize petroleum reservoir rocks are applied to dehydrated specimens. In order to directly study behavior of fines in reservoir rock at conditions similar to those found in-situ these materials need to be characterized in a fluid saturated state.Standard light microscopy can be used on wet specimens but depth of field and focus cannot be obtained; by using the Tandem Scanning Confocal Microscope (TSM) images can be produced from thin focused layers with high contrast and resolution. Optical sectioning and extended focus images are then produced with the microscope. The TSM uses reflected light, bulk specimens, and wet samples as opposed to thin section analysis used in standard light microscopy. The TSM also has additional advantages: the high scan speed, the ability to use a variety of light sources to produce real color images, and the simple, small size scanning system. The TSM has frame rates in excess of normal TV rates with many more lines of resolution. This is accomplished by incorporating a method of parallel image scanning and detection. The parallel scanning in the TSM is accomplished by means of multiple apertures in a disk which is positioned in the intermediate image plane of the objective lens. Thousands of apertures are distributed in an annulus, so that as the disk is spun, the specimen is illuminated simultaneously by a large number of scanning beams with uniform illumination. The high frame speeds greatly simplify the task of image recording since any of the normally used devices such as photographic cameras, normal or low light TV cameras, VCR or optical disks can be used without modification. Any frame store device compatible with a standard TV camera may be used to digitize TSM images.


Author(s):  
G. McMahon ◽  
T. Malis

As with all techniques which are relatively new and therefore underutilized, diamond knife sectioning in the physical sciences continues to see both developments of the technique and novel applications.Technique Developments Development of specific orientation/embedding procedures for small pieces of awkward shape is exemplified by the work of Bradley et al on large, rather fragile particles of nuclear waste glass. At the same time, the frequent problem of pullout with large particles can be reduced by roughening of the particle surface, and a proven methodology using a commercial coupling agent developed for glasses has been utilized with good results on large zeolite catalysts. The same principle (using acid etches) should work for ceramic fibres or metal wires which may only partially pull out but result in unacceptably thick sections. Researchers from the life sciences continue to develop aspects of embedding media which may be applicable to certain cases in the physical sciences.


1914 ◽  
Vol 77 (1988supp) ◽  
pp. 82-83
Author(s):  
Herbert E. Ives
Keyword(s):  

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