Showing papers by "University of Twente published in 2002"

Fluorescence quenching of dye molecules near gold nanoparticles: radiative and nonradiative effects.

Abstract: The radiative and nonradiative decay rates of lissamine dye molecules, chemically attached to differently sized gold nanoparticles, are investigated by means of time-resolved fluorescence experiments. A pronounced fluorescence quenching is observed already for the smallest nanoparticles of 1 nm radius. The quenching is caused not only by an increased nonradiative rate but, equally important, by a drastic decrease in the dye’s radiative rate. Assuming resonant energy transfer to be responsible for the nonradiative decay channel, we compare our experimental findings with theoretical results derived from the Gersten-Nitzan model.

Single bubble sonoluminescence

Abstract: Single-bubble sonoluminescence occurs when an acoustically trapped and periodically driven gas bubble collapses so strongly that the energy focusing at collapse leads to light emission. Detailed experiments have demonstrated the unique properties of this system: the spectrum of the emitted light tends to peak in the ultraviolet and depends strongly on the type of gas dissolved in the liquid; small amounts of trace noble gases or other impurities can dramatically change the amount of light emission, which is also affected by small changes in other operating parameters (mainly forcing pressure, dissolved gas concentration, and liquid temperature). This article reviews experimental and theoretical efforts to understand this phenomenon. The currently available information favors a description of sonoluminescence caused by adiabatic heating of the bubble at collapse, leading to partial ionization of the gas inside the bubble and to thermal emission such as bremsstrahlung. After a brief historical review, the authors survey the major areas of research: Section II describes the classical theory of bubble dynamics, as developed by Rayleigh, Plesset, Prosperetti, and others, while Sec. III describes research on the gas dynamics inside the bubble. Shock waves inside the bubble do not seem to play a prominent role in the process. Section IV discusses the hydrodynamic and chemical stability of the bubble. Stable single-bubble sonoluminescence requires that the bubble be shape stable and diffusively stable, and, together with an energy focusing condition, this fixes the parameter space where light emission occurs. Section V describes experiments and models addressing the origin of the light emission. The final section presents an overview of what is known, and outlines some directions for future research.

Grain boundaries in high- T c superconductors

Abstract: Since the first days of high-Tc superconductivity, the materials science and the physics of grain boundaries in superconducting compounds have developed into fascinating fields of research. Unique electronic properties, different from those of the grain boundaries in conventional metallic superconductors, have made grain boundaries formed by high-Tc cuprates important tools for basic science. They are moreover a key issue for electronic and large-scale applications of high-Tc superconductivity. The aim of this review is to give a summary of this broad and dynamic field. Starting with an introduction to grain boundaries and a discussion of the techniques established to prepare them individually and in a well-defined manner, the authors present their structure and transport properties. These provide the basis for a survey of the theoretical models developed to describe grain-boundary behavior. Following these discussions, the enormous impact of grain boundaries on fundamental studies is reviewed, as well as high-power and electronic device applications.

Near-infrared Emission of Redispersible Er3+, Nd3+, and Ho3+ Doped LaF3 Nanoparticles

Abstract: Nanoparticles of LaF3 doped with Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Er, Nd, and Ho) have been prepared that are dispersible in organic solvents. From the spectrum of Eu3+ it has been concluded that the dopant ion occupies a La3+ site. The luminescence decays are fitted biexponentially. A given possible explanation for this is a different probability of nonradiative decay for ions at or near the surface and ions in the core of the particles. The lifetimes of Eu3+ luminescence at a doping concentration of 5% were 7.7 ± 0.2 and 2.9 ± 0.2 ms, indicative of very high quantum yields. The particles doped with Er3+, Nd3+, and Ho3+ are promising materials for polymer-based optical components, because they show luminescence in the telecommunication window (i.e., Er3+ at 1530 nm, Nd3+ at 1330 nm, and Ho3+ at 1450 nm).

Interactive Markov Chains

Abstract: This chapter introduces the central formalism of this book, Interactive Markov Chains1 (IMC). It arises as an integration of interactive processes and continuous-time Markov chains. There are different ways to combine both formalisms, and some of them have appeared in the literature. We therefore begin with a detailed discussion of the different integration possibilities and argue why we take which decision. As a result IMC combine the different ingredients as orthogonal to each other as possible. We proceed by defining composition operators for IMC. Wethen focus our attention on the discussion of strong and weak bisimilarity, incorporating the notion of maximal progress into the definitions. In order to efficiently compute these relations we develop algorithms that are more involved than the ones presented in earlier chapters. Anyhow, we prove that their computational complexity is not increased. A small example of using IMC to compositionally specify and aggregate the leaky bucket principle concludes this chapter.

Synthesis Beyond the Molecule

Abstract: Weak, noncovalent interactions between molecules control many biological functions. In chemistry, noncovalent interactions are now exploited for the synthesis in solution of large supramolecular aggregates. The aim of these syntheses is not only the creation of a particular structure, but also the introduction of specific chemical functions in these supramolecules.

[(salen)Al]-Mediated, Controlled and Stereoselective Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide in Solution and without Solvent: Synthesis of Highly Isotactic Polylactide Stereocopolymers from Racemic d,l-Lactide

Abstract: Easily accessible [(salen)(iPrO)Al] exerts excellent molecular-weight and stereochemical control in lactide polymerization either in solution or in the absence of solvent. The R,R initiator shows a marked preference for L-lactide over D-lactide. Stereoblock copolylactides with high melting points can be prepared directly from d,l-lactides by using a racemic initiator.

Interactive Markov chains: and the quest for quantified quality

Abstract: Interactive Processes.- Markov Chains.- Interactive Markov Chains.- Algebra of Interactive Markov Chains.- Interactive Markov Chains in Practice.- Conclusion.- Proofs for Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.- Proofs for Chapter 5.

The Importance of Prior Probabilities for Entry Page Search

Abstract: An important class of searches on the world-wide-web has the goal to find an entry page (homepage) of an organisation. Entry page search is quite different from Ad Hoc search. Indeed a plain Ad Hoc system performs disappointingly. We explored three non-content features of web pages: page length, number of incoming links and URL form. Especially the URL form proved to be a good predictor. Using URL form priors we found over 70% of all entry pages at rank 1, and up to 89% in the top 10. Non-content features can easily be embedded in a language model framework as a prior probability.

Selective electrical interfaces with the nervous system.

Abstract: To achieve selective electrical interfacing to the neural system it is necessary to approach neuronal elements on a scale of micrometers. This necessitates microtechnology fabrication and introduces the interdisciplinary field of neurotechnology, lying at the juncture of neuroscience with microtechnology. The neuroelectronic interface occurs where the membrane of a cell soma or axon meets a metal microelectrode surface. The seal between these may be narrow or may be leaky. In the latter case the surrounding volume conductor becomes part of the interface. Electrode design for successful interfacing, either for stimulation or recording, requires good understanding of membrane phenomena, natural and evoked action potential generation, volume conduction, and electrode behavior. Penetrating multimicroelectrodes have been produced as one-, two-, and three-dimensional arrays, mainly in silicon, glass, and metal microtechnology. Cuff electrodes circumvent a nerve; their selectivity aims at fascicles more than at nerve fibers. Other types of electrodes are regenerating sieves and cone-ingrowth electrodes. The latter may play a role in brain-computer interfaces. Planar substrate-embedded electrode arrays with cultured neural cells on top are used to study the activity and plasticity of developing neural networks. They also serve as substrates for future so-called cultured probes.

New trends in neuromodulation for the management of neuropathic pain

Abstract: Since its first application in 1967, the methodology and technology of spinal cord stimulation for the management of chronic, intractable pain have evolved continuously. Despite these developments and improved knowledge of the effects of spinal anatomy and epidural contact configuration on paresthesia coverage, the clinical results of spinal cord stimulation-particularly the long-term effects-are still unsatisfactory in many patients. This dissatisfaction has come primarily from the failure of single-electrode configurations to provide consistent paresthesia coverage of the entire painful area. Therefore, new approaches were developed during the late 1990s that attempted to selectively cover one or more dermatomes with paresthesia as well as to provide sequential stimulation of different anatomic sites. These approaches have been applied both intraspinally and extraspinally by stimulating either the spinal nerves or the dorsal columns. To target parts of the latter, different methods have been developed and tested using either two-dimensional contact configurations or electronic field steering. These developments hold promise for improving long-term outcomes as well as increasing the number of pain conditions that can be treated with neuromodulation therapy. In this review, the history, theoretical basis, and evolution of these methodologies, as well as the ways in which they represent new trends in neuromodulation, are discussed.

Disturbance Observers for Rigid Mechanical Systems: Equivalence, Stability, and Design

Abstract: Mechanical (direct-drive) systems designed for high-speed and high-accuracy applications require control systems that eliminate the influence of disturbances like cogging forces and friction. One way to achieve additional disturbance rejection is to extend the usual (P(I)D) controller with a disturbance observer. There are two distinct ways to design, represent, and implement a disturbance observer, but in this paper it is shown that the one is a generalization of the other. A general systematic design procedure for disturbance observers that incorporates stability requirements is given. Furthermore, it is shown that a disturbance observer can be transformed into a classical feedback structure, enabling numerous well-known tools to be used for the design and analysis of disturbance observers. Using this feedback interpretation of disturbance observers, it will be shown that a disturbance observer based robot tracking controller can be constructed that is equivalent to a passivity based controller. By this equivalence not only stability proofs of the disturbance observer based controller are obtained, but it also provides more transparent controller parameter selection rules for the passivity based controller.

A probabilistic extension of UML statecharts: Specification and Verification.

Abstract: This paper introduces means to specify system randomness within UML statecharts, and to verify probabilistic temporal properties over such enhanced statecharts which we call probabilistic UML statecharts. To achieve this, we develop a general recipe to extend a statechart semantics with discrete probability distributions, resulting in Markov decision processes as semantic models. We apply this recipe to the requirements-level UML semantics of [8]. Properties of interest for probabilistic statecharts are expressed in PCTL, a probabilistic variant of CTL for processes that exhibit both non-determinism and probabilities. Verification is performed using the model checker PRISM. A model checking example shows the feasibility of the suggested approach.

Superconductivity in MgB2: clean or dirty?

Abstract: A large number of experimental facts and theoretical arguments favor a two-gap model for superconductivity in MgB2 However, this model predicts strong suppression of the critical temperature by interband impurity scattering and, presumably, a strong correlation between the critical temperature and the residual resistivity No such correlation has been observed We argue that this fact can be understood if the band disparity of the electronic structure is taken into account, not only in the superconducting state, but also in normal transport

Guidelines for etching silicon MEMS structures using fluorine high-density plasmas at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract: This paper presents guidelines for the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon MEMS structures, employing SF/sub 6//O/sub 2/-based high-density plasmas at cryogenic temperatures. Procedures of how to tune the equipment for optimal results with respect to etch rate and profile control are described. Profile control is a delicate balance between the respective etching and deposition rates of a SiO/sub x/F/sub y/ passivation layer on the sidewalls and bottom of an etched structure in relation to the silicon removal rate from unpassivated areas. Any parameter that affects the relative rates of these processes has an effect on profile control. The deposition of the SiO/sub x/F/sub y/ layer is mainly determined by the oxygen content in the SF/sub 6/ gas flow and the electrode temperature. Removal of the SiO/sub x/F/sub y/ layer is mainly determined by the kinetic energy (self-bias) of ions in the SF/sub 6//O/sub 2/ plasma. Diagrams for profile control are given as a function of parameter settings, employing the previously published "black silicon method". Parameter settings for high rate silicon bulk etching, and the etching of micro needles and micro moulds are discussed, which demonstrate the usefulness of the diagrams for optimal design of etched features. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that in order to use the oxygen flow as a control parameter for cryogenic DRIE, it is necessary to avoid or at least restrict the presence of fused silica as a dome material, because this material may release oxygen due to corrosion during operation of the plasma source. When inert dome materials like alumina are used, etching recipes can be defined for a broad variety of microstructures in the cryogenic temperature regime. Recipes with relatively low oxygen content (1-10% of the total gas volume) and ions with low kinetic energy can now be applied to observe a low lateral etch rate beneath the mask, and a high selectivity (more than 500) of silicon etching with respect to polymers and oxide mask materials is obtained. Crystallographic preference etching of silicon is observed at low wafer temperature (-120/spl deg/C). This effect is enhanced by increasing the process pressure above 10 mtorr or for low ion energies (below 20 eV).

Effect of fibroblasts on epidermal regeneration.

Abstract: Background: There is little information on specific interactions between dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes. The use of engineered skin equivalents consisting of organotypic cocultures of keratinocytes and fibroblasts offers an attractive approach for such studies. - Objectives: To examine the role fibroblasts play in generation and maintenance of reconstructed epidermis. - Methods: Human keratinocytes were seeded on collagen matrices populated with increasing numbers of fibroblasts and cultured for 2 weeks at the air–liquid interface. - Results: In the absence of fibroblasts, stratified epidermis with only three or four viable cell layers was formed. In the presence of fibroblasts, keratinocyte proliferation was stimulated and epidermal morphology was improved. Epidermal morphogenesis was also markedly improved in epidermis generated in organotypic keratinocyte monocultures grown in medium derived from dermal equivalents or from organotypic keratinocyte–fibroblast cocultures. These observations clearly indicate the proliferation-stimulating activity of soluble factors released from fibroblasts. Under all experimental conditions, onset of keratinocyte differentiation was shown by the expression of keratin 10 in all suprabasal cell layers. With increasing numbers of fibroblasts incorporated into the collagen matrix, the expression of markers associated with keratinocyte activation, e.g. keratins 6, 16 and 17 and the cornified envelope precursor SKALP decreased, and involucrin localization shifted toward the granulosum layer. This fibroblast-mediated effect was even more pronounced when the fibroblasts were precultured in the collagen matrices for 1 week instead of overnight. The basement membrane proteins collagen VII and laminin 5 were present at the epithelial–matrix border. The expression of integrin α6β4 and of E-cadherin was comparable with that seen in native skin and was not significantly modulated by fibroblasts. Under all experimental conditions the expression of integrin subunits α2, α3 and β1 was upregulated, indicating keratinocyte activation. - Conclusions: Our results illustrate that numbers of fibroblasts in the collagen matrix and their functional state is a critical factor for establishment of normal epidermal morphogenesis.

Sensor based on an integrated optical microcavity

Abstract: A novel integrated optical sensor based on a cylindrical microcavity (MC) is proposed. A MC sustains so-called whispering-gallery modes (WGMs), in which the energy of the optical field can be efficiently stored. By monitoring the scattering intensity from the MC, one can detect minute changes in the refractive index of the WGM, for instance, as a result of analyte adsorption. Measurement of a change in refractive index of as little as 1024 is demonstrated experimentally. The MC-based integrated optical sensor may have a size of approximately 8 mm, and it is rugged and inexpensive.

Multiband model for tunneling in MgB2 junctions

Abstract: A theoretical model for quasiparticle and Josephson tunneling in multiband superconductors is developed and applied to MgB2-based junctions. The gap functions in different bands in MgB2 are obtained from an extended Eliashberg formalism, using the results of band structure calculations. The temperature and angle dependencies of MgB2 tunneling spectra and the Josephson critical current are calculated. The conditions for observing one or two gaps are given. We argue that the model may help to settle the current debate concerning two-band superconductivity in MgB2.

Specific heat of MgB2 in a one- and a two-band model from first-principles calculations

Abstract: The heat capacity anomaly at the transition to superconductivity of the layered superconductor MgB2 is compared to first-principles calculations with the Coulomb repulsion, µ*, as the only parameter which is fixed to give the measured Tc. We solve the Eliashberg equations for both an isotropic one-band model and a two-band model with different superconducting gaps on the π-band and σ-band Fermi surfaces. The agreement with experiments is considerably better for the two-band model than for the one-band model.