Wear‐Resistant Nanoscale Silicon Carbide Tips for Scanning Probe Applications

The search for hard materials to extend the working life of sharp tools is an age‐old problem. In recent history, sharp tools must also often withstand high temperatures and harsh chemical environments. Nanotechnology extends this quest to tools such as scanning probe tips that must be sharp on the nanoscale, but still very physically robust. Unfortunately, this combination is inherently contradictory, as mechanically strong, chemically inert materials tend to be difficult to fabricate with nanoscale fidelity. Here a novel process is described, whereby the surfaces of pre‐existing, nanoscale Si tips are exposed to carbon ions and then annealed, to form a strong silicon carbide (SiC) layer. The nanoscale sharpness is largely preserved and the tips exhibit a wear resistance that is orders of magnitude greater than that of conventional silicon tips and at least 100‐fold higher than that of monolithic, SiO‐doped diamond‐like‐carbon (DLC) tips. The wear is well‐described by an atom‐by‐atom wear model, from which kinetic parameters are extracted that enable the prediction of the long‐time scale reliability of the tips.     

Atomically sharp silicon and metal field emitters

A method is described for forming atomically sharp silicon tips of less than 10-15° half-angle by utilizing a known oxidation inhibition at regions of high curvature; equally sharp silicon wedges are now made in a similar fashion. The sharp silicon tips serve as the starting point for forming sharp tips of W, β-W and gold. Field emission data from silicon emitters are compared with Fowler-Nordheim modelling and emission as a function of emitter-anode distance is described     

Engineering Symmetry‐Breaking Nanocrescent Arrays for Nanolasing

This paper describes a symmetry‐breaking plasmonic lattice structure that can support narrow resonances as optical feedback for nanolasing. A scalable technique is developed to fabricate nanocrescent arrays with low‐structural symmetry unit cells to achieve in‐plane quadrupolar lattice plasmon modes. These lattice plasmons with extremely narrow linewidths preserve nonzero net dipole moments under normal excitation. Ultrafast band‐edge lasing can be switched on and off by changing the polarization of the incident pump light. The quadrupolar lattice plasmon lasing process is simulated with a semi‐quantum model and the sharp tips on the nanocrescents accelerate the lasing buildup process and enhance stimulated emission.     

基于快速扫描延迟线相位调制的光纤型光学相干层析系统

采用中心波长为840 nm,带宽为50 nm的宽带近红外光源,基于低相干干涉原理和快速扫描延迟线(RSOD)相位调制的外差探测方法,建立了单模光纤型光学相干层析(OCT)成像系统,依此获得自然状态下活体组织的二维纵向截面成像图像。实验结果表明,系统的轴向分辨率为6.7μm,接近理论分辨率,纵向成像范围高达3 mm,横向分辨率为4.7μm;入射到样品的光功率低于300μW,系统探测灵敏度大于88 dB。在保证样品入射光功率相同的情况下,与中心波长为1310 nm,带宽为65 nm的单模光纤型光学相干层析成像系统对含水量高的新鲜橙子果肉的成像结果进行对比,验证了该系统用于眼后段组织成像的优越性,给出了活体动物视网膜的成像结果。     

Generalization of median root prior reconstruction

Penalized iterative algorithms for image reconstruction in emission tomography contain conditions on which kind of images are accepted as solutions. The penalty term has commonly been a function of pairwise pixel differences in the activity in a local neighborhood, such that smooth images are favored. Attempts to ensure better edge and detail preservation involve difficult tailoring of parameter values or the penalty function itself. The previously introduced median root prior (MRP) favors locally monotonic images. MRP preserves sharp edges while reducing locally nonmonotonic noise at the same time. Quantitative properties of MRP are good, because differences in the neighboring pixel values are not penalized as such. The median is used as an estimate for a penalty reference, against which the pixel value is compared when setting the penalty. In order to generalize the class of MRP-type of priors, the standard median was replaced by other order statistic operations, the L and finite-impluse-response median hybrid (FMH) filters. They allow for smoother appearance as they apply linear weighting together with robust nonlinear operations. The images reconstructed using the new MRP-L and MRP-FMH priors are visually more conventional. Good quantitative properties of MRP are not significantly altered by the new priors.     

Bioinspired Micropatterned Superhydrophilic Au‐Areoles for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Trace Detection

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) provides an approach for the label‐free and miniaturized detection of the trace amount of analyte molecules. A SERS microchip of Au‐areoles array, mimicking the areole on the cactus, is facilely and controllably prepared through selectively electrochemical deposition on patterned superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic substrates. The Au‐areoles are full of SERS hot spots thanks to the large amounts of sharp edges, tips, and coupled branches. Meanwhile, the superhydrophilic sites on the superhydrophobic substrate can collect the target molecules into those hot spots. The combination of the SERS enhancement of the nanostructured‐Au and the collective effect of the superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic pattern endows the microchip with sample‐effective, ultrasensitive, and efficient Raman detection capabilities, which are demonstrated by integrated detection of femtomol Rhodamine 6G and diverse bioanalytes. The chip can also be used for mutually independent multisample detection without interference.     

A simple, cheap, one-minute method to mount insect pins for use as sharp-tipped probes in plant dissection

A new method is presented for twist mounting insect pins onto standard dissecting (teasing) needles. Insect pins, with their sharp points, are ideal for fine dissection of plants, especially of shoot tips and early developing flower buds. Twist mounting makes them convenient and effective dissecting tools to prepare specimens for SEM.     

Curved wavelet transform for image coding.

The conventional two-dimensional wavelet transform used in existing image coders is usually performed through one-dimensional (1-D) filtering in the vertical and horizontal directions, which cannot efficiently represent edges and lines in images. The curved wavelet transform presented in this paper is carried out by applying 1-D filters along curves, rather than being restricted to vertical and horizontal straight lines. The curves are determined based on image content and are usually parallel to edges and lines in the image to be coded. The pixels along these curves can be well represented by a small number of wavelet coefficients. The curved wavelet transform is used to construct a new image coder. The code-stream syntax of the new coder is the same as that of JPEG2000, except that a new marker segment is added to the tile headers. Results of image coding and subjective quality assessment show that the new image coder performs better than, or as well as, JPEG2000. It is particularly efficient for images that contain sharp edges and can provide a PSNR gain of up to 1.67 dB for natural images compared with JPEG2000.     

Influence of metal layer on the transmitted spectra of SPR-based optical fiber sensor

For the surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based optical fiber sensor with four-layer configuration (fiber core/metal/sensing layer/sample), the effects of different metals, different models (Lorentz-Drude model and Drude model) for the same metal, the thickness of metal layer, and the refractive index (RI) of sample on the transmitted spectra are investigated. The calculated results show that the real part of the refractive index of metal layer has the greatest effects on the sharp degree of the transmitted dip. Moreover, the dispersion function under four-layer configuration can be used to understand the relationship between the resonance wavelength and the thickness of metal layer.     

Novel local density of state mapping technique for low-dimensional systems

A novel local density of state (LDOS) probing method for low-dimensional electron systems is proposed. By applying a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform to a real-space image obtained by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), visualization of a complementary image in k-space can be realized. Especially, low-dimensional Fermi contours can be extracted by applying the k-space imaging to real-space images containing sufficient LDOS information around the Fermi level. To realize a more enhanced LDOS visualization in both spaces, we have proposed the use of special materials for STM tips, which have relatively large LDOSs at the Fermi level. To demonstrate this idea, several kinds of STM tips (Ag, Au, W and Nb) with different types of LDOSs were developed. An Au(111)-(22 x square root(3)) reconstructed surface, where Shockley surface-state electrons form a nearly free electron gas, was selected as a test sample for the LDOS extraction. Visualization of standing waves in the surface LDOS modulated by herringbone reconstruction was attempted using the various types of STM tips. Significant effects of the LDOSs of the STM tips were clarified.     

基于局部特征差异的异源图像融合算法

针对现有异源图像融合多以光学 图像为主、合成孔径雷达 (SAR)图 为辅和 光学图像 极易受 传播媒介 干扰 且 不 能同时保留纹理细节与颜色信息 等 问题, 提出一种新的基于局部特征差异的异源图像融合算法。 首先通 过 自适应分割 将 SAR 图像划分为规则特征区和不规则特征区两个区域;然后 进行 平移不变 离散 小波变换(SIDWT), 再根据 局部特征差异 性 设计 融合规 则,将 SAR 图像与全色遥感(PAN)图像的 小波系数 进行融合 , 以期保留图像的特征 信息与色彩信息 ;最后 通过 信息量 、 清晰度等 客观 评价指标 对 融合结果进行评价与分析 。 仿真实验 证明 了算法的有效性。     

Double depth-enhanced 3D integral imaging in projection-type system without diffuser

Stable porphyrin-oxygenated carbon nanomaterial dispersions were prepared by blending porphyrin solutions with hydroxyl groups modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWNTs-OH)and graphene oxide(GO)dispersions,respectively.Optical nonlinearity and optical limiting(OL)property of these blends are investigated in nanosecond regime.Results show that the OL performance of the blends can be tuned by changing the concentrations ratio of porphyrin and oxygenated carbon nanomaterials.The high concentration of oxygenated carbon nanomaterial leads to the poor OL performance.However,with the moderate concentration,the blends exhibit the low threshold value of OL and the enhanced OL performance at high fluence region.The superior OL performance can be attributed to complementary mechanisms and possible photoinduced electron or energy transfer between porphyrin moiety and oxygenated carbon nanomaterials.     

一种新型自聚集诱导发光材料的研究

为了研究一种新型的聚集诱导发光材料(1-绕丹宁-芘),采用荧光光谱测量法和ORIGIN软件对样品进行了实验验证和理论分析,发现其具有一些新颖的光学性质。结果表明,在稀释溶液浓度时,样品的发射峰出现大幅蓝移;在升高温度时,样品出现了荧光增强现象。这些性质不同于常见的聚集诱导发光材料,与1-绕丹宁-芘在溶液中聚集时生成超分子结构有关。该研究在生物成像、医学领域、传感器、探测器及有机显示方面有一定的应用前景,对有机发光材料的研究有重要的意义。     

以分数相关为基础的微小差异图样的识别

光学图样识别(OPR)由光学相关来实现，传统的光学相关通过两物体相关峰的尖锐度来判断两物体的相似程度。分数傅里叶变换同时包含了空间域和空间频率域信息，分数相关也可以用于光学图样识别。针对传统相关难以识别微小差异图样的缺点，将分数傅里叶变换和分数相关引入差异相关系统，提出了一种基于分数相关的识别方法。给出了实现这一方法的光电混合系统。计算机模拟处理的结果表明，通过调节分数傅里叶变换的级次，该方法不仅能有效地识别与参考图样有微小差异的图样，而且能提供差异的位置信息。随着分数相关的级次渐变为0，得到的分数差异相关峰逐渐退化为两信号之间的差异；随着分数相关级次渐变为1，分数差异相关渐变为差异相关的结果。     

近场光学中成象衬度机制的研究

本文从理论上研究了收集式近场光学显微镜中的成角衬度问题。采用三维时域有限差分法计算了光学近场区域亚波长尺度的电磁场分布。计算表明;利用ｐ偏振光成象可以得到样品的形貌衬度,而利用ｓ偏振光成象可以得到样品形貌的边缘象。该结果为近场光学显同镜中的图像解释及新仪器的开发提供了理论依据。     

扫描隧道显微镜钨针尖氧化层去除的化学方法

电化学腐蚀得到的扫描隧道显微镜(STM)钨针尖表面通常覆盖了一层钨的氧化膜,这层氧化膜的存在很大程度上影响了STM扫描图像质量.本实验采用氢氟酸对新制备出的钨针尖进行去氧化层处理,并通过对比两组高序热解石墨(HOPG)STM图像和金样品的扫描隧道谱来论证这种去氧化层手段的有效性.     

Multi‐Functional Probe Recording: Field‐Induced Recording and Near‐Field Optical Readout

We demonstrate a high‐speed recording based on field‐induced manipulation in combination with an optical reading of recorded bits on Au cluster films using the atomic force microscope (AFM) and the near‐field scanning optical microscope (NSOM). We reproduced 50 nm‐sized mounds by applying short electrical pulses to conducting tips in a non‐contact mode as a writing process. The recorded marks were then optically read using bent fiber probes in a transmission mode. A strong enhancement of light transmission is attributed to the local surface plasmon excitation on the protruded dots.     

双通道光环形器结构的设计及理论分析

提出了一种双通道式多功能光环形器，在结构设计中插入了双尾纤及透镜对，实现了器件功能复用，降低了制造成本与占空比。在理论上用琼斯矩阵对光环形器的插入损耗及隔离度等性能参数进行分析，探讨了影响该双通道光环形器隔离度、插入损耗特性的因素，结果表明，双通道多功能光环形器在器件镀增透膜的基础上具有与传统单通道光隔离器相同低插入损耗和高隔离度等特性。     

Photo- and cathodoluminescence of AlGaAs single quantum wires on vicinal GaAs (110) surfaces

AlGaAs quantum wires are naturally formed by the compositional modulation in an AlGaAs layer on vicinal GaAs (110) surfaces with quasi-periodic giant growth steps by molecular beam epitaxy. We put an Al mask with a 0.3 μm wide slit on the sample surface to get the single quantum wire's photoluminescence (PL). Two sharp PL bands are observed through this slit and are concluded to come from the two single quantum wires. Cathodoluminescence (CL) spot spectra with a small excitation area show the fine structures with several sharp lines which originate from different quantum wires. The monochromatic CL images clearly show the individual single quantum wires.     

Varistor-controlled liquid-crystal displays

A new method of constructing multiplexed reflective liquid-crystal displays is described. A passive nonlinear control layer is formed by applying appropriate conductor and insulator layers to a slab of ZnO varistor material which forms the rear wall of the liquid-crystal cell, thereby, placing a varistor in series with each display element. The sharp nonlinearity of the varistor I-V characteristics allows matrix displays with a very large number of lines (∼ 1000), while achieving the same optical performance as a nonmultiplexed display. Resolution limits and drive requirements are also discussed.