Calculation of orientation factors for crystalline polymers from X-ray pole figure intensities

Summary The characterization of polymer orientation is discussed by expanding the orientation distribution function (ODF) for the crystalline phase into a series of generalized spherical harmonics (GSH) or into a series of symmetric generalized spherical harmonics (SGSH). A transformation relation is derived between the two expansions. By means of this transformation the orientation factors (moments of the ODF) can be calculated from the SGSH series expansion coefficients. As an example, this transformation is demonstrated for crystals of hexagonal symmetry and fiber texture.     

Continuously tunable long-wavelength MEMS-VCSEL with over 40-nm tuning range

This letter presents for the first time an electrically pumped tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a record-breaking tuning range of 40 nm at long wavelengths. The VCSEL is based on a two-chip concept. The laser peak can be tuned continuously and without mode-hopping in a wavelength range above 1.55 /spl mu/m due to a microelectromechanical movable mirror membrane. The VCSEL is single mode all over the tuning range with a 32-dB sidemode suppression ratio. The laser emits a maximum output power of 100 /spl mu/W in continuous-wave operation at room temperature. Dynamic measurements of the tuning characteristics show that the 3-dB cutoff frequency for an electrothermal wavelength modulation is about 500 Hz and the 1/e-time constant of the step response is about 1 ms.     

Auger effect in GaSb quantum well lasers

The Auger recombination effect in GaSb quantum well lasers is discussed. A formula for the calculation of the CHSH Auger rate in quantum well structures is presented, which can be applied to the material where the bandgap is almost the same as the split-off gap. Using this formula, the quantum efficiency of the GaSb quantum well laser is calculated and compared to those of conventional double heterostructure lasers. It is found that the quantum efficiency of the GaSb quantum well laser can be improved to values higher than 50 percent in the wavelength range of1.5-1.8mum.     

An analysis of the linewidth and spectral behavior of DBR lasers

Using recently developed techniques for calculating the linewidths of lasers with arbitrary external feedback, we demonstrate that DBR lasers with long grating lengths can exhibit sharply reduced linewidths. We also discuss several effects of the dependence of the refractive index on carrier density such as the large sensitivity of the linewidth and threshold current to the roundtrip phase change in the active region. Such linewidth and threshold variations are especially pronounced for long grating lengths.     

Investigating collection 4 versus collection 5 MODIS 250 m NDVI time-series data for crop separability in Kansas,USA

The primary objective of this research was to analyse collection 5 versus collection 4 time-series normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250 m for the purpose of separating crop types. Using extensive ground reference data from the state of Kansas in the central USA, NDVI value profiles were extracted from different collection versions for 2001 (collections 4 and 5) and 2005 (collection 5 only). Phenological curves for all crops and all data sets were created and visually inspected. Jeffries–Matusita (J-M) distance statistical analysis was performed to assess crop separability. Contrary to expectations, collection 5 time-series MODIS 250 m NDVI data were found to be inferior to collection 4 with respect to crop separability. Specifically, collection 4 data exhibited a greater dynamic range across the growing seasons of the various crop types, and this discriminatory advantage was supported by J-M distance analysis. Though the analysis did not suggest reasons for the outcome, it corroborates the conclusion of the only other similar study in the literature comparing data from collections 4 and 5. Considering the pervasive use of these data for land-cover mapping, it is recommended that MODIS NDVI data from collection 4 should be used where possible for crop type mapping in agricultural regions with climate, geography, and crops similar to Kansas.     

Precision molded-glass optics

Results achieved in high-precision molding of glass lenses are reported. The work concentrated on a 0.4- N.A. 8-mm diam lens with spherical surfaces. The glass is a specialty glass composition of index (d-line) 1.604 and Abbe number 50. Typical design tolerances which have been achieved in the molded glass lenses include relative surface figure replication of 0.06 Aim, thickness and diameter tolerances of A+/-10 Am, wedge of <10-3 rad, birefringence of less than one one-hundredth wave, and index homogeneity in the sixth decimal place. These results are directly applicable to molding precision glass aspheric lenses of similar tolerances.     

Structure and properties of polyamides‐epoxidized elastomers blends

Blends of aliphatic polyamides (PA6, PA66, and PA12), containing 0–15 wt % nonepoxidized or epoxidized elastomers (statistical copolymer butadiene–styrene BS/EBS or linear block copolymer styrene–butadiene–styrene SBS/ESBS) were investigated. For PA6‐elastomer blends, taken as an example, it was shown that with increasing blending time, mechanical properties of blends increase, especially, if ESBS copolymer is used. It can be treated as an indirect sign of reactions between components. It was also found that in blends considerable changes of glass temperatures of components occur. Polyamides in blends with elastomers have smaller heats of fusion in comparison with virgin polyamides. It testifies to hindering of PA crystallization by elastomers. In some cases, significant shifts of melting points are also observed. Measurements of water contact angle show that all blends have very similar values of contact angles, which are lower than those of virgin polyamides. Elastomer content does not also affect the blend water uptake. However, it depends on the polyamide and elastomer type contrary to contact angle. Highest water uptake changes are observed in blends of PA66, especially for epoxidized elastomers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1872–1879, 2006     

Stress and recovery maxima in LDPE melt elongation

Summary By means of a new tensile rheometer for polymer melts, stress-strain curves () and the elastic recovery _R() of a low density polyethylene melt were measured up to total strains =7, i.e. stretch =1097, at 150°C and two strain rates, =0.03 and 0.1 s^–1. Tensile tests up to very high strains e give relevant results only if the test performance is characterized by quality parameters which are defined and given in this paper. The test results show a maximum in a as well as in _R at about =5.5. Hence, in the range of investigated, a rheologically steady-state of flow does not exist.