Holographic Optical Beam Splitters in Dichromated Gelatin

Abstract

Holographic beam splitters can split an incoming beam into several partial beams travelling at different angles with arbitrary intensities, thus offering high design flexibility. In this paper the fabrication of beam splitters as multiplex holograms in dichromated gelatin is reported. Shrinking or swelling of the gelatin was avoided by careful process control, reciprocity law failure (as expected from silver halide holograms) was not observed, and, for example, a 1 : 2 beam splitter diffracting 47·4% and 47·0% of the incoming light into two higher orders was realized.     

Highly Efficient Dichroic Phase Holograms in KCl: Na

Plane wave volume holograms have been stored in KCl: Na utilizing the dichroic properties of F_A centres. Diffraction efficiences, up to 5·4 per cent, resulting predominantly from phase modulation have been measured for 496·5 nm. The observed results are explained in terms of the dispersion theory, and maximally achievable diffraction efficiencies are predicted for the entire F_A absorption range.     

CH3COONa·3H2O相变储能性能研究

三水醋酸钠(CH3COONa.3H2O)由于潜热较高而常作为相变储能材料被众多学者研究;而其适宜的熔点,使其能适用于家用热水储能系统等。然而,三水合醋酸钠在相变过程中存在着严重的过冷和相分离的问题。本文以三水合醋酸钠作为相变基体材料,经研究、比较分别以羧甲基纤维素、明胶作为增稠剂,添加各种成核剂后的各体系的相变储能性能,从而得出羧甲基纤维素比明胶作为该体系的增稠剂的效果好得多,Na2SiO3.9H2O、Na2B4O7.10H2O的成核效果较好。     

Iron-substituted AB5-type MH electrode

The present investigation is aimed to study MmNi₅-type (Mm = Mischmetal) hydrogen storage alloys with composition, Mm_0·8La_0·2Ni_3·7Al_0·38Co_0·3Mn_0·6?x Mo_0·02Fe _x (x = 0, 0·1, 0·2 and 0·3). The alloys are synthesized by radio-frequency induction melting. To study their electrochemical properties via measurements of discharge capacity, activation process, rate capability and cyclic stability, electrodes are fabricated using as-synthesized and annealed version of the alloys. The maximum discharge capacity is recorded as 288 mAhg^?1 for the iron concentration, x = 0·1, as compared to 270 mAhg^?1 for the alloy electrode without iron. Similarly, 99% cyclic stability is observed in annealed alloy electrode (x = 0·1) as compared to 78% in the alloy electrode without iron. Hence, small amount of iron-substitution (x = 0·1) in the alloy is found to improve the electrochemical properties. This improvement is thought to be due to less pulverization of the alloy in electrochemically-cycled alloy, as confirmed through structural and microstructural characterizations carried out by X-ray diffraction phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy of as-fabricated and electrochemically-cycled electrodes.     

Na_2SO_4·10H_2O/EG复合相变材料的制备与性能分析

以十水硫酸钠为相变材料,采用真空吸附法制备十水合硫酸钠/膨胀石墨复合相变储能材料(Na_2SO_4·10H_2O/EG),对其融化-凝固、相分离、过冷、潜热等热物性进行测试分析。结果表明:在Na_2SO_4·10H_2O中添加2%(质量分数,下同)硼砂和8%EG后,可得到理想的Na_2SO_4·10H_2O/EG固-固复合相变材料。此时,Na_2SO_4·10H_2O相分离得到消除,过冷度由13.6℃降低到0.6℃以下,相变潜热和体储能密度分别为225.77kJ·kg~(-1)和218.09MJ·m~(-3)。此外,导热率也得到提高,相比于只添加成核剂硼砂的Na_2SO_4·10H_2O PCM,储热时间缩短52.6%,放热时间缩短55.1%,经过500次急剧升温-降温循环后也未出现性能衰减,储/放热性能较好。     

The pressure-volume relation of ytterbium up to 9 GPa

The pressure-volume relation of ytterbium has been determined up to 9 Gpa using tungsten carbide opposed anvil high pressure x-ray camera. The fcc phase of ytterbium is observed between one atmosphere and 4 GPa and the bcc phase above 3·5 GPa. The bcc phase can be metastably retained down to 1 GPa by gradually decreasing the pressure from a region where only bcc phase alone is observed. The bulk modulus,B ₀, at zero pressure and the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus,B’ ₀, are determined by fitting Murnaghan equation to the pressure-volume data. The following values were obtained:B ₀=16·3 GPa andB’ ₀=3·6 for the fcc phase, andB ₀=14·7 GPa andB’ ₀=1·5 for the bcc phase. Based on the present data it is suggested that the thermodynamic equilibrium pressure for fcc ⇆ bcc transformation in ytterbium is below 3·5 GPa. The valence change under pressure has been discussed.     

Effect of annealing and quenching on superconductivity in Pb and Sb-doped Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O x

Samples of the series Bi_1·9−x Pb _x Sb_0·1Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O _y withx=0, 0·1, 0·2, 0·3 and 0·4 were prepared by the solid-state route. The X-ray and d.c. electrical resistivity data on furnace-cooled and quenched samples are presented. Though the starting composition is 2223, the end products were multiphase with 4334 as the major phase. A superconducting transition withT _c=100K was observed in the pure 2223 sample after quenching. The furnace-cooled samples were metallic, while samples withx=0·1, 0·2 and 0·3 were superconducting after quenching. The amount of the 4334 phase decreases with increasing Pb content. Quenching seems to be favourable for the formation of the 4334 phase.     

Effect of carbon on hot deformation behaviour and microstructural evolution of near-α titanium alloy Ti–5·6Al–4·8Sn–2Zr–1Mo–0·35Si–0·7Nd

Abstract

The hot deformation behaviour and microstructural evolution of a near-α titanium alloy (Ti–5·6Al–4·8Sn–2Zr–1Mo–0·35Si–0·7Nd) containing 0·06%C or 0·3%C with bimodal or Widmanstätten starting microstructures were investigated using isothermal compression test at strain rates of 0·01–10 s^?1 in the α+β or β regions. In the α+β region, both alloys exhibited continuous flow softening. The globularisation of transformed β structure or the recrystallisation of globular α phase took place, which was more remarkable in the 0·3%C alloy. In the β region, both alloys exhibited steady-state flow behaviour. Dynamic recrystallisation of the β phase occurred in the 0·06%C alloy, while was absent in the 0·3%C alloy. Due to the solution hardening of carbon atoms for the phases and the pinning effect of the carbides on grain boundary, the apparent activation energies of the 0·3%C alloy are higher than those of the 0·06%C alloy in the corresponding α+β or β phase regions.     

Hydrogen absorption/desorption characteristics of room temperature ZrMn2–x Ni x system (x = 1·25–1·50)

The present communication deals with the hydrogen storage characteristics of C15 laves phase ZrMn_2–x Ni _x system tailored within the x values of 1·25 to 1·50. Drastic variations in thermodynamics of the hydride phase is observed for any little changes of concentration x within this narrow range. The most promising room temperature hydrogen storage materials are found to be formed within the range of 1·35 to 1·45 where ~ 2·5 to 2·9 H/F.U. can be reversibly stored under the ideal operating conditions. The heat of the reaction is found to be ~ 17 kJ/mol, which means these are promising candidates for stationary and short range mobile applications. The phase structural features and the thermodynamic aspects of all the materials are discussed in detail.     

Microwave processing: A potential technique for preparing NiO-YSZ composite and Ni-YSZ cermet

In the present study, microwave energy (2·45 GHz) has been used to prepare nickel oxide-yttria stabilized zirconia (NiO-YSZ) composites of composition, mNiO-(1 − m) Zr_0·9Y_0·1O_1·95 (m = 0·2, 0·3, 0·4, 0·5 and 0·6), from a precursor obtained by mixing NiO, Y₂O₃ and monoclinic ZrO₂ in their stoichiometric ratio. The composites have been prepared by conventional processing also to compare the products with those of microwave processed products. During comparison, it was observed that NiO-YSZ composites of each composition obtained by microwave processing had cubic phase of YSZ while in the conventionally prepared composites of compositions, m = 0·2 and 0·3, monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic phases of zirconia existed instead of its pure cubic phase. The composites were reduced to yield Ni-YSZ.     

Study of coupled heat and mass transfer during absorption of hydrogen in MmNi<Subscript>4·6</Subscript>Al<Subscript>0·4</Subscript> based hydrogen storage device

A two-dimensional numerical analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer processes in a cylindrical metal hydride reactor containing MmNi_4·6Al_0·4 is presented. To understand the hydrogen absorption mechanism the governing equations for energy, momentum and mass conservation and reaction kinetic equations are solved simultaneously using the finite volume method (FVM). Performance studies on MmNi_4·6Al_0·4 based hydrogen storage device are carried out by varying the hydrogen supply pressure, absorption (cooling fluid) temperature, overall heat transfer coefficient and hydride bed thickness. Effect of convection terms in the energy equation on hydrogen storage performance is found to be negligible. The results obtained from the computer simulation showed good agreement with the available experimental data. At the supply conditions of 30 bar and 298 K, MmNi_4·6Al_0·4 stores about 1·28 wt%, which is very close to the experimental value of 1·3 wt%. Overall high heat transfer coefficients are found to reduce the absorption time significantly.     

Frequency and phase swept holograms in spectral hole-burning materials

A new hologram type in spectral hole-burning systems is presented. During exposure, the frequency of narrow-band laser light is swept over a spectral range that corresponds to a few homogeneous linewidths of the spectrally selective recording material. Simultaneously the phase of the hologram is adjusted as a function of frequency-the phase sweep function. Because of the phase-reconstructing properties of holography, this recording technique programs the sample as a spectral amplitude and phase filter. We call this hologram type frequency and phase swept (FPS) holograms. Their properties and applications are summarized, and a straightforward theory is presented that describes all the diffraction phenomena observed to date. Thin FPS holograms show strongly asymmetric diffraction into conjugated diffraction orders, which is an unusual behavior for thin transmission holograms. Investigations demonstrate the advantages of FPS holograms with respect to conventional cw recording techniques in freq ncymultiplexed data storage. By choosing appropriate phase sweep functions, various features of holographic data storage can be optimized. Examples for cross-talk reduction, highest diffraction efficiency, and maximal readout stability are demonstrated. The properties of these FPS hologram types are deduced from theoretical considerations and confirmed by experiments.     

Constitution of Au–AuSn–Pb partial ternary system

Abstract

In the light of recent changes made to the phase diagrams of the Au–Sn and Au–Pb binary systems, the constitution of the Au–AuSn–Pb partial ternary system has been redetermined using thermal analysis, metallography, and X-ray techniques. The equilibria consist of four ternary transition reactions at 63·5Au–26·0Pb–10·5Sn, 382·5°C; 42·5Au–47·5Pb–10·0Sn, 254°C; 30·5Au–60·5Pb–9·0Sn, 224°C; and 20·5Au–75·5Pb–4·0Sn, 214°C; a ternary eutectic equilibrium at 15·0Au–84·0Pb–1·0Sn, 211°C; and a four-phase monotectic equilibrium at 64·0Au–9·0Pb–27·0Sn, 257·5°C (compositions are given in atomic per cent). The phase assemblage of the partial ternary system is characterized by a region of true ternary liquid immiscibility that covers much of the composition triangle. The composition of the second liquid phase at the monotectic reaction temperature is 45·0Au–40·0Pb–15·0Sn. Solid solubilities were not determined.

MST/620     

Microstructure and precipitation in Al–Li–Cu–Mg–(Mn,Zr) alloys

Abstract

Hot rolled Al–6Li–1Cu–1Mg–0·2Mn (at.-%) (Al–1·6Li–2·2Cu–0·9Mg–0·4Mn, wt-%) and Al–6Li–1Cu–1Mg–0·03Zr (at.-%) (Al–1·6Li–2·3Cu–1Mg–0·1Zr, wt-%) alloys developed for age forming were studied by tensile testing, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For both alloys, DSC analysis shows that ageing at 150°C leads initially to formation of zones/clusters, which are later gradually replaced by S phase. On ageing at 190°C, S phase formation is completed within 12 h. The precipitates identified by 3DAP and TEM can be classified into (a) Li rich clusters containing Cu and Mg, (b) a plate shaped metastable precipitate (similar to GPB2 zones/S″), (c) S phase and (d) δ′ spherical particles rich in Li. The Zr containing alloy also contains β′ (Al₃Zr) precipitates and composite β′/δ′ particles. The β′ precipitates reduce recrystallisation and grain growth leading to fine grains and subgrains.     

Microstructure and martensitic transformation and mechanical properties of cast Ni rich NiTiCo shape memory alloys

Abstract

The influence of Co additions on the microstructure, second phase precipitates, phase transformation and mechanical properties of cast Ni_51?xTi₄₉Co_x (x?=?0, 0·5, 1·5 and 4 at-%) shape memory alloys was investigated. At the expense of Ni, Co added to NiTi alloy significantly increases the martensitic transformation temperature. The matrix phase in the microstructure of Ni₅₁Ti₄₉Co₀ alloy is the austenite phase (B2) in addition to martensite phase (B19′) and precipitates of NiTi intermetallic compounds. However, the parent phase in the other three alloys, Ni_50·5Ti₄₉Co_0·5, Ni_49·5Ti₄₉Co_1·5 and Ni₄₇Ti₄₉Co₄, is martensite. Ti₂Ni phase was found in the microstructures of the all investigated alloys; however, Ni₃Ti₂ phase precipitated only in the NiTi alloy with 0 at-%Co. The volume fraction of Ti₂Ni phase decreased by the additions of 0·5 and 1·5 at-%Co, while it is slightly increased with 4 at-%Co. The hardness value of NiTi alloy is affected by Co additions.     

Synthesis and electrical studies of modified PbTiO3 ceramics: (Pb1−x Ca x ) (Mn0·05W0·05Ti0·90) O3

Modified ceramics (Pb_1−x Ca _x )[(Mn_0·5W_0·5)_0·10Ti_0·90]O₃ have been fabricated forx=0, 0·05, 0·10 and 0·15 by high temperature solid state reaction technique. XRD, SEM, DTA and electrical studies of the sample withx=0·10 have been performed. These studies show that the sample is homogeneous single phase perovskite type with tetragonal structure. The phase transition occurs at 330°C. Electrical behaviour of other samples have also been investigated as a function of frequency (1 kHz to 1 MHz) and temperature (26°C to 300°C). The samples withx=0·05 and 0·10 have low loss, low dielectric constant, and show negligible pyroelectric effect. The sample withx=0·15 has minimum values ofɛ and loss which are temperature independent up to about 200°C. It also shows good pyroelectric behaviour. Hence it may be of use in pyroelectric infrared sensors.     

Electron structure and activation energy of hydrogen in α-Zr using nonlinear response theory

The electron structure of hydrogen in hcp Zr is calculated by using self-consistent nonlinear screening theory. The host-ion contribution is included through the spherical solid model potential (SSMP). The resulting charge density and scattering phase shifts are used to calculate the activation energy and residual resistivity of hydrogen in α-Zr matrix. The calculated activation energy 0·285 eV is found in reasonably good agreement with experimental value 0·3 eV. The estimated residual resistivity 0·53 μΩ cm/at% for Zr-H system using the scattering phase shifts agrees reasonably well with the observed value 0·27 μΩ cm/at%. The calculated configurational energy shows that hydrogen prefers tetrahedral(T)-sites over octahedral(O)-sites in α-Zr. The strong binding energy of electron-proton suggests that hydrogen forms zirconium hydride.     

Effects of minor additions of Ce and Y on as cast microstructure of Mg–3Sn–2Ca magnesium alloy

Abstract

The effects of minor additions of Ce and Y on the as cast microstructure of Mg–3Sn–2Ca (wt-%) magnesium alloy are investigated and compared. Results indicate that adding minor Ce or Y to Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy does not cause formation of any new phases in the alloy. The as cast Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy with addition of 0·5 wt-%Ce or Y is still composed of α-Mg, CaMgSn and Mg₂Ca phases. However, after adding 0·5 wt-%Ce or Y to Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy, not only the formation of CaMgSn phase in the alloy is suppressed but also the CaMgSn phases in the alloy are effectively refined. In addition, adding 0·5 wt-%Ce to Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy exhibits higher refinement efficiency to the CaMgSn phase in the alloy than adding 0·5 wt-%Y. Further investigations need to be considered in order to understand the difference of minor Ce and Y with regard to the refinement of CaMgSn phase in the Mg–3Sn–2Ca alloy.     

Low temperature synthesis of Ba1?xSrxSnO3 (x = 0–1) from molten alkali hydroxide flux

Perovskite structured stannates (Ba_1−x Sr _x SnO₃, x = 0·0–1·0) powders have been synthesized for the first time by molten salt synthesis (MSS) method using KOH as the flux at lower temperature (400°C) compared to other methods. The phase formation was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructure was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. XRD patterns reveal the formation of single phasic products for parent and substituted products with good crystallinity throughout the range (x = 0·0–1·0). The morphology of the particles of BaSnO₃ and SrSnO₃ is spherical and rod shaped, respectively. Effect of soaking periods on the grain growth is observed clearly in SrSnO₃. Ba_0·5Sr_0·5SnO₃ (BSS5) crystallizes in flake like morphology.     

Aging behaviour of cobalt free chromium containing maraging steels

Abstract

This paper reports an investigation of the aging behaviour of two Co free Cr containing maraging steels (Fe–1·0Si–11·2Cr–1·3Mo–9·1Ni–1·2Al–1·0Ti and Fe–0·8Si–17·2Cr–6·1Ni–0·4Al–0·9Ti, all at.-%), using hardness measurements, electron microscopy of replicas and thin foils, atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM), and thermochemical calculations. Two different families of intermetallic phases (Ti₆Si₇Ni₁₆G phase and η Ni₃Ti) have been found to contribute to age hardening. The composition and morphology of these precipitates were studied in deformed and undeformed alloys after aging at 420–570°C for various times. In addition, reverted austenite has been found in the aged structure. Results obtained using APFIM are compared with equilibrium thermodynamic calculations and previous APFIM studies of conventional Cr free low Al and Si maraging steels having higher Mo contents.

MST/1558