簿板坯连铸结晶器振动参数的控制

在对普通板坯连铸结晶器正弦振动参数的理论研究及工业试验的基础上，针对薄板坯拉速快的特点提出了拉坯速度同振动参数的同步控制模型。该模型使薄板坯在高速浇注的条件下采用较低的振动频率能够获得最佳负滑动时间及所必需的负滑动率。     

Reduction of frequency noise and frequency shift by phase shifting elements in frequency modulation atomic force microscopy

We recently reported the analysis of the frequency noise in the frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) both in high-Q and low-Q environments [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 043708 (2009)]. We showed in the paper that the oscillator noise, the frequency fluctuation of the oscillator, becomes prominent in the modulation frequency lower than f(0)∕2Q, where f(0) and Q are the resonance frequency and Q-factor. The magnitude of the oscillator noise is determined by the slope of the phase versus frequency curve of the cantilever at f(0). However, in actual FM-AFM in liquids, the phase versus frequency curve may not be always ideal because of the existence of various phase shifting elements (PSEs). For example, the spurious resonance peaks caused by the acoustic excitation and a band-pass filter in the self-oscillation loop increase the slope of the phase versus frequency curve. Due to those PSEs, the effective Q-factor is often increased from the intrinsic Q-factor of the cantilever. In this article, the frequency noise in the FM-AFM system with the PSEs in the self-oscillation loop is analyzed to show that the oscillator noise is reduced by the increase of the effective Q-factor. It is also shown that the oscillation frequency deviates from the resonance frequency due to the increase of the effective Q-factor, thereby causing the reduction in the frequency shift signal with the same factor. Therefore the increase of the effective Q-factor does not affect the signal-to-noise ratio in the frequency shift measurement, but it does affect the quantitativeness of the measured force in the FM-AFM. Furthermore, the reduction of the frequency noise and frequency shift by the increase of the effective Q-factor were confirmed by the experiments.     

光电成像系统的性能优化

探讨了光学系统和阵列探测器构成的光电成像系统的整体性能和优化设计问题。针对阵列探测器的不断快速更新换代,研究了如何对光学系统进行改进以优化光电成像系统的性能。从采样成像系统的取样定理出发,研究了光电成像系统的传递函数特性,讨论了采样成像系统的相位平均传递函数,分析了光电成像系统的加工与使用误差对传递函数的影响。同时,给出了光电成像系统的信噪比计算公式。文中提出用于遥感观测的大型光电成像系统的光学系统传递函数的归一化空间频率等于0.5左右可与阵列探测器的奈奎斯特频率相匹配。结果显示,如此设计可在满足信噪比的同时使传递函数在奈奎斯特频率处达到0.1左右,分辨率达到奈奎斯特频率并且不产生频谱混叠效应。     

Optimum design of dynamic absorber for a random-excited machine mounted on a platelike structure foundation

The optimum design of a dynamic absorber for a machine mounted on a floor system is presented. The floor is considered to be a platelike structure. The transfer function is derived in closed-form. Based on the band-limited white-noise excitation, the optimum tuning and damping ratios of the absorber are determined by minimising the variance of response of the machine. Since the variance cannot be calculated directly by integrating the transfer function over the band-limited frequency range, the steepest descent method is used for determining these optimum parameters by iteration. The same procedure can be extended to deal with the cases of other multi degrees-of-freedom systems. The effects of mass ratios (i.e. absorber/machine and machine/floor), primary damping, frequency ratio and the thickness of plate on the design parameters are examined. The results show that the values of optimum tuning are much different from those of the rigid foundation case. To have a small variance, it is better to keep the frequency ratio ω₁ (defined as the frequency of primary system divided by half of the lowest natural frequency of the floor) in the range 1 < ω₁ < 1.5, and have the mass ratio μ and the primary damping ratio ζ₁ are both greater than 0.1.     

一种垂直驱动型超声波送料器的研究

基于压电驱动的原理,研制了一种用于新型垂直驱动型超声波送料器,对结构进行了设计计算;同时设计了送料器的驱动装置-超声波换能器,对超声波换能器的振动模式和性能参数进行了分析,并建立了相关的方程。对本送料器的基本性能及行了测试。实验表明, 该送料器能够实现对微小物体的输送。     

Print your atomic force microscope

Progress in scanning probe microscopy profited from a flourishing multitude of new instrument designs, which lead to novel imaging modes and as a consequence to innovative microscopes. Often these designs were hampered by the restrictions, which conventional milling techniques impose. Modern rapid prototyping techniques, where layer by layer is added to the growing piece either by light driven polymerization or by three-dimensional printing techniques, overcome this constraint, allowing highly concave or even embedded and entangled structures. We have employed such a technique to manufacture an atomic force microscopy (AFM) head, and we compared its performance with a copy milled from aluminum. We tested both AFM heads for single molecule force spectroscopy applications and found little to no difference in the signal-to-noise ratio as well as in the thermal drift. The lower E modulus seems to be compensated by higher damping making this material well suited for low noise and low drift applications. Printing an AFM thus offers unparalleled freedom in the design and the rapid production of application-tailored custom instruments.     

Identification of dynamic stiffness of ball bearing joints using sensitivity analysis

Natural frequencies are used to identify the joint stiffness of a shaft-bearing system, where the shaft is assumed as a Rayleigh beam and the bearing as a linear spring. The eigenvalues for the case of uniform circular shaft are derived in a rigorous manner in terms of nondimensionalized parameters for the location of bearngs, bearing stiffness, and slenderness of the shaft. Then, sensitivities of the eigenvalues are calculated with respect to the stiffness ratio of shaft and bearing and the bearing location. Based upon these sensitivity charts, an iterative procedure is proposed to identify the bearing stiffness in an optimum sense. The step by step procedure is illustrated through a case study for a simple shaft-bearing system, where the stiffness of a set of ball bearings is successfully identified.     

太赫兹功率探测器高灵敏度调制解调系统设计

针对太赫兹被动成像系统前端功率探测器内部引入的低频噪声（1/f噪声）对成像精度的影响较为明显的问题,设计了一种高灵敏度调制解调系统来降低低频噪声对成像的干扰。通过控制外部信号源使功率探测器在正常工作与饱和状态之间快速切换,实现对目标信号的调制,从而将目标信号的频率调制到高于功率探测器引入的低频噪声频段以便将低频噪声滤除,进而降低该低频噪声对后续成像质量的影响。通过MATLAB软件仿真,可模拟出信噪比(SNR)为31.17 dB的功率探测器输出信号,同时通过对目标信号调制解调,目标信号的信噪比被提高到了268.13 dB。通过对所设计的高灵敏度调制解调系统实际测试,可得目标信号的信噪比由4.22 dB提高到了301.88 dB。研究结果表明,该高灵敏度调制解调系统能有效降低太赫兹探测器内引入的低频噪声对后续成像质量的影响。     

Image signal-to-noise ratio and noise variance estimation using autoregressive model

During the last three decades, several techniques have been proposed for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise variance estimation in images, with different degrees of success. Recently, a novel technique based on the statistical autoregressive model (AR) was developed and proposed as a solution to SNR estimation in scanning electron microscope (SEM) image. In this paper, the efficiency of the developed technique with different imaging systems is proven and presented as an optimum solution to image noise variance and SNR estimation problems. Simulation results are carried out with images like Lena, remote sensing, and SEM. The two image parameters, SNR and noise variance, are estimated using different techniques and are compared with the AR-based estimator.     

Optimization of process parameters for recycling of mill scale using Taguchi experimenal design

The present work submits an investigation about the optimum process parameters and quality improvement of mill scale recycling. With increasing concerns on environmental issues, the recycling of materials of all types has become an important issue. In this paper, an optimization method is developed to improve quality in mill scale recycling. The optimum configuration of process parameters to achieve high metallization efficiency was determined by experiments. The Taguchi method, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and rsponse surface optimization are employed to find the main effects and to determine their optimum process parameters. The significant process parameters were identified and their effects on mill scale recycling were studied. Finally, a confirmation experiment with the optimal levels of the process parameters was carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Taguchi method.     

Signal-to-noise ratio in confocal microscope systems

The effects of various system parameters on the imaging performance of confocal microscopy are discussed, including the effects of pinhole size, type of detector and imaging algorithms on signal-to-noise ratio. Careful consideration of these parameters allows the microscope user to obtain the best performance for particular applications.     

Optimisation of specimen temperature and pulse fraction in atom probe microscopy experiments on a microalloyed steel

This paper details the effects of systematic changes to the experimental parameters for atom probe microscopy of microalloyed steels. We have used assessments of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), compositional measurements and field desorption images to establish the optimal instrumental parameters. These corresponded to probing at the lowest possible temperature (down to 20 K) with the highest possible pulse fraction (up to 30%). A steel containing a fine dispersion of solute atom clusters was used as an archetype to demonstrate the importance of running the atom probe at optimum conditions.     

改进的非线性调频脉冲压缩方法在空气耦合超声检测中的应用

为解决空气耦合超声检测中信号微弱、信噪比低的问题,在应用线性调频脉冲压缩方法的基础上,研究非线性调频脉冲压缩方法及改进后的方法在空气耦合超声检测中应用。介绍非线性调频脉冲压缩方法的基本原理,针对超声检测中实际应用的特殊性,分析换能器频带特性对脉冲压缩效果的影响,试验研究改进的非线性脉冲压缩方法对空气耦合超声换能器接收信号的影响以及脉冲压缩方法对提高信噪比的实际效果,通过空气耦合超声C扫描检测系统,对玻璃纤维复合材料试样进行成像检测试验。试验结果表明,改进的非线性调频脉冲压缩方法可有效提高脉冲压缩效果,有利于改善空气耦合超声检测的效果。     

Signal-to-noise analysis of biomedical photoacoustic measurements in time and frequency domains

Sensitivity analysis of photoacoustic measurements is conducted using estimates of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achieved under two different modes of optical excitation. The standard pulsed time-domain photoacoustic imaging is compared to the frequency-domain counterpart with a modulated optical source. The feasibility of high-SNR continuous wave depth-resolved photoacoustics with frequency-swept (chirp) modulation pattern has been demonstrated. Utilization of chirped modulation waveforms achieves dramatic SNR increase of the periodic signals and preserves axial resolution comparable to the time-domain method. Estimates of the signal-to-noise ratio were obtained using typical parameters of piezoelectric transducers and optical properties of tissue.     

Numerical analysis of pulsating heat pipe based on separated flow model

The examination on the operating mechanism of a pulsating heat pipe (PHP) using visualization revealed that the working fluid in the PHP oscillated to the axial direction by the contraction and expansion of vapor plugs. This contraction and expansion is due to the formation and extinction of bubbles in the evaporating and condensing section, respectively. In this paper, a theoretical model of PHP was presented. The theoretical model was based on the separated flow model with two liquid slugs and three vapor plugs. The results show that the diameter, surface tension and charge ratio of working fluid have significant effects on the performance of the PHP. The following conclusions were obtained. The periodic oscillations of liquid slugs and vapor plugs were obtained under specified parameters. When the hydraulic diameter of the PHP was increased to d=3mm, the frequency of oscillation decreased. By increasing the charging ratio from 40 to 60 by volume ratio, the pressure difference between the evaporating section and condensing section increased, the amplitude of oscillation reduced, and the oscillation frequency decreased. The working fluid with higher surface tension resulted in an increase in the amplitude and frequency of oscillation. Also the average temperature of vapor plugs decreased.     

Dynamic spring constants for higher flexural modes of cantilever plates with applications to atomic force microscopy

In atomic force microscopy (AFM) a sharp tip fixed close to the free end of a cantilever beam interacts with a surface. The interaction can be described by a point-mass model of an equivalent oscillator with a single spring located at the position of the tip. However, other spring constants have to be used to describe the oscillation behavior correctly if forces are acting on the cantilever over an extended lateral range. A point-mass model is then no longer valid. In the present study we derive expressions for the spring constants of cantilevers that can interact with any part of their plan view area along the beam and for all flexural modes. The equations describe the oscillation behavior in the corresponding mass model and are based on the eigenfrequencies and modal shapes of the free cantilever. The results are of high practical relevance, for example if an AFM is operated in a higher flexural mode, if the tip is not located at the free end of the cantilever beam, or if the external conservative forces affecting cantilever movement are not restricted to a single point. The limitations of the approach are discussed.     

Molecular recognition imaging using tuning fork-based transverse dynamic force microscopy

We demonstrate simultaneous transverse dynamic force microscopy and molecular recognition imaging using tuning forks as piezoelectric sensors. Tapered aluminum-coated glass fibers were chemically functionalized with biotin and anti-lysozyme molecules and attached to one of the prongs of a 32 kHz tuning fork. The lateral oscillation amplitude of the tuning fork was used as feedback signal for topographical imaging of avidin aggregates and lysozyme molecules on mica substrate. The phase difference between the excitation and detection signals of the tuning fork provided molecular recognition between avidin/biotin or lysozyme/anti-lysozyme. Aggregates of avidin and lysozyme molecules appeared as features with heights of 1–4 nm in the topographic images, consistent with single molecule atomic force microscopy imaging. Recognition events between avidin/biotin or lysozyme/anti-lysozyme were detected in the phase image at high signal-to-noise ratio with phase shifts of 1–2°. Because tapered glass fibers and shear-force microscopy based on tuning forks are commonly used for near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), these results open the door to the exciting possibility of combining optical, topographic and biochemical recognition at the nanometer scale in a single measurement and in liquid conditions.     

Nanoscale potential measurements in liquid by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy

We have developed a method for local potential measurements in liquid using frequency modulation atomic force microscopy. In this method, local potential is calculated from the first and second harmonic vibrations of a cantilever induced by applying an ac bias voltage between a tip and a sample. The use of an ac bias voltage with a relatively high frequency prevents uncontrolled electrochemical reactions and redistribution of ions and water. The nanoscale resolution of the method is demonstrated by imaging potential distribution of a dodecylamine thin film deposited on a graphite surface in 1 mM NaCl solution.     

MAC mode atomic force microscopy studies of living samples, ranging from cells to fresh tissue

Magnetic AC mode (MAC mode) atomic force microscopy (AFM), a novel type of tapping mode AFM in which the cantilever is driven directly by a magnetic field, is a powerful tool for imaging with high spatial resolution and better signal-to-noise in liquid environment. It may largely extend the application of AFM to living samples, especially those are sensitive to cantilever forces, even to multilayer tissue samples. However, there are few reports on the imaging of living cells by MAC mode AFM previously. In our present study, we explore the optimal imaging conditions of MAC mode AFM on living astrocytes and fresh arterial intima surface. We also used nude tips for PicoTREC panel (i.e., Aux in BNC, a new data collecting channel) to image living samples and discussed its difference with phase imaging. We show that living biological samples can be imaged by MAC mode AFM at details of comparable resolution as those by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the combination of height, amplitude, phase and TREC panel signals provide abundant informations for the characteristics of living samples, such as topography, profile, stiffness and adhesion.     

Optimization of STM/FIM nanotip aspect ratio based on the Taguchi method

This paper presents optimization of electrochemical etching parameters to achieve the optimum aspect ratio of the scanning tunneling microscopy/field ion microscopy tungsten nanotip by using Taguchi method. The combination of optimum level of process parameters was obtained by using the analysis of signal-to-noise ratio. The level of importance of the process parameters on the nanotip aspect ratio was determined by using analysis of variance. It was found that the optimum level of process parameters are electrolyte concentration of 2 M/lit, wire immersion length of 2.5 mm, cathode tube inner diameter of 40 mm, and voltage of 3.5 V. Within the range of experiments and the process parameters in terms of impact significance were found to be electrolyte concentration, process voltage, wire immersion length, and inner diameter of cathode tube, respectively. By using the optimum level of the process parameters, the nanotip aspect ratio was enhanced by 263% in comparison to the mean value of the experimental results. The nanotip aspect ratio of up to 163:1 was obtained in the present research.