Optical channel switching algorithm for continuously tunable lasers

A novel idea and realisation of a control algorithm to switch the wavelength of continuously tunable lasers is presented. The concept allows the switching of a defined number of dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) channels up or down by employing a broadband wavelength locker. The switching algorithm is implemented and demonstrated for a micro-electro-mechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (MEM-VCSEL).     

Coherent bidirectional communication experiment with internally bypassed star coupler in presence of Rayleigh backscattering

Internally bypassed star couplers allow bidirectional coherent communication at the same frequency via one subscriber line. For longer subscriber lines the serious limiting factor due to Rayleigh backscattering can be overcome by distributing the star.<>     

Micro-mechanically tunable long wavelength VCSEL with buried tunnel junction

A novel two-chip concept for an electrically pumped and micro-electro-mechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, with an emission wavelength in the 1.5 /spl mu/m range, is presented. Continuous tuning over 30 nm in singlemode operation has been shown.     

Therapeutic alliance: Theme and variations.

The therapeutic alliance is often misconceived, misunderstood, or ignored in conceptualizing the therapeutic process and the therapeutic relation in analysis and other forms of therapy. Conversely, I will argue that the alliance is indispensable in all forms of therapy. After briefly outlining the nature of the alliance, I discuss some of the empirical findings regarding its utility in various therapeutic contexts. I then consider its role and function in various therapeutic settings other than adult analysis and psychotherapy, including child analysis, treating various forms of psychopathology, and related contexts like supervision, forensic psychiatry, and hospital and medical treatment. The alliance plays a definite but analogous role in all of these, with differences according to context. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hybrid Solar Cells Based on Nanoparticles of CuInS2 in Organic Matrices

We report on solution‐processed hybrid solar cells consisting of a nanocrystalline inorganic semiconductor, CuInS₂, and organic materials. Synthesis of quantized CuInS₂ nanoparticles was performed using a colloidal route, where the particle surface was shielded by an organic surfactant. First attempts were made to use nanocrystalline CuInS₂ with fullerene derivatives to form flat‐interface donor–acceptor heterojunction solar cells. We investigated also bulk heterojunctions by replacing the CuInS₂ single layer by a blend of CuInS₂ and p‐type polymer (PEDOT:PSS; poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(styrene sulfonic acid) in the same cell configuration. Bulk heterojunction solar cells show better photovoltaic response with external quantum efficiencies up to 20 %.     

Magneto-optical studies of perylene tetracarboxylic acid diimide thin films

N,N′-Dimethyl perylene tetracarboxylic acid diimide (Me-PTCDI) thin films were prepared by vapor deposition technique. The photogeneration and recombination of singlet and triplet excitons were characterized, utilizing absorption, PL and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectroscopy. The results suggest the creation of molecular dimers, which gives rise to the creation of split singlet exciton states and enhancement of population in the triplet exciton state.     

Action potential properties are gravity dependent

The functional properties of neuronal tissue critically depend on cellular composition and intercellular comunication. A basic principle of such communication found in various types of neurons is the generation of action potentials (APs). These APs depend on the presence of voltage gated ion channels and propagate along cellular processes (e.g. axons) towards target neurons or other cells. It has already been shown that the properties of ion channels depend on gravity. To discover whether the properties of APs also depend on gravity, we examined the propagation of APs in earthworms (invertebrates) and isolated nerve fibres (i.e. bundles of axons) from earthworms under conditions of micro- and macro-gravity. In a second set of experiments we could verify our results on rat axons (vertebrates). Our experiments carried out during two parabolic flight campaigns revealed that microgravity slows AP propagation velocity and macrogravity accelerates the transmission of action potentials. The relevance for live-science related questions is considerable, taking into account that altered gravity conditions might affect AP velocity in man during space flight missions.