Geometrically Reconfigurable, 2D,All-Organic Photonic Integrated Circuits Made from Two Mechanically and Optically Dissimilar Crystals

With the rising concerns about global cybersecurity, safe data transduction that would be impervious to cyber attacks necessitates an immediate shift from electron-based to light-based devices. Here, the construction of silicon-free, all-organic photonic integrated circuits by micromanipulation of organic crystals of two mechanically different materials with complementary optical properties, one of which is plastically bendable, is described. The resulting optical circuits are endowed with mechanical reconfiguration at two levels: first, the individual components can be processed into arbitrary shape before integration into the circuit, and second, the circuit itself is reconfigurable even after it is fabricated. The results do not only demonstrate the infinite structural variations in optical microstructures one can build by using organic crystals, but they also show that deformable light-transducive organic crystals carry an untapped potential for lightweight all-organic optical minicircuitry.     

On the kinetics of forming an oxide film for lubrication when cutting steel in a controlled atmosphere

An experimental study of the steel-cutting process in a controlled atmosphere is performed. Based on the results, a theoretical model is developed to evaluate the kinetics of the formation of an oxide lubricating film under steel cutting and to optimize the cutting process by decreasing the cutting forces and the wear and tear of the tool. The performed studies showed that, for the manifestation of an effective lubricating effect of pure oxygen due to the formation of a separating protective film of adsorbed oxygen, it is necessary to maintain a pressure of more than 1.32 Pa.     

Hot-spot engineering in polygonal nanofinger assemblies for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Multiparticle assemblies of nanoscale structures are the fundamental building blocks for powerful plasmonic devices. Here we show the controlled formation of polygonal metal nanostructure assemblies, including digon, trigon, tetragon, pentagon, and hexagon arrays, which were formed on top of predefined flexible polymer pillars that undergo self-coalescence, analogous to finger closing, with the aid of microcapillary forces. This hybrid approach of combining top-down fabrication with self-assembly enables the formation of complex nanoplasmonic structures with sub-nanometer gaps between gold nanoparticles. On comparison of the polygon-shaped assemblies, the symmetry dependence of the nanoplasmonic structures was determined for application to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), with the pentagonal assembly having the largest Raman enhancement for the tested molecules. Electromagnetic simulations of the polygonal structures were performed to visualize the field enhancements of the hot spots so as to guide the rational design of optimal SERS structures.     

Experience in Use of Remote Access and Predictive Analytics for Power Equipment’s Condition

Digital technologies, software of predictive analytics, and advanced equipment will make it possible to improve economy, reliability, and safety of electricity generation. The industrial Internet begins with the introduction of systems based on mutual penetration of information technologies and automation devices of manufacturing equipment, such as the systems of remote monitoring and diagnostics. One of the inspection methods of the equipment’s condition is its continuous monitoring, which is a necessary condition for the transition to a service system on the operating condition. Using traditional modeling methods, it is possible to obtain only approximate data about the behavior of industrial systems and objects even in the cases when all factors influencing their work and operating condition are known, owing to the necessity to solve complex mathematical problems to carry out this modeling. For this reason, to monitor the operating condition of industrial systems, the statistical modeling of such systems based on empirical regulations defined by the samples of values of technological parameters recorded in the object operation period, which is considered by reference, found application in recent decades. The statistical methods of monitoring makes it possible to detect the changes in the operating condition of the system at early stages as well as to reveal the most important factors influencing them. The work presents a review of Russian systems of predictive analytics and mathematical methods on which they are based and also the PRANA system of prediction and remote monitoring that is implemented at the gas-turbine plant of V 94.2 Siemens type installed in the Perm TPP-9 (thermal power plant), the Vladimir TPP-2, the Izhevsk TPP-1, and the Kirov TPP-3, which are branches of PAO T Plyus. The efficiency of PRANA to detect the negative change of operating conditions before actual fault events was shown, which makes it possible to determine the residual life of a product and its components, schedule the optimal terms, the duration of equipment stop and preparation for its repair, and evaluate the quality of fulfilled repairs. The condition of the industrial Internet in Russian power engineering and the problems delaying its development are considered.     

Chemical reaction of impregnators in an abrasive tool with metal blanks

The performance of abrasive tools may be improved by impregnation with special compositions. By various means, the impregnating agent reduces the cutting force and tool wear and enhances the quality of the final ground surface.     

Possible binding sites for biotin stabilized water soluble Ag nanoparticles: an experimental and theoretical study

The evolution of Ag nanoparticles by photochemical reduction method and the effect of biotin on their UV-Visible absorption spectrum were studied. Surface modification studies were carried out on chemically reduced Ag nanoparticles. ATR-FTIR studies showed that the biotin molecules bind with the surface of Ag nanoparticles through the oxygen of the carboxylate group. Theoretical calculations were carried out on the structure of the biotin and the silver complex of biotin (biotin(-)-Ag+) by optimizing their structures using density functional calculations with the B3LYP method using the LANL2DZ basis set. Theoretical calculations and experimental evidence favors a preferential binding of biotin molecule to Ag nanoparticles through the carboxylate group.     

Polarization-Dependent Birefringence in Lithium Aluminosilicate Glass

Glass and Ceramics - The formation of polarization-dependent birefringence, apparently due to the formation of nanogratings, in the bulk of lithium silicate and lithium aluminosilicate glasses...