Methodology for third-order astigmatism compensation in off-axis spherical reflective systems

The main constraint of classical off-axis reflecting systems is the primary astigmatism that has long been a research topic of interest. This astigmatism in off-axis spherical reflective imaging systems can be eliminated by using the proper configuration. These configurations could be derived from the marginal ray fans equation, and they are valid for small angles of incidence. The conditions for the astigmatism compensation in configurations with two and three off-axis mirrors have been derived and analyzed, which have not been reported previously. The expression that defines the conditions for primary astigmatism compensation in a four-mirror system is presented. This shows that the marginal ray fan equation can be used to obtain the condition for astigmatism compensation of a reflective system with any number of mirrors. The developed methodology is verified by ray-tracing analysis of some examples.     

Optical spectroscopy of single Cd0.6Zn0.4Te/ZnTe quantum dots on Si substrate

Microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) measurements were carried out to investigate the optical properties of single Cd_0.6Zn_0.4Te/ZnTe quantum dots (QDs) grown on Si (001) substrate by using molecular beam epitaxy. The high quality of single Cd_0.6Zn_0.4Te/ZnTe QDs is witnessed by resolution-limited emission, negligible background and absence of measurable spectral jitter or blinking. Polarization-dependent and power-dependent μ-PL spectroscopy measurements were performed to identify the exciton, the biexciton, and the charged exciton in the emission spectra of single QDs. Furthermore a weak linearly polarized line is observed on the low energy side of the neutral exciton and is ascribed to dark exciton recombination.     

A matrix model for the flow of control in prolog programs with applications to profiling

In Prolog the flow of control is relatively complex; four counts (which we call currents)—call, fail, succeed and redo—and two intrinsic properties—the failure and the ‘alternative’ probabilities—can be associated with every literal in a clause body. In this work we describe a new matrix model where those currents and properties are related at the literal, clause and predicate definition levels. This model is useful for predicate classification, execution profiling and program debugging. The application to profilers is discussed in detail.     

Chemical pathways for the polymerization of enines

AM1 calculations are reported for enines with aromatic substituents. It was found that the position of the unsaturated bonds in each molecule may account for the reactivity of each isomer via different polymerization pathways. The resonant structure of the charged form of one of the molecules allowed speculation about the observed inhibition of the polymerization reaction.     

OPERATING REGIME DECOMPOSITION USING NEURAL NETWORKS

This article addresses the problem of identification of a nonlinear process operating over a wide range of conditions. The global space is divided into multiple local regimes, a nonlinear model is developed for each regime, and a quadratic programming-based algorithm is used to ensure smooth transition between the regimes on-line. The use of nonlinear models as opposed to linear models reduces the number of local regimes needed. Neural networks are used to model these regimes because of their strong ability to capture nonlinearity, and their combination with the switching algorithm improves transient performance. The performance of the method is demonstrated on an exothermic CSTR and a pH neutralization process.     

The Ocean Color Experiment (OCE) on the Second Orbital Flight Test of the Space Shuttle (OSTA-I)

The Ocean Color Experiment was one of the six remote-sensing experiments which for the first time were launched and success fully operated on board of the second flight of the Space Shuttle during November 1981. The experiment consists of a multispectral image scanner dedicated to the measurement of water color and its interpretation in terms of major water constituents and circulation patterns. The objectives of the experiment, the test site selection, and associated activities are described. The actual mission and results of an initial data analysis is discussed.     

Influence of mineral oils on polystyrene fracture

Polystyrene specimens coated with mineral oils of different viscosities were tested in tension. It was found that craze initiation and tensile fracture stresses, and also the breaking energy decreased with decreasing oil viscosity, all being lower than for specimens tested in air. Crazes formed in oil showed a lower fibril volume fraction and thicker fibrils than air crazes. The most striking difference in the fracture patterns was found in the initiation regions, where a globular morphology appears as a result of fibrils breakage at the stages of slow propagation, these globules becoming bigger with decreasing viscosity of the oil environment. Since the polymer-oil interfacial tensions are similar for the different oils, the trends in mechanical properties and craze and fracture morphologies cannot be attributed to a surface energy effect, but to plasticization because the deterioration in the polymer properties and the increasing craze fibrils thickness go along with the plasticizing ability of the oils.     

Bridging a Culture: The Design of Museo Soumaya

Fernando Romero and Armando Ramos of Fernando Romero EnterprisE (FREE) describe how the firm's design for an iconic museum in Mexico City, which adopted complex computational techniques, required them to develop an integrated and highly collaborative approach to design; with a central digital 3-D model being applied throughout the construction phase.     

Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Catalytic Domino Thia‐Michael/Aldol Reactions: Synthesis of Benzothiopyrans with Three Contiguous Stereocenters

Highly enantioselective organocatalytic domino thia‐Michael/aldol reactions between 2‐mercaptoacetophenone and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes are presented. The reactions proceed with excellent chemo‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity to give the corresponding benzothiopyran derivatives in high yields with up to >15:1 dr and 96 to >99 % ee.