Flow profile measurement in microchannel using the optical feedback interferometry sensing technique

The need to accurately measure flow profiles in microfluidic channels is well recognised. In this work, we present a new optical feedback interferometry (OFI) flow sensor that accurately measures local velocity in fluids and enables reconstruction of a velocity profile inside a microchannel. OFI is a self-aligned interferometric technique that uses the laser as both the transmitter and the receiver thus offering high sensitivity, fast response, and a simple and compact optical design. The system described here is based on a commercial semiconductor laser and has been designed to achieve a micrometer-range spatial resolution. The sensor performance was validated by reconstructing the velocity profile inside a circular cross-section flow-channel with 320  $\upmu $ m internal diameter, with a relative error smaller than 1.8 %. The local flow velocity is directly measured, thus avoiding the need for model based profile calculation and uncertainties inherent to this approach. The system was validated by successfully extracting the flow profiles in both Newtonian and shear-thinning liquids.     

Collaborative spaces for GIS-based multimedia cartography in blended environments

The interaction spaces between instructors and learners in the traditional face-to-face classroom environment are being changed by the diffusion and adoption of many forms of computer-based pedagogy. An integrated understanding of these evolving interaction spaces together with how they interconnect and leverage learning are needed to develop meaningful strategies for effective teaching and learning. The 18i collaborative interaction spaces model was designed based on constructivist principles, and describes 18 mixed instructor–learner spaces contextualized at a finer operational scale that makes explicit a wider range of interactions. The model was implemented during the life cycle of an undergraduate GIS-based multimedia cartography course. One output was the generation of a repository of rule-based trajectory plans for rapid planning and problem solving. The model provides an integrated workflow to manage course contents, products, interactions, individuality, and learning styles in blended environments.     

Absolute calibration of photostimulable image plate detectors used as (0.5-20 MeV) high-energy proton detectors

In this paper, the absolute calibration of photostimulable image plates (IPs) used as proton detectors is presented. The calibration is performed in a wide range of proton energies (0.5-20 MeV) by exposing simultaneously the IP and calibrated detectors (radiochromic films and solid state detector CR39) to a source of broadband laser-accelerated protons, which are spectrally resolved. The final result is a calibration curve that enables retrieving the proton number from the IP signal.     

Comparative study of decay ratios of disturbance-rejection magnitude optimum method for PI controllers

One of the key time-domain closed-loop performance requirements is the closed-loop response decay ratio. In this paper, the decay ratios of the disturbance-rejection magnitude optimum (DRMO) tuning method [Vranci? D, Strmcnik S, Kocijan J. Improving disturbance rejection of PI controllers by means of the magnitude optimum method. ISA Trans 2004; 43: 73-84; Vranci? D, Strmcnik S. Achieving optimal disturbance rejection by using the magnitude optimum method. In: Pre-prints of the CSCC'99 conference. 1999. p. 3401-6] are analyzed and compared to decay ratios of two other modern tuning methods, i.e. the Kappa-Tau tuning method (based on time-domain step-response characteristics) [Astr?m KJ, H?gglund T. PID controllers: Theory, design, and tuning. 2nd ed. Instrument Society of America; 1995] and the non-convex optimization tuning method (based on frequency response) [Panagopoulos H, Astr?m KJ, H?gglund T. Design of PI controllers based on non-convex optimization. Automatica 1998; 34: 585-601; Panagopoulos H, Astr?m KJ, H?gglund T. Design of PID controllers based on constrained optimisation. IEE Proc Control Theory Appl 2002; 149 (1): 32-40]. It is shown that the DRMO method results in such a closed-loop response that the decay ratio is within a relatively narrow interval when compared to the other two methods.     

Color effects of uniform colloidal particles of different morphologies packed into films

The experimentally determined chromaticities and reflectance spectra of films consisting of uniform ellipsoidal or spherical colloidal hematite particles are compared with calculated values and are found to be in good agreement. The theoretical treatment of the light-scattering problem involves the Mie theory for the spheres and the T-matrix method for the ellipsoids. The reflectance spectra for the pigment films are calculated through the use of the Kubelka-Munk analysis.     

Thermal images generated by a line-scanning technique: statistical properties

The analysis of statistical parameters of computer-generated therfial images by a line-scanning technique indicates an approach to efficient image transmission.     

Algorithm for the determination of intrinsic optical constants of metal films: application to aluminum

Optical and electron-energy-loss data for evaporated-aluminum films have been critically analyzed and used in an iterative, self-consistent algorithm that represents a combination of the Kramers-Kronig analysis and the semiquantum-model application. The novel values of the intrinsic optical functions of aluminum have been determined in a wide spectral range from 200 μm (6.2 meV) to 0.12 nm (10 keV). These functions are in accordance with recent calculations by Lee and Chang [Phys. Rev. B 49, 2362 (1994)], with dc conductivity measurements, and are in good agreement with both peak positions and line widths obtained from electron-energy-loss experiments. The results are examined for internal consistency by inertial and f-sum rules.     

The influence of adding pitch to resin as a matrix precursor on properties of carbon-carbon composites

Carbon-carbon composites were prepared with commercially available carbonized and graphitized fibres, with a mixture of pitch and phenolic resin as a binder and pitch as an impregnant. The contents of pitch in mixtures were: 0, 10, 20 and 30 wt %. The influence of pitch content in the mixture and fibre type on mass loss, shrinkage and mechanical properties of the composites was examined. With an increase of pitch content mass loss and shrinkage increased, while mechanical properties decreased. After three densification cycles, flexural strength increased with increasing pitch content in the binder, especially for composites with graphitized fibres.     

Selective Al-Ti reactivity in laser-processed Al/Ti multilayers

Multilayers consisting of five (Al/Ti) bilayers were deposited on (100) silicon wafers. On top was deposited the Ti layer, aimed at preventing Al from diffusing to the surface upon laser treatment. The total thickness of the thin-film structure was 200?nm. Laser irradiations with Nd:YAG picoseconds laser pulses in the defocused regime were performed in air. Laser beam energy was 4?mJ and laser spot diameter on the sample surface was 3?mm (fluence 0.057?J?cm^?2). The samples were treated with different numbers of laser pulses. Structural characterizations were performed by different analytical methods and nano-hardness was also measured. Laser processing induced layer intermixing, formation of titanium aluminides, oxidation of the surface titanium layer and enhanced surface roughness. Aluminum appears at the sample surface only for the highest density of laser irradiation. Laser processing induces increment of nano-hardness by approximately 20% and decrease of residual Young’s modulus for a few percentages from the starting value of the untreated samples. These results can be interesting toward achieving structures with a selective extent of Al-Ti reactivity in this multilayered system, within the development of biocompatible materials.