High-concentration Er:YAG single-crystal fibers grown by laser-heated pedestal growth technique

High-concentration Er:YAG single-crystal fibers have been grown using the laser-heated pedestal growth technique. Instability in the melt and concomitant opacity of fibers were observed at source concentrations higher than 15 mol.%. Spectroscopic examination shows that broadening of the linewidth of the I<sub>13/2</sub>4→I<sub>15/2</sub>4 transition is strongly dependent on Er<sup>3+</sup> concentration

Air gasification of digestate and its co-gasification with residual biomass in a pilot scale rotary kiln

In this study energy recovery of digestate from a biogas plant was investigated via air gasification. Gasification tests were executed in a pilot scale rotary kiln plant having a nominal biomass feeding rate of about 20 kg/h. The equivalence ratio was varied from 0.22 to 0.39 with the goal to approach the autothermal condition. Tests were carried out for 5 h in steady state condition. Syngas composition, char and gas yields were measured. To improve the cold gas efficiency of the process, a mixture of digestate and almond shells (60:40 wt%) was gasified. Autothermal condition was reached with the mixture using equivalence ratio of 0.30 where the corresponding cold gas efficiency achieved the maximum value of 55%. The raw gas had a lower heating value of 4–5 MJ/Nm3. To evaluate possible improvements in the produced gas properties, in this work the effect of steam injection was also investigated

Measurements of the Tune Variations Induced by Non-Linearities in Lepton Machines

The precise measurement of the betatron tune as a function of the oscillation amplitude provides a useful information on non-linear beam dynamics. In lepton accelerators, this measurement is made difficult due to various damping mechanisms. To counteract this, we propose to use algorithms that provide a precise measurement of the tune in a small number of turns. We apply these procedures in LEP at injection and collision energy, as well as in SPEAR at injection energy. Collections of experimental data, and a first comparison with the results of model-based simulations are discussed

Passive mode locking of a Tm,Ho:KY(WO4)(2) laser around 2 μm

We report the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of passive mode locking in a Tm3+, Ho3+-codoped KYWO42 laser operating in the 2000-2060 nm spectral region. An InGaAsSb-based quantum well semiconductor saturable absorber mirror is used for the initiation and stabilization of the ultrashort pulse generation. Pulses as short as 3.3 ps were generated at 2057 nm with average output powers up to 315 mW at a pulse repetition frequency of 132 MHz for 1.15 W of absorbed pump power at 802 nm from a Ti:sapphire laser

CIAO: the CNR-IMAA advanced observatory for atmospheric research

Long-term observations of aerosol and clouds are of crucial importance to understand the weather climate system. At the Istituto di Metodologie per l'Analisi Ambientale of the Italian National Research Council (CNR-IMAA) an advanced atmospheric observatory, named CIAO, is operative. CIAO (CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory) main scientific objective is the long term measurement for the climatology of aerosol and cloud properties. Its equipment addresses the state-of-the-art for the ground-based remote sensing of aerosol, water vapour and clouds including active and passive sensors, like lidars, ceilometers, radiometers, and a radar. This paper describes the CIAO infrastructure, its scientific activities as well as the observation strategy. The observation strategy is mainly organized in order to provide quality assured measurements for satellite validation and model evaluation and to fully exploit the synergy and integration of the active and passive sensors for the improvement of atmospheric profiling. Data quality is ensured both by the application of protocols and dedicated quality assurance programs mainly related to the projects and networks in which the infrastructure is involved. The paper also introduces examples of observations performed at CIAO and of the synergies and integration algorithms (using Raman lidar and microwave profiler data) developed and implemented at the observatory for the optimization and improvement of water vapour profiling. CIAO database represents an optimal basis to study the synergy between different sensors and to investigate aerosol-clouds interactions, and can give a significant contribution to the validation programs of the incoming new generation satellite missions

A26-3 Tip design in a new steroid-elution pacing lead influences ventricular electrical parameter variations in DDD pacemaker implanted patients

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Darts fast-learning reduces theta power but is not affected by Hf-tRNS: A behavioral and electrophysiological investigation

Sports trainers have recently shown increasing interest in innovative methods, including transcranial electric stimulation, to enhance motor performance and boost the acquisition of new skills during training. However, studies on the effectiveness of these tools on fast visuomotor learning and brain activity are still limited. In this randomized single-blind, sham-controlled, between-subjects study, we investigated whether a single training session, either coupled or not with 2 mA online high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) over the bilateral primary motor cortex (M1), would affect dart-throwing performance (i.e., radial error, arm range of motion, and movement variability) in 37 healthy volunteers. In addition, potential neurophysiological correlates were monitored before and after the training through a 32-electrode portable electroencephalogram (EEG). Results revealed that a single training session improved radial error and arm range of motion during the dart-throwing task, but not movement variability. Furthermore, after the training, resting state-EEG data showed a decrease in theta power. Radial error, arm movement, and EEG were not further modulated by hf-tRNS. This indicates that a single training session, regardless of hf-tRNS administration, improves dart-throwing precision and movement accuracy. However, it does not improve movement variability, which might require multiple training sessions (expertise resulting in slow learning). Theta power decrease could describe a more efficient use of cognitive resources (i.e., attention and visuomotor skills) due to the fast dart-throwing learning. Further research could explore different sports by applying longer stimulation protocols and evaluating other EEG variables to enhance our understanding of the lasting impacts of multi-session hf-tRNS on the sensorimotor cortex within the framework of slow learning and training assistance