Erbium environment in glass-ceramics investigated by atom probe tomography

Glass-ceramics (considered here as a glassy host containing crystalline or amorphous nanoparticles) are of interest for luminescent properties as they can combine the sturdiness and low cost of a matrix host with particular spectroscopic behavior that would not appear in this host [1]. Ideally, nanoparticles would fully encapsulate luminescent ions to produce engineered spectroscopic properties. This approach is particularly promising for optical fibers. Indeed, silica is the most common glass used to prepare such waveguides. However, it is necessary to overcome some of its characteristics (high phonon energy, low luminesent ions solubility, ...) which may be detrimental to luminescent properties. As silicate systems have a large phase immiscibility domain when they contain divalent metal oxides (such as Mg), one can take advantage of thermal treatments inherent to the MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition) process to obtain nanoparticles through phase separation [2]. By modifying Mg concentration, we have observed modifications of luminescent properties of Er3+ ions [3]. However the question arises of the partition of rare-earth ions in nanoparticles. Qualitative partition of erbium ions in nanoparticles was reported thanks to Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry analyses [4]. However, the spatial resolution is about the particle size. To go further, we take advantages of recent developments in Atom Probe Tomography (APT) which allowed the extension of such studies to glass-ceramics [5]. Partition of erbium ions is clearly observed in nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm (Figure 1). During this presentation, we will discuss this partition and the most probable nearest neighbors and correlate these results with luminescent properties

Dynamics of ultrafast internal conversion processes studied by femtosecond time-delayed photoelectron spectroscopy

The authors have studied the dynamics of ultrafast internal conversion processes using femtosecond time-resolved photoionization and photoelectron spectroscopy. In hexatriene, following femtosecond pulse excitation at 250 nm, they use time-delayed photoionization to observe the formation and decay of an intermediate species on the subpicosecond time scale. With time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, the rapid evolution of vibrational excitation in this intermediate is observed, as electronic energy is converted to vibrational energy in the molecule. The photodynamics of cis and trans isomers of hexatriene are compared and found to be surprisingly different on the 2-3 psec time scale. These results are important for understanding the fundamental photochemical processes in linear polyenes, which have served as models for the active chromophores of many biological photosystems

Conifer somatic embryogenesis: I. Development

The discovery of conifer somatic embryogenesis (SE) and the subsequent development of SE protocols for a range of genera and species have opened new research opportunities to forest biotechnologists and a means towards mass clonal propagation for the forest industry. This paper provides a general description of the conifer SE process, followed by a review of protocols developed specifically for several conifer species in the Pinaceae family for which production of somatic trees has been demonstrated. Additionally, future research needs, including approaches for developing markers to optimize SE process and the production of high quality embryos, are discussed

Direct Observations of Compositional Changes at the Early Stages of Er-doped Phase Separated Nanoparticles in Silicate Glasses

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Executive Incentive Schemes in Initial Public Offerings: The Effects of Multiple-Agency Conflicts and Corporate Governance

Combining a behavioral agency perspective with research on multiple-agency conflicts, this article examines factors affecting the implementation of equity-based incentive schemes in initial public offerings (IPOs). With a unique sample of U.K. IPO companies between the years 1998 and 2002, it shows that conditional (performance-related) incentive schemes are negatively associated with share ownership and board power of the IPO’s founding directors. However, the retained ownership of venture capital firms is positively associated with the probability of conditional incentive schemes. Board independence weakly effects on the toughness of executive compensation. The article’s interesting findings suggest a number of avenues for a future analysis of the governance development process in threshold firms