Near-field interactions between metal nanoparticle surface plasmons and molecular excitons in thin-films: part I: absorption

In this and the following paper (parts I and II, respectively), we systematically study the interactions between surface plasmons of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with excitons in thin-films of organic media. In an effort to exclusively probe near-field interactions, we utilize spherical Ag NPs in a size-regime where far-field light scattering is negligibly small compared to absorption. In part I, we discuss the effect of the presence of these Ag NPs on the absorption of the embedding medium by means of experiment, numerical simulations, and analytical calculations, all shown to be in good agreement. We observe absorption enhancement in the embedding medium due to the Ag NPs with a strong dependence on the medium permittivity, the spectral position relative to the surface plasmon resonance frequency, and the thickness of the organic layer. By introducing a low index spacer layer between the NPs and the organic medium, this absorption enhancement is experimentally confirmed to be a near field effect In part II, we probe the impact of the Ag NPs on the emission of organic molecules by time-resolved and steady-state photoluminescence measurements

Swarm Observations Implementing Integration Theory to Understand an Opponent Swarm

Swarm counter measure systems currently use enhanced weapons and sensor capabilities to address the threat of opponent swarms. However, there is a gap in current defense capabilities to counter swarm attacks, because brute force, or the enhancement of current defense systems by adding to defense capabilities are inadequate because of the inherent robustness, flexibility and adaptation of swarm attacks. Because of this, an overarching model is sought to understand the underlying command and control mechanism of an observed swarm threat, so that mechanisms that determine swarm behaviors can be understood. This will enable the development of countermeasures to counter swarms using specialized systems or tactics for certain behavior types. Integration theory provides an abstract model adequate throughout disparate swarm intelligence-domains (such as biology, computer algorithms, physics, and sociology). Integration theory, used with agent based modeling and analytical methods such as fractal dimensions, entropy, correlation and spatiotemporal structures, shows that it is possible to differentiate among the underlying C2 mechanisms by observing the swarm movement patterns. Adopting a swarm analytical observation approach is advised to promote the implementation of effective future countermeasures.http://archive.org/details/swarmobservation1094517358Outstanding ThesisCaptain, Israel Defense ForcesApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Tailorable Remote Unmanned Combat Craft

U.S. military and civilian vessels are critically vulnerable to asymmetric threats in littoral environments. Common asymmetric weapons such as Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCM), Low Slow Flying (LSF) aircraft and Fast Attack Craft (FAC) / Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) threaten U.S. strategic goals and can produce unacceptable losses of men and material. The SEA-18B team presents an operational concept for a family of Unmanned Surface Vessels USV) capable of defending ships from asymmetric swarm attacks. This USV, the Tailorable Remote Unmanned Combat Craft (TRUCC), can operate in concert with the next generation of capital surface vessels to combat this critical threat with maximum efficiency. Critical performance criteria of the TRUCC family were determined through agent-based simulation of a Straits of Hormuz Design Reference Mission. Additional models addressed ship synthesis and operational availability. A Technology and Capability Roadmap outlines areas of interest for investment and development of the next-generation USV. Interim technology and capability milestones in the Roadmap facilitate incremental USV operational capabilities for missions such as logistics, decoy operations and Mine Warfare. The TRUCC operational concept fills a critical vulnerability gap. Its employment will reduce combat risk to our most valuable maritime assets: our ships and our Sailors.http://archive.org/details/tailorableremote1094515434Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Plasmonic Efficiency Enhancement of High Performance Organic Solar Cells with a Nanostructured Rear Electrode

A strategy and implementation for efficiency enhancement of optimized high performance organic solar cells by a plasmonic nanostructured Ag rear electrode is presented. This enhancement is achieved by tuning the surface plasmon resonance of the nanostructures to the active layer absorption tail, which generates enhanced absorption by light scattering, as verified by experiment and simulation. \ua9 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co

Multi-dimensional modeling of solar cells with electromagnetic and carrier transport calculations

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