Optical coherence of a scalar wave influenced by first-order and second-order statistics of its random phase

We analyze a simple model of a scalar optical wave with partial coherence. The model is devised to describe the influence on the coherence of the wave, of the statistical properties of its random phase, including both the second-order statistics (phase correlation) — which is classic, but also the first-order statistics (phase distribution) — which is nonclassic. Expectedly, upon increasing the disorder of the fluctuating phase through a reduction of its correlation duration, the model shows that the coherence of the wave is always reduced. By contrast, upon increasing the disorder of the fluctuating phase through an increase of its dispersion, the model reveals that the coherence of the wave can sometimes be enhanced. This beneficial consequence of an increase in disorder is related to the phenomenon of stochastic resonance or improvement by noise in signal processing

(Super)Gelators derived from push-pull chromophores: Synthesis, gelling properties and second harmonic generation

The present work takes advantage of the self-assembly process occuring along organogelation, to organize Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) active chromophores. To do so, three push-pull chromophores endowed with a dodecyl urea chain were synthesized and characterized. Their organogelating properties were studied in a wide range of solvents. Despite similar architectures, these derivatives exhibit very different gelling properties, from supergelation to absence of gelling ability. The utilization of the Hansen solubility parameters allows for observing clear relationships between the gelled solvents and critical gelation concentrations. By evaporating the solvents from the organogels, xerogel materials were prepared and systematically studied by means of optical and electron microscopies as well as SHG microscopy. These studies demonstrate the critical role of the solvent over materials structuring and allow generalizing the approach exploiting organogelation as a structuring tool to spontaneously organize push-pull chromophores into SHG-active materials

Lack of in vivo blockade of Fas- and TNFR1-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis by the hepatitis C virus.

In vitro data have shown that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein binds to protein members of the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Since this interaction could be relevant to HCV persistence and oncogenesis, this study assessed whether HCV may interfere with the apoptotic cascade in vivo. Apoptosis (by TUNEL) and Fas and TNFR1 expression (by immunohistochemistry) were scored in the liver of 60 chronic hepatitis C patients. Results were compared with the liver disease grading and staging scores and the HCV replication level in serum and liver. Apoptotic hepatocytes were stained in 29 cases. Fas was expressed in 35 cases and TNFR1 in 21, 15 patients (25%) being negative for both receptors. Overall, the numbers of TUNEL-, Fas- and TNFR-positive hepatocytes did not correlate with the extent of intrahepatic CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration, the grading and staging of liver disease, or the serum or liver HCV RNA levels. Furthermore, when patients expressing either Fas or TNFR1 were stratified according to serum HCV RNA levels, cases with detectable hepatocyte apoptosis had higher HCV viraemias. In conclusion, an HCV-mediated, in vivo blockade of hepatocyte apoptosis via the Fas- or TNFR1-dependent pathways seems unlikely

Mesure de dépolarisation de milieux diffusants à l'échelle du nanomètre

Date du colloque : 06/2008National audienc

Nonlinear Optical Response of Self-Assembled Molecular Corners

During the last years there is a growing effort in order to synthesize, functionalize and characterize modern molecular systems, which will have enhanced nonlinearities in order to be utilized in modern photonic applications. The nonlinearities are generally known to be significantly enhanced in systems which exhibit strong charge transfer within specially chosen moieties acting as electron donors or acceptors. Utilizing proper functionalization the charge transfer can be more enhanced by increasing the amount, as well as the mobility of the p-electrons of the systems. In this work we quantify the magnitude of the third order nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) of the TTF based molecular corners shown in Fig. 1, by the Degenerate Four Wave Mixing (DFWM) setup. Moreover by means of the Z-scan setup separate characterization of the nonlinear absorption of the systems is carried out. The advantage of these systems is that apart from their high nonlinearities can be combined in order to synthesize more complicated molecular systems like rotaxanes, catenanes etc

Promoting Spontaneous Second Harmonic Generation through Organogelation

An organogelator based on the Disperse Red NLO-phore was synthesized according to a simple and efficient three-step procedure. The supramolecular gel organization leads to xerogels which display a spontaneous second harmonic generation (SHG) response without any need for pre-processing and this SHG activity appears stable over several months. These findings, based on an intrinsic structural approach are supported by favorable intermolecular supramolecular interactions, which promote a locally non-centrosymmetric NLO-active organization. This is in sharp contrast with most materials designed for SHG purposes, which generally require the use of expensive or heavy-to-handle external techniques for managing the dipoles alignment

Paleoenvironmental and diagenetic evolution of the Aptian Pre-Salt succession in Namibe Basin (Onshore Angola)

The Aptian Pre-Salt sedimentary succession cropping out in Cangulo palaeovalley onshore Namibe Basin (Angola) was studied by a combination of field and analytical techniques to constrain the sedimentary and diagenetic evolution of the uppermost sag sequence of the South Atlantic passive margin. Field observations allows definition of four transgressive-regressive cycles characterised by fluvial to tidal-influenced mixed clastic-carbonate and carbonate-dominated deposits, that locally show evidence of evaporite dissolution; highlighting that evaporite deposition started earlier than deposition of the regional South Atlantic Loeme-Bambata evaporite formations. Two separate pre-salt carbonate units have been differentiated within the Cangulo Fm; i) a lower transitional to marginal marine, and ii) a younger upper non-marine freshwater travertine system, that is documented for the first time in the west African margin. Transgressive-regressive cycles control the early diagenesis of the tidal carbonates that include dolomitization due to mixing fluids during transgressions, and karstification due to evaporite dissolution by meteoric water circulation during regressive events. Clastic supply appears to have been completely shut down during carbonate deposition, suggesting major climatic change associated with carbonate deposition. During the lowstand between the two carbonate units, fluid flow through Cangulo palaeovalley was re-established resulting in extensive karstification and formation of a large-scale erosional unconformity that is interpreted to be time equivalent to an intra Chela-Cuvo Fm. event. The top of the studied succession corresponds to the transgressive deposits of the Bambata evaporites that are not preserved in the Cangulo palaeovalley due to its erosion but are regionally developed. The results of this study can be directly linked to along strike age equivalent Pre-Salt successions cropping out in the Namibe, Benguela and Kwanza basins, and directly offshore Angola and Brazil using well and seismic data. These new data shed important new light and constraints on the depositional and diagenetic evolution of the complex Pre-Salt reservoir systems of the South Atlantic, and the depositional and bathymetric setting at the time of onset of the main south Atlantic evaporite deposition.publishedVersio