Epitaxial Lead Chalcogenides on Si for Mid-IR Detectors and Emitters Including Cavities

Lead chalcogenide (IV-VI narrow-gap semiconductor) layers on Si or BaF2(111) substrates are employed to realize two mid-infrared optoelectronic devices for the first time. A tunable resonant cavity enhanced detector is realized by employing a movable mirror. Tuning is across the 4μm to 5.5μm wavelength range, and linewidth is <0.1μm. Due to the thin (0.3μm) PbTe photodiode inside the cavity, a higher sensitivity at higher operating temperatures was achieved as compared to conventional thick photodiodes. The second device is an optically pumped vertical external-cavity surface-emitting laser with PbTe-based gain layers. It emits at ∼5μm wavelength and with output power up to 50mW pulsed, or 3mW continuous wave at 100

Aplicación del Láser Escáner Terrestre (TLS) a la modelización de estructuras: precisión, exactitud y diseño de la adquisición de datos en casos reales

Terrestrial laser scanner is employed in a wide range of engineering applications, because of the specifications of TLS units and the good precision reached. This paper presents the application of TLS to structures and walls modeling. It analyzes the factors that influence final accuracy: cloud registration, target type and the effect of scanning angle and distance. A field test was performed with calibrated panels, obtaining real precision and accuracy values for the most common distance ranges in engineering. We propose and validate the usage of pattern graphs relating precision and accuracy versus distance and scanning angle for field survey design. The application of pattern graph in the design of field scan surveys for dam movement control is also presented. Recommendations are made for the application of TLS technique to large structures.<br><br>El láser escáner terrestre se emplea en numerosas aplicaciones de Ingeniería, debido a las prestaciones de los equipos y a las precisiones alcanzadas. Se presenta la aplicación del TLS a la modelización de estructuras y paramentos verticales. Se analizan los factores que influyen en la precisión final: registro de nubes, tipo de dianas y el efecto del ángulo y distancia de escaneo. Se realizó una prueba de campo con testigos calibrados, obteniendo valores reales de precisión y exactitud para los rangos de distancia más usuales en Ingeniería. Se propone y valida el empleo de gráficos patrón que relacionan las variables precisión y exactitud con los factores distancia y ángulo de escaneo para el diseño de trabajos de campo. Se expone su aplicación al diseño de los escaneos para el control de movimientos de una presa. Se realizan recomendaciones para la aplicación de la técnica TLS a grandes estructuras

Design of a web-based LBS framework addressing usability, cost, and implementation constraints

This research investigates barriers that prevent Location Based Services (LBS) from reaching its full potential. The different constraints, including poor usability, lack of positioning support, costs, and integration difficulties are highlighted. A framework was designed incorporating components based on existing and new technologies that could help address the constraints of LBS and increase end-user acceptance. This research proposes that usability constraints can be addressed by adapting a system to user characteristics which are inferred on the basis of captured user context and interaction data. A prototype LBS system was developed to prove the feasibility and benefit of the framework design, demonstrating that constraints of positioning, cost, and integration can be overcome. Volunteers were asked to use the system, and to answer questions in relation to their proficiency and experience. User-feedback showed that the proposed combination of functionality was well-received, and the prototype was appealing to many users. Ground-truths from the survey were related back to data captured with a user monitoring component in order to investigate whether users can be classified according to their context and how they interact. The results have shown that statistically significant relationships exist, and that by using the C4.5 decision-tree, computer proficiency can be estimated within one class-width in 76.7% of the cases. These results suggest that it may be possible to build a user-model to estimate computer proficiency on the basis of user-interaction data. The user model could then used to improve usability through adaptive user-specific customisations

A review of the use of terrestrial laser scanning application for change detection and deformation monitoring of structures

Change detection and deformation monitoring is an active area of research within the field of engineering surveying as well as overlapping areas such as structural and civil engineering. The application of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) techniques for change detection and deformation monitoring of concrete structures has increased over the years as illustrated in the past studies. This paper presents a review of literature on TLS application in the monitoring of structures and discusses registration and georeferencing of TLS point cloud data as a critical issue in the process chain of accurate deformation analysis. Past TLS research work has shown some trends in addressing issues such as accurate registration and georeferencing of the scans and the need of a stable reference frame, TLS error modelling and reduction, point cloud processing techniques for deformation analysis, scanner calibration issues and assessing the potential of TLS in detecting sub-centimetre and millimetre deformations. However, several issues are still open to investigation as far as TLS is concerned in change detection and deformation monitoring studies such as rigorous and efficient workflow methodology of point cloud processing for change detection and deformation analysis, incorporation of measurement geometry in deformation measurements of high-rise structures, design of data acquisition and quality assessment for precise measurements and modelling the environmental effects on the performance of laser scanning. Even though some studies have attempted to address these issues, some gaps exist as information is still limited. Some methods reviewed in the case studies have been applied in landslide monitoring and they seem promising to be applied in engineering surveying to monitor structures. Hence the proposal of a three-stage process model for deformation analysis is presented. Furthermore, with technological advancements new TLS instruments with better accuracy are being developed necessitating more research for precise measurements in the monitoring of structures

Memory for medication side effects in younger and older adults: the role of subjective and objective importance

Older adults often experience memory impairments, but can sometimes use selective processing and schematic support to remember important information. The current experiments investigate to what degree younger and healthy older adults remember medication side effects that were subjectively or objectively important to remember. Participants studied a list of common side effects, and rated how negative these effects were if they were to experience them, and were then given a free recall test. In Experiment 1, the severity of the side effects ranged from mild (e.g., itching) to severe (e.g., stroke), and in Experiment 2, certain side effects were indicated as critical to remember (i.e., “contact your doctor if you experience this”). There were no age differences in terms of free recall of the side effects, and older adults remembered more severe side effects relative to mild effects. However, older adults were less likely to recognize critical side effects on a later recognition test, relative to younger adults. The findings suggest that older adults can selectively remember medication side effects, but have difficulty identifying familiar but potentially critical side effects, and this has implications for monitoring medication use in older age