5,555 research outputs found
Stratified dispersive model for material characterization using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
We propose a novel THz material analysis approach which provides highly
accurate material parameters and can be used for industrial quality control.
The method treats the inspected material within its environment locally as a
stratified system and describes the light-matter interaction of each layer in a
realistic way. The approach is illustrated in the time-domain and
frequency-domain for two potential fields of implementation of THz technology:
quality control of (coated) paper sheets and car paint multilayers, both
measured in humid air.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Mg-Ni-H films as selective coatings: tunable reflectance by layered hydrogenation
Unlike other switchable mirrors, Mg2NiHx films show large changes in
reflection that yield very low reflectance (high absorptance) at different
hydrogen contents, far before reaching the semiconducting state. The resulting
reflectance patterns are of interference origin, due to a self-organized
layered hydrogenation mechanism that starts at the substrate interface, and can
therefore be tuned by varying the film thickness. This tunability, together
with the high absorptance contrast observed between the solar and the thermal
energies, strongly suggests the use of these films in smart coatings for solar
applications.Comment: Three two-column pages with 3 figures embedded; RevTE
Surface state charge dynamics of a high-mobility three dimensional topological insulator
We present a magneto-optical study of the three-dimensional topological
insulator, strained HgTe using a technique which capitalizes on advantages of
time-domain spectroscopy to amplify the signal from the surface states. This
measurement delivers valuable and precise information regarding the surface
state dispersion within <1 meV of the Fermi level. The technique is highly
suitable for the pursuit of the topological magnetoelectric effect and axion
electrodynamics.Comment: Published version, online Sept 23, 201
Oxygen isotope effect and phase separation in the optical conductivity of (LaPr)CaMnO thin films
The optical conductivities of films of
(LaPr)CaMnO with different oxygen isotopes
(O and O) have been determined in the spectral range from 0.3 to
4.3 eV using a combination of transmission in the mid-infrared and ellipsometry
from the near-infrared to ultra-violet regions. We have found that the isotope
exchange strongly affects the optical response in the ferromagnetic phase in a
broad frequency range, in contrast to the almost isotope-independent optical
conductivity above . The substitution by O strongly suppresses the
Drude response and a mid-infrared peak while enhancing the conductivity peak at
1.5 eV. A qualitative explanation can be given in terms of the phase separation
present in these materials. Moreover, the optical response is similar to the
one extracted from measurements in polished samples and other thin films, which
signals to the importance of internal strain.Comment: 11 pages, 11 figures, to appear in PR
Software-recorded and self-reported duration of computer use in relation to the onset of severe arm–wrist–hand pain and neck–shoulder pain
Objectives: In both science and media, the adverse effects of a long duration of computer use at work on musculoskeletal health have long been debated. Until recently, the duration of computer use was mainly measured by self-reports, and studies using more objective measures, such as software-recorded computer duration, were lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the association between duration of computer use at work, measured with software and self-reports, and the onset of severe arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. Methods: A 2-year follow-up study was conducted between 2004 and 2006 among 1951 office workers in The Netherlands. Self-reported computer duration and other risk factors were collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Computer use at work was recorded continuously with computer software for 1009 participants. Outcome questionnaires were obtained at baseline and every 3 months during follow-up. Cases were identified based on the transition within 3 months of no or minor symptoms to severe symptoms. Results: Self-reported duration of computer use was positively associated with the onset of both arm-wrist-hand (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1 for more than 4 h/day of total computer use at work) and neck-shoulder symptoms (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0 for more than 4 h/day of mouse use at work). The recorded duration of computer use did not show any statistically significant association with the outcomes. Conclusions: In the present study, no association was found between the software-recorded duration of computer use at work and the onset of severe arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms using an exposure window of 3 months. In contrast, a positive association was found between the self-reported duration of computer use at work and the onset of severe arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. The different findings for recorded and self-reported computer duration could not be explained satisfactorily
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