120 research outputs found
Advancing single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy with organic fluorophores
Interplay between J- and H-type coupling in aggregates of Ď-conjugated polymers: a single-molecule perspective
Strong dipoleâdipole coupling within and between Ďâconjugated segments shifts electronic transitions, and modifies vibronic coupling and excitedâstate lifetimes. Since Jâtype coupling between monomers along the conjugatedâpolymer (CP) chain and Hâtype coupling of chromophores between chains of a CP compete, a superposition of the spectral modifications arising from each type of coupling emerges, making the two couplings hard to discern in the ensemble. We introduce a singleâmolecule Hâtype aggregate of fixed spacing and variable length of up to 10â
nm. HJâtype aggregate formation is visualized intuitively in the scatter of singleâmolecule spectra
Should I stay or should I go? : On forces that drive and prevent MBSE adoption in the embedded systems industry
[Context] Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) comprises a set of models and techniques that is often suggested as solution to cope with the challenges of engineering complex systems. Although many practitioners agree with the arguments on the potential benefits of the techniques, companies struggle with the adoption of MBSE. [Goal] In this paper, we investigate the forces that prevent or impede the adoption of MBSE in companies that develop embedded software systems. We contrast the hindering forces with issues and challenges that drive these companies towards introducing MBSE. [Method] Our results are based on 20 interviews with experts from 10 companies. Through exploratory research, we analyze the results by means of thematic coding. [Results] Forces that prevent MBSE adoption mainly relate to immature tooling, uncertainty about the return-on-investment, and fears on migrating existing data and processes. On the other hand, MBSE adoption also has strong drivers and participants have high expectations mainly with respect to managing complexity, adhering to new regulations, and reducing costs. [Conclusions] We conclude that bad experiences and frustration about MBSE adoption originate from false or too high expectations. Nevertheless, companies should not underestimate the necessary efforts for convincing employees and addressing their anxiety
Strategies and Best Practices for Model-based Systems Engineering Adoption in Embedded Systems Industry
[Context] Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) advocates the integrated use of models throughout all development phases of a system development life-cycle. It is also often suggested as a solution to cope with the challenges of engineering complex systems. However, MBSE adoption is no trivial task and companies, especially large ones, struggle to achieve it in a timely and effective way. [Goal] We aim to discover what are the best practices and strategies to implement MBSE in companies that develop embedded software systems. [Method] Using an inductive-deductive research approach, we conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with experts from 10 companies. Further, we analyzed the data and drew some conclusions which were validated by an on-line questionnaire in a triangulation fashion. [Results] Our findings are summarized in an empirically validated list of 18 best practices for MBSE adoption and through a prioritized list of the 5 most important best practices. [Conclusions] Raising engineersâ awareness regarding MBSE advantages and acquiring experience through small projects are considered the most important practices to increase the success of MBSE adoption.BMBF, 01IS15058, Verbundprojekt SPEDiT: Software Platform Embedded Systems - Dissemination und Transfe
Spatio-temporal coupling of attosecond pulses
The shortest light pulses produced to date are of the order of a few tens of
attoseconds, with central frequencies in the extreme ultraviolet range and
bandwidths exceeding tens of eV. They are often produced as a train of pulses
separated by half the driving laser period, leading in the frequency domain to
a spectrum of high, odd-order harmonics. As light pulses become shorter and
more spectrally wide, the widely-used approximation consisting in writing the
optical waveform as a product of temporal and spatial amplitudes does not apply
anymore. Here, we investigate the interplay of temporal and spatial properties
of attosecond pulses. We show that the divergence and focus position of the
generated harmonics often strongly depend on their frequency, leading to strong
chromatic aberrations of the broadband attosecond pulses. Our argumentation
uses a simple analytical model based on Gaussian optics, numerical propagation
calculations and experimental harmonic divergence measurements. This effect
needs to be considered for future applications requiring high quality focusing
while retaining the broadband/ultrashort characteristics of the radiation
Temporal fluctuations in excimer-like interactions between pi-conjugated chromophores
Inter- or intramolecular coupling processes between chromophores such as
excimer formation or H- and J-aggregation are crucial to describing the
photophysics of closely packed films of conjugated polymers. Such coupling is
highly distance dependent, and should be sensitive to both fluctuations in the
spacing between chromophores as well as the actual position on the chromophore
where the exciton localizes. Single-molecule spectroscopy reveals these
intrinsic fluctuations in well-defined bi-chromophoric model systems of
cofacial oligomers. Signatures of interchromophoric interactions in the excited
state - spectral red-shifting and broadening, and a slowing of
photoluminescence decay - correlate with each other but scatter strongly
between single molecules, implying an extraordinary distribution in coupling
strengths. Furthermore, these excimer-like spectral fingerprints vary with
time, revealing intrinsic dynamics in the coupling strength within one single
dimer molecule, which constitutes the starting point for describing a molecular
solid. Such spectral sensitivity to sub-Angstrom molecular dynamics could prove
complementary to conventional FRET-based molecular rulers
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