4,749 research outputs found
Scanning Near Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM) in Reflection or Scanning Optical Tunneling Microscopy (SOTM)
The recent exploitation of near field optics opened a new branch of light microscopy beyond the diffraction limit. With scanning near field optical microscopy a lateral resolution of 20 and 50 nm was obtained in transmission and reflection, respectively. In a novel optical tunneling mode, also the topography of pure phase objects has been imaged at a resolution of 50 nm laterally and 1 nm vertically
Size-dependent fine-structure splitting in self-organized InAs/GaAs quantum dots
A systematic variation of the exciton fine-structure splitting with quantum
dot size in single InAs/GaAs quantum dots grown by metal-organic chemical vapor
deposition is observed. The splitting increases from -80 to as much as 520
eV with quantum dot size. A change of sign is reported for small quantum
dots. Model calculations within the framework of eight-band k.p theory and the
configuration interaction method were performed. Different sources for the
fine-structure splitting are discussed, and piezoelectricity is pinpointed as
the only effect reproducing the observed trend.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure
Control of fine-structure splitting and excitonic binding energies in selected individual InAs/GaAs quantum dots
A systematic study of the impact of annealing on the electronic properties of
single InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) is presented. Single QD cathodoluminescence
spectra are recorded to trace the evolution of one and the same QD over several
steps of annealing. A substantial reduction of the excitonic fine-structure
splitting upon annealing is observed. In addition, the binding energies of
different excitonic complexes change dramatically. The results are compared to
model calculations within eight-band k.p theory and the configuration
interaction method, suggesting a change of electron and hole wave function
shape and relative position.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Enhanced transmission versus localization of a light pulse by a subwavelength metal slit: Can the pulse have both characteristics?
The existence of resonant enhanced transmission and collimation of light
waves by subwavelength slits in metal films [for example, see T.W. Ebbesen et
al., Nature (London) 391, 667 (1998) and H.J. Lezec et al., Science, 297, 820
(2002)] leads to the basic question: Can a light be enhanced and simultaneously
localized in space and time by a subwavelength slit? To address this question,
the spatial distribution of the energy flux of an ultrashort (femtosecond)
wave-packet diffracted by a subwavelength (nanometer-size) slit was analyzed by
using the conventional approach based on the Neerhoff and Mur solution of
Maxwell's equations. The results show that a light can be enhanced by orders of
magnitude and simultaneously localized in the near-field diffraction zone at
the nm- and fs-scales. Possible applications in nanophotonics are discussed.Comment: 5 figure
Higher dimensional abelian Chern-Simons theories and their link invariants
The role played by Deligne-Beilinson cohomology in establishing the relation
between Chern-Simons theory and link invariants in dimensions higher than three
is investigated. Deligne-Beilinson cohomology classes provide a natural abelian
Chern-Simons action, non trivial only in dimensions , whose parameter
is quantized. The generalized Wilson -loops are observables of the
theory and their charges are quantized. The Chern-Simons action is then used to
compute invariants for links of -loops, first on closed
-manifolds through a novel geometric computation, then on
through an unconventional field theoretic computation.Comment: 40 page
An exploration of the factors involved in lifestyle decisions in young people with cystic fibrosis using decision making vignettes, and the role of perceived risk in infection
This study explored the factors involved in lifestyle decision making in young people with Cystic Fibrosis, specifically the role of infection risk. Certain pathogens present a high risk of infection to people with Cystic Fibrosis, and can significantly affect their health. It is therefore important that people with the disease attempt to minimise the risk of contracting these infections. There was limited literature relating specifically to infection risk and decision making in this population. However, this study drew on decision making literature from other areas, with regard to engaging in risktaking behaviours. The study employed a vignette methodology, presenting a series of lifestyle situations to eight participants and asking them to think aloud whilst deciding whether to engage in the activity. This was followed by a brief interview. An interview was also conducted with a Consultant Microbiologist, offering a detailed understanding of the level of risk presented in each vignette. Thematic Analysis was used to interpret the results, highlighting a number of important themes. Participants frequently chose to engage in activities that would present an increased risk of infection. It was often important to find a balance between maintaining their health and engaging in a fulfilling life. However, at times, participants lacked an adequate understanding of the level of risk or the nature of the infections to make an informed decision. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
The HERMES Back Drift Chambers
The tracking system of the HERMES spectrometer behind the bending magnet
consists of two pairs of large planar 6-plane drift chambers. The design and
performance of these chambers is described. This description comprises details
on the mechanical and electronical design, information about the gas mixture
used and its properties, results on alignment, calibration, resolution, and
efficiencies, and a discussion of the experience gained through the first three
years of operation.Comment: 21 pages, LaTex, 16 figures include
The size of the proton - closing in on the radius puzzle
We analyze the recent electron-proton scattering data from Mainz using a
dispersive framework that respects the constraints from analyticity and
unitarity on the nucleon structure. We also perform a continued fraction
analysis of these data. We find a small electric proton charge radius, r_E^p =
0.84_{-0.01}^{+0.01} fm, consistent with the recent determination from muonic
hydrogen measurements and earlier dispersive analyses. We also extract the
proton magnetic radius, r_M^p = 0.86_{-0.03}^{+0.02} fm, consistent with
earlier determinations based on dispersion relations.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, fit improved, small modifications, section on
continued fractions modified, conclusions on the proton charge radius
unchanged, version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal
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