Modulation des propriétés ONL de ligands azobenzéniques par coordination de cations métalliques

National audienc

The microscopic structure of cold aqueous methanol mixtures

The evolution of the micro-segregated structure of aqueous methanol mixtures, in the temperature range 300 K-120 K, is studied with computer simulations, from the static structural point of view. The structural heterogeneity of water is reinforced at lower temperatures, as witnessed by a pre-peak in the oxygen-oxygen structure factor. Water tends to form predominantly chain-like clusters at lower temperatures and smaller concentrations. Methanol domains have essentially the same chain-like cluster structure as the pure liquid at high concentrations and becomes mono- meric at smaller ones. Concentration uctuations decrease with temperature, leading to quasi-ideal Kirkwood-Bu integrals, despite the enhanced molecular interactions, which we interpret as the signature of non-interacting segregated water and methanol clusters. This study throws a new light on the nature of the micro-heterogeneous structure of this mixture: the domain segregation is essentially based on the appearance of linear water clusters, unlike other alcohol aqueous mixtures, such as with propanol or butanol, where the water domains are more bulky.

Third Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Azobenzene Iminopyridine Derivatives by the Z-scan technique

International audienc

Nonlinear optical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) thin films doped with Bixa Orellana dye

Natural dyes with highly delocalized π-electron systems are considered as promising organic materials for nonlinear optical applications. Among these dyes, Bixa Orellana dye with extended π-electron delocalization is one of the most attractive dyes. Bixa Orellana dye-doped Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films were prepared through spin coating process for linear and nonlinear optical properties investigation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to evaluate the roughness of the thin films. The optical constants n and k were evaluated by ellipsometric spectroscopy. The refractive index had a maximum of about 1.456 at 508.5, 523.79 and 511.9 nm, while the maximum of k varies from 0.070 to 0.080 with the thickness. The third order nonlinear optical properties of the hybrid Bixa Orellana dye-PMMA polymer were investigated under 30 ps laser irradiation at 1064 nm with a repetition rate of 10 Hz. In particular the third-order nonlinear susceptibility has been determined by means of the Maker Fringes technique. The nonlinear third order susceptibility was found to be 1.00 × 10−21 m2 V−2 or 0.72 × 10−13 esu. Our studies provide concrete evidence that the hybrid-PMMA composites of Bixa dye are prospective candidates for nonlinear material applications

Making space for empathy: supporting doctors in the emotional labour of clinical care

BACKGROUND: The academic and medical literature highlights the positive effects of empathy for patient care. Yet, very little attention has been given to the impact of the requirement for empathy on the physicians themselves and on their emotional wellbeing. DISCUSSION: The medical profession requires doctors to be both clinically competent and empathetic towards the patients. In practice, accommodating both requirements can be difficult for physicians. The image of the technically skilful, rational, and emotionally detached doctor dominates the profession, and inhibits physicians from engaging emotionally with their patients and their own feelings, which forms the basis for empathy. This inhibition has a negative impact not only on the patients but also on the physicians. The expression of emotions in medical practice is perceived as unprofessional and many doctors learn to supress and ignore their feelings. When facing stressful situations, these physicians are more likely to suffer from depression and burnout than those who engage with and reflect on their feelings. Physicians should be supported in their emotional work, which will help them develop empathy. Methods could include questionnaires that aid self-reflection, and discussion groups with peers and supervisors on emotional experiences. Yet, in order for these methods to work, the negative image associated with the expression of emotions should be questioned. Also, the work conditions of physicians should improve to allow them to make use of these tools. SUMMARY: Empathy should not only be expected from doctors but should be actively promoted, assisted and cultivated in the medical profession