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Top 20 Most Read Articles
March 2010
The 20 articles with the most full-text downloads during the month, in descending order.
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 033101 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3321346 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 5 March 2010
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The present article describes the results and findings explored in the course of the development of the analytically capable prototype of continuous time-of-flight (CTOF) mass spectrometer. Currently marketed pulsed TOF (PTOF) instruments use ion introduction with a 10 ns or so pulse width, followed by a waiting period roughly 100 μs. Accordingly, the sample is under excitation in 10−4 part of the total measuring time. This very low duty cycle severely limits the sensitivity of the PTOF method. A possible approach to deal with this problem is to use linear sinusoidal dual modulation technique (CTOF) as described in this article. This way the sensitivity of the method is increased, due to the 50% duty cycle of the excitation. All other types of TOF spectrometer use secondary electron multiplier (SEM) for detection, which unfortunately discriminates in amplification in favor of the lighter ions. This discrimination effect is especially undesirable in a mass spectrometric method, which targets high mass range. In CTOF method, SEM is replaced with Faraday cup detector, thus eliminating the mass discrimination effect. Omitting SEM is made possible by the high ion intensity and the very slow ion detection with some hundred hertz detection bandwidth. The electrometer electronics of the Faraday cup detector operates with amplification 1010 V/A. The primary ion beam is highly monoenergetic due to the construction of the ion gun, which made possible to omit any electrostatic mirror configuration for bunching the ions. The measurement is controlled by a personal computer and the intelligent signal generator Type Tabor WW 2571, which uses the direct digital synthesis technique for making arbitrary wave forms. The data are collected by a Labjack interface board, and the fast Fourier transformation is performed by the software. Noble gas mixture has been used to test the analytical capabilities of the prototype setup. Measurement presented proves the results of the mathematical calculations as well as the future potentiality for use in chemical analysis of gaseous mixtures.
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WSXM: A software for scanning probe microscopy and a tool for nanotechnology Rev. Sci. Instrum. 78, 013705 (2007); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.2432410 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 31 January 2007
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In this work we briefly describe the most relevant features of WSXM, a freeware scanning probe microscopy software based on MS-Windows. The article is structured in three different sections: The introduction is a perspective on the importance of software on scanning probe microscopy. The second section is devoted to describe the general structure of the application; in this section the capabilities of WSXM to read third party files are stressed. Finally, a detailed discussion of some relevant procedures of the software is carried out.
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 031101 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3327886 (14 pages) Online Publication Date: 15 March 2010
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Unsteady flow of liquids and gasses are important in many scientific, engineering, and biological contexts. Measurement of the characteristics of unsteady and pulsating flows is more difficult than that of static flows. Time constants of the sensors must be understood, sampling rates must satisfy basic signal processing criteria and synchronization of the measurements with the flow may be necessary. Because of development of more advanced measurement devices, there has recently been a growing interest in unsteady and pulsating flow measurements and the number of papers in this field has increased in recent years. This paper reviews the current state of the art in sensors and measurement techniques for the characterization of pressure and temperature in unsteady and pulsating flows including an analysis of the advantages and limitations of each technique.
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A portable high-field pulsed-magnet system for single-crystal x-ray scattering studies Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 113902 (2009); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3251273 (5 pages) Online Publication Date: 6 November 2009
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We present a portable pulsed-magnet system for x-ray studies of materials in high magnetic fields (up to 30 T). The apparatus consists of a split-pair of minicoils cooled on a closed-cycle cryostat, which is used for x-ray diffraction studies with applied field normal to the scattering plane. A second independent closed-cycle cryostat is used for cooling the sample to near liquid helium temperatures. Pulsed magnetic fields ( ∼ 1 ms in total duration) are generated by discharging a configurable capacitor bank into the magnet coils. Time-resolved scattering data are collected using a combination of a fast single-photon counting detector, a multichannel scaler, and a high-resolution digital storage oscilloscope. The capabilities of this instrument are used to study a geometrically frustrated system revealing strong magnetostrictive effects in the spin-liquid state.
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 2787 (2004); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1785844 (23 pages) Online Publication Date: 2 September 2004
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Since their invention just over 20 years ago, optical traps have emerged as a powerful tool with broad-reaching applications in biology and physics. Capabilities have evolved from simple manipulation to the application of calibrated forces on—and the measurement of nanometer-level displacements of—optically trapped objects. We review progress in the development of optical trapping apparatus, including instrument design considerations, position detection schemes and calibration techniques, with an emphasis on recent advances. We conclude with a brief summary of innovative optical trapping configurations and applications. |
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Femtosecond pulse shaping using spatial light modulators Rev. Sci. Instrum. 71, 1929 (2000); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1150614 (32 pages)
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We review the field of femtosecond pulse shaping, in which Fourier synthesis methods are used to generate nearly arbitrarily shaped ultrafast optical wave forms according to user specification. An emphasis is placed on programmable pulse shaping methods based on the use of spatial light modulators. After outlining the fundamental principles of pulse shaping, we then present a detailed discussion of pulse shaping using several different types of spatial light modulators. Finally, new research directions in pulse shaping, and applications of pulse shaping to optical communications, biomedical optical imaging, high power laser amplifiers, quantum control, and laser-electron beam interactions are reviewed. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. |
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Calibration of atomic‐force microscope tips Rev. Sci. Instrum. 64, 1868 (1993); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1143970 (6 pages)
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Images and force measurements taken by an atomic‐force microscope (AFM) depend greatly on the properties of the spring and tip used to probe the sample’s surface. In this article, we describe a simple, nondestructive procedure for measuring the force constant, resonant frequency, and quality factor of an AFM cantilever spring and the effective radius of curvature of an AFM tip. Our procedure uses the AFM itself and does not require additional equipment. |
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Atomic force microscopy with a 12-electrode piezoelectric tube scanner Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 033701 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3314901 (10 pages) Online Publication Date: 4 March 2010
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This paper presents a piezoelectric tube scanner with a novel electrode pattern and describes how it may be used for simultaneous sensing and actuation. The electrodes are arranged such that the tube is driven in an antisymmetrical manner, resulting in a collocated system suitable for positive position feedback (PPF). A PPF controller is designed to damp the scanner’s resonance. Piezoelectric strain-induced voltage is used as measurement. The device is then installed into an atomic force microscope to obtain open- and closed-loop images of a grating at 10, 15.6, and 31 Hz scan rates. The closed-loop images are noticeably superior to the open-loop images, illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed scanner when used simultaneously as a sensor and an actuator.
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Invited Article: Local shear stress transduction Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 021301 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3314284 (20 pages) Online Publication Date: 24 February 2010
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This is a comprehensive review of local direct measurement shear stress transducers. Transducers are first classified by their movement, measuring mode, and mechanism. These categories are then subclassified into active or passive movement, static or dynamic measuring mode, and rotational or translational mechanisms. Over 80 transducers are reviewed and tabulated. Finally, sources of transducer error are analyzed. Primary sources of error are transducer and housing misalignment, material ingress around the active face, active face roughness, and the effects of temperature gradients when making measurements on surfaces where temperature gradients develop.
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Absolute charge calibration of scintillating screens for relativistic electron detection Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 033301 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3310275 (6 pages) Online Publication Date: 3 March 2010
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We report on new charge calibrations and linearity tests with high-dynamic range for eight different scintillating screens typically used for the detection of relativistic electrons from laser-plasma based acceleration schemes. The absolute charge calibration was done with picosecond electron bunches at the ELBE linear accelerator in Dresden. The lower detection limit in our setup for the most sensitive scintillating screen (KODAK Biomax MS) was 10 fC/mm2. The screens showed a linear photon-to-charge dependency over several orders of magnitude. An onset of saturation effects starting around 10–100 pC/mm2 was found for some of the screens. Additionally, a constant light source was employed as a luminosity reference to simplify the transfer of a one-time absolute calibration to different experimental setups.
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 014301 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3277116 (7 pages) Online Publication Date: 19 January 2010
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We present a novel method for integrating two single-molecule measurement modalities, namely, total internal reflection microscopy and electrical detection of biomolecules using nanopores. Demonstrated here is the electrical measurement of nanopore based biosensing performed simultaneously and in-sync with optical detection of analytes. This method makes it possible, for the first time, to visualize DNA and DNA-protein complexes translocating through a nanopore with high temporal resolution (1000 frames/s) and good signal to background. This paper describes a detailed experimental design of custom optics and data acquisition hardware to achieve simultaneous high resolution electrical and optical measurements on labeled biomolecules as they traverse through a ∼ 4 nm synthetic pore. In conclusion, we discuss new directions and measurements, which this technique opens up.
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Thermal conductivity measurement from 30 to 750 K: the 3ω method Rev. Sci. Instrum. 61, 802 (1990); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1141498 (7 pages)
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An ac technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of dielectric solids between 30 and 750 K is described. This technique, the 3ω method, can be applied to bulk amorphous solids and crystals as well as amorphous films tens of microns thick. Errors from black‐body radiation are calculated to be less than 2% even at 1000 K. Data for a‐SiO2, Pyrex 7740, and Pyroceram 9606 are compared to results obtained by conventional techniques. |
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 125104 (2009); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3264082 (7 pages) Online Publication Date: 7 December 2009
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An array of three identical piezoelectric microcantilever sensors (PEMSs) consisting of a lead zirconate titanate layer bonded to a glass layer was fabricated and examined for simultaneous, in situ, real-time, all-electrical detection of Bacillus anthracis (BA) spores in an aqueous suspension using the first longitudinal extension mode of resonance. With anti-BA antibody immobilized on the sensor surfaces all three PEMS exhibited identical BA detection resonance frequency shifts at all tested concentrations, 10–107 spores/ml with a standard deviation of less than 10%. The detection concentration limit of 10 spores/ml was about two orders of magnitude lower than would be permitted by flexural peaks. In blinded-sample testing, the array PEMS detected BA in three samples containing BA: (1) 3.3×103 spores/ml, (2) a mixture of 3.3×103 spores/ml and 3.3×105 S. aureus (SA) and P. aeruginosa (PA) per ml, and (3) a mixture of 3.3×103 spores/ml with 3.3×106 SA+PA/ml. There was no response to a sample containing only 3.3×106 SA+PA/ml. These results illustrate the sensitivity, specificity, reusability, and reliability of array PEMS for in situ, real-time detection of BA spores.
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 081101 (2009); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3184828 (23 pages) Online Publication Date: 5 August 2009
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We review the current state of multiphoton microscopy. In particular, the requirements and limitations associated with high-speed multiphoton imaging are considered. A description of the different scanning technologies such as line scan, multifoci approaches, multidepth microscopy, and novel detection techniques is given. The main nonlinear optical contrast mechanisms employed in microscopy are reviewed, namely, multiphoton excitation fluorescence, second harmonic generation, and third harmonic generation. Techniques for optimizing these nonlinear mechanisms through a careful measurement of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the focal volume are discussed, and a brief summary of photobleaching effects is provided. Finally, we consider three new applications of multiphoton microscopy: nonlinear imaging in microfluidics as applied to chemical analysis and the use of two-photon absorption and self-phase modulation as contrast mechanisms applied to imaging problems in the medical sciences.
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 78, 031101 (2007); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.2709758 (20 pages) Online Publication Date: 30 March 2007
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The technique of atom probe tomography (APT) is reviewed with an emphasis on illustrating what is possible with the technique both now and in the future. APT delivers the highest spatial resolution (sub-0.3-nm) three-dimensional compositional information of any microscopy technique. Recently, APT has changed dramatically with new hardware configurations that greatly simplify the technique and improve the rate of data acquisition. In addition, new methods have been developed to fabricate suitable specimens from new classes of materials. Applications of APT have expanded from structural metals and alloys to thin multilayer films on planar substrates, dielectric films, semiconducting structures and devices, and ceramic materials. This trend toward a broader range of materials and applications is likely to continue.
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Surface magneto-optic Kerr effect Rev. Sci. Instrum. 71, 1243 (2000); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1150496 (13 pages)
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The surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) has significantly impacted research on magnetic thin films. This is due to its sensitivity, local probing nature, and experimental simplicity. The polar and longitudinal Kerr effects are characterized by a complex rotation of the plane of polarization of linearly polarized incident light upon reflection from the surface of a ferromagnetic material. The rotation is directly related to the magnetization of the material within the probing region of the light. Light penetrates into metals >20 nm deep, but the SMOKE technique derives its surface sensitivity from the limited thickness of the deposited magnetic film, which can be as thin as one atomic layer. Basic principles, experimental arrangements, and applications of SMOKE are reviewed in order to acquaint the nonspecialist with the technique and place it into perspective. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. |
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 76, 061101 (2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1927327 (12 pages) Online Publication Date: 26 May 2005
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Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are drawing interest from both technical and scientific communities. These are electromechanical systems, much like microelectromechanical systems, mostly operated in their resonant modes with dimensions in the deep submicron. In this size regime, they come with extremely high fundamental resonance frequencies, diminished active masses,and tolerable force constants; the quality (Q) factors of resonance are in the range Q ∼ 103–105—significantly higher than those of electrical resonant circuits. These attributes collectively make NEMS suitable for a multitude of technological applications such as ultrafast sensors, actuators, and signal processing components. Experimentally, NEMS are expected to open up investigations of phonon mediated mechanical processes and of the quantum behavior of mesoscopic mechanical systems. However, there still exist fundamental and technological challenges to NEMS optimization. In this review we shall provide a balanced introduction to NEMS by discussing the prospects and challenges in this rapidly developing field and outline an exciting emerging application, nanoelectromechanical mass detection.
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Methods of single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 3597 (2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1589587 (23 pages) Online Publication Date: 23 July 2003
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Optical spectroscopy at the ultimate limit of a single molecule has grown over the past dozen years into a powerful technique for exploring the individual nanoscale behavior of molecules in complex local environments. Observing a single molecule removes the usual ensemble average, allowing the exploration of hidden heterogeneity in complex condensed phases as well as direct observation of dynamical state changes arising from photophysics and photochemistry, without synchronization. This article reviews the experimental techniques of single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy with emphasis on studies at room temperature where the same single molecule is studied for an extended period. Key to successful single-molecule detection is the need to optimize signal-to-noise ratio, and the physical parameters affecting both signal and noise are described in detail. Four successful microscopic methods including the wide-field techniques of epifluorescence and total internal reflection, as well as confocal and near-field optical scanning microscopies are described. In order to extract the maximum amount of information from an experiment, a wide array of properties of the emission can be recorded, such as polarization, spectrum, degree of energy transfer, and spatial position. Whatever variable is measured, the time dependence of the parameter can yield information about excited state lifetimes, photochemistry, local environmental fluctuations, enzymatic activity, quantum optics, and many other dynamical effects. Due to the breadth of applications now appearing, single-molecule spectroscopy and microscopy may be viewed as useful new tools for the study of dynamics in complex systems, especially where ensemble averaging or lack of synchronization may obscure the details of the process under study. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. |
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 033703 (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3321437 (5 pages) Online Publication Date: 17 March 2010
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We present combined noncontact scanning force microscopy and tunneling current images of a platinum(111) surface obtained by means of a 1 MHz quartz needle sensor. The low-frequency circuit of the tunneling current was combined with a high-frequency signal of the quartz resonator enabling full electrical operation of the sensor. The frequency shift and the tunneling current were detected simultaneously, while the feedback control loop of the topography signal was fed using one of them. In both cases, the free signal that was not connected to the feedback loop reveals proportional-integral controller errorlike behavior, which is governed by the time derivative of the topography signal. A procedure is proposed for determining the mechanical oscillation amplitude by utilizing the tunneling current also including the average tip-sample work function.
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Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometer with Improved Resolution Rev. Sci. Instrum. 26, 1150 (1955); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1715212 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 29 December 2004
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A new type of ion gun is described which greatly improves the resolution of a nonmagnetic time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. The focusing action of this gun is discussed and analyzed mathematically. The validity of the analysis and the practicability of the gun are demonstrated by the spectra obtained. The spectrometer is capable of measuring the relative abundance of adjacent masses well beyond 100 amu. |
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