RSI Nameplate
  • Volume/Page
  • Keyword
  • DOI
  • Citation
  • Advanced
   
 
 
 

Flickr Twitter iResearch App Facebook

BROWSE VOLUMES

Year Range: 
Search Issue | RSS Feeds RSS
Previous Issue Next Issue

May 2012

Volume 83, Issue 5, Articles (05xxxx)

Issue Cover Spotlight Figure

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 051101 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4709621 (18 pages)

Igor Lubomirsky and Oscar Stafsudd

The periodic pulsed heating technique for measuring pyroelectricity (the Chynoweth method) is one of several measurement techniques that have been significantly enhanced through advances in instrumentation such as fast digital averaging oscilloscopes and modulated light sources.

Enlarge Image | Read More
Return to All Sections
back to top
RSS Feeds
back to top Microscopy and Imaging

Experimental and simulation study of undesirable short-period deformation in piezoelectric deformable x-ray mirrors

Hiroki Nakamori, Satoshi Matsuyama, Shota Imai, Takashi Kimura, Yasuhisa Sano, Yoshiki Kohmura, Kenji Tamasaku, Makina Yabashi, Tetsuya Ishikawa, and Kazuto Yamauchi

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053701 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4709499 (6 pages) | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: 3 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
To construct adaptive x-ray focusing optics whose optical parameters can be varied while performing wavefront correction, ultraprecise piezoelectric deformable mirrors have been developed. We computationally and experimentally investigated undesirable short-period deformation caused by piezoelectric actuators adhered to the substrate during mirror deformation. Based on the results of finite element method analysis, shape measurements, and the observation of x-ray reflection images, a guideline is developed for designing deformable mirrors that do not have short-period deformation errors.
Show PACS
41.50.+h X-ray beams and x-ray optics
42.79.Bh Lenses, prisms and mirrors
07.07.Tw Servo and control equipment; robots

Development of a pulse programmer for magnetic resonance imaging using a personal computer and a high-speed digital input–output board

Seitaro Hashimoto, Katsumi Kose, and Tomoyuki Haishi

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053702 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4711132 (6 pages)

Online Publication Date: 7 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
We have developed a pulse programmer for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a personal computer and a commercially available high-speed digital input–output board. The software for the pulse programmer was developed using C/C++ and .NET Framework 2.0 running under the Windows 7 operating system. The pulse programmer was connected to a digital MRI transceiver using a 32-bit parallel interface, and 128-bit data (16 bits × 8 words) for the pulse sequence and the digitally detected MRI signal were transferred bi-directionally every 1 μs. The performance of the pulse programmer was evaluated using a 1.0 T permanent magnet MRI system. The acquired MR images demonstrated the usefulness of the pulse programmer. Although our pulse programmer was developed for a specially designed digital MRI transceiver, our approach can be used for any MRI system if the interface for the transceiver is properly designed. Therefore, we have concluded that our approach is promising for MRI pulse programmers.
Show PACS
07.57.Pt Submillimeter wave, microwave and radiowave spectrometers; magnetic resonance spectrometers, auxiliary equipment, and techniques
84.30.Ng Oscillators, pulse generators, and function generators

Retrofitting an atomic force microscope with photothermal excitation for a clean cantilever response in low Q environments

Aleksander Labuda, Kei Kobayashi, Yoichi Miyahara, and Peter Grütter

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053703 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4712286 (8 pages) | Cited 3 times

Online Publication Date: 10 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

multimedia

Show Abstract
It is well known that the low-Q regime in dynamic atomic force microscopy is afflicted by instrumental artifacts (known as “the forest of peaks”) caused by piezoacoustic excitation of the cantilever. In this article, we unveil additional issues associated with piezoacoustic excitation that become apparent and problematic at low Q values. We present the design of a photothermal excitation system that resolves these issues, and demonstrate its performance on force spectroscopy at the interface of gold and an ionic liquid with an overdamped cantilever (Q < 0.5). Finally, challenges in the interpretation of low-Q dynamic AFM measurements are discussed.
Show PACS
07.79.Lh Atomic force microscopes

Design and analysis of multi-color confocal microscopy with a wavelength scanning detector

Dukho Do, Wanhee Chun, and Dae-Gab Gweon

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053704 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4717679 (6 pages)

Online Publication Date: 10 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
Spectral (or multi-color) microscopy has the ability to detect the fluorescent light of biological specimens with a broad range of wavelengths. Currently, the acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is widely used in spectral microscopy as a substitute for a multiple-dichroic mirror to divide excitation and emission signals while maintaining sufficient light efficiency. In addition, systems which utilize an AOTF have a very fast switching speed and high resolution for wavelength selection. In this paper, confocal-spectral microscopy is proposed with a particular spectrometer design with a wavelength-scanning galvano-mirror. This enables the detection of broadband (480–700 nm) fluorescence signals by a single point detector (photomultiplier tube) instead of a CCD pixel array. For this purpose, a number of optical elements were applicably designed. A prism is used to amplify the dispersion angle, and the design of the relay optics matches the signals to the diameter of the wavelength-scanning galvano-mirror. Also, a birefringent material known as calcite is used to offset the displacement error at the image plane depending on the polarization states. The proposed multi-color confocal microscopy with the unique detection body has many advantages in comparison with commercial devices. In terms of the detection method, it can be easily applied to other imaging modalities.
Show PACS
42.79.Pw Imaging detectors and sensors
07.60.Pb Conventional optical microscopes
42.79.Bh Lenses, prisms and mirrors
42.79.Ci Filters, zone plates, and polarizers
42.79.Jq Acousto-optical devices
Author Select

Quantitative scheme for full-field polarization rotating fluorescence microscopy using a liquid crystal variable retarder

John F. Lesoine, Ji Youn Lee, Jeffrey R. Krogmeier, Hyeonggon Kang, Matthew L. Clarke, Robert Chang, Dan L. Sackett, Ralph Nossal, and Jeeseong Hwang

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053705 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4717682 (9 pages)

Online Publication Date: 16 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
We present a quantitative scheme for full-field polarization rotating fluorescence microscopy. A quarter-wave plate, in combination with a liquid crystal variable retarder, provides a tunable method to rotate polarization states of light prior to its being coupled into a fluorescence microscope. A calibration of the polarization properties of the incident light is performed in order to correct for elliptical polarization states. This calibration allows the response of the sample to linear polarization states of light to be recovered. Three known polarization states of light can be used to determine the average fluorescent dipole orientations in the presence of a spatially varying dc offset or background polarization-invariant fluorescence signal. To demonstrate the capabilities of this device, we measured a series of full-field fluorescence polarization images from fluorescent analogs incorporated in the lipid membrane of Burkitts lymphoma CA46 cells. The fluorescent lipid-like analogs used in this study are molecules that are labeled by either a DiI (1,1′-Dioctadecyl 3,3,3′,3′-Tetramethylindocarbocyanine) fluorophore in its head group or a Bodipy (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) molecule in its acyl chain. A spatially varying contrast in the normalized amplitude was observed on the cell surface, where the orientation of the DiI molecules is tangential to the cell membrane. The internally labeled cellular structures showed zero response to changes in linear polarization, and the net linear polarization amplitude for these regions was zero. This instrument provides a low cost calibrated method that may be coupled to existing fluorescence microscopes to perform investigations of cellular processes that involve a change in molecular orientations.
Show PACS
87.64.M- Optical microscopy
42.79.Ci Filters, zone plates, and polarizers
42.79.Kr Display devices, liquid-crystal devices
87.64.kv Fluorescence

A dual-band adaptor for infrared imaging

A. G. McLean, J-W. Ahn, R. Maingi, T. K. Gray, and A. L. Roquemore

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053706 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4717672 (8 pages) | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: 21 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
A novel imaging adaptor providing the capability to extend a standard single-band infrared (IR) camera into a two-color or dual-band device has been developed for application to high-speed IR thermography on the National Spherical Tokamak Experiment (NSTX). Temperature measurement with two-band infrared imaging has the advantage of being mostly independent of surface emissivity, which may vary significantly in the liquid lithium divertor installed on NSTX as compared to that of an all-carbon first wall. In order to take advantage of the high-speed capability of the existing IR camera at NSTX (1.6–6.2 kHz frame rate), a commercial visible-range optical splitter was extensively modified to operate in the medium wavelength and long wavelength IR. This two-band IR adapter utilizes a dichroic beamsplitter, which reflects 4–6 μm wavelengths and transmits 7–10 μm wavelength radiation, each with >95% efficiency and projects each IR channel image side-by-side on the camera's detector. Cutoff filters are used in each IR channel, and ZnSe imaging optics and mirrors optimized for broadband IR use are incorporated into the design. In-situ and ex-situ temperature calibration and preliminary data of the NSTX divertor during plasma discharges are presented, with contrasting results for dual-band vs. single-band IR operation.
Show PACS
07.20.Dt Thermometers
42.79.Bh Lenses, prisms and mirrors
42.79.Ci Filters, zone plates, and polarizers
42.79.Fm Reflectors, beam splitters, and deflectors
42.79.Pw Imaging detectors and sensors
52.25.Os Emission, absorption, and scattering of electromagnetic radiation
52.55.Fa Tokamaks, spherical tokamaks
52.70.Kz Optical (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) measurements

Designing a miniaturised heated stage for in situ optical measurements of solid oxide fuel cell electrode surfaces, and probing the oxidation of solid oxide fuel cell anodes using in situ Raman spectroscopy

E. Brightman, R. Maher, G. J. Offer, V. Duboviks, C. Heck, L. F. Cohen, and N. P. Brandon

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053707 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4719955 (7 pages)

Online Publication Date: 22 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
A novel miniaturised heated stage for in operando optical measurements on solid oxide fuel cell electrode surfaces is described. The design combines the advantages of previously reported designs, namely, (i) fully controllable dual atmosphere operation enabling fuel cell pellets to be tested in operando with either electrode in any atmosphere being the focus of study, and (ii) combined electrochemical measurements with optical spectroscopy measurements with the potential for highly detailed study of electrochemical processes; with the following advances, (iii) integrated fitting for mounting on a mapping stage enabling 2-D spatial characterisation of the surface, (iv) a compact profile that is externally cooled, enabling operation on an existing microscope without the need for specialized lenses, (v) the ability to cool very rapidly, from 600 °C to 300 °C in less than 5 min without damaging the experimental apparatus, and (vi) the ability to accommodate a range of pellet sizes and thicknesses.
Show PACS
82.47.Ed Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC)
82.45.Fk Electrodes

Optimal design and fabrication of three-dimensional calibration specimens for scanning probe microscopy

Xiaoning Liu, Tingting Luo, Yuhang Chen, Wenhao Huang, and Guido Piaszenski

Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 053708 (2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4719661 (5 pages) | Cited 2 times

Online Publication Date: 23 May 2012

Full Text: Read Online (HTML) | Download PDF

Show Abstract
Micro-/nano-scale roughness specimens are highly demanded to synthetically calibrate the scanning probe microscopy (SPM) instrument. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) specimens with controllable main surface evaluation parameters were designed. In order to improve the design accuracy, the genetic algorithm was introduced into the conventional digital filter method. A primary 3D calibration specimen with the dimension of 10 μm × 10 μm was fabricated by electron beam lithography. Atomic force microscopy characterizations demonstrated that the statistical and spectral parameters of the fabricated specimen match well with the designed values. Such a kind of 3D specimens has the potential to calibrate the SPM for applications in quantitative surface evaluations.
Show PACS
07.79.-v Scanning probe microscopes and components
42.15.Eq Optical system design
42.82.Cr Fabrication techniques; lithography, pattern transfer
02.60.Pn Numerical optimization
06.20.fb Standards and calibration
Return to All Sections
Close

Google Calendar

ADVERTISEMENT

Go to AIP Home   © AIP Publishing LLC
close