Function Of Lateral Distance Research Articles

Inverse metal-assisted chemical etching of germanium with gold and hydrogen peroxide

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) is a flexible technique for texturing the surface of semiconductors. In this work, we study the spatial variation of the etch profile, the effect of angular orientation relative to the crystallographic planes, and the effect of doping type. We employ gold in direct contact with germanium as the metal catalyst, and dilute hydrogen peroxide solution as the chemical etchant. With this catalyst-etchant combination, we observe inverse-MACE, where the area directly under gold is not etched, but the neighboring, exposed germanium experiences enhanced etching. This enhancement in etching decays exponentially with the lateral distance from the gold structure. An empirical formula for the gold-enhanced etching depth as a function of lateral distance from the edge of the gold film is extracted from the experimentally measured etch profiles. The lateral range of enhanced etching is approximately 10–20 μm and is independent of etchant concentration. At length scales beyond a few microns, the etching enhancement is independent of the orientation with respect to the germanium crystallographic planes. The etch rate as a function of etchant concentration follows a power law with exponent smaller than 1. The observed etch rates and profiles are independent of whether the germanium substrate is n-type, p-type, or nearly intrinsic.

Melanin pigmented gingival tissue impairs red-light lateral scattering for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

Gingival melanin pigmentation is present in many African and Oriental descendant people and its occurrence in patients may interfere with the absorption and scattering of therapeutic doses of light. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is used as an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis and light irradiation may be impaired by tissue size and its melanin content. The aim of this clinical study was to measure the red-light attenuation in gingival tissue naturally pigmented with melanin. Ten patients with melanized gingival tissue were selected and irradiated by 100 mW red laser. The patients were photographed in frontal and incisal regions with a T2i camera (Canon, Japan) with 100 mm macro lens, 35 mm focal length, aperture f22, 1/100 shutter speed and ISO 200. Three randomly selected sites of each patient were used for evaluations and the irradiation values were assessed in the IMAGEJ software (NIH, Wayne Rasband, USA). Intensity in pixels was quantified in relation to the distance from the light incident point. Data were normalized and the results were presented as relative light intensity as a function of distance. The results demonstrated that red laser light is exponentially attenuated as a function of lateral distance and loses approximately 50 % of its intensity by 2.23 mm. On the other hand, the light travels 3 mm in depth to decay 50 %. In conclusion, our data suggest that melanin presence decreases optical pathway and irradiation protocols for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in gingival tissue should consider light attenuation and depth of periodontal pockets so that efficient illumination of the target tissue occurs. Periodontal pockets bigger than 6 mm should be irradiated with more than one point.

Characterization of Wedge Factors and Dose Distributions in Radiotherapy with Symmetric and Asymmetric Physical Wedged Beams of 6 MV Photon Beam

Introduction: Physical wedge by modify photon beam shape and intensity has been utilized in radiotherapy to obtain uniformly dose distribution in tumor site with reduced hot spots. Calculation of dosimetric parameters for both symmetric and asymmetric wedged fields is proved necessary during linear accelerator (Linac) commissioning. The present study aimed to achieve output factors and dose profiles for symmetric and asymmetric wedged fields of 6 MV beams. Material and Methods: The Siemens PRIMUS Linac head for 6 MV beam was simulated by BEAMnrc and all dose calculations were performed by DOSXYZnrc code. Percentage depth dose (PDD) and profiles for open and wedged (15° and 45°) fields were compared with corresponding measurements. Wedge factors for 10 x 10 cm2 field were obtained as a function of lateral distance as well for half beam wedged fields. Results: Based on the results of the present study, the calculated doses were in agreement with the measured data. The output factors on the central axis of symmetric wedged beams decreased to 0.693 and 0.307 for 15˚, and 45˚ wedges. The total photon fluence of 15˚ and 45˚ physical wedged fields reduced to 71.6% and 27.7% of open field, respectively. Conclusion: The output factor for asymmetric wedged fields was found to be lower than corresponding symmetric open and wedged fields, particularly at field edges. Lack of scattering photons near the half beam edges resulted in dose fall-off in these regions possible to be overestimated by treatment planning system and consequently caused cold spots at target volume.

Technical Note: Assessment of scatter originating from the x-ray tube collimator assembly of modern angiography systems.

While scatter from the patient is assumed to be the primary source of occupational radiation dose associated with fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures, the potential contribution of scatter from the x-ray collimator assembly is unknown. The purpose of this work was to survey clinical x-ray angiography systems to assess the potential contribution of collimator assembly scatter on occupational radiation dose. Experimental methods were designed to measure the relative contributions of scatter originating from within the collimator assembly of the x-ray tube to total scatter, which included scatter from a patient-simulating phantom. Measurements were acquired as a function of lateral distance from the x-ray beam center using a posterior anterior (PA) projection and at a fixed location for variable right anterior oblique to left anterior oblique projections in the range -90º to 90º. For one system, the collimator assembly was partially disassembled to assess the scatter contribution of individual components. For two systems, 0.5mm Pb was added to the inner surface of the collimator assembly cover and tested for efficacy to block collimator assembly scatter. Considering all x-ray systems and only the PA projection, collimator assembly scatter contributed 20-50% to total scatter. For x-ray projection angles of -90º to 90º, the relative contribution of collimator assembly to total scatter was dependent on projection angle and ranged from 5% to 56%. X-ray systems with kerma-area product meters demonstrated higher collimator assembly scatter than those without. Considering all projection angles, the addition of 0.5mm Pb to the inside of the collimator assembly cover reduced collimator assembly scatter from 28% to 16% of total scatter for both systems. Findings from this work suggest that contemporary radiation safety practices and guidelines should be revised to account for scatter originating from the collimator assembly of angiographic x-ray tubes.

Quantification the dosimetric parameters of asymmetric physical wedged-6MV photon beam

Introduction: Physical wedge as a useful tool has been utilized in radiotherapy to modify photon beam shape and intensity such that it distributes dose uniformly in tumor site and reduces hot points. Since during Linac commissioning dosimetric parameters like output factors and lateral dose profiles are measured only for symmetric open and wedged fields, so calculation the parameters for asymmetric wedged fields become necessary. The study aims to achieve output factors and dose profiles for symmetric and asymmetric wedged fields of 6 MV photon beams. Materials and Methods: The Siemens PRIMUS Linac head for 6 MV photon beam was simulated by BEAMnrc and all dose calculations were performed by DOSXYZnrc code. Percentage depth dose (PDD) and profiles for open and wedged (15° and 45°) fields were compared with corresponding measurements. Wedge factors for 10 x 10 cm2 field size as a function of lateral distance from central axis were obtained as well for half beam (negative or positive Y jaws were closed) wedged fields. All mesurments were carried out using 0.125 cm3 Farmer type ionization chamber with DOSE1 electrometer (FC65G, Scanditronix-Wellhofer, Germany) at the depth of 10 cm with source to surface distance (SSD) of 100 cm in 50 cm3 PTW-Blue water phantom and processed by dosimetry software RFAplus (Version 5.2, Scanditronix-Wellhofer, Germany). Results: The calculated doses were in agreement with measured data that confirmed the simulated MC model. The output factors on the central axis of symmetric wedged beams decreased to 0.693 and 0.307 for 15˚ and 45˚ wedges, respectively. The total photon fluence of 15˚ and 45˚ physical wedged fields reduced to 71.6% and 27.7% of fluence for open field, respectively. It was found that the output factor for asymmetric wedged fields is lower than ones from symmetric fields, particularly at field edges. Conclusion: The presences of physical wedge across the beamline decrease the photon fluence and cases beam hardening both for symmetric and asymmetric wedged fields. Lack of scattering photons near the half beam edges in asymmetric wedged field causes a dose fall off in these regions where have potential to overestimate the calculated dose by treatment planning system and consequent cold spots at target volume. Our calculated correction coefficients are recommended to calculate doses by TPS in case of asymmetric wedged fields.

Nonmonotonic spatial structure of interneuronal correlations in prefrontal microcircuits

Correlated fluctuations of single neuron discharges, on a mesoscopic scale, decrease as a function of lateral distance in early sensory cortices, reflecting a rapid spatial decay of lateral connection probability and excitation. However, spatial periodicities in horizontal connectivity and associational input as well as an enhanced probability of lateral excitatory connections in the association cortex could theoretically result in nonmonotonic correlation structures. Here, we show such a spatially nonmonotonic correlation structure, characterized by significantly positive long-range correlations, in the inferior convexity of the macaque prefrontal cortex. This functional connectivity kernel was more pronounced during wakefulness than anesthesia and could be largely attributed to the spatial pattern of correlated variability between functionally similar neurons during structured visual stimulation. These results suggest that the spatial decay of lateral functional connectivity is not a common organizational principle of neocortical microcircuits. A nonmonotonic correlation structure could reflect a critical topological feature of prefrontal microcircuits, facilitating their role in integrative processes.

SU‐F‐T‐125: Radial Dose Distributions From Carbon Ions of Therapeutic Energies Calculated with Geant4‐DNA

Purpose:Radial dose distribution D(r) is the dose as a function of lateral distance from the path of a heavy charged particle. Its main application is in modelling of biological effects of heavy ions, including applications to hadron therapy. It is the main physical parameter of a broad group of radiobiological models known as the amorphous track models. Our purpose was to calculate D(r) with Monte Carlo for carbon ions of therapeutic energies, find a simple formula for D(r) and fit it to the Monte Carlo data.Methods:All calculations were performed with Geant4‐DNA code, for carbon ion energies from 10 to 400 MeV/u (ranges in water: ∼ 0.4 mm to 27 cm). The spatial resolution of dose distribution in the lateral direction was 1 nm. Electron tracking cut off energy was 11 eV (ionization threshold). The maximum lateral distance considered was 10 µm. Over this distance, D(r) decreases with distance by eight orders of magnitude.Results:All calculated radial dose distributions had a similar shape dominated by the well‐known inverse square dependence on the distance. Deviations from the inverse square law were observed close to the beam path (r<10 nm) and at large distances (r >1 µm). At small and large distances D(r) decreased, respectively, slower and faster than the inverse square of distance. A formula for D(r) consistent with this behavior was found and fitted to the Monte Carlo data. The accuracy of the fit was better than 10% for all distances considered.Conclusion:We have generated a set of radial dose distributions for carbon ions that covers the entire range of therapeutic energies, for distances from the ion path of up to 10 µm. The latter distance is sufficient for most applications because dose beyond 10 µm is extremely low.

Adsorption and Desorption Characteristics of Gradient Distributed Bragg Reflector Porous Silicon Layers

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of gradient distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) porous silicon (PSi) were investigated under the exposure of organic vapors. Gradient DBR PSi whose average pore size decreased as the lateral distance from the Pt electrode increased was generated by using an asymmetric etching configuration. The reflection resonances were measured as a function of lateral distance from a point closest to the plate Pt electrode to a position on the silicon surface. Two types of gradient DBR PSi (H- and HO-terminated gradient DBR PSi) were used in this study. The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using the gradient DBR PSi had been achieved. When the vapor of VOCs condensed in the nanopores, the gradient DBR PSi modified with hydrophobic and hydrophilic functionality exhibited different pore adsorption and desorption characteristics.

Mapping Itinerant Electrons around Kondo Impurities

We investigate single Fe and Co atoms buried below a Cu(100) surface using low temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy. By mapping the local density of states of the itinerant electrons at the surface, the Kondo resonance near the Fermi energy is analyzed. Probing bulk impurities in this well-defined scattering geometry allows separating the physics of the Kondo system and the measuring process. The line shape of the Kondo signature shows an oscillatory behavior as a function of depth of the impurity as well as a function of lateral distance. The oscillation period along the different directions reveals that the spectral function of the itinerant electrons is anisotropic.

Design aspects of focal beams from high-intensity arrays

As the applications of ultrasonic thermal therapies expand, the design of the high-intensity array must address both the energy delivery of the main beam and the character and relevance of off-target beam energy. We simulate the acoustic field performance of a selected set of circular arrays organized by array format, including flat versus curved arrays, periodic versus random arrays, and center void diameter variations. Performance metrics are based on the -3-dB focal main lobe (FML) positioning range, axial grating lobe (AGL) temperatures, and side lobe levels. Using finite-element analysis, we evaluate the relative heating of the FML and the AGLs. All arrays have a maximum diameter of 100λ, with element count ranging from 64 to 1024 and continuous wave frequency of 1.5 MHz. First, we show that a 50% spherical annulus produces focus beam side lobes which decay as a function of lateral distance at nearly 87% of the exponential rate of a full aperture. Second, for the arrays studied, the efficiency of power delivery over the -3-dB focus positioning range for spherical arrays is at least 2-fold greater than for flat arrays; the 256-element case shows a 5-fold advantage for the spherical array. Third, AGL heating can be significant as the focal target is moved to its distal half-intensity depth from the natural focus. Increasing the element count of a randomized array to 256 elements decreases the AGL-to-FML heating ratio to 0.12 at the distal half-intensity depth. Further increases in element count yield modest improvements. A 49% improvement in the AGL-to-peak heating ratio is predicted by using the Sumanaweera spiral element pattern with randomization.

Wide-field Rayleigh scattering imaging and spectroscopy of gold nanoparticles in heavy water under laser trapping

We demonstrated wide-field Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy and imaging of gold nanoparticle trapping upon a focused near-infrared laser irradiation under dark-field illumination. The migration, trapping, and assembling behavior of gold nanoparticles were examined at single nanoparticle level at the focus spot and its surrounding area in heavy water. It is clarified that particle migration to the laser spot within the focal plane is not appreciable while scattering force drives the migration vertically along the direction of light propagation. The gradient force at the focus point and the scattering force are theoretically estimated to be 3.1 and 0.17 pN, which are consistent with the direct observation. Analysis of light scattering intensity fluctuation at the focus shows that three nanoparticles can be trapped at most, which is well supported by light scattering spectral measurement. The particle existence probability at the focus is estimated as a function of lateral distance from the focus, and is compared with numerically obtained photon pressure potential.

Beyond the cortical column: abundance and physiology of horizontal connections imply a strong role for inputs from the surround

Current concepts of cortical information processing and most cortical network models largely rest on the assumption that well-studied properties of local synaptic connectivity are sufficient to understand the generic properties of cortical networks. This view seems to be justified by the observation that the vertical connectivity within local volumes is strong, whereas horizontally, the connection probability between pairs of neurons drops sharply with distance. Recent neuroanatomical studies, however, have emphasized that a substantial fraction of synapses onto neocortical pyramidal neurons stems from cells outside the local volume. Here, we discuss recent findings on the signal integration from horizontal inputs, showing that they could serve as a substrate for reliable and temporally precise signal propagation. Quantification of connection probabilities and parameters of synaptic physiology as a function of lateral distance indicates that horizontal projections constitute a considerable fraction, if not the majority, of inputs from within the cortical network. Taking these non-local horizontal inputs into account may dramatically change our current view on cortical information processing.

Nanoindentation Induced Deformation Near Grain Boundaries of Corrosion Resistant Nickel Alloys

ABSTRACTThe damage accumulation behavior of different grain boundary structures in Inconel 690 (Ni-29wt%Cr-9wt%Fe) was investigated in the presence of large, localized plastic strains induced by nanoindentation. Spatially-resolved hardness was measured as a function of lateral distance from ‘random’ high-angle grain boundaries and twin boundaries. The confinement of induced defects between the indenter tip and grain boundaries did not lead to significant differences in measured hardness between high angle and twin boundaries. Critical “pop-in” loads indicating the onset of incipient plasticity were lower within 1μm of grain boundaries, but were statistically equivalent for random and twin boundaries. These results suggest a comparable extent of dislocation mobility and absorption at the different grain boundary types in Inconel 690 under ambient conditions.

Out‐of‐field dose equivalents delivered by proton therapy of prostate cancer

Measurements were performed to assess the dose equivalent outside a primary proton treatment field, using a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microdosimeter. The SOI microdosimeter was placed on the surface of an anthropomorphic phantom and dose equivalents were determined as a function of lateral distance from a typical passively scattered and modulated prostate treatment field. Measurements were also completed within a polystyrene plate phantom as a function of depth for a distance of 5 cm from the field edge, as function of lateral distance from field edge at two different depths, and as a function of distance from the distal edge on the central beam axis. The dose equivalent at the surface of the anthropomorphic phantom decreases from 3.9 to 0.18 mSv/Gy when the lateral distance from the proton field edge increases from 2.5 to 60 cm. Measurements along the proton depth dose distribution at a constant distance of 5 cm from the primary field edge indicate a decrease in dose equivalent as a function of depth, with a 38% decrease relative to the surface dose at a depth of 5 cm in polystyrene. Measurements completed as a function of lateral distance from the primary field at two separate depths within polystyrene illustrate a convergence of the dose equivalent at approximately 20 cm from the primary field edge. Past the distal edge of the spread-out Bragg peak dose equivalents decrease exponentially for increasing distance, with an initial value of 1.6 mSv/Gy at 0.6 cm from the distal edge. Silicon microdosimetry measurements were also compared with published results obtained utilizing different measurement techniques. This study demonstrates the applicability of SOI microdosimetry in determining the dose equivalent outside proton treatment fields, and provides valuable information on the dose equivalent both at the surface and at depth experienced by prostate cancer patients treated with protons.

Charge-density oscillations at (1 1 1) noble metal surfaces

Induced charge-density oscillations at noble metal surfaces caused by an external static impurity are studied within linear response theory. The calculation takes into account such properties of realistic surface electronic structure as an energy gap for three-dimensional (3D) bulk electrons and a s − p z surface state that forms two-dimensional (2D) electron system. It is demonstrated that the coexistence of these 2D and 3D electron systems has profound impact on the induced charge-density in the surface region. Thus, the oscillations with the 1/ R 2 decay as a function of lateral distance, R, are established in both electron systems with characteristic chess-board-like structure. Additionally, the charge-density penetrates into the solid at a finite angle with respect to the surface normal in contrast to that in jellium model. The origin of both these findings is investigated.

Induced charge-density oscillations at metal surfaces

Induced charge-density (ICD) oscillations at the Cu(1 1 1) surface caused by an external impurity are studied within linear response theory. The calculation takes into account such properties of the Cu(1 1 1) surface electronic structure as an energy gap for three-dimensional (3D) bulk electrons and a s–p z surface state that forms two-dimensional (2D) electron system. It is demonstrated that the coexistence of these 2D and 3D electron systems has profound impact on the ICD in the surface region. In the case of a static impurity the characteristic ICD oscillations with the 1/ ρ 2 decay as a function of lateral distance, ρ, are established in both electron systems. For the impurity with a periodically time-varying potential, the novel dominant ICD oscillations which fall off like ∼1/ ρ are predicted.

Tile spacing impacts on Zea mays L. yield and drainage water nitrate load

The nitrogen (N) load to surface water introduced by subsurface tile drains is a function of soluble N concentration and drainflow volume. A 6-year study characterized the impact of tile spacing on the inter-related factors of monoculture corn yield, N concentration in drainage water, and total drainage water mass N loss for a poorly drained Mollisol. Tile drains were installed at spacings of 10, 20, and 30 m. Yields and grain N were quantified as a function of lateral distance from the tile. Drainflow was monitored continuously with nitrate (NO 3-N) measured in daily, flow proportional aliquots. A 20 m tile spacing (20 m TS) maximized crop yield (7933 kg ha −1) and N accumulation in grain (109 kg ha −1) with slightly lower yields (<2%) and grain N (7%) observed in both 10 and 30 m TS. Six-year mean NO 3-N concentrations in drainage water were 22.2, 17.7, and 24.3 mg L −1 for 10, 20, and 30 m TS, respectively, and these values were significantly different ( P ≤ 0.05). For all treatments, year-to-year variation in mean concentration was pronounced (6.8–34.9 mg L −1 for 20 m TS), and, in general, annual mean NO 3-N concentration decreased 11 mg L −1 for every additional 1 Mg ha −1 yield recorded in the previous year. Annual drainflows were greatest for 20 m TS (1327 m 3 ha −1 year −1), 19 and 30% greater than for 10 and 30 m TS, respectively. Mass loss was inversely related to tile spacing (6-year means of 29.9, 26.6, and 22.6 kg ha −1 for 10, 20, and 30 m TS, respectively). Analysis of daily NO 3-N concentrations as a function of flow volumes found a slight tendency for higher concentrations to occur in conjunction with the higher flow volumes (e.g. <7 mg L −1 at <5 m 3 ha −1 day −1 versus >15 mg L −1 for >40 m 3 ha −1 day −1). For 20 m TS, the slope of the log–log relationship between daily NO 3-N load and flow volume was >1 in 4 of 6 years, and results from all treatments suggest that significant dilutions of drainage water concentrations with large or prolonged flushing events does not occur. The magnitude of daily and seasonal flow variations far exceeded that of NO 3-N concentration making discharge the more dominant factor in determining temporal variation in N export.

VOC emission fluxes as a function of lateral distance from the source

AbstractThere has been a great deal of recent interest in evaluating the potential for vapor transport from subsurface contamination into nearby buildings. There does not exist, however, any method for calculating whether buildings that are not directly over the source of contamination may be impacted. For simplicity, typical modeling approaches for estimating vapor migration through soil into buildings assume that the contaminated plume or soil lies directly underneath the building. The models do not take into account the lateral distance, if any, between the source of VOC emissions and the indoor space. This paper presents an approach to calculate diffusion‐limited emission fluxes as a function of lateral distance and evaluates the significance of these emissions over relatively short lateral distances from the source. A theoretical, mathematical approach was used. The results show that soil‐gas concentration and emission flux are both a decreasing exponential function of the lateral distance from the edge of the contaminant plume. Based on our calculations, the emission flux and the soil‐gas concentration are insignificant within a relatively short lateral distance from the source (e.g., 30 m). © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 23: 52–58, 2004

Electromagnetic coupling at an atomic scale

We report the first spectrally resolved measurements of scanning tunnelling microscope induced fluorescence from monatomic steps. As a function of lateral distance from the step edge, on a sub nanometre scale, increasingly large red (blue) shifts of the emission are observed as the tip approaches the lower (upper) step edge.

Scanning Force Microscopy Characterization of Viscoelastic Deformations Induced by Precontact Attraction in a Low Cross-Link Density Gelatin Film

Scanning force microscopy (SFM) is used to investigate novel perturbation/response phenomena in a soft polymer network. Topics addressed include (i) the volume of film affected by tip-sample contact and (ii) the time-evolving residual signature of this contact. An outward deformation of nanometer-scale, soft, hydrated gelatin films is induced by the close proximity of the SFM tip. A domelike defect is created, centered at the site of approach and exceeding the tip-sample contact zone in diameter by as much as 3 orders of magnitude. The stretching of the film changes the stiffness of the polymer network and its frictional character. A precise correspondence of height and frictional force is quantified in histograms of the number of image pixels versus height or frictional force, and as a function of lateral distance from the center of approach. Relaxation of the dome is observed on a time scale of minutes with stretched exponential time dependence, consistent with a distribution of relaxation times. Film age also affects the size of the doming region: an increase to a maximum volumie is observed, followed by a decrease to nanometer scale dimensions with age. This apparently reflects competing increases of long and short-range order that determine film cohesion. Five stages of gelatin film aggregation are experimentally distinguishable, differing in the extent of cohesion generated by progressive intermolecular coordination (e.g., crystallinity).