Linear Polarization Measurements Research Articles

Insights from corrosion current measurements on corrosion mechanisms in reinforced concrete and on the evaluation of other corrosion data

During the past years Tafel polarization measurements have been implemented into the scope of measurements of CITec corrosion diagnosis projects. This has created a vast database of different and corresponding corrosion parameters, such as chloride and water content in the rebar vicinity, open circuit potential, electrolyte resistance, polarization resistance (from galvanostatic pulse and linear polarization) and corrosion current from Tafel polarization measurements. Although general limitations in using these methods on macro cell systems such as reinforced concrete are known, the comparative assessment of these data has led to a better understanding of the corrosion behaviour and of specific circumstances of the structures which deviated partly from usual expectations. For instance, a low polarization resistance at high chloride content will not result necessarily in a high corrosion current, if the reinforcement in the wider vicinity of the test location is similar active, and cathodic rebar areas are either very distant or retarded by very wet concrete. So the extended range of corrosion testing gives a more precise evaluation of the corrosion situation and permits a tailored repair and maintenance concept to be found. It has also been found that the Stern-Geary equation which is often used to calculate corrosion current densities and material loss of the reinforcement from linear polarization (LPR) measurements, doesn’t seem very feasible if used on reinforced concrete structures, as there appears to be a dominant influence of macro cell corrosion over the corrosion model of a homogenous mixed electrode (for which the Stern-Geary equation applies), and the true corrosion current densities may be either larger or (very often) much smaller than those calculated from Stern-Geary. This is not a new observation, and the findings will be discussed for several project cases.

Study on influence of the PTA-P welding process parameters on corrosion behavior of Inconel 625 coatings

In the present work, PTA welding process was used to investigate the influence of welding parameters on the dilution, microhardness and corrosion resistance of Inconel 625 alloy coatings on the API 5L X70 grade steel. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and linear potentiodynamic polarization (LPP) measurements were used to study the protection properties of the deposited layer when immersed in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The results of EIS and LPP have shown that the corrosion resistance results were more satisfactory for coatings with higher dilution index. The results also showed that the dilution values D (%)varied from 15.33% to 4.39% at the maximum (18.99 kJ/cm) and the minimum (8.34 kJ/cm) welding energy levels. The most relevant dilution value obtained was 4.39%. Keywords: Plasma transferred arc-welding; coatings; dilution; corrosion.

WIRC+Pol: A Low-resolution Near-infrared Spectropolarimeter

WIRC+Pol is a newly commissioned low-resolution (R ∼ 100), near-infrared (J and H bands) spectropolarimetry mode of the Wide-field InfraRed Camera (WIRC) on the 200 inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory. The instrument utilizes a novel polarimeter design based on a quarter-wave plate and a polarization grating (PG), which provides full linear polarization measurements (Stokes I, Q, and U) in one exposure. The PG also has high transmission across the J and H bands. The instrument is situated at the prime focus of an equatorially mounted telescope. As a result, the system only has one reflection in the light path providing minimal telescope induced polarization. A data reduction pipeline has been developed for WIRC+Pol to produce linear polarization measurements from observations. WIRC+Pol has been on-sky since 2017 February. Results from the first year commissioning data show that the instrument has a high dispersion efficiency as expected from the polarization grating. We demonstrate the polarimetric stability of the instrument with rms variation at 0.2% level over 30 minutes for a bright standard star (J = 8.7). While the spectral extraction is photon noise limited, polarization calibration between sources remain limited by systematics, likely related to gravity dependent pointing effects. We discuss instrumental systematics we have uncovered in the data, their potential causes, along with calibrations that are necessary to eliminate them. We describe a modulator upgrade that will eliminate the slowly varying systematics and provide polarimetric accuracy better than 0.1%.

The Polarimetry of Нα-prominences

A brief comparative analysis determining the magnetic field in optical and radio range prominences is presented; a tendency to increase averaged magnetic fields two to four times in quiescent and active prominences, compared to previously accepted values, is noted. The possibility of indirect data on electric currents in the Hα-prominence from measurements of linear polarization during the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 was shown. The 2D sign distributions of a linear polarization angle, interpreted within the Thomson scattering by the free moving electrons of prominences, indirectly indicate the presence of oppositely directed electric currents in the prominence and surrounding corona.

Optical linear polarization measurements of quasars obtained with the Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory

We report 87 previously unpublished optical linear polarization measurements of 86 quasars obtained in May and October 2008, and from April to July 2015 with the FOcal Reducer and low-dispersion Spectrographs FORS1 and FORS2 attached to the Very Large Telescope at the Paranal Observatory. Of the 86 quasars, 37 have p ≥ 0.6%, 9 have p ≥ 2%, and 1 has p ≥ 10%.

Constraints on Lorentz Invariance Violation from Optical Polarimetry of Astrophysical Objects

Theories of quantum gravity suggest that Lorentz invariance, the fundamental symmetry of the Theory of Relativity, may be broken at the Planck energy scale. While any deviation from conventional Physics must be minuscule in particular at attainable energies, this hypothesis motivates ever more sensitive tests of Lorentz symmetry. In the photon sector, astrophysical observations, in particular polarization measurements, are a very powerful tool because tiny deviations from Lorentz invariance will accumulate as photons propagate over cosmological distances. The Standard-Model Extension (SME) provides a theoretical framework in the form of an effective field theory that describes low-energy effects due to a more fundamental quantum gravity theory by adding additional terms to the Standard Model Lagrangian. These terms can be ordered by the mass dimension d of the corresponding operator and lead to a wavelength, polarization, and direction dependent phase velocity of light. Lorentz invariance violation leads to an energy-dependent change of the Stokes vector as photons propagate, which manifests itself as a rotation of the polarization angle in measurements of linear polarization. In this paper, we analyze optical polarization measurements from 63 Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) to search for Lorentz violating signals. We use both spectropolarimetric measurements, which directly constrain the change of linear polarization angle, as well as broadband spectrally integrated measurements. In the latter, Lorentz invariance violation manifests itself by reducing the observed net polarization fraction. Any observation of non-vanishing linear polarization thus leads to constraints on the magnitude of Lorentz violating effects. We derive the first set limits on each of the 10 individual birefringent coefficients of the minimal SME with d = 4 , with 95% confidence limits on the order of 10−34 on the dimensionless coefficients.

Evolution of the magnetic field of Betelgeuse from 2009–2017

Context. Betelgeuse is an M-type supergiant that presents a circularly polarized (Stokes V) signal in its line profiles, interpreted in terms of a surface magnetic field. Aims. The weak circular polarization signal has been monitored over 7.5 years in order to follow its evolution on different timescales, and eventually to determine its physical origin. Linear polarization measurements have also been obtained regularly in the last few years. Methods. We used both the ESPaDOnS and Narval spectropolarimeters to obtain high signal-to-noise ratio spectra, which were processed by means of the least-squares deconvolution method. In order to ensure the reality of the very weak circular polarization, special care has been taken to limit instrumental effects. In addition, several tests were performed on the Stokes V signal to establish its stellar and Zeeman origin. Results. We confirm the magnetic nature of the circular polarization, pointing to a surface magnetic field of the order of 1 G. The Stokes V profiles present variations over different timescales, the most prominent one being close to the long secondary period (LSP; around 2000 d for Betelgeuse) often invoked in red evolved stars. This long period is also dominant for all the other Stokes parameters. The circular polarization is tentatively modeled by means of magnetic field concentrations mimicking spots, showing in particular that the velocity associated with each “spot” also follows the long timescale, and that this signal is nearly always slightly redshifted. Conclusions. From the coupled variations of both linear and circular polarization signatures in amplitude, velocity and timescale, we favour giant convection cells as the main engine at the origin of polarization signatures and variations in all the Stokes parameters. This strengthens support for the hypothesis that large convective cells are at the origin of the LSP.

Hydrogen storage in a rare-earth perovskite-type oxide La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 for battery applications

Recently, rare-earth perovskite-type oxides with the general formula ABO3 (A rare earth element, B transition metal, O oxygen) are regarded as promising materials for Ni/oxide batteries due to their hydrogen storage ability. In the present study, the hydrogen storage properties of the rare-earth perovskite-type oxide La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 were evaluated in alkaline solution and at various temperatures. The hydrogen storage properties were investigated electrochemically by applying galvanostatic charge/discharge currents. Electrochemical pressure–composition–temperature isotherms were constructed using the Nernst equation. The exchange current density and proton hydrogen diffusion coefficient were calculated using linear polarization measurements and the potential-step method, respectively. Interestingly, the maximum hydrogen absorption capacity, re-calculated from the electrochemical capacity, is 1.72 wt% at 333 K and 6 mol·L−1 KOH. In addition, the hysteresis value, calculated from pressure–composition–temperature isotherms, was 429 J·mol−1 at 333 K, while the self-discharge rate was about 25% after 24-h storage at open circuit and at 333 K.

Gelatin: A green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in oil well acidizing environment

Corrosion inhibition performance of an environmentally benign compound, gelatin on X60 steel in 15% hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 25 °C, which simulate oil well acidizing environment was investigated in this study. The inhibition efficiency of the gelatin was examined using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), linear polarization (LPR), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements techniques. Both the weight loss and the electrochemical results showed that the gelatin exhibits high inhibition efficiency and the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing gelatin concentration. The addition of low concentration of potassium iodide improves the inhibition efficiency of gelatin considerably. The ATR-FTIR and SEM/EDX surface morphology analyses provide evidence of formation of protective gelatin film on the metal surface. The gelatin molecules are predicted to adsorb on the metal surface through an interaction between the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of gelatin and the metal surface to form a metal/gelatin complex on the metal surface.

Co3O4 Nanosheet Arrays on Ni Foam as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Co3O4 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam (Co3O4 NS/NF) were designed, fabricated, and utilized as electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The electrocatalytic performance of the Co3O4 NS/NF for OER was systematically evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, linear polarization, and Tafel curve measurements. Compared to the bare Ni foam, free-standing Co3O4 nanosheets, and commercialized Pt/C electrodes, Co3O4 NS/NF exhibits excellent OER activity in water-alkaline electrolyte with low onset overpotential (~ 50 mV), large anodic current density, and excellent durability. The compatible electrocatalytic activity for OER of the Co3O4 NS/NF is attributed to the unique nanosheet structure and the interconnected nanoarrays configuration of Co3O4 that provides plentiful catalytic active sites, in addition to the inherent catalytic activity of Co3O4. The electron transportation capability of the supporter Ni foam makes the composite a potential electrocatalyst for OER.

High-Efficiency Visible Transmitting Polarizations Devices Based on the GaN Metasurface.

Metasurfaces are capable of tailoring the amplitude, phase, and polarization of incident light to design various polarization devices. Here, we propose a metasurface based on the novel dielectric material gallium nitride (GaN) to realize high-efficiency modulation for both of the orthogonal linear polarizations simultaneously in the visible range. Both modulated transmitted phases of the orthogonal linear polarizations can almost span the whole 2π range by tailoring geometric sizes of the GaN nanobricks, while maintaining high values of transmission (almost all over 90%). At the wavelength of 530 nm, we designed and realized the beam splitter and the focusing lenses successfully. To further prove that our proposed method is suitable for arbitrary orthogonal linear polarization, we also designed a three-dimensional (3D) metalens that can simultaneously focus the X-, Y-, 45°, and 135° linear polarizations on spatially symmetric positions, which can be applied to the linear polarization measurement. Our work provides a possible method to achieve high-efficiency multifunctional optical devices in visible light by extending the modulating dimensions.

Crystallography and Molecular Arrangement of Polymorphic Monolayer J-Aggregates of a Cyanine Dye: Multiangle Polarized Light Fluorescence Optical Microscopy Study.

The molecular orientation in monolayer J-aggregates of 3,3-di(γ-sulfopropyl)-5,5-dichlorotiamonomethinecyanine dye has been precisely estimated using improved linear polarization measurements in the fluorescence microscope in which a multiangle set of polarization data is obtained using sample rotation. The estimated molecular orientation supplemented with the previously established crystallographic constraints based on the analysis of the well-developed two-dimensional J-aggregate shapes unambiguously indicate the staircase type of molecular arrangement for striplike J-aggregates with the staircases oriented along strips. The molecular transition dipoles are inclined at an angle of ∼25° to the strip direction, whereas the characteristic strip vertex angle ∼45° is formed by the [100] and [1-10] directions of the monoclinic unit cell. Measurements of the geometry of partially unwound tubes and their polarization properties support the model of tube formation by close-packed helical winding of flexible monolayer strips. In the tubes, the long molecular axes are oriented at a small angle in the range of 5-15° to the normal to the tube axis providing low bending energy. At a nanoscale, high-resolution atomic force microscopy imaging of J-aggregate monolayers reveals a complex quasi-one-dimensional organization.

Multi-Wavelength Polarimetry of Isolated Neutron Stars

Isolated neutron stars are known to be endowed with extreme magnetic fields, whose maximum intensity ranges from 10 12 – 10 15 G, which permeates their magnetospheres. Their surrounding environment is also strongly magnetized, especially in the compact nebulae powered by the relativistic wind from young neutron stars. The radiation from isolated neutron stars and their surrounding nebulae is, thus, supposed to bring a strong polarization signature. Measuring the neutron star polarization brings important information about the properties of their magnetosphere and of their highly magnetized environment. Being the most numerous class of isolated neutron stars, polarization measurements have been traditionally carried out for radio pulsars, hence in the radio band. In this review, I summarize multi-wavelength linear polarization measurements obtained at wavelengths other than radio both for pulsars and other types of isolated neutron stars and outline future perspectives with the upcoming observing facilities.

Imaging linear and circular polarization features in leaves with complete Mueller matrix polarimetry

Spectropolarimetry of intact plant leaves allows to probe the molecular architecture of vegetation photosynthesis in a non-invasive and non-destructive way and, as such, can offer a wealth of physiological information. In addition to the molecular signals due to the photosynthetic machinery, the cell structure and its arrangement within a leaf can create and modify polarization signals. Using Mueller matrix polarimetry with rotating retarder modulation, we have visualized spatial variations in polarization in transmission around the chlorophyll a absorbance band from 650 nm to 710 nm. We show linear and circular polarization measurements of maple leaves and cultivated maize leaves and discuss the corresponding Mueller matrices and the Mueller matrix decompositions, which show distinct features in diattenuation, polarizance, retardance and depolarization. Importantly, while normal leaf tissue shows a typical split signal with both a negative and a positive peak in the induced fractional circular polarization and circular dichroism, the signals close to the veins only display a negative band. The results are similar to the negative band as reported earlier for single macrodomains. We discuss the possible role of the chloroplast orientation around the veins as a cause of this phenomenon. Systematic artefacts are ruled out as three independent measurements by different instruments gave similar results. These results provide better insight into circular polarization measurements on whole leaves and options for vegetation remote sensing using circular polarization.

High-precision broad-band linear polarimetry of early-type binaries

Aim. To study the binary geometry of the classic Algol-type triple system λ Tau, we have searched for polarization variations over the orbital cycle of the inner semi-detached binary, arising from light scattering in the circumstellar material formed from ongoing mass transfer. Phase-locked polarization curves provide an independent estimate for the inclination i, orientation Ω, and the direction of the rotation for the inner orbit.Methods. Linear polarization measurements of λ Tau in the B, V , and R passbands with the high-precision Dipol-2 polarimeter have been carried out. The data have been obtained on the 60 cm KVA (Observatory Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma, Spain) and Tohoku 60 cm (Haleakala, Hawaii, USA) remotely controlled telescopes over 69 observing nights. Analytic and numerical modelling codes are used to interpret the data.Results. Optical polarimetry revealed small intrinsic polarization in λ Tau with ~0.05% peak-to-peak variation over the orbital period of 3.95 d. The variability pattern is typical for binary systems showing strong second harmonic of the orbital period. We apply a standard analytical method and our own light scattering models to derive parameters of the inner binary orbit from the fit to the observed variability of the normalized Stokes parameters. From the analytical method, the average for three passband values of orbit inclination i = 76° + 1°∕−2° and orientation Ω = 15°(195°) ± 2° are obtained. Scattering models give similar inclination values i = 72–76° and orbit orientation ranging from Ω = 16°(196°) to Ω = 19°(199°), depending on the geometry of the scattering cloud. The rotation of the inner system, as seen on the plane of the sky, is clockwise. We have found that with the scattering model the best fit is obtained for the scattering cloud located between the primary and the secondary, near the inner Lagrangian point or along the Roche lobe surface of the secondary facing the primary. The inclination i, inferred from polarimetry, agrees with the previously made conclusion on the semi-detached nature of the inner binary, whose secondary component is filling its Roche lobe. The non-periodic scatter, which is also present in the polarization data, can be interpreted as being due to sporadic changes in the mass transfer rate.

Lanthanum Derivative from “Tara” Tannin for Steel Temporary Protection

Tannins are extracted from certain plants and contain numerous phenol groups. They may be employed, together with their derivatives, to formulate protective coatings due to their inhibitive properties. The objective of this research was to synthesize lanthanum “tannates”, to formulate wash-primers. Two “Tara” (Caesalpinia spinosa) tannins and 0.1 M La(NO3)3 were employed to obtain the corresponding tannates. The inhibitive action of the tannates was evaluated by linear polarization and corrosion potential measurements employing a SAE 1010 electrode. Lanthanum tannates were used to formulate wash-primers whose anticorrosion performance was evaluated by corrosion potential and ionic resistance measurements. The primers were incorporated in alkyd paint systems and their anticorrosion performance was tested in the salt spray chamber and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Lanthanum tannate primers protected steel and behaved in a similar way to that formulated with zinc tetroxychromate.

Calibration of the degree of linear polarization measurements of the polarized Sun-sky radiometer based on the POLBOX system

Polarization observation of sky radiation is the frontier approach to improve the remote sensing of atmospheric components, e.g.,aerosol and clouds. The polarization calibration of the ground-based Sun-sky radiometer is the basis for obtaining accurate degree of linear polarization (DOLP) measurement. In this paper, a DOLP calibration method based on a laboratory polarized light source (POLBOX) is introduced in detail. Combined with the CE318-DP Sun-sky polarized radiometer, a calibration scheme for DOLP measurement is established for the spectral range of 440-1640nm. Based on the calibration results of the Sun-sky radiometer observation network, the polarization calibration coefficient and the DOLP calibration residual are analyzed statistically. The results show that the DOLP residual of the calibration scheme is about 0.0012, and thus it can be estimated that the final DOLP calibration accuracy of this method is about 0.005. Finally, it is verified that the accuracy of the calibration results is in accordance with the expected results by comparing the simulated DOLP with the vector radiative transfer calculations.

In Situ Electrochemical Investigation of Acidic Pressure Oxidation of Pyrite at 160–240°C

In situ electrochemical studies on the oxidation behavior of pyrite in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution in the temperature range of 160 to 240°C were performed by measurements of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization and potentiostatic polarization. Results showed that with the increase of temperature, the anodic current density increased, while the corrosion potential (Ecorr), polarization resistance, charge transfer resistance (Rct) and pore resistance (Rpore) decreased. The change of these electrochemical parameters indicated that the increase of temperature promoted the dissolution of pyrite by accelerating the electrochemical step and weakening of the porous passive film. EIS studies with different applied potentials at 240°C revealed that both Rct and Rpore decreased with increasing applied potential. As the potential increased to 400 mV, the time constant relating to the porous passive film disappeared. These changes demonstrated that sulfur yield was dependent on the potential, and the sulfur yield approached zero at 400 mV at the temperature of 240°C. The values of Ea indicated that pyrite oxidation kinetics were limited by the rate of electrochemical reaction.

Electrochemical Study of Three Stainless Steel Alloys and Titanium Metal in Cola Soft Drinks

Stainless steels and titanium alloys are widely used in the medical industry as replacement materials. These materials may be affected by the conditions and type of environment. In the same manner, soft drinks are widely consumed products. It is of interest for dental industry to know the behavior of medical-grade alloys when these are in contact with soft drinks, since any excessive ion release can suppose a risk for human health. In the present study, the electrochemical behavior of three stainless steel alloys and pure titanium was analyzed using three types of cola soft drinks as electrolyte. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of these metallic materials in each type of solution (cola standard, light and zero). Different electrochemical techniques were used for the evaluation of the alloys, namely potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization, and open-circuit potential measurements. The corrosion resistance of the stainless-steel alloys and titanium in the cola soft drinks was provided by the formation of a stable passive film formed by metal oxides. Scanning electron microscopy was used as a complementary technique to reveal corrosion phenomena at the surface of the materials evaluated. Keywords: Stainless steel, Corrosion, Dental industry, Electrochemical techniques, Soft drinks

Pitch and Handedness of the Cholesteric Order in Films of a Chiral Alternating Fluorene Copolymer.

The molecular organization in thermally annealed films of poly(9,9-bis((S)-3,7-dimethyloctyl)-2,7-fluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) is investigated using polarized light. Measurement of linear polarization in transmission and reflection as a function of layer thickness and orientation directly show a left handed cholesteric organization with a pitch length of 600 nm. Results are corroborated by measurements of circularly polarized reflection and generalized ellipsometry and are compared to calculations of the optical properties based on the Maugin–Oseen–DeVries model. For wavelengths near the lowest allowed optical transition, light with the same handedness as the cholesteric arrangement (left) is found to be reflected and transmitted with a probability higher than right circularly polarized light. The high transmission for left polarized light is interpreted as an optical manifestation of the Borrmann effect.