Quartz Halogen Lamp Research Articles

Advancing CubeSats Capabilities: Ground-Based Calibration of Uvsq-Sat NG Satellite’s NIR Spectrometer and Determination of the Extraterrestrial Solar Spectrum

Uvsq-Sat NG is a French 6U CubeSat (10 × 20 × 30 cm) of the International Satellite Program in Research and Education (INSPIRE) designed primarily for observing greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2 and CH4, measuring the Earth’s radiation budget (ERB), and monitoring solar spectral irradiance (SSI) at the top-of-atmosphere (TOA). It epitomizes an advancement in CubeSat technology, showcasing its enhanced capabilities for comprehensive Earth observation. Scheduled for launch in 2025, the satellite carries a compact and miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer capable of performing observations in both nadir and solar directions within the wavelength range of 1100 to 2000 nm, with a spectral resolution of 7 nm and a 0.15° field of view. This study outlines the preflight calibration process of the Uvsq-Sat NG NIR spectrometer (UNIS), with a focus on the spectral response function and the absolute calibration of the instrument. The absolute scale of the UNIS spectrometer was accurately calibrated with a quartz-halogen lamp featuring a coiled-coil tungsten filament, certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a standard of spectral irradiance. Furthermore, this study details the ground-based measurements of direct SSI through atmospheric NIR windows conducted with the UNIS spectrometer. The measurements were obtained at the Pommier site (45.54°N, 0.83°W) in Charentes–Maritimes (France) on 9 May 2024. The objective of these measurements was to verify the absolute calibration of the UNIS spectrometer conducted in the laboratory and to provide an extraterrestrial solar spectrum using the Langley-plot technique. By extrapolating the data to AirMass Zero (AM0), we obtained high-precision results that show excellent agreement with SOLAR-HRS and TSIS-1 HSRS solar spectra. At 1.6 μm, the SSI was determined to be 238.59 ± 3.39 mW.m−2.nm−1 (k = 2). These results demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the UNIS spectrometer for both SSI observations and GHG measurements, providing a solid foundation for future orbital data collection and analysis.

COOMET key comparison COOMET.PR-K1.a.2018 for spectral irradiance 250 nm to 2500 nmm, final report

Main textThis report describes the Key Comparison COOMET.R-K1.a.2018 for spectral irradiance in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 2500 nm, conducted by the Regional Metrology Organization "Euro-Asian Cooperation of National Metrological Institutions" (COOMET). The comparison was, in fact, a combination of three bilateral comparisons with the same link/pilot laboratory - the All-Russian Research Institute for Optical and Physical Measurements (VNIIOFI), the Russian Federation. The non-link laboratories were the Belarusian State Institute of Metrology (BelGIM), Belarus, the National Scientific Centre "Institute of Metrology" (NSC IM), Ukraine, and the National Metrology Institute of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK UME), Türkiye.The aim of the comparison was to link the BelGIM, NSC IM and TÜBİTAK UME measurement results to the CIPM key comparison CCPR-K1.a.2017, conducted by the Consultative Committee for Photometry and Radiometry (CCPR).Tungsten quartz halogen lamps of the FEL type (1000 W) were used as artefacts. Each participant used its own set of lamps. The sequence of measurements was participant - pilot - participant. The pilot measurements of the described here COOMET comparison were performed in a short time (within three months) after completing the measurements of CCPR-K1.a.2017, where VNIIOFI also was a pilot, which provided a high quality link.NSC IM performed measurements in the full spectral range, from 250 nm to 2500 nm, while BelGIM and TÜBİTAK UME managed to cover the range from 250 nm to 1100 nm only.The analysis of the comparison was performed following the approach described in the Appendix A of the Guidelines for CCPR and RMO Bilateral Key Comparisons (CCPR-G5). Differences from KCRV of BelGIM and TÜBİTAK UME, for the most of the measured wavelengths, do not exceed 2% and are within the expanded uncertainties. For NSC IM the differences from KCRV are within or comparable with the uncertainties in the IR range, from 900 nm to 2500 nm, but become larger with decreasing wavelength in the visible and UV reaching 9% at 250 nm.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

CIPM key comparison CCPR-K1.a.2017 for spectral irradiance 250 nm to 2500 nm. Final report

Main textThis report describes the Key Comparison of the Consultative Committee for Photometry and Radiometry CCPR-K1.a.2017 for Spectral Irradiance in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 2500 nm. Tungsten quartz halogen lamps of the FEL type (1000 W) were used as artefacts. Each participant used its own set of lamps. The star scheme of measurements was applied with the sequence participant - pilot - participant. Twelve National Metrology Institutes participated in the comparison. Each participant's measurement data were based on a totally independent spectral irradiance scale realisation. VNIIOFI (the Russian Federation) served as a pilot. The measurements were carried out from 2017 - 2020.The analysis of the comparison was performed following the step-by-step approach described in Appendix B of the Guidelines for CCPR Key Comparison Report Preparation (CCPR-G2 Rev.4). The key comparison reference values (KCRV) were calculated independently at each wavelength as the weighted means with cut-off. The measurement data of all participants were used for the KCRV excluding just a few outliers in the wavelength range of 1700 nm to 2500 nm. The relative uncertainties of the KCRV were minimal, 0.08 %, at the wavelengths of 900 nm to 1500 nm and increasing towards the limits of the spectral range up to 0.28 % at 250 nm and 0.20 % at 2500 nm. Consistency checks were satisfied at 17 of the 28 measured wavelengths, but failed at 11 wavelengths, mostly in the infrared range. For the latter wavelengths the Mandel-Paule method was applied resulting in an additional uncertainty that varied depending on wavelength from 0.11 % to 0.89 %.In general, the measurement uncertainties submitted by the participants in this comparison were less than those submitted in the previous CCPR-K1.a comparison. This is evidenced by the values of the cut-off, which had decreased at all wavelengths by a factor of 1.2 to 3.0 depending on wavelength. However, only for seven participants the degrees of equivalence do not exceed the expanded uncertainties at almost all wavelengths. About 80 % of all results (all participants at all wavelengths) agree with the KCRV within 1 % over the whole spectral range and within 0.7 % in the visible, which is comparable with the results of the previous CCPR-K1.a comparison.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Incandescent lamp-based facility for measuring the long-term radiometric stability of spectrographs.

The long-term temporal stability of a spectrograph is one of the most important characteristics affecting the spectrograph's radiometric performance. For many applications, from monitoring ocean color and lunar irradiance to laboratory irradiance measurement standards, the stability of a spectrograph is a primary factor in the overall measurement uncertainty and therefore is the major criterion for the suitability of the spectrograph as an optical-scale transfer standard. Here we report a facility built for testing the long-term radiometric stability of commercial, fiber-coupled spectrographs. The facility uses tungsten quartz-halogen irradiance standard lamps, type "FEL," of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as light sources. To ensure the highest stability of these lamps during spectrograph tests, parameters such as lamp current, lamp voltage, and signals from an independent filter radiometer were continuously recorded to monitor any possible instability caused by such effects as lamp aging. Using this facility, we report the stability study of four spectrographs with spectral coverage from the UV to short-wave infrared over an interval of two months during which the lamp irradiance was stable to better than 0.02%. The tested spectrographs show good stability in general, ranging from 0.02% to 0.1% in the visible over a span of 11 days. For a longer two-month test, the variation in spectrograph responses increases by less than 0.1% with no discernable long-term drifts. In addition, we measured the response variation of two of the test spectrographs before and after they were sent to remote field locations and subjected to adverse environmental conditions. In this case, a larger response variation of up to 1.0% dependence on the wavelength was observed. We discuss the performance of the facility and the implications for using these spectrographs for several of NIST's remote sensing projects as radiometric transfer standards based on these stability measurements.

E-waste derived silica-alumina for eco-friendly and inexpensive Mg-Al-Ti photocatalyst towards glycerol carbonate (electrolyte) synthesis: Process optimization and LCA

Valorization ofe-waste, i.e. waste printed circuit board (WPCB) through mechano-chemical activation to obtain silica as the catalyst support and alumina as the catalyst precursor for eco-friendly synthesis of inexpensive highly proficient photocatalyst has been explored. The WPCB derived silica-supported layered double oxide photocatalyst (MATLSW) and its counterpart (MATLSC) involving commercial silica and alumina precursors were synthesized through the wet-impregnation method under energy-efficient solar simulated quartz halogen lamp (SSQHL) irradiations to improve its photocatalytic properties compared to conventional methods. The prepared MATLSWpossessed a significantly low band-gap-energy (1.58 eV) that rendered efficient photocatalysis in the green-synthesis of glycerol carbonate (GC) (an effective electrolyte). The catalytic performance of the optimal MATLSWresulted in a superior yield of GC (98.68%) compared to that rendered by MATLSCcatalyst (GC yield: 96.56%) at optimal process conditions. Detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of the entire process (deploying Ecoinvent 3.5 database) dictated conducive environmental impacts concerning 1 kg GC synthesis alongside a scale-up study for 1 MT GC synthesis encompassing silica-alumina extraction from WPCB, MATLSW preparation, and employment of SSQHL-radiated batch reactor (SSQHLBR) (56.64% less energy consumption than conventional). The overall process deploying the novel MATLSWin conjunction with the effectual reactor demonstrated superiority over the conventional GC synthesis process through appreciable reductions of environmental impact parameters, namely GWP, FDP, and HTP by 5.78%, 3.60%, and 5.72% respectively. The developed green process for e-waste utilization can procreate an effective waste management protocol towards a cleaner world.

Properties of CrSi2 Layers Obtained by Rapid Heat Treatment of Cr Film on Silicon.

The changes in the morphology and the electrophysical properties of the Cr/n-Si (111) structure depending on the rapid thermal treatment were considered in this study. The chromium films of about 30 nm thickness were deposited via magnetron sputtering. The rapid thermal treatment was performed by the irradiation of the substrate’s back side with the incoherent light flux of the quartz halogen lamps in nitrogen medium up to 200–550 °C. The surface morphology was investigated, including the grain size, the roughness parameters and the specific surface energy using atomic force microscopy. The resistivity value of the chromium films on silicon was determined by means of the four-probe method. It was established that at the temperatures of the rapid thermal treatment up to 350 °C one can observe re-crystallization of the chromium films with preservation of the fine grain morphology of the surface, accompanied by a reduction in the grain sizes, specific surface energy and the value of specific resistivity. At the temperatures of the rapid thermal treatment from 400 to 550 °C there originates the diffusion synthesis of the chromium disilicide CrSi2 with the wave-like surface morphology, followed by an increase in the grain sizes, roughness parameters, the specific surface energy and the specific resistivity value.

Nickel silicide formation with rapid thermal treatment in the heat balance mode

The formation of nickel silicide layers on (111)-Si substrates during rapid thermal annealing in the heat balance mode was studied by the Rutherford backscattering method, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electrophysical measurements. Nickel films of about 70 nm thickness were deposited by magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The rapid thermal treatment was carried out in a heat balance mode by irradiating the substrates backside with a non-coherent light flux of quartz halogen lamps in the nitrogen medium for 7 seconds up to the temperature range of 200 to 550 °C. The redistribution of nickel and silicon atoms to monosilicide NiSi composition starts already at a temperature of 300 °С and almost ends at a temperature of 400 °С. In the same temperature range, the orthorhombic NiSi phase with an average grain size of about 0.05–0.1 μm is formed. At a rapid thermal treatment temperature of 300 °C, two phases of silicides (Ni2 Si and NiSi) are formed, while a thin layer of unreacted Ni is retained on the surface. This fact can be explained by the high heating rate at the initial annealing stage, at which the temperature conditions of the NiSi phase formation occur earlier than the entire Ni layer manages to turn into the Ni2 Si phase. The layers with a simultaneous presence of three phases are characterized by a high roughness of the silicide-silicon interface. The dependence of the specific resistivity of nickel silicide layers shows an increase to the values of 26–30 μOhm · cm in the range of rapid thermal treatment temperatures of 200–250 °C and a subsequent decrease to the values of about 15 μOhm · cm at a rapid thermal treatment temperature of 400 °C. This value of specific resistivity is characteristic of the high conductivity of the NiSi phase and correlates well with the results of structure studies.

Structure and morphology of CrSi<sub>2</sub> layers formed by rapid thermal treatment

The formation of chromium disilicide layers on n-type single crystal silicon substrates (111) during rapid thermal annealing in heat balance mode by the methods of Rutherford backscattering, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy of cross sections was investigated. Chromium films of about 30 nm thickness were deposited by magnetron sputtering of a chromium target with argon ions onto silicon substrates at room temperature. The rapid thermal treatment was carried out in a temperature range of 200 to 550 °C in a heat balance mode by irradiating the substrates backside with a non-coherent light flux of quartz halogen lamps in a nitrogen ambient for 7 s. It was established that hexagonal phase of chromium disilicide formation with grain size of 150–300 nm occurs in a threshold manner when the temperature of rapid thermal treatment exceeds 400 °C. At the same time, there are strong changes in the films surface morphology and surface roughness, and a silicide-silicon interface occur. In this case the wavy film surface morphology practically repeats silicide-silicon interface morphology (the surface exactly replicates the interface). The mechanism of CrSi2/Si interface structure roughness formation based on consideration of Kirkendall effect and deformation-stimulated diffusion of vacancies is proposed and discussed. The research results of the structure and morphology of CrSi2 layers on silicon are well-correlated with the results of the Schottky barrier electrophysical measurements. The results obtained can be used in microelectronics for forming rectifying contacts and interconnects metallization for integrated circuits, as well as for thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications.

Experimental and Theoretical Performance Evaluation of Parabolic trough Mirror as Solar Thermal Concentrator to Thermoelectric Generators

This paper presents the prospects of harnessing radiative heat from the sun with a parabolic trough mirror, as a solar thermal concentrator, in comparison to the mathematical model and experimental quartz-halogen concentrator model for the electrical energy conversion utilizing thermoelectric generators (TEG). The construction and design of TEG-setup along with Parabolic trough mirrors and quartz-halogen lamps are presented. The Parabolic trough mirror used as a focal point at a distance of 19.05 cm. With eight quartz-halogen concentrated heat, the maximum performance achieved at ?T of 11.8 K, Voc of 292 mV and Isc of 95.8 mA, recorded at the concentrated hot-side surface temperature of 317.8 K. When compared to the natural solar concentrated heat, higher temperature of 473.15 K at the hot-side surface temperature of TG was achieved. It is concluded that the heat concentration of the parabolic mirror increases with an increase in the intensity of heat using natural solar radiations. The Voc of 1.76 V and Isc of 1.1 A at a temperature difference of 110 K were measured, which are in good agreement with validated mathematical results. The parabolic through mirror utilized is smaller in size and thus collected lesser sun rays than the larger dish style mirror, and hence the heat in the focal point was very low, for better results, parabolic trough mirror with higher surface area would be important for future experiments.

Effectiveness of Light Source on Detecting Thin Film Transistor

Light sources tend to affect images captured in any automatic optical inspection (AOI) system. In this study, the effectiveness of metal-halide lamps, quartz-halogen lamps, and LEDs as the light sources in AOI systems for the detection of the third and fourth layers electrodes of thin-film-transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs) is examined experimentally. The results show that the performance of LEDs is generally comparable or better than that of metal-halide and quartz-halogen lamps. The best optical performance is by the blue LED due to its spectrum compatibility with the time-delay-integration charged-coupled device (TDI CCD) sensor and its better spatial resolution. The images revealed by the blue LED are sharper and more distinctive. Since current LEDs are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, using LEDs as the light source for AOI is very beneficial. As the blue LED performs the best, it should be adopted for AOI using TDI CCD sensors.

Image processing based quantitative damage evaluation in composites with long pulse thermography

Pulsed thermography is a contactless and rapid non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique that is widely used for the inspection of fibre reinforced plastic composites. However, pulsed thermography uses expensive and specialist equipment such high-energy flash lamps to generate heat into the sample, so that alternative thermal stimulation sources are needed. Long pulse thermography was recently developed as a cost-effective solution to enhance the defect detectability in composites by generating step-pulse heat into the test sample with inexpensive quartz halogen lamps and measuring the thermal response during the material cooling down. This paper provides a quantitative comparison of long pulse thermography with traditional pulsed thermography and step heating thermography in carbon fibre and glass fibre composites with flat-bottomed holes located at various depths. The three thermographic methods are processed with advanced thermal image algorithms such as absolute thermal contrast, thermographic signal reconstruction, phase Fourier analysis and principal component analysis in order to reduce thermal image artefacts. Experimental tests have shown that principal component analysis applied to long pulse thermography provides accurate imaging results over traditional pulsed thermography and step heating thermography. Hence, this inspection technique can be considered as an efficient and cost-effective thermographic method for low thermal conductivity and low thermal response rate materials.

Non-destructive prediction of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit susceptibility to postharvest rind pitting disorder using reflectance Vis/NIR spectroscopy

Abstract Postharvest RP is a progressive rind physiological disorder affecting citrus fruit during postharvest storage, reducing external quality of the fruit. The disorder develops 3–5 weeks after harvest, making it difficult to detect during grading and sorting in commercial packing lines. The Vis/NIR spectroscopy and associated chemometric analytical methods were explored for non-destructive prediction of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi MacFad) susceptibility to rind pitting. Reflectance Vis/NIR spectral data was acquired from fruit, just after harvest, using a laboratory bench-top monochromator NIR System equipped with a quartz halogen lamp and lead sulfide detector. Reference measurements for calibrating and validating PLS models included visual scores of RP and rind physico-chemical variables related to the disorder. The spectral data was correlated to RP scores and rind physico-chemical properties after eight weeks in cold storage and a week in shelf life. Good prediction of RP was obtained (R2p = 0.78; RPD = 2.03; RMSEP = 1.41). Prediction models for rind physicochemical properties successfully developed and validated included rind total antioxidant capacity (R2p = 0.95), β carotene (R2p = 0.99), total carotenoids (R2p = 0.92), chlorophyll a (R2p = 0.89), chlorophyll b (R2p = 0.93), dry matter (R2p = 0.88), sucrose (R2p = 0.91), glucose (R2p = 0.93) and fructose (R2p = 0.94). Principal component analysis successfully segregated fruit based on canopy position and susceptibility to rind pitting disorder. The ability of Vis/NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis to cluster fruit based on canopy position is recommended as a secondary approach to discriminate fruit with high susceptibility to RP since RP occurrence was high on fruit from outside canopy.

New type of reference light source for calibration of luxmeters and photometers

In BelGIM was created the setup for luxmeters and photometers calibration on basis of new type of reference light source. Light source was created on the base of the hemisphere, quartz-halogen lamps and LEDs. Created source provides (at the distance of 500 mm) average value of irradiance within the light spot (65 mm) at least 4000 lx with illumination by LEDs and 3000 lx with illumination by lamps. Uniform illumination within the light spot does not exceed 1 %. The uniform distribution of the correlated color temperature of the radiation within the spot is better than ± 10 K.

Investigations of optical and surface properties of Ag single thin film coating as semitransparent heat reflective mirror

Abstract The paper presents results of optical and surface morphology investigations of semitransparent silver single thin films deposited on glass substrate in relation to their heat radiation treatment. The thickness of 15 nm for the silver thin films was selected using computer designing of optical spectra and the films were deposited using electron beam evaporation process. Optical transmission and reflection were investigated for as deposited samples and after exposition to heat radiation from quartz-halogen lamp. The changes in the optical spectra were observed which suggested degradation of deposited heat mirrors. Structure and surface morphology studies performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy allowed us to conclude about formation of nanometric silver islands, regularly distributed over the surface of the glass substrate after exposure to heat treatment.

Realization of total spectral radiant flux scale at NMIJ with a goniophotometer/spectroradiometer

In response to the strong demand for a total spectral radiant flux (TSRF) standard from domestic lighting manufacturers, such a scale has been realized in the visible range by means of a relative gonio-spectroradiometric method at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ). Our gonio-spectroradiometric method employs spectral irradiance as well as a luminous intensity standard as reference standards. We have investigated several models of quartz-halogen lamps from domestic manufacturers with respect to their stability and decided a set of reference standard lamps for TSRF. Our carefully selected quartz-halogen lamps have sufficient stability as the standard lamp for TSRF after a 100 h seasoning process. The relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) for realization of the TSRF scale is between 3.1% (visible regions) and 4.1% (near ultraviolet region). We evaluated uncertainties related to the characteristics of the array spectroradiometer using experimental results and found some of those, such as effect of bandpass function, noticeably contributed to the total uncertainty.

Pressure dependence of refractive index of Ge near the absorption edge

Pressure-dependent refractive index of semiconductor germanium (Ge) near the absorption edge has not been well studied theoretically and experimentally to date. In this paper, we present a pressure-dependent refractive index of Ge film near its absorption threshold (about 1550 nm), deduced from the reflectivity of high crystalline Ge film coated on a fiber end. The thin Ge layer is deposited on one end of an optical fiber by using an E-beam evaporation machine equipped with a substrate heater of a quartz halogen lamp. In order to obtain high crystalline film, the quartz halogen lamp heater provides a constant substrate temperature of 450 ℃ during film deposition. After the film forming, the sample is transferred into a muffle furnace with a nitrogen atmosphere and annealed at 600 ℃ for 20 h to guarantee the formation of higher crystalline film. The process of light propagating through the optical fiber and reflecting from the Ge thin-film involves multi-beam interference. An abnormal dispersion is observed in the refractive index spectra of the polycrystalline Ge near the absorption edge. A comparison shows that the refractive index spectrum of the amorphous Ge is normal dispersion. Unlike previously reported results that the pressure-dependent refractive index had a negative value, in our experiment it is observed to be a positive value near the absorption edge. To better understand this phenomenon, we use a critical point model including the pressure effect to successfully fit the experimental data. We obtain an abnormal dispersion range of 1505-1585 nm and a range of negative value of pressure-dependent refractive index of 1500-1580 nm from the critical point model. In this paper, we adopt the method of high crystalline Ge film coated on a fiber end. This method has the advantages of small volume, high precision and strong stability, which can be used to measure the optical properties of many thin film materials under the different conditions (temperature, electric field or magnetic field, etc.). In this work, we obtain the refractive index of the Ge film and its pressure dependence near the C-band of the optical fiber communication, and these results are conducive to optimized design of the Ge-based optical systems near the C-band of the optical fiber communication.

Changes in dopamine and ZENK during suppression of myopia in chicks by intense illuminance

High ambient illuminances have been found to slow the development of deprivation myopia in several animal models. Almost complete inhibition of myopia was observed in chickens when intermittent episodes of high illuminance were alternated with standard office illuminance (50% duty cycle, alternate periods of 1 min 15,000 lux and 1 min 500 lux, continued for 10 h per day), or when illuminances were increased to 40,000 lux. Since the mechanisms by which bright light suppresses myopia are poorly understood, we have studied the roles of two well-established signaling molecules in myopia, dopamine and ZENK, in the chicken. In line with previous studies, we found that retinal dopamine release (as reflected by vitreal DOPAC content) was severely reduced during development of deprivation myopia. We found that illuminance of 15,000 lux, provided by quartz-halogen lamps, partially rescued the drop in retinal dopamine release. The finding is in line with the assumption that dopamine is involved in the light-induced inhibition of myopia. No differences in vitreal DOPAC were found when bright light was provided continuously or with 1:1 min alternating exposure with 500 lux. As previously described by others, wearing diffusers suppressed the expression of ZENK protein in glucagonergic amacrine cells (GACs) but neither continuous nor 1:1 min alternating bright to normal light could rescue the suppression of ZENK in GACs. While it is well known that light increases global retinal ZENK mRNA and protein levels, the changes of ZENK protein induced specifically in GACs by diffuser wear appear independent of light levels.

Resin-Based Composite and LCU-related Factors Affecting the Degree of Cure. A Literature Review: Part 2. Light Curing Units & Related Factors

Light Curing Units In parallel with developments in resin based composite technology, there have been changes in light curing units (LCU). Broadly, there are four categories of LCUs available in the market, with the two commonest used in Dentistry being quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamps and light emitting diode (LED) units, though now, QTH is infrequently used in most developed countries. Argon-ion lasers and Plasma-arc lamps (PALs) had many disadvantages limiting their use. Argon-ion lasers were large devices with increased cost compared to QTHs, [1] PALs had low curing efficiency, increased shrinkage and micro leakage due to fast curing, [2] increased cost, heat and power consumption and decline of lights power output over time compared to QTHs [1,3,4]. Because of their limitations, neither LCU have been in regular use in clinical dentistry and therefore will not be discussed further.

Time-related bond strength of resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement under various light exposure conditions

PurposeThis study's purpose was to determine the time-related bond strengths of light-cured resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement (LCGIC) under various conditions of light exposure. Materials and methods480 freshly extracted bovine mandibular incisors were randomly divided into 32 groups. The study was performed in 4 light curing conditions, at 4 bond-testing times, and by 2 bond testing methods. For dental curing lights, LED using a source consisting of high intensity light-emitting diode, TQH (tungsten quartz halogen lamp) and PAC (plasma arc lamp) were used. Light exposure from 2 directions was performed under 4 conditions: for 5s with LED (LED-5s), for 10s with LED (LED-10s), for 20s with TQH, and for 3s with PAC. Tensile and shear bond tests were performed at 4 time-points after light exposure, i.e. 0min, 3min, 30min, and 24h. ResultsLED had the highest peak output by 44.7mW/cm2 at 458nm. Significant increase over time of tensile and shear bond strength was observed in all of the groups. TQH and PAC had low tensile bond strength just after the exposure. LED-10's demonstrated significantly higher tensile and shear bond strength compared with other groups. ConclusionAlthough LED and PAC showed approximately peak irradiance five times higher than TQH, there is no significant difference in tensile and shear bond strength between TQH and PAC. It appears that LCGIC would have provided greater bond strength under various conditions of LED-10's.

Curing characteristics of a composite. Part 2: The effect of curing configuration on depth and distribution of cure

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the effect different configurations of curing would have on the depth and distribution of the cure within each configuration, for a specific resin-based composite (RBC). MethodsRBC was cured in a variety of configurations, consisting of 6mm molds of three different colors; large molds that simulated the condition of no mold at all; and 3–6mm diameter molds to check the effect of size. All specimens were cured for 20s with a quartz-halogen lamp and were allowed to cure for 24h in the dark. Transmission measurements were made for these same configurations. Knoop hardness measurements were made across the central plane of some configurations to determine the distribution of curing. ResultsDepths of cure and distribution of curing were significantly affected by changes in configuration. Under the configuration of no mold, the cure extended well beyond the periphery of the light guide due to scattering of the light. When a mold was used, a pronounced effect by the walls resulted in decreased hardness as the mold wall was approached, and the severity of this effect was dependent on the color of the mold. It is believed that this is due to absorption/reflection characteristics of light by the walls, with the white molds showing the least effect. Reducing the diameter of the molds resulted in significant decreases in depth of cure, which are attributed to light absorption by the walls that limits the penetration of light during the curing procedure. SignificanceConfiguration of curing has a significant effect on the depth of cure, but also significantly reduces the cure near the mold wall. This can have clinical ramifications for the cure along a stainless steel matrix band for Class II restorations, and for test procedures in general, where there is no standardization regarding configuration or where measurements are made on specimens.