Solitary Crystals Research Articles

Enhanced Mechanical, Thermal, Surface, Self-Defocusing, Electro-Optic and Photoelastic Characteristics of Doped Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Solitary Crystals for Optoelectronic Applications

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) is an effective NLO substance. Much research has been concentrated on KDP crystals to increase the effectiveness of KDP's nonlinear optical property. The effectiveness of laser radiation conversion can be increased by altering its expansion. The excellent molecular chirality of organic acids is employed to improve the properties of KDP. Our main objective in this study was to describe the studies on the mechanical, thermal, surface, antibacterial, self-defocusing, and electro-optic properties of doped potassium dihydrogen phosphate solitary crystals for optical, electronic, and biological applications. The effect of itaconic acid (ITA) at concentrations ranging from 1, 3, and 5 mol% on the thermal, SEM, microhardness behaviors, NLO, antibacterial properties, and half-wave voltage of KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate) single crystals grown by the slow cooling technique. The existence of dopants was proved with energy-dispersive spectrometry. The mechanical properties of various temperatures for undoped and doped-KDP crystals with rising dopant combinations have been prepared, and the hardness was expanded due to doping. In contrast to several potentially dangerous microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, the produced crystals were exposed to antibiotic activity. The superiority of the fully-fledged crystal is determined by the etching studies. Using the Z-scan method, the good third-order nonlinear response for different planes (2 0 0), (2 1 1), and (1 1 2) of the ITA-doped KDP crystal sample was determined. Half-wave voltage may be discovered in the crystal produced via electro-optic examination. The Z-scan analysis of pure and ITA-doped KDP crystals for different planes reveals good self-defocussing and NLO responses. The electro-optic experiment generated a significant and consistent half-wave voltage. The photoelastic behavior of KDP crystals with ITA as a variable birefringent compensator has been investigated.

Doped potassium dihydrogen phosphate single crystals with enhanced second-harmonic generation efficiency: an investigation of phase purity, nonlinear, piezoelectric, optical, and crystalline qualities

We investigated the impact of itaconic acid (ITA) on potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) aimed at concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 mol % on Single Crystal x-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infra-Red, absorption of optical charm, Powder XRD, improved second Harmonic Generation competency, and third order non-Linearity of fully grown solitary crystals formed by slow cooling (Low Temperature Solution Growth). The crystals were crushed into a powder with micron-sized crystals for x-ray diffraction research. The Powder XRD spectrum of different ITA doped KDP concentrations showed fewer peaks with higher intensities than pure KDP crystals. Doping in the KDP crystal matrix accelerate growth in the [200] plane. Despite vibration assignment modes of ITA doped KDP, the FT-IR spectrum shows doping materials in KDP crystalline media. ITA doped KDP showed 90% optical transmission in UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy, whereas pure KDP possessed 60%. The dielectric investigation found that doped KDP crystals had lower dielectric loss and greater dielectric constants than pure counterparts. In pure and doped crystals, piezoelectric effects and second harmonics are premeditated. Using the Z scan approach, we were able to assess the third order nonlinear optical behaviour of pure crystal samples as well as the effects of self-defocusing caused by doping of ITA in KDP. ITA doping contributes to the growth, nucleation, and induction period. Doping concentration initially accelerated growth. Photoluminescence study shows that fully formed crystals have fewer defects. High Resolution XRD study determined crystal quality.

Metallogenic discrimination by sphalerite trace element geochemistry: An example from the Fengyan Zn-Pb deposit in central Fujian, SE China

Central Fujian is an important polymetallic (Zn-Pb-Ag-Cu-Mo-Au) mineral province in southeastern China, yet its mineralization is still disputed with proposed genetic models ranging from Proterozoic volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) to Mesozoic skarn-type mineralization. The Fengyan stratabound Zn-Pb deposit is mainly hosted in marble of the Meso-Neoproterozoic Longbeixi Formation. The deposit contains two types of ore-stage sphalerite (Ⅰ and II) distinguishable based on their paragenetic relations and associated mineral assemblages. Sphalerite I generally occurs as solitary crystals characterized by black to red internal reflections. Sphalerite II is commonly associated with galena and chalcopyrite, and has yellow internal reflections. Sphalerite I has lower concentrations of Co, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ag, and Bi, but higher concentrations of Fe, Mn, and In compared to sphalerite II. Both sphalerite types have very low contents of Ga, Ge, and Sn. According to a large, global sphalerite geochemical database of well-studied VMS and skarn deposits compiled as part of this study, skarn-hosted sphalerite is characterized not only by a broader range of contained trace element contents than its VMS-hosted equivalent but also by higher concentrations of Fe, Ga, Ge, and Ag and lower Mn, Cd, In, and Co. Trace element geochemistry and metal concentrations can thus be used to distinguish VMS and skarn deposits. Overall, the two sphalerite types from Fengyan have similar trace element compositions to those of skarn-hosted (but not VMS-hosted) sphalerite. In addition, the two types of sphalerite and their coexisting minerals have a narrow in-situ δ34S range (-1.6 to 4.1 ‰, mean 2.3 ‰), indicating a magmatic source. The elemental and isotopic geochemical evidence suggests that Fengyan is best classified as a stratabound, distal Zn-Pb skarn deposit. Our work highlights the effectiveness of sphalerite trace element geochemistry for differentiating ore deposit types, thereby presenting a possible tool in support of both Zn-Pb ore exploration and research.

Leaf anatomy of Quercus macranthera subsp. syspirensis (K.Koch) Menitsky

The genus Quercus L. (Fagaceae) is represented by 461 species worldwide. Its distribution ranges from the temperate northern hemisphere to Malaysia and Colombia. Quercus bark is rich in tannins and is used as an astringent. Q. macranthera subsp. syspirensis (K.Koch) Menitsky is endemic to Turkey and is known as "ispir meşesi". The plant is a small deciduous tree up to 7 m tall. Leaves obovate with 5-9 short lobes, stipules filiform, primary veins 6-10 and petiole 5-20 mm. The plant material was collected from Kastamonu-Araç (Turkey). A voucher specimen was deposited in the Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy Herbarium (AEF). The samples for anatomical studies were protected in 70% alcohol. The transverse and surface sections were cut by hand with razor blade into microscopic preparat form. The Sartur solution was used in microscopic examinations. Leica DM 4000B microscope was used for anatomical analysis and micro photographing. According to the results of the anatomical study, the leaf is bifacial. Numerous stellate hairs are found on the upper and lower epidermis. Stomata are located only on the lower epidermis. The leaf and petiole contain solitary crystals. The petiole is characterized by a numerous stellate hairs. The sclerenchymatous tissue surrounds the vascular bundles in the form of a ring.

A new Oligocene-Miocene tree from Panama and historical Anacardium migration patterns.

Migration of Boreotropical megathermal taxa during the Oligocene and Miocene played a key role in assembling diversity in tropical regions. Despite scattered fossil reports, the cashew genus Anacardium offers an excellent example of such migration. The fossil woods described here come from localities in Veraguas, Panama mapped as Oligocene-Miocene. We studied, described, and identified two well-preserved specimens using wood anatomical characteristics and completed extensive comparisons between fossil and extant material. The studied fossil woods share several diagnostic features with the modern Anacardium genus, including large solitary vessels, large intervessel-pitting, a simple vessel-ray pitting pattern, and mostly 1–3 seriate rays with large rhomboidal solitary crystals. We propose a new fossil species named Anacardium gassonii sp. nov., that adds an essential piece to the understanding of the historical biogeography of the genus. In addition, our findings confirm previous interpretations of this species’ migration from Europe to North America and its crossing through Panama, leading to subsequent diversification in South America. This discovery provides an important link to the historical migration patterns of the genus, supporting the notion of an Eocene migration to the Neotropics via Boreotropical bridges, as well as an Oligocene-Miocene crossing of Central America followed by diversification in South America.

English

Plants are widely used in traditional medicine, but could be detrimental to patients, due to the presence of some harmful substances such as calcium oxalate (CaOx) C2CaO4 crystals. The presence, morphology and distribution of CaOx crystals were investigated in 60 wild, herbal plant species from the Al Qussim Region, Saudi Arabia. This was done via light microscopy of transverse sections of stems and leaves using light microscopy. Different types of CaOx crystals were found in only 24 of the plant species studied, the rest had no CaOx crystals. The stems of 12 plant species under study contained different types of CaOx crystals, with crystal sand being the most common. In the leaves of four plant species, druses and solitary crystals were the most frequently found types. In addition, eight species had different types of crystals in their respective stems and leaves. Rumex vesicarius had the most crystals in both its stems and leaves from all investigated species, followed by Asphodelus tenuifolius. Key words: Ca-oxalate crystals, light microscope, plant leaves, stems, Al Qussim Region.

Comparative Anatomical Studies on Three Endemic Ononis L. (Leguminosae) Species Growing in Turkey.

The leaf and stem anatomical characteristics of three endemic Ononis L. (Leguminosae) species were studied for the first time for the evaluated in terms of systematic of similarities and differences in these taxa. Ononis sessilifolia Bornm., Ononis basiadnata Hub.-Mor. and Ononis macrosperma Hub.-Mor. were collected from different provinces of Turkey. In this anatomical study, transversal and superficial sections from the leaves and transversal sections from stems of the species were taken and examined by appropriate reagends. Illustrations were obtained by using an Olympus U-DA 2K 17149 drawing tube attached to an Olympus BX50 microscope. The microphotographs were taken by a Leica DM 4000 B microscope. O. macrosperma is bifacial leaf, the others are monofacial leaf. The leaf of O. basiadnata has eglandular trihomes. If the anatomical similarities between species are to be listed, Rubiaceae type stoma was observed in all three species and solitary crystals were found in stem and leaf sections. Anatomical characteristics, such as mesophyll structure, transmission bundles and crystal structures, may contribute to the taxonomy of Ononis species for future work.

新規無鉛圧電材料の状態図に関する第一原理計算

Ferroelectric thin films are using the actuators and sensors in medical devices. Therefore, developments of biocompatible novel lead-free piezoelectric materials are required. In previous study, novel lead-free piezoelectric materials, which were solitary crystals ABO3 and complex crystals (A,A’)BO3 and A(B,B’)O3 of perovskite-type oxide, were discovered by employing first principle calculation based on density functional theory (DFT). In this paper, to support the fabrication of novel lead-free piezoelectric thin films, the phase diagram was predicted through first principle calculation. Firstly, stable crystal structure of perovskite oxides was evaluated. Secondly, total energy, spontaneous polarization, elastic compliance and electrostrictive coefficient were calculated from crystal structures. Thirdly, the free energy function with consideration of misfit strain was approximated from total energy and spontaneous polarization of asymmetric crystal structures. Finally, the stable thin film phase with minimum energy was investigated by employing the approximated free energy function. The developed prediction procedure was applied to existing materials PZT and novel lead-free piezoelectric materials. Especially, the effect of material composition on phase diagram was discussed.

Growth and characterization of high proficient second order nonlinear optical material: l-Valinium Picrate

High-quality translucent solitary crystals of l-Valinium Picrate (LVAP) were lucratively grown by a conventional solution growth method and unidirectional growth technique of Sankaranarayanan–Ramasamy. The as grown organic LVAP crystal belongs to monoclinic crystal system with noncentrosymmetric space group P21. The seed crystal acquired by conventional solution growth method was slash along the (010) direction and consequently employed for unidirectional growth. A bulky extent single crystal was fully fledged by slow cooling procedure with facilitate of solubility data. The unit cell parameters were resolved from single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The grown crystals by both conventional solution growth (SEST) and SR methods were subjected to assorted characterization processes such as HRXRD, UV–Vis, dielectric, Hardness and Laser damage threshold studies to investigate the properties. The etching and high resolution X-ray diffraction studies designate that the unidirectional grown LVAP crystal encompass good crystalline excellence and lesser amount of imperfections. The UV–Visible study reveals the ocular excellence of the SR grown LVAP crystal is superior to SEST grown crystal. The laser damage threshold of SEST and SR grown LVAP crystals has been examined and SR grown LVAP crystal boast higher damage threshold than the conventional method grown crystal. Microhardness measurements at dissimilar temperatures show that crystals fully fledged by SR method contain elevated mechanical steadiness than the crystals grown by SEST method. Dielectric dispersion is soaring in SR grown crystal compared to SEST grown LVAP crystal. The piezoelectric nature and the relative Second Harmonic Generation (for various particle sizes) of the material were also studied.

Leaf anatomical studies of Chamaecrista subsect. Baseophyllum (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae): new evidence for the up-ranking of the varieties to the species level

This study aims to determine whether morphoanatomical characters of the leaves of the species of Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsection Baseophyllum could be used to support an up-ranking of C. cytisoides varieties to the species level as previously defined by molecular studies. The significance of anatomical adaptive strategies to arid environments is also discussed. Standard light microscopy techniques and histochemical tests were used for both morphoanatomical and histochemical characterization of the leaves. All the species studied share a single-layered epidermis, actinodromous–camptodromous–brochidodromous type of venation, vascular bundles surrounded by layers of fibers bounded externally by a sheath of cells containing solitary crystals, enlarged tracheids at the vein endings, vascular petiole/rachis tissue with a parenchymatous pith, accessory vascular bundles, mucilage idioblasts and hypodermis in the mesophyll, colleters, and non-secretory trichomes. The position and type of stomata, type of mesophyll, number of palisade and spongy parenchyma layers, position of mucilage idioblasts in the mesophyll, and the number of accessory vascular bundles of petiole/rachis provided useful characters for discriminating the eight species of the subsect. Baseophyllum. Histochemical tests reveal the presence of total polysaccharides, pectins, mucilage and phenolic compounds in the idioblasts. Other xeromorphic characters such as thickened outer periclinal cell walls, compact mesophyll, mucilage idioblasts and hypodermis in the mesophyll may help enable the studied species to survive in exposed sunny areas.

Leaf and stem anatomy of honeybush tea (Cyclopia species, Fabaceae)

The leaf and stem microstructure of commercialised Cyclopia species (Cyclopia intermedia, Cyclopia subternata, Cyclopia maculata, Cyclopia genistoides) is described and illustrated for the first time. Leaflet characters of diagnostic value include the shape, margin (flat or revolute), bundle sheath extensions, crystals (aggregates, solitary crystals and crystal sand), relative size of the upper and lower epidermal cells and thickness of the cuticle. The study revealed an abundance of phenolic compounds, not only in the leaf epidermal cells and leaf bundle sheaths, but also in the secondary phloem, xylem rays, xylem parenchyma and pith, showing that the inclusion of older stems may be acceptable and does not necessarily lower the quality of the product.

Characterization of Calcium Oxalate Biominerals in Some (Non-Cactaceae) Succulent Plant Species

The water-accumulating leaves of crassulacean acid metabolism plants belonging to five different families were investigated for the presence of biominerals by infrared spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. Spectroscopic results revealed that the mineral present in succulent species of Agavaceae, Aizoaceae, and Asphodelaceae was calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite, CaC2O4 x H2O). Crystals were predominantly found as raphides or solitary crystals of various morphologies. However, representative Crassulaceae members and a succulent species of Asteraceae did not show the presence of biominerals. Overall, these results suggest no correlation between calcium oxalate generation and crassulacean acid metabolism in succulent plants.

Anatomy and morphology of Nicotiana glauca with regard to its crystals characterization.

Nicotiana glauca belongs to the Solanacese family of which Nicotiana tabacumand Nicotiana rustica are best known for their use as tobacco. N. glauca attains the greatest abundance and diversity in Central Argentina where it is considered native, and has been known as a weed in South Africa since the 19th Century. Extensive work on toxic effect of secondary metabolites extracted from this plant was conducted but their sources of origin and structure were not known. The leaves of N. glauca were characterized by the presence of solitary crystals and crystal-sand which originated from the cytosol and vacuoles. The presence of the compact tissues, isobilateral leaf with thick-cuticular epidermis and abundant crystals was assumed to be of ecological importance as this species appeared to be adapted to the xeromorphic habitats. Key words: Anatomy, morphology, crystals in Nicotiana glauca.

Anatomical notes on Turkish Frangula alnus Mill. (Rhamnaceae)

In this study, the Turkish representatives of Frangula alnus were investigated in terms of wood, leaf and petiole anatomy. Some important differences were observed between the two native subspecies F. alnus subsp. alnus and F. alnus subsp. pontica. These include the grouping and frequency of vessels, the size of vessel fibres and rays, and the presence of cubic and solitary crystals in square ray cells. Significant differences in the distributions of secretory cavities and crystals in the leaves and petioles were also observed. The described features provide a useful complementary key for the distinction of the two subspecies native to Turkey that is applicable both to fresh material and macrofossil remains.

Calcium oxalate crystals in the mature seeds of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst.

The morphology and location of crystals encountered in the mature seeds of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst., were examined using light and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Crystals of various forms and sizes were discovered in different regions and tissues of seeds, particularly in the testa and the nucellus. Both solitary crystals and druses were occasionally enveloped by protrusions of the megaspore membranes or the cuticle of the megagametophyte. Histological studies and acid solubility tests coupled with analysis using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and X-ray diffraction evinced the crystals as calcium oxalate, but were unable to identify different hydration forms. Calcium oxalate crystals were most abundant in the damaged and infected tissues, and in the structures that desiccate during the development of the seed. Based on these observations we concluded that the accumulation of calcium oxalate is a regular process belonging to maturation and defense mechanism in spruce seeds.

Estudio anatómico de Hippocratea excelsa HBK. (Hippocrateaceae)

Se presenta una descripción anatómica de hoja, xilema secundario y corteza del tallo y de la raíz de Hippocratea excelsa HBK. La corteza de esta especie, conocida popularmente como "cancerina", es usada de manera tradicional para el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades; además se obtienen de ella compuestos de importancia económica como la "guttapercha". La hoja tiene estomas del tipo actinocítico, el parénquima en empalizada contiene abundantes espacios intercelulares, en las células epidérmicas se encuentran drusas y abundantes taninos. El xilema secundario del tallo y de la raíz presenta porosidad difusa, vasos solitarios, parénquima paratraqueal escaso y apotraqueal difuso en agregados, y radios multiseriados. En el parénquima del xilema secundario de la raíz se observan almidones y otros compuestos no identificados. La corteza de la raíz contiene abundantes taninos, cristales solitarios y fibras de dos formas diferentes: unas puntiagudas y otras con puntas romas.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals in the Bark of Quercus robur, Ulmus glabra, Populus tremula and Betula pendula

Barks of different developmental stages of oak ( Quercus robur L.), elm ( Ulmus glabra Huds.), poplar ( Populus tremula L.) and birch ( Betula pendula Roth) were analysed with regard to the variability of presence, type, location, dimension, and quantity of calcium oxalate crystals. Solitary crystals were present in all bark samples. In oak and poplar they were located in thick-walled, chambered, lignified cells adjacent to fibre groups and in sclereids. In birch they were mostly present in sclereids and occasionally in axial phloem parenchyma cells. In elm, thin-walled, chambered axial phloem parenchyma cells contained solitary crystals. Druses were present in oak, poplar and birch, but not in elm. They were located in thin-walled, chambered axial phloem parenchyma cells in the vicinity of the vascular cambium, in axial phloem parenchyma cells of the secondary phloem and in cortical cells. Presence, type and location of bark crystals did not vary between bark samples of different age. Therefore, these bark crystal characteristics may form reliable features for a diagnostic description of the barks investigated. The dimensions and quantity of bark crystals varied considerably and may not serve as diagnostic features.

Stratigraphic and micropetrographic occurrences of pyrite in sediments at the confluence of carbonate and peat-forming depositional systems, southern Florida, U.S.A.

This study was undertaken to investigate peat/carbonate relationships in a modern coal-forming setting, with initial research on pyrite and sulfur contents relative to stratigraphic and petrographic conditions. Over 40 closely spaced cores were taken from transects from Florida Bay inland through mangrove swamps and freshwater Everglades. Core stratigraphy confirms on overall transgressive sequence, but new evidence supports a small regression within the overall transgression. On average, both total S and pyrite are lowest at inland sites, highest near the coastline, and intermediate in Florida Bay sediments. Total S is higher in marine than freshwater peats, but freshwater peats overlain by marine peats are enriched in S. In cores that start with peat at the top, pyrite is generally absent or very low in the top 20 cm. Higher percentages of pyrite occur in carbonate rather than peat facies. Pyrite exists in three forms, framboidal aggregates, minute crystals, and large solitary crystals. Most of the pyrite occurs as minute crystals (< 2 μm) and framboidal aggregates. The occurrence of large crystals (> 2 μm) is less common and generally restricted to the cavities of larger cells or cavities within other organics (e.g. formminifera, pollen grains, fungal sclerotia). A general relationship seem to exist in certain cases between the occurrence of spherical organic cell fillings and the occurrence of the framboidal form of pyrite.

Leaf anatomical studies of Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae) species from the Malay Peninsula

KHATIJAH, H. H., CUTLER, D. F. & MOORE, D. M., 1992. Leaf anatomical studies of Eugenia L. species from the Malay Peninsula. The leaf and petiole anatomy of 25 Malaysian species of Eugenia L. sensu lato was investigated to determine the value of vegetative anatomy for the identification of non-flowering material. Twelve characters proved useful for the identification of species: type of stomata; shape of leaves in T.S.; shape of midrib bundle; sclerenchyma sheath; cutinization of outer epidermal wall; presence or absence of sclereids, idioblasts, hypodermis, columnar epidermal cells, solitary crystals; number of palisade layers and the shape of vascular strand, sclerenchyma sheath and sclereids in the parenchyma of the petiole. Using these characters an anatomical key was constructed to assist identification of the species. Only the closely related species E. stapfiana and E. nilidula could not be separated on anatomical characters. The anatomical data support the treatment of Henderson (1949) of section Acmena but not of sections Cleistocalyx and Fissicalyx, which fit better in section Syzygium.

Deposition and alteration of volcaniclastic strata in two large, early Proterozoic iron-formations in Canada

The Gunflint Iron-formation of western Ontario and the Sokoman Iron-formation of the Labrador–Quebec geosyncline both contain interbeds of coarse-grained volcaniclastic detritus. Volcaniclastic beds in the Gunflint are typically less than a metre thick and display normal grading and other physical structures typical of high- and low-density turbidites. Similar volcaniclastic beds are present in the Sokoman, as well as thicker accumulations with structures indicative of deposition from high-density turbidity currents. The volcaniclastic detritus in both iron-formations consists largely of well-sorted vitric ash and lapilli with accessory holocrystalline grains and solitary feldspar crystals. Internal textures of the vitric grains, plus the presence of armored lapilli in the Gunflint, suggest they are products of hydroclastic eruptions. However the clasts in most beds are heterogeneous and well-rounded, indicating they are sedimentary rather than eruptive deposits. Quench textures, coalesced vesicles, and diabasic textures indicate that the volcaniclastics were originally basaltic in composition, but the rocks have been pervasively altered to iron-rich chlorite, calcite, and K-feldspar (Or98 Ab2 An0) with minor quartz and illite. In addition to being pseudomorphs after the original volcaniclastic textures within grains, these minerals also occur as interstitial and vesicle-filling cements. Fibrous rims of chlorite and poikilotopic to blocky calcite are the most abundant cement types. Cementation commenced early, inasmuch as some zones show little evidence of compaction. Patterns of cementation and alteration may indicate that geothermal gradients in such iron-formation basins were steeper than they are in the most closely comparable modern settings, namely passive margins.