Semi‐Transparent Tandem Organic Solar Cells with 90% Internal Quantum Efficiency

Semi‐transparent (ST) organic solar cells with potential application as power generating windows are studied. The main challenge is to find proper transparent electrodes with desired electrical and optical properties. In this work, this is addressed by employing an amphiphilic conjugated polymer PFPA‐1 modified ITO coated glass substrate as the ohmic electron‐collecting cathode and PEDOT:PSS PH1000 as the hole‐collecting anode. For active layers based on different donor polymers, considerably lower reflection and parasitic absorption are found in the ST solar cells as compared to solar cells in the standard geometry with an ITO/PEDOT:PSS anode and a LiF/Al cathode. The ST solar cells have remarkably high internal quantum efficiency at short circuit condition (～90%) and high transmittance (～50%). Hence, efficient ST tandem solar cells with enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to a single ST solar cell can be constructed by connecting the stacked two ST sub‐cells in parallel. The total loss of photons by reflection, parasitic absorption and transmission in the ST tandem solar cell can be smaller than the loss in a standard solar cell based on the same active materials. We demonstrate this by stacking five separately prepared ST cells on top of each other, to obtain a higher photocurrent than in an optimized standard solar cell.     

Reflection and absorption of millimeter waves by thin absorbing films

Reflection, transmission, and absorption of mm-waves by thin absorbing films were determined at two therapeutic frequencies: 42. 25 and 53.57 GHz. Thin filter strips saturated with distilled water or an alcohol-water solution were used as absorbing samples of different thicknesses. The dependence of the power reflection coefficient R(d) on film thickness (d) was not monotonic. R(d) passed through a pronounced maximum before reaching its steady-state level [R(infinity)]. Similarly, absorption, A(d), passed two maximums with one minimum between them, before reaching its steady-state level [A(infinity)]. At 42.25 GHz, A(d) was compared with absorption in a semi-infinite water medium at a depth d. When d < 0.3 mm, absorption by the film increased: at d = 0.1 mm the absorption ratio for the thin layer sample and the semi-infinite medium was 3.2, while at d = 0.05 mm it increased up to 5.8. Calculations based on Fresnel equations for flat thin layers adequately described the dependence of the reflection, transmission, and absorption on d and allowed the determination of the refractive index (n), dielectric constant (epsilon), and penetration depth (delta) of the absorbing medium for various frequencies. For water samples, epsilon was found to be 12.4-19.3j, delta = 0.49 mm at 42.25 GHz, and epsilon = 9.0-19.5j, delta = 0.36 mm at 53.57 GHz. The calculated power density distribution within the film was strongly dependent on d. The measurements and calculations have shown that the reflection and absorption of mm-waves by thin absorbing layers can significantly differ from the reflection and absorption in similar semi-infinite media. The difference in reflection, absorption, and power density distribution in films, as compared to semi-infinite media, are caused by multiple internal reflections from the film boundaries. That is why, when using thin phantoms and thin biological samples, the specifics of the interaction of mm-waves with thin films should be taken into account.     

An improved model for simulating the penetration,propagation and absorption of radiation within plant canopies

A mathematical model for simulating the penetration, propagation and absorption of radiation within crop canopies of random leaf distribution is presented. Although the treatment of radiation penetration is based on well known theory, a new approach is developed for tracing the quantity and direction of reflected and transmitted radiation. This approach allows for multiple reflection and transmission up to any required level of accuracy, reflection from the soil, upward as well as downward flux and provides an explicit account of the quantities and direction of scattered radiation. These features will be of most significance at wavelengths where absorption is lowest such as the near-infrared wavebands which are important in remote sensing applications. The approach taken also allows for more flexible consideration of foliage angle which will be most relevant in the photosynthetically active waveband where absorption is high. The predictions of the downward and upward travelling flux densities are compared under ideal conditions with measurements made in canopies of known architecture with three different species, under both clear and overcast skies. Good agreement was obtained in all cases. The expected model deviation in the case of non-random foliage distribution is demonstrated, and the implications for further model development indicated.     

Phase behaviour and crystallinity of plant cuticular waxes studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The phase behaviour of cuticular waxes from leaves of Hedera helix L. and Juglans regia L. was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. For this purpose reconstituted waxes, isolated cuticular membranes, dewaxed polymer matrix membranes and whole leaves were studied in the horizontal attenuated total reflection and transmission modes. Melting curves of cuticular waxes were derived from temperature-dependent changes in the absorption maximum of the symmetric stretching mode of CH₂ groups (ν_s, at approx. 2856–2848 cm⁻¹). With increasing temperature absorption band doublets due to CH₂ scissoring (δ_sciss) and rocking (δ_rock) movements (at approx. 1473–1471 and 730–720 cm⁻¹, respectively) indicative of an orthorhombic arrangement of alkyl chains merged into a single peak. The area ratio of the peaks at approx. 720 and 730 cm⁻¹ was used as a measure for aliphatic crystallinity of plant cuticular waxes at a given temperature. The investigations of reconstituted cuticular waxes and those still embedded in isolated cuticles or in situ on the leaf produced comparable results. The findings are discussed in terms of the properties of the cuticular transport barrier. Received: 21 March 1997 / Accepted: 25 April 1997     

同时应用近场光学显微镜的透射和反射模式研究单个细胞的光学性质

通常认为．在近场光学显微技术的光收集模式中,观察透光性好的样品时采用透射模式．研究不透明样品时采用反射模式。本文同时采用透射和反射两种模式观察透明性较好的PCI2细胞和淋巴细胞样品．初步研究单个细胞的反射、吸收、透射和荧光等光学性质,以促进组织光学和激光生物医学等领域的进一步发展。细胞光学的时代就要到来。     

High Plasmonic Resonant Reflection and Transmission at Continuous Metal Films on Undulated Photosensitive Polymer

Whereas noble metal films deposited directly onto an undulated photosensitive polymer exhibit plasmon-mediated resonant transmission of free-space waves accompanied by excess losses of approximately 40 %, adequate hard baking of the photosensitive polymer, together with pre- and post-deposition of nanometer-thick ZnS or MgF₂ dielectric interfacial layers, restores excellent propagation conditions for the long-range plasmon mode, reducing resonant transmission excess losses to 10 %, and creating the conditions for the experimental evidence of the long-sought plasmonic anomalous reflection phenomenon.     

Optical Fiber-Based In Situ Spectroscopy of Pigmented Single Colonies

We have adapted a commercially available fiber-optic spectroradiometer with diode array detection to record reflection and absorption spectra from single, 1-mm-diameter bacterial colonies. A careful assessment of the performance of the spectroradiometer for this application is reported. In a model study employing colonies from various phototrophic bacteria, we show that the reflectance spectra are reliable within the range of 450 to 820 nm, whereas the transmission spectra yield accurate peak intensities and absorption maxima from 400 to 900 nm. For screening of populations of about 10(sup4) colonies, fiber-optic transmission spectroscopy provides an attractive and inexpensive alternative to present techniques based on charge-coupled device imaging technology.     

对太阳总辐射和某些植被的反射及透射辐射的分光测量

作者利用日本EKO公司的天空辐射表(外层玻璃罩为WG-295,透过波段为295-2,800纳米)、GG—395(395—2,800纳米)和RG715(715—2,800纳米)滤光罩,在广东省珠江三角洲地区的甘蔗田测定总辐射、近红外辐射、可见辐射和紫外辐射,以及这些光谱成分辐射在甘蔗上的反射、透射和吸收情况,测定不同下垫面对不同光谱成分辐射的反射状况。观测工作在1982年进行。 根据测定数据,得到下列初步结果: (1)在晴天条件下,当太阳高度角大于35°时,各光谱带的比率是:红外占53％,可见占43％,紫外占4％。有云天可见辐射的比率增加,最大可超过50％。年平均可见辐射可达48％。 (2)几种不同下垫面对红外辐射的反射率的大小顺序是:绿色植物最高,可达50％以上,其次是土壤,水面最低;可见辐射则是绿色植物最低,水面次之,土壤最高。 (3)甘蔗对可见辐射,红外辐射和总辐射的响应完全不同。其结果如表2所示。在甘蔗田中对于反射辐射,可见与红外的关系是 PAR_反射=0.101 NIR_反射-0.004对于透射辐射,可见与红外的关系是 PAR_透射=0.12 NIR_透射 0.03对于吸收辐射,可见与红外的关系是 PAR_吸收=2.53 NIR_吸收 0.13     

Investigating the Characteristics of a Double Circular Ring Resonators Slow Light Device Based on the Plasmonics-Induced Transparency Coupled with Metal-Dielectric-Metal Waveguide System

We have numerically investigated an analog of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguide bend. The geometry consists of two asymmetrical stubs extending parallel to an arm of a straight MDM waveguide bend. Finite-difference time-domain simulations show that a transparent window is located at 1550 nm, which is the phenomenon of plasmonic-induced transparency (PIT). Signal wavelength is assumed to be 820 nm. The velocity of the plasmonic mode can be largely slowed down while propagating along the MDM bends. Multiple-peak plasmon-induced transparency can be realized by cascading multiple cavities with different lengths and suitable cavity-cavity separations. Large group index up to 73 can be obtained at the PIT window. Our proposed configuration may thus be applied to storing and stopping light in plasmonic waveguide bends. In addition, the relationship between the transmission characteristics and the geometric parameters including the radius of the nano-ring, the coupling distance, and the deviation length between the stub and the nano-ring is studied in a step further. The velocity of the plasmonic mode can be largely slowed down while propagating along the MDM bends. For indirect coupling, formation of transparency window is determined by resonance detuning, but, evolution of transparency is mainly attributed to the change of the coupling distance. Theoretical results may provide a guideline for control of light in highly integrated optical circuits. The characteristics of our plasmonic system indicate a significant potential application in integrated optical circuits such as optical storage, ultrafast plasmonic switch, highly performance filter, and slow light devices.     

Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with a plasma with fully developed ion acoustic turbulence

A study is made of the characteristic features of the reflection and absorption of a monochromatic wave by a plasma with axisymmetric ion acoustic turbulence over a broad frequency range. The absorption anisotropy and the related conversion of an incident, linearly polarized wave into a reflected, elliptically polarized wave are described. The absorption coefficient and the difference in the phase shifts occurring in the reflection of different field components are obtained as explicit functions of the turbulent plasma parameters.     

Spectral Engineering of Semitransparent Polymer Solar Cells for Greenhouse Applications

In this study, a wavelength selective semitransparent polymer solar cell (ST‐PSC) with a proper transmission spectrum for plant growth is proposed for greenhouse applications. A ternary strategy combining a wide bandgap polymer donor with a near‐infrared absorbing nonfullerene acceptor and a high electron mobility fullerene acceptor is introduced to achieve PSCs with power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 10%. The addition of PC₇₁BM into J52:IEICO‐4F binary blend contributes to the suppressed trap‐assisted recombination, enhanced charge extraction, and improved open‐circuit voltage simultaneously. ST‐PSC based on the J52:IEICO‐4F:PC₇₁BM ternary blend shows an optimized performance with PCE of 7.75% and a defined crop growth factor of 24.8%. Such high‐performance ST‐PSC is achieved by carefully engineering the absorption spectrum of the light harvesting materials. As a result, the transmission spectra of the semitransparent devices are well‐matched with the absorption spectra of the photoreceptors, such as chlorophylls, in green plants, which provides adequate lighting conditions for photosynthesis and plant growth, and therefore making it a competitive candidate for photovoltaic greenhouse applications.     

Experimental Determination of the Far-Infrared Optical Properties of Biological Matter in Aqueous Solution

Experimental details are given of how to reliably measure theoptical properties of aqueous solutions in the far-infraredspectral range using a Fourier transform spectrometer. We discussthe analysis of reflection and transmission data in order toobtain the refractive index and the absorption coefficient. Someresults on water and biological systems are presented.     

The use of optical spectroscopy in combinatorial chemistry.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy allow direct spectral analysis of the solid-phase, thus avoiding the tedious cleavage of compounds from the solid support. With diagnostic bands in starting materials or products, infrared and Raman spectroscopy are efficient in monitoring each reaction step directly on the solid phase. Consequently, infrared and Raman spectroscopy have evolved as the premier analytical methodology for direct analysis on the solid support. While infrared transmission spectroscopy is a general analytical method for resin samples, internal reflection spectroscopy is especially suited for solid polymer substrates known as "pins" or "crowns." Single bead analysis is done best by infrared microspectroscopy, whereas photoacoustic spectroscopy allows totally nondestructive analysis of resin samples. With an automated accessory, diffuse reflection spectroscopy provides a method for high throughput on-bead monitoring of solid-phase reactions. Providing identification based on molecular structure, HPLC-FTIR is, therefore, complementary to LC-MS. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy as a complement to infrared spectroscopy can be applied to resin samples and-using a Raman microscope-to single beads. Fluorometry as an extremely sensitive spectroscopic detection method allows rapid quantification of organic reactions directly on the resin.     

Selecting Trade Books for Elementary Science Units

Understanding the concept of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and its interaction with matter (absorption, reflection, and transmission) can be difficult for students in seventh and eighth grade physical science classes. This inquiry-based activity (IBA) is aimed at improving their understanding of these concepts by exploring the interaction of EMR with leaves of different plant species or health conditions. Incorporating at least two different types of leaves from the local environment and measuring their interaction with EMR peaks student interest in this activity. After completing this IBA, students will see how objects interact in different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and gain a better understanding of phenomena such as reflection and absorption. Further, this IBA can help them understand how human eyes perceive different colors. This activity can be expanded by a biology teacher to include a discussion about leaf pigments and how their interaction with EMR determines the colors of leaves. Concepts covered in this IBA can be related to remote sensing science and how sensors on board satellites collect Earth Observation data.     

Harmful effects of 41 and 202 MHz radiations on some body parts and tissues

Many types of invisible electromagnetic waves are produced in our atmosphere. When these radiations penetrate our body, electric fields are induced inside the body, resulting in the absorption of power, which is different for different body parts and also depends on the frequency of radiations. Higher power absorption may result into health problems. In this communication, effects of electromagnetic waves (EMW) of 41 and 202 MHz frequencies transmitted by the TV tower have been studied on skin, muscles, bone and fat of human. Using international standards for safe exposure limits of specific absorption rate (SAR), we have found the safe distance from TV transmission towers for two frequencies. It is suggested that transmission towers should be located away from the thickly populated areas and people should keep away from the transmission towers, as they radiate electromagnetic radiations that are harmful to some parts/tissues of body.     

Sickle hemoglobin polymer melting in high concentration phosphate buffer

Sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) prepared in argon-saturated 1.8 M phosphate buffer was rapidly mixed with carbon monoxide (CO)-saturated buffer. The binding of CO to the sickle hemoglobin and the simultaneous melting of the hemoglobin polymers were monitored by transmission spectroscopy (optical absorption and turbidity). Changes in the absorption profile were interpreted as resulting from CO binding to deoxy-HbS while reduced scattering (turbidity) was attributed to melting (depolymerization) of the HbS polymer phase. Analysis of the data provides insight into the mechanism and kinetics of sickle hemoglobin polymer melting. Conversion of normal deoxygenated, adult hemoglobin (HbA) in high concentration phosphate buffer to the HbA-CO adduct was characterized by an average rate of 83 s-1. Under the same conditions, conversion of deoxy-HbS in the polymer phase to the HbS-CO adduct in the solution phase is characterized by an average rate of 5.8 s-1 via an intermediate species that grows in with a 36 s-1 rate. Spectral analysis of the intermediate species suggests that a significant amount of CO may bind to the polymer phase before the polymer melts.     

Optical Modeling of Plasmonic Nanoparticles Enhanced Light Emission of Silicon Light-Emitting Diodes

Significant enhancement of radiative efficiency of thin-film silicon light-emitting diodes achieved by placing the active layer in close proximity to silver (Ag) nanoparticles has been observed. In this paper, optical properties including transmission, reflection, and absorption of a random assembly of Ag nanoparticles are theoretically investigated using the effective medium model. Furthermore, the influence of Ag nanoparticles on light emission of silicon light-emitting diodes is studied by an improved effective mode volume model we propose here. The normalized line shape of dipole oscillation is calculated directly using Lorentz–Drude model without using any approximation. Thus, it results in more accurate calculation of the enhanced Purcell factor in comparison with the conventional approach. We show that an enhancement of radiative efficiency of silicon light-emitting diodes can be achieved by localized surface plasmons on metal nanoparticles. The calculated result of optimal Ag nanoparticle size to enhance light emission of silicon light-emitting diodes at 900 nm wavelength is in very good agreement with those obtained from the experimental result. The model is useful for the design of metallic nanoparticles enhanced light emitters.     

褪黑素的太赫兹时域光谱

太赫兹时域光谱技术是一种新兴的无损探测技术。利用太赫兹波的低能性以及大部分生物分子的振动跃迁和旋转在该频段表现出的强色散和吸收作用等特点,可以对生物分子及生命体的活动进行无损探测和研究。本文分别采用透射式和反射式太赫兹时域光谱系统,对不同质量比的褪黑素压片进行测试,分析它在太赫兹波段的光学性质,发现它在0.29、0.50、0.70、0.91、1.20、2.17和2.55 THz处存在特征吸收峰;频域谱的强度随样品浓度的变化呈线性关系。利用Gaussian 09及Gaussian VIEW软件进行模拟分析,得到褪黑素在0.46、0.91、1.15、2.01、2.23和2.61 THz处存在特征吸收峰,为实验结果提供了有力地支持。这些工作为褪黑素等生化样品的检测和鉴定提供了依据和参考。     

A parametric study of the force/moment systems produced by T-loop retraction springs

This study considers the effects of several parameters on the force/moment systems produced by T-loop retraction springs. The springs are studied by using the finite element method and by experimentally measuring the forces and moments from the various designs. The results show that varying the spring height can produce larger moment to force ratios as the height increases. Changes in the preactivation bends result in unsymmetric moment characteristics and also produce large intrusive/extrusive forces. The addition of helices at the bends did little to alter the springs' mechanical characteristics.