Photoluminescence of conjugated polymer blends at the nanoscale

Here we report on a combined photoluminescence and morphological study of a polymer-polymer blend composed of a copolymer of derivatives of polyspirobifluorene and polyfluorene (PBFF) and a derivative of polyphenylene vinylene (MDMO-PPV). Evidence of partial Förster energy transfer from PBFF to MDMO-PPV is revealed by steady-state and time...

Flexible biochips for detection of biomolecules

Miniaturization of biosensors is envisaged by the development of biochips consisting of parallel microarray patterns of binding sites on rigid substrates, such as glass or silicon. Thin plastic substrates are promising flexible alternatives because of the possibility for large-area roll-to-roll manufacturing of disposable chips at lower costs....

Ultra short pulse laser generated surface textures for anti-ice applications in aviation

By laser ablation with ultra short laser pulses in the pico- and femto-second range, well controlled dual scaled micro- and nano-scaled surface textures can be obtained. The micro-scale of the texture is mainly determined by the dimensions of the laser spot, whereas the superimposed nano-structure is the result of so-called laser induced "self...

A comparative study of via drilling and scribing on PEN and PET substrates for flexible electronic applications using excimer and Nd:YAG laser sources

A study on via drilling and channel scribing on PEN and PET substrates for flexible electronic application is discussed in this paper. For the experiments, both KIF excimer laser (248 nm) and frequency tripled Nd:YAG (355 nm) laser are used. Different measurement techniques like optical microscopy, Dektak profilometer, Confocal microscopy and...

Direct Laser Write (DLW) as a versatile tool in manufacturing templates for imprint lithography on flexible substrates

A computer-controlled laser beam recorder with a wavelength of 405 nm has been employed for patterning the deposited resist with feature sizes varying from a few hundreds of nanometers to tens of micrometers. Four inch silicon templates for hot embossing source/ drain electrodes and metallic circuit for a disposable biosensor were obtained. SEM...

On the impact testing of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine crystals with different internal qualities

Impact testing of various cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) samples has been carried out with the Ballistic Impact Chamber (BIC). Numerical simulations have been performed to guide its experimental design and explain the phenomena that are observed in the measured pressure evolution. The experimental results obtained with the BIC are compared...

Applicability of iTIRM for roughness reduction monitoring

The results obtained with iTIRM during polishing are presented. It is shown that iTIRM unites the working ranges of several other techniques where iTIRM can be used during production where the others can not. The applicable range of iTIRM is shown to be at least 1 um down to 0.1 nm rms.

Investigation of the conservation-treatment methods of the Dutch National Monument: The role of microscopy

The Dutch National Monument in Amsterdam, a World War-II memorial structure, was built with an outer face consisting of slabs of travertine. In 1995, the masonry structure forming the core of the monument showed severe deterioration. In order to determine the actual cause of deterioration and to advise on the most suitable method of restoration,...

Composition of mortar as a function of distance to the brick-mortar interface: A study on the formation of cured mortar structure in masonry using NMR, PFM and XRD

The formation of cured mortar structure in masonry was studied using multiple experimental techniques. Starting with fresh mortar, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to measure the water extraction during brick laying. After curing, the composition of cured mortar was investigated with polarizing and fluorescent microscopy (PFM) and X-Ray...

Determination of the cement content of five samples of hardened concrete by means of optical microscopy

This article presents the results of a microscopic analysis to determine the cement content of five samples of hardened concrete prepared with portland pozzolanic cement and crushed limestone as part of the aggregate. The volume fraction of the coarse aggregate was determined macroscopically from polished plates of the concrete samples. The...