Polymer microstructured fibers by one-step extrusion.

For the first time to our knowledge, polymer-based microstructured fibers with complex cross-sections are directly produced via melt extrusion. Two principal types of fibers were fabricated: a microstructured fiber of a single polymer with a hexagonal array of air holes and a bicomponent fiber consisting of approximately 60 coaxial rings. From the latter, strong visible iridescence was observed and is shown to exhibit a mechanochromic response. This approach, the mainstay of the textile trade for decades, offers a means of continuous high-volume low-cost manufacturing of polymer (and conceivably soft-glass) fibers. For example, in the present effort, 128 coaxially microstructured fibers were fabricated simultaneously at rates exceeding 1200 m/min from industrially mainstream polymers. This approach offers an important step forward towards commoditizing microstructured fibers and open new doors for optical engineering in fashion, marking/identification, and numerous military applications.

Time-dependent chemical compositions of 13N and 15O induced in air by the operation of a high energy electron accelerator.

Time-dependent chemical compositions for 13N and 15O induced in the air atmosphere of a high energy electron accelerator room have been studied using a computer simulation method. A radiation chemistry model was developed to describe the chemical reactions of 13N and 15O species with the air molecules and their radiolytic products. By assuming several chemical forms of 13N and 15O generated by the (gamma, n) reaction, the variations of the concentrations of 13N and 15O species were simulated under a radiation field. From the comparison between the simulations and experiment in a 100 MeV electron linear accelerator (linac) facility, the following conclusions were obtained: (1) Just after the (gamma, n) reaction, 25-50% of 13N and 15O are present as atoms (13N, 15O) and/or their ions (13N+, 15O+) and the remainder as nitrogen and oxygen molecules (13NN, 15OO) and/or their ions (13NN+, 15OO+); (2) Neutralization of 13N+ and 15O+ ions into 13N and 15O atoms occurs instantaneously and the same is the case with the neutralization of 13NN+ and 15OO+ ions to 13NN and 15OO molecules; (3) The neutralized 13N and 15O atoms react with the air molecules and the radiolytic products to form nitrogen oxide compounds and ozone, while 13NN and 15OO remain as these molecules. Factors that control the chemical reactions of 13N and 15O are discussed.