Light curtain for 2D large-area object detection.

Fluorescent foils are used with silicon photodiodes for large-area detection of objects, when combined with lasers forming a light curtain. An object entering the detection area penetrates the light curtain and casts shadows onto the fluorescent foils. Using a simple mathematical algorithm, the position of the object is detected with high speed. The device is suitable for security applications and can be used as a touch input device for computers, gaming and presentations.

Video-speed detection of the absolute position of a light point on a large-area photodetector based on luminescent waveguides.

A large-area photosensor is presented that uses the coupling of light into the planar waveguide mode of a polycarbonate foil by luminescent dyes to extend the active area of silicon photodiodes attached to the surface of the foil in a regular pattern. The photodiode signal is directly related to the distance between the point where light is coupled into the foil and the photodiode, thus enabling a precise recovery of the position of a localized light signal hitting the foil. We present a large-area device that can trace the movement of a light point generated by a laser pointer hitting its surface.

Mg7(AsO4)2(HAsO4)4: a new magnesium arsenate with a very strong hydrogen bond.

A new compound, heptamagnesium bis(arsenate) tetrakis(hydrogenarsenate), Mg7(AsO4)2(HAsO4)4, was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure is based on a three-dimensional framework of edge- and corner-sharing MgO6, MgO4(OH)2, MgO5, AsO3(OH) and AsO4 polyhedra. Average Mg-O and As-O bond lengths are in the ranges 2.056-2.154 and 1.680-1.688 A, respectively. Each of the two non-equivalent OH groups is bonded to both an Mg and an As atom. One OH group is involved in a very short hydrogen bond [O.O = 2.468 (3) A]. The formula unit is centrosymmetric, with all atoms in general positions except for one Mg atom, which has site symmetry -1. The compound is isotypic with Mn7(AsO4)2(HAsO4)4 and M7(PO4)2(HPO4)4, where M is Fe, Co or Mn.