J_{eff} Description of the Honeycomb Mott Insulator α-RuCl_{3}.

Novel ground states might be realized in honeycomb lattices with strong spin-orbit coupling. Here we study the electronic structure of α-RuCl_{3}, in which the Ru ions are in a d^{5} configuration and form a honeycomb lattice, by angle-resolved photoemission, x-ray photoemission, and electron energy loss spectroscopy supported by density functional theory and multiplet calculations. We find that α-RuCl_{3} is a Mott insulator with significant spin-orbit coupling, whose low energy electronic structure is naturally mapped onto J_{eff} states. This makes α-RuCl_{3} a promising candidate for the realization of Kitaev physics. Relevant electronic parameters such as the Hubbard energy U, the crystal field splitting 10 Dq, and the charge transfer energy Δ are evaluated.

Ultrasensitive and fast detection of denaturation of milk by coherent backscattering of light.

In this work, Coherence backscattering (CBS) of light has been used to detect the onset of denaturation of milk. The CBS cone shape and its enhancement factor are found to be highly sensitive to the physical state of the milk particles. The onset of denaturing of milk not visible to the naked eye, can be easily detected from changes in the CBS cone shape. The onset of denaturation is confirmed by spectral changes in Raman spectra from these milk samples. Further, the possibility to estimate the dilution of milk by water as an adulterant is demonstrated. The method reported has a broad scope in industry for making an inline ultrafast cost effective sensor for milk quality monitoring during production and before consumption.

Experimental study on modulation of Stokes parameters on propagation of a Gaussian Schell model beam in free space.

The effect on the Stokes parameters of a Gaussian Schell model beam on propagation in free space is studied experimentally and results are matched with the theory [X. H. Zhao, et al. Opt. Express 17, 17888 (2009)] that in general the degree of polarization of a Gaussian Schell model beam doesn't change on propagation if the three spectral correlation widths δ xx, δ yy, δ xy are equal and the beam width parameters σ x =σ y. It is experimentally shown that all the four Stokes parameters at the center of the beam decrease on propagation while the magnitudes of the normalized Stokes parameters and the spectral degree of polarization at the center of the beam remain constant for different propagation distances.

Effect of surface plasmons on spectral switching of polychromatic light with Au-double-slit.

It is shown that the generation of surface plasmons on a metal-dielectric interface, i.e., a Au-double-slit and air interface, appreciably affects the intensity of the diffracted light. With a specific example of Au-double-slit and electro-optic devices before the slits, the spectral switching in the diffracted field with the polychromatic light is shown for the first time, to our knowledge. It is found that at the observation point due to the surface plasmon effect the intensity of the diffracted light periodically increases and decreases with the separation of the double-slit.

Effect of bleaching on color change and surface topography of composite restorations.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent on color change and surface topography of different composite veneering materials (Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE), Esthet X (Dentsply India), and Admira (Voco, Germany). Methods. 30 samples were fabricated for evaluation of color change using CIELAB color system and Gonioreflectometer (GK 311/M, ZEISS). 45 disc-shaped specimens were made for evaluation of surface topography after bleaching (Nupro White Gold; Dentsply) using SEM. Statistical analysis. One way ANOVA and Multiple comparison tests were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was declared if the P value was .05 or less. Results and conclusion. All the specimens showed significant discoloration (ΔE > 3.3) after their immersion in solutions representing food and beverages. The total color change after bleaching as compared to baseline color was significant in Filtek Z350 (P = .000) and Esthet X (P = .002), while it was insignificant for Admira (P = .18). Esthet X showed maximum surface roughness followed by Admira and Filtek Z350. Bleaching was effective in reducing the discoloration to a clinically acceptable value in all the three groups (ΔE < 3.3).

Evaluation of thermal stability of indinavir sulphate using diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy.

Indinavir sulphate is a potent and specific protease inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is used for the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). At elevated temperature the drug which otherwise remains crystalline undergoes a phase transition to an amorphous phase to form degradation products. In the present study, thermal stability of indinavir sulphate is evaluated using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. Infrared spectra of the drug before and after the exposure to thermal radiation at different temperatures were acquired in the diffuse reflectance mode using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were used as complimentary techniques to adequately implement and assist the interpretation of the infrared spectroscopy results. The DRIFT spectra reveal that the drug remains stable up to 100 degrees C, degrades slightly at 125 degrees C and undergoes complete degradation at about 150 degrees C to produce degradation products. The degradation products can easily be characterized using the infrared spectra.

Experimental study of the phenomenon of 1 x N spectral switch due to diffraction of partially coherent light.

Spectral properties of a class of partially coherent light with spectral profiles of varying bandwidths are studied on diffraction by a circular aperture in the far zone for different diffractive angles, i.e., for on-axis and off-axis points on the observation plane. It is found that the spectrum of the light in the far zone is different from that at the aperture plane. This change in the spectrum is termed spectral shift, which is found to be different at different diffractive angles. The spectral shift for a fixed diffactive angle shows a gradual change. However, for a critical value of the coherence at the aperture plane, the spectral shift shows a rapid transition, termed spectral switch. For different diffractive angles the coherence that causes the spectral switch also differs. Therefore the phenomenon of 1 x N spectral switch (consisting of one input port and N output ports) is studied experimentally.

Spectral shift due to source correlation in conventional spectroradiometric measurements.

Keeping in view the recent findings of the spectral shift due to source correlation during propagation of light, a study has been undertaken to analyze the errors which may be introduced in spectroradiometric measurements.