@phdthesis{Ganesan2010, author = {Ganesan, Lakshmi Meena}, title = {Coupling of the electrical, mechanical and optical response in polymer/liquid-crystal composites}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-41572}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Micrometer-sized liquid-crystal (LC) droplets embedded in a polymer matrix may enable optical switching in the composite film through the alignment of the LC director along an external electric field. When a ferroelectric material is used as host polymer, the electric field generated by the piezoelectric effect can orient the director of the LC under an applied mechanical stress, making these materials interesting candidates for piezo-optical devices. In this work, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) are prepared from poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) and a nematic liquid crystal (LC). The anchoring effect is studied by means of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. Two dispersion regions are observed in the dielectric spectra of the pure P(VDF-TrFE) film. They are related to the glass transition and to a charge-carrier relaxation, respectively. In PDLC films containing 10 and 60 wt\% LC, an additional, bias-field-dependent relaxation peak is found that can be attributed to the motion of LC molecules. Due to the anchoring effect of the LC molecules, this relaxation process is slowed down considerably, when compared with the related process in the pure LC. The electro-optical and piezo-optical behavior of PDLC films containing 10 and 60 wt\% LCs is investigated. In addition to the refractive-index mismatch between the polymer matrix and the LC molecules, the interaction between the polymer dipoles and the LC molecules at the droplet interface influences the light-scattering behavior of the PDLC films. For the first time, it was shown that the electric field generated by the application of a mechanical stress may lead to changes in the transmittance of a PDLC film. Such a piezo-optical PDLC material may be useful e.g. in sensing and visualization applications. Compared to a non-polar matrix polymer, the polar matrix polymer exhibits a strong interaction with the LC molecules at the polymer/LC interface which affects the electro-optical effect of the PDLC films and prevents a larger increase in optical transmission.}, language = {en} } @article{BornLevermann2010, author = {Born, Andreas and Levermann, Anders}, title = {The 8.2 ka event : abrupt transition of the subpolar gyre toward a modern North Atlantic circulation}, issn = {1525-2027}, doi = {10.1029/2009gc003024}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Climate model simulations of the 8.2 ka event show an abrupt strengthening of the Atlantic subpolar gyre that allows us to connect two major but apparently contradictory climate events of the early Holocene: the freshwater outburst from proglacial lakes and the onset of Labrador Sea water formation. The 8.2 ka event is the largest climatic signal of our present interglacial with a widespread cooling in the North Atlantic region about 8200 years before present. It coincides with a meltwater outburst from North American proglacial lakes that is believed to have weakened the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and northward heat transport, followed by a recovery of the deep ocean circulation and rising temperatures after a few centuries. Marine proxy data, however, date the onset of deep water formation in Labrador Sea to the same time. The subsequent strengthening of the slope current system created a regional signal recorded as an abrupt and persistent surface temperature decrease. Although similarities in timing are compelling, a mechanism to reconcile these apparently contradictory events was missing. Our simulations show that an abrupt and persistent strengthening of the Atlantic subpolar gyre provides a plausible explanation. The intense freshwater pulse triggered a transition of the gyre circulation into a different mode of operation, stabilized by internal feedbacks and persistent after the cessation of the perturbation. As a direct consequence, deep water formation around its center intensifies. This corresponds to the modern flow regime and stabilizes the meridional overturning circulation, possibly contributing to the Holocene's climatic stability.}, language = {en} } @article{ToeroekBergerKliem2010, author = {T{\"o}r{\"o}k, Tibor and Berger, Mitch A. and Kliem, Bernhard}, title = {The writhe of helical structures in the solar corona}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/200913578}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Context. Helicity is a fundamental property of magnetic fields, conserved in ideal MHD. In flux rope geometry, it consists of twist and writhe helicity. Despite the common occurrence of helical structures in the solar atmosphere, little is known about how their shape relates to the writhe, which fraction of helicity is contained in writhe, and how much helicity is exchanged between twist and writhe when they erupt. Aims. Here we perform a quantitative investigation of these questions relevant for coronal flux ropes. Methods. The decomposition of the writhe of a curve into local and nonlocal components greatly facilitates its computation. We use it to study the relation between writhe and projected S shape of helical curves and to measure writhe and twist in numerical simulations of flux rope instabilities. The results are discussed with regard to filament eruptions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Results. (1) We demonstrate that the relation between writhe and projected S shape is not unique in principle, but that the ambiguity does not affect low- lying structures, thus supporting the established empirical rule which associates stable forward (reverse) S shaped structures low in the corona with positive (negative) helicity. (2) Kink-unstable erupting flux ropes are found to transform a far smaller fraction of their twist helicity into writhe helicity than often assumed. (3) Confined flux rope eruptions tend to show stronger writhe at low heights than ejective eruptions (CMEs). This argues against suggestions that the writhing facilitates the rise of the rope through the overlying field. (4) Erupting filaments which are S shaped already before the eruption and keep the sign of their axis writhe (which is expected if field of one chirality dominates the source volume of the eruption), must reverse their S shape in the course of the rise. Implications for the occurrence of the helical kink instability in such events are discussed. (5) The writhe of rising loops can easily be estimated from the angle of rotation about the direction of ascent, once the apex height exceeds the footpoint separation significantly. Conclusions. Writhe can straightforwardly be computed for numerical data and can often be estimated from observations. It is useful in interpreting S shaped coronal structures and in constraining models of eruptions.}, language = {en} } @article{ValoriKliemToeroeketal.2010, author = {Valori, Gherardo and Kliem, Bernhard and T{\"o}r{\"o}k, Tibor and Titov, Viacheslav S.}, title = {Testing magnetofrictional extrapolation with the Titov-Demoulin model of solar active regions}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201014416}, year = {2010}, abstract = {We examine the nonlinear magnetofrictional extrapolation scheme using the solar active region model by Titov and Demoulin as test field. This model consists of an arched, line-tied current channel held in force-free equilibrium by the potential field of a bipolar flux distribution in the bottom boundary. A modified version with a parabolic current density profile is employed here. We find that the equilibrium is reconstructed with very high accuracy in a representative range of parameter space, using only the vector field in the bottom boundary as input. Structural features formed in the interface between the flux rope and the surrounding arcade - "hyperbolic flux tube" and "bald patch separatrix surface" - are reliably reproduced, as are the flux rope twist and the energy and helicity of the configuration. This demonstrates that force-free fields containing these basic structural elements of solar active regions can be obtained by extrapolation. The influence of the chosen initial condition on the accuracy of reconstruction is also addressed, confirming that the initial field that best matches the external potential field of the model quite naturally leads to the best reconstruction. Extrapolating the magnetogram of a Titov-Demoulin equilibrium in the unstable range of parameter space yields a sequence of two opposing evolutionary phases, which clearly indicate the unstable nature of the configuration: a partial buildup of the flux rope with rising free energy is followed by destruction of the rope, losing most of the free energy.}, language = {en} } @article{FoxWakkerSmokeretal.2010, author = {Fox, Andrew J. and Wakker, Bart P. and Smoker, Jonathan V. and Richter, Philipp and Savage, Blair D. and Sembach, Kenneth R.}, title = {Exploring the origin and fate of the Magellanic stream with ultraviolet and optical absorption}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637x/718/2/1046}, year = {2010}, abstract = {We present an analysis of ionization and metal enrichment in the Magellanic Stream (MS), the nearest gaseous tidal stream, using Hubble Space Telescope/STIS and FUSE ultraviolet spectroscopy of two background active galactic nuclei. The targets are NGC 7469, lying directly behind the MS with log N(H I)(MS) = 18.63 +/- 0.03(stat) +/- 0.08(syst), and Mrk 335, lying 24 degrees.7 away with log N(H I)(MS) = 16.67 +/- 0.05. For NGC 7469, we include optical spectroscopy from VLT/UVES. In both sight lines, the MS is detected in low-ion (O I, C II, C III, Si II, Si III, Al II, Ca II) and high-ion (O VI, C IV, Si IV) absorption. Toward NGC 7469, we measure an MS oxygen abundance [O/H](MS) = [O I/ H I]= -1.00 +/- 0.05(stat) +/- 0.08(syst), supporting the view that the Stream originates in the Small Magellanic Cloud rather than the Large Magellanic Cloud. We use CLOUDY to model the low-ion phase of the Stream as a photoionized plasma using the observed Si III/Si II and C III/C II ratios. Toward Mrk 335, this yields an ionization parameter between log U= -3.45 and -3.15, a gas density log (n(H)/cm(-3)) between-2.51 and -2.21, and a hydrogen ionization fraction of 98.9\%- 99.5\%. Toward NGC 7469, we derive sub-solar abundance ratios for [Si/O], [Fe/O], and [Al/O], indicating the presence of dust in the MS. The high-ion column densities are too large to be explained by photoionization, but also cannot be explained by a single-temperature collisional ionization model (equilibrium or non-equilibrium). This suggests that the high-ion plasma is multi-phase, with an Si IV region, a hotter O VI region, and C IV potentially contributing to each. Summing over the low-ion and high-ion phases, we derive conservative lower limits on the ratio N(total H II)/N(H I) of greater than or similar to 19 toward NGC 7469 and greater than or similar to 330 toward Mrk 335, showing that along these two directions the vast majority of the Stream has been ionized. The presence of warm-hot plasma together with the small-scale structure observed at 21 cm provides evidence for an evaporative interaction with the hot Galactic corona. This scenario, predicted by hydrodynamical simulations, suggests that the fate of the MS will be to replenish the Galactic corona with new plasma, rather than to bring neutral fuel to the disk.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Ksianzou2010, author = {Ksianzou, Viachaslau}, title = {Second-order nonlinear optical interactions and cascading effects in thinorganic films}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-49186}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2010}, abstract = {The presented work describes new concepts of fast switching elements based on principles of photonics. The waveguides working in visible and infra-red ranges are put in a basis of these elements. And as materials for manufacturing of waveguides the transparent polymers, dopped by molecules of the dyes possessing second order nonlinear-optical properties are proposed. The work shows how nonlinear-optical processes in such structures can be implemented by electro-optical and opto-optical control circuit signals. In this paper we consider the complete cycle of fabrication of several types of integral photonic elements. The theoretical analysis of high-intensity beam propagation in media with second-order optical nonlinearity is performed. Quantitative estimations of necessary conditions of occurrence of the nonlinear-optical phenomena of the second order taking into account properties of used materials are made. The paper describes the various stages of manufacture of the basic structure of the integrated photonics: a planar waveguide. Using the finite element method the structure of the electromagnetic field inside the waveguide in different modes was analysed. A separate part of the work deals with the creation of composite organic materials with high optical nonlinearity. Using the methods of quantum chemistry, the dependence of nonlinear properties of dye molecules from its structure were investigated in details. In addition, the paper discusses various methods of inducing of an optical nonlinearity in dye-doping of polymer films. In the work, for the first time is proposed the use of spatial modulation of nonlinear properties of waveguide according Fibonacci law. This allows involving several different nonlinear optical processes simultaneously. The final part of the work describes various designs of integrated optical modulators and switches constructed of organic nonlinear optical waveguides. A practical design of the optical modulator based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer made by a photolithography on polymer film is presented.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schattauer2010, author = {Schattauer, Sylvia}, title = {Hybride D{\"u}nnschicht-Solarzellen aus mesopor{\"o}sem Titandioxid und konjugierten Polymeren}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-52619}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Untersuchung der aktiven Komponenten und ihrer Wechselwirkungen in teilorganischen Hybrid-Solarzellen. Diese bestehen aus einer d{\"u}nnen Titandioxidschicht, kombiniert mit einer d{\"u}nnen Polymerschicht. Die Effizienz der Hybrid-Solarzellen wird durch die Lichtabsorption im Polymer, die Dissoziation der gebildeten Exzitonen an der aktiven Grenzfl{\"a}che zwischen TiO2 und Polymer, sowie durch Generation und Extraktion freier Ladungstr{\"a}ger bestimmt. Zur Optimierung der Solarzellen wurden grundlegende physikalische Wechselwirkungen zwischen den verwendeten Materialen sowie der Einfluss verschiedener Herstellungsparameter untersucht. Unter anderem wurden Fragen zum optimalen Materialeinsatz und Pr{\"a}parationsbedingungen beantwortet sowie grundlegende Einfl{\"u}sse wie Schichtmorphologie und Polymerinfiltration n{\"a}her betrachtet. Zun{\"a}chst wurde aus unterschiedlich hergestelltem Titandioxid (Akzeptor-Schicht) eine Auswahl f{\"u}r den Einsatz in Hybrid-Solarzellen getroffen. Kriterium war hierbei die unterschiedliche Morphologie aufgrund der Oberfl{\"a}chenbeschaffenheit, der Film-Struktur, der Kristallinit{\"a}t und die daraus resultierenden Solarzelleneigenschaften. F{\"u}r die anschließenden Untersuchungen wurden mesopor{\"o}se TiO2-Filme aus einer neuen Nanopartikel-Synthese, welche es erlaubt, kristalline Partikel schon w{\"a}hrend der Synthese herzustellen, als Elektronenakzeptor und konjugierte Polymere auf Poly(p-Phenylen-Vinylen) (PPV)- bzw. Thiophenbasis als Donatormaterial verwendet. Bei der thermischen Behandlung der TiO2-Schichten erfolgt eine temperaturabh{\"a}ngige {\"A}nderung der Morphologie, jedoch nicht der Kristallstruktur. Die Auswirkungen auf die Solarzelleneigenschaften wurden dokumentiert und diskutiert. Um die Vorteile der Nanopartikel-Synthese, die Bildung kristalliner TiO2-Partikel bei tiefen Temperaturen, nutzen zu k{\"o}nnen, wurden erste Versuche zur UV-Vernetzung durchgef{\"u}hrt. Neben der Beschaffenheit der Oxidschicht wurde auch der Einfluss der Polymermorphologie, bedingt durch L{\"o}sungsmittelvariation und Tempertemperatur, untersucht. Hierbei konnte gezeigt werden, dass u.a. die Viskosit{\"a}t der Polymerl{\"o}sung die Infiltration in die TiO2-Schicht und dadurch die Effizienz der Solarzelle beeinflusst. Ein weiterer Ansatz zur Erh{\"o}hung der Effizienz ist die Entwicklung neuer lochleitender Polymere, welche m{\"o}glichst {\"u}ber einen weiten spektralen Bereich Licht absorbieren und an die Bandl{\"u}cke des TiO2 angepasst sind. Hierzu wurden einige neuartige Konzepte, z.B. die Kombination von Thiophen- und Phenyl-Einheiten n{\"a}her untersucht. Auch wurde die Sensibilisierung der Titandioxidschicht in Anlehnung an die h{\"o}heren Effizienzen der Farbstoffzellen in Betracht gezogen. Zusammenfassend konnten im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wichtige Einflussparameter auf die Funktion hybrider Solarzellen identifiziert und z.T. n{\"a}her diskutiert werden. F{\"u}r einige limitierende Faktoren wurden Konzepte zur Verbesserung bzw. Vermeidung vorgestellt.}, language = {de} } @article{BangeSchubertNeher2010, author = {Bange, Sebastian and Schubert, Marcel and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Charge mobility determination by current extraction under linear increasing voltages : case of nonequilibrium charges and field-dependent mobilities}, issn = {1098-0121}, doi = {10.1103/Physrevb.81.035209}, year = {2010}, abstract = {The method of current extraction under linear increasing voltages (CELIV) allows for the simultaneous determination of charge mobilities and charge densities directly in thin-film geometries as used in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. It has been specifically applied to investigate the interrelation of microstructure and charge-transport properties in such systems. Numerical and analytical calculations presented in this work show that the evaluation of CELIV transients with the commonly used analysis scheme is error prone once charge recombination and, possibly, field- dependent charge mobilities are taken into account. The most important effects are an apparent time dependence of charge mobilities and errors in the determined field dependencies. Our results implicate that reports on time-dependent mobility relaxation in OPV materials obtained by the CELIV technique should be carefully revisited and confirmed by other measurement methods.}, language = {en} } @article{EichlerGuettaPohl2010, author = {Eichler, David and Guetta, Dafne and Pohl, Martin}, title = {The high energy budget allocations in shocks and gamma ray bursts}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637x/722/1/543}, year = {2010}, abstract = {The statistical distribution of energies among particles responsible for long gamma-ray burst (GRB) emission is analyzed in light of recent results of the Fermi Observatory. The all-sky flux, F., recorded by the Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) is shown, despite its larger energy range, to be not significantly larger than that reported by the Burst and Transient Explorer, suggesting a relatively small flux in the 3-30MeV energy range. The present-day energy input rate in gamma-rays recorded by the GBM from long GRBs is found, assuming star formation rates in the literature, to be W(0) = 0.5F gamma H/c = 5x10(42) erg Mpc(-3) yr(-1). The Large Area Telescope fluence, when observed, is about 5\%-10\% per decade of the total, in good agreement with the predictions of saturated, nonlinear shock acceleration. The high- energy component of long GRBs, as measured by Fermi, is found to contain only similar to 10-2.5 of the energy needed to produce ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) above 4 EeV, assuming the latter to be extragalactic, when various numerical factors are carefully included, if the cosmic-ray source spectrum has a spectral index of -2. The observed. - ray fraction of the required UHECR energy is even smaller if the source spectrum is softer than E-2. The AMANDA II limits rule out such a GRB origin for UHECRs if much more than 10(-2) of the cosmic-ray energy goes into neutrinos that are within, and simultaneous with, the gamma-ray beam. It is suggested that "orphan" neutrinos out of the gamma-ray beam might be identifiable via orphan afterglow or other wide angle signatures of GRBs in lieu of coincidence with prompt gamma-rays, and it is recommended that feasible single neutrino trigger criteria be established to search for such coincidences.}, language = {en} } @article{SteyrleuthnerSchubertJaiseretal.2010, author = {Steyrleuthner, Robert and Schubert, Marcel and Jaiser, Frank and Blakesley, James C. and Chen, Zhihua and Facchetti, Antonio and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Bulk electron transport and charge injection in a high mobility n-type semiconducting polymer}, issn = {0935-9648}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201000232}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Bulk electron transport in a high mobility n-type polymer is studied by time-of-flight photocurrent measurements and electron-only devices. Bulk electron mobilities of similar to 5 x 10(-3) cm(2)/Vs are obtained. The analysis of the electron currents suggests the presence of an injection barrier for all conventionally used low workfunction cathodes.}, language = {en} }