Rotational dynamics of Li+ ions encapsulated in C60 cages at low temperatures.

Li+ ions encapsulated in fullerene C60 cages (Li+@C60) are expected to be suitable as molecular switches that respond to local electric fields. In this study, the rotational dynamics of Li+ ions in C60 cages at low temperatures are experimentally revealed for the first time using terahertz absorption spectroscopy. In crystalline [Li+@C60](PF6-), the Li+ ion rotates in the carbon cage even at 150 K. The rotational mode gradually changes into a librational mode below 120 K, which is associated with the localization of Li+ ions due to the electrostatic interactions with its screening image charge on the C60 cage as well as with the neighboring Li+@C60 and PF6- ions. A simple rotational/librational energy scheme for the Li+ ions successfully explains the spectroscopic results, and the potential of Li+@C60 as a molecular switch is discussed based on the energy scheme.

Analytical solutions of electromagnetic waves in focusing and magnifying cylindrical hyperlenses: Green's function approach.

The analytical solutions of the electromagnetic waves in the inhomogeneous cylindrical hyperlens (CH) comprising concentric cylindrical layers (CCLs) with multiple point sources located either outside the structure in the focusing process or inside the core in the magnifying process are obtained by means of Green's function analysis. The solutions are consistent with FDTD simulation in both processes. The sub-wavelength focal spot λ/16.26 from two point sources with wavelength 465 nm is demonstrated in the CH made by alternating silver and silica CCLs. Our solutions are expected to be the efficient tools for designing the sub-wavelength focusing and imaging cylindrical hyperlens.

THz emission characteristics from p/n junctions with metal lines under non-bias conditions for LSI failure analysis.

We have investigated the characteristics of THz emissions from p/n junctions with metallic lines under non-bias conditions. The waveforms, spectra, and polarizations depend on the length and shape of the lines. This indicates that the transient photocurrents from p/n junctions flow into the metallic lines that emit THz waves and act as an antenna. We have successfully demonstrated the non-contact inspection of open defects of multi-layered interconnects in a large-scale integrated circuit using the laser THz emission microscope (LTEM). The p/n junctions connected to the defective interconnects can be identified by comparing the LTEM images of normal and defective circuits.

High-resolution time-of-flight terahertz tomography using a femtosecond fiber laser.

High-resolution tomographic imaging is demonstrated using a reflection-type terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. To realize a practical system for general use, a robust all-fiber laser was used as the pump light source. Broadband terahertz waves were generated with the combination of optical pulses compressed to 17 fs using optical fibers and a DAST crystal. Using deconvolution signal processing, the wideband spectrum of the generated terahertz waves provided high-axial resolution leading to successful imaging of a multilayered structure containing a 2-microm-thin GaAs layer. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of terahertz tomographic imaging of such a thin layer.

Generation and detection of broadband coherent terahertz radiation using 17-fs ultrashort pulse fiber laser.

We describe the generation and detection of broadband terahertz radiation using an all-fiber laser. Optical pulses from a mode-locked fiber laser oscillator are compressed using nonlinear and dispersion effects induced in optical fibers, and 17-fs optical pulses with 170-kW peak power are generated at the wavelength region around 1.5 microm. By injecting these pulses into an organic crystal DAST (4-N, N-dimethylamino-4'-N"-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate), broadband terahertz field is radiated at 0.1-25 THz. The frequency region exceeding 20 THz is achieved with a fiber laser for the first time.

Phenolic compounds from sugarcane molasses possessing antibacterial activity against cariogenic bacteria.

During the course of our research into the use of cane by-products from sugar manufacturing, we have studied the isolation and structural determination of bioactive compounds present in sugarcane molasses. In this study, dehydrodiconiferylalcohol-9'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and isoorientin-7, 3'-O-dimethyl ether (2) were isolated as antibacterial active compounds against cariogenic bacteria. Their structures were elucidated by (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and ESI-MS. The activities of these isolated compounds against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus were assessed by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The MICs of compounds 1 and 2 against both S. mutans and S. sobrinus were >4 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively.

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and tyrosinase inhibitory effects of constituents of sugarcane molasses.

In the course of our work into the use of cane by-products, we have studied the isolation and structural determination of bioactive compounds in sugarcane molasses. In this study, three stereo isomers of syringyl glycerol 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, three stereo isomers of guaiacyl glycerol 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, a syringyl glycerol 2'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, tachioside and a 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-(H)-pyran-4-one (DDMP) were isolated from the 25% methanol eluate by Amberlite XAD-2 column chromatography of sugarcane molasses. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. These isolated compounds were examined for their scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical species, and for their inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase. All of the isolated compounds showed DPPH radical scavenging activity, while DDMP and tachioside showed mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Component spatial pattern analysis of chemicals by use of two-dimensional electro-optic terahertz imaging.

We demonstrate a method of chemical mapping by using the transillumination terahertz (THz) images obtained by two-dimensional electro-optic THz imaging. The images and spectral data were measured between 0.1 and 1.0 THz. An experimental sample consisting of three chemicals was prepared, with one in two concentrations. By introducing the component spatial pattern analysis based on the least-squares method, the chemical composition, spatial distribution, and difference in concentration were clearly determined.

Imaging of large-scale integrated circuits using laser-terahertz emission microscopy.

We present the redesign and improved performance of the laser terahertz emission microscope (LTEM), which is a potential tool for locating electrical failures in integrated circuits. The LTEM produces an image of the THz waves emitted when the circuit is irradiated by a femtosecond laser; the amplitude of the THz emission is proportional to the local electric field. By redesigning the optical setup and improving the spatial resolution of the system to below 3 microm, we could extend its application to examining of large-scale integration circuits. As example we show the THz emission pattern of the electric field in an 8-bit microprocessor chip under bias voltage.

Terahertz imaging system based on a backward-wave oscillator.

We present an imaging system designed for use in the terahertz range. As the radiation source a backward-wave oscillator was chosen for its special features such as high output power, good wave-front quality, good stability, and wavelength tunability from 520 to 710 GHz. Detection is achieved with a pyroelectric sensor operated at room temperature. The alignment procedure for the optical elements is described, and several methods to reduce the etalon effect that are inherent in monochromatic sources are discussed. The terahertz spot size in the sample plane is 550 microm (nearly the diffraction limit), and the signal-to-noise ratio is 10,000:1; other characteristics were also measured and are presented in detail. A number of preliminary applications are also shown that cover various areas: nondestructive real-time testing for plastic tubes and packaging seals; biological terahertz imaging of fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried samples; paraffin-embedded specimens of cancer tissue; and measurement of the absorption coefficient of water by use of a wedge-shaped cell.

Laser terahertz-emission microscope for inspecting electrical faults in integrated circuits.

A laser terahertz-emission microscope (LTEM) system is proposed and developed for inspecting electrical faults in integrated circuits (IC). We test a commercial operational amplifier while the system is operating. Two-dimensional terahertz-emission images of the IC chip are clearly observed while the chip is scanned with a femtosecond laser. When one of the interconnection lines is cut, the damaged chip has a LTEM image different from that of normal chips. The results indicate that the LTEM system is a potential tool for IC inspection.