A new method for in vivo neural activation using low-intensity, pulsed infrared light exhibits advantages over standard electrical means by providing contact-free, spatially selective, artifact-free stimulation. Here we investigate the biophysical mechanism underlying this phenomenon by careful examination of possible photobiological effects after absorption-driven light-tissue interaction. The...

High birefringence (Dn 0.4) liquid crystals (LCs) are desirable for cholesteric displays, laser beam steering and optical switches for telecommunications [1]. A major concern for the high birefringence LCs is their ultraviolet (UV) stability. As the conjugation length increases, the LC absorption tail shifts toward k 1⁄4 365 nm, the major UV light used for curing sealant. The material degradati...

The fundamental work and current knowledge on the mechanisms of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization with pulsed infrared lasers is reviewed and discussed, with a special emphasis on the work performed in the laboratory of the authors in the recent past. The role of the different relevant irradiation parameters (laser wavelength, laser pulse duration, irradiated area and laser fluence) a...

Significant photovoltages are observed in permalloy grating-like structures response to pulsed laser light illumination. Electrical signals enhanced at plasmon resonance conditions and show a clear dependence on the magnetic field with characteristic hysteresis. Estimations that effect could not be explained solely by laser-induced heating. Alternative mechanisms discussed.

In certain conditions, when tho human eye is irradiated by pulsed IR laser light, the observer sees the light as yellow or green. This could be due to second harmonic generation by the cornea, the lens, the retina, or two-photon absorption by the photopigments. It is shown that the most likely cause of this phenomenon is second harmonic generation at the cornea.

A new strategy based on ionic self-assembly technology was provided for design of photosensitive material as liquid crystals (LC) alignment layer. The complex material was constructed by the coupling of poly(ionic liquid) and photosensitive unit azobenzene dye methyl orange. The structure, phase behavior and photoresponse were examined by a variety of techniques including FTIR, NMR, thermal ana...

Procedures for the generation and collection of transient UV-visible absorbance data are briefly reviewed. Problems associated with signal generation (scattered light, inhomogeneous distribution of transients, instability of pulsed light sources), signal detection (averaging, filtering), and signal analysis in kinetic and spectrographic flash photolysis are addressed. Methodology for the fittin...