We report on the photoresponse of AlGaN/GaN HEMT to THz radiation of low and high intensity. We show that the response vs. gate bias dependence can be described by the theory of Dyakonov-Shur in the whole range of radiation intensity. Unusual behavior of the photoresponse vs. intensity was observed under laser irradiation: a quadratic increase of the response followed by saturation. We speculate that this phenomenon can be explained by hot electrons capture by traps in AlGaN or buffer layers.

Liquid phase encapsulation of α-sexithiophene (6T) molecules inside individualized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is investigated using Ramanimaging and spectroscopy. By taking advantage of the strong Raman response of this system, we probe the encapsulation isotherms at 30°C and 115°C using a statistical ensemble of SWCNT deposited on a Si/SiO2 substrate. Two distinct and sequential stages ofencapsulation are observed: Stage 1 is a one-dimensional (1D) aggregation of 6T alignedhead-to-tail inside the nanotube and stage 2 proceeds with the assembly of a second row, giving pairs of aligned 6Ts stacked together side-by-side. The experimental data are fitted using both Langmuir (type VI) and Ising models, in which the single-aggregate (stage 1) forms spontaneously whereas the pair-aggregate (stage 2) is endothermic in toluene with formation enthalpy of 8Hpair = 260±20 meV. Tunable Raman spectroscopy for each stage reveals a bathochromic shift of the molecular resonance of the pair-aggregate, which is consistent with strong inter-molecular coupling and suggestive of J-type aggregation. This quantitative Raman approach is sensitive to roughly 10 molecules per nanotube andprovides direct evidence of molecular entry from the nanotube ends. These insights into the encapsulation process guide the preparation of well-defined 1D molecular crystals having tailored optical properties.

We study a device that consist of quantum resonators coupled to a mesoscopic photonic structure, such as a metasurface or a 2D metamaterial. For metasurfaces, we use surface Bloch modes in order to reach various coupling regimes between the metasurface and a quantum emitter, modelized semi-classically by an oscillator. Using multiple scattering theory and complex plane techniques, we show that the coupling can be characterized by means of a pole-and-zero structure. The regime of strong coupling is shown to be reached when the pole-and- zero pair is broken. For 2D metamaterial, we show the possibility of controlling optically the opening or closing of a gap. © (2016) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

We present results of investigations of Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (PAMBE) - grown GaN/AIGaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) structures for fabrication of detectors and emitters operating in THz spectral range. These devices are standard HEMT structures but equipped with additional antennas that ensure THz radiation coupling. THz detectors and emitters were processed using different HEMT designs. The results of emission experiments at room temperature demonstrate emission in the spectral range from 0.5 to 12 THz with a total integrated power of the single transistor of the order of 100 nW. The results of room temperature THz detection (photoresponse experiments) in the ranges 110-170 and 220-330 GHz are presented and discussed. THz experiments, transistor electrical tests and data analysis presented in this work, clearly show that PAMBE grown GaN/AIGaN transistors can used as promising elements of future THz imaging systems.

An overview of main results concerning THz detection related to plasma nonlinearities in nanometer field effect transistors is presented. In particular nonlinearity and dynamic range of these detectors are discussed. As a conclusion, we will show one of the first real world application of the FET THz detectors: a demonstrator of the imager developed for fast postal security.

Blood viscosity decreases with shear stress, a property essential for an efficient perfusion of the vascular tree. Shear thinning is intimately related to the dynamics and mutual interactions of RBCs, the major component of blood. Because of the lack of knowledge about the behavior of RBCs under physiological conditions, the link between RBC dynamics and blood rheology remains unsettled. We performed experiments and simulations in microcirculatory flow conditions of viscosity, shear rates, and volume fractions, and our study reveals rich RBC dynamics that govern shear thinning. In contrast to the current paradigm, which assumes that RBCs align steadily around the flow direction while their membranes and cytoplasm circulate, we show that RBCs successively tumble, roll, deform into rolling stomatocytes, and, finally, adopt highly deformed polylobed shapes for increasing shear stresses, even for semidilute volume fractions of the microcirculation. Our results suggest that any pathological change in plasma composition, RBC cytosol viscosity, or membrane mechanical properties will affect the onset of these morphological transitions and should play a central role in pathological blood rheology and flow behavior.

Recycling route toward electro-active silicone composites has been explored. We studied the dependence of the E-J characteristics on the aggregate content in the polymer matrix. Formulations with 35 vol.% MOV aggregates in the 200-375 µm range exhibit reliable nonlinear behavior with a switching voltage of 175 ± 30 V/mm. This opens a way to valorize varistors based on zinc oxide (ZnO) ceramics.