Strong confinement of optical fields using localized surface phonon polaritons in cubic boron nitride

Phonon polaritons (PhPs) are long-lived electromagnetic modes that originate from the coupling of infrared photons with the bound ionic lattice of a polar crystal. Cubic-Boron nitride (cBN) is such a polar, semiconductor material, which due to the light atomic masses can support high frequency optical phonons. Here, we report on random arrays of cBN nanostructures fabricated via an unpatterned reactive ion etching process. FTIR reflection spectra suggest the presence of localized surface PhPs within the Reststrahlen band, with quality factors in excess of 38 observed. These can provide the basis of next generation infrared optical components like antennas for communication, improved chemical spectroscopies, and enhanced emitters, sources and detectors.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

Effect of tungsten carbide on mechanical and tribological properties of jute/sisal/E-glass fabrics reinforced natural rubber/epoxy composites

Natural fiber polymer composites have been largely used in applications like aerospace, automotive, marine, and other civil structures, where mechanical and tribological properties are of prime consideration. The performance of hybrid composites can be improved by using different natural fibers and adding particulate fillers to them. In this study, mechanical and tribological properties of jute/sisal/E-glass fabrics reinforcing matrix such as natural rubber and epoxy filled with different proportion of tungsten carbide (WC) powder were studied. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and also tribological behavior like two-body abrasive wear of composite were studied. Taguchi technique was employed for wear analysis. Results revealed that there is a significant change in the mechanical properties and enhancement of wear behavior was noticed due to the incorporation of filler (WC) particles. </jats:p

Strong Confinment of optical fields using localised surface phonon polaritons in cubic Boron Nitride

Phonon polaritons (PhPs) are long-lived electromagnetic modes that originate from the coupling of infrared photons with the bound ionic lattice of a polar crystal. Cubic-Boron nitride (cBN) is such a polar, semiconductor material, which due to the light atomic masses can support high frequency optical phonons. Here, we report on random arrays of cBN nanostructures fabricated via an unpatterned reactive ion etching process. FTIR reflection spectra suggest the presence of localized surface PhPs within the Reststrahlen band, with quality factors in excess of 38 observed. These can provide the basis of next generation infrared optical components like antennas for communication, improved chemical spectroscopies, and enhanced emitters, sources and detectors