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Three-dimensional dielectric nanostructures have been analyzed using field ion microscopy (FIM) to study the electric dc field penetration inside these structures. The field is proved to be screened within a few nanometers as theoretically calculated taking into account the high-field impact ionization process. Moreover, the strong dc field of the order of 0.1 V/Å at the surface inside a dielectric nanostructure modifies its band structure leading to a strong band gap shrinkage and thus to a strong metal-like optical absorption near the surface. This metal-like behavior was theoretically predicted using first-principle calculations and experimentally proved using laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT). This work opens up interesting perspectives for the study of the performance of all field-effect nanodevices, such as nanotransistor or super capacitor, and for the understanding of the physical mechanisms of field evaporation of dielectric nanotips in APT.

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Digital in-line holographic microscopy is a promising new tool for high resolution imaging. We demonstrate, by using latex beads, that a considerable increase in numerical aperture, and, therefore, resolution can be achieved if the space between a source and a CCD camera chip is filled with a high refractive index medium. The high refractive index medium implies a shorter effective wavelength so that submicrometer resolution can be obtained with laser light in the visible range.

Abstract. The force-extension measurements on simple poly(ethylene glycol) molecules by Oesterfelt et al in different solvents can be quantitatively explained based on ab initio quantum mechanical calculations of the potential energy surfaces of the polymer segments in vacuum and in the solvated form. The proper statistical mechanical calculations of the force-extension relation, both for isothermal-isochoric and isothermal-isobaric conditions (the latter appropriate to the experimental set-up), demonstrate, that in the low-force regime transitions from the amorphous to the helical conformers, and in the high-force regime stretching of the helical to the planar 'all-trans' conformer occur. The presence of water affects all but the 'all-trans' conformer by shortening and stiffening.