bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modification of the Technique for Intravenous Regional Blockade for Hand Surgery
Authors: THAM C. H. J. , LIM B. H.
Published: September 2002

A prospective study was conducted to assess a modification to Bier’s intravenous regional anaesthesia which introduced a third temporary distal forearm tourniquet. This confines the injected lignocaine to the hand, resulting in a higher local lignocaine concentration. Subsequent exsanguination of the limb then channels the remaining intravascular lignocaine under the distal cuff of a double tourniquet.

Of the 18 patients, none experienced pain during operation and all tolerated the tourniquet without significant discomfort. Mild postoperative giddiness was noted in one patient. No other anaesthetic complications were encountered. In a subjective assessment of the bloodlessness of the operating field, two were ranked satisfactory, ten good and six excellent. None of the patients required re-exsanguination when using this technique.
The Compass Elbow Hinge: Indications and Initial Results
Authors: FOX R. J. , VARITIMIDIS S. E. , PLAKSEYCHUK A. , VARDAKAS D. G. , TOMAINO M. M. , SOTEREANOS D. G.
Published: September 2002

The Compass Elbow Hinge uses Illizarov’s methods of fixation to externally hold the elbow reduced and allow both passive and active motion. Eleven patients with degenerative disease, contracture or instability were treated with the Compass Elbow Hinge and were retrospectively evaluated at an average follow-up of 29 months (range: 18–62 months). One was lost to follow-up. Patients with degenerative changes underwent fascia lata interposition while those treated for contractures underwent anterior and posterior capsular release with or without fascia lata interposition. Those with elbow instability underwent ligament reconstruction. The device was removed after 6 weeks and seven of the 11 patients were satisfied with the outcome of the operation. Stability could not be achieved in two patients with coronoid fractures that were not reconstructed. One patient did not tolerate the device and requested its removal with subsequent subluxation. We conclude that patient selection and compliance are key elements in achieving a satisfactory outcome with the device.
Pressure Mapping of the Radioulnar Carpal Joint: Effects of Ulnar Lengthening and Wrist Position
Authors: TEURLINGS L. , MILLER G. J. , WRIGHT T. W.
Published: September 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ulnar lengthening and wrist position on force transmission through the radioulnar carpal joint in a forced dorsiflexed wrist position. Eight cadaveric arms were subjected to a 30 kg compressive load directed down the forearm towards the wrist. A pressure sensor recorded forces across the wrist joint with the triangular fibrocartilage complex intact and excised. The biomechanics of the distal radioulnar joint were altered by changes in ulnar length and wrist position. Pressures at the ulnolunate articulation increased as the ulna was lengthened and were significantly lower when the triangular fibrocartilage complex was excised. An inverse relationship between triangular fibrocartilage complex thickness and ulnar variance was shown. Greater increases in ulnolunate pressure were observed in more positive ulnar variant wrists.
An Experience of the Snow–Littler Procedure
Authors: RIDER M. A. , GRINDEL S. I. , TONKIN M. A. , WOOD V. E.
Published: September 2002

This paper reviews the results of the Snow–Littler procedure performed in twelve hands with classical central longitudinal deficiency and in one hand with symbrachydactyly, cleft type. There were no instances of major flap necrosis although two flaps showed tip ischaemia. The width of the first web was, in the main, satisfactory but four webspace revisions were performed. Supplementary skin grafting at the time of surgery was necessary in complete and/or complex thumb index syndactylies and in the patient with symbrachydactyly. In eight cases, a transverse metacarpal ligament was reconstructed. In the five other cases, no clinical instability or radiological divergence of the index and ring fingers occurred, in spite of no transverse metacarpal ligament reconstruction. Three de-rotational osteotomies of transposed index fingers were performed in patients who had a transverse metacarpal ligament reconstruction. These results indicated significantly improved appearance and improved function following the Snow–Littler procedure.
Madelung Deformity Treated with Ilizarov Technique: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: HOUSHIAN S. , JÈRGSHOLM P. B. , FRIIS M. , SCHRÈDER H. , WEETH R.
Published: September 2002

Two children with painful and progressive Madelung deformities were treated by osteotomy of the radius and subsequent angular correction and bone lengthening using the Ilizarov technique. Both children were radiologically improved and free of pain at follow-up.
Dactylitis in a Patient with Brucellosis
Authors: OZGOCMEN S. , ARDICOGLU O. , OZCAKAR L.
Published: September 2002

Dactylitis is an important feature of inflammatory arthritis and unusual complication of osteoarticular brucellosis. We report a case of dactylitis of the index finger in a female patient with brucellosis.
Factitious Disorders of the Upper Limb in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-QATTAN M. M.
Published: September 2002

This prospective study investigated 28 patients with factitious disorders of the upper limb. Several cases did not fit any of the well-known factitious syndromes such as SHAFT or Münchhausen syndrome. Patients were divided into five groups, three of which comprised active mutilators who either induced wounds, introduced foreign bodies or induced arm swelling and oedema. Passive mutilators were considered in a separate group and were defined as those who complained of factitious pain or numbness of the limb, for which there was no secondary gain regarding employment or compensation: these patients underwent surgery and hence persuaded the surgeon to do the mutilation. The fifth group of patients exhibited hand posturing and were divided into two subgroups: patients with psychological hand posturing and those seeking secondary gain (malingerers). The clinical presentation, diagnosis and outcome are described for each group.
Arm Pain without Physical Findings: Medicine Vs the Law?
Authors: Winspur I.
Published: September 2002

Arm pain without physical findings occurring in association with light repetitive work has been with us from the time man developed factories but has become controversial since a number of reported cases in Australia in 1983. It remains a highly contentious and medically confused area. Claims for compensation for the condition against employers have been firmly rejected by courts in Australia and the USA, but large awards continue to be made in UK courts. The reason for this difference lies in recent changes in British Law and court procedure and British courts now seem to recognize this nebulous clinical condition as representing a compensable injury. In this situation, therefore, physicians must be meticulous in their examinations and record keeping. In addition, they must only use specific diagnoses when irrefutable clinical signs or confirmatory special investigation results are present and must be guarded in loose talk or discussion about “causation”.
Langerhans Cells in Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: QURESHI F. I. , HORNIGOLD R. , SPENCER J. D. , HALL S. M.
Published: September 2002

We have examined biopsies of Dupuytren’s contracture palmar fascia, overlying subcutis and skin, and have correlated the distribution of gross macroscopic changes in the hand, mapped pre- and intraoperatively, with light microscopic immunohistochemical findings. We report increased numbers of S100 positive Langerhans cells (an epidermal cell of dendritic lineage) and CD45 positive cells, both in “nodules” and at dermo-epidermal junctions, in the biopsied tissues. This suggests that Langerhans cells migrate from the epidermis into Dupuytren’s contracture tissue, possibly in response to local changes in levels of inflammatory cytokines within the tissue. Our findings, together with other reports of increased numbers of dermal dendrocytes and inflammatory cells in Dupuytren’s contracture tissue, lend circumstantial support to the “extrinsic theory” of the pathogenesis of Dupuytren’s contracture. However, the earliest stages of the disease process have not been defined, and therefore the events which ultimately produce fibrosis in the palmar fascial complex in susceptible individuals could begin in the skin and/or within deeper tissues, especially where there is dysregulation of the immune system.
Giant Cell Tumours of Tendon Sheath: Classification and Recurrence Rate
Authors: AL-QATTAN M. M.
Published: September 2002

Forty-three consecutive cases of giant cell tumour of tendon sheath were included in a prospective study. The tumours were classified into two main types, depending on whether the entire tumour was, or was not, surrounded by one pseudocapsule as assessed by the surgeon during surgery. Each type was then sub-classified according to the thickness of the capsule, lobulation of the tumour, the presence of satellite lesions, and the diffuse or multicenteric nature of the tumour: these factors were also assessed by the surgeon. The mean follow-up period was 4 (range, 2–6) years. None of the type I tumours ( n=30) recurred, but recurrence occurred in five out of 13 type II tumours. Second recurrences were seen with type II B and C, but not type II A tumours.
Intraneural Median Nerve Pressure in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: OKUTSU I. , HAMANAKA I. , CHIYOKURA Y. , MIYAUCHI Y. , SUGIYAMA K.
Published: September 2002

In order to determine whether endoscopic carpal tunnel release decompresses the median nerve, we measured the intraneural median nerve pressure pre- and postoperatively in 55 hands. The median nerve pressure was significantly reduced postoperatively.
A Conservative Approach for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: FAHMY N. R. , LAVENDER A. , BREW C.
Published: September 2002

Access to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger for arthroplasty is difficult without detaching its stabilizers or dividing the tendons that cross it, which then require repair and slow rehabilitation. We describe a method that conserves both, so facilitating post-operative rehabilitation.

A C-shaped incision is made on the dorsum of the finger. The lateral bands of the extensor expansion are separated from the central slip proximally to the extensor hood. They are then retracted to expose the condyles of the proximal phalanx, which are excised. The PIP joint is then dislocated between the central slip and a lateral band allowing the remainder of the head to be excised. The middle and proximal phalanges are then prepared to accept the prosthesis. The prosthesis is then inserted and the joint is reduced. The lateral bands of the extensor mechanism are sutured back to the central slip before the skin is closed.
Imaging of Adult Brachial Plexus Traction Injuries
Authors: TAVAKKOLIZADEH A. , SAIFUDDIN A. , BIRCH R.
Published: September 2002

Closed, high-energy transfer traction injuries of the adult brachial plexus lead to rupture or avulsion of the spinal nerves. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for surgical planning and reconstruction. Myelography, computerised tomographic myelography and magnetic resonance imaging are the main radiological methods for preoperative diagnosis of the lesion. This article reviews the current status of imaging of traction injuries of the adult brachial plexus.
Adverse Effect of Porcine Collagen Interposition after Trapeziectomy a Comparative Study
Authors: BELCHER H. J. C. R. , ZIC R.
Published: September 2002

Twenty-six hands in 26 adults with osteoarthrosis of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint were randomised to undergo either trapeziectomy alone (control) or with the interposition of porcine dermal collagen xenograft (Permacol™). The study was terminated prematurely because of apparent reactions to the implants in six of 13 patients. The collagen interposition group required more frequent review on clinical grounds and were discharged later after surgery. Three of the implants have been removed and histology revealed foreign body reactions in all. There was no difference in thumb movement or power after surgery between the two groups. However, improved grip strength was observed and improved function were reported only in the control group. Permacol patients reported greater pain and were less satisfied with their operations than control patients. We conclude that interposition of Permacol is detrimental to the results of trapeziectomy.
Origins and Insertions of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex: A Histological Study
Authors: NAKAMURA T. , TAKAYAMA S. , HORIUCHI Y. , YABE Y.
Published: September 2002

The origins and insertions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) were examined histologically in serially sectioned fresh-frozen cadaver wrists. The radioulnar ligament arose vertically through Sharpey’s fibres from a broad area in the ulnar fovea and more horizontally from a narrow area at the base of the ulnar styloid. The floor of the extensor carpi ulnaris sheath also originated firmly from the dorsal side of the fovea of the ulna, through an arrangement of Sharpey’s fibres. Loose ulnocarpally oriented fibres, corresponding to a thickened ulnar joint capsule, arose from the hyaline-like cartilage matrix at the tip of the ulnar styloid and inserted onto the triquetrum without Sharpey’s fibres. The ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments originated not from the ulna, but from the palmar side of the TFCC. The insertion of the TFCC into the sigmoid notch of the radius demonstrated a central transition from the fibrocartilaginous disc into hyaline cartilage and a firmer fibroosseous transition of the dorsal and palmar portions of the radioulnar ligament at the periphery.
Longstanding Nonunions of Scaphoid Fractures with Bone Loss: Successful Reconstruction with Vascularized Bone Grafts
Authors: MALIZOS K. N. , DAILIANA Z. H. , KIROU M. , VRAGALAS V. , XENAKIS T. A. , SOUCACOS P. N.
Published: September 2002

Vascularized bone graft from the dorsum of distal radius was used to treat 22 nonunions of scaphoid fractures, with a mean delay of 4 years from the initial injury. Four of the eight patients with associated scapho-styloid arthritis also underwent a closing wedge osteotomy of the distal radius. Follow-up time ranged from 14 to 74 months. Union was accomplished in 6 to 12 weeks and wrist range of motion and grip strength improved postoperatively in all patients. Complete absence of pain was noted in 16 patients and the other six, all of whom had arthritic wrist changes or carpal collapse, only experienced pain with strenuous activities. The simple graft dissection, the avoidance of anastomoses and the lack of donor site morbidity are additional advantages to this surgical technique, which is successful even in cases with an avascular proximal pole.
Development of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Hydrogel (PVA-H) Shields with a High Water Content for Tendon Injury Repair
Authors: KOBAYASHI M. , TOGUCHIDA J. , OKA M.
Published: September 2002

The main problem in tendon repair is adhesion formation between the tendon and surrounding tissue. To prevent this, we have developed adhesion preventive shields using polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVA-H) with 90% water content. This implant experiment used the deep flexor tendon of the 3rd toe of the domestic fowl. Injured tendons shielded with PVA-H healed within about 3 weeks without adhesion to the surrounding tissues. Neither breakage of the PVA-H shield itself nor infection or degeneration in the surrounding tissue was observed. These results show that tendon is capable of intrinsic repair, and was able to regenerate using synovial nutrition through the PVA-H. The high water content of PVA-H may be clinically useful and applicable to adhesion preventive shields for tendon repair.
Does the Term Scaphocapitate Syndrome Need to be Revised? A Report of 6 Cases
Authors: APERGIS E. , DARMANIS S. , KASTANIS G. , PAPANIKOLAOU A.
Published: September 2002

This is a retrospective study of six patients with displaced fractures of the neck of the capitate. In four of the six patients the diagnosis was delayed by at least 1 week. After open reduction and internal fixation the results were assessed as excellent (three cases), fair (two cases) or poor (one case). In all cases there was a concomitant injury to the radial side of the wrist: in four cases this was a fracture of the waist of the scaphoid. In five of the six cases there was also an injury to the ulnar side of the wrist. As a scaphoid fracture does not always occur with the fracture of the neck of the capitate, we consider the term “scaphocapitate syndrome” inappropriate for this injury.
Palmar Segmental Aponeurectomy for Dupuytren’s Disease with Metacarpophalangeal flexion Contracture
Authors: CLIBBON J. J. , LOGAN A. M.
Published: September 2002

Eighty palmar segmental aponeurectomies were performed between 1993 and 1999 for well-localized palmar cords with metacarpophalangeal flexion contracture. A retrospective patient review with a minimum follow-up of 1-year demonstrated a 6% rate of recurrent metacarpophalangeal flexion and two minor complications. Segmental aponeurectomy rather than limited fasciectomy is recommended for this type of disease.
Preservation of Denervated Muscle Form and Function by Clenbuterol in a Rat Model of Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: FITTON A. R. , BERRY M. S. , McGREGOR A. D.
Published: September 2002

The effects of clenbuterol in preserving the form and function of muscle after unilateral sciatic nerve division and epineural repair were investigated in a rat model. The drug (a β2-adrenoceptor agonist) was administered daily for six weeks by gastric gavage (10 μg/kg body weight), interrupted every 5 days by a 2 day omission of dosing to avoid drug desensitization. Clenbuterol reduced the loss of wet weight, total protein, muscle fibre cross sectional area and (in part) contractile forces in denervated hindlimb muscles, with most effects lasting until reinnervation. The effects were dependent on muscle type, with slow-twitch oxidative muscle (soleus) and mixed-fibre (gastrocnemius) showing greater sensitivity to the drug than fast-twitch muscle (extensor digitorum longus). Anabolic effects on the contralateral innervated muscles tended to be small. The results suggest a potential for the adjuvant use of selective β-adrenoceptor agonists in the management of peripheral nerve injuries in humans.
Rigid Internal Fixation of Basilar Fractures of the Proximal Phalanges by Cancellous Bone Grafting Only
Authors: STRICKLER M. , NAGY L. , BÜCHLER U.
Published: September 2002

Ten patients with 13 basilar metaphyseal impaction fractures of the proximal phalanges of the fingers were treated with “rigid internal fixation” by bone grafting alone. When retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 32 months, bone healing had occurred without any relevant secondary displacement of the fracture fragments. The final ranges of motion were good and return to work was quicker than expected.
The Flexor Digitorum Profundus “Demi-Tendon” – A New Technique for Passage of the Flexor Profundus Tendon through the A4 Pulley
Authors: ELLIOT D. , KHANDWALA A. R. , RAGOOWANSI R.
Published: September 2002

The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon may retract after avulsion or division in Zone 1. When treatment has been delayed, the oedematous tendon can be too swollen to pass freely through the A4 pulley. We present a new technique for dealing with this situation which depends on the “double-barrelled” nature of the distal part of the FDP tendon. One half of the tendon is excised longitudinally and the remaining “demi-tendon” is passed through the intact A4 pulley to allow tendon repair or re-attachment. This technique has been used in six cases in which passage of the FDP tendon through the A4 pulley would otherwise have been impossible.
Controlled Trial of Distal Radial Fractures Treated with a Resorbable Bone Mineral Substitute
Authors: JEYAM M. , ANDREW J. G. , MUIR L. T. S. W. , MCGOVERN A.
Published: September 2002

This randomized trial compared the use of hydroxyapatite cement with Kapandji wiring in distal radial fractures. Two groups of nine patients with distal radial fractures were either treated by reduction and fixation with wires or insertion of the cement into the fracture void. There was no difference between the groups before operation, on reduction or at day 1. Dorsal angle in the hydroxyapatite group was significantly worse at 6, 12 and 26 weeks. Grip strength and palmar flexion were poor in the hydroxyapatite cement group. All the clinical parameters and X-ray variables were worse at 12 and 26 weeks in the hydroxyapatite cement group. We conclude from this trial that there is nothing to support the use of this hydroxyapatite cement, without the use of additional fixation, in distal radial fractures.
Retrospective Clinical Studies in Surgery: Potentials and Pitfalls
Authors: SAUERLAND S. , LEFERING R. , NEUGEBAUER E. A. M.
Published: September 2002

As many surgical studies are performed retrospectively, it is desirable to improve the conduct, analysis and reporting of such research designs. This article reviews some of the most common forms of bias encountered in clinical research and outlines various types of study design and analysis that can help to minimize the amount of bias introduced into the results. We describe the advantages and disadvantages of ‘raw’ data analysis, stratified analysis, matched pair analysis and multivariate analysis, and apply them to an example of a hypothetical hand surgery study.
The Effect of Activity and Type of Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Flexible Implant Arthroplasty of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Authors: ISHIKAWA H. , MURASAWA A. , HANYU T.
Published: September 2002

A retrospective study was performed on 184 Swanson flexible implant arthroplasties of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 75 hands of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, to investigate the influence of systemic factors on the clinical and radiological results. The mean follow-up period was 6 years. The postoperative serum C-reactive protein level was found to affect postoperative pain, and there was a larger extension lag and more subsidence of the implant in those with the mutilating type of the disease.
Palmar Resurfacing Techniques: an “Ideal” Opportunity and the Importance of Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: MOWATT D. J. , SHAH M. , WATSON J. S.
Published: September 2002

A case involving the accidental loss of all the skin of the palm and the palmar surfaces of all four fingers, and its replacement as a full-thickness graft, is presented. The importance of long-term follow-up to detect and correct palmar skin contractures is emphasized. The literature which relates to this difficult area of loss is reviewed.
The Nerve Supply of the Trapeziometacarpal Joint
Authors: LOREA D. P. , BERTHE J. -V. , DE MEY A. , COESSENS B. C. , ROOZE M. , FOUCHER G.
Published: September 2002

Ten forearm and hand specimens from fresh cadavers were dissected and examined under magnification for articular branches to the trapeziometacarpal joint arising from the thenar and palmar cutaneous branches of the median nerve, the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm. In all but one specimen the thenar branch of the median nerve sent an articular branch to the trapeziometacarpal joint. Multiple branches from the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm were also found. All these branches need to be divided during a “complete” denervation of the trapeziometacarpal joint.
Bipedicle Flap Reconstruction of Longitudinal Palmar Skin and Soft Tissue Defects of the Digits
Authors: YII N. W. , ELLIOT D.
Published: September 2002

Full-thickness defects of the skin and soft-tissue of the palmar aspect of the digits with exposure of the deeper structures which are longitudinal in shape are unusual and difficult to reconstruct. This paper discusses the treatment of these defects and reviews our experience of reconstructing nine such cases with bipedicle flaps.
Hildreth’s Test is a Reliable Clinical Sign for the Diagnosis of Glomus Tumours
Authors: GIELE H.
Published: September 2002

Hildreth’s test is a clinical test for the diagnosis of glomus tumours. It is positive if there is a reduction in pain and tenderness on exsanguination and ischaemia of the affected part. This study assessed Hildreth’s test, and found 92% sensitivity and 91% specificity with a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 91%.
The Effect of Steroids on Dupuytren’s Disease: Role of Programmed Cell Death
Authors: D MEEK R. M. , McLELLAN S. , REILLY J , CROSSAN J. F.
Published: September 2002

This study compared the rates of proliferation and apoptosis of cells within nodules of Dupuytren’s disease and nodules from patients that had been injected preoperatively with steroid (Depo-Medrone). It also compared the effects of steroids in apoptosis in cultured Dupuytren’s cells and control fibroblasts from palmar fascia and fascia lata. Steroids reduced the rate of fibroblast proliferation and increased the rate of apoptosis of both fibroblasts and inflammatory cells in Dupuytren’s tissue. Steroids also produced apoptosis of cultured Dupuytren’s cells but not of palmar fascia and fascia lata cells.
Effects of Haemodilution and Rewarming with Regard to Digital Amputation in Frostbite Injury: An Experimental Study in the Rabbit
Authors: VILLÉN G. MARTÍNEZ , BESCOS G. GARCÍA , SOSA V. RODRIGUEZ , MORANDEIRA GARCÍA J. R.
Published: September 2002

Peripheral vascular failure with haematological and haemodynamic changes occurs after frostbite injuries. In order to study the effects of normovolemic haemodilution on the extent of digital necrosis, the paws of rabbits were haemodiluted and frozen to −15°C. Dextran or gelatin was used as the plasma substitute in two groups and the rewarming after the cold injury was performed either at room temperature (22°C) or with hot water baths (38°C). The extent of necrosis was significantly less in the rabbits haemodiluted with dextran or gelatin and rewarmed in hot water baths.
Secondary ions produced by 400 eV He+ ion impact on N2 and O2 thin films at 8 K
Authors: Hiraoka K. , Sato T. , Watanabe M. , Mori K. , Kimura M.
Published: September 2002

Secondary ions produced by 400 eV He+ ion impact on N2 and O2 thin films deposited on a silicon substrate at 8 K were measured as a function of film thickness using a time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometer. While the Nn+ ions with n up to 4 were observed for N2 film, formation of larger cluster ions On+ (n up to 10) were observed for O2 film. The secondary ion intensities for N2 reached the plateau with film thickness of about 20 monolayers, whereas those for O2 with film thickness of about 400 monolayers. The observed marked difference in the film-thickness dependence between N2 and O2 films is discussed on the viewpoint of relaxation of electronic energy deposited in the solid films by the 400 eV He+ ion impact.
Experimental Stark Widths and Shifts for Spectral Lines of Neutral and Ionized Atoms (A Critical Review of Selected Data for the Period 1989 Through 2000)
Authors: Konjević N. , Lesage A. , Fuhr J. R. , Wiese W. L.
Published: September 2002

A critical review of the available experimental data on Stark widths and shifts for spectral lines of nonhydrogenic neutral atoms and positive ions has been carried out. The review covers the period from 1989 through the end of 2000 and represents a continuation of earlier critical reviews up to 1988. Data tables containing the selected experimental Stark broadening parameters are presented with estimated accuracies. Guidelines for the accuracy estimates, developed during the previous reviews, are summarized again. The data are arranged according to elements and spectra, and these are presented in alphabetical and numerical order, respectively. A total of 77 spectra are covered, and the material on multiply charged ions has significantly increased. Comparisons with comprehensive calculations based on semiclassical theory are made whenever possible, since the comparison with theory has often been a principal motivation for the experiments.
Dynamic up-conversion population processes of erbium-doped pentaphosphate crystal
Authors: Chen X. B. , He C. J. , Du W. M. , Song Z. F. , Li M. X.
Published: September 2002

Rate equations describing the dynamic processes in erbium (Er3+)-doped pentaphosphate crystals were developed to obtain the population processes of all levels of Er3+ ions in pentaphosphate ErP5O14 crystals under 650 nm laser excitation. The effects of pump power on the population (ρ) dynamic process were analyzed. The spontaneous radiative processes, multiphonon nonradiative processes, absorption of the pump photons, corresponding stimulated radiation processes, and all other possible energy transfer processes between Er3+ ions were included in the rate equations. The pump power was assumed to be constant with time (t). Considering that the equation ρ(t0+Δt)=ρ(t0)+(dρ/dt)Δt would be held if Δt was small enough and using the initial condition ρ1=1.0, ρi=0(i≠1), the time-dependent populations of all states could be obtained from the rate equations, from which the steady-state solution of the rate equation was deduced. The comprehensive study of the population dynamic process of all energy-level Er3+ ions in ErP5O14 crystal when excited by 100 mW–107 W has resulted in the conclusion that the strong upconversion luminescence would behave excellently when 650 nm pump laser power reaches the level of 1000–105 W. The representative population dynamic process when excited by 105 W laser power indicates I15/24 and F9/24 levels have a kind of great takeover co-contribution in up-converting population to higher states. The steady-state population probability of I15/24 is as small as 0.0617. The population of the F9/24 state increases rapidly to about a 0.362 high level and sequentially decreases smoothly to a stable value of about a 0.0374 low level, which implies a population already having been upconverted to higher level. Excellent results clearly exhibit that the main up-conversion luminescent level S3/24 has a great population probability of about 0.212, which results in a strong up-conversion luminescence of 543 nm, and it is so exciting that a very strong 379 nm blue up-conversion luminescence could be achieved when 650 nm pump laser power is enhanced to the level of 1000–105 W. The results of this article are significant both to science and applications.
High resolution deep level transient spectroscopy studies of the vacancy-oxygen and related defects in ion-implanted silicon
Authors: Evans-Freeman J. H. , Kan P. Y. Y. , Abdelgader N.
Published: September 2002

We have carried out high resolution Laplace deep level transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) and conventional DLTS on silicon implanted with very low doses of either silicon, germanium, erbium, or ytterbium, and compared the results to those from electron-irradiated silicon. DLTS spectra of all the samples initially look very similar, and a peak at 95 K appears in all spectra which may be due to the vacancy-oxygen (VO) defect. We have carried out detailed measurements of the capture cross section and activation energy of this defect using Laplace DLTS. We show that, when the mass of the implanted ion exceeds that of silicon, the defect has a much smaller electron capture cross section than that expected for the VO defect, and a smaller activation energy. Hydrogen has been introduced, either by wet chemical processing or plasma, to all samples to observe the hydrogen–VO interactions resulting in VOH. By using high resolution DLTS we are able to establish that, after hydrogenation, the VOH defect exists with an identical emission rate in the silicon-implanted silicon and the electron-irradiated silicon, but not in the silicon implanted with heavier ions. We conclude that the peak at 95 K in the DLTS spectra in the case of the heavier ions is due to a different defect, confirming earlier reports in the literature. This defect is negatively charged, unlike VO, which is acceptor-like. We are also able to observe VOH in samples where VO is not present, after these samples have been annealed. We attribute this to release of V and H atoms from other defects during annealing.
Physics-based numerical modeling and characterization of 6H-silicon-carbide metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors
Authors: Powell Stephen K. , Goldsman Neil , McGarrity James M. , Bernstein Joseph , Scozzie Charles J. , Lelis Aivars
Published: September 2002

A detailed analysis of silicon-carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) physics is performed. Measurements of current–voltage characteristics are taken. A device simulator is developed based on the drift–diffusion equations. The model accounts for incomplete ionization. Comprehensive mobility and interface state models are developed for SiC MOSFETs. The mobility model accounts explicitly for bulk transport, as well as for interface states, surface phonons and surface roughness. Agreement between simulated and measured terminal characteristics is obtained. The results provide values for interface state occupation as a function of energy and position along the surface. Results giving values for surface mobility as a function of position along the channel indicate that interface states have an especially strong effect on SiC operation. Our investigation indicates that substantial reduction of interface states can give rise to a fivefold increase in transconductance.
Dielectric spectroscopy on the plastically crystalline phase of cyanocyclohexane
Authors: Tschirwitz C. , Benkhof S. , Blochowicz T. , Rössler E.
Published: September 2002

Dielectric measurements (10−2–109 Hz) on plastically crystalline cyanocyclohexane reveal a glass transition where the rotational dynamics freezes at a vitrification temperature Tg=134 K. A full line-shape analysis of the dielectric loss spectra, which include a pronounced secondary relaxation contribution (β process) in addition to the main relaxation, is performed. We show that the rotational dynamics in cyanocyclohexane is very similar to that of supercooled liquids. In particular the secondary process of cyanocyclohexane exhibits the features characteristic of the Johari–Goldstein β relaxation known from structural glass formers.
Ion-beam-produced damage and its stability in AlN films
Authors: Kucheyev S. O. , Williams J. S. , Zou J. , Jagadish C. , Pophristic M. , Guo S. , Ferguson I. T. , Manasreh M. O.
Published: September 2002

Structural characteristics of single-crystal wurtzite AlN epilayers (grown on sapphire substrates) bombarded with 300 keV Au+197 ions at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures (RT and LN2) are studied by a combination of Rutherford backscattering/channeling spectrometry and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Results reveal extremely strong dynamic annealing of ion-beam-generated defects in AlN. Lattice amorphization is not observed even for very large doses of keV heavy ions at LN2. An increase in irradiation temperature from LN2 to RT has a relatively small effect on the production of stable structural damage in AlN. In contrast to the case of AlxGa1−xN with x⩽0.6, neither damage saturation in the crystal bulk (below the random level) nor preferential surface disordering is revealed for AlN. Results also show that structural lattice disorder produced in AlN by high-dose keV heavy-ion bombardment is stable to rapid thermal annealing at temperatures as high as 1000 °C.
Interdiffusion studies for HfSixOy and ZrSixOy on Si
Authors: Quevedo-Lopez M. A. , El-Bouanani M. , Gnade B. E. , Wallace R. M. , Visokay M. R. , Douglas M. , Bevan M. J. , Colombo L.
Published: September 2002

Metal incorporation into silicon substrates, and thermal stability of alternate gate dielectric candidates HfSixOy and ZrSixOy films after aggressive thermal annealing are reported. Considerable Zr incorporation is observed after furnace and rapid thermal annealing. No detectible Hf incorporation is observed for HfSixOy films annealed with the same conditions as the ZrSixOy films. Sputter deposited Hf silicate films showed superior thermal stability compared with chemical vapor deposited Zr silicate films. An alternate approach to obtain sub-nm resolution depth profiling of impurities in Si is also reported. Device performance associated with Zr incorporation into the channel is also discussed.
Three-dimensional spectral solution of the Schrödinger equation for arbitrary band structures
Authors: Trellakis A. , Ravaioli U.
Published: September 2002

We present a fast and robust method for the full-band solution of the Schrödinger equation on a grid, with the goal of achieving a more complete description of high energy states and realistic temperatures. Using fast Fourier transforms, the Schrödinger equation in the one band approximation can be expressed as an iterative eigenvalue problem for arbitrary shapes of the conduction band. The resulting eigenvalue problem can then be solved using Krylov subspace methods such as Arnoldi iteration. We demonstrate the algorithm by presenting an application, in which we compare nonparabolic effects in an ultrasmall metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) quantum cavity and a MOS quantum capacitor at room temperature. We show that for the cavity structure the nonparabolicity of the conduction band results in a significant lowering of high-energy electronic states and reshaping of the electron density, whereas the states and density in the MOS capacitor remain relatively unchanged.
Metallic wafer bonding for the fabrication of long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
Authors: Lin H. C. , Chang K. L. , Hsieh K. C. , Cheng K. Y. , Wang W. H.
Published: September 2002

A novel metallic bonding method using AuGeNiCr as the bonding medium was developed for the fabrication of long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The metallic bonding process can be performed at a low temperature of 320 °C within 1 h and it does not require chemical-mechanical polishing or etching treatments on the bonding surfaces. As determined by atomic force microscopy, the process can tolerate a surface roughness of ∼10 nm on the surface of bonding samples. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy shows that the bonding interface is smooth and damage-free. Using this bonding technique, a 1.55 μm GaInAsP/InP VCSEL structure with Al-oxide/Si distributed Bragg reflectors was demonstrated on a Si substrate. No degradation was found on the bonded VCSEL structure after annealing at 420 °C. The reflectivity and resonance measured from the bonded VCSEL cavity confirmed the high optical quality provided by this bonding process for device fabrication.
Energy band structure of strained Si1−xCx alloys on Si (001) substrate
Authors: Chang S. T. , Lin C. Y. , Liu C. W.
Published: September 2002

We report the energy band structures of strained Si1−xCx alloys on Si (001) substrates. All calculations are based on a 20×20 Hamiltonian matrix constructed from the linear combination of atomic orbital approximation with spin–orbit interaction, strain effect, and lattice disorder effect taken into account. The lattice disorder parameter is obtained from fittings with the experimental band gap of strained Si1−xCx alloy with small carbon concentration and reflects the initial reduction of band gap of relaxed Si1−xCx alloy, while simple virtual crystal approximation does not. The effect of strain on band structure is incorporated in terms of the interatomic interaction parameters, which are functions of bond length and bond angle. The strained Si1−xCx alloy becomes metallic when x=28%. All the directional effective masses are affected by the strain. Overall agreements are found between our theoretical calculations and recent experimental results.
Stimulated emission due to the inelastic scattering from the heavy-hole exciton to the light-hole exciton in CuI thin films
Authors: Tanaka I. , Nakayama M.
Published: September 2002

We have investigated high-excitation photoluminescence properties of CuI thin films with a thickness of 100 nm grown on a NaCl substrate by vacuum deposition. The energies of the heavy-hole and light-hole excitons in the CuI thin film are split at low temperatures by the thermal strain resulting from the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of CuI and NaCl: the heavy-hole exciton is lower in energy than the light-hole exciton. Under resonant excitation of the heavy-hole exciton, a new photoluminescence band appears on the low-energy side of the heavy-hole exciton. The energy spacing between the new photoluminescence band and the heavy-hole exciton is almost equal to the splitting energy of the heavy-hole and light-hole excitons. The photoluminescence intensity exhibits an almost quadratic dependence on the excitation power. These results indicate that the new photoluminescence band originates from an inelastic scattering process from the heavy-hole-exciton state to the light-hole-exciton state. We have confirmed the existence of optical gain in the energy region of the new photoluminescence band by using a variable-stripe-length method. This fact demonstrates that the inelastic scattering process from the heavy-hole-exciton state to the light-hole-exciton state may lead to stimulated emission.
Critical lines and phase coexistence of polymer solutions: A quantitative comparison between Wertheim’s thermodynamic perturbation theory and computer simulations
Authors: MacDowell L. G. , Virnau P. , Müller M. , Binder K.
Published: September 2002

We consider the vapor–liquid phase equilibria of binary mixtures of a model bead–spring polymer dissolved in a solvent made of single monomers. We employ Wertheim’s thermodynamic perturbation theory of first order (TPT1), with the properties of the monomer fluid described by the mean spherical approximation and the effect of the attractions considered within a van der Waals one fluid approximation. The results of the TPT1 theory are quantitatively compared to grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. To this end, we obtain full critical lines all the way from the critical point of the pure polymer to the critical point of the pure monomer. Pressure–composition and pressure–temperature slices are also obtained. At low pressures, we find rather good agreement between simulation and theory for the coexistence liquid densities and compositions. At higher pressures, however, the results are far less satisfactory, as the critical pressures are highly overpredicted.
He
79
Br
2
B,v=8←X,v″=0 excitation spectrum: Ab initio prediction and spectroscopic manifestation of a linear isomer
Authors: Buchachenko Alexei A. , Prosmiti Rita , Cunha Carlos , Delgado-Barrio Gerardo , Villarreal Pablo
Published: September 2002

The B←X rovibronic excitation spectrum of the HeBr2 van der Waals complex is calculated using an ab initio potential energy surface for the ground electronic state. The coupled-cluster single double triple calculations predict double-minimum topology (linear and T-shaped wells) for the X-state potential with a low isomerization barrier. The two lowest vibrational levels, assigned to T-shaped and linear isomers using the localization patterns of the corresponding wave functions, are almost degenerated and lie slightly above the isomerization barrier. This indicates that T-shaped and linear isomers can coexist even at low temperatures and give rise to two separated bands in the excitation spectrum. The main band of the B←X excitation spectrum is assigned to transitions from the T-shaped isomer, whereas the very good agreement between the observed and calculated spectrum, using the ab initio X-state potential, demonstrates that the unassigned secondary band corresponds to excitation of the linear isomer of the HeBr2(X) complex. The complete assignment of the spectrum in terms of individual rovibronic transitions is presented.
Should bromoform absorb at wavelengths longer than 300 nm?
Authors: Peterson Kirk A. , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: September 2002

A theoretical study of the low-lying singlet and triplet electronic states of CHBr3 is presented. Calculations of excitation energies and oscillator strengths are presented using excited state coupled cluster response methods, as well as the complete active space self-consistent field method with the full Breit–Pauli spin–orbit operator. These calculations predict that for CHBr3 there is only one singlet state, the Ã1A2, that is accessible by wavelengths longer than 234 nm. It is, however, predicted to be very weakly absorbing, but may strongly overlap at shorter wavelengths with a higher B̃1E state, which itself is predicted to be strongly absorbing. There is one triplet state, the ã3A2, that lies well below the Ã1A2 state and has a predicted absorption maximum at about 270 nm. The band origin of the ã3A2 is predicted to lie around 297 nm, but this C3v symmetry minimum is calculated to be a second-order transition state, ultimately leading to dissociation to HCBr2+Br.
Semiclassical initial value representation propagation of vibrational wave functions
Authors: Sklarz Temira , Kay K. G.
Published: September 2002

Two new, uniform, semiclassical initial value representation (IVR) expressions are obtained for the time-dependent wave function Ψt(x) that evolves from the eigenstate ψ(x) of a “zero-order” Hamiltonian describing an arbitrary, integrable, vibrational system. In contrast to most other IVR approaches, this initial state is, itself, treated semiclassically so that it need not be determined by independent quantum calculations. One of the IVR expressions presented here describes Ψt(x) as an integral over only half of the phase space variables of the system, so that it holds the promise of computational advantages over existing treatments that involve integrations over all of phase space. Numerical tests confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the semiclassical approximations.
H
2
O
–
D
2
O
condensation in a supersonic nozzle
Authors: Heath Christopher H. , Streletzky Kiril , Wyslouzil Barbara E. , Wölk Judith , Strey Reinhard
Published: September 2002

We examined the condensation of H2O, D2O, and four intermediate mixtures (20, 40, 60, and 80 mol % D2O) in a supersonic nozzle. Because the physical and chemical properties of protonated and deuterated water are so similar, this system is ideal for studying the change in condensation behavior as a function of condensible composition. In our experiments dilute mixtures of condensible vapor in N2 are expanded from three different stagnation temperatures resulting in a broad range of onset temperatures (190–238 K) and pressures (27–787 kPa). For a fixed stagnation temperature, the partial pressure required to maintain the onset of condensation at a given location or temperature in the nozzle is consistently higher for H2O than for D2O. In contrast, the supersaturation at fixed onset temperature is usually higher for D2O than for H2O and this difference increases toward lower temperature. The partial pressure at onset for the intermediate mixtures varied linearly between the values observed for the pure components in this ideal system.