JOURNAL OF KUFA - PHYSICS (JKP) is a refereed scientific journal published by the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa. JKP journal features peer-reviewed articles that address current research topics across the diverse fields of physics, providing a platform for advancements and discoveries within the scientific community. ISSN (Print) : 2077-5830 ISSN (online) : 2312-6671 Frequency: 2 Issues Per year DOI prefix: 10.31257 Indexed in: Iraq Academic Scientific Journals (IASJ), Crossref, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and The Directory of Open Access scholarly Resources (ROAD). Contact details: E-mail: jkp.sci@uokufa.edu.iq. Phone number: +9647801170668 Mail Address: University of Kufa, P.O Box 21, Kufa, Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Journal of Kufa-Physics is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which allows users to copy, to create extracts, abstracts, and new works from the Article, to alter and revise the Article, and to make commercial use of the Article (including reuse and/or resale of the Article by commercial entities), provided the user gives appropriate credit (with a link to the formal publication through the relevant DOI), provides a link to the license, indicates if changes were made and the licensor is not represented as endorsing the use made of the work. The authors hold the copyright for their published work on the JKP website, while KJP is responsible for appreciating citation for their work, which is released under CC-BY-4.0 enabling the unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction of an article in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited.
Phase-Matching Optimization and Walk-off Analysis in LBO Crystals
Lithium Triborate (LBO) is a biaxial nonlinear optical crystal widely used for laser frequency conversion owing to its broad transparency range (160–2600 nm), high damage threshold, and favorable phase-matching properties. This study presents a comprehensive numerical model based on solving the Fresnel equation with modified Sellmeier coefficients to analyze spectral birefringence, critical phase-matching angles, walk-off, and OPO tuning in LBO. For Type-I SHG at 1.064 μm, phase matching is achieved in the XY plane at φ = 16.13° (∆n = 2.85×10⁻⁶) and in the XZ plane at θ = 30.99° (∆n = 2.34×10⁻⁵), with a global off-axis optimum at θ = 67.42°, φ = 25.59° (∆n = 1.02×10⁻⁷). For Type-II SHG, the XY plane yields phase matching at φ = 51.35° (∆n = 9.06×10⁻⁶), with an off-axis optimum at θ = 39.43°, φ = 64.41° (∆n = 6.15×10⁻⁸). Phase matching is not achievable in the YZ plane for either type. Walk-off peaks at ~0.95° near 0.8 μm in the XY plane and ~1.38° at 1.1 μm in the XZ plane. OPO tuning pumped at 532 nm demonstrates broad coverage, with Type-II extending the signal to 2.5 μm via azimuthal rotation in the XY plane.
Copyright (c) 2026 ruqayya Majid, Sundus Y. Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How Relevant is Torso Shielding to Radiation Protection During Head Computed Tomography Procedures?
In this work, we set out to find out whether using torso shielding actually helps reduce scatter radiation to the chest during head CT scans in adults. Fifty adult women scheduled for routine head CT scans took part in the study. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were stuck on the central area of both breasts anteriorly. The left breast was shielded with a 0.35-mm lead apron, while the right breast went unshielded as a control. Standard head CT protocols was followed. After the scans, absorbed dose was quantified. Both breasts were evaluated statistically using paired-sample t-tests. Effective dose was estimated using standard ICRP-103 tissue weighting factors.
Torso shielding, Scatter radiation, Head CT, Radiation protection, Breast dose, Computed tomography
Copyright (c) 2026 Tom Adejoh, Chimezie G. Akwaeze, Aisha Lawan-Jalo, Mkpouto S. Ibanga, Benedict A. Aluh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Heavy Trace Metals in Crude Oil from Southern Iraqi Oilfields Using LIBS
The determination of heavy trace metals in crude oil is essential for evaluating environmental risks and refining efficiency. This study investigates the qualitative and quantitative distribution of heavy trace metals in crude oil from major southern Iraqi oilfields (North Rumaila, Majnoon, and Zubair) using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). The liquid crude oil samples were thermally treated at 350 °C to produce a stable solid residue, which was then ground into a fine powder and compressed into pellets for LIBS analysis. To achieve efficient material ablation, the laser beam from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 300 mJ, 8 ns) was focused onto the pellet surface using a 50 mm focal length lens. This setup created a focal spot diameter of approximately 0.4 mm, resulting in a calculated laser fluency of 238.8 J/ at the target surface. The generated plasma light was then collected and analyzed using an Ocean Optics HR4000CG-UV-NIR spectrometer, equipped with a Toshiba TCD1304AP linear CCD array detector (3648 pixels) covering a spectral range of 200–790 nm. Finally, elemental identification and spectral consistency were verified using the NIST atomic spectra database. A wide range of toxic and radioactive elements (Hg, Pb, Cd, U, Ra) along with transition and noble metals (W, Sn, Mo, Ag, Pt, Au, Ir, Rh) were successfully identified. Quantitative analysis showed strong linearity (R² up to 0.9961), low detection limits (as low as 0.001841% for Pb), and acceptable precision (RSD < 6%). Elemental distribution revealed significant variability, with Hg (6.03–9.65%) and Pb (2.26–6.87%) as dominant contaminants, and pronounced enrichment in the Zubair sample (W3). These findings confirm that LIBS is a rapid, sensitive, and reliable technique for multi-element analysis in crude oil. The observed distribution of heavy trace metals highlights their environmental and industrial significance, particularly in pollution monitoring and refining processes, and demonstrates the potential of LIBS as an effective tool for petroleum characterization and geochemical assessment. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31257/2018/JKP/2023/v15.i02.13216
Copyright (c) 2026 Maryam Neamah saleh, Sahib Neamah AbdulWahid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Thermodynamic and Vibrational Analysis of Binary and Ternary Fe-Al-Ni Alloys Based on the Miedema Model
In the present article, theoretically and semi-empirically, the thermodynamic and vibrational character of Fe-Al, Fe-Ni, and Al-Ni binary alloys, as well as the ternary Fe-Al-Ni system are studied. Formation enthalpy values are calculated over a wide range of compositions following the Miedema model for determining the alloying tendency and thermodynamic stability. Simulated FTIR spectra are utilized to further gain complementary information about the bonding environment of the alloy system by characterizing typical vibrational modes of hydroxyl species and metal–oxygen bonds. The performance of aluminum-containing compositions is strongly negatively tented on the formation enthalpy and thus is highly thermodynamically stable whereas Fe-Ni-rich regions display weaker energetic stabilization. The significant vibrational properties demonstrated by FTIR analysis are in agreement with the strong chemical interactions determined from thermodynamic calculations. Together, these results indicate that the synthesis of the thermodynamic and vibrational analysis leads to a consistent characterization of the stability and bonding properties of Fe-Al-Ni alloys and a basis for alloy design.
Fe-Al-Ni alloys, Formation enthalpy, Thermodynamic modeling, FTIR.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fatima Hussian Jabar, Ali K. Alsaaedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preparation and Photocatalytic Performance of PMMA and ZnO/PMMA Nanocomposite films
This study used a simple drop-casting method to create polymethyl methacrylate/zinc oxide (PMMA/ZnO) nanocomposite films. The structural, morphological, and optical properties, and photocatalytic activity of the produced films were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that pure PMMA is amorphous, while the composite film showed clear peaks for the ZnO hexagonal structure, proving the nanoparticles were added successfully without forming unwanted phases. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) presented that ZnO nanomaterial were spread evenly in the PMMA matrix, changing the surface appearance. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis found that PMMA’s main functional groups remained after film formation, with a small shift in the carbonyl band in the composite, suggesting a physical interaction between ZnO and the polymer chains. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed stronger emission in the nanocomposite films. The films’ ability to break down methylene blue (MB) dye was tested under ultraviolet and sunlight. After 60 minutes, the PMMA/ZnO film was broken down to around 69% of the dye under sunlight and 52.5% under UV light. In comparison, pure PMMA broke down 49.5% under sunlight and only 13% under UV. These results show that adding ZnO nanoparticles to PMMA films improves their photocatalytic efficiency, making them promising option for water treatment.
PMMA/ZnO film; Dye degradation; PMMA; Methylene blue; ZnO.
Copyright (c) 2026 zeina mossa, Khalidah Al-Mayalee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design and Optimization of Compact He-Ne Laser Interferometers for Industrial Applications
This study presents the design and optimization aspects of a miniaturized, industrial-grade helium-neon (He-Ne) laser interferometer. Although conventional interferometers are capable of very high precision, their need for large physical size and sensitivity to environmental factors make them rarely used in the modern industrial world, where measurement devices have to be easy to transport and robust. The design was taking advantage of optical modeling by Gaussian beam theory, selective miniaturization of elements, and isolation from thermal or vibration interferences in real industrial environments. Relative to the optimum technique, the proposed arrangement optimizes cavity length, mirror reflectivity, and diverging beam dimensions to improve operating visibility. Key system parameters include the following: The prototype occupies small optical mounts, piezoelectric actuators for phase shift control, and photodetector arrays together with an on-chip real-time signal measurement algorithm. The Allen deviation and Fourier transform applied to signal analysis are powerful tools for determining how well the instrument performs. The results indicate that the improved interferometer offers sub-micron resolution, with a 45 nm offset sensitivity, a 12 nm average squared noise level under unchanging conditions, and calibration errors of ±15 nm within ±5 μm. Long-term deviation remains below 100 nm per hour. The system was tested under artificial disturbances, temperature variations from 22°C to 30°C, mechanical vibrations in the 20–100 Hz range, and changes in mounting orientation. It can be seen that the optimized compact interferometer has good accuracy of submicrons and high stability and also works out effectively in narrow spaces. The study will promote the application of such systems in advanced industrial metrology, robot calibration, and also quality control. It is the next generation of accurate manufacturing that could be a promising advancement in industrial metrology.
Compact interferometry, Industrial metrology, Displacement measurement, Interferometry optimization, Real-time monitoring
Copyright (c) 2026 Suran Yaseen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of doping Zn into Sb2Te3 on the structural and optical properties by thermal Evaporation
In this work, a thermal vacuum evaporation-based synthesis of pure (Sb2Te3) and zinc-doped antimony telluride (Sb2Te3: Zn) thin films is investigated. Structural properties of films were examined at 3%, 5% and 7% zinc content and thickness of (100, 200 and 300 nm) and few samples were annealed at 100 °C during the processes, and the formation of a polycrystalline hexagonal structure with enhanced crystallinity following annealing was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Zinc doping led to lattice contraction and a small shift in diffraction peaks. After annealing, SEM surface analysis showed homogeneous quasi-spherical grains with an increase in size and uniformity. The AFM exhibited decreased roughness after annealing. Though initially increased and subsequently lowered by zinc, optical measurements reflected a good visible absorption with energy gap growth after annealing, With doping and annealing, electrical properties showed an increased conduction and decreased activation energy, confirming p-type behavior. With 5% zinc doping and moderate annealing the structural, optical, and electrical characteristics were optimized, allowing for photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications.
Sb2Te3 thin films; Optical properties; Structural characteristics,Thermal Evaporation
Copyright (c) 2026 firas najim, Firas A. Najim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Estimation of Natural Radioactivity and corresponding doses in Al-Najaf Teaching Hospital, Iraq
Measuring natural radioactivity levels within residential buildings is of great public health importance. The primary objective of the study is to investigate radionuclides concentrations in Al Najaf Teaching Hospital building in Najaf Governorate. It also aims to assess the potential risk of cancer due to radioactivity exposure. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive radioactivity survey was conducted across 29 different locations in the hospital using NaI gamma ray spectroscopy. The objective of this survey was to thoroughly evaluate the health risks that the hospital workers are exposed to and implement measures to mitigate these risks. The specific radioactivity values for the radioisotopes 238U, 232Th, and 40K for soil samples were ranged from 1.07 Bq/kg to 39.31 Bq/kg, from 1.23 to 18.55 Bq/kg and 56.81 to 428.86 Bq/kg respectively. In addition, both the annual effective dose, the number of lung cancer cases and other hazard indices were seen to be less than the permissible limit adopted by international organizations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Durham Abdulsattar Oleiwi, Hayder H. Alshibana, Ahmed A. Al-Rubaiee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis, characterization, and study of the optical properties of new Schiff bases
Schiff bases have attracted considerable interest in recent years owing to their uses in optoelectronics and their easy synthesis. This study involved the preparation of Schiff bases via a condensation reaction between Folic acid (FA) and two separate aldehyde derivatives, 3,4-dimethoxy benzaldehyde and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, yielding two unique Schiff base compounds ((E)-(4-(((2-((3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)amino)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)amino)benzoyl)-L-glutamic acid (F1) and (E)-(4-(((4-oxo-2-((pyridin-4-ylmethylene)amino)-3,4-dihydropteridin-6- yl)methyl) amino) benzoyl) -L-glutamic acid (F2), respectively. The synthesized Schiff base compounds have been characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis,1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, antibacterial, and antioxidant studies, confirming the effective synthesis of the targeted molecular structures. The UV-Vis spectra revealed that the absorption range of compounds largely falls in the ultraviolet region, which is a result of electronic excitation of π→π* and n→π*π in the conjugated system. The optical studies revealed a refractive index of (n=1.2) for both compounds, and a wide optical energy band gap that ranged between (3.86-3.78ev), indicating that such materials are not conductive to electricity and therefore, act as optically transparent insulators. The result also showed significant effectiveness of the two compounds, as compound F1 showed the highest antibacterial activity with an inhibition diameter of (24mm) at a concentration of (1mg/ml) compared to F2. The compounds also recorded antioxidant activity of (86.678%) for F1 and (85.492%) for F2. Moreover, the properties of the synthetic compounds make them exceptionally suitable for optoelectronic and photonic applications such as UV-blocking finishes, anti-reflective coats, optical filters and insulating coats in electrical and optical equipment.
Schiff bases, optical band gap, photovoltaic material, Antioxidant Activity
Copyright (c) 2026 Ghufran Alnajm, Shaymaa Jabbar Abdulrazzaq, Atheraa Abdul Kadhim Wasaf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Encryption and decryption of Grayscale and Colour MRI Medical Images Using Scrambling Algorithm
Considering the rapid development of digital communications technologies and the massive distribution of multimedia images, the need to prevent sensitive content of images to unlawful use has become a core requirement. The same can be applied to medical imaging, as intensity values and spatial positioning of adjacent pixels are strongly interdependent. The described technique modifies the natural pixel correlation by increasing the positional and intensity entropy with the help of row and column permutation. Experimental tests proved that the algorithm is able to encode and decode pictures with a private key without any danger. Even though the encryption algorithm is computationally efficient and easy to execute, it is invulnerable to possible cryptographic attacks. The investigation utilized a range of performance indicators, such as Encryption Duration (ET), Decryption Duration (DT), and the Information Entropy of the original image (Eo).
Copyright (c) 2026 Alaa H. Alarajey, Kawther H. Al-khafaji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physical properties of some nanometal oxides: Synthesis and laser-anti-bacterial application
In the present work, metal oxides CdO, NiO and CdxNi1-xO nanopowders (where x = 0, 0.5, and 1) were created by a simple chemical co-precipitation technique followed by calcination to be used against Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, and PL spectroscopy analysis. Also, Diode laser with (650 nm wavelength and 50 mW power) was used as antibacterial agents. Calcination affects lead to improve crystallinity and decreasing of the impurities. Substitution of Cd²⁺ by Ni+2 with 1000 ppm increase the killing of bacterium compared with pure nano oxides. Increasing the irradiation time led to increase the killing of bacterium. The antibacterial activity of the substitute Cd+2 by Ni+2 with present laser enhanced antimicrobial efficiency in S. aureus bacterium compared to that of pure metal oxides.
Copyright (c) 2026 Safaa Ameer, We'am Sami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nanocomposite Thin Films for Dosimetry and Radiation Detection in Nuclear Medicine: Structural, Photophysical, and Biomedical Perspectives: A Review Article
The progressive structural, optical, and electrical properties of nanocomposite thin films in relation to bulk materials have rapidly gained prominence in modern biomedical and radiation research practices. Films of such nature are known to be synthesized with the embedding nanoparticles such as ZnO, TiO₂, and Al₂O₃ into a polymeric or ceramic matrix and are featured with a high level of charge collection, flexibility, and exceptional reactivity to ionizing radiation. To this end, these films have become pivotal facilities for accurate dosimetry, radiation detection, and improvement of imaging in nuclear medicine. Meanwhile, the present review involved multilayering diverse nanocomposite thin film samples that had been mainly synthesized by magnetron sputtering or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, it was followed by morphological and luminescence examination. The results revealed that ZnO-PMMA and TiO₂-PVA thin films clearly demonstrated luminous signals that manifested stability, linearity with the radiation doses absorbed, detection sensitivities exceeding 0.1 mGy, and linear response in a range of 10 Gy. In addition, the CdS-ZnSe- perovskite-based composite allowed rapid improvement in the energy conversion efficacy during the photodetector assembly for PET and SPECT imaging. Thus, the performed experiments prove that radioluminescent characteristics and dosimetric sustainability significantly depend on nano scale limitation and interface synergy between the nanoparticles and the matrix. In photophysical and plasmonic processes, gold nanoparticles are examined as a high-Z nanomaterial that improves photon interaction and signal sensitivity in nanocomposite thin films for radiation dosimetry. Hence, the tested nanocomposite film samples further prove to be a potential substitution for thermoluminescent dosimeters owing to the exceptional potential in miniaturization, imaging precision, and robustness. The future experiments would involve the production of optimized conditions and biofunctionalized coatings for the flexible medical diagnostics and smart therapeutic system applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 dania dhafer, Dania Dhafer Hameed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of preparation temperature of titanium dioxide deposited on Si wafers on the UV response of the detector
In this study, nanocomposite films of titanium oxide (TiO2) were prepared on Si plates by hydrothermal method at high temperatures (i.e.150 °C, 160 °C and 170 °C) with the concentration of titanium oxide was fixed at 0.75 ml and the deposition time constant at 6 h. These films were prepared by adding 0.75 ml of titanium butoxide (TiO2), 20 ml of hydrochloric acid and 40 ml of deionized water. The heat treatment was carried out at 450 °C for 2 hrs. UV-vis tests were performed on FTO samples (T1, T2 and T3) at different temperatures, when the absorbance and energy gaps of the samples were studied. XRD examinations showed the peaks of each sample, and FESEM images also showed the shapes of nanorods for all samples. With using a photoluminescence device, it was found that the photoluminescence value was concentrated at (415 - 405 nm) in the samples prepared with TiO2, and its intensity was observed to increase with increasing temperature. Si/TiO2 photodetectors prepared at different temperatures. The sensitivity (844%, 500% and 440%) and photoresponse (0.0152, 0.0075 and 0.00585 A/W) were obtained for the temperatures (150 °C, 160 °C and 170 °C), respectively. These parameters were calculated using UV light with a wavelength of 385 nm and an intensity of 0.05 mW/cm2 at a room temperature, applying a bias voltage of 3 V, consistent with the electrical configuration used during photoresponse measurements with an on time of 20 s and off time of 20 s. These rays were incident perpendicularly on the photodetectors at a distance of 5 cm. In this study, we will focus on the best results obtained from the measurements.
Anatase and rutile phases annealing effect TiO2 nanorods hydrothermal method surface morphology
Copyright (c) 2025 Basheer Kadhim Hassan Al-Mayyahi, Mohammad Akbarzadeh Pasha, Husam S. Al-Salman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing the Sensitivity of Silver Oxide Sensors to NO₂ Gas by Adding a TFB Polymer
In this study, a poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(4,4′-(N-(4-sec-butylphenyl) diphenylamine))] (TFB) polymer was added to silver oxide (AgO) thin films to increase their sensitivity. The S2 (TFB/AgO) sample demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 172.6% at an operating temperature of 150 °C and the shortest recovery time of 6 s at 25 °C and 200 °C. The composite films showed the biggest change in electrical resistance. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was used to deposit AgO thin films on glass and quartz substrates, and spin coating was used to deposit TFB polymer layers to create uniform films. AgO has a polycrystalline cubic structure, and the addition of TFB did not change this crystal structure, according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, which verified that TFB is amorphous. The TFB/AgO sample displayed dominant AgO absorption in the optical absorption spectra, while the polymer encasing the AgO particles made TFB absorption more noticeable in the TFB:AgO mixed film. Both AgO and TFB were identified by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, which showed distinct absorption peaks with observable shifts and intensity variations in the composite samples. The interaction between TFB and AgO and the creation of altered interfacial bonds are confirmed by these spectral shifts.
Copyright (c) 2025 zainab ali, Omar Adnan Ibrabim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Improving the Coating Properties of Petroleum Product Pipelines Using Nanomaterials
In this research, coating mixtures of several percentages were prepared using aluminium oxide or alumina powder AL2O3. Pieces of petroleum derivatives pipes were selected and formed with equal dimensions (2x2x2) mm with several (5) pieces. The mixtures were prepared using the liquid mixing method and ultrasonic technology to stimulate the composites (coatings) from a percentage of (5%) to a percentage of (20%) of (AL2O3). Then they were mixed and added to the paint used in coating the pipes by immersion. The Tafel method was used to calculate the corrosion rate (electrochemical method) and the soil immersion method, and the results were compared between the two methods. The results showed a significant improvement for the samples reinforced with a percentage of (10%), the lowest corrosion rate, compared to the pure model and the coated model free of additives and the rest of the percentages.
AL2O3 Composites Coating Corrosion Tafel method
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Fadhil K. Farhan; Basem Kazem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructure of Ag doped ZnO/P-Si Detectors Prepared by CBD Method
In this work, nanostructured zinc oxide were doped with various silver doping ratios of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8%. The nanorods were grown on silicon wafers using the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. Aluminum contacts were evaporated onto the prepared samples using a thermal evaporation technique. Al/Ag:ZnO/Si/Al detectors were produced according to the above ratios, and were named as X1, X2, X3, and X4, respectively. The structural properties and surface morphology of the fabricated detectors were studied. The effect of (I-V) and (I-T) was also studied at a room temperature. The current values at UV wavelengths of 365 nm and 385 nm showed a distinct difference between the synthesized detectors. The photosensitivity values of the detectors based on Ag:ZnO composition (i.e. 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8%) under an applied source voltage of 5 V for samples X1, X2, X3, and X4 were 413%, 9722%, 2055% and 753% at a wavelength of 365 nm, and 444%, 4810%, 930% and 602% at a wavelength of 385 nm in UV light and a power density of 40 μW/cm², respectively. By calculating the rise and decay time for each sample and at each UV wavelength of 365 nm and 385 nm, it was found that the effect of doping was effective and good in improving and developing the prepared detectors. All detectors exhibited stability and high-speed response, especially for the extinction time.
ZnO, Ag-doping ZnO, CBD method, detectors, nanorods.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hussein Alshamarti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spectral Analysis of Gold Nanorods as Active Plasmonic Media in Different Dielectric Environments (Air and Water) across Visible and NIR Wavelengths
Gold nanorods (GNRs) have emerged as pivotal nanostructures in optical and electronic applications due to their unique localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties, which are highly sensitive to particle geometry and the surrounding medium. This study investigates the effects of spatial variations, radius of the cylindrical structure, surrounding media, and insulating layers on the scattering behavior of GNRs under illumination at selective wavelengths (610, 710, 810, 910) nm. Three key simulation models were developed: The first simulation model was on the impact of varying interparticle distances in different media (air and water), revealing significant shifts in scattering intensity and plasmonic spectra due to enhanced interactions at closer proximities. The second simulation model explored the role of insulating layers, demonstrating that coatings such as silica altered electric field distributions and attenuated environmental influences, resulting in modified scattering spectra. The third simulation model focused on the impact of varying the radius of GNRs in different media (air and water), again showing notable shifts in scattering intensity and plasmonic behavior. The results clearly highlight the critical role of gold nanoparticles as active nanostructures in controlling the optical response, particularly through the LSPR mechanism. This emphasizes their potential in nanophotonic applications, such as high-sensitivity optical sensors, nanoscale imaging systems, and optoelectronic devices. The findings also show that the maximum benefit of nanostructures in medical fields can be obtained by carefully designing these structures.
Gold nanorods Plasmonic scattering Interparticle coupling Dielectric environment Nanophotonics Scattering cross-section.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hanaa Al-abasi, Maher alibraheemi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Occupational Chronic X-Ray Exposure and Its Effects on Blood Cell Profiles in Radiology Staff
Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation from radiology equipment is believed to impact the health of healthcare professionals, particularly those working in radiology departments. This study investigates the long-term effects of chronic X-ray exposure on hematological parameters in radiology staff across multiple hospitals in Raniya City. This cohort study was conducted in six government hospitals in the Raparin district of Sulaimaniyah Governorate. A total of 96 participants were enrolled: 48 radiographers (case group) with prolonged exposure to X-rays and 48 medical laboratory professionals (control group) without such exposure. The study focused on evaluating the correlation between annual radiation dose and changes in the hematological parameters (cases/ controls), including white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts. A minimum and maximum value of occupational chronic X-ray exposure for the radiographer was 1.69 μSv to 414.27 μSv, respectively. A significant increase in risk was observed when the X-ray dose exceeded 100 µSv. WBC count shows very weak and non-significant negative correlation with radiation dose. RBC count shows strong and statistically significant negative correlation, suggesting radiation exposure is associated with lower RBC counts. PLT count shows moderate and significant negative correlation, indicating platelet counts tend to decrease with higher radiation doses
Copyright (c) 2025 Razaw Hussein, Prof. Dr. Asaad H. Ismail https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of the 1s and 2s Subshell Properties of Fluorine and Neon Atoms and Their positive Ions Using the Hartree-Fock Approximation
This is a comparative Hartree-Fock study of the atomic model systems Fluorine (F) and Neon (Ne), also the respective singly charged ions (F⁺ and Ne⁺), and considers the ground-state situations configurations of the 1s and 2s subshells. In particular, This study evaluates one- and two-particle radial density distributions, inter-electronic distribution functions, and expectation values of both radial and inter-electronic distances, along with their standard deviations. This study will also examine the kinetic energy, electron-nucleus attraction energy, electron–electron repulsion energy, and total Hartree-Fock energy. The results reveal significant spatial contraction and energetic stabilization in the 2s subshell following ionization, but not in the 1s subshell. The results presented here show the differential sensitivity to ionization of core and valence shells in a medium-light atomic system and and are consistent with previously reported results. All calculations were conducted using a self-consistent field implementation of the Hartree-Fock method in Mathcad 15, with Slater-type orbitals expressed in atomic units.
: Hartree-Fock approximation, fluorine and neon ions, radial density function, inter-electronic distribution, 1s and 2s subshell energies, ionization effects.
Copyright (c) 2025 Qasim S. Alkhfaji, qassim jabbar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability for Next-Generation Solar Energy Harvesting
Scientific research is swiftly advancing to improve solar cell efficiency as a solution to environmental damage from fossil fuels. This study targets two main strategies: the production of nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2 NPs) through electrochemical methods, chosen for its ease, speed, and cost-effectiveness, and the high efficiency of titanium dioxide as a luminous solar concentrator (LSC). X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of titanium dioxide nanorods and spherical particles. The research also utilized Rhodamine B dye only to enhance solar cell efficiency. Combining 50% titanium dioxide with rhodamine dye yielded change in efficiency (Δη) of 70%, whereas individual dye application resulted in (Δη) of 20% for rhodamine dye. These findings mark significant progress toward clean, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions, highlighting the potential of nanotechnology and innovative dye applications to enhance solar cell performance and reduce environmental impact
Solar cells, efficiency, titanium dioxide (NPs), electrochemical methods, rhodamine b dye, luminous solar concentrator
Copyright (c) 2025 Nagham subhi halboos , adnan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Studying the effect of annealing time on structural, morphological and optical properties for AZO nanostructures
ZnO:Al films with a 1% Al/Zn atomic ratio were created using a sol-gel spin coating technique on glass substrates. The films were annealed for a duration ranging from 2:20 to 3.40 hrs. at 500 ºС. The effects of annealing time on the structural and morphological properties of AZO films were investigated utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM and EDX to characterize samples. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that ZnO nanostructures with varying average sizes were developed for both as-deposited samples and annealed films. SEM revealed that both the number and size of nanosheets increased. The EDX patterns showed the right elemental traces and the oxygen ratio-mediated growth of the ZnO nanostructure on the glass substrate was visible in EDX patterns. By measuring the absorbance and transmittance spectra in the wavelength range (300-850 nm), the optical characteristics were obtained. It was found that as annealing time increases, absorbance reduces while transmission increases. The optical measurements revealed the type of transition that was a direct allowed with an average band gap energies lie between 3.76 eV and 3.12 eV with the rising of annealing time.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zainab Saad Lafta, Hayder J. Al-Asedy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Selectivity A Study of the effect of pH of the Zn substituent ions on the structural and magnetic properties of copper-ferrite complex
Copper-zinc ferrite composites with composition (Cu₁₋ₓZnₓFe₂O₄) at x = 0.75 were successfully prepared using the sol-gel method. The effect of varying pH (pH = 7–11) on the structural and magnetic properties was studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that all samples possessed a single-phase cubic spinel crystalline phase, which was confirmed by FTIR analysis, which revealed the presence of distinct M–O bonds at the tetrahedral and octahedral sites with absorption peaks observed in the frequency range of 490–535 cm⁻¹. FE-SEM images showed the presence of nearly regular nanocrystals, with particle size variation associated with pH variation. EDS results confirmed the purity of the samples and their absence of impurities. Magnetic tests using VSM showed that all samples possessed soft ferrite properties, with saturated magnetism (Ms) ranging between 13.40 and 17.40 emu/g, indicating their potential for use in electronic and micromagnetic applications.
sol-gel combustion, copper-zinc spinel ferrites, magnetic properties (VSM)
Copyright (c) 2025 Fares Abed Yasseeb https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Thermodynamic Stability, Phase Formation, and Structural Evolution of Al-Zn-Cu Alloys: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Investigation
The thermodynamic characteristics are of significant importance for evaluating phase stability and understanding the relative stability of binary and ternary systems. This study investigates the thermodynamic and structural properties of Al-Zn-Cu alloys, with a particular focus on phase stability, enthalpy of formation. A semi-empirical model (Medema model) was used to estimate the enthalpies of these systems. The chemical enthalpy analysis of the Al-Cu, Zn-Cu, and Al-Zn binary systems reveals that Cu-Al and Cu-Zn exhibit negative enthalpy values, indicating a strong thermodynamic driving force for alloy formation, while the Al-Zn system displays positive enthalpy values, suggesting limited solubility. Elastic enthalpy calculations highlight significant lattice strain in the Al-Cu system due to atomic size mismatches, followed by Zn-Cu, while the Al-Zn system exhibits minimal elastic effects. Analysis of phase stability through enthalpy of formation calculations shows that intermediate compositions between Al and Cu along with Zn-rich areas achieve maximum thermodynamic stability. The empirical results show that after five hours of mechanical alloying of the Al₈₀Zn₁₀Cu₁₀ system yields a stable α-Al (Zn, Cu) solid solution with a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure formed and matches well with theoretical expectations. The nanoparticles exhibit irregularly shaped and a propensity to agglomerate together as a result of cold-welding during milling, according to FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) photos. The rod-like structures at the nanoscale indicate the formation of a secondary phase, which improves the hardness and wear resistance. The particle size distribution shows a successful decrease to an average of 33.112 nm with a consistent size spread, and EDX analysis validates the predicted elements composition.
Miedema model solid solutions, Enthalpy of formation
Copyright (c) 2025 Narjes Abbas Mahde, Ali K. Alsaaedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Natural Activity assessment for soil samples in various buildings of the University of Kufa, Iraq
People are continuously exposed to background radiation, or ambient radioactivity, from radionuclides that are manufactured or naturally occurring. One of the biggest sources of terrestrial radiation is soil. This study uses gamma-ray spectroscopy with "3 x 3" NaI (Tl) crystal to investigate soil samples collected from different buildings at University of Kufa in the Al-Najaf governorate of Iraq to evaluate the concentrations of natural radionuclides of 238U, 232Th, and 40K as well as radiological hazard factors. The average activity values for 238U, 232Th, and 40K in unit of Bq kg-1 were 15.37±4.85, 12.76±2.81, and 260.10±83.47, respectively. External hazard (Hex), absorbed dose rate (Dr), annual effective dose outside (AEDE), and cancer risk (ELCR×10-3) were among the radiological risk indicators with average values of 0.14±0.03, 25.66±5.95 nGy/h, 0.16±0.04 mSv/year, and 0.11±0.03 respectively All specific activities result for natural radionuclides and radiological hazard parameters in the research area were found to be under the worldwide limit.
Natural radionuclides, gamma-ray spectroscopy, Radiological parameters, Kufa University
Copyright (c) 2025 Amenah Kadhim Hmedat, Ruqaya Dosh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Study of the mass attenuation coefficient and effective atomic number for partial interaction processes of polymers (C6H11ON), (C11H21ON), (C6H12) and (C2H4)
The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) of many polymers, such asPolyamide-6 (C6H11ON(, Nylon 1,1)C11H21ON(, Polymethyl pentane )C6H12(, and High density Polyethylene ) C2H4(, was determined in the available energy range (5.89-2.5*103) KeV using the XCOM code and the Phy-X/PSD program. The values of μ/ρ are higher when the photo-electric effect is dominant in 5.89 KeV of photon energy, but they are almost constant above 0.138 KeV of photon energy when the Compton scattering is dominating. These results showed a good agreement. Partial processes of interaction can explain variations in (μ/ρ) values. The effective atomic number (Zeff) was calculated with the XCOM code for several polymers. Zeff is the highest value in the photo-electric effect zone and is constant or almost constant in the Compton scattering region.
gamma-rays, mass attenuation coefficient, WinXcom, PhyX/PSD, effective atomic number
Copyright (c) 2024 ruaa salam, Rashid O. Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Studying the nuclear structure for the 73Br isotope using NuShellX@MSU code
Effective f5pvh interactions have been identified and the NuShellX@MSU code within the fp- shell was utilized to compute the energy levels and electromagnetic transition probability of the 73Br nucleus. Applying the nuclear shell model with f5pvh interaction within the (fp- shell) is successful, according to the agreement with the experimental and theoretical data.
Copyright (c) 2025 sara fouad, Ali K.Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Production of Carbon nanoparticle-decorated ZnO Nanostructures and Pure ZnO for Extremely Effective Glucose Sensors.
This work presents a viable method for synthesis carbon nanoparticles decoration zinc oxide nanostructured films and synthesizing pure ZnO films for glucose sensors. Anodization was used to grow zinc oxide nanoparticles on zinc foil with an average particle size of 22.77 nm, and hydrothermal synthesis was used to create carbon nanoparticles. The ultrasonication method was used to decorate ZnO film nanocomposites with carbon nanoparticles. several tests were carried out, including observations of the microstructure, analyses of the crystallinity, and investigations of the electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were used to determine the nanostructures. The electrochemical analysis of the CNPs/ZnO nanostructures greatly improved the sensitivity to glucose compared with pure zinc oxide nanostructures, with a sensitivity of (1975 µA.mM-1.cm-2), the CNP/ZnO nanostructures improved glucose sensing. The low detection limit is (0.3 mM), and the linear range is 0.3 mM to 0.7 mM.
Glucose Sensors, non-enzymic biosensors, ZnO biosensors, Anodization method, Hydrothermal method.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammed Alsalami, Osama Abdul Azeez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole polymer thin film and the effect of adding silver nanoparticles (PPY/AgNPs)
In this research, a chemical oxidative polymerization process was used to prepare polypyrrole (PPY). The characterization of polypyrrole thin films pure and dopped with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at different weight ratios of AgNPs (i.e., 5, 10, and 15 wt%) was studied. The thin films were prepared via the drop casting method and flung down on a clean glass substrate at room temperature. Using FT-IR, XRD, and AFM, the system and facet morphology of the thin films were investigated. FTIR analysis of undoped PPY powder revealed distinctive vibrational frequencies of PPY undoped. Strong absorption bands at 3653 cm-1 (N-H stretching), 2342 cm-1 (nitridation), and peaks at 1542, 1459 cm-1 (C=C, C=N vibrations) were observed. Other peaks at 1176 cm-1 (C-N stretching), 1039, 964 cm-1 (C-H vibrations), 893, 782 cm-1 (C-H bend deformation), 670 cm-1 (C-C deformation), and 590 cm-1 (polypyrrole presence) were identified. The results showed that the FT-IR spectra of pure ppy and the spectra of PPY/AgNPs composites were similar. The single XRD data also showed that ppy is amorphous and The distinctive peak of polypyrrole was found at (2θ) 24.35◦, indicating the short-range arrangement of PPy chains the interlayer distance (d) between the measured value of spacing for PPY was 3.6599 A0. Additionally, By using AFM, the parameters Ra, R.M.S, and G.S. were determined for PPY doped AgNPs thin films. These values increased with higher doping percentages. For undoped PPY thin film, values were (2.557nm, 3.299nm, 33.40nm) while for doped films with 5%, 10%, and 15% AgNPs, values were (3.397nm, 4.859nm, 46.12nm), (9.328nm, 11.90nm, 66.33nm), and (13.87nm, 19.28nm, 86.89nm) respectively. the AFM results for all thin films of PPY undoped and composites doped with silver nanoparticles (PPY/AgNPs) demonstrated that the values of grain size (G.S.) and root-mean-square (R.M.S.) roughness average (Ra) increase as the number of AgNPs increases.
Copyright (c) 2024 ban mohammed tayeh, Qasim Sattar Kareem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Description of some nuclear properties of ruthenium-94 isotope using Gloeckner model space
In the current research, several nuclear structure features of 94Ru isotope were computed by using Nu Shell X@MSU code. These properties were:[levels energy, spin and parity, transition possibilities for electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole, nuclear moments for electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole as well as the distributions of nuclear charge and nuclear mass density]. An active valance nucleon of 94Ru nucleus is occupied Gloeckner (Gl) model space that has the orbits:(2p1/2, 1g9/2) with (2d5/2,3s1/2) for protons and neutrons above the subshell ending of nucleus respectively. The calculations were achieved by utilizing Gloeckner interaction and bare g-matrix (Glb); appropriate effective nucleon charge and g-effective factor with Skyrme (sly4) potential were chosen for extracting the radial wave functions for the single-particle matrix elements for the isotope mentioned above. The results demonstrated that there have been properly compatible energy levels with the experimental data on the studied nuclear properties; the spins and parity have confirmed some experimental levels. On the other hand, for some experimental energies have assigned the total angular momentum and the parity. Another good agreement was notcied for dipole-magnetic moments of 94Ru isotope with the experimental values. These results have expected new values for the above mentioned properties that were not Experimentally specified before.
Model space,energy levels,electromagnetic transitions,nuclear moments
Copyright (c) 2024 Fatema Hameed, Ali Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Calculation of Exchange Energy in Double Quantum Dots Using COMSOL Wave Functions
Heitler-London(HL) and Hund-Mulliken(HM) approximations were applied in microscopic computations for double quantum dot (DQDs) spin qubits. The J- interaction between triplet and singlet states in a linked double quantum dot (DQD) at (Si/SiO2) interface using COMSOL Multiphysics wave functions was estimated. By evaluating different potential, this calculation is performed within a specified region of interest. We evaluated these findings in relation to a situation in which Fock-Darwin (FD) states are used and a precisely known solution of a one-dimensional Schrödinger equation exists. Our study reveals the effectiveness of the applied method and provides interesting investigation of the reliability and accuracy of the computational method used.
Copyright (c) 2024 imad sadiq, Sabah M. Ameen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0