Tailoring gold nanostructures for near-field optical applications

A method of combined thin-film deposition, electron beam lithography, and ion milling is presented for the fabrication of gold and silver nanostructures. The flexibility of lithographical processes for the variation of geometric parameters is combined with three-dimensional control over the surface evolution. Depending on the etching angle, different shapes ranging from cones over rods to cups can be achieved. These size- and shape-tunable structures present a toolbox for nano-optical investigations. As an example, optical properties of systematically varying structures are examined in a parabolic mirror confocal microscope.

[Endoscopic extraperitoneal hernioplasty in comparison with conventional surgical procedures--a prospective controlled study]

This study compares the extraperitoneal endoscopic hernia repair (TEP, n = 96) with the technique according to Shouldice (n = 128). Intraoperatively, the rate of complications increased during the first TEP procedures, whereas the conventional procedure showed no complications. However, the TEP patients' showed significantly more comfort compared to the Shouldice technique, meaning less pain and earlier return to normal activity.