We consider a model problem of polarization-dependent light bending and time delays in the vicinity of neutron stars endowed with magnetar-strength magnetic fields (B∼${10}^{15}\mathrm{G}$), combining an effective-metric formulation of Heisenberg–Euler nonlinear electrodynamics with general-relativistic ray tracing. The spacetime geometry is analyzed using both the Kerr metric and a quadrupole-deformed q-metric, characterized by a quadrupole parameter varying in the range $q\in [{10}^{-3},0.5]$. In addition, the impact of complex magnetic-field topologies is examined by introducing a magnetic quadrupole component alongside the dipole configuration. The simulations performed in this study demonstrate that the inclusion of the quadrupole deformation parameter significantly modifies photon trajectory deflections compared to the standard Kerr solution. We further quantify the geometric dilution of the photon beam, finding a cross-section expansion ratio of approximately $4.7\times {10}^{13}$ for rays reaching Earth. This strong dilution imposes stringent constraints on the detectability of polarization-dependent signatures and time-delay echoes. Finally, characteristic illustrations are presented for trajectory distortions, bending-angle distributions, and intensity valleys produced by the combined gravitational and magnetic lensing effects.

This work presents the synthesis of carbon nanofilaments obtained through the decomposition of graphite in methane plasma with argon admixture. The resulting nanostructures exhibit an amorphous configuration and remain transparent across the visible spectrum, making them attractive candidates for optical and optoelectronic applications. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the filaments form a compact, vertically oriented network on the substrate surface, while Raman spectroscopy provided information on their local bonding environment. Morphologically, the carbon filaments display flattened, ribbon-like forms, and their densely packed columnar structures reach an average length of ~36 nm. The optical transmission spectrum showed transmittance of ~65% near 400 nm, ~75% within the visible region, and nearly 80% in the near-infrared range, gradually increasing toward longer wavelengths. This degree of transparency in the visible spectrum is sufficient for practical device applications. When the incident light wavelength is comparable to or smaller than the inter-filament spacing (100–500 nm), light propagation occurs through reflections from the filament walls. The optical band gap of the structures was determined to be ~2.85 eV. Overall, the analysis of structural and optical properties confirms the successful fabrication of amorphous carbon nanofilaments, highlighting their strong potential for integration into advanced optoelectronic systems.

This study presents a novel approach to FTIR spectroscopy at low temperatures under atmospheric pressure. The work aimed to confirm the efficiency of a fundamentally new cryogenic setup that enables material research under the specified conditions. The new technique combines a nitrogen-based cryogenic capillary cooling system with precise temperature monitoring via a PID controller, along with DRIFT spectroscopy for hydrocarbon materials. New fundamental data were obtained on the properties and behavior of hydrocarbon compounds such as methanol, kerosene, and ethanol. The IR spectra of these samples contain key characteristic vibrations of hydrocarbon functional groups, which demonstrate the effective operability of the cryogenic device. A detailed description of the setup and measurement technique is provided, along with a thorough comparison of the results with data from other authors. The application scope of the cryogenic device, the relevance of the research, and potential future developments are also discussed.