In this paper we have investigated the fundamental properties of the solutions of Maxwell’s equations describing free electromagnetic waves in stationary anisotropic media, with tensor characteristics along the Z axis. A matrix of coefficients, the structure of the matrix of Maxwell’s equations, dispersion equations and indicatrix curves for a transparent anisotropic one-dimensional inhomogeneous conductive medium have been obtained. Exact analytical solutions in case of homogeneous anisotropic media are constructed on the basis of the matrix structure.

This paper investigates the plasmonic effect in ultraviolet (UV) detectors based on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Studies have shown that a TiO₂-rGO nanocomposite material is obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. Adding silver nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag-TiO₂ ‘core-shell’ nanostructures (NSs) leads to the plasmonic effect and an increase in the optoelectronic parameters. The TiO₂-rGO images were obtained with the help of SEM and Raman spectroscopy, and the ratio I_D/I_G was found. Hydrothermal synthesis results in a long-term reduction of rGO, i.e., the amount of oxygen-containing groups decreases. Raman spectroscopy shows the presence of peaks characteristic of the starting materials. The absorption properties when adding plasmonic nanoparticles to the films show changes in the absorption spectrum in the visible light region due to the transparency of rGO. The current-voltage characteristics show that the presence of plasmonic particles in the nanocomposite material leads to an increase in the photoinduced current of about 94 μA, which is almost 3.0 times greater. When irradiated, the multicomponent nanocomposite material with plasmonic nanoparticles responds to light three times faster than TiO₂- rGO. The results can be used to develop new light-sensitive devices for optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications.

The article investigates the influence of thermocyclic electrolytic-plasma treatment (EPT) on the mechanical properties of carbon steel U9 tool steel. U9 steel is often used for manufacturing tools working in conditions that do not cause edge heating: woodworking tools, assembly tools, gauges of simple shape and reduced accuracy classes. In this work, thermocyclic electrolytic-plasma treatment was used as a method of improving mechanical properties. This method combines electrochemical reactions and intensive thermal influence, which allows the formation of surface layers with improved characteristics. As a result of the treatment, U9 steel shows a clear division of the microstructure into three zones: hardened layer, transition layer and base metal. The hardened layer, located up to a depth of 400 μm, is characterized by a finely dispersed structure consisting of martensite and bainite with high hardness (1400–1600 HV₀.₁). This layer provides excellent wear resistance and resistance to mechanical stress. The transition layer (400–700 µm) serves as a buffer zone, distributing stresses evenly. It is characterized by a gradual decrease in hardness (800–1200 HV₀.₁) and a change in structure due to a decrease in martensite content. The base metal, deeper than 700 μm, retains the original structure with hardness 400–600 HV₀.₁, which ensures its ductility and durability. The results show that thermocyclic EPT significantly improves the performance properties of U9 steel by creating a functionally gradient structure. The technology is energy efficient and can be widely used in mechanical engineering and other industries where high mechanical characteristics of materials are required.