Tailoring the microwave dielectric properties of BaRE2Ti4O12 and BaRE2Ti5O14 ceramics bycompositional variations

Ceramic dielectric resonators in the BaO-RE2O3-TiO2 (RE=rare earth) system have been prepared by the conventional solid state ceramic route. The dielectric properties have been tailored by substitution of different rare earth oxides and by bismuth oxide addition. The dielectric constants increased with Bi addition whereas the Q decreased. The temperature coeffecient of the resonant frequency improved with bismuth addition.

Tailoring the Microwave Dielectric Properties of BaRE2Ti4012 and BaRE2Ti5014 Ceramics by Compositional Variations

Ceramic dielectric resonators in the BaO-RE2O3-TiO2 (RE = rare earth) system have been prepared by the conventional solid state ceramic route. The dielectric properties have been tailored by substitution of different rare earth oxides and by bismuth oxide addition. The dielectric constants increased with Bi addition whereas the 0 decreased. The temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency improved with bismuth addition

Measurement of laser ablation threshold on doped BiSrCaCuO high temperature superconductors by the pulsed photothermal deflection technique

Laser‐induced damage and ablation thresholds of bulk superconducting samples of Bi2(SrCa)xCu3Oy(x=2, 2.2, 2.6, 2.8, 3) and Bi1.6 (Pb)xSr2Ca2Cu3 Oy (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) for irradiation with a 1.06 μm beam from a Nd‐YAG laser have been determined as a function of x by the pulsed photothermal deflection technique. The threshold values of power density for ablation as well as damage are found to increase with increasing values of x in both systems while in the Pb‐doped system the threshold values decrease above a specific value of x, coinciding with the point at which the Tc also begins to fall.  

Theory of laser-induced ultrafast structural changes in solids

The present thesis is a contribution to the study of laser-solid interaction. Despite the numerous applications resulting from the recent use of laser technology, there is still a lack of satisfactory answers to theoretical questions regarding the mechanism leading to the structural changes induced by femtosecond lasers in materials. We provide here theoretical approaches for the description of the structural response of different solids (cerium, samarium sulfide, bismuth and germanium) to femtosecond laser excitation. Particular interest is given to the description of the effects of the laser pulse on the electronic systems and changes of the potential energy surface for the ions. Although the general approach of laser-excited solids remains the same, the potential energy surface which drives the structural changes is calculated with different theoretical models for each material. This is due to the difference of the electronic properties of the studied systems. We use the Falicov model combined with an hydrodynamic method to study photoinduced phase changes in cerium. The local density approximation (LDA) together with the Hubbard-type Hamiltonian (LDA+U) in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) is used to describe the structural properties of samarium sulfide. We parametrize the time-dependent potential energy surface (calculated using DFT+ LDA) of bismuth on which we perform quantum dynamical simulations to study the experimentally observed amplitude collapse and revival of coherent $A_{1g}$ phonons. On the basis of a time-dependent potential energy surface calculated from a non-orthogonal tight binding Hamiltonian, we perform molecular dynamics simulation to analyze the time evolution (coherent phonons, ultrafast nonthermal melting) of germanium under laser excitation. The thermodynamic equilibrium properties of germanium are also reported. With the obtained results we are able to give many clarifications and interpretations of experimental results and also make predictions.

Factores asociados a diabetes de nuevo inicio en pacientes postrasplante hepático, un estudio de casos y controles

INTRODUCCIÓN: El trasplante hepático ha permitido mejorar la calidad de vida y la supervivencia de los pacientes con cirrosis, se ha identificado un gran espectro de complicaciones crónicas, dentro de las cuales la Diabetes Mellitus de nuevo inicio posterior al trasplante (DMNPT) hace parte y genera un impacto significativo con relación a morbimortalidad. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar los factores asociados para el desarrollo de DMNPT. METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos y controles sobre una cohorte histórica donde se revisaron pacientes colombianos postrasplante hepático y se evaluaron factores clínicos asociados con el inicio de DMNPT. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que la incidencia de DMNPT en nuestra población fue de 14.3% (32/224), con una mediana de aparición desde el procedimiento hasta el diagnóstico de 10 meses (IQR 1 - 40). De los 32 casos el 62.5% (20/32) fueron hombres, con una mediana de edad de 55.5 años. La presencia de encefalopatía (ORA 3,55 IC 95% 1.07-8.2), intolerancia a los carbohidratos (ORA 2,97 IC 95% 1.35-9.32) y el tiempo de isquemia (ORA 1.005 IC 95% 1.001 – 1.01) fueron significativamente asociados con el desenlace, en contraste la etiología autoinmune de la cirrosis se comportó como un factor protector (OR 0.34 IC 95% 0.12-091). CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar de las limitaciones del estudio, hay consistencia con resultados previos con respecto a la asociación entre estas variables independientes y el desarrollo de DMNPT, características que se deben tener en cuenta en el seguimiento de este grupo de pacientes estableciendo estrategias de seguimiento rigurosas y terapéuticas tempranas con miras a disminuir el riesgo de progresión a DM.

The role of copper in the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric oxychalcogenides: do lone pairs matter?

Understanding the underlying mechanisms that suppress thermal conduction in solids is of paramount importance for the targeted design of materials for thermal management and thermoelectric energy conversion applications. Bismuth copper oxychalcogenides, BiOCuQ (Q = Se, Te), are highly crystalline thermoelectric materials with an unusually low lattice thermal conductivity of approx. 0.5 Wm-1K-1, a value normally found in amorphous materials. Here we unveil the origin of the unusual thermal transport properties of these phases. First principles calculations of the vibrational properties combined with analysis of in-situ neutron diffraction data, demonstrate that weak bonding of copper atoms within the structure leads to an unexpected vibrational mode at low frequencies, which is likely to be a major contributor to the low thermal conductivity of these materials. In addition, we show that anharmonicity and the large Grüneisen parameter in these oxychalcogenides are mainly related to the low frequency copper vibrations, rather than to the Bi3+ lone pairs.

Microstructural, structural and electrical properties of La(3+)-modified Bi(4)Ti(3)O(12) ferroelectric ceramics

Bi(4-x)La(x)Ti(3)O(12) (BLT) ceramics were prepared and studied in this work in terms of La(3+)-modified microstructure and phase development as well as electrical response. According to the results processed from X-ray diffraction and electrical measurements, the solubility limit (XL) of La(3+) into the Bi(4)Ti(3)O(12) (BIT) matrix was here found to locate slightly above x = 1.5. Further, La(3+) had the effect of reducing the material grain size, while changing its morphology from the plate-like form, typical of BIT ceramics, to a spherical-like one. The electrical results presented and discussed here also include the behavior of the temperature of the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition as well as the normal or diffuse and/or relaxor nature of this transition depending on the La(3+) content. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All fights reserved.

Effect of pH on the production of dispersed Bi4Ge3O12 nanoparticles by combustion synthesis

This paper reports the production of bismuth germanate ceramic scintillator (Bi4Ge3O12) by combustion synthesis (SHS) method, focusing on the influence of the synthesis parameters on the crystalline phases and agglomeration of the nanoparticles. The synthesis and sintering conditions were investigated through thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction as function of temperature, dilatometry and scanning electron microscopy. Well-dispersed Bi4Ge3O12 powder was accomplished by the combustion of the initial solution at pH 9, followed by low temperature calcination and milling. Sintered ceramics presented relative density of 98% and single crystalline Bi4Ge3O12 phase. The luminescent properties of the ceramics were investigated by photo- and radio- luminescence measurements and reproduced the typical Bi4Ge3O12 single-crystal spectra when excited with UV, beta and X-rays. The sintered ceramics presented light output of 4.4 x 10(3) photons/McV. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Preparation and characterization of ordered intermetallic platinum phases for electrocatalytic applications

Ordered intermetallic phases of Pt with several transition metals have been prepared and their electrocatalytic properties studied. In light of these tests it is proposed that these catalysts could be used as electrodes in fuel cells, as they combine an excellent capacity to adsorb organic fuels at the Pt sites with low susceptibility to being poisoned by intermediates and reaction products at the transition-metal sites. An experimental procedure used to obtain the four intermetallic phases Pt-M (M = Mn, Pb, Sb and Sn) is described. The phases thus produced were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with surface analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The data thus obtained support the conclusion that the method described here is highly effective for the preparation of Pt-M phases featuring a range of structural and electronic modifications that will allow a useful relation to be established between their physicochemical properties and predicted electrocatalytic activity. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Desenvolvimento de substrato cerâmico BiNbO4 para antenas de microfita de sistemas de comunicações sem fio

The main purpose of this work was the development of ceramic dielectric substrates of bismuth niobate (BiNbO4) doped with vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), with high permittivity, used in the construction of microstrip patch antennas with applications in wireless communications systems. The high electrical permittivity of the ceramic substrate provided a reduction of the antenna dimensions. The numerical results obtained in the simulations and the measurements performed with the microstrip patch antennas showed good agreement. These antennas can be used in wireless communication systems in various frequency bands. Results were satisfactory for antennas operating at frequencies in the S band, in the range between 2.5 GHz and 3.0 GHz.

Avaliação do meio Agar Xilose Lisina Verde Brilhante no isolamento de Salmonella

Ao pesquisar-se a presença de Salmonella a partir de materiais diversos, foram empregados vários meios de cultura e entre eles o meio Agar Xilose Lisina Verde Brilhante, com a finalidade de avaliá-lo em relação a outros meios seletivo-indicadores mais comumente empregados no isolamento desses microrganismos. Os resultados mostraram que o meio Agar Xilose Lisina Verde Brilhante foi inferior aos Agar SS e Agar Verde Brilhante, ligeiramente superior ao Agar EMB e superior ao Agar Sulfito de Bismuto no isolamento de Salmonella. Grande vantagem adicional desse meio é que as colônias de Salmonella apresentam-se facilmente identificáveis.

Propriedades Físicas do Semicondutor Bi2Te3

Thermoelectric Refrigerators (TEC Thermoelectric Cooling) are solid-state heat pumps used in applications where stabilization of temperature cycles or cooling below the room temperature are required. TEC are based on thermoelectric devices, and these in turn, are based on the Peltier effect, which is the production of a difference in temperature when an electric current is applied to a junction formed by two non-similar materials. This is one of the three thermoelectric effects and is a typical semiconductor junction phenomenon. The thermoelectric efficiency, known as Z thermoelectric or merit figure is a parameter that measures the quality of a thermoelectric device. It depends directly on electrical conductivity and inversely on the thermal conductivity. Therefore, good thermoelectric devices have typically high values of electrical conductivity and low values of thermal conductivity. One of the most common materials in the composition of thermoelectric devices is the semiconductor bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and its alloys. Peltier plates made up by crystals of semiconductor P-type and N-type are commercially available for various applications in thermoelectric systems. In this work, we characterize the electrical properties of bismuth telluride through conductivity/resistivity of the material, and X-rays power diffraction and magnetoresistance measurements. The results were compared with values taken from specific literature. Moreover, two techniques of material preparation, and applications in refrigerators, are discussed

Efeito Peltier em estruturas semicondutoras quasiperiódicas

There is nowadays a growing demand for located cooling and stabilization in optical and electronic devices, haul of portable systems of cooling that they allow a larger independence in several activities. The modules of thermoelectrical cooling are bombs of heat that use efect Peltier, that consists of the production of a temperature gradient when an electric current is applied to a thermoelectrical pair formed by two diferent drivers. That efect is part of a class of thermoelectrical efcts that it is typical of junctions among electric drivers. The modules are manufactured with semiconductors. The used is the bismuth telluride Bi2Te3, arranged in a periodic sequence. In this sense the idea appeared of doing an analysis of a system that obeys the sequence of Fibonacci. The sequence of Fibonacci has connections with the golden proportion, could be found in the reproductive study of the bees, in the behavior of the light and of the atoms, as well as in the growth of plants and in the study of galaxies, among many other applications. An apparatus unidimensional was set up with the objective of investigating the thermal behavior of a module that obeys it a rule of growth of the type Fibonacci. The results demonstrate that the modules that possess periodic arrangement are more eficient

Filmes nanométricos de FeN e ALN crescidos por sputtering e aplicações do efeito peltier

This study will show the capability of the reactive/nonreactive sputtering (dc/rf) technique at low power for the growth of nanometric thin films from magnetic materials (FeN) and widegap semiconductors (AlN), as well as the technological application of the Peltier effect using commercial modules of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3). Of great technological interest to the high-density magnetic recording industry, the FeN system represents one of the most important magnetic achievements; however, diversity of the phases formed makes it difficult to control its magnetic properties during production of devices. We investigated the variation in these properties using ferromagnetic resonance, MOKE and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as a function of nitrogen concentration in the reactive gas mixture. Aluminum nitride, a component of widegap semiconductors and of considerable interest to the electronic and optoelectronic industry, was grown on nanometric thin film for the first time, with good structural quality by non-reactive rf sputtering of a pure AlN target at low power (≈ 50W). Another finding in this study is that a long deposition time for this material may lead to film contamination by materials adsorbed into deposition chamber walls. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis shows that the presence of magnetic contaminants from previous depositions results in grown AlN semiconductor films exhibiting magnetoresistance with high resistivity. The Peltier effect applied to commercially available compact refrigeration cells, which are efficient for cooling small volumes, was used to manufacture a technologically innovative refrigerated mini wine cooler, for which a patent was duly registered

Deposition and characterization of BiVO4 thin films and evaluation as photoanodes for methylene blue degradation

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)