OBSERVATION OF MOSSBAUER-EFFECT IN THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTOR EUBA2CU3O7-X WITH DC ELECTRIC-CURRENT

The difference between the Mossbauer parameters for EuBa2Cu3O7-x with dc electric current and those without dc electric current at 83 K has been observed. The change in isomer shift, electric quadrupole splitting and the asymmetry parameter of the electric field gradient at the Eu-151 nucleus may be caused by the movement of a mass of conduction electrons along a certain direction in the EuBa2Cu3O7-x crystal with a layered structure.

Effective response of nonlinear composite under external AC and DC electric field

A perturbation method is used to study effective response of nonlinear Kerr composites, which are subject to the constitutive relation of electric displacement and electric field, D-alpha = epsilon(alpha)E + chi(alpha)vertical bar E vertical bar(2)E. Under the external AC and DC electric field E-app = E-a (1 + sinwt), the effective nonlinear responses and local potentials are induced by the cubic nonlinearity of Kerr materials at all harmonics. As an example in three dimensions, we have investigated this kind of nonlinear composites with spherical inclusions embedded in a host. At all harmonic frequencies, the potentials in inclusion and host regions are derived. Furthermore, the formulae of the effective linear and nonlinear responses are given in the dilute limit.

Effective dielectric response of nonlinear composites with external ac and dc electric field

The perturbation method is developed to investigate the effective nonlinear dielectric response of Kerr composites when the external ac and dc electric field is applied. Under the external ac and dc electric field E-app=E-a(1+sin omegat), the effective coupling nonlinear response can be induced by the cubic nonlinearity of Kerr nonlinear materials at the zero frequency, the finite basic frequency omega, the second and the third harmonics, 2omega and 3omega, and so on. As an example, we have investigated the cylindrical inclusions randomly embedded in a host and derived the formulas of the effective nonlinear dielectric response at harmonics in dilute limit. For a higher concentration of inclusions, we have proposed a nonlinear effective-medium approximation by introducing the general effective nonlinear response. With the relationships between the effective nonlinear response at harmonics and the general effective nonlinear response, we have derived a set of formulas of the effective nonlinear dielectric responses at harmonics for a larger volume fraction. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.

Effective AC and DC responses of nonlinear composites at higher concentration

For higher concentration of inclusions, an effective medium approximation (EMA) method is used to investigate the bulk effective response of weakly nonlinear composites, which are subject to the constitutive relation of electric displacement and electric field, D-alpha = epsilon E-alpha + chi(alpha)|E|(2) E. As an example of three dimensions, under the external AC and DC electric fields E-app = E-a (1 + sin omega t), we have derived the general effective nonlinear response of composites by the EMA method for higher concentration of spherical inclusions. Furthermore, the effective nonlinear responses at harmonics are predicted.

Cipó-cururu (Stigmaphyllon sinuatum (DC) A.Juss.).

O cipó-cururu é uma planta trepadeira lenhosa (liana) perene, pertencente à família Malpighiaceae, de ocorrência natural em toda a Amazônia Brasileira (MAMEDE, 2015). Em pastagens, apresenta-se na forma de moitas com até 2 m de altura. Suas folhas opostas possuem coloração verde-brilhante, mais escura quando maduras. Os ramos são pubescentes quando novos. As flores são amarelas e os frutos possuem duas sâmaras, cada uma com uma semente (ANDERSON, 1997). No Acre, a floração e frutificação foram registradas entre julho e agosto. O cipó-cururu é uma planta daninha de ocorrência muito comum em pastagens cultivadas no leste do Acre. Forma moitas densas que competem com o pasto por luz, embora não seja uma planta de propagação muito agressiva. É considerada uma das plantas daninhas de mais difícil controle na região, devido à serosidade de suas folhas, que dificulta a absorção foliar dos herbicidas, e à excelente capacidade de regeneração por estruturas subterrâneas. Não há relato de causar toxidez para o gado.

Spontaneous DC Current Generation in a Resistively Shunted Semiconductor Superlattice Driven by a TeraHertz Field

We study a resistively shunted semiconductor superlattice subject to a high-frequency electric field. Using a balance equation approach that incorporates the influence of the electric circuit, we determine numerically a range of amplitude and frequency of the ac field for which a dc bias and current are generated spontaneously and show that this region is likely accessible to current experiments. Our simulations reveal that the Bloch frequency corresponding to the spontaneous dc bias is approximately an integer multiple of the ac field frequency.

Fractional and unquantized dc voltage generation in THz-driven semiconductor superlattices

We consider the spontaneous creation of a dc voltage across a strongly coupled semiconductor superlattice subjected to THz radiation. We show that the dc voltage may be approximately proportional either to an integer or to a half- integer multiple of the frequency of the applied ac field, depending on the ratio of the characteristic scattering rates of conducting electrons. For the case of an ac field frequency less than the characteristic scattering rates, we demonstrate the generation of an unquantized dc voltage.

DC/DC converter 3D assembly for autonomous sensor nodes

This paper reports on the design and the manufacturing of an integrated DCDC converter, which respects the specificity of sensor node network: compactness, high efficiency in acquisition and transmission modes, and compatibility with miniature Lithium batteries. A novel integrated circuit (ASIC) has been designed and manufactured to provide regulated Voltage to the sensor node from miniaturized, thin film Lithium batteries. Then, a 3D integration technique has been used to integrate this ASIC in a 3 layers stack with high efficiency passives components, mixing the wafer level technologies from two different research institutions. Electrical results have demonstrated the feasibility of this integrated system and experiments have shown significant improvements in the case of oscillations in regulated voltage. However, stability of this output voltage toward the input voltage has still to be improved.

Integrated magnetic components for high-power high-current dc-dc converters

This thesis is focused on the design and development of an integrated magnetic (IM) structure for use in high-power high-current power converters employed in renewable energy applications. These applications require low-cost, high efficiency and high-power density magnetic components and the use of IM structures can help achieve this goal. A novel CCTT-core split-winding integrated magnetic (CCTT IM) is presented in this thesis. This IM is optimized for use in high-power dc-dc converters. The CCTT IM design is an evolution of the traditional EE-core integrated magnetic (EE IM). The CCTT IM structure uses a split-winding configuration allowing for the reduction of external leakage inductance, which is a problem for many traditional IM designs, such as the EE IM. Magnetic poles are incorporated to help shape and contain the leakage flux within the core window. These magnetic poles have the added benefit of minimizing the winding power loss due to the airgap fringing flux as they shape the fringing flux away from the split-windings. A CCTT IM reluctance model is developed which uses fringing equations to accurately predict the most probable regions of fringing flux around the pole and winding sections of the device. This helps in the development of a more accurate model as it predicts the dc and ac inductance of the component. A CCTT IM design algorithm is developed which relies heavily on the reluctance model of the CCTT IM. The design algorithm is implemented using the mathematical software tool Mathematica. This algorithm is modular in structure and allows for the quick and easy design and prototyping of the CCTT IM. The algorithm allows for the investigation of the CCTT IM boxed volume with the variation of input current ripple, for different power ranges, magnetic materials and frequencies. A high-power 72 kW CCTT IM prototype is designed and developed for use in an automotive fuelcell-based drivetrain. The CCTT IM design algorithm is initially used to design the component while 3D and 2D finite element analysis (FEA) software is used to optimize the design. Low-cost and low-power loss ferrite 3C92 is used for its construction, and when combined with a low number of turns results in a very efficient design. A paper analysis is undertaken which compares the performance of the high-power CCTT IM design with that of two discrete inductors used in a two-phase (2L) interleaved converter. The 2L option consists of two discrete inductors constructed from high dc-bias material. Both topologies are designed for the same worst-case phase current ripple conditions and this ensures a like-for-like comparison. The comparison indicates that the total magnetic component boxed volume of both converters is similar while the CCTT IM has significantly lower power loss. Experimental results for the 72 kW, (155 V dc, 465 A dc input, 420 V dc output) prototype validate the CCTT IM concept where the component is shown to be 99.7 % efficient. The high-power experimental testing was conducted at General Motors advanced technology center in Torrence, Los Angeles. Calorific testing was used to determine the power loss in the CCTT IM component. Experimental 3.8 kW results and a 3.8 kW prototype compare and contrast the ferrite CCTT IM and high dc-bias 2L concepts over the typical operating range of a fuelcell under like-for-like conditions. The CCTT IM is shown to perform better than the 2L option over the entire power range. An 8 kW ferrite CCTT IM prototype is developed for use in photovoltaic (PV) applications. The CCTT IM is used in a boost pre-regulator as part of the PV power stage. The CCTT IM is compared with an industry standard 2L converter consisting of two discrete ferrite toroidal inductors. The magnetic components are compared for the same worst-case phase current ripple and the experimental testing is conducted over the operation of a PV panel. The prototype CCTT IM allows for a 50 % reduction in total boxed volume and mass in comparison to the baseline 2L option, while showing increased efficiency.

Practice links [Issue 33, April 2009]

Practice Links is a free e-publication for practitioners working in Irish social services, voluntary and nongovernmental sectors. Practice Links was created to enable practitioners to keep up-to-date with new publications, electronic resources and conference opportunities. Issue 33 features the Biennial child protection and welfare social work conference.

Practice Links [Issue 34, October 2009]

Practice Links is a free e-publication for practitioners working in Irish social services, voluntary and nongovernmental sectors. Practice Links was created to enable practitioners to keep up-to-date with new publications, electronic resources and conference opportunities. Issue 34 includes notifications of Barnardos training sessions and details regarding a domestic violence research project.

Practice links [Issue 35, December, 2009]

Practice Links is a free e-publication for practitioners working in Irish social services, voluntary and nongovernmental sectors. Practice Links was created to enable practitioners to keep up-to-date with new publications, electronic resources and conference opportunities. Issue 35 examines the work of Positive Behaviour Ireland and the new pre-school Curriculum framework; Aistear

Practice links [Issue 36, February 2010]

Practice Links is a free e-publication for practitioners working in Irish social services, voluntary and nongovernmental sectors. Practice Links was created to enable practitioners to keep up-to-date with new publications, electronic resources and conference opportunities. Issue 36 features articles on equine assisted personal development, the National Child Care Information System and a report on Fieldwork Training for Social Workers