Tailoring the surface density of silicon nanocrystals embedded in SiOx single layers

In this article, we explore the possibility of modifying the silicon nanocrystal areal density in SiOx single layers, while keeping constant their size. For this purpose, a set of SiOx monolayers with controlled thickness between two thick SiO2 layers has been fabricated, for four different compositions (x=1, 1.25, 1.5, or 1.75). The structural properties of the SiO x single layers have been analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in planar view geometry. Energy-filtered TEM images revealed an almost constant Si-cluster size and a slight increase in the cluster areal density as the silicon content increases in the layers, while high resolution TEM images show that the size of the Si crystalline precipitates largely decreases as the SiO x stoichiometry approaches that of SiO2. The crystalline fraction was evaluated by combining the results from both techniques, finding a crystallinity reduction from 75% to 40%, for x = 1 and 1.75, respectively. Complementary photoluminescence measurements corroborate the precipitation of Si-nanocrystals with excellent emission properties for layers with the largest amount of excess silicon. The integrated emission from the nanoaggregates perfectly scales with their crystalline state, with no detectable emission for crystalline fractions below 40%. The combination of the structural and luminescence observations suggests that small Si precipitates are submitted to a higher compressive local stress applied by the SiO2 matrix that could inhibit the phase separation and, in turn, promotes the creation of nonradiative paths.

Correlation between charge transport and electroluminescence properties of Si-rich oxide/nitride/oxide-based light emitting capacitors.

The electrical and electroluminescence (EL) properties at room and high temperatures of oxide/ nitride/oxide (ONO)-based light emitting capacitors are studied. The ONO multidielectric layer is enriched with silicon by means of ion implantation. The exceeding silicon distribution follows a Gaussian profile with a maximum of 19%, centered close to the lower oxide/nitride interface. The electrical measurements performed at room and high temperatures allowed to unambiguously identify variable range hopping (VRH) as the dominant electrical conduction mechanism at low voltages, whereas at moderate and high voltages, a hybrid conduction formed by means of variable range hopping and space charge-limited current enhanced by Poole-Frenkel effect predominates. The EL spectra at different temperatures are also recorded, and the correlation between charge transport mechanisms and EL properties is discussed.

On the longitudinal component of paraxial fields

The analysis of paraxial Gaussian beams features in most undergraduate courses in laser physics, advanced optics and photonics. These beams provide a simple model of the field generated in the resonant cavities of lasers, thus constituting a basic element for understanding laser theory. Usually, uniformly polarized beams are considered in the analytical calculations, with the electric field vibrating at normal planes to the propagation direction. However, such paraxial fields do not verify the Maxwell equations. In this paper we discuss how to overcome this apparent contradiction and evaluate the longitudinal component that any paraxial Gaussian beam should exhibit. Despite the fact that the assumption of a purely transverse paraxial field is useful and accurate, the inclusion of the above issue in the program helps students to clarify the importance of the electromagnetic nature of light, thus providing a more complete understanding of the paraxial approach.

On the physical realizability of highly focused electromagnetic field distributions

A method to evaluate the physical realizability of an arbitrary three-dimensional vectorial field distribution in the focal area is proposed. A parameter that measures the similarity between the designed (target) field and the physically achievable beam is provided. This analysis is carried out within the framework of the closest electromagnetic field to a given vectorial function, and the procedure is applied to two illustrative cases.

Design of highly focused fields that remain unpolarized on axis

Research on the properties of highly focused fields mainly involved fully polarized light, whereas partially polarized waves received less attention. The aim of this Letter is to provide an appropriate framework, for designing some features of the focused field, when dealing with incoming partially polarized beams. In particular, in this Letter, we describe how to get an unpolarized field on the axis of a high numerical aperture objective lens. Some numerical results that corroborate theoretical predictions are provided.

Optical Encryption using Photon-Counting Polarimetric Imaging

We present a polarimetric-based optical encoder for image encryption and verification. A system for generating random polarized vector keys based on a Mach-Zehnder configuration combined with translucent liquid crystal displays in each path of the interferometer is developed. Polarization information of the encrypted signal is retrieved by taking advantage of the information provided by the Stokes parameters. Moreover, photon-counting model is used in the encryption process which provides data sparseness and nonlinear transformation to enhance security. An authorized user with access to the polarization keys and the optical design variables can retrieve and validate the photon-counting plain-text. Optical experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the encryption method.

Low dark count geiger mode avalanche photodiodes fabricated in conventional CMOS technologies

Avalanche photodiodes operated in the Geiger mode present very high intrinsic gain and fast time response, which make the sensor an ideal option for those applications in which detectors with high sensitivity and velocity are required. Moreover, they are compatible with conventional CMOS technologies, allowing sensor and front-end electronics integration within the pixel cell. Despite these excellent qualities, the photodiode suffers from high intrinsic noise, which degrades the performance of the detector and increases the memory area to store the total amount of information generated. In this work, a new front-end circuit that allows low reverse bias overvoltage sensor operation to reduce the noise in Geiger mode avalanche photodiode pixel detectors is presented. The proposed front-end circuit also enables to operate the sensor in the gated acquisition mode to further reduce the noise. Experimental characterization of the fabricated pixel with the conventional HV-AMS 0.35µm technology is also presented in this article.

Polarimetric 3D integral imaging in photon-starved conditions

We develop a method for obtaining 3D polarimetric integral images from elemental images recorded in low light illumination conditions. Since photon-counting images are very sparse, calculation of the Stokes parameters and the degree of polarization should be handled carefully. In our approach, polarimetric 3D integral images are generated using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation and subsequently reconstructed by means of a Total Variation Denoising filter. In this way, polarimetric results are comparable to those obtained in conventional illumination conditions. We also show that polarimetric information retrieved from photon starved images can be used in 3D object recognition problems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on 3D polarimetric photon counting integral imaging.

Palinomorfos do perfil sedimentar de uma turfeira em São Francisco de Paula, Planalto Leste do Rio Grande do Sul, Sul do Brasil

O trabalho tem como objetivo fornecer material de referência básico para o estudo de sucessão vegetal no Quaternário do Planalto Sul-brasileiro. Para tanto, apresenta a palinologia de 22 amostras, retiradas ao longo de um perfil sedimentar de 286 cm, em uma turfeira do Planalto Leste do Rio Grande do Sul, correspondendo aproximadamente aos últimos 25.000 anos. O processamento químico das amostras seguiu o método convencional e a análise foi feita em microscopia fotônica. Foram examinados palinomorfos correspondentes a 10 fungos, 6 algas, 3 briófitos e 16 pteridófitos. O material, especialmente esporos, é descrito e ilustrado. As descrições são acompanhadas, sempre que possível, de dados ecológicos do organismo de origem.

Estabilidade da microestrutura e do teor de carotenóides de pós obtidos da polpa de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) liofilizada

Pós obtidos a partir da polpa (mesocarpo interno) de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) liofilizada, elaborados com adição de alcoóis (etanol e isopropanol), em concentrações de 0, 5 e 10% e de açúcares (sacarose e frutose), em concentrações de 0, 5 e 10%, foram desenvolvidos neste trabalho. Análises microestruturais por microscopia fotônica dos pós de pequi liofilizados foram feitas para visualizar o grau de cristalinidade. Também foram feitas análises de cor usando colorímetro Minolta e dos teores de carotenóides totais por espectrofotometria. Os resultados mostraram que tratamentos constituídos da combinação de sacarose e etanol foram os que apresentaram formação de estruturas cristalinas e melhor preservação dos carotenóides. O teor de carotenóides nos pós obtidos da polpa de pequi liofilizada é mais bem preservado quanto maior for a concentração do álcool adicionado nos pré-tratamentos. Tratamentos com frutose e isopropanol produziram pós tipicamente amorfos, com ocorrência do fenômeno de caking. Pré-tratamentos com sacarose e etanol são os indicados para a produção de pós de pequi liofilizados com estabilidade físico-química e microestrutural.

Aspectos morfo-anatômicos de sementes de Podocarpus lambertii Klotz. e Podocarpus sellowii Klotz. - Podocarpaceae

Estudos relacionados à morfo-anatomia de frutos e sementes de espécies florestais são relevantes para a compreensão de vários fenômenos ligados ao comportamento dessas espécies. O presente trabalho é uma contribuição ao estudo das características morfológicas e anatômicas de sementes de Podocarpus lambertii Klotz. e Podocarpus sellowii Klotz.. Para as observações do desenvolvimento dos estróbilos, foram efetuadas visitas quinzenais às áreas de coleta, a partir do início da formação dos estróbilos até a maturação das sementes. A cada visita, foram retiradas amostras para análises de microscopia estereoscópica e fotônica. O estróbilo feminino de P. lambertii e P. sellowii é constituído pela semente e epimácio, presos a um delgado pedúnculo. As sementes de P. lambertii e P. sellowii são globosas, possuem tegumento com estrutura espessa, constituído de três camadas celulares. O endosperma é abundante e de consistência gelatinosa; o embrião é do tipo linear e cotiledonar.

HRTEM assessment of Wurtzite and Zinc-Blende phases in GaAs nanowires for optoelectronic devices

Màster en Nanociència i Nanotecnologia. Curs 2007-2008. Directors: Francesca Peiró i Martínez and Jordi Arbiol i Cobos

Desenvolvimento de um ressoador retangular de fenda com múltiplas camadas de substrato e com utilização de material PBG para sistema de comunicação sem fio

In the globalized world modern telecommunications have assumed key role within the company, causing a large increase in demand for the wireless technology of communication, which has been happening in recent years have greatly increased the number of applications using this technology. Due to this demand, new materials are developed to enable new control mechanisms and propagation of electromagnetic waves. The research to develop new technologies for wireless communication presents a multidisciplinary study that covers from the new geometries for passive antennas, active up to the development of materials for devices that improve the performance at the frequency range of operation. Recently, planar antennas have attracted interest due to their characteristics and advantages when compared with other types of antennas. In the area of mobile communications the need for antennas of this type has become increasingly used, due to intensive development, which needs to operate in multifrequency antennas and broadband. The microstrip antennas have narrow bandwidth due to the dielectric losses generated by irradiation. Another limitation is the degradation of the radiation pattern due to the generation of surface waves in the substrate. Some techniques have been developed to minimize this limitation of bandwidth, such as the study of type materials PBG - Photonic Band Gap, to form the dielectric material. This work has as main objective the development project of a slot resonator with multiple layers and use the type PBG substrate, which carried out the optimization from the numerical analysis and then designed the device initially proposed for the band electromagnetic spectrum between 3-9 GHz, which basically includes the band S to X. Was used as the dielectric material RT/Duroid 5870 and RT/Duroid 6010.LM where both are laminated ceramic-filled PTFE dielectric constants 2.33 and 10.2, respectively. Through an experimental investigation was conducted an analysis of the simulated versus measured by observing the behavior of the radiation characteristics from the height variation of the dielectric multilayer substrates. We also used the LTT method resonators structures rectangular slot with multiple layers of material photonic PBG in order to obtain the resonance frequency and the entire theory involving the electromagnetic parameters of the structure under consideration. xviii The analysis developed in this work was performed using the method LTT - Transverse Transmission Line, in the field of Fourier transform that uses a component propagating in the y direction (transverse to the real direction of propagation z), thus treating the general equations of the fields electric and magnetic and function. The PBG theory is applied to obtain the relative permittivity of the polarizations for the sep photonic composite substrates material. The results are obtained with the commercial software Ansoft HFSS, used for accurate analysis of the electromagnetic behavior of the planar device under study through the Finite Element Method (FEM). Numerical computational results are presented in graphical form in two and three dimensions, playing in the parameters of return loss, frequency of radiation and radiation diagram, radiation efficiency and surface current for the device under study, and have as substrates, photonic materials and had been simulated in an appropriate computational tool. With respect to the planar device design study are presented in the simulated and measured results that show good agreement with measurements made. These results are mainly in the identification of resonance modes and determining the characteristics of the designed device, such as resonant frequency, return loss and radiation pattern

Arranjo de antenas de microfita com substrato anisotrópico com patch supercondutor e aplicações em nanotecnologia

The main objective in this work is the analysis of resonance frequency microstrip structures with glass fiber and electromagnetic band gap (EBG/PBG) substrate and analysis of microstrip antennas with rectangular patch of superconductor of high critical temperature (HTS). In this work was used the superconductors YBCO (critical temperature of 90K), SnBaCaCuOy (critical temperature of 160K), and Sn5InCa2Ba4Cu10Oy (critical temperature of 212K) with results in Gigahertz and Terahertz. Was used microstrip antennas arrays planar and linear phase and linear phase planar with patch with superconductor. It presents a study of the major theories that explain superconductivity. In phase arrays were obtained the factors arrays for such configurations, and the criteria of phase and spacing between the elements compound in the array, which were examined in order to get a main lobe with high directivity and high gain. In the analysis we used the method of Transverse Transmission Line (TTL) used in domain of the Fourier Transform (FTD). The LTT is a full wave method, which obtains the electromagnetic field in terms of the components transverse of the structure. The addition of superconductive patch is made using the boundary condition resistive complex. Results are obtained resonance frequency as a function of the parameters of the antenna, radiation patterns of the E and H Planes, for the phase antenna arrays in linear and planar configurations, for different values of the phase and the spacing between elements

Fibra de crital fotônico: fundamentação e aplicações

The main purpose of this dissertation, consists of the study and analysis of the PBG (Photonic Band Gap )..tecnology incorporated in optical fiber structures. So, we'l1 present a complete PBG structure theory, and folowing this, we'l1 present also a chapter for convencional optical fiber, due to the need to construct the base theory of them, and latter a more complete work about photonic crystal fiber. Finaly, we'l1 show the results of the signals , dispersion, and obtained curves under the right dimensions according to the required signals, for convencional optical and photonic crystal fiber. Knowing that PBG crystals with low losses act as perfect mirrors for forbidden frequences and knowing that the persence of structures of PBG as substrates, brings some desirable characteristics such as spontaneous emition supression and superficial waves. We' 11 show according to these characteristics its applications in telecomunication. Therefore, the enphasis of this work is to show that the optical fibers are the only practible thing to integrate the enormous quantity of data and video at intemet' s market, developing, manipulating, changing, and multiplexing the optical fibers chanels in an area where we expect that the photonic crystals has an important hole, since the photonic crystals can be projected and made to avoid losses in the bands of certain wavelength which permits the increase in efficiency ofthe optical components projected with crystals. A sequence of this work would be the utilisation of the PBG structures in the new system of optical network without fiber developed by Bell laboratories of the lucent tecnology, last year using light rays for transmiting information through the air. The new system of optical networks without fiber will permit sending the data of 15 cd-rooms in less then one second, what represents 65 times more information than those transmitted through the actual radio frequences