High current density nanofilament cathodes for microwave amplifiers

The fabrication of high current density nanofilament cathodes for microwave amplifiers was discussed. Metallic nanowires grown on silicon wafers and carbon nanotubes/nanofibers grown by catalytic plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) were the two types of nanofilament arrays analyzed as cathodes materials. It was observed that the arrays of 5.8 μm height and 50 nm diameter carbon nanotubes exhibited geometrical enhancement factor of 240+-7.5%. The results show that carbon nanotubes/nanofibers arrays are best suited for nanofilament cathodes.

Field emission vacuum power switch using vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

The best field emission properties from carbon nanotube cathodes were obtained when their heights, diameters and spacings were optimized. Field emission currents as high as 10 mA were obtained from 1 cm × 1 cm vertically aligned CNT cathode with optimized parameters grown using dc plasma CVD in situ. It was found that in order to obtain large emission current of >10 mA, space charge effects within the electron beam must be taken into account.

Process development on the monolithic fabrication of an ultra-compact 4×4 optical switch matrix on InP/InGaAsP material

We have fabricated an ultra-compact 4×4 optical matrix on InP/InGaAsP material. 1×4 MMI couplers and TIR mirrors are employed to produce a compact 1×2 mm2 device. A CH4/H2/O2 RIE dry etch process has been used to realize two-level dry etching: deep-etch for both the MMI couplers and the mirrors and shallow-etch for the rest of the routing waveguides. It was found that a metal/dielectric bilayer mask is essential for multi-dry-etch processes and high profile verticality. We have found a Ti intermediate mask for the deep-etch process which is removable by SF6 dry-etch before the following shallow process. Dry-etch removal of the intermediate mask is necessary to protect the deep-etched mirror sidewall.

Carbon nanotube based photocathodes for high frequency amplifiers

The combination of high frequency, high power, high efficiency capabilities is a feature of vacuum tube technology. For most of applications, large bandwidths are required, and therefore the modulation method should also allow large bandwidth operation. Optically modulated cold cathodes, avoiding the use of resonant cavities, should satisfy this requirement. This is the reason why we have developed carbon nanotube based photocathode.© 2009 IEEE.

Fabrication and testing of a high resolution extensometer based on resonant MEMS strain sensors

A novel type of linear extensometer with exceptionally high resolution of 4 nm based on MEMS resonant strain sensors bonded on steel and operating in a vacuum package is presented. The tool is implemented by means of a steel thin bar that can be pre-stressed in tension within two fixing anchors. The extension of the bar is detected by using two vacuum-packaged resonant MEMS double- ended tuning fork (DETF) sensors bonded on the bar with epoxy glue, one of which is utilized for temperature compensation. Both sensors are driven by a closed loop self-oscillating transresistance amplifier feedback scheme implemented on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). On the same board, a microcontroller-based frequency measurement circuit is also implemented, which is able to count the square wave fronts of the MEMS oscillator output with a resolution of 20 nsec. The system provides a frequency noise of 0.2 Hz corresponding to an extension resolution of 4 nm for the extensometer. Nearly perfect temperature compensation of the frequency output is achieved in the temperature range 20-35 C using the reference sensor. © 2011 IEEE.

Study on the sustainability of FPC produced from Kilka (Clupeonella engrauliformis, C. grimmi and C. cultriventris) in two vacuum packaging and modified atmosphere packaging at different environmental factors

Fish protein concentrate (FPC) is a healthy, sustainable and high nutritive product which sanitized produced from fishes in which, protein and other nutrients are more concentrated than in fresh fishes. The aim of this research is to study on the sustainability of FPC produced from Kilka (Clupeonella engrauliformis , C. grimmi and C. cultriventris) in two Vaccum Packaging and Modified Atmosphere Packaging at different environmental factors during six months. In our study the analysis of FPC protein showed 91.2%, lipid: 0.5%, ash: 3.6%, moisture: 2.3%, Total Volatile Nitrogen: 10 ml/100gr and peroxide: 5meq/kg. Amino acids and fatty acids were also determined. Bacteria and Fungi were lower than 1000 colony. Samples are kept in different condition of temperature (5, 20 and 35 degree centigrade), humidity (25, 40 and 90 percent) and light and dark environment in six month. Lipid rate in FPC after 6 months in VP and MAP (60% C02, 30 % N2 and 10% O2), packages was decreased but was not significant (P>0.05). It was also detected that increase temperature lead to more decrease in lipid content. Protein rate of FPC was decreased from 91.2% to 73.6% during six months at 35°C in VP Package and from 91.2% to 69.4% in MAP package. These changes were significant (P<0.05). TVN and PV rate in FPC after 6 months in VP and MAP packages was increased but was significant (P<0.05). Amino acids and fatty acids were also determined. But more changes in MAP packages was detected.

Applying quality control in building energy modelling: Comparative simulation of a high performance building

Quality control is considered from the simulator's perspective through comparative simulation of an ultra energy-efficient building with EE4-DOE2.1E and EnergyPlus. The University of Calgary's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Child Development Centre, with a 66% certified energy cost reduction rating, was the case study building. A Natural Resources Canada incentive program required use of EE4 interface with DOE2.1E simulation engine for energy modelling. As DOE2.1E lacks specific features to simulate advanced systems such as radiant cooling in the CDC, an EnergyPlus model was developed to further evaluate these features. The EE4-DOE2.1E model was used for quality control during development of the base EnergyPlus model and simulation results were compared. Advanced energy systems then added to the EnergyPlus model generated small difference in estimated total annual energy use. The comparative simulation process helped identify the main input errors in the draft EnergyPlus model. The comparative use of less complex simulation programs is recommended for quality control when producing more complex models. © 2009 International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA).

Microfabrication of electrode patterns for high-frequency ultrasound transducer arrays.

High-frequency ultrasound is needed for medical imaging with high spatial resolution. A key issue in the development of ultrasound imaging arrays to operate at high frequencies (≥30 MHz) is the need for photolithographic patterning of array electrodes. To achieve this directly on 1-3 piezocomposite, the material requires not only planar, parallel, and smooth surfaces, but also an epoxy composite filler that is resistant to chemicals, heat, and vacuum. This paper reports, first, on the surface finishing of 1-3 piezocomposite materials by lapping and polishing. Excellent surface flatness has been obtained, with an average surface roughness of materials as low as 3 nm and step heights between ceramic/polymer of ∼80 nm. Subsequently, high-frequency array elements were patterned directly on top of these surfaces using a photolithography process. A 30-MHz linear array electrode pattern with 50-μm element pitch has been patterned on the lapped and polished surface of a high-frequency 1-3 piezocomposite. Excellent electrode edge definition and electrical contact to the composite were obtained. The composite has been lapped to a final thickness of ∼55 μm. Good adhesion of electrodes on the piezocomposite has been achieved and electrical impedance measurements have demonstrated their basic functionality. The array was then packaged, and acoustic pulse-echo measurements were performed. These results demonstrate that direct patterning of electrodes by photolithography on 1-3 piezocomposite is feasible for fabrication of high-frequency ultrasound arrays. Furthermore, this method is more conducive to mass production than other reported array fabrication techniques.

Compact three-dimensional silicon termination solutions for high voltage SOI SuperJunction

This paper demonstrates and discusses novel "three dimensional" silicon based junction isolation/termination solutions suitable for high density ultra-low-resistance Lateral Super-Junction structures. The proposed designs are both compact and effective in safely distributing the electrostatic potential away from the active device area. The designs are based on the utilization of existing layers in the device fabrication line, hence resulting in no extra complexity or cost increase. The study/demonstration is done through extensive experimental measurements and numerical simulations. © 2012 IEEE.

A fast 600-V Tandem PiN Schottky (TPS) rectifier with ultra-low on-state voltage

The Tandem PiN Schottky (TPS) rectifier features lowly-doped p-layers in both active and termination regions, and is applied in 600-V rating for the first time. In the active region, the Schottky contact is in series connection with a transparent p-layer, leading to a superior forward performance than the conventional diodes. In addition, due to the benefit of moderate hole injection from the p-layer, the TPS offers a better trade-off between the on-state voltage and the switching speed. The active p-layer also helps to stabilise the Schottky contact, and hence the electrical data distributions are more concentrated. Regarding the floating p-layer in the termination region, its purpose is to reduce the peak electric fields, and the TPS demonstrates a high breakdown voltage with a compact termination width, less than 70% of the state-of-the-art devices on the market. Experimental results have shown that the 600-V TPS rectifier has an ultra-low on-state voltage of 0.98 V at 250 A/cm 2, a fast turn-off time of 75 ns by the standard RG1 test (I F=0.5A, I R=1A, and I RR=0.25A) and a breakdown voltage over 720 V. It is noteworthy that the p-layers in the active and termination regions can be formed at no extra cost for the use of self-alignment process. © 2012 IEEE.

Ultra-thin 242mAm fuel elements in nuclear reactors

There is a growing interest in using 242mAm as a nuclear fuel. The advantages of 242mAm as a nuclear fuel derive from the fact that 242mAm has the highest thermal fission cross section. The thermal capture cross section is relatively low and the number of neutrons per thermal fission is high. These nuclear properties make it possible to obtain nuclear criticality with ultra-thin fuel elements. The possibility of having ultra-thin fuel elements enables the use of these fission products directly, without the necessity of converting their energy to heat, as is done in conventional reactors. There are three options of using such highly energetic and highly ionized fission products. 1. Using the fission products themselves for ionic propulsion. 2. Using the fission products in an MHD generator, in order to obtain electricity directly. 3. Using the fission products to heat a gas up to a high temperature for propulsion purposes. In this work, we are not dealing with a specific reactor design, but only calculating the minimal fuel elements' thickness and the energy of the fission products emerging from these fuel elements. It was found that it is possible to design a nuclear reactor with a fuel element of less than 1 μm of 242mAm. In such a fuel element, 90% of the fission products' energy can escape.

Dry oxidation and vacuum annealing treatments for tuning the wetting properties of carbon nanotube arrays.

In this article, we describe a simple method to reversibly tune the wetting properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays. Here, CNT arrays are defined as densely packed multi-walled carbon nanotubes oriented perpendicular to the growth substrate as a result of a growth process by the standard thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique.(1,2) These CNT arrays are then exposed to vacuum annealing treatment to make them more hydrophobic or to dry oxidation treatment to render them more hydrophilic. The hydrophobic CNT arrays can be turned hydrophilic by exposing them to dry oxidation treatment, while the hydrophilic CNT arrays can be turned hydrophobic by exposing them to vacuum annealing treatment. Using a combination of both treatments, CNT arrays can be repeatedly switched between hydrophilic and hydrophobic.(2) Therefore, such combination show a very high potential in many industrial and consumer applications, including drug delivery system and high power density supercapacitors.(3-5) The key to vary the wettability of CNT arrays is to control the surface concentration of oxygen adsorbates. Basically oxygen adsorbates can be introduced by exposing the CNT arrays to any oxidation treatment. Here we use dry oxidation treatments, such as oxygen plasma and UV/ozone, to functionalize the surface of CNT with oxygenated functional groups. These oxygenated functional groups allow hydrogen bond between the surface of CNT and water molecules to form, rendering the CNT hydrophilic. To turn them hydrophobic, adsorbed oxygen must be removed from the surface of CNT. Here we employ vacuum annealing treatment to induce oxygen desorption process. CNT arrays with extremely low surface concentration of oxygen adsorbates exhibit a superhydrophobic behavior.

EFFECT OF ELEVATED BICARBONATE CONCENTRATION ON GROWTH, CHLOROPHYLL A FLUORESCENCE AND ULTRA-STRUCTURE OF Microcystis aeruginosa (CYANOBACTERIUM)

The influence of bicarbonate (HCO3-) on Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB 905 was assessed in this study. Growth curves, chlorophyll a fluorescence and ultrastructure were measured at two HCO3- concentrations, 2.3 mM and 12.4 mM. A treatment of sodium chloride (NaCl) was also conducted alongside to establish the influence level of sodium. It was found that upon treatment with elevated HCO3- concentrations of 2.3 mM and 12.4 mM, cell densities were 13% and 27% (respectively) higher than controls. In photosynthetic performance, elevated HCO3- concentration initially stimulated Fv/Fm at the prophase of culture and then subsequently inhibited it. The inhibition of 2.3mM was higher than that of 12.4mM HCO3-. The maximum relative electron transport rate (ETRmax) exhibited inhibition at elevated HCO3- concentrations. DI0/CS was decreased at 2.3 mM and increased at 12.4mM. In the case of both treatments. ABS/CSI TR0/CS, ET0/CS, RC/CS0 and RC/CSm were decreased by elevated HCO3- concentrations, which indicated damage to photosynthetic apparati and an inactivation of a fraction of reaction centers. This point was also proven by ultrastructural photos. High HCO3--exposed cells lost the characteristic photosynthetic membrane arrangement compared with the control and high salinity treated samples. At the 2.3mM concentration of HCO3-. damage to photosynthetic apparati caused decreased photosynthetic activity. These findings suggested that elevated HCO3- concentration stimulated the growth and photosynthesis of M. aeruginosa FACHB 905 in a short time. Exposure to high HCO3- concentrations for a longer period of time will damage photosynthetic apparatus. In addition, the ultrastructure indicated that elevated HCO3--concentration lead to photosynthetic apparati damage. In our experiment, it was observed that the inhibition effect of 2.3mM HCO3- was higher than that of 12.4mM HCO3-. We hypothesized that M. aeruginosa FACHB 905 induced a protective mechanism under high concentrations of HCO3-.

Precision transfer printing of ultra-thin AlInGaN micron-size light-emitting diodes

We report the fabrication of a mechanically-flexible 16×16 array of thin-film, micron-size LEDs emitting at 480 nm. Devices were transfer-printed onto a mechanically-flexible ITO backplane using a modified, high-precision (placement accuracy ±25 nm) assembly system. © 2013 IEEE.