Sample records for nanoscale direct write

  1. Nanoscale Engineering in VO2 Nanowires via Direct Electron Writing Process.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhenhua; Guo, Hua; Ding, Wenqiang; Zhang, Bin; Lu, Yue; Ke, Xiaoxing; Liu, Weiwei; Chen, Furong; Sui, Manling

    2017-02-08

    Controlling phase transition in functional materials at nanoscale is not only of broad scientific interest but also important for practical applications in the fields of renewable energy, information storage, transducer, sensor, and so forth. As a model functional material, vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) has its metal-insulator transition (MIT) usually at a sharp temperature around 68 °C. Here, we report a focused electron beam can directly lower down the transition temperature of a nanoarea to room temperature without prepatterning the VO 2 . This novel process is called radiolysis-assisted MIT (R-MIT). The electron beam irradiation fabricates a unique gradual MIT zone to several times of the beam size in which the temperature-dependent phase transition is achieved in an extended temperature range. The gradual transformation zone offers to precisely control the ratio of metal/insulator phases. This direct electron writing technique can open up an opportunity to precisely engineer nanodomains of diversified electronic properties in functional material-based devices.

  2. Laser direct writing of micro- and nano-scale medical devices

    PubMed Central

    Gittard, Shaun D; Narayan, Roger J

    2010-01-01

    Laser-based direct writing of materials has undergone significant development in recent years. The ability to modify a variety of materials at small length scales and using short production times provides laser direct writing with unique capabilities for fabrication of medical devices. In many laser-based rapid prototyping methods, microscale and submicroscale structuring of materials is controlled by computer-generated models. Various laser-based direct write methods, including selective laser sintering/melting, laser machining, matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporation direct write, stereolithography and two-photon polymerization, are described. Their use in fabrication of microstructured and nanostructured medical devices is discussed. Laser direct writing may be used for processing a wide variety of advanced medical devices, including patient-specific prostheses, drug delivery devices, biosensors, stents and tissue-engineering scaffolds. PMID:20420557

  3. Addressable Direct-Write Nanoscale Filament Formation and Dissolution by Nanoparticle-Mediated Bipolar Electrochemistry.

    PubMed

    Crouch, Garrison M; Han, Donghoon; Fullerton-Shirey, Susan K; Go, David B; Bohn, Paul W

    2017-05-23

    Nanoscale conductive filaments, usually associated with resistive memory or memristor technology, may also be used for chemical sensing and nanophotonic applications; however, realistic implementation of the technology requires precise knowledge of the conditions that control the formation and dissolution of filaments. Here we describe and characterize an addressable direct-write nanoelectrochemical approach to achieve repeatable formation/dissolution of Ag filaments across a ∼100 nm poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) film containing either Ag + alone or Ag + together with 50 nm Ag-nanoparticles acting as bipolar electrodes. Using a conductive AFM tip, formation occurs when the PEO film is subjected to a forward bias, and dissolution occurs under reverse bias. Formation-dissolution kinetics were studied for three film compositions: Ag|PEO-Ag + , Ag|poly(ethylene glycol) monolayer-PEO-Ag + , and Ag|poly(ethylene glycol) monolayer-PEO-Ag + /Ag-nanoparticle. Statistical analysis shows that the distribution of formation times exhibits Gaussian behavior, and the fastest average initial formation time occurs for the Ag|PEO-Ag + system. In contrast, formation in the presence of Ag nanoparticles likely proceeds by a noncontact bipolar electrochemical mechanism, exhibiting the slowest initial filament formation. Dissolution times are log-normal for all three systems, and repeated reformation of filaments from previously formed structures is characterized by rapid regrowth. The direct-write bipolar electrochemical deposition/dissolution strategy developed here presents an approach to reconfigurable, noncontact in situ wiring of nanoparticle arrays-thereby enabling applications where actively controlled connectivity of nanoparticle arrays is used to manipulate nanoelectronic and nanophotonic behavior. The system further allows for facile manipulation of experimental conditions while simultaneously characterizing surface conditions and filament formation/dissolution kinetics.

  4. Direct writing on graphene 'paper' by manipulating electrons as 'invisible ink'.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Qiang; Zhao, Meng-Qiang; Kuhn, Luise Theil

    2013-07-12

    The combination of self-assembly (bottom up) and nano-imprint lithography (top down) is an efficient and effective way to record information at the nanoscale by writing. The use of an electron beam for writing is quite a promising strategy; however, the 'paper' on which to save the information is not yet fully realized. Herein, graphene was selected as the thinnest paper for recording information at the nanoscale. In a transmission electron microscope, in situ high precision writing and drawing were achieved on graphene nanosheets by manipulating electrons with a 1 nm probe (probe current ~2 × 10(-9) A m(-2)) in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode. Under electron probe irradiation, the carbon atom tends to displace within a crystalline specimen, and dangling bonds are formed from the original sp(2) bonding after local carbon atoms have been kicked off. The absorbed random foreign amorphous carbon assembles along the line of the scanning direction induced by secondary electrons and is immobilized near the edge. With the ultralow secondary electron yield of the graphene, additional foreign atoms determining the accuracy of the pattern have been greatly reduced near the targeting region. Therefore, the electron probe in STEM mode serves as invisible ink for nanoscale writing and drawing. These results not only shed new light on the application of graphene by the interaction of different forms of carbon, but also illuminate the interaction of different carbon forms through electron beams.

  5. Quasi-crystalline and disordered photonic structures fabricated using direct laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinelnik, Artem D.; Pinegin, Konstantin V.; Bulashevich, Grigorii A.; Rybin, Mikhail V.; Limonov, Mikhail F.; Samusev, Kirill B.

    2017-09-01

    Direct laser writing is a rapid prototyping technology that has been utilized for the fabrication of micro- and nano-scale materials that have a perfect structure in most of the cases. In this study we exploit the direct laser writing to create several classes of non-periodic materials, such as quasi-crystalline lattices and three-dimensional (3D) objects with an orientation disorder in structural elements. Among quasi-crystalline lattices we consider Penrose tiling and Lévy-type photonic glasses. Images of the fabricated structures are obtained with a scanning electron microscope. In experiment we study the optical diffraction from 3D woodpile photonic structures with orientation disorder and analyze diffraction patters observed on a flat screen positioned behind the sample. With increasing of the disorder degree, we find an impressive transformation of the diffraction patterns from perfect Laue picture to a speckle pattern.

  6. Substrate thermal conductivity controls the ability to manufacture microstructures via laser-induced direct write

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tomko, John A.; Olson, David H.; Braun, Jeffrey L.; Kelliher, Andrew P.; Kaehr, Bryan; Hopkins, Patrick E.

    2018-01-01

    In controlling the thermal properties of the surrounding environment, we provide insight into the underlying mechanisms driving the widely used laser direct write method for additive manufacturing. We find that the onset of silver nitrate reduction for the formation of direct write structures directly corresponds to the calculated steady-state temperature rises associated with both continuous wave and high-repetition rate, ultrafast pulsed laser systems. Furthermore, varying the geometry of the heat affected zone, which is controllable based on in-plane thermal diffusion in the substrate, and laser power, allows for control of the written geometries without any prior substrate preparation. These findings allow for the advance of rapid manufacturing of micro- and nanoscale structures with minimal material constraints through consideration of the laser-controllable thermal transport in ionic liquid/substrate media.

  7. Substrate thermal conductivity controls the ability to manufacture microstructures via laser-induced direct write

    DOE PAGES

    Tomko, John A.; Olson, David H.; Braun, Jeffrey L.; ...

    2018-01-30

    In controlling the thermal properties of the surrounding environment, we provide insight into the underlying mechanisms driving the widely used laser direct write method for additive manufacturing. In this study, we find that the onset of silver nitrate reduction for the formation of direct write structures directly corresponds to the calculated steady-state temperature rises associated with both continuous wave and high-repetition rate, ultrafast pulsed laser systems. Furthermore, varying the geometry of the heat affected zone, which is controllable based on in-plane thermal diffusion in the substrate, and laser power, allows for control of the written geometries without any prior substratemore » preparation. In conclusion, these findings allow for the advance of rapid manufacturing of micro- and nanoscale structures with minimal material constraints through consideration of the laser-controllable thermal transport in ionic liquid/substrate media.« less

  8. Substrate thermal conductivity controls the ability to manufacture microstructures via laser-induced direct write

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tomko, John A.; Olson, David H.; Braun, Jeffrey L.

    In controlling the thermal properties of the surrounding environment, we provide insight into the underlying mechanisms driving the widely used laser direct write method for additive manufacturing. In this study, we find that the onset of silver nitrate reduction for the formation of direct write structures directly corresponds to the calculated steady-state temperature rises associated with both continuous wave and high-repetition rate, ultrafast pulsed laser systems. Furthermore, varying the geometry of the heat affected zone, which is controllable based on in-plane thermal diffusion in the substrate, and laser power, allows for control of the written geometries without any prior substratemore » preparation. In conclusion, these findings allow for the advance of rapid manufacturing of micro- and nanoscale structures with minimal material constraints through consideration of the laser-controllable thermal transport in ionic liquid/substrate media.« less

  9. Future direction of direct writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Nam-Soo; Han, Kenneth N.

    2010-11-01

    Direct write technology using special inks consisting of finely dispersed metal nanoparticles in liquid is receiving an undivided attention in recent years for its wide range of applicability in modern electronic industry. The application of this technology covers radio frequency identification-tag (RFID-tag), flexible-electronics, organic light emitting diodes (OLED) display, e-paper, antenna, bumpers used in flip-chip, underfilling, frit, miniresistance applications and biological uses, artificial dental applications and many more. In this paper, the authors have reviewed various direct write technologies on the market and discussed their advantages and shortfalls. Emphasis has given on microdispensing deposition write (MDDW), maskless mesoscale materials deposition (M3D), and ink-jet technologies. All of these technologies allow printing various patterns without employing a mask or a resist with an enhanced speed with the aid of computer. MDDW and M3D are capable of drawing patterns in three-dimension and MDDW, in particular, is capable of writing nanoinks with high viscosity. However, it is still far away for direct write to be fully implemented in the commercial arena. One of the hurdles to overcome is in manufacturing conductive inks which are chemically and physically stable, capable of drawing patterns with acceptable conductivity, and also capable of drawing patterns with acceptable adhesiveness with the substrates. The authors have briefly discussed problems involved in manufacturing nanometal inks to be used in various writing devices. There are numerous factors to be considered in manufacturing such inks. They are reducing agents, concentrations, oxidation, compact ability allowing good conductivity, and stability in suspension.

  10. A novel design for maskless direct laser writing nanolithography: Combination of diffractive optical element and nonlinear absorption inorganic resists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zha, Yikun; Wei, Jingsong; Gan, Fuxi

    2013-09-01

    Maskless laser direct writing lithography has been applied in the fabrication of optical elements and electric-optical devices. With the development of technology, the feature size of the elements and devices is required to reduce down to nanoscale. Increasing the numerical aperture of converging lens and shortening the laser wavelength are good methods to obtain the small spot and reduce the feature size to nanoscale, while this will cause the reduction of the depth of focus. The reduction of depth of focus will lead to some difficulties in the focusing and tracking servo controlling during the high speed laser direct writing lithography. In this work, the combination of the diffractive optical elements and the nonlinear absorption inorganic resist thin films cannot only extend the depth of focus, but also reduce the feature size of the lithographic marks down to nanoscale. By using the five-zone annular phase-only binary pupil filter as the diffractive optical elements and AgInSbTe as the nonlinear absorption inorganic resist thin film, the depth of focus cannot only extend to 7.39 times that of the focused spot, but also reduce the lithographic feature size down to 54.6 nm. The ill-effect of sidelobe on the lithography is also eliminated by the nonlinear reverse saturable absorption and the phase change threshold lithographic characteristics.

  11. Enabling complex nanoscale pattern customization using directed self-assembly.

    PubMed

    Doerk, Gregory S; Cheng, Joy Y; Singh, Gurpreet; Rettner, Charles T; Pitera, Jed W; Balakrishnan, Srinivasan; Arellano, Noel; Sanders, Daniel P

    2014-12-16

    Block copolymer directed self-assembly is an attractive method to fabricate highly uniform nanoscale features for various technological applications, but the dense periodicity of block copolymer features limits the complexity of the resulting patterns and their potential utility. Therefore, customizability of nanoscale patterns has been a long-standing goal for using directed self-assembly in device fabrication. Here we show that a hybrid organic/inorganic chemical pattern serves as a guiding pattern for self-assembly as well as a self-aligned mask for pattern customization through cotransfer of aligned block copolymer features and an inorganic prepattern. As informed by a phenomenological model, deliberate process engineering is implemented to maintain global alignment of block copolymer features over arbitrarily shaped, 'masking' features incorporated into the chemical patterns. These hybrid chemical patterns with embedded customization information enable deterministic, complex two-dimensional nanoscale pattern customization through directed self-assembly.

  12. Fabrication of multi-scale periodic surface structures on Ti-6Al-4V by direct laser writing and direct laser interference patterning for modified wettability applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huerta-Murillo, D.; Aguilar-Morales, A. I.; Alamri, S.; Cardoso, J. T.; Jagdheesh, R.; Lasagni, A. F.; Ocaña, J. L.

    2017-11-01

    In this work, hierarchical surface patterns fabricated on Ti-6Al-4V alloy combining two laser micro-machining techniques are presented. The used technologies are based on nanosecond Direct Laser Writing and picosecond Direct Laser Interference Patterning. Squared shape micro-cells with different hatch distances were produced by Direct Laser Writing with depths values in the micro-scale, forming a well-defined closed packet. Subsequently, cross-like periodic patterns were fabricated by means of Direct Laser Interference Patterning using a two-beam configuration, generating a dual-scale periodic surface structure in both micro- and nano-scale due to the formation of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structure after the picosecond process. As a result a triple hierarchical periodic surface structure was generated. The surface morphology of the irradiated area was characterized with scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Additionally, static contact angle measurements were made to analyze the wettability behavior of the structures, showing a hydrophobic behavior for the hierarchical structures.

  13. Direct-write nanoscale printing of nanogranular tunnelling strain sensors for sub-micrometre cantilevers

    PubMed Central

    Dukic, Maja; Winhold, Marcel; Schwalb, Christian H.; Adams, Jonathan D.; Stavrov, Vladimir; Huth, Michael; Fantner, Georg E.

    2016-01-01

    The sensitivity and detection speed of cantilever-based mechanical sensors increases drastically through size reduction. The need for such increased performance for high-speed nanocharacterization and bio-sensing, drives their sub-micrometre miniaturization in a variety of research fields. However, existing detection methods of the cantilever motion do not scale down easily, prohibiting further increase in the sensitivity and detection speed. Here we report a nanomechanical sensor readout based on electron co-tunnelling through a nanogranular metal. The sensors can be deposited with lateral dimensions down to tens of nm, allowing the readout of nanoscale cantilevers without constraints on their size, geometry or material. By modifying the inter-granular tunnel-coupling strength, the sensors' conductivity can be tuned by up to four orders of magnitude, to optimize their performance. We show that the nanoscale printed sensors are functional on 500 nm wide cantilevers and that their sensitivity is suited even for demanding applications such as atomic force microscopy. PMID:27666316

  14. Femtosecond laser direct writing of monocrystalline hexagonal silver prisms

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vora, Kevin; Kang, SeungYeon; Moebius, Michael

    Bottom-up growth methods and top-down patterning techniques are both used to fabricate metal nanostructures, each with a distinct advantage: One creates crystalline structures and the other offers precise positioning. Here, we present a technique that localizes the growth of metal crystals to the focal volume of a laser beam, combining advantages from both approaches. We report the fabrication of silver nanoprisms—hexagonal nanoscale silver crystals—through irradiation with focused femtosecond laser pulses. The growth of these nanoprisms is due to a nonlinear optical interaction between femtosecond laser pulses and a polyvinylpyrrolidone film doped with silver nitrate. The hexagonal nanoprisms have bases hundredsmore » of nanometers in size and the crystal growth occurs over exposure times of less than 1 ms (8 orders of magnitude faster than traditional chemical techniques). Electron backscatter diffraction analysis shows that the hexagonal nanoprisms are monocrystalline. The fabrication method combines advantages from both wet chemistry and femtosecond laser direct-writing to grow silver crystals in targeted locations. The results presented in this letter offer an approach to directly positioning and growing silver crystals on a substrate, which can be used for plasmonic devices.« less

  15. Toward all-carbon electronics: fabrication of graphene-based flexible electronic circuits and memory cards using maskless laser direct writing.

    PubMed

    Liang, Jiajie; Chen, Yongsheng; Xu, Yanfei; Liu, Zhibo; Zhang, Long; Zhao, Xin; Zhang, Xiaoliang; Tian, Jianguo; Huang, Yi; Ma, Yanfeng; Li, Feifei

    2010-11-01

    Owing to its extraordinary electronic property, chemical stability, and unique two-dimensional nanostructure, graphene is being considered as an ideal material for the highly expected all-carbon-based micro/nanoscale electronics. Herein, we present a simple yet versatile approach to constructing all-carbon micro/nanoelectronics using solution-processing graphene films directly. From these graphene films, various graphene-based microcosmic patterns and structures have been fabricated using maskless computer-controlled laser cutting. Furthermore, a complete system involving a prototype of a flexible write-once-read-many-times memory card and a fast data-reading system has been demonstrated, with infinite data retention time and high reliability. These results indicate that graphene could be the ideal material for fabricating the highly demanded all-carbon and flexible devices and electronics using the simple and efficient roll-to-roll printing process when combined with maskless direct data writing.

  16. Additive direct-write microfabrication for MEMS: A review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teh, Kwok Siong

    2017-12-01

    Direct-write additive manufacturing refers to a rich and growing repertoire of well-established fabrication techniques that builds solid objects directly from computer- generated solid models without elaborate intermediate fabrication steps. At the macroscale, direct-write techniques such as stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling ink-jet printing, and laminated object manufacturing have significantly reduced concept-to-product lead time, enabled complex geometries, and importantly, has led to the renaissance in fabrication known as the maker movement. The technological premises of all direct-write additive manufacturing are identical—converting computer generated three-dimensional models into layers of two-dimensional planes or slices, which are then reconstructed sequentially into threedimensional solid objects in a layer-by-layer format. The key differences between the various additive manufacturing techniques are the means of creating the finished layers and the ancillary processes that accompany them. While still at its infancy, direct-write additive manufacturing techniques at the microscale have the potential to significantly lower the barrier-of-entry—in terms of cost, time and training—for the prototyping and fabrication of MEMS parts that have larger dimensions, high aspect ratios, and complex shapes. In recent years, significant advancements in materials chemistry, laser technology, heat and fluid modeling, and control systems have enabled additive manufacturing to achieve higher resolutions at the micrometer and nanometer length scales to be a viable technology for MEMS fabrication. Compared to traditional MEMS processes that rely heavily on expensive equipment and time-consuming steps, direct-write additive manufacturing techniques allow for rapid design-to-prototype realization by limiting or circumventing the need for cleanrooms, photolithography and extensive training. With current direct-write additive

  17. Maskless writing of a flexible nanoscale transistor with Au-contacted carbon nanotube electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dockendorf, Cedric P. R.; Poulikakos, Dimos; Hwang, Gilgueng; Nelson, Bradley J.; Grigoropoulos, Costas P.

    2007-12-01

    A flexible polymer field effect transistor with a nanoscale carbon nanotube channel is conceptualized and realized herein. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed on a polyimide substrate and marked in an scanning electron microscope with focused ion beam such that they could be contacted with gold nanoink. The CNTs were divided into two parts forming the source and drain of the transistor. A micropipette writing method was used to contact the carbon nanotube electrodes with gold nanoink and to deposit the poly(3-hexylthiophene) as an active layer. The mobility of the transistors is of the order of 10-5cm/Vs. After fabrication, the flexible transistors can be peeled off the substrate.

  18. Laser-based direct-write techniques for cell printing

    PubMed Central

    Schiele, Nathan R; Corr, David T; Huang, Yong; Raof, Nurazhani Abdul; Xie, Yubing; Chrisey, Douglas B

    2016-01-01

    Fabrication of cellular constructs with spatial control of cell location (±5 μm) is essential to the advancement of a wide range of applications including tissue engineering, stem cell and cancer research. Precise cell placement, especially of multiple cell types in co- or multi-cultures and in three dimensions, can enable research possibilities otherwise impossible, such as the cell-by-cell assembly of complex cellular constructs. Laser-based direct writing, a printing technique first utilized in electronics applications, has been adapted to transfer living cells and other biological materials (e.g., enzymes, proteins and bioceramics). Many different cell types have been printed using laser-based direct writing, and this technique offers significant improvements when compared to conventional cell patterning techniques. The predominance of work to date has not been in application of the technique, but rather focused on demonstrating the ability of direct writing to pattern living cells, in a spatially precise manner, while maintaining cellular viability. This paper reviews laser-based additive direct-write techniques for cell printing, and the various cell types successfully laser direct-written that have applications in tissue engineering, stem cell and cancer research are highlighted. A particular focus is paid to process dynamics modeling and process-induced cell injury during laser-based cell direct writing. PMID:20814088

  19. Direct Probing of Polarization Charge at Nanoscale Level

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kwon, Owoong; Seol, Daehee; Lee, Dongkyu

    Ferroelectric materials possess spontaneous polarization that can be used for multiple applications. Owing to a long-term development of reducing the sizes of devices, the preparation of ferroelectric materials and devices is entering the nanometer-scale regime. In order to evaluate the ferroelectricity, there is a need to investigate the polarization charge at the nanoscale. Nonetheless, it is generally accepted that the detection of polarization charges using a conventional conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) without a top electrode is not feasible because the nanometer-scale radius of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip yields a very low signal-to-noise ratio. But, the detection ismore » unrelated to the radius of an AFM tip and, in fact, a matter of the switched area. In this work, the direct probing of the polarization charge at the nanoscale is demonstrated using the positive-up-negative-down method based on the conventional CAFM approach without additional corrections or circuits to reduce the parasitic capacitance. The polarization charge densities of 73.7 and 119.0 µC cm -2 are successfully probed in ferroelectric nanocapacitors and thin films, respectively. The results we obtained show the feasibility of the evaluation of polarization charge at the nanoscale and provide a new guideline for evaluating the ferroelectricity at the nanoscale.« less

  20. How directional change in reading/writing habits relates to directional change in displayed pictures.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hachoung; Oh, Songjoo

    2016-01-01

    It has been suggested that reading/writing habits may influence the appreciation of pictures. For example, people who read and write in a rightward direction have an aesthetic preference for pictures that face rightward over pictures that face leftward, and vice versa. However, correlations for this phenomenon have only been found in cross-cultural studies. Will a directional change in reading/writing habits within a culture relate to changes in picture preference? Korea is a good place to research this question because the country underwent gradual changes in reading/writing direction habits, from leftward to rightward, during the 20th century. In this study, we analyzed the direction of drawings and photos published in the two oldest newspapers in Korea from 1920-2013. The results show that the direction of the drawings underwent a clear shift from the left to the right, but the direction of the photos did not change. This finding suggests a close psychological link between the habits of reading/writing and drawing that cannot be accounted for simply by an accidental correspondence across different cultures.

  1. Deep ultraviolet laser direct write for patterning sol-gel InGaZnO semiconducting micro/nanowires and improving field-effect mobility

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Hung-Cheng; Stehlin, Fabrice; Soppera, Olivier; Zan, Hsiao-Wen; Li, Chang-Hung; Wieder, Fernand; Ponche, Arnaud; Berling, Dominique; Yeh, Bo-Hung; Wang, Kuan-Hsun

    2015-01-01

    Deep-UV (DUV) laser was used to directly write indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) precursor solution and form micro and nanoscale patterns. The directional DUV laser beam avoids the substrate heating and suppresses the diffraction effect. A IGZO precursor solution was also developed to fulfill the requirements for direct photopatterning and for achieving semi-conducting properties with thermal annealing at moderate temperature. The DUV-induced crosslinking of the starting material allows direct write of semi-conducting channels in thin-film transistors but also it improves the field-effect mobility and surface roughness. Material analysis has been carried out by XPS, FTIR, spectroscopic ellipsometry and AFM and the effect of DUV on the final material structure is discussed. The DUV irradiation step results in photolysis and a partial condensation of the inorganic network that freezes the sol-gel layer in a homogeneous distribution, lowering possibilities of thermally induced reorganization at the atomic scale. Laser irradiation allows high-resolution photopatterning and high-enough field-effect mobility, which enables the easy fabrication of oxide nanowires for applications in solar cell, display, flexible electronics, and biomedical sensors. PMID:26014902

  2. Direct manufacturing of ultrathin graphite on three-dimensional nanoscale features

    PubMed Central

    Pacios, Mercè; Hosseini, Peiman; Fan, Ye; He, Zhengyu; Krause, Oliver; Hutchison, John; Warner, Jamie H.; Bhaskaran, Harish

    2016-01-01

    There have been many successful attempts to grow high-quality large-area graphene on flat substrates. Doing so at the nanoscale has thus far been plagued by significant scalability problems, particularly because of the need for delicate transfer processes onto predefined features, which are necessarily low-yield processes and which can introduce undesirable residues. Herein we describe a highly scalable, clean and effective, in-situ method that uses thin film deposition techniques to directly grow on a continuous basis ultrathin graphite (uG) on uneven nanoscale surfaces. We then demonstrate that this is possible on a model system of atomic force probe tips of various radii. Further, we characterize the growth characteristics of this technique as well as the film’s superior conduction and lower adhesion at these scales. This sets the stage for such a process to allow the use of highly functional graphite in high-aspect-ratio nanoscale components. PMID:26939862

  3. Expanding the developmental models of writing: A direct and indirect effects model of developmental writing (DIEW)

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Young-Suk Grace; Schatschneider, Christopher

    2016-01-01

    We investigated direct and indirect effects of component skills on writing (DIEW) using data from 193 children in Grade 1. In this model, working memory was hypothesized to be a foundational cognitive ability for language and cognitive skills as well as transcription skills, which, in turn, contribute to writing. Foundational oral language skills (vocabulary and grammatical knowledge) and higher-order cognitive skills (inference and theory of mind) were hypothesized to be component skills of text generation (i.e., discourse-level oral language). Results from structural equation modeling largely supported a complete mediation model among four variations of the DIEW model. Discourse-level oral language, spelling, and handwriting fluency completely mediated the relations of higher-order cognitive skills, foundational oral language, and working memory to writing. Moreover, language and cognitive skills had both direct and indirect relations to discourse-level oral language. Total effects, including direct and indirect effects, were substantial for discourse-level oral language (.46), working memory (.43), and spelling (.37), followed by vocabulary (.19), handwriting (.17), theory of mind (.12), inference (.10), and grammatical knowledge (.10). The model explained approximately 67% of variance in writing quality. These results indicate that multiple language and cognitive skills make direct and indirect contributions, and it is important to consider both direct and indirect pathways of influences when considering skills that are important to writing. PMID:28260812

  4. Assessing the writing of deaf college students: reevaluating a direct assessment of writing.

    PubMed

    Schley, Sara; Albertini, John

    2005-01-01

    The NTID Writing Test was developed to assess the writing ability of postsecondary deaf students entering the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and to determine their appropriate placement into developmental writing courses. While previous research (Albertini et al., 1986; Albertini et al., 1996; Bochner, Albertini, Samar, & Metz, 1992) has shown the test to be reliable between multiple test raters and as a valid measure of writing ability for placement into these courses, changes in curriculum and the rater pool necessitated a new look at interrater reliability and concurrent validity. We evaluated the rating scores for 236 samples from students who entered the college during the fall 2001. Using a multiprong approach, we confirmed the interrater reliability and the validity of this direct measure of assessment. The implications of continued use of this and similar tests in light of definitions of validity, local control, and the nature of writing are discussed.

  5. Reconfigurable nanoscale spin-wave directional coupler

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Qi; Pirro, Philipp; Verba, Roman; Slavin, Andrei; Hillebrands, Burkard; Chumak, Andrii V.

    2018-01-01

    Spin waves, and their quanta magnons, are prospective data carriers in future signal processing systems because Gilbert damping associated with the spin-wave propagation can be made substantially lower than the Joule heat losses in electronic devices. Although individual spin-wave signal processing devices have been successfully developed, the challenging contemporary problem is the formation of two-dimensional planar integrated spin-wave circuits. Using both micromagnetic modeling and analytical theory, we present an effective solution of this problem based on the dipolar interaction between two laterally adjacent nanoscale spin-wave waveguides. The developed device based on this principle can work as a multifunctional and dynamically reconfigurable signal directional coupler performing the functions of a waveguide crossing element, tunable power splitter, frequency separator, or multiplexer. The proposed design of a spin-wave directional coupler can be used both in digital logic circuits intended for spin-wave computing and in analog microwave signal processing devices. PMID:29376117

  6. Reconfigurable nanoscale spin-wave directional coupler.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qi; Pirro, Philipp; Verba, Roman; Slavin, Andrei; Hillebrands, Burkard; Chumak, Andrii V

    2018-01-01

    Spin waves, and their quanta magnons, are prospective data carriers in future signal processing systems because Gilbert damping associated with the spin-wave propagation can be made substantially lower than the Joule heat losses in electronic devices. Although individual spin-wave signal processing devices have been successfully developed, the challenging contemporary problem is the formation of two-dimensional planar integrated spin-wave circuits. Using both micromagnetic modeling and analytical theory, we present an effective solution of this problem based on the dipolar interaction between two laterally adjacent nanoscale spin-wave waveguides. The developed device based on this principle can work as a multifunctional and dynamically reconfigurable signal directional coupler performing the functions of a waveguide crossing element, tunable power splitter, frequency separator, or multiplexer. The proposed design of a spin-wave directional coupler can be used both in digital logic circuits intended for spin-wave computing and in analog microwave signal processing devices.

  7. New directions for nanoscale thermoelectric materials research

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dresselhaus, M. S.; Chen, G.; Tang, M. Y.; Yang, R. G.; Lee, H.; Wang, D. Z.; Ren, F.; Fleurial, J. P.; Gogna, P.

    2005-01-01

    Many of the recent advances in enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit are linked to nanoscale phenomena with both bulk samples containing nanoscale constituents and nanoscale materials exhibiting enhanced thermoelectric performance in their own right. Prior theoretical and experimental proof of principle studies on isolated quantum well and quantum wire samples have now evolved into studies on bulk samples containing nanostructured constituents. In this review, nanostructural composites are shown to exhibit nanostructures and properties that show promise for thermoelectric applications. A review of some of the results obtained to date are presented.

  8. The Development of Composition Skills via Directed Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rahilly, Leonard J.

    To alleviate problems associated with free composition as a method of foreign language writing instruction, the directed writing method was adapted for use in a college French composition course. High-quality French texts, often of only a page or two and written by native speakers, are used as a basis for grammatical analysis and discussion and a…

  9. Direct Writing of Graphene-based Nanoelectronics via Atomic Force Microscopy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-05-07

    To) 07-05-2012 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Direct Writing of Graphene -based Nanoelectronics via Atomic Force Microscopy 5b. GRANT...ABSTRACT This project employs direct writing with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to fabricate simple graphene -based electronic components like resistors...and transistors at nanometer-length scales. The goal is to explore their electrical properties for graphene -based electronics. Conducting

  10. Effect of Direct Grammar Instruction on Student Writing Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robinson, Lisa; Feng, Jay

    2016-01-01

    Grammar Instruction has an important role to play in helping students to speak and write more effectively. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of direct grammar instruction on the quality of student's writing skills. The participants in this study included 18 fifth grade students and two fifth grade teachers. Based on the results…

  11. Expanding the Developmental Models of Writing: A Direct and Indirect Effects Model of Developmental Writing (DIEW)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Young-Suk Grace; Schatschneider, Christopher

    2017-01-01

    We investigated direct and indirect effects of component skills on writing (DIEW) using data from 193 children in Grade 1. In this model, working memory was hypothesized to be a foundational cognitive ability for language and cognitive skills as well as transcription skills, which, in turn, contribute to writing. Foundational oral language skills…

  12. 3D direct writing fabrication of electrodes for electrochemical storage devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Min; Zhang, Feng; Wang, Wei; Alexandridis, Paschalis; Zhou, Chi; Wu, Gang

    2017-06-01

    Among different printing techniques, direct ink writing is commonly used to fabricate 3D battery and supercapacitor electrodes. The major advantages of using the direct ink writing include effectively building 3D structure for energy storage devices and providing higher power density and higher energy density than traditional techniques due to the increased surface area of electrode. Nevertheless, direct ink writing has high standards for the printing inks, which requires high viscosity, high yield stress under shear and compression, and well-controlled viscoelasticity. Recently, a number of 3D-printed energy storage devices have been reported, and it is very important to understand the printing process and the ink preparation process for further material design and technology development. We discussed current progress of direct ink writing technologies by using various electrode materials including carbon nanotube-based material, graphene-based material, LTO (Li4Ti5O12), LFP (LiFePO4), LiMn1-xFexPO4, and Zn-based metallic oxide. Based on achieve electrochemical performance, these 3D-printed devices deliver performance comparable to the energy storage device fabricated using traditional methods still leaving large room for further improvement. Finally, perspectives are provided on the potential future direction of 3D printing for all solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices.

  13. Laser Direct Write Synthesis of Lead Halide Perovskites

    DOE PAGES

    Chou, Stanley S.; Swartzentruber, Brian S.; Janish, Matthew T.; ...

    2016-09-05

    Lead halide perovskites are increasingly considered for applications beyond photovoltaics, for example, light emission and detection, where an ability to pattern and prototype microscale geometries can facilitate the incorporation of this class of materials into devices. In this study, we demonstrate laser direct write of lead halide perovskites, a remarkably simple procedure that takes advantage of the inverse dependence between perovskite solubility and temperature by using a laser to induce localized heating of an absorbing substrate. We also demonstrate arbitrary pattern formation of crystalline CH 3NH 3PbBr 3 on a range of substrates and fabricate and characterize a microscale photodetectormore » using this approach. This direct write methodology provides a path forward for the prototyping and production of perovskite-based devices.« less

  14. Laser Direct Write Synthesis of Lead Halide Perovskites

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chou, Stanley S.; Swartzentruber, Brian S.; Janish, Matthew T.

    Lead halide perovskites are increasingly considered for applications beyond photovoltaics, for example, light emission and detection, where an ability to pattern and prototype microscale geometries can facilitate the incorporation of this class of materials into devices. In this study, we demonstrate laser direct write of lead halide perovskites, a remarkably simple procedure that takes advantage of the inverse dependence between perovskite solubility and temperature by using a laser to induce localized heating of an absorbing substrate. We also demonstrate arbitrary pattern formation of crystalline CH 3NH 3PbBr 3 on a range of substrates and fabricate and characterize a microscale photodetectormore » using this approach. This direct write methodology provides a path forward for the prototyping and production of perovskite-based devices.« less

  15. Direct laser writing of graphene electronics.

    PubMed

    El-Kady, Maher F; Kaner, Richard B

    2014-09-23

    One of the fundamental issues with graphene for logic applications is its lack of a band gap. In this issue of ACS Nano, Shim and colleagues introduce an effective approach for modulating the current flow in graphene by forming p-n junctions using lasers. The findings could lead to a new route for controlling the electronic properties of graphene-based devices. We highlight recent progress in the direct laser synthesis and patterning of graphene for numerous applications. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in translating this remarkable progress toward the direct laser writing of graphene electronics at large scales.

  16. Large-Scale Direct-Writing of Aligned Nanofibers for Flexible Electronics.

    PubMed

    Ye, Dong; Ding, Yajiang; Duan, Yongqing; Su, Jiangtao; Yin, Zhouping; Huang, Yong An

    2018-05-01

    Nanofibers/nanowires usually exhibit exceptionally low flexural rigidities and remarkable tolerance against mechanical bending, showing superior advantages in flexible electronics applications. Electrospinning is regarded as a powerful process for this 1D nanostructure; however, it can only be able to produce chaotic fibers that are incompatible with the well-patterned microstructures in flexible electronics. Electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) direct-writing technology enables large-scale deposition of highly aligned nanofibers in an additive, noncontact, real-time adjustment, and individual control manner on rigid or flexible, planar or curved substrates, making it rather attractive in the fabrication of flexible electronics. In this Review, the ground-breaking research progress in the field of EHD direct-writing technology is summarized, including a brief chronology of EHD direct-writing techniques, basic principles and alignment strategies, and applications in flexible electronics. Finally, future prospects are suggested to advance flexible electronics based on orderly arranged EHD direct-written fibers. This technology overcomes the limitations of the resolution of fabrication and viscosity of ink of conventional inkjet printing, and represents major advances in manufacturing of flexible electronics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Direct-Write 3D Nanoprinting of Plasmonic Structures

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Winkler, Robert; Schmidt, Franz-Philipp; Karl-Franzens Univ.

    During the past decade, significant progress has been made in the field of resonant optics ranging from fundamental aspects to concrete applications. And while several techniques have been introduced for the fabrication of highly defined metallic nanostructures, the synthesis of complex, free-standing three-dimensional (3D) structures is still an intriguing, but so far intractable, challenge. Here, we demonstrate a 3D direct-write synthesis approach that addresses this challenge. Specifically, we succeeded in the direct-write fabrication of 3D nanoarchitectures via electron-stimulated reactions, which are applicable on virtually any material and surface morphology. Furthermore, by that, complex 3D nanostructures composed of highly compact, puremore » gold can be fabricated, which reveal strong plasmonic activity and pave the way for a new generation of 3D nanoplasmonic architectures that can be printed on-demand.« less

  18. Direct-Write 3D Nanoprinting of Plasmonic Structures

    DOE PAGES

    Winkler, Robert; Schmidt, Franz-Philipp; Karl-Franzens Univ.; ...

    2016-11-23

    During the past decade, significant progress has been made in the field of resonant optics ranging from fundamental aspects to concrete applications. And while several techniques have been introduced for the fabrication of highly defined metallic nanostructures, the synthesis of complex, free-standing three-dimensional (3D) structures is still an intriguing, but so far intractable, challenge. Here, we demonstrate a 3D direct-write synthesis approach that addresses this challenge. Specifically, we succeeded in the direct-write fabrication of 3D nanoarchitectures via electron-stimulated reactions, which are applicable on virtually any material and surface morphology. Furthermore, by that, complex 3D nanostructures composed of highly compact, puremore » gold can be fabricated, which reveal strong plasmonic activity and pave the way for a new generation of 3D nanoplasmonic architectures that can be printed on-demand.« less

  19. Physical controls on directed virus assembly at nanoscale chemical templates

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cheung, C L; Chung, S; Chatterji, A

    2006-05-10

    Viruses are attractive building blocks for nanoscale heterostructures, but little is understood about the physical principles governing their directed assembly. In-situ force microscopy was used to investigate organization of Cowpea Mosaic Virus engineered to bind specifically and reversibly at nanoscale chemical templates with sub-30nm features. Morphological evolution and assembly kinetics were measured as virus flux and inter-viral potential were varied. The resulting morphologies were similar to those of atomic-scale epitaxial systems, but the underlying thermodynamics was analogous to that of colloidal systems in confined geometries. The 1D templates biased the location of initial cluster formation, introduced asymmetric sticking probabilities, andmore » drove 1D and 2D condensation at subcritical volume fractions. The growth kinetics followed a t{sup 1/2} law controlled by the slow diffusion of viruses. The lateral expansion of virus clusters that initially form on the 1D templates following introduction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) into the solution suggests a significant role for weak interaction.« less

  20. Direct-Write Printing on Three-Dimensional Geometries for Miniaturized Detector and Electronic Assemblies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Paquette, Beth; Samuels, Margaret; Chen, Peng

    2017-01-01

    Direct-write printing techniques will enable new detector assemblies that were not previously possible with traditional assembly processes. Detector concepts were manufactured using this technology to validate repeatability. Additional detector applications and printed wires on a 3-dimensional magnetometer bobbin will be designed for print. This effort focuses on evaluating performance for direct-write manufacturing techniques on 3-dimensional surfaces. Direct-write manufacturing has the potential to reduce mass and volume for fabrication and assembly of advanced detector concepts by reducing trace widths down to 10 microns, printing on complex geometries, allowing new electronic concept production, and reduced production times of complex those electronics.

  1. Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Ivy Krystal; Seeley, Zachary M.; Cherepy, Nerine J.; Duoss, Eric B.; Payne, Stephen A.

    2018-01-01

    Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y2.97Nd0.03Al5.00O12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a "top hat" geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scatter at 1064 nm of <3%/cm.

  2. Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jones, Ivy Krystal; Seeley, Zachary M.; Cherepy, Nerine J.

    Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y 2.97Nd 0.03Al 5.00O 12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y 3Al 5O 12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Lastly, fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a “top hat” geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scattermore » at 1064 nm of <3%/cm.« less

  3. Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

    DOE PAGES

    Jones, Ivy Krystal; Seeley, Zachary M.; Cherepy, Nerine J.; ...

    2018-11-06

    Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y 2.97Nd 0.03Al 5.00O 12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y 3Al 5O 12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Lastly, fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a “top hat” geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scattermore » at 1064 nm of <3%/cm.« less

  4. Write! Write! Write! Ready-to-Use Writing Process Activities for Grades 4-8.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Behrman, Carol H.

    This handbook contains over 265 reproducible writing process activities that help make writing fun for students in grades 4-8. The handbook provides stimulating activities to give students the directed practice they need to learn to write clearly and competently. Designed for minimal teacher input, activities are complete with directions geared to…

  5. Demonstration of lithography patterns using reflective e-beam direct write

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Freed, Regina; Sun, Jeff; Brodie, Alan; Petric, Paul; McCord, Mark; Ronse, Kurt; Haspeslagh, Luc; Vereecke, Bart

    2011-04-01

    Traditionally, e-beam direct write lithography has been too slow for most lithography applications. E-beam direct write lithography has been used for mask writing rather than wafer processing since the maximum blur requirements limit column beam current - which drives e-beam throughput. To print small features and a fine pitch with an e-beam tool requires a sacrifice in processing time unless one significantly increases the total number of beams on a single writing tool. Because of the uncertainty with regards to the optical lithography roadmap beyond the 22 nm technology node, the semiconductor equipment industry is in the process of designing and testing e-beam lithography tools with the potential for high volume wafer processing. For this work, we report on the development and current status of a new maskless, direct write e-beam lithography tool which has the potential for high volume lithography at and below the 22 nm technology node. A Reflective Electron Beam Lithography (REBL) tool is being developed for high throughput electron beam direct write maskless lithography. The system is targeting critical patterning steps at the 22 nm node and beyond at a capital cost equivalent to conventional lithography. Reflective Electron Beam Lithography incorporates a number of novel technologies to generate and expose lithographic patterns with a throughput and footprint comparable to current 193 nm immersion lithography systems. A patented, reflective electron optic or Digital Pattern Generator (DPG) enables the unique approach. The Digital Pattern Generator is a CMOS ASIC chip with an array of small, independently controllable lens elements (lenslets), which act as an array of electron mirrors. In this way, the REBL system is capable of generating the pattern to be written using massively parallel exposure by ~1 million beams at extremely high data rates (~ 1Tbps). A rotary stage concept using a rotating platen carrying multiple wafers optimizes the writing strategy of

  6. Effects of Direct Instruction and Strategy Modeling on Upper-Primary Students’ Writing Development

    PubMed Central

    López, Paula; Torrance, Mark; Rijlaarsdam, Gert; Fidalgo, Raquel

    2017-01-01

    Strategy-focused instruction is one of the most effective approaches to improve writing skills. It aims to teach developing writers strategies that give them executive control over their writing processes. Programs under this kind of instruction tend to have multiple components that include direct instruction, modeling and scaffolded practice. This multi-component nature has two drawbacks: it makes implementation challenging due to the amount of time and training required to perform each stage, and it is difficult to determine the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its effectiveness. To unpack why strategy-focused instruction is effective, we explored the specific effects of two key components: direct teaching of writing strategies and modeling of strategy use. Six classes (133 students) of upper-primary education were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental conditions, in which students received instruction aimed at developing effective strategies for planning and drafting, or control group with no strategy instruction: Direct Instruction (N = 46), Modeling (N = 45), and Control (N = 42). Writing performance was assessed before the intervention and immediately after the intervention with two tasks, one collaborative and the other one individual to explore whether differential effects resulted from students writing alone or in pairs. Writing performance was assessed through reader-based and text-based measures of text quality. Results at post-test showed similar improvement in both intervention conditions, relatively to controls, in all measures and in both the collaborative and the individual task. No statistically significant differences were observed between experimental conditions. These findings suggest that both components, direct teaching and modeling, are equally effective in improving writing skills in upper primary students, and these effects are present even after a short training. PMID:28713299

  7. Promoting Self-Directed Revision in EFL Writing Classes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coomber, Matthew

    2016-01-01

    Second language writers need to develop the ability to revise their writing independently of third party advice; thus, it is important that teachers devise methods by which to promote habits of self-directed revision. This quasi-experimental study investigates three classroom activities designed to encourage students to independently revise essays…

  8. Magnetization switching schemes for nanoscale three-terminal spintronics devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fukami, Shunsuke; Ohno, Hideo

    2017-08-01

    Utilizing spintronics-based nonvolatile memories in integrated circuits offers a promising approach to realize ultralow-power and high-performance electronics. While two-terminal devices with spin-transfer torque switching have been extensively developed nowadays, there has been a growing interest in devices with a three-terminal structure. Of primary importance for applications is the efficient manipulation of magnetization, corresponding to information writing, in nanoscale devices. Here we review the studies of current-induced domain wall motion and spin-orbit torque-induced switching, which can be applied to the write operation of nanoscale three-terminal spintronics devices. For domain wall motion, the size dependence of device properties down to less than 20 nm will be shown and the underlying mechanism behind the results will be discussed. For spin-orbit torque-induced switching, factors governing the threshold current density and strategies to reduce it will be discussed. A proof-of-concept demonstration of artificial intelligence using an analog spin-orbit torque device will also be reviewed.

  9. Direct writing of flexible electronics through room temperature liquid metal ink.

    PubMed

    Gao, Yunxia; Li, Haiyan; Liu, Jing

    2012-01-01

    Conventional approaches of making a flexible circuit are generally complex, environment unfriendly, time and energy consuming, and thus expensive. Here, we describe for the first time the method of using high-performance GaIn(10)-based electrical ink, a significantly neglected room temperature liquid metal, as both electrical conductors and interconnects, for directly writing flexible electronics via a rather easy going and cost effective way. The new generation electric ink was made and its wettability with various materials was modified to be easily written on a group of either soft or rigid substrates such as epoxy resin board, glass, plastic, silica gel, paper, cotton, textiles, cloth and fiber etc. Conceptual experiments were performed to demonstrate and evaluate the capability of directly writing the electrical circuits via the invented metal ink. Mechanisms involved were interpreted through a series of fundamental measurements. The electrical resistivity of the fluid like GaIn(10)-based material was measured as 34.5 µΩ·cm at 297 K by four point probe method and increased with addition of the oxygen quantity, which indicates it as an excellent metal ink. The conductive line can be written with features that are approximately 10 µm thick. Several functional devices such as a light emitting diode (LED) array showing designed lighting patterns and electrical fan were made to work by directly writing the liquid metal on the specific flexible substrates. And satisfactory performances were obtained. The present method opens the way to directly and quickly writing flexible electronics which can be as simple as signing a name or drawing a picture on the paper. The unique merit of the GaIn(10)-based liquid metal ink lies in its low melting temperature, well controlled wettability, high electrical conductivity and good biocompability. The new electronics writing strategy and basic principle has generalized purpose and can be extended to more industrial areas, even

  10. Direct Writing of Flexible Electronics through Room Temperature Liquid Metal Ink

    PubMed Central

    Gao, Yunxia; Li, Haiyan; Liu, Jing

    2012-01-01

    Background Conventional approaches of making a flexible circuit are generally complex, environment unfriendly, time and energy consuming, and thus expensive. Here, we describe for the first time the method of using high-performance GaIn10-based electrical ink, a significantly neglected room temperature liquid metal, as both electrical conductors and interconnects, for directly writing flexible electronics via a rather easy going and cost effective way. Methods The new generation electric ink was made and its wettability with various materials was modified to be easily written on a group of either soft or rigid substrates such as epoxy resin board, glass, plastic, silica gel, paper, cotton, textiles, cloth and fiber etc. Conceptual experiments were performed to demonstrate and evaluate the capability of directly writing the electrical circuits via the invented metal ink. Mechanisms involved were interpreted through a series of fundamental measurements. Results The electrical resistivity of the fluid like GaIn10-based material was measured as 34.5 µΩ·cm at 297 K by four point probe method and increased with addition of the oxygen quantity, which indicates it as an excellent metal ink. The conductive line can be written with features that are approximately 10 µm thick. Several functional devices such as a light emitting diode (LED) array showing designed lighting patterns and electrical fan were made to work by directly writing the liquid metal on the specific flexible substrates. And satisfactory performances were obtained. Conclusions The present method opens the way to directly and quickly writing flexible electronics which can be as simple as signing a name or drawing a picture on the paper. The unique merit of the GaIn10-based liquid metal ink lies in its low melting temperature, well controlled wettability, high electrical conductivity and good biocompability. The new electronics writing strategy and basic principle has generalized purpose and can be

  11. Photo-Induced Click Chemistry for DNA Surface Structuring by Direct Laser Writing.

    PubMed

    Kerbs, Antonina; Mueller, Patrick; Kaupp, Michael; Ahmed, Ishtiaq; Quick, Alexander S; Abt, Doris; Wegener, Martin; Niemeyer, Christof M; Barner-Kowollik, Christopher; Fruk, Ljiljana

    2017-04-11

    Oligonucleotides containing photo-caged dienes were prepared and shown to react quantitatively in a light-induced Diels-Alder cycloaddition with functional maleimides in aqueous solution within minutes. Due to its high yield and fast rate, the reaction was exploited for DNA surface patterning with sub-micrometer resolution employing direct laser writing (DLW). Functional DNA arrays were written by direct laser writing (DLW) in variable patterns, which were further encoded with fluorophores and proteins through DNA directed immobilization. This mild and efficient light-driven platform technology holds promise for the fabrication of complex bioarrays with sub-micron resolution. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Scalable Direct Writing of Lanthanide-Doped KMnF3 Perovskite Nanowires into Aligned Arrays with Polarized Up-Conversion Emission.

    PubMed

    Shi, Shuo; Sun, Ling-Dong; Xue, Ying-Xian; Dong, Hao; Wu, Ke; Guo, Shi-Chen; Wu, Bo-Tao; Yan, Chun-Hua

    2018-05-09

    The use of one-dimensional nano- and microstructured semiconductor and lanthanide materials is attractive for polarized-light-emission studies. Up-conversion emission from single-nanorod or anisotropic nanoparticles with a degree of polarization has also been discussed. However, microscale arrays of nanoparticles, especially well-aligned one-dimensional nanostructures as well as their up-conversion polarization characterization, have not been investigated yet. Herein, we present a novel and facile paradigm for preparing highly aligned arrays of lanthanide-doped KMnF 3 (KMnF 3 :Ln) perovskite nanowires, which are good candidates for polarized up-conversion emission studies. These perovskite nanowires, with a width of 10 nm and length of a few micrometers, are formed through the oriented attachment of KMnF 3 :Ln nanocubes along the [001] direction. By the employment of KMnF 3 :Ln nanowire gel as nanoink, a direct-writing method is developed to obtain diverse types of aligned patterns from the nanoscale to the wafer scale. Up-conversion emissions from the highly aligned nanowire arrays are polarized along the array direction with a polarization degree up to 60%. Taking advantage of microscopic nanowire arrays, these polarized up-conversion emissions should offer potential applications in light or information transportation.

  13. Direct-write 3D printing of composite materials with magnetically aligned discontinuous reinforcement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, Joshua J.; Caunter, Andrew; Dendulk, Amy; Goodrich, Scott; Pembroke, Ryan; Shores, Dan; Erb, Randall M.

    2017-05-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) printing of fiber reinforced composites represents an enabling technology that may bring toughness and specific strength to complex parts. Recently, direct-write 3D printing has been offered as a promising route to manufacturing fiber reinforced composites that show high specific strength. These approaches primarily rely on the use of shear-alignment during the extrusion process to align fibers along the printing direction. Shear alignment prevents fibers from being oriented along principle stress directions of the final designed part. This paper describes a new direct-write style 3D printing system that incorporates magnetic fields to actively control the orientation of reinforcing fibers during the printing of fiber reinforced composites. Such a manufacturing system is fraught with complications from the high shear dominated alignment experienced by the fibers during extrusion to the slow magnetic alignment dynamics of fibers in viscous media. Here we characterize these issues and suggest effective operating windows in which magnetic alignment is a viable approach to orienting reinforcing particles during direct-write 3D printing.

  14. Second Language Learners' Performance and Strategies When Writing Direct and Translated Essays

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ismail, Sadiq Abdulwahed Ahmed; Alsheikh, Negmeldin Omer

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate ESL students' performance and strategies when writing direct and translated essays. The study also aimed at exploring students' strategies when writing in L2 (English) and L1 (Arabic). The study used a mixture of quantitative and qualitative procedures for data collection and analysis. Adapted strategy…

  15. Ultrasensitive mechanical detection of magnetic moment using a commercial disk drive write head

    PubMed Central

    Tao, Y.; Eichler, A.; Holzherr, T.; Degen, C. L.

    2016-01-01

    Sensitive detection of weak magnetic moments is an essential capability in many areas of nanoscale science and technology, including nanomagnetism, quantum readout of spins and nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging. Here we show that the write head of a commercial hard drive may enable significant advances in nanoscale spin detection. By approaching a sharp diamond tip to within 5 nm from a write pole and measuring the induced diamagnetic moment with a nanomechanical force transducer, we demonstrate a spin sensitivity of 0.032 μB Hz−1/2, equivalent to 21 proton magnetic moments. The high sensitivity is enabled in part by the pole's strong magnetic gradient of up to 28 × 106 T m−1 and in part by the absence of non-contact friction due to the extremely flat writer surface. In addition, we demonstrate quantitative imaging of the pole field with ∼10 nm spatial resolution. We foresee diverse applications for write heads in experimental condensed matter physics, especially in spintronics, ultrafast spin manipulation and mesoscopic physics. PMID:27647039

  16. Pervasive liquid metal based direct writing electronics with roller-ball pen

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zheng, Yi; Zhang, Qin; Liu, Jing, E-mail: jliu@mail.ipc.ac.cn

    A roller-ball pen enabled direct writing electronics via room temperature liquid metal ink was proposed. With the rolling to print mechanism, the metallic inks were smoothly written on flexible polymer substrate to form conductive tracks and electronic devices. The contact angle analyzer and scanning electron microscope were implemented to disclose several unique inner properties of the obtained electronics. An ever high writing resolution with line width and thickness as 200 μm and 80 μm, respectively was realized. Further, with the administration of external writing pressure, GaIn{sub 24.5} droplets embody increasing wettability on polymer which demonstrates the pervasive adaptability of themore » roller-ball pen electronics.« less

  17. Laser deposition and direct-writing of thermoelectric misfit cobaltite thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Jikun; Palla-Papavlu, Alexandra; Li, Yulong; Chen, Lidong; Shi, Xun; Döbeli, Max; Stender, Dieter; Populoh, Sascha; Xie, Wenjie; Weidenkaff, Anke; Schneider, Christof W.; Wokaun, Alexander; Lippert, Thomas

    2014-06-01

    A two-step process combining pulsed laser deposition of calcium cobaltite thin films and a subsequent laser induced forward transfer as micro-pixel is demonstrated as a direct writing approach of micro-scale thin film structures for potential applications in thermoelectric micro-devices. To achieve the desired thermo-electric properties of the cobaltite thin film, the laser induced plasma properties have been characterized utilizing plasma mass spectrometry establishing a direct correlation to the corresponding film composition and structure. The introduction of a platinum sacrificial layer when growing the oxide thin film enables a damage-free laser transfer of calcium cobaltite thereby preserving the film composition and crystallinity as well as the shape integrity of the as-transferred pixels. The demonstrated direct writing approach simplifies the fabrication of micro-devices and provides a large degree of flexibility in designing and fabricating fully functional thermoelectric micro-devices.

  18. High-throughput NGL electron-beam direct-write lithography system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parker, N. William; Brodie, Alan D.; McCoy, John H.

    2000-07-01

    Electron beam lithography systems have historically had low throughput. The only practical solution to this limitation is an approach using many beams writing simultaneously. For single-column multi-beam systems, including projection optics (SCALPELR and PREVAIL) and blanked aperture arrays, throughput and resolution are limited by space-charge effects. Multibeam micro-column (one beam per column) systems are limited by the need for low voltage operation, electrical connection density and fabrication complexities. In this paper, we discuss a new multi-beam concept employing multiple columns each with multiple beams to generate a very large total number of parallel writing beams. This overcomes the limitations of space-charge interactions and low voltage operation. We also discuss a rationale leading to the optimum number of columns and beams per column. Using this approach we show how production throughputs >= 60 wafers per hour can be achieved at CDs direct-write (maskless) lithography are significant especially for small-volume semiconductor fabrication, for example ASICs, SOCs and MPUs.

  19. Laser direct writing of carbon/Au composite electrodes for high-performance micro-supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Jinguang; Watanabe, Akira; Lv, Chao

    2017-02-01

    Micro-supercapacitors with small size, light weight, flexibility while maintaining high energy and power output are required for portable miniaturized electronics. The fabrication methods and materials should be cost-effective, scalable, and easily integrated to current electronic industry. Carbon materials have required properties for high-performance flexible supercapacitors, including high specific surface areas, electrochemical stability, and high electrical conductivity, as well as the high mechanical tolerance. Laser direct writing method is a non-contact, efficient, single-step fabrication technique without requirements of masks, post-processing, and complex clean room, which is a useful patterning technique, and can be easily integrated with current electronic product lines for commercial use. Previously we have reported micro-supercapacitors fabricated by laser direct writing on polyimide films in air or Ar, which showed highcapacitive performance. However, the conductivity of the carbon materials is still low for fast charge-discharge use. Here, we demonstrated the fabrication of flexible carbon/Au composite high-performance MSCs by first laser direct writing on commercial polyimide films followed by spin-coating Au nanoparticles ink and second in-situ laser direct writing using the low-cost semiconductor laser. As-prepared micro-supercapacitors show an improved conductivity and capacitance of 1.17 mF/cm2 at a high scanning rate of 10,000 mV/s, which is comparable to the reported capacitance of carbon-based micro-supercapacitors. In addition, the micro-supercapacitors have high bend tolerance and long-cycle stability.

  20. Direct writing of bio-functional coatings for cardiovascular applications.

    PubMed

    Perkins, Jessica; Hong, Yi; Ye, Sang-Ho; Wagner, William R; Desai, Salil

    2014-12-01

    The surface modification of metallic biomaterials is of critical importance to enhance the biocompatibility of surgical implant materials and devices. This article investigates the use of a direct-write inkjet technique for multilayer coatings of a biodegradable polymer (polyester urethane urea (PEUU)) embedded with an anti-proliferation drug paclitaxel (Taxol). The direct-write inkjet technique provides selective patterning capability for depositing multimaterial coatings on three-dimensional implant devices such as pins, screws, and stents for orthopedic and vascular applications. Drug release profiles were studied to observe the influence of drug loading and coating thickness for obtaining tunable release kinetics. Platelet deposition studies were conducted following ovine blood contact and significant reduction in platelet deposition was observed on the Taxol loaded PEUU substrate compared with the unloaded control. Rat smooth muscle cells were used for cell proliferation studies. Significant reduction in cell growth was observed following the release of anti-proliferative drug from the biopolymer thin film. This research provides a basis for developing anti-proliferative biocompatible coatings for different biomedical device applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Using Literature-Based Prompts To Teach Writing Competencies: Directed Reading and Writing Lessons.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gelsinger, Barry D.

    Intended to help teachers integrate writing instruction with the study of literature, this teaching guide offers a philosophy of writing instruction, describes a procedure for teaching reading and writing lessons, and provides a sequence of writing skills. For various literature selections, the guide defines vocabulary, provides topic discussion…

  2. Fabrication of optical waveguides using laser direct writing method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, Sung H.; Kim, Jung Min; Kim, Jae G.; Chang, Won S.; Lee, Eung S.

    2004-09-01

    Laser direct writing (LDW) process is developed using 3-rd harmonic Diode Pumped Solid State Laser (DPSSL) with the near UV wavelength of 355 nm. Photo-sensitive curable polymer is irradiated by UV laser and developed using polymer solvent to obtain quasi-3D patterns. We performed basic experiments for the various process conditions such as laser power, writing speed, laser focus, and optical polymer property to get the optimal conditions. This process could be applied to fabricate a single-mode waveguide without expensive mask projection method. Experimentally, the patterns of trapezoidal shape were manufactured into dimension of 8.4μm width and 7.5μm height. Propagation loss of planar waveguide was 1.42 dB/cm at wavelength of 1,550 nm.

  3. Direct-write assembly of microperiodic planar and spanning ITO microelectrodes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahn, Bok Y; Lorang, David J; Duoss, Eric B.

    2010-01-01

    Printed Sn-doped In{sub 2}O{sub 3} (ITO) microelectrodes are fabricated by direct-write assembly of sol–gel inks with varying concentration. This maskless, non-lithographic approach provides a facile route to patterning transparent conductive features in planar arrays and spanning architectures.

  4. Laser direct writing of combinatorial libraries of idealized cellular constructs: Biomedical applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schiele, Nathan R.; Koppes, Ryan A.; Corr, David T.; Ellison, Karen S.; Thompson, Deanna M.; Ligon, Lee A.; Lippert, Thomas K. M.; Chrisey, Douglas B.

    2009-03-01

    The ability to control cell placement and to produce idealized cellular constructs is essential for understanding and controlling intercellular processes and ultimately for producing engineered tissue replacements. We have utilized a novel intra-cavity variable aperture excimer laser operated at 193 nm to reproducibly direct write mammalian cells with micrometer resolution to form a combinatorial array of idealized cellular constructs. We deposited patterns of human dermal fibroblasts, mouse myoblasts, rat neural stem cells, human breast cancer cells, and bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells to study aspects of collagen network formation, breast cancer progression, and neural stem cell proliferation, respectively. Mammalian cells were deposited by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct write from ribbons comprised of a UV transparent quartz coated with either a thin layer of extracellular matrix or triazene as a dynamic release layer using CAD/CAM control. We demonstrate that through optical imaging and incorporation of a machine vision algorithm, specific cells on the ribbon can be laser deposited in spatial coherence with respect to geometrical arrays and existing cells on the receiving substrate. Having the ability to direct write cells into idealized cellular constructs can help to answer many biomedical questions and advance tissue engineering and cancer research.

  5. An evaluation method for nanoscale wrinkle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Y. P.; Wang, C. G.; Zhang, L. M.; Tan, H. F.

    2016-06-01

    In this paper, a spectrum-based wrinkling analysis method via two-dimensional Fourier transformation is proposed aiming to solve the difficulty of nanoscale wrinkle evaluation. It evaluates the wrinkle characteristics including wrinkling wavelength and direction simply using a single wrinkling image. Based on this method, the evaluation results of nanoscale wrinkle characteristics show agreement with the open experimental results within an error of 6%. It is also verified to be appropriate for the macro wrinkle evaluation without scale limitations. The spectrum-based wrinkling analysis is an effective method for nanoscale evaluation, which contributes to reveal the mechanism of nanoscale wrinkling.

  6. Expressive/Exploratory Technical Writing (XTW) in Engineering: Shifting the Technical Writing Curriculum

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warnock, Scott; Kahn, Michael

    2007-01-01

    While the importance of "expressive writing," or informal, self-directed writing, has been well established, teachers underutilize it, particularly in technical writing courses. We introduce the term expressive/exploratory technical writing (XTW), which is the use of informal, self-directed writing to problem-solve in technical fields. We describe…

  7. The Impact of the Direct Teacher Feedback Strategy on the EFL Secondary Stage Students' Writing Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elashri, Ismail Ibrahim Elshirbini Abdel Fattah

    2013-01-01

    This study aimed at developing some writing skills for second year secondary stage students through the direct teacher feedback strategy. Hence, the problem of the study was stated in the following statement: "The students at Al Azhar secondary schools are not good at writing. As a result their writing skills are weak." They need to be…

  8. Direct Writing of Three-Dimensional Macroporous Photonic Crystals on Pressure-Responsive Shape Memory Polymers.

    PubMed

    Fang, Yin; Ni, Yongliang; Leo, Sin-Yen; Wang, Bingchen; Basile, Vito; Taylor, Curtis; Jiang, Peng

    2015-10-28

    Here we report a single-step direct writing technology for making three-dimensional (3D) macroporous photonic crystal patterns on a new type of pressure-responsive shape memory polymer (SMP). This approach integrates two disparate fields that do not typically intersect: the well-established templating nanofabrication and shape memory materials. Periodic arrays of polymer macropores templated from self-assembled colloidal crystals are squeezed into disordered arrays in an unusual shape memory "cold" programming process. The recovery of the original macroporous photonic crystal lattices can be triggered by direct writing at ambient conditions using both macroscopic and nanoscopic tools, like a pencil or a nanoindenter. Interestingly, this shape memory disorder-order transition is reversible and the photonic crystal patterns can be erased and regenerated hundreds of times, promising the making of reconfigurable/rewritable nanooptical devices. Quantitative insights into the shape memory recovery of collapsed macropores induced by the lateral shear stresses in direct writing are gained through fundamental investigations on important process parameters, including the tip material, the critical pressure and writing speed for triggering the recovery of the deformed macropores, and the minimal feature size that can be directly written on the SMP membranes. Besides straightforward applications in photonic crystal devices, these smart mechanochromic SMPs that are sensitive to various mechanical stresses could render important technological applications ranging from chromogenic stress and impact sensors to rewritable high-density optical data storage media.

  9. Direct write fabrication of waveguides and interconnects for optical printed wiring boards

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dingeldein, Joseph C.

    Current copper based circuit technology is becoming a limiting factor in high speed data transfer applications as processors are improving at a faster rate than are developments to increase on board data transfer. One solution is to utilize optical waveguide technology to overcome these bandwidth and loss restrictions. The use of this technology virtually eliminates the heat and cross-talk loss seen in copper circuitry, while also operating at a higher bandwidth. Transitioning current fabrication techniques from small scale laboratory environments to large scale manufacturing presents significant challenges. Optical-to-electrical connections and out-of-plane coupling are significant hurdles in the advancement of optical interconnects. The main goals of this research are the development of direct write material deposition and patterning tools for the fabrication of waveguide systems on large substrates, and the development of out-of-plane coupler components compatible with standard fiber optic cabling. Combining these elements with standard printed circuit boards allows for the fabrication of fully functional optical-electrical-printed-wiring-boards (OEPWBs). A direct dispense tool was designed, assembled, and characterized for the repeatable dispensing of blanket waveguide layers over a range of thicknesses (25-225 μm), eliminating waste material and affording the ability to utilize large substrates. This tool was used to directly dispense multimode waveguide cores which required no UV definition or development. These cores had circular cross sections and were comparable in optical performance to lithographically fabricated square waveguides. Laser direct writing is a non-contact process that allows for the dynamic UV patterning of waveguide material on large substrates, eliminating the need for high resolution masks. A laser direct write tool was designed, assembled, and characterized for direct write patterning waveguides that were comparable in quality to those

  10. Assessing the Writing of Deaf College Students: Reevaluating a Direct Assessment of Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schley, Sara; Albertini, John

    2005-01-01

    The NTID Writing Test was developed to assess the writing ability of postsecondary deaf students entering the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and to determine their appropriate placement into developmental writing courses. While previous research (Albertini et al., 1986; Albertini et al., 1996; Bochner, Albertini, Samar, & Metz, 1992)…

  11. Directional fidelity of nanoscale motors and particles is limited by the 2nd law of thermodynamics—Via a universal equality

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhisong; Hou, Ruizheng; Efremov, Artem

    2013-07-01

    Directional motion of nanoscale motors and driven particles in an isothermal environment costs a finite amount of energy despite zero work as decreed by the 2nd law, but quantifying this general limit remains difficult. Here we derive a universal equality linking directional fidelity of an arbitrary nanoscale object to the least possible energy driving it. The fidelity-energy equality depends on the environmental temperature alone; any lower energy would violate the 2nd law in a thought experiment. Real experimental proof for the equality comes from force-induced motion of biological nanomotors by three independent groups - for translational as well as rotational motion. Interestingly, the natural self-propelled motion of a biological nanomotor (F1-ATPase) known to have nearly 100% energy efficiency evidently pays the 2nd law decreed least energy cost for direction production.

  12. Korea. Frame In, Frame Out. Writing and Directing Educational Films.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mabrey, Layton

    The techniques of writing and directing an educational film are covered in this book. The book has been written with the intent that it will serve as a guideline for native Koreans interested in producing instructional films for their country. The author begins with a description of the various types of educational films and the uses to which they…

  13. Direct write with microelectronic circuit fabrication

    DOEpatents

    Drummond, Timothy; Ginley, David

    1992-01-01

    In a process for deposition of material onto a substrate, for example, the deposition of metals or dielectrics onto a semiconductor laser, the material is deposited by providing a colloidal suspension of the material and directly writing the suspension onto the substrate surface by ink jet printing techniques. This procedure minimizes the handling requirements of the substrate during the deposition process and also minimizes the exchange of energy between the material to be deposited and the substrate at the interface. The deposited material is then resolved into a desired pattern, preferably by subjecting the deposit to a laser annealing step. The laser annealing step provides high resolution of the resultant pattern while minimizing the overall thermal load of the substrate and permitting precise control of interface chemistry and interdiffusion between the substrate and the deposit.

  14. Grayscale photomask fabricated by laser direct writing in metallic nano-films.

    PubMed

    Guo, Chuan Fei; Cao, Sihai; Jiang, Peng; Fang, Ying; Zhang, Jianming; Fan, Yongtao; Wang, Yongsheng; Xu, Wendong; Zhao, Zhensheng; Liu, Qian

    2009-10-26

    The grayscale photomask plays a key role in grayscale lithography for creating 3D microstructures like micro-optical elements and MEMS structures, but how to fabricate grayscale masks in a cost-effective way is still a big challenge. Here we present novel low cost grayscale masks created in a two-step method by laser direct writing on Sn nano-films, which demonstrate continuous-tone gray levels depended on writing powers. The mechanism of the gray levels is due to the coexistence of the metal and the oxides formed in a laser-induced thermal process. The photomasks reveal good technical properties in fabricating 3D microstructures for practical applications.

  15. Fabrication of computer-generated holograms using femtosecond laser direct writing.

    PubMed

    Berlich, René; Richter, Daniel; Richardson, Martin; Nolte, Stefan

    2016-04-15

    We demonstrate a single-step fabrication method for computer-generated holograms based on femtosecond laser direct writing. Therefore, a tightly arranged longitudinal waveguide array is directly inscribed into a transparent material. By tailoring the individual waveguide length, the phase profile of an incident laser beam can be arbitrarily adapted. The approach is verified in common borosilicate glass by inscribing a designed phase hologram, which forms the desired intensity pattern in its far field. The resulting performance is analyzed, and the potential as well as limitations of the method are discussed.

  16. Writing Instruction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richgels, Donald J.

    2003-01-01

    Discusses four recent writing books: "Teaching to Write: Theory Into Practice" (Jane B. Hughey and Charlotte Slack); "The Writing Teacher's Handbook" (Jo Phenix); "Scaffolding Young Writers: A Writers' Workshop Approach" (Linda J. Dorn and Carla Soffos); and "Directing the Writing Workshop: An Elementary Teacher's Handbook" (Jean Wallace Gillet…

  17. Estimation of line dimensions in 3D direct laser writing lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guney, M. G.; Fedder, G. K.

    2016-10-01

    Two photon polymerization (TPP) based 3D direct laser writing (3D-DLW) finds application in a wide range of research areas ranging from photonic and mechanical metamaterials to micro-devices. Most common structures are either single lines or formed by a set of interconnected lines as in the case of crystals. In order to increase the fidelity of these structures and reach the ultimate resolution, the laser power and scan speed used in the writing process should be chosen carefully. However, the optimization of these writing parameters is an iterative and time consuming process in the absence of a model for the estimation of line dimensions. To this end, we report a semi-empirical analytic model through simulations and fitting, and demonstrate that it can be used for estimating the line dimensions mostly within one standard deviation of the average values over a wide range of laser power and scan speed combinations. The model delimits the trend in onset of micro-explosions in the photoresist due to over-exposure and of low degree of conversion due to under-exposure. The model guides setting of high-fidelity and robust writing parameters of a photonic crystal structure without iteration and in close agreement with the estimated line dimensions. The proposed methodology is generalizable by adapting the model coefficients to any 3D-DLW setup and corresponding photoresist as a means to estimate the line dimensions for tuning the writing parameters.

  18. Direct comparison of the performance of commonly used e-beam resists during nano-scale plasma etching of Si, SiO2, and Cr

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goodyear, Andy; Boettcher, Monika; Stolberg, Ines; Cooke, Mike

    2015-03-01

    Electron beam writing remains one of the reference pattern generation techniques, and plasma etching continues to underpin pattern transfer. We report a systematic study of the plasma etch resistance of several e-beam resists, both negative and positive as well as classical and Chemically Amplified Resists: HSQ[1,2] (Dow Corning), PMMA[3] (Allresist GmbH), AR-P6200 (Allresist GmbH), ZEP520 (Zeon Corporation), CAN028 (TOK), CAP164 (TOK), and an additional pCAR (non-disclosed provider). Their behaviour under plasma exposure to various nano-scale plasma etch chemistries was examined (SF6/C4F8 ICP silicon etch, CHF3/Ar RIE SiO2 etch, Cl2/O2 RIE and ICP chrome etch, and HBr ICP silicon etch). Samples of each resist type were etched simultaneously to provide a direct comparison of their etch resistance. Resist thicknesses (and hence resist erosion rates) were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometer in order to provide the highest accuracy for the resist comparison. Etch selectivities (substrate:mask etch rate ratio) are given, with recommendations for the optimum resist choice for each type of etch chemistry. Silicon etch profiles are also presented, along with the exposure and etch conditions to obtain the most vertical nano-scale pattern transfer. We identify one resist that gave an unusually high selectivity for chlorinated and brominated etches which could enable pattern transfer below 10nm without an additional hard mask. In this case the resist itself acts as a hard mask. We also highlight the differing effects of fluorine and bromine-based Silicon etch chemistries on resist profile evolution and hence etch fidelity.

  19. Direct femtosecond laser writing of buried infrared waveguides in chalcogenide glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Le Coq, D.; Bychkov, E.; Masselin, P.

    2016-02-01

    Direct laser writing technique is now widely used in particular in glass, to produce both passive and active photonic devices. This technique offers a real scientific opportunity to generate three-dimensional optical components and since chalcogenide glasses possess transparency properties from the visible up to mid-infrared range, they are of great interest. Moreover, they also have high optical non-linearity and high photo-sensitivity that make easy the inscription of refractive index modification. The understanding of the fundamental and physical processes induced by the laser pulses is the key to well-control the laser writing and consequently to realize integrated photonic devices. In this paper, we will focus on two different ways allowing infrared buried waveguide to be obtained. The first part will be devoted to a very original writing process based on a helical translation of the sample through the laser beam. In the second part, we will report on another original method based on both a filamentation phenomenon and a point by point technique. Finally, we will demonstrate that these two writing techniques are suitable for the design of single mode waveguide for wavelength ranging from the visible up to the infrared but also to fabricate optical components.

  20. Directed transport by surface chemical potential gradients for enhancing analyte collection in nanoscale sensors.

    PubMed

    Sitt, Amit; Hess, Henry

    2015-05-13

    Nanoscale detectors hold great promise for single molecule detection and the analysis of small volumes of dilute samples. However, the probability of an analyte reaching the nanosensor in a dilute solution is extremely low due to the sensor's small size. Here, we examine the use of a chemical potential gradient along a surface to accelerate analyte capture by nanoscale sensors. Utilizing a simple model for transport induced by surface binding energy gradients, we study the effect of the gradient on the efficiency of collecting nanoparticles and single and double stranded DNA. The results indicate that chemical potential gradients along a surface can lead to an acceleration of analyte capture by several orders of magnitude compared to direct collection from the solution. The improvement in collection is limited to a relatively narrow window of gradient slopes, and its extent strongly depends on the size of the gradient patch. Our model allows the optimization of gradient layouts and sheds light on the fundamental characteristics of chemical potential gradient induced transport.

  1. Fabrication of submicron proteinaceous structures by direct laser writing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Serien, Daniela; Takeuchi, Shoji, E-mail: takeuchi@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp; ERATO Takeuchi Biohybrid Innovation Project, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, 153-8505 Tokyo

    In this paper, we provide a characterization of truly free-standing proteinaceous structures with submicron feature sizes depending on the fabrication conditions by model-based analysis. Protein cross-linking of bovine serum albumin is performed by direct laser writing and two-photon excitation of flavin adenine dinucleotide. We analyze the obtainable fabrication resolution and required threshold energy for polymerization. The applied polymerization model allows prediction of fabrication conditions and resulting fabrication size, alleviating the application of proteinaceous structure fabrication.

  2. Direct write with microelectronic circuit fabrication

    DOEpatents

    Drummond, T.; Ginley, D.

    1988-05-31

    In a process for deposition of material onto a substrate, for example, the deposition of metals for dielectrics onto a semiconductor laser, the material is deposited by providing a colloidal suspension of the material and directly writing the suspension onto the substrate surface by ink jet printing techniques. This procedure minimizes the handling requirements of the substrate during the deposition process and also minimizes the exchange of energy between the material to be deposited and the substrate at the interface. The deposited material is then resolved into a desired pattern, preferably by subjecting the deposit to a laser annealing step. The laser annealing step provides high resolution of the resultant pattern while minimizing the overall thermal load of the substrate and permitting precise control of interface chemistry and interdiffusion between the substrate and the deposit. 3 figs.

  3. Applications of ultrafast laser direct writing: from polarization control to data storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Donko, A.; Gertus, T.; Brambilla, G.; Beresna, M.

    2018-02-01

    Ultrafast laser direct writing is a fascinating technology which emerged more than two decades from fundamental studies of material resistance to high-intensity optical fields. Its development saw the discovery of many puzzling phenomena and demonstration of useful applications. Today, ultrafast laser writing is seen as a technology with great potential and is rapidly entering the industrial environment. Whereas, less than 10 years ago, ultrafast lasers were still confined within the research labs. This talk will overview some of the unique features of ultrafast lasers and give examples of its applications in optical data storage, polarization control and optical fibers.

  4. Dewetting of thin films on flexible substrates via direct-write laser exposure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferrer, Anthony Jesus

    Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have enabled a wide variety of technologies both in the consumer space and in industrial/research areas. At the market level, such devices advance by the invention and innovation of production techniques. Additionally, there has been increased demand for flexible versions of such MEMS devices. Thin film patterning, represents a key technology for the realization of such flexible electronics. Patterns and methods that can be directly written into the thin film allow for design modification on the fly with the need for harsh chemicals and long etching steps. Laser-induced dewetting has the potential to create patterns in thin films at both the microscopic and nanoscopic level without wasting deposited material. This thesis presents the first demonstration of high-speed direct-write patterning of metallic thin films that uses a laser-induced dewetting phenomenon to prevent material loss. The ability to build film material with this technique is explored using various scanning geometries. Finally, demonstrations of direct-write dewetting of a variety of thin films will be presented with special consideration for high melting point metals deposited upon polymer substrates.

  5. Three-dimensional integration of microoptical components buried inside photosensitive glass by femtosecond laser direct writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhongke; Sugioka, Koji; Midorikawa, Katsumi

    2007-12-01

    We report the three-dimensional (3D) integration of microoptical components such as microlenses, micromirrors and optical waveguides in a single glass chip by femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing. First, two types of microoptical lenses were fabricated inside photosensitive Foturan glass by forming hollow microstructures using fs laser direct writing followed by thermal treatment, successive wet etching and additional annealing. One type of lens is the cylindrical microlens with a curvature radius R of 1.0 mm, and the other is the plano-convex microlens with radius R of 0.75 mm. Subsequently, by the continuous procedure of hollow microstructure fabrication, a micromirror was integrated with the plano-convex microlens in the single glass chip. Further integration of waveguides was performed by internal refractive index modification using fs laser direct writing after the hollow structure fabrication of the microlens and the micromirror. A demonstration of the laser beam transmission in the integrated optical microdevice shows that the 3D integration of waveguides with a micromirror and a microoptical lens in a single glass chip is highly effective for light beam guiding and focusing.

  6. Measuring nanoscale viscoelastic parameters of cells directly from AFM force-displacement curves.

    PubMed

    Efremov, Yuri M; Wang, Wen-Horng; Hardy, Shana D; Geahlen, Robert L; Raman, Arvind

    2017-05-08

    Force-displacement (F-Z) curves are the most commonly used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) mode to measure the local, nanoscale elastic properties of soft materials like living cells. Yet a theoretical framework has been lacking that allows the post-processing of F-Z data to extract their viscoelastic constitutive parameters. Here, we propose a new method to extract nanoscale viscoelastic properties of soft samples like living cells and hydrogels directly from conventional AFM F-Z experiments, thereby creating a common platform for the analysis of cell elastic and viscoelastic properties with arbitrary linear constitutive relations. The method based on the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle was validated using finite element (FE) simulations and by comparison with the existed AFM techniques on living cells and hydrogels. The method also allows a discrimination of which viscoelastic relaxation model, for example, standard linear solid (SLS) or power-law rheology (PLR), best suits the experimental data. The method was used to extract the viscoelastic properties of benign and cancerous cell lines (NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, NMuMG epithelial, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells). Finally, we studied the changes in viscoelastic properties related to tumorigenesis including TGF-β induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition on NMuMG cells and Syk expression induced phenotype changes in MDA-MB-231 cells.

  7. Gelatin-based laser direct-write technique for the precise spatial patterning of cells.

    PubMed

    Schiele, Nathan R; Chrisey, Douglas B; Corr, David T

    2011-03-01

    Laser direct-writing provides a method to pattern living cells in vitro, to study various cell-cell interactions, and to build cellular constructs. However, the materials typically used may limit its long-term application. By utilizing gelatin coatings on the print ribbon and growth surface, we developed a new approach for laser cell printing that overcomes the limitations of Matrigel™. Gelatin is free of growth factors and extraneous matrix components that may interfere with cellular processes under investigation. Gelatin-based laser direct-write was able to successfully pattern human dermal fibroblasts with high post-transfer viability (91% ± 3%) and no observed double-strand DNA damage. As seen with atomic force microscopy, gelatin offers a unique benefit in that it is present temporarily to allow cell transfer, but melts and is removed with incubation to reveal the desired application-specific growth surface. This provides unobstructed cellular growth after printing. Monitoring cell location after transfer, we show that melting and removal of gelatin does not affect cellular placement; cells maintained registry within 5.6 ± 2.5 μm to the initial pattern. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of gelatin in laser direct-writing to create spatially precise cell patterns with the potential for applications in tissue engineering, stem cell, and cancer research.

  8. Gelatin-Based Laser Direct-Write Technique for the Precise Spatial Patterning of Cells

    PubMed Central

    Schiele, Nathan R.; Chrisey, Douglas B.

    2011-01-01

    Laser direct-writing provides a method to pattern living cells in vitro, to study various cell–cell interactions, and to build cellular constructs. However, the materials typically used may limit its long-term application. By utilizing gelatin coatings on the print ribbon and growth surface, we developed a new approach for laser cell printing that overcomes the limitations of Matrigel™. Gelatin is free of growth factors and extraneous matrix components that may interfere with cellular processes under investigation. Gelatin-based laser direct-write was able to successfully pattern human dermal fibroblasts with high post-transfer viability (91% ± 3%) and no observed double-strand DNA damage. As seen with atomic force microscopy, gelatin offers a unique benefit in that it is present temporarily to allow cell transfer, but melts and is removed with incubation to reveal the desired application-specific growth surface. This provides unobstructed cellular growth after printing. Monitoring cell location after transfer, we show that melting and removal of gelatin does not affect cellular placement; cells maintained registry within 5.6 ± 2.5 μm to the initial pattern. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of gelatin in laser direct-writing to create spatially precise cell patterns with the potential for applications in tissue engineering, stem cell, and cancer research. PMID:20849381

  9. Direct evidence for the spin cycloid in strained nanoscale bismuth ferrite thin films

    PubMed Central

    Bertinshaw, Joel; Maran, Ronald; Callori, Sara J.; Ramesh, Vidya; Cheung, Jeffery; Danilkin, Sergey A.; Lee, Wai Tung; Hu, Songbai; Seidel, Jan; Valanoor, Nagarajan; Ulrich, Clemens

    2016-01-01

    Magnonic devices that utilize electric control of spin waves mediated by complex spin textures are an emerging direction in spintronics research. Room-temperature multiferroic materials, such as bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), would be ideal candidates for this purpose. To realize magnonic devices, a robust long-range spin cycloid with well-known direction is desired, since it is a prerequisite for the magnetoelectric coupling. Despite extensive investigation, the stabilization of a large-scale uniform spin cycloid in nanoscale (100 nm) thin BiFeO3 films has not been accomplished. Here, we demonstrate cycloidal spin order in 100 nm BiFeO3 thin films through the careful choice of crystallographic orientation, and control of the electrostatic and strain boundary conditions. Neutron diffraction, in conjunction with X-ray diffraction, reveals an incommensurate spin cycloid with a unique [11] propagation direction. While this direction is different from bulk BiFeO3, the cycloid length and Néel temperature remain equivalent to bulk at room temperature. PMID:27585637

  10. Direct Write Printing on Thin and Flexible Substrates for Space Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Paquette, Beth

    2016-01-01

    This presentation describes the work done on direct-write printing conductive traces for a flexible detector application. A Repeatability Plan was established to define detector requirements, material and printer selections, printing facilities, and tests to verify requirements are met. Designs were created for the detector, and printed using an aerosol jet printer. Testing for requirement verification is ongoing.

  11. Direct-laser metal writing of surface acoustic wave transducers for integrated-optic spatial light modulators in lithium niobate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Datta, Bianca C.; Savidis, Nickolaos; Moebius, Michael; Jolly, Sundeep; Mazur, Eric; Bove, V. Michael

    2017-02-01

    Recently, the fabrication of high-resolution silver nanostructures using a femtosecond laser-based direct write process in a gelatin matrix was reported. The application of direct metal writing towards feature development has also been explored with direct metal fusion, in which metal is fused onto the surface of the substrate via a femtosecond laser process. In this paper, we present a comparative study of gelatin matrix and metal fusion approaches for directly laser-written fabrication of surface acoustic wave transducers on a lithium niobate substrate for application in integrated optic spatial light modulators.

  12. Laser direct writing of complex radially varying single-mode polymer waveguide structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kruse, Kevin; Peng, Jie; Middlebrook, Christopher T.

    2015-07-01

    Increasing board-to-board and chip-to-chip computational data rates beyond 12.5 Gbs will require the use of single-mode polymer waveguides (WGs) that have high bandwidths and are able to be wavelength division multiplexed. Laser direct writing (LDW) of polymer WGs provides a scalable and reconfigurable maskless procedure compared to common photolithography fabrication. LDW of straights and radial curves are readily achieved using predefined drive commands of the two-axis direct drive linear stage system. Using the laser direct write process for advanced WG structures requires stage-drive programming techniques that account for specified polymer material exposure durations. Creating advanced structures such as WG S-bends into single-mode polymer WG builds provides designers with the ability to affect pitch control, optical coupling, and reduce footprint requirements. Fabrication of single-mode polymer WG segmented radial arcs is achieved through a smooth radial arc user-programmed defined mathematical algorithm. Cosine and raised-sine S-bends are realized through a segmentation method where the optimal incremental step length and bend dimensions are controlled to achieve minimal structure loss. Laser direct written S-bends are compared with previously published photolithographic S-bend results using theoretical bend loss models. Fabrication results show that LDW is a viable method in the fabrication of advanced polymer WG structures.

  13. Nanoscale phase change memory materials.

    PubMed

    Caldwell, Marissa A; Jeyasingh, Rakesh Gnana David; Wong, H-S Philip; Milliron, Delia J

    2012-08-07

    Phase change memory materials store information through their reversible transitions between crystalline and amorphous states. For typical metal chalcogenide compounds, their phase transition properties directly impact critical memory characteristics and the manipulation of these is a major focus in the field. Here, we discuss recent work that explores the tuning of such properties by scaling the materials to nanoscale dimensions, including fabrication and synthetic strategies used to produce nanoscale phase change memory materials. The trends that emerge are relevant to understanding how such memory technologies will function as they scale to ever smaller dimensions and also suggest new approaches to designing materials for phase change applications. Finally, the challenges and opportunities raised by integrating nanoscale phase change materials into switching devices are discussed.

  14. Final Report for Grant "Direct Writing via Novel Aromatic Ladder Polymer Precursors"

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    C. B. Gorman

    2010-10-29

    This report describes activities and findings under the above entitled grant. These pertain to the development of new synthetic routes to novel precursor polymers and oligomers that are applicable for conversion from electrical insulators to electrical conductors under the application of light (e.g. direct photolithographic writing)

  15. Volume gratings and welding of glass/plastic by femtosecond laser direct writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Watanabe, Wataru

    2018-01-01

    Femtosecond laser direct writing is used to fabricate diffractive optical elements in three dimensions and to weld glass and/or plastic. In this paper, we review volume gratings in plastics and welding of glass/plastic by femtosecond laser direct writing. Volume gratings were embedded inside polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) by femtosecond laser pulses. The diffraction efficiency of the gratings increased after fabrication and reached the maximum. After an initial slow decrease within first several days after the fabrication, the efficiency increased again. This phenomena was called regeneration of the grating. We also demonstrate welding of PMMA by dendrite pattern using femtosecond laser pulses. Laser pulses are focused at the interface of two PMMA substrates with an air gap and melted materials in laser-irradiated region spread within a gap of the substrates and dendrite morphology of melted PMMA was observed outside the laser irradiated area. Finally, we show welding of glass/plastic and metal.

  16. From Lab to Fab: Developing a Nanoscale Delivery Tool for Scalable Nanomanufacturing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Safi, Asmahan A.

    The emergence of nanomaterials with unique properties at the nanoscale over the past two decades carries a capacity to impact society and transform or create new industries ranging from nanoelectronics to nanomedicine. However, a gap in nanomanufacturing technologies has prevented the translation of nanomaterial into real-world commercialized products. Bridging this gap requires a paradigm shift in methods for fabricating structured devices with a nanoscale resolution in a repeatable fashion. This thesis explores the new paradigms for fabricating nanoscale structures devices and systems for high throughput high registration applications. We present a robust and scalable nanoscale delivery platform, the Nanofountain Probe (NFP), for parallel direct-write of functional materials. The design and microfabrication of NFP is presented. The new generation addresses the challenges of throughput, resolution and ink replenishment characterizing tip-based nanomanufacturing. To achieve these goals, optimized probe geometry is integrated to the process along with channel sealing and cantilever bending. The capabilities of the newly fabricated probes are demonstrated through two type of delivery: protein nanopatterning and single cell nanoinjection. The broad applications of the NFP for single cell delivery are investigated. An external microfluidic packaging is developed to enable delivery in liquid environment. The system is integrated to a combined atomic force microscope and inverted fluorescence microscope. Intracellular delivery is demonstrated by injecting a fluorescent dextran into Hela cells in vitro while monitoring the injection forces. Such developments enable in vitro cellular delivery for single cell studies and high throughput gene expression. The nanomanufacturing capabilities of NFPs are explored. Nanofabrication of carbon nanotube-based electronics presents all the manufacturing challenges characterizing of assembling nanomaterials precisely onto devices. The

  17. Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices using laser direct-writing.

    PubMed

    He, P J W; Katis, I N; Eason, R W; Sones, C L

    2015-10-21

    We report the use of a new laser-based direct-write technique that allows programmable and timed fluid delivery in channels within a paper substrate which enables implementation of multi-step analytical assays. The technique is based on laser-induced photo-polymerisation, and through adjustment of the laser writing parameters such as the laser power and scan speed we can control the depth and/or the porosity of hydrophobic barriers which, when fabricated in the fluid path, produce controllable fluid delay. We have patterned these flow delaying barriers at pre-defined locations in the fluidic channels using either a continuous wave laser at 405 nm, or a pulsed laser operating at 266 nm. Using this delay patterning protocol we generated flow delays spanning from a few minutes to over half an hour. Since the channels and flow delay barriers can be written via a common laser-writing process, this is a distinct improvement over other methods that require specialist operating environments, or custom-designed equipment. This technique can therefore be used for rapid fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices that can perform single or multistep analytical assays.

  18. Laser direct-write for fabrication of three-dimensional paper-based devices.

    PubMed

    He, P J W; Katis, I N; Eason, R W; Sones, C L

    2016-08-16

    We report the use of a laser-based direct-write (LDW) technique that allows the design and fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) structures within a paper substrate that enables implementation of multi-step analytical assays via a 3D protocol. The technique is based on laser-induced photo-polymerisation, and through adjustment of the laser writing parameters such as the laser power and scan speed we can control the depths of hydrophobic barriers that are formed within a substrate which, when carefully designed and integrated, produce 3D flow paths. So far, we have successfully used this depth-variable patterning protocol for stacking and sealing of multi-layer substrates, for assembly of backing layers for two-dimensional (2D) lateral flow devices and finally for fabrication of 3D devices. Since the 3D flow paths can also be formed via a single laser-writing process by controlling the patterning parameters, this is a distinct improvement over other methods that require multiple complicated and repetitive assembly procedures. This technique is therefore suitable for cheap, rapid and large-scale fabrication of 3D paper-based microfluidic devices.

  19. Direct writing of metal nanostructures: lithographic tools for nanoplasmonics research.

    PubMed

    Leggett, Graham J

    2011-03-22

    Continued progress in the fast-growing field of nanoplasmonics will require the development of new methods for the fabrication of metal nanostructures. Optical lithography provides a continually expanding tool box. Two-photon processes, as demonstrated by Shukla et al. (doi: 10.1021/nn103015g), enable the fabrication of gold nanostructures encapsulated in dielectric material in a simple, direct process and offer the prospect of three-dimensional fabrication. At higher resolution, scanning probe techniques enable nanoparticle particle placement by localized oxidation, and near-field sintering of nanoparticulate films enables direct writing of nanowires. Direct laser "printing" of single gold nanoparticles offers a remarkable capability for the controlled fabrication of model structures for fundamental studies, particle-by-particle. Optical methods continue to provide a powerful support for research into metamaterials.

  20. Trehalose glycopolymer resists allow direct writing of protein patterns by electron-beam lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bat, Erhan; Lee, Juneyoung; Lau, Uland Y.; Maynard, Heather D.

    2015-03-01

    Direct-write patterning of multiple proteins on surfaces is of tremendous interest for a myriad of applications. Precise arrangement of different proteins at increasingly smaller dimensions is a fundamental challenge to apply the materials in tissue engineering, diagnostics, proteomics and biosensors. Herein, we present a new resist that protects proteins during electron-beam exposure and its application in direct-write patterning of multiple proteins. Polymers with pendant trehalose units are shown to effectively crosslink to surfaces as negative resists, while at the same time providing stabilization to proteins during the vacuum and electron-beam irradiation steps. In this manner, arbitrary patterns of several different classes of proteins such as enzymes, growth factors and immunoglobulins are realized. Utilizing the high-precision alignment capability of electron-beam lithography, surfaces with complex patterns of multiple proteins are successfully generated at the micrometre and nanometre scale without requiring cleanroom conditions.

  1. Electron nanoprobe induced oxidation: A simulation of direct-write purification

    DOE PAGES

    Fowlkes, J. D.; Geier, B.; Lewis, B. B.; ...

    2015-06-01

    Electron beam direct-write has recently taken a large step forward with the advent of methods to purify deposits. This development has opened the door for future direct-write device prototyping and editing. In one such approach, an additional beam scanning procedure removes carbonaceous impurities via oxidation from metal–carbon deposits (e.g., PtC 5) in the presence of H 2O or O 2 after deposition. So far, critical aspects of the oxidation reaction remain unclear; experiments reveal clearly that electron stimulated oxidation drives the process yet it is not understood why H 2O purifies by a bottom-up mechanism while O 2 purifies frommore » the top-down. The simulation results presented here suggest that the chemisorption of dissolved O 2 at buried Pt nanoparticle surfaces controls purification in the top-down case while both the high relative solubility coupled with weak physisorption of H 2O explains the bottom-up process. Crucial too is the role that the carbonaceous contaminant itself has on the dissolution and diffusion of O 2 and H 2O. The results pave the way for simulation driven experiments where (1) the transient densification of the deposit can be accounted for in the initial deposit design stage and (2) the deposition and purification steps can be combined.« less

  2. Electron nanoprobe induced oxidation: A simulation of direct-write purification

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fowlkes, J. D.; Geier, B.; Lewis, B. B.

    Electron beam direct-write has recently taken a large step forward with the advent of methods to purify deposits. This development has opened the door for future direct-write device prototyping and editing. In one such approach, an additional beam scanning procedure removes carbonaceous impurities via oxidation from metal–carbon deposits (e.g., PtC 5) in the presence of H 2O or O 2 after deposition. So far, critical aspects of the oxidation reaction remain unclear; experiments reveal clearly that electron stimulated oxidation drives the process yet it is not understood why H 2O purifies by a bottom-up mechanism while O 2 purifies frommore » the top-down. The simulation results presented here suggest that the chemisorption of dissolved O 2 at buried Pt nanoparticle surfaces controls purification in the top-down case while both the high relative solubility coupled with weak physisorption of H 2O explains the bottom-up process. Crucial too is the role that the carbonaceous contaminant itself has on the dissolution and diffusion of O 2 and H 2O. The results pave the way for simulation driven experiments where (1) the transient densification of the deposit can be accounted for in the initial deposit design stage and (2) the deposition and purification steps can be combined.« less

  3. Epifluorescent direct-write photolithography for microfluidic applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Higgins, MacCallister; Geiger, Emil J.

    2015-01-01

    We present a technique for fabricating soft-lithography molds created using an epifluorescent microscope. By focusing the UV light emitted from a Hg arc lamp, we demonstrate the ability to direct-write photoresist features with a minimum resolution of 45 μm. This resolution is satisfactory for many microfluidic applications. A major advantage of this technique is its low cost, both in terms of capital investment and on-going expenditures. Furthermore, by using a motorized stage, we can quickly fabricate a design on demand, eliminating the need, cost, and lead-time required for a photomask. With the addition of an electronic shutter, complicated separate structures can be imaged and utilized to make a wide range of microfluidic devices. We demonstrate this technique using dry-film resist due to its low cost, ease of application, and less stringent safety protocols.

  4. Zone-boundary optimization for direct laser writing of continuous-relief diffractive optical elements.

    PubMed

    Korolkov, Victor P; Nasyrov, Ruslan K; Shimansky, Ruslan V

    2006-01-01

    Enhancing the diffraction efficiency of continuous-relief diffractive optical elements fabricated by direct laser writing is discussed. A new method of zone-boundary optimization is proposed to correct exposure data only in narrow areas along the boundaries of diffractive zones. The optimization decreases the loss of diffraction efficiency related to convolution of a desired phase profile with a writing-beam intensity distribution. A simplified stepped transition function that describes optimized exposure data near zone boundaries can be made universal for a wide range of zone periods. The approach permits a similar increase in the diffraction efficiency as an individual-pixel optimization but with fewer computation efforts. Computer simulations demonstrated that the zone-boundary optimization for a 6 microm period grating increases the efficiency by 7% and 14.5% for 0.6 microm and 1.65 microm writing-spot diameters, respectively. The diffraction efficiency of as much as 65%-90% for 4-10 microm zone periods was obtained experimentally with this method.

  5. Modeling collective behavior of molecules in nanoscale direct deposition processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Nam-Kyung; Hong, Seunghun

    2006-03-01

    We present a theoretical model describing the collective behavior of molecules in nanoscale direct deposition processes such as dip-pen nanolithography. We show that strong intermolecular interactions combined with nonuniform substrate-molecule interactions can produce various shapes of molecular patterns including fractal-like structures. Computer simulations reveal circular and starlike patterns at low and intermediate densities of preferentially attractive surface sites, respectively. At large density of such surface sites, the molecules form a two-dimensional invasion percolation cluster. Previous experimental results showing anisotropic patterns of various chemical and biological molecules correspond to the starlike regime [P. Manandhar et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 115505 (2003); J.-H. Lim and C. A. Mirkin, Adv. Mater. (Weinheim, Ger.) 14, 1474 (2002); D. L. Wilson et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98, 13660 (2001); M. Su et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 84, 4200 (2004); R. McKendry et al., Nano Lett. 2, 713 (2002); H. Zhou et al., Appl. Surf. Sci. 236, 18 (2004); G. Agarwal et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125, 580 (2003)].

  6. Character Reversal in Children: The Prominent Role of Writing Direction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fischer, Jean-Paul

    2017-01-01

    Recent research has established that 5- to 6-year-old typically developing children in a left-right writing culture spontaneously reverse left-oriented characters (e.g., they write a [reversed J] instead of J) when they write single characters. Thus, children seem to implicitly apply a right-writing rule (RWR: see Fischer & Koch, 2016a). In…

  7. In-chip direct laser writing of a centimeter-scale acoustic micromixer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van't Oever, Jorick; Spannenburg, Niels; Offerhaus, Herman; van den Ende, Dirk; Herek, Jennifer; Mugele, Frieder

    2015-04-01

    A centimeter-scale micromixer was fabricated by two-photon polymerization inside a closed microchannel using direct laser writing. The structure consists of a repeating pattern of 20 μm×20 μm×155 μm acrylate pillars and extends over 1.2 cm. Using external ultrasonic actuation, the micropillars locally induce streaming with flow speeds of 30 μm s-1. The fabrication method allows for large flexibility and more complex designs.

  8. In situ manufacture of magnetic tunnel junctions by a direct-write process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Costanzi, Barry N.; Riazanova, Anastasia V.; Dan Dahlberg, E.; Belova, Lyubov M.

    2014-06-01

    In situ construction of Co/SiO2/Co magnetic tunnel junctions using direct-write electron-beam-induced deposition is described. Proof-of-concept devices were built layer by layer depositing the specific components one at a time, allowing device manufacture using a strictly additive process. The devices exhibit a magnetic tunneling signature which agrees qualitatively with the Slonczewski model of magnetic tunneling.

  9. Automated Geometry assisted PEC for electron beam direct write nanolithography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ocola, Leonidas E.; Gosztola, David J.; Rosenmann, Daniel

    Nanoscale geometry assisted proximity effect correction (NanoPEC) is demonstrated to improve PEC for nanoscale structures over standard PEC, in terms of feature sharpness for sub-100 nm structures. The method was implemented onto an existing commercially available PEC software. Plasmonic arrays of crosses were fabricated using regular PEC and NanoPEC, and optical absorbance was measured. Results confirm that the improved sharpness of the structures leads to increased sharpness in the optical absorbance spectrum features. We also demonstrated that this method of PEC is applicable to arbitrary shaped structures beyond crosses.

  10. Plant virus directed fabrication of nanoscale materials and devices

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-03-26

    stringent coating processes as well as yield novel materials with unique conductive and mesoscale structures (Fowler et al., 2001; Niu et al., 2007a...steel and then coated by ELD with conductive nickel or cobalt. Several fabrication methods including atomic layer deposition, sputtering, electro...novel columnar nanowire structure that when coatedwith conductive nickel provides a forest of nanoscale electrodes that can be coated with silicon by

  11. Plasmonic direct writing lithography with a macroscopical contact probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Yuerong; Liu, Ling; Wang, Changtao; Chen, Weidong; Liu, Yunyue; Li, Ling

    2018-05-01

    In this work, we design a plasmonic direct writing lithography system with a macroscopical contact probe to achieve nanometer scale spots. The probe with bowtie-shaped aperture array adopts spring hinge and beam deflection method (BDM) to realize near-field lithography. Lithography results show that a macroscopical plasmonic contact probe can achieve a patterning resolution of around 75 nm at 365 nm wavelength, and demonstrate that the lithography system is promising for practical applications due to beyond the diffraction limit, low cost, and simplification of system configuration. CST calculations provide a guide for the design of recording structure and the arrangement of placing polarizer.

  12. Direct nanopatterning of polymer/silver nanoblocks under low energy electron beam irradiation.

    PubMed

    El Mel, Abdel-Aziz; Stephant, Nicolas; Gautier, Romain

    2016-10-06

    In this communication, we report on the growth, direct writing and nanopatterning of polymer/silver nanoblocks under low energy electron beam irradiation using a scanning electron microscope. The nanoblocks are produced by placing a droplet of an ethylene glycol solution containing silver nitrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone diluted in ethanol directly on a hot substrate heated up to 150 °C. Upon complete evaporation of the droplet, nanospheres, nano- and micro-triangles and nanoblocks made of silver-containing polymers, form over the substrate surface. Considering the nanoblocks as a model system, we demonstrate that such nanostructures are extremely sensitive to the e-beam extracted from the source of a scanning electron microscope operating at low acceleration voltages (between 5 and 7 kV). This sensitivity allows us to efficiently create various nanopatterns (e.g. arrays of holes, oblique slits and nanotrenches) in the material under e-beam irradiation. In addition to the possibility of writing, the nanoblocks revealed a self-healing ability allowing them to recover a relatively smooth surface after etching. Thanks to these properties, such nanomaterials can be used as a support for data writing and erasing on the nanoscale under low energy electron beam irradiation.

  13. Direct Laser Writing of Single-Material Sheets with Programmable Self-Rolling Capability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bauhofer, Anton; KröDel, Sebastian; Bilal, Osama; Daraio, Chiara; Constantinescu, Andrei

    Direct laser writing, a sub-class of two-photon polymerization, facilitates 3D-printing of single-material microstructures with inherent residual stresses. Here we show that controlled distribution of these stresses allows for fast and cost-effective fabrication of structures with programmable self-rolling capability. We investigate 2D sheets that evolve into versatile 3D structures. Precise control over the shape morphing potential is acquired through variations in geometry and writing parameters. Effects of capillary action and gravity were shown to be relevant for very thin sheets (thickness <1.5um) and have been analytically and experimentally quantified. In contrast to that, the deformations of sheets with larger thickness (>1.5um) are dominated by residual stresses and adhesion forces. The presented structures create local tensions up to 180MPa, causing rolling curvatures of 25E3m-1. A comprehensive analytical model that captures the relevant influence factors was developed based on laminate plate theory. The predicted curvature and directionality correspond well with the experimentally obtained data. Potential applications are found in drug encapsulation and particle traps for emulsions with differing surface energies. This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

  14. Quantum Plasmonics: Quantum Information at the Nanoscale

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-11-06

    journal. In total this project has thus far resulted in six journal articles. We are currently writing up an additional work, on direct quantum tomography...resulted in six journal articles. We are currently writing up an additional work, on direct quantum tomography on state entanglement in quantum

  15. Direct Depth- and Lateral- Imaging of Nanoscale Magnets Generated by Ion Impact

    PubMed Central

    Röder, Falk; Hlawacek, Gregor; Wintz, Sebastian; Hübner, René; Bischoff, Lothar; Lichte, Hannes; Potzger, Kay; Lindner, Jürgen; Fassbender, Jürgen; Bali, Rantej

    2015-01-01

    Nanomagnets form the building blocks for a variety of spin-transport, spin-wave and data storage devices. In this work we generated nanoscale magnets by exploiting the phenomenon of disorder-induced ferromagnetism; disorder was induced locally on a chemically ordered, initially non-ferromagnetic, Fe60Al40 precursor film using  nm diameter beam of Ne+ ions at 25 keV energy. The beam of energetic ions randomized the atomic arrangement locally, leading to the formation of ferromagnetism in the ion-affected regime. The interaction of a penetrating ion with host atoms is known to be spatially inhomogeneous, raising questions on the magnetic homogeneity of nanostructures caused by ion-induced collision cascades. Direct holographic observations of the flux-lines emergent from the disorder-induced magnetic nanostructures were made in order to measure the depth- and lateral- magnetization variation at ferromagnetic/non-ferromagnetic interfaces. Our results suggest that high-resolution nanomagnets of practically any desired 2-dimensional geometry can be directly written onto selected alloy thin films using a nano-focussed ion-beam stylus, thus enabling the rapid prototyping and testing of novel magnetization configurations for their magneto-coupling and spin-wave properties. PMID:26584789

  16. Direct-write maskless lithography using patterned oxidation of Si-substrate Induced by femtosecond laser pulses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kiani, Amirkianoosh; Venkatakrishnan, Krishnan; Tan, Bo

    2013-03-01

    In this study we report a new method for direct-write maskless lithography using oxidized silicon layer induced by high repetition (MHz) ultrafast (femtosecond) laser pulses under ambient condition. The induced thin layer of predetermined pattern can act as an etch stop during etching process in alkaline etchants such as KOH. The proposed method can be leading to promising solutions for direct-write maskless lithography technique since the proposed method offers a higher degree of flexibility and reduced time and cost of fabrication which makes it particularly appropriate for rapid prototyping and custom scale manufacturing. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Micro-Raman, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), optical microscope and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) were used to evaluate the quality of oxidized layer induced by laser pulses.

  17. Direct laser writing for micro-optical devices using a negative photoresist.

    PubMed

    Tsutsumi, Naoto; Hirota, Junichi; Kinashi, Kenji; Sakai, Wataru

    2017-12-11

    Direct laser writing (DLW) via two-photon absorption (TPA) has attracted much attention as a new microfabrication technique because it can be applied to fabricate complex, three-dimensional (3D) microstructures. In this study, 3D microstructures and micro-optical devices of micro-lens array on the micrometer scale are fabricated using the negative photoresist SU-8 through TPA with a femtosecond laser pulse under a microscope. The effects of the irradiation conditions on linewidths, such as laser power, writing speed, and writing cycles (a number of times a line is overwritten), are investigated before the fabrication of the 3D microstructures. Various microstructures such as woodpiles, hemisphere and microstructures, 3D micro-lens and micro-lens array for micro-optical devices are fabricated. The shape of the micro-lens is evaluated using the shape analysis mode of a laser microscope to calculate the working distance of the fabricated micro-lenses. The calculated working distance corresponds well to the experimentally measured value. The focusing performance of the fabricated micro-lens is confirmed by the TPA fluorescence of an isopropyl thioxanthone (ITX) ethanol solution excited by a Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser at 800 nm. Micro-lens array (assembled 9 micro-lenses) are fabricated. Nine independent woodpile structures are simultaneously manufactured by DLW via TPA to confirm the multi-focusing ability using the fabricated micro-lens array.

  18. Laser-guided direct writing for three-dimensional tissue engineering: Analysis and application of radiation forces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nahmias, Yaakov Koby

    Tissue Engineering aims for the creation of functional tissues or organs using a combination of biomaterials and living cells. Artificial tissues can be implanted in patients to restore tissue function that was lost due to trauma, disease, or genetic disorder. Tissue equivalents may also be used to screen the effects of drugs and toxins, reducing the use of animals in research. One of the principle limitations to the size of engineered tissue is oxygen and nutrient transport. Lacking their own vascular bed, cells embedded in the engineered tissue will consume all available oxygen within hours while out branching blood vessels will take days to vascularize the implanted tissue. Establishing capillaries within the tissue prior to implantation can potentially eliminate this limitation. One approach to establishing capillaries within the tissue is to directly write endothelial cells with micrometer accuracy as it is being built. The patterned endothelial cells will then self-assemble into vascular structures within the engineering tissue. The cell patterning technique known as laser-guided direct writing can confine multiple cells in a laser beam and deposit them as a steady stream on any non-absorbing surface with micrometer scale accuracy. By applying the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory for light scattering on laser-guided direct writing we were able to accurately predict the behavior of with various cells and particles in the focused laser. In addition, two dimensionless parameters were identified for general radiation-force based system design. Using laser-guided direct writing we were able to direct the assembly of endothelial vascular structures with micrometer accuracy in two and three dimensions. The patterned vascular structures provided the backbone for subsequent in vitro liver morphogenesis. Our studies show that hepatocytes migrate toward and adhere to endothelial vascular structures in response to endothelial-secreted hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Our

  19. Flexible carbon micro-supercapacitors prepared by direct cw-laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Jinguang; Watanabe, Akira

    2016-03-01

    Micro-/nano-scale power supply units with high energy and high power densities are critical components for the development of compact miniaturized portable electronic devices. Supercapacitors have attracted many research attentions due to their high power density, robust cycle performance, pollution-free operation, and maintenance-free features. Besides, the properties of small size, light weight, and flexibility are also required. On-chip microsupercapacitors (MSCs) have the potential acting as power supply units in portable devices, due to their simplified packaging processes and compatibility to the integrated circuits. However, the fabrication methods and materials should be cost-effective, scalable, and compatible to current electronic industry. Carbon materials own high specific surface areas, electrochemical stability, and high electrical conductivity, which are critical parameters for high-power supercapacitors. Moreover, the high mechanical tolerance makes them good candidates for flexible wearable devices. Therefore, MSCs based on carbon materials would satisfy the requirements of portable electronics. In this work, we demonstrated the fabrication of carbon MSCs by laser direct writing on commercial polyimide sheets in Ar with lowcost semiconductor cw-laser with a wavelength of 405nm. The obtained structures are macro-nanostructures comprising graphitized and amorphous carbon with relatively smooth surfaces and low resistance, in compared with the structures obtained by laser writing in air. As-prepared micro-supercapacitors show a high capacitance of about 14.9 mF/cm2 at a scanning rate of 10 mV/s, which is comparable to the reported highest capacitance of carbon-based supercapacitors fabricated by pulse-laser writing.

  20. Quantum point contacts for electrons on H-Si(111) surfaces using a Ga focused-ion beam for direct-write implant lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robertson, Luke D.; Kane, B. E.

    Quantum point contacts (QPCs) realized in materials with anisotropic electron mass, such as Si, may exhibit valley filter phenomena leading to extreme sensitivity to single donor occupancy, and thus are of interest to measurement schemes for donor-based quantum information processing. To this end, we have developed ambipolar devices on a H-Si(111):Si(100)/SiO2 flip-chip assembly which utilize in-plane, degenerately doped n+ (P) and p+ (B) contacts to probe transport in a 2D electron system (2DES). In addition to providing electrostatic isolation of carriers, these p-type contacts can be used as lateral depletion gates to modulate the 2DES conductance, and if extended to the nanoscale can lead to 1D confinement and quantized conductance of the 2DES. In this talk, I will describe our efforts to use a Ga focused-ion beam for direct-write implant lithography to pattern QPCs and Ga nanowires on H-Si(111) surfaces. I will present low temperature (4.2K) conductance data collected on 30nm Ga nanowires to demonstrate their effectiveness as lateral depletion gates, and discuss on going measurements to confine and modulate the conductance of the 2DES using Ga QPCs.

  1. Direct metal writing: Controlling the rheology through microstructure

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Wen; Thornley, Luke; Coe, Hannah G.; ...

    2017-02-27

    Most metal additive manufacturing approaches are based on powder-bed melting techniques such as laser selective melting or electron beam melting, which often yield uncontrolled microstructures with defects (e.g., pores or microcracks) and residual stresses. Here, we introduce a proof-of-concept prototype of a 3D metal freeform fabrication process by direct writing of metallic alloys in the semi-solid regime. This process is achieved through controlling the particular microstructure and the rheological behavior of semi-solid alloy slurries, which demonstrate a well suited viscosity and a shear thinning property to retain the shape upon printing. Furthermore, the ability to control the microstructure through thismore » method yields a flexible manufacturing route to fabricating 3D metal parts with full density and complex geometries.« less

  2. Direct metal writing: Controlling the rheology through microstructure

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Wen; Thornley, Luke; Coe, Hannah G.

    Most metal additive manufacturing approaches are based on powder-bed melting techniques such as laser selective melting or electron beam melting, which often yield uncontrolled microstructures with defects (e.g., pores or microcracks) and residual stresses. Here, we introduce a proof-of-concept prototype of a 3D metal freeform fabrication process by direct writing of metallic alloys in the semi-solid regime. This process is achieved through controlling the particular microstructure and the rheological behavior of semi-solid alloy slurries, which demonstrate a well suited viscosity and a shear thinning property to retain the shape upon printing. Furthermore, the ability to control the microstructure through thismore » method yields a flexible manufacturing route to fabricating 3D metal parts with full density and complex geometries.« less

  3. Hierarchical Co-Assembly Enhanced Direct Ink Writing.

    PubMed

    Li, Longyu; Zhang, Pengfei; Zhang, Zhiyun; Lin, Qianming; Wu, Yuyang; Cheng, Alexander; Lin, Yunxiao; Thompson, Christina M; Smaldone, Ronald A; Ke, Chenfeng

    2018-04-23

    Integrating intelligent molecular systems into 3D printing materials and transforming their molecular functions to the macroscale with controlled superstructures will unleash great potential for the development of smart materials. Compared to macromolecular 3D printing materials, self-assembled small-molecule-based 3D printing materials are very rare owing to the difficulties of facilitating 3D printability as well as preserving their molecular functions macroscopically. Herein, we report a general approach for the integration of functional small molecules into 3D printing materials for direct ink writing through the introduction of a supramolecular template. A variety of inorganic and organic small-molecule-based inks were 3D-printed, and their superstructures were refined by post-printing hierarchical co-assembly. Through spatial and temporal control of individual molecular events from the nano- to the macroscale, fine-tuned macroscale features were successfully installed in the monoliths. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Did you seek assistance for writing your advance directive? A qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Becker, Matthias; Jaspers, Birgit; King, Claudius; Radbruch, Lukas; Voltz, Raymond; Nauck, Friedemann

    2010-11-01

    the completion of an advanced directive is paired with a high degree of self-responsibility of the signatory. It requires anticipation of probably complex medical situations. In the literature, the family physician is often seen as the most important person for advice when writing an advance directive. But little is known about whether or not patients want to involve medical advisors and to what extent physicians are willing to give advice. The aim of this study was to analyse whether or not individuals approached advisors for the completion of their advance directive, whom they chose and which reasons were given for seeking or foregoing assistance. semi-structured interviews with healthy individuals, chronically ill individuals and patients in palliative care including questions associated with advice for completing an advance directive (8/2008-7/2009). age 55-70 years and advance directive ≥ 3 months old. The interviews were fully transcribed according to standard transcription rules and analysed applying an inductive category development. interviews were conducted with 53 probands (healthy n = 20, chronically ill n = 17, palliative care patients n = 16); 18 probands were male. Mean age was 63.2 ± 4.4 years (range 55-70 years). Professional advice was sought by 12 probands (physician = 2, nurse = 1, lawyer/notary = 8, self-employed advisor = 1), another 8 probands included family members. In 17 cases, the physician knew the proband's advance directive, 36 probands never told their doctor about its existence. Categories of reasons for seeking or foregoing advice were trust/lack of trust, autonomy, rejection and financial considerations. information about the medical implications concerning patient preferences for end-of-life care seems not to be the main focus of interest when individuals write an advance directive. Autonomy and trust into notarially certified documents seem to be more important matters. If family physicians want to have a role in their

  5. E-beam direct write is free

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glasser, Lance A.

    2007-10-01

    In this paper we discuss four business concepts that will impact the adoption of e-beam direct write (EbDW). They are: (1) The economically advantageous region for EbDW. At what costs and volumes EbDW is economically advantageous is controlled by a two-sided constraint involving the cost of reticles on one hand and the cost of design on the other. (2) The important role of product derivatives and other markets that can be satisfied by designs with heavy IP reuse. The natural long tail in demand for differentiated products is today chopped off by the high costs of reticles. We show data on the elasticity of the product derivative market with respect to certain costs. (3) That because reticle prices typically decline at a 30% per year for the first few years after a new node is introduced, delaying the fabrication of that first reticle set for a new product can save millions, more than paying for EbDW. The applicability of this technique is, however, limited by the need for product requalifaction. (4) Finally, we introduce the business concept of the virtual reticle as a possible component in EbDW pricing.

  6. Higher-resolution selective metallization on alumina substrate by laser direct writing and electroless plating

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lv, Ming; Liu, Jianguo; Wang, Suhuan; Ai, Jun; Zeng, Xiaoyan

    2016-03-01

    How to fabricate conductive patterns on ceramic boards with higher resolution is a challenge in the past years. The fabrication of copper patterns on alumina substrate by laser direct writing and electroless copper plating is a low cost and high efficiency method. Nevertheless, the lower resolution limits its further industrial applications in many fields. In this report, the mechanisms of laser direct writing and electroless copper plating were studied. The results indicated that as the decomposed products of precursor PdCl2 have different chemical states respectively in laser-irradiated zone (LIZ) and laser-affected zone (LAZ). This phenomenon was utilized and a special chemical cleaning method with aqua regia solution was taken to selectively remove the metallic Pd in LAZ, while kept the PdO in LIZ as the only active seeds. As a result, the resolution of subsequent copper patterns was improved significantly. This technique has a great significance to develop the microelectronics devices.

  7. Gigahertz Electromagnetic Structures via Direct Ink Writing for Radio-Frequency Oscillator and Transmitter Applications.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Nanjia; Liu, Chengye; Lewis, Jennifer A; Ham, Donhee

    2017-04-01

    Radio-frequency (RF) electronics, which combine passive electromagnetic devices and active transistors to generate and process gigahertz (GHz) signals, provide a critical basis of ever-pervasive wireless networks. While transistors are best realized by top-down fabrication, relatively larger electromagnetic passives are within the reach of printing techniques. Here, direct writing of viscoelastic silver-nanoparticle inks is used to produce a broad array of RF passives operating up to 45 GHz. These include lumped devices such as inductors and capacitors, and wave-based devices such as transmission lines, their resonant networks, and antennas. Moreover, to demonstrate the utility of these printed RF passive structures in active RF electronic circuits, they are combined with discrete transistors to fabricate GHz self-sustained oscillators and synchronized oscillator arrays that provide RF references, and wireless transmitters clocked by the oscillators. This work demonstrates the synergy of direct ink writing and RF electronics for wireless applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Direct-write graded index materials realized in protein hydrogels

    DOE PAGES

    Kaehr, Bryan; Scrymgeour, David A.

    2016-09-20

    Here, the ability to create optical materials with arbitrary index distributions would prove transformative for optics design and applications. However, current fabrication techniques for graded index (GRIN) materials rely on diffusion profiles and therefore are unable to realize arbitrary distribution GRIN design. Here, we demonstrate the laser direct writing of graded index structures in protein-based hydrogels using multiphoton lithography. We show index changes spanning a range of 10 –2, which is comparable with laser densified glass and polymer systems. Further, we demonstrate the conversion of these written density variation structures into SiO 2, opening up the possibility of transforming GRINmore » hydrogels to a wide range of material systems.« less

  9. Direct-write graded index materials realized in protein hydrogels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kaehr, Bryan; Scrymgeour, David A.

    Here, the ability to create optical materials with arbitrary index distributions would prove transformative for optics design and applications. However, current fabrication techniques for graded index (GRIN) materials rely on diffusion profiles and therefore are unable to realize arbitrary distribution GRIN design. Here, we demonstrate the laser direct writing of graded index structures in protein-based hydrogels using multiphoton lithography. We show index changes spanning a range of 10 –2, which is comparable with laser densified glass and polymer systems. Further, we demonstrate the conversion of these written density variation structures into SiO 2, opening up the possibility of transforming GRINmore » hydrogels to a wide range of material systems.« less

  10. Progress and process improvements for multiple electron-beam direct write

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Servin, Isabelle; Pourteau, Marie-Line; Pradelles, Jonathan; Essomba, Philippe; Lattard, Ludovic; Brandt, Pieter; Wieland, Marco

    2017-06-01

    Massively parallel electron beam direct write (MP-EBDW) lithography is a cost-effective patterning solution, complementary to optical lithography, for a variety of applications ranging from 200 to 14 nm. This paper will present last process/integration results to achieve targets for both 28 and 45 nm nodes. For 28 nm node, we mainly focus on line-width roughness (LWR) mitigation by playing with stack, new resist platform and bias design strategy. The lines roughness was reduced by using thicker spin-on-carbon (SOC) hardmask (-14%) or non-chemically amplified (non-CAR) resist with bias writing strategy implementation (-20%). Etch transfer into trilayer has been demonstrated by preserving pattern fidelity and profiles for both CAR and non-CAR resists. For 45 nm node, we demonstrate the electron-beam process integration within optical CMOS flows. Resists based on KrF platform show a full compatibility with multiple stacks to fit with conventional optical flow used for critical layers. Electron-beam resist performances have been optimized to fit the specifications in terms of resolution, energy latitude, LWR and stack compatibility. The patterning process overview showing the latest achievements is mature enough to enable starting the multi-beam technology pre-production mode.

  11. Micro- and Nano-Scale Fabrication of Fluorinated Polymers by Direct Etching Using Focused Ion Beam

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fukutake, Naoyuki; Miyoshi, Nozomi; Takasawa, Yuya; Urakawa, Tatsuya; Gowa, Tomoko; Okamoto, Kazumasa; Oshima, Akihiro; Tagawa, Seiichi; Washio, Masakazu

    2010-06-01

    Micro- and nano-scale fabrications of various fluorinated polymers were demonstrated by direct maskless etching using a focused ion beam (FIB). The etching rates of perfluorinated polymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP), poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoroalkoxyvinylether) (PFA), were about 500-1000 times higher than those of partially fluorinated polymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-ethylene) (ETFE) and poly(vinilydene-fluoride) (PVdF). Controlled high quality and high aspect-ratio nanostructures of spin-coated cross-linked PTFE were obtained without solid debris. The height and diameter of the fibers were about 1.5 µm and 90 nm, respectively. Their aspect ratio was about 17.

  12. Micro- and Nano-Scale Fabrication of Fluorinated Polymers by Direct Etching Using Focused Ion Beam

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Naoyuki Fukutake,; Nozomi Miyoshi,; Yuya Takasawa,; Tatsuya Urakawa,; Tomoko Gowa,; Kazumasa Okamoto,; Akihiro Oshima,; Seiichi Tagawa,; Masakazu Washio,

    2010-06-01

    Micro- and nano-scale fabrications of various fluorinated polymers were demonstrated by direct maskless etching using a focused ion beam (FIB). The etching rates of perfluorinated polymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP), poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoroalkoxyvinylether) (PFA), were about 500-1000 times higher than those of partially fluorinated polymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-ethylene) (ETFE) and poly(vinilydene-fluoride) (PVdF). Controlled high quality and high aspect-ratio nanostructures of spin-coated cross-linked PTFE were obtained without solid debris. The height and diameter of the fibers were about 1.5 μm and 90 nm, respectively. Their aspect ratio was about 17.

  13. Direct-Write Laser Grayscale Lithography for Multilayer Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films.

    PubMed

    Benoit, Robert R; Jordan, Delaney M; Smith, Gabriel L; Polcawich, Ronald G; Bedair, Sarah S; Potrepka, Daniel M

    2018-05-01

    Direct-write laser grayscale lithography has been used to facilitate a single-step patterning technique for multilayer lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films. A 2.55- -thick photoresist was patterned with a direct-write laser. The intensity of the laser was varied to create both tiered and sloped structures that are subsequently transferred into multilayer PZT(52/48) stacks using a single Ar ion-mill etch. Traditional processing requires a separate photolithography step and an ion mill etch for each layer of the substrate, which can be costly and time consuming. The novel process allows access to buried electrode layers in the multilayer stack in a single photolithography step. The grayscale process was demonstrated on three 150-mm diameter Si substrates configured with a 0.5- -thick SiO 2 elastic layer, a base electrode of Pt/TiO 2 , and a stack of four PZT(52/48) thin films of either 0.25- thickness per layer or 0.50- thickness per layer, and using either Pt or IrO 2 electrodes above and below each layer. Stacked capacitor structures were patterned and results will be reported on the ferroelectric and electromechanical properties using various wiring configurations and compared to comparable single layer PZT configurations.

  14. Nanoporous palladium anode for direct ethanol solid oxide fuel cells with nanoscale proton-conducting ceramic electrolyte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yong; Wong, Lai Mun; Xie, Hanlin; Wang, Shijie; Su, Pei-Chen

    2017-02-01

    In this work, we demonstrate the operation of micro-solid oxide fuel cells (μ-SOFCs) with nanoscale proton-conducting Y-BaZrO3 (BZY) electrolyte to avoid the fuel crossover problem for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). The μ-SOFCs are operated with the direct utilisation of ethanol vapour as a fuel and Pd as anode at the temperature range of 300-400 °C. The nanoporous Pd anode is achieved by DC sputtering at high Ar pressure of 80 mTorr. The Pd-anode/BYZ-electrolyte/Pt-cathode cell show peak power densities of 72.4 mW/cm2 using hydrogen and 15.3 mW/cm2 using ethanol at 400 °C. No obvious carbon deposition is seen from XPS analysis after fuel cell test with ethanol fuel.

  15. Flexible metal patterning in glass microfluidic structures using femtosecond laser direct-write ablation followed by electroless plating

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Jian; Midorikawa, Katsumi; Sugioka, Koji

    2014-03-01

    A simple and flexible technique for integrating metal micropatterns into glass microfluidic structures based on threedimensional femtosecond laser microfabrication is presented. Femtosecond laser direct writing followed by thermal treatment and successive chemical etching allows us to fabricate three-dimensional microfluidic structures such as microchannels and microreservoirs inside photosensitive glass. Then, the femtosecond laser direct-write ablation followed by electroless metal plating enables space-selective deposition of patterned metal films on desired locations of internal walls of the fabricated microfluidic structures. The developed technique is applied to integrate a metal microheater into a glass microchannel to control the temperature of liquid samples in the channel, which can be used as a microreactor for enhancement of chemical reactions.

  16. Design of titania nanotube structures by focused laser beam direct writing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Enachi, Mihai; Stevens-Kalceff, Marion A.; Sarua, Andrei

    In this work, we report on electrochemical fabrication of titania films consisting of nanotubes (NTs) and their treatment by focused laser beam. The results of sample characterization by optical and scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence imaging, and Raman scattering scanning spectroscopy are compared to those inherent to specimens subjected to thermal treatment in a furnace. The obtained data demonstrate possibilities for controlling crystallographic structure of TiO{sub 2} NTs by focused laser beam direct writing. These findings open new prospects for the design and fabrication of spatial architectures based on titania nanotubes.

  17. Direct-write Bioprinting of Cell-laden Methacrylated Gelatin Hydrogels

    PubMed Central

    Bertassoni, Luiz E.; Cardoso, Juliana C.; Manoharan, Vijayan; Cristino, Ana L.; Bhise, Nupura S.; Araujo, Wesleyan A.; Zorlutuna, Pinar; Vrana, Nihal E.; Ghaemmaghami, Amir M.

    2014-01-01

    Fabrication of three dimensional (3D) organoids with controlled microarchitectures has been shown to enhance tissue functionality. Bioprinting can be used to precisely position cells and cell-laden materials to generate controlled tissue architecture. Therefore, it represents an exciting alternative for organ fabrication. Despite the rapid progress in the field, the development of printing processes that can be used to fabricate macroscale tissue constructs from ECM-derived hydrogels has remained a challenge. Here we report a strategy for bioprinting of photolabile cell-laden methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels. We bioprinted cell-laden GelMA at concentrations ranging from 7 to 15% with varying cell densities and found a direct correlation between printability and the hydrogel mechanical properties. Furthermore, encapsulated HepG2 cells preserved cell viability for at least 8 days following the bioprinting process. In summary, this work presents a strategy for direct-write bioprinting of a cell-laden photolabile ECM-derived hydrogel, which may find widespread application for tissue engineering, organ printing and the development of 3D drug discovery platforms. PMID:24695367

  18. Direct-write bioprinting of cell-laden methacrylated gelatin hydrogels.

    PubMed

    Bertassoni, Luiz E; Cardoso, Juliana C; Manoharan, Vijayan; Cristino, Ana L; Bhise, Nupura S; Araujo, Wesleyan A; Zorlutuna, Pinar; Vrana, Nihal E; Ghaemmaghami, Amir M; Dokmeci, Mehmet R; Khademhosseini, Ali

    2014-06-01

    Fabrication of three dimensional (3D) organoids with controlled microarchitectures has been shown to enhance tissue functionality. Bioprinting can be used to precisely position cells and cell-laden materials to generate controlled tissue architecture. Therefore, it represents an exciting alternative for organ fabrication. Despite the rapid progress in the field, the development of printing processes that can be used to fabricate macroscale tissue constructs from ECM-derived hydrogels has remained a challenge. Here we report a strategy for bioprinting of photolabile cell-laden methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels. We bioprinted cell-laden GelMA at concentrations ranging from 7 to 15% with varying cell densities and found a direct correlation between printability and the hydrogel mechanical properties. Furthermore, encapsulated HepG2 cells preserved cell viability for at least eight days following the bioprinting process. In summary, this work presents a strategy for direct-write bioprinting of a cell-laden photolabile ECM-derived hydrogel, which may find widespread application for tissue engineering, organ printing and the development of 3D drug discovery platforms.

  19. Nanoscale tissue engineering: spatial control over cell-materials interactions

    PubMed Central

    Wheeldon, Ian; Farhadi, Arash; Bick, Alexander G.; Jabbari, Esmaiel; Khademhosseini, Ali

    2011-01-01

    Cells interact with the surrounding environment by making tens to hundreds of thousands of nanoscale interactions with extracellular signals and features. The goal of nanoscale tissue engineering is to harness the interactions through nanoscale biomaterials engineering in order to study and direct cellular behaviors. Here, we review the nanoscale tissue engineering technologies for both two- and three-dimensional studies (2- and 3D), and provide a holistic overview of the field. Techniques that can control the average spacing and clustering of cell adhesion ligands are well established and have been highly successful in describing cell adhesion and migration in 2D. Extension of these engineering tools to 3D biomaterials has created many new hydrogel and nanofiber scaffolds technologies that are being used to design in vitro experiments with more physiologically relevant conditions. Researchers are beginning to study complex cell functions in 3D, however, there is a need for biomaterials systems that provide fine control over the nanoscale presentation of bioactive ligands in 3D. Additionally, there is a need for 2- and 3D techniques that can control the nanoscale presentation of multiple bioactive ligands and the temporal changes in cellular microenvironment. PMID:21451238

  20. Bloomington Writing Assessment 1977; Student Exercise, Teacher Directions, Scoring.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bloomington Public Schools, MN.

    This booklet contains the 14 exercises that are used in the Bloomington, Minnesota, school system's writing assessment program. Depending on their applicability, the exercises may be used to assess the writing performance of fourth-, eighth-, or eleventh-grade students. Thirteen of the exercises are from the National Assessment of Educational…

  1. Direct Nanoscale Characterization of Submolecular Mobility in Complex Organic Non-linear Optical Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knorr, Daniel; Gray, Tomoko; Kim, Tae-Dong; Luo, Jingdong; Jen, Alex; Overney, Rene

    2008-03-01

    For organic non-linear optical (NLO) materials composed of intricate molecular building blocks, the challenge is to deduce meaningful molecular scale mobility information to understand complex relaxation and phase behavior. This is crucial, as the process of achieving a robust acentric alignment strongly depends on the availability of inter- and intra-molecular mobilities outside the temperature range of the device operation window. Here, we introduce a nanoscale methodology based on scanning probe microscopy that provides direct insight into structural relaxations and shows great potential to direct material design of sophisticated macromolecules. It also offers a means by which mesoscale dynamics and cooperativity involved in relaxation processes can be quantified in terms of dynamic entropy and enthalpy. This study demonstrates this methodology to describe the mesocale dynamics of two systems (1) organic networking dendronized NLO molecular glasses that self-assemble into physically linked polymers due to quadrupolar phenyl-perfluorophenyl interactions and (2) dendronized side-chain electro-optic (EO) polymers. For the self assembling glasses, the degree of intermolecular cooperativity can be deduced using this methodology, while for the dendronized side-chain polymers, specific side chain mobilities are exploited to improve EO properties.

  2. UV waveguides light fabricated in fluoropolymer CYTOP by femtosecond laser direct writing.

    PubMed

    Hanada, Yasutaka; Sugioka, Koji; Midorikawa, Katsumi

    2010-01-18

    We have fabricated optical waveguides inside the UV-transparent polymer, CYTOP, by femtosecond laser direct writing for propagating UV light in biochip applications. Femtosecond laser irradiation is estimated to increase the refractive index of CYTOP by 1.7 x 10(-3) due to partial bond breaking in CYTOP. The waveguide in CYTOP has propagation losses of 0.49, 0.77, and 0.91 dB/cm at wavelengths of 632.8, 355, and 266 nm, respectively.

  3. Direct optical imaging of nanoscale internal organization of polymer films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suran, Swathi; Varma, Manoj

    2018-02-01

    Owing to its sensitivity and precise control at the nanoscale, polyelectrolytes have been immensely used to modify surfaces. Polyelectrolyte multilayers are generally water made and are easy to fabricate on any surface by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly process due to electrostatic interactions. Polyelectrolyte multilayers or PEMs can be assembled to form ultrathin membranes which can have potential applications in water filtration and desalination [1-3]. Hydration in PEMs is a consequence of both the bulk and surface phenomenon [4-7]. Bulk behavior of polymer membranes are well understood. Several techniques including reflectivity and contact angle measurements were used to measure the hydration in the bulk of polymer membranes [4, 8]. On the other hand their internal organization at the molecular level which can have a profound contribution in the transport mechanism, are not understood well. Previously, we engineered a technique, which we refer to as Bright-field Nanoscopy, which allows nanoscale optical imaging using local heterogeneities in a water-soluble germanium (Ge) thin film ( 25 nm thick) deposited on gold [8]. We use this technique to study the water transport in PEMs. It is understood that the surface charge and outer layers of the PEMs play a significant role in water transport through polymers [9-11]. This well-known `odd-even' effect arising on having different surface termination of the PEMs was optically observed with a spatial resolution unlike any other reported previously [12]. In this communication, we report that on increasing the etchant's concentration, one can control the lateral etching of the Ge film. This allowed the visualization of the nanoscale internal organization in the PEMs. Knowledge of the internal structure would allow one to engineer polymer membranes specific to applications such as drug delivering capsules, ion transport membranes and barriers etc. We also demonstrate a mathematical model involving a surface

  4. Low loss photonic components in high index bismuth borate glass by femtosecond laser direct writing.

    PubMed

    Yang, Weijia; Corbari, Costantino; Kazansky, Peter G; Sakaguchi, Koichi; Carvalho, Isabel C S

    2008-09-29

    Single mode, low loss waveguides were fabricated in high index bismuth borate glass by femtosecond laser direct writing. A specific set of writing parameters leading to waveguides perfectly mode matched to standard single-mode fibers at 1.55 microm with an overall insertion loss of approximately 1 dB and with propagation loss below 0.2 dB/cm was identified. Photonic components such as Y-splitters and directional couplers were also demonstrated. A close agreement between their performances and theoretical predictions based upon the characterization of the waveguide properties is shown. Finally, the nonlinear refractive index of the waveguides has been measured to be 6.6 x 10(-15) cm(2)/W by analyzing self-phase modulation of the propagating femtosecond laser pulse at the wavelength of 1.46 microm. Broadening of the transmitted light source as large as 500 nm was demonstrated through a waveguide with the length of 1.8 cm.

  5. The role of research-article writing motivation and self-regulatory strategies in explaining research-article abstract writing ability.

    PubMed

    Lin, Ming-Chia; Cheng, Yuh-Show; Lin, Sieh-Hwa; Hsieh, Pei-Jung

    2015-04-01

    The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of research-article writing motivation and use of self-regulatory writing strategies in explaining second language (L2) research-article abstract writing ability, alongside the L2 literacy effect. Four measures were administered: a L2 literacy test, a research abstract performance assessment, and inventories of writing motivation and strategy. Participants were L2 graduate students in Taiwan (N=185; M age=25.8 yr., SD=4.5, range=22-53). Results of structural equation modeling showed a direct effect of motivation on research-article writing ability, but no direct effect of strategy or indirect effect of motivation via strategy on research-article writing ability, with L2 literacy controlled. The findings suggest research-article writing instruction should address writing motivation, besides L2 literacy.

  6. Direct nanoscale imaging of evolving electric field domains in quantum structures.

    PubMed

    Dhar, Rudra Sankar; Razavipour, Seyed Ghasem; Dupont, Emmanuel; Xu, Chao; Laframboise, Sylvain; Wasilewski, Zbig; Hu, Qing; Ban, Dayan

    2014-11-28

    The external performance of quantum optoelectronic devices is governed by the spatial profiles of electrons and potentials within the active regions of these devices. For example, in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), the electric field domain (EFD) hypothesis posits that the potential distribution might be simultaneously spatially nonuniform and temporally unstable. Unfortunately, there exists no prior means of probing the inner potential profile directly. Here we report the nanoscale measured electric potential distribution inside operating QCLs by using scanning voltage microscopy at a cryogenic temperature. We prove that, per the EFD hypothesis, the multi-quantum-well active region is indeed divided into multiple sections having distinctly different electric fields. The electric field across these serially-stacked quantum cascade modules does not continuously increase in proportion to gradual increases in the applied device bias, but rather hops between discrete values that are related to tunneling resonances. We also report the evolution of EFDs, finding that an incremental change in device bias leads to a hopping-style shift in the EFD boundary--the higher electric field domain expands at least one module each step at the expense of the lower field domain within the active region.

  7. Direct Nanoscale Imaging of Evolving Electric Field Domains in Quantum Structures

    PubMed Central

    Dhar, Rudra Sankar; Razavipour, Seyed Ghasem; Dupont, Emmanuel; Xu, Chao; Laframboise, Sylvain; Wasilewski, Zbig; Hu, Qing; Ban, Dayan

    2014-01-01

    The external performance of quantum optoelectronic devices is governed by the spatial profiles of electrons and potentials within the active regions of these devices. For example, in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), the electric field domain (EFD) hypothesis posits that the potential distribution might be simultaneously spatially nonuniform and temporally unstable. Unfortunately, there exists no prior means of probing the inner potential profile directly. Here we report the nanoscale measured electric potential distribution inside operating QCLs by using scanning voltage microscopy at a cryogenic temperature. We prove that, per the EFD hypothesis, the multi-quantum-well active region is indeed divided into multiple sections having distinctly different electric fields. The electric field across these serially-stacked quantum cascade modules does not continuously increase in proportion to gradual increases in the applied device bias, but rather hops between discrete values that are related to tunneling resonances. We also report the evolution of EFDs, finding that an incremental change in device bias leads to a hopping-style shift in the EFD boundary – the higher electric field domain expands at least one module each step at the expense of the lower field domain within the active region. PMID:25431158

  8. Direct Nanoscale Imaging of Evolving Electric Field Domains in Quantum Structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dhar, Rudra Sankar; Razavipour, Seyed Ghasem; Dupont, Emmanuel; Xu, Chao; Laframboise, Sylvain; Wasilewski, Zbig; Hu, Qing; Ban, Dayan

    2014-11-01

    The external performance of quantum optoelectronic devices is governed by the spatial profiles of electrons and potentials within the active regions of these devices. For example, in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), the electric field domain (EFD) hypothesis posits that the potential distribution might be simultaneously spatially nonuniform and temporally unstable. Unfortunately, there exists no prior means of probing the inner potential profile directly. Here we report the nanoscale measured electric potential distribution inside operating QCLs by using scanning voltage microscopy at a cryogenic temperature. We prove that, per the EFD hypothesis, the multi-quantum-well active region is indeed divided into multiple sections having distinctly different electric fields. The electric field across these serially-stacked quantum cascade modules does not continuously increase in proportion to gradual increases in the applied device bias, but rather hops between discrete values that are related to tunneling resonances. We also report the evolution of EFDs, finding that an incremental change in device bias leads to a hopping-style shift in the EFD boundary - the higher electric field domain expands at least one module each step at the expense of the lower field domain within the active region.

  9. Formation of Si and Ge films and micropatterns by wet process using laser direct writing method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Watanabe, Akira

    2011-03-01

    The studies toward the formation of Si and Ge films and micropatterns by wet process using laser direct writing method are reported. First is the the formation of Si film by laser scanning irradiation to Si nano- or micro-particle dispersed films. By using organogermanium nanocluster (OrGe) as a dispersion medium of Si particles, a homogeneous Si film was formed by laser scanning irradiation on a Si particle/OrGe composite film. The micro-Raman spectra showed the formation of the polycrystalline Ge and SiGe alloy during the fusion of the Si particles by laser irradiation. The second is the formation of the Si and Ge micropatterns by LLDW (liquid phase laser direct writing) method. Micro-Raman spectra showed the formation of polycrystalline Si and Ge micropatterns by laser irradiation on the interfaces of SiCl4/substrate and GeCl4/substrate, respectively.

  10. Revision Strategies for Adolescent Writers: Moving Students in the Write Direction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Borgese, Jolene; Heyler, Dick; Romano, Stephanie

    2011-01-01

    For many secondary students, writing effectively is the most elusive of the critical literacy skills needed for college and career readiness. And for many teachers, revision is the most difficult part of the writing process to tackle. How can adolescent writers be guided to revisit their work, to identify the weaknesses in their writing drafts,…

  11. Direct write electron beam lithography: a historical overview

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pfeiffer, Hans C.

    2010-09-01

    Maskless pattern generation capability in combination with practically limitless resolution made probe-forming electron beam systems attractive tools in the semiconductor fabrication process. However, serial exposure of pattern elements with a scanning beam is a slow process and throughput presented a key challenge in electron beam lithography from the beginning. To meet this challenge imaging concepts with increasing exposure efficiency have been developed projecting ever larger number of pixels in parallel. This evolution started in the 1960s with the SEM-type Gaussian beam systems writing one pixel at a time directly on wafers. During the 1970s IBM pioneered the concept of shaped beams containing multiple pixels which led to higher throughput and an early success of e-beam direct write (EBDW) in large scale manufacturing of semiconductor chips. EBDW in a mix-and match approach with optical lithography provided unique flexibility in part number management and cycle time reduction and proved extremely cost effective in IBM's Quick-Turn-Around-Time (QTAT) facilities. But shaped beams did not keep pace with Moore's law because of limitations imposed by the physics of charged particles: Coulomb interactions between beam electrons cause image blur and consequently limit beam current and throughput. A new technology approach was needed. Physically separating beam electrons into multiple beamlets to reduce Coulomb interaction led to the development of massively parallel projection of pixels. Electron projection lithography (EPL) - a mask based imaging technique emulating optical steppers - was pursued during the 1990s by Bell Labs with SCALPEL and by IBM with PREVAIL in partnership with Nikon. In 2003 Nikon shipped the first NCR-EB1A e-beam stepper based on the PREVAIL technology to Selete. It exposed pattern segments containing 10 million pixels in single shot and represented the first successful demonstration of massively parallel pixel projection. However the window

  12. Direct Ink Writing of Three-Dimensional (K, Na)NbO3-Based Piezoelectric Ceramics

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yayun; Li, Longtu; Li, Bo

    2015-01-01

    A kind of piezoelectric ink was prepared with Li, Ta, Sb co-doped (K, Na)NbO3 (KNN) powders. Piezoelectric scaffolds with diameters at micrometer scale were constructed from this ink by using direct ink writing method. According to the micro-morphology and density test, the samples sintered at 1100 °C for 2 h have formed ceramics completely with a high relative density of 98%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) test shows that the main phase of sintered samples is orthogonal (Na0.52K0.4425Li0.0375)(Nb0.87Sb0.07Ta0.06)O3. The piezoelectric constant d33 of 280 pC/N, dielectric constant ε of 1775, remanent polarization Pr of 18.8 μC/cm2 and coercive field Ec of 8.5 kV/cm prove that the sintered samples exhibit good electrical properties. The direct ink writing method allows one to design and rapidly fabricate piezoelectric structures in complex three-dimensional (3D) shapes without the need for any dies or lithographic masks, which will simplify the process of material preparation and offer new ideas for the design and application of piezoelectric devices. PMID:28788028

  13. The Effects of Stimulus Writing Modality To Produce Writing Fluency in the Primary Grades.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duross, Christine; And Others

    An action research project set out to increase students' writing fluency and investigate whether writing fluency varies as a function of writing prompts and directions given to students. Subjects were 62 students in a first-grade class, a second-grade class, and a fifth/sixth-grade Special Day class (all in this class are learning disabled) in a…

  14. Directly writing resistor, inductor and capacitor to composite functional circuits: a super-simple way for alternative electronics.

    PubMed

    Gao, Yunxia; Li, Haiyan; Liu, Jing

    2013-01-01

    The current strategies for making electronic devices are generally time, water, material and energy consuming. Here, the direct writing of composite functional circuits through comprehensive use of GaIn10-based liquid metal inks and matching material is proposed and investigated, which is a rather easy going and cost effective electronics fabrication way compared with the conventional approaches. Owing to its excellent adhesion and electrical properties, the liquid metal ink was demonstrated as a generalist in directly making various basic electronic components such as planar resistor, inductor and capacitor or their combination and thus composing circuits with expected electrical functions. For a precise control of the geometric sizes of the writing, a mask with a designed pattern was employed and demonstrated. Mechanisms for justifying the chemical components of the inks and the magnitudes of the target electronic elements so as to compose various practical circuits were disclosed. Fundamental tests on the electrical components including capacitor and inductor directly written on paper with working time up to 48 h and elevated temperature demonstrated their good stability and potential widespread adaptability especially when used in some high frequency circuits. As the first proof-of-concept experiment, a typical functional oscillating circuit including an integrated chip of 74HC04 with a supply voltage of 5 V, a capacitor of 10 nF and two resistors of 5 kΩ and 1 kΩ respectively was directly composed on paper through integrating specific electrical elements together, which presented an oscillation frequency of 8.8 kHz. The present method significantly extends the roles of the metal ink in recent works serving as only a single electrical conductor or interconnecting wires. It opens the way for directly writing out complex functional circuits or devices on different substrates. Such circuit composition strategy has generalized purpose and can be extended to more

  15. Controlled propulsion and separation of helical particles at the nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Alcanzare, Maria Michiko T; Thakore, Vaibhav; Ollila, Santtu T T; Karttunen, Mikko; Ala-Nissila, Tapio

    2017-03-15

    Controlling the motion of nano and microscale objects in a fluid environment is a key factor in designing optimized tiny machines that perform mechanical tasks such as transport of drugs or genetic material in cells, fluid mixing to accelerate chemical reactions, and cargo transport in microfluidic chips. Directed motion is made possible by the coupled translational and rotational motion of asymmetric particles. A current challenge in achieving directed and controlled motion at the nanoscale lies in overcoming random Brownian motion due to thermal fluctuations in the fluid. We use a hybrid lattice-Boltzmann molecular dynamics method with full hydrodynamic interactions and thermal fluctuations to demonstrate that controlled propulsion of individual nanohelices in an aqueous environment is possible. We optimize the propulsion velocity and the efficiency of externally driven nanohelices. We quantify the importance of the thermal effects on the directed motion by calculating the Péclet number for various shapes, number of turns and pitch lengths of the helices. Consistent with the experimental microscale separation of chiral objects, our results indicate that in the presence of thermal fluctuations at Péclet numbers >10, chiral particles follow the direction of propagation according to its handedness and the direction of the applied torque making separation of chiral particles possible at the nanoscale. Our results provide criteria for the design and control of helical machines at the nanoscale.

  16. Writing Like a Scientist: Exploring Elementary Teachers' Understandings and Practices of Writing in Science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glen, Nicole J.; Dotger, Sharon

    2013-10-01

    This qualitative study examined the connections between elementary teachers’ conceptions of how scientists use writing and how the teachers used writing during science lessons. Data collected included lesson observations, interviews, handouts to students, and curriculum resources. The findings revealed that teachers in this study thought scientists write for several purposes: the presentation of data, observations, experiences, procedures, and facts. The teachers used writing tasks that mirrored this with their students. The teachers also had a limited definition of creativity in writing, and when they had students write creatively in science it was to add in fictional elements. Implications of this study include providing teachers with better models for how and why scientists write, including these models in more inquiry-based science lessons, and directly relating concepts of nature of science to elementary science writing.

  17. Nanoscale platforms for messenger RNA delivery.

    PubMed

    Li, Bin; Zhang, Xinfu; Dong, Yizhou

    2018-05-04

    Messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising class of drugs for diverse therapeutic applications in the past few years. A series of clinical trials are ongoing or will be initiated in the near future for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Currently, mRNA-based therapeutics mainly focuses on ex vivo transfection and local administration in clinical studies. Efficient and safe delivery of therapeutically relevant mRNAs remains one of the major challenges for their broad applications in humans. Thus, effective delivery systems are urgently needed to overcome this limitation. In recent years, numerous nanoscale biomaterials have been constructed for mRNA delivery in order to protect mRNA from extracellular degradation and facilitate endosomal escape after cellular uptake. Nanoscale platforms have expanded the feasibility of mRNA-based therapeutics, and enabled its potential applications to protein replacement therapy, cancer immunotherapy, therapeutic vaccines, regenerative medicine, and genome editing. This review focuses on recent advances, challenges, and future directions in nanoscale platforms designed for mRNA delivery, including lipid and lipid-derived nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles, protein derivatives mRNA complexes, and other types of nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Direct laser writing of polymeric nanostructures via optically induced local thermal effect

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tong, Quang Cong; Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, 10000 Hanoi; Nguyen, Dam Thuy Trang

    We demonstrate the fabrication of desired structures with feature size below the diffraction limit by use of a positive photoresist. The direct laser writing technique employing a continuous-wave laser was used to optically induce a local thermal effect in a positive photoresist, which then allowed the formation of solid nanostructures. This technique enabled us to realize multi-dimensional sub-microstructures by use of a positive photoresist, with a feature size down to 57 nm. This mechanism acting on positive photoresists opens a simple and low-cost way for nanofabrication.

  19. Direct write of copper-graphene composite using micro-cold spray

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dardona, Sameh, E-mail: dardona@utrc.utc.com; She, Ying; Schmidt, Wayde R.

    Direct write of a new class of composite materials containing copper and graphene in the powder phase is described. The composite was synthesized using batch electroless plating of copper for various times onto Nano Graphene Platelets (NGP) to control the amount of copper deposited within the loosely aggregated graphene powder. Copper deposition was confirmed by both Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and Auger electron spectroscopic analysis. A micro-cold spray technique was used to deposit traces that are ∼230 μm wide and ∼5 μm thick of the formulated copper/graphene powder onto a glass substrate. The deposited traces were found to have goodmore » adhesion to the substrate with ∼65x the copper bulk resistivity.« less

  20. Architected cellular ceramics with tailored stiffness via direct foam writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muth, Joseph T.; Dixon, Patrick G.; Woish, Logan; Gibson, Lorna J.; Lewis, Jennifer A.

    2017-02-01

    Hierarchical cellular structures are ubiquitous in nature because of their low-density, high-specific properties, and multifunctionality. Inspired by these systems, we created lightweight ceramic architectures composed of closed-cell porous struts patterned in the form of hexagonal and triangular honeycombs by direct foam writing. The foam ink contains bubbles stabilized by attractive colloidal particles suspended in an aqueous solution. The printed and sintered ceramic foam honeycombs possess low relative density (˜6%). By tailoring their microstructure and geometry, we created honeycombs with different modes of deformation, exceptional specific stiffness, and stiffness values that span over an order of magnitude. This capability represents an important step toward the scalable fabrication of hierarchical porous materials for applications, including lightweight structures, thermal insulation, tissue scaffolds, catalyst supports, and electrodes.

  1. Robust laser-structured asymmetrical PTFE mesh for underwater directional transportation and continuous collection of gas bubbles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yin, Kai; Yang, Shuai; Dong, Xinran; Chu, Dongkai; Duan, Ji-An; He, Jun

    2018-06-01

    We report a simple, efficient method to fabricate micro/nanoscale hierarchical structures on one side of polytetrafluoroethylene mesh surfaces, using one-step femtosecond laser direct writing technology. The laser-treated surface exhibits superhydrophobicity in air and superaerophilicity in water, resulting in the mesh possessing the hydrophobic/superhydrophobic asymmetrical property. Bubbles can pass through the mesh from the untreated side to the laser-treated side but cannot pass through the mesh in the opposite direction. The asymmetrical mesh can therefore be designed for the directional transportation and continuous collection of gas bubbles in aqueous environments. Furthermore, the asymmetrical mesh shows excellent stability during corrosion and abrasion tests. These findings may provide an efficient route for fabricating a durable asymmetrical mesh for the directional and continuous transport of gas bubbles.

  2. Direct laser writing of polymer micro-ring resonator ultrasonic sensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Heming; Krishnaswamy, Sridhar

    2017-04-01

    With the development of photoacoustic technology in recent years, ultrasound-related sensors play a vital role in a number of areas ranging from scientific research to nondestructive testing. Compared with the traditional PZT transducer as ultrasonic sensors, novel ultrasonic sensors based on optical methods such as micro-ring resonators have gained increasing attention. The total internal reflection of the light along the cavity results in light propagating in microcavities as whispering gallery modes (WGMs), which are extremely sensitive to change in the radius and refractive index of the cavity induced by ultrasound strain field. In this work, we present a polymer optical micro-ring resonator based ultrasonic sensor fabricated by direct laser writing optical lithography. The design consists of a single micro-ring and a straight tapered waveguide that can be directly coupled by single mode fibers (SMFs). The design and fabrication of the printed polymer resonator have been optimized to provide broad bandwidth and high optical quality factor to ensure high detection sensitivity. The experiments demonstrate the potential of the polymer micro-ring resonator to works as a high-performance ultrasonic sensor.

  3. Mirror writing in pre-school children: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Cubelli, Roberto; Della Sala, Sergio

    2009-05-01

    Mirror writing refers to the production of individual letters, whole words or sentences in reverse direction. Unintentional mirror writing has been observed in young children learning to write and interpreted as the manifestation of different cognitive impairments. We report on mirror writing instances in a sample of 108 pre-school children. Results showed MW to be age-related but independent from handedness and left-right discrimination abilities. We propose an account of mirror writing as reflecting dissociation between acquired motor programmes for letter shape composition and unspecified spatial direction of hand movements. Before learning to write, the child's directional cognitive system is assumed to be dichotomous, thus inducing the production of randomly oriented asymmetrical letters.

  4. Engineering nanoscale stem cell niche: direct stem cell behavior at cell-matrix interface.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yan; Gordon, Andrew; Qian, Weiyi; Chen, Weiqiang

    2015-09-16

    Biophysical cues on the extracellular matrix (ECM) have proven to be significant regulators of stem cell behavior and evolution. Understanding the interplay of these cells and their extracellular microenvironment is critical to future tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, both of which require a means of controlled differentiation. Research suggests that nanotopography, which mimics the local, nanoscale, topographic cues within the stem cell niche, could be a way to achieve large-scale proliferation and control of stem cells in vitro. This Progress Report reviews the history and contemporary advancements of this technology, and pays special attention to nanotopographic fabrication methods and the effect of different nanoscale patterns on stem cell response. Finally, it outlines potential intracellular mechanisms behind this response. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. Technical Writing 1987: Galloping Off in at Least Two Directions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stohrer, Freda F.

    Technical writing instructors generally agree about the absolute need for communication skills throughout the technological work place, but a survey of technical writing journal articles shows a lack of focus on ways to address business's needs for on-the-job literacy. One major advance within the profession in recent years has been the…

  6. Lossless compression algorithm for REBL direct-write e-beam lithography system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cramer, George; Liu, Hsin-I.; Zakhor, Avideh

    2010-03-01

    Future lithography systems must produce microchips with smaller feature sizes, while maintaining throughputs comparable to those of today's optical lithography systems. This places stringent constraints on the effective data throughput of any maskless lithography system. In recent years, we have developed a datapath architecture for direct-write lithography systems, and have shown that compression plays a key role in reducing throughput requirements of such systems. Our approach integrates a low complexity hardware-based decoder with the writers, in order to decompress a compressed data layer in real time on the fly. In doing so, we have developed a spectrum of lossless compression algorithms for integrated circuit layout data to provide a tradeoff between compression efficiency and hardware complexity, the latest of which is Block Golomb Context Copy Coding (Block GC3). In this paper, we present a modified version of Block GC3 called Block RGC3, specifically tailored to the REBL direct-write E-beam lithography system. Two characteristic features of the REBL system are a rotary stage resulting in arbitrarily-rotated layout imagery, and E-beam corrections prior to writing the data, both of which present significant challenges to lossless compression algorithms. Together, these effects reduce the effectiveness of both the copy and predict compression methods within Block GC3. Similar to Block GC3, our newly proposed technique Block RGC3, divides the image into a grid of two-dimensional "blocks" of pixels, each of which copies from a specified location in a history buffer of recently-decoded pixels. However, in Block RGC3 the number of possible copy locations is significantly increased, so as to allow repetition to be discovered along any angle of orientation, rather than horizontal or vertical. Also, by copying smaller groups of pixels at a time, repetition in layout patterns is easier to find and take advantage of. As a side effect, this increases the total number

  7. Performance Characterization of an xy-Stage Applied to Micrometric Laser Direct Writing Lithography

    PubMed Central

    Jaramillo, Juan; Zarzycki, Artur; Galeano, July; Sandoz, Patrick

    2017-01-01

    This article concerns the characterization of the stability and performance of a motorized stage used in laser direct writing lithography. The system was built from commercial components and commanded by G-code. Measurements use a pseudo-periodic-pattern (PPP) observed by a camera and image processing is based on Fourier transform and phase measurement methods. The results report that the built system has a stability against vibrations determined by peak-valley deviations of 65 nm and 26 nm in the x and y directions, respectively, with a standard deviation of 10 nm in both directions. When the xy-stage is in movement, it works with a resolution of 0.36 µm, which is an acceptable value for most of research and development (R and D) microtechnology developments in which the typical feature size used is in the micrometer range. PMID:28146126

  8. Performance Characterization of an xy-Stage Applied to Micrometric Laser Direct Writing Lithography.

    PubMed

    Jaramillo, Juan; Zarzycki, Artur; Galeano, July; Sandoz, Patrick

    2017-01-31

    This article concerns the characterization of the stability and performance of a motorized stage used in laser direct writing lithography. The system was built from commercial components and commanded by G-code. Measurements use a pseudo-periodic-pattern (PPP) observed by a camera and image processing is based on Fourier transform and phase measurement methods. The results report that the built system has a stability against vibrations determined by peak-valley deviations of 65 nm and 26 nm in the x and y directions, respectively, with a standard deviation of 10 nm in both directions. When the xy-stage is in movement, it works with a resolution of 0.36 μm, which is an acceptable value for most of research and development (R and D) microtechnology developments in which the typical feature size used is in the micrometer range.

  9. Laser direct writing (LDW) of magnetic structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alasadi, Alaa; Claeyssens, F.; Allwood, D. A.

    2018-05-01

    Laser direct writing (LDW) has been used to pattern 90nm thick permalloy (Ni81Fe19) into 1-D and 2-D microstructures with strong shape anisotropy. Sub-nanosecond laser pulses were focused with a 0.75 NA lens to a 1.85μm diameter spot, to achieve a fluence of approximately 350 mJ.cm-2 and ablate the permalloy film. Computer-controlled sample scanning then allowed structures to be defined. Scan speeds were controlled to give 30% overlap between successive laser pulses and reduce the extent of width modulation in the final structures. Continuous magnetic wires that adjoined the rest of the film were fabricated with widths from 650 nm - 6.75μm and magneto-optical measurements showed coercivity reducing across this width range from 47 Oe to 11 Oe. Attempts to fabricate wires narrower than 650nm resulted in discontinuities in the wires and a marked decrease in coercivity. This approach is extremely rapid and was carried out in air, at room temperature and with no chemical processing. The 6-kHz laser pulse repetition rate allowed wire arrays across an area of 4 mm x 0.18 mm to be patterned in 85 s.

  10. Task factor usability ratings for different age groups writing Chinese.

    PubMed

    Chan, A H S; So, J C Y

    2009-11-01

    This study evaluated how different task factors affect performance and user subjective preferences for three different age groups of Chinese subjects (6-11, 20-23, 65-70 years) when hand writing Chinese characters. The subjects copied Chinese character sentences with different settings for the task factors of writing plane angle (horizontal 0 degrees , slanted 15 degrees ), writing direction (horizontal, vertical), and line spacing (5 mm, 7 mm and no lines). Writing speed was measured and subjective preferences (effectiveness and satisfaction) were assessed for each of the task factor settings. The result showed that there was a conflict between writing speed and personal preference for the line spacing factor; 5 mm line spacing increased writing speed but it was the least preferred. It was also found that: vertical and horizontal writing directions and a slanted work surface suited school-aged children; a horizontal work surface and horizontal writing direction suited university students; and a horizontal writing direction with either a horizontal or slanted work surface suited the older adults.

  11. Heteroepitaxial Writing of Silicon-on-Sapphire Nanowires.

    PubMed

    Xu, Mingkun; Xue, Zhaoguo; Wang, Jimmy; Zhao, Yaolong; Duan, Yao; Zhu, Guangyao; Yu, Linwei; Xu, Jun; Wang, Junzhuan; Shi, Yi; Chen, Kunji; Roca I Cabarrocas, Pere

    2016-12-14

    The heteroepitaxial growth of crystal silicon thin films on sapphire, usually referred to as SoS, has been a key technology for high-speed mixed-signal integrated circuits and processors. Here, we report a novel nanoscale SoS heteroepitaxial growth that resembles the in-plane writing of self-aligned silicon nanowires (SiNWs) on R-plane sapphire. During a low-temperature growth at <350 °C, compared to that required for conventional SoS fabrication at >900 °C, the bottom heterointerface cultivates crystalline Si pyramid seeds within the catalyst droplet, while the vertical SiNW/catalyst interface subsequently threads the seeds into continuous nanowires, producing self-oriented in-plane SiNWs that follow a set of crystallographic directions of the sapphire substrate. Despite the low-temperature fabrication process, the field effect transistors built on the SoS-SiNWs demonstrate a high on/off ratio of >5 × 10 4 and a peak hole mobility of >50 cm 2 /V·s. These results indicate the novel potential of deploying in-plane SoS nanowire channels in places that require high-performance nanoelectronics and optoelectronics with a drastically reduced thermal budget and a simplified manufacturing procedure.

  12. Write-Read 3D Patterning with a Dual-Channel Nanopipette.

    PubMed

    Momotenko, Dmitry; Page, Ashley; Adobes-Vidal, Maria; Unwin, Patrick R

    2016-09-27

    Nanopipettes are becoming extremely versatile and powerful tools in nanoscience for a wide variety of applications from imaging to nanoscale sensing. Herein, the capabilities of nanopipettes to build complex free-standing three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures are demonstrated using a simple double-barrel nanopipette device. Electrochemical control of ionic fluxes enables highly localized delivery of precursor species from one channel and simultaneous (dynamic and responsive) ion conductance probe-to-substrate distance feedback with the other for reliable high-quality patterning. Nanopipettes with 30-50 nm tip opening dimensions of each channel allowed confinement of ionic fluxes for the fabrication of high aspect ratio copper pillar, zigzag, and Γ-like structures, as well as permitted the subsequent topographical mapping of the patterned features with the same nanopipette probe as used for nanostructure engineering. This approach offers versatility and robustness for high-resolution 3D "printing" (writing) and read-out at the nanoscale.

  13. Writing instruction in kindergarten: examining an emerging area of research for children with writing and reading difficulties.

    PubMed

    Edwards, Lana

    2003-01-01

    This review examines the literature on how to teach kindergarten children with reading and writing difficulties how to write. Specifically, research on handwriting instruction, spelling instruction, and composition writing is discussed. Due to the limited number of empirical studies on writing that included kindergarten students with diagnosed reading and writing difficulties, selected studies conducted with the full range of kindergarten children, as well as studies conducted in the early elementary grades, are presented to highlight future directions for research.

  14. Architected cellular ceramics with tailored stiffness via direct foam writing

    PubMed Central

    Muth, Joseph T.; Dixon, Patrick G.; Woish, Logan; Gibson, Lorna J.; Lewis, Jennifer A.

    2017-01-01

    Hierarchical cellular structures are ubiquitous in nature because of their low-density, high-specific properties, and multifunctionality. Inspired by these systems, we created lightweight ceramic architectures composed of closed-cell porous struts patterned in the form of hexagonal and triangular honeycombs by direct foam writing. The foam ink contains bubbles stabilized by attractive colloidal particles suspended in an aqueous solution. The printed and sintered ceramic foam honeycombs possess low relative density (∼6%). By tailoring their microstructure and geometry, we created honeycombs with different modes of deformation, exceptional specific stiffness, and stiffness values that span over an order of magnitude. This capability represents an important step toward the scalable fabrication of hierarchical porous materials for applications, including lightweight structures, thermal insulation, tissue scaffolds, catalyst supports, and electrodes. PMID:28179570

  15. Fabrication of multi-functional silicon surface by direct laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Verma, Ashwani Kumar; Soni, R. K.

    2018-05-01

    We present a simple, quick and one-step methodology based on nano-second laser direct writing for the fabrication of micro-nanostructures on silicon surface. The fabricated surfaces suppress the optical reflection by multiple reflection due to light trapping effect to a much lower value than polished silicon surface. These textured surfaces offer high enhancement ability after gold nanoparticle deposition and then explored for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for specific molecular detection. The effect of laser scanning line interval on optical reflection and SERS signal enhancement ability was also investigated. Our results indicate that low optical reflection substrates exhibit uniform SERS enhancement with enhancement factor of the order of 106. Furthermore, this methodology provide an alternative approach for cost-effective large area fabrication with good control over feature size.

  16. Revelation of graphene-Au for direct write deposition and characterization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhandari, Shweta; Deepa, Melepurath; Joshi, Amish G.; Saxena, Aditya P.; Srivastava, Avanish K.

    2011-06-01

    Graphene nanosheets were prepared using a modified Hummer's method, and Au-graphene nanocomposites were fabricated by in situ reduction of a gold salt. The as-produced graphene was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). In particular, the HR-TEM demonstrated the layered crystallites of graphene with fringe spacing of about 0.32 nm in individual sheets and the ultrafine facetted structure of about 20 to 50 nm of Au particles in graphene composite. Scanning helium ion microscopy (HIM) technique was employed to demonstrate direct write deposition on graphene by lettering with gaps down to 7 nm within the chamber of the microscope. Bare graphene and graphene-gold nanocomposites were further characterized in terms of their composition and optical and electrical properties.

  17. Thermal Writing 1987

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peckham, Robert F.

    1987-04-01

    The creating of intelligent marks on a substrate by means of thermal energy has been in use for thousands of years, e.g., branding of livestock and burning images onto wood. During the past 30 years, this type of imaging has been significantly refined. Recent advances allow the creation of color images, 16 shades of gray and letter quality printing on white substrates. Permanent images are now being written with direct thermal processes. The foregoing make thermal writing very attractive for numerous applications. The general technology of how thermal writing is accomplished today, its applications, and why society should use thermal writing are the topics of this paper. To attempt to cover in great technical detail all of the current advancements in thermal writing is beyond our scope here. What is intended is the proposition that THERMAL WRITING is a superior form of creating images on paper substrates for Society's on demand hard copy requirements. First let's look at how thermal writing is being accomplished with today's technologies.

  18. The Conductive Silver Nanowires Fabricated by Two-beam Laser Direct Writing on the Flexible Sheet.

    PubMed

    He, Gui-Cang; Zheng, Mei-Ling; Dong, Xian-Zi; Jin, Feng; Liu, Jie; Duan, Xuan-Ming; Zhao, Zhen-Sheng

    2017-02-02

    Flexible electrically conductive nanowires are now a key component in the fields of flexible devices. The achievement of metal nanowire with good flexibility, conductivity, compact and smooth morphology is recognized as one critical milestone for the flexible devices. In this study, a two-beam laser direct writing system is designed to fabricate AgNW on PET sheet. The minimum width of the AgNW fabricated by this method is 187 ± 34 nm with the height of 84 ± 4 nm. We have investigated the electrical resistance under different voltages and the applicable voltage per meter range is determined to be less than 7.5 × 10 3  V/m for the fabricated AgNW. The flexibility of the AgNW is very excellent, since the resistance only increases 6.63% even after the stretched bending of 2000 times at such a small bending radius of 1.0 mm. The proposed two-beam laser direct writing is an efficient method to fabricate AgNW on the flexible sheet, which could be applied in flexible micro/nano devices.

  19. The Word Writing CAFE: Assessing Student Writing for Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leal, Dorothy J.

    2005-01-01

    The Word Writing CAFE is a new assessment tool designed for teachers to evaluate objectively students' word-writing ability for fluency, accuracy, and complexity. It is designed to be given to the whole class at one time. This article describes the development of the CAFE and provides directions for administering and scoring it. The author also…

  20. Direct Observation of the Thickness-Induced Crystallization and Stress Build-Up during Sputter-Deposition of Nanoscale Silicide Films.

    PubMed

    Krause, Bärbel; Abadias, Gregory; Michel, Anny; Wochner, Peter; Ibrahimkutty, Shyjumon; Baumbach, Tilo

    2016-12-21

    The kinetics of phase transitions during formation of small-scale systems are essential for many applications. However, their experimental observation remains challenging, making it difficult to elucidate the underlying fundamental mechanisms. Here, we combine in situ and real-time synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray reflectivity (XRR) experiments with substrate curvature measurements during deposition of nanoscale Mo and Mo 1-x Si x films on amorphous Si (a-Si). The simultaneous measurements provide direct evidence of a spontaneous, thickness-dependent amorphous-to-crystalline (a-c) phase transition, associated with tensile stress build-up and surface roughening. This phase transformation is thermodynamically driven, the metastable amorphous layer being initially stabilized by the contributions of surface and interface energies. A quantitative analysis of the XRD data, complemented by simulations of the transformation kinetics, unveils an interface-controlled crystallization process. This a-c phase transition is also dominating the stress evolution. While stress build-up can significantly limit the performance of devices based on nanostructures and thin films, it can also trigger the formation of these structures. The simultaneous in situ access to the stress signal itself, and to its microstructural origins during structure formation, opens new design routes for tailoring nanoscale devices.

  1. Directly Writing Resistor, Inductor and Capacitor to Composite Functional Circuits: A Super-Simple Way for Alternative Electronics

    PubMed Central

    Gao, Yunxia; Li, Haiyan; Liu, Jing

    2013-01-01

    Background The current strategies for making electronic devices are generally time, water, material and energy consuming. Here, the direct writing of composite functional circuits through comprehensive use of GaIn10-based liquid metal inks and matching material is proposed and investigated, which is a rather easy going and cost effective electronics fabrication way compared with the conventional approaches. Methods Owing to its excellent adhesion and electrical properties, the liquid metal ink was demonstrated as a generalist in directly making various basic electronic components such as planar resistor, inductor and capacitor or their combination and thus composing circuits with expected electrical functions. For a precise control of the geometric sizes of the writing, a mask with a designed pattern was employed and demonstrated. Mechanisms for justifying the chemical components of the inks and the magnitudes of the target electronic elements so as to compose various practical circuits were disclosed. Results Fundamental tests on the electrical components including capacitor and inductor directly written on paper with working time up to 48 h and elevated temperature demonstrated their good stability and potential widespread adaptability especially when used in some high frequency circuits. As the first proof-of-concept experiment, a typical functional oscillating circuit including an integrated chip of 74HC04 with a supply voltage of 5 V, a capacitor of 10 nF and two resistors of 5 kΩ and 1 kΩ respectively was directly composed on paper through integrating specific electrical elements together, which presented an oscillation frequency of 8.8 kHz. Conclusions The present method significantly extends the roles of the metal ink in recent works serving as only a single electrical conductor or interconnecting wires. It opens the way for directly writing out complex functional circuits or devices on different substrates. Such circuit composition strategy has

  2. Model of diffusion-assisted direct laser writing by means of nanopolymerization in the presence of radical quencher

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pikulin, Alexander; Bityurin, Nikita; Sokolov, Viktor I.

    2015-12-01

    Diffusion-assisted direct laser writing (DA-DLW) by multiphoton polymerization has been recently shown to be one of the most promising methods for the high-resolution 3D nanofabrication [I. Sakellari, et al., ACS Nano 6, 2302 (2012)]. The improvement of the writing spatial resolution has been observed under certain conditions when the mobile radical quencher (polymerization inhibitor) is added to the photosensitive composition. In this work, we present a theoretical study of this method, focusing on the resolution capabilities and optimal writing parameters. The laser beam absorption in the polymerizable composition causes the localized depletion of the quencher molecules. If the quencher depletion is balanced by its diffusion from the outside of the focal volume, the quasi-stationary non-equillibrium concentration spatial profile with zero minimum can be obtained. The polymer is then effectively formed only in the domain where the quencher is depleted. The spatially-distributed quencher, in this case, has the effect similar to that of the vortex beam in STimulated Emission Microscopy (STED).

  3. Localized temperature and chemical reaction control in nanoscale space by nanowire array.

    PubMed

    Jin, C Yan; Li, Zhiyong; Williams, R Stanley; Lee, K-Cheol; Park, Inkyu

    2011-11-09

    We introduce a novel method for chemical reaction control with nanoscale spatial resolution based on localized heating by using a well-aligned nanowire array. Numerical and experimental analysis shows that each individual nanowire could be selectively and rapidly Joule heated for local and ultrafast temperature modulation in nanoscale space (e.g., maximum temperature gradient 2.2 K/nm at the nanowire edge; heating/cooling time < 2 μs). By taking advantage of this capability, several nanoscale chemical reactions such as polymer decomposition/cross-linking and direct and localized hydrothermal synthesis of metal oxide nanowires were demonstrated.

  4. Hybrid 2D patterning using UV laser direct writing and aerosol jet printing of UV curable polydimethylsiloxane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Obata, Kotaro; Schonewille, Adam; Slobin, Shayna; Hohnholz, Arndt; Unger, Claudia; Koch, Jürgen; Suttmann, Oliver; Overmeyer, Ludger

    2017-09-01

    The hybrid technique of aerosol jet printing and ultraviolet (UV) laser direct writing was developed for 2D patterning of thin film UV curable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A dual atomizer module in an aerosol jet printing system generated aerosol jet streams from material components of the UV curable PDMS individually and enables the mixing in a controlled ratio. Precise control of the aerosol jet printing achieved the layer thickness of UV curable PDMS as thin as 1.6 μm. This aerosol jet printing system is advantageous because of its ability to print uniform thin-film coatings of UV curable PDMS on planar surfaces as well as free-form surfaces without the use of solvents. In addition, the hybrid 2D patterning using the combination of UV laser direct writing and aerosol jet printing achieved selective photo-initiated polymerization of the UV curable PDMS layer with an X-Y resolution of 17.5 μm.

  5. Writing for Manufacturing Personnel.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mercer County Community Coll., Trenton, NJ.

    This document, developed by Mercer County Community College (New Jersey) and its partners, offers lists of topics covered in each day of a 24-day course designed to teach General Motors employees the following skills: document information; write clear directions and instructions; outline and organize thoughts and ideas; write memos and business…

  6. A Thermal Diode Based on Nanoscale Thermal Radiation.

    PubMed

    Fiorino, Anthony; Thompson, Dakotah; Zhu, Linxiao; Mittapally, Rohith; Biehs, Svend-Age; Bezencenet, Odile; El-Bondry, Nadia; Bansropun, Shailendra; Ben-Abdallah, Philippe; Meyhofer, Edgar; Reddy, Pramod

    2018-05-23

    In this work we demonstrate thermal rectification at the nanoscale between doped Si and VO 2 surfaces. Specifically, we show that the metal-insulator transition of VO 2 makes it possible to achieve large differences in the heat flow between Si and VO 2 when the direction of the temperature gradient is reversed. We further show that this rectification increases at nanoscale separations, with a maximum rectification coefficient exceeding 50% at ∼140 nm gaps and a temperature difference of 70 K. Our modeling indicates that this high rectification coefficient arises due to broadband enhancement of heat transfer between metallic VO 2 and doped Si surfaces, as compared to narrower-band exchange that occurs when VO 2 is in its insulating state. This work demonstrates the feasibility of accomplishing near-field-based rectification of heat, which is a key component for creating nanoscale radiation-based information processing devices and thermal management approaches.

  7. Investigating Nanoscale Electrochemistry with Surface- and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Zaleski, Stephanie; Wilson, Andrew J; Mattei, Michael; Chen, Xu; Goubert, Guillaume; Cardinal, M Fernanda; Willets, Katherine A; Van Duyne, Richard P

    2016-09-20

    The chemical sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) methodologies allows for the investigation of heterogeneous chemical reactions with high sensitivity. Specifically, SERS methodologies are well-suited to study electron transfer (ET) reactions, which lie at the heart of numerous fundamental processes: electrocatalysis, solar energy conversion, energy storage in batteries, and biological events such as photosynthesis. Heterogeneous ET reactions are commonly monitored by electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, observing billions of electrochemical events per second. Since the first proof of detecting single molecules by redox cycling, there has been growing interest in examining electrochemistry at the nanoscale and single-molecule levels. Doing so unravels details that would otherwise be obscured by an ensemble experiment. The use of optical spectroscopies, such as SERS, to elucidate nanoscale electrochemical behavior is an attractive alternative to traditional approaches such as scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). While techniques such as single-molecule fluorescence or electrogenerated chemiluminescence have been used to optically monitor electrochemical events, SERS methodologies, in particular, have shown great promise for exploring electrochemistry at the nanoscale. SERS is ideally suited to study nanoscale electrochemistry because the Raman-enhancing metallic, nanoscale substrate duly serves as the working electrode material. Moreover, SERS has the ability to directly probe single molecules without redox cycling and can achieve nanoscale spatial resolution in combination with super-resolution or scanning probe microscopies. This Account summarizes the latest progress from the Van Duyne and Willets groups toward understanding nanoelectrochemistry using Raman spectroscopic methodologies. The first half of this Account highlights three techniques that have been recently used to probe few- or single-molecule electrochemical

  8. Writing a Writing Assessment: Saying What You Want to Say Isn't as Simple as It Seems.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Escoe, Adrienne

    Since acceptable writing is essential to success in job training programs and in many entry-level jobs, a writing sample was included in the Training and Employment Prerequisites Survey, a multiple-choice test about skills like mechanics, usage, and spelling. The two writing prompts asked students to give directions for finding a location in a…

  9. Direct writing of continuous and discontinuous sub-wavelength periodic surface structures on single-crystalline silicon using femtosecond laser

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kuladeep, Rajamudili; Sahoo, Chakradhar; Narayana Rao, Desai, E-mail: dnrsp@uohyd.ernet.in, E-mail: dnr-laserlab@yahoo.com

    Laser-induced ripples or uniform arrays of continuous near sub-wavelength or discontinuous deep sub-wavelength structures are formed on single-crystalline silicon (Si) by femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing technique. Laser irradiation was performed on Si wafers at normal incidence in air and by immersing them in dimethyl sulfoxide using linearly polarized Ti:sapphire fs laser pulses of ∼110 fs pulse duration and ∼800 nm wavelength. Morphology studies of laser written surfaces reveal that sub-wavelength features are oriented perpendicular to laser polarization, while their morphology and spatial periodicity depend on the surrounding dielectric medium. The formation mechanism of the sub-wavelength features is explained by interferencemore » of incident laser with surface plasmon polaritons. This work proves the feasibility of fs laser direct writing technique for the fabrication of sub-wavelength features, which could help in fabrication of advanced electro-optic devices.« less

  10. Directionally asymmetric self-assembly of cadmium sulfide nanotubes using porous alumina nanoreactors: need for chemohydrodynamic instability at the nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Varghese, Arthur; Datta, Shouvik

    2012-05-01

    We explore nanoscale hydrodynamical effects on synthesis and self-assembly of cadmium sulfide nanotubes oriented along one direction. These nanotubes are synthesized by horizontal capillary flow of two different chemical reagents from opposite directions through nanochannels of porous anodic alumina which are used primarily as nanoreactors. We show that uneven flow of different chemical precursors is responsible for directionally asymmetric growth of these nanotubes. On the basis of structural observations using scanning electron microscopy, we argue that chemohydrodynamic convective interfacial instability of multicomponent liquid-liquid reactive interface is necessary for sustained nucleation of these CdS nanotubes at the edges of these porous nanochannels over several hours. However, our estimates clearly suggest that classical hydrodynamics cannot account for the occurrence of such instabilities at these small length scales. Therefore, we present a case which necessitates further investigation and understanding of chemohydrodynamic fluid flow through nanoconfined channels in order to explain the occurrence of such interfacial instabilities at nanometer length scales.

  11. The Effect of Concept Mapping on L2 Writing Performance: Examining Possible Effects of Trait-Level Writing Anxiety

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Machida, Naoko; Dalsky, David J.

    2014-01-01

    Research on anxiety in a foreign language-learning context is well-documented; however, few studies have directly focused on anxiety occurring within writing contexts despite the fact that writing anxiety is known to affect students' learning. The present study examined the effectiveness of concept mapping considering students' writing anxiety.…

  12. Nanoscale wear as a stress-assisted chemical reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jacobs, Tevis D. B.; Carpick, Robert W.

    2013-02-01

    Wear of sliding contacts leads to energy dissipation and device failure, resulting in massive economic and environmental costs. Typically, wear phenomena are described empirically, because physical and chemical interactions at sliding interfaces are not fully understood at any length scale. Fundamental insights from individual nanoscale contacts are crucial for understanding wear at larger length scales, and to enable reliable nanoscale devices, manufacturing and microscopy. Observable nanoscale wear mechanisms include fracture and plastic deformation, but recent experiments and models propose another mechanism: wear via atom-by-atom removal (`atomic attrition'), which can be modelled using stress-assisted chemical reaction kinetics. Experimental evidence for this has so far been inferential. Here, we quantitatively measure the wear of silicon--a material relevant to small-scale devices--using in situ transmission electron microscopy. We resolve worn volumes as small as 25 +/- 5 nm3, a factor of 103 lower than is achievable using alternative techniques. Wear of silicon against diamond is consistent with atomic attrition, and inconsistent with fracture or plastic deformation, as shown using direct imaging. The rate of atom removal depends exponentially on stress in the contact, as predicted by chemical rate kinetics. Measured activation parameters are consistent with an atom-by-atom process. These results, by direct observation, establish atomic attrition as the primary wear mechanism of silicon in vacuum at low loads.

  13. Student Writing Standards: A Descending Spiral or a Bold New Direction?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKinney, Margaret; Comadina Granson, Ruben

    2013-01-01

    Many academics speak of a "literacy crisis" when referring to student writing standards, often pointing the finger of blame at an overall increase in social networking. The resulting tendency has been for language teachers in higher education to take a corrective, or even remedial, approach to writing fluency. This paper examines…

  14. Current nanoscience and nanoengineering at the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hermann, A. M.; Singh, R. S.; Singh, V. P.

    2006-07-01

    The Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at the University of Kentucky is a multidisciplinary group of faculty, students, and staff, with a shared vision and cutting-edge research facilities to study and develop materials and devices at the nanoscale. Current research projects at CeNSE span a number of diverse nanoscience thrusts in bio- engineering and medicine (nanosensors and nanoelectrodes, nanoparticle-based drug delivery), electronics (nanolithography, molecular electronics, nanotube FETs), nanotemplates for electronics and gas sensors (functionalization of carbon nanotubes, aligned carbon nanotube structures for gate-keeping, e-beam lithography with nanoscale precision), and nano--optoelectronics (nanoscale photonics for laser communications, quantum confinement in photovoltaic devices, and nanostructured displays). This paper provides glimpses of this research and future directions.

  15. Reading and writing direction effects on the aesthetic appreciation of photographs.

    PubMed

    Chahboun, Sobh; Flumini, Andrea; Pérez González, Carmen; McManus, I Chris; Santiago, Julio

    2017-05-01

    Does reading and writing direction (RWD) influence the aesthetic appreciation of photography? Pérez González showed that nineteenth-century Iranian and Spanish professional photographers manifest lateral biases linked to RWD in their compositions. The present study aimed to test whether a population sample showed similar biases. Photographs with left-to-right (L-R) and right-to-left (R-L) directionality were selected from Pérez González's collections and presented in both original and mirror-reversed forms to Spanish (L-R readers) and Moroccan (R-L readers) participants. In Experiment 1, participants rated each picture for its aesthetic pleasingness. The results showed neither effects of lateral organization nor interactions with RWD. In Experiment 2, each picture and its mirror version were presented together and participants chose the one they liked better. Spaniards preferred rightward versions and Moroccans preferred leftward versions. RWD therefore affects aesthetic impressions of photography in our participants when people pay attention to the lateral spatial dimension of pictures. The observed directional aesthetic preferences were not sensitive to the sex of the model in the photographs, failing to support expectations from the hypotheses of emotionality and agency. Preferences were attributable to the interaction between general scanning strategies and scanning habits linked to RWD.

  16. Dielectric Metasurface as a Platform for Spatial Mode Conversion in Nanoscale Waveguides.

    PubMed

    Ohana, David; Desiatov, Boris; Mazurski, Noa; Levy, Uriel

    2016-12-14

    We experimentally demonstrate a nanoscale mode converter that performs coupling between the first two transverse electric-like modes of a silicon-on-insulator waveguide. The device operates by introducing a nanoscale periodic perturbation in its effective refractive index along the propagation direction and a graded effective index profile along its transverse direction. The periodic perturbation provides phase matching between the modes, while the graded index profile, which is realized by the implementation of nanoscale dielectric metasurface consisting of silicon features that are etched into the waveguide taking advantage of the effective medium concept, provides the overlap between the modes. Following the device design and numerical analysis using three-dimensional finite difference time domain simulations, we have fabricated the device and characterized it by directly measuring the modal content using optical imaging microscopy. From these measurements, the mode purity is estimated to be 95% and the transmission relative to an unperturbed strip waveguide is as high as 88%. Finally, we extend this approach to accommodate for the coupling between photonic and plasmonic modes. Specifically, we design and numerically demonstrate photonic to plasmonic mode conversion in a hybrid waveguide in which photonic and surface plasmon polariton modes can be guided in the silicon core and in the silicon/metal interface, respectively. The same method can also be used for coupling between symmetric and antisymmetric plasmonic modes in metal-insulator-metal or insulator-metal-insulator structures. On the basis of the current demonstration, we believe that such nanoscale dielectric metasurface-based mode converters can now be realized and become an important building block in future nanoscale photonic and plasmonic devices. Furthermore, the demonstrated platform can be used for the implementation of other chip scale components such as splitters, combiners couplers, and more.

  17. Nanoscale Surface Modifications of Orthopaedic Implants: State of the Art and Perspectives

    PubMed Central

    Staruch, RMT; Griffin, MF; Butler, PEM

    2016-01-01

    Background: Orthopaedic implants such as the total hip or total knee replacement are examples of surgical interventions with postoperative success rates of over 90% at 10 years. Implant failure is associated with wear particles and pain that requires surgical revision. Improving the implant - bone surface interface is a key area for biomaterial research for future clinical applications. Current implants utilise mechanical, chemical or physical methods for surface modification. Methods: A review of all literature concerning the nanoscale surface modification of orthopaedic implant technology was conducted. Results: The techniques and fabrication methods of nanoscale surface modifications are discussed in detail, including benefits and potential pitfalls. Future directions for nanoscale surface technology are explored. Conclusion: Future understanding of the role of mechanical cues and protein adsorption will enable greater flexibility in surface control. The aim of this review is to investigate and summarise the current concepts and future directions for controlling the implant nanosurface to improve interactions. PMID:28217214

  18. Nano-scale optical circuits and self-organized lightwave network (SOLNET) fabricated using sol-gel materials with photo-induced refractive index increase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ono, Shigeru; Yoshimura, Tetsuzo; Sato, Tetsuo; Oshima, Juro

    2009-02-01

    Recently, Nissan Chemical Industries, LTD, developed the photo-induced refractive index variation sol-gel materials, in which the refractive index increases from 1.65 to 1.85 by ultra-violet (UV) light exposure and baking. The materials enable us to fabricate high-index-contract waveguides without developing/etching processes and strong-lightconfinement self-organized lightwave network (SOLNET). Therefore, the materials are expected promising for nanoscale optical circuits with self-alignment capability. Nano-scale optical circuits with core thickness of ~230 nm and core width of ~1 μm were fabricated. Propagation loss was 1.86 dB/cm for TE mode and 1.89 dB/cm for TM mode at 633 nm in wavelength, indicating that there were small polarization dependences. Spot sizes of guided beams along core width direction and along core thickness direction were respectively 0.6 μm and 0.3 μm for both TE and TM mode. Bending loss of S-bending waveguides was reduced from 0.44 dB to 0.24 dB for TE mode with increasing the bending curvature radius from 5 μm to 60 μm. Difference in bending loss between TM and TE mode was less than 10%. Branching loss of Y-branching waveguides was reduced from 1.33 dB to 0.08 dB for TE mode, and from 1.34 dB to 0.12 dB for TM mode with decreasing the branching angle from 80° to 20°. These results indicate that the photoinduced refractive index variation sol-gel materials can realize miniaturized optical circuits with sizes of several tens μm and guided beam confinement within a cross-section area less than 1.0 μm2 with small polarization dependences, suggesting potential applications to intra-chip optical interconnects. In addtion, we fabricated self-organized lightwave network (SOLNET) using the photo-induced refractive index variation sol-gel materials. When write beams of 405 nm in wavelength were introduced into the sol-gel thin film under baking at 200°C, self-focusing was induced, and SOLNET was formed. SOLNET fabricated by low write

  19. Model of diffusion-assisted direct laser writing by means of nanopolymerization in the presence of radical quencher

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pikulin, Alexander, E-mail: pikulin@ufp.appl.sci-nnov.ru; Bityurin, Nikita; Institute of Applied Physics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 46, Ul’yanov Str., Nizhniy Novgorod, 603950

    Diffusion-assisted direct laser writing (DA-DLW) by multiphoton polymerization has been recently shown to be one of the most promising methods for the high-resolution 3D nanofabrication [I. Sakellari, et al., ACS Nano 6, 2302 (2012)]. The improvement of the writing spatial resolution has been observed under certain conditions when the mobile radical quencher (polymerization inhibitor) is added to the photosensitive composition. In this work, we present a theoretical study of this method, focusing on the resolution capabilities and optimal writing parameters. The laser beam absorption in the polymerizable composition causes the localized depletion of the quencher molecules. If the quencher depletionmore » is balanced by its diffusion from the outside of the focal volume, the quasi-stationary non-equillibrium concentration spatial profile with zero minimum can be obtained. The polymer is then effectively formed only in the domain where the quencher is depleted. The spatially-distributed quencher, in this case, has the effect similar to that of the vortex beam in STimulated Emission Microscopy (STED)« less

  20. EDITORIAL: Nanoscale metrology Nanoscale metrology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Picotto, G. B.; Koenders, L.; Wilkening, G.

    2009-08-01

    characterization. The papers in the first part report on new or improved instrumentation, details of developments of metrology SFM, improvements to SFM, probes and scanning methods in the direction of nanoscale coordinate measuring machines and true 3D measurements as well as of progress of a 2D encoder based on a regular crystalline lattice. To ensure traceability to the SI unit of length many highly sophisticated instruments are equipped with laser interferometers to measure small displacements in the nanometre range very accurately. Improving these techniques is still a challenge and therefore new interferometric techniques are considered in several papers as well as improved sensors for nanodisplacement measurements or the development of a deep UV microscope for micro- and nanostructures. The tactile measurement of small structures also calls for a better control of forces in the nano- and piconewton range. A nanoforce facility, based on a disk-pendulum with electrostatic stiffness reduction and electrostatic force compensation, is presented for the measurement of small forces. In the second part the contributions are related to calibration and correction strategies and standards such as the development of test objects based on 3D silicon structures, and of samples with irregular surface profiles, and their use for calibration. The shape of the tip and its influence on measurements is still a contentious issue and addressed in several papers: use of nanospheres for tip characterization, a geometrical approach for reconstruction errors by tactile probing. Molecular dynamical calculations, classical as well as ab initio (based on density functional theory), are used to discuss effects of tip-sample relaxation on the topography and to have a better base from which to estimate uncertainties in measurements of small particles or features. Some papers report about measurements of air refractivity fluctuations by phase modulation interferometry, angle-scale traceability by laser

  1. Self-organized micro-holes on titania based sol-gel films under continuous direct writing with a continuous wave ultraviolet laser

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bakhti, S.; Destouches, N.; Gamet, E.

    The microstructuring of titania based sol-gel films is investigated by direct writing with a continuous wave ultraviolet laser beam emitting at 244 nm. Depending on the exposure conditions, the films exhibit a volume expansion, a volume shrinkage, a self-shaped delamination, or are damaged. This paper is mainly focused on the regime where spontaneous local delamination occurs, which corresponds to a narrow range of laser irradiances and writing speeds. In this regime, self-organized round-shape micro-holes opened on the substrate are generated.

  2. Motivational Scaffolding, Politeness, and Writing Center Tutoring

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mackiewicz, Jo; Thompson, Isabelle

    2013-01-01

    Writing center tutors know that improving writing skills requires sustained effort over a long period of time. They also know that motivation--the drive to actively invest in sustained effort toward a goal--is essential for writing improvement. Because motivation can direct attention toward particular tasks and increase both effort and…

  3. Advanced Methods for Direct Ink Write Additive Manufacturing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Compel, W. S.; Lewicki, J. P.

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is one of the world’s premier labs for research and development of additive manufacturing processes. Out of these many processes, direct ink write (DIW) is arguably one of the most relevant for the manufacture of architected polymeric materials, components and hardware. However, a bottleneck in this pipeline that has largely been ignored to date is the lack of advanced software implementation with respect to toolpath execution. There remains to be a convenient, automated method to design and produce complex parts that is user-friendly and enabling for the realization of next generation designs and structures. For amore » material to be suitable as a DIW ink it must possess the appropriate rheological properties for this process. Most importantly, the material must exhibit shear-thinning in order to extrude through a print head and have a rapid recovery of its static shear modulus. This makes it possible for the extrudate to be self-supporting upon exiting the print head. While this and other prerequisites narrow the scope of ‘offthe- shelf’ printable materials directly amenable to DIW, the process still tolerates a wide range of potential feedstock materials. These include metallic alloys, inorganic solvent borne dispersions, polymeric melts, filler stabilized monomer compositions, pre-elastomeric feedstocks and thermoset resins each of which requires custom print conditions tailored to the individual ink. As such, an ink perfectly suited for DIW may be prematurely determined to be undesirable for the process if printed under the wrong conditions. Defining appropriate print conditions such as extrusion rate, layer height, and maximum bridge length is a vital first step in validating an ink’s DIW capability.« less

  4. Kindergarten Predictors of Third Grade Writing

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Young-Suk; Al Otaiba, Stephanie; Wanzek, Jeanne

    2015-01-01

    The primary goal of the present study was to examine the relations of kindergarten transcription, oral language, word reading, and attention skills to writing skills in third grade. Children (N = 157) were assessed on their letter writing automaticity, spelling, oral language, word reading, and attention in kindergarten. Then, they were assessed on writing in third grade using three writing tasks – one narrative and two expository prompts. Children’s written compositions were evaluated in terms of writing quality (the extent to which ideas were developed and presented in an organized manner). Structural equation modeling showed that kindergarten oral language and lexical literacy skills (i.e., word reading and spelling) were independently predicted third grade narrative writing quality, and kindergarten literacy skill uniquely predicted third grade expository writing quality. In contrast, attention and letter writing automaticity were not directly related to writing quality in either narrative or expository genre. These results are discussed in light of theoretical and practical implications. PMID:25642118

  5. Direct writing electrodes using a ball pen for paper-based point-of-care testing.

    PubMed

    Li, Zedong; Li, Fei; Hu, Jie; Wee, Wei Hong; Han, Yu Long; Pingguan-Murphy, Belinda; Lu, Tian Jian; Xu, Feng

    2015-08-21

    The integration of paper with an electrochemical device has attracted growing attention for point-of-care testing, where it is of great importance to fabricate electrodes on paper in a low-cost, easy and versatile way. In this work, we report a simple strategy for directly writing electrodes on paper using a pressure-assisted ball pen to form a paper-based electrochemical device (PED). This method is demonstrated to be capable of fabricating electrodes on paper with good electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance, holding great potential to be employed in point-of-care applications, such as in human health diagnostics and food safety detection. As examples, the PEDs fabricated using the developed method are applied for detection of glucose in artificial urine and melamine in sample solutions. Furthermore, our developed strategy is also extended to fabricate PEDs with multi-electrode arrays and write electrodes on non-planar surfaces (e.g., paper cup, human skin), indicating the potential application of our method in other fields, such as fabricating biosensors, paper electronics etc.

  6. Chaotic mixing in three-dimensional microvascular networks fabricated by direct-write assembly.

    PubMed

    Therriault, Daniel; White, Scott R; Lewis, Jennifer A

    2003-04-01

    The creation of geometrically complex fluidic devices is a subject of broad fundamental and technological interest. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microvascular networks through direct-write assembly of a fugitive organic ink. This approach yields a pervasive network of smooth cylindrical channels (approximately 10-300 microm) with defined connectivity. Square-spiral towers, isolated within this vascular network, promote fluid mixing through chaotic advection. These vertical towers give rise to dramatic improvements in mixing relative to simple straight (1D) and square-wave (2D) channels while significantly reducing the device planar footprint. We envisage that 3D microvascular networks will provide an enabling platform for a wide array of fluidic-based applications.

  7. Formative Assessment and Writing: A Meta-Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graham, Steve; Hebert, Michael; Harris, Karen R.

    2015-01-01

    To determine whether formative writing assessments that are directly tied to everyday classroom teaching and learning enhance students' writing performance, we conducted a meta-analysis of true and quasi-experiments conducted with students in grades 1 to 8. We found that feedback to students about writing from adults, peers, self, and computers…

  8. Reversible mechano-electrochemical writing of metallic nanostructures with the tip of an atomic force microscope.

    PubMed

    Obermair, Christian; Kress, Marina; Wagner, Andreas; Schimmel, Thomas

    2012-01-01

    We recently introduced a method that allows the controlled deposition of nanoscale metallic patterns at defined locations using the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) as a "mechano-electrochemical pen", locally activating a passivated substrate surface for site-selective electrochemical deposition. Here, we demonstrate the reversibility of this process and study the long-term stability of the resulting metallic structures. The remarkable stability for more than 1.5 years under ambient air without any observable changes can be attributed to self-passivation. After AFM-activated electrochemical deposition of copper nanostructures on a polycrystalline gold film and subsequent AFM imaging, the copper nanostructures could be dissolved by reversing the electrochemical potential. Subsequent AFM-tip-activated deposition of different copper nanostructures at the same location where the previous structures were deleted, shows that there is no observable memory effect, i.e., no effect of the previous writing process on the subsequent writing process. Thus, the four processes required for reversible information storage, "write", "read", "delete" and "re-write", were successfully demonstrated on the nanometer scale.

  9. Giant and Tunable Anisotropy of Nanoscale Friction in Graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Capaz, Rodrigo; Menezes, Marcos; Almeida, Clara; de Cicco, Marcelo; Achete, Carlos; Fragneaud, Benjamin; Cançado, Luiz Gustavo; Paupitz, Ricardo; Galvão, Douglas; Prioli, Rodrigo

    The nanoscale friction between an atomic force microscopy tip and graphene is investigated using friction force microscopy (FFM). During the tip movement, friction forces are observed to increase and then saturate in a highly anisotropic manner. As a result, the friction coefficient of graphene is highly dependent on the scanning direction: Under some conditions, the energy dissipated along the armchair direction can be 80% higher than along the zigzag direction. In comparison, for highly-oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG), the friction anisotropy between armchair and zigzag directions is only 15%. This giant friction anisotropy in graphene results from anisotropies in the amplitudes of flexural deformations of the graphene sheet driven by the tip movement, not present in HOPG. The effect can be seen as a novel manifestation of the classical phenomenon of Euler buckling at the nanoscale, which provides the non-linear ingredients that amplify friction anisotropy. Simulations based on a novel version of the 2D Tomlinson model (modified to include the effects of flexural deformations), as well as fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, are able to reproduce and explain the experimental observations.

  10. Giant and Tunable Anisotropy of Nanoscale Friction in Graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Almeida, Clara M.; Prioli, Rodrigo; Fragneaud, Benjamin; Cançado, Luiz Gustavo; Paupitz, Ricardo; Galvão, Douglas S.; de Cicco, Marcelo; Menezes, Marcos G.; Achete, Carlos A.; Capaz, Rodrigo B.

    2016-08-01

    The nanoscale friction between an atomic force microscopy tip and graphene is investigated using friction force microscopy (FFM). During the tip movement, friction forces are observed to increase and then saturate in a highly anisotropic manner. As a result, the friction forces in graphene are highly dependent on the scanning direction: under some conditions, the energy dissipated along the armchair direction can be 80% higher than along the zigzag direction. In comparison, for highly-oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG), the friction anisotropy between armchair and zigzag directions is only 15%. This giant friction anisotropy in graphene results from anisotropies in the amplitudes of flexural deformations of the graphene sheet driven by the tip movement, not present in HOPG. The effect can be seen as a novel manifestation of the classical phenomenon of Euler buckling at the nanoscale, which provides the non-linear ingredients that amplify friction anisotropy. Simulations based on a novel version of the 2D Tomlinson model (modified to include the effects of flexural deformations), as well as fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, are able to reproduce and explain the experimental observations.

  11. Laser-Direct Writing of Silver Metal Electrodes on Transparent Flexible Substrates with High-Bonding Strength.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Weiping; Bai, Shi; Ma, Ying; Ma, Delong; Hou, Tingxiu; Shi, Xiaomin; Hu, Anming

    2016-09-21

    We demonstrate a novel approach to rapidly fabricate conductive silver electrodes on transparent flexible substrates with high-bonding strength by laser-direct writing. A new type of silver ink composed of silver nitrate, sodium citrate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was prepared in this work. The role of PVP was elucidated for improving the quality of silver electrodes. Silver nanoparticles and sintered microstructures were simultaneously synthesized and patterned on a substrate using a focused 405 nm continuous wave laser. The writing was completed through the transparent flexible substrate with a programmed 2D scanning sample stage. Silver electrodes fabricated by this approach exhibit a remarkable bonding strength, which can withstand an adhesive tape test at least 50 times. After a 1500 time bending test, the resistance only increased 5.2%. With laser-induced in-situ synthesis, sintering, and simultaneous patterning of silver nanoparticles, this technology is promising for the facile fabrication of conducting electronic devices on flexible substrates.

  12. Jet behaviors and ejection mode recognition of electrohydrodynamic direct-write

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Jianyi; Zhang, Kai; Jiang, Jiaxin; Wang, Xiang; Li, Wenwang; Liu, Yifang; Liu, Juan; Zheng, Gaofeng

    2018-01-01

    By introducing image recognition and micro-current testing, jet behavior research was conducted, in which the real-time recognition of ejection mode was realized. To study the factors influencing ejection modes and the current variation trends under different modes, an Electrohydrodynamic Direct-Write (EDW) system with functions of current detection and ejection mode recognition was firstly built. Then a program was developed to recognize the jet modes. As the voltage applied to the metal tip increased, four jet ejection modes in EDW occurred: droplet ejection mode, Taylor cone ejection mode, retractive ejection mode and forked ejection mode. In this work, the corresponding relationship between the ejection modes and the effect on fiber deposition as well as current was studied. The real-time identification of ejection mode and detection of electrospinning current was realized. The results in this paper are contributed to enhancing the ejection stability, providing a good technical basis to produce continuous uniform nanofibers controllably.

  13. Rocket Science at the Nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Li, Jinxing; Rozen, Isaac; Wang, Joseph

    2016-06-28

    Autonomous propulsion at the nanoscale represents one of the most challenging and demanding goals in nanotechnology. Over the past decade, numerous important advances in nanotechnology and material science have contributed to the creation of powerful self-propelled micro/nanomotors. In particular, micro- and nanoscale rockets (MNRs) offer impressive capabilities, including remarkable speeds, large cargo-towing forces, precise motion controls, and dynamic self-assembly, which have paved the way for designing multifunctional and intelligent nanoscale machines. These multipurpose nanoscale shuttles can propel and function in complex real-life media, actively transporting and releasing therapeutic payloads and remediation agents for diverse biomedical and environmental applications. This review discusses the challenges of designing efficient MNRs and presents an overview of their propulsion behavior, fabrication methods, potential rocket fuels, navigation strategies, practical applications, and the future prospects of rocket science and technology at the nanoscale.

  14. What Happens When I Write? Pupils' Writing about Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barbeiro, Luis Filipe

    2011-01-01

    This article presents pupils' awareness of writing as elicited through a metawriting task, in other words a task in which pupils from the third, fourth and sixth forms (grades) were required to write about writing. The analysis of the texts revealed the pupils' increasing ability to write texts focusing on writing and on the subject's relationship…

  15. Direct laser writing of microstructures on optically opaque and reflective surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rekštytė, S.; Jonavičius, T.; Malinauskas, M.

    2014-02-01

    Direct laser writing (DLW) based on ultra-localized polymerization is an efficient way to produce three-dimensional (3D) micro/nano-structures for diverse applications in science and industry. It is attractive for its flexibility to materialize CAD models out of wide spectrum of materials on the desired substrates. In case of direct laser lithography, photo-crosslinking can be achieved by tightly focusing ultrashort laser pulses to a photo- or thermo-polymers. Selectively exposing material to laser radiation allows creating fully 3D structures with submicrometer spatial resolution. In this paper we present DLW results of hybrid organic-inorganic material SZ2080 on optically opaque and reflective surfaces, such as silicon and various metals (Cr, Ti, Au). Our studies prove that one can precisely fabricate 2D and 3D structures with lower than 1 μm spatial resolution even on glossy or rough surfaces (surface roughness rms 0.068-0.670 μm) using sample translation velocities of up to 1 mm/s. Using femtosecond high pulse repetition rate laser, sample translation velocity can reach over 1 mm/s ensuring repeatable submicrometer structuring resolution.

  16. Mapping photovoltaic performance with nanoscale resolution

    DOE PAGES

    Kutes, Yasemin; Aguirre, Brandon A.; Bosse, James L.; ...

    2015-10-16

    Photo-conductive AFM spectroscopy (‘pcAFMs’) is proposed as a high-resolution approach for investigating nanostructured photovoltaics, uniquely providing nanoscale maps of photovoltaic (PV) performance parameters such as the short circuit current, open circuit voltage, maximum power, or fill factor. The method is demonstrated with a stack of 21 images acquired during in situ illumination of micropatterned polycrystalline CdTe/CdS, providing more than 42,000 I/V curves spatially separated by ~5 nm. For these CdTe/CdS microcells, the calculated photoconduction ranges from 0 to 700 picoSiemens (pS) upon illumination with ~1.6 suns, depending on location and biasing conditions. Mean short circuit currents of 2 pA, maximummore » powers of 0.5 pW, and fill factors of 30% are determined. The mean voltage at which the detected photocurrent is zero is determined to be 0.7 V. Significantly, enhancements and reductions in these more commonly macroscopic PV performance metrics are observed to correlate with certain grains and grain boundaries, and are confirmed to be independent of topography. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the benefits of nanoscale resolved PV functional measurements, reiterate the importance of microstructural control down to the nanoscale for 'PV devices, and provide a widely applicable new approach for directly investigating PV materials.« less

  17. Direct writing of fiber optic components in photonic crystal fibers and other specialty fibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernandes, Luis Andre; Sezerman, Omur; Best, Garland; Ng, Mi Li; Kane, Saidou

    2016-04-01

    Femtosecond direct laser writing has recently shown great potential for the fabrication of complex integrated devices in the cladding of optical fibers. Such devices have the advantage of requiring no bulk optical components and no breaks in the fiber path, thus reducing the need for complicated alignment, eliminating contamination, and increasing stability. This technology has already found applications using combinations of Bragg gratings, interferometers, and couplers for the fabrication of optical filters, sensors, and power monitors. The femtosecond laser writing method produces a local modification of refractive index through non-linear absorption of the ultrafast laser pulses inside the dielectric material of both the core and cladding of the fiber. However, fiber geometries that incorporate air or hollow structures, such as photonic crystal fibers (PCFs), still present a challenge since the index modification regions created by the writing process cannot be generated in the hollow regions of the fiber. In this work, the femtosecond laser method is used together with a pre-modification method that consists of partially collapsing the hollow holes using an electrical arc discharge. The partial collapse of the photonic band gap structure provides a path for femtosecond laser written waveguides to couple light from the core to the edge of the fiber for in-line power monitoring. This novel approach is expected to have applications in other specialty fibers such as suspended core fibers and can open the way for the integration of complex devices and facilitate miniaturization of optical circuits to take advantage of the particular characteristics of the PCFs.

  18. Nanoscale simultaneous chemical and mechanical imaging via peak force infrared microscopy

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Le; Wang, Haomin; Wagner, Martin; Yan, Yong; Jakob, Devon S.; Xu, Xiaoji G.

    2017-01-01

    Nondestructive chemical and mechanical measurements of materials with ~10-nm spatial resolution together with topography provide rich information on the compositions and organizations of heterogeneous materials and nanoscale objects. However, multimodal nanoscale correlations are difficult to achieve because of the limitation on spatial resolution of optical microscopy and constraints from instrumental complexities. We report a novel noninvasive spectroscopic scanning probe microscopy method—peak force infrared (PFIR) microscopy—that allows chemical imaging, collection of broadband infrared spectra, and mechanical mapping at a spatial resolution of 10 nm. In our technique, chemical absorption information is directly encoded in the withdraw curve of the peak force tapping cycle after illumination with synchronized infrared laser pulses in a simple apparatus. Nanoscale phase separation in block copolymers and inhomogeneity in CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite crystals are studied with correlative infrared/mechanical nanoimaging. Furthermore, we show that the PFIR method is sensitive to the presence of surface phonon polaritons in boron nitride nanotubes. PFIR microscopy will provide a powerful analytical tool for explorations at the nanoscale across wide disciplines. PMID:28691096

  19. Structural imaging of nanoscale phonon transport in ferroelectrics excited by metamaterial-enhanced terahertz fields

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhu, Yi; Chen, Frank; Park, Joonkyu

    Nanoscale phonon transport is a key process that governs thermal conduction in a wide range of materials and devices. Creating controlled phonon populations by resonant excitation at terahertz (THz) frequencies can drastically change the characteristics of nanoscale thermal transport and allow a direct real-space characterization of phonon mean-free paths. Using metamaterial-enhanced terahertz excitation, we tailored a phononic excitation by selectively populating low-frequency phonons within a nanoscale volume in a ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin film. Real-space time-resolved x-ray diffraction microscopy following THz excitation reveals ballistic phonon transport over a distance of hundreds of nm, two orders of magnitude longer than the averagedmore » phonon mean-free path in BaTiO3. On longer length scales, diffusive phonon transport dominates the recovery of the transient strain response, largely due to heat conduction into the substrate. The measured real-space phonon transport can be directly compared with the phonon mean-free path as predicted by molecular dynamics modeling. This time-resolved real-space visualization of THz-matter interactions opens up opportunities to engineer and image nanoscale transient structural states with new functionalities.« less

  20. Structural imaging of nanoscale phonon transport in ferroelectrics excited by metamaterial-enhanced terahertz fields

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhu, Yi; Chen, Frank; Park, Joonkyu

    Nanoscale phonon transport is a key process that governs thermal conduction in a wide range of materials and devices. Creating controlled phonon populations by resonant excitation at terahertz (THz) frequencies can drastically change the characteristics of nanoscale thermal transport and allow a direct real-space characterization of phonon mean-free paths. Using metamaterial-enhanced terahertz excitation, we tailored a phononic excitation by selectively populating low-frequency phonons within a nanoscale volume in a ferroelectric BaTiO 3 thin film. Real-space time-resolved x-ray diffraction microscopy following THz excitation reveals ballistic phonon transport over a distance of hundreds of nm, two orders of magnitude longer than themore » averaged phonon mean-free path in BaTiO 3. On longer length scales, diffusive phonon transport dominates the recovery of the transient strain response, largely due to heat conduction into the substrate. The measured real-space phonon transport can be directly compared with the phonon mean-free path as predicted by molecular dynamics modeling. In conclusion, this time-resolved real-space visualization of THz-matter interactions opens up opportunities to engineer and image nanoscale transient structural states with new functionalities.« less

  1. Structural imaging of nanoscale phonon transport in ferroelectrics excited by metamaterial-enhanced terahertz fields

    DOE PAGES

    Zhu, Yi; Chen, Frank; Park, Joonkyu; ...

    2017-11-16

    Nanoscale phonon transport is a key process that governs thermal conduction in a wide range of materials and devices. Creating controlled phonon populations by resonant excitation at terahertz (THz) frequencies can drastically change the characteristics of nanoscale thermal transport and allow a direct real-space characterization of phonon mean-free paths. Using metamaterial-enhanced terahertz excitation, we tailored a phononic excitation by selectively populating low-frequency phonons within a nanoscale volume in a ferroelectric BaTiO 3 thin film. Real-space time-resolved x-ray diffraction microscopy following THz excitation reveals ballistic phonon transport over a distance of hundreds of nm, two orders of magnitude longer than themore » averaged phonon mean-free path in BaTiO 3. On longer length scales, diffusive phonon transport dominates the recovery of the transient strain response, largely due to heat conduction into the substrate. The measured real-space phonon transport can be directly compared with the phonon mean-free path as predicted by molecular dynamics modeling. In conclusion, this time-resolved real-space visualization of THz-matter interactions opens up opportunities to engineer and image nanoscale transient structural states with new functionalities.« less

  2. Mirror writing: a tachistoscopic study of a woman suffering from migraine when writing with the right hand.

    PubMed

    Nakano, Mitsuko; Tanaka, Shigeki; Izuno, Kenji; Ichihara, Shigeru

    2012-01-01

    An experimental study was conducted with a young woman who had suddenly developed mirror writing in the right hand, which she used for writing. She was not cured for eight years. The patient was ambidextrous and had no medical complaints except for migraine with perceptual and sensory abnormalities, and an enlarged cavity of the septum pellucidum. A previous study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), conducted when she imagined letters and wrote letters in the air with either hand, indicated that both her cerebral hemispheres were active. In the present study three experiments were conducted using a tachistoscope to explore the stage in the cognitive process when directional errors emerged. In the experiments, after independently being presented with Attneave's meaningless figures or letters to each hemisphere, participants were requested to do the following: (a) verbally respond whether the orientation of two consecutively shown figures were the same or different and the letters were standard or reversed; (b) distinguish the orientations with right and left hand movements other than by writing (by pushing a button); and (c) reproduce the stimuli (drawing) immediately after the presentation. Results showed a higher rate of incorrect directions only when drawings were reproduced by the right hand. Results also indicated that the woman's inaccurate judgment in direction emerged only when in writing and not at the perceptual level, or when responding with hand movements other than writing. Her migraine was cured after five years following the experiment. The mirror writing was cured 2-3 months later.

  3. In situ mitigation of subsurface and peripheral focused ion beam damage via simultaneous pulsed laser heating

    DOE PAGES

    Stanford, Michael G.; Lewis, Brett B.; Iberi, Vighter O.; ...

    2016-02-16

    Focused helium and neon ion (He(+)/Ne(+) ) beam processing has recently been used to push resolution limits of direct-write nanoscale synthesis. The ubiquitous insertion of focused He(+) /Ne(+) beams as the next-generation nanofabrication tool-of-choice is currently limited by deleterious subsurface and peripheral damage induced by the energetic ions in the underlying substrate. The in situ mitigation of subsurface damage induced by He(+)/Ne(+) ion exposures in silicon via a synchronized infrared pulsed laser-assisted process is demonstrated. The pulsed laser assist provides highly localized in situ photothermal energy which reduces the implantation and defect concentration by greater than 90%. The laser-assisted exposuremore » process is also shown to reduce peripheral defects in He(+) patterned graphene, which makes this process an attractive candidate for direct-write patterning of 2D materials. In conclusion, these results offer a necessary solution for the applicability of high-resolution direct-write nanoscale material processing via focused ion beams.« less

  4. Field emission investigations of single crystal LaB6 FEA fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Hongliang; Zhang, Xin; Li, Yuancheng; Xiao, Yixin; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Jiu-Xing

    2018-04-01

    The femtosecond laser direct writing method has been used to fabricate the single crystal lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) field-emission tip arrays (FEAs). The morphologies, structure phase, and field emission of the single crystal LaB6 FEAs are systematically studied. The nanostructures on the surface of tips with the LaB6 phase were formed, resulting in favor of improving field emission, particularly for samples with the nanohill shaped bulges having the size of about 100 nm. The produced single crystal LaB6 FEAs have a uniform structure and a controllable curvature radius of about 0.5-3.0 μm. The FEAs with a curvature radius of about 0.5 μm as field emitters have the best field emission performance, which the field emission turns on and the threshold electric fields are as low as 2.2 and 3.8 V/μm with an emission current of 1.0 A/cm2 at 8.0 V/μm, and the emission current exhibits high stability. These indicate that the processed LaB6 FEAs have a good prospect applied in vacuum microelectronic devices and the simple femtosecond laser direct writing method could lead to an approach for the development of electron sources.

  5. Diffractive optics fabricated by direct write methods with an electron beam

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kress, Bernard; Zaleta, David; Daschner, Walter; Urquhart, Kris; Stein, Robert; Lee, Sing H.

    1993-01-01

    State-of-the-art diffractive optics are fabricated using e-beam lithography and dry etching techniques to achieve multilevel phase elements with very high diffraction efficiencies. One of the major challenges encountered in fabricating diffractive optics is the small feature size (e.g. for diffractive lenses with small f-number). It is not only the e-beam system which dictates the feature size limitations, but also the alignment systems (mask aligner) and the materials (e-beam and photo resists). In order to allow diffractive optics to be used in new optoelectronic systems, it is necessary not only to fabricate elements with small feature sizes but also to do so in an economical fashion. Since price of a multilevel diffractive optical element is closely related to the e-beam writing time and the number of etching steps, we need to decrease the writing time and etching steps without affecting the quality of the element. To do this one has to utilize the full potentials of the e-beam writing system. In this paper, we will present three diffractive optics fabrication techniques which will reduce the number of process steps, the writing time, and the overall fabrication time for multilevel phase diffractive optics.

  6. Nanoscale Ionic Liquids

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-11-01

    Technical Report 11 December 2005 - 30 November 2006 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Nanoscale Ionic Liquids 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9550-06-1-0012...Title: Nanoscale Ionic Liquids Principal Investigator: Emmanuel P. Giannelis Address: Materials Science and Engineering, Bard Hall, Cornell University...based fluids exhibit high ionic conductivity. The NFs are typically synthesized by grafting a charged, oligomeric corona onto the nanoparticle cores

  7. Observation of conducting filament growth in nanoscale resistive memories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yuchao; Gao, Peng; Gaba, Siddharth; Chang, Ting; Pan, Xiaoqing; Lu, Wei

    2012-03-01

    Nanoscale resistive switching devices, sometimes termed memristors, have recently generated significant interest for memory, logic and neuromorphic applications. Resistive switching effects in dielectric-based devices are normally assumed to be caused by conducting filament formation across the electrodes, but the nature of the filaments and their growth dynamics remain controversial. Here we report direct transmission electron microscopy imaging, and structural and compositional analysis of the nanoscale conducting filaments. Through systematic ex-situ and in-situ transmission electron microscopy studies on devices under different programming conditions, we found that the filament growth can be dominated by cation transport in the dielectric film. Unexpectedly, two different growth modes were observed for the first time in materials with different microstructures. Regardless of the growth direction, the narrowest region of the filament was found to be near the dielectric/inert-electrode interface in these devices, suggesting that this region deserves particular attention for continued device optimization.

  8. Generating size-controlled embryoid bodies using laser direct-write.

    PubMed

    Dias, A D; Unser, A M; Xie, Y; Chrisey, D B; Corr, D T

    2014-06-01

    Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into any specialized cell type. One common method to differentiate ESCs in vitro is through embryoid bodies (EBs), three-dimensional cellular aggregates that spontaneously self-assemble and generally express markers for the three germ layers, endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm. It has been previously shown that both EB size and 2D colony size each influence differentiation. We hypothesized that we could control the size of the EB formed by mouse ESCs (mESCs) by using a cell printing method, laser direct-write (LDW), to control both the size of the initial printed colony and the local cell density in printed colonies. After printing mESCs at various printed colony sizes and printing densities, two-way ANOVAs indicated that the EB diameter was influenced by printing density after three days (p = 0.0002), while there was no effect of the printed colony diameter on the EB diameter at the same timepoint (p = 0.74). There was no significant interaction between these two factors. Tukey's honestly significant difference test showed that high-density colonies formed significantly larger EBs, suggesting that printed mESCs quickly aggregate with nearby cells. Thus, EBs can be engineered to a desired size by controlling printing density, which will influence the design of future differentiation studies. Herein, we highlight the capacity of LDW to control the local cell density and colony size independently, at prescribed spatial locations, potentially leading to better stem cell maintenance and directed differentiation.

  9. Direct writing of 150 nm gratings and squares on ZnO crystal in water by using 800 nm femtosecond laser.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jukun; Jia, Tianqing; Zhou, Kan; Feng, Donghai; Zhang, Shian; Zhang, Hongxin; Jia, Xin; Sun, Zhenrong; Qiu, Jianrong

    2014-12-29

    We present a controllable fabrication of nanogratings and nanosquares on the surface of ZnO crystal in water based on femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). The formation of nanogrooves depends on both laser fluence and writing speed. A single groove with width less than 40 nm and double grooves with distance of 150 nm have been produced by manipulating 800 nm femtosecond laser fluence. Nanogratings with period of 150 nm, 300 nm and 1000 nm, and nanosquares with dimensions of 150 × 150 nm2 were fabricated by using this direct femtosecond laser writing technique.

  10. Balancing Self-Directed Learning with Expert Mentoring: The Science Writing Heuristic Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shelley, Mack; Fostvedt, Luke; Gonwa-Reeves, Christopher; Baenziger, Joan; McGill, Michael; Seefeld, Ashley; Hand, Brian; Therrien, William; Taylor, Jonte; Villanueva, Mary Grace

    2012-01-01

    This study focuses on the implementation of the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) curriculum (Hand, 2007), which combines current understandings of learning as a cognitive and negotiated process with the techniques of argument-based inquiry, critical thinking skills, and writing to strengthen student outcomes. Success of SWH is dependent on the…

  11. The Effects of Teacher Directed Writing Instruction Combined with SOLO Literacy Suite

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Park, Y.; Ambrose, G.; Coleman, M. B.; Moore, T. C.

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an intervention in which teacher-led instruction was combined with computerized writing software to improve paragraph writing for three middle school students with intellectual disability. A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the…

  12. How To Improve Students' Writing Styles.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Griffin, Beverly Norris

    Instructors often criticize student writing styles in abstract, nebulous terms which further serve to alienate student writers from the concept of style. College instructors should direct students to such concise, recognized discourses on improving writing style as Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style." In these manuals, specific, effective…

  13. Friction laws at the nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Mo, Yifei; Turner, Kevin T; Szlufarska, Izabela

    2009-02-26

    Macroscopic laws of friction do not generally apply to nanoscale contacts. Although continuum mechanics models have been predicted to break down at the nanoscale, they continue to be applied for lack of a better theory. An understanding of how friction force depends on applied load and contact area at these scales is essential for the design of miniaturized devices with optimal mechanical performance. Here we use large-scale molecular dynamics simulations with realistic force fields to establish friction laws in dry nanoscale contacts. We show that friction force depends linearly on the number of atoms that chemically interact across the contact. By defining the contact area as being proportional to this number of interacting atoms, we show that the macroscopically observed linear relationship between friction force and contact area can be extended to the nanoscale. Our model predicts that as the adhesion between the contacting surfaces is reduced, a transition takes place from nonlinear to linear dependence of friction force on load. This transition is consistent with the results of several nanoscale friction experiments. We demonstrate that the breakdown of continuum mechanics can be understood as a result of the rough (multi-asperity) nature of the contact, and show that roughness theories of friction can be applied at the nanoscale.

  14. Medial-Vowel Writing Difficulty in Korean Syllabic Writing: A Characteristic Sign of Alzheimer's Disease

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Ji Hye; Jeong, Yong

    2018-01-01

    Background and Purpose Korean-speaking patients with a brain injury may show agraphia that differs from that of English-speaking patients due to the unique features of Hangul syllabic writing. Each grapheme in Hangul must be arranged from left to right and/or top to bottom within a square space to form a syllable, which requires greater visuospatial abilities than when writing the letters constituting an alphabetic writing system. Among the Hangul grapheme positions within a syllable, the position of a vowel is important because it determines the writing direction and the whole configuration in Korean syllabic writing. Due to the visuospatial characteristics of the Hangul vowel, individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) may experiences differences between the difficulties of writing Hangul vowels and consonants due to prominent visuospatial dysfunctions caused by parietal lesions. Methods Eighteen patients with EOAD and 18 age-and-education-matched healthy adults participated in this study. The participants were requested to listen to and write 30 monosyllabic characters that consisted of an initial consonant, medial vowel, and final consonant with a one-to-one phoneme-to-grapheme correspondence. We measured the writing time for each grapheme, the pause time between writing the initial consonant and the medial vowel (P1), and the pause time between writing the medial vowel and the final consonant (P2). Results All grapheme writing and pause times were significantly longer in the EOAD group than in the controls. P1 was also significantly longer than P2 in the EOAD group. Conclusions Patients with EOAD might require a higher judgment ability and longer processing time for determining the visuospatial grapheme position before writing medial vowels. This finding suggests that a longer pause time before writing medial vowels is an early marker of visuospatial dysfunction in patients with EOAD. PMID:29504296

  15. Medial-Vowel Writing Difficulty in Korean Syllabic Writing: A Characteristic Sign of Alzheimer's Disease.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Ji Hye; Jeong, Yong; Na, Duk L

    2018-04-01

    Korean-speaking patients with a brain injury may show agraphia that differs from that of English-speaking patients due to the unique features of Hangul syllabic writing. Each grapheme in Hangul must be arranged from left to right and/or top to bottom within a square space to form a syllable, which requires greater visuospatial abilities than when writing the letters constituting an alphabetic writing system. Among the Hangul grapheme positions within a syllable, the position of a vowel is important because it determines the writing direction and the whole configuration in Korean syllabic writing. Due to the visuospatial characteristics of the Hangul vowel, individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) may experiences differences between the difficulties of writing Hangul vowels and consonants due to prominent visuospatial dysfunctions caused by parietal lesions. Eighteen patients with EOAD and 18 age-and-education-matched healthy adults participated in this study. The participants were requested to listen to and write 30 monosyllabic characters that consisted of an initial consonant, medial vowel, and final consonant with a one-to-one phoneme-to-grapheme correspondence. We measured the writing time for each grapheme, the pause time between writing the initial consonant and the medial vowel (P1), and the pause time between writing the medial vowel and the final consonant (P2). All grapheme writing and pause times were significantly longer in the EOAD group than in the controls. P1 was also significantly longer than P2 in the EOAD group. Patients with EOAD might require a higher judgment ability and longer processing time for determining the visuospatial grapheme position before writing medial vowels. This finding suggests that a longer pause time before writing medial vowels is an early marker of visuospatial dysfunction in patients with EOAD. Copyright © 2018 Korean Neurological Association.

  16. Nanoscale hotspots due to nonequilibrium thermal transport.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sinha, Sanjiv; Goodson, Kenneth E.

    2004-01-01

    Recent experimental and modeling efforts have been directed towards the issue of temperature localization and hotspot formation in the vicinity of nanoscale heat generating devices. The nonequilibrium transport conditions which develop around these nanoscale devices results in elevated temperatures near the heat source which can not be predicted by continuum diffusion theory. Efforts to determine the severity of this temperature localization phenomena in silicon devices near and above room temperature are of technological importance to the development of microelectronics and other nanotechnologies. In this work, we have developed a new modeling tool in order to explore the magnitude of themore » additional thermal resistance which forms around nanoscale hotspots from temperatures of 100-1000K. The models are based on a two fluid approximation in which thermal energy is transferred between ''stationary'' optical phonons and fast propagating acoustic phonon modes. The results of the model have shown excellent agreement with experimental results of localized hotspots in silicon at lower temperatures. The model predicts that the effect of added thermal resistance due to the nonequilibrium phonon distribution is greatest at lower temperatures, but is maintained out to temperatures of 1000K. The resistance predicted by the numerical code can be easily integrated with continuum models in order to predict the temperature distribution around nanoscale heat sources with improved accuracy. Additional research efforts also focused on the measurements of the thermal resistance of silicon thin films at higher temperatures, with a focus on polycrystalline silicon. This work was intended to provide much needed experimental data on the thermal transport properties for micro and nanoscale devices built with this material. Initial experiments have shown that the exposure of polycrystalline silicon to high temperatures may induce recrystallization and radically increase the thermal

  17. Innovative Writing Instruction: Writing Selves, Writing Stories

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kinloch, Valeria, Ed.

    2009-01-01

    In this third "Innovative Writing Instruction" column, the author invited a former high school teacher on the verge of preparing for doctoral candidacy exams, an instructor and doctoral student interested in writing research/practice, and a university supervisor for teacher education preservice students to share aspects of their writing selves,…

  18. Direct-write 3D printing of NdFeB bonded magnets

    DOE PAGES

    Compton, Brett Gibson; Kemp, James William; Novikov, Timofei V.; ...

    2016-08-17

    We report a method to fabricate Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets of complex shape via extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D-printing. We have successfully formulated a 3D-printable epoxy-based ink for direct-write AM with anisotropic MQA NdFeB magnet particles that can be deposited at room temperature. The new feedstocks contain up to 40 vol.% MQA anisotropic Nd-Fe-B magnet particles, and they are shown to remain uniformly dispersed in the thermoset matrix throughout the deposition process. Ring, bar, and horseshoe-type 3D magnet structures were printed and cured in air at 100°C without degrading the magnetic properties. Lastly, this study provides a newmore » pathway for fabricating Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets with complex geometry at low temperature, and presents new opportunities for fabricating multifunctional hybrid structures and devices.« less

  19. Direct-write 3D printing of NdFeB bonded magnets

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Compton, Brett Gibson; Kemp, James William; Novikov, Timofei V.

    We report a method to fabricate Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets of complex shape via extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D-printing. We have successfully formulated a 3D-printable epoxy-based ink for direct-write AM with anisotropic MQA NdFeB magnet particles that can be deposited at room temperature. The new feedstocks contain up to 40 vol.% MQA anisotropic Nd-Fe-B magnet particles, and they are shown to remain uniformly dispersed in the thermoset matrix throughout the deposition process. Ring, bar, and horseshoe-type 3D magnet structures were printed and cured in air at 100°C without degrading the magnetic properties. Lastly, this study provides a newmore » pathway for fabricating Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets with complex geometry at low temperature, and presents new opportunities for fabricating multifunctional hybrid structures and devices.« less

  20. Ion concentration in micro and nanoscale electrospray emitters.

    PubMed

    Yuill, Elizabeth M; Baker, Lane A

    2018-06-01

    Solution-phase ion transport during electrospray has been characterized for nanopipettes, or glass capillaries pulled to nanoscale tip dimensions, and micron-sized electrospray ionization emitters. Direct visualization of charged fluorophores during the electrospray process is used to evaluate impacts of emitter size, ionic strength, analyte size, and pressure-driven flow on heterogeneous ion transport during electrospray. Mass spectrometric measurements of positively- and negatively-charged proteins were taken for micron-sized and nanopipette emitters under low ionic strength conditions to further illustrate a discrepancy in solution-driven transport of charged analytes. A fundamental understanding of analyte electromigration during electrospray, which is not always considered, is expected to provide control over selective analyte depletion and enrichment, and can be harnessed for sample cleanup. Graphical abstract Fluorescence micrographs of ion migration in nanoscale pipettes while solution is electrosprayed.

  1. Voltage control of nanoscale magnetoelastic elements: theory and experiments (Presentation Recording)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carman, Gregory P.

    2015-09-01

    Electromagnetic devices rely on electrical currents to generate magnetic fields. While extremely useful this approach has limitations in the small-scale. To overcome the scaling problem, researchers have tried to use electric fields to manipulate a magnetic material's intrinsic magnetization (i.e. multiferroic). The strain mediated class of multiferroics offers up to 70% of energy transduction using available piezoelectric and magnetoelastic materials. While strain mediated multiferroic is promising, few studies exist on modeling/testing of nanoscale magnetic structures. This talk presents motivation, analytical models, and experimental data on electrical control of nanoscale single magnetic domain structures. This research is conducted in a NSF Engineering Research Center entitled Translational Applications for Nanoscale Multiferroics TANMS. The models combine micromagnetics (Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert) with elastodynamics using the electrostatic approximation producing eight fully coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. Qualitative and quantitative verification is achieved with direct comparison to experimental data. The modeling effort guides fabrication and testing on three elements, i.e. nanoscale rings (onion states), ellipses (single domain reorientation), and superparamagnetic elements. Experimental results demonstrate electrical and deterministic control of the magnetic states in the 5-500 nm structures as measured with Photoemission Electron Microscopy PEEM, Magnetic Force Microscopy MFM, or Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscopy TEM. These data strongly suggests efficient control of nanoscale magnetic spin states is possible with voltage.

  2. Micro to Nanoscale Engineering of Surface Precipitates Using Reconfigurable Contact Lines.

    PubMed

    Kabi, Prasenjit; Chaudhuri, Swetaprovo; Basu, Saptarshi

    2018-02-06

    Nanoscale engineering has traditionally adopted the chemical route of synthesis or optochemical techniques such as lithography requiring large process times, expensive equipment, and an inert environment. Directed self-assembly using evaporation of nanocolloidal droplet can be a potential low-cost alternative across various industries ranging from semiconductors to biomedical systems. It is relatively simple to scale and reorient the evaporation-driven internal flow field in an evaporating droplet which can direct dispersed matter into functional agglomerates. The resulting functional precipitates not only exhibit macroscopically discernible changes but also nanoscopic variations in the particulate assembly. Thus, the evaporating droplet forms an autonomous system for nanoscale engineering without the need for external resources. In this article, an indigenous technique of interfacial re-engineering, which is both simple and inexpensive to implement, is developed. Such re-engineering widens the horizon for surface patterning previously limited by the fixed nature of the droplet interface. It involves handprinting hydrophobic lines on a hydrophilic substrate to form a confinement of any selected geometry using a simple document stamp. Droplets cast into such confinements get modulated into a variety of shapes. The droplet shapes control the contact line behavior, evaporation dynamics, and complex internal flow pattern. By exploiting the dynamic interplay among these variables, we could control the deposit's macro- as well as nanoscale assembly not possible with simple circular droplets. We provide a detailed mechanism of the coupling at various length scales enabling a predictive capability in custom engineering, particularly useful in nanoscale applications such as photonic crystals.

  3. Integration of nanoscale memristor synapses in neuromorphic computing architectures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Indiveri, Giacomo; Linares-Barranco, Bernabé; Legenstein, Robert; Deligeorgis, George; Prodromakis, Themistoklis

    2013-09-01

    Conventional neuro-computing architectures and artificial neural networks have often been developed with no or loose connections to neuroscience. As a consequence, they have largely ignored key features of biological neural processing systems, such as their extremely low-power consumption features or their ability to carry out robust and efficient computation using massively parallel arrays of limited precision, highly variable, and unreliable components. Recent developments in nano-technologies are making available extremely compact and low power, but also variable and unreliable solid-state devices that can potentially extend the offerings of availing CMOS technologies. In particular, memristors are regarded as a promising solution for modeling key features of biological synapses due to their nanoscale dimensions, their capacity to store multiple bits of information per element and the low energy required to write distinct states. In this paper, we first review the neuro- and neuromorphic computing approaches that can best exploit the properties of memristor and scale devices, and then propose a novel hybrid memristor-CMOS neuromorphic circuit which represents a radical departure from conventional neuro-computing approaches, as it uses memristors to directly emulate the biophysics and temporal dynamics of real synapses. We point out the differences between the use of memristors in conventional neuro-computing architectures and the hybrid memristor-CMOS circuit proposed, and argue how this circuit represents an ideal building block for implementing brain-inspired probabilistic computing paradigms that are robust to variability and fault tolerant by design.

  4. Electrophoretic deposition of thermites onto micro-engineered electrodes prepared by direct-ink writing.

    PubMed

    Sullivan, K T; Zhu, C; Tanaka, D J; Kuntz, J D; Duoss, E B; Gash, A E

    2013-02-14

    This work combines electrophoretic deposition (EPD) with direct-ink writing (DIW) to prepare thin films of Al/CuO thermites onto patterned two- and three-dimensional silver electrodes. DIW was used to write the electrodes using a silver nanoparticle ink, and EPD was performed in a subsequent step to deposit the thermite onto the conductive electrodes. Unlike conventional lithographic techniques, DIW is a low-cost and versatile alternative to print fine-featured electrodes, and adds the benefit of printing self-supported three-dimensional structures. EPD provides a method for depositing the composite thermite only onto the conductive electrodes, and with controlled thicknesses, which provides fine spatial and mass control, respectively. EPD has previously been shown to produce well-mixed thermite composites which can pack to reasonably high densities without the need for any postprocessing. Homogeneous mixing is particularly important in reactive composities, where good mixing can enhance the reaction kinetics by decreasing the transport distance between the components. Several two- and three-dimensional designs were investigated to highlight the versatility of using DIW and EPD together. In addition to energetic applications, we anticipate that this combination of techniques will have a variety of other applications, which would benefit from the controlled placement of a thin film of one material onto a conductive architecture of a second material.

  5. "Why are Your Kids Writing during Reading Time?"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harp, Bill

    1987-01-01

    Presents a hypothetical situation of an elementary school principal's concern at students writing during reading time, and offers a possible teacher's response with information about the direct tie between writing and reading improvement. (JC)

  6. Nanomaterial Case Study: Nanoscale Silver in Disinfectant ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA announced the release of the final report, Nanomaterial Case Study: Nanoscale Silver in Disinfectant Spray. This report represents a case study of engineered nanoscale silver (nano-Ag), focusing on the specific example of nano-Ag as possibly used in disinfectant sprays. This case study is organized around the comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) framework, which structures available information pertaining to the product life cycle, environmental transport and fate, exposure-dose in receptors (i.e., humans, ecological populations, and the environment), and potential impacts in these receptors. The document does not draw conclusions about potential risks. Instead, it is intended to be used as part of a process to identify what is known and unknown about nano-Ag in a selected application. In turn, the external review draft of the document provided a starting point to identify and prioritize possible research directions to support future assessments of nanomaterials. The information presented in the case study and the questions raised in this document are a foundation for a process to determine priorities among various research topics and directions. After that process has been completed, a final chapter will be added to this document to summarize highlights from preceding chapters and the major research issues that have emerged.

  7. Laser Direct Writing of Tree-Shaped Hierarchical Cones on a Superhydrophobic Film for High-Efficiency Water Collection.

    PubMed

    Wang, Meng; Liu, Qian; Zhang, Haoran; Wang, Chuang; Wang, Lei; Xiang, Bingxi; Fan, Yongtao; Guo, Chuan Fei; Ruan, Shuangchen

    2017-08-30

    Directional water collection has stimulated a great deal of interest because of its potential applications in the field of microfluidics, liquid transportation, fog harvesting, and so forth. There have been some bio or bioinspired structures for directional water collection, from one-dimensional spider silk to two-dimensional star-like patterns to three-dimensional Nepenthes alata. Here we present a simple way for the accurate design and highly controllable driving of tiny droplets: by laser direct writing of hierarchical patterns with modified wettability and desired geometry on a superhydrophobic film, the patterned film can precisely and directionally drive tiny water droplets and dramatically improve the efficiency of water collection with a factor of ∼36 compared with the original superhydrophobic film. Such a patterned film might be an ideal platform for water collection from humid air and for planar microfluidics without tunnels.

  8. Endocytosis of Nanoscale Systems for Cancer Treatments.

    PubMed

    Chen, Kai; Li, Xue; Zhu, Hongyan; Gong, Qiyong; Luo, Kui

    2017-04-28

    Advances of nanoscale systems for cancer treatment have been involved in enabling highly regulated site-specific localization to sub cellular organelles hidden beneath cell membranes. Thus far, the cellular entry of these nanoscale systems has been not fully understood. Endocytosisis a form of active transport in which cell transports elected extracellular molecules (such as proteins, viruses, micro-organisms and nanoscale systems) are allowed into cell interiors by engulfing them in an energy-dependent process. This process appears at the plasma membrane surface and contains internalization of the cell membrane as well as the membrane proteins and lipids of cell. There are multiform pathways of endocytosis for nanoscale systems. Further comprehension for the mechanisms of endocytosis is achieved with a combination of efficient genetic manipulations, cell dynamic imaging, and chemical endocytosis inhibitors. This review provides an account of various endocytic pathways, itemizes current methods to study endocytosis of nanoscale systems, discusses some factors associated with cellular uptake for nanoscale systems and introduces the trafficking behavior for nanoscale systems with active targeting. An insight into the endocytosis mechanism is urgent and significant for developing safe and efficient nanoscale systems for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  9. Three-dimensional microfluidic channel with arbitrary length and configuration fabricated inside glass by femtosecond laser direct writing.

    PubMed

    Liao, Yang; Ju, Yongfeng; Zhang, Long; He, Fei; Zhang, Qiang; Shen, Yinglong; Chen, Danping; Cheng, Ya; Xu, Zhizhan; Sugioka, Koji; Midorikawa, Katsumi

    2010-10-01

    We demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, fabrication of three-dimensional microfluidic channels with arbitrary lengths and configurations inside glass by femtosecond laser direct writing. The main fabrication process includes two steps: (1) direct formation of hollow microchannels in a porous glass substrate immersed in water by femtosecond laser ablation and (2) postannealing of the glass substrate at ∼1150°C by which the porous glass can be consolidated. We show that a square-wavelike channel with a total length of ∼1.4 cm and a diameter of ∼64 μm can be easily produced ∼250 μm beneath the glass surface.

  10. Realisation of 3D metamaterial perfect absorber structures by direct laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fanyaeu, I.; Mizeikis, V.

    2017-02-01

    We report design, fabrication and optical properties of 3D electromagnetic metamaterial structures applicable as perfect absorbers (PA) at mid infra-red frequencies. PA architecture consisting of single-turn metallic helices arranged in a periodic two-dimensional array enables polarization-invariant perfect absorption within a considerable range of incidence angles. The absorber structure is all-metallic, and in principle does not require metallic ground plane, which permits optical transparency at frequencies away from the PA resonance. The samples were fabricated by preparing their dielectric templates using Direct Laser Write technique in photoresist, and metalisation by gold sputtering. Resonant absorption in excess of 90% was found at the resonant wavelength of 7.7 μm in accordance with numerical modelling. Similar PA structures may prove useful for harvesting and conversion of infrared energy as well as narrow-band thermal emission and detection.

  11. New Directions in Composition Research. Perspectives in Writing Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beach, Richard, Ed.; Bridwell, Lillian S., Ed.

    This book contains 20 articles, from a wide variety of perspectives, designed to bridge the interests of researchers and teachers on the topic of current composition research. The following articles are included: "Studying the Writing Abilities of a University Freshman Class: Strategies from a Case Study" (Charles R. Cooper, with Roger…

  12. Direction to an Internet Support Group Compared With Online Expressive Writing for People With Depression And Anxiety: A Randomized Trial.

    PubMed

    Dean, Jeremy; Potts, Henry Ww; Barker, Chris

    2016-05-17

    Depression and anxiety are common, often comorbid, conditions, and Internet support groups for them are well used. However, little rigorous research has been conducted on the outcome of these groups. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an Internet support group in reducing depression and anxiety, and increasing social support and life satisfaction. A randomized trial compared direction to an existing Internet support group for depression and anxiety with an online expressive writing condition. A total of 863 (628 female) United Kingdom, United States, and Canadian volunteers were recruited via the Internet. Online, self-report measures of depression, anxiety, social support, and satisfaction with life were administered at baseline, 3, and 6 months. All four outcomes - depression, anxiety, social support, and satisfaction with life - improved over the 6 months of the study (all P <.001). There was no difference in outcome between the two conditions: participants responded similarly to the expressive writing and the Internet support group. Engagement with the Internet support group was low, it had high 6-month attrition (692/795, 87%) and low adherence, and it received mixed and often negative feedback. The main problems reported were a lack of comfort and connection with others, negative social comparisons, and the potential for receiving bad advice. Expressive writing had lower attrition (194/295, 65%) and participants reported that it was more acceptable. Until further evidence accumulates, directing people with depression and anxiety to Internet support groups cannot be recommended. On the other hand, online expressive writing seems to have potential, and its use for people with depression and anxiety warrants further investigation. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01149265; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01149265 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6hYISlNFT).

  13. Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology

    National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

    NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (Program website, free access)   Currently there is no database matching your keyword search, but the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology website may be of interest. The Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology enables science and industry by providing essential measurement methods, instrumentation, and standards to support all phases of nanotechnology development, from discovery to production.

  14. Nanoscale Graphene Disk: A Natural Functionally Graded Material-How is Fourier's Law Violated along Radius Direction of 2D Disk.

    PubMed

    Yang, Nuo; Hu, Shiqian; Ma, Dengke; Lu, Tingyu; Li, Baowen

    2015-10-07

    In this Paper, we investigate numerically and analytically the thermal conductivity of nanoscale graphene disks (NGDs), and discussed the possibility to realize functionally graded material (FGM) with only one material, NGDs. Different from previous studies on divergence/non-diffusive of thermal conductivity in nano-structures with different size, we found a novel non-homogeneous (graded) thermal conductivity along the radius direction in a single nano-disk structure. We found that, instead of a constant value, the NGD has a graded thermal conductivity along the radius direction. That is, Fourier's law of heat conduction is not valid in two dimensional graphene disk structures Moreover, we show the dependent of NGDs' thermal conductivity on radius and temperature. Our study might inspire experimentalists to develop NGD based versatile FGMs, improve understanding of the heat removal of hot spots on chips, and enhance thermoelectric energy conversion efficiency by two dimensional disk with a graded thermal conductivity.

  15. Electro-optical tunable waveguide embedded multiscan Bragg gratings in lithium niobate by direct femtosecond laser writing.

    PubMed

    Kroesen, Sebastian; Horn, Wolfgang; Imbrock, Jörg; Denz, Cornelia

    2014-09-22

    optical tunable Bragg gratings in lithium niobate fabricated by direct femtosecond laser writing. The hybrid design that consists of a circular type-II waveguide and a multiscan type-I Bragg grating exhibits low loss ordinary and extraordinary polarized guiding as well as narrowband reflections in the c-band of optical communications. High bandwidth tunability of more than a peak width and nearly preserved electro-optic coefficients of r(13) = 7.59 pm V(-1) and r(33) = 23.21 pm V(-1) are demonstrated.

  16. Bridging the Gap: Contextualizing Professional Ethics in Collaborative Writing Projects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rice, J. A.

    2007-01-01

    Many business and technical writing students find classroom discussions of professional ethics interesting and enjoyable. However, when trying to incorporate the content of discussions directly into their writing practices, they often experience difficulties linking ethical concepts to writing process. This article discusses how instructors can…

  17. The Consequences of Writing: Enhancing Learning in the Disciplines.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parker, Robert P.; Goodkin, Vera

    Intended for teachers of grades 7-16, this book discusses "heuristic" writing--writing that produces new, irreversible knowledge for the writer leading to a fuller understanding of the self and of the act of writing--as well as principles and practices having direct implications for a wide range of students. Chapter 1 examines the…

  18. Teaching High School Students How to Write: The Importance of Direct Explicit Instruction and Teacher Training

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Soiferman, L. Karen

    2017-01-01

    Learning how to teach writing is a skill just as learning how to write is a skill. Without a dedicated composition course in Education faculties pre-service teachers are not getting the training they require to be effective teachers of writing. In this report, a case is made for why teachers have to be more aware of how students learn to write and…

  19. Cationic nanoparticles induce nanoscale disruption in living cell plasma membranes.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jiumei; Hessler, Jessica A; Putchakayala, Krishna; Panama, Brian K; Khan, Damian P; Hong, Seungpyo; Mullen, Douglas G; Dimaggio, Stassi C; Som, Abhigyan; Tew, Gregory N; Lopatin, Anatoli N; Baker, James R; Holl, Mark M Banaszak; Orr, Bradford G

    2009-08-13

    It has long been recognized that cationic nanoparticles induce cell membrane permeability. Recently, it has been found that cationic nanoparticles induce the formation and/or growth of nanoscale holes in supported lipid bilayers. In this paper, we show that noncytotoxic concentrations of cationic nanoparticles induce 30-2000 pA currents in 293A (human embryonic kidney) and KB (human epidermoid carcinoma) cells, consistent with a nanoscale defect such as a single hole or group of holes in the cell membrane ranging from 1 to 350 nm(2) in total area. Other forms of nanoscale defects, including the nanoparticle porating agents adsorbing onto or intercalating into the lipid bilayer, are also consistent; although the size of the defect must increase to account for any reduction in ion conduction, as compared to a water channel. An individual defect forming event takes 1-100 ms, while membrane resealing may occur over tens of seconds. Patch-clamp data provide direct evidence for the formation of nanoscale defects in living cell membranes. The cationic polymer data are compared and contrasted with patch-clamp data obtained for an amphiphilic phenylene ethynylene antimicrobial oligomer (AMO-3), a small molecule that is proposed to make well-defined 3.4 nm holes in lipid bilayers. Here, we observe data that are consistent with AMO-3 making approximately 3 nm holes in living cell membranes.

  20. Direct laser writing of auxetic structures: present capabilities and challenges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hengsbach, Stefan; Díaz Lantada, Andrés

    2014-08-01

    Auxetic materials (or metamaterials) are those with a negative Poisson ratio (NPR) and that display the unexpected property of lateral expansion when stretched, as well as an equal and opposing densification when compressed. Such geometries are being progressively employed in the development of novel products, especially in the fields of intelligent expandable actuators, shape morphing structures and minimally invasive implantable devices. Although several micromanufacturing technologies have already been applied to the development of auxetic geometries and devices, additional precision is needed to take full advantage of their special mechanical properties. In this study we present a very promising approach for the development of auxetic metamaterials and devices based on the use of direct laser writing. The process stands out for its precision and complex three-dimensional (3D) geometries attainable without the need of supporting structures. To our knowledge it represents one of the first examples of the application of this technology to the manufacture of auxetic geometries and mechanical metamaterials, with details even more remarkable than those shown in very recent studies, almost reaching the current limit of this additive manufacturing technology. We have used some special 3D auxetic designs whose remarkable NPR has been previously highlighted.

  1. Nanoscale potentiometry.

    PubMed

    Bakker, Eric; Pretsch, Ernö

    2008-01-01

    Potentiometric sensors share unique characteristics that set them apart from other electrochemical sensors. Potentiometric nanoelectrodes have been reported and successfully used for many decades, and we review these developments. Current research chiefly focuses on nanoscale films at the outer or the inner side of the membrane, with outer layers for increasing biocompatibility, expanding the sensor response, or improving the limit of detection (LOD). Inner layers are mainly used for stabilizing the response and eliminating inner aqueous contacts or undesired nanoscale layers of water. We also discuss the ultimate detectability of ions with such sensors and the power of coupling the ultra-low LODs of ion-selective electrodes with nanoparticle labels to give attractive bioassays that can compete with state-of-the-art electrochemical detection.

  2. Laser direct writing of thin-film copper structures as a modification of lithographic processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meyer, F.; Ostendorf, A.; Stute, U.

    2007-04-01

    This paper presents a flexible, mask-free and efficient technique for UV-laser micropatterning of photosensitive resist by laser direct writing (LDW). Photo resist spun on gold sputtered silicon wafers has been laser structured by a scanner guided 266nm DPSSL and electroplated. Ablation behaviour and optimum seed layer preparation in relation to parameters like pulse energy, scanning speed and number of scanned cycles and the electroplating results are discussed. The resulting adhesive strength was measured by a µ-sear device and the gold seed layer-plated copper interface investigated by SEM and EDX to explain correlation to identified bonding behaviour. Improved adhesive strength was observed with higher laser pulse energy and reduced number of cycle.

  3. A Printing-Centric Approach to the Electrostatic Modification of Polymer/Clay Composites for use in 3D Direct-Ink Writing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rauzan, Brittany; Lehman, Sean; McCracken, Josell

    Polymer/clay composite inks are exceptionally useful materials for fabrication processes based on 3D direct-ink writing, however, there remains an insufficient understanding of how their physiochemical dynamics impact printability. Using a model system, N-isopropylacrylamide/Laponite, the electrostatic interactions between Laponite platelets are modified to tune critical rheological properties in order to improve printability. Rheological measurements and X-ray scattering experiments are carried out to monitor the nano/micro-structural dynamics and complex physicochemical interactions of Laponite as it impacts complex modulus in the linear region, flow behavior, thixotropy, and yield stress of the composite ink. Modification of the electrostatic interactions between platelets reduces the yieldmore » stress of the material, while maintaining a complex microstructure that allows for sufficient recovery times upon removal of stress to form stable, and thus printable, filaments. A printing-centric approach is established based on a fundamental understanding of electrostatic inter-particle interactions, harnessing the innate microstructure of Laponite in 3D direct-ink writing of composites.« less

  4. Temperature Measurement by a Nanoscale Electron Probe Using Energy Gain and Loss Spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Idrobo, Juan Carlos; Lupini, Andrew R.; Feng, Tianli; Unocic, Raymond R.; Walden, Franklin S.; Gardiner, Daniel S.; Lovejoy, Tracy C.; Dellby, Niklas; Pantelides, Sokrates T.; Krivanek, Ondrej L.

    2018-03-01

    Heat dissipation in integrated nanoscale devices is a major issue that requires the development of nanoscale temperature probes. Here, we report the implementation of a method that combines electron energy gain and loss spectroscopy to provide a direct measurement of the local temperature in the nanoenvironment. Loss and gain peaks corresponding to an optical-phonon mode in boron nitride were measured from room temperature to ˜1600 K . Both loss and gain peaks exhibit a shift towards lower energies as the sample is heated up. First-principles calculations of the temperature-induced phonon frequency shifts provide insights into the origin of this effect and confirm the experimental data. The experiments and theory presented here open the doors to the study of anharmonic effects in materials by directly probing phonons in the electron microscope.

  5. Mechanical writing of n-type conductive layers on the SrTiO3 surface in nanoscale

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yuhang; Zhao, Kehan; Shi, Xiaolan; Li, Geng; Xie, Guanlin; Lai, Xubo; Ni, Jun; Zhang, Liuwan

    2015-01-01

    The fabrication and control of the conductive surface and interface on insulating SrTiO3 bulk provide a pathway for oxide electronics. The controllable manipulation of local doping concentration in semiconductors is an important step for nano-electronics. Here we show that conductive patterns can be written on bare SrTiO3 surface by controllable doping in nanoscale using the mechanical interactions of atomic force microscopy tip without applying external electric field. The conductivity of the layer is n-type, oxygen sensitive, and can be effectively tuned by the gate voltage. Hence, our findings have potential applications in oxide nano-circuits and oxygen sensors. PMID:26042679

  6. What is technical writing? Prolegomenon to a contextual definition

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barton, B. F.; Barton, M. S.

    1981-01-01

    The question, "What is Technical Writing?", is addressed. Interest about the stance a teacher assumes in a classroom, the orientation of textbooks, and the shape of curricula are considered. Technical writing is considered of age, definitions abound and the time is ripe for a metaperspective on the question. This analyzes pitfalls in representative definitions of technical writing suggest a direction for future inquiry.

  7. Direct-writing of copper-based micropatterns on polymer substrates using femtosecond laser reduction of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mizoshiri, Mizue; Ito, Yasuaki; Sakurai, Junpei; Hata, Seiichi

    2017-04-01

    Copper (Cu)-based micropatterns were fabricated on polymer substrates using femtosecond laser reduction of copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. CuO nanoparticle solution, which consisted of CuO nanoparticles, ethylene glycol as a reductant agent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a dispersant, was spin-coated on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates and was irradiated by focused femtosecond laser pulses to fabricate Cu-based micropatterns. When the laser pulses were raster-scanned onto the solution, CuO nanoparticles were reduced and sintered. Cu-rich and copper (I)-oxide (Cu2O)-rich micropatterns were formed at laser scanning speeds of 15 mm/s and 0.5 mm/s, respectively, and at a pulse energy of 0.54 nJ. Cu-rich electrically conductive micropatterns were obtained without significant damages on the substrates. On the other hand, Cu2O-rich micropatterns exhibited no electrical conductivity, indicating that microcracks were generated on the micropatterns by thermal expansion and shrinking of the substrates. We demonstrated a direct-writing of Cu-rich micro-temperature sensors on PDMS substrates using the foregoing laser irradiation condition. The resistance of the fabricated sensors increased with increasing temperature, which is consistent with that of Cu. This direct-writing technique is useful for fabricating Cu-polymer composite microstructures.

  8. Scalable High-Performance Ultraminiature Graphene Micro-Supercapacitors by a Hybrid Technique Combining Direct Writing and Controllable Microdroplet Transfer.

    PubMed

    Shen, Daozhi; Zou, Guisheng; Liu, Lei; Zhao, Wenzheng; Wu, Aiping; Duley, Walter W; Zhou, Y Norman

    2018-02-14

    Miniaturization of energy storage devices can significantly decrease the overall size of electronic systems. However, this miniaturization is limited by the reduction of electrode dimensions and the reproducible transfer of small electrolyte drops. This paper reports first a simple scalable direct writing method for the production of ultraminiature microsupercapacitor (MSC) electrodes, based on femtosecond laser reduced graphene oxide (fsrGO) interlaced pads. These pads, separated by 2 μm spacing, are 100 μm long and 8 μm wide. A second stage involves the accurate transfer of an electrolyte microdroplet on top of each individual electrode, which can avoid any interference of the electrolyte with other electronic components. Abundant in-plane mesopores in fsrGO induced by a fs laser together with ultrashort interelectrode spacing enables MSCs to exhibit a high specific capacitance (6.3 mF cm -2 and 105 F cm -3 ) and ∼100% retention after 1000 cycles. An all graphene resistor-capacitor (RC) filter is also constructed by combining the MSC and a fsrGO resistor, which is confirmed to exhibit highly enhanced performance characteristics. This new hybrid technique combining fs laser direct writing and precise microdroplet transfer easily enables scalable production of ultraminiature MSCs, which is believed to be significant for practical application of micro-supercapacitor microelectronic systems.

  9. Nanoprocess and nanoscale surface functionalization on cathode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Alaboina, Pankaj Kumar; Uddin, Md-Jamal; Cho, Sung-Jin

    2017-10-26

    Nanotechnology-driven development of cathode materials is an essential part to revolutionize the evolution of the next generation lithium ion batteries. With the progress of nanoprocess and nanoscale surface modification investigations on cathode materials in recent years, the advanced battery technology future seems very promising - Thanks to nanotechnology. In this review, an overview of promising nanoscale surface deposition methods and their significance in surface functionalization on cathodes is extensively summarized. Surface modified cathodes are provided with a protective layer to overcome the electrochemical performance limitations related to side reactions with electrolytes, reduce self-discharge reactions, improve thermal and structural stability, and further enhance the overall battery performance. The review addresses the importance of nanoscale surface modification on battery cathodes and concludes with a comparison of the different nanoprocess techniques discussed to provide a direction in the race to build advanced lithium-ion batteries.

  10. Proposal for the detection of magnetic monopoles in spin ice via nanoscale magnetometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kirschner, Franziska K. K.; Flicker, Felix; Yacoby, Amir; Yao, Norman Y.; Blundell, Stephen J.

    2018-04-01

    We present a proposal for applying nanoscale magnetometry to the search for magnetic monopoles in the spin ice materials holmium and dysprosium titanate. Employing Monte Carlo simulations of the dipolar spin ice model, we find that when cooled to below 1.5 K these materials exhibit a sufficiently low monopole density to enable the direct observation of magnetic fields from individual monopoles. At these temperatures we demonstrate that noise spectroscopy can capture the intrinsic fluctuations associated with monopole dynamics, allowing one to isolate the qualitative effects associated with both the Coulomb interaction between monopoles and the topological constraints implied by Dirac strings. We describe in detail three different nanoscale magnetometry platforms (muon spin rotation, nitrogen-vacancy defects, and nanoscale arrays of superconducting quantum interference devices) that can be used to detect monopoles in these experiments and analyze the advantages of each.

  11. Direct writing of half-meter long CNT based fiber for flexible electronics.

    PubMed

    Huang, Sihan; Zhao, Chunsong; Pan, Wei; Cui, Yi; Wu, Hui

    2015-03-11

    Rapid construction of flexible circuits has attracted increasing attention according to its important applications in future smart electronic devices. Herein, we introduce a convenient and efficient "writing" approach to fabricate and assemble ultralong functional fibers as fundamental building blocks for flexible electronic devices. We demonstrated that, by a simple hand-writing process, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be aligned inside a continuous and uniform polymer fiber with length of more than 50 cm and diameters ranging from 300 nm to several micrometers. The as-prepared continuous fibers exhibit high electrical conductivity as well as superior mechanical flexibility (no obvious conductance increase after 1000 bending cycles to 4 mm diameter). Such functional fibers can be easily configured into designed patterns with high precision according to the easy "writing" process. The easy construction and assembly of functional fiber shown here holds potential for convenient and scalable fabrication of flexible circuits in future smart devices like wearable electronics and three-dimensional (3D) electronic devices.

  12. Direct Laser Writing of Low-Density Interdigitated Foams for Plasma Drive Shaping [Direct Laser Writing of Low Density Nanostitched Foams for Plasma Drive Shaping

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Oakdale, James S.; Smith, Raymond F.; Forien, Jean -Baptiste

    Monolithic porous bulk materials have many promising applications ranging from energy storage and catalysis to high energy density physics. High resolution additive manufacturing techniques, such as direct laser writing via two photon polymerization (DLW-TPP), now enable the fabrication of highly porous microlattices with deterministic morphology control. In this work, DLW-TPP is used to print millimeter-sized foam reservoirs (down to 0.06 g cm –3) with tailored density-gradient profiles, where density is varied by over an order of magnitude (for instance from 0.6 to 0.06 g cm –3) along a length of <100 µm. Taking full advantage of this technology, however, ismore » a multiscale materials design problem that requires detailed understanding of how the different length scales, from the molecular level to the macroscopic dimensions, affect each other. The design of these 3D-printed foams is based on the brickwork arrangement of 100 × 100 × 16 µm 3 log-pile blocks constructed from sub-micrometer scale features. A block-to-block interdigitated stitching strategy is introduced for obtaining high density uniformity at all length scales. Lastly, these materials are used to shape plasma-piston drives during ramp-compression of targets under high energy density conditions created at the OMEGA Laser Facility.« less

  13. Direct Laser Writing of Low-Density Interdigitated Foams for Plasma Drive Shaping [Direct Laser Writing of Low Density Nanostitched Foams for Plasma Drive Shaping

    DOE PAGES

    Oakdale, James S.; Smith, Raymond F.; Forien, Jean -Baptiste; ...

    2017-09-27

    Monolithic porous bulk materials have many promising applications ranging from energy storage and catalysis to high energy density physics. High resolution additive manufacturing techniques, such as direct laser writing via two photon polymerization (DLW-TPP), now enable the fabrication of highly porous microlattices with deterministic morphology control. In this work, DLW-TPP is used to print millimeter-sized foam reservoirs (down to 0.06 g cm –3) with tailored density-gradient profiles, where density is varied by over an order of magnitude (for instance from 0.6 to 0.06 g cm –3) along a length of <100 µm. Taking full advantage of this technology, however, ismore » a multiscale materials design problem that requires detailed understanding of how the different length scales, from the molecular level to the macroscopic dimensions, affect each other. The design of these 3D-printed foams is based on the brickwork arrangement of 100 × 100 × 16 µm 3 log-pile blocks constructed from sub-micrometer scale features. A block-to-block interdigitated stitching strategy is introduced for obtaining high density uniformity at all length scales. Lastly, these materials are used to shape plasma-piston drives during ramp-compression of targets under high energy density conditions created at the OMEGA Laser Facility.« less

  14. Programmable permanent data storage characteristics of nanoscale thin films of a thermally stable aromatic polyimide.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong Min; Park, Samdae; Lee, Taek Joon; Hahm, Suk Gyu; Kim, Kyungtae; Kim, Jin Chul; Kwon, Wonsang; Ree, Moonhor

    2009-10-06

    We have synthesized a new thermally and dimensionally stable polyimide, poly(4,4'-amino(4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylene hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide) (6F-HTPA PI). 6F-HTPA PI is soluble in organic solvents and is thus easily processed with conventional solution coating techniques to produce good quality nanoscale thin films. Devices fabricated with nanoscale thin PI films with thicknesses less than 77 nm exhibit excellent unipolar write-once-read-many-times (WORM) memory behavior with a high ON/OFF current ratio of up to 10(6), a long retention time and low power consumption, less than +/-3.0 V. Furthermore, these WORM characteristics were found to persist even at high temperatures up to 150 degrees C. The WORM memory behavior was found to be governed by trap-limited space-charge limited conduction and local filament formation. The conduction processes are dominated by hole injection. Thus the hydroxytriphenylamine moieties of the PI polymer might play a key role as hole trapping sites in the observed WORM memory behavior. The properties of 6F-HTPA PI make it a promising material for high-density and very stable programmable permanent data storage devices with low power consumption.

  15. Precision Rolled-Ink Nano-Technology; Development of a Direct Write Technique for the Fabrication of Thin Films and Conductive Elements

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-10-01

    Fabrication of Thin Films and Conductive Elements Larry R. Holmes, Jr. Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, ARL...polymer composites, glass, metals, ceramics , and others. Development of the PRINT system and future work are discussed. 15. SUBJECT TERMS direct write...7 Figure 5. PRINT deposition on (left) polished aluminum sheet metal, and (right) aluminum oxide ceramic tile

  16. Nanoscale growth twins in sputtered metal films

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Misra, Amit; Anderoglu, Osman; Hoagland, Richard G

    2008-01-01

    We review recent studies on the mechanical properties of sputtered Cu and 330 stainless steel films with {l_brace}1 1 1{r_brace} nanoscale growth twins preferentially oriented perpendicular to growth direction. The mechanisms of formation of growth twins during sputtering and the deformation mechanisms that enable usually high strengths in nanotwinned structures are highlighted. Growth twins in sputtered films possess good thermal stability at elevated temperature, providing an approach to extend the application of high strength nanostructured metals to higher temperatures.

  17. λ/26 silver nanodots fabricated by direct laser writing through highly sensitive two-photon photoreduction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cao, Yaoyu; Gu, Min, E-mail: mgu@swin.edu.au

    We demonstrated an approach to break the diffraction limit and realise deep-subwavelength two-photon direct laser writing by employing a highly sensitive photoreduction process. The photoreduction photosensitivity increased by at least 4 times while the wavelength of the fabrication laser beam was tuned from 800 nm to 580 nm. The increase of the photosensitivity resulted in improved resolution for the silver dot fabrication. By developing the photoreduction material with adding electron donors, the photosensitivity further increased and enabled the realisation of a single silver dot at 22 nm which is λ/26 for the wavelength of the fabrication laser beam.

  18. Nanoscale Graphene Disk: A Natural Functionally Graded Material–How is Fourier’s Law Violated along Radius Direction of 2D Disk

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Nuo; Hu, Shiqian; Ma, Dengke; Lu, Tingyu; Li, Baowen

    2015-01-01

    In this Paper, we investigate numerically and analytically the thermal conductivity of nanoscale graphene disks (NGDs), and discussed the possibility to realize functionally graded material (FGM) with only one material, NGDs. Different from previous studies on divergence/non-diffusive of thermal conductivity in nano-structures with different size, we found a novel non-homogeneous (graded) thermal conductivity along the radius direction in a single nano-disk structure. We found that, instead of a constant value, the NGD has a graded thermal conductivity along the radius direction. That is, Fourier’s law of heat conduction is not valid in two dimensional graphene disk structures Moreover, we show the dependent of NGDs’ thermal conductivity on radius and temperature. Our study might inspire experimentalists to develop NGD based versatile FGMs, improve understanding of the heat removal of hot spots on chips, and enhance thermoelectric energy conversion efficiency by two dimensional disk with a graded thermal conductivity. PMID:26443206

  19. NANOSCALE BIOSENSORS IN ECOSYSTEM EXPOSURE RESEARCH

    EPA Science Inventory

    This powerpoint presentation presented information on nanoscale biosensors in ecosystem exposure research. The outline of the presentation is as follows: nanomaterials environmental exposure research; US agencies involved in nanosensor research; nanoscale LEDs in biosensors; nano...

  20. Terahertz electrical writing speed in an antiferromagnetic memory

    PubMed Central

    Kašpar, Zdeněk; Campion, Richard P.; Baumgartner, Manuel; Sinova, Jairo; Kužel, Petr; Müller, Melanie; Kampfrath, Tobias

    2018-01-01

    The speed of writing of state-of-the-art ferromagnetic memories is physically limited by an intrinsic gigahertz threshold. Recently, realization of memory devices based on antiferromagnets, in which spin directions periodically alternate from one atomic lattice site to the next has moved research in an alternative direction. We experimentally demonstrate at room temperature that the speed of reversible electrical writing in a memory device can be scaled up to terahertz using an antiferromagnet. A current-induced spin-torque mechanism is responsible for the switching in our memory devices throughout the 12-order-of-magnitude range of writing speeds from hertz to terahertz. Our work opens the path toward the development of memory-logic technology reaching the elusive terahertz band. PMID:29740601

  1. Write from the Start: Tapping Your Child's Natural Writing Ability.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graves, Donald; Stuart, Virginia

    Based on a seminal classroom research project directed by Dr. Donald Graves, as well as on the experiences of numerous children, teachers, parents, and researchers around the world, this book shows what can happen when teachers and parents realize that every child can write. Although the book is the result of a collaboration, the two authors have…

  2. Maskless direct laser writing with visible light: Breaking through the optical resolving limit with cooperative manipulations of nonlinear reverse saturation absorption and thermal diffusion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wei, Jingsong, E-mail: weijingsong@siom.ac.cn; Wang, Rui; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049

    In this work, the resolving limit of maskless direct laser writing is overcome by cooperative manipulation from nonlinear reverse saturation absorption and thermal diffusion, where the nonlinear reverse saturation absorption can induce the formation of below diffraction-limited energy absorption spot, and the thermal diffusion manipulation can make the heat quantity at the central region of energy absorption spot propagate along the thin film thickness direction. The temperature at the central region of energy absorption spot transiently reaches up to melting point and realizes nanolithography. The sample “glass substrate/AgInSbTe” is prepared, where AgInSbTe is taken as nonlinear reverse saturation absorption thinmore » film. The below diffraction-limited energy absorption spot is simulated theoretically and verified experimentally by near-field spot scanning method. The “glass substrate/Al/AgInSbTe” sample is prepared, where the Al is used as thermal conductive layer to manipulate the thermal diffusion channel because the thermal diffusivity coefficient of Al is much larger than that of AgInSbTe. The direct laser writing is conducted by a setup with a laser wavelength of 650 nm and a converging lens of NA=0.85, the lithographic marks with a size of about 100 nm are obtained, and the size is only about 1/10 the incident focused spot. The experimental results indicate that the cooperative manipulation from nonlinear reverse saturation absorption and thermal diffusion is a good method to realize nanolithography in maskless direct laser writing with visible light.« less

  3. Fully Packaged Carbon Nanotube Supercapacitors by Direct Ink Writing on Flexible Substrates.

    PubMed

    Chen, Bolin; Jiang, Yizhou; Tang, Xiaohui; Pan, Yayue; Hu, Shan

    2017-08-30

    The ability to print fully packaged integrated energy storage components (e.g., supercapacitors) is of critical importance for practical applications of printed electronics. Due to the limited variety of printable materials, most studies on printed supercapacitors focus on printing the electrode materials but rarely the full-packaged cell. This work presents for the first time the printing of a fully packaged single-wall carbon nanotube-based supercapacitor with direct ink writing (DIW) technology. Enabled by the developed ink formula, DIW setup, and cell architecture, the whole printing process is mask free, transfer free, and alignment free with precise and repeatable control on the spatial distribution of all constituent materials. Studies on cell design show that a wider electrode pattern and narrower gap distance between electrodes lead to higher specific capacitance. The as-printed fully packaged supercapacitors have energy and power performances that are among the best in recently reported planar carbon-based supercapacitors that are only partially printed or nonprinted.

  4. Fabrication and electrodynamic properties of all-carbon terahertz planar metamaterials by laser direct-write

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Komlenok, M. S.; Lebedev, S. P.; Komandin, G. A.; Piqué, A.; Konov, V. I.

    2018-03-01

    A new approach to THz metamaterial structures is proposed and experimentally realized. It is based on metal-less conductive subwavelength structures on diamond surfaces generated by laser direct-write. 200 nm thick graphitized layers with DC conductivity of 730 Ω-1 cm-1 are formed on a chemical vapour deposited polycrystalline diamond surface after irradiation with an excimer KrF laser (τ l  =  20 ns, λ  =  248 nm). The optical properties of such layers are determined and simulated according to the Drude model. A polarizer with a graphitized subwavelength grating is fabricated and tested in the THz range (0.9-1.2 THz), and shows different transmission losses for orthogonal polarizations.

  5. Investigation of Writing Strategies, Writing Apprehension, and Writing Achievement among Saudi EFL-Major Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al Asmari, AbdulRahman

    2013-01-01

    The tenet of this study is to investigate the use of writing strategies in reducing writing apprehension and uncovering its effect on EFL students' writing achievement. It also attempts to explore associations between foreign language apprehension, writing achievement and writing strategies. The primary aims of the study were to explore the…

  6. Mirror man: a case of skilled deliberate mirror writing.

    PubMed

    McIntosh, Robert D; De Lucia, Natascia; Della Sala, Sergio

    2014-01-01

    Mirror writing is a striking behaviour that is common in children and can reemerge in adults following brain damage. Skilled deliberate mirror writing has also been reported, but only anecdotally. We provide the first quantitative study of skilled deliberate mirror writing. K.B. can write forward or backward, vertically upright or inverted, with the hands acting alone or simultaneously. K.B. is predominantly left handed, but writes habitually with his right hand. Of his writing formats, his left hand mirror writing is by far the most similar in style to his normal handwriting. When writing bimanually, he performs better when his two hands make mirror-symmetrical movements to write opposite scripts than if they move in the same direction to write similar scripts. He has no special facility for reading mirrored text. These features are consistent with prior anecdotal cases and support a motor basis for K.B.'s ability, according to which his skilled mirror writing results from the left hand execution of a low-level motor program for a right hand abductive writing action. Our methods offer a novel framework for investigating the sharing of motor representations across effectors.

  7. Nanoscale MOS devices: device parameter fluctuations and low-frequency noise (Invited Paper)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wong, Hei; Iwai, Hiroshi; Liou, J. J.

    2005-05-01

    It is well-known in conventional MOS transistors that the low-frequency noise or flicker noise is mainly contributed by the trapping-detrapping events in the gate oxide and the mobility fluctuation in the surface channel. In nanoscale MOS transistors, the number of trapping-detrapping events becomes less important because of the large direct tunneling current through the ultrathin gate dielectric which reduces the probability of trapping-detrapping and the level of leakage current fluctuation. Other noise sources become more significant in nanoscale devices. The source and drain resistance noises have greater impact on the drain current noise. Significant contribution of the parasitic bipolar transistor noise in ultra-short channel and channel mobility fluctuation to the channel noise are observed. The channel mobility fluctuation in nanoscale devices could be due to the local composition fluctuation of the gate dielectric material which gives rise to the permittivity fluctuation along the channel and results in gigantic channel potential fluctuation. On the other hand, the statistical variations of the device parameters across the wafer would cause the noise measurements less accurate which will be a challenge for the applicability of analytical flicker noise model as a process or device evaluation tool for nanoscale devices. Some measures for circumventing these difficulties are proposed.

  8. Lotus-on-chip: computer-aided design and 3D direct laser writing of bioinspired surfaces for controlling the wettability of materials and devices.

    PubMed

    Lantada, Andrés Díaz; Hengsbach, Stefan; Bade, Klaus

    2017-10-16

    In this study we present the combination of a math-based design strategy with direct laser writing as high-precision technology for promoting solid free-form fabrication of multi-scale biomimetic surfaces. Results show a remarkable control of surface topography and wettability properties. Different examples of surfaces inspired on the lotus leaf, which to our knowledge are obtained for the first time following a computer-aided design with this degree of precision, are presented. Design and manufacturing strategies towards microfluidic systems whose fluid driving capabilities are obtained just by promoting a design-controlled wettability of their surfaces, are also discussed and illustrated by means of conceptual proofs. According to our experience, the synergies between the presented computer-aided design strategy and the capabilities of direct laser writing, supported by innovative writing strategies to promote final size while maintaining high precision, constitute a relevant step forward towards materials and devices with design-controlled multi-scale and micro-structured surfaces for advanced functionalities. To our knowledge, the surface geometry of the lotus leaf, which has relevant industrial applications thanks to its hydrophobic and self-cleaning behavior, has not yet been adequately modeled and manufactured in an additive way with the degree of precision that we present here.

  9. Professional Writing in the English Classroom: Professional Collaborative Writing--Teaching, Writing, and Learning--Together.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bush, Jonathan; Zuidema, Leah

    2013-01-01

    In this article, the authors report the importance of teaching students about collaborative writing. When teachers are effective in helping students to learn processes for collaborative writing, everyone involved needs to speak, listen, write, and read about how to write well and what makes writing good. Students are forced to "go meta"…

  10. Virtual and Material Buildings: Construction and Constructivism in Architecture and Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Medway, Peter

    1996-01-01

    Endorses recent arguments for more study of writing that shapes and directs the production of material artifacts and for considering writing as one semiotic mode among others. Considers a case of "nonwritten" symbolic production, architectural design, for what it may suggest for the study and teaching of writing. (TB)

  11. Investigation of the effects of melt electrospinning parameters on the direct-writing fiber size using orthogonal design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Feng-Li; He, Jin; Deng, Xudong; Li, Da-Wei; Ahmad, Fiaz; Liu, Yang-Yang; Liu, Ya-Li; Ye, Ya-Jing; Zhang, Chen-Yan; Yin, Da-Chuan

    2017-10-01

    Melt electrospinning is a complex process, and many of the processing parameters can impact the result of fiber formation. In this paper, we conducted a systematic investigation on the impacts of the melt electrospinning parameters (including temperature, needle gauge, flow rate and collector speed) on the fiber diameter via an orthogonal design experiment. The straight single fibers were fabricated using melt electrospinning in a direct-writing way with a diameter varied from 9.68  ±  0.93 µm to 48.55  ±  3.72 µm. The results showed that the fiber diameter changed differently against different parameters: when the temperature or needle gauge increased, the fiber diameter increased first and then decreased; when the flow rate increased, the fiber diameter decreased first and then increased; when the collector speed increased, the fiber diameter decreased monotonously. We also found that the collector speed was the most influential factor while the needle gauge was least important in determining the diameter of the fiber. Moreover, the feasibility of melt electrospinning in a direct-writing way as a novel 3D printing technology had been demonstrated by fabricating both uniform and controllable structures with high accuracy, based on the optimal parameters from the orthogonal experiments. The promising results indicated that melt electrospinning can be developed as a powerful technique for fabricating miniatured parts with high resolution and controllable structures for versatile potential applications.

  12. Nanoscale chemical mapping of laser-solubilized silk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ryu, Meguya; Kobayashi, Hanae; Balčytis, Armandas; Wang, Xuewen; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Li, Jingliang; Urayama, Norio; Mizeikis, Vygantas; Tobin, Mark; Juodkazis, Saulius; Morikawa, Junko

    2017-11-01

    A water soluble amorphous form of silk was made by ultra-short laser pulse irradiation and detected by nanoscale IR mapping. An optical absorption-induced nanoscale surface expansion was probed to yield the spectral response of silk at IR molecular fingerprinting wavelengths with a high  ˜ 20 nm spatial resolution defined by the tip of the probe. Silk microtomed sections of 1-5 μm in thickness were prepared for nanoscale spectroscopy and a laser was used to induce amorphisation. Comparison of silk absorbance measurements carried out by table-top and synchrotron Fourier transform IR spectroscopy proved that chemical imaging obtained at high spatial resolution and specificity (able to discriminate between amorphous and crystalline silk) is reliably achieved by nanoscale IR. Differences in absorbance and spectral line-shapes of the bands are related to the different sensitivity of the applied methods to real and imaginary parts of permittivity. A nanoscale material characterization by combining synchrotron IR radiation and nano-IR is discussed.

  13. "Make It New": Introducing Poetry Through Writing Poetry.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lim, Shirley

    One approach to introducing students to poetry is to have them write and analyze their own poems. Although this approach has some disadvantages, it does serve to tap students' experiences and expressive potential with creative projects and to give them an immediate and direct relationship with the traditional published works. By writing poems…

  14. The writing retreat: a high-yield clinical faculty development opportunity in academic writing.

    PubMed

    Cable, Christian T; Boyer, Debra; Colbert, Colleen Y; Boyer, Edward W

    2013-06-01

    The need for consistent academic productivity challenges junior clinician-scholars, who often lack the aptitude to ensure efficient production of manuscripts. To solve this problem, an academic division of a major medical center developed an off-site writing retreat. The purpose of the retreat was not to teach writing skills, but to offer senior mentor assistance with a focus on the elements of manuscript writing. The retreat paired senior faculty members with junior staff. Senior faculty identified manuscript topics and provided real-time writing and editing supervision. Team-building exercises, midcourse corrections, and debriefing interviews were built into the retreat. The number of manuscripts and grant proposals generated during the 2008-2011 retreats was recorded, and the program was evaluated by using unstructured debriefing interviews. An average of 6 to 7 faculty members and fellows participated in each retreat. During the past 4 years, participants produced an average of 3 grant proposals and 7 manuscripts per retreat. After the writing retreat, each fellow and junior faculty member produced an average of 4 scholarly products per year, compared to fewer than 2 for prior years' retreats. Participant feedback indicated the success of the retreat resulted from protected time, direct mentorship by the scholars involved, and pairing of authors, which allows for rapid production of manuscripts and accelerated the editing process. More than 80% of mentors returned each year to participate. The writing retreat is a feasible, effective strategy to increase scholarship among faculty, acceptable to mentees and mentors, and sustainable over time.

  15. Observation of nanoscale magnetic fields using twisted electron beams

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Grillo, Vincenzo; Harvey, Tyler R.; Venturi, Federico

    Electron waves give an unprecedented enhancement to the field of microscopy by providing higher resolving power compared to their optical counterpart. Further information about a specimen, such as electric and magnetic features, can be revealed in electron microscopy because electrons possess both a magnetic moment and charge. In-plane magnetic structures in materials can be studied experimentally using the effect of the Lorentz force. On the other hand, full mapping of the magnetic field has hitherto remained challenging. Here we measure a nanoscale out-of-plane magnetic field by interfering a highly twisted electron vortex beam with a reference wave. We implement amore » recently developed holographic technique to manipulate the electron wavefunction, which gives free electrons an additional unbounded quantized magnetic moment along their propagation direction. Our finding demonstrates that full reconstruction of all three components of nanoscale magnetic fields is possible without tilting the specimen.« less

  16. Observation of nanoscale magnetic fields using twisted electron beams

    DOE PAGES

    Grillo, Vincenzo; Harvey, Tyler R.; Venturi, Federico; ...

    2017-09-25

    Electron waves give an unprecedented enhancement to the field of microscopy by providing higher resolving power compared to their optical counterpart. Further information about a specimen, such as electric and magnetic features, can be revealed in electron microscopy because electrons possess both a magnetic moment and charge. In-plane magnetic structures in materials can be studied experimentally using the effect of the Lorentz force. On the other hand, full mapping of the magnetic field has hitherto remained challenging. Here we measure a nanoscale out-of-plane magnetic field by interfering a highly twisted electron vortex beam with a reference wave. We implement amore » recently developed holographic technique to manipulate the electron wavefunction, which gives free electrons an additional unbounded quantized magnetic moment along their propagation direction. Our finding demonstrates that full reconstruction of all three components of nanoscale magnetic fields is possible without tilting the specimen.« less

  17. Direct Metal Writing and Precise Positioning of Gold Nanoparticles within Microfluidic Channels for SERS Sensing of Gaseous Analytes.

    PubMed

    Lee, Mian Rong; Lee, Hiang Kwee; Yang, Yijie; Koh, Charlynn Sher Lin; Lay, Chee Leng; Lee, Yih Hong; Phang, In Yee; Ling, Xing Yi

    2017-11-15

    We demonstrate a one-step precise direct metal writing of well-defined and densely packed gold nanoparticle (AuNP) patterns with tunable physical and optical properties. We achieve this by using two-photon lithography on a Au precursor comprising poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and ethylene glycol (EG), where EG promotes higher reduction rates of Au(III) salt via polyol reduction. Hence, clusters of monodisperse AuNP are generated along raster scanning of the laser, forming high-particle-density, well-defined structures. By varying the PVP concentration, we tune the AuNP size from 27.3 to 65.0 nm and the density from 172 to 965 particles/μm 2 , corresponding to a surface roughness of 12.9 to 67.1 nm, which is important for surface-based applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We find that the microstructures exhibit an SERS enhancement factor of >10 5 and demonstrate remote writing of well-defined Au microstructures within a microfluidic channel for the SERS detection of gaseous molecules. We showcase in situ SERS monitoring of gaseous 4-methylbenzenethiol and real-time detection of multiple small gaseous species with no specific affinity to Au. This one-step, laser-induced fabrication of AuNP microstructures ignites a plethora of possibilities to position desired patterns directly onto or within most surfaces for the future creation of multifunctional lab-on-a-chip devices.

  18. Persistent left unilateral mirror writing: A neuropsychological case study.

    PubMed

    Angelillo, Valentina G; De Lucia, Natascia; Trojano, Luigi; Grossi, Dario

    2010-09-01

    Mirror writing (MW) is a rare disorder in which a script runs in direction opposite to normal and individual letters are reversed. The disorder generally occurs after left-hemisphere lesions, is transient and is observed on the left hand, whereas usually motor impairments prevent assessment of direction of right handwriting. We describe a left-handed patient with complete left hand mirror writing, still evident 2 years after a hemorrhagic stroke in left nucleo-capsular region. Since the patient could write with his right hand he underwent several writing tasks with either hand, and a thorough assessment to clarify the nature of MW. MW was evident in writing to dictation with left hand only, both in right and left hemispace, but the patient could modify his behavior when a verbal instruction was provided. No mirror errors were found in reading words, in copying geometric figures and in spatial orientation tasks. MW in our patient could be accounted for by a failure in automatic transformation of grapho-motor programs to write with the left hand. A lack of concern (a sort of anosodiaphoria) and a poor cognitive flexibility could contribute to long-term persistence of MW. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Writing Plan Quality: Relevance to Writing Scores

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chai, Constance

    2006-01-01

    If writing matters, how can we improve it? This study investigated the nature of writing plan quality and its relationship to the ensuing writing scores. Data were drawn from the 1998 Provincial Learning Assessment Programme (PLAP) in Writing, which was administered to pupils in Grades 4, 7, and 10 across British Columbia, Canada. Common features…

  20. "The Dilemma That Still Counts": Basic Writing at a Political Crossroads.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harrington, Susanmarie; Adler-Kassner, Linda

    1998-01-01

    Reviews definitions of basic writers and basic writing over the last 20 years. Argues that basic writers are not defined only in terms of institutional convenience. Offers future directions for basic writing research, suggesting that to learn more about basic writers, researchers must return to studies of error informed by basic writing's rich…

  1. Teaching Science Writing in an Introductory Lab Course

    PubMed Central

    Holstein, Sarah E.; Mickley Steinmetz, Katherine R.; Miles, John D.

    2015-01-01

    One challenge that many neuroscience instructors face is how to teach students to communicate within the field. The goal of this project was to improve students’ scientific writing in an introductory psychology laboratory course that serves as a feeder course into the neuroscience curriculum. This course included a scaffolded approach - breaking assignments into different sections that build upon each other to allow for more direction and feedback on each section. Students were also provided with examples of scientific writing, given direction on finding and reading journal articles, and were taught how to effectively peer review a paper. Research papers were assessed before (Year 1) and after (Year 2) this scaffolded approach was instituted. The assessment included measures of “Genre Knowledge” for each section of a research paper (abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion) as well as measures of “Writing Elements” (grammar, formatting, clarity, transitions, building to the hypothesis, using evidence). The results indicated that there was an improvement for Genre Knowledge scores when comparing Year 1 to Year 2. However, there was no systematic improvement in Writing Elements. This suggests that this teaching technique was most effective in improving students’ ability to write within the scientific genre. The logistics of implementing such an approach are discussed. PMID:25838801

  2. Directed Self-Inquiry: A Scaffold for Teaching Laboratory Report Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Deiner, L. Jay; Newsome, Daniel; Samaroo, Diana

    2012-01-01

    A scaffold was created for the explicit instruction of laboratory report writing. The scaffold breaks the laboratory report into sections and teaches students to ask and answer questions in order to generate section-appropriate content and language. Implementation of the scaffold is done through a series of section-specific worksheets that are…

  3. Nonlinear dynamics of nanoscale systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hodas, Nathan Oken

    This work builds theoretical tools to better understand nanoscale systems, and it ex- plores experimental techniques to probe nanoscale dynamics using nonlinear optical microscopy. In both the theory and experiment, this work harnesses nonlinearity to explore new boundaries in the ongoing attempts to understand the amazing world that is much smaller than we can see. In particular, the first part of this work proves the upper-bounds on the number and quality of oscillations when the sys- tem in question is homogeneously driven and has discrete states, a common way of describing nanoscale motors and chemical systems, although it has application to networked systems in general. The consequences of this limit are explored in the context of chemical clocks and limit cycles. This leads to the analysis of sponta- neous oscillations in GFPmut2, where we postulate that the oscillations must be due to coordinated rearrangement of the beta-barrel. Next, we utilize nonlinear optics to probe the constituent structures of zebrafish muscle. By comparing experimental observations with computational models, we show how second harmonic generation differs from fluorescence for confocal imaging. We use the wavelength dependence of the second harmonic generation conversion efficiency to extract information about the microscopic organization of muscle fibers, using the coherent nature of second ix harmonic generation as an analytical probe. Finally, existing experiments have used a related technique, sum-frequency generation, to directly probe the dynamics of free OH bonds at the water-vapor boundary. Using molecular dynamic simulations of the water surface and by designating surface-sensitive free OH bonds on the water surface, many aspects of the sum-frequency generation measurements were calcu- lated and compared with those inferred from experiment. The method utilizes results available from independent IR and Raman experiments to obtain some of the needed quantities, rather than

  4. "Thinking-for-Writing": A Prolegomenon on Writing Signed Languages.

    PubMed

    Rosen, Russell S; Hartman, Maria C; Wang, Ye

    2017-01-01

    In his article in this American Annals of the Deaf special issue that also includes the present article, Grushkin argues that the writing difficulties of many deaf and hard of hearing children result primarily from the orthographic nature of the writing system; he proposes a new system based on features found in signed languages. In response, the present authors review the literature on D/HH children's writing difficulties, outline the main percepts of and assumptions about writing signed languages, discuss "thinking-for-writing" as a process in developing writing skills, offer research designs to test the effectiveness of writing signed language systems, and provide strategies for adopting "thinking-for-writing" in education. They conclude that until empirical studies show that writing signed languages effectively reflects writers' "thinking-for-writing," the alphabetic orthographic system of English should still be used, and ways should be found to teach D/HH children to use English writing to express their thoughts.

  5. Generating Cultures of Writing: Collaborations between the Stanford Writing Center and High School Writing Centers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tinker, John

    2006-01-01

    For several years, the author has been working with colleagues in the Northern California Writing Centers Association (NCWCA) and the Stanford Writing Center to build bridges between college and high school writing centers. The writing center at Stanford defines one of its central goals as "celebrating a culture of writing" for all…

  6. Real-time capture of student reasoning while writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Franklin, Scott V.; Hermsen, Lisa M.

    2014-12-01

    We present a new approach to investigating student reasoning while writing: real-time capture of the dynamics of the writing process. Key-capture or video software is used to record the entire writing episode, including all pauses, deletions, insertions, and revisions. A succinct shorthand, "S notation," is used to highlight significant moments in the episode that may be indicative of shifts in understanding and can be used in followup interviews for triangulation. The methodology allows one to test the widespread belief that writing is a valuable pedagogical technique, which currently has little directly supportive research. To demonstrate the method, we present a case study of a writing episode. The data reveal an evolution of expression and articulation, discontinuous in both time and space. Distinct shifts in the tone and topic that follow long pauses and revisions are not restricted to the most recently written text. Real-time writing analysis, with its study of the temporal breaks and revision locations, can serve as a complementary tool to more traditional research methods (e.g., speak-aloud interviews) into student reasoning during the writing process.

  7. Printing of highly conductive solution by alternating current electrohydrodynamic direct-write

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Jiaxin; Zheng, Gaofeng; Wang, Xiang; Zheng, Jianyi; Liu, Juan; Liu, Yifang; Li, Wenwang; Guo, Shumin

    2018-03-01

    Electrohydrodynamic Direct-Write (EDW) is a novel technology for the printing of micro/nano structures. In this paper, Alternating Current (AC) electrical field was introduced to improve the ejection stability of jet with highly conductive solution. By alternating the electrical field, the polarity of free charges on the surface of jet was changed and the average density of charge, as well as the repulsive force, was reduced to stabilize the jet. When the frequency of AC electrical field increased, the EDW process became more stable and the shape of deposited droplets became more regular. The diameter of printed droplets decreased and the deposition frequency increased with the increase of voltage frequency. The phenomenon of corona discharge was overcome effectively as well. To further evaluate the performance of AC EDW for highly conductive solution, more NaCl was added to the solution and the conductivity was increased to 2810μs/cm. With such high conductivity, the problem of serious corona discharge could still be prevented by AC EDW, and the diameter of printed droplets decreased significantly. This work provides an effective way to accelerate industrial applications of EDW.

  8. Sub-10-nm suspended nano-web formation by direct laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Sihao; Yu, Ye; Liu, Hailong; Lim, Kevin T. P.; Madurai Srinivasan, Bharathi; Zhang, Yong Wei; Yang, Joel K. W.

    2018-06-01

    A diffraction-limited three-dimensional (3D) direct laser writing (DLW) system based on two-photon polymerization can routinely pattern structures at the 100 nm length scale. Several schemes have been developed to improve the patterning resolution of 3D DLW but often require customized resist formulations or multi-wavelength exposures. Here, we introduce a scheme to produce suspended nano-webs with feature sizes below 10 nm in IP-Dip resist using sub-threshold exposure conditions in a commercial DLW system. The narrowest suspended lines (nano-webs) measured 7 nm in width. Larger ∼20 nm nano-webs were patterned with ∼80% yield at increased laser powers. In addition, closely spaced nano-gaps with a center-to-center distance of 33 nm were produced by patterning vertically displaced suspended lines followed by metal deposition and liftoff. We provide hypotheses and present preliminary results for a mechanism involving the initiation of a percolative path and a strain-induced narrowing in the nano-web formation. Our approach allows selective features to be patterned with dimensions comparable to the sub-10 nm patterning capability of electron-beam lithography (EBL).

  9. Atomistic Design and Simulations of Nanoscale Machines and Assembly

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goddard, William A., III; Cagin, Tahir; Walch, Stephen P.

    2000-01-01

    Over the three years of this project, we made significant progress on critical theoretical and computational issues in nanoscale science and technology, particularly in:(1) Fullerenes and nanotubes, (2) Characterization of surfaces of diamond and silicon for NEMS applications, (3) Nanoscale machine and assemblies, (4) Organic nanostructures and dendrimers, (5) Nanoscale confinement and nanotribology, (6) Dynamic response of nanoscale structures nanowires (metals, tubes, fullerenes), (7) Thermal transport in nanostructures.

  10. Teaching Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tomas, Z.; Kostka, I.; Mott-Smith, J. A.

    2013-01-01

    The authors of "Teaching Writing" draw on their years of teaching and their knowledge of theory and research to present major concepts in teaching L2 writing. These concepts encompass how cultural differences affect the writing class, planning instruction, text-based writing, writing strategies, modeling, and responding to student…

  11. In-situ observation of switchable nanoscale topography for y-shaped binary brushes in fluids.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yen-Hsi; Teng, Jing; Zubarev, Eugene R; Shulha, Hennady; Tsukruk, Vladimir V

    2005-03-01

    Direct, in-fluid observation of the surface morphology and nanomechanical properties of the mixed brushes composed of Y-shaped binary molecules PS-PAA revealed nanoscale network-like surface topography formed by coexisting stretched soluble PAA arms and collapsed insoluble PS chains in water. Placement of Y-shaped brushes in different fluids resulted in dramatic reorganization ranging from soft repellent layer covered by swollen PS arms in toluene to an adhesive, mixed layer composed of coexisting swollen PAA and collapsed PS arms in water. These binary layers with the overall nanoscale thickness can serve as adaptive nanocoatings with stimuli-responsive properties.

  12. Implementing a writing course in an online RN-BSN program.

    PubMed

    Stevens, Carol J; D'Angelo, Barbara; Rennell, Nathalie; Muzyka, Diann; Pannabecker, Virginia; Maid, Barry

    2014-01-01

    Scholarly writing is an essential skill for nurses to communicate new research and evidence. Written communication directly relates to patient safety and quality of care. However, few online RN-BSN programs integrate writing instruction into their curricula. Nurses traditionally learn how to write from instructor feedback and often not until midway into their baccalaureate education. Innovative strategies are needed to help nurses apply critical thinking skills to writing. The authors discuss a collaborative project between nursing faculty and technical communication faculty to develop and implement a writing course that is 1 of the 1st courses the students take in the online RN-BSN program.

  13. Dynamics of systems on the nanoscale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Korol, Andrei V.; Solov'yov, Andrey V.

    2017-12-01

    Various aspects of the structure formation and dynamics of animate and inanimate matter on the nanoscale is a highly interdisciplinary field of rapidly emerging research interest by both experimentalists and theorists. The International Conference on Dynamics of Systems on the Nanoscale (DySoN) is the premier forum to present cutting-edge research in this field. It was established in 2010 and the most recent conference was held in Bad Ems, Germany in October of 2016. This Topical Issue presents original research results from some of the participants, who attended this conference. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Dynamics of Systems at the Nanoscale", edited by Andrey Solov'yov and Andrei Korol.

  14. Cellular Microcultures: Programming Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of 3D Hydrogel Cellular Microcultures via Direct Ink Writing (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 9/2016).

    PubMed

    McCracken, Joselle M; Badea, Adina; Kandel, Mikhail E; Gladman, A Sydney; Wetzel, David J; Popescu, Gabriel; Lewis, Jennifer A; Nuzzo, Ralph G

    2016-05-01

    R. Nuzzo and co-workers show on page 1025 how compositional differences in hydrogels are used to tune their cellular compliance by controlling their polymer mesh properties and subsequent uptake of the protein poly-l-lysine (green spheres in circled inset). The cover image shows pyramid micro-scaffolds prepared using direct ink writing (DIW) that differentially direct fibroblast and preosteoblast growth in 3D, depending on cell motility and surface treatment. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Comparing Two Methods of Writing Instruction: Effects on Kindergarten Students' Reading Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Cindy D'on; Reutzel, D. Ray; Fargo, Jamison D.

    2010-01-01

    This experimental study directly compared the effects of two prevalent forms of classroom writing instruction, interactive writing and writing workshop, on kindergarten students' acquisition of early reading skills. Repeated measures data was collected at four points over 16 weeks to monitor growth of 151 kindergarten students in phonological…

  16. The Computer-Based Writing Program: A Clinical Teaching Experience for Education Interns to Develop Professional Knowledge and Skills in Effective Instructional Writing Practices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Painter, Diane D.

    2016-01-01

    The four-week university-sponsored summer Computer-based Writing (CBW) Program directed by the head of a special education initial teacher licensure program gave teaching interns opportunities to work with young struggling writers in a supervised clinical setting to address keyboarding skills, writing conventions and knowledge and application of…

  17. Direct writing of gold nanostructures with an electron beam: On the way to pure nanostructures by combining optimized deposition with oxygen-plasma treatment

    PubMed Central

    Belić, Domagoj; Shawrav, Mostafa M; Bertagnolli, Emmerich

    2017-01-01

    This work presents a highly effective approach for the chemical purification of directly written 2D and 3D gold nanostructures suitable for plasmonics, biomolecule immobilisation, and nanoelectronics. Gold nano- and microstructures can be fabricated by one-step direct-write lithography process using focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID). Typically, as-deposited gold nanostructures suffer from a low Au content and unacceptably high carbon contamination. We show that the undesirable carbon contamination can be diminished using a two-step process – a combination of optimized deposition followed by appropriate postdeposition cleaning. Starting from the common metal-organic precursor Me2-Au-tfac, it is demonstrated that the Au content in pristine FEBID nanostructures can be increased from 30 atom % to as much as 72 atom %, depending on the sustained electron beam dose. As a second step, oxygen-plasma treatment is established to further enhance the Au content in the structures, while preserving their morphology to a high degree. This two-step process represents a simple, feasible and high-throughput method for direct writing of purer gold nanostructures that can enable their future use for demanding applications. PMID:29259868

  18. How We Write: Understanding Scholarly Writing through Metaphor

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boyd, Michelle

    2012-01-01

    This article introduces the "writing metaphor" and examines why political scientists should consider developing one to describe their own writing process. Drawing on the author's experience with writing accountability groups, it defines the components of the writing metaphor, provides an example, and discusses its advantages and disadvantages. The…

  19. Fabrication of metasurface-based infrared absorber structures using direct laser write lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fanyaeu, Ihar; Mizeikis, Vygantas

    2016-03-01

    We report fabrication and optical properties of ultra-thin polarization-invariant electromagnetic absorber metasurface for infra-red spectral. The absorber structure, which uses three-dimensional architecture is based on single-turn metallic helices arranged into a periodic square lattice on a metallic substrate, is expected to exhibit total resonant absorption due to balanced coupling between resonances of the helices. The structure was designed using numerical simulations aiming to tune the total absorption resonance to infra-red wavelength range by appropriately downscaling the unit cell of the structure, and taking into account dielectric dispersion and losses of the metal. The designed structures were subsequently fabricated using femtosecond direct laser write technique in a dielectric photoresist, and subsequent metallisation by gold sputtering. In accordance with the expectations, the structure was found to exhibit resonant absorption centred near the wavelength of 6 - 9 µm, with peak absorption in excess of 82%. The absorber metasurface may be applied in various areas of science and technology, such as harvesting infra-red radiation in thermal detectors and energy converters.

  20. The Function of Text in a Dialogic Writing Course.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Comprone, Joseph J.

    Focusing on recent composition theory, this paper offers suggestions for writing teachers in applying concepts of dialogic discourse directly to the pedagogy of the college writing course. The first section of the paper addresses the influence of the social constructionist work on interpretation theory by Richard Rorty, Clifford Geertz, and…

  1. Writing by the Book, Writing beyond the Book

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Kristine

    2017-01-01

    Writing has become more visible in academia through writing advice manuals and the faculty development activities they inspire. In this article, I examine writing advice manuals and argue they are epistemologically current traditional, which limits how well and how far they can support scholarly writers. Writing advice manuals and composition…

  2. [Smart drug delivery systems based on nanoscale ZnO].

    PubMed

    Huang, Xiao; Chen, Chun; Yi, Caixia; Zheng, Xi

    2018-04-01

    In view of the excellent biocompatibility as well as the low cost, nanoscale ZnO shows great potential for drug delivery application. Moreover, The charming character enable nanoscale ZnO some excellent features (e.g. dissolution in acid, ultrasonic permeability, microwave absorbing, hydrophobic/hydrophilic transition). All of that make nanoscale ZnO reasonable choices for smart drug delivery. In the recent decade, more and more studies have focused on controlling the drug release behavior via smart drug delivery systems based on nanoscale ZnO responsive to some certain stimuli. Herein, we review the recent exciting progress on the pH-responsive, ultrasound-responsive, microwave-responsive and UV-responsive nanoscale ZnO-based drug delivery systems. A brief introduction of the drug controlled release behavior and its effect of the drug delivery systems is presented. The biocompatibility of nanoscale ZnO is also discussed. Moreover, its development prospect is looked forward.

  3. EDITORIAL: Nanoscale metrology Nanoscale metrology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Klapetek, P.; Koenders, L.

    2011-09-01

    This special issue of Measurement Science and Technology presents selected contributions from the NanoScale 2010 seminar held in Brno, Czech Republic. It was the 5th Seminar on Nanoscale Calibration Standards and Methods and the 9th Seminar on Quantitative Microscopy (the first being held in 1995). The seminar was jointly organized with the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI) and the Nanometrology Group of the Technical Committee-Length of EURAMET. There were two workshops that were integrated into NanoScale 2010: first a workshop presenting the results obtained in NANOTRACE, a European Metrology Research Project (EMRP) on displacement-measuring optical interferometers, and second a workshop about the European metrology landscape in nanometrology related to thin films, scanning probe microscopy and critical dimension. The aim of this workshop was to bring together developers, applicants and metrologists working in this field of nanometrology and to discuss future needs. For more information see www.co-nanomet.eu. The articles in this special issue of Measurement Science and Technology cover some novel scientific results. This issue can serve also as a representative selection of topics that are currently being investigated in the field of European and world-wide nanometrology. Besides traditional topics of dimensional metrology, like development of novel interferometers or laser stabilization techniques, some novel interesting trends in the field of nanometrology are observed. As metrology generally reflects the needs of scientific and industrial research, many research topics addressed refer to current trends in nanotechnology, too, focusing on traceability and improved measurement accuracy in this field. While historically the most studied standards in nanometrology were related to simple geometric structures like step heights or 1D or 2D gratings, now we are facing tasks to measure 3D structures and many unforeseen questions arising from interesting physical

  4. "The Writing Writes Itself": Deleuzian Desire and the Creative Writing MFA Degree

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walker, Ginger Marie

    2017-01-01

    This post-qualitative inquiry project investigated subjectivity (sense of self) among graduates of creative writing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. The project asked how subjectivity is involved in the creative writing process and how that process fuels further writing after a creative piece (such as the MFA thesis) is completed. A…

  5. Fabrication of carbon quantum dots with nano-defined position and pattern in one step via sugar-electron-beam writing.

    PubMed

    Weng, Yuyan; Li, Zhiyun; Peng, Lun; Zhang, Weidong; Chen, Gaojian

    2017-12-14

    Quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials in nanophotonics, biological imaging, and even quantum computing. Precise positioning and patterning of QDs is a prerequisite for realizing their actual applications. Contrary to the traditional two discrete steps of fabricating and positioning QDs, herein, a novel sugar-electron-beam writing (SEW) method is reported for producing QDs via electron-beam lithography (EBL) that uses a carefully chosen synthetic resist, poly(2-(methacrylamido)glucopyranose) (PMAG). Carbon QDs (CQDs) could be fabricated in situ through electron beam exposure, and the nanoscale position and luminescence intensity of the produced CQDs could be precisely controlled without the assistance of any other fluorescent matter. We have demonstrated that upon combining an electron beam with a glycopolymer, in situ production of CQDs occurs at the electron beam spot center with nanoscale precision at any place and with any patterns, an advancement that we believe will stimulate innovations in future applications.

  6. Optical lattice-like cladding waveguides by direct laser writing: fabrication, luminescence, and lasing.

    PubMed

    Nie, Weijie; He, Ruiyun; Cheng, Chen; Rocha, Uéslen; Rodríguez Vázquez de Aldana, Javier; Jaque, Daniel; Chen, Feng

    2016-05-15

    We report on the fabrication of optical lattice-like waveguide structures in an Nd:YAP laser crystal by using direct femtosecond laser writing. With periodically arrayed laser-induced tracks, the waveguiding cores can be located in either the regions between the neighbored tracks or the central zone surrounded by a number of tracks as outer cladding. The polarization of the femtosecond laser pulses for the inscription has been found to play a critical role in the anisotropic guiding behaviors of the structures. The confocal photoluminescence investigations reveal different stress-induced modifications of the structures inscribed by different polarization of the femtosecond laser beam, which are considered to be responsible for the refractive index changes of the structures. Under optical pump at 808 nm, efficient waveguide lasing at ∼1  μm wavelength has been realized from the optical lattice-like structure, which exhibits potential applications as novel miniature light sources.

  7. FDTD based model of ISOCT imaging for validation of nanoscale sensitivity (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eid, Aya; Zhang, Di; Yi, Ji; Backman, Vadim

    2017-02-01

    Many of the earliest structural changes associated with neoplasia occur on the micro and nanometer scale, and thus appear histologically normal. Our group has established Inverse Spectroscopic OCT (ISOCT), a spectral based technique to extract nanoscale sensitive metrics derived from the OCT signal. Thus, there is a need to model light transport through relatively large volumes (< 50 um^3) of media with nanoscale level resolution. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) is an iterative approach which directly solves Maxwell's equations to robustly estimate the electric and magnetic fields propagating through a sample. The sample's refractive index for every spatial voxel and wavelength are specified upon a grid with voxel sizes on the order of λ/20, making it an ideal modelling technique for nanoscale structure analysis. Here, we utilize the FDTD technique to validate the nanoscale sensing ability of ISOCT. The use of FDTD for OCT modelling requires three components: calculating the source beam as it propagates through the optical system, computing the sample's scattered field using FDTD, and finally propagating the scattered field back through the optical system. The principles of Fourier optics are employed to focus this interference field through a 4f optical system and onto the detector. Three-dimensional numerical samples are generated from a given refractive index correlation function with known parameters, and subsequent OCT images and mass density correlation function metrics are computed. We show that while the resolvability of the OCT image remains diffraction limited, spectral analysis allows nanoscale sensitive metrics to be extracted.

  8. Construction of meaning in the authentic science writing of deaf students.

    PubMed

    Lang, H G; Albertini, J A

    2001-01-01

    This study examines how students construct meaning through writing during authentic science activities. To determine how well students understood science concepts, we analyzed 228 writing samples from deaf students in grades 6 through 11 as well as the explanatory and reflective comments of their teachers. The analyses indicate that certain process writing strategies were differentially useful in helping deaf students to construct meaning and in allowing teachers to evaluate the constructed meaning. Three instructional conditions and two teacher variables were found to play roles in determining the accuracy and adequacy of the writing: (1) the writing prompts the teachers used, (2) the focus for the writing, (3) follow-up to the initial writing activity, (4) the teacher's content knowledge, and (5) the teacher's ability to interpret student writing. The authors recommend future applications of writing-to-learn strategies and suggest directions for further research and changes in teacher education.

  9. Anatomy of Nanoscale Propulsion.

    PubMed

    Yadav, Vinita; Duan, Wentao; Butler, Peter J; Sen, Ayusman

    2015-01-01

    Nature supports multifaceted forms of life. Despite the variety and complexity of these forms, motility remains the epicenter of life. The applicable laws of physics change upon going from macroscales to microscales and nanoscales, which are characterized by low Reynolds number (Re). We discuss motion at low Re in natural and synthetic systems, along with various propulsion mechanisms, including electrophoresis, electrolyte diffusiophoresis, and nonelectrolyte diffusiophoresis. We also describe the newly uncovered phenomena of motility in non-ATP-driven self-powered enzymes and the directional movement of these enzymes in response to substrate gradients. These enzymes can also be immobilized to function as fluid pumps in response to the presence of their substrates. Finally, we review emergent collective behavior arising from interacting motile species, and we discuss the possible biomedical applications of the synthetic nanobots and microbots.

  10. Laser alchemy: direct writing of multifunctional components in a glass chip with femtosecond laser pulses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liao, Yang; Lin, Jintian; Cheng, Ya

    2013-12-01

    Recently, hybrid integration of multifunctional micro-components for creating complex, intelligent micro/nano systems has attracted significant attention. These micro-/nano-systems have important applications in a variety of areas, such as healthcare, environment, communication, national security, and so on. However, fabrication of micro/nano systems incorporated with different functions is still a challenging task, which generally requires fabrication of discrete microcomponents beforehand followed by assembly and packaging procedures. Furthermore, current micro-/nano-fabrication techniques are mainly based on the well-established planar lithographic approach, which suffer from severe issues in producing three dimensional (3D) structures with complex geometries and arbitrary configurations. In recent years, the rapid development of femtosecond laser machining technology has enabled 3D direct fabrication and integration of multifunctional components, such as microfluidics, microoptics, micromechanics, microelectronics, etc., into single substrates. In this invited talk, we present our recent progress in this active area. Particularly, we focus on fabrication of 3D micro- and nanofluidic devices and 3D high-Q microcavities in glass substrates by femtosecond laser direct writing.

  11. Toward understanding writing to learn in physics: Investigating student writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demaree, Dedra

    It is received wisdom that writing in a discipline helps students learn the discipline, and millions of dollars have been committed at many universities to supporting such writing. We show that evidence for effectiveness is anecdotal, and that little data-based material informs these prejudices. This thesis begins the process of scientific study of writing in the discipline, in specific, in physics, and creates means to judge whether such writing is effective. The studies culminating in this thesis are an aggressive start to addressing these complex questions. Writing is often promoted as an activity that, when put into classrooms in specific disciplines, not only helps students learn to write in the methods of that discipline but also helps students learn content knowledge. Students at the Ohio State University are being asked to write more in introductory courses, and the Engineering schools want their students to have more writing skills for the job market. Combined with the desire of many educators to have students be able to explain the course content knowledge clearly, it would seem that writing activities would be important and useful in physics courses. However, the question of whether writing helps learning or whether students learn writing within a non-English classroom helps learning in the discipline are open to debate, and data are needed before such claims can be made. This thesis presents several studies aimed at understanding the correlation of writing and content, and tracking and characterizing student writing behaviors to see how they are impacted by writing in physics courses. It consists of four parts: summer and autumn 2005 focus on writing in introductory physics labs with and without explicit instruction, while winter and spring 2006 focus on tracking and analyzing student writing and revising behavior in Physics by Inquiry (PbI). With these related projects, we establish three main results. First, there is a need for quantitative studies of

  12. Effects on electron scattering and resist characteristics using assisting underlayers for e-beam direct write lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thrun, Xaver; Choi, Kang-Hoon; Hanisch, Norbert; Hohle, Christoph; Steidel, Katja; Guerrero, Douglas; Figueiro, Thiago; Bartha, Johann W.

    2013-03-01

    Resist processing for future technology nodes becomes more and more complex. The resist film thickness is getting thinner and hardmask concepts (trilayer) are needed for reproducible etch transfer into the stack. Additional layers between resist and substrate are influencing the electron scattering in e-beam lithography and may also improve sensitivity and resolution. In this study, bare silicon wafers with different assisting underlayers were processed in a 300 mm CMOS manufacturing environment and were exposed on a 50 keV VISTEC SB3050DW variable-shaped electron beam direct writer at Fraunhofer CNT. The underlayers are organic-inorganic hybrid coatings with different metal additives. The negative-tone resist was evaluated in terms of contrast, sensitivity, resolution and LWR/LER as a function of the stack. The interactions between resist and different assisting underlayers on e-beam direct writing will be investigated. These layers could be used to optimize the trade-off among resolution, LWR and sensitivity in future applications.

  13. Promoting Writing for Research: The "Writing Retreat" Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Singh, R. J.

    2012-01-01

    Research papers take a long time to write and in an academic environment where the "publish or perish" clause applies, writing retreats are a way of creating time and space to write academic articles in a concentrated period of time. This article examines ways in which academics can write more articles for publication. In particular it…

  14. Nanoscale perspective: Materials designs and understandings in lithium metal anodes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lin, Dingchang; Liu, Yayuan; Pei, Allen

    Li metal chemistry is a promising alternative with a much higher energy density than that of state-of-the-art Li-ion counterparts. However, significant challenges including safety issues and poor cyclability have severely impeded Li metal technology from becoming viable. In recent years, nanotechnologies have become increasingly important in materials design and fabrication for Li metal anodes, contributing to major progress in the field. In this review, we first introduce the main achievements in Li metal battery systems fulfilled by nanotechnologies, particularly regarding Li metal anode design and protection, ultrastrong separator engineering, safety monitoring, and smart functions. Next, we introduce recent studies onmore » nanoscale Li nucleation/deposition. Lastly, we discuss possible future research directions. We hope this review delivers an overall picture of the role of nanoscale approaches in the recent progress of Li metal battery technology and inspires more research in the future.« less

  15. Nanoscale perspective: Materials designs and understandings in lithium metal anodes

    DOE PAGES

    Lin, Dingchang; Liu, Yayuan; Pei, Allen; ...

    2017-05-19

    Li metal chemistry is a promising alternative with a much higher energy density than that of state-of-the-art Li-ion counterparts. However, significant challenges including safety issues and poor cyclability have severely impeded Li metal technology from becoming viable. In recent years, nanotechnologies have become increasingly important in materials design and fabrication for Li metal anodes, contributing to major progress in the field. In this review, we first introduce the main achievements in Li metal battery systems fulfilled by nanotechnologies, particularly regarding Li metal anode design and protection, ultrastrong separator engineering, safety monitoring, and smart functions. Next, we introduce recent studies onmore » nanoscale Li nucleation/deposition. Lastly, we discuss possible future research directions. We hope this review delivers an overall picture of the role of nanoscale approaches in the recent progress of Li metal battery technology and inspires more research in the future.« less

  16. Technical writing versus technical writing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dillingham, J. W.

    1981-01-01

    Two terms, two job categories, 'technical writer' and 'technical author' are discussed in terms of industrial and business requirements and standards. A distinction between 'technical writing' and technical 'writing' is made. The term 'technical editor' is also considered. Problems inherent in the design of programs to prepare and train students for these jobs are discussed. A closer alliance between industry and academia is suggested as a means of preparing students with competent technical communication skills (especially writing and editing skills) and good technical skills.

  17. The Relationship among Strategic Writing Behavior, Writing Motivation, and Writing Performance with Young, Developing Writers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graham, Steve; Harris, Karen R.; Kiuhara, Sharlene A.; Fishman, Evan J.

    2017-01-01

    Our study tested whether learning is shaped by fundamental cognitive and motivational forces in the academic domain of writing. We examined whether strategic writing behavior and motivation (attitudes toward writing and self-efficacy) made a statistically significant and unique contribution to the prediction of writing quality and number of words…

  18. Writing Conferences and Some Applications for the EFL Classroom.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Renner, Christopher

    1990-01-01

    A teacher of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to adults in a non-English-speaking country describes use of classroom writing conferences to improve student language use and introduce writing into the communicative syllabus. The approach is based on a conference format and focuses on self-directed inquiry. Students are provided with monolingual…

  19. Improving Understanding in Ordinary Differential Equations through Writing in a Dynamical Environment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Habre, Samer

    2012-01-01

    Research on writing in mathematics has shown that students learn more effectively in an environment that promotes this skill and that writing is most beneficial when it is directed at the learning aspect. Writing, however, necessitates proficiency on the part of the students that may not have been developed at earlier learning stages. Research has…

  20. Predicting Students' Writing Performance on the NAEP from Student- and State-Level Variables

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mo, Ya; Troia, Gary A.

    2017-01-01

    This study examines the relationship between students' demographic background and their experiences with writing at school, the alignment between state and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) direct writing assessments, and students' NAEP writing performance. The study utilizes primary data collection via content analysis of writing…

  1. Argument-Driven Inquiry as a Way to Help Undergraduate Students Write to Learn by Learning to Write in Chemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sampson, Victor; Phelps Walker, Joi

    2012-07-01

    This exploratory study examined how undergraduate students' ability to write in science changed over time as they completed a series of laboratory activities designed using a new instructional model called argument-driven inquiry. The study was conducted in a single section of an undergraduate general chemistry lab course offered at a large two-year community college located in the southeast USA. The intervention took place over a 15-week semester and consisted of six laboratory activities. During each laboratory activity, the undergraduates wrote investigation reports, participated in a double-blind group peer review of the reports, and revised their reports based on the reviews. The reports written during each laboratory activity were used to examine changes in the students' writing skills over time and to identify aspects of scientific writing that were the most difficult for the undergraduates in this context. The reviews produced by the students during each report were used to evaluate how well undergraduates engage in the peer-review process. The results of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the reports and reviews indicate that the participants made significant improvements in their ability to write in science and were able to evaluate the quality of their peers' writing with a relatively high degree of accuracy, but they also struggled with several aspects of scientific writing. The conclusions and implications of the study include recommendations for helping undergraduate students learn to write by writing to learn in science and new directions for future research.

  2. Direct Laser Writing of Porous-Carbon/Silver Nanocomposite for Flexible Electronics.

    PubMed

    Rahimi, Rahim; Ochoa, Manuel; Ziaie, Babak

    2016-07-06

    In this Research Article, we demonstrate a facile method for the fabrication of porous-carbon/silver nanocomposites using direct laser writing on polymeric substrates. Our technique uses a combination of CO2 laser-induced carbonization and selective silver deposition on a polyimide sheet to create flexible highly conductive traces. The localized laser irradiation selectively converts the polyimide to a highly porous and conductive carbonized film with superhydrophilic wettability. The resulting pattern allows for selective trapping of aqueous silver ionic ink solutions into the carbonized regions, which are converted to silver nanoparticle fillers upon an annealing step. Elemental and surface morphology analysis via XRD and SEM reveals a uniform coating of Ag nanoparticles on the porous carbon. The Ag/C composite lowers the sheet resistance of the original laser carbonized polyimide from 50 to 0.02 Ω/□. The resulting patterns are flexible and electromechanically robust with less than 0.6 Ω variation in resistance after >15000 bending flexion cycles at a radius of curvature of 5 mm. Furthermore, using this technique, we demonstrate the fabrication of a wireless resonant pressure sensor capable of detecting pressures ranging from 0 to 97 kPa with an average sensitivity of -26 kHz/kPa.

  3. Local electric field direct writing – Electron-beam lithography and mechanism

    DOE PAGES

    Jiang, Nan; Su, Dong; Spence, John C. H.

    2017-08-24

    Local electric field induced by a focused electron probe in silicate glass thin films is evaluated in this paper by the migration of cations. Extremely strong local electric fields can be obtained by the focused electron probe from a scanning transmission electron microscope. As a result, collective atomic displacements occur. This newly revised mechanism provides an efficient tool to write patterned nanostructures directly, and thus overcome the low efficiency of the conventional electron-beam lithography. Applying this technique to silicate glass thin films, as an example, a grid of rods of nanometer dimension can be efficiently produced by rapidly scanning amore » focused electron probe. This nanopatterning is achieved through swift phase separation in the sample, without any post-development processes. The controlled phase separation is induced by massive displacements of cations (glass modifiers) within the glass-former network, driven by the strong local electric fields. The electric field is induced by accumulated charge within the electron probed region, which is generated by the excitation of atomic electrons by the incident electron. Throughput is much improved compared to other scanning probe techniques. Finally, the half-pitch spatial resolution of nanostructure in this particular specimen is 2.5 nm.« less

  4. Soft Plumbing: Direct-Writing and Controllable Perfusion of Tubular Soft Materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guenther, Axel; Omoruwa, Patricia; Chen, Haotian; McAllister, Arianna; Jeronimo, Mark; Malladi, Shashi; Hakimi, Navid; Cao, Li; Ramchandran, Arun

    2016-11-01

    Tubular and ductular structures are abundant in tissues in a wide variety of diameters, wall thicknesses, and compositions. In spite of their relevance to engineered tissues, organs-on-chips and soft robotics, the rapid and consistent preparation of tubular structures remains a challenge. Here, we use a microfabricated printhead to direct-write biopolymeric tubes with dimensional and compositional control. A biopolymer solution is introduced to the center layer of the printhead, and the confining fluids to the top and the bottom layers. The radially flowing biopolymer solution is sandwiched between confining solutions that initiate gelation, initially assuming the shape of a funnel until emerging through a cylindrical confinement as a continuous biopolymer tube. Tubular constructs of sodium alginate and collagen I were obtained with inner diameters (0.6-2.2mm) and wall thicknesses (0.1-0.4mm) in favorable agreement with predictions of analytical models. We obtained homogeneous tubes with smooth and buckled walls and heterotypic constructs that possessed compositions that vary along the tube circumference or radius. Ductular soft materials were reversibly hosted in 3D printed fluidic devices for the perfusion at well-defined transmural pressures to explore the rich variety of dynamical features associated with collapsible tubes that include buckling, complete collapse, and self-oscillation.

  5. Local electric field direct writing – Electron-beam lithography and mechanism

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jiang, Nan; Su, Dong; Spence, John C. H.

    Local electric field induced by a focused electron probe in silicate glass thin films is evaluated in this paper by the migration of cations. Extremely strong local electric fields can be obtained by the focused electron probe from a scanning transmission electron microscope. As a result, collective atomic displacements occur. This newly revised mechanism provides an efficient tool to write patterned nanostructures directly, and thus overcome the low efficiency of the conventional electron-beam lithography. Applying this technique to silicate glass thin films, as an example, a grid of rods of nanometer dimension can be efficiently produced by rapidly scanning amore » focused electron probe. This nanopatterning is achieved through swift phase separation in the sample, without any post-development processes. The controlled phase separation is induced by massive displacements of cations (glass modifiers) within the glass-former network, driven by the strong local electric fields. The electric field is induced by accumulated charge within the electron probed region, which is generated by the excitation of atomic electrons by the incident electron. Throughput is much improved compared to other scanning probe techniques. Finally, the half-pitch spatial resolution of nanostructure in this particular specimen is 2.5 nm.« less

  6. Learning to Write with Interactive Writing Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williams, Cheri

    2018-01-01

    Interactive writing is a process-oriented instructional approach designed to make the composing and encoding processes of writing overt and explicit for young students who are learning to write. It is particularly suitable for students who struggle with literacy learning. This article describes one first-grade teacher's use of interactive writing…

  7. Nanoscale Inhomogeneous Superconductivity in Fe(Te1-xSex) Probed by Nanostructure Transport.

    PubMed

    Yue, Chunlei; Hu, Jin; Liu, Xue; Sanchez, Ana M; Mao, Zhiqiang; Wei, Jiang

    2016-01-26

    Among iron-based superconductors, the layered iron chalcogenide Fe(Te1-xSex) is structurally the simplest and has attracted considerable attention. It has been speculated from bulk studies that nanoscale inhomogeneous superconductivity may inherently exist in this system. However, this has not been directly observed from nanoscale transport measurements. In this work, through simple micromechanical exfoliation and high-precision low-energy ion milling thinning, we prepared Fe(Te0.5Se0.5) nanoflakes with various thicknesses and systematically studied the correlation between the thickness and superconducting phase transition. Our result revealed a systematic thickness-dependent evolution of superconducting transition. When the thickness of the Fe(Te0.5Se0.5) flake is reduced to less than the characteristic inhomogeneity length (around 12 nm), both the superconducting current path and the metallicity of the normal state in Fe(Te0.5Se0.5) atomic sheets are suppressed. This observation provides the first transport evidence for the nanoscale inhomogeneous nature of superconductivity in Fe(Te1-xSex).

  8. Laser printed nano-gratings: orientation and period peculiarities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stankevič, Valdemar; Račiukaitis, Gediminas; Bragheri, Francesca; Wang, Xuewen; Gamaly, Eugene G.; Osellame, Roberto; Juodkazis, Saulius

    2017-01-01

    Understanding of material behaviour at nanoscale under intense laser excitation is becoming critical for future application of nanotechnologies. Nanograting formation by linearly polarised ultra-short laser pulses has been studied systematically in fused silica for various pulse energies at 3D laser printing/writing conditions, typically used for the industrial fabrication of optical elements. The period of the nanogratings revealed a dependence on the orientation of the scanning direction. A tilt of the nanograting wave vector at a fixed laser polarisation was also observed. The mechanism responsible for this peculiar dependency of several features of the nanogratings on the writing direction is qualitatively explained by considering the heat transport flux in the presence of a linearly polarised electric field, rather than by temporal and spatial chirp of the laser beam. The confirmed vectorial nature of the light-matter interaction opens new control of material processing with nanoscale precision.

  9. Discovering the Common Grading Preferences, Patterns, and Policies of Those Who Assess Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chowske, Rebecca Dunn

    2013-01-01

    Although considerable attention has been directed at improving the quality of students' writing, the investigation and definition of "good writing" has remained primarily within the realm of the normative and prescriptive. Social scientists and humanists often clash over the definition of valid and reliable writing assessment, as well as…

  10. The writing process: A powerful approach for the language-disabled student.

    PubMed

    Moulton, J R; Bader, M S

    1985-01-01

    Our understanding of the writing process can be a powerful tool for teaching language-disabled students the "how" of writing. Direct, explicit instruction in writing process helps these students learn to explore their ideas and to manage the multiple demands of writing. A case study of one student, Jeff, demonstrates how we structure the stages of writing: prewriting, planning, drafting, revising, and proofreading. When these stages are clearly defined and involve specific skills, language-disabled students can reach beyond their limitations and strengthen their expression. The case study of Jeff reveals the development of his sense of control and his regard for himself as a writer.

  11. Creating nanoscale emulsions using condensation.

    PubMed

    Guha, Ingrid F; Anand, Sushant; Varanasi, Kripa K

    2017-11-08

    Nanoscale emulsions are essential components in numerous products, ranging from processed foods to novel drug delivery systems. Existing emulsification methods rely either on the breakup of larger droplets or solvent exchange/inversion. Here we report a simple, scalable method of creating nanoscale water-in-oil emulsions by condensing water vapor onto a subcooled oil-surfactant solution. Our technique enables a bottom-up approach to forming small-scale emulsions. Nanoscale water droplets nucleate at the oil/air interface and spontaneously disperse within the oil, due to the spreading dynamics of oil on water. Oil-soluble surfactants stabilize the resulting emulsions. We find that the oil-surfactant concentration controls the spreading behavior of oil on water, as well as the peak size, polydispersity, and stability of the resulting emulsions. Using condensation, we form emulsions with peak radii around 100 nm and polydispersities around 10%. This emulsion formation technique may open different routes to creating emulsions, colloidal systems, and emulsion-based materials.

  12. Laser output power stabilization for direct laser writing system by using an acousto-optic modulator.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong Ik; Rhee, Hyug-Gyo; Song, Jae-Bong; Lee, Yun-Woo

    2007-10-01

    We present experimental results on the output power stabilization of an Ar(+) laser for a direct laser writing system (LWS). Instability of the laser output power in the LWS cause resolution fluctuations of being fabricated diffractive optical elements or computer-generated holograms. For the purpose of reducing the power fluctuations, we have constituted a feedback loop with an acousto-optic modulator, a photodetector, and a servo controller. In this system, we have achieved the stability of +/-0.20% for 12 min and the relative intensity noise level of 2.1 x 10(-7) Hz(-12) at 100 Hz. In addition, we applied our system to a 2 mW internal mirror He-Ne laser. As a consequence, we achieved the output power stability of +/-0.12% for 25 min.

  13. Engineering nanoscale surface features to sustain microparticle rolling in flow.

    PubMed

    Kalasin, Surachate; Santore, Maria M

    2015-05-26

    Nanoscopic features of channel walls are often engineered to facilitate microfluidic transport, for instance when surface charge enables electro-osmosis or when grooves drive mixing. The dynamic or rolling adhesion of flowing microparticles on a channel wall holds potential to accomplish particle sorting or to selectively transfer reactive species or signals between the wall and flowing particles. Inspired by cell rolling under the direction of adhesion molecules called selectins, we present an engineered platform in which the rolling of flowing microparticles is sustained through the incorporation of entirely synthetic, discrete, nanoscale, attractive features into the nonadhesive (electrostatically repulsive) surface of a flow channel. Focusing on one example or type of nanoscale feature and probing the impact of broad systematic variations in surface feature loading and processing parameters, this study demonstrates how relatively flat, weakly adhesive nanoscale features, positioned with average spacings on the order of tens of nanometers, can produce sustained microparticle rolling. We further demonstrate how the rolling velocity and travel distance depend on flow and surface design. We identify classes of related surfaces that fail to support rolling and present a state space that identifies combinations of surface and processing variables corresponding to transitions between rolling, free particle motion, and arrest. Finally we identify combinations of parameters (surface length scales, particle size, flow rates) where particles can be manipulated with size-selectivity.

  14. Nanoscale measurements of proton tracks using fluorescent nuclear track detectors

    PubMed Central

    Sawakuchi, Gabriel O.; Ferreira, Felisberto A.; McFadden, Conor H.; Hallacy, Timothy M.; Granville, Dal A.; Sahoo, Narayan; Akselrod, Mark S.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: The authors describe a method in which fluorescence nuclear track detectors (FNTDs), novel track detectors with nanoscale spatial resolution, are used to determine the linear energy transfer (LET) of individual proton tracks from proton therapy beams by allowing visualization and 3D reconstruction of such tracks. Methods: FNTDs were exposed to proton therapy beams with nominal energies ranging from 100 to 250 MeV. Proton track images were then recorded by confocal microscopy of the FNTDs. Proton tracks in the FNTD images were fit by using a Gaussian function to extract fluorescence amplitudes. Histograms of fluorescence amplitudes were then compared with LET spectra. Results: The authors successfully used FNTDs to register individual proton tracks from high-energy proton therapy beams, allowing reconstruction of 3D images of proton tracks along with delta rays. The track amplitudes from FNTDs could be used to parameterize LET spectra, allowing the LET of individual proton tracks from therapeutic proton beams to be determined. Conclusions: FNTDs can be used to directly visualize proton tracks and their delta rays at the nanoscale level. Because the track intensities in the FNTDs correlate with LET, they could be used further to measure LET of individual proton tracks. This method may be useful for measuring nanoscale radiation quantities and for measuring the LET of individual proton tracks in radiation biology experiments. PMID:27147359

  15. Nanoscale measurements of proton tracks using fluorescent nuclear track detectors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sawakuchi, Gabriel O., E-mail: gsawakuchi@mdanderson.org; Sahoo, Narayan; Ferreira, Felisberto A.

    Purpose: The authors describe a method in which fluorescence nuclear track detectors (FNTDs), novel track detectors with nanoscale spatial resolution, are used to determine the linear energy transfer (LET) of individual proton tracks from proton therapy beams by allowing visualization and 3D reconstruction of such tracks. Methods: FNTDs were exposed to proton therapy beams with nominal energies ranging from 100 to 250 MeV. Proton track images were then recorded by confocal microscopy of the FNTDs. Proton tracks in the FNTD images were fit by using a Gaussian function to extract fluorescence amplitudes. Histograms of fluorescence amplitudes were then compared withmore » LET spectra. Results: The authors successfully used FNTDs to register individual proton tracks from high-energy proton therapy beams, allowing reconstruction of 3D images of proton tracks along with delta rays. The track amplitudes from FNTDs could be used to parameterize LET spectra, allowing the LET of individual proton tracks from therapeutic proton beams to be determined. Conclusions: FNTDs can be used to directly visualize proton tracks and their delta rays at the nanoscale level. Because the track intensities in the FNTDs correlate with LET, they could be used further to measure LET of individual proton tracks. This method may be useful for measuring nanoscale radiation quantities and for measuring the LET of individual proton tracks in radiation biology experiments.« less

  16. Children's Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    MacPhee, Angus

    1971-01-01

    The proper approach to children's writing from an educational point of view is discussed. The point is made that there is something fundamentally wrong with the current approach in children's writing. Current books on children's writing deal only with children's writing. It is recommended that any program which aims to be efficient in the teaching…

  17. The Role of Cognitive and Affective Factors in Measures of L2 Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zabihi, Reza

    2018-01-01

    This study investigates the direct and/or indirect effects of some cognitive (working memory capacity) and affective (writing anxiety and writing self-efficacy) variables on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) of second language (L2) learners' writings. To achieve this goal, 232 upper-intermediate English learners performed an automated…

  18. Emerging ferroelectric transistors with nanoscale channel materials: the possibilities, the limitations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hong, Xia

    2016-03-01

    Combining the nonvolatile, locally switchable polarization field of a ferroelectric thin film with a nanoscale electronic material in a field effect transistor structure offers the opportunity to examine and control a rich variety of mesoscopic phenomena and interface coupling. It is also possible to introduce new phases and functionalities into these hybrid systems through rational design. This paper reviews two rapidly progressing branches in the field of ferroelectric transistors, which employ two distinct classes of nanoscale electronic materials as the conducting channel, the two-dimensional (2D) electron gas graphene and the strongly correlated transition metal oxide thin films. The topics covered include the basic device physics, novel phenomena emerging in the hybrid systems, critical mechanisms that control the magnitude and stability of the field effect modulation and the mobility of the channel material, potential device applications, and the performance limitations of these devices due to the complex interface interactions and challenges in achieving controlled materials properties. Possible future directions for this field are also outlined, including local ferroelectric gate control via nanoscale domain patterning and incorporating other emergent materials in this device concept, such as the simple binary ferroelectrics, layered 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, and the 4d and 5d heavy metal compounds with strong spin-orbit coupling.

  19. Nanoscale Phonon Transport as Probed with a Microfabricated Phonon Spectrometer for the Study of Nanoscale Energy Transport

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robinson, Richard; Otelaja, Obafemi; Hertzberg, Jared; Aksit, Mahmut; Stewart, Derek

    2013-03-01

    Phonons are the dominant heat carriers in dielectrics and a clear understanding of their behavior at the nanoscale is important for the development of efficient thermoelectric devices. In this work we show how acoustic phonon transport can be directly probed by the generation and detection of non-equilibrium phonons in microscale and nanoscale structures. Our technique employs a scalable method of fabricating phonon generators and detectors by forming Al-AlxOy-Al superconducting tunnel junctions on the sidewalls of a silicon mesa etched with KOH and an operating temperature of 0.3K. In the line-of-sight path along the width of these mesas, phonons with frequency ~100 GHz can propagate ballistically The phonons radiate into the mesa and are observed by the detector after passing through the mesa. We fabricated silicon nanosheets of width 100 to 300 nm along the ballistic path and observe surface scattering effects on phonon transmission when the characteristic length scale of a material is less than the phonon mean free path. We compare our results to the Casimir-Ziman theory. Our methods can be adapted for studying phonon transport in other nanostructures and will improve the understanding of phonon contribution to thermal transport. The work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Agreement No. DMR-1149036.

  20. Modeling focusing characteristics of low Fnumber diffractive optical elements with continuous relief fabricated by laser direct writing.

    PubMed

    Shan, Mingguang; Tan, Jiubin

    2007-12-10

    A theoretical model is established using Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory to describe the diffraction focusing characteristics of low F-number diffractive optical elements with continuous relief fabricated by laser direct writing, and continuous-relief diffractive optical elements with a design wavelength of 441.6nm and a F-number of F/4 are fabricated and measured to verify the validity of the diffraction focusing model. The measurements made indicate that the spot size is 1.75mum and the diffraction efficiency is 70.7% at the design wavelength, which coincide well with the theoretical results: a spot size of 1.66mum and a diffraction efficiency of 71.2%.

  1. Gamma Radiation Aging Study of a Dow Corning SE 1700 Porous Structure Made by Direct Ink Writing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Small, Ward; Alviso, Cindy T.; Metz, Tom R.

    Dow Corning SE 1700 (reinforced polydimethylsiloxane) porous structures were made by direct ink writing (DIW). The specimens (~50% porosity) were subjected to a compressive strain of ~25% while exposed to a gamma radiation dose of 1, 5, or 10 Mrad under vacuum. Compression set and load retention of the aged specimens were measured after a ~24 h relaxation period. Compression set (relative to deflection) increased with radiation dose: 11, 35, and 51% after 1, 5, and 10 Mrad, respectively. Load retention was 96-97% for the doses tested. The SE 1700 compared favorably to M9763 cellular silicone tested under the samemore » conditions.« less

  2. 48 CFR 1552.237-71 - Technical direction.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    .... (d) Technical direction will be issued in writing or confirmed in writing within five (5) days after... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 true Technical direction. 1552... Technical direction. As prescribed in 1537.110, insert a clause substantially the same as the following...

  3. Nanoscale thermal transport: Theoretical method and application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Yu-Jia; Liu, Yue-Yang; Zhou, Wu-Xing; Chen, Ke-Qiu

    2018-03-01

    With the size reduction of nanoscale electronic devices, the heat generated by the unit area in integrated circuits will be increasing exponentially, and consequently the thermal management in these devices is a very important issue. In addition, the heat generated by the electronic devices mostly diffuses to the air in the form of waste heat, which makes the thermoelectric energy conversion also an important issue for nowadays. In recent years, the thermal transport properties in nanoscale systems have attracted increasing attention in both experiments and theoretical calculations. In this review, we will discuss various theoretical simulation methods for investigating thermal transport properties and take a glance at several interesting thermal transport phenomena in nanoscale systems. Our emphasizes will lie on the advantage and limitation of calculational method, and the application of nanoscale thermal transport and thermoelectric property. Project supported by the Nation Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFB0701602) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11674092).

  4. Writing Inspired

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tischhauser, Karen

    2015-01-01

    Students need inspiration to write. Assigning is not teaching. In order to inspire students to write fiction worth reading, teachers must take them through the process of writing. Physical objects inspire good writing with depth. In this article, the reader will be taken through the process of inspiring young writers through the use of boxes.…

  5. Sports Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grubaugh, Karl

    2003-01-01

    Lists the following 10 tips for improved sports writing in high school publications: reporting comes before writing; do not try to do too much; show, do not tell; do not do game stories; avoid cliches; avoid "jock-talk"; use the drama of sports; do not write the obvious story; sports is also news; and read great sports writing. (PM)

  6. The Tablet Inscribed: Inclusive Writing Instruction with the iPad

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sullivan, Rebecca M.

    2013-01-01

    Despite the author's initial skepticism, a classroom set of iPads has reinforced a student-directed approach to writing instruction, while also supporting an inclusive classroom. Using the iPads, students guide their writing process with access to the learning management system, electronic information resources, and an online text editor. Students…

  7. Fabrication of Single, Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes in 3D Nanoscale Architectures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kaul, Anupama B.; Megerian, Krikor G.; Von Allmen, Paul A.; Baron, Richard L.

    2010-01-01

    Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and high-throughput manufacturing techniques for integrating single, aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into novel 3D nanoscale architectures have been developed. First, the PECVD growth technique ensures excellent alignment of the tubes, since the tubes align in the direction of the electric field in the plasma as they are growing. Second, the tubes generated with this technique are all metallic, so their chirality is predetermined, which is important for electronic applications. Third, a wafer-scale manufacturing process was developed that is high-throughput and low-cost, and yet enables the integration of just single, aligned tubes with nanoscale 3D architectures with unprecedented placement accuracy and does not rely on e-beam lithography. Such techniques should lend themselves to the integration of PECVD grown tubes for applications ranging from interconnects, nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), sensors, bioprobes, or other 3D electronic devices. Chemically amplified polyhydroxystyrene-resin-based deep UV resists were used in conjunction with excimer laser-based (lambda = 248 nm) step-and-repeat lithography to form Ni catalyst dots = 300 nm in diameter that nucleated single, vertically aligned tubes with high yield using dc PECVD growth. This is the first time such chemically amplified resists have been used, resulting in the nucleation of single, vertically aligned tubes. In addition, novel 3D nanoscale architectures have been created using topdown techniques that integrate single, vertically aligned tubes. These were enabled by implementing techniques that use deep-UV chemically amplified resists for small-feature-size resolution; optical lithography units that allow unprecedented control over layer-to-layer registration; and ICP (inductively coupled plasma) etching techniques that result in near-vertical, high-aspect-ratio, 3D nanoscale architectures, in conjunction with the use of materials that are

  8. Direct ink writing of 3D conductive polyaniline structures and rheological modelling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Holness, F. Benjamin; Price, Aaron D.

    2018-01-01

    The intractable nature of conjugated polymers (CP) leads to practical limitations in the fabrication of CP-based transducers having complex three-dimensional geometries. Conventional CP device fabrication processes have focused primarily on thin-film deposition techniques; this study explores novel additive manufacturing processes specifically developed for CP with the ultimate goal of increasing the functionality of CP sensors and actuators. Herein we employ automated polymer paste extrusion processes for the direct ink writing of 3D conductive polyaniline (PANI) structures. Realization of these structures was enabled through a modified fused filament fabrication delta robot equipped with an integrated polymer paste extruder to fabricate high-resolution 3D conductive PANI structures. The required processability of PANI was achieved by means of a counterion-induced thermal doping method. The effect of thermal doping on the PANI-DBSA paste by means of a constitutive relationship to describe the paste flow as a function of the thermal doping time is explored. This relationship is incorporated within a flow model to predict the extruded track width as a function of various process parameters including: print speed, gauge pressure, nozzle diameter, and pre-extrusion thermal doping time.

  9. Plasmofluidics: Merging Light and Fluids at the Micro-/Nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Wang, Mingsong; Zhao, Chenglong; Miao, Xiaoyu; Zhao, Yanhui; Rufo, Joseph; Liu, Yan Jun; Huang, Tony Jun; Zheng, Yuebing

    2015-09-16

    Plasmofluidics is the synergistic integration of plasmonics and micro/nanofluidics in devices and applications in order to enhance performance. There has been significant progress in the emerging field of plasmofluidics in recent years. By utilizing the capability of plasmonics to manipulate light at the nanoscale, combined with the unique optical properties of fluids and precise manipulation via micro/nanofluidics, plasmofluidic technologies enable innovations in lab-on-a-chip systems, reconfigurable photonic devices, optical sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy. In this review article, the most recent advances in plasmofluidics are examined and categorized into plasmon-enhanced functionalities in microfluidics and microfluidics-enhanced plasmonic devices. The former focuses on plasmonic manipulations of fluids, bubbles, particles, biological cells, and molecules at the micro/nanoscale. The latter includes technological advances that apply microfluidic principles to enable reconfigurable plasmonic devices and performance-enhanced plasmonic sensors. The article is concluded with perspectives on the upcoming challenges, opportunities, and possible future directions of the emerging field of plasmofluidics. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Ion beam modification of biological materials in nanoscale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, L. D.; Anuntalabhochai, S.

    2012-07-01

    Ion interaction with biological objects in nanoscale is a novel research area stemming from applications of low-energy ion beams in biotechnology and biomedicine. Although the ion beam applications in biotechnology and biomedicine have achieved great successes, many mechanisms remain unclear and many new applications are to be explored. We have carried out some research on exploring the mechanisms and new applications besides attaining ion beam induction of mutation breeding and gene transformation. In the studies on the mechanisms, we focused our investigations on the direct interaction in nanoscale between ions and biological living materials. Our research topics have included the low-energy ion range in DNA, low-energy ion or neutral beam bombardment effect on DNA topological form change and mutation, low-energy ion or neutral beam bombardment effect on the cell envelope and gene transformation, and molecular dynamics simulation of ultra-low-energy ion irradiation of DNA. In the exploration of new applications, we have started experiments on ion irradiation or bombardment, in the nanoscaled depth or area, of human cells for biomedical research. This paper introduces our experiments and reports interesting results.

  11. Promoting Writing and Preventing Writing Failure in Young Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kissel, Brian

    2008-01-01

    In 2003, the National Commission on Writing pleaded for a writing revolution in education. The plea included a call for increased attention on the subject of writing, considered the "most neglected" of the "three "Rs"". Although state tests dictate that schools take an intensive look at the writing of 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade students, studying…

  12. Exploring EFL Students' Use of Writing Strategies and Their Attitudes towards Reading-To-Write and Writing-Only Tasks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Soltani, Azimeh; Kheirzadeh, Shiela

    2017-01-01

    This study aimed to explore EFL students' use of writing strategies and their attitudes towards reading-to-write and writing-only tasks. The primary purpose of this study was to see whether there was any significant difference between the writing performance of reading-to-write and writing-only task groups of Iranian EFL learners. Also, this study…

  13. Collaborative Blended Learning Writing Environment: Effects on EFL Students' Writing Apprehension and Writing Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Challob, Ala'a Ismael; Bakar, Nadzrah Abu; Latif, Hafizah

    2016-01-01

    This study examined the effects of collaborative blended learning writing environment on students' writing apprehension and writing performance as perceived by a selected group of EFL students enrolled in one of the international schools in Malaysia. Qualitative case study method was employed using semi-structured interview, learning diaries and…

  14. Reflective writing: the student nurse's perspective on reflective writing and poetry writing.

    PubMed

    Coleman, Dawn; Willis, Diane S

    2015-07-01

    Reflective writing is a mandatory part of nurse education but how students develop their skills and use reflection as part of their experiential learning remains relatively unknown. Understanding reflective writing in all forms from the perspective of a student nurse is therefore important. To explore the use of reflective writing and the use of poetry in pre-registered nursing students. A qualitative design was employed to explore reflective writing in pre-registered nursing students. A small university in Scotland. BSc (Hons) Adult and Mental Health Pre-registration Student Nurses. Two focus groups were conducted with 10 student nurses during March 2012. Data was analysed thematically using the framework of McCarthy (1999). Students found the process of reflective writing daunting but valued it over time. Current educational methods, such as assessing reflective accounts, often lead to the 'narrative' being watered down and the student feeling judged. Despite this, reflection made students feel responsible for their own learning and research on the topic. Some students felt the use of models of reflection constricting, whilst poetry freed up their expression allowing them to demonstrate the compassion for their patient under their care. Poetry writing gives students the opportunity for freedom of expression, personal satisfaction and a closer connection with their patients, which the more formal approach to reflective writing did not offer. There is a need for students to have a safe and supportive forum in which to express and have their experiences acknowledged without the fear of being judged. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Nanoscale thermal imaging of dissipation in quantum systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halbertal, D.; Cuppens, J.; Shalom, M. Ben; Embon, L.; Shadmi, N.; Anahory, Y.; Naren, H. R.; Sarkar, J.; Uri, A.; Ronen, Y.; Myasoedov, Y.; Levitov, L. S.; Joselevich, E.; Geim, A. K.; Zeldov, E.

    2016-11-01

    Energy dissipation is a fundamental process governing the dynamics of physical, chemical and biological systems. It is also one of the main characteristics that distinguish quantum from classical phenomena. In particular, in condensed matter physics, scattering mechanisms, loss of quantum information or breakdown of topological protection are deeply rooted in the intricate details of how and where the dissipation occurs. Yet the microscopic behaviour of a system is usually not formulated in terms of dissipation because energy dissipation is not a readily measurable quantity on the micrometre scale. Although nanoscale thermometry has gained much recent interest, existing thermal imaging methods are not sensitive enough for the study of quantum systems and are also unsuitable for the low-temperature operation that is required. Here we report a nano-thermometer based on a superconducting quantum interference device with a diameter of less than 50 nanometres that resides at the apex of a sharp pipette: it provides scanning cryogenic thermal sensing that is four orders of magnitude more sensitive than previous devices—below 1 μK Hz-1/2. This non-contact, non-invasive thermometry allows thermal imaging of very low intensity, nanoscale energy dissipation down to the fundamental Landauer limit of 40 femtowatts for continuous readout of a single qubit at one gigahertz at 4.2 kelvin. These advances enable the observation of changes in dissipation due to single-electron charging of individual quantum dots in carbon nanotubes. They also reveal a dissipation mechanism attributable to resonant localized states in graphene encapsulated within hexagonal boron nitride, opening the door to direct thermal imaging of nanoscale dissipation processes in quantum matter.

  16. Crystalline cellulose elastic modulus predicted by atomistic models of uniform deformation and nanoscale indentation

    Treesearch

    Xiawa Wu; Robert J. Moon; Ashlie Martini

    2013-01-01

    The elastic modulus of cellulose Iß in the axial and transverse directions was obtained from atomistic simulations using both the standard uniform deformation approach and a complementary approach based on nanoscale indentation. This allowed comparisons between the methods and closer connectivity to experimental measurement techniques. A reactive...

  17. The Effects of Computer-Mediated Synchronous and Asynchronous Direct Corrective Feedback on Writing: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shintani, Natsuko

    2016-01-01

    This case study investigated the characteristics of computer-mediated synchronous corrective feedback (SCF, provided while students wrote) and asynchronous corrective feedback (ACF, provided after students had finished writing) in an EFL writing task. The task, designed to elicit the use of the hypothetical conditional, was completed by two…

  18. Interfibrillar stiffening of echinoderm mutable collagenous tissue demonstrated at the nanoscale

    PubMed Central

    Mo, Jingyi; Blowes, Liisa M.; Egertová, Michaela; Terrill, Nicholas J.; Wang, Wen; Elphick, Maurice R.; Gupta, Himadri S.

    2016-01-01

    The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of echinoderms (e.g., sea cucumbers and starfish) is a remarkable example of a biological material that has the unique attribute, among collagenous tissues, of being able to rapidly change its stiffness and extensibility under neural control. However, the mechanisms of MCT have not been characterized at the nanoscale. Using synchrotron small-angle X-ray diffraction to probe time-dependent changes in fibrillar structure during in situ tensile testing of sea cucumber dermis, we investigate the ultrastructural mechanics of MCT by measuring fibril strain at different chemically induced mechanical states. By measuring a variable interfibrillar stiffness (EIF), the mechanism of mutability at the nanoscale can be demonstrated directly. A model of stiffness modulation via enhanced fibrillar recruitment is developed to explain the biophysical mechanisms of MCT. Understanding the mechanisms of MCT quantitatively may have applications in development of new types of mechanically tunable biomaterials. PMID:27708167

  19. Interfibrillar stiffening of echinoderm mutable collagenous tissue demonstrated at the nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Mo, Jingyi; Prévost, Sylvain F; Blowes, Liisa M; Egertová, Michaela; Terrill, Nicholas J; Wang, Wen; Elphick, Maurice R; Gupta, Himadri S

    2016-10-18

    The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of echinoderms (e.g., sea cucumbers and starfish) is a remarkable example of a biological material that has the unique attribute, among collagenous tissues, of being able to rapidly change its stiffness and extensibility under neural control. However, the mechanisms of MCT have not been characterized at the nanoscale. Using synchrotron small-angle X-ray diffraction to probe time-dependent changes in fibrillar structure during in situ tensile testing of sea cucumber dermis, we investigate the ultrastructural mechanics of MCT by measuring fibril strain at different chemically induced mechanical states. By measuring a variable interfibrillar stiffness (E IF ), the mechanism of mutability at the nanoscale can be demonstrated directly. A model of stiffness modulation via enhanced fibrillar recruitment is developed to explain the biophysical mechanisms of MCT. Understanding the mechanisms of MCT quantitatively may have applications in development of new types of mechanically tunable biomaterials.

  20. Direct ink writing of silica-bonded calcite scaffolds from preceramic polymers and fillers.

    PubMed

    Fiocco, L; Elsayed, H; Badocco, D; Pastore, P; Bellucci, D; Cannillo, V; Detsch, R; Boccaccini, A R; Bernardo, E

    2017-05-11

    Silica-bonded calcite scaffolds have been successfully 3D-printed by direct ink writing, starting from a paste comprising a silicone polymer and calcite powders, calibrated in order to match a SiO 2 /CaCO 3 weight balance of 35/65. The scaffolds, fabricated with two slightly different geometries, were first cross-linked at 350 °C, then fired at 600 °C, in air. The low temperature adopted for the conversion of the polymer into amorphous silica, by thermo-oxidative decomposition, prevented the decomposition of calcite. The obtained silica-bonded calcite scaffolds featured open porosity of about 56%-64% and compressive strength of about 2.9-5.5 MPa, depending on the geometry. Dissolution studies in SBF and preliminary cell culture tests, with bone marrow stromal cells, confirmed the in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds and their biocompatibility. The seeded cells were found to be alive, well anchored and spread on the samples surface. The new silica-calcite composites are expected to be suitable candidates as tissue-engineering 3D scaffolds for regeneration of cancellous bone defects.

  1. Direct Laser Writing of δ- to α-Phase Transformation in Formamidinium Lead Iodide

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Organolead halide perovskites are increasingly considered for applications well beyond photovoltaics, for example, as the active regions within photonic devices. Herein, we report the direct laser writing (DLW: 458 nm cw-laser) of the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) yellow δ-phase into its high-temperature luminescent black α-phase, a remarkably easy and scalable approach that takes advantage of the material’s susceptibility to transition under ambient conditions. Through the DLW of α-FAPbI3 tracks on δ-FAPbI3 single-crystal surfaces, the controlled and rapid microfabrication of highly luminescent structures exhibiting long-term phase stability is detailed, offering an avenue toward the prototyping of complex perovskite-based optical devices. The dynamics and kinetics of laser-induced δ- to α-phase transformations are investigated in situ by Raman microprobe analysis, as a function of irradiation power, time, temperature, and atmospheric conditions, revealing an interesting connection between oxygen intercalation at the surface and the δ- to α-phase transformation dynamics, an insight that will find application within the wider context of FAPbI3 thermal phase relations. PMID:28763617

  2. Writing and Healing: Toward an Informed Practice. Refiguring English Studies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, Charles M., Ed.; MacCurdy, Marian M., Ed.

    This book presents 15 essays composed by and directed toward writing teachers and others who have experienced writing and healing in a variety of settings--from classrooms to substance-abuse treatment centers to AIDS support groups. Essays in the book provide not only descriptions of particular practices but also explorations of areas of theory…

  3. Fun While Showing, Not Telling: Crafting Vivid Detail in Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Del Nero, Jennifer Renner

    2017-01-01

    This teaching tip highlights three writing minilessons that help students construct vivid sensory detail (textual detail related to the five senses) in their fiction and creative nonfiction writing. Learning to show, not tell, is a difficult task for novice writers. The author explores reasons why this is the case and provides directions for the…

  4. Writing Center Work Bridging Boundaries: An Interview with Muriel Harris

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Threadgill, Elizabeth

    2010-01-01

    This article presents an interview with Dr. Muriel Harris who is considered as one of the most influential figures in writing center research and practice for over three decades. She is currently Professor Emerita of English at Purdue University. She founded The Purdue Writing Center which she directed from 1976 until 2003. She also founded…

  5. Traceable nanoscale measurement at NML-SIRIM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dahlan, Ahmad M.; Abdul Hapip, A. I.

    2012-06-01

    The role of national metrology institute (NMI) has always been very crucial in national technology development. One of the key activities of the NMI is to provide traceable measurement in all parameters under the International System of Units (SI). Dimensional measurement where size and shape are two important features investigated, is one of the important area covered by NMIs. To support the national technology development, particularly in manufacturing sectors and emerging technology such nanotechnology, the National Metrology Laboratory, SIRIM Berhad (NML-SIRIM), has embarked on a project to equip Malaysia with state-of-the-art nanoscale measurement facility with the aims of providing traceability of measurement at nanoscale. This paper will look into some of the results from current activities at NML-SIRIM related to measurement at nanoscale particularly on application of atomic force microscope (AFM) and laser based sensor in dimensional measurement. Step height standards of different sizes were measured using AFM and laser-based sensors. These probes are integrated into a long-range nanoscale measuring machine traceable to the international definition of the meter thus ensuring their traceability. Consistency of results obtained by these two methods will be discussed and presented. Factors affecting their measurements as well as their related uncertainty of measurements will also be presented.

  6. Neuromorphic computing with nanoscale spintronic oscillators.

    PubMed

    Torrejon, Jacob; Riou, Mathieu; Araujo, Flavio Abreu; Tsunegi, Sumito; Khalsa, Guru; Querlioz, Damien; Bortolotti, Paolo; Cros, Vincent; Yakushiji, Kay; Fukushima, Akio; Kubota, Hitoshi; Yuasa, Shinji; Stiles, Mark D; Grollier, Julie

    2017-07-26

    Neurons in the brain behave as nonlinear oscillators, which develop rhythmic activity and interact to process information. Taking inspiration from this behaviour to realize high-density, low-power neuromorphic computing will require very large numbers of nanoscale nonlinear oscillators. A simple estimation indicates that to fit 10 8 oscillators organized in a two-dimensional array inside a chip the size of a thumb, the lateral dimension of each oscillator must be smaller than one micrometre. However, nanoscale devices tend to be noisy and to lack the stability that is required to process data in a reliable way. For this reason, despite multiple theoretical proposals and several candidates, including memristive and superconducting oscillators, a proof of concept of neuromorphic computing using nanoscale oscillators has yet to be demonstrated. Here we show experimentally that a nanoscale spintronic oscillator (a magnetic tunnel junction) can be used to achieve spoken-digit recognition with an accuracy similar to that of state-of-the-art neural networks. We also determine the regime of magnetization dynamics that leads to the greatest performance. These results, combined with the ability of the spintronic oscillators to interact with each other, and their long lifetime and low energy consumption, open up a path to fast, parallel, on-chip computation based on networks of oscillators.

  7. Bench-scale synthesis of nanoscale materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buehler, M. F.; Darab, J. G.; Matson, D. W.; Linehan, J. C.

    1994-01-01

    A novel flow-through hydrothermal method used to synthesize nanoscale powders is introduced by Pacific Northwest Laboratory. The process, Rapid Thermal Decomposition of precursors in Solution (RTDS), uniquely combines high-pressure and high-temperature conditions to rapidly form nanoscale particles. The RTDS process was initially demonstrated on a laboratory scale and was subsequently scaled up to accommodate production rates attractive to industry. The process is able to produce a wide variety of metal oxides and oxyhydroxides. The powders are characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopic methods, surface-area measurements, and x-ray diffraction. Typical crystallite sizes are less than 20 nanometers, with BET surface areas ranging from 100 to 400 sq m/g. A description of the RTDS process is presented along with powder characterization results. In addition, data on the sintering of nanoscale ZrO2 produced by RTDS are included.

  8. Tracking the "Lizardman": Writing Rotten to Write Well.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Polette, Keith

    1995-01-01

    Suggests that students can improve their writing by being instructed on how to write badly. Applies the criteria of testability, tunnel-vision, excessive vagueness, flying in the face of established fact, and hazy authority to tabloid newspaper stories. Discusses how students can write their own "rotten" tabloid stories by taking these…

  9. Analysis of writing inks on paper using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Jones, Roger W; McClelland, John F

    2013-09-10

    Ink analysis is central to questioned document examination. We applied direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART MS) to ballpoint, gel, and fluid writing ink analysis. DART MS acquires the mass spectrum of an ink while it is still on a document without altering the appearance of the document. Spectra were acquired from ink on a variety of papers, and the spectrum of the blank paper could be subtracted out to produce a cleanly isolated ink spectrum in most cases. Only certain heavy or heavily processed papers interfered. The time since an ink is written on paper has a large effect on its spectrum. DART spectra change radically during the first few months after an ink is written as the more volatile components evaporate, but the spectra stabilize after that. A library-search study involving 166 well-aged inks assessed the ability to identify inks from their DART spectra. The aggregate success rate was 92%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Systematic control of optical features in aluminosilicate glass waveguides using direct femtosecond laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Babu, B. Hari; Niu, Mengsi; Yang, Xiaoyu; Wang, Yanbo; Feng, Lin; Qin, Wei; Hao, Xiao-Tao

    2017-10-01

    Low loss optical waveguides inside aluminosilicate glasses have been successfully fabricated using direct femtosecond laser writing. To establish the influence of pulse energy and host variations on the optical waveguides have been tentatively explored and systematically studied with the help of different spectroscopic techniques. Isochronal annealing treatment effectively reduces the insertion losses to 1.01 ± 0.28 dB at 632.8 nm. A red shift of the Raman band has been observed with increasing Al2O3 content due to the bond angle variations. The point defects such as non-bridging oxygen hole centers have been corroborated by the photoluminescence studies and significant red-shift has also been documented with increasing Al2O3 content. In addition, there is no NBOHC defects perceived after isochronal annealing treatment inside the glass waveguides. Our results envisage that the present glass waveguides should be promising and potential for applications in passive waveguides and integrated photonic devices.

  11. Reversible mechano-electrochemical writing of metallic nanostructures with the tip of an atomic force microscope

    PubMed Central

    Kress, Marina; Wagner, Andreas; Schimmel, Thomas

    2012-01-01

    Summary We recently introduced a method that allows the controlled deposition of nanoscale metallic patterns at defined locations using the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) as a “mechano-electrochemical pen”, locally activating a passivated substrate surface for site-selective electrochemical deposition. Here, we demonstrate the reversibility of this process and study the long-term stability of the resulting metallic structures. The remarkable stability for more than 1.5 years under ambient air without any observable changes can be attributed to self-passivation. After AFM-activated electrochemical deposition of copper nanostructures on a polycrystalline gold film and subsequent AFM imaging, the copper nanostructures could be dissolved by reversing the electrochemical potential. Subsequent AFM-tip-activated deposition of different copper nanostructures at the same location where the previous structures were deleted, shows that there is no observable memory effect, i.e., no effect of the previous writing process on the subsequent writing process. Thus, the four processes required for reversible information storage, “write”, “read”, “delete” and “re-write”, were successfully demonstrated on the nanometer scale. PMID:23365795

  12. Influence of Writing Ability and Computation Skill on Mathematics Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Powell, Sarah R.; Hebert, Michael A.

    2016-01-01

    Mathematics standards expect students to communicate about mathematics using oral and written methods, and some high-stakes assessments ask students to answer mathematics questions by writing. Assumptions about mathematics communication via writing include (a) students possess writing skill, (b) students can transfer this writing skill to…

  13. Fourteen Writing Strategies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Turner, Thomas; Broemmel, Amy

    2006-01-01

    Any science teacher who wants his or her students to be engaged in real science is going to engage them in real science writing. Writing in science should begin with clear, imaginative writing purposes and stimuli that are then scaffolded in such a way that students are able to find an organizational structure for their writing. Writing fluency is…

  14. Metadiscourse Use in the Persuasive Writing of Malaysian Undergraduate Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tan, Helen; Eng, Wong Bee

    2014-01-01

    Metadiscourse is a prevalent linguistic resource that helps writers to manage the flow of the propositional contents and to direct their stance towards their contents and readers. Its dominance in persuasive writings has motivated this study which is to examine the occurrences and forms of metadiscourse use in the writing of both the high (HEP)…

  15. Science + Writing = Super Learning. Writing Workshop.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bower, Paula Rogovin

    1993-01-01

    Article presents suggestions for motivating elementary students to learn by combining science and writing. The strategies include planning the right environment; teaching the scientific method; establishing a link to literature; and making time for students to observe, experiment, and write. (SM)

  16. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Resources and Strategies for the Use of Writing Projects in Mathematics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Latulippe, Joe; Latulippe, Christine

    2014-01-01

    As an often recommended but under-utilized pedagogical strategy, writing in mathematics has many benefits for students. However, creating and grading worthwhile writing projects can be more time-consuming than utilizing more traditional forms of assessment. This paper provides a concrete example of a writing project prompt, questions, directions,…

  17. A writing intensive introductory course for RN to BSN students.

    PubMed

    Tesh, Anita S; Hyde, Yolanda M; Kautz, Donald D

    2014-01-01

    This article describes learning strategies used with RN to BSN students in their 1st nursing course to successfully learn how to write formal papers using the American Psychological Association (APA) format. This 1st nursing course, a writing intensive, requires 4 short papers with self, peer, and teacher critiques and opportunities to rewrite. Students learn the style of professional nursing discourse, mastery of APA format, and development of additional skills in following directions and in critiquing their own work. An additional benefit is to enhance learning about professional nursing topics. By mastering writing skills in this initial course, students are able to successfully complete writing assignments in future courses and, in some cases, move on to publication.

  18. Experimental, theoretical, and device application development of nanoscale focused electron-beam-induced deposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Randolph, Steven Jeffrey

    Electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) is a highly versatile nanofabrication technique that allows for growth of a variety of materials with nanoscale precision and resolution. While several applications and studies of EBID have been reported and published, there is still a significant lack of understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in the process. Consequently, EBID process control is, in general, limited and certain common experimental results regarding nanofiber growth have yet to be fully explained. Such anomalous results have been addressed in this work both experimentally and by computer simulation. Specifically, a correlation between SiOx nanofiber deposition observations and the phenomenon of electron beam heating (EBH) was shown by comparison of thermal computer models and experimental results. Depending on the beam energy, beam current, and nanostructure geometry, the heat generated can be substantial and may influence the deposition rate. Temperature dependent EBID growth experiments qualitatively verified the results of the EBH model. Additionally, EBID was used to produce surface image layers for maskless, direct-write lithography (MDL). A single layer process used directly written SiOx features as a masking layer for amorphous silicon thin films. A bilayer process implemented a secondary masking layer consisting of standard photoresist into which a pattern---directly written by EBID tungsten---was transferred. The single layer process was found to be extremely sensitive to the etch selectivity of the plasma etch. In the bilayer process, EBID tungsten was written onto photoresist and the pattern transferred by means of oxygen plasma dry development following a brief refractory descum. Conditions were developed to reduce the spatial spread of electrons in the photoresist layer and obtain ˜ 35 nm lines. Finally, an EBID-based technique for field emitter repair was applied to the Digital Electrostatically focused e-beam Array Lithography (DEAL

  19. Laser emission from diode-pumped Nd:YAG ceramic waveguide lasers realized by direct femtosecond-laser writing technique.

    PubMed

    Salamu, Gabriela; Jipa, Florin; Zamfirescu, Marian; Pavel, Nicolaie

    2014-03-10

    We report on realization of buried waveguides in Nd:YAG ceramic media by direct femtosecond-laser writing technique and investigate the waveguides laser emission characteristics under the pump with fiber-coupled diode lasers. Laser pulses at 1.06 μm with energy of 2.8 mJ for the pump with pulses of 13.1-mJ energy and continuous-wave output power of 0.49 W with overall optical efficiency of 0.13 were obtained from a 100-μm diameter circular cladding waveguide realized in a 0.7-at.% Nd:YAG ceramic. A circular waveguide of 50-μm diameter yielded laser pulses at 1.3 μm with 1.2-mJ energy.

  20. Electrostatics at the nanoscale.

    PubMed

    Walker, David A; Kowalczyk, Bartlomiej; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera; Grzybowski, Bartosz A

    2011-04-01

    Electrostatic forces are amongst the most versatile interactions to mediate the assembly of nanostructured materials. Depending on experimental conditions, these forces can be long- or short-ranged, can be either attractive or repulsive, and their directionality can be controlled by the shapes of the charged nano-objects. This Review is intended to serve as a primer for experimentalists curious about the fundamentals of nanoscale electrostatics and for theorists wishing to learn about recent experimental advances in the field. Accordingly, the first portion introduces the theoretical models of electrostatic double layers and derives electrostatic interaction potentials applicable to particles of different sizes and/or shapes and under different experimental conditions. This discussion is followed by the review of the key experimental systems in which electrostatic interactions are operative. Examples include electroactive and "switchable" nanoparticles, mixtures of charged nanoparticles, nanoparticle chains, sheets, coatings, crystals, and crystals-within-crystals. Applications of these and other structures in chemical sensing and amplification are also illustrated.

  1. Writing: National Results--Writing Mechanics.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO.

    This is the third National Assessment report on the writing of children aged 9, 13, and 17, and young adults. The three exercises used in the writing assessment were: Age 9: The Forest Fire Exercise; Age 13: The Famous Person Exercise; and Age 17: The Famous Person Exercise. An exercise for young adults (Adults: The Commissioner Stroud Letter)…

  2. Nucleation time of nanoscale water bridges.

    PubMed

    Szoszkiewicz, Robert; Riedo, Elisa

    2005-09-23

    Water capillaries bind together grains of sand. They also can bind an atomic force microscope tip to a substrate. The kinetics of capillary condensation at the nanoscale is studied here using friction force microscopy. At 40% relative humidity we find that the meniscus nucleation times increase from 0.7 to 4.2 ms when the temperature decreases from 332 to 299 K. The nucleation times grow exponentially with the inverse temperature 1/T obeying an Arrhenius law. We obtain a nucleation energy barrier of 7.8 x 10(-20) J and an attempt frequency ranging between 4 and 250 GHz, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. These results provide direct experimental evidence that capillary condensation is a thermally activated phenomenon.

  3. Operationalizing the Rubric: The Effect of Benchmark Selection on the Assessed Quality of Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Popp, Sharon E. Osborn; Ryan, Joseph M.; Thompson, Marilyn S.; Behrens, John T.

    The purposes of this study were to investigate the role of benchmark writing samples in direct assessment of writing and to examine the consequences of differential benchmark selection with a common writing rubric. The influences of discourse and grade level were also examined within the context of differential benchmark selection. Raters scored…

  4. See, Say, Write: A Writing Routine for the Preschool Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Copp, Stefanie B.; Cabell, Sonia Q.; Tortorelli, Laura S.

    2016-01-01

    See, Say, Write is an adaptable classroom writing routine that teachers can use across a range of activities in the preschool classroom. This preschool writing routine offers an opportunity for teachers to build on a shared experience through engagement in rich conversation and writing. After a shared experience, teachers will provide a visual…

  5. Formation of nanoscale water bridges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riedo, Elisa; Szoszkiewicz, Robert; Li, Tai-De; Gao, Jianping; Landman, Uzi

    2006-03-01

    The water bridges provide stability to sand castles, act as transport channels for dip-pen nanolitography and increase adhesion and friction in micro- and nano- devices such as MEMS. The kinetics of capillary condensation and growth at the nanoscale is studied here using friction force microscopy and molecular dynamics calculations. At 40% relative humidity we find that the meniscus nucleation times increase from 0.7 ms up to 4.2 ms when the temperature decreases from 332 K to 299 K. The nucleation times grow exponentially with the inverse temperature 1/T obeying an Arrhenius law. We obtain a nucleation energy barrier of 7.8*10̂-20˜J and an attempt frequency ranging between 4-250˜GHz, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. These results provide direct experimental evidence that capillary condensation is a thermally activated phenomenon.

  6. An Online Writing Partnership: Transforming Classroom Writing Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Townsend, Jane S.; Nail, Allan; Cheveallier, Jennifer; Browning, Angela

    2013-01-01

    The four authors of this article have each at different times over a ten-year period helped develop versions of the Online Writing Partnership between future English teachers learning to teach writing and high school students learning to write better. The authors have been striving to help future English teachers learn how to help high school…

  7. Writing for publication Part II--The writing process.

    PubMed

    Clarke, L K

    1999-01-01

    You have selected a topic, gathered resources, and identified your target audience. The next step is to begin to write and organize your ideas. Initiating the actual writing process can be intimidating, especially for a novice author. This portion of the writing for publication series focuses on helping the writer to organize ideas and get started.

  8. Academic writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eremina, Svetlana V.

    2003-10-01

    The series of workshops on academic writing have been developed by academic writing instructors from Language Teaching Centre, Central European University and presented at the Samara Academic Writing Workshops in November 2001. This paper presents only the part dealing with strucutre of an argumentative essay.

  9. Modeling of Nano-Scale Transistors and Memory Devices for Low Power Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Xi

    As the featuring size of transistors scaled down to sub-20 nm, the continuous scaling of power has become one of the main challenges of the semiconductor industry. The power issue is raised by the barely scalable supply voltage and a limitation on the subthreshold swing (SS) of conventional metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). In this work, self-consistent quantum transport device simulators are developed to examine the nanoscale transistors based on black phosphorus (BP) materials. The scaling limit of double-gated BP MOSFETs is assessed. To reduce the SS below the thermionic limit for ultra-steep switching, tunnel FETs (TFETs) and vertical ballistic impact ionization FETs based on BP and its heterojunctions are investigated. Furthermore, the ferroelectric tunneling junction (FTJ) is modeled and examined for potential low power memory applications. For BP MOSFETs, the device physics at the ultimate scaling limit are examined. The performance of monolayer BP MOSFETs is projected to sub-10 nm and compared with the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) requirements. And the interplay of quantum mechanical effects and the highly anisotropic bandstructure of BP at this scale is investigated. By choice of layer number and crystalline direction, BP materials can offer a range of bandgap and effective mass values, which is attractive for TFET applications. Therefore, scaling behaviors of BP TFETs near and below the 10 nm scale are studied. The gate oxide thickness scaling and the effect of high-k dielectric are compared between the TFETs and the MOSFETs. For the TFETs with the gate lengths beyond 10 nm and at the sub-10 nm scale, the direct-source-to-drain tunneling issues are evaluated, and different strategies to achieve ultra-steep switching are specified. In a sub-10 nm graphene-BP-graphene heterojunction transistor, the sharp turnon behavior was observed, under a small source-drain bias of 0.1 V. The fast switch is

  10. Experiential self-focus writing as a facilitator of processing an interpersonal hurt.

    PubMed

    Liao, Kelly Yu-Hsin; Wei, Meifen; Russell, Daniel W; Abraham, W Todd

    2012-10-01

    This study examined the effects of experiential self-focus writing on changes in psychological outcomes (i.e., unforgiveness and negative affect) after an interpersonal hurt and the buffering effects of experiential self-focus writing on the association between anger rumination and these psychological outcomes. A sample of 182 college students who had experienced interpersonal hurt were randomly assigned to either the experiential self-focus writing condition, in which participants wrote about their feelings and experiences related to the hurt, or to a control writing condition in which they wrote about a recent neutral event. Latent growth curve analyses indicated that changes in unforgiveness over time did not differ between the experiential self-focus writing and the control writing conditions. However, relative to the control writing condition, negative affect decreased faster during writing and increased more slowly at follow-ups in the experiential self-focus writing condition. The results supported the hypothesis that negative affect resulting from an interpersonal hurt would significantly decrease over time among participants in the experiential self-focus writing group compared with the control group. Implications of experiential self-focus writing for interpersonal hurt and directions for future studies are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Dual-wavelength waveguide lasers at 1064 and 1079 nm in Nd:YAP crystal by direct femtosecond laser writing.

    PubMed

    Nie, Weijie; Cheng, Chen; Jia, Yuechen; Romero, Carolina; Vázquez de Aldana, Javier R; Chen, Feng

    2015-05-15

    Low-loss depressed cladding waveguides have been produced in Nd:YAP laser crystal by using direct femtosecond laser writing. Under optical pump at 812 nm at room temperature, continuous-wave simultaneous dual-wavelength laser oscillations at 1064 and 1079 nm, both along TM polarization, have been realized in the waveguiding structures. It has been found that, with the variation of pump polarization, the intensity ratio of 1064 and 1079 nm emissions varies periodically, while the polarization of output dual-wavelength laser remains unchanged. The maximum output power achieved for the Nd:YAP waveguide lasers is ∼200  mW with a slope efficiency of 33.4%.

  12. Should We Outgrow Personal Writing? Polanyi and Perry on Reality, Truth, and Intellectual Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Inkster, Robert P.

    The notion of "Personal Writing" has come under sustained attack from several different directions and for a variety of reasons, yet it is a concept that still retains usefulness for writing instructors. One problem with personal writing is that frequently students do not like it or feel it invades their privacy, despite the traditional…

  13. Design of surface modifications for nanoscale sensor applications.

    PubMed

    Reimhult, Erik; Höök, Fredrik

    2015-01-14

    Nanoscale biosensors provide the possibility to miniaturize optic, acoustic and electric sensors to the dimensions of biomolecules. This enables approaching single-molecule detection and new sensing modalities that probe molecular conformation. Nanoscale sensors are predominantly surface-based and label-free to exploit inherent advantages of physical phenomena allowing high sensitivity without distortive labeling. There are three main criteria to be optimized in the design of surface-based and label-free biosensors: (i) the biomolecules of interest must bind with high affinity and selectively to the sensitive area; (ii) the biomolecules must be efficiently transported from the bulk solution to the sensor; and (iii) the transducer concept must be sufficiently sensitive to detect low coverage of captured biomolecules within reasonable time scales. The majority of literature on nanoscale biosensors deals with the third criterion while implicitly assuming that solutions developed for macroscale biosensors to the first two, equally important, criteria are applicable also to nanoscale sensors. We focus on providing an introduction to and perspectives on the advanced concepts for surface functionalization of biosensors with nanosized sensor elements that have been developed over the past decades (criterion (iii)). We review in detail how patterning of molecular films designed to control interactions of biomolecules with nanoscale biosensor surfaces creates new possibilities as well as new challenges.

  14. Direct-writing lithography using laser diode beam focused with single elliptical microlens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hasan, Md. Nazmul; Haque, Muttahid-Ull; Trisno, Jonathan; Lee, Yung-Chun

    2015-10-01

    A lithography method is proposed for arbitrary patterning using an elliptically diverging laser diode beam focused with a single planoconvex elliptical microlens. Simulations are performed to model the propagation properties of the laser beam and to design the elliptical microlens, which has two different profiles in the x- and y-axis directions. The microlens is fabricated using an excimer laser dragging method and is then attached to the laser diode using double-sided optically cleared adhesive (OCA) tape. Notably, the use of OCA tape removes the need for a complicated alignment procedure and thus significantly reduces the assembly cost. The minimum focused spot of the laser diode beam is investigated by performing single-shot exposure tests on a photoresist (PR) layer. Finally, the practical feasibility of this lithography technique to generate an arbitrary pattern is demonstrated by dotted and continuous features through thin chromium layer deposition on PR and a metal lift-off process. The results show that the minimum feature size for the dotted patterns is around 6.23 μm, while the minimum linewidths for continuous patterns is 6.44 μm. In other words, the proposed focusing technique has significant potential for writing any arbitrary high-resolution pattern for applications like printed circuit board fabrication.

  15. Grant Writing: Vocational Education Resource Package.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Evaluation and Training Inst., Los Angeles, CA.

    Designed to assist community college administrators and faculty in obtaining direct funding grants to enhance vocational education programs and services, this Vocational Education Resource Package (VERP) provides guidelines for writing grant proposals. The VERP is tailored for programs requesting funds from the California Community Colleges or…

  16. Fabrication and Characterization of 3D-Printed Highly-Porous 3D LiFePO₄ Electrodes by Low Temperature Direct Writing Process.

    PubMed

    Liu, Changyong; Cheng, Xingxing; Li, Bohan; Chen, Zhangwei; Mi, Shengli; Lao, Changshi

    2017-08-10

    LiFePO₄ (LFP) is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, low temperature direct writing (LTDW)-based 3D printing was used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) LFP electrodes for the first time. LFP inks were deposited into a low temperature chamber and solidified to maintain the shape and mechanical integrity of the printed features. The printed LFP electrodes were then freeze-dried to remove the solvents so that highly-porous architectures in the electrodes were obtained. LFP inks capable of freezing at low temperature was developed by adding 1,4 dioxane as a freezing agent. The rheological behavior of the prepared LFP inks was measured and appropriate compositions and ratios were selected. A LTDW machine was developed to print the electrodes. The printing parameters were optimized and the printing accuracy was characterized. Results showed that LTDW can effectively maintain the shape and mechanical integrity during the printing process. The microstructure, pore size and distribution of the printed LFP electrodes was characterized. In comparison with conventional room temperature direct ink writing process, improved pore volume and porosity can be obtained using the LTDW process. The electrochemical performance of LTDW-fabricated LFP electrodes and conventional roller-coated electrodes were conducted and compared. Results showed that the porous structure that existed in the printed electrodes can greatly improve the rate performance of LFP electrodes.

  17. Changes in Teachers' Beliefs after a Professional Development Project for Teaching Writing: Two Chinese Cases

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Teng, Lin Sophie

    2016-01-01

    A plethora of research has found that teachers' beliefs directly influence their classroom practices and teaching outcomes. While numerous studies in second/foreign language writing have examined the effectiveness of different innovative approaches on students' learning to write, there is a paucity of research on writing teachers' beliefs about…

  18. Why Do You Write? Creative Writing and the Reflective Teacher

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hains-Wesson, Rachael

    2013-01-01

    In this article, the author asserts that whether we write creatively or academically (or both) it takes time to understand the reasons why we "want" to write, and the more we write, the more we fully begin to appreciate why we have to write in the ?rst place. From an early age, nearly every day, Rachel Hains-Wesson actively participated in…

  19. Computer-Based Writing and Paper-Based Writing: A Study of Beginning-Level and Intermediate-Level Chinese Learners' Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kang, Hana

    2011-01-01

    Chinese writing is one of the most difficult challenges for Chinese learners whose first language writing system is alphabetic letters. Chinese teachers have incorporated computer-based writing into their teaching in the attempt to reduce the difficulties of writing in Chinese, with a particular emphasis on composing (as opposed to simply writing…

  20. Automated Writing Evaluation Program's Effect on Student Writing Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holman, Lester Donnie

    2011-01-01

    In an ex post facto causal-comparative research design, this study investigated the effectiveness of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) programs on raising the student writing achievement. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) writing achievement scores from the 2010 administration were utilized for this study. The independent variable…

  1. Effects of Writing Instruction on Kindergarten Students' Writing Achievement: An Experimental Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Cindy D'On

    2015-01-01

    This full-year experimental study examined how methods of writing instruction contribute to kindergarten students' acquisition of foundational and compositional early writing skills. Multiple regression with cluster analysis was used to compare 3 writing instructional groups: an interactive writing group, a writing workshop group, and a…

  2. The Effect of Self-Regulation Writing Strategies and Gender on Writing Self-Efficacy and Persuasive Writing Achievement for Secondary Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Galbraith, Jessica

    2014-01-01

    This study investigated the impact of a self-regulation writing intervention program on the writing self-efficacy and persuasive writing achievement of ninth and tenth grade students. In addition, this study explored whether gender differences in writing may be addressed by the type of writing program that is implemented. Limited empirical studies…

  3. Electron Microscopy and Analytical X-ray Characterization of Compositional and Nanoscale Structural Changes in Fossil Bone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boatman, Elizabeth Marie

    The nanoscale structure of compact bone contains several features that are direct indicators of bulk tissue mechanical properties. Fossil bone tissues represent unique opportunities to understand the compact bone structure/property relationships from a deep time perspective, offering a possible array of new insights into bone diseases, biomimicry of composite materials, and basic knowledge of bioapatite composition and nanoscale bone structure. To date, most work with fossil bone has employed microscale techniques and has counter-indicated the survival of bioapatite and other nanoscale structural features. The obvious disconnect between the use of microscale techniques and the discernment of nanoscale structure has prompted this work. The goal of this study was to characterize the nanoscale constituents of fossil compact bone by applying a suite of diffraction, microscopy, and spectrometry techniques, representing the highest levels of spatial and energy resolution available today, and capable of complementary structural and compositional characterization from the micro- to the nanoscale. Fossil dinosaur and crocodile long bone specimens, as well as modern ratite and crocodile femurs, were acquired from the UC Museum of Paleontology. Preserved physiological features of significance were documented with scanning electron microscopy back-scattered imaging. Electron microprobe wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) revealed fossil bone compositions enriched in fluorine with a complementary loss of oxygen. X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrated that all specimens were composed of apatite. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging revealed preserved nanocrystallinity in the fossil bones and electron diffraction studies further identified these nanocrystallites as apatite. Tomographic analyses of nanoscale elements imaged by TEM and small angle X-ray scattering were performed, with the results of each analysis further indicating that nanoscale structure is

  4. Strong surface enhanced Raman scattering from gold nanoarrays obtained by direct laser writing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ivanov, V. G.; Todorov, N. D.; Petrov, L. S.; Ritacco, T.; Giocondo, M.; Vlakhov, E. S.

    2016-10-01

    We report for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from arrays of gold nanoparticles produced by 2-photons photo-reduction of the metallic precursor (HAuCl4) hosted in a Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrix, on glass substrates. Samples with the same pattern but featuring different nanoparticles size and density were obtained by varying the writing laser power and scanning speed. The Raman spectra were recorded from samples immersed in a solution of rhodamine-6G (R6G), as well as, after exposure of the samples in xylene. SERS enhancement factors of up to ∼104 were obtained for both analytes. The measurements show that the SERS enhancement is maximized on golden strips produced at higher writing laser power and lower scanning speed, where closer nanoparticles packing is obtained..

  5. Laboratories for Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leander, Kevin M.

    2000-01-01

    Looks at online writing centers and their multiple relations to cyber spaces and physical places, as well as to institutional and cultural practices. Notes proliferation of online writing centers, hybrid relations of online and offline writing centers, relation of online writing centers to classrooms, transforming space and practice in online…

  6. Reverse micelle synthesis of nanoscale metal containing catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Darab, J.G.; Fulton, J.L.; Linehan, J.C.

    1993-03-01

    The need for morphological control during the synthesis of catalyst precursor powders is generally accepted to be important. In the liquefaction of coal, for example, iron-bearing catalyst precursor particles containing individual crystallites with diameters in the 1-100 nanometer range are believed to achieve good dispersion through out the coal-solvent slurry during liquefaction 2 runs and to undergo chemical transformations to catalytically active iron sulfide phases. The production of the nanoscale powders described here employs the confining spherical microdomains comprising the aqueous phase of a modified reverse micelle (MRM) microemulsion system as nanoscale reaction vessels in which polymerization, electrochemical reduction andmore » precipitation of solvated salts can occur. The goal is to take advantage of the confining nature of micelles to kinetically hinder transformation processes which readily occur in bulk aqueous solution in order to control the morphology and phase of the resulting powder. We have prepared a variety of metal, alloy, and metal- and mixed metal-oxide nanoscale powders from appropriate MRM systems. Examples of nanoscale powders produced include Co, Mo-Co, Ni{sub 3}Fe, Ni, and various oxides and oxyhydroxides of iron. Here, we discuss the preparation and characterization of nickel metal (with a nickel oxide surface layer) and iron oxyhydroxide MRM nanoscale powders. We have used extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to study the chemical polymerization process in situ, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microcroscopies (SEM and TEM), elemental analysis and structural modelling to characterize the nanoscale powders produced. The catalytic activity of these powders is currently being studied.« less

  7. Thirdspace Explorations in Online Writing Studios: Writing Centers, Writing in the Disiplines and First Year Composition in the Corporate University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miley, Michelle L.

    2013-01-01

    This study explores the use of online writing studios housed in the University Writing Center and attached to a Writing in the Disciplines course in the College of Technology and a First Year Composition program. The original goal of the online writing studio, modified from Grego and Thompson's (2009) writing studio approach, was to create an…

  8. The Role of Membrane Curvature in Nanoscale Topography-Induced Intracellular Signaling.

    PubMed

    Lou, Hsin-Ya; Zhao, Wenting; Zeng, Yongpeng; Cui, Bianxiao

    2018-05-15

    Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in developing biosensors and devices with nanoscale and vertical topography. Vertical nanostructures induce spontaneous cell engulfment, which enhances the cell-probe coupling efficiency and the sensitivity of biosensors. Although local membranes in contact with the nanostructures are found to be fully fluidic for lipid and membrane protein diffusions, cells appear to actively sense and respond to the surface topography presented by vertical nanostructures. For future development of biodevices, it is important to understand how cells interact with these nanostructures and how their presence modulates cellular function and activities. How cells recognize nanoscale surface topography has been an area of active research for two decades before the recent biosensor works. Extensive studies show that surface topographies in the range of tens to hundreds of nanometers can significantly affect cell functions, behaviors, and ultimately the cell fate. For example, titanium implants having rough surfaces are better for osteoblast attachment and host-implant integration than those with smooth surfaces. At the cellular level, nanoscale surface topography has been shown by a large number of studies to modulate cell attachment, activity, and differentiation. However, a mechanistic understanding of how cells interact and respond to nanoscale topographic features is still lacking. In this Account, we focus on some recent studies that support a new mechanism that local membrane curvature induced by nanoscale topography directly acts as a biochemical signal to induce intracellular signaling, which we refer to as the curvature hypothesis. The curvature hypothesis proposes that some intracellular proteins can recognize membrane curvatures of a certain range at the cell-to-material interface. These proteins then recruit and activate downstream components to modulate cell signaling and behavior. We discuss current technologies

  9. Sustaining Writing Theory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Patrick, Amy M.

    2010-01-01

    This article examines ways in which the fundamentals of both writing studies and sustainability studies overlap and complement each other, ultimately moving toward a theory of writing that not only is sustainable, but that also sustains writing practice across a variety of areas. For example, in order to be sustainable, both writing and…

  10. Writing Our Wrongs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rothschild, Jeffrey

    In writing, as with tools, form must always follow function. From this perspective there can be no "good" writing, only effective writing. Unfortunately, in most instructional situations the function of communicating to an audience is often neglected. Most so-called poor writing falls into the category of writer-based prose. Once student writing…

  11. Writing: Empowering Literacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Love, Angela; Burns, M. Susan; Buell, Martha Jane

    2007-01-01

    Writing activities are an essential part of quality literacy practices in early care and education settings. As children communicate through writing, they learn important concepts about books and other forms of print in the world around them, including writing and alphabet systems. Young children best understand and appreciate writing when it is…

  12. Nanomaterial Case Study: Nanoscale Silver in Disinfectant ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This draft document presents a case study of engineered nanoscale silver (nano-Ag), focusing on the specific example of nano-Ag as possibly used in disinfectant sprays. This case study is organized around a comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) framework, which combines a product life-cycle perspective with the risk assessment paradigm. The document does not draw conclusions about potential risks. Instead, it is intended to be used as part of a process to identify what is known and unknown about nano-Ag in a selected application and can be used as a starting point to identify and prioritize possible research directions to support future assessments of nanomaterials. The information presented in the case study and the questions raised in this document are a foundation for a process to determine priorities among various research topics and directions. After that process has been completed, a final chapter will be added to this document to summarize highlights from preceding chapters and the major research issues that have emerged.

  13. National Assessment of Writing: Useless and Uninteresting?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maxwell, John C.

    1973-01-01

    Points out flaws in the current National Assessment of Writing model and its results, but concludes that the National Assessment is a step in the right direction. (RB) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Procedures (Exercise Development).

  14. Writing for professional publication. Part 6: writing the abstract.

    PubMed

    Fowler, John

    How to get your work published is the essence of this series on writing for professional publication. The first four articles focused on the preparation required before you start writing a potential article, and the previous article examined the importance of creating interest in the reader's mind. In this sixth part of the series, John Fowler, an experienced nursing lecturer and author, discusses the importance of writing the abstract. It examines the content to include and also the importance of writing it in a way which encourages others to read the full article.

  15. Unpacking the Value of Writing: Exploring College Students' Perceptions of Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zumbrunn, Sharon; Carter, Yvette M.; Conklin, Sarah

    2014-01-01

    This study explored college students' beliefs about the value of writing, their past experiences with writing, and the relationship between students' prior experiences with writing and writing value beliefs. One hundred fourteen undergraduates from a public Southeastern university participated in the study. Using expectancy-value theory as a…

  16. PREFACE: Superconductivity in ultrathin films and nanoscale systems Superconductivity in ultrathin films and nanoscale systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bianconi, Antonio; Bose, Sangita; Garcia-Garcia, Antonio Miguel

    2012-12-01

    The recent technological developments in the synthesis and characterization of high-quality nanostructures and developments in the theoretical techniques needed to model these materials, have motivated this focus section of Superconductor Science and Technology. Another motivation is the compelling evidence that all new superconducting materials, such as iron pnictides and chalcogenides, diborides (doped MgB2) and fullerides (alkali-doped C60 compounds), are heterostrucures at the atomic limit, such as the cuprates made of stacks of nanoscale superconducting layers intercalated by different atomic layers with nanoscale periodicity. Recently a great amount of interest has been shown in the role of lattice nano-architecture in controlling the fine details of Fermi surface topology. The experimental and theoretical study of superconductivity in the nanoscale started in the early 1960s, shortly after the discovery of the BCS theory. Thereafter there has been rapid progress both in experiments and the theoretical understanding of nanoscale superconductors. Experimentally, thin films, granular films, nanowires, nanotubes and single nanoparticles have all been explored. New quantum effects appear in the nanoscale related to multi-component condensates. Advances in the understanding of shape resonances or Fano resonances close to 2.5 Lifshitz transitions near a band edge in nanowires, 2D films and superlattices [1, 2] of these nanosized modules, provide the possibility of manipulating new quantum electronic states. Parity effects and shell effects in single, isolated nanoparticles have been reported by several groups. Theoretically, newer techniques based on solving Richardson's equation (an exact theory incorporating finite size effects to the BCS theory) numerically by path integral methods or solving the entire Bogoliubov-de Gennes equation in these limits have been attempted, which has improved our understanding of the mechanism of superconductivity in these confined

  17. The maintenance of pluripotency following laser direct-write of mouse embryonic stem cells.

    PubMed

    Raof, Nurazhani Abdul; Schiele, Nathan R; Xie, Yubing; Chrisey, Douglas B; Corr, David T

    2011-03-01

    The ability to precisely pattern embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro into predefined arrays/geometries may allow for the recreation of a stem cell niche for better understanding of how cellular microenvironmental factors govern stem cell maintenance and differentiation. In this study, a new gelatin-based laser direct-write (LDW) technique was utilized to deposit mouse ES cells into defined arrays of spots, while maintaining stem cell pluripotency. Results obtained from these studies showed that ES cells were successfully printed into specific patterns and remained viable. Furthermore, ES cells retained the expression of Oct4 in nuclei after LDW, indicating that the laser energy did not affect their maintenance of an undifferentiated state. The differentiation potential of mouse ES cells after LDW was confirmed by their ability to form embryoid bodies (EBs) and to spontaneously become cell lineages representing all three germ layers, revealed by the expression of marker proteins of nestin (ectoderm), Myf-5 (mesoderm) and PDX-1 (endoderm), after 7 days of cultivation. Gelatin-based LDW provides a new avenue for stem cell patterning, with precision and control of the cellular microenvironment. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Direct Laser Writing-Based Programmable Transfer Printing via Bioinspired Shape Memory Reversible Adhesive.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yin; Zheng, Ning; Cheng, Zhiqiang; Chen, Ying; Lu, Bingwei; Xie, Tao; Feng, Xue

    2016-12-28

    Flexible and stretchable electronics offer a wide range of unprecedented opportunities beyond conventional rigid electronics. Despite their vast promise, a significant bottleneck lies in the availability of a transfer printing technique to manufacture such devices in a highly controllable and scalable manner. Current technologies usually rely on manual stick-and-place and do not offer feasible mechanisms for precise and quantitative process control, especially when scalability is taken into account. Here, we demonstrate a spatioselective and programmable transfer strategy to print electronic microelements onto a soft substrate. The method takes advantage of automated direct laser writing to trigger localized heating of a micropatterned shape memory polymer adhesive stamp, allowing highly controlled and spatioselective switching of the interfacial adhesion. This, coupled to the proper tuning of the stamp properties, enables printing with perfect yield. The wide range adhesion switchability further allows printing of hybrid electronic elements, which is otherwise challenging given the complex interfacial manipulation involved. Our temperature-controlled transfer printing technique shows its critical importance and obvious advantages in the potential scale-up of device manufacturing. Our strategy opens a route to manufacturing flexible electronics with exceptional versatility and potential scalability.

  19. Autobiographical Writing in the Technical Writing Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gellis, Mark

    2011-01-01

    Professionals in the workplace are rarely asked to write autobiographical essays. Such essays, however, are an excellent tool for helping students explore their growth as professionals. This article explores the use of such essays in a technical writing class.

  20. Writing for Publication.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Bill

    1991-01-01

    Students at Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville, Tennessee do every kind of writing, have won numerous writing awards, and have published everything from chapbooks to articles in national literary magazines. According to the creative writing teacher, students are first taught to write about things they know--to go back to their own…

  1. Reverse micelle synthesis of nanoscale metal containing catalysts. [Nickel metal (with a nickel oxide surface layer) and iron oxyhydroxide nanoscale powders

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Darab, J.G.; Fulton, J.L.; Linehan, J.C.

    1993-03-01

    The need for morphological control during the synthesis of catalyst precursor powders is generally accepted to be important. In the liquefaction of coal, for example, iron-bearing catalyst precursor particles containing individual crystallites with diameters in the 1-100 nanometer range are believed to achieve good dispersion through out the coal-solvent slurry during liquefaction 2 runs and to undergo chemical transformations to catalytically active iron sulfide phases. The production of the nanoscale powders described here employs the confining spherical microdomains comprising the aqueous phase of a modified reverse micelle (MRM) microemulsion system as nanoscale reaction vessels in which polymerization, electrochemical reduction andmore » precipitation of solvated salts can occur. The goal is to take advantage of the confining nature of micelles to kinetically hinder transformation processes which readily occur in bulk aqueous solution in order to control the morphology and phase of the resulting powder. We have prepared a variety of metal, alloy, and metal- and mixed metal-oxide nanoscale powders from appropriate MRM systems. Examples of nanoscale powders produced include Co, Mo-Co, Ni[sub 3]Fe, Ni, and various oxides and oxyhydroxides of iron. Here, we discuss the preparation and characterization of nickel metal (with a nickel oxide surface layer) and iron oxyhydroxide MRM nanoscale powders. We have used extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to study the chemical polymerization process in situ, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microcroscopies (SEM and TEM), elemental analysis and structural modelling to characterize the nanoscale powders produced. The catalytic activity of these powders is currently being studied.« less

  2. A Month in the Life of a Writing Six-Year-Old.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Baghban, Marcia

    In order to document the self-directed, spontaneous growth in literary output of a six-year-old child, her writings during a one month period were collected and compiled. It was discovered that the child used writing to organize knowledge about the environment and the operations of print, to maintain personal relations, to establish impersonal or…

  3. Design of Surface Modifications for Nanoscale Sensor Applications

    PubMed Central

    Reimhult, Erik; Höök, Fredrik

    2015-01-01

    Nanoscale biosensors provide the possibility to miniaturize optic, acoustic and electric sensors to the dimensions of biomolecules. This enables approaching single-molecule detection and new sensing modalities that probe molecular conformation. Nanoscale sensors are predominantly surface-based and label-free to exploit inherent advantages of physical phenomena allowing high sensitivity without distortive labeling. There are three main criteria to be optimized in the design of surface-based and label-free biosensors: (i) the biomolecules of interest must bind with high affinity and selectively to the sensitive area; (ii) the biomolecules must be efficiently transported from the bulk solution to the sensor; and (iii) the transducer concept must be sufficiently sensitive to detect low coverage of captured biomolecules within reasonable time scales. The majority of literature on nanoscale biosensors deals with the third criterion while implicitly assuming that solutions developed for macroscale biosensors to the first two, equally important, criteria are applicable also to nanoscale sensors. We focus on providing an introduction to and perspectives on the advanced concepts for surface functionalization of biosensors with nanosized sensor elements that have been developed over the past decades (criterion (iii)). We review in detail how patterning of molecular films designed to control interactions of biomolecules with nanoscale biosensor surfaces creates new possibilities as well as new challenges. PMID:25594599

  4. Writing to Read: A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Writing and Writing Instruction on Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graham, Steve; Hebert, Michael

    2011-01-01

    Reading is critical to students' success in and out of school. One potential means for improving students' reading is writing. In this meta-analysis of true and quasi-experiments, Graham and Herbert present evidence that writing about material read improves students' comprehension of it; that teaching students how to write improves their reading…

  5. The Effect of the Process Writing Approach on Writing Success and Anxiety

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bayat, Nihat

    2014-01-01

    The process writing approach treats writing not as a completed product but as a process. Writing studies are carried out as a part of the process before the written text is completed. This approach focuses on the student in writing lessons, and the teacher only acts as a guide. The process writing approach involves activities occurring during the…

  6. Writing a Movie.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoffner, Helen

    2003-01-01

    Explains a reading and writing assignment called "Writing a Movie" in which students view a short film segment and write a script in which they describe the scene. Notes that this assignment uses films to develop fluency and helps students understand the reading and writing connections. Concludes that students learn to summarize a scene from film,…

  7. Size- and orientation-selective si nanowire growth: thermokinetic effects of nanoscale plasma chemistry.

    PubMed

    Mehdipour, Hamid; Ostrikov, Kostya Ken

    2013-02-06

    A multiscale, multiphase thermokinetic model is used to show the effective control of the growth orientation of thin Si NWs for nanoelectronic devices enabled by nanoscale plasma chemistry. It is shown that very thin Si NWs with [110] growth direction can nucleate at much lower process temperatures and pressures compared to thermal chemical vapor deposition where [111]-directed Si NWs are predominantly grown. These findings explain a host of experimental results and offer the possibility of energy- and matter-efficient, size- and orientation-controlled growth of [110] Si NWs for next-generation nanodevices.

  8. High School Boys' and Girls' Writing Conceptions and Writing Self-Efficacy Beliefs: What Is Their Role in Writing Performance?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Villalón, Ruth; Mateos, Mar; Cuevas, Isabel

    2015-01-01

    This study investigated the conceptions about writing and writing self-efficacy beliefs held by high school students in relation to the students' gender as well as their associations with writing achievement. The results show that female students have more sophisticated writing conceptions than their male counterparts but no gender differences…

  9. Learning to Write, Writing to Learn: Theory and Research in Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Indrisano, Roselmina, Ed.; Paratore, Jeanne R., Ed.

    2005-01-01

    Improving the way to teach writing requires deepening one's understanding of the process of writing. Each chapter in this collection brings together the perspectives of a university researcher and a classroom teacher to show explicitly the connection between writing theory, and practice. The book covers writing development in grades K?12 and…

  10. Generational Differences in the Orientation of Time in Cantonese Speakers as a Function of Changes in the Direction of Chinese Writing

    PubMed Central

    de Sousa, Hilário

    2012-01-01

    It has long been argued that spatial aspects of language influence people’s conception of time. However, what spatial aspect of language is the most influential in this regard? To test this, two experiments were conducted in Hong Kong and Macau with literate Cantonese speakers. The results suggest that the crucial factor in literate Cantonese people’s spatial conceptualization of time is their experience with writing and reading Chinese script. In Hong Kong and Macau, Chinese script is written either in the traditional vertical orientation, which is still used, or the newer horizontal orientation, which is more common these days. Before the 1950s, the dominant horizontal direction was right-to-left. However, by the 1970s, the dominant horizontal direction had become left-to-right. In both experiments, the older participants predominately demonstrated time in a right-to-left direction, whereas younger participants predominately demonstrated time in a left-to-right direction, consistent with the horizontal direction that was prevalent when they first became literate. PMID:22855679

  11. Nanoscale fabrication using single-ion impacts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Millar, Victoria; Pakes, Chris I.; Cimmino, Alberto; Brett, David; Jamieson, David N.; Prawer, Steven D.; Yang, Changyi; Rout, Bidhudutta; McKinnon, Rita P.; Dzurak, Andrew S.; Clark, Robert G.

    2001-11-01

    We describe a novel technique for the fabrication of nanoscale structures, based on the development of localized chemical modification caused in a PMMA resist by the implantation of single ions. The implantation of 2 MeV He ions through a thin layer of PMMA into an underlying silicon substrate causes latent damage in the resist. On development of the resist we demonstrate the formation within the PMMA layer of clearly defined etched holes, of typical diameter 30 nm, observed using an atomic force microscope employing a carbon nanotube SPM probe in intermittent-contact mode. This technique has significant potential applications. Used purely to register the passage of an ion, it may be a useful verification of the impact sites in an ion-beam modification process operating at the single-ion level. Furthermore, making use of the hole in the PMMA layer to perform subsequent fabrication steps, it may be applied to the fabrication of self-aligned structures in which surface features are fabricated directly above regions of an underlying substrate that are locally doped by the implanted ion. Our primary interest in single-ion resists relates to the development of a solid-state quantum computer based on an array of 31P atoms (which act as qubits) embedded with nanoscale precision in a silicon matrix. One proposal for the fabrication of such an array is by phosphorous-ion implantation. A single-ion resist would permit an accurate verification of 31P implantation sites. Subsequent metalisation of the latent damage may allow the fabrication of self-aligned metal gates above buried phosphorous atoms.

  12. Evaluating nanoscale ultra-thin metal films by means of lateral photovoltaic effect in metal-semiconductor structure.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Diyuan; Yu, Chongqi; Zhang, Qian; Wang, Hui

    2017-12-15

    Nanoscale metal-semiconductor (MS) structure materials occupy an important position in semiconductor and microelectronic field due to their abundant physical phenomena and effects. The thickness of metal films is a critical factor in determining characteristics of MS devices. How to detect or evaluate the metal thickness is always a key issue for realizing high performance MS devices. In this work, we propose a direct surface detection by use of the lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) in MS structure, which can not only measure nanoscale thickness, but also detect the fluctuation of metal films. This method is based on the fact that the output of lateral photovoltaic voltage (LPV) is closely linked with the metal thickness at the laser spot. We believe this laser-based contact-free detection is a useful supplement to the traditional methods, such as AFM, SEM, TEM or step profiler. This is because these traditional methods are always incapable of directly detecting ultra-thin metal films in MS structure materials.

  13. Evaluating nanoscale ultra-thin metal films by means of lateral photovoltaic effect in metal-semiconductor structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Diyuan; Yu, Chongqi; Zhang, Qian; Wang, Hui

    2017-12-01

    Nanoscale metal-semiconductor (MS) structure materials occupy an important position in semiconductor and microelectronic field due to their abundant physical phenomena and effects. The thickness of metal films is a critical factor in determining characteristics of MS devices. How to detect or evaluate the metal thickness is always a key issue for realizing high performance MS devices. In this work, we propose a direct surface detection by use of the lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) in MS structure, which can not only measure nanoscale thickness, but also detect the fluctuation of metal films. This method is based on the fact that the output of lateral photovoltaic voltage (LPV) is closely linked with the metal thickness at the laser spot. We believe this laser-based contact-free detection is a useful supplement to the traditional methods, such as AFM, SEM, TEM or step profiler. This is because these traditional methods are always incapable of directly detecting ultra-thin metal films in MS structure materials.

  14. Writer's Workshop vs. Writing Prompts: The Effect on First Graders' Writing Ability and Attitude towards Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carroll, Stacy; Feng, Jay

    2010-01-01

    In the county schools, students are assessed every nine weeks based on a writing prompt using a rubric supplied by the county, but the students are often taught using Writer's Workshop. This action research attempted to determine if Writer's Workshop and the use of writing prompts have different effects on first graders' writing ability and…

  15. Learning Science through Writing: Associations with Prior Conceptions of Writing and Perceptions of a Writing Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ellis, Robert A.; Taylor, Charlotte E.; Drury, Helen

    2007-01-01

    Students in a large undergraduate biology course were expected to write a scientific report as a key part of their course design. This study investigates the quality of learning arising from the writing experience and how it relates to the quality of students' preconceptions of learning through writing and their perceptions of their writing…

  16. Group Writing: How Writing Teaches Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Campbell-Rush, Peggy

    2006-01-01

    What do Slinky toys, sign language, clipboards, golf pencils, and a house icon have in common? They all are a part of the author's writing and reading program, which teaches children how to write, and then read what they have written. This book includes: effective strategies that address multiple learning styles; a ready-to-use form for ongoing…

  17. Scaffolding EFL Students' Writing through the Writing Process Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Faraj, Avan Kamal Aziz

    2015-01-01

    This research reports a study conducted at Koya University/English Language Department, and it aims at presenting the effect of scaffolding on EFL students' writing ability through the writing process. In this study, the students have taken the role of writers, so they need to follow the same steps that writers apply during their writing process.…

  18. Mentor Texts and the Coding of Academic Writing Structures: A Functional Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Escobar Alméciga, Wilder Yesid; Evans, Reid

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of the present pedagogical experience was to address the English language writing needs of university-level students pursuing a degree in bilingual education with an emphasis in the teaching of English. Using mentor texts and coding academic writing structures, an instructional design was developed to directly address the shortcomings…

  19. Writing: the Quarterly as text.

    PubMed

    Locke, Lawrence F

    2005-06-01

    The purpose of this essay is to examine how writing has shaped the nature of the Quarterly over 75 years. Here I explore how stylistic elements have changed over time, how form has interacted with function and content, and how well the resulting text has served the several communities within physical education. I make the following assertions. First, the writing style that has become the model for research reports is needlessly dense and daunting for readers. Second, the desire to maintain a journal that serves both as an interdisciplinary resource for a broad audience of physical educators and as an outlet for reports directed to limited audiences of technical specialists has prevented full performance of either function. Those concerns notwithstanding, I find good cause for celebration--as well as for guarded optimism about the future.

  20. Dynamic structural disorder in supported nanoscale catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rehr, J. J.; Vila, F. D.

    2014-04-01

    We investigate the origin and physical effects of "dynamic structural disorder" (DSD) in supported nano-scale catalysts. DSD refers to the intrinsic fluctuating, inhomogeneous structure of such nano-scale systems. In contrast to bulk materials, nano-scale systems exhibit substantial fluctuations in structure, charge, temperature, and other quantities, as well as large surface effects. The DSD is driven largely by the stochastic librational motion of the center of mass and fluxional bonding at the nanoparticle surface due to thermal coupling with the substrate. Our approach for calculating and understanding DSD is based on a combination of real-time density functional theory/molecular dynamics simulations, transient coupled-oscillator models, and statistical mechanics. This approach treats thermal and dynamic effects over multiple time-scales, and includes bond-stretching and -bending vibrations, and transient tethering to the substrate at longer ps time-scales. Potential effects on the catalytic properties of these clusters are briefly explored. Model calculations of molecule-cluster interactions and molecular dissociation reaction paths are presented in which the reactant molecules are adsorbed on the surface of dynamically sampled clusters. This model suggests that DSD can affect both the prefactors and distribution of energy barriers in reaction rates, and thus can significantly affect catalytic activity at the nano-scale.

  1. Probing and manipulating magnetization at the nanoscale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samarth, Nitin

    2012-02-01

    Combining semiconductors with magnetism in hetero- and nano-structured geometries provides a powerful means of exploring the interplay between spin-dependent transport and nanoscale magnetism. We describe two recent studies in this context. First, we use spin-dependent transport in ferromagnetic semiconductor thin films to provide a new window into nanoscale magnetism [1]: here, we exploit the large anomalous Hall effect in a ferromagnetic semiconductor as a nanoscale probe of the reversible elastic behavior of magnetic domain walls and gain insight into regimes of domain wall behavior inaccessible to more conventional optical techniques. Next, we describe novel ways to create self-assembled hybrid semiconductor/ferromagnet core-shell nanowires [2] and show how magnetoresistance measurements in single nanowires, coupled with micromagnetic simulations, can provide detailed insights into the magnetization reversal process in nanoscale ferromagnets [3]. The work described here was carried out in collaboration with Andrew Balk, Jing Liang, Nicholas Dellas, Mark Nowakowski, David Rench, Mark Wilson, Roman Engel-Herbert, Suzanne Mohney, Peter Schiffer and David Awschalom. This work is supported by ONR, NSF and the NSF-MRSEC program.[4pt] [1] A. L. Balk et al., Phys. Rev.Lett. 107, 077205 (2011).[0pt] [2] N. J. Dellas et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 072505 (2010).[0pt] [3] J. Liang et al., in preparation.

  2. Fabrication of functional fibronectin patterns by nanosecond excimer laser direct write for tissue engineering applications.

    PubMed

    Grigorescu, S; Hindié, M; Axente, E; Carreiras, F; Anselme, K; Werckmann, J; Mihailescu, I N; Gallet, O

    2013-07-01

    Laser direct write techniques represent a prospective alternative for engineering a new generation of hybrid biomaterials via the creation of patterns consisting of biological proteins onto practically any type of substrate. In this paper we report on the characterization of fibronectin features obtained onto titanium substrates by UV nanosecond laser transfer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy measurements evidenced no modification in the secondary structure of the post-transferred protein. The molecular weight of the transferred protein was identical to the initial fibronectin, no fragment bands being found in the transferred protein's Western blot migration profile. The presence of the cell-binding domain sequence and the mannose groups within the transferred molecules was revealed by anti-fibronectin monoclonal antibody immunolabelling and FITC-Concanavalin-A staining, respectively. The in vitro tests performed with MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells and Swiss-3T3 fibroblasts showed that the cells' morphology and spreading were strongly influenced by the presence of the fibronectin spots.

  3. Ultra-low switching energy and scaling in electric-field-controlled nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions with high resistance-area product

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Grezes, C.; Alzate, J. G.; Cai, X.

    2016-01-04

    We report electric-field-induced switching with write energies down to 6 fJ/bit for switching times of 0.5 ns, in nanoscale perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with high resistance-area product and diameters down to 50 nm. The ultra-low switching energy is made possible by a thick MgO barrier that ensures negligible spin-transfer torque contributions, along with a reduction of the Ohmic dissipation. We find that the switching voltage and time are insensitive to the junction diameter for high-resistance MTJs, a result accounted for by a macrospin model of purely voltage-induced switching. The measured performance enables integration with same-size CMOS transistors in compact memorymore » and logic integrated circuits.« less

  4. Method to determine thermal profiles of nanoscale circuitry

    DOEpatents

    Zettl, Alexander K; Begtrup, Gavi E

    2013-04-30

    A platform that can measure the thermal profiles of devices with nanoscale resolution has been developed. The system measures the local temperature by using an array of nanoscale thermometers. This process can be observed in real time using a high resolution imagining technique such as electron microscopy. The platform can operate at extremely high temperatures.

  5. Phototropic growth control of nanoscale pattern formation in photoelectrodeposited Se–Te films

    PubMed Central

    Sadtler, Bryce; Burgos, Stanley P.; Batara, Nicolas A.; Beardslee, Joseph A.; Atwater, Harry A.; Lewis, Nathan S.

    2013-01-01

    Photoresponsive materials that adapt their morphologies, growth directions, and growth rates dynamically in response to the local incident electromagnetic field would provide a remarkable route to the synthesis of complex 3D mesostructures via feedback between illumination and the structure that develops under optical excitation. We report the spontaneous development of ordered, nanoscale lamellar patterns in electrodeposited selenium–tellurium (Se–Te) alloy films grown under noncoherent, uniform illumination on unpatterned substrates in an isotropic electrolyte solution. These inorganic nanostructures exhibited phototropic growth in which lamellar stripes grew toward the incident light source, adopted an orientation parallel to the light polarization direction with a period controlled by the illumination wavelength, and showed an increased growth rate with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the patterns responded dynamically to changes during growth in the polarization, wavelength, and angle of the incident light, enabling the template-free and pattern-free synthesis, on a variety of substrates, of woodpile, spiral, branched, or zigzag structures, along with dynamically directed growth toward a noncoherent, uniform intensity light source. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations in combination with Monte Carlo growth simulations were used to model light–matter interactions in the Se–Te films and produced a model for the morphological evolution of the lamellar structures under phototropic growth conditions. The experiments and simulations are consistent with a phototropic growth mechanism in which the optical near-field intensity profile selects and reinforces the dominant morphological mode in the emergent nanoscale patterns. PMID:24218617

  6. Phototropic growth control of nanoscale pattern formation in photoelectrodeposited Se-Te films.

    PubMed

    Sadtler, Bryce; Burgos, Stanley P; Batara, Nicolas A; Beardslee, Joseph A; Atwater, Harry A; Lewis, Nathan S

    2013-12-03

    Photoresponsive materials that adapt their morphologies, growth directions, and growth rates dynamically in response to the local incident electromagnetic field would provide a remarkable route to the synthesis of complex 3D mesostructures via feedback between illumination and the structure that develops under optical excitation. We report the spontaneous development of ordered, nanoscale lamellar patterns in electrodeposited selenium-tellurium (Se-Te) alloy films grown under noncoherent, uniform illumination on unpatterned substrates in an isotropic electrolyte solution. These inorganic nanostructures exhibited phototropic growth in which lamellar stripes grew toward the incident light source, adopted an orientation parallel to the light polarization direction with a period controlled by the illumination wavelength, and showed an increased growth rate with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the patterns responded dynamically to changes during growth in the polarization, wavelength, and angle of the incident light, enabling the template-free and pattern-free synthesis, on a variety of substrates, of woodpile, spiral, branched, or zigzag structures, along with dynamically directed growth toward a noncoherent, uniform intensity light source. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations in combination with Monte Carlo growth simulations were used to model light-matter interactions in the Se-Te films and produced a model for the morphological evolution of the lamellar structures under phototropic growth conditions. The experiments and simulations are consistent with a phototropic growth mechanism in which the optical near-field intensity profile selects and reinforces the dominant morphological mode in the emergent nanoscale patterns.

  7. Nanoscale Membrane Curvature detected by Polarized Localization Microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kelly, Christopher; Maarouf, Abir; Woodward, Xinxin

    Nanoscale membrane curvature is a necessary component of countless cellular processes. Here we present Polarized Localization Microscopy (PLM), a super-resolution optical imaging technique that enables the detection of nanoscale membrane curvature with order-of-magnitude improvements over comparable optical techniques. PLM combines the advantages of polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence localization microscopy to reveal single-fluorophore locations and orientations without reducing localization precision by point spread function manipulation. PLM resolved nanoscale membrane curvature of a supported lipid bilayer draped over polystyrene nanoparticles on a glass coverslip, thus creating a model membrane with coexisting flat and curved regions and membrane radii of curvature as small as 20 nm. Further, PLM provides single-molecule trajectories and the aggregation of curvature-inducing proteins with super-resolution to reveal the correlated effects of membrane curvature, dynamics, and molecular sorting. For example, cholera toxin subunit B has been observed to induce nanoscale membrane budding and concentrate at the bud neck. PLM reveals a previously hidden and critical information of membrane topology.

  8. "Your Writing, Not My Writing": Discourse Analysis of Student Talk about Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hales, Patrick D.

    2017-01-01

    Student voice is a difficult concept to capture in research. This study attempts to provide a vehicle for understanding student perceptions about writing and writing instruction through a case study supported by discourse analysis of student talk. The high school students in this study participated in interviews and focus groups about their…

  9. I Hear America Writing: NCTE's National Day on Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hayes, Sandy, Ed.

    2009-01-01

    When the National Gallery of Writing opens to the public on October 20, Hayes is hoping to hear from every profession, every socioeconomic group, every race, and ... your students. Hayes offers ideas for the many forms that writing might take, as well as a list of resources to help make writing for the gallery a unique experience for each writer.

  10. Comparison of the neural basis for imagined writing and drawing.

    PubMed

    Harrington, Greg S; Farias, Dana; Davis, Christine H; Buonocore, Michael H

    2007-05-01

    Drawing and writing are complex processes that require the synchronization of cognition, language, and perceptual-motor skills. Drawing and writing have both been utilized in the treatment of aphasia to improve communication. Recent research suggests that the act of drawing an object facilitated naming, whereas writing the word diminished accurate naming in individuals with aphasia. However, the relationship between object drawing and subsequent phonological output is unclear. Although the right hemisphere is characteristically mute, there is evidence from split-brain research that the right hemisphere can integrate pictures and words, likely via a semantic network. We hypothesized that drawing activates right hemispheric and left perilesional regions that are spared in aphasic individuals and may contribute to semantic activation that supports naming. Eleven right-handed subjects participated in a functional MRI (fMRI) experiment involving imagined drawing and writing and 6 of the 11 subjects participated in a second fMRI experiment involving actual writing and drawing. Drawing and writing produced very similar group activation maps including activation bilaterally in the premotor, inferior frontal, posterior inferior temporal, and parietal areas. The comparison of drawing vs. writing revealed significant differences between the conditions in areas of the brain known for language processing. The direct comparison between drawing and writing revealed greater right hemisphere activation for drawing in language areas such as Brodmann area (BA) 46 and BA 37.

  11. Tips on Teaching Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Today's Education, 1982

    1982-01-01

    Techniques for stirring students' interest in writing include: (1) exposing them to eloquent language use; (2) group poetry-writing (each student writes one line of a class poem); and (3) adapting why-and-because outlines intended for teaching college writing for use by younger students. Suggestions for obtaining writing quantity and quality are…

  12. Fabrication and Characterization of 3D-Printed Highly-Porous 3D LiFePO4 Electrodes by Low Temperature Direct Writing Process

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Xingxing; Li, Bohan; Chen, Zhangwei; Mi, Shengli; Lao, Changshi

    2017-01-01

    LiFePO4 (LFP) is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, low temperature direct writing (LTDW)-based 3D printing was used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) LFP electrodes for the first time. LFP inks were deposited into a low temperature chamber and solidified to maintain the shape and mechanical integrity of the printed features. The printed LFP electrodes were then freeze-dried to remove the solvents so that highly-porous architectures in the electrodes were obtained. LFP inks capable of freezing at low temperature was developed by adding 1,4 dioxane as a freezing agent. The rheological behavior of the prepared LFP inks was measured and appropriate compositions and ratios were selected. A LTDW machine was developed to print the electrodes. The printing parameters were optimized and the printing accuracy was characterized. Results showed that LTDW can effectively maintain the shape and mechanical integrity during the printing process. The microstructure, pore size and distribution of the printed LFP electrodes was characterized. In comparison with conventional room temperature direct ink writing process, improved pore volume and porosity can be obtained using the LTDW process. The electrochemical performance of LTDW-fabricated LFP electrodes and conventional roller-coated electrodes were conducted and compared. Results showed that the porous structure that existed in the printed electrodes can greatly improve the rate performance of LFP electrodes. PMID:28796182

  13. Pain and Pleasure in Short Essay Writing: Factors Predicting University Students' Writing Anxiety and Writing Self-Efficacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martinez, Christy Teranishi; Kock, Ned; Cass, Jeffrey

    2011-01-01

    Since the inception of the Writing Across the Curriculum movement more than 30 years ago, scholars have explored ways of enhancing students' writing performance. Faculty members across disciplines are often challenged by students' resistance to writing; resistance that may stem from anxiety, poor academic performance, and lack of recognition that…

  14. Drawing on Technical Writing Scholarship for the Teaching of Writing to Advanced ESL Students--A Writing Tutorial.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zielinska, Dorota

    2003-01-01

    Outlines the technical writing tutorial (TWT) that precedes an advanced English as a second language (ESL) writing course for students of English Philology at the Jagiellonian University, Poland. Finds a statistically significant increase in the performance of the students who had taken the TWT. Indicates that technical writing books and journals…

  15. Dopant atoms as quantum components in silicon nanoscale devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Xiaosong; Han, Weihua; Wang, Hao; Ma, Liuhong; Li, Xiaoming; Zhang, Wang; Yan, Wei; Yang, Fuhua

    2018-06-01

    Recent progress in nanoscale fabrication allows many fundamental studies of the few dopant atoms in various semiconductor nanostructures. Since the size of nanoscale devices has touched the limit of the nature, a single dopant atom may dominate the performance of the device. Besides, the quantum computing considered as a future choice beyond Moore's law also utilizes dopant atoms as functional units. Therefore, the dopant atoms will play a significant role in the future novel nanoscale devices. This review focuses on the study of few dopant atoms as quantum components in silicon nanoscale device. The control of the number of dopant atoms and unique quantum transport characteristics induced by dopant atoms are presented. It can be predicted that the development of nanoelectronics based on dopant atoms will pave the way for new possibilities in quantum electronics. Project supported by National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2016YFA0200503).

  16. Talin determines the nanoscale architecture of focal adhesions.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jaron; Wang, Yilin; Goh, Wah Ing; Goh, Honzhen; Baird, Michelle A; Ruehland, Svenja; Teo, Shijia; Bate, Neil; Critchley, David R; Davidson, Michael W; Kanchanawong, Pakorn

    2015-09-01

    Insight into how molecular machines perform their biological functions depends on knowledge of the spatial organization of the components, their connectivity, geometry, and organizational hierarchy. However, these parameters are difficult to determine in multicomponent assemblies such as integrin-based focal adhesions (FAs). We have previously applied 3D superresolution fluorescence microscopy to probe the spatial organization of major FA components, observing a nanoscale stratification of proteins between integrins and the actin cytoskeleton. Here we combine superresolution imaging techniques with a protein engineering approach to investigate how such nanoscale architecture arises. We demonstrate that talin plays a key structural role in regulating the nanoscale architecture of FAs, akin to a molecular ruler. Talin diagonally spans the FA core, with its N terminus at the membrane and C terminus demarcating the FA/stress fiber interface. In contrast, vinculin is found to be dispensable for specification of FA nanoscale architecture. Recombinant analogs of talin with modified lengths recapitulated its polarized orientation but altered the FA/stress fiber interface in a linear manner, consistent with its modular structure, and implicating the integrin-talin-actin complex as the primary mechanical linkage in FAs. Talin was found to be ∼97 nm in length and oriented at ∼15° relative to the plasma membrane. Our results identify talin as the primary determinant of FA nanoscale organization and suggest how multiple cellular forces may be integrated at adhesion sites.

  17. Finding Basic Writing's Place.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sheridan-Rabideau, Mary P.; Brossell, Gordon

    1995-01-01

    Posits that basic writing serves a vital function by providing writing support for at-risk students and serves the needs of a growing student population that universities accept yet feel needs additional writing instruction. Concludes that the basic writing classroom is the most effective educational support for at-risk students and their writing.…

  18. Generating atomically sharp p -n junctions in graphene and testing quantum electron optics on the nanoscale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Ke-Ke; Zhou, Jiao-Jiao; Wei, Yi-Cong; Qiao, Jia-Bin; Liu, Yi-Wen; Liu, Hai-Wen; Jiang, Hua; He, Lin

    2018-01-01

    Creation of high-quality p -n junctions in graphene monolayer is vital in studying many exotic phenomena of massless Dirac fermions. However, even with the fast progress of graphene technology for more than ten years, it remains conspicuously difficult to generate nanoscale and atomically sharp p -n junctions in graphene. Here, we realized nanoscale p -n junctions with atomically sharp boundaries in graphene monolayer by using monolayer vacancy island of Cu surface. The generated sharp p -n junctions with the height as high as 660 meV isolate the graphene above the Cu monolayer vacancy island as nanoscale graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in a continuous graphene sheet. Massless Dirac fermions are confined by the p -n junctions for a finite time to form quasibound states in the GQDs. By using scanning tunneling microscopy, we observe resonances of quasibound states in the GQDs with various sizes and directly visualize effects of geometries of the GQDs on the quantum interference patterns of the quasibound states, which allow us to test the quantum electron optics based on graphene in atomic scale.

  19. Repeatable Writing Assignments to Enhance Student Writing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wiebold, W. J.; And Others

    1990-01-01

    Discussed is the use of two short writing assignments and a peer review system in an undergraduate agronomy course to improve writing skills and the learning of agronomic principles. Provided is a course description and procedures used in the course. Student evaluation in the course is reviewed. (CW)

  20. Imagining Writing Futures: Photography, Writing, and Technology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McLean, Cheryl A.; Rowsell, Jennifer

    2015-01-01

    The article examines high school students' writing composition practices in multimodal instructional environments. We use Rosenblatt's transactional theory to look across the findings of 2 studies that blend traditional and digital modes of instruction in order to explore how modal switching can support students' reading and writing. We also…

  1. Mathematical Writing Errors in Expository Writings of College Mathematics Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guce, Ivee K.

    2017-01-01

    Despite the efforts to confirm the effectiveness of writing in learning mathematics, analysis on common errors in mathematical writings has not received sufficient attention. This study aimed to provide an account of the students' procedural explanations in terms of their commonly committed errors in mathematical writing. Nine errors in…

  2. Ag-graphene hybrid conductive ink for writing electronics.

    PubMed

    Xu, L Y; Yang, G Y; Jing, H Y; Wei, J; Han, Y D

    2014-02-07

    With the aim of preparing a method for the writing of electronics on paper by the use of common commercial rollerball pens loaded with conductive ink, hybrid conductive ink composed of Ag nanoparticles (15 wt%) and graphene-Ag composite nanosheets (0.15 wt%) formed by depositing Ag nanoparticles (∼10 nm) onto graphene sheets was prepared for the first time. Owing to the electrical pathway effect of graphene and the decreased contact resistance of graphene junctions by depositing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto graphene sheets, the concentration of Ag NPs was significantly reduced while maintaining high conductivity at a curing temperature of 100 ° C. A typical resistivity value measured was 1.9 × 10(-7) Ω m, which is 12 times the value for bulk silver. Even over thousands of bending cycles or rolling, the resistance values of writing tracks only increase slightly. The stability and flexibility of the writing circuits are good, demonstrating the promising future of this hybrid ink and direct writing method.

  3. Foreign Language Writing Fellows Programs: A Model for Improving Advanced Writing Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Snyder, Delys Waite; Nielson, Rex P.; Kurzer, Kendon

    2016-01-01

    Within the growing field of scholarly literature on foreign language (FL) writing pedagogy, few studies have addressed pedagogical questions regarding the teaching of writing to advanced language learners. Writing fellows peer tutoring programs, although typically associated with first language writing instruction, likely can benefit and support…

  4. Direct in situ observation of metallic glass deformation by real-time nano-scale indentation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Lin; Xu, Limei; Zhang, Qingsheng; Pan, Deng; Chen, Na; Louzguine-Luzgin, Dmitri V.; Yao, Ke-Fu; Wang, Weihua; Ikuhara, Yuichi

    2015-03-01

    A common understanding of plastic deformation of metallic glasses (MGs) at room temperature is that such deformation occurs via the formation of runaway shear bands that usually lead to catastrophic failure of MGs. Here we demonstrate that inhomogeneous plastic flow at nanoscale can evolve in a well-controlled manner without further developing of shear bands. It is suggested that the sample undergoes an elasto-plastic transition in terms of quasi steady-state localized shearing. During this transition, embryonic shear localization (ESL) propagates with a very slow velocity of order of ~1 nm/s without the formation of a hot matured shear band. This finding further advances our understanding of the microscopic deformation process associated with the elasto-plastic transition and may shed light on the theoretical development of shear deformation in MGs.

  5. Writing Activities of Public Relations Practitioners: The Relationship between Experience and Writing Tasks.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Napoli, Philip M.; Taylor, Maureen; Powers, Gerald

    1999-01-01

    Surveys 200 public relations practitioners and investigates whether the type of writing and over-all time spent writing vary with years of experience. Finds that higher levels of writing efficiency come with writing experience, and shows that female practitioners spend a higher percentage of their workday on writing tasks than do their male…

  6. Mixed electrochemical–ferroelectric states in nanoscale ferroelectrics

    DOE PAGES

    Yang, Sang Mo; Morozovska, Anna N.; Kumar, Rajeev; ...

    2017-05-01

    Ferroelectricity on the nanoscale has been the subject of much fascination in condensed-matter physics for over half a century. In recent years, multiple reports claiming ferroelectricity in ultrathin ferroelectric films based on the formation of remnant polarization states, local electromechanical hysteresis loops, and pressure-induced switching were made. But, similar phenomena were reported for traditionally non-ferroelectric materials, creating a significant level of uncertainty in the field. We show that in nanoscale systems the ferroelectric state is fundamentally inseparable from the electrochemical state of the surface, leading to the emergence of a mixed electrochemical–ferroelectric state. We explore the nature, thermodynamics, and thicknessmore » evolution of such states, and demonstrate the experimental pathway to establish its presence. Our analysis reconciles multiple prior studies, provides guidelines for studies of ferroelectric materials on the nanoscale, and establishes the design paradigm for new generations of ferroelectric-based devices.« less

  7. Linguistic Feature Development Across Grades and Genre in Elementary Writing.

    PubMed

    Hall-Mills, Shannon; Apel, Kenn

    2015-07-01

    As children develop skills in writing across academic contexts, clinicians and educators need to have a fundamental understanding of typical writing development as well as valid and reliable assessment methods. The purpose of this study was to examine the progression of linguistic elements in school-age children's narrative and expository writing development. Narrative and expository writing samples produced by 89 children in Grades 2 through 4 were analyzed at the microstructure and macrostructure levels. Measures of receptive vocabulary, word-level reading, and reading comprehension were obtained. Exploratory factor analyses revealed 4 microstructure factors (e.g., productivity, grammatical complexity, grammatical accuracy, and lexical density) and 1 macrostructure factor (e.g., a combination of organization, text structure, and cohesion). Multivariate analyses of covariance with reading comprehension as a covariate showed that productivity and macrostructure were sensitive to grade-level and genre differences and that expository grammatical complexity was sensitive to grade-level differences. Findings are discussed in light of grade-level standards for narrative and expository writing and current practices in writing assessment. Multiple suggestions are offered for clinical and educational implications, and specific directions are provided for future research.

  8. Understanding Cooperative Chirality at the Nanoscale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Shangjie; Wang, Pengpeng; Govorov, Alexander; Ouyang, Min

    Controlling chirality of organic and inorganic structures plays a key role in many physical, chemical and biochemical processes, and may offer new opportunity to create technology applications based on chiroptical effect. In this talk, we will present a theoretical model and simulation to demonstrate how to engineer nanoscale chirality in inorganic nanostructures via synergistic control of electromagnetic response of both lattice and geometry, leading to rich tunability of chirality at the nanoscale. Our model has also been applied to understand recent materials advancement of related control with excellent agreement, and can elucidate physical origins of circular dichroism features in the experiment.

  9. Persistent Left Unilateral Mirror Writing: A Neuropsychological Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Angelillo, Valentina G.; De Lucia, Natascia; Trojano, Luigi; Grossi, Dario

    2010-01-01

    Mirror writing (MW) is a rare disorder in which a script runs in direction opposite to normal and individual letters are reversed. The disorder generally occurs after left-hemisphere lesions, is transient and is observed on the left hand, whereas usually motor impairments prevent assessment of direction of right handwriting. We describe a…

  10. Direct Writing Electrospinning of Scaffolds with Multidimensional Fiber Architecture for Hierarchical Tissue Engineering.

    PubMed

    Chen, Honglin; Malheiro, Afonso de Botelho Ferreira Braga; van Blitterswijk, Clemens; Mota, Carlos; Wieringa, Paul Andrew; Moroni, Lorenzo

    2017-11-08

    Nanofibrous structures have long been used as scaffolds for tissue engineering (TE) applications, due to their favorable characteristics, such as high porosity, flexibility, high cell attachment and enhanced proliferation, and overall resemblance to native extracellular matrix (ECM). Such scaffolds can be easily produced at a low cost via electrospinning (ESP), but generally cannot be fabricated with a regular and/or complex geometry, characterized by macropores and uniform thickness. We present here a novel technique for direct writing (DW) with solution ESP to produce complex three-dimensional (3D) multiscale and ultrathin (∼1 μm) fibrous scaffolds with desirable patterns and geometries. This technique was simply achieved via manipulating technological conditions, such as spinning solution, ambient conditions, and processing parameters. Three different regimes in fiber morphologies were observed, including bundle with dispersed fibers, bundle with a core of aligned fibers, and single fibers. The transition between these regimes depended on tip to collector distance (Wd) and applied voltage (V), which could be simplified as the ratio V/Wd. Using this technique, a scaffold mimicking the zonal organization of articular cartilage was further fabricated as a proof of concept, demonstrating the ability to better mimic native tissue organization. The DW scaffolds directed tissue organization and fibril matrix orientation in a zone-dependent way. Comparative expression of chondrogenic markers revealed a substantial upregulation of Sox9 and aggrecan (ACAN) on these structures compared to conventional electrospun meshes. Our novel method provides a simple way to produce customized 3D ultrathin fibrous scaffolds, with great potential for TE applications, in particular those for which anisotropy is of importance.

  11. Nanoscale chromatin structure characterization for optical applications: a transmission electron microscopy study (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yue; Cherkezyan, Lusik; Zhang, Di; Almassalha, Luay; Roth, Eric; Chandler, John; Bleher, Reiner; Subramanian, Hariharan; Dravid, Vinayak P.; Backman, Vadim

    2017-02-01

    Structural and biological origins of light scattering in cells and tissue are still poorly understood. We demonstrate how this problem might be addressed through the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For biological samples, TEM image intensity is proportional to mass-density, and thus proportional to refractive index (RI). By calculating the autocorrelation function (ACF) of TEM image intensity of a thin-section of cells, we essentially maintain the nanoscale ACF of the 3D cellular RI distribution, given that the RI distribution is statistically isotropic. Using this nanoscale 3D RI ACF, we can simulate light scattering through biological samples, and thus guiding many optical techniques to quantify specific structures. In this work, we chose to use Partial Wave Spectroscopy (PWS) microscopy as a one of the nanoscale-sensitive optical techniques. Hela cells were prepared using standard protocol to preserve nanoscale ultrastructure, and a 50-nm slice was sectioned for TEM imaging at 6 nm resolution. The ACF was calculated for chromatin, and the PWS mean sigma was calculated by summing over the power spectral density in the visible light frequency of a random medium generated to match the ACF. A 1-µm slice adjacent to the 50-nm slice was sectioned for PWS measurement to guarantee identical chromatin structure. For 33 cells, we compared the calculated PWS mean sigma from TEM and the value measured directly, and obtained a strong correlation of 0.69. This example indicates the great potential of using TEM measured RI distribution to better understand the quantification of cellular nanostructure by optical methods.

  12. Contributions of Emergent Literacy Skills to Name Writing, Letter Writing, and Spelling in Preschool Children

    PubMed Central

    Puranik, Cynthia S.; Lonigan, Christopher J.; Kim, Young-Suk

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine which emergent literacy skills contribute to preschool children’s emergent writing (name-writing, letter-writing, and spelling) skills. Emergent reading and writing tasks were administered to 296 preschool children aged 4–5 years. Print knowledge and letter-writing skills made positive contributions to name writing; whereas alphabet knowledge, print knowledge, and name writing made positive contributions to letter writing. Both name-writing and letter-writing skills made significant contributions to the prediction of spelling after controlling for age, parental education, print knowledge, phonological awareness, and letter-name and letter-sound knowledge; however, only letter-writing abilities made a significant unique contribution to the prediction of spelling when both letter-writing and name-writing skills were considered together. Name writing reflects knowledge of some letters rather than a broader knowledge of letters that may be needed to support early spelling. Children’s letter-writing skills may be a better indicator of children’s emergent literacy and developing spelling skills than are their name-writing skills at the end of the preschool year. Spelling is a developmentally complex skill beginning in preschool and includes letter writing and blending skills, print knowledge, and letter-name and letter-sound knowledge. PMID:21927537

  13. Direct-write liquid phase transformations with a scanning transmission electron microscope

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Unocic, Raymond R.; Lupini, Andrew R.; Borisevich, Albina Y.

    The highly energetic electron beam from a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) can induce local changes in the state of matter, ranging from local knock-out and atomic movement, to amorphization/crystallization, and chemical/electrochemical reactions occuring at localized liquid-solid and gas-solid interfaces. To date, fundamental studies of e-beam induced phenomena and practical applications have been limited by conventional e-beam rastering modes that allow only for uniform e-beam exposures. Here we develop an automated liquid phase nanolithography method that is capable of directly writing nanometer scaled features within silicon nitride encapsulated liquid cells. An external beam control system, connected to the scan coilsmore » of an aberration-corrected STEM, is used to precisely control the position, dwell time, and scan velocity of a sub-nanometer STEM probe. Site-specific locations in a sealed liquid cell containing an aqueous solution of H 2PdCl 4 are irradiated to controllably deposit palladium onto silicon nitride membranes. We determine the threshold electron dose required for the radiolytic deposition of metallic palladium, explore the influence of electron dose on the feature size and morphology of nanolithographically patterned nanostructures, and propose a feedback-controlled monitoring method for active control of the nanofabricated structures through STEM detector signal monitoring. As a result, this approach enables both fundamental studies of electron beam induced interactions with matter, as well as opens a pathway to fabricate nanostructures with tailored architectures and chemistries via shape-controlled nanolithographic patterning from liquid phase precursors.« less

  14. Direct-write liquid phase transformations with a scanning transmission electron microscope

    DOE PAGES

    Unocic, Raymond R.; Lupini, Andrew R.; Borisevich, Albina Y.; ...

    2016-08-03

    The highly energetic electron beam from a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) can induce local changes in the state of matter, ranging from local knock-out and atomic movement, to amorphization/crystallization, and chemical/electrochemical reactions occuring at localized liquid-solid and gas-solid interfaces. To date, fundamental studies of e-beam induced phenomena and practical applications have been limited by conventional e-beam rastering modes that allow only for uniform e-beam exposures. Here we develop an automated liquid phase nanolithography method that is capable of directly writing nanometer scaled features within silicon nitride encapsulated liquid cells. An external beam control system, connected to the scan coilsmore » of an aberration-corrected STEM, is used to precisely control the position, dwell time, and scan velocity of a sub-nanometer STEM probe. Site-specific locations in a sealed liquid cell containing an aqueous solution of H 2PdCl 4 are irradiated to controllably deposit palladium onto silicon nitride membranes. We determine the threshold electron dose required for the radiolytic deposition of metallic palladium, explore the influence of electron dose on the feature size and morphology of nanolithographically patterned nanostructures, and propose a feedback-controlled monitoring method for active control of the nanofabricated structures through STEM detector signal monitoring. As a result, this approach enables both fundamental studies of electron beam induced interactions with matter, as well as opens a pathway to fabricate nanostructures with tailored architectures and chemistries via shape-controlled nanolithographic patterning from liquid phase precursors.« less

  15. Nanoscale cryptography: opportunities and challenges.

    PubMed

    Masoumi, Massoud; Shi, Weidong; Xu, Lei

    2015-01-01

    While most of the electronics industry is dependent on the ever-decreasing size of lithographic transistors, this scaling cannot continue indefinitely. To improve the performance of the integrated circuits, new emerging and paradigms are needed. In recent years, nanoelectronics has become one of the most important and exciting forefront in science and engineering. It shows a great promise for providing us in the near future with many breakthroughs that change the direction of technological advances in a wide range of applications. In this paper, we discuss the contribution that nanotechnology may offer to the evolution of cryptographic hardware and embedded systems and demonstrate how nanoscale devices can be used for constructing security primitives. Using a custom set of design automation tools, it is demonstrated that relative to a conventional 45-nm CMOS system, performance gains can be obtained up to two orders of magnitude reduction in area and up to 50 % improvement in speed.

  16. Enhanced cytotoxicity of anticancer drug delivered by novel nanoscale polymeric carrier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stoika, R.; Boiko, N.; Senkiv, Y.; Shlyakhtina, Y.; Panchuk, R.; Finiuk, N.; Filyak, Y.; Bilyy, R.; Kit, Y.; Skorohyd, N.; Klyuchivska, O.; Zaichenko, A.; Mitina, N.; Ryabceva, A.

    2013-04-01

    We compared in vitro action of highly toxic anticancer drug doxorubicin under its delivery to the mammalian tumor cells in free form and after encapsulation in novel bio-functionalized nanoscale polymeric carrier. Such encapsulation was found to enhance significantly drug uptake by the targeted cells, as well as its cytotoxic action. 10 times higher cytotoxicity of the carrier-immobilized doxorubicin comparing to its free form was demonstrated by direct cell counting, and 5 times higher cytotoxicity of encapsulated doxorubicin was shown by FACS analysis. The polymeric carrier itself did not possess significant toxicity in vitro or in vivo (laboratory mice). The carrier protected against negative side effects of doxorubicin in mice with experimental NK/Ly lymphoma. The life duration of tumor-bearing animals treated with doxorubicin-carrier complex was significantly longer than life duration in animals treated with free doxorubicin. Besides, the effective treatment dose of the carrier-delivered doxorubicin in tumor-bearing mice was 10 times lower than such dose of free doxorubicin. Thus, novel nanoscale polymers possess high potential as drug carrier.

  17. Magnetic Characterization of Direct-Write Free-Form Building Blocks for Artificial Magnetic 3D Lattices

    PubMed Central

    Al Mamoori, Mohanad K. I.; Keller, Lukas; Pieper, Jonathan; Winkler, Robert; Plank, Harald; Müller, Jens

    2018-01-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) nanomagnetism, where spin configurations extend into the vertical direction of a substrate plane allow for more complex, hierarchical systems and the design of novel magnetic effects. As an important step towards this goal, we have recently demonstrated the direct-write fabrication of freestanding ferromagnetic 3D nano-architectures of ferromagnetic CoFe in shapes of nano-tree and nano-cube structures by means of focused electron beam induced deposition. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the magnetic properties of these structures by local stray-field measurements using a high-resolution micro-Hall magnetometer. Measurements in a wide range of temperatures and different angles of the externally applied magnetic field with respect to the surface plane of the sensor are supported by corresponding micromagnetic simulations, which explain the overall switching behavior of in part rather complex magnetization configurations remarkably well. In particular, the simulations yield coercive and switching fields that are in good quantitative correspondence with the measured coercive and switching fields assuming a bulk metal content of 100 at % consisting of bcc Co3Fe. We show that thermally-unstable magnetization states can be repetitively prepared and their lifetime controlled at will, a prerequisite to realizing dynamic and thermally-active magnetic configurations if the building blocks are to be used in lattice structures. PMID:29439553

  18. Writing Week-Journals to Improve the Writing Quality of Fourth-Graders' Compositions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosário, Pedro; Högemann, Julia; Núñez, José Carlos; Vallejo, Guillermo; Cunha, Jennifer; Oliveira, Vera; Fuentes, Sonia; Rodrigues, Celestino

    2017-01-01

    Students' writing problems are a global educational concern and is in need of particular attention. This study aims to examine the impact of providing extra writing opportunities (i.e., writing journals) on the quality of writing compositions. A longitudinal cluster-randomized controlled design using a multilevel modeling analysis with 182 fourth…

  19. Professional Writing in the English Classroom: Professional Writing--What You Already Know

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bush, Jonathan; Zuidema, Leah

    2010-01-01

    This article presents the first installment of "Professional Writing in the English Classroom." The authors begin by answering the obvious question: What is professional writing? It isn't remedial writing, and it involves much more than writing memos, business letters, and resumes (although it certainly includes those genres). Professional writing…

  20. Writing by Academics: A Transactional and Systems Approach to Academic Writing Behaviours

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kempenaar, Larissa Elisabeth; Murray, Rowena

    2016-01-01

    The literature on academic writing in higher education contains a wealth of research and theory on students' writing, but much less on academics' writing. In performative higher education cultures, discussions of academics' writing mainly concern outputs, rather than the process of producing them. This key component of academic work remains…