Heat-Assisted Multiferroic Solid-State Memory.

PubMed

Lepadatu, Serban; Vopson, Melvin M

2017-08-25

A heat-assisted multiferroic solid-state memory design is proposed and analysed, based on a PbNbZrSnTiO₃ antiferroelectric layer and Ni 81 Fe 19 magnetic free layer. Information is stored as magnetisation direction in the free layer of a magnetic tunnel junction element. The bit writing process is contactless and relies on triggering thermally activated magnetisation switching of the free layer towards a strain-induced anisotropy easy axis. A stress is generated using the antiferroelectric layer by voltage-induced antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase change, and this is transmitted to the magnetic free layer by strain-mediated coupling. The thermally activated strain-induced magnetisation switching is analysed here using a three-dimensional, temperature-dependent magnetisation dynamics model, based on simultaneous evaluation of the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Bloch equation and heat flow equation, together with stochastic thermal fields and magnetoelastic contributions. The magnetisation switching probability is calculated as a function of stress magnitude and maximum heat pulse temperature. An operating region is identified, where magnetisation switching always occurs, with stress values ranging from 80 to 180 MPa, and maximum temperatures normalised to the Curie temperature ranging from 0.65 to 0.99.

Active layer thermal monitoring at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, R. F. M.; Schaefer, C. E. G. R.; Simas, F. N. B.; Francelino M., R.; Fernandes-Filho, E. I.; Lyra, G. B.; Bockheim, J. G.

2014-07-01

International attention to the climate change phenomena has grown in the last decade; the active layer and permafrost are of great importance in understanding processes and future trends due to their role in energy flux regulation. The objective of the this paper is to present active layer temperature data for one CALM-S site located at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica over an fifth seven month period (2008-2012). The monitoring site was installed during the summer of 2008 and consists of thermistors (accuracy of ± 0.2 °C), arranged vertically with probes at different depths, recording data at hourly intervals in a~high capacity data logger. A series of statistical analysis were performed to describe the soil temperature time series, including a linear fit in order to identify global trend and a series of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were tested in order to define the best fit for the data. The controls of weather on the thermal regime of the active layer have been identified, providing insights about the influence of climate chance over the permafrost. The active layer thermal regime in the studied period was typical of periglacial environment, with extreme variation at the surface during summer resulting in frequent freeze and thaw cycles. The active layer thickness (ALT) over the studied period showed variability related to different annual weather conditions, reaching a maximum of 117.5 cm in 2009. The ARIMA model was considered appropriate to treat the dataset, enabling more conclusive analysis and predictions when longer data sets are available. Despite the variability when comparing temperature readings and active layer thickness over the studied period, no warming trend was detected.

Active-layer thermal monitoring on the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, maritime Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, R. F. M.; Schaefer, C. E. G. R.; Simas, F. M. B.; Francelino, M. R.; Fernandes-Filho, E. I.; Lyra, G. B.; Bockheim, J. G.

2014-12-01

International attention to climate change phenomena has grown in the last decade; the active layer and permafrost are of great importance in understanding processes and future trends due to their role in energy flux regulation. The objective of this paper is to present active-layer temperature data for one Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring South hemisphere (CALM-S) site located on the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, maritime Antarctica over an 57-month period (2008-2012). The monitoring site was installed during the summer of 2008 and consists of thermistors (accuracy of ±0.2 °C), arranged vertically with probes at different depths, recording data at hourly intervals in a high-capacity data logger. A series of statistical analyses was performed to describe the soil temperature time series, including a linear fit in order to identify global trends, and a series of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models was tested in order to define the best fit for the data. The affects of weather on the thermal regime of the active layer have been identified, providing insights into the influence of climate change on permafrost. The active-layer thermal regime in the studied period was typical of periglacial environments, with extreme variation in surface during the summer resulting in frequent freeze and thaw cycles. The active-layer thickness (ALT) over the studied period shows a degree of variability related to different annual weather conditions, reaching a maximum of 117.5 cm in 2009. The ARIMA model could describe the data adequately and is an important tool for more conclusive analysis and predictions when longer data sets are available. Despite the variability when comparing temperature readings and ACT over the studied period, no trend can be identified.

On the photon annealing of silicon-implanted gallium-nitride layers

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

Seleznev, B. I., E-mail: Boris.Seleznev@novsu.ru; Moskalev, G. Ya.; Fedorov, D. G.

2016-06-15

The conditions for the formation of ion-doped layers in gallium nitride upon the incorporation of silicon ions followed by photon annealing in the presence of silicon dioxide and nitride coatings are analyzed. The conditions of the formation of ion-doped layers with a high degree of impurity activation are established. The temperature dependences of the surface concentration and mobility of charge carriers in ion-doped GaN layers annealed at different temperatures are studied.

Variable temperature performance of a fully screen printed transistor switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zambou, Serges; Magunje, Batsirai; Rhyme, Setshedi; Walton, Stanley D.; Idowu, M. Florence; Unuigbe, David; Britton, David T.; Härting, Margit

2016-12-01

This article reports on the variable temperature performance of a flexible printed transistor which works as a current driven switch. In this work, electronic ink is formulated from nanostructured silicon produced by milling polycrystalline silicon. The study of the silicon active layer shows that its conductivity is based on thermal activation of carriers, and could be used as active layers in active devices. We further report on the transistors switching operation and their electrical performance under variable temperature. The reliability of the transistors at constant current bias was also investigated. Analysis of the electrical transfer characteristics from 340 to 10 K showed that the printed devices' current ON/OFF ratio increases as temperature decreases making it a better switch at lower temperatures. A constant current bias on a terminal for up to six hours shows extraordinary stability in electrical performance of the device.

Measured Two-Dimensional Ice-Wedge Polygon Thermal and Active Layer Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cable, W.; Romanovsky, V. E.; Busey, R.

2016-12-01

Ice-wedge polygons are perhaps the most dominant permafrost related features in the arctic landscape. The microtopography of these features, that includes rims, troughs, and high and low polygon centers, alters the local hydrology. During winter, wind redistribution of snow leads to an increased snowpack depth in the low areas, while the slightly higher areas often have very thin snow cover, leading to differences across the landscape in vegetation communities and soil moisture between higher and lower areas. To investigate the effect of microtopographic caused variation in surface conditions on the ground thermal regime, we established temperature transects, composed of five vertical array thermistor probes (VATP), across four different development stages of ice-wedge polygons near Barrow, Alaska. Each VATP had 16 thermistors from the surface to a depth of 1.5 m, for a total of 80 temperature measurements per polygon. We found snow cover, timing and depth, and active layer soil moisture to be major controlling factors in the observed thermal regimes. In troughs and in the centers of low-centered polygons, the combined effect of typically saturated soils and increased snow accumulation resulted in the highest mean annual ground temperatures (MAGT) and latest freezeback dates. While the centers of high-centered polygons, with thinner snow cover and a dryer active layer, had the lowest MAGT, earliest freezeback dates, and shallowest active layer. Refreezing of the active layer initiated at nearly the same time for all locations and polygons however, we found large differences in the proportion of downward versus upward freezing and the length of time required to complete the refreezing process between polygon types and locations. Using our four polygon stages as a space for time substitution, we conclude that ice-wedge degradation resulting in surface subsidence and trough deepening can lead to overall drying of the active layer and increased skewedness of snow distribution. Which in turn leads to shallower active layers, earlier freezeback dates, and lower MAGT. We also find that the large variation in active layer dynamics (active layer depth, downward vs upward freezing, and freezeback date) are important considerations to understanding and scaling biological processes occurring in these landscapes.

Experimental study of 2-layer regenerators using Mn-Fe-Si-P materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christiaanse, T. V.; Trevizoli, P. V.; Misra, Sumohan; Carroll, Colman; van Asten, David; Zhang, Lian; Teyber, R.; Govindappa, P.; Niknia, I.; Rowe, A.

2018-03-01

This work describes an experimental study of a two layer active magnetic regenerator with varying transition temperature spacing. The transition temperature of the materials is based on the specific heat peak of the materials. A transition temperature based on the average of the heating and cooling curves at zero Tesla field value is used to refer to the materials throughout this paper. This study uses five Mn-Fe-Si-P materials with transition temperatures of 294.6 K, 292.3 K, 290.7 K, 282.5 K and 281.4 K. Six different regenerators are tested. A reference configuration is tested using the 294.6 K material a hot side layer and with a second passive layer of lead spheres as cold side layer. Followed by four configurations that use the same 294.6 K material as hot side layer, but where each configuration uses a different cold side material. For the second active layer the materials are used in sequence; 292.3 K, 290.7 K, 282.5 K and 281.4K. Lastly, a sixth configuration uses the 292.3 K and 282.5 K materials. For each configuration, the temperature span is measured for rejection temperatures from 40 °C to 9 °C and at 0 W and 2 W applied load. Experimental results for temperature span and exergetic cooling power are compared based on the differences from the reference configuration. Materials are analysed based on material performance metrics such as peak adiabatic temperature change, peak entropy change and RCP(s) values. For the cases considered, a closer transition temperature spacing generally gives a greater temperature span and exergetic cooling power than further spaced materials, even when the combined materials have comparatively lower performance metrics. When two materials with higher RCP(s) values with large transition temperature spacing are compared to materials with lower RCP(s) values but, closer transition temperature spacing a higher exergetic cooling power and temperature span is found for the latter.

Fabrication of selective-area growth InGaN LED by mixed-source hydride vapor-phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Sung Geun; Jeon, Injun; Jeon, Hunsoo; Kim, Kyoung Hwa; Yang, Min; Yi, Sam Nyung; Lee, Jae Hak; Ahn, Hyung Soo; Yu, Young Moon; Sawaki, Nobuhiko; Kim, Suck-Whan

2018-01-01

We prepared InGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with the active layers grown from a mixed source of Ga-In-N materials on an n-type GaN substrate by a selective-area growth method and three fabrication steps: photolithography, epitaxial layer growth, and metallization. The preparation followed a previously developed experimental process using apparatus for mixed-source hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE), which consisted of a multi-graphite boat, for insulating against the high temperature and to control the growth rate of epilayers, filled with the mixed source on the inside and a radio-frequency (RF) heating coil for heating to a high temperature (T > 900 °C) and for easy control of temperature outside the source zone. Two types of LEDs were prepared, with In compositions of 11.0 and 6.0% in the InGaN active layer, and room-temperature electroluminescence measurements exhibited a main peak corresponding to the In composition at either 420 or 390 nm. The consecutive growth of InGaN LEDs by the mixed-source HVPE method provides a technique for the production of LEDs with a wide range of In compositions in the active layer.

Atomic layer deposition synthesized TiO{sub x} thin films and their application as microbolometer active materials

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

Tanrikulu, Mahmud Yusuf, E-mail: mytanrikulu@adanabtu.edu.tr; Rasouli, Hamid Reza; Ghaffari, Mohammad

2016-05-15

This paper demonstrates the possible usage of TiO{sub x} thin films synthesized by atomic layer deposition as a microbolometer active material. Thin film electrical resistance is investigated as a function of thermal annealing. It is found that the temperature coefficient of resistance values can be controlled by coating/annealing processes, and the value as high as −9%/K near room temperature is obtained. The noise properties of TiO{sub x} films are characterized. It is shown that TiO{sub x} films grown by atomic layer deposition technique could have a significant potential to be used as a new active material for microbolometer-based applications.

Low-temperature fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells by transfer of composite porous layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dürr, Michael; Schmid, Andreas; Obermaier, Markus; Rosselli, Silvia; Yasuda, Akio; Nelles, Gabriele

2005-08-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells have established themselves as a potential low-cost alternative to conventional solar cells owing to their remarkably high power-conversion efficiency combined with `low-tech' fabrication processes. As a further advantage, the active layers consisting of nanoporous TiO2 are only some tens of micrometres thick and are therefore in principle suited for flexible applications. However, typical flexible plastic substrates cannot withstand the process temperatures of up to 500 ∘C commonly used for sintering the TiO2 nanoparticles together. Even though some promising routes for low-temperature sintering have been proposed, those layers cannot compete as regards electrical properties with layers obtained with the standard high-temperature process. Here we show that by a lift-off technique, presintered porous layers can be transferred to an arbitrary second substrate, and the original electrical properties of the transferred porous layers are maintained. The transfer process is greatly assisted by the application of composite layers comprising nanoparticles and nanorods.

Monitoring of the active layer at Kapp Linne', SVALBARD 1972-2002

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akerman, J.

2003-04-01

The active layer has been monitored at ten sites in the vicinity of Kapp Linné, (78o03'42" 13o37'07") Svalbard during the period 1972 - 2002. The ten sites differ in elevation, distance from the sea, vegetation cover, substrate and active periglacial processes. From 1994 the International permafrost Association "CALM" standard grids, with measurement within 100x100m squares, has been applied. Microclimate and soil temperatures have been monitored by data logger covering levels form 2 m above to 7m below the ground. The macroclimate is covered by complete data series from the nearby weather station at Kapp Linne’, covering the period 1912 to 2002. A number of periglacial processes, especially slope processes, are monitored parallel with the active layer. The mean active layer for the sites varies between 1,13m and 0,43m. The deepest active layer is found in the exposed, well drained raised beach ridges and the shallowest in the bogs. The interannual variability during the observation period do not correlate well with the MAAT but better with the summer climate, June - August mean or DDT. The data clearly illustrate colder summers during the period 1972 to 1983 and after that steadily increasing summer temperatures. The active layer follows the same general pattern with good correlations. There are several surface indications as a response to the deepening active layer especially in the bogs. Thermokarst scars appear frequently and a majority of the palsa like mounds and pounus have disappeared. A drastic change in the vegetation on the bogs has also occurred, from dry heath to wet Carex vegetation. In summary the observations from Kapp Linne’ are; 1. A clear trend towards milder summers, 2. A clear trend towards deeper active layers, 3. All sites show a similar pattern, 4. The bogs are getting strikingly wetter, 5. Mounds in the bog sites are disappearing, 6. The slow slope processes are getting accelerated, 7. Thermokarst depressions and scars are appearing in a small scale at all sites, 8. Soil temperatures are increasing at all levels down to 7 m.

Diffusion and aggregation of subsurface radiation defects in lithium fluoride nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voitovich, A. P.; Kalinov, V. S.; Martynovich, E. F.; Stupak, A. P.; Runets, L. P.

2015-09-01

Lithium fluoride nanocrystals were irradiated by gamma rays at a temperature below the temperature corresponding to the mobility of anion vacancies. The kinetics of the aggregation of radiation-induced defects in subsurface layers of nanocrystals during annealing after irradiation was elucidated. The processes that could be used to determine the activation energy of the diffusion of anion vacancies were revealed. The value of this energy in subsurface layers was obtained. For subsurface layers, the concentrations ratio of vacancies and defects consisting of one vacancy and two electrons was found. The factors responsible for the differences in the values of the activation energies and concentration ratios in subsurface layers and in the bulk of the crystals were discussed.

Temperature Dependence of Raman-Active In-Plane E2g Phonons in Layered Graphene and h-BN Flakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoli; Liu, Jian; Ding, Kai; Zhao, Xiaohui; Li, Shuai; Zhou, Wenguang; Liang, Baolai

2018-01-01

Thermal properties of sp2 systems such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have attracted significant attention because of both systems being excellent thermal conductors. This research reports micro-Raman measurements on the in-plane E2g optical phonon peaks ( 1580 cm-1 in graphene layers and 1362 cm-1 in h-BN layers) as a function of temperature from - 194 to 200 °C. The h-BN flakes show higher sensitivity to temperature-dependent frequency shifts and broadenings than graphene flakes. Moreover, the thermal effect in the c direction on phonon frequency in h-BN layers is more sensitive than that in graphene layers but on phonon broadening in h-BN layers is similar as that in graphene layers. These results are very useful to understand the thermal properties and related physical mechanisms in h-BN and graphene flakes for applications of thermal devices.

Thermally robust semiconductor optical amplifiers and laser diodes

DOEpatents

Dijaili, Sol P.; Patterson, Frank G.; Walker, Jeffrey D.; Deri, Robert J.; Petersen, Holly; Goward, William

2002-01-01

A highly heat conductive layer is combined with or placed in the vicinity of the optical waveguide region of active semiconductor components. The thermally conductive layer enhances the conduction of heat away from the active region, which is where the heat is generated in active semiconductor components. This layer is placed so close to the optical region that it must also function as a waveguide and causes the active region to be nearly the same temperature as the ambient or heat sink. However, the semiconductor material itself should be as temperature insensitive as possible and therefore the invention combines a highly thermally conductive dielectric layer with improved semiconductor materials to achieve an overall package that offers improved thermal performance. The highly thermally conductive layer serves two basic functions. First, it provides a lower index material than the semiconductor device so that certain kinds of optical waveguides may be formed, e.g., a ridge waveguide. The second and most important function, as it relates to this invention, is that it provides a significantly higher thermal conductivity than the semiconductor material, which is the principal material in the fabrication of various optoelectronic devices.

Atomic-layered Au clusters on α-MoC as catalysts for the low-temperature water-gas shift reaction

DOE PAGES

Yao, Siyu; Zhang, Xiao; Zhou, Wu; ...

2017-06-22

Here, the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction (where carbon monoxide plus water yields dihydrogen and carbon dioxide) is an essential process for hydrogen generation and carbon monoxide removal in various energy-related chemical operations. This equilibrium-limited reaction is favored at a low working temperature. Potential application in fuel cells also requires a WGS catalyst to be highly active, stable, and energy-efficient and to match the working temperature of on-site hydrogen generation and consumption units. We synthesized layered gold (Au) clusters on a molybdenum carbide (α-MoC) substrate to create an interfacial catalyst system for the ultralow-temperature WGS reaction. Water was activated over α-MoCmore » at 303 kelvin, whereas carbon monoxide adsorbed on adjacent Au sites was apt to react with surface hydroxyl groups formed from water splitting, leading to a high WGS activity at low temperatures.« less

Textured substrate tape and devices thereof

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit

2006-08-08

A method for forming a sharply biaxially textured substrate, such as a single crystal substrate, includes the steps of providing a deformed metal substrate, followed by heating above the secondary recrystallization temperature of the deformed substrate, and controlling the secondary recrystallization texture by either using thermal gradients and/or seeding. The seed is selected to shave a stable texture below a predetermined temperature. The sharply biaxially textured substrate can be formed as a tape having a length of 1 km, or more. Epitaxial articles can be formed from the tapes to include an epitaxial electromagnetically active layer. The electromagnetically active layer can be a superconducting layer.

Long-term active-layer dynamics: results of 22 years of field observations in Northern Hemisphere permafrost regions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiklomanov, N. I.; Nelson, F. E.; Streletskiy, D. A.; Klene, A. E.; Biskaborn, B. K.

2016-12-01

The uppermost layer of seasonal thawing above permafrost (the active layer) is an important regulator of energy and mass fluxes between the surface and the atmosphere in the polar regions. Active layer monitoring is an important component of efforts to assess the effects of global change in permafrost environments. The Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) program, established in the early 1990s, is designed to observe temporal and spatial variability of the active layer and its response to changes and variations in climatic conditions. The CALM network is an integral part of the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P), operating under the auspices of the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) /Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Standardized thaw depth observations in the Northern Hemisphere are available for more than 200 GTN-P/CALM sites in the Northern Hemisphere. At each of the sites spatially distributed ALT measurements have been conducted annually by mechanical probing. The locations of sites represent generalized surface and subsurface conditions characteristic of broader regions. The data are assimilated and distributed though the CALM (www.gwu.edu/ calm) and GTN-P (gtnpdatabase.org) online databases. In this presentation we use data from approximately 20 years of continuous observations to examine temporal trends in active-layer thickness for several representative Arctic regions. Results indicate substantial interannual fluctuations in active-layer thickness, primarily in response to variations in air temperature. Decadal trends in ALT vary by region. A progressive increase in ALT has been observed in the Nordic countries, the Russian European North, West Siberia, East Siberia, the Russian Far East, and the Interior of Alaska. North American Arctic sites show no apparent thaw depth trend over 22-years of record. However, combined active layer, ground temperature and heave/subsidence observations conducted in northern Alaska demonstrate a complex, non-linear response of the active-layer/upper permafrost system to changes in climatic conditions.

High Temperature Ultrasonic Transducer for Real-time Inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amini, Mohammad Hossein; Sinclair, Anthony N.; Coyle, Thomas W.

A broadband ultrasonic transducer with a novel porous ceramic backing layer is introduced to operate at 700 °C. 36° Y-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single crystal was selected for the piezoelectric element. By appropriate choice of constituent materials, porosity and pore size, the acoustic impedance and attenuation of a zirconia-based backing layer were optimized. An active brazing alloy with high temperature and chemical stability was selected to bond the transducer layers together. Prototype transducers have been tested at temperatures up to 700 °C. The experiments confirmed that transducer integrity was maintained.

Heterogeneous integration based on low-temperature bonding for advanced optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higurashi, Eiji

2018-04-01

Heterogeneous integration is an attractive approach to manufacturing future optoelectronic devices. Recent progress in low-temperature bonding techniques such as plasma activation bonding (PAB) and surface-activated bonding (SAB) enables a new approach to integrating dissimilar materials for a wide range of photonics applications. In this paper, low-temperature direct bonding and intermediate layer bonding techniques are focused, and their state-of-the-art applications in optoelectronic devices are reviewed. First, we describe the room-temperature direct bonding of Ge/Ge and Ge/Si wafers for photodetectors and of GaAs/SiC wafers for high-power semiconductor lasers. Then, we describe low-temperature intermediate layer bonding using Au and lead-free Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solders for optical sensors and MEMS packaging.

Active layer monitoring at CALM-S site near J.G.Mendel Station, James Ross Island, eastern Antarctic Peninsula.

PubMed

Hrbáček, Filip; Kňažková, Michaela; Nývlt, Daniel; Láska, Kamil; Mueller, Carsten W; Ondruch, Jakub

2017-12-01

The Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring - South (CALM-S) site was established in February 2014 on James Ross Island as the first CALM-S site in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula region. The site, located near Johann Gregor Mendel Station, is labelled CALM-S JGM. The grid area is gently sloped (<3°) and has an elevation of between 8 and 11ma.s.l. The lithology of the site consists of the muddy sediments of Holocene marine terrace and clayey-sandy Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, which significantly affect the texture, moisture content, and physical parameters of the ground within the grid. Our objective was to study seasonal and interannual variability of the active layer depth and thermal regime at the CALM-S site, and at two ground temperature measurement profiles, AWS-JGM and AWS-CALM, located in the grid. The mean air temperature in the period March 2013 to February 2016 reached -7.2°C. The mean ground temperature decreased with depth from -5.3°C to -5.4°C at 5cm, to -5.5°C to -5.9°C at 200cm. Active layer thickness was significantly higher at AWS-CALM and ranged between 86cm (2014/15) and 87cm (2015/16), while at AWS-JGM it reached only 51cm (2013/14) to 65cm (2015/16). The mean probed active layer depth increased from 66.4cm in 2013/14 to 78.0cm in 2014/15. Large differences were observed when comparing the minimum (51cm to 59cm) and maximum (100cm to 113cm) probed depths. The distribution of the active layer depth and differences in the thermal regime of the uppermost layer of permafrost at CALM-S JGM clearly show the effect of different lithological properties on the two lithologically distinct parts of the grid. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effects of snow pack on soil nitrogen transformation enzyme activities in a subalpine Abies faxioniana forest of western Sichuan, China].

PubMed

Xiong, Li; Xu, Zhen-Feng; Wu, Fu-Zhong; Yang, Wan-Qin; Yin, Rui; Li, Zhi-Ping; Gou, Xiao-Lin; Tang, Shi-Shan

2014-05-01

This study characterized the dynamics of the activities of urease, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer under three depths of snow pack (deep snowpack, moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack) over the three critical periods (snow formed period, snow stable period, and snow melt period) in the subalpine Abies faxoniana forest of western Sichuan in the winter of 2012 and 2013. Throughout the winter, soil temperature under deep snowpack increased by 46.2% and 26.2%, respectively in comparison with moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack. In general, the three nitrogen-related soil enzyme activities under shallow snowpack were 0.8 to 3.9 times of those under deep snowpack during the winter. In the beginning and thawing periods of seasonal snow pack, shallow snowpack significantly increased the activities of urease, nitrate and nitrite reductase enzyme in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer. Although the activities of the studied enzymes in soil organic layer and mineral soil layer were observed to be higher than those under deep- and moderate snowpacks in deep winter, no significant difference was found under the three snow packs. Meanwhile, the effects of snowpack on the activities of the measured enzymes were related with season, soil layer and enzyme type. Significant variations of the activities of nitrogen-related enzymes were found in three critical periods over the winter, and the three measured soil enzymes were significantly higher in organic layer than in mineral layer. In addition, the activities of the three measured soil enzymes were closely related with temperature and moisture in soils. In conclusion, the decrease of snow pack induced by winter warming might increase the activities of soil enzymes related with nitrogen transformation and further stimulate the process of wintertime nitrogen transformation in soils of the subalpine forest.

Mid-latitude empirical model of the height distribution of atomic oxygen in the MLT region for different solar and geophysical conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenov, A.; Shefov, N.; Fadel, Kh.

The model of altitude distributions of atomic oxygen in the region of the mesopause and lower thermosphere (MLT) is constructed on the basis of empirical models of variations of the intensities, temperatures and altitudes of maximum of the layers of the emissions of atomic oxygen at 557.7 nm, hydroxyl and Atmospheric system of molecular oxygen. An altitude concentration distribution of neutral components is determined on the basis of systematization of the long-term data of temperature of the middle atmosphere from rocket, nightglow and ionospheric measurements at heights of 30-110 km in middle latitudes. They include dependence on a season, solar activity and a long-term trend. Examples of results of calculation for different months of year for conditions of the lower and higher solar activity are presented. With increasing of solar activity, the height of a layer of a maximum of atomic oxygen becomes lower, and the thickness of the layer increases. There is a high correlation between characteristics of a layer of atomic oxygen and a maximum of temperature at heights of the mesopause and lower thermosphere. This work is supported by grant of ISTC No. 2274.

Phonon shift in chemically exfoliated WS2 nanosheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Abdus Salam; Pal, Suman Kalyan

2018-04-01

We have synthesized few layer WS2 nanosheets in a low boiling point solvent. Few layer of WS2 sheets are characterized by various techniques such as UV-visible and Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis absorption spectra confirm the well dispersed in isopropyl alcohol. SEM and TEM images indicate the sheet like morphology of WS2. Atomic force microscopy image and room temperature Raman spectroscopy confirm the exfoliation of few layer (4-5 layer) of WS2. Further, Raman spectroscopy was used as a meteorology tool to determine the temperature co-efficient. We have systematically investigated the temperature dependent Raman spectroscopic behavior of few layer WS2. Our results depict the softening of the Raman modes E12g in plane vibration and A1g out of plane vibration with increasing the temperature from 77 K to 300 K. Softening of the Raman modes could be explained in terms of the double resonance which is active in the layered materials. The observed temperature coefficients for two Raman peaks E12g and A1g, are - 0.022 cm-1 and -0.009 cm-1, respectively.

Effect of interface layer on the performance of high power diode laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pu; Wang, Jingwei; Xiong, Lingling; Li, Xiaoning; Hou, Dong; Liu, Xingsheng

2015-02-01

Packaging is an important part of high power diode laser (HPLD) development and has become one of the key factors affecting the performance of high power diode lasers. In the package structure of HPLD, the interface layer of die bonding has significant effects on the thermal behavior of high power diode laser packages and most degradations and failures in high power diode laser packages are directly related to the interface layer. In this work, the effects of interface layer on the performance of high power diode laser array were studied numerically by modeling and experimentally. Firstly, numerical simulations using finite element method (FEM) were conducted to analyze the effects of voids in the interface layer on the temperature rise in active region of diode laser array. The correlation between junction temperature rise and voids was analyzed. According to the numerical simulation results, it was found that the local temperature rise of active region originated from the voids in the solder layer will lead to wavelength shift of some emitters. Secondly, the effects of solder interface layer on the spectrum properties of high power diode laser array were studied. It showed that the spectrum shape of diode laser array appeared "right shoulder" or "multi-peaks", which were related to the voids in the solder interface layer. Finally, "void-free" techniques were developed to minimize the voids in the solder interface layer and achieve high power diode lasers with better optical-electrical performances.

Effect of Embedded Pd Microstructures on the Flat-Band-Voltage Operation of Room Temperature ZnO-Based Liquid Petroleum Gas Sensors

PubMed Central

Ali, Ghusoon M.; Thompson, Cody V.; Jasim, Ali K.; Abdulbaqi, Isam M.; Moore, James C.

2013-01-01

Three methods were used to fabricate ZnO-based room temperature liquid petroleum gas (LPG) sensors having interdigitated metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) structures. Specifically, devices with Pd Schottky contacts were fabricated with: (1) un-doped ZnO active layers; (2) Pd-doped ZnO active layers; and (3) un-doped ZnO layers on top of Pd microstructure arrays. All ZnO films were grown on p-type Si(111) substrates by the sol-gel method. For devices incorporating a microstructure array, Pd islands were first grown on the substrate by thermal evaporation using a 100 μm mesh shadow mask. We have estimated the sensitivity of the sensors for applied voltage from –5 to 5 V in air ambient, as well as with exposure to LPG in concentrations from 500 to 3,500 ppm at room temperature (300 K). The current-voltage characteristics were studied and parameters such as leakage current, barrier height, reach-through voltage, and flat-band voltage were extracted. We include contributions due to the barrier height dependence on the electric field and tunneling through the barrier for the studied MSM devices. The Pd-enhanced devices demonstrated a maximum gas response at flat-band voltages. The study also revealed that active layers consisting of Pd microstructure embedded ZnO films resulted in devices exhibiting greater gas-response as compared to those using Pd-doped ZnO thin films or un-doped active layers.

A novel (ex situ) method to quantify oxygen diffusion coefficient of polymer fuel cells backing and catalyst layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baricci, Andrea; Casalegno, Andrea

2016-09-01

Limiting current density of oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is determined by several mass transport resistances that lower the concentration of oxygen on the catalyst active site. Among them, diffusion across porous media plays a significant role. Despite the extensive experimental activity documented in PEMFC literature, only few efforts have been dedicated to the measurement of the effective transport properties in porous layers. In the present work, a methodology for ex situ measurement of the effective diffusion coefficient and Knudsen radius of porous layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (gas diffusion layer, micro porous layer and catalyst layer) is described and applied to high temperature polymer fuel cells State of Art materials. Regression of the measured quantities by means of a quasi 2D physical model is performed to quantify the Knudsen effect, which is reported to account, respectively, for 30% and 50% of the mass transport resistance in micro porous layer and catalyst layer. On the other side, the model reveals that pressure gradient consequent to permeation in porous layers of high temperature polymer fuel cells has a negligible effect on oxygen concentration in relevant operating conditions.

[Effects of different irrigation treatments during heading and flowering stage on cold resis-tance, yield and physiological characteristics of late rice].

PubMed

Cao, Na; Chen, Xiao Rong; He, Hao Hua; Zhu, Chang Lan; Cai, Shuo; Xu, Tao; Xie, Heng Wang; Liu, Fang Ping

2017-12-01

Taking super hybrid rice variety 'Wufengyou T025' as test material, the effects of different irrigation methods and water layer depth on physiological characteristics and yield in double-season late rice under low temperature conditions during heading and flowering stage were investigated. Three treatments were set, i.e., draining during day and containing 4-5 cm water layer during night (H 1 ), draining during day and containing 8-10 cm water layer during night (H 2 ), and containing 8-10 cm water layer day and night (H 3 ), with the 0-1 cm water layer day and night was as the control (CK). The results showed that rice leaf temperature, soil layer temperature and canopy temperature under the different irrigation treatments were higher than that of CK, and the warming effect of treatment H 2 was the best during the low temperature period. Leaf chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, leaf stomatal conductance and intercellular CO 2 concentration of rice plants decreased gradually under the low temperature, while the smallest reduction occurred in H 2 . The increase ranges of malondialdehyde and proline content in H 2 were lower, while its soluble protein content was the highest compared with other irrigation treatments. The increase ranges for the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase in H 2 were lower, while its decrease range for the activity of catalase was the lowest. Irrigation for heat preservation could increase the yield, and H 2 performed best. Yield of H 2 at the second sowing date in 2014 and 2015 encountering low temperature increased by 12.9% and 13.5% respectively compared to CK. The yield components including the effective panicle numbers per plant, panicle length, seed setting rate and 1000-grain mass were improved in all irrigation treatments compared to CK. Draining during day and containing 8-10 cm water layer during night (H 2 ) was the most effective agronomic measure to enhance the tolerance to low temperature during heading and flowering stage for double-season hybrid late rice.

Exchange of Groundwater and Surface-Water Mediated by Permafrost Response to Seasonal and Long Term Air Temperature Variation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ge, Shemin; McKenzie, Jeffrey; Voss, Clifford; Wu, Qingbai

2011-01-01

Permafrost dynamics impact hydrologic cycle processes by promoting or impeding groundwater and surface water exchange. Under seasonal and decadal air temperature variations, permafrost temperature changes control the exchanges between groundwater and surface water. A coupled heat transport and groundwater flow model, SUTRA, was modified to simulate groundwater flow and heat transport in the subsurface containing permafrost. The northern central Tibet Plateau was used as an example of model application. Modeling results show that in a yearly cycle, groundwater flow occurs in the active layer from May to October. Maximum groundwater discharge to the surface lags the maximum subsurface temperature by two months. Under an increasing air temperature scenario of 3?C per 100 years, over the initial 40-year period, the active layer thickness can increase by three-fold. Annual groundwater discharge to the surface can experience a similar three-fold increase in the same period. An implication of these modeling results is that with increased warming there will be more groundwater flow in the active layer and therefore increased groundwater discharge to rivers. However, this finding only holds if sufficient upgradient water is available to replenish the increased discharge. Otherwise, there will be an overall lowering of the water table in the recharge portion of the catchment.

Satellite based assessment of recent permafrost extent and active layer trends over Alaska and Northwest Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Y.; Kimball, J. S.; PARK, H.; Yi, Y.

2017-12-01

Climate change in the Boreal-Arctic region has experienced greater surface air temperature (SAT) warming than the global average in recent decades, which is promoting permafrost thawing and active layer deepening. Permafrost extent (PE) and active layer thickness (ALT) are key environmental indicators of recent climate change, and strongly impact other eco-hydrological processes including land-atmosphere carbon exchange. We developed a new approach for regional estimation and monitoring of PE using daily landscape freeze-thaw (FT) records derived from satellite microwave (37 GHz) brightness temperature (Tb) observations. ALT was estimated within the PE domain using empirical modeling of land cover dependent edaphic factors and an annual thawing index derived from MODIS land surface temperature (LST) observations and reanalysis based surface air temperatures (SAT). The PE and ALT estimates were derived over the 1980-2016 satellite record and NASA ABoVE (Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment) domain encompassing Alaska and Northwest Canada. The baseline model estimates were derived at 25-km resolution consistent with the satellite FT global record. Our results show recent widespread PE decline and deepening ALT trends, with larger spatial variability and model uncertainty along the southern PE boundary. Larger PE and ALT variability occurs over heterogeneous permafrost subzones characterized by dense vegetation, and variable snow cover and organic layer conditions. We also tested alternative PE and ALT estimates derived using finer (6-km) scale satellite Tb (36.5 GHz) and FT retrievals from a calibrated AMSR-E and AMSR2 sensor record. The PE and ALT results were compared against other independent observations, including process model simulations, in situ measurements, and permafrost inventory records. A model sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate snow cover, soil organic layer, and vegetation composition impacts to ALT. The finer delineation of permafrost and active layer conditions provides enhanced regional monitoring of PE and ALT changes over the ABoVE domain, including heterogeneous permafrost subzones.

Active constrained layer damping of geometrically nonlinear vibrations of functionally graded plates using piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panda, Satyajit; Ray, M. C.

2008-04-01

In this paper, a geometrically nonlinear dynamic analysis has been presented for functionally graded (FG) plates integrated with a patch of active constrained layer damping (ACLD) treatment and subjected to a temperature field. The constraining layer of the ACLD treatment is considered to be made of the piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite (PFRC) material. The temperature field is assumed to be spatially uniform over the substrate plate surfaces and varied through the thickness of the host FG plates. The temperature-dependent material properties of the FG substrate plates are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction of the plates according to a power-law distribution while the Poisson's ratio is assumed to be a constant over the domain of the plate. The constrained viscoelastic layer of the ACLD treatment is modeled using the Golla-Hughes-McTavish (GHM) method. Based on the first-order shear deformation theory, a three-dimensional finite element model has been developed to model the open-loop and closed-loop nonlinear dynamics of the overall FG substrate plates under the thermal environment. The analysis suggests the potential use of the ACLD treatment with its constraining layer made of the PFRC material for active control of geometrically nonlinear vibrations of FG plates in the absence or the presence of the temperature gradient across the thickness of the plates. It is found that the ACLD treatment is more effective in controlling the geometrically nonlinear vibrations of FG plates than in controlling their linear vibrations. The analysis also reveals that the ACLD patch is more effective for controlling the nonlinear vibrations of FG plates when it is attached to the softest surface of the FG plates than when it is bonded to the stiffest surface of the plates. The effect of piezoelectric fiber orientation in the active constraining PFRC layer on the damping characteristics of the overall FG plates is also discussed.

Vertical distribution of bacterial community is associated with the degree of soil organic matter decomposition in the active layer of moist acidic tundra.

PubMed

Kim, Hye Min; Lee, Min Jin; Jung, Ji Young; Hwang, Chung Yeon; Kim, Mincheol; Ro, Hee-Myong; Chun, Jongsik; Lee, Yoo Kyung

2016-11-01

The increasing temperature in Arctic tundra deepens the active layer, which is the upper layer of permafrost soil that experiences repeated thawing and freezing. The increasing of soil temperature and the deepening of active layer seem to affect soil microbial communities. Therefore, information on soil microbial communities at various soil depths is essential to understand their potential responses to climate change in the active layer soil. We investigated the community structure of soil bacteria in the active layer from moist acidic tundra in Council, Alaska. We also interpreted their relationship with some relevant soil physicochemical characteristics along soil depth with a fine scale (5 cm depth interval). The bacterial community structure was found to change along soil depth. The relative abundances of Acidobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and candidate phylum WPS-2 rapidly decreased with soil depth, while those of Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and candidate AD3 rapidly increased. A structural shift was also found in the soil bacterial communities around 20 cm depth, where two organic (upper Oi and lower Oa) horizons are subdivided. The quality and the decomposition degree of organic matter might have influenced the bacterial community structure. Besides the organic matter quality, the vertical distribution of bacterial communities was also found to be related to soil pH and total phosphorus content. This study showed the vertical change of bacterial community in the active layer with a fine scale resolution and the possible influence of the quality of soil organic matter on shaping bacterial community structure.

Effects of morphological control on the characteristics of vertical-type OTFTs using Alq3.

PubMed

Kim, Young Do; Park, Jong Wook; Kang, In Nam; Oh, Se Young

2008-09-01

We have fabricated vertical-type organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) using tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq(3)) as an n-type active material. Vertical-type OTFT using Alq(3) has a layered structure of Al(source electrode)/Alq(3)(active layer)/Al(gate electrode)/Alq(3)(active layer)/ITO glass(drain electrode). Alq(3) thin films containing various surface morphologies could be obtained by the control of evaporation rate and substrate temperature. The effects of the morphological control of Alq(3) thin layer on the grain size and the flatness of film surface were investigated. The characteristics of vertical-type OTFT significantly influenced the growth condition of Alq(3) layer.

Vertical structure of atmospheric boundary layer over Ranchi during the summer monsoon season

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, Sagarika; Srivastava, Nishi; Kumar, Manoj

2018-04-01

Thermodynamic structure and variability in the atmospheric boundary layer have been investigated with the help of balloon-borne GPS radiosonde over a monsoon trough station Ranchi (Lat. 23°45'N, Long. 85°43'E, India) during the summer monsoon season (June-September) for a period of 2011-2013. Virtual potential temperature gradient method is used for the determination of mixed layer height (MLH). The MLH has been found to vary in the range of 1000-1300 m during the onset, 600-900 m during the active and 1400-1750 m during the break phase of monsoon over this region. Inter-annual variations noticed in MLH could be associated with inter-annual variability in convection and rainfall prevailing over the region. Along with the MLH, the cloud layer heights are also derived from the thermodynamic profiles for the onset, active and break phases of monsoon. Cloud layer height varied a lot during different phases of the monsoon. For the determination of boundary-layer convection, thermodynamic parameter difference (δθ = θ es- θ e) between saturated equivalent potential temperature (θ es ) and equivalent potential temperature (θ e) is used. It is a good indicator of convection and indicates the intense and suppressed convection during different phases of monsoon.

Investigation on the two-stage active magnetic regenerative refrigerator for liquefaction of hydrogen

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

Park, Inmyong; Park, Jiho; Jeong, Sangkwon

2014-01-29

An active magnetic regenerative refrigerator (AMRR) is expected to be useful for hydrogen liquefaction due to its inherent high thermodynamic efficiency. Because the temperature of the cold end of the refrigerator has to be approximately liquid temperature, a large temperature span of the active magnetic regenerator (AMR) is indispensable when the heat sink temperature is liquid nitrogen temperature or higher. Since magnetic refrigerants are only effective in the vicinity of their own transition temperatures, which limit the temperature span of the AMR, an innovative structure is needed to increase the temperature span. The AMR must be a layered structure andmore » the thermophysical matching of magnetic field and flow convection effects is very important. In order to design an AMR for liquefaction of hydrogen, the implementation of multi-layered AMR with different magnetic refrigerants is explored with multi-staging. In this paper, the performance of the multi-layered AMR using four rare-earth compounds (GdNi{sub 2}, Gd{sub 0.1}Dy{sub 0.9}Ni{sub 2}, Dy{sub 0.85}Er{sub 0.15}Al{sub 2}, Dy{sub 0.5}Er{sub 0.5}Al{sub 2}) is investigated. The experimental apparatus includes two-stage active magnetic regenerator containing two different magnetic refrigerants each. A liquid nitrogen reservoir connected to the warm end of the AMR maintains the temperature of the warm end around 77 K. High-pressure helium gas is employed as a heat transfer fluid in the AMR and the maximum magnetic field of 4 T is supplied by the low temperature superconducting (LTS) magnet. The temperature span with the variation of parameters such as phase difference between magnetic field and mass flow rate of magnetic refrigerants in AMR is investigated. The maximum temperature span in the experiment is recorded as 50 K and several performance issues have been discussed in this paper.« less

Reaction layer characterization of the braze joint of silicon nitride to stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, R.; Indacochea, J. E.

1994-10-01

This investigation studies the role of titanium in the development of the reaction layer in braze joining silicon nitride to stainless steel using titanium-active copper-silver filler metals. This reaction layer formed as a result of titanium diffusing to the filler metal/silicon nitride interface and reacting with the silicon nitride to form the intermetallics, titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium suicide (Ti 5Si3). This reaction layer, as recognized in the literature, allows wetting of the ceramic substrate by the molten filler metal. The reaction layer thickness increases with temperature and time. Its growth rate obeys the parabolic relationship. Activation energies of 220.1 and 210.9 kj/mol were calculated for growth of the reaction layer for the two filler metals used. These values are close to the activation energy of nitrogen in TiN (217.6 kj/mol). Two filler metals were used in this study, Ticusil (68.8 wt% Ag, 26.7 wt% Cu, 4.5 wt% Ti) and CB4 (70.5 wt% Ag, 26.5 wt% Cu, 3.0 wt% Ti). The joints were processed in vacuum at temperatures of 840 to 900 °C at various times. Bonding strength is affected by reaction layer thickness in the absence of Ti-Cu intermetallics in the filler metal matrix.

Growth of IZO/IGZO dual-active-layer for low-voltage-drive and high-mobility thin film transistors based on an ALD grown Al2O3 gate insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Xingwei; Zhang, Hao; Ding, He; Zhang, Jianhua; Huang, Chuanxin; Shi, Weimin; Li, Jun; Jiang, Xueyin; Zhang, Zhilin

2014-12-01

We successfully integrated the high-performance oxide thin film transistors with novel IZO/IGZO dual-active-layers. The results showed that dual-active-layer (IZO/IGZO) TFTs, compared with single active layer IGZO TFTs and IZO TFTs, exhibited the excellent performances; specifically, a high field effect mobility of 14.4 cm2/Vs, a suitable threshold voltage of 0.8 V, a high on/off ratio of more than 107, a steep sub-threshold swing of 0.13 V/dec, and a substantially small threshold voltage shift of 0.51 V after temperature stress from 293 K to 353 K. In order to understand the superior performance, the density-of-states (DOS) were investigated based on the temperature-dependent transfer curves. The superior electric properties were attributed to the smaller DOS and higher carrier concentration. The proposed IZO/IGZO-TFT in this paper can be used as driving devices in the next-generation flat panel displays.

Photodetector having high speed and sensitivity

DOEpatents

Morse, Jeffrey D.; Mariella, Jr., Raymond P.

1991-01-01

The present invention provides a photodetector having an advantageous combination of sensitivity and speed; it has a high sensitivity while retaining high speed. In a preferred embodiment, visible light is detected, but in some embodiments, x-rays can be detected, and in other embodiments infrared can be detected. The present invention comprises a photodetector having an active layer, and a recombination layer. The active layer has a surface exposed to light to be detected, and comprises a semiconductor, having a bandgap graded so that carriers formed due to interaction of the active layer with the incident radiation tend to be swept away from the exposed surface. The graded semiconductor material in the active layer preferably comprises Al.sub.1-x Ga.sub.x As. An additional sub-layer of graded In.sub.1-y Ga.sub.y As may be included between the Al.sub.1-x Ga.sub.x As layer and the recombination layer. The recombination layer comprises a semiconductor material having a short recombination time such as a defective GaAs layer grown in a low temperature process. The recombination layer is positioned adjacent to the active layer so that carriers from the active layer tend to be swept into the recombination layer. In an embodiment, the photodetector may comprise one or more additional layers stacked below the active and recombination layers. These additional layers may include another active layer and another recombination layer to absorb radiation not absorbed while passing through the first layers. A photodetector having a stacked configuration may have enhanced sensitivity and responsiveness at selected wavelengths such as infrared.

Effect of mechanical activation on jell boronizing treatment of the AISI 4140

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yılmaz, S. O.; Karataş, S.

2013-06-01

The article presents the effect of mechanical activation on the growth kinetics of boride layer of boronized AISI 4140 steel. The samples were boronized by ferroboron + (SiO2-Na2O) powders for 873-1173 K temperature and 2, 4, 6 and 8 h times, respectively. The morphology and types of borides formed on the surface of AISI 4140 steel substrate were analyzed. Layer growth kinetics were analyzed by measuring the extent of penetration of FeB and Fe2B sublayers as function of treatment time and temperature in the range of 873-1173 K. High diffusivity was obtained by creating a large number of defects through mechanical activation in the form of nanometer sized crystalline particles through the repeated fracturing and cold-welding of the powder particles, and a depth of 100 μm was found in the specimen borided by the 2 h MA powders, for 4 h and 1073 K, where 2000-2350 HV were measured. Consequently, the application conditions of boronizing were improved by usage of mechanical activation. The preferred Fe2B boride without FeB could be formed in the boride layer under 973 K boronizing temperature by mechanically activated by ferroboron + sodium silicate powder mixture due to the decrease of the activation energy.

Contemporary dynamics of active layer thickness of Northeastern Eurasia: evidence of climate warming, cooling or cyclicity?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslakov, A.; Tregubov, O.; Ruzanov, V.; Fedorov-Davydov, D.; Davydov, S. P.; Shiklomanov, N. I.; Streletskiy, D. A.

2017-12-01

Active layer is an intermediate position between the atmosphere and permafrost. It develops in warm period of the year in cryolithozone. Active layer thickness (ALT), or seasonal thaw depth is sensitive to the changes of the weather and climate; it also defines the intensity of such processes as thermokarst and thermal erosion, which have great impact on Arctic infrastructure. Active layer formation mechanism and natural factors affecting its spatial distribution are well studied on the regional scale, but high local variability of ALT brings uncertainty to the modelled results; it also forms multidirectional trends in interannual variations of ALT. This study presents the results of long-term observations of the seasonal thaw dynamics in Northeastern tip of Eurasia. The data is presented by field measurements, conducted in framework of Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) program and study materials of Dionisiya field permafrost station. The key sites are located in three areas: Kolyma lowland (NE Yakutia), Anadyr lowland (SW Chukotka) and Chukchi peninsula (Eastern Chukotka). They represent natural conditions ranging from typical tundra to northern taiga, developed on continuous permafrost extent. The analysis of interannual fluctuations of ALT and summer air temperatures detected common patterns and trends: the majority of considered monitoring sites demonstrates deepening of thaw depths, which was traced in 1980-1990s, following increasing summer air temperature. This period was followed by relative stabilization of ALT in 2000-2010s. Nevertheless, several sites in Kolyma lowland and in Eastern Chukotka demonstrate persistent ALT increase during 2000-2010, even despite of summer temperatures stabilization. At the same time monitoring sites in Dionisiya permafrost station show shrinking of seasonal thaw in 2005-2015. Presented study shows ambiguity of cryosphere response to climate changes and identifies the need for further studies of interaction between active layer and natural conditions.

A numerical analysis of a magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer regenerator

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

Zhang, Mingkan; Abdelaziz, Omar; Momen, Ayyoub Mehdizadeh

A numerical analysis was conducted to study a room temperature magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer parallel plates active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Sixteen layers of LaFeMnSiH having different Curie temperatures were employed as magnetocaloric material (MCM) in the regenerator. Measured properties data was used. A transient one dimensional (1D) model was employed, in which a unique numerical method was developed to significantly accelerate the simulation speed of the multi-layer AMR system. As a result, the computation speed of a multi-layer AMR case was very close to the single-layer configuration. The performance of the 16-layer AMR system in different frequencies and utilizationsmore » has been investigated using this model. To optimize the layer length distribution of the 16-layer MCMs in the regenerator, a set of 137 simulations with different MCM distributions based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) method was conducted and the results were analyzed. The results show that the 16-layer AMR system can operate up to 84% of Carnot cycle COP at a temperature span of 41 K, which cannot be obtained using an AMR with fewer layers. Here, the DoE results indicate that for a 16-layer AMR system, the uniform distribution is very close to the optimized design.« less

A numerical analysis of a magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer regenerator

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Mingkan; Abdelaziz, Omar; Momen, Ayyoub Mehdizadeh; ...

2017-10-25

A numerical analysis was conducted to study a room temperature magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer parallel plates active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Sixteen layers of LaFeMnSiH having different Curie temperatures were employed as magnetocaloric material (MCM) in the regenerator. Measured properties data was used. A transient one dimensional (1D) model was employed, in which a unique numerical method was developed to significantly accelerate the simulation speed of the multi-layer AMR system. As a result, the computation speed of a multi-layer AMR case was very close to the single-layer configuration. The performance of the 16-layer AMR system in different frequencies and utilizationsmore » has been investigated using this model. To optimize the layer length distribution of the 16-layer MCMs in the regenerator, a set of 137 simulations with different MCM distributions based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) method was conducted and the results were analyzed. The results show that the 16-layer AMR system can operate up to 84% of Carnot cycle COP at a temperature span of 41 K, which cannot be obtained using an AMR with fewer layers. Here, the DoE results indicate that for a 16-layer AMR system, the uniform distribution is very close to the optimized design.« less

A numerical analysis of a magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer regenerator.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingkan; Abdelaziz, Omar; Momen, Ayyoub M; Abu-Heiba, Ahmad

2017-10-25

A numerical analysis was conducted to study a room temperature magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer parallel plates active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Sixteen layers of LaFeMnSiH having different Curie temperatures were employed as magnetocaloric material (MCM) in the regenerator. Measured properties data was used. A transient one dimensional (1D) model was employed, in which a unique numerical method was developed to significantly accelerate the simulation speed of the multi-layer AMR system. As a result, the computation speed of a multi-layer AMR case was very close to the single-layer configuration. The performance of the 16-layer AMR system in different frequencies and utilizations has been investigated using this model. To optimize the layer length distribution of the 16-layer MCMs in the regenerator, a set of 137 simulations with different MCM distributions based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) method was conducted and the results were analyzed. The results show that the 16-layer AMR system can operate up to 84% of Carnot cycle COP at a temperature span of 41 K, which cannot be obtained using an AMR with fewer layers. The DoE results indicate that for a 16-layer AMR system, the uniform distribution is very close to the optimized design.

Fabrication of polycrystalline thin films by pulsed laser processing

DOEpatents

Mitlitsky, Fred; Truher, Joel B.; Kaschmitter, James L.; Colella, Nicholas J.

1998-02-03

A method for fabricating polycrystalline thin films on low-temperature (or high-temperature) substrates which uses processing temperatures that are low enough to avoid damage to the substrate, and then transiently heating select layers of the thin films with at least one pulse of a laser or other homogenized beam source. The pulse length is selected so that the layers of interest are transiently heated to a temperature which allows recrystallization and/or dopant activation while maintaining the substrate at a temperature which is sufficiently low to avoid damage to the substrate. This method is particularly applicable in the fabrication of solar cells.

Fabrication of polycrystalline thin films by pulsed laser processing

DOEpatents

Mitlitsky, F.; Truher, J.B.; Kaschmitter, J.L.; Colella, N.J.

1998-02-03

A method is disclosed for fabricating polycrystalline thin films on low-temperature (or high-temperature) substrates which uses processing temperatures that are low enough to avoid damage to the substrate, and then transiently heating select layers of the thin films with at least one pulse of a laser or other homogenized beam source. The pulse length is selected so that the layers of interest are transiently heated to a temperature which allows recrystallization and/or dopant activation while maintaining the substrate at a temperature which is sufficiently low to avoid damage to the substrate. This method is particularly applicable in the fabrication of solar cells. 1 fig.

Thermal impacts of engineering activities and vegetation layer on permafrost in different alpine ecosystems of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qingbai; Zhang, Zhongqiong; Gao, Siru; Ma, Wei

2016-08-01

Climate warming and engineering activities have various impacts on the thermal regime of permafrost in alpine ecosystems of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Using recent observations of permafrost thermal regimes along the Qinghai-Tibet highway and railway, the changes of such regimes beneath embankments constructed in alpine meadows and steppes are studied. The results show that alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau can have a controlling role among engineering construction effects on permafrost beneath embankments. As before railway construction, the artificial permafrost table (APT) beneath embankments is not only affected by climate change and engineering activities but is also controlled by alpine ecosystems. However, the change rate of APT is not dependent on ecosystem type, which is predominantly affected by climate change and engineering activities. Instead, the rate is mainly related to cooling effects of railway ballast and heat absorption effects of asphalt pavement. No large difference between alpine and steppe can be identified regarding the variation of soil temperature beneath embankments, but this difference is readily identified in the variation of mean annual soil temperature with depth. The vegetation layer in alpine meadows has an insulation role among engineering activity effects on permafrost beneath embankments, but this insulation gradually disappears because the layer decays and compresses over time. On the whole, this layer is advantageous for alleviating permafrost temperature rise in the short term, but its effect gradually weakens in the long term.

Organic thin film transistors using a liquid crystalline palladium phthalocyanine as active layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez Tejada, Juan A.; Lopez-Varo, Pilar; Chaure, Nandu B.; Chambrier, Isabelle; Cammidge, Andrew N.; Cook, Michael J.; Jafari-Fini, Ali; Ray, Asim K.

2018-03-01

70 nm thick solution-processed films of a palladium phthalocyanine (PdPc6) derivative bearing eight hexyl (-C6H13) chains at non-peripheral positions have been employed as active layers in the fabrication of bottom-gate bottom-contact organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) deposited on highly doped p-type Si (110) substrates with SiO2 gate dielectric. The dependence of the transistor electrical performance upon the mesophase behavior of the PdPc6 films has been investigated by measuring the output and transfer characteristics of the OTFT having its active layer ex situ vacuum annealed at temperatures between 500 °C and 200 °C. A clear correlation between the annealing temperature and the threshold voltage and carrier mobility of the transistors, and the transition temperatures extracted from the differential scanning calorimetric curves for bulk materials has been established. This direct relation has been obtained by means of a compact electrical model in which the contact effects are taken into account. The precise determination of the contact-voltage drain-current curves allows for obtaining such a relation.

[Soil catalase activity of main plant communities in Leymus chinensis grassland in northeast China].

PubMed

Lu, Ping; Guo, Jixun; Zhu, Li

2002-06-01

The seasonal dynamics of soil catalase activity of three different plants communities in Leymus chinensis grassland in northeast China were in a parabolas shape. The seasonal variation of Chloris virgata community was greater than those of Leymus chinensis community and Puccinellia tenuiflora community, and "seed effect" might be the main reason. The correlation between the activity of soil catalase in different soil layers and environmental factors were analyzed. The results showed that the activity of soil catalase was decreased gradually with depth of soil layer. The activity of soil catalase was closely correlated with rainfall and air temperature, and it was affected by soil temperature, soil moisture, and their interactions. The correlation between the activity and aboveground vegetation was very significant, and the growing condition of plant communities could be reflected by the activity of soil catalase.

Sensitivity of Historical Simulation of the Permafrost to Different Atmospheric Forcing Data Sets from 1979 to 2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Donglin; Wang, Huijun; Wang, Aihui

2017-11-01

Numerical simulation is of great importance to the investigation of changes in frozen ground on large spatial and long temporal scales. Previous studies have focused on the impacts of improvements in the model for the simulation of frozen ground. Here the sensitivities of permafrost simulation to different atmospheric forcing data sets are examined using the Community Land Model, version 4.5 (CLM4.5), in combination with three sets of newly developed and reanalysis-based atmospheric forcing data sets (NOAA Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-I), and NASA Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA)). All three simulations were run from 1979 to 2009 at a resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° and validated with what is considered to be the best available permafrost observations (soil temperature, active layer thickness, and permafrost extent). Results show that the use of reanalysis-based atmospheric forcing data set reproduces the variations in soil temperature and active layer thickness but produces evident biases in their climatologies. Overall, the simulations based on the CFSR and ERA-I data sets give more reasonable results than the simulation based on the MERRA data set, particularly for the present-day permafrost extent and the change in active layer thickness. The three simulations produce ranges for the present-day climatology (permafrost area: 11.31-13.57 × 106 km2; active layer thickness: 1.10-1.26 m) and for recent changes (permafrost area: -5.8% to -9.0%; active layer thickness: 9.9%-20.2%). The differences in air temperature increase, snow depth, and permafrost thermal conditions in these simulations contribute to the differences in simulated results.

X-ray Diffraction Investigation of Annealing Behavior of Peened Surface Deformation Layer on Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Junjie; Wang, Zhou; Gan, Jin; Yang, Ying; Huang, Feng; Wu, Gang; Meng, Qingshuai

2018-05-01

In order to investigate the recrystallization behavior of peened surface deformation layer of precipitation hardening stainless steel, a classic x-ray diffraction line profile analysis, Voigt method, was carried out on peened 17-4PH with different isothermal annealing temperatures. The activation energy of domain boundary migration ( Q a) and the activation energy of microstrain relaxation ( Q b) were calculated by regression analysis in different annealing temperature conditions. The results show that the value of Q a decreases with annealing temperature increasing, which is due to the influence of precipitation (ɛ-Cu) size on the movements of grain and subgrain boundaries. The maximum growth rate of ɛ-Cu particles occurs during 400 to 500 °C interval. Compared with growth behavior of domain size, microstrain relaxation behavior is less sensitive to precipitation particle size. The effects of annealing temperature and time on dislocation density are both significant when annealing temperature is lower than 500 °C. However, the effect of annealing temperature on dislocation density becomes insignificant when annealing temperature is higher than 500 °C. 300 °C annealing temperature only leads to the microstrain relaxation but nearly cannot lead to the domain size growth even if prolonging annealing time. Microstructure enhancement effect still exists in plastic deformation layer when 300 °C annealing temperature lasts for 60 min but nearly disappears when 600 °C annealing temperature lasts for 20 min.

X-ray Diffraction Investigation of Annealing Behavior of Peened Surface Deformation Layer on Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Junjie; Wang, Zhou; Gan, Jin; Yang, Ying; Huang, Feng; Wu, Gang; Meng, Qingshuai

2018-04-01

In order to investigate the recrystallization behavior of peened surface deformation layer of precipitation hardening stainless steel, a classic x-ray diffraction line profile analysis, Voigt method, was carried out on peened 17-4PH with different isothermal annealing temperatures. The activation energy of domain boundary migration (Q a) and the activation energy of microstrain relaxation (Q b) were calculated by regression analysis in different annealing temperature conditions. The results show that the value of Q a decreases with annealing temperature increasing, which is due to the influence of precipitation (ɛ-Cu) size on the movements of grain and subgrain boundaries. The maximum growth rate of ɛ-Cu particles occurs during 400 to 500 °C interval. Compared with growth behavior of domain size, microstrain relaxation behavior is less sensitive to precipitation particle size. The effects of annealing temperature and time on dislocation density are both significant when annealing temperature is lower than 500 °C. However, the effect of annealing temperature on dislocation density becomes insignificant when annealing temperature is higher than 500 °C. 300 °C annealing temperature only leads to the microstrain relaxation but nearly cannot lead to the domain size growth even if prolonging annealing time. Microstructure enhancement effect still exists in plastic deformation layer when 300 °C annealing temperature lasts for 60 min but nearly disappears when 600 °C annealing temperature lasts for 20 min.

Improving Representations of Near-Surface Permafrost and Soil Temperature Profiles in the Regional Arctic System Model (RASM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gergel, D. R.; Hamman, J.; Nijssen, B.

2017-12-01

Permafrost and seasonally frozen soils are a key characteristic of the terrestrial Arctic, and the fate of near-surface permafrost as a result of climate change is projected to have strong impacts on terrestrial biogeochemistry. The active layer thickness (ALT) is the layer of soil that freezes and thaws annually, and shifts in the depth of the ALT are projected to occur over large areas of the Arctic that are characterized by discontinuous permafrost. Faithful representation of permafrost in land models in climate models is a product of both soil dynamics and the coupling of air and soil temperatures. A common problem is a large bias in simulated ALT due to a model depth that is too shallow. Similarly, soil temperatures often show systematic biases, which lead to biases in air temperature due to poorly modeled air-soil temperature feedbacks in a coupled environment. In this study, we use the Regional Arctic System Model (RASM), a fully-coupled regional earth system model that is run at a 50-km land/atmosphere resolution over a pan-Arctic domain and uses the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model as its land model. To understand what modeling decisions are necessary to accurately represent near-surface permafrost and soil temperature profiles, we perform a large number of RASM simulations with prescribed atmospheric forcings (e.g. VIC in standalone mode in RASM) while varying the model soil depth, thickness of soil moisture layers, number of soil layers and the distribution of soil nodes. We compare modeled soil temperatures and ALT to observations from the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) network. CALM observations include annual ALT observations as well as daily soil temperature measurements at three soil depths for three sites in Alaska. In the future, we will use our results to inform our modeling of permafrost dynamics in fully-coupled RASM simulations.

Exchange of groundwater and surface-water mediated by permafrost response to seasonal and long term air temperature variation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ge, S.; McKenzie, J.; Voss, C.; Wu, Q.

2011-01-01

Permafrost dynamics impact hydrologic cycle processes by promoting or impeding groundwater and surface water exchange. Under seasonal and decadal air temperature variations, permafrost temperature changes control the exchanges between groundwater and surface water. A coupled heat transport and groundwater flow model, SUTRA, was modified to simulate groundwater flow and heat transport in the subsurface containing permafrost. The northern central Tibet Plateau was used as an example of model application. Modeling results show that in a yearly cycle, groundwater flow occurs in the active layer from May to October. Maximum groundwater discharge to the surface lags the maximum subsurface temperature by two months. Under an increasing air temperature scenario of 3C per 100 years, over the initial 40-year period, the active layer thickness can increase by three-fold. Annual groundwater discharge to the surface can experience a similar three-fold increase in the same period. An implication of these modeling results is that with increased warming there will be more groundwater flow in the active layer and therefore increased groundwater discharge to rivers. However, this finding only holds if sufficient upgradient water is available to replenish the increased discharge. Otherwise, there will be an overall lowering of the water table in the recharge portion of the catchment. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

The strain and thermal induced tunable charging phenomenon in low power flexible memory arrays with a gold nanoparticle monolayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ye; Han, Su-Ting; Xu, Zong-Xiang; Roy, V. A. L.

2013-02-01

The strain and temperature dependent memory effect of organic memory transistors on plastic substrates has been investigated under ambient conditions. The gold (Au) nanoparticle monolayer was prepared and embedded in an atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as the charge trapping layer. The devices exhibited low operation voltage, reliable memory characteristics and long data retention time. Experimental analysis of the programming and erasing behavior at various bending states showed the relationship between strain and charging capacity. Thermal-induced effects on these memory devices have also been analyzed. The mobility shows ~200% rise and the memory window increases from 1.48 V to 1.8 V when the temperature rises from 20 °C to 80 °C due to thermally activated transport. The retention capability of the devices decreases with the increased working temperature. Our findings provide a better understanding of flexible organic memory transistors under various operating temperatures and validate their applications in various areas such as temperature sensors, temperature memory or advanced electronic circuits. Furthermore, the low temperature processing procedures of the key elements (Au nanoparticle monolayer and Al2O3 dielectric layer) could be potentially integrated with large area flexible electronics.The strain and temperature dependent memory effect of organic memory transistors on plastic substrates has been investigated under ambient conditions. The gold (Au) nanoparticle monolayer was prepared and embedded in an atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as the charge trapping layer. The devices exhibited low operation voltage, reliable memory characteristics and long data retention time. Experimental analysis of the programming and erasing behavior at various bending states showed the relationship between strain and charging capacity. Thermal-induced effects on these memory devices have also been analyzed. The mobility shows ~200% rise and the memory window increases from 1.48 V to 1.8 V when the temperature rises from 20 °C to 80 °C due to thermally activated transport. The retention capability of the devices decreases with the increased working temperature. Our findings provide a better understanding of flexible organic memory transistors under various operating temperatures and validate their applications in various areas such as temperature sensors, temperature memory or advanced electronic circuits. Furthermore, the low temperature processing procedures of the key elements (Au nanoparticle monolayer and Al2O3 dielectric layer) could be potentially integrated with large area flexible electronics. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: UV-vis spectrum of Au nanoparticle aqueous solution, transfer characteristics of the transistors without inserting an Au nanoparticle monolayer, AFM image of the pentacene layer, transfer characteristics at different program voltages and memory windows with respect to the P/E voltage. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr32579a

Active layer and permafrost thermal regime in a patterned ground soil in Maritime Antarctica, and relationship with climate variability models.

PubMed

Chaves, D A; Lyra, G B; Francelino, M R; Silva, Ldb; Thomazini, A; Schaefer, Cegr

2017-04-15

Permafrost and active layer studies are important to understand and predict regional climate changes. The objectives of this work were: i) to characterize the soil thermal regime (active layer thickness and permafrost formation) and its interannual variability and ii) to evaluate the influence of different climate variability modes to the observed soil thermal regime in a patterned ground soil in Maritime Antarctica. The study was carried out at Keller Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica. Six soil temperatures probes were installed at different depths (10, 30 and 80cm) in the polygon center (Tc) and border (Tb) of a patterned ground soil. We applied cross-correlation analysis and standardized series were related to the Antarctic Oscillation Index (AAO). The estimated active layer thickness was approximately 0.75cm in the polygon border and 0.64cm in the center, indicating the presence of permafrost (within 80cm). Results indicate that summer and winter temperatures are becoming colder and warmer, respectively. Considering similar active layer thickness, the polygon border presented greater thawing days, resulting in greater vulnerability to warming, cooling faster than the center, due to its lower volumetric heat capacity (Cs). Cross-correlation analysis indicated statistically significant delay of 1day (at 10cm depth) in the polygon center, and 5days (at 80cm depth) for the thermal response between atmosphere and soil. Air temperature showed a delay of 5months with the climate variability models. The influence of southern winds from high latitudes, in the south facing slopes, favored freeze in the upper soil layers, and also contributed to keep permafrost closer to the surface. The observed cooling trend is linked to the regional climate variability modes influenced by atmospheric circulation, although longer monitoring period is required to reach a more precise scenario. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Room-Temperature Oxidation of Formaldehyde by Layered Manganese Oxide: Effect of Water.

PubMed

Wang, Jinlong; Zhang, Pengyi; Li, Jinge; Jiang, Chuanjia; Yunus, Rizwangul; Kim, Jeonghyun

2015-10-20

Layered manganese oxide, i.e., birnessite was prepared via the reaction of potassium permanganate with ammonium oxalate. The water content in the birnessite was adjusted by drying/calcining the samples at various temperatures (30 °C, 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, and 500 °C). Thermogravimetry-mass spectroscopy showed three types of water released from birnessite, which can be ascribed to physically adsorbed H2O, interlayer H2O and hydroxyl, respectively. The activity of birnessite for formaldehyde oxidation was positively associated with its water content, i.e., the higher the water content, the better activity it has. In-situ DRIFTS and step scanning XRD analysis indicate that adsorbed formaldehyde, which is promoted by bonded water via hydrogen bonding, is transformed into formate and carbonate with the consumption of hydroxyl and bonded water. Both bonded water and water in air can compensate the consumed hydroxyl groups to sustain the mineralization of formaldehyde at room temperature. In addition, water in air stimulates the desorption of carbonate via water competitive adsorption, and accordingly the birnessite recovers its activity. This investigation elucidated the role of water in oxidizing formaldehyde by layered manganese oxides at room temperature, which may be helpful for the development of more efficient materials.

Monitoring of active layer thermal regime and depth on CALM-S site, James Ross Island, Eastern Antarctic Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrbáček, Filip; Kňažková, Michaela; Nývlt, Daniel; Láska, Kamil; Mueller, Carsten W.; Ondruch, Jakub

2017-04-01

Active layer thickness and its dynamic are considered one of the key parameters of permafrost-affected ground. They variability are very sensitive to specific local conditions, especially climate, vegetation, snow cover or soil texture and moisture. To better understand the local variability of active layer thickness in Antarctica, the original Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring protocol (CALM) was adapted as its southern form (CALM-S) with respect to specific conditions of Antarctica. To date, almost 40 CALM-S sites were registered across the Antarctic continent with the highest density on western Antarctic Peninsula (South Shetlands) and Victoria Land in East Antarctica (McMurdo region). On James Ross Island, CALM-S site was established in February 2014 as the first CALM-S in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula region. The CALM-S site is located near the Johann Gregor Mendel Station on the northern coast of James Ross Island. The area delimited to 80 × 70 m is elevated at 8 to 11 m asl. Geologically it consists of a Holocene marine terrace ( 80% of CALM-S area) with typical sandy material and passes to lithified to poorly disintegrated sedimentary rocks of Cretaceous Whisky Bay Formation ( 20% of CALM-S area) with a more muddy material and a typical bimodal composition. For both geologically different parts of CALM-S site, ground temperature was measured at two profiles at several levels up to 200 cm depth using resistance thermometers Pt100/8 (accuracy ± 0.15 °C). The air temperature at 2 m above surface was monitored at the automatic weather station near Johann Gregor Mendel Station using resistance thermometer Pt100/A (accuracy ± 0.15 °C). Data used in this study were obtained during the period from 1 March 2013 to 6 February 2016. Mechanical probing of active layer depth was performed in 72 grid points at the end of January, or beginning of February in 2014 to 2016. During the whole study period, mean annual air temperature varied between -7.0 °C (2013) and -6.7 °C (2015), while the mean annual ground temperature at 5 cm ranged from -5.6 °C (2013) to -5.3 °C (2014). Thawing season started in mid-November between 17th (2013/14) and 24th (2014/15) and ended at the end of February (22nd in 2014/15) and beginning of March (7th in 2013/14). The maximum active layer thickness determined from 0°C isotherm varied from 86 to 87 cm at profile 1, while it reached only 51 to 65 cm at profile 2. The mean probed active layer depth varied between 66 cm (2013/4) and 78 cm (2014/15). The maximum probed active layer depth increased from 100 cm in 2014 to 113 cm in 2016. High variability of active layer depth across CALM-S site was caused by different ground thermal properties of Holocene marine terrace sand and Cretaceous clayey sandstones. These results differ significantly from another CALM-S sites in Antarctica, where the main factors affecting thawing depth variability were snow cover and topography. These results confirmed previous observation from James Ross Island, where variability of active layer depth was related primarily to different ground properties (texture, moisture, physical characteristic) then local climate or snow cover.

Investigating pyrolysis characteristics of moso bamboo through TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS.

PubMed

Liang, Fang; Wang, Ruijuan; Hongzhong, Xiang; Yang, Xiaomeng; Zhang, Tao; Hu, Wanhe; Mi, Bingbing; Liu, Zhijia

2018-05-01

This study was carried out to investigate pyrolysis characteristics of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens), including outer layer (OB), middle layer (MB) and inner layer (IB) and bamboo leaves (BL), through TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS. The results showed that 70% of weight loss occurred at rapid pyrolysis stage with temperature of 200-400 °C. With increase in heating rate, pyrolysis process shifted toward higher temperature. IB, OB, MB and BL had a different activation energy at different conversion rates. BL had a higher activation energy than IB, OB and MB. The volatiles of bamboo was complicated with 2-30 of C atoms. IB, OB and MB mainly released benzofuran, hydroxyacetaldehyde and 2-Pentanone. BL released furan, acetic acid and phenol. The main pyrolysis products included H 2 O, CH 4 , CO 2 , CO, carboxylic acids, NO, NO 2 . Pyrolysis products of IB was the most and that of BL was the lowest. MB had the lowest pyrolysis temperature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pulp Chamber Heating: An In Vitro Study Evaluating Different Light Sources and Resin Composite Layers.

PubMed

Andreatta, Lígia Maria Lima; Furuse, Adilson Yoshio; Prakki, Anuradha; Bombonatti, Juliana Fraga Soares; Mondelli, Rafael Francisco Lia

2016-01-01

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the temperature variation inside the pulp chamber during light-activation of the adhesive and resin composite layers with different light sources. Cavities measuring 8x10 mm were prepared on the buccal surface of bovine incisors, leaving a remaining dentin thickness of 1 mm. Specimens were placed in a 37±1 °C water bath to standardize the temperature. The temperature in the pulp chamber was measured every 10 s during 40 s of light activation of the adhesive system (SBMP-3M/ESPE) and in the three consecutive 1-mm-thick layers of resin composite (Z250-3M/ESPE). Three light source devices were evaluated: Elipar 2500 (QTH), LD Max (LED low irradiance) and VALO (LED high irradiance). The results were submitted to one-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test, both with p<0.001. The exothermic reaction warming was observed in the Z250 increments, but not in the SBMP. The high irradiance LED showed a higher temperature average (42.7±1.56 °C), followed by the quartz-tungsten-halogen light (40.6±0.67 °C) and the lower irradiance LED (37.8±0.12 °C). Higher temperature increases were observed with the adhesive and the first resin composite increment light-activation, regardless of the employed light source. From the second increment of Z250, the restorative material acted as a dispersive structure of heat, reducing temperature increases. Regardless the light source and restorative step, the temperature increased with the irradiation time. It may be concluded that the light source, irradiation time and resin composite thickness interfered in the temperature variation inside the pulp chamber.

Thermographic process monitoring in powderbed based additive manufacturing

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

Krauss, Harald, E-mail: harald.krauss@iwb.tum.de; Zaeh, Michael F.; Zeugner, Thomas

2015-03-31

Selective Laser Melting is utilized to build metallic parts directly from CAD-Data by solidification of thin powder layers through application of a fast scanning laser beam. In this study layerwise monitoring of the temperature distribution is used to gather information about the process stability and the resulting part quality. The heat distribution varies with different kinds of parameters including scan vector length, laser power, layer thickness and inter-part distance in the job layout which in turn influence the resulting part quality. By integration of an off-axis mounted uncooled thermal detector the solidification as well as the layer deposition are monitoredmore » and evaluated. Errors in the generation of new powder layers usually result in a locally varying layer thickness that may cause poor part quality. For effect quantification, the locally applied layer thickness is determined by evaluating the heat-up of the newly deposited powder. During the solidification process space and time-resolved data is used to characterize the zone of elevated temperatures and to derive locally varying heat dissipation properties. Potential quality indicators are evaluated and correlated to the resulting part quality: Thermal diffusivity is derived from a simplified heat dissipation model and evaluated for every pixel and cool-down phase of a layer. This allows the quantification of expected material homogeneity properties. Maximum temperature and time above certain temperatures are measured in order to detect hot spots or delamination issues that may cause a process breakdown. Furthermore, a method for quantification of sputter activity is presented. Since high sputter activity indicates unstable melt dynamics this can be used to identify parameter drifts, improper atmospheric conditions or material binding errors. The resulting surface structure after solidification complicates temperature determination on the one hand but enables the detection of potential surface defects on the other hand. These issues and proper key figures for thermographic monitoring of the Selective Laser Melting process are discussed in the paper. Even though microbolometric temperature measurement is limited to repetition rates in the Hz-regime and sub megapixel resolution, current results show the feasibility of process surveillance by thermography for a limited section of the building platform in a commercial system.« less

Thermographic process monitoring in powderbed based additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauss, Harald; Zeugner, Thomas; Zaeh, Michael F.

2015-03-01

Selective Laser Melting is utilized to build metallic parts directly from CAD-Data by solidification of thin powder layers through application of a fast scanning laser beam. In this study layerwise monitoring of the temperature distribution is used to gather information about the process stability and the resulting part quality. The heat distribution varies with different kinds of parameters including scan vector length, laser power, layer thickness and inter-part distance in the job layout which in turn influence the resulting part quality. By integration of an off-axis mounted uncooled thermal detector the solidification as well as the layer deposition are monitored and evaluated. Errors in the generation of new powder layers usually result in a locally varying layer thickness that may cause poor part quality. For effect quantification, the locally applied layer thickness is determined by evaluating the heat-up of the newly deposited powder. During the solidification process space and time-resolved data is used to characterize the zone of elevated temperatures and to derive locally varying heat dissipation properties. Potential quality indicators are evaluated and correlated to the resulting part quality: Thermal diffusivity is derived from a simplified heat dissipation model and evaluated for every pixel and cool-down phase of a layer. This allows the quantification of expected material homogeneity properties. Maximum temperature and time above certain temperatures are measured in order to detect hot spots or delamination issues that may cause a process breakdown. Furthermore, a method for quantification of sputter activity is presented. Since high sputter activity indicates unstable melt dynamics this can be used to identify parameter drifts, improper atmospheric conditions or material binding errors. The resulting surface structure after solidification complicates temperature determination on the one hand but enables the detection of potential surface defects on the other hand. These issues and proper key figures for thermographic monitoring of the Selective Laser Melting process are discussed in the paper. Even though microbolometric temperature measurement is limited to repetition rates in the Hz-regime and sub megapixel resolution, current results show the feasibility of process surveillance by thermography for a limited section of the building platform in a commercial system.

Selective Oxidation of Amorphous Carbon Layers without Damaging Embedded Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Young Chul; Lim, Seong Chu

2013-11-01

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized by arc discharge, and then purified by selective oxidation of amorphous carbon layers that were found to encase SWCNT bundles and catalyst metal particles. In order to remove selectively the amorphous carbon layers with SWCNTs being intact, we have systematically investigated the thermal treatment conditions; firstly, setting the temperature by measuring the activation energies of SWCNTs and amorphous carbon layers, and then, secondly, finding the optimal process time. As a consequence, the optimal temperature and time for the thermal treatment was found to be 460 °C and 20 min, respectively. The complete elimination of surrounding amorphous carbon layers makes it possible to efficiently disperse the SWCNT bundles, resulting in high absorbance of SWCNT-ink. The SWCNTs which were thermal-treated at optimized temperature (460 °C) and duration (20 min) showed much better crystallinity, dispersibility, and transparent conducting properties, compared with as-synthesized and the nanotubes thermal-treated at different experimental conditions.

Carrier concentration dependence of donor activation energy in n-type GaN epilayers grown on Si (1 1 1) by plasma-assisted MBE

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

Kumar, Mahesh; Central Research Laboratory, Bharat Electronics, Bangalore 560 013; Bhat, Thirumaleshwara N.

Highlights: ► The n-type GaN layers were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. ► The optical characteristics of a donor level in Si-doped GaN were studied. ► Activation energy of a Si-related donor was estimated from temperature dependent PL measurements. ► PL peak positions, FWHM of PL and activation energies are found to be proportional to the cube root of carrier density. ► The involvement of donor levels is supported by the temperature-dependent electron concentration measurements. -- Abstract: The n-type GaN layers were grown by plasma-assisted MBE and either intentionally doped with Si or unintentionally doped. The optical characteristics ofmore » a donor level in Si-doped, GaN were studied in terms of photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy as a function of electron concentration. Temperature dependent PL measurements allowed us to estimate the activation energy of a Si-related donor from temperature-induced decay of PL intensity. PL peak positions, full width at half maximum of PL and activation energies are found to be proportional to the cube root of carrier density. The involvement of donor levels is supported by the temperature-dependent electron concentration measurements.« less

Development of High Performance CFRP/Metal Active Laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asanuma, Hiroshi; Haga, Osamu; Imori, Masataka

This paper describes development of high performance CFRP/metal active laminates mainly by investigating the kind and thickness of the metal. Various types of the laminates were made by hot-pressing of an aluminum, aluminum alloys, a stainless steel and a titanium for the metal layer as a high CTE material, a unidirectional CFRP prepreg as a low CTE/electric resistance heating material, a unidirectional KFRP prepreg as a low CTE/insulating material. The aluminum and its alloy type laminates have almost the same and the highest room temperature curvatures and they linearly change with increasing temperature up to their fabrication temperature. The curvature of the stainless steel type jumps from one to another around its fabrication temperature, whereas the titanium type causes a double curvature and its change becomes complicated. The output force of the stainless steel type attains the highest of the three under the same thickness. The aluminum type successfully increased its output force by increasing its thickness and using its alloys. The electric resistance of the CFRP layer can be used to monitor the temperature, that is, the curvature of the active laminate because the curvature is a function of temperature.

Low temperature synthesis of highly oriented p-type Si1-xGex (x: 0-1) on an insulator by Al-induced layer exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toko, K.; Kusano, K.; Nakata, M.; Suemasu, T.

2017-10-01

A composition tunable Si1-xGex alloy has a wide range of applications, including in electronic and photonic devices. We investigate the Al-induced layer exchange (ALILE) growth of amorphous Si1-xGex on an insulator. The ALILE allowed Si1-xGex to be large grained (> 50 μm) and highly (111)-oriented (> 95%) over the whole composition range by controlling the growth temperature (≤ 400 °C). From a comparison with conventional solid-phase crystallization, we determined that such characteristics of the ALILE arose from the low activation energy of nucleation and the high frequency factor of lateral growth. The Si1-xGex layers were highly p-type doped, whereas the process temperatures were low, thanks to the electrically activated Al atoms with the amount of solid solubility limit. The electrical conductivities approached those of bulk single crystals within one order of magnitude. The resulting Si1-xGex layer on an insulator is useful not only for advanced SiGe-based devices but also for virtual substrates, allowing other materials to be integrated on three-dimensional integrated circuits, glass, and even a plastic substrate.

Nine year active layer thermal monitoring at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Roberto; Andrade, André; Simas, Felipe; Silva, Tássio; Loureiro, Diego; Schaefer, Carlos

2017-04-01

Most global circulation models predict enhanced rates of climate change, particularly temperature increase, at higher latitudes witch are currently faced with rapid rates of regional climate change (Convey 2006, Vaughan et al. 2003, Quayle et al. 2002), Antarctic ecosystems are expected to show particular sensitivity and rapid responses (Freckman and Virginia 1997, Quayle et al. 2002, 2003). The active layer and permafrost are important components of the cryosphere due to their role in energy flux regulation and sensitivity to climate change (Kane et al., 2001; Smith and Brown, 2009). Compared with other regions of the globe, our understanding of Antarctic permafrost is poor, especially in relation to its thermal state and evolution, (Bockheim, 1995, Bockheim et al., 2008). The active layer monitoring site was installed in the summer of 2008, and consists of thermistors (accuracy ± 0.2 °C) arranged in a vertical array (Turbic Eutric Cryosol 60 m asl, 10.5 cm, 32.5 cm, 67.5 cm and 83.5 cm). All probes were connected to a Campbell Scientific CR 1000 data logger recording data at hourly intervals from March 1st 2008 until November 30th 2012. We calculated the thawing days (TD), freezing days (FD); thawing degree days (TDD) and freezing degree days (FDD); all according to Guglielmin et al. (2008). The active lawyer thickness was calculated as the 0 °C depth by extrapolating the thermal gradient from the two deepest temperature measurements (Guglielmin, 2006). The temperature at 10.5 cm reaches a maximum daily average (5.6 °C) in late January 2015, reaching a minimum (-9.6 °C) in in early August 2011, at 83.5 cm maximum daily average (0.6 °C) was reached in mid March 2009 and minimum (-5.5 °C) also in early August 2011. The years of 2008, 2009 and 2011 recorded thaw days at the bottom of the profile (62 and 49 in 2009 and 2011), and logged the highest soil moisture contents of the time series (62%, 59% and 63%). Seasonal variability of the active layer shows disparities between different years, especially in bottom most layer, where high summer temperatures trigger a increase in soil moisture content that can endure for several seasons. The winter of 2014 also deserves special attention, being the mildest winter recorded during the studied period; in July minimum monthly temperatures were -3.2 °C and -1.9 °C at 10.5 cm and 83.5 cm, it experienced 17 FD summing -0.61 FDD, average for the whole period was -7.5 °C, -3.9 °C, 27 FD and -55 FDD (2008 also had a mild winter but still hold 21 FD and -0,88 FDD at 83.5 cm in July). The summer of 2009 was the warmest facing 31 thawing days and summing 105 thawing degree days at 10.5 cm in January (28.7 thawing days and 66.3 thawing degree days average). The profile showed a increase in soil water content annual during warm summers, persisting for the following seasons, average is 44 % in 2008, 32 % in 2012 closing the time series with a annual average of 27 % in 2016, all values at 83.5 cm. Active layer thickness varied between 86 cm (max of 2015, March) and 117 cm (max of 2009, March). The active layer thermal regime over a 9 year period at Fildes Peninsula shows great variation between years, 2008, 2009 and 2011 presenting warm summers and 2014 being abnormally warm during Winter. Temperature fluctuations can affect the active layer in depth and the effects of warmer temperatures in the bottom of the profile can increase soil water content for several seasons.

Permafrost conditions at the Upper Kuskokwim river area and its influence on local communities.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kholodov, A. L.; Panda, S. K.; Hanson, T.

2017-12-01

Research area located within the zone of discontinuous permafrost distribution. Recent mean annual air temperature here is close to the 0C. It means, that taking in consideration warming influence of the snow cower during winter, mean annual temperature at the ground surface is well above freezing point. It means that presence or absence of permafrost here completely controlled by the ecological conditions. Based on remote sensing data and the surveys conducted in 2016-17 we selected 6 main ecotypes typical for this area: black spruce boreal forest, wetlands, low and tall shrubs, deciduous and mixed forest. Most of them (low shrubs, deciduous and mixed forest) represent different stages of area recovering after forest fires that was confirmed by the presence of ashy layer close to ground surface in soil pits had been dug within these landscapes. Permafrost was observed only within 2 of them: low shrubs and black spruce boreal forest. Within these types of terrain temperature at the bottom of active layer varies from -0.2/-0.5C at the areas of low shrubs, recovered after relatively recent (approximately 30-50 years old) fires to -1/-1.5 within black spruce forest. Active (seasonally thawed) layer as thick as 0.6 to 0.8 m. Warmest ecotypes for the area are tall shrubs and deciduous forest, temperature at the depth close to 1 m is about +3C. At the mixed forest temperature at the same depth consists of +1/+2C. Active (seasonally frozen) layer thickness within permafrost free areas is 1-1.5 m at the drained sites and about 0.5 within wetlands. Ice-rich permafrost underlying the active layer was noticed only within the black spruce forest. Areas which are free of permafrost are much better drained, typical moisture of mineral soil is less than 30% versus 45-50% in seasonally thawed layer. The current state of permafrost and the fact that it presence completely depends on ecosystems limits land use abilities of local inhabitants. Any changes of forest coverage or organic layer thickness will lead to permafrost degradation and initiate thermokarst process or dryness of the area that increases risk of wild fires. Also, shallow soil freezing within wetlands makes shorter the safe period of snow machines operation. Current research should help local communities make more informed decisions in adaptation of resources management and land use.

Active layer thermal monitoring at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Roberto; Schaefer, Carlos; Simas, Felipe; Pregesbauer, Michael; Bockheim, James

2013-04-01

International attention on the climate change phenomena has grown in the last decade, intense modelling of climate scenarios were carried out by scientific investigations searching the sources and trends of these changes. The cryosphere and its energy flux became the focus of many investigations, being recognised as a key element for the understanding of future trends. The active layer and permafrost are key components of the terrestrial cryosphere due to their role in energy flux regulation and high sensitivity to climate change (Kane et al., 2001; Smith and Brown, 2009). Compared with other regions of the globe, our understanding of Antarctic permafrost is poor, especially in relation to its thermal state and evolution, its physical properties, links to pedogenesis, hydrology, geomorphic dynamics and response to global change (Bockheim, 1995, Bockheim et al., 2008). The active layer monitoring site was installed in the summer of 2008, and consist of thermistors (accuracy ± 0.2 °C) arranged in a vertical array (Turbic Eutric Cryosol 600 m asl, 10.5 cm, 32.5 cm, 67.5 cm and 83.5 cm). King George Island experiences a cold moist maritime climate characterized by mean annual air temperatures of -2°C and mean summer air temperatures above 0°C for up to four months (Rakusa-Suszczewski et al., 1993, Wen et al., 1994). Ferron et al., (2004) found great variability when analysing data from 1947 to1995 and identified cycles of 5.3 years of colder conditions followed by 9.6 years of warmer conditions. All probes were connected to a Campbell Scientific CR 1000 data logger recording data at hourly intervals from March 1st 2008 until November 30th 2012. Meteorological data for Fildes was obtained from the near by stations. We calculated the thawing days, freezing days; thawing degree days and freezing degree days; all according to Guglielmin et al. (2008). The active lawyer thickness was calculated as the 0 °C depth by extrapolating the thermal gradient from the two deepest temperature measurements (Guglielmin, 2006). Interannual variability of the active layer shows parallel behaviour despite contrasts between different years, the temperature at 10.5 cm reaches a maximum daily average (4.06 °C ± 0.46) in early January, reaching a minimum (-8.03 °C ± 1,36) between late July and early August. At 83.5 cm maximum temperature (0.30 °C ± 0.24) occurs in late March and the minimum reading (-4.06 °C ± 0.98) was recorded around mid August. Disparities can be noticed when comparing the different years; 2008 had a mild winter (21 freezing days and -0,88 freezing degree days at 83.5 cm in July) contrasted by a severe winter in 2011 (31 freezing days and -80,00 freezing degree days at 83.5 cm in July), the summer of 2009 was considerably warmer (31 thawing days and 64,77 thawing degree days at 10.5 cm in January ) compared to the summer of 2010 (17 thawing days and 21,15 thawing degree days at 10.5 cm in January). Active layer thickness varied between 67 cm (max of 2012, March) and 101 cm (max of 2009, March). The active layer thermal regime in the studied period for both soils was typical of periglacial environments, with extreme variation in surface during summer resulting in frequent freeze and thaw cycles. Despite the variability when comparing temperature readings and active layer thickness over the studied period no trend can be identified.

CeO2-CuO/Cu2O/Cu monolithic catalysts with three-kind morphologies Cu2O layers for preferential CO oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Guojuan; Zhang, Xuejiao; Zhang, Aiai; Li, Meng; Zeng, Shanghong; Xu, Changjin; Su, Haiquan

2018-03-01

The supports of copper slices with three-kind morphologies Cu2O layers were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The Cu2O layers are rod-like structure, three-dimensional reticular and porous morphology as well as flower-like morphology, respectively. The CeO2-CuO/Cu2O/Cu monolithic catalysts present porous and network structure or foam morphology after loading CeO2 and CuO. Cu and Ce elements are uniformly dispersed onto the support surface. It is found that the monolithic catalyst with flower-like Cu2O layer displays better low-temperature activity because of highly-dispersed CuO and high Olatt concentration. The monolithic catalysts with rod-like or reticular-morphology Cu2O layers present high-temperature activity due to larger CuO crystallite sizes and good synergistic effect at copper-ceria interfacial sites. The as-prepared CeO2-CuO/Cu2O/Cu monolithic catalysts show good performance in the CO-PROX reaction. The generation of Cu2O layers with three-kind morphologies is beneficial to the loading and dispersion of copper oxides and ceria.

Water Redistribution, Temperature Change and CO2 Diffusion of Reconstruction Soil Profiles Filled with Gangue in Coal Mining Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Zhan, H.; Chen, X.; Hu, Y.

2017-12-01

There were a great many projects of reconstruction soil profile filled with gangue to restore ecological environment and land resources in coal mining areas. A simulation experimental system in laboratory was designed for studying water transport and gas-heat diffusion of the reconstruction soil as to help the process of engineering and soil-ripening technology application. The system could be used for constantly measuring soil content, temperature and soil CO2 concentration by laid sensors and detectors in different depth of soil column. The results showed that soil water infiltration process was slowed down and the water-holding capacity of the upper soil was increased because of good water resistance from coal gangue layer. However, the water content of coal gangue layer, 10% approximately, was significantly lower than that of topsoil for the poor water-holding capacity of gangue. The temperature of coal gangue layer was also greater than that of soil layer and became easily sustainable temperature gradient under the condition with heating in reconstruction soil due to the higher thermal diffusivity from gangue, especially being plenty of temperature difference between gangue and soil layers. The effects of heated from below on topsoil was small, which it was mainly influenced from indoor temperature in the short run. In addition, the temperature changing curve of topsoil is similar with the temperature of laboratory and its biggest fluctuation range was for 2.89°. The effects of aerating CO2 from column bottom on CO2 concentration of topsoil soil was also very small, because gas transport from coal gangue layers to soil ones would easily be cut off as so to gas accumulated below the soil layer. The coal gangue could have a negative impact on microbial living environment to adjacent topsoil layers and declined microorganism activities. The effects of coal gangue on topsoil layer were brought down when the cove soil thickness was at 60 cm. And the influences gradually would be weakened with the thickness increasing.

Molecular investigations into a globally important carbon pool: Permafrost-protected carbon in Alaskan soils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waldrop, M.P.; Wickland, K.P.; White, Rickie; Berhe, A.A.; Harden, J.W.; Romanovsky, V.E.

2010-01-01

The fate of carbon (C) contained within permafrost in boreal forest environments is an important consideration for the current and future carbon cycle as soils warm in northern latitudes. Currently, little is known about the microbiology or chemistry of permafrost soils that may affect its decomposition once soils thaw. We tested the hypothesis that low microbial abundances and activities in permafrost soils limit decomposition rates compared with active layer soils. We examined active layer and permafrost soils near Fairbanks, AK, the Yukon River, and the Arctic Circle. Soils were incubated in the lab under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Gas fluxes at -5 and 5 ??C were measured to calculate temperature response quotients (Q10). The Q10 was lower in permafrost soils (average 2.7) compared with active layer soils (average 7.5). Soil nutrients, leachable dissolved organic C (DOC) quality and quantity, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the soils revealed that the organic matter within permafrost soils is as labile, or even more so, than surface soils. Microbial abundances (fungi, bacteria, and subgroups: methanogens and Basidiomycetes) and exoenzyme activities involved in decomposition were lower in permafrost soils compared with active layer soils, which, together with the chemical data, supports the reduced Q10 values. CH4 fluxes were correlated with methanogen abundance and the highest CH4 production came from active layer soils. These results suggest that permafrost soils have high inherent decomposability, but low microbial abundances and activities reduce the temperature sensitivity of C fluxes. Despite these inherent limitations, however, respiration per unit soil C was higher in permafrost soils compared with active layer soils, suggesting that decomposition and heterotrophic respiration may contribute to a positive feedback to warming of this eco region. Published 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Diffusion of Magnesium in Led Structures with InGaN/GaN Quantum Wells at True Growth Temperatures 860-980°C of p-GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanov, I. S.; Prudaev, I. A.; Brudnyi, V. N.

2018-05-01

The results of an investigation of Mg diffusion in blue LED structures with InGaN/GaN quantum wells are presented for various growth temperatures of the p-GaN layer. The values of the diffusion coefficient estimated for true growth temperatures of 860, 910, and 980°C were 7.5·10-17, 2.8·10-16, and 1.2·10-15 cm2/s, respectively. The temperature values given in the work were measured on the surface of the growing layer in situ using a pyrometer. The calculated activation energy for the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient was 2.8 eV.

Characterization and organic electric-double-layer-capacitor application of KOH activated coal-tar-pitch-based carbons: Effect of carbonization temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Poo Reum; Lee, Eunji; Kwon, Soon Hyung; Jung, Ji Chul; Kim, Myung-Soo

2015-12-01

The present study reports the influence of pre-carbonization on the properties of KOH-activated coal tar pitch (CTP). The change of crystallinity and pore structure of pre-carbonized CTPs as well as their activated carbons (ACs) as function of pre-carbonization temperature are investigated. The crystallinity of pre-carbonized CTPs increases with increasing the carbonization temperature up to 600 °C, but a disorder occurs during the carbonization around 700 °C and an order happens gradually with increasing the carbonization temperatures in range of 800-1000 °C. The CTPs pre-carbonized at high temperatures are more difficult to be activated with KOH than those pre-carbonized at low temperatures due to the increase of micro-crystalline size and the decrease of surface functional groups. The micro-pores and meso-pores are well developed at around 1.0 nm and 2.4 nm, respectively, as the ACs are pre-carbonized at temperatures of 500-600 °C, exhibiting high specific capacitances as electrode materials for electric double layer capacitor (EDLC). Although the specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume of ACs pre-carbonized at temperatures of 900-1000 °C are extraordinary low (non-porous) as compared to those of AC pre-carbonized at 600 °C, their specific capacitances are comparable to each other. The large specific capacitances with low SSA ACs can be attributed to the structural change resulting from the electrochemical activation during the 1st charge above 2.0 V.

Nanostructuring of Palladium with Low-Temperature Helium Plasma

PubMed Central

Fiflis, P.; Christenson, M.P.; Connolly, N.; Ruzic, D.N.

2015-01-01

Impingement of high fluxes of helium ions upon metals at elevated temperatures has given rise to the growth of nanostructured layers on the surface of several metals, such as tungsten and molybdenum. These nanostructured layers grow from the bulk material and have greatly increased surface area over that of a not nanostructured surface. They are also superior to deposited nanostructures due to a lack of worries over adhesion and differences in material properties. Several palladium samples of varying thickness were biased and exposed to a helium helicon plasma. The nanostructures were characterized as a function of the thickness of the palladium layer and of temperature. Bubbles of ~100 nm in diameter appear to be integral to the nanostructuring process. Nanostructured palladium is also shown to have better catalytic activity than not nanostructured palladium. PMID:28347109

Nanostructuring of Palladium with Low-Temperature Helium Plasma.

PubMed

Fiflis, P; Christenson, M P; Connolly, N; Ruzic, D N

2015-11-25

Impingement of high fluxes of helium ions upon metals at elevated temperatures has given rise to the growth of nanostructured layers on the surface of several metals, such as tungsten and molybdenum. These nanostructured layers grow from the bulk material and have greatly increased surface area over that of a not nanostructured surface. They are also superior to deposited nanostructures due to a lack of worries over adhesion and differences in material properties. Several palladium samples of varying thickness were biased and exposed to a helium helicon plasma. The nanostructures were characterized as a function of the thickness of the palladium layer and of temperature. Bubbles of ~100 nm in diameter appear to be integral to the nanostructuring process. Nanostructured palladium is also shown to have better catalytic activity than not nanostructured palladium.

Biodiesel synthesis using calcined layered double hydroxide catalysts

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

Schumaker, J. Link; Crofcheck, Czarena; TAckett, S. Adam

2008-01-01

The catalytic properties of calcined Li-Al, Mg-Al and Mg-Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were examined in two transesterification reactions, namely, the reaction of glyceryl tributyrate with methanol, and the reaction of soybean oil with methanol. While the Li-Al catalysts showed high activity in these reactions at the reflux temperature of methanol, the Mg-Fe and Mg-Al catalysts exhibited much lower methyl ester yields. CO2 TPD measurements revealed the presence of sites of weak, medium and strong basicity on both Mg-Al and Li-Al catalysts, the latter showing higher concentrations of medium and strong base sites; by implication, these are the main sitesmore » active in transesterification catalyzed by calcined Li-Al LDHs. Maximum activity was observed for the Li-Al catalysts when a calcination temperature of 450-500 aC was applied, corresponding to decomposition of the layered double hydroxide to the mixed oxide without formation of crystalline lithium aluminate phases.« less

Strain modulation-enhanced Mg acceptor activation efficiency of Al0.14Ga0.86N/GaN superlattices with AlN interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Li, Rui; Li, Ding; Liu, Ningyang; Liu, Lei; Chen, Weihua; Wang, Cunda; Yang, Zhijian; Hu, Xiaodong

2010-02-01

AlN layer was grown as interlayer between undoped GaN and Mg doped Al0.14Ga0.86N/GaN superlattices (SLs) epilayer to modulate the strain distribution between Al0.14Ga0.86N barrier and GaN well layers in SLs sample. Strain relaxation was observed in the SLs sample with AlN interlayer by x-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping method. The measured hole concentration of SLs sample with AlN interlayer at room temperature was over 1.6×1018 cm-3 but that was only 6.6×1016 cm-3 obtained in SLs sample without AlN interlayer. Variable temperature Hall-effect measurement showed that the acceptor activation energy decreased from 150 to 70 meV after inserting the AlN layer, which indicated that the strain modulation of SLs induced by AlN interlayer was beneficial to the Mg acceptor activation and hole concentration enhancement.

[Soil hydrolase characteristics in late soil-thawing period in subalpine/alpine forests of west Sichuan].

PubMed

Tan, Bo; Wu, Fu-Zhong; Yang, Wan-Qin; Yu, Sheng; Yang, Yu-Lian; Wang, Ao

2011-05-01

Late soil-thawing period is a critical stage connecting winter and growth season. The significant temperature fluctuation at this stage might have strong effects on soil ecological processes. In order to understand the soil biochemical processes at this stage in the subalpine/alpine forests of west Sichuan, soil samples were collected from the representative forests including primary fir forest, fir and birch mixed forest, and secondary fir forest in March 5-April 25, 2009, with the activities of soil invertase, urease, and phosphatase (neutral, acid and alkaline phosphatases) measured. In soil frozen period, the activities of the three enzymes in test forests still kept relatively higher. With the increase of soil temperature, the activities of hydrolases at the early stage of soil-thawing decreased rapidly after a sharp increase, except for neutral phosphatease. Thereafter, there was an increase in the activities of urease and phosphatase. Relative to soil mineral layer, soil organic layer had higher hydrolase activity in late soil-thawing period, and showed more obvious responses to the variation of soil temperature.

Structural and chemical evolution of the CdS:O window layer during individual CdTe solar cell processing steps

DOE PAGES

Abbas, A.; Meysing, D. M.; Reese, M. O.; ...

2017-12-01

Oxygenated cadmium sulfide (CdS:O) is often used as the n-type window layer in high-performance CdTe heterojunction solar cells. The as-deposited layer prepared by reactive sputtering is XRD amorphous, with a bulk composition of CdS0.8O1.2. Recently it was shown that this layer undergoes significant transformation during device fabrication, but the roles of the individual high temperature processing steps was unclear. In this work high resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled to elemental analysis was used to understand the evolution of the heterojunction region through the individual high temperature fabrication steps of CdTe deposition, CdCl2 activation, and back contact activation. It is foundmore » that during CdTe deposition by close spaced sublimation at 600 degrees C the CdS:O film undergoes recrystallization, accompanied by a significant (~30%) reduction in thickness. It is observed that oxygen segregates during this step, forming a bi-layer morphology consisting of nanocrystalline CdS adjacent to the tin oxide contact and an oxygen-rich layer adjacent to the CdTe absorber. This bilayer structure is then lost during the 400 degrees C CdCl2 treatment where the film transforms into a heterogeneous structure with cadmium sulfate clusters distributed randomly throughout the window layer. The thickness of window layer remains essentially unchanged after CdCl2 treatment, but a ~25 nm graded interfacial layer between CdTe and the window region is formed. Finally, the rapid thermal processing step used to activate the back contact was found to have a negligible impact on the structure or composition of the heterojunction region.« less

Structural and chemical evolution of the CdS:O window layer during individual CdTe solar cell processing steps

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

Abbas, A.; Meysing, D. M.; Reese, M. O.

Oxygenated cadmium sulfide (CdS:O) is often used as the n-type window layer in high-performance CdTe heterojunction solar cells. The as-deposited layer prepared by reactive sputtering is XRD amorphous, with a bulk composition of CdS0.8O1.2. Recently it was shown that this layer undergoes significant transformation during device fabrication, but the roles of the individual high temperature processing steps was unclear. In this work high resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled to elemental analysis was used to understand the evolution of the heterojunction region through the individual high temperature fabrication steps of CdTe deposition, CdCl2 activation, and back contact activation. It is foundmore » that during CdTe deposition by close spaced sublimation at 600 degrees C the CdS:O film undergoes recrystallization, accompanied by a significant (~30%) reduction in thickness. It is observed that oxygen segregates during this step, forming a bi-layer morphology consisting of nanocrystalline CdS adjacent to the tin oxide contact and an oxygen-rich layer adjacent to the CdTe absorber. This bilayer structure is then lost during the 400 degrees C CdCl2 treatment where the film transforms into a heterogeneous structure with cadmium sulfate clusters distributed randomly throughout the window layer. The thickness of window layer remains essentially unchanged after CdCl2 treatment, but a ~25 nm graded interfacial layer between CdTe and the window region is formed. Finally, the rapid thermal processing step used to activate the back contact was found to have a negligible impact on the structure or composition of the heterojunction region.« less

Development of active CFRP/metal laminates and their demonstrations in complicated forms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asanuma, H.; Nakata, T.; Tanaka, T.; Imori, M.; Haga, O.

2006-03-01

This paper describes development of high performance CFRP/metal active laminates and demonstrations of them in complicated forms. Various types of the laminates were made by hot-pressing of an aluminum, aluminum alloys, a stainless steel and a titanium for the metal layer as a high CTE material, a unidirectional CFRP prepreg as a low CTE/electric resistance heating material, a unidirectional KFRP prepreg as a low CTE/insulating material. The aluminum and its alloy type laminates have almost the same and the highest room temperature curvatures and they linearly change with increasing temperature up to their fabrication temperature. The curvature of the stainless steel type jumps from one to another around its fabrication temperature, whereas the titanium type causes a double curvature and its change becomes complicated. The output force of the stainless steel type attains the highest of the three under the same thickness. The aluminum type successfully increased its output force by increasing its thickness and using its alloys. The electric resistance of the CFRP layer can be used to monitor the temperature, that is, the curvature of the active laminate because the curvature is a function of temperature. The aluminum type active laminate was made into complicated forms, that is, a hatch, a stack, a coil and a lift types, and their actuation performances were successfully demonstrated.

Screening method for selecting semiconductor substrates having defects below a predetermined level in an oxide layer

DOEpatents

Warren, William L.; Vanheusden, Karel J. R.; Schwank, James R.; Fleetwood, Daniel M.; Shaneyfelt, Marty R.; Winokur, Peter S.; Devine, Roderick A. B.

1998-01-01

A method for screening or qualifying semiconductor substrates for integrated circuit fabrication. The method comprises the steps of annealing at least one semiconductor substrate at a first temperature in a defect-activating ambient (e.g. hydrogen, forming gas, or ammonia) for sufficient time for activating any defects within on oxide layer of the substrate; measuring a defect-revealing electrical characteristic of at least a portion of the oxide layer for determining a quantity of activated defects therein; and selecting substrates for which the quantity of activated defects is below a predetermined level. The defect-revealing electrical characteristic may be a capacitance-versus-voltage (C-V) characteristic or a current-versus-voltage (I-V) characteristic that is dependent on an electrical charge in the oxide layer generated by the activated defects. Embodiments of the present invention may be applied for screening any type of semiconductor substrate or wafer having an oxide layer formed thereon or therein. This includes silicon-on-insulator substrates formed by a separation by the implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) process or the bond and etch back silicon-on-insulator (BESOI) process, as well as silicon substrates having a thermal oxide layer or a deposited oxide layer.

Au/Ti resistors used for Nb/Pb-alloy Josephson junctions. II. Thermal stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, Masanori; Kim, K. K.

1984-10-01

In the preceding paper bilayered Au/Ti resistors were found to have excellent electrical stability during storage at room temperature after preannealing at an elevated temperature, which is essential to design logic and memory circuits of Nb/Pb-alloy Josephson junction devices. The resistors could contact directly with the Pb-alloy control lines in which Pb and In atoms which are known to intermix easily with Au atoms are contained. Since Pb and In atoms in the control lines are separated from Au atoms of the resistors by thin Ti layers, thermal stability at the contacts is a major concern for use of the Au/Ti resistor material in the Josephson devices. In the present study, surface morphology change and diffusion mechanism at the resistor/control-line contacts were studied using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy for square-shaped Au/Ti resistors covered by Pb-In layers. The samples were isothermally annealed at temperatures ranging from 353 to 423 K. The diffusion did not occur immediately after annealing at these temperatures. After the incubation period, the interdiffusion was observed to initiate at the edges of the resistors facing to the center of the cathode. Significant amounts of the In atoms in the Pb-In layers were observed to diffuse into the Au layers of the resistors, forming AuIn2 compounds under the Ti layers. By measuring growth rates of the AuIn2 layers, the diffusion coefficients and the activation energy for the layer growth were determined. Also, by analyzing changes in the In concentration in the Pb-In layers during annealing, interdiffusion coefficients of In atoms in the Pb-In layers were determined using a computer simulation technique. The activation energy was about 1.1 eV. Since these diffusion coefficients were found to be very close to those determined previously in bulk materials, the diffusion kinetics is believed to be controlled by the lattice diffusion. Based on the present results, several methods to reduce the interdiffusion between Pb-alloy and Au/Ti resistors were proposed.

A model for the scattering of high-frequency electromagnetic fields from dielectrics exhibiting thermally-activated electrical losses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hann, Raiford E.

1991-01-01

An equivalent circuit model (ECM) approach is used to predict the scattering behavior of temperature-activated, electrically lossy dielectric layers. The total electrical response of the dielectric (relaxation + conductive) is given by the ECM and used in combination with transmission line theory to compute reflectance spectra for a Dallenbach layer configuration. The effects of thermally-activated relaxation processes on the scattering properties is discussed. Also, the effect of relaxation and conduction activation energy on the electrical properties of the dielectric is described.

A Multi-Biomarker Biogeochemical Investigation of a Permafrost Core from Interior Alaska Dating to 40,000 Years Before Present: Insight Into Millenial-Scale Carbon Accumulation and Degradation Status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchings, J.; Bianchi, T. S.; Schuur, E.; Kaufman, D. S.; Kholodov, A. L.; Vaughn, D.

2017-12-01

High latitude regions that were not directly glaciated have accumulated permafrost organic C (OC) throughout and prior to the last glacial period. Climate warming is expected to thaw these relict soils through expansion of the seasonally frozen active layer and re-expose them to active C cycling. Past climate perturbations also expanded the active layer and their effects were subsequently recorded in the bulk and molecular character of the now-buried permafrost soils. Here, we analyze a 5.4 m long permafrost core taken from an interior Alaska tundra site to assess its deep OC stock and molecular composition. OC stocks were quantified using elemental analysis and accumulation rates were estimated using 14C dating of 11 plant macrofossil samples. Organic matter source was indicated using lignin (overall plant contribution), amino acids (microbial contributions), and n-alkanes (vascular to non-vascular plant contributions), degradation status was indicated using lignin acid to aldehyde ratios (Ad:Al) and amino acid composition, and temperature was estimated via the branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol (GDGT) thermometer. Soil ages extended to 40,000 years, although a gap in 14C ages spanning from about 33 to 13 ka coincides with a 1.5 m thick, low OC (< 1 %OC) section of the core. We estimated a Holocene accumulation rate of 2.9 g OC m-2 yr-1, while mid-Wisconsin (40-30 ka) soils had a rate of 20.4 g OC m-2 yr-1, driven in part by the seven-fold higher sedimentation rate of the latter (0.4 mm yr-1). Lignin vannilyl Ad:Al indicated that mid-Wisconsin OC (mean Ad:Al 0.37) is well preserved compared to the Holocene section (mean Ad:Al 0.60), consistent with the older soils experiencing shorter residence times within the active layer due to faster sedimentation as well as potentially cooler temperatures. GDGT-derived temperatures were complicated by anomalously warm values in mid-Wisconsin soils (average mean annual temperature of 5.3°C compared to -1°C currently) and highly variable temperatures within the contemporary active layer. We suspect the unusually warm mid-Wisconsin temperatures are derived from an uncalibrated microbial community. These results are bolstered using n-alkane and amino acid biomarkers.

High mobility, dual layer, c-axis aligned crystalline/amorphous IGZO thin film transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Chen-Yang; Zhu, Bin; Greene, Raymond G.; Thompson, Michael O.; Ast, Dieter G.

2015-11-01

We demonstrate a dual layer IGZO thin film transistor (TFT) consisting of a 310 °C deposited c-axis aligned crystal (CAAC) 20 nm thick channel layer capped by a second, 30 nm thick, 260 °C deposited amorphous IGZO layer. The TFT exhibits a saturation field-effect mobility of ˜20 cm2/V s, exceeding the mobility of 50 nm thick single layer reference TFTs fabricated with either material. The deposition temperature of the second layer influences the mobility of the underlying transport layer. When the cap layer is deposited at room temperature (RT), the mobility in the 310 °C deposited CAAC layer is initially low (6.7 cm2/V s), but rises continuously with time over 58 days to 20.5 cm2/V s, i.e., to the same value as when the second layer is deposited at 260 °C. This observation indicates that the two layers equilibrate at RT with a time constant on the order of 5 × 106 s. An analysis based on diffusive transport indicates that the room temperature diffusivity must be of the order of 1 × 10-18 cm2 s-1 with an activation enthalpy EA < 0.2 eV for the mobility limiting species. The findings are consistent with a hypothesis that the amorphous layer deposited on top of the CAAC has a higher solubility for impurities and/or structural defects than the underlying nanocrystalline transport layer, and that the equilibration of the mobility limiting species is rate limited by hydrogen diffusion, whose known diffusivity fits these estimates.

Initial oxidation of pure and K doped NiTi shape memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tollefsen, H.; Raaen, S.

2009-06-01

Initial oxidation of pure and K doped nitinol has been studied by photoelectron spectroscopy. The composition of the TiOx layer that forms on the surface is found to depend on the temperature during oxidation. The oxidation at high temperatures results in enhanced formation of lower oxides, whereas TiO2 predominates for oxidation at lower temperatures, e.g., 70 °C. Submonolayer coverage of K on NiTi enhances the formation of TiO2 on the expense of lower oxides, which is of consequence for formation of a protective oxide layer and biocompatibility. Oxidation in the martensitic phase was found to be independent of temperature for temperatures between -40 and 10 °C, whereas in the austenitic phase the oxide growth is thermally activated.

Diffusion of Magnesium in Led Structures with InGaN/GaN Quantum Wells at True Growth Temperatures 860–980°C of p-GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanov, I. S.; Prudaev, I. A.; Brudnyi, V. N.

2018-05-01

The results of an investigation of Mg diffusion in blue LED structures with InGaN/GaN quantum wells are presented for various growth temperatures of the p-GaN layer. The values of the diffusion coefficient estimated for true growth temperatures of 860, 910, and 980°C were 7.5·10-17, 2.8·10-16, and 1.2·10-15 cm2/s, respectively. The temperature values given in the work were measured on the surface of the growing layer in situ using a pyrometer. The calculated activation energy for the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient was 2.8 eV.

Mixed Layer Temperature Budget for the Northward Propagating Summer Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation (MISO) in the Central Bay of Bengal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girishkumar, M. S.; Joseph, J.; Thangaprakash, V. P.; Pottapinjara, V.; McPhaden, M. J.

2017-11-01

Composite analyses of mixed layer temperature (MLT) budget terms from near-surface meteorological and oceanic observations in the central Bay of Bengal are utilized to evaluate the modulation of air-sea interactions and MLT processes in response to the summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO). For this purpose, we use moored buoy data at 15°N, 12°N, and 8°N along 90°E together with TropFlux meteorological parameters and the Ocean Surface Current Analyses Real-time (OSCAR) current product. Our analysis shows a strong cooling tendency in MLT with maximum amplitude in the central and northern BoB during the northward propagation of enhanced convective activity associated with the active phase of the MISO; conversely, warming occurs during the suppressed phase of the MISO. The surface mixed layer is generally heated during convectively inactive phases of the MISO primarily due to increased net surface heat flux into the ocean. During convectively active MISO phases, the surface mixed layer is cooled by the combined influence of net surface heat loss to the atmosphere and entrainment cooling at the base of mixed layer. The variability of net surface heat flux is primarily due to modulation of latent heat flux and shortwave radiation. Shortwave is mostly controlled by an enhancement or reduction of cloudiness during the active and inactive MISO phases and latent heat flux is mostly controlled by variations in air-sea humidity difference.

Sn-based Ge/Ge{sub 0.975}Sn{sub 0.025}/Ge p-i-n photodetector operated with back-side illumination

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

Chang, C.; Li, H.; Huang, S. H.

2016-04-11

We report an investigation of a GeSn-based p-i-n photodetector grown on a Ge wafer that collects light signal from the back of the wafer. Temperature dependent absorption measurements performed over a wide temperature range (300 K down to 25 K) show that (a) absorption starts at the indirect bandgap of the active GeSn layer and continues up to the direct bandgap of the Ge wafer, and (b) the peak responsivity increases rapidly at first with decreasing temperature, then increases more slowly, followed by a decrease at the lower temperatures. The maximum responsivity happens at 125 K, which can easily be achieved with themore » use of liquid nitrogen. The temperature dependence of the photocurrent is analyzed by taking into consideration of the temperature dependence of the electron and hole mobility in the active layer, and the analysis result is in reasonable agreement with the data in the temperature regime where the rapid increase occurs. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility of a GeSn-based photodiode that can be operated with back-side illumination for applications in image sensing systems.« less

Thermal characteristics of soil and water during summer at King Sejong Station, King George Island, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, H. S.; Lee, J. Y.; Yoon, H.

2016-12-01

Soil temperatures, water temperatures, and weather parameters were monitored at a variety of locations in the vicinity of King Sejong station, King George Island, Antarctica, during summer 2010-2011. Thermal characteristics of soil and water were analysed using time-series analyses, apparent thermal diffusivity (ATD), and active layer thickness. The temperatures of pond water and nearby seawater showed the distinctive diurnal variations and correlated strongly with solar radiation (r = 0.411-0.797). Soil temperature (0.1-0.3 m depth) also showed diurnal fluctuations that decreased with depth and were directly linked to air temperature (r = 0.513-0.783) rather than to solar radiation; correlation decreased with depth and the time lag in the response increased by 2-3 hours per 0.1 m of soil depth. Owing to the lack of snow cover, summertime soil temperature was not decoupled from air temperature. Estimated ATD was between 0.022 and 29.209 mm2/sec, showed temporal and spatial variations, and correlated strongly with soil moisture content. The maximum estimated active layer thickness in the study area was a 41-70 cm, which is consistent with values reported in the previous work.

Thermally activated decomposition of (Ga,Mn)As thin layer at medium temperature post growth annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melikhov, Y.; Konstantynov, P.; Domagala, J.; Sadowski, J.; Chernyshova, M.; Wojciechowski, T.; Syryanyy, Y.; Demchenko, I. N.

2016-05-01

The redistribution of Mn atoms in Ga1-xMnxAs layer during medium-temperature annealing, 250-450 oC, by Mn K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) recorded at ALBA facility, was studied. For this purpose Ga1-xMnxAs thin layer with x=0.01 was grown on AlAs buffer layer deposited on GaAs(100) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) followed by annealing. The examined layer was detached from the substrate using a “lift-off” procedure in order to eliminate elastic scattering in XAFS spectra. Fourier transform analysis of experimentally obtained EXAFS spectra allowed to propose a model which describes a redistribution/diffusion of Mn atoms in the host matrix. Theoretical XANES spectra, simulated using multiple scattering formalism (FEFF code) with the support of density functional theory (WIEN2k code), qualitatively describe the features observed in the experimental fine structure.

Regulating Molecular Aggregations of Polymers via Ternary Copolymerization Strategy for Efficient Solar Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Wang, Yingying; Zheng, Wei; Shahid, Bilal; Qiu, Meng; Wang, Di; Zhu, Dangqiang; Yang, Renqiang

2017-09-20

For many high-performance photovoltaic materials in polymer solar cells (PSCs), the active layers usually need to be spin-coated at high temperature due to the strong intermolecular aggregation of donor polymers, which is unfavorable in device repeatability and large-scale PSC printing. In this work, we adopted a ternary copolymerization strategy to regulate polymer solubility and molecular aggregation. A series of D-A 1 -D-A 2 random polymers based on different acceptors, strong electron-withdrawing unit ester substituted thieno[3,4-b]thiophene (TT-E), and highly planar dithiazole linked TT-E (DTzTT) were constructed to realize the regulation of molecular aggregation and simplification of device fabrication. The results showed that as the relative proportion of TT-E segment in the backbone increased, the absorption evidently red-shifted with a gradually decreased aggregation in solution, eventually leading to the active layers that can be fabricated at low temperature. Furthermore, due to the excellent phase separation and low recombination, the optimized solar cells based on the terpolymer P1 containing 30% of TT-E segment exhibit high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.09% with a significantly enhanced fill factor up to 72.86%. Encouragingly, the photovoltaic performance is insensitive to the fabrication temperature of the active layer, and it still could maintain high PCE of 8.82%, even at room temperature. This work not only develops the highly efficient photovoltaic materials for low temperature processed PSCs through ternary copolymerization strategy but also preliminarily constructs the relationship between aggregation and photovoltaic performance.

On the Goertler instability in hypersonic flows: Sutherland law fluids and real gas effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fu, Yibin B.; Hall, Philip; Blackaby, Nicholas D.

1990-01-01

The Goertler vortex instability mechanism in a hypersonic boundary layer on a curved wall is investigated. The precise roles of the effects of boundary layer growth, wall cooling, and gas dissociation is clarified in the determination of stability properties. It is first assumed that the fluid is an ideal gas with viscosity given by Sutherland's law. It is shown that when the free stream Mach number M is large, the boundary layer divides into two sublayers: a wall layer of O(M sup 3/2) thickness over which the basic state temperature is O(M squared) and a temperature adjustment layer of O(1) thickness over which the basic state temperature decreases monotonically to its free stream value. Goertler vortices which have wavelengths comparable with the boundary layer thickness are referred to as wall modes. It is shown that their downstream evolution is governed by a set of parabolic partial differential equations and that they have the usual features of Goertler vortices in incompressible boundary layers. As the local wavenumber increases, the neutral Goertler number decreases and the center of vortex activity moves towards the temperature adjustment layer. Goertler vortices with wavenumbers of order one or larger must necessarily be trapped in the temperature adjustment layer and it is this mode which is most dangerous. For this mode, it was found that the leading order term in the Goertler number expansion is independent of the wavenumber and is due to the curvature of the basic state. This term is also the asymptotic limit of the neutral Goertler numbers of the wall mode. To determine the higher order corrections terms in the Goertler number expansion, two wall curvature cases are distinguished. Real gas effects were investigated by assuming that the fluid is an ideal dissociating gas. It was found that both gas dissociation and wall cooling are destabilizing for the mode trapped in the temperature adjustment layer, but for the wall mode trapped near the wall the effect of gas dissociation can be either destabilizing or stabilizing.

Characterization and diffusion model for the titanium boride layers formed on the Ti6Al4V alloy by plasma paste boriding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keddam, Mourad; Taktak, Sukru

2017-03-01

The present study is focused on the estimation of activation energy of boron in the plasma paste borided Ti6Al4V alloy, which is extensively used in technological applications, using an analytical diffusion model. Titanium boride layers were successfully produced by plasma paste boriding method on the Ti6Al4V alloy in the temperature range of 973-1073 K for a treatment time ranging from 3 to 7 h. The presence of both TiB2 top-layer and TiB whiskers sub-layer was confirmed by the XRD analysis and SEM observations. The surface hardness of the borided alloy was evaluated using Micro-Knoop indenter. The formation rates of the TiB2 and TiB layers were found to have a parabolic character at all applied process temperatures. A diffusion model was suggested to estimate the boron diffusivities in TiB2 and TiB layers under certain assumptions, by considering the effect of boride incubation times. Basing on own experimental data on boriding kinetics, the activation energies of boron in TiB2 and TiB phases were estimated as 136.24 ± 0.5 and 63.76 ± 0.5 kJ mol-1, respectively. Finally, the obtained values of boron activation energies for Ti6Al4V alloy were compared with the data available in the literature.

An Integrated, Layered-Spinel Composite Cathode for Energy Storage Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagh, Nader; Skandan, Ganesh

2012-01-01

At low operating temperatures, commercially available electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries do not fully meet the energy and power requirements for NASA fs exploration activities. The composite cathode under development is projected to provide the required energy and power densities at low temperatures and its usage will considerably reduce the overall volume and weight of the battery pack. The newly developed composite electrode material can provide superior electrochemical performance relative to a commercially available lithium cobalt system. One advantage of using a composite cathode is its higher energy density, which can lead to smaller and lighter battery packs. In the current program, different series of layered-spinel composite materials with at least two different systems in an integrated structure were synthesized, and the volumetric and gravimetric energy densities were evaluated. In an integrated network of a composite electrode, the effect of the combined structures is to enhance the capacity and power capabilities of the material to levels greater than what is possible in current state-of-the-art cathode systems. The main objective of the current program is to implement a novel cathode material that meets NASA fs low temperature energy density requirements. An important feature of the composite cathode is that it has at least two components (e.g., layered and spinel) that are structurally integrated. The layered material by itself is electrochemically inactive; however, upon structural integration with a spinel material, the layered material can be electrochemically activated, thereby delivering a large amount of energy with stable cycling. A key aspect of the innovation has been the development of a scalable process to produce submicronand micron-scale particles of these composite materials. An additional advantage of using such a composite electrode material is its low irreversible loss (.5%), which is primarily due to the unique activation of the composite. High columbic efficiency (greater than 99%) upon cycling may indicate the formation of a stable SEI (solid-electrolyte interface) layer, which can contribute to long cycle life. The innovation in the current program, when further developed, will enable the system to maintain high energy and power densities at low temperatures, improve efficiency, and further stabilize and enhance the safety of the cell.

Oxygen storage properties and catalytic activity of layer-ordered perovskites BaY 1-xGd xMn 2O 5+δ

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

Klimkowicz, A.; Świerczek, K.; Rząsa, T.

2016-05-01

Crystal structure, oxygen storage-related and preliminary anaerobic methane combustion studies were conducted for BaY 1-xGd xMn 2O 5+δ (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) series of oxides prepared by a sol–gel method. All samples were found to possess layered-type A-site cation ordering, with the unit cell volume linearly dependent on the average radius of Y 1-xGd x for both the reduced and the oxidized materials. The oxygen content in the temperature range of 400 °C–600 °C indicates change on the order of 1 atomic mole, occurring when the sample's surrounding atmosphere was changed from air to 5 vol.% H 2more » in Ar. The time dependence of the reduction shows activated character on temperature, with an activation energy, which seems to be related to the oxygen diffusion in the bulk of the materials. Initial data concerning methane combustion in oxygen-free conditions show promising catalytic activity of BaYMn 2O 6 at elevated temperatures.« less

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

Duan, Guo Xing; Hatchtel, Jordan; Shen, Xiao

Here, we investigate negative-bias temperature instabilities in SiGe pMOSFETs with SiO 2/HfO 2 gate dielectrics. The activation energies we measured for interface-trap charge buildup during negative-bias temperature stress were lower for SiGe channel pMOSFETs with SiO 2/HfO 2 gate dielectrics and Si capping layers than for conventional Si channel pMOSFETs with SiO 2 gate dielectrics. Electron energy loss spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy images demonstrate that Ge atoms can diffuse from the SiGe layer into the Si capping layer, which is adjacent to the SiO 2/HfO 2 gate dielectric. Density functional calculations show that these Ge atoms reduce themore » strength of nearby Si-H bonds and that Ge-H bond energies are still lower, thereby reducing the activation energy for interface-trap generation for the SiGe devices. Moreover, activation energies for oxide-trap charge buildup during negative-bias temperature stress are similarly small for SiGe pMOSFETs with SiO 2/HfO 2 gate dielectrics and Si pMOSFETs with SiO 2 gate dielectrics, suggesting that, in both cases, the oxide-trap charge buildup likely is rate-limited by hole tunneling into the near-interfacial SiO 2.« less

The temperature characteristics of biological active period of the peat soils of Bakchar swamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiselev, M. V.; Dyukarev, E. A.; Voropay, N. N.

2018-01-01

The results of the study of the peculiarities of the temperature regime in the five basic ecosystems of oligotrophic bogs in the south taiga zone of Western Siberia in 2011-2016 are presented. The soil temperature regime was studied using the atmospheric-soil measuring complex at different depths from surface to 240 cm. All sites were divided into two groups according the bog water level: flooded sites (hollow and open fen) and drained sites (ridge, tall and low ryam). Waterlogged sites are better warmed in the summer period, and slowly freeze in the winter period. The analysis of the annual cycle of temperature showed that the maximum surface temperature is observed in July. The minimum temperature on the surface observed in February or January. The greatest temperature gradient was recorded in the upper 2 cm layer. The gradient at the open fen was -2 °C·cm-1 in February and 1.1 °C·cm-1 in October. The peak of formation of the seasonally frozen layer occurs at the end of autumn, beginning of winter. The degradation of the seasonally frozen layer was observed both from top and bottom, but degradation from the top is faster.

Growth and Characterization of Pyrite Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wertheim, Alex

A series of pyrite thin films were synthesized using a novel sequential evaporation technique to study the effects of substrate temperature on deposition rate and micro-structure of the deposited material. Pyrite was deposited in a monolayer-by-monolayer fashion using sequential evaporation of Fe under high vacuum, followed by sulfidation at high S pressures (typically > 1 mTorr to 1 Torr). Thin films were synthesized using two different growth processes; a one-step process in which a constant growth temperature is maintained throughout growth, and a three-step process in which an initial low temperature seed layer is deposited, followed by a high temperature layer, and then finished with a low temperature capping layer. Analysis methods to analyze the properties of the films included Glancing Angle X-Ray Diffraction (GAXRD), Rutherford Back-scattering Spectroscopy (RBS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS), 2-point IV measurements, and Hall effect measurements. Our results show that crystallinity of the pyrite thin film improves and grain size increases with increasing substrate temperature. The sticking coefficient of Fe was found to increase with increasing growth temperature, indicating that the Fe incorporation into the growing film is a thermally activated process.

Application of a mixed metal oxide catalyst to a metallic substrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sevener, Kathleen M. (Inventor); Lohner, Kevin A. (Inventor); Mays, Jeffrey A. (Inventor); Wisner, Daniel L. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A method for applying a mixed metal oxide catalyst to a metallic substrate for the creation of a robust, high temperature catalyst system for use in decomposing propellants, particularly hydrogen peroxide propellants, for use in propulsion systems. The method begins by forming a prepared substrate material consisting of a metallic inner substrate and a bound layer of a noble metal intermediate. Alternatively, a bound ceramic coating, or frit, may be introduced between the metallic inner substrate and noble metal intermediate when the metallic substrate is oxidation resistant. A high-activity catalyst slurry is applied to the surface of the prepared substrate and dried to remove the organic solvent. The catalyst layer is then heat treated to bind the catalyst layer to the surface. The bound catalyst layer is then activated using an activation treatment and calcinations to form the high-activity catalyst system.

A primer on clothing systems for cold-weather field work

USGS Publications Warehouse

Denner, Jon

1990-01-01

Conducting field work in cold weather is a demanding task. The most important safety consideration for field personnel is to maintain normal body temperature and avoid hypothermia.The human body adjusts to cold temperatures through different physiological processes. Heat production is enhanced by increases in the rates of basal metabolism, specific dynamic action, and physical exercise, and heat loss is reduced by vasoconstriction.Physiological adaptations alone are inadequate to stop rapid heat loss in cold temperatures. Additional insulation in the form of cold-weather clothing is necessary to retain heat.The most practical method of dressing for winter conditions is the layering system. Wearing multiple thin layers allows one to fine tune the insulation needed for different temperatures and activity levels.

First principles calculations of point defect diffusion in CdS buffer layers: Implications for Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S){sub 2} and Cu{sub 2}ZnSn(Se,S){sub 4}-based thin-film photovoltaics

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

Varley, J. B.; Lordi, V.; He, X.

2016-01-14

We investigate point defects in CdS buffer layers that may arise from intermixing with Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} (CIGSe) or Cu{sub 2}ZnSn(S,Se){sub 4} (CZTSSe) absorber layers in thin-film photovoltaics (PV). Using hybrid functional calculations, we characterize the migration barriers of Cu, In, Ga, Se, Sn, Zn, Na, and K impurities and assess the activation energies necessary for their diffusion into the bulk of the buffer. We find that Cu, In, and Ga are the most mobile defects in CIGS-derived impurities, with diffusion expected to proceed into the buffer via interstitial-hopping and cadmium vacancy-assisted mechanisms at temperatures ∼400 °C. Cu is predicted to stronglymore » favor migration paths within the basal plane of the wurtzite CdS lattice, which may facilitate defect clustering and ultimately the formation of Cu-rich interfacial phases as observed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic elemental maps in real PV devices. Se, Zn, and Sn defects are found to exhibit much larger activation energies and are not expected to diffuse within the CdS bulk at temperatures compatible with typical PV processing temperatures. Lastly, we find that Na interstitials are expected to exhibit slightly lower activation energies than K interstitials despite having a larger migration barrier. Still, we find both alkali species are expected to diffuse via an interstitially mediated mechanism at slightly higher temperatures than enable In, Ga, and Cu diffusion in the bulk. Our results indicate that processing temperatures in excess of ∼400 °C will lead to more interfacial intermixing with CdS buffer layers in CIGSe devices, and less so for CZTSSe absorbers where only Cu is expected to significantly diffuse into the buffer.« less

Structure characterization of MHEMT heterostructure elements with In0.4Ga0.6As quantum well grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrate using reciprocal space mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleshin, A. N.; Bugaev, A. S.; Ermakova, M. A.; Ruban, O. A.

2016-03-01

The crystallographic parameters of elements of a metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (MHEMT) heterostructure with In0.4Ga0.6As quantum well are determined using reciprocal space mapping. The heterostructure has been grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) on the vicinal surface of a GaAs substrate with a deviation angle of 2° from the (001) plane. The structure consists of a metamorphic step-graded buffer (composed of six layers, including an inverse step), a high-temperature buffer of constant composition, and active high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) layers. The InAs content in the metamorphic buffer layers varies from 0.1 to 0.48. Reciprocal space mapping has been performed for the 004 and 224 reflections (the latter in glancing exit geometry). Based on map processing, the lateral and vertical lattice parameters of In x Ga1- x As ternary solid solutions of variable composition have been determined. The degree of layer lattice relaxation and the compressive stress are found within the linear elasticity theory. The high-temperature buffer layer of constant composition (on which active MHEMT layers are directly formed) is shown to have the highest (close to 100%) degree of relaxation in comparison with all other heterostructure layers and a minimum compressive stress.

The energy input mechanism into the lower transition regions between stellar chromospheres and coronae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boehm-Vitense, Erika

1988-01-01

The ratio of the emission line fluxes for the C II and C IV lines in the lower transition regions (T = 30,000 to 100,000 K) between stellar chromospheres and transition layers is shown to depend mainly on the temperature gradient in the line emitting regions which can therefore be determined from this line ratio. From the observed constant (within the limits of observational error) ratio of the emission line fluxes of the C II (1335 A) and C IV (1550 A) lines it is concluded that the temperature gradients in the lower transition layers are similar for the large majority of stars independently of T sub eff, L, and degree of activity. This means that the temperature dependence of the damping length for the mechanical flux must be the same for all these stars. Since for different kinds of mechanical fluxes the dependence of the damping length on gas pressure and temperature is quite different, it is concluded that the same heating mechanism must be responsible for the heating of all the lower transition layers of these stars, regardless of their chromospheric activity. Only the amount of mechanical flux changes. The T Tauri stars are exceptions: their emission lines are probably mainly due to circumstellar material.

Effect of Dopant Activation on Device Characteristics of InGaN-based Light Emitting Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacroce, Nicholas; Liu, Guangyu; Tan, Chee-Keong; Arif, Ronald A.; Lee, Soo Min; Tansu, Nelson

2015-03-01

Achieving high uniformity in growths and device characteristics of InGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is important for large scale manufacturing. Dopant activation and maintaining control of variables affecting dopant activation are critical steps in the InGaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) fabrication process. In the epitaxy of large scale production LEDs, in-situ post-growth annealing is used for activating the Mg acceptor dopant in the p-AlGaN and p-GaN of the LEDs. However, the annealing temperature varies with respect to position in the reactor chamber, leading to severe uniform dopant activation issue across the devices. Thus, it is important to understand how the temperature gradient and the resulting variance in Mg acceptor activation will alter the device properties. In this work, we examine the effect of varying p-type doping levels in the p-GaN layers and AlGaN electron blocking layer of the GaN LEDs on the optoelectronic properties including the band profile, carrier concentration, current density, output power and quantum efficiency. By understanding the variations and its effect, the identification of the most critical p-type doping layer strategies to address this variation will be clarified.

Distinct summer and winter bacterial communities in the active layer of Svalbard permafrost revealed by DNA- and RNA-based analyses

DOE PAGES

Schostag, Morten; Stibal, Marek; Jacobsen, Carsten S.; ...

2015-04-30

The active layer of soil overlaying permafrost in the Arctic is subjected to dramatic annual changes in temperature and soil chemistry, which likely affect bacterial activity and community structure. We studied seasonal variations in the bacterial community of active layer soil from Svalbard (78°N) by co-extracting DNA and RNA from 12 soil cores collected monthly over a year. PCR amplicons of 16S rRNA genes (DNA) and reverse transcribed transcripts (cDNA) were quantified and sequenced to test for the effect of low winter temperature and seasonal variation in concentration of easily degradable organic matter on the bacterial communities. The copy numbermore » of 16S rRNA genes and transcripts revealed no distinct seasonal changes indicating potential bacterial activity during winter despite soil temperatures well below -10°C. Multivariate statistical analysis of the bacterial diversity data (DNA and cDNA libraries) revealed a season-based clustering of the samples, and, e.g., the relative abundance of potentially active Cyanobacteria peaked in June and Alphaproteobacteria increased over the summer and then declined from October to November. The structure of the bulk (DNA-based) community was significantly correlated with pH and dissolved organic carbon, while the potentially active (RNA-based) community structure was not significantly correlated with any of the measured soil parameters. A large fraction of the 16S rRNA transcripts was assigned to nitrogen-fixing bacteria (up to 24% in June) and phototrophic organisms (up to 48% in June) illustrating the potential importance of nitrogen fixation in otherwise nitrogen poor Arctic ecosystems and of phototrophic bacterial activity on the soil surface.« less

Distinct summer and winter bacterial communities in the active layer of Svalbard permafrost revealed by DNA- and RNA-based analyses

PubMed Central

Schostag, Morten; Stibal, Marek; Jacobsen, Carsten S.; Bælum, Jacob; Taş, Neslihan; Elberling, Bo; Jansson, Janet K.; Semenchuk, Philipp; Priemé, Anders

2015-01-01

The active layer of soil overlaying permafrost in the Arctic is subjected to dramatic annual changes in temperature and soil chemistry, which likely affect bacterial activity and community structure. We studied seasonal variations in the bacterial community of active layer soil from Svalbard (78°N) by co-extracting DNA and RNA from 12 soil cores collected monthly over a year. PCR amplicons of 16S rRNA genes (DNA) and reverse transcribed transcripts (cDNA) were quantified and sequenced to test for the effect of low winter temperature and seasonal variation in concentration of easily degradable organic matter on the bacterial communities. The copy number of 16S rRNA genes and transcripts revealed no distinct seasonal changes indicating potential bacterial activity during winter despite soil temperatures well below −10°C. Multivariate statistical analysis of the bacterial diversity data (DNA and cDNA libraries) revealed a season-based clustering of the samples, and, e.g., the relative abundance of potentially active Cyanobacteria peaked in June and Alphaproteobacteria increased over the summer and then declined from October to November. The structure of the bulk (DNA-based) community was significantly correlated with pH and dissolved organic carbon, while the potentially active (RNA-based) community structure was not significantly correlated with any of the measured soil parameters. A large fraction of the 16S rRNA transcripts was assigned to nitrogen-fixing bacteria (up to 24% in June) and phototrophic organisms (up to 48% in June) illustrating the potential importance of nitrogen fixation in otherwise nitrogen poor Arctic ecosystems and of phototrophic bacterial activity on the soil surface. PMID:25983731

Revealing spatially heterogeneous relaxation in a model nanocomposite.

PubMed

Cheng, Shiwang; Mirigian, Stephen; Carrillo, Jan-Michael Y; Bocharova, Vera; Sumpter, Bobby G; Schweizer, Kenneth S; Sokolov, Alexei P

2015-11-21

The detailed nature of spatially heterogeneous dynamics of glycerol-silica nanocomposites is unraveled by combining dielectric spectroscopy with atomistic simulation and statistical mechanical theory. Analysis of the spatial mobility gradient shows no "glassy" layer, but the α-relaxation time near the nanoparticle grows with cooling faster than the α-relaxation time in the bulk and is ∼20 times longer at low temperatures. The interfacial layer thickness increases from ∼1.8 nm at higher temperatures to ∼3.5 nm upon cooling to near bulk Tg. A real space microscopic description of the mobility gradient is constructed by synergistically combining high temperature atomistic simulation with theory. Our analysis suggests that the interfacial slowing down arises mainly due to an increase of the local cage scale barrier for activated hopping induced by enhanced packing and densification near the nanoparticle surface. The theory is employed to predict how local surface densification can be manipulated to control layer dynamics and shear rigidity over a wide temperature range.

The Low Temperature Epitaxy of Strained GeSn Layers Using RTCVD System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kil, Yeon-Ho; Yuk, Sim-Hoon; Jang, Han-Soo; Lee, Sang-Geul; Choi, Chel-Jong; Shim, Kyu-Hwan

2018-03-01

We have investigated the low temperature (LT) growth of GeSn-Ge-Si structures using rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition system utilizing Ge2H6 and SnCl4 as the reactive precursors. Due to inappropriate phenomena, such as, Ge etch and Sn segregation, it was hard to achieve high quality GeSn epitaxy at the temperature > 350 °C. On the contrary, we found that the SnCl4 promoted the reaction of Ge2H6 precursors in a certain process condition of LT, 240-360 °C. In return, we could perform the growth of GeSn epi layer with 7.7% of Sn and its remaining compressive strain of 71.7%. The surface propagated defects were increased with increasing the Sn content in the GeSn layer confirmed by TEM analysis. And we could calculate the activation energies at lower GeSn growth temperature regime using by Ge2H6 and SnCl4 precursors about 0.43 eV.

Revealing spatially heterogeneous relaxation in a model nanocomposite

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Shiwang; Mirigian, Stephen; Carrillo, Jan-Michael Y.; ...

2015-11-18

The detailed nature of spatially heterogeneous dynamics of glycerol-silica nanocomposites is unraveled by combining dielectric spectroscopy with atomistic simulation and statistical mechanical theory. Analysis of the spatial mobility gradient shows no glassy layer, but the -relaxation time near the nanoparticle grows with cooling faster than the -relaxation time in the bulk and is ~20 times longer at low temperatures. The interfacial layer thickness increases from ~1.8 nm at higher temperatures to ~3.5 nm upon cooling to near bulk T g. A real space microscopic description of the mobility gradient is constructed by synergistically combining high temperature atomistic simulation with theory.more » Our analysis suggests that the interfacial slowing down arises mainly due to an increase of the local cage scale barrier for activated hopping induced by enhanced packing and densification near the nanoparticle surface. As a result, the theory is employed to predict how local surface densification can be manipulated to control layer dynamics and shear rigidity over a wide temperature range.« less

Arctic mosses govern below-ground environment and ecosystem processes.

PubMed

Gornall, J L; Jónsdóttir, I S; Woodin, S J; Van der Wal, R

2007-10-01

Mosses dominate many northern ecosystems and their presence is integral to soil thermal and hydrological regimes which, in turn, dictate important ecological processes. Drivers, such as climate change and increasing herbivore pressure, affect the moss layer thus, assessment of the functional role of mosses in determining soil characteristics is essential. Field manipulations conducted in high arctic Spitsbergen (78 degrees N), creating shallow (3 cm), intermediate (6 cm) and deep (12 cm) moss layers over the soil surface, had an immediate impact on soil temperature in terms of both average temperatures and amplitude of fluctuations. In soil under deep moss, temperature was substantially lower and organic layer thaw occurred 4 weeks later than in other treatment plots; the growing season for vascular plants was thereby reduced by 40%. Soil moisture was also reduced under deep moss, reflecting the influence of local heterogeneity in moss depth, over and above the landscape-scale topographic control of soil moisture. Data from field and laboratory experiments show that moss-mediated effects on the soil environment influenced microbial biomass and activity, resulting in warmer and wetter soil under thinner moss layers containing more plant-available nitrogen. In arctic ecosystems, which are limited by soil temperature, growing season length and nutrient availability, spatial and temporal variation in the depth of the moss layer has significant repercussions for ecosystem function. Evidence from our mesic tundra site shows that any disturbance causing reduction in the depth of the moss layer will alleviate temperature and moisture constraints and therefore profoundly influence a wide range of ecosystem processes, including nutrient cycling and energy transfer.

Improvement of performance in low temperature solid oxide fuel cells operated on ethanol and air mixtures using Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalyst layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales, M.; Espiell, F.; Segarra, M.

2015-10-01

Anode-supported single-chamber solid oxide fuel cells with and without Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalyst layers deposited on the anode support have been operated on ethanol and air mixtures. The cells consist of gadolinia-doped ceria electrolyte, Ni-doped ceria anode, and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ-doped ceria cathode. Catalyst layers with different Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 ratios are deposited and sintered at several temperatures. Since the performance of single-chamber fuel cells strongly depends on catalytic properties of electrodes for partial oxidation of ethanol, the cells are electrochemically characterized as a function of the temperature, ethanol-air molar ratio and gas flow rate. In addition, catalytic activities of supported anode, catalytic layer-supported anode and cathode for partial oxidation of ethanol are analysed. Afterwards, the effect of composition and sintering temperature of catalyst layer on the cell performance are determined. The results indicate that the cell performance can be significantly enhanced using catalyst layers of 30:35:35 and 40:30:30 wt.% Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 sintered at 1100 °C, achieving power densities above 50 mW cm-2 under 0.45 ethanol-air ratio at temperatures as low as 450 °C. After testing for 15 h, all cells present a gradual loss of power density, without carbon deposition, which is mainly attributed to the partial re-oxidation of Ni at the anode.

The Effect of Internal Gravity Waves on Fluctuations in Meteorological Parameters of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaitseva, D. V.; Kallistratova, M. A.; Lyulyukin, V. S.; Kouznetsov, R. D.; Kuznetsov, D. D.

2018-03-01

Variations in the intensity of turbulence during wave activity in the stable atmospheric boundary layer over a homogeneous steppe surface have been analyzed. Eight wave activity episodes recorded with a Doppler sodar in August 2015 at the Tsimlyansk Scientific Station of the Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics have been studied. These episodes include seven trains of Kelvin-Helmholtz waves and one train of buoyancy waves. Variations in the rms deviation of the vertical wind-velocity component, the temperature structure parameter, and vertical heat and momentum fluxes have been estimated for each episode of wave activity. It has been found that Kelvin-Helmholtz waves slightly affect the intensity of turbulence, while buoyancy waves cause the temperature structure parameter and the vertical fluxes to increase by more than an order of magnitude.

Long-term comparison of Kuparuk Watershed active layer maps, northern Alaska, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyland, K. E.; Queen, C.; Nelson, F. E.; Shiklomanov, N. I.; Streletskiy, D. A.; Klene, A. E.

2017-12-01

The active layer, or the uppermost soil horizon that thaws seasonally, is among the most dynamic components of the permafrost system. Evaluation of the thickness and spatial variation of the active layer is critical to many components of Arctic research, including climatology, ecology, environmental monitoring, and engineering. In this study we mapped active-layer thickness (ALT) across the 22,278 sq. km Kuparuk River basin on Alaska's North Slope throughout the summer of 2016. The Kuparuk River extends from the Brooks Range through the Arctic Foothills and across the Arctic Coastal Plain physiographic provinces, and drains into the Beaufort Sea. Methodology followed procedures used to produce an ALT map of the basin in 1995 accounting for the effects of topography, vegetation, topoclimate, and soils, using the same spatial sampling scheme for direct ALT and temperature measurement at representative locations and relating these parameters to vegetation-soil associations. A simple semi-empirical engineering solution was used to estimate thaw rates for the different associations. An improved lapse-rate formulation and a higher-resolution DEM were used to relate temperature to elevation. Three ALT maps were generated for the 2016 summer, combining measured thaw depth, temperature records, the 25 m ArcticDEM, high resolution remote sensed data, empirical laps rates, and a topoclimatic index through the thaw solution. These maps were used to track the spatial progression of thaw through the 2016 summer season and estimate a total volume of thawed soil. Maps produced in this study were compared to the 1995 map to track areas of significant geographic changes in patterns of ALT and total volume of thawed soil.

Lateral Hydrogen Diffusion at p-GaN Layers in Nitride-Based Light Emitting Diodes with Tunnel Junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuwano, Yuka; Kaga, Mitsuru; Morita, Takatoshi; Yamashita, Kouji; Yagi, Kouta; Iwaya, Motoaki; Takeuchi, Tetsuya; Kamiyama, Satoshi; Akasaki, Isamu

2013-08-01

We demonstrated lateral Mg activation along p-GaN layers underneath n-GaN surface layers in nitride-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) with GaInN tunnel junctions. A high temperature thermal annealing was effective for the lateral Mg activation when the p-GaN layers were partly exposed to an oxygen ambient as etched sidewalls. The activated regions gradually extended from the etched sidewalls to the centers with an increase of annealing time, observed as emission regions with current injection. These results suggest that hydrogen diffuses not vertically thorough the above n-GaN but laterally through the exposed portions of the p-GaN. The lowest voltage drop at the GaInN tunnel junction was estimated to be 0.9 V at 50 mA with the optimized annealing condition.

Screening method for selecting semiconductor substrates having defects below a predetermined level in an oxide layer

DOEpatents

Warren, W.L.; Vanheusden, K.J.R.; Schwank, J.R.; Fleetwood, D.M.; Shaneyfelt, M.R.; Winokur, P.S.; Devine, R.A.B.

1998-07-28

A method is disclosed for screening or qualifying semiconductor substrates for integrated circuit fabrication. The method comprises the steps of annealing at least one semiconductor substrate at a first temperature in a defect-activating ambient (e.g. hydrogen, forming gas, or ammonia) for sufficient time for activating any defects within on oxide layer of the substrate; measuring a defect-revealing electrical characteristic of at least a portion of the oxide layer for determining a quantity of activated defects therein; and selecting substrates for which the quantity of activated defects is below a predetermined level. The defect-revealing electrical characteristic may be a capacitance-versus voltage (C-V) characteristic or a current-versus-voltage (I-V) characteristic that is dependent on an electrical charge in the oxide layer generated by the activated defects. Embodiments of the present invention may be applied for screening any type of semiconductor substrate or wafer having an oxide layer formed thereon or therein. This includes silicon-on-insulator substrates formed by a separation by the implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) process or the bond and etch back silicon-on-insulator (BESOI) process, as well as silicon substrates having a thermal oxide layer or a deposited oxide layer. 5 figs.

[Effects of elevated temperature on soil organic carbon and soil respiration under subalpine coniferous forest in western Sichuan Province, China].

PubMed

Pan, Xin-li; Lin, Bo; Liu, Qing

2008-08-01

To investigate the effects of elevated temperature on the soil organic carbon content, soil respiration rate, and soil enzyme activities in subalpine Picea asperata plantations in western Sichuan Province of China, a simulation study was conducted in situ with open-top chambers from November 2005 to July 2007. The results showed that under elevated temperature, the mean air temperature and soil temperature were 0.42 degrees C and 0.25 degrees C higher than the control, respectively. In the first and the second year, the increased temperature had somewhat decreasing effects on the soil organic carbon and the C/N ratio at the soil depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. In the first year the soil organic carbon and the C/N ratio in 0-10 cm soil layer decreased by 8.69%, and 8.52%, respectively; but in the second year, the decrements were lesser. Soil respiration rate was significantly enhanced in the first year of warming, but had no significant difference with the control in the second year. In the first year of warming, the activities of soil invertase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, protease, and urease increased, and the invertase and polyphenol oxidase activities in 0-10 cm soil layer were significantly higher than the control. In the second year of warming, the activities of invertase, protease and urease still had an increase, but those of catalase and polyphenol oxidase had a downtrend, compared with the control.

Pulsed-Plasma Physical Vapor Deposition Approach Toward the Facile Synthesis of Multilayer and Monolayer Graphene for Anticoagulation Applications.

PubMed

Vijayaraghavan, Rajani K; Gaman, Cezar; Jose, Bincy; McCoy, Anthony P; Cafolla, Tony; McNally, Patrick J; Daniels, Stephen

2016-02-01

We demonstrate the growth of multilayer and single-layer graphene on copper foil using bipolar pulsed direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering of a graphite target in pure argon atmosphere. Single-layer graphene (SG) and few-layer graphene (FLG) films are deposited at temperatures ranging from 700 °C to 920 °C within <30 min. We find that the deposition and post-deposition annealing temperatures influence the layer thickness and quality of the graphene films formed. The films were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and optical transmission spectroscopy techniques. Based on the above studies, a diffusion-controlled mechanism was proposed for the graphene growth. A single-step whole blood assay was used to investigate the anticoagulant activity of graphene surfaces. Platelet adhesion, activation, and morphological changes on the graphene/glass surfaces, compared to bare glass, were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and SEM techniques. We have found significant suppression of the platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation on the graphene-covered surfaces, compared to the bare glass, indicating the anticoagulant activity of the deposited graphene films. Our production technique represents an industrially relevant method for the growth of SG and FLG for various applications including the biomedical field.

Mg doping of GaN by molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lieten, R. R.; Motsnyi, V.; Zhang, L.; Cheng, K.; Leys, M.; Degroote, S.; Buchowicz, G.; Dubon, O.; Borghs, G.

2011-04-01

We present a systematic study on the influence of growth conditions on the incorporation and activation of Mg in GaN layers grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. We show that high quality p-type GaN layers can be obtained on GaN-on-silicon templates. The Mg incorporation and the electrical properties have been investigated as a function of growth temperature, Ga : N flux ratio and Mg : Ga flux ratio. It was found that the incorporation of Mg and the electrical properties are highly sensitive to the Ga : N flux ratio. The highest hole mobility and lowest resistivity were achieved for slightly Ga-rich conditions. In addition to an optimal Ga : N ratio, an optimum Mg : Ga flux ratio was also observed at around 1%. We observed a clear Mg flux window for p-type doping of GaN : 0.31% < Mg : Ga < 5.0%. A lowest resistivity of 0.98 Ω cm was obtained for optimized growth conditions. The p-type GaN layer then showed a hole concentration of 4.3 × 1017 cm-3 and a mobility of 15 cm2 V-1 s-1. Temperature-dependent Hall effect measurements indicate an acceptor depth in these samples of 100 meV for a hole concentration of 5.5 × 1017 cm-3. The corresponding Mg concentration is 5 × 1019 cm-3, indicating approximately 1% activation at room temperature. In addition to continuous growth of Mg-doped GaN layers we also investigated different modulated growth procedures. We show that a modulated growth procedure has only limited influence on Mg doping at a growth temperature of 800 °C or higher. This result is thus in contrast to previously reported GaN : Mg doping at much lower growth temperatures of 500 °C.

Improved Low Temperature Performance of Supercapacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandon, Erik J.; West, William C.; Smart, Marshall C.; Gnanaraj, Joe

2013-01-01

Low temperature double-layer capacitor operation enabled by: - Base acetonitrile / TEATFB salt formulation - Addition of low melting point formates, esters and cyclic ethers center dot Key electrolyte design factors: - Volume of co-solvent - Concentration of salt center dot Capacity increased through higher capacity electrodes: - Zeolite templated carbons - Asymmetric cell designs center dot Continuing efforts - Improve asymmetric cell performance at low temperature - Cycle life testing Motivation center dot Benchmark performance of commercial cells center dot Approaches for designing low temperature systems - Symmetric cells (activated carbon electrodes) - Symmetric cells (zeolite templated carbon electrodes) - Asymmetric cells (lithium titanate/activated carbon electrodes) center dot Experimental results center dot Summary

The properties of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) ZnO thin films and comparison with thermal ALD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Doyoung; Kang, Hyemin; Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Hyungjun

2011-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were prepared by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) using oxygen plasma as a reactant and the properties were compared with those of thermal atomic layer deposition (TH-ALD) ZnO thin films. While hexagonal wurzite phase with preferential (0 0 2) orientation was obtained for both cases, significant differences were observed in various aspects of film properties including resistivity values between these two techniques. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements have shown that high resistivity of PE-ALD ZnO thin films is due to the oxygen interstitials at low growth temperature of 200 °C, whose amount decreases with increasing growth temperature. Thin film transistors (TFT) using TH- and PE-ALD ZnO as an active layer were also fabricated and the device properties were evaluated comparatively.

A tentative record of the last 1,000 years of Greenland temperature from occluded air in the GISP2 ice core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobashi, T.; Severinghaus, J. P.; Barnola, J.; Kawamura, K.; Beaudette, R.

2005-12-01

Ice borehole temperature inversion has been used to reconstruct Greenland surface temperature during the last millennium (Dahl-Jensen et al, Science, 1998). However, this technique does not preserve high frequencies because of diffusion of heat in the ice. Here, we present a tentative reconstruction of the past 1,000 years of central Greenland temperature using nitrogen and argon isotopes from occluded air in the GISP2 ice core. This technique preserves decadal-to-centennial-scale temperature variations and complements the borehole technique. Nitrogen and argon isotopes in the porous snow layer (~80m) experience two isotopic fractionations by gravitation and temperature gradients (ΔT) between the top and bottom of the snow layer. The simultaneous analysis of argon and nitrogen isotopes allows us to separate these two effects, and obtain a history of ΔT in the layer. To a first approximation, ΔT change on decadal to centennial time scales is a surface temperature history because the heat conductivity of snow is much smaller than that of ice, and the heat capacity of the ice sheet is quite large. The preliminary ΔT history (20-year interval) shows a Medieval Warm Period in the 11th to 12th centuries and the Little Ice Age in the 15th to 19th centuries. Furthermore, the record shows a clear similarity with the Be-10 record (a proxy for solar activity) with Wolf, Sporer, Maunder, and Dalton minima clearly seen in the cold periods. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that solar activity influenced Greenland temperature during the past 1000 years.

Thin Layer Drying Kinetics of By-Products from Olive Oil Processing

PubMed Central

Montero, Irene; Miranda, Teresa; Arranz, Jose Ignacio; Rojas, Carmen Victoria

2011-01-01

The thin-layer behavior of by-products from olive oil production was determined in a solar dryer in passive and active operation modes for a temperature range of 20–50 °C. The increase in the air temperature reduced the drying time of olive pomace, sludge and olive mill wastewater. Moisture ratio was analyzed to obtain effective diffusivity values, varying in the oil mill by-products from 9.136 × 10−11 to 1.406 × 10−9 m2/s in forced convection (ma = 0.22 kg/s), and from 9.296 × 10−11 to 6.277 × 10−10 m2/s in natural convection (ma = 0.042 kg/s). Diffusivity values at each temperature were obtained using the Fick’s diffusion model and, regardless of the convection, they increased with the air temperature. The temperature dependence on the effective diffusivity was determined by an Arrhenius type relationship. The activation energies were found to be 38.64 kJ/mol, 30.44 kJ/mol and 47.64 kJ/mol for the olive pomace, the sludge and the olive mill wastewater in active mode, respectively, and 91.35 kJ/mol, 14.04 kJ/mol and 77.15 kJ/mol in natural mode, in that order. PMID:22174639

Suppressing the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles by Extremely Thin Al2O3 Films Grown by Gas-Phase Deposition at Ambient Conditions

PubMed Central

Guo, Jing; Valdesueiro, David; Yuan, Shaojun; Liang, Bin; van Ommen, J. Ruud

2018-01-01

This work investigated the suppression of photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment powders by extremely thin aluminum oxide (Al2O3) films deposited via an atomic-layer-deposition-type process using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and H2O as precursors. The deposition was performed on multiple grams of TiO2 powder at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in a fluidized bed reactor, resulting in the growth of uniform and conformal Al2O3 films with thickness control at sub-nanometer level. The as-deposited Al2O3 films exhibited excellent photocatalytic suppression ability. Accordingly, an Al2O3 layer with a thickness of 1 nm could efficiently suppress the photocatalytic activities of rutile, anatase, and P25 TiO2 nanoparticles without affecting their bulk optical properties. In addition, the influence of high-temperature annealing on the properties of the Al2O3 layers was investigated, revealing the possibility of achieving porous Al2O3 layers. Our approach demonstrated a fast, efficient, and simple route to coating Al2O3 films on TiO2 pigment powders at the multigram scale, and showed great potential for large-scale production development. PMID:29364840

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

Mohri, Maryam, E-mail: mmohri@ut.ac.ir; Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Nanotechnology, 76021 Karlsruhe; Nili-Ahmadabadi, Mahmoud

The crystallization of Ni-rich/NiTiCu bi-layer thin film deposited by magnetron sputtering from two separate alloy targets was investigated. To achieve the shape memory effect, the NiTi thin films deposited at room temperature with amorphous structure were annealed at 773 K for 15, 30, and 60 min for crystallization. Characterization of the films was carried out by differential scanning calorimetry to indicate the crystallization temperature, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction to identify the phase structures, atomic force microscopy to evaluate surface morphology, scanning transmission electron microscopy to study the cross section of the thin films. The results show that the structure ofmore » the annealed thin films strongly depends on the temperature and time of the annealing. Crystalline grains nucleated first at the surface and then grew inward to form columnar grains. Furthermore, the crystallization behavior was markedly affected by composition variations. - Highlights: • A developed bi-layer Ni45TiCu5/Ni50.8Ti was deposited on Si substrate and crystallized. • During crystallization, The Ni{sub 45}TiCu{sub 5} layer is thermally less stable than the Ni-rich layer. • The activation energy is 302 and 464 kJ/mol for Cu-rich and Ni-rich layer in bi-layer, respectively.« less

[Effects of human engineering activities on permafrost active layer and its environment in northern Qinghai-Tibetan plateau].

PubMed

Guo, Zhenggang; Wu, Qingbo; Niu, Fujun

2006-11-01

With disturbed and undisturbed belts during the construction of Qinghai-Tibet highway as test objectives, this paper studied the effects of human engineering activities on the permafrost ecosystem in northern Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The results showed that the thickness of permafrost active layer was smaller in disturbed than in undisturbed belt, and decreased with increasing altitude in undisturbed belt while no definite pattern was observed in disturbed belt. Different vegetation types had different effects on the thickness of permafrost active layer, being decreased in the order of steppe > shrub > meadow. In the two belts, altitude was the main factor affecting the vertical distribution of soil moisture, but vegetation type was also an important affecting factor if the altitude was similar. Due to the human engineering activities, soil temperature in summer was lower in disturbed than in undisturbed belt.

Amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors using organic-inorganic hybrid films deposited by low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for all dielectric layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chao-Jui; Chang, Ching-Hsiang; Chang, Kuei-Ming; Wu, Chung-Chih

2017-01-01

We investigated the deposition of high-performance organic-inorganic hybrid dielectric films by low-temperature (close to room temperature) inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)/O2 precursor gas. The hybrid films exhibited low leakage currents and high breakdown fields, suitable for thin-film transistor (TFT) applications. They were successfully integrated into the gate insulator, the etch-stop layer, and the passivation layer for bottom-gate staggered amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) TFTs having the etch-stop configuration. With the double-active-layer configuration having a buffer a-IGZO back-channel layer grown in oxygen-rich atmosphere for better immunity against plasma damage, the etch-stop-type bottom-gate staggered a-IGZO TFTs with good TFT characteristics were successfully demonstrated. The TFTs showed good field-effect mobility (μFE), threshold voltage (V th), subthreshold swing (SS), and on/off ratio (I on/off) of 7.5 cm2 V-1 s-1, 2.38 V, 0.38 V/decade, and 2.2 × 108, respectively, manifesting their usefulness for a-IGZO TFTs.

High-Capacity, High-Voltage Composite Oxide Cathode Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagh, Nader M.

2015-01-01

This SBIR project integrates theoretical and experimental work to enable a new generation of high-capacity, high-voltage cathode materials that will lead to high-performance, robust energy storage systems. At low operating temperatures, commercially available electrode materials for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries do not meet energy and power requirements for NASA's planned exploration activities. NEI Corporation, in partnership with the University of California, San Diego, has developed layered composite cathode materials that increase power and energy densities at temperatures as low as 0 degC and considerably reduce the overall volume and weight of battery packs. In Phase I of the project, through innovations in the structure and morphology of composite electrode particles, the partners successfully demonstrated an energy density exceeding 1,000 Wh/kg at 4 V at room temperature. In Phase II, the team enhanced the kinetics of Li-ion transport and electronic conductivity at 0 degC. An important feature of the composite cathode is that it has at least two components that are structurally integrated. The layered material is electrochemically inactive; however, upon structural integration with a spinel material, the layered material can be electrochemically activated and deliver a large amount of energy with stable cycling.

Low temperature grown GaNAsSb: A promising material for photoconductive switch application

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

Tan, K. H.; Yoon, S. F.; Wicaksono, S.

2013-09-09

We report a photoconductive switch using low temperature grown GaNAsSb as the active material. The GaNAsSb layer was grown at 200 °C by molecular beam epitaxy in conjunction with a radio frequency plasma-assisted nitrogen source and a valved antimony cracker source. The low temperature growth of the GaNAsSb layer increased the dark resistivity of the switch and shortened the carrier lifetime. The switch exhibited a dark resistivity of 10{sup 7} Ω cm, a photo-absorption of up to 2.1 μm, and a carrier lifetime of ∼1.3 ps. These results strongly support the suitability of low temperature grown GaNAsSb in the photoconductivemore » switch application.« less

Thermal behavior and catalytic activity in naphthalene destruction of Ce-, Zr- and Mn-containing oxide layers on titanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilyeva, Marina S.; Rudnev, Vladimir S.; Wiedenmann, Florian; Wybornov, Svetlana; Yarovaya, Tatyana P.; Jiang, Xin

2011-11-01

The present paper is devoted to studies of the composition and surface structure, including those after annealing at high temperatures, and catalytic activity in the reaction of naphthalene destruction of Ce-, Zr- and Mn-containing oxide layers on titanium obtained by means of the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. The composition and structure of the obtained systems were investigated using the methods of X-ray phase and energy dispersive analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was demonstrated that Ce- and Zr- containing structures had relatively high thermal stability: their element and phase compositions and surface structure underwent virtually no changes after annealing in the temperature range 600-800 °C. Annealing of Ce- and Zr-containing coatings in the temperature range 850-900 °C resulted in substantial changes of their surface composition and structure: a relatively homogeneous and porous surface becomes coated by large pole-like crystals. The catalytic studies showed rather high activity of Ce- and Zr-containing coatings in the reaction of naphthalene destruction at temperatures up to 850 °C. Mn-containing structures of the type MnOx + SiO2 + TiO2/Ti have a well-developed surface coated by “nano-whiskers”. The phase composition and surface structure of manganese-containing layers changes dramatically in the course of thermal treatment. After annealing above 600 °C nano-whiskers vanish with formation of molten structures on the surface. The Mn-containing oxide systems demonstrated lower conversion degrees than the Ce- and Zr-containing coatings, which can be attributed to substantial surface modification and formation of molten manganese silicates at high temperatures.

Low-temperature SiON films deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition method using activated silicon precursor

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

Suh, Sungin; Kim, Jun-Rae; Kim, Seongkyung

2016-01-15

It has not been an easy task to deposit SiN at low temperature by conventional plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) since Si organic precursors generally have high activation energy for adsorption of the Si atoms on the Si-N networks. In this work, in order to achieve successful deposition of SiN film at low temperature, the plasma processing steps in the PE-ALD have been modified for easier activation of Si precursors. In this modification, the efficiency of chemisorption of Si precursor has been improved by additional plasma steps after purging of the Si precursor. As the result, the SiN films preparedmore » by the modified PE-ALD processes demonstrated higher purity of Si and N atoms with unwanted impurities such as C and O having below 10 at. % and Si-rich films could be formed consequently. Also, a very high step coverage ratio of 97% was obtained. Furthermore, the process-optimized SiN film showed a permissible charge-trapping capability with a wide memory window of 3.1 V when a capacitor structure was fabricated and measured with an insertion of the SiN film as the charge-trap layer. The modified PE-ALD process using the activated Si precursor would be one of the most practical and promising solutions for SiN deposition with lower thermal budget and higher cost-effectiveness.« less

Selective layer disordering in intersubband Al 0.028Ga 0.972 N/AlN superlattices with silicon nitride capping layer

DOE PAGES

Wierer, Jonathan J.; Allerman, Andrew A.; Skogen, Erik J.; ...

2015-06-01

We demonstrate the selective layer disordering in intersubband Al 0.028Ga 0.972 N/AlN superlattices using a silicon nitride (SiN x) capping layer. The (SiN x) capped superlattice exhibits suppressed layer disordering under high-temperature annealing. In addition, the rate of layer disordering is reduced with increased SiN x thickness. The layer disordering is caused by Si diffusion, and the SiN x layer inhibits vacancy formation at the crystal surface and ultimately, the movement of Al and Ga atoms across the heterointerfaces. In conclusion, patterning of the SiN x layer results in selective layer disordering, an attractive method to integrate active and passivemore » III–nitride-based intersubband devices.« less

Lithium-drifted silicon detector with segmented contacts

DOEpatents

Tindall, Craig S.; Luke, Paul N.

2006-06-13

A method and apparatus for creating both segmented and unsegmented radiation detectors which can operate at room temperature. The devices include a metal contact layer, and an n-type blocking contact formed from a thin layer of amorphous semiconductor. In one embodiment the material beneath the n-type contact is n-type material, such as lithium compensated silicon that forms the active region of the device. The active layer has been compensated to a degree at which the device may be fully depleted at low bias voltages. A p-type blocking contact layer, or a p-type donor material can be formed beneath a second metal contact layer to complete the device structure. When the contacts to the device are segmented, the device is capable of position sensitive detection and spectroscopy of ionizing radiation, such as photons, electrons, and ions.

Role of Cobalt Content in Improving the Low-Temperature Performance of Layered Lithium-Rich Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Kou, Jianwen; Chen, Lai; Su, Yuefeng; Bao, Liying; Wang, Jing; Li, Ning; Li, Weikang; Wang, Meng; Chen, Shi; Wu, Feng

2015-08-19

Layered lithium-rich cathode material, Li1.2Ni0.2-xCo2xMn0.6-xO2 (x = 0-0.05) was successfully synthesized using a sol-gel method, followed by heat treatment. The effects of trace amount of cobalt doping on the structure, morphology, and low-temperature (-20 °C) electrochemical properties of these materials are investigated systematically. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm that the Co has been doped into the Ni/Mn sites in the transition-metal layers without destroying the pristine layered structure. The morphological observations reveal that there are no changes of morphology or particle size after Co doping. The electrochemical performance results indicate that the discharge capacities and operation voltages are drastically lowered along with the decreasing temperature, but their fading rate becomes slower when increasing the Co contents. At -20 °C, the initial discharge capacity of sample with x = 0 could retain only 22.1% (57.3/259.2 mAh g(-1)) of that at 30 °C, while sample with x = 0.05 could maintain 39.4% (111.3/282.2 mAh g(-1)). Activation energy analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results reveal that such an enhancement of low-temperature discharge capacity is originated from the easier interface reduction reaction of Ni(4+) or Co(4+) after doping trace amounts of Co, which decreases the activation energy of the charge transfer process above 3.5 V during discharging.

A means to estimate thermal and kinetic parameters of coal dust layer from hot surface ignition tests.

PubMed

Park, Haejun; Rangwala, Ali S; Dembsey, Nicholas A

2009-08-30

A method to estimate thermal and kinetic parameters of Pittsburgh seam coal subject to thermal runaway is presented using the standard ASTM E 2021 hot surface ignition test apparatus. Parameters include thermal conductivity (k), activation energy (E), coupled term (QA) of heat of reaction (Q) and pre-exponential factor (A) which are required, but rarely known input values to determine the thermal runaway propensity of a dust material. Four different dust layer thicknesses: 6.4, 12.7, 19.1 and 25.4mm, are tested, and among them, a single steady state dust layer temperature profile of 12.7 mm thick dust layer is used to estimate k, E and QA. k is calculated by equating heat flux from the hot surface layer and heat loss rate on the boundary assuming negligible heat generation in the coal dust layer at a low hot surface temperature. E and QA are calculated by optimizing a numerically estimated steady state dust layer temperature distribution to the experimentally obtained temperature profile of a 12.7 mm thick dust layer. Two unknowns, E and QA, are reduced to one from the correlation of E and QA obtained at criticality of thermal runaway. The estimated k is 0.1 W/mK matching the previously reported value. E ranges from 61.7 to 83.1 kJ/mol, and the corresponding QA ranges from 1.7 x 10(9) to 4.8 x 10(11)J/kg s. The mean values of E (72.4 kJ/mol) and QA (2.8 x 10(10)J/kg s) are used to predict the critical hot surface temperatures for other thicknesses, and good agreement is observed between measured and experimental values. Also, the estimated E and QA ranges match the corresponding ranges calculated from the multiple tests method and values reported in previous research.

Origin of dislocation luminescence centers and their reorganization in p-type silicon crystal subjected to plastic deformation and high temperature annealing.

PubMed

Pavlyk, Bohdan; Kushlyk, Markiyan; Slobodzyan, Dmytro

2017-12-01

Changes of the defect structure of silicon p-type crystal surface layer under the influence of plastic deformation and high temperature annealing in oxygen atmosphere were investigated by deep-level capacitance-modulation spectroscopy (DLCMS) and IR spectroscopy of molecules and atom vibrational levels. Special role of dislocations in the surface layer of silicon during the formation of its energy spectrum and rebuilding the defective structure was established. It is shown that the concentration of linear defects (N ≥ 10 4  cm -2 ) enriches surface layer with electrically active complexes (dislocation-oxygen, dislocation-vacancy, and dislocation-interstitial atoms of silicon) which are an effective radiative recombination centers.

A study of vapor-phase deposition of silicon nitride layers by ammonolysis of dichlorosilane at lowered pressure

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

Manzha, N. M., E-mail: magazine@miee.ru

2010-12-15

Deposition kinetics of silicon nitride layers at lowered reactor pressures of 10-130 Pa and temperatures in the range 973-1073 K has been studied. The equilibrium constant of the bimolecular reaction of dichlorosilane with ammonia has been calculated. The apparent activation energies calculated taking into account the experimental growth rate nearly coincide with the experimental data. Recommendations for improving the quality of silicon nitride layers are made.

Electrical characteristics and density of states of thin-film transistors based on sol-gel derived ZnO channel layers with different annealing temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Mirkhani, V.; Yapabandara, K.; Cheng, R.; Hernandez, G.; Khanal, M. P.; Sultan, M. S.; Uprety, S.; Shen, L.; Zou, S.; Xu, P.; Ellis, C. D.; Sellers, J. A.; Hamilton, M. C.; Niu, G.; Sk, M. H.; Park, M.

2018-04-01

We report on the fabrication and electrical characterization of bottom gate thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on a sol-gel derived ZnO channel layer. The effect of annealing of ZnO active channel layers on the electrical characteristics of the ZnO TFTs was systematically investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicate that the crystal quality of the ZnO improves with increasing annealing temperature. Both the device turn-on voltage (Von) and threshold voltage (VT) shift to a positive voltage with increasing annealing temperature. As the annealing temperature is increased, both the subthreshold slope and the interfacial defect density (Dit) decrease. The field effect mobility (μFET) increases with annealing temperature, peaking at 800 °C and decreases upon further temperature increase. An improvement in transfer and output characteristics was observed with increasing annealing temperature. However, when the annealing temperature reaches 900 °C, the TFTs demonstrate a large degradation in both transfer and output characteristics, which is possibly produced by non-continuous coverage of the film. By using the temperature-dependent field effect measurements, the localized sub-gap density of states (DOSs) for ZnO TFTs with different annealing temperatures were determined. The DOSs for the subthreshold regime decrease with increasing annealing temperature from 600 °C to 800 °C and no substantial change was observed with further temperature increase to 900 °C.

Effect of simultaneous electrical and thermal treatment on the performance of bulk heterojunction organic solar cell blended with organic salt

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

Sabri, Nasehah Syamin; Yap, Chi Chin; Yahaya, Muhammad

2013-11-27

This work presents the influence of simultaneous electrical and thermal treatment on the performance of organic solar cell blended with organic salt. The organic solar cells were composed of indium tin oxide as anode, poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]: (6,6)-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester: tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate blend as organic active layer and aluminium as cathode. The devices underwent a simultaneous fixed-voltage electrical and thermal treatment at different temperatures of 25, 50 and 75 °C. It was found that photovoltaic performance improved with the thermal treatment temperature. Accumulation of more organic salt ions in the active layer leads to broadening of p-n doped regions andmore » hence higher built-in electric field across thin intrinsic layer. The simultaneous electrical and thermal treatment has been shown to be able to reduce the electrical treatment voltage.« less

The strain and thermal induced tunable charging phenomenon in low power flexible memory arrays with a gold nanoparticle monolayer.

PubMed

Zhou, Ye; Han, Su-Ting; Xu, Zong-Xiang; Roy, V A L

2013-03-07

The strain and temperature dependent memory effect of organic memory transistors on plastic substrates has been investigated under ambient conditions. The gold (Au) nanoparticle monolayer was prepared and embedded in an atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)) as the charge trapping layer. The devices exhibited low operation voltage, reliable memory characteristics and long data retention time. Experimental analysis of the programming and erasing behavior at various bending states showed the relationship between strain and charging capacity. Thermal-induced effects on these memory devices have also been analyzed. The mobility shows ~200% rise and the memory window increases from 1.48 V to 1.8 V when the temperature rises from 20 °C to 80 °C due to thermally activated transport. The retention capability of the devices decreases with the increased working temperature. Our findings provide a better understanding of flexible organic memory transistors under various operating temperatures and validate their applications in various areas such as temperature sensors, temperature memory or advanced electronic circuits. Furthermore, the low temperature processing procedures of the key elements (Au nanoparticle monolayer and Al(2)O(3) dielectric layer) could be potentially integrated with large area flexible electronics.

Structure characterization of MHEMT heterostructure elements with In{sub 0.4}Ga{sub 0.6}As quantum well grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrate using reciprocal space mapping

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

Aleshin, A. N., E-mail: a.n.aleshin@mail.ru; Bugaev, A. S.; Ermakova, M. A.

2016-03-15

The crystallographic parameters of elements of a metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (MHEMT) heterostructure with In{sub 0.4}Ga{sub 0.6}As quantum well are determined using reciprocal space mapping. The heterostructure has been grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) on the vicinal surface of a GaAs substrate with a deviation angle of 2° from the (001) plane. The structure consists of a metamorphic step-graded buffer (composed of six layers, including an inverse step), a high-temperature buffer of constant composition, and active high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) layers. The InAs content in the metamorphic buffer layers varies from 0.1 to 0.48. Reciprocal space mapping has been performed for themore » 004 and 224 reflections (the latter in glancing exit geometry). Based on map processing, the lateral and vertical lattice parameters of In{sub x}Ga{sub 1–x}As ternary solid solutions of variable composition have been determined. The degree of layer lattice relaxation and the compressive stress are found within the linear elasticity theory. The high-temperature buffer layer of constant composition (on which active MHEMT layers are directly formed) is shown to have the highest (close to 100%) degree of relaxation in comparison with all other heterostructure layers and a minimum compressive stress.« less

Reduction of dioxin emission by a multi-layer reactor with bead-shaped activated carbon in simulated gas stream and real flue gas of a sinter plant.

PubMed

Hung, Pao Chen; Lo, Wei Chiao; Chi, Kai Hsien; Chang, Shu Hao; Chang, Moo Been

2011-01-01

A laboratory-scale multi-layer system was developed for the adsorption of PCDD/Fs from gas streams at various operating conditions, including gas flow rate, operating temperature and water vapor content. Excellent PCDD/F removal efficiency (>99.99%) was achieved with the multi-layer design with bead-shaped activated carbons (BACs). The PCDD/F removal efficiency achieved with the first layer adsorption bed decreased as the gas flow rate was increased due to the decrease of the gas retention time. The PCDD/F concentrations measured at the outlet of the third layer adsorption bed were all lower than 0.1 ng I-TEQ Nm⁻³. The PCDD/Fs desorbed from BAC were mainly lowly chlorinated congeners and the PCDD/F outlet concentrations increased as the operating temperature was increased. In addition, the results of pilot-scale experiment (real flue gases of an iron ore sintering plant) indicated that as the gas flow rate was controlled at 15 slpm, the removal efficiencies of PCDD/F congeners achieved with the multi-layer reactor with BAC were better than that in higher gas flow rate condition (20 slpm). Overall, the lab-scale and pilot-scale experiments indicated that PCDD/F removal achieved by multi-layer reactor with BAC strongly depended on the flow rate of the gas stream to be treated. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Absolute measurements of the triplet-triplet annihilation rate and the charge-carrier recombination layer thickness in working polymer light-emitting diodes based on polyspirobifluorene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothe, C.; Al Attar, H. A.; Monkman, A. P.

2005-10-01

The triplet exciton densities in electroluminescent devices prepared from two polyspirobifluorene derivatives have been investigated by means of time-resolved transient triplet absorption as a function of optical and electrical excitation power at 20 K. Because of the low mobility of the triplet excitons at this temperature, the triplet generation profile within the active polymer layer is preserved throughout the triplet lifetime and as a consequence the absolute triplet-triplet annihilation efficiency is not homogeneously distributed but depends on position within the active layer. This then gives a method to measure the charge-carrier recombination layer after electrical excitation relative to the light penetration depth, which is identical to the triplet generation layer after optical excitation. With the latter being obtained from ellipsometry, an absolute value of 5 nm is found for the exciton formation layer in polyspirobifluorene devices. This layer increases to 11 nm if the balance between the electron and the hole mobility is improved by chemically modifying the polymer backbone. Also, and consistent with previous work, triplet diffusion is dispersive at low temperature. As a consequence of this, the triplet-triplet annihilation rate is not a constant in the classical sense but depends on the triplet excitation dose. At 20 K and for typical excitation doses, absolute values of the latter rate are of the order of 10-14cm3s-1 .

Mechanism of the surface runoff generation processes of a permafrost watershed in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Genxu, W.

2017-12-01

There is a lack of knowledge about how to quantify runoff generation and the hydrological processes operating in permafrost catchments on permafrost-dominant catchments. To understand the mechanism of runoff generation processes in permafrost catchments, a typical headwater catchment with continuous permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau was measured. A new approach is presented in this study to account for runoff processes on the spring thawing period and autumn freezing period, when runoff generation clearly differs from that of non-permafrost catchments. This approach introduces a soil temperature-based water saturation function and modifies the soil water storage curve with a soil temperature threshold. The results show that surface soil thawing induced saturation excess runoff and subsurface interflow account for approximately 66-86% and 14-34% of total spring runoff, respectively, and the soil temperature significantly affects the runoff generation pattern, the runoff composition and the runoff coefficient with the enlargement of the active layer. The suprapermafrost groundwater discharge decreases exponentially with active layer frozen processes during autumn runoff recession, whereas the ratio of groundwater discharge to total runoff and the direct surface runoff coefficient simultaneously increase. The bidirectional freezing of the active layer controls and changes the autumn runoff processes and runoff composition. The new approach could be used to further develop hydrological models of cold regions dominated by permafrost.

Temperature and moisture effects on greenhouse gas emissions from deep active-layer boreal soils

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

Bond-Lamberty, Ben; Smith, A. Peyton; Bailey, Vanessa L.

Rapid climatic changes, rising air temperatures, and increased fires are expected to drive permafrost degradation and alter soil carbon (C) cycling in many high-latitude ecosystems. How these soils will respond to changes in their temperature, moisture, and overlying vegetation is uncertain but critical to understand given the large soil C stocks in these regions. We used a laboratory experiment to examine how temperature and moisture control CO 2 and CH 4 emissions from mineral soils sampled from the bottom of the annual active layer, i.e., directly above permafrost, in an Alaskan boreal forest. Gas emissions from 30 cores, subjected tomore » two temperatures and either field moisture conditions or experimental drought, were tracked over a 100-day incubation; we also measured a variety of physical and chemical characteristics of the cores. Gravimetric water content was 0.31 ± 0.12 (unitless) at the beginning of the incubation; cores at field moisture were unchanged at the end, but drought cores had declined to 0.06 ± 0.04. Daily CO 2 fluxes were positively correlated with incubation chamber temperature, core water content, and percent soil nitrogen. They also had a temperature sensitivity ( Q 10) of 1.3 and 1.9 for the field moisture and drought treatments, respectively. Daily CH 4 emissions were most strongly correlated with percent nitrogen, but neither temperature nor water content was a significant first-order predictor of CH 4 fluxes. The cumulative production of C from CO 2 was over 6 orders of magnitude higher than that from CH 4; cumulative CO 2 was correlated with incubation temperature and moisture treatment, with drought cores producing 52–73 % lower C. Cumulative CH 4 production was unaffected by any treatment. These results suggest that deep active-layer soils may be sensitive to changes in soil moisture under aerobic conditions, a critical factor as discontinuous permafrost thaws in interior Alaska. Furthermore, deep but unfrozen high-latitude soils have been shown to be strongly affected by long-term experimental warming, and these results provide insight into their future dynamics and feedback potential with future climate change.« less

Temperature and moisture effects on greenhouse gas emissions from deep active-layer boreal soils

DOE PAGES

Bond-Lamberty, Ben; Smith, A. Peyton; Bailey, Vanessa L.

2016-12-21

Rapid climatic changes, rising air temperatures, and increased fires are expected to drive permafrost degradation and alter soil carbon (C) cycling in many high-latitude ecosystems. How these soils will respond to changes in their temperature, moisture, and overlying vegetation is uncertain but critical to understand given the large soil C stocks in these regions. We used a laboratory experiment to examine how temperature and moisture control CO 2 and CH 4 emissions from mineral soils sampled from the bottom of the annual active layer, i.e., directly above permafrost, in an Alaskan boreal forest. Gas emissions from 30 cores, subjected tomore » two temperatures and either field moisture conditions or experimental drought, were tracked over a 100-day incubation; we also measured a variety of physical and chemical characteristics of the cores. Gravimetric water content was 0.31 ± 0.12 (unitless) at the beginning of the incubation; cores at field moisture were unchanged at the end, but drought cores had declined to 0.06 ± 0.04. Daily CO 2 fluxes were positively correlated with incubation chamber temperature, core water content, and percent soil nitrogen. They also had a temperature sensitivity ( Q 10) of 1.3 and 1.9 for the field moisture and drought treatments, respectively. Daily CH 4 emissions were most strongly correlated with percent nitrogen, but neither temperature nor water content was a significant first-order predictor of CH 4 fluxes. The cumulative production of C from CO 2 was over 6 orders of magnitude higher than that from CH 4; cumulative CO 2 was correlated with incubation temperature and moisture treatment, with drought cores producing 52–73 % lower C. Cumulative CH 4 production was unaffected by any treatment. These results suggest that deep active-layer soils may be sensitive to changes in soil moisture under aerobic conditions, a critical factor as discontinuous permafrost thaws in interior Alaska. Furthermore, deep but unfrozen high-latitude soils have been shown to be strongly affected by long-term experimental warming, and these results provide insight into their future dynamics and feedback potential with future climate change.« less

Temperature and moisture effects on greenhouse gas emissions from deep active-layer boreal soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bond-Lamberty, Ben; Smith, A. Peyton; Bailey, Vanessa

2016-12-01

Rapid climatic changes, rising air temperatures, and increased fires are expected to drive permafrost degradation and alter soil carbon (C) cycling in many high-latitude ecosystems. How these soils will respond to changes in their temperature, moisture, and overlying vegetation is uncertain but critical to understand given the large soil C stocks in these regions. We used a laboratory experiment to examine how temperature and moisture control CO2 and CH4 emissions from mineral soils sampled from the bottom of the annual active layer, i.e., directly above permafrost, in an Alaskan boreal forest. Gas emissions from 30 cores, subjected to two temperatures and either field moisture conditions or experimental drought, were tracked over a 100-day incubation; we also measured a variety of physical and chemical characteristics of the cores. Gravimetric water content was 0.31 ± 0.12 (unitless) at the beginning of the incubation; cores at field moisture were unchanged at the end, but drought cores had declined to 0.06 ± 0.04. Daily CO2 fluxes were positively correlated with incubation chamber temperature, core water content, and percent soil nitrogen. They also had a temperature sensitivity (Q10) of 1.3 and 1.9 for the field moisture and drought treatments, respectively. Daily CH4 emissions were most strongly correlated with percent nitrogen, but neither temperature nor water content was a significant first-order predictor of CH4 fluxes. The cumulative production of C from CO2 was over 6 orders of magnitude higher than that from CH4; cumulative CO2 was correlated with incubation temperature and moisture treatment, with drought cores producing 52-73 % lower C. Cumulative CH4 production was unaffected by any treatment. These results suggest that deep active-layer soils may be sensitive to changes in soil moisture under aerobic conditions, a critical factor as discontinuous permafrost thaws in interior Alaska. Deep but unfrozen high-latitude soils have been shown to be strongly affected by long-term experimental warming, and these results provide insight into their future dynamics and feedback potential with future climate change.

The Kinetics of Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Reactions in Polar Solvents

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-20

focussed on systems for which rate constants and activation parameters are available as a function of the solvent, and as a function of temperature . The... temperature . The role of reactant structure in determining the kinetic parameters is also considered. Double layer effects both at unmodified and...that the Gibbs activation energy to form a monovalent cation from a neutral molecule via electrooxidation is different from that to form a monovalent

Thermal activation in Co/Sb nanoparticle-multilayer thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madden, Michael R.

Multilayer "Co" /"Sb" thin films created via electron-beam physical vapor deposition are known to exhibit thermally activated dynamics. Scanning tunneling microscopy has indicated that the "Co" forms nanoparticles within an "Sb" matrix during deposition and subsequently forms nanowires by way of NP migration within the interstices of the confining layers. The electrical resistance of these systems decays during this irreversible aging process in a manner well-modeled by an Arrhenius law. Presently, this phenomenon is shown to possess some degree of tunability with respect to "Co" layer thickness tCo as well as deposition temperature Tdep , whereby characteristic timescales increase with either parameter. Furthermore, fluctuation timescales and activation energies seem to decrease and increase respectively with increasing t Co. An easily calibrated, one-time-use, time-temperature switch based on such systems lies within the realm of plausibility. The results presented here can be considered to be part of an ongoing development of the concept.

Influence of carbon conductive additives on electrochemical double-layer supercapacitor parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiseleva, E. A.; Zhurilova, M. A.; Kochanova, S. A.; Shkolnikov, E. J.; Tarasenko, A. B.; Zaitseva, O. V.; Uryupina, O. V.; Valyano, G. V.

2018-01-01

Electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLC) offer energy storage technology, highly demanded for rapid transition processes in transport and stationary applications, concerned with fast power fluctuations. Rough structure of activated carbon, widely used as electrode material because of its high specific area, leads to poor electrode conductivity. Therefore there is the need for conductive additive to decrease internal resistance and to achieve high specific power and high specific energy. Usually carbon blacks are widely used as conductive additive. In this paper electrodes with different conductive additives—two types of carbon blacks and single-walled carbon nanotubes—were prepared and characterized in organic electrolyte-based EDLC cells. Electrodes are based on original wood derived activated carbon produced by potassium hydroxide high-temperature activation at Joint Institute for High Temperatures RAS. Electrodes were prepared from slurry by cold-rolling. For electrode characterization cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectra analysis, equivalent series resistance measurements and galvanostatic charge-discharge were used.

Landscape and hydrologic changes in the permafrost regions of the Western Canadian Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marsh, P.

2012-12-01

The Western Canadian Arctic, in the vicinity of the Mackenzie River Delta, is characterized by long cold winters, short summers, low precipitation, thin organic soils, and ice-rich continuous permafrost. Over the last few decades, this region has undergone dramatic changes in climate, with warming air temperature and decreasing winter and summer precipitation. This has resulted in various landscape changes, including the warming of the upper layers of the permafrost, deepening of the active layer, drainage of permafrost affected lakes, an ongoing change from tundra to shrub tundra, and earlier spring breakup of streams, rivers and lakes. However, interactions between climate, hydrology, snow, and vegetation greatly affect both the spatial and temporal changes to the permafrost and hydrology of this region. Knowledge of these changes is important to the understanding of methane dynamics in this permafrost landscape, and for predicting future changes. Two examples of observed landscape change will be discussed. First, ground based observations and analysis of air photo images has demonstrated that shrub expansion is not uniform across the landscape, but instead is characterized by shrub patches of varying size. This patchiness is likely related to existing variations in soil temperature and moisture, active layer depth, snowcover, and tundra fires. As shrub patches further develop, they impact soil temperature and active layer depth. For example, small patches of shrubs typically have snow depths that are deeper than surrounding tundra areas due to the accumulation of blowing snow, and as a result have much warmer soil temperatures and deeper active layers. In contrast to these small shrub patches, large shrub patches have snow depths only slightly larger than found in the surrounding tundra and therefore only slightly warmer winter soil temperatures. However, shading of the surface during the summer may result in cooler summer soil temperatures. The overall effect of large shrub patches may be either deeper or shallower active layer depths than the surrounding tundra areas, depending on the leaf area index, the degree of shrub bending during the winter, and snow accumulation. Second, in contrast to many areas in Alaska and Siberia where increased rates of lake drainage have been reported, the rate of lake drainage in the Western Canadian Arctic has been decreasing over the past 50 years. The primary factors causing lake drainage in this region are high lake levels and winter cracking of ice wedges in the area immediately around the lake. Hydrologic modelling has suggested that summer lake levels have not changed significantly over the last 50 years, and therefore are not responsible for the decrease in drainage. However, the role of factors such as snow dams at lake outlets that result in high spring water levels, or the offsetting factors of warmer, but less snowy winters on ice wedge cracking are not well understood. As a result, further research is required to better understand how these lakes will respond to future changes in climate. Given the potential changes to methane dynamics in areas of changing permafrost, there is an urgent need to better understand ongoing, and future, changes in the landscape of these permafrost regions.

Heterojunction light emitting diodes fabricated with different n-layer oxide structures on p-GaN layers by magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Bo Hyun; Han, Won Suk; Kim, Young Yi; Cho, Hyung Koun; Kim, Jae Hyun

2010-06-01

We grew heterojunction light emitting diode (LED) structures with various n-type semiconducting layers by magnetron sputtering on p-type GaN at high temperature. Because the undoped ZnO used as an active layer was grown under oxygen rich atmosphere, all LED devices showed the EL characteristics corresponding to orange-red wavelength due to high density of oxygen interstitial, which was coincident with the deep level photoluminescence emission of undoped ZnO. The use of the Ga doped layers as a top layer provided the sufficient electron carriers to active region and resulted in the intense EL emission. The LED sample with small quantity of Mg incorporated in MgZnO as an n-type top layer showed more intense emission than the LED with ZnO, in spite of the deteriorated electrical and structural properties of the MgZnO film. This might be due to the improvement of output extraction efficiency induced by rough surface.

Development and coupling analysis of active skin antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jinzhu; Huang, Jin; He, Qingqang; Tang, Baofu; Song, Liwei

2017-02-01

An active skin antenna is a multifunctional composite structure that can provide load-bearing structure and steerable beam pointing functions, and is usually installed in the structural surface of aircraft, warships, and armored vehicles. This paper presents an innovative design of the active skin antenna, which consists of a package layer, control and signal processing layer, and RF (radio frequency) layer. The RF layer is fabricated by low temperature co-fired ceramics, with 64 microstrip antenna elements, tile transmitting and receiving modules, microchannel heat sinks, and feeding networks integrated into a functional block 2.8 mm thick. In this paper, a full-sized prototype of an active skin antenna was designed, fabricated, and tested. Moreover, a coupling analysis method was presented to evaluate the mechanical and electromagnetic performance of the active skin antenna subjected to aerodynamic loads. A deformed experimental system was built to validate the effectiveness of the coupling analysis method, which was also implemented to evaluate the performance of the active skin antenna when subjected to aerodynamic pressure. The fabricated specimen demonstrated structural configuration feasibility, and superior environmental load resistance.

Assessment of Climate Driven Dynamics of Active Layer, Hydrological and Vegetation Status at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Using Dynamic Global Vegetation Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.

2014-12-01

Extensive permafrost degradation starting from 1970s is observed at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau , China. Degradation is attributed to an increase in mean annual ground temperature 0.1◦-0.5◦ C with mainly winter warming. The construction of Qinghai-Tibet Railway also influenced a state of permafrost in the area Permafrost degradation caused negative environmental consequences in the area. The areas covered by sand are expanding steadily making large concern of accelerating desertification. The general pathway of future joint dynamics of permafrost, vegetation and hydrological status at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is still poorly understood and foreseeable. Hydrology in the area is determined by heat-moisture dynamics of active layer. This dynamics is highly non-linear and depends as on external climatic variables temperature and precipitation, so on soil and rock properties (amount of sand against aeolian deposits in the Plateau) as well as vegetation cover, which determine thaw and freeze processes in the active layer and evaporation and run-off. SEVER DGVM was modified to include heat-moisture dynamics of active layer in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. SEVER DGVM imitates processes in 10 plant functional types at coarse resolution of 0.5 degrees. This model imitates behavior of average individual of each plant type in each grid cell through simulation years. Each of those grid cells processed independently. First, this model starts from "bare soil", placing a bit of each plant type and giving them some time to grow and achieve equilibrium. Then, including active layer thickness and soil moisture dynamics into this layer, it allows assessment of potential environmental dynamics in this area. Simulations demonstrate further degradation of pastureland and accelerating desertification processes in this vitally important water feed area for many Asian rivers. Negative environmental problems related to operation of Qinghai-Tibet are also assessed.

Improved Mobility and Bias Stability of Thin Film Transistors Using the Double-Layer a-InGaZnO/a-InGaZnO:N Channel.

PubMed

Yu, H; Zhang, L; Li, X H; Xu, H Y; Liu, Y C

2016-04-01

The amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) were demonstrated based on a double-layer channel structure, where the channel is composed of an ultrathin nitro-genated a-IGZO (a-IGZO:N) layer and an undoped a-IGZO layer. The double-layer channel device showed higher saturation mobility and lower threshold-voltage shift (5.74 cm2/Vs, 2.6 V) compared to its single-layer counterpart (0.17 cm2/Vs, 7.23 V). The improvement can be attributed to three aspects: (1) improved carrier transport properties of the channel by the a-IGZO:N layer with high carrier mobility and the a-IGZO layer with high carrier concentration, (2) reduced interfacial trap density between the active channel and the gate insulator, and (3) higher surface flatness of the double-layer channel. Our study reveals key insights into double-layer channel, involving selecting more suitable electrical property for back-channel layer and more suitable interface modification for active layer. Meanwhile, room temperature fabrication amorphous TFTs offer certain advantages on better flexibility and higher uniformity over a large area.

A Simple Kinetic Model for the Growth of Fe2B Layers on AISI 1026 Steel During the Powder-pack Boriding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores-Rentería, M. A.; Ortiz-Domínguez, M.; Keddam, M.; Damián-Mejía, O.; Elias-Espinosa, M.; Flores-González, M. A.; Medina-Moreno, S. A.; Cruz-Avilés, A.; Villanueva-Ibañez, M.

2015-02-01

This work focused on the determination of boron diffusion coefficient through the Fe2B layers on AISI 1026 steel using a mathematical model. The suggested model solves the mass balance equation at the (Fe2B/substrate) interface. This thermochemical treatment was carried out in the temperature range of 1123-1273 K for a treatment time ranging from 2 to 8 h. The generated boride layers were characterized by different experimental techniques such as light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, XRD analysis and the Daimler-Benz Rockwell-C indentation technique. As a result, the boron activation energy for AISI 1026 steel was estimated as 178.4 kJ/mol. Furthermore, this kinetic model was validated by comparing the experimental Fe2B layer thickness with the predicted one at a temperature of 1253 K for 5 h of treatment. A contour diagram relating the layer thickness to the boriding parameters was proposed to be used in practical applications.

Suppression of carbon desorption from 4H-SiC by irradiating a remote nitrogen plasma at a low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimabayashi, Masaharu; Kurihara, Kazuaki; Sasaki, Koichi

2018-05-01

We remotely irradiated a nitrogen plasma onto the carbon-side surface of 4H-SiC at a low temperature, and examined the effect of sample cooling on the characteristics of the nitride layer. An improved nitride layer, which had higher concentrations of carbon and silicon and a lower concentration of oxygen, was formed in the region at depths of more than 0.6–0.9 nm from the top surface. The depth of the fragile nitride layer in the top region, where no improved characteristics of the nitride layer were observed, became smaller with sample cooling. In addition, on the basis of the experimental results, we discussed the difference in the activation energy of the nitriding reaction of 4H-SiC supported by atomic nitrogen and molecular nitrogen in the metastable \\text{A}3Σ \\text{u} + state.

Closing the Seasonal Ocean Surface Temperature Balance in the Eastern Tropical Oceans from Remote Sensing and Model Reanalyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, J. Brent; Clayson, C. A.

2012-01-01

Residual forcing necessary to close the MLTB on seasonal time scales are largest in regions of strongest surface heat flux forcing. Identifying the dominant source of error - surface heat flux error, mixed layer depth estimation, ocean dynamical forcing - remains a challenge in the eastern tropical oceans where ocean processes are very active. Improved sub-surface observations are necessary to better constrain errors. 1. Mixed layer depth evolution is critical to the seasonal evolution of mixed layer temperatures. It determines the inertia of the mixed layer, and scales the sensitivity of the MLTB to errors in surface heat flux and ocean dynamical forcing. This role produces timing impacts for errors in SST prediction. 2. Errors in the MLTB are larger than the historical 10Wm-2 target accuracy. In some regions, a larger accuracy can be tolerated if the goal is to resolve the seasonal SST cycle.

EM Properties of Magnetic Minerals at RADAR Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stillman, D. E.; Olhoeft, G. R.

2005-01-01

Previous missions to Mars have revealed that Mars surface is magnetic at DC frequency. Does this highly magnetic surface layer attenuate RADAR energy as it does in certain locations on Earth? It has been suggested that the active magnetic mineral on Mars is titanomaghemite and/or titanomagnetite. When titanium is incorporated into a maghemite or magnetite crystal, the Curie temperature can be significantly reduced. Mars has a wide range of daily temperature fluctuations (303K - 143K), which could allow for daily passes through the Curie temperature. Hence, the global dust layer on Mars could experience widely varying magnetic properties as a function of temperature, more specifically being ferromagnetic at night and paramagnetic during the day. Measurements of EM properties of magnetic minerals were made versus frequency and temperature (300K- 180K). Magnetic minerals and Martian analog samples were gathered from a number of different locations on Earth.

Influence of temperature and the role of chromium on the kinetics of sulfidation of 310 stainless steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, D. B.; Nelson, H. G.

1977-01-01

The sulfidation of 310 stainless steel was studied over the temperature range from 910 K to 1285 K. By adjusting the ratio of hydrogen sulfide, variations in sulfur potential were obtained. The effect of temperature on sulfidation was determined at three different sulfur potentials: 39/sqNm, 0.014/sqNm, and 0.00015/sqNm. All sulfide scales contained one or two surface layers in addition to a subscale. The second outer layer (OL-II), furthest from the alloy, contained primarily Fe-Ni-S. The first outer layer (OL-I), nearest the subscale, contained FE-Cr-S. The subscale consisted of sulfide inclusions in the metal matrix. At a given temperature and sulfur potential, the weight gain data obeyed the parabolic rate law after an initial transient period. The parabolic rate constants obtained at the sulfur potential of 39/sqNm did not show a break when the logarithm of the rate constant was plotted as a function of the inverse of absolute temperature. Sulfidation carried out at sulfur potentials below 0.02/sqNm, however, did show a break at 1145 K, which is termed as the transition temperature. This break was found to be associated with the changes which had occurred in the Fe:Cr ratio of OL-I. Below the transition temperature the activation energy was found to be approximately 125 kj/mole. Above the transition temperature the rate of sulfidation decreased with temperature but dependent on the Fe:Cr ratio in the iron-chromium-sulfide layers of the OL-I. A reaction mechanism consistent with the experimental results has been proposed.

Active Layer moisture and temperature monitoring at Half Moon Island, Maritime Antarctica.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Roberto; Francelino, Márcio; Schaefer, Carlos; Schmitz, Daniela; Dittmar, Camila; Silva, Tássio; Loureiro, Diego

2017-04-01

Half Moon Island is a minor Antarctic island, lying in the Half Moon Bay, Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region. Having the Mc Farlane Strait at its western shore the island was formed by the junction of three smaller islands during the Holocene, altitude at its northern portion can reach 101 m a.s.l. Its surface area is 171 hectares (420 acres). The Argentine Cámara Base is located on the island, the naval base is operational occasionally during the summer, when it's water suply comes from a near by lake. Permafrost spreads over wider areas on higher Holocene beaches being sporadic on the lowest Present-day platforms (López-Martínez et al., 2012), processes related to the presence of permafrost were observed. The mean annual air temperature is near -2°C, and average summer temperatures are higher than 0°C. These conditions allow snow cover melting and freeze-thaw cycles during summer although the annual number of air freeze-thaw cycles reported for the near by Byers Peninsula is low, 14 in summer (Blümel and Eitel, 1989; Qingsong, 1989). The objective of this study was to evaluate soil temperature and moisture content based on in situ measurements from a Cryosol developed on a Holocene beach at Half Moon Island, Maritime Antarctica. The monitoring systems consist of soil temperature probes (Campbell L107E thermocouple, accuracy of ± 0.2°C) and soil moisture probes (CS656 water content reflectometer, accuracy of ± 2.5%), placed in the active layer (Turbic Eutric Cryosol 44 m a.s.l., 5 cm, 10 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm and 100 cm, S 62°35´23.8", W 059°55´18.3"). All probes were connected to a Campbell Scientific CR 1000 data logger, recording data at every 1 hour interval. We calculated the thawing days (TD), freezing days (FD) and freezing degree days (FDD); all according to Guglielmin et al. (2008). This system recorded data of soil temperature and moisture from March 2015 to December 2016. Despite the absence of glaciers in the Island the thermal regime of the active layer showed a dominance of freezing conditions (average -1.74 °C at 5 cm and -1.46 °C at 100 cm), thaw days are concentrated February and March (44 from January until November 2016 at 5 cm being missing at 50 cm and 100 cm). At 100 cm the majority of the 642 days are classified as freeze days (192 days). Soil moisture content was very similar for 2015 and 2016, averaging 0.11, m3 m-3 (0.41 max, 0.04 min) and 0.13 m3 m-3 (0.39 max, 0.07 min) at 10 cm and 100, for the whole study period. Considering the cold season 2015 was colder, FDD summed -806 degree days at 5 cm and -674 at 100 cm (-392 and -315 degree days in 2016). Nevertheless active layer thickness reached its maximum of 140 cm in late march 2015 (118 in 2016). During the 2015 summer season the lake that supply's water to Argentine Cámara Base drained, apparently the deepening of the active layer disrupted the drainage impediment provided by the permafrost table. The active layer thermal regime over 642 day period at Half Moon Island shows a preponderance of freezing conditions; although summer data is not available for 2015, the active layer thickness reached its maximum during late march retracting in 2016.

Temperature sensitivity of gaseous elemental mercury in the active layer of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau permafrost.

PubMed

Ci, Zhijia; Peng, Fei; Xue, Xian; Zhang, Xiaoshan

2018-07-01

Soils represent the single largest mercury (Hg) reservoir in the global environment, indicating that a tiny change of Hg behavior in soil ecosystem could greatly affect the global Hg cycle. Climate warming is strongly altering the structure and functions of permafrost and then would influence the Hg cycle in permafrost soils. However, Hg biogeochemistry in climate-sensitive permafrost is poorly investigated. Here we report a data set of soil Hg (0) concentrations in four different depths of the active layer in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau permafrost. We find that soil Hg (0) concentrations exhibited a strongly positive and exponential relationship with temperature and showed different temperature sensitivity under the frozen and unfrozen condition. We conservatively estimate that temperature increases following latest temperature scenarios of the IPCC could result in up to a 54.9% increase in Hg (0) concentrations in surface permafrost soils by 2100. Combining the simultaneous measurement of air-soil Hg (0) exchange, we find that enhanced Hg (0) concentrations in upper soils could favor Hg (0) emissions from surface soil. Our findings indicate that Hg (0) emission could be stimulated by permafrost thawing in a warmer world. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modelling borehole temperatures in Southern Norway - insights into permafrost dynamics during the 20th and 21st century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hipp, T.; Etzelmüller, B.; Farbrot, H.; Schuler, T. V.; Westermann, S.

2012-01-01

A transient heat flow model was used to simulate both past and future ground temperatures of mountain permafrost and associated active layer thickness in Southern Norway. The model was forced by reconstructed air temperature starting from 1860, approximately coinciding with the Little Ice Age in the region. The impact of climate warming on mountain permafrost until 2100 is assessed by using downscaled air temperatures from a multi-model ensemble for the A1B scenario. For 13 borehole locations, records over three consecutive years of ground temperatures, air temperatures and snow cover data are available for model calibration and validation. The boreholes are located at different elevations and in substrates with different thermal properties. With an increase of air temperature of ~+1.5 °C over 1860-2010 and an additional warming of +2.8 °C until 2100, we simulate the evolution of ground temperatures for the borehole locations. According to model results, the active-layer thickness has increased since 1860 by 0.5-5 m and >10 m for the sites Juvvasshøe and Tron, respectively. The simulations also suggest that at an elevation of about 1900 m a.s.l. permafrost will degrade until the end of this century with a probability of 55-75% given the chosen A1B scenario.

Flexible and High-Performance Amorphous Indium Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistor Using Low-Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Sheng, Jiazhen; Lee, Hwan-Jae; Oh, Saeroonter; Park, Jin-Seong

2016-12-14

Amorphous indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin films were deposited at different temperatures, by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using [1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)silanaminato]indium (INCA-1) as the indium precursor, diethlzinc (DEZ) as the zinc precursor, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) as the reactant. The ALD process of IZO deposition was carried by repeated supercycles, including one cycle of indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ) and one cycle of zinc oxide (ZnO). The IZO growth rate deviates from the sum of the respective In 2 O 3 and ZnO growth rates at ALD growth temperatures of 150, 175, and 200 °C. We propose growth temperature-dependent surface reactions during the In 2 O 3 cycle that correspond with the growth-rate results. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated with the ALD-grown IZO thin films as the active layer. The amorphous IZO TFTs exhibited high mobility of 42.1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 and good positive bias temperature stress stability. Finally, flexible IZO TFT was successfully fabricated on a polyimide substrate without performance degradation, showing the great potential of ALD-grown TFTs for flexible display applications.

Numerical experiments with a wind- and buoyancy-driven two-and-a-half-layer upper ocean model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherniawsky, J. Y.; Yuen, C. W.; Lin, C. A.; Mysak, L. A.

1990-09-01

We describe numerical experiments with a limited domain (15°-67°N, 65° west to east) coarse-resolution two-and-a-half-layer upper ocean model. The model consists of two active variable density layers: a Niiler and Kraus (1977) type mixed layer and a pycnocline layer, which overlays a semipassive deep ocean. The mixed layer is forced with a cosine wind stress and Haney type heat and precipitation-evaporation fluxes, which were derived from zonally averaged climatological (Levitus, 1982) surface temperatures and salinities for the North Atlantic. The second layer is forced from below with (1) Newtonian cooling to climatological temperatures and salinities at the lower boundary, (2) convective adjustment, which occurs whenever the density of the second layer is unstable with respect to climatology, and (3) mass entrainment in areas of strong upwelling, when the deep ocean ventilates through the bottom surface. The sensitivity of this model to changes in its internal (mixed layer) and external (e.g., a Newtonian coupling coefficient) parameters is investigated and compared to the results from a control experiment. We find that the model is not overly sensitive to changes in most of the parameters that were tested, albeit these results may depend to some extent on the choice of the control experiment.

Study of a MHEMT heterostructure with an In{sub 0.4}Ga{sub 0.6}As channel MBE-grown on a GaAs substrate using reciprocal space mapping

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

Aleshin, A. N., E-mail: a.n.aleshin@mail.ru; Bugaev, A. S.; Ermakova, M. A.

2015-08-15

The crystallographic characteristics of the design elements of a metamorphic high-electron-mobility (MHEMT) heterostructure with an In{sub 0.4}Ga{sub 0.6}As channel are determined based on reciprocal space mapping. The heterostructure is grown by molecular beam epitaxy on the vicinal surface of a GaAs substrate with a deviation angle from the (001) plane of 2° and consists of a stepped metamorphic buffer containing six layers including an inverse step, a high-temperature buffer layer with constant composition, and active HEMT layers. The InAs content in the layers of the metamorphic buffer is varied from 0.1 to 0.48. Reciprocal space maps are constructed for themore » (004) symmetric reflection and (224)+ asymmetric reflection. It is found that the heterostructure layers are characterized both by a tilt angle relative to the plane of the (001) substrate and a rotation angle around the [001] axis. The tilt angle of the layer increases as the InAs concentration in the layer increases. It is shown that a high-temperature buffer layer of constant composition has the largest degree of relaxation compared with all other layers of the heterostructure.« less

Zonally asymmetric response of the Southern Ocean mixed-layer depth to the Southern Annular Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sallée, J. B.; Speer, K. G.; Rintoul, S. R.

2010-04-01

Interactions between the atmosphere and ocean are mediated by the mixed layer at the ocean surface. The depth of this layer is determined by wind forcing and heating from the atmosphere. Variations in mixed-layer depth affect the rate of exchange between the atmosphere and deeper ocean, the capacity of the ocean to store heat and carbon and the availability of light and nutrients to support the growth of phytoplankton. However, the response of the Southern Ocean mixed layer to changes in the atmosphere is not well known. Here we analyse temperature and salinity data from Argo profiling floats to show that the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the dominant mode of atmospheric variability in the Southern Hemisphere, leads to large-scale anomalies in mixed-layer depth that are zonally asymmetric. From a simple heat budget of the mixed layer we conclude that meridional winds associated with departures of the SAM from zonal symmetry cause anomalies in heat flux that can, in turn, explain the observed changes of mixed-layer depth and sea surface temperature. Our results suggest that changes in the SAM, including recent and projected trends attributed to human activity, drive variations in Southern Ocean mixed-layer depth, with consequences for air-sea exchange, ocean sequestration of heat and carbon, and biological productivity.

Dual-Layer Oxidation-Protective Plasma-Sprayed SiC-ZrB2/Al2O3-Carbon Nanotube Coating on Graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ariharan, S.; Sengupta, Pradyut; Nisar, Ambreen; Agnihotri, Ankur; Balaji, N.; Aruna, S. T.; Balani, Kantesh

2017-02-01

Graphite is used in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors because of its outstanding irradiation performance and corrosion resistance. To restrict its high-temperature (>873 K) oxidation, atmospheric-plasma-sprayed SiC-ZrB2-Al2O3-carbon nanotube (CNT) dual-layer coating was deposited on graphite substrate in this work. The effect of each layer was isolated by processing each component of the coating via spark plasma sintering followed by isothermal kinetic studies. Based on isothermal analysis and the presence of high residual thermal stress in the oxide scale, degradation appeared to be more severe in composites reinforced with CNTs. To avoid the complexity of analysis of composites, the high-temperature activation energy for oxidation was calculated for the single-phase materials only, yielding values of 11.8, 20.5, 43.5, and 4.5 kJ/mol for graphite, SiC, ZrB2, and CNT, respectively, with increased thermal stability for ZrB2 and SiC. These results were then used to evaluate the oxidation rate for the composites analytically. This study has broad implications for wider use of dual-layer (SiC-ZrB2/Al2O3) coatings for protecting graphite crucibles even at temperatures above 1073 K.

Temperature management of photo cathodes at MAMI and MESA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aulenbacher, K.; Friederich, S.; Tyukin, V.

2018-05-01

Production of highly polarized electron current is limited by cathode heating which leads to the destruction of the active layer. For the new electron accelerator MESA a more efficient solution for the cathode cooling problem is required, with the goal to achieve acceptable temperatures at an incident power of about 1 Watt. The current status of temperature management of photo cathodes at MAMI and MESA is presented.

Effects of drying temperature on tomato-based thin film as self-powered UV photodetector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thu, Myo Myo; Mastuda, Atsunori; Cheong, Kuan Yew

2018-07-01

In this work, tomato thin-film is used as an active natural organic layer for UV photodetector. The effects of drying temperature (60-140 °C) on structural, chemical, electrical and UV sensing properties of tomato thin-film have been investigated. The photodetector consists of a glass substrate/tomato thin-film active layer/interdigitated aluminium electrode structure. As the drying temperature increases, surface and density of tomato thin-film is smoother and denser with thinner physical thickness. Chemical functional groups as a function of drying temperature is evaluated and correlated with the electrical property of thin film. A comparison between dark and UV (B and C) illumination with respect to the electrical property has been revealed and the observation has been linked to the active chemical compounds that controlling antioxidant activity in the tomato. By drying the tomato thin-film at 120°C, a self-powered (V = 0 V) photodetector that is able to selectively detecting UV-C can be obtained with external quantum efficiency (η) of 2.53 × 10-7%. While drying it at 140 °C, the detector is better in detecting UV-B when operating at either 5 or -5 V with η of 7.7384 × 10-6% and 8.87 × 10-6%, respectively. The typical response time for raising and falling for all samples are less than 0.3 s.

Modelling borehole temperatures in Southern Norway - insights into permafrost dynamics during the 20th and 21st century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hipp, T.; Etzelmüller, B.; Farbrot, H.; Schuler, T. V.; Westermann, S.

2012-05-01

This study aims at quantifying the thermal response of mountain permafrost in southern Norway to changes in climate since 1860 and until 2100. A transient one-dimensional heat flow model was used to simulate ground temperatures and associated active layer thicknesses for nine borehole locations, which are located at different elevations and in substrates with different thermal properties. The model was forced by reconstructed air temperatures starting from 1860, which approximately coincides with the end of the Little Ice Age in the region. The impact of climate warming on mountain permafrost to 2100 is assessed by using downscaled air temperatures from a multi-model ensemble for the A1B scenario. Borehole records over three consecutive years of ground temperatures, air temperatures and snow cover data served for model calibration and validation. With an increase of air temperature of ~1.5 °C over 1860-2010 and an additional warming of ~2.8 °C until 2100, we simulate the evolution of ground temperatures for each borehole location. In 1860 the lower limit of permafrost was estimated to be ca. 200 m lower than observed today. According to the model, since the approximate end of the Little Ice Age, the active-layer thickness has increased by 0.5-5 m and >10 m for the sites Juvvasshøe and Tron, respectively. The most pronounced increases in active layer thickness were modelled for the last two decades since 1990 with increase rates of +2 cm yr-1 to +87 cm yr-1 (20-430%). According to the A1B climate scenario, degradation of mountain permafrost is suggested to occur throughout the 21st century at most of the sites below ca. 1800 m a.s.l. At the highest locations at 1900 m a.s.l., permafrost degradation is likely to occur with a probability of 55-75% by 2100. This implies that mountain permafrost in southern Norway is likely to be confined to the highest peaks in the western part of the country.

Preparation of activated carbon hollow fibers from ramie at low temperature for electric double-layer capacitor applications.

PubMed

Du, Xuan; Zhao, Wei; Wang, Yi; Wang, Chengyang; Chen, Mingming; Qi, Tao; Hua, Chao; Ma, Mingguo

2013-12-01

Activated carbon hollow fibers (ACHFs) with high surface area were prepared from inexpensive, renewable ramie fibers (RFs) by a single-step activation method under lower temperature than that of other reports. The effects of activation conditions on the pore structure and turbostratic structure of ACHFs were investigated systematically. The results show that ACHFs surface area decreased but micropore volume and conductivity increased as the increase of activation temperature and activation time. The electrochemical measurements of supercapacitors fabricated from these ACHFs electrodes reveal that the electrochemical properties improved with the enhancing of activation degree. However, too high activation temperature can make the ion diffusion resistance increase. It suggests that pore structure and conductivity are as important as surface area to decide the electrochemical performances of ACHFs electrode materials. A maximum capacity of 287 F g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1) was obtained for the ACHFs electrode prepared under suitable conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanism of bonding and debonding using surface activated bonding method with Si intermediate layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Kai; Fujino, Masahisa; Matsumoto, Yoshiie; Suga, Tadatomo

2018-04-01

Techniques of handling thin and fragile substrates in a high-temperature process are highly required for the fabrication of semiconductor devices including thin film transistors (TFTs). In our previous study, we proposed applying the surface activated bonding (SAB) method using Si intermediate layers to the bonding and debonding of glass substrates. The SAB method has successfully bonded glass substrates at room temperature, and the substrates have been debonded after heating at 450 °C, in which TFTs are fabricated on thin glass substrates for LC display devices. In this study, we conducted the bonding and debonding of Si and glass in order to understand the mechanism in the proposed process. Si substrates are also successfully bonded to glass substrates at room temperature and debonded after heating at 450 °C using the proposed bonding process. By the composition analysis of bonding interfaces, it is clarified that the absorbed water on the glass forms interfacial voids and cause the decrease in bond strength.

Room-Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2 O3 : Impact on Efficiency, Stability and Surface Properties in Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Kot, Malgorzata; Das, Chittaranjan; Wang, Zhiping; Henkel, Karsten; Rouissi, Zied; Wojciechowski, Konrad; Snaith, Henry J; Schmeisser, Dieter

2016-12-20

In this work, solar cells with a freshly made CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite film showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.4 % whereas the one with 50 days aged perovskite film only 6.1 %. However, when the aged perovskite was covered with a layer of Al 2 O 3 deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at room temperature (RT), the PCE value was clearly enhanced. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study showed that the ALD precursors are chemically active only at the perovskite surface and passivate it. Moreover, the RT-ALD-Al 2 O 3 -covered perovskite films showed enhanced ambient air stability. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Achieving the NOAA Arctic Action Plan: The Missing Permafrost Element - Permafrost Forecasting Listening Session Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buxbaum, T. M.; Thoman, R.; Romanovsky, V. E.

2015-12-01

Permafrost is ground at or below freezing for at least two consecutive years. It currently occupies 80% of Alaska. Permafrost temperature and active layer thickness (ALT) are key climatic variables for monitoring permafrost conditions. Active layer thickness is the depth that the top layer of ground above the permafrost thaws each summer season and permafrost temperature is the temperature of the frozen permafrost under this active layer. Knowing permafrost conditions is key for those individuals working and living in Alaska and the Arctic. The results of climate models predict vast changes and potential permafrost degradation across Alaska and the Arctic. NOAA is working to implement its 2014 Arctic Action Plan and permafrost forecasting is a missing piece of this plan. The Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP), using our webinar software and our diverse network of statewide stakeholder contacts, hosted a listening session to bring together a select group of key stakeholders. During this listening session the National Weather Service (NWS) and key permafrost researchers explained what is possible in the realm of permafrost forecasting and participants had the opportunity to discuss and share with the group (NWS, researchers, other stakeholders) what is needed for usable permafrost forecasting. This listening session aimed to answer the questions: Is permafrost forecasting needed? If so, what spatial scale is needed by stakeholders? What temporal scales do stakeholders need/want? Are there key times (winter, fall freeze-up, etc.) or locations (North Slope, key oil development areas, etc.) where forecasting would be most applicable and useful? Are there other considerations or priority needs we haven't thought of regarding permafrost forecasting? This presentation will present the results of that listening session.

Micromachined Active Magnetic Regenerator for Low-Temperature Magnetic Coolers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Weibo; Jaeger, Michael D.

2013-01-01

A design of an Active Magnetic Regenerative Refrigeration (AMRR) system has been developed for space applications. It uses an innovative 3He cryogenic circulator to provide continuous remote/distributed cooling at temperatures in the range of 2 K with a heat sink at about 15 K. A critical component technology for this cooling system is a highly efficient active magnetic regenerator, which is a regenerative heat exchanger with its matrix material made of magnetic refrigerant gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG). Creare Inc. is developing a microchannel GGG regenerator with an anisotropic structured bed for high system thermal efficiency. The regenerator core consists of a stack of thin, single-crystal GGG disks alternating with thin polymer insulating layers. The insulating layers help minimize the axial conduction heat leak, since GGG has a very high thermal conductivity in the regenerator s operating temperature range. The GGG disks contain micro channels with width near 100 micrometers, which enhance the heat transfer between the circulating flow and the refrigerant bed. The unique flow configuration of the GGG plates ensures a uniform flow distribution across the plates. The main fabrication challenges for the regenerator are the machining of high-aspect-ratio microchannels in fragile, single-crystal GGG disks and fabrication and assembly of the GGG insulation layers. Feasibility demonstrations to date include use of an ultrashort- pulse laser to machine microchannels without producing unacceptable microcracking or deposition of recast material, as shown in the figure, and attachment of a thin insulation layer to a GGG disk without obstructing the flow paths. At the time of this reporting, efforts were focused on improving the laser machining process to increase machining speed and further reduce microcracking.

Annual dynamics of halite precipitation in the Dead Sea: In situ observations and their geological implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirota, Ido; enzel, Yehouda; Lensky, Nadav G.

2017-04-01

Layered halite sequences deposited in deep basins throughout the geological record. However, analogues of such sequences are commonly studied in sallow environments. Here we study active precipitation of halite layers from the only modern analog for deep, halite-precipitating basin, the hypersaline Dead Sea. In situ observations in the Dead Sea link seasonal thermohaline stratification, halite saturation, and the characteristics of the actively forming halite layers. The spatiotemporal evolution of halite precipitation in the Dead Sea was characterized by means of monthly observations of the i) lake thermohaline stratification (temperature, salinity, and density), ii) degree of halite saturation, and iii) textural evolution of the active halite deposits. We present the observed relationships between textural characteristics of layered halite deposits (i.e. grain size, consolidation, and roughness) and the degree of saturation, which in turn reflected the limnology and hydro-climatology. The lakefloor is divided into two principle environments: A deep, hypolimnetic and a shallow, epilimnetic lakefloor. In the deeper hypolimnetic lakefloor halite continuously precipitates with seasonal variations: (a) during summer, consolidated coarse halite crystals form rough surfaces under slight super-saturation. (b) During winter, unconsolidated, fine halite crystals form smooth seafloor deposits under high supersaturation. The observations also emphasize the thought regarding seasonal alternation of halite crystallization mechanism. The shallow epilimnetic lake floor is highly influenced by the seasonal temperature variations, and by intensive summer dissolution of part of the previous year's halite deposit which results in thin sequences with annual unconformities. This emphasizes the control of temperature seasonality on the precipitated halite layers characteristics. In addition, precipitation of halite in the hypolimnetic floor, on the expense of the dissolution of the epilimnetic floor, results in lateral focusing and thickening of halite deposit in the deeper part of the basin and thinning of the deposits in shallow marginal basins.

Oxidation and alpha-case formation in Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo alloy

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

Gaddam, Raghuveer, E-mail: raghuveer.gaddam@ltu.se; Sefer, Birhan; Pederson, Robert

2015-01-15

Isothermal heat treatments in ambient air were performed on wrought Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo (Ti-6242) material at 500, 593 and 700°C for times up to 500 h. In the presence of oxygen at elevated temperatures simultaneous reactions occurred in Ti-6242 alloy, which resulted in the formation of an oxide scale and a layer with higher oxygen concentration (termed as alpha-case). Total weight gain analysis showed that there was a transition in the oxidation kinetics. At 500°C, the oxidation kinetics obeyed a cubic relationship up to 200 h and thereafter changed to parabolic at prolonged exposure times. At 593°C, it followed a parabolic relationship.more » After heat treatment at 700°C, the oxidation obeyed a parabolic relationship up to 200 h and thereafter changed to linear at prolonged exposure times. The observed transition is believed to be due to the differences observed in the oxide scale. The activation energy for parabolic oxidation was estimated to be 157 kJ/mol. In addition, alpha-case layer was evaluated using optical microscope, electron probe micro-analyser and microhardness tester. The thickness of the alpha-case layer was found to be a function of temperature and time, increasing proportionally, and following a parabolic relationship. The activation energy for the formation of alpha-case layer was estimated to be 153 kJ/mol. - Highlights: • Transition in oxidation kinetics was observed in Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo alloy in the temperature range 500–700°C. • The activation energy for parabolic oxidation and for alpha-case formation is about 157 kJ/mol and 153 kJ/mol. • Thickness of alpha-case layer estimated by optical microscopy and electron probe microanalysis is comparable.« less

Chromium oxide as a metal diffusion barrier layer: An x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahamad Mohiddon, Md.; Lakshun Naidu, K.; Ghanashyam Krishna, M.; Dalba, G.; Ahmed, S. I.; Rocca, F.

2014-01-01

The interaction at the interface between chromium and amorphous Silicon (a-Si) films in the presence of a sandwich layer of chromium oxide is investigated using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The oxidized interface was created, in situ, prior to the deposition of a 400 nm tick a-Si layer over a 50 nm tick Cr layer. The entire stack of substrate/metallic Cr/Cr2O3/a-Si was then annealed at temperatures from 300 up to 700 °C. Analysis of the near edge and extended regions of each XAFS spectrum shows that only a small fraction of Cr is able to diffuse through the oxide layer up to 500 °C, while the remaining fraction is buried under the oxide layer in the form of metallic Cr. At higher temperatures, diffusion through the oxide layer is enhanced and the diffused metallic Cr reacts with a-Si to form CrSi2. At 700 °C, the film contains Cr2O3 and CrSi2 without evidence of unreacted metallic Cr. The activation energy and diffusion coefficient of Cr are quantitatively determined in the two temperature regions, one where the oxide acts as diffusion barrier and another where it is transparent to Cr diffusion. It is thus demonstrated that chromium oxide can be used as a diffusion barrier to prevent metal diffusion into a-Si.

Assessment of lidar remote sensing capability of Raman water temperature from laboratory and field experiments (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Josset, Damien B.; Hou, Weilin W.; Goode, Wesley; Matt, Silvia C.; Hu, Yongxiang

2017-05-01

Lidar remote sensing based on visible wavelength is one of the only way to penetrate the water surface and to obtain range resolved information of the ocean surface mixed layer at the synoptic scale. Accurate measurement of the mixed layer properties is important for ocean weather forecast and to assist the optimal deployment of military assets. Turbulence within the mixed layer also plays an important role in climate variability as it also influences ocean heat storage and algae photosynthesis (Sverdrup 1953, Behrenfeld 2010). As of today, mixed layer depth changes are represented in the models through various parameterizations constrained mostly by surface properties like wind speed, surface salinity and sea surface temperature. However, cooling by wind and rain can create strong gradients (0.5C) of temperature between the submillimeter surface layer and the subsurface layer (Soloviev and Lukas, 1997) which will manifest itself as a low temperature bias in the observations. Temperature and salinity profiles are typically used to characterize the mixed layer variability (de Boyer Montégut et al. 2004) and are both key components of turbulence characterization (Hou 2009). Recently, several research groups have been investigating ocean temperature profiling with laser remote sensing based either on Brillouin (Fry 2012, Rudolf and Walther 2014) or Raman scattering (Artlett and Pask 2015, Lednev et al. 2016). It is the continuity of promising research that started decades ago (Leonard et al. 1979, Guagliardo and Dufilho 1980, Hirschberg et al. 1984) and can benefit from the current state of laser and detector technology. One aspect of this research that has not been overlooked (Artlett and Pask 2012) but has yet to be revisited is the impact of temperature on vibrational Raman polarization (Chang and Young, 1972). The TURBulence Ocean Lidar is an experimental system, aimed at characterizing underwater turbulence by examining various Stokes parameters. Its multispectral capability in both emission (based on an optical parametric oscillator) and detection (optical filters) provide flexibility to measure the polarization signature of both elastic and inelastic scattering. We will present the characteristics of TURBOL and several results from our laboratory and field experiments with an emphasis on temperature profiling capabilities based on vibrational Raman polarization. We will also present other directions of research related to this activity.

Radiometric Measurements of the Thermal Conductivity of Complex Planetary-like Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piqueux, S.; Christensen, P. R.

2012-12-01

Planetary surface temperatures and thermal inertias are controlled by the physical and compositional characteristics of the surface layer material, which result from current and past geological activity. For this reason, temperature measurements are often acquired because they provide fundamental constraints on the geological history and habitability. Examples of regolith properties affecting surface temperatures and inertias are: grain sizes and mixture ratios, solid composition in the case of ices, presence of cement between grains, regolith porosity, grain roughness, material layering etc.. Other important factors include volatile phase changes, and endogenic or exogenic heat sources (i.e. geothermal heat flow, impact-related heat, biological activity etc.). In the case of Mars, the multitude of instruments observing the surface temperature at different spatial and temporal resolutions (i.e. IRTM, Thermoskan, TES, MiniTES, THEMIS, MCS, REMS, etc.) in conjunction with other instruments allows us to probe and characterize the thermal properties of the surface layer with an unprecedented resolution. While the derivation of thermal inertia values from temperature measurements is routinely performed by well-established planetary regolith numerical models, constraining the physical properties of the surface layer from thermal inertia values requires the additional step of laboratory measurements. The density and specific heat are usually constant and sufficiently well known for common geological materials, but the bulk thermal conductivity is highly variable as a function of the physical characteristics of the regolith. Most laboratory designs do not allow an investigation of the thermal conductivity of complex regolith configurations similar to those observed on planetary surfaces (i.e. cemented material, large grains, layered material, and temperature effects) because the samples are too small and need to be soft to insert heating or measuring devices. For this reason, we have built a new type of apparatus to measure the thermal conductivity of sample significantly larger than previous apparatus under planetary conditions of atmosphere and gas composition. Samples' edges are cooled down from room to LN2 temperature and the surface material temperature is recorded by an infrared camera without inserting thermocouples or heat sources. Sample surface cooling trends are fit with finite element models of heat transfer to retrieve the material thermal conductivity. Preliminary results confirm independent numerical modeling results predicting the thermal conductivity of complex materials: the thermal inertia of particulate material under Mars conditions is temperature-dependent, small amounts of cements significantly increase the bulk conductivity and inertia of particulate material, and one-grain-thick armors similar to those observed by the Mars Exploration Rovers behave like a thin highly conductive layer that does not significantly influence apparent thermal inertias. These results are used to further our interpretation of Martian temperature observations. For example local amounts of subsurface water ice or the fraction of cementing phase in the global Martian duricrust can be constrained; the search for subtle changes in near-surface heat flow can be performed more accurately, and surface thermal inertias under various atmospheric conditions of pressure and gas composition can be predicted.

Thermal analysis of laser additive manufacturing of aluminium alloys: Experiment and simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bock, Frederic E.; Froend, Martin; Herrnring, Jan; Enz, Josephin; Kashaev, Nikolai; Klusemann, Benjamin

2018-05-01

Laser additive manufacturing (LAM) has become increasingly popular in industry in recent decades because it enables exceptional degrees of freedom regarding the structural design of lightweight components compared to subtractive manufacturing techniques. Laser metal deposition (LMD) of wire-fed material shows in particular the advantages such as high process velocity and efficient use of material compared to other LAM processes. During wire-based LMD, the material is deposited onto a substrate and supplemented by successive layers allowing a layer-wise production of complex three-dimensional structures. Despite the increased productivity of LMD, regarding the ability to process aluminium alloys, there is still a lack in quality and reproducibility due to the inhomogeneous temperature distribution during the process, leading to undesired residual stresses, distortions and inconsistent layer geometries and poor microstructures. In this study, the aluminium alloy AA5087 as wire and AA5754 as substrate material were utilized for LMD. In order to obtain information about the temperature field during LMD, thermocouple and thermography measurements were performed during the process. The temperature measurements were used to validate a finite element model regarding the heat distribution, which will be further used to investigate the temperature field evolution over time. To consider the continuous addition of material within the FE-model, an inactive/active element approach was chosen, where initially deactivated elements are activated corresponding to the deposition of material. The first results of the simulation and the experiments show good agreement. Therefore, the model can be used in the future for LMD process optimization, e.g., in terms of minimizing local variations of the thermal load for each layer.

Characteristics of DO, organic matter, and ammonium profile for practical-scale DHS reactor under various organic load and temperature conditions.

PubMed

Nomoto, Naoki; Ali, Muntjeer; Jayaswal, Komal; Iguchi, Akinori; Hatamoto, Masashi; Okubo, Tsutomu; Takahashi, Masanobu; Kubota, Kengo; Tagawa, Tadashi; Uemura, Shigeki; Yamaguchi, Takashi; Harada, Hideki

2018-04-01

Profile analysis of the down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor was conducted under various temperature and organic load conditions to understand the organic removal and nitrification process for sewage treatment. Under high organic load conditions (3.21-7.89 kg-COD m -3  day -1 ), dissolved oxygen (DO) on the upper layer of the reactor was affected by organic matter concentration and water temperature, and sometimes reaches around zero. Almost half of the COD Cr was removed by the first layer, which could be attributed to the adsorption of organic matter on sponge media. After the first layer, organic removal proceeded along the first-order reaction equation from the second to the fourth layers. The ammoniacal nitrogen removal ratio decreased under high organic matter concentration (above 100 mg L -1 ) and low DO (less than 1 mg L -1 ) condition. Ammoniacal nitrogen removal proceeded via a zero-order reaction equation along the reactor height. In addition, the profile results of DO, COD Cr , and NH 3 -N were different in the horizontal direction. Thus, it is thought the concentration of these items and microbial activities were not in a uniform state even in the same sponge layer of the DHS reactor.

Methanogen community composition and rates of methane consumption in Canadian High Arctic permafrost soils.

PubMed

Allan, J; Ronholm, J; Mykytczuk, N C S; Greer, C W; Onstott, T C; Whyte, L G

2014-04-01

Increasing permafrost thaw, driven by climate change, has the potential to result in organic carbon stores being mineralized into carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) through microbial activity. This study examines the effect of increasing temperature on community structure and metabolic activity of methanogens from the Canadian High Arctic, in an attempt to predict how warming will affect microbially controlled CH4 soil flux. In situ CO2 and CH4 flux, measured in 2010 and 2011 from ice-wedge polygons, indicate that these soil formations are a net source of CO2 emissions, but a CH4 sink. Permafrost and active layer soil samples were collected at the same sites and incubated under anaerobic conditions at warmer temperatures, with and without substrate amendment. Gas flux was measured regularly and indicated an increase in CH4 flux after extended incubation. Pyrosequencing was used to examine the effects of an extended thaw cycle on methanogen diversity and the results indicate that in situ methanogen diversity, based on the relative abundance of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene associated with known methanogens, is higher in the permafrost than in the active layer. Methanogen diversity was also shown to increase in both the active layer and permafrost soil after an extended thaw. This study provides evidence that although High Arctic ice-wedge polygons are currently a sink for CH4, higher arctic temperatures and anaerobic conditions, a possible result of climate change, could result in this soil becoming a source for CH4 gas flux. © 2013 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Impact of active layer thickness of nitrogen-doped In–Sn–Zn–O films on materials and thin film transistor performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhi-Yue; Yang, Hao-Zhi; Chen, Sheng-Chi; Lu, Ying-Bo; Xin, Yan-Qing; Yang, Tian-Lin; Sun, Hui

2018-05-01

Nitrogen-doped indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO:N) thin film transistors (TFTs) were deposited on SiO2 (200 nm)/p-Si〈1 0 0〉 substrates by RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The structural, chemical compositions, surface morphology, optical and electrical properties as a function of the active layer thickness were investigated. As the active layer thickness increases, Zn content decreases and In content increases gradually. Meanwhile, Sn content is almost unchanged. When the thickness of the active layer is more than 45 nm, the ITZO:N films become crystallized and present a crystal orientation along InN(0 0 2) plan. No matter what the thickness is, ITZO:N films always display a high transmittance above 80% in the visible region. Their optical band gaps fluctuate between 3.4 eV and 3.62 eV. Due to the dominance of low interface trap density and high carrier concentration, ITZO:N TFT shows enhanced electrical properties as the active layer thickness is 35 nm. Its field-effect mobility, on/off radio and sub-threshold swing are 17.53 cm2 V‑1 · s‑1, 106 and 0.36 V/dec, respectively. These results indicate that the suitable thickness of the active layer can enhance the quality of ITZO:N films and decrease the defects density of ITZO:N TFT. Thus, the properties of ITZO:N TFT can be optimized by adjusting the thickness of the active layer.

Novel Swelling-Resistant Sodium Alginate Membrane Branching Modified by Glycogen for Highly Aqueous Ethanol Solution Pervaporation.

PubMed

Ji, Chen-Hao; Xue, Shuang-Mei; Xu, Zhen-Liang

2016-10-12

A novel carbohydrate chain cross-linking method of sodium alginate (SA) is proposed in which glycogen with the branched-chain structure is utilized to cross-link with SA matrix by the bridging of glutaraldehyde (GA). The active layer of SA composite ceramic membrane modified by glycogen and GA for pervaporation (PV) demonstrates great advantages. The branched structure increases the chain density of the active layer, which compresses the free volume between the carbohydrate chains of SA. Large amounts of hydroxyl groups are consumed during the reaction with GA, which reduces the hydrogen bond formation between water molecules and the polysaccharide matrix. The two factors benefit the active layer with great improvement in swelling resistance, promoting the potential of the active layer for the dehydration of an ethanol-water solution containing high water content. Meanwhile, the modified active layer is loaded on the rigid α-Al 2 O 3 ceramic membrane by dip-coating method with the enhancement of anti-deformation and controllable thickness of the active layer. Characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and water contact angle are utilized to observe the composite structure and surface morphology of the composite membrane, to probe the free volume variation, and to determine the chemical composition and hydrophilicity difference of the active layer caused by the different glycogen additive amounts. The membrane containing 3% glycogen in the selective layer demonstrates the flux at 1250 g m -2 h -1 coupled with the separation factor of 187 in the 25 wt % water content feed solution at the operating temperature of 75 °C, reflecting superior pervaporation processing capacity compared with the general organic PV membranes in the same condition.

Enhancing the Oxidation Performance of Wrought Ni-Base Superalloy by Minor Additions of Active Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawancy, H. M.

2016-12-01

We show that the oxidation performance of Cr2O3-forming superalloy based upon the Ni-Cr-W system is significantly improved by the presence of minor concentrations of La, Si and Mn, which outweigh the detrimental effect of high W concentration in the alloy. Although Cr2O3 is known to transform into volatile CrO3 at temperatures ≥950 °C, the respective protection is extended to temperatures reaching 1150 °C, which has also been correlated with the beneficial effects of La, Si and Mn. During high-temperature oxidation, an inner protective La- and Si-modified layer of α-Cr2O3 in contact with the superalloy substrate is developed and shielded by an outermost layer of MnCr2O4. The distribution of La and Si in the inner oxide layer has been characterized down to the scale of transmission electron microscopy, and the possible mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects are elucidated.

CO2 and CH4 Production in Low-Temperature Soil Incubations from Low and High Centered Polygons, Barrow, Alaska, 2012-2013

DOE Data Explorer

Taniya RoyChowdhury; David Graham; Stan Wullschleger

2016-08-29

The dataset consists of respiration and methane production rates obtained from soil microcosm studies carried out under controlled temperature and incubation conditions. Soils represent the low- and high-centered polygon active layers and permafrost (when present) from the NGEE-Arctic Intensive Study Site 1.

Estimation of soil thermal properties using in-situ temperature measurements in the active layer and permafrost.

Treesearch

D.J. Nicolsky; V.E. Romanovsky; G.G. Panteleev

2008-01-01

A variational data assimilation algorithm is developed to reconstruct thermal properties, porosity, and parametrization of the unfrozen water content for fully saturated soils. The algorithm is tested with simulated synthetic temperatures. The simulations are performed to determine the robustness and sensitivity of algorithm to estimate soil properties from in-situ...

Low temperature p-type doping of (Al)GaN layers using ammonia molecular beam epitaxy for InGaN laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinverni, M.; Lamy, J.-M.; Martin, D.; Feltin, E.; Dorsaz, J.; Castiglia, A.; Rossetti, M.; Duelk, M.; Vélez, C.; Grandjean, N.

2014-12-01

We demonstrate state-of-the-art p-type (Al)GaN layers deposited at low temperature (740 °C) by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy (NH3-MBE) to be used as top cladding of laser diodes (LDs) with the aim of further reducing the thermal budget on the InGaN quantum well active region. Typical p-type GaN resistivities and contact resistances are 0.4 Ω cm and 5 × 10-4 Ω cm2, respectively. As a test bed, we fabricated a hybrid laser structure emitting at 400 nm combining n-type AlGaN cladding and InGaN active region grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy, with the p-doped waveguide and cladding layers grown by NH3-MBE. Single-mode ridge-waveguide LD exhibits a threshold voltage as low as 4.3 V for an 800 × 2 μm2 ridge dimension and a threshold current density of ˜5 kA cm-2 in continuous wave operation. The series resistance of the device is 6 Ω and the resistivity is 1.5 Ω cm, confirming thereby the excellent electrical properties of p-type Al0.06Ga0.94N:Mg despite the low growth temperature.

Effect of growth pressure on the morphology evolution and doping characteristics in nonpolar a-plane GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Keun Man; Kim, Jong Min; Kang, Bong Kyun; Shin, Chan Soo; Ko, Chul Gi; Kong, Bo Hyun; Cho, Hyung Koun; Yoon, Dae Ho; Kim, Hogyoung; Hwang, Sung Min

2012-02-01

Nonpolar a-plane GaN layers grown on r-plane sapphire substrates were examined by using a two-step growth process. The higher initial growth pressure for the nucleation layer resulted in the improved crystalline quality with lower density of both threading dislocations and basal stacking faults. This was attributed to the higher degree of initial roughening and recovery time via a growth mode transition from three-dimensional (3D) to quasi two-dimensional (2D) lateral growth. Using Hall-effect measurements, the overgrown Si doped GaN layers grown with higher initial growth pressure were found to have higher mobility. The scattering mechanism due to the dislocations was dominant especially at low temperature (<200 K) for the lower initial growth pressure, which was insignificant for the higher initial growth pressure. The temperature-dependent Hall-effect measurements for the Mg doped GaN with a higher initial growth pressure yielded the activation energy and the acceptor concentration to be 128 meV and 1.2 × 1019 cm-3, respectively, corresponding to about 3.6% of activation at room temperature. Two-step growth scheme with a higher initial growth pressure is suggested as a potential method to improve the performance of nonpolar a-plane GaN based devices.

[Collagenolytic activity in several species of deuteromycetes under various storage conditions].

PubMed

Iakovleva, M B; Khoang, T L; Nikitina, Z K

2006-01-01

The ability of deuteromycetes of the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Botrytis to retain collagenolytic activity was studied after both 2 and 10 years of storage on a Czapek medium under a layer of mineral oil at 4 degrees C, as well as in silica gel granules at 20 and -60 degrees C. The enzymatic activity of several species, including Botrytis terrestris, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium citrinum, was retained under both conditions of storage. Aspergillus repens retained enzymatic activity only if stored under a layer of mineral oil. The viability of conidia and the collagenolytic activity of Botrytis terrestris, P. janthinellum, P. chrysogenum, and Penicillium citrinum, maintained on silica gel for 10 years, depended on the storage temperature. The viability of the test strains improved after storage on a silica gel at -60 degrees C. A strain of Aspergillus repens lost its ability to dissolve collagen at various storage temperatures on the silica gel. The index of lysis for three strains of Penicillium deuteromycetes (Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium citrinum) increased after a 10-year storage on silica gel at -60 degrees C.

Efficient low-temperature transparent electrocatalytic layers based on graphene oxide nanosheets for dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Seo, Seon Hee; Jeong, Eun Ji; Han, Joong Tark; Kang, Hyon Chol; Cha, Seung I; Lee, Dong Yoon; Lee, Geon-Woong

2015-05-27

Electrocatalytic materials with a porous structure have been fabricated on glass substrates, via high-temperature fabrication, for application as alternatives to platinum in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Efficient, nonporous, nanometer-thick electrocatalytic layers based on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were prepared on plastic substrates using electrochemical control at low temperatures of ≤100 °C. Single-layer, oxygen-rich GO nanosheets prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates were electrochemically deoxygenated in acidic medium within a narrow scan range in order to obtain marginally reduced GO at minimum expense of the oxygen groups. The resulting electrochemically reduced GO (E-RGO) had a high density of residual alcohol groups with high electrocatalytic activity toward the positively charged cobalt-complex redox mediators used in DSCs. The ultrathin, alcohol-rich E-RGO layer on ITO-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) was successfully applied as a lightweight, low-temperature counter electrode with an extremely high optical transmittance of ∼97.7% at 550 nm. A cobalt(II/III)-mediated DSC employing the highly transparent, alcohol-rich E-RGO electrode exhibited a photovoltaic power conversion efficiency of 5.07%. This is superior to that obtained with conventionally reduced GO using hydrazine (3.94%) and even similar to that obtained with platinum (5.10%). This is the first report of a highly transparent planar electrocatalytic layer based on carbonaceous materials fabricated on ITO plastics for application in DSCs.

Adding GaAs Monolayers to InAs Quantum-Dot Lasers on (001) InP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qiu, Yueming; Chacon, Rebecca; Uhl, David; Yang, Rui

2005-01-01

In a modification of the basic configuration of InAs quantum-dot semiconductor lasers on (001)lnP substrate, a thin layer (typically 1 to 2 monolayer thick) of GaAs is incorporated into the active region. This modification enhances laser performance: In particular, whereas it has been necessary to cool the unmodified devices to temperatures of about 80 K in order to obtain lasing at long wavelengths, the modified devices can lase at wavelengths of about 1.7 microns or more near room temperature. InAs quantum dots self-assemble, as a consequence of the lattice mismatch, during epitaxial deposition of InAs on ln0.53Ga0.47As/lnP. In the unmodified devices, the quantum dots as thus formed are typically nonuniform in size. Strainenergy relaxation in very large quantum dots can lead to poor laser performance, especially at wavelengths near 2 microns, for which large quantum dots are needed. In the modified devices, the thin layers of GaAs added to the active regions constitute potential-energy barriers that electrons can only penetrate by quantum tunneling and thus reduce the hot carrier effects. Also, the insertion of thin GaAs layer is shown to reduce the degree of nonuniformity of sizes of the quantum dots. In the fabrication of a batch of modified InAs quantum-dot lasers, the thin additional layer of GaAs is deposited as an interfacial layer in an InGaAs quantum well on (001) InP substrate. The device as described thus far is sandwiched between InGaAsPy waveguide layers, then further sandwiched between InP cladding layers, then further sandwiched between heavily Zn-doped (p-type) InGaAs contact layer.

Excimer laser processing of backside-illuminated CCDS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, S. D.

1993-01-01

An excimer laser is used to activate previously implanted dopants on the backside of a backside-illuminated CCD. The controlled ion implantation of the backside and subsequent thin layer heating and recrystallization by the short wavelength pulsed excimer laser simultaneously activates the dopant and anneals out implant damage. This improves the dark current response, repairs defective pixels and improves spectral response. This process heats a very thin layer of the material to high temperatures on a nanosecond time scale while the bulk of the delicate CCD substrate remains at low temperature. Excimer laser processing backside-illuminated CCD's enables salvage and utilization of otherwise nonfunctional components by bringing their dark current response to within an acceptable range. This process is particularly useful for solid state imaging detectors used in commercial, scientific and government applications requiring a wide spectral response and low light level detection.

Insights into seasonal active layer dynamics by monitoring relative velocity changes using ambient seismic noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, S. R.; Knox, H. A.; Cole, C. J.; Abbott, R. E.; Screaton, E.

2016-12-01

Seasonal freeze and thaw of the active layer above permafrost results in dramatic changes in seismic velocity. We used daily cross correlations of ambient seismic noise recorded at Poker Flat Research Range in central Alaska to create a nearly continuous 2-year record of relative velocity changes. This analysis required that we modify the Moving Window Cross-spectral Analysis technique used in the Python package MSNoise to reduce the occurrence of cycle skipping. Results show relative velocity variations follow a seasonal pattern, where velocities decrease in late spring through the summer months and increase through the fall and winter months. This timing is consistent with active layer freeze and thaw in this region. These results were compared to a suite of ground- and satellite-based measurements to identify relationships. A decrease in relative velocities in late spring closely follows the timing of snow melt recorded in nearby ground temperatures and snow-depth logs. This transition also aligns with a decrease in the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) derived from multi-temporal Landsat 8 satellite imagery collected over the study site. A gradual increase in relative velocity through the fall months occurs when temperatures below ground surface remain near zero. We suggest this is due to latent heat feedbacks that keep temperatures constant while active layer velocities increase from continued ice formation. This highlights the value in velocity variations for capturing details on the freezing process. In addition, spatial variations in the magnitude of velocity changes are consistent with thaw probe surveys. Exploring relationships with remote sensing may allow indirect measurements of thaw over larger areas and further surface wave analysis may allow for thickness evolution measurements. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Temperature induced degradation mechanisms of AlInAs/InGaAs/InP quantum cascade lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierścińska, D.; Pierściński, K.; Płuska, M.; Sobczak, G.; Kuźmicz, A.; Gutowski, P.; Bugajski, M.

2018-01-01

In this paper, we report on the investigation of temperature induced degradation mode of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with an emphasis on the influence of different processing technology. We investigate and compare lattice matched AlInAs/InGaAs/InP QCLs of various constructions, i.e., double trench, buried heterostructure and ridge waveguide regarding thermal management, reliability and sources of degradation. The analysis was performed by CCD thermoreflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope inspection and destructive analysis by focused ion beam etching, enabling determination of the source and mode of degradation for investigated lasers. Experimental temperature data relate temperature rise, arising from supply current, with device geometry. Results clearly indicate, that the buried heterostructure geometry, allows reaching the highest maximal operating current densities, before the degradation occurs. Microscopic images of degradation confirm that degradation includes the damage of the contact layer as well as damage of the active region layers.

Concentration and variability of ice nuclei in the subtropical maritime boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welti, André; Müller, Konrad; Fleming, Zoë L.; Stratmann, Frank

2018-04-01

Measurements of the concentration and variability of ice nucleating particles in the subtropical maritime boundary layer are reported. Filter samples collected in Cabo Verde over the period 2009-2013 are analyzed with a drop freezing experiment with sensitivity to detect the few rare ice nuclei active at low supercooling. The data set is augmented with continuous flow diffusion chamber measurements at temperatures below -24 °C from a 2-month field campaign in Cabo Verde in 2016. The data set is used to address the following questions: what are typical concentrations of ice nucleating particles active at a certain temperature? What affects their concentration and where are their sources? Concentration of ice nucleating particles is found to increase exponentially by 7 orders of magnitude from -5 to -38 °C. Sample-to-sample variation in the steepness of the increase indicates that particles of different origin, with different ice nucleation properties (size, composition), contribute to the ice nuclei concentration at different temperatures. The concentration of ice nuclei active at a specific temperature varies over a range of up to 4 orders of magnitude. The frequency with which a certain ice nuclei concentration is measured within this range is found to follow a lognormal distribution, which can be explained by random dilution during transport. To investigate the geographic origin of ice nuclei, source attribution of air masses from dispersion modeling is used to classify the data into seven typical conditions. While no source could be attributed to the ice nuclei active at temperatures higher than -12 °C, concentrations at lower temperatures tend to be elevated in air masses originating from the Sahara.

Memory device using movement of protons

DOEpatents

Warren, W.L.; Vanheusden, K.J.R.; Fleetwood, D.M.; Devine, R.A.B.

1998-11-03

An electrically written memory element is disclosed utilizing the motion of protons within a dielectric layer surrounded by layers on either side to confine the protons within the dielectric layer with electrode means attached to the surrounding layers to change the spatial position of the protons within the dielectric layer. The device is preferably constructed as a silicon-silicon dioxide-silicon layered structure with the protons being introduced to the structure laterally through the exposed edges of the silicon dioxide layer during a high temperature anneal in an atmosphere containing hydrogen gas. The device operates at low power, is preferably nonvolatile, is radiation tolerant, and is compatible with convention silicon MOS processing for integration with other microelectronic elements on the same silicon substrate. With the addition of an optically active layer, the memory element becomes an electrically written, optically read optical memory element. 19 figs.

Memory device using movement of protons

DOEpatents

Warren, William L.; Vanheusden, Karel J. R.; Fleetwood, Daniel M.; Devine, Roderick A. B.

1998-01-01

An electrically written memory element utilizing the motion of protons within a dielectric layer surrounded by layers on either side to confine the protons within the dielectric layer with electrode means attached to the surrounding layers to change the spatial position of the protons within the dielectric layer. The device is preferably constructed as a silicon-silicon dioxide-silicon layered structure with the protons being introduced to the structure laterally through the exposed edges of the silicon dioxide layer during a high temperature anneal in an atmosphere containing hydrogen gas. The device operates at low power, is preferably nonvolatile, is radiation tolerant, and is compatible with convention silicon MOS processing for integration with other microelectronic elements on the same silicon substrate. With the addition of an optically active layer, the memory element becomes an electrically written, optically read optical memory element.

Memory device using movement of protons

DOEpatents

Warren, William L.; Vanheusden, Karel J. R.; Fleetwood, Daniel M.; Devine, Roderick A. B.

2000-01-01

An electrically written memory element utilizing the motion of protons within a dielectric layer surrounded by layers on either side to confine the protons within the dielectric layer with electrode means attached to the surrounding layers to change the spatial position of the protons within the dielectric layer. The device is preferably constructed as a silicon-silicon dioxide-silicon layered structure with the protons being introduced to the structure laterally through the exposed edges of the silicon dioxide layer during a high temperature anneal in an atmosphere containing hydrogen gas. The device operates at low power, is preferably nonvolatile, is radiation tolerant, and is compatible with convention silicon MOS processing for integration with other microelectronic elements on the same silicon substrate. With the addition of an optically active layer, the memory element becomes an electrically written, optically read optical memory element.

Effect of native oxide layers on copper thin-film tensile properties: A reactive molecular dynamics study

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

Skarlinski, Michael D., E-mail: michael.skarlinski@rochester.edu; Quesnel, David J.; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627

2015-12-21

Metal-oxide layers are likely to be present on metallic nano-structures due to either environmental exposure during use, or high temperature processing techniques such as annealing. It is well known that nano-structured metals have vastly different mechanical properties from bulk metals; however, difficulties in modeling the transition between metallic and ionic bonding have prevented the computational investigation of the effects of oxide surface layers. Newly developed charge-optimized many body [Liang et al., Mater. Sci. Eng., R 74, 255 (2013)] potentials are used to perform fully reactive molecular dynamics simulations which elucidate the effects that metal-oxide layers have on the mechanical propertiesmore » of a copper thin-film. Simulated tensile tests are performed on thin-films while using different strain-rates, temperatures, and oxide thicknesses to evaluate changes in yield stress, modulus, and failure mechanisms. Findings indicate that copper-thin film mechanical properties are strongly affected by native oxide layers. The formed oxide layers have an amorphous structure with lower Cu-O bond-densities than bulk CuO, and a mixture of Cu{sub 2}O and CuO charge character. It is found that oxidation will cause modifications to the strain response of the elastic modulii, producing a stiffened modulii at low temperatures (<75 K) and low strain values (<5%), and a softened modulii at higher temperatures. While under strain, structural reorganization within the oxide layers facilitates brittle yielding through nucleation of defects across the oxide/metal interface. The oxide-free copper thin-film yielding mechanism is found to be a tensile-axis reorientation and grain creation. The oxide layers change the observed yielding mechanism, allowing for the inner copper thin-film to sustain an FCC-to-BCC transition during yielding. The mechanical properties are fit to a thermodynamic model based on classical nucleation theory. The fit implies that the oxidation of the films reduces the activation volume for yielding.« less

Superconductor-normal-superconductor with distributed Sharvin point contacts

DOEpatents

Holcomb, Matthew J.; Little, William A.

1994-01-01

A non-linear superconducting junction device comprising a layer of high transient temperature superconducting material which is superconducting at an operating temperature, a layer of metal in contact with the layer of high temperature superconducting material and which remains non-superconducting at the operating temperature, and a metal material which is superconducting at the operating temperature and which forms distributed Sharvin point contacts with the metal layer.

Gas Diffusion Barriers Prepared by Spatial Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Enhanced ALD.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Lukas; Theirich, Detlef; Pack, Sven; Kocak, Firat; Schlamm, Daniel; Hasselmann, Tim; Fahl, Henry; Räupke, André; Gargouri, Hassan; Riedl, Thomas

2017-02-01

In this work, we report on aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) gas permeation barriers prepared by spatial ALD (SALD) at atmospheric pressure. We compare the growth characteristics and layer properties using trimethylaluminum (TMA) in combination with an Ar/O 2 remote atmospheric pressure plasma for different substrate velocities and different temperatures. The resulting Al 2 O 3 films show ultralow water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) on the order of 10 -6 gm -2 d -1 . In notable contrast, plasma based layers already show good barrier properties at low deposition temperatures (75 °C), while water based processes require a growth temperature above 100 °C to achieve equally low WVTRs. The activation energy for the water permeation mechanism was determined to be 62 kJ/mol.

Fabrication of CFRP/Al Active Laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asanuma, Hiroshi; Haga, Osamu; Ohira, Junichiro; Takemoto, Kyosuke; Imori, Masataka

This paper describes fabrication and evaluation of the active laminate. It was made by hot-pressing of an aluminum plate as a high CTE material, a unidirectional CFRP prepreg as a low CTE material and an electric resistance heater, a KFRP prepreg as a low CTE material and an insulator between them, and copper foils as electrodes. In this study, fabricating conditions and performances such as curvature change and output force were examined. Under optimized fabricating conditions, it became clear that 1) the curvature of the active laminate linearly changes as a function of temperature, between room temperature and its hot pressing temperature without hysteresis by electric resistance heating of carbon fiber in the CFRP layer and cooling, and 2) the output force against a fixed punch almost linearly increases with increasing temperature during heating from 313K up to around the glass transition temperature of the epoxy matrix.

Intermediate coating layer for high temperature rubbing seals for rotary regenerators

DOEpatents

Schienle, James L.; Strangman, Thomas E.

1995-01-01

A metallic regenerator seal is provided having multi-layer coating comprising a NiCrAlY bond layer, a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) intermediate layer, and a ceramic high temperature solid lubricant surface layer comprising zinc oxide, calcium fluoride, and tin oxide. Because of the YSZ intermediate layer, the coating is thermodynamically stable and resists swelling at high temperatures.

Information flow in layered networks of non-monotonic units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schittler Neves, Fabio; Martim Schubert, Benno; Erichsen, Rubem, Jr.

2015-07-01

Layered neural networks are feedforward structures that yield robust parallel and distributed pattern recognition. Even though much attention has been paid to pattern retrieval properties in such systems, many aspects of their dynamics are not yet well characterized or understood. In this work we study, at different temperatures, the memory activity and information flows through layered networks in which the elements are the simplest binary odd non-monotonic function. Our results show that, considering a standard Hebbian learning approach, the network information content has its maximum always at the monotonic limit, even though the maximum memory capacity can be found at non-monotonic values for small enough temperatures. Furthermore, we show that such systems exhibit rich macroscopic dynamics, including not only fixed point solutions of its iterative map, but also cyclic and chaotic attractors that also carry information.

Heavily boron-doped Si layers grown below 700 C by molecular beam epitaxy using a HBO2 source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, T. L.; Fathauer, R. W.; Grunthaner, P. J.

1989-01-01

Boron doping in Si layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) at 500-700 C using an HBO2 source has been studied. The maximum boron concentration without detectable oxygen incorporation for a given substrate temperature and Si growth rate has been determined using secondary-ion mass spectrometry analysis. Boron present in the Si MBE layers grown at 550-700 C was found to be electrically active, independent of the amount of oxygen incorporation. By reducing the Si growth rate, highly boron-doped layers have been grown at 600 C without detectable oxygen incorporation.

Activation of the surface dark-layer to enhance upconversion in a thermal field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jiajia; Wen, Shihui; Liao, Jiayan; Clarke, Christian; Tawfik, Sherif Abdulkader; Ren, Wei; Mi, Chao; Wang, Fan; Jin, Dayong

2018-03-01

Thermal quenching, in which light emission experiences a loss with increasing temperature, broadly limits luminescent efficiency at higher temperature in optical materials, such as lighting phosphors1-3 and fluorescent probes4-6. Thermal quenching is commonly caused by the increased activity of phonons that leverages the non-radiative relaxation pathways. Here, we report a kind of heat-favourable phonons existing at the surface of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanomaterials to combat thermal quenching. It favours energy transfer from sensitizers to activators to pump up the intermediate excited-state upconversion process. We identify that the oxygen moiety chelating Yb3+ ions, [Yb...O], is the key underpinning this enhancement. We demonstrate an approximately 2,000-fold enhancement in blue emission for 9.7 nm Yb3+-Tm3+ co-doped nanoparticles at 453 K. This strategy not only provides a powerful solution to illuminate the dark layer of ultra-small upconversion nanoparticles, but also suggests a new pathway to build high-efficiency upconversion systems.

Soil Organic Carbon Degradation in Low Temperature Soil Incubations from Flat- and High-Centered Polygons, Barrow, Alaska, 2012-2013

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

Jianqiu Zheng; David Graham

This dataset provides information about organic acids accumulation and ferrous ion concentrations during soil incubations at controlled temperature. Soil cores were collected in 2012 and 2013 from the flat- and high-centered polygon active layers and permafrost (when present) from the NGEE-Arctic Intensive Study Site 1, Barrow, Alaska.

Study of electrical and magnetic properties of RE doped layered cobaltite thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bapna, K.; Choudhary, R. J.; Phase, D. M.; Rawat, R.; Ahuja, B. L.

2018-05-01

Thin films of layered perovskites Sr1.5RE0.5CoO4 (RE = La, Gd) were grown on MgO (0 0 1) substrate using pulsed laser ablation method. Structural, electrical and magnetic properties of single phase oriented films were studied. Films reveal semiconducting behavior in the entire measured temperature range. The films show thermally activated behavior at high temperature regime, with a higher value of activation energy for SGCO than that for SLCO. The low temperature behavior is well fitted with 3D-variable range hopping mechanism. Both films showed negative magneto-resistance measured in temperature range of 10-200 K. The value of MR is large for SGCO film as compared to its bulk counterpart as well as SLCO film, suggesting its high potential in the spintronics applications. A pinch-shaped M-H behaviour as observed in both the films, suggests the presence of two-magnetic phases. Occurrence of pinch-shape behaviour is although in line with that of SLCO bulk counterpart, interestingly, it was absent in SGCO polycrystalline powder. It suggests major role of film growth kinetics in modifying the magnetic properties in cobaltites.

A flexible, transparent and high-performance gas sensor based on layer-materials for wearable technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zhaoqiang; Yao, Jiandong; Wang, Bing; Yang, Guowei

2017-10-01

Gas sensors play a vital role among a wide range of practical applications. Recently, propelled by the development of layered materials, gas sensors have gained much progress. However, the high operation temperature has restricted their further application. Herein, via a facile pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method, we demonstrate a flexible, transparent and high-performance gas sensor made of highly-crystalline indium selenide (In2Se3) film. Under UV-vis-NIR light or even solar energy activation, the constructed gas sensors exhibit superior properties for detecting acetylene (C2H2) gas at room temperature. We attribute these properties to the photo-induced charger transfer mechanism upon C2H2 molecule adsorption. Moreover, no apparent degradation in the device properties is observed even after 100 bending cycles. In addition, we can also fabricate this device on rigid substrates, which is also capable to detect gas molecules at room temperature. These results unambiguously distinguish In2Se3 as a new candidate for future application in monitoring C2H2 gas at room temperature and open up new opportunities for developing next generation full-spectrum activated gas sensors.

A flexible, transparent and high-performance gas sensor based on layer-materials for wearable technology.

PubMed

Zheng, Zhaoqiang; Yao, Jiandong; Wang, Bing; Yang, Guowei

2017-10-13

Gas sensors play a vital role among a wide range of practical applications. Recently, propelled by the development of layered materials, gas sensors have gained much progress. However, the high operation temperature has restricted their further application. Herein, via a facile pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method, we demonstrate a flexible, transparent and high-performance gas sensor made of highly-crystalline indium selenide (In 2 Se 3 ) film. Under UV-vis-NIR light or even solar energy activation, the constructed gas sensors exhibit superior properties for detecting acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) gas at room temperature. We attribute these properties to the photo-induced charger transfer mechanism upon C 2 H 2 molecule adsorption. Moreover, no apparent degradation in the device properties is observed even after 100 bending cycles. In addition, we can also fabricate this device on rigid substrates, which is also capable to detect gas molecules at room temperature. These results unambiguously distinguish In 2 Se 3 as a new candidate for future application in monitoring C 2 H 2 gas at room temperature and open up new opportunities for developing next generation full-spectrum activated gas sensors.

Metallization pattern on solid electrolyte or porous support of sodium battery process

DOEpatents

Kim, Jin Yong; Li, Guosheng; Lu, Xiaochuan; Sprenkle, Vincent L.; Lemmon, John P.

2016-05-31

A new battery configuration and process are detailed. The battery cell includes a solid electrolyte configured with an engineered metallization layer that distributes sodium across the surface of the electrolyte extending the active area of the cathode in contact with the anode during operation. The metallization layer enhances performance, efficiency, and capacity of sodium batteries at intermediate temperatures at or below about 200.degree. C.

Ultrahigh-sensitive sensing platform based on p-type dumbbell-like Co3O4 network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Tingting; Zhang, Tong; Zhang, Rui; Lou, Zheng; Deng, Jianan; Wang, Lili

2017-12-01

Development of high performance room temperature sensors remains a grand challenge for high demand of practical application. Metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) have many advantages over others due to their easy functionalization, high surface area, and low cost. However, they typically need a high work temperature during sensing process. Here, p-type sensing layer is reported, consisting of pore-rich dumbbell-like Co3O4 particles (DP-Co3O4) with intrinsic high catalytic activity. The gas sensor (GS) based DP-Co3O4 catalyst exhibits ultrahigh NH3 sensing activity along with excellent stability over other structure based NH3 GSs in room temperature work environment. In addition, the unique structure of DP-Co3O4 with pore-rich and high catalytic activity endows fast gas diffusion rate and high sensitivity at room temperature. Taken together, the findings in this work highlight the merit of integrating highly active materials in p-type materials, offering a framework to develop high-sensitivity room temperature sensing platforms.

Low temperature platinum atomic layer deposition on nylon-6 for highly conductive and catalytic fiber mats

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

Mundy, J. Zachary; Shafiefarhood, Arya; Li, Fanxing

2016-01-15

Low temperature platinum atomic layer deposition (Pt-ALD) via (methylcyclopentadienyl)trimethyl platinum and ozone (O{sub 3}) is used to produce highly conductive nonwoven nylon-6 (polyamide-6, PA-6) fiber mats, having effective conductivities as high as ∼5500–6000 S/cm with only a 6% fractional increase in mass. The authors show that an alumina ALD nucleation layer deposited at high temperature is required to promote Pt film nucleation and growth on the polymeric substrate. Fractional mass gain scales linearly with Pt-ALD cycle number while effective conductivity exhibits a nonlinear trend with cycle number, corresponding to film coalescence. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy reveals island growth mode ofmore » the Pt film at low cycle number with a coalesced film observed after 200 cycles. The metallic coating also exhibits exceptional resistance to mechanical flexing, maintaining up to 93% of unstressed conductivity after bending around cylinders with radii as small as 0.3 cm. Catalytic activity of the as-deposited Pt film is demonstrated via carbon monoxide oxidation to carbon dioxide. This novel low temperature processing allows for the inclusion of highly conductive catalytic material on a number of temperature-sensitive substrates with minimal mass gain for use in such areas as smart textiles and flexible electronics.« less

Stoichiometry and temperature sensitivity of methanogenesis and CO2 production from saturated polygonal tundra in Barrow, Alaska.

PubMed

Roy Chowdhury, Taniya; Herndon, Elizabeth M; Phelps, Tommy J; Elias, Dwayne A; Gu, Baohua; Liang, Liyuan; Wullschleger, Stan D; Graham, David E

2015-02-01

Arctic permafrost ecosystems store ~50% of global belowground carbon (C) that is vulnerable to increased microbial degradation with warmer active layer temperatures and thawing of the near surface permafrost. We used anoxic laboratory incubations to estimate anaerobic CO2 production and methanogenesis in active layer (organic and mineral soil horizons) and permafrost samples from center, ridge and trough positions of water-saturated low-centered polygon in Barrow Environmental Observatory, Barrow AK, USA. Methane (CH4 ) and CO2 production rates and concentrations were determined at -2, +4, or +8 °C for 60 day incubation period. Temporal dynamics of CO2 production and methanogenesis at -2 °C showed evidence of fundamentally different mechanisms of substrate limitation and inhibited microbial growth at soil water freezing points compared to warmer temperatures. Nonlinear regression better modeled the initial rates and estimates of Q10 values for CO2 that showed higher sensitivity in the organic-rich soils of polygon center and trough than the relatively drier ridge soils. Methanogenesis generally exhibited a lag phase in the mineral soils that was significantly longer at -2 °C in all horizons. Such discontinuity in CH4 production between -2 °C and the elevated temperatures (+4 and +8 °C) indicated the insufficient representation of methanogenesis on the basis of Q10 values estimated from both linear and nonlinear models. Production rates for both CH4 and CO2 were substantially higher in organic horizons (20% to 40% wt. C) at all temperatures relative to mineral horizons (<20% wt. C). Permafrost horizon (~12% wt. C) produced ~5-fold less CO2 than the active layer and negligible CH4 . High concentrations of initial exchangeable Fe(II) and increasing accumulation rates signified the role of iron as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic C degradation in the mineral horizons. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Stoichiometry and temperature sensitivity of methanogenesis and CO 2 production from saturated polygonal tundra in Barrow, Alaska

DOE PAGES

Roy Chowdhury, Taniya; Herndon, Elizabeth M.; Phelps, Tommy J.; ...

2014-11-26

Arctic permafrost ecosystems store ~50% of global belowground carbon (C) that is vulnerable to increased microbial degradation with warmer active layer temperatures and thawing of the near surface permafrost. We used anoxic laboratory incubations to estimate anaerobic CO2 production and methanogenesis in active layer (organic and mineral soil horizons) and permafrost samples from center, ridge and trough positions of water-saturated low-centered polygon in Barrow Environmental Observatory, Barrow AK, USA. Methane (CH4) and CO2 production rates and concentrations were determined at 2, +4, or +8 C for 60 day incubation period. Temporal dynamics of CO2 production and methanogenesis at 2 Cmore » showed evidence of fundamentally different mechanisms of substrate limitation and inhibited microbial growth at soil water freezing points compared to warmer temperatures. Nonlinear regression better modeled the initial rates and estimates of Q10 values for CO2 that showed higher sensitivity in the organic-rich soils of polygon center and trough than the relatively drier ridge soils. Methanogenesis generally exhibited a lag phase in the mineral soils that was significantly longer at 2 C in all horizons. Such discontinuity in CH4 production between 2 C and the elevated temperatures (+4 and +8 C) indicated the insufficient representation of methanogenesis on the basis of Q10 values estimated from both linear and nonlinear models. Production rates for both CH4 and CO2 were substantially higher in organic horizons (20% to 40% wt. C) at all temperatures relative to mineral horizons (<20% wt. C). Permafrost horizon (~12% wt. C) produced ~5-fold less CO2 than the active layer and negligible CH4. High concentrations of initial exchangeable Fe(II) and increasing accumulation rates signified the role of iron as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic C degradation in the mineral horizons.« less

Upper-tropospheric inversion and easterly jet in the tropics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujiwara, M.; Xie, S.-P.; Shiotani, M.; Hashizume, H.; Hasebe, F.; VöMel, H.; Oltmans, S. J.; Watanabe, T.

2003-12-01

Shipboard radiosonde measurements revealed a persistent temperature inversion layer with a thickness of ˜200 m at 12-13 km in a nonconvective region over the tropical eastern Pacific, along 2°N, in September 1999. Simultaneous relative humidity measurements indicated that the thin inversion layer was located at the top of a very wet layer with a thickness of 3-4 km, which was found to originate from the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) to the north. Radiative transfer calculations suggested that this upper tropospheric inversion (UTI) was produced and maintained by strong longwave cooling in this wet layer. A strong easterly jet stream was also observed at 12-13 km, centered around 4°-5°N. This easterly jet was in the thermal wind balance, with meridional temperature gradients produced by the cloud and radiative processes in the ITCZ and the wet outflow. Furthermore, the jet, in turn, acted to spread inversions further downstream through the transport of radiatively active water vapor. This feedback mechanism may explain the omnipresence of temperature inversions and layering structures in trace gases in the tropical troposphere. Examination of high-resolution radiosonde data at other sites in the tropical Pacific indicates that similar UTIs often appear around 12-15 km. The UTI around 12-15 km may thus be characterized as one of the "climatological" inversions in the tropical troposphere, forming the lower boundary of the so-called tropical tropopause layer, where the tropospheric air is processed photochemically and microphysically before entering the stratosphere.

High-Temperature, Dual-Atmosphere Corrosion of Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gannon, Paul; Amendola, Roberta

2012-12-01

High-temperature corrosion of ferritic stainless steel (FSS) surfaces can be accelerated and anomalous when it is simultaneously subjected to different gaseous environments, e.g., when separating fuel (hydrogen) and oxidant (air) streams, in comparison with single-atmosphere exposures, e.g., air only. This so-called "dual-atmosphere" exposure is realized in many energy-conversion systems including turbines, boilers, gasifiers, heat exchangers, and particularly in intermediate temperature (600-800°C) planar solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks. It is generally accepted that hydrogen transport through the FSS (plate or tube) and its subsequent integration into the growing air-side surface oxide layer can promote accelerated and anomalous corrosion—relative to single-atmosphere exposure—via defect chemistry changes, such as increased cation vacancy concentrations, decreased oxygen activity, and steam formation within the growing surface oxide layers. Establishment of a continuous and dense surface oxide layer on the fuel side of the FSS can inhibit hydrogen transport and the associated effects on the air side. Minor differences in FSS composition, microstructure, and surface conditions can all have dramatic influences on dual-atmosphere corrosion behaviors. This article reviews high-temperature, dual-atmosphere corrosion phenomena and discusses implications for SOFC stacks, related applications, and future research.

A Multi-Scale Framework for Multi-Field Analyses of Smart Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-15

purchased from Advanced Cerametrics Incorporated, consist of PZT 5A fibers dispersed in an epoxy matrix. Kapton layers and electrode fingers are placed...tests in the longitudinal fiber direction, at different rates and temperatures: 25oC, 50oC, and 75oC. Figure 2 shows examples of PZT Positive... PZT and active fiber composites at various frequencies at temperatures 25oC and 75oC. Figure 4 Hysteretic polarization at room temperature with

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

Yao, Siyu; Zhang, Xiao; Zhou, Wu

Here, the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction (where carbon monoxide plus water yields dihydrogen and carbon dioxide) is an essential process for hydrogen generation and carbon monoxide removal in various energy-related chemical operations. This equilibrium-limited reaction is favored at a low working temperature. Potential application in fuel cells also requires a WGS catalyst to be highly active, stable, and energy-efficient and to match the working temperature of on-site hydrogen generation and consumption units. We synthesized layered gold (Au) clusters on a molybdenum carbide (α-MoC) substrate to create an interfacial catalyst system for the ultralow-temperature WGS reaction. Water was activated over α-MoCatmore » 303 kelvin, whereas carbon monoxide adsorbed on adjacent Au sites was apt to react with surface hydroxyl groups formed from water splitting, leading to a high WGS activity at low temperatures.« less

Passivation of phosphorus diffused silicon surfaces with Al2O3: Influence of surface doping concentration and thermal activation treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Armin; Benick, Jan; Kimmerle, Achim; Hermle, Martin; Glunz, Stefan W.

2014-12-01

Thin layers of Al2O3 are well known for the excellent passivation of p-type c-Si surfaces including highly doped p+ emitters, due to a high density of fixed negative charges. Recent results indicate that Al2O3 can also provide a good passivation of certain phosphorus-diffused n+ c-Si surfaces. In this work, we studied the recombination at Al2O3 passivated n+ surfaces theoretically with device simulations and experimentally for Al2O3 deposited with atomic layer deposition. The simulation results indicate that there is a certain surface doping concentration, where the recombination is maximal due to depletion or weak inversion of the charge carriers at the c-Si/Al2O3 interface. This pronounced maximum was also observed experimentally for n+ surfaces passivated either with Al2O3 single layers or stacks of Al2O3 capped by SiNx, when activated with a low temperature anneal (425 °C). In contrast, for Al2O3/SiNx stacks activated with a short high-temperature firing process (800 °C) a significant lower surface recombination was observed for most n+ diffusion profiles without such a pronounced maximum. Based on experimentally determined interface properties and simulation results, we attribute this superior passivation quality after firing to a better chemical surface passivation, quantified by a lower interface defect density, in combination with a lower density of negative fixed charges. These experimental results reveal that Al2O3/SiNx stacks can provide not only excellent passivation on p+ surfaces but also on n+ surfaces for a wide range of surface doping concentrations when activated with short high-temperature treatments.

Sb lattice diffusion in Si1-xGex/Si(001) heterostructures: Chemical and stress effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Portavoce, A.; Gas, P.; Berbezier, I.; Ronda, A.; Christensen, J. S.; Kuznetsov, A. Yu.; Svensson, B. G.

2004-04-01

The Sb diffusion coefficient in Si1-xGex/Si1-yGey(001) heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) was measured for temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 °C, Ge composition from 0 to 20 % and biaxial pressure from -0.8 (tension) to 1.4 GPa (compression). A quantitative separation of composition and biaxial stress effects is made. We show that the Sb lattice diffusion coefficient: (i) increases with Ge concentration in relaxed layers or at constant biaxial pressure and (ii) increases with compressive biaxial stress and decreases with tensile biaxial stress at constant Ge composition. The enhancement of Sb lattice diffusion in Si1-xGex layers in epitaxy on Si(001) is thus due to the cooperative effect of Ge composition and induced compressive biaxial stress. However, the first effect (composition) is predominant. The activation volume of Sb diffusion in Si1-xGex layers is deduced from the variation of the Sb diffusion coefficients with biaxial pressure. This volume is negative. The sign of the activation volume, its absolute value and its variation with temperature confirm the prediction of the thermodynamic model proposed by Aziz, namely, that under a biaxial stress the activation volume is reduced to the relaxation volume.

InSAR analysis of surface deformation over permafrost to estimate active layer thickness based on one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils

PubMed Central

Li, Zhiwei; Zhao, Rong; Hu, Jun; Wen, Lianxing; Feng, Guangcai; Zhang, Zeyu; Wang, Qijie

2015-01-01

This paper presents a novel method to estimate active layer thickness (ALT) over permafrost based on InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) observation and the heat transfer model of soils. The time lags between the periodic feature of InSAR-observed surface deformation over permafrost and the meteorologically recorded temperatures are assumed to be the time intervals that the temperature maximum to diffuse from the ground surface downward to the bottom of the active layer. By exploiting the time lags and the one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils, we estimate the ALTs. Using the frozen soil region in southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) as examples, we provided a conceptual demonstration of the estimation of the InSAR pixel-wise ALTs. In the case study, the ALTs are ranging from 1.02 to 3.14 m and with an average of 1.95 m. The results are compatible with those sparse ALT observations/estimations by traditional methods, while with extraordinary high spatial resolution at pixel level (~40 meter). The presented method is simple, and can potentially be used for deriving high-resolution ALTs in other remote areas similar to QTP, where only sparse observations are available now. PMID:26480892

InSAR analysis of surface deformation over permafrost to estimate active layer thickness based on one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils.

PubMed

Li, Zhiwei; Zhao, Rong; Hu, Jun; Wen, Lianxing; Feng, Guangcai; Zhang, Zeyu; Wang, Qijie

2015-10-20

This paper presents a novel method to estimate active layer thickness (ALT) over permafrost based on InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) observation and the heat transfer model of soils. The time lags between the periodic feature of InSAR-observed surface deformation over permafrost and the meteorologically recorded temperatures are assumed to be the time intervals that the temperature maximum to diffuse from the ground surface downward to the bottom of the active layer. By exploiting the time lags and the one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils, we estimate the ALTs. Using the frozen soil region in southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) as examples, we provided a conceptual demonstration of the estimation of the InSAR pixel-wise ALTs. In the case study, the ALTs are ranging from 1.02 to 3.14 m and with an average of 1.95 m. The results are compatible with those sparse ALT observations/estimations by traditional methods, while with extraordinary high spatial resolution at pixel level (~40 meter). The presented method is simple, and can potentially be used for deriving high-resolution ALTs in other remote areas similar to QTP, where only sparse observations are available now.

Theory of activated transport in bilayer quantum Hall systems.

PubMed

Roostaei, B; Mullen, K J; Fertig, H A; Simon, S H

2008-07-25

We analyze the transport properties of bilayer quantum Hall systems at total filling factor nu=1 in drag geometries as a function of interlayer bias, in the limit where the disorder is sufficiently strong to unbind meron-antimeron pairs, the charged topological defects of the system. We compute the typical energy barrier for these objects to cross incompressible regions within the disordered system using a Hartree-Fock approach, and show how this leads to multiple activation energies when the system is biased. We then demonstrate using a bosonic Chern-Simons theory that in drag geometries current in a single layer directly leads to forces on only two of the four types of merons, inducing dissipation only in the drive layer. Dissipation in the drag layer results from interactions among the merons, resulting in very different temperature dependences for the drag and drive layers, in qualitative agreement with experiment.

Monolithically Integrated Dual-Wavelength Self-Sustained Pulsating Laser Diodes with Real Refractive Index Guided Self-Aligned Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onishi, Toshikazu; Imafuji, Osamu; Fukuhisa, Toshiya; Mochida, Atsunori; Kobayashi, Yasuhiro; Yuri, Masaaki; Itoh, Kunio; Shimizu, Hirokazu

2001-11-01

Monolithically integrated 780-nm-band and 650-nm-band self-sustained pulsating (SSP) lasers, which are desirable for simplified optical pickups in digital versatile disk (DVD) systems, have been developed for the first time. The real refractive index guided self-aligned (RISA) waveguide structure is adapted to reduce absorption loss in the current blocking layers. In order to obtain stable SSP, a saturable absorber formed in the active layer outside the current stripe, and a saturable absorbing layer above the active layer are utilized for the 780-nm-band and 650-nm-band laser diodes (LDs), respectively. Relative intensity noise less than -130 dB/Hz is maintained at temperatures of up to 80°C at an output power of 7 mW for the 650 nm band and 10 mW for the 780 nm band, which suggests that stable SSP operations have been realized.

Temperature determination of shock layer using spectroscopic techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akundi, Murty A.

1989-01-01

Shock layer temperature profiles are obtained through analysis of radiation from shock layers produced by a blunt body inserted in an arc jet flow. Spectral measurements of N2(+) have been made at 0.5 inch, 1.0 inch, and 1.4 inches from the blunt body. A technique is developed to measure the vibrational and rotational temperatures of N2(+). Temperature profiles from the radiation layers show a high temperature near the shock front and decreasing temperature near the boundary layer. Precise temperature measurements could not be made using this technique due to the limited resolution. Use of a high resolution grating will help to make a more accurate temperature determination. Laser induced fluorescence technique is much better since it gives the scope for selective excitation and a better spacial resolution.

Room temperature performance of 4 V aqueous hybrid supercapacitor using multi-layered lithium-doped carbon negative electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makino, Sho; Yamamoto, Rie; Sugimoto, Shigeyuki; Sugimoto, Wataru

2016-09-01

Water-stable multi-layered lithium-doped carbon (LixC6) negative electrode using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-lithium bis(trifluoromethansulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) polymer electrolyte containing N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethansulfonyl)imide (PP13TFSI) ionic liquid was developed. Electrochemical properties at 60 °C of the aqueous hybrid supercapacitor using activated carbon positive electrode and a multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode (LixC6 | PEO-LiTFSI | LTAP) without PP13TFSI exhibited performance similar to that using Li anode (Li | PEO-LiTFSI | LTAP). A drastic decrease in ESR was achieved by the addition of PP13TFSI to PEO-LiTFSI, allowing room temperature operation. The ESR of the multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI-PP13TFSI at 25 °C was 801 Ω cm2, which is 1/6 the value of the multi-layered Li negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI (5014 Ω cm2). Charge/discharge test of the aqueous hybrid supercapacitor using multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI-PP13TFSI at 25 °C afforded specific capacity of 20.6 mAh (g-activated carbon)-1 with a working voltage of 2.7-3.7 V, and good long-term capability up to 3000 cycles. Furthermore, an aqueous hybrid supercapacitor consisting of a high capacitance RuO2 nanosheet positive electrode and multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI-PP13TFSI showed specific capacity of 196 mAh (g-RuO2)-1 and specific energy of 625 Wh (kg-RuO2)-1 in 2.0 M acetic acid-lithium acetate buffered solution at 25 °C.

Deplete! Deplete! Deplete!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodson, J.

2017-12-01

Deplete is intended to demonstrate by analogy the harmful effect that Green House Gases (GHG's) such as CO2 and H2O vapor are causing to the Ozone Layer. Increasing temperatures from human activities are contributing to the depletion of Ozone.

[Effects of altitudes on soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity in alpine-gorge regions.

PubMed

Cao, Rui; Wu, Fu Zhong; Yang, Wan Qin; Xu, Zhen Feng; Tani, Bo; Wang, Bin; Li, Jun; Chang, Chen Hui

2016-04-22

In order to understand the variations of soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities with the change of altitude, a field incubation was conducted in dry valley, ecotone between dry valley and mountain forest, subalpine coniferous forest, alpine forest and alpine meadow from 1563 m to 3994 m of altitude in the alpine-gorge region of western Sichuan. The microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and the activities of invertase, urease and acid phosphorus were measured in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer. Both the soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities showed the similar tendency in soil organic layer. They increased from 2158 m to 3028 m, then decreased to the lowest value at 3593 m, and thereafter increased until 3994 m in the alpine-gorge region. In contrast, the soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities in mineral soil layer showed the trends as, the subalpine forest at 3028 m > alpine meadow at 3994 m > montane forest ecotone at 2158 m > alpine forest at 3593 m > dry valley at 1563 m. Regardless of altitudes, soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities were significantly higher in soil organic layer than in mineral soil layer. The soil microbial biomass was significantly positively correlated with the activities of the measured soil enzymes. Moreover, both the soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities were significantly positively correlated with soil water content, organic carbon, and total nitrogen. The activity of soil invertase was significantly positively correlated with soil phosphorus content, and the soil acid phosphatase was so with soil phosphorus content and soil temperature. In brief, changes in vegetation and other environmental factors resulting from altitude change might have strong effects on soil biochemical properties in the alpine-gorge region.

A study on the high temperature-dependence of the electrical properties in a solution-deposited zinc-tin-oxide thin-film transistor operated in the saturation region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Kyeong Min; Bae, Byung Seong; Jung, Myunghee; Yun, Eui-Jung

2016-06-01

We investigate the effects of high temperatures in the range of 292 - 393 K on the electrical properties of solution-processed amorphous zinc-tin-oxide (a-ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) operated in the saturation region. The fabricated a-ZTO TFTs have a non-patterned bottom gate and top contact structure, and they use a heavily-doped Si wafer and SiO2 as a gate electrode and a gate insulator layer, respectively. In a-ZTO TFTs, the trap release energy ( E TR ) was deduced by using Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. The decreasing E TR toward zero with increasing gate voltage (the density of trap states ( n s )) in the a-ZTO active layer can be attributed to a shift of the Fermi level toward the mobility edge with increasing gate voltage. The TFTs with low gate voltage (low n s ) exhibit multiple trap and release characteristics and show thermally-activated behavior. In TFTs with a high gate voltage (high n s ), however, we observe decreasing mobility and conductivity with increasing temperature at temperatures ranging from 303 to 363 K. This confirms that the E TR can drop to zero, indicating a shift of the Fermi level beyond the mobility edge. Hence, the mobility edge is detected at the cusp between thermally-activated transport and band transport.

Arrhenius analysis of anisotropic surface self-diffusion on the prismatic facet of ice.

PubMed

Gladich, Ivan; Pfalzgraff, William; Maršálek, Ondřej; Jungwirth, Pavel; Roeselová, Martina; Neshyba, Steven

2011-11-28

We present an Arrhenius analysis of self-diffusion on the prismatic surface of ice calculated from molecular dynamics simulations. The six-site water model of Nada and van der Eerden was used in combination with a structure-based criterion for determining the number of liquid-like molecules in the quasi-liquid layer. Simulated temperatures range from 230 K-287 K, the latter being just below the melting temperature of the model, 289 K. Calculated surface diffusion coefficients agree with available experimental data to within quoted precision. Our results indicate a positive Arrhenius curvature, implying a change in the mechanism of self-diffusion from low to high temperature, with a concomitant increase in energy of activation from 29.1 kJ mol(-1) at low temperature to 53.8 kJ mol(-1) close to the melting point. In addition, we find that the surface self-diffusion is anisotropic at lower temperatures, transitioning to isotropic in the temperature range of 240-250 K. We also present a framework for self-diffusion in the quasi-liquid layer on ice that aims to explain these observations.

[A surface reacted layer study of titanium-zirconium alloy after dental casting].

PubMed

Zhang, Y; Guo, T; Li, Z; Li, C

2000-10-01

To investigate the influence of the mold temperature on the surface reacted layer of Ti-Zr alloy castings. Ti-Zr alloy was casted into a mold which was made of a zircon (ZrO2.SiO2) for inner coating and a phosphate-bonded material for outer investing with a casting machine (China) designed as vacuum, pressure and centrifuge. At three mold temperatures (room temperature, 300 degrees C, 600 degrees C) the Ti-Zr alloy was casted separately. The surface roughness of the castings was calculated by instrument of smooth finish (China). From the surface to the inner part the Knoop hardness and thickness in reacted layer of Ti-Zr alloy casting was measured. The structure of the surface reacted layer was analysed by SEM. Elemental analyses of the interfacial zone of the casting was made by element line scanning observation. The surface roughness of the castings was increased significantly with the mold temperature increasing. At a higher mold temperature the Knoop hardness of the reactive layer was increased. At the three mold temperature the outmost surface was very hard, and microhardness data decreased rapidly where they reached constant values. The thickness was about 85 microns for castings at room temperature and 300 degrees C, 105 microns for castings at 600 degrees C. From the SEM micrograph of the Ti-Zr alloy casting, the surface reacted layer could be divided into three different layers. The first layer was called non-structure layer, which thickness was about 10 microns for room temperature group, 20 microns for 300 degrees C and 25 microns for 600 degrees C. The second layer was characterized by coarse-grained acicular crystal, which thickness was about 50 microns for three mold temperatures. The third layer was Ti-Zr alloy. The element line scanning showed non-structure layer with higher level of element of O, Al, Si and Zr, The higher the mold temperature during casting, the deeper the Si permeating and in the second layer the element Si could also be found. The mold temperature is one of the major factors influencing to casting quality. In order to reduce the surface reacted layer of Ti-Zr alloy castings, the lower mold temperature and the investment without Si should be chosen.

Multiple points of equilibrium for active magnetic regenerators using first order magnetocaloric material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niknia, I.; Trevizoli, P. V.; Govindappa, P.; Christiaanse, T. V.; Teyber, R.; Rowe, A.

2018-05-01

First order transition material (FOM) usually exhibits magnetocaloric effects in a narrow temperature range which complicates their use in an active magnetic regenerator (AMR) refrigerator. In addition, the magnetocaloric effect in first order materials can vary with field and temperature history of the material. This study examines the behavior of a MnFe(P,Si) FOM sample in an AMR cycle using a numerical model and experimental measurements. For certain operating conditions, multiple points of equilibrium (MPE) exist for a fixed hot rejection temperature. Stable and unstable points of equilibriums (PEs) are identified and the impacts of heat loads, operating conditions, and configuration losses on the number of PEs are discussed. It is shown that the existence of multiple PEs can affect the performance of an AMR significantly for certain operating conditions. In addition, the points where MPEs exist appear to be linked to the device itself, not just the material, suggesting the need to layer a regenerator in a way that avoids MPE conditions and to layer with a specific device in mind.

Quasi-Liquid Layer Formation on Ice under Stratospheric Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McNeill, V. Faye; Loerting, Thomas; Trout, Bernhardt L.; Molina, Luisa T.; Molina, Mario J.

2004-01-01

Characterization of the interaction of hydrogen chloride (HCl) with ice is essential to understanding at a molecular level the processes responsible for ozone depletion involving polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) particles. To explain the catalytic role PSC particle surfaces play during chlorine activation, we proposed previously that HCl induces the formation of a disordered region on the ice surface, a quasi-liquid layer (QLL), at stratospheric conditions. The QLL is known to exist in pure ice crystals at temperatures near the melting point, but its existence at stratospheric temperatures (-85 C to -70 C) had not been reported yet. We studied the interaction of HCl with ice under stratospheric conditions using the complementary approach of a) ellipsometry to directly monitor the ice surface, using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) to monitor the gas phase species present in the ellipsometry experiments, and b) flow-tube experiments with CIMS detection. Here we show that trace amounts of HCl induce QLL formation at stratospheric temperatures, and that the QLL enhances the chlorine-activation reaction of HCl with chlorine nitrate (ClONO2), and also enhances acetic acid (CH3COOH) adsorption.

Temperature dependence of spin-torque driven ferromagnetic resonance in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction with a perpendicularly free layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao; Feng, Jiafeng; Guo, Peng; Wei, H. X.; Han, X. F.; Fang, B.; Zeng, Z. M.

2017-12-01

We report the temperature dependence of the spin-torque (ST) driven ferromagnetic resonance in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) nanopillars with a perpendicularly free layer and an in-plane reference layer. From the evolution of the resonance frequency with magnetic field, we clearly identify the free-layer resonance mode and reference-layer mode. For the reference layer, we demonstrate a monotonic increase in resonance frequency and the effective damping with decreasing temperature, which suggests the saturated magnetization of the reference layer is dominant. However, for the free layer, the frequency and damping exhibit almost no change with temperature, indicating that the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy plays an important role in magnetization dynamics of the free layer.

Stabilizing nanostructured solid oxide fuel cell cathode with atomic layer deposition.

PubMed

Gong, Yunhui; Palacio, Diego; Song, Xueyan; Patel, Rajankumar L; Liang, Xinhua; Zhao, Xuan; Goodenough, John B; Huang, Kevin

2013-09-11

We demonstrate that the highly active but unstable nanostructured intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell cathode, La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSCo), can retain its high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with exceptional stability for 4000 h at 700 °C by overcoating its surfaces with a conformal layer of nanoscale ZrO2 films through atomic layer deposition (ALD). The benefits from the presence of the nanoscale ALD-ZrO2 overcoats are remarkable: a factor of 19 and 18 reduction in polarization area-specific resistance and degradation rate over the pristine sample, respectively. The unique multifunctionality of the ALD-derived nanoscaled ZrO2 overcoats, that is, possessing porosity for O2 access to LSCo, conducting both electrons and oxide-ions, confining thermal growth of LSCo nanoparticles, and suppressing surface Sr-segregation is deemed the key enabler for the observed stable and active nanostructured cathode.

Research into the feasibility of metal- and oxide-film capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgenson, G. V.; Larson, H. W.

1973-01-01

Thin film capacitors with up to twenty-two active layers have been deposited by RF sputtering. The materials were aluminum electrodes of 1200 to 1500 angstrom thickness and silica dielectric layers of 3000 to 6000 angstrom thickness. The best electrical characteristics were capacitances of nearly 0.1 microfarad for an active area of 1.25 square centimeters, dissipation factor of less than 0.01 over a frequency range of 0.5 to 100 kilohertz and energy density of approximately 70 millijoules per cubic centimeter of active deposited material at a working voltage of 40 volts. These aluminum-silica capacitors exhibit excellent electrical stability over a temperature range from -55 C to +300 C.

Mathematical Modelling of Arctic Polygonal Tundra with Ecosys: 1. Microtopography Determines How Active Layer Depths Respond to Changes in Temperature and Precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, R. F.; Mekonnen, Z. A.; Riley, W. J.; Wainwright, H. M.; Graham, D.; Torn, M. S.

2017-12-01

Microtopographic variation that develops among features (troughs, rims, and centers) within polygonal landforms of coastal arctic tundra strongly affects movement of surface water and snow and thereby affects soil water contents (θ) and active layer depth (ALD). Spatial variation in ALD among these features may exceed interannual variation in ALD caused by changes in climate and so needs to be represented in projections of changes in arctic ALD. In this study, increases in near-surface θ with decreasing surface elevation among polygon features at the Barrow Experimental Observatory (BEO) were modeled from topographic effects on redistribution of surface water and snow and from lateral water exchange with a subsurface water table during a model run from 1981 to 2015. These increases in θ caused increases in thermal conductivity that in turn caused increases in soil heat fluxes and hence in ALD of up to 15 cm with lower versus higher surface elevation which were consistent with increases measured at BEO. The modeled effects of θ caused interannual variation in maximum ALD that compared well with measurements from 1985 to 2015 at the Barrow Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) site (R2 = 0.61, RMSE = 0.03 m). For higher polygon features, interannual variation in ALD was more closely associated with annual precipitation than mean annual temperature, indicating that soil wetting from increases in precipitation may hasten permafrost degradation beyond that caused by soil warming from increases in air temperature. This degradation may be more rapid if increases in precipitation cause sustained wetting in higher features.

Experimental study of water desorption isotherms and thin-layer convective drying kinetics of bay laurel leaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghnimi, Thouraya; Hassini, Lamine; Bagane, Mohamed

2016-12-01

The aim of this work is to determine the desorption isotherms and the drying kinetics of bay laurel leaves ( Laurus Nobilis L.). The desorption isotherms were performed at three temperature levels: 50, 60 and 70 °C and at water activity ranging from 0.057 to 0.88 using the statistic gravimetric method. Five sorption models were used to fit desorption experimental isotherm data. It was found that Kuhn model offers the best fitting of experimental moisture isotherms in the mentioned investigated ranges of temperature and water activity. The Net isosteric heat of water desorption was evaluated using The Clausius-Clapeyron equation and was then best correlated to equilibrium moisture content by the empirical Tsami's equation. Thin layer convective drying curves of bay laurel leaves were obtained for temperatures of 45, 50, 60 and 70 °C, relative humidity of 5, 15, 30 and 45 % and air velocities of 1, 1.5 and 2 m/s. A non linear regression procedure of Levenberg-Marquardt was used to fit drying curves with five semi empirical mathematical models available in the literature, The R2 and χ2 were used to evaluate the goodness of fit of models to data. Based on the experimental drying curves the drying characteristic curve (DCC) has been established and fitted with a third degree polynomial function. It was found that the Midilli Kucuk model was the best semi-empirical model describing thin layer drying kinetics of bay laurel leaves. The bay laurel leaves effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy were also identified.

Nanostructure templating using low temperature atomic layer deposition

DOEpatents

Grubbs, Robert K [Albuquerque, NM; Bogart, Gregory R [Corrales, NM; Rogers, John A [Champaign, IL

2011-12-20

Methods are described for making nanostructures that are mechanically, chemically and thermally stable at desired elevated temperatures, from nanostructure templates having a stability temperature that is less than the desired elevated temperature. The methods comprise depositing by atomic layer deposition (ALD) structural layers that are stable at the desired elevated temperatures, onto a template employing a graded temperature deposition scheme. At least one structural layer is deposited at an initial temperature that is less than or equal to the stability temperature of the template, and subsequent depositions made at incrementally increased deposition temperatures until the desired elevated temperature stability is achieved. Nanostructure templates include three dimensional (3D) polymeric templates having features on the order of 100 nm fabricated by proximity field nanopatterning (PnP) methods.

The search for life on Europa: limiting environmental factors, potential habitats, and Earth analogues.

PubMed

Marion, Giles M; Fritsen, Christian H; Eicken, Hajo; Payne, Meredith C

2003-01-01

The putative ocean of Europa has focused considerable attention on the potential habitats for life on Europa. By generally clement Earth standards, these Europan habitats are likely to be extreme environments. The objectives of this paper were to examine: (1) the limits for biological activity on Earth with respect to temperature, salinity, acidity, desiccation, radiation, pressure, and time; (2) potential habitats for life on Europa; and (3) Earth analogues and their limitations for Europa. Based on empirical evidence, the limits for biological activity on Earth are: (1) the temperature range is from 253 to 394 K; (2) the salinity range is a(H2O) = 0.6-1.0; (3) the desiccation range is from 60% to 100% relative humidity; (4) the acidity range is from pH 0 to 13; (5) microbes such as Deinococcus are roughly 4,000 times more resistant to ionizing radiation than humans; (6) the range for hydrostatic pressure is from 0 to 1,100 bars; and (7) the maximum time for organisms to survive in the dormant state may be as long as 250 million years. The potential habitats for life on Europa are the ice layer, the brine ocean, and the seafloor environment. The dual stresses of lethal radiation and low temperatures on or near the icy surface of Europa preclude the possibility of biological activity anywhere near the surface. Only at the base of the ice layer could one expect to find the suitable temperatures and liquid water that are necessary for life. An ice layer turnover time of 10 million years is probably rapid enough for preserving in the surface ice layers dormant life forms originating from the ocean. Model simulations demonstrate that hypothetical oceans could exist on Europa that are too cold for biological activity (T < 253 K). These simulations also demonstrate that salinities are high, which would restrict life to extreme halophiles. An acidic ocean (if present) could also potentially limit life. Pressure, per se, is unlikely to directly limit life on Europa. But indirectly, pressure plays an important role in controlling the chemical environments for life. Deep ocean basins such as the Mariana Trench are good analogues for the cold, high-pressure ocean of Europa. Many of the best terrestrial analogues for potential Europan habitats are in the Arctic and Antarctica. The six factors likely to be most important in defining the environments for life on Europa and the focus for future work are liquid water, energy, nutrients, low temperatures, salinity, and high pressures.

Digital Printing of Titanium Dioxide for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Cherrington, Ruth; Wood, Benjamin Michael; Salaoru, Iulia; Goodship, Vannessa

2016-05-04

Silicon solar cell manufacturing is an expensive and high energy consuming process. In contrast, dye sensitized solar cell production is less environmentally damaging with lower processing temperatures presenting a viable and low cost alternative to conventional production. This paper further enhances these environmental credentials by evaluating the digital printing and therefore additive production route for these cells. This is achieved here by investigating the formation and performance of a metal oxide photoelectrode using nanoparticle sized titanium dioxide. An ink-jettable material was formulated, characterized and printed with a piezoelectric inkjet head to produce a 2.6 µm thick layer. The resultant printed layer was fabricated into a functioning cell with an active area of 0.25 cm(2) and a power conversion efficiency of 3.5%. The binder-free formulation resulted in a reduced processing temperature of 250 °C, compatible with flexible polyamide substrates which are stable up to temperatures of 350 ˚C. The authors are continuing to develop this process route by investigating inkjet printing of other layers within dye sensitized solar cells.

Digital Printing of Titanium Dioxide for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Cherrington, Ruth; Wood, Benjamin Michael; Salaoru, Iulia; Goodship, Vannessa

2016-01-01

Silicon solar cell manufacturing is an expensive and high energy consuming process. In contrast, dye sensitized solar cell production is less environmentally damaging with lower processing temperatures presenting a viable and low cost alternative to conventional production. This paper further enhances these environmental credentials by evaluating the digital printing and therefore additive production route for these cells. This is achieved here by investigating the formation and performance of a metal oxide photoelectrode using nanoparticle sized titanium dioxide. An ink-jettable material was formulated, characterized and printed with a piezoelectric inkjet head to produce a 2.6 µm thick layer. The resultant printed layer was fabricated into a functioning cell with an active area of 0.25 cm2 and a power conversion efficiency of 3.5%. The binder-free formulation resulted in a reduced processing temperature of 250 °C, compatible with flexible polyamide substrates which are stable up to temperatures of 350 ˚C. The authors are continuing to develop this process route by investigating inkjet printing of other layers within dye sensitized solar cells. PMID:27166761

Laser active thermography for non-destructive testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semerok, A.; Grisolia, C.; Fomichev, S. V.; Thro, P.-Y.

2013-11-01

Thermography methods have found their applications in different fields of human activity. The non-destructive feature of these methods along with the additional advantage by automated remote control and tests of nuclear installations without personnel attendance in the contaminated zone are of particular interest. Laser active pyrometry and laser lock-in thermography for in situ non-destructive characterization of micrometric layers on graphite substrates from European tokamaks were under extensive experimental and theoretical studies in CEA (France). The studies were aimed to obtain layer characterization with cross-checking the layer thermal contact coefficients determined by active laser pyrometry and lock-in thermography. The experimental installation comprised a Nd-YAG pulsed repetition rate laser (1 Hz - 10 kHz repetition rate frequency, homogeneous spot) and a home-made pyrometer system based on two pyrometers for the temperature measurements in 500 - 2600 K range. For both methods, the layer characterization was provided by the best fit of the experimental results and simulations. The layer thermal contact coefficients determined by both methods were quite comparable. Though there was no gain in the measurements accuracy, lock-in measurements have proved their advantage as being much more rapid. The obtained experimental and theoretical results are presented. Some practical applications and possible improvements of the methods are discussed.

Effect of N2 annealing on AlZrO oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pétry, J.; Richard, O.; Vandervorst, W.; Conard, T.; Chen, J.; Cosnier, V.

2003-07-01

In the path to the introduction of high-k dielectric into integrated circuit components, a large number of challenges has to be solved. Subsequent to the film deposition, the high-k film is exposed to additional high-temperature anneals for polycrystalline Si activation but also to improve its own electrical properties. Hence, concerns can be raised regarding the thermal stability of these stacks upon annealing. In this study, we investigated the effect of N2 annealing (700 to 900 °C) of atomic layer chemical vapor deposition AlZrO layers using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOFSIMS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effect of the Si surface preparation [H-Si, 0.5 nm rapid thermal oxide (RTO), Al2O3] on the modification of the high-k oxide and the interfacial layer upon annealing was also analyzed. Compositional changes can be observed for all temperature and surface preparations. In particular, we observe a segregation of Al(oxide) toward the surface of the mixed oxide. In addition, an increase of the Si concentration in the high-k film itself can be seen with a diffusion profile extending toward the surface of the film. On the other hand, the modification of the interfacial layer is strongly dependent on the system considered. In the case of mixed oxide grown on 0.5 nm RTO, no differences are observed between the as-deposited layer and the layer annealed at 700 °C. At 800 °C, a radical change occurs: The initial RTO layer seems to be converted into a mixed layer composed of the initial SiO2 and Al2O3 coming from the mixed oxide, however without forming an Al-silicate layer. A similar situation is found for anneals at 900 °C, as well. When grown on 1.5 nm Al2O3 on 0.5 nm RTO, the only difference with the previous system is the observation of an Al-silicate fraction in the interfacial layer for the as-deposited and 700 °C annealed samples, which disappears at higher temperatures. Finally, considering layers deposited on a H-Si surface, we observe a slight increase of the interfacial thickness after annealing at 700 °C and no further changes for a higher annealing temperature.

Flexible Electronics Powered by Mixed Metal Oxide Thin Film Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrs, Michael

A low temperature amorphous oxide thin film transistor (TFT) and amorphous silicon PIN diode backplane technology for large area flexible digital x-ray detectors has been developed to create 7.9-in. diagonal backplanes. The critical steps in the evolution of the backplane process include the qualification and optimization of the low temperature (200 °C) metal oxide TFT and a-Si PIN photodiode process, the stability of the devices under forward and reverse bias stress, the transfer of the process to flexible plastic substrates, and the fabrication and assembly of the flexible detectors. Mixed oxide semiconductor TFTs on flexible plastic substrates suffer from performance and stability issues related to the maximum processing temperature limitation of the polymer. A novel device architecture based upon a dual active layer improves both the performance and stability. Devices are directly fabricated below 200 ºC on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate using mixed metal oxides of either zinc indium oxide (ZIO) or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) as the active semiconductor. The dual active layer architecture allows for adjustment to the saturation mobility and threshold voltage stability without the requirement of high temperature annealing, which is not compatible with flexible plastic substrates like PEN. The device performance and stability is strongly dependent upon the composition of the mixed metal oxide; this dependency provides a simple route to improving the threshold voltage stability and drive performance. By switching from a single to a dual active layer, the saturation mobility increases from 1.2 cm2/V-s to 18.0 cm2/V-s, while the rate of the threshold voltage shift decreases by an order of magnitude. This approach could assist in enabling the production of devices on flexible substrates using amorphous oxide semiconductors. Low temperature (200°C) processed amorphous silicon photodiodes were developed successfully by balancing the tradeoffs between low temperature and low stress (less than -70 MPa compressive) and device performance. Devices with a dark current of less than 1.0 pA/mm2 and a quantum efficiency of 68% have been demonstrated. Alternative processing techniques, such as pixelating the PIN diode and using organic photodiodes have also been explored for applications where extreme flexibility is desired.

The Influence of Calcium Carbonate Composition and Activated Carbon in Pack Carburizing Low Carbon Steel Process in The Review of Hardness and Micro Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafni; Hadi, Syafrul; Edison

2017-12-01

Carburizing is a way of hardening the surface by heating the metal (steel) above the critical temperature in an environment containing carbon. Steel at a temperature of the critical temperature of affinity to carbon. Carbon is absorbed into the metal form a solid solution of carbon-iron and the outer layer has high carbon content. When the composition of the activator and the activated charcoal is right, it will perfect the carbon atoms to diffuse into the test material to low carbon steels. Thick layer of carbon Depending on the time and temperature are used. Pack carburizing process in this study, using 1 kg of solid carbon derived from coconut shell charcoal with a variation of 20%, 10% and 5% calcium carbonate activator, burner temperature of 950 0C, holding time 4 hours. The test material is low carbon steel has 9 pieces. Each composition has three specimens. Furnace used in this study is a pack carburizing furnace which has a designed burner box with a volume of 1000 x 600 x 400 (mm3) of coal-fired. Equipped with a circulation of oxygen from the blower 2 inches and has a wall of refractory bricks. From the variation of composition CaCO3, microstructure formed on the specimen with 20% CaCO3, better diffusion of carbon into the carbon steel, it is seen by the form marten site structure after quenching, and this indicates that there has been an increase of or adding carbon to in the specimen. This led to the formation of marten site specimen into hard surfaces, where the average value of hardness at one point side (side edge) 31.7 HRC

Resilient Flexible Pressure-Activated Seal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinetz, Bruce M. (Inventor); Dunlap, Patrick H., Jr. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A resilient, flexible, pressure-activated, high-temperature seal is adapted to be interposed between high and low pressure regions to provide sealing between opposing surfaces of adjacent relatively movable structures. The seal comprises at least one C-shaped sheet element. The C-shaped element design enables the seal to be pressure-activated to provide a radially outward biasing force, responsive to a seal-activating pressure differential acting across the seal thereby increasing resiliency. A centrally-located, resilient core structure provides load bearing and insulating properties. In an exemplary embodiment where at least two seal elements are used, each layer has a cutout slot pattern and the remaining strip material pattern. The slots provide flexibility to the seal, enabling the seal to be manually contoured to seal around corners and curves. The strip material of each layer covers the slots in each adjacent layer to minimize leakage through the slots. Attached barrier strips can block interface leakage between the seal and the opposing surfaces.

Microstructure anisotropy and its effect on mechanical properties of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel fabricated by selective laser melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bo; Zhai, Yutao; Liu, Shaojun; Mao, Xiaodong

2018-03-01

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a promising way for the fabrication of complex reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel components. The microstructure of the SLM built China low activation martensitic (CLAM) steel plates was observed and analyzed. The hardness, Charpy impact and tensile testing of the specimens in different orientations were performed at room temperature. The results showed that the difference in the mechanical properties was related to the anisotropy in microstructure. The planer unmelted porosity in the interface of the adjacent layers induced opening/tensile mode when the tensile samples parallel to the build direction were tested whereas the samples vertical to the build direction fractured in the shear mode with the grains being sheared in a slant angle. Moreover, the impact absorbed energy (IAE) of all impact specimens was significantly lower than that of the wrought CLAM steel, and the IAE of the samples vertical to the build direction was higher than that of the samples parallel to the build direction. The impact fracture surfaces revealed that the load parallel to the build layers caused laminated tearing among the layers, and the load vertical to the layers induced intergranular fracture across the layers.

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

Liu, Po-Tsun, E-mail: ptliu@mail.nctu.edu.tw; Chang, Chih-Hsiang; Chang, Chih-Jui

This study investigates the instability induced by bias temperature illumination stress (NBTIS) for an amorphous indium-tungsten-oxide thin film transistor (a-IWO TFT) with SiO{sub 2} backchannel passivation layer (BPL). It is found that this electrical degradation phenomenon can be attributed to the generation of defect states during the BPL process, which deteriorates the photo-bias stability of a-IWO TFTs. A method proposed by adding an oxygen-rich a-IWO thin film upon the a-IWO active channel layer could effectively suppress the plasma damage to channel layer during BPL deposition process. The bi-layer a-IWO TFT structure with an oxygen-rich back channel exhibits superior electrical reliabilitymore » of device under NBTIS.« less

Structure and seasonal variations of the nocturnal mesospheric K layer at Arecibo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Xianchang; Friedman, Jonathan S.; Wu, Xiongbin; Zhou, Qihou H.

2017-07-01

We present the seasonal variations of the nocturnal mesospheric potassium (K) layer at Arecibo, Puerto Rico (18.35°N, 66.75°W) from 160 nights of K Doppler lidar observations between December 2003 and January 2010, during which the solar activity is mostly low. The background temperature is also measured simultaneously by the lidar and shows a strong semiannual oscillation with maxima occurring during equinoxes at all altitudes. The annual mean K density profile is approximately Gaussian with a peak altitude of 91.7 km. The K column abundance and the centroid height have strong semiannual variations, with maxima at the solstices. Both parameters are negatively correlated to the mean background temperature with a correlation coefficient < -0.5. The root-mean-square (RMS) width has a distinct annual oscillation with the largest width occurring in May. The seasonal variation of the centroid height is similar to that of the Fe layer at the same site. The seasonal temperature variation indicates significant enhanced wave-induced downward transport for both species during spring and autumn. This explains the metal layer centroid height and column abundance variations at Arecibo and provides a general mechanism to account for the seasonal variations in the centroid height of all metal species measured at low-latitude and midlatitude sites.

The 1.5-ka varved record of Lake Montcortès (southern Pyrenees, NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corella, Juan Pablo; Brauer, Achim; Mangili, Clara; Rull, Valentí; Vegas-Vilarrúbia, Teresa; Morellón, Mario; Valero-Garcés, Blas L.

2012-09-01

The karstic Lake Montcortès sedimentary sequence spanning the last 1548 yr constitutes the first continuous, high-resolution, multi-proxy varved record in northern Spain. Sediments consist of biogenic varves composed of calcite, organic matter and detrital laminae and turbidite layers. Calcite layer thickness and internal sub-layering indicate changes in water temperature and seasonality whereas the frequency of detrital layers reflects rainfall variability. Higher temperatures occurred in Lake Montcortès in AD 555-738, 825-875, 1010-1322 and 1874-present. Lower temperatures and prolonged winter conditions were recorded in AD 1446-1598, 1663-1711 and 1759-1819. Extreme and multiple precipitation events dominated in AD 571-593, 848-922, 987-1086, 1168-1196, 1217-1249, 1444-1457, 1728-1741 and 1840-1875, indicating complex hydrological variability in NE Spain since AD 463. The sedimentary record of Lake Montcortès reveals a short-term relation between rainfall variability and the detrital influx, pronounced during extended periods of reduced anthropogenic influences. In pre-industrial times, during warm climate episodes, population and land use increased in the area. After the onset of the industrialization, the relationship between climate and human activities decoupled and population dynamics and landscape modifications were therefore mostly determined by socio-economic factors.

Controllable Broadband Optical Transparency and Wettability Switching of Temperature-Activated Solid/Liquid-Infused Nanofibrous Membranes.

PubMed

Manabe, Kengo; Matsubayashi, Takeshi; Tenjimbayashi, Mizuki; Moriya, Takeo; Tsuge, Yosuke; Kyung, Kyu-Hong; Shiratori, Seimei

2016-09-29

Inspired by biointerfaces, such as the surfaces of lotus leaves and pitcher plants, researchers have developed innovative strategies for controlling surface wettability and transparency. In particular, great success has been achieved in obtaining low adhesion and high transmittance via the introduction of a liquid layer to form liquid-infused surfaces. Furthermore, smart surfaces that can change their surface properties according to external stimuli have recently attracted substantial interest. As some of the best-performing smart surface materials, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs), which are super-repellent, demonstrate the successful achievement of switchable adhesion and tunable transparency that can be controlled by a graded mechanical stimulus. However, despite considerable efforts, producing temperature-responsive, super-repellent surfaces at ambient temperature and pressure remains difficult because of the use of nonreactive lubricant oil as a building block in previously investigated repellent surfaces. Therefore, the present study focused on developing multifunctional materials that dynamically adapt to temperature changes. Here, we demonstrate temperature-activated solidifiable/liquid paraffin-infused porous surfaces (TA-SLIPSs) whose transparency and control of water droplet movement at room temperature can be simultaneously controlled. The solidification of the paraffin changes the surface morphology and the size of the light-transmission inhibitor in the lubricant layer; as a result, the control over the droplet movement and the light transmittance at different temperatures is dependent on the solidifiable/liquid paraffin mixing ratio. Further study of such temperature-responsive, multifunctional systems would be valuable for antifouling applications and the development of surfaces with tunable optical transparency for innovative medical applications, intelligent windows, and other devices.

Active metal brazing of Al2O3 to Kovar® (Fe-29Ni-17Co wt.%) using Copper ABA® (Cu-3.0Si-2.3Ti-2.0Al wt.%)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Majed; Knowles, Kevin M.; Mallinson, Phillip M.; Fernie, John A.

2018-01-01

The application of an active braze alloy (ABA) known as Copper ABA® (Cu-3.0Si-2.3Ti-2.0Al wt.%) to join Al2O3 to Kovar® (Fe-29Ni-17Co wt.%) has been investigated. This ABA was selected to increase the operating temperature of the joint beyond the capabilities of typically used ABAs such as Ag-Cu-Ti-based alloys. Silica present as a secondary phase in the Al2O3 at a level of 5 wt.% enabled the ceramic component to bond to the ABA chemically by forming a layer of Si3Ti5 at the ABA/Al2O3 interface. Appropriate brazing conditions to preserve a near-continuous Si3Ti5 layer on the Al2O3 and a continuous Fe3Si layer on the Kovar® were found to be a brazing time of ≤15 min at 1025 °C or ≤2 min at 1050 °C. These conditions produced joints that did not break on handling and could be prepared easily for microscopy. Brazing for longer periods of time, up to 45 min, at these temperatures broke down the Si3Ti5 layer on the Al2O3, while brazing at ≥1075 °C for 2-45 min broke down the Fe3Si layer on the Kovar® significantly. Further complications of brazing at ≥1075 °C included leakage of the ABA out of the joint and the formation of a new brittle silicide, Ni16Si7Ti6, at the ABA/Al2O3 interface. This investigation demonstrates that it is not straightforward to join Al2O3 to Kovar® using Copper ABA®, partly because the ranges of suitable values for the brazing temperature and time are quite limited. Other approaches to increase the operating temperature of the joint are discussed.

Infrared imaging of the polymer 3D-printing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinwiddie, Ralph B.; Kunc, Vlastimil; Lindal, John M.; Post, Brian; Smith, Rachel J.; Love, Lonnie; Duty, Chad E.

2014-05-01

Both mid-wave and long-wave IR cameras are used to measure various temperature profiles in thermoplastic parts as they are printed. Two significantly different 3D-printers are used in this study. The first is a small scale commercially available Solidoodle 3 printer, which prints parts with layer thicknesses on the order of 125μm. The second printer used is a "Big Area Additive Manufacturing" (BAAM) 3D-printer developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The BAAM prints parts with a layer thicknesses of 4.06 mm. Of particular interest is the temperature of the previously deposited layer as the new hot layer is about to be extruded onto it. The two layers are expected have a stronger bond if the temperature of the substrate layer is above the glass transition temperature. This paper describes the measurement technique and results for a study of temperature decay and substrate layer temperature for ABS thermoplastic with and without the addition of chopped carbon fibers.

High Temperature Annealing of MBE-grown Mg-doped GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contreras, S.; Konczewicz, L.; Peyre, H.; Juillaguet, S.; Khalfioui, M. Al; Matta, S.; Leroux, M.; Damilano, B.; Brault, J.

2017-06-01

In this report, are shown the results of high temperature resistivity and Hall Effect studies of Mg-doped GaN epilayers. The samples studied were grown on (0001) (c-plane) sapphire by molecular beam epitaxy and 0.5 μm GaN:Mg layers have been achieved on low temperature buffers of GaN (30 nm) and AlN ( 150 nm). The experiments were carried out in the temperature range from 300 K up to 900 K. Up to about 870 K a typical thermally activated conduction process has been observed with the activation energy value EA = 215 meV. However, for higher temperatures, an annealing effect is observed in all the investigated samples. The increase of the free carrier concentration as a function of time leads to an irreversible decrease of sample resistivity of more than 60%.

Characterization and Modeling Of Microbial Carbon Metabolism In Thawing Permafrost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, D. E.; Phelps, T. J.; Xu, X.; Carroll, S.; Jagadamma, S.; Shakya, M.; Thornton, P. E.; Elias, D. A.

2012-12-01

Increased annual temperatures in the Arctic are warming the surface and subsurface, resulting in thawing permafrost. Thawing exposes large pools of buried organic carbon to microbial degradation, increasing greenhouse gas generation and emission. Most global-scale land-surface models lack depth-dependent representations of carbon conversion and GHG transport; therefore they do not adequately describe permafrost thawing or microbial mineralization processes. The current work was performed to determine how permafrost thawing at moderately elevated temperatures and anoxic conditions would affect CO2 and CH4 generation, while parameterizing depth-dependent GHG production processes with respect to temperature and pH in biogeochemical models. These enhancements will improve the accuracy of GHG emission predictions and identify key biochemical and geochemical processes for further refinement. Three core samples were obtained from discontinuous permafrost terrain in Fairbanks, AK with a mean annual temperature of -3.3 °C. Each core was sectioned into surface/near surface (0-0.8 m), active layer (0.8-1.6 m), and permafrost (1.6-2.2 m) horizons, which were homogenized for physico-chemical characterization and microcosm construction. Surface samples had low pH values (6.0), low water content (18% by weight), low organic carbon (0.8%), and high C:N ratio (43). Active layer samples had higher pH values (6.4), higher water content (34%), more organic carbon (1.4%) and a lower C:N ratio (24). Permafrost samples had the highest pH (6.5), highest water content (46%), high organic carbon (2.5%) and the lowest C:N ratio (19). Most organic carbon was quantified as labile or intermediate pool versus stable pool in each sample, and all samples had low amounts of carbonate. Surface layer microcosms, containing 20 g sediment in septum-sealed vials, were incubated under oxic conditions, while similar active and permafrost layer samples were anoxic. These microcosms were incubated at -2, +3, or +5 °C for 6 months. The pH decreased in all samples (5.5 to 5.9). The proportions of carbon in labile and intermediate turnover pools from permafrost samples decreased during incubation, while microbial biomass carbon increased in all cases. Microcosm samples and original core material were analyzed by 16S rDNA pyrosequencing and showed increased populations of bacteria that ferment simple and complex carbohydrates, as well as acidophilic bacteria. Microbial diversity declined in permafrost samples. Concentrations of CO2 and CH4 were measured monthly by gas chromatography. CO2 production was highest in the surface/near surface incubations (4-14%) while CH4 was undetectable. Active layer sediments produced considerably less CO2 (0.2-0.7%) but CH4 was detected up to 0.25%. Concentrations of CO2 found in the deep permafrost incubations were comparable to those in the active layer, while CH4 was considerably higher ranging from 0.2-0.6%. Overall, the CO2 generation rate (0.02-0.12 μmol/g/month) was roughly 50 times that of methanogenesis (0.002-0.007 μmol/g/month). GHG levels peaked after 4 months, and the decreasing pH suggested that organic acid accumulation could control GHG biogenesis. Surprisingly, increasing temperature and water content did not necessarily increase GHG emission rates or proportions of CO2 and CH4.

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

Schostag, Morten; Stibal, Marek; Jacobsen, Carsten S.

The active layer of soil overlaying permafrost in the Arctic is subjected to dramatic annual changes in temperature and soil chemistry, which likely affect bacterial activity and community structure. We studied seasonal variations in the bacterial community of active layer soil from Svalbard (78°N) by co-extracting DNA and RNA from 12 soil cores collected monthly over a year. PCR amplicons of 16S rRNA genes (DNA) and reverse transcribed transcripts (cDNA) were quantified and sequenced to test for the effect of low winter temperature and seasonal variation in concentration of easily degradable organic matter on the bacterial communities. The copy numbermore » of 16S rRNA genes and transcripts revealed no distinct seasonal changes indicating potential bacterial activity during winter despite soil temperatures well below -10°C. Multivariate statistical analysis of the bacterial diversity data (DNA and cDNA libraries) revealed a season-based clustering of the samples, and, e.g., the relative abundance of potentially active Cyanobacteria peaked in June and Alphaproteobacteria increased over the summer and then declined from October to November. The structure of the bulk (DNA-based) community was significantly correlated with pH and dissolved organic carbon, while the potentially active (RNA-based) community structure was not significantly correlated with any of the measured soil parameters. A large fraction of the 16S rRNA transcripts was assigned to nitrogen-fixing bacteria (up to 24% in June) and phototrophic organisms (up to 48% in June) illustrating the potential importance of nitrogen fixation in otherwise nitrogen poor Arctic ecosystems and of phototrophic bacterial activity on the soil surface.« less

Effects of Precipitation on Ocean Mixed-Layer Temperature and Salinity as Simulated in a 2-D Coupled Ocean-Cloud Resolving Atmosphere Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Xiaofan; Sui, C.-H.; Lau, K-M.; Adamec, D.

1999-01-01

A two-dimensional coupled ocean-cloud resolving atmosphere model is used to investigate possible roles of convective scale ocean disturbances induced by atmospheric precipitation on ocean mixed-layer heat and salt budgets. The model couples a cloud resolving model with an embedded mixed layer-ocean circulation model. Five experiment are performed under imposed large-scale atmospheric forcing in terms of vertical velocity derived from the TOGA COARE observations during a selected seven-day period. The dominant variability of mixed-layer temperature and salinity are simulated by the coupled model with imposed large-scale forcing. The mixed-layer temperatures in the coupled experiments with 1-D and 2-D ocean models show similar variations when salinity effects are not included. When salinity effects are included, however, differences in the domain-mean mixed-layer salinity and temperature between coupled experiments with 1-D and 2-D ocean models could be as large as 0.3 PSU and 0.4 C respectively. Without fresh water effects, the nocturnal heat loss over ocean surface causes deep mixed layers and weak cooling rates so that the nocturnal mixed-layer temperatures tend to be horizontally-uniform. The fresh water flux, however, causes shallow mixed layers over convective areas while the nocturnal heat loss causes deep mixed layer over convection-free areas so that the mixed-layer temperatures have large horizontal fluctuations. Furthermore, fresh water flux exhibits larger spatial fluctuations than surface heat flux because heavy rainfall occurs over convective areas embedded in broad non-convective or clear areas, whereas diurnal signals over whole model areas yield high spatial correlation of surface heat flux. As a result, mixed-layer salinities contribute more to the density differences than do mixed-layer temperatures.

Driving forces: Slab subduction and mantle convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hager, Bradford H.

1988-01-01

Mantle convection is the mechanism ultimately responsible for most geological activity at Earth's surface. To zeroth order, the lithosphere is the cold outer thermal boundary layer of the convecting mantle. Subduction of cold dense lithosphere provides tha major source of negative buoyancy driving mantle convection and, hence, surface tectonics. There are, however, importnat differences between plate tectonics and the more familiar convecting systems observed in the laboratory. Most important, the temperature dependence of the effective viscosity of mantle rocks makes the thermal boundary layer mechanically strong, leading to nearly rigid plates. This strength stabilizes the cold boundary layer against small amplitude perturbations and allows it to store substantial gravitational potential energy. Paradoxically, through going faults at subduction zones make the lithosphere there locally weak, allowing rapid convergence, unlike what is observed in laboratory experiments using fluids with temperature dependent viscosities. This bimodal strength distribution of the lithosphere distinguishes plate tectonics from simple convection experiments. In addition, Earth has a buoyant, relatively weak layer (the crust) occupying the upper part of the thermal boundary layer. Phase changes lead to extra sources of heat and bouyancy. These phenomena lead to observed richness of behavior of the plate tectonic style of mantle convection.

Electrochemical performance of Ni0.8Cu0.2/Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 cermet anodes with functionally graded structures for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell fueled with syngas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Michihiro; Iwami, Makoto; Takeuchi, Mizue; Nishimoto, Shunsuke; Kameshima, Yoshikazu

2018-06-01

The electrochemical performance of layered Ni0.8Cu0.2/Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (GDC) cermet anodes is investigated for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) at 600 °C using humidified (3% H2O) model syngas with a molar ratio of H2/CO = 3/2 as the fuel. From the results obtained, the electrochemical performance of the functionally graded multi-layered anodes is found to be superior to the mono-layered anodes. The test cell with a bi-layered anode consisting of 100 mass% Ni0.8Cu0.2/0 mass% GDC (10M/0E) and 70 mass% Ni0.8Cu0.2/30 mass% GDC (7M/3E) exhibits high power density. The test cell with a tri-layered anode consisting of 10M/0E, 7M/3E, and 50 mass% Ni0.8Cu0.2/50 mass% GDC (5M/5E) exhibits an even higher power density, suggesting that 10M/0E and 5M/5E layers contribute to the current collecting part and active part, respectively.

Carbon reactivation kinetics in GaAs: Its dependence on dopant precursor, doping level, and layer thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mimila-Arroyo, J.; Bland, S.; Barbé, M.

2002-05-01

The reactivation kinetics of the acceptor behavior of carbon, its dependence on dopant precursors, doping level, layer thickness, and annealing temperature, as well as the behavior of carbon-hydrogen complexes in GaAs grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are studied. Independent of the carbon source, in the "as grown" material, systematically carbon hydrogen complexes are present and the hole concentration is lower than the corresponding carbon concentration. The carbon reactivation kinetics was achieved by ex situ rapid thermal annealing through a series of multistage annealing experiments and assessed at each annealing stage by infrared absorption, hydrogen secondary ion mass spectroscopy profiling, and hole concentration measurements. Carbon reactivation occurs solely by the debonding of hydrogen from the isolated carbon acceptor and its out-diffusion from the sample. The carbon reactivation kinetics can be treated as a first order one with an activation energy, Ea=1.42±0.01 eV, independent of doping precursors, doping level, and layer thickness. The reactivation constant results to decrease as doping level and layer thickness increase. An empirical formula has been obtained that allows one to calculate the reactivation constant as a function of the carbon doping, layer thickness, and annealing temperature, allowing one to determine the optimal carbon reactivation conditions for any C:GaAs layer.

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

Shah, S.; Ghosh, K.; Jejurikar, S.

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Investigation of ground state energy in single and multi-layered InAs/GaAs QD. • Strain reducing layer (InGaAs) prevents the formation of non-radiative. • Strain reducing layer (InGaAs) is responsible for high activation energy. • Significant deviation from the Varshni model, E(T) = E − αT{sup 2}/T + β. - Abstract: Vertically coupled, multilayered InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) covered with thin InGaAs strain-reducing layers (SRLs) are in demand for various technological applications. We investigated low temperature photoluminescence of single and multilayered structures in which the SRL thickness was varied. The SRL layer was responsible for high activationmore » energies. Deviation of experimental data from the Varshni (1967) model, E(T) = E − ∞ T{sup 2}/T + β, suggests that the InAs-layered QDs have properties different from those in bulk material. Anomalous ground-state peak linewidths (FWHM), especially for annealed multilayer structures, were observed. A ground-state peak blue-shift with a broadened linewidth was also observed. Loss of intensity was detected in samples annealed at 800 °C. Presence of SRLs prevents formation of non-radiative centers under high temperature annealing. The results indicate the potential importance of such structures in optoelectronic applications.« less

Coastal Permafrost Bluff Response to Summer Warming, Barter Island, NE Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richmond, B. M.; Gibbs, A.; Johnson, C. D.; Swarzenski, P. W.; Oberle, F. J.; Tulaczyk, S. M.; Lorenson, T. D.

2016-12-01

Observations of warming air and sea temperatures in the Arctic are leading to longer periods of permafrost thaw and ice-free conditions during summer, which lead to increased exposure to coastal storm surge, wave impacts, and heightened erosion. Recently collected air and soil (bluff) temperatures, atmospheric pressure, water levels, time-lapse photography, aerial photography and satellite imagery, and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys were used to document coastal bluff morphological response to seasonal warming. Data collection instruments and time-lapse cameras installed overlooking a bluff face on the exposed open ocean coast and within an erosional gully were used to create an archive of hourly air temperature, pressure, bluff morphology, and sea-state conditions allowing for documentation of individual bluff failure events and coincident meteorology. Permafrost boreholes as deep as 6 m from the upper bluff tundra surface were fitted with thermistor arrays to record a high resolution temperature record that spanned an initial frozen state, a summer thaw cycle, and subsequent re-freezing. Late summer ERT surveys were used to link temperature observations to subsurface electrical resistivities and active-layer dynamics. Preliminary observations suggest surface warming and active layer growth are responsible for a significant amount of bluff face failures that are exacerbated in the shore perpendicular gullies and along the exposed ocean coast. Electrical resistivity surveys and geochemical data reveal concentrated brines at depth, which likely contribute to enhanced, localized erosion in weakened strata.

Effects of short-term variability of meteorological variables on soil temperature in permafrost regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beer, Christian; Porada, Philipp; Ekici, Altug; Brakebusch, Matthias

2018-03-01

Effects of the short-term temporal variability of meteorological variables on soil temperature in northern high-latitude regions have been investigated. For this, a process-oriented land surface model has been driven using an artificially manipulated climate dataset. Short-term climate variability mainly impacts snow depth, and the thermal diffusivity of lichens and bryophytes. These impacts of climate variability on insulating surface layers together substantially alter the heat exchange between atmosphere and soil. As a result, soil temperature is 0.1 to 0.8 °C higher when climate variability is reduced. Earth system models project warming of the Arctic region but also increasing variability of meteorological variables and more often extreme meteorological events. Therefore, our results show that projected future increases in permafrost temperature and active-layer thickness in response to climate change will be lower (i) when taking into account future changes in short-term variability of meteorological variables and (ii) when representing dynamic snow and lichen and bryophyte functions in land surface models.

Catalyst evaluation for oxygen reduction reaction in concentrated phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yang; Jiang, Yiliang; Jensen, Jens Oluf; Cleemann, Lars N.; Li, Qingfeng

2018-01-01

Phosphoric acid is the common electrolyte for high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) that have advantages such as enhanced CO tolerance and simplified heat and water management. The currently used rotating disk electrode technique is limited to tests in dilute solutions at low temperatures and hence is not suitable for catalyst evaluation for HT-PEMFCs. In this study, we have designed and constructed a half-cell setup to measure the intrinsic activities of catalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in conditions close to HT-PEMFC cathodes. By optimization of the hydrophobic characteristics of electrodes and the catalyst layer thickness, ORR activities of typical Pt/C catalysts are successfully measured in concentrated phosphoric acid at temperatures above 100 °C. In terms of mass-specific activities, the catalyst exhibits about two times higher activity in the half-cell electrode than that observed in fuel cells, indicating the feasibility of the technique as well as the potential for further improvement of fuel cell electrode performance.

Facile bottom-up synthesis of partially oxidized black phosphorus nanosheets as metal-free photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

PubMed Central

Tian, Bin; Tian, Bining; Smith, Bethany; Scott, M. C.; Lei, Qin; Hua, Ruinian; Liu, Yi

2018-01-01

Few-layer black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets were first reported as a 2D material for the application of field-effect transistors in 2014 and have stimulated intense activity among physicists, chemists, and material and biomedical scientists, driving research into novel synthetic techniques to produce BP nanosheets. At present, exfoliation is the main route toward few-layer BP nanosheets via employing bulk BP as raw material. However, this is a complicated and time-consuming process, which is difficult for the large-scale synthesis of BP nanosheets. Moreover, BP degrades rapidly when exfoliated to nanoscale dimensions, resulting in the rapid loss of semiconducting properties. Here, we report the direct wet-chemical synthesis of few-layer BP nanosheets in gram-scale quantities in a bottom-up approach based on common laboratory reagents at low temperature, showing excellent stability due to partial oxidation of surface. Solvent and temperature are two critical factors, controlling not only the formation of BP nanosheets but also the thickness. The as-prepared BP nanosheets can extract hydrogen from pure water (pH = 6.8), exhibiting more than 24-fold higher activity than the well-known C3N4 nanosheets. Our results reporting the ability to prepare few-layer BP nanosheets with a facile, scalable, low-cost approach take us a step closer to real-world applications of phosphorene including next-generation metal-free photocatalysts for photosynthesis. PMID:29563225

CO2 and CH4 Production and CH4 Oxidation in Low Temperature Soil Incubations from Flat- and High-Centered Polygons, Barrow, Alaska, 2012

DOE Data Explorer

David E. Graham; Jianqiu Zheng; Taniya RoyChowdhury

2016-08-31

The dataset consists of respiration and methane production rates and methane oxidation potential obtained from soil microcosm studies carried out under controlled temperature and incubation conditions. Soils cores collected in 2012 represent the flat- and high-centered polygon active layers and permafrost (when present) from the NGEE Arctic Intensive Study Site 1, Barrow, Alaska.

An influence of solar activity on latitudinal distribution of atmospheric ozone and temperature in 2-D radiative-photochemical model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyominov, I. G.

1989-01-01

On the basis of the 2-D radiative-photochemical model of the ozone layer at heights 0 to 60 km in the Northern Hemisphere there are revealed and analyzed in detail the characteristic features of the season-altitude-latitude variations of ozone and temperature due to changes of the solar flux during the 11 year cycle, electron and proton precipitations.

The concurrent use of novel soil surface microclimate measurements to evaluate CO2 pulses in biocrusted interspaces in a cool desert ecosystem

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tucker, Colin; McHugh, Theresa A.; Howell, Armin; Gill, Richard; Weber, Bettina; Belnap, Jayne; Grote, Ed; Reed, Sasha C.

2017-01-01

Carbon cycling associated with biological soil crusts, which occupy interspaces between vascular plants in drylands globally, may be an important part of the coupled climate-carbon cycle of the Earth system. A major challenge to understanding CO2 fluxes in these systems is that much of the biotic and biogeochemical activity occurs in the upper few mm of the soil surface layer (i.e., the ‘mantle of fertility’), which exhibits highly dynamic and difficult to measure temperature and moisture fluctuations. Here, we report a multi-sensor approach to simultaneously measuring temperature and moisture of this biocrust surface layer (0–2 mm), and the deeper soil profile, concurrent with automated measurement of surface soil CO2effluxes. Our results illuminate robust relationships between biocrust water content and field CO2 pulses that have previously been difficult to detect and explain. All observed CO2 pulses over the measurement period corresponded to surface wetting events, including when the wetting events did not penetrate into the soil below the biocrust layer (0–2 mm). The variability of temperature and moisture of the biocrust surface layer was much greater than even in the 0–5 cm layer of the soil beneath the biocrust, or deeper in the soil profile. We therefore suggest that coupling surface measurements of biocrust moisture and temperature to automated CO2flux measurements may greatly improve our understanding of the climatic sensitivity of carbon cycling in biocrusted interspaces in our study region, and that this method may be globally relevant and applicable.

Effect of thermal annealing Super Yellow emissive layer on efficiency of OLEDs

PubMed Central

Burns, Samantha; MacLeod, Jennifer; Trang Do, Thu; Sonar, Prashant; Yambem, Soniya D.

2017-01-01

Thermal annealing of the emissive layer of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) is a common practice for solution processable emissive layers and reported annealing temperatures varies across a wide range of temperatures. We have investigated the influence of thermal annealing of the emissive layer at different temperatures on the performance of OLEDs. Solution processed polymer Super Yellow emissive layers were annealed at different temperatures and their performances were compared against OLEDs with a non-annealed emissive layer. We found a significant difference in the efficiency of OLEDs with different annealing temperatures. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) reached a maximum of 4.09% with the emissive layer annealed at 50 °C. The EQE dropped by ~35% (to 2.72%) for OLEDs with the emissive layers annealed at 200 °C. The observed performances of OLEDs were found to be closely related to thermal properties of polymer Super Yellow. The results reported here provide an important guideline for processing emissive layers and are significant for OLED and other organic electronics research communities. PMID:28106082

Electrical transport and low-frequency noise in chemical vapor deposited single-layer MoS2 devices.

PubMed

Sharma, Deepak; Amani, Matin; Motayed, Abhishek; Shah, Pankaj B; Birdwell, A Glen; Najmaei, Sina; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Lou, Jun; Dubey, Madan; Li, Qiliang; Davydov, Albert V

2014-04-18

We have studied temperature-dependent (77-300 K) electrical characteristics and low-frequency noise (LFN) in chemical vapor deposited (CVD) single-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based back-gated field-effect transistors (FETs). Electrical characterization and LFN measurements were conducted on MoS2 FETs with Al2O3 top-surface passivation. We also studied the effect of top-surface passivation etching on the electrical characteristics of the device. Significant decrease in channel current and transconductance was observed in these devices after the Al2O3 passivation etching. For passivated devices, the two-terminal resistance variation with temperature showed a good fit to the activation energy model, whereas for the etched devices the trend indicated a hopping transport mechanism. A significant increase in the normalized drain current noise power spectral density (PSD) was observed after the etching of the top passivation layer. The observed channel current noise was explained using a standard unified model incorporating carrier number fluctuation and correlated surface mobility fluctuation mechanisms. Detailed analysis of the gate-referred noise voltage PSD indicated the presence of different trapping states in passivated devices when compared to the etched devices. Etched devices showed weak temperature dependence of the channel current noise, whereas passivated devices exhibited near-linear temperature dependence.

A Novel Approach Toward Fabrication of High Performance Thin Film Composite Polyamide Membranes.

PubMed

Khorshidi, Behnam; Thundat, Thomas; Fleck, Brian A; Sadrzadeh, Mohtada

2016-02-29

A practical method is reported to enhance water permeability of thin film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes by decreasing the thickness of the selective PA layer. The composite membranes were prepared by interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction between meta-phenylene diamine (MPD)-aqueous and trimesoyl chloride (TMC)-organic solvents at the surface of polyethersulfone (PES) microporous support. Several PA TFC membranes were prepared at different temperatures of the organic solution ranging from -20 °C to 50 °C. The physico-chemical and morphological properties of the synthesized membranes were carefully characterized using serval analytical techniques. The results confirmed that the TFC membranes, synthesized at sub-zero temperatures of organic solution, had thinner and smoother PA layer with a greater degree of cross-linking and wettability compared to the PA films prepared at 50 °C. We demonstrated that reducing the temperature of organic solution effectively decreased the thickness of the PA active layer and thus enhanced water permeation through the membranes. The most water permeable membrane was prepared at -20 °C and exhibited nine times higher water flux compared to the membrane synthesized at room temperature. The method proposed in this report can be effectively applied for energy- and cost-efficient development of high performance nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes.

Optical properties of single ZnTe nanowires grown at low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artioli, A.; Rueda-Fonseca, P.; Stepanov, P.; Bellet-Amalric, E.; Den Hertog, M.; Bougerol, C.; Genuist, Y.; Donatini, F.; André, R.; Nogues, G.; Kheng, K.; Tatarenko, S.; Ferrand, D.; Cibert, J.

2013-11-01

Optically active gold-catalyzed ZnTe nanowires have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy, on a ZnTe(111) buffer layer, at low temperature (350 °C) under Te rich conditions, and at ultra-low density (from 1 to 5 nanowires per μm2). The crystalline structure is zinc blende as identified by transmission electron microscopy. All nanowires are tapered and the majority of them are ⟨111⟩ oriented. Low temperature micro-photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence experiments have been performed on single nanowires. We observe a narrow emission line with a blue-shift of 2 or 3 meV with respect to the exciton energy in bulk ZnTe. This shift is attributed to the strain induced by a 5 nm-thick oxide layer covering the nanowires, and this assumption is supported by a quantitative estimation of the strain in the nanowires.

Synthesis of active absorber layer by dip-coating method for perovskite solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rahul; Noor, I. M.; Singh, Pramod K.; Bhattacharya, B.; Arof, A. K.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we develop the hybrid perovskite-based n-i-p solar cell using a simple, fast and low-cost dip-coating method. Hot solution and the pre-annealed substrate are used for coating the perovskite thin film by this method this is further used for studying its structural and electrical properties. UV-vis spectroscopy is carried out for calculating the band gap of the hybrid perovskite layer which is ∼1.6 eV. X-ray spectroscopy confirms that the formation of hybrid perovskite layer. The profilometer is used to study the surface roughness and also for measuring the thickness of the perovskite layer with varying substrate temperature. The optimized sample was further used for cross-sectional SEM image to verify the thickness measured from the profiler. The electrical parameter of JV characteristic with varying temperature is tabulated in the table. Whereas, the perovskite sensitized solar cell exhibits highest short circuit current density, Jsc of 11 mA cm-2, open circuit voltage, Voc of 0.87 V, fill factor of 0.55 and efficiency, η of >5%.

Active polymer materials for optical fiber CO2 sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wysokiński, Karol; Filipowicz, Marta; Stańczyk, Tomasz; Lipiński, Stanisław; Napierała, Marek; Murawski, Michał; Nasiłowski, Tomasz

2017-04-01

CO2 optical fiber sensors based on polymer active materials are presented in this paper. Ethyl cellulose was proven to be a good candidate for a matrix material of the sensor, since it gives porous, thick and very sensitive layers. Low-cost sensors based on polymer optical fibers have been elaborated. Sensors have been examined for their sensitivity to CO2, temperature and humidity. Response time during cyclic exposures to CO2 have been also determined. Special layers exhibiting irreversible change of color during exposure to carbon dioxide have been developed. They have been verified for a possible use in smart food packaging.

On the origin of power-law X-ray spectra of active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlosman, I.; Shaham, J.; Shaviv, G.

1984-01-01

In the present analytical model for a power law X-ray continuum production in active galactic nuclei, the dissipation of turbulent energy flux above the accretion disk forms an optically thin transition layer with an inverted temperature gradient. The emitted thermal radiation has a power law spectrum in the 0.1-100 keV range, with a photon energy spectral index gamma of about 0.4-1.0. Thermal X-ray contribution from the layer is 5-10 percent of the total disk luminosity. The gamma value of 0.75 is suggested as a 'natural' power law index for Seyfert galaxies and QSOs.

A study of electrically active traps in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jie; Cui, Sharon; Ma, T. P.; Hung, Ting-Hsiang; Nath, Digbijoy; Krishnamoorthy, Sriram; Rajan, Siddharth

2013-10-01

We have studied electron conduction mechanisms and the associated roles of the electrically active traps in the AlGaN layer of an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structure. By fitting the temperature dependent I-V (Current-Voltage) curves to the Frenkel-Poole theory, we have identified two discrete trap energy levels. Multiple traces of I-V measurements and constant-current injection experiment all confirm that the main role of the traps in the AlGaN layer is to enhance the current flowing through the AlGaN barrier by trap-assisted electron conduction without causing electron trapping.

Multilayer adsorption of C2H4 and CF4 on graphite: Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelatif, H.; Drir, M.

2016-11-01

We study the phase transitions in adsorbed multilayers by Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations (GCMC) of the lattice-gas model. The focus will be on ethylene (C2H4) and tetrafluoromethane (CF4) on a homogeneous graphite surface. Earlier simulations of these systems investigated structural properties, dynamical behaviors of adsorbed films and thermodynamic quantities such as isosteric heat. The main purpose of this study is to consider the adsorbed multilayers by the evaluation of the layering behavior, the wetting phenomena and the critical temperatures. The isotherms obtained for temperature from 50 K to 170 K reproduce a number of interesting features observed experimentally: (i) we observe an important number of layers in contrast with previous simulations, (ii) a finite number of layers at saturated pressure for low temperatures are found, (iii) the isotherms present vertical steps typical of layer-by-layer growth, at higher temperatures these distinct layers tend to disappear signifying that the film thickness increases continuously, (iv) a thin film to thick film transition near the triple point temperature is noticed. In addition to this qualitative description, quantitative information are determined including temperatures and relative pressures of layers formation, layer-critical-point temperatures and phase diagrams. Comparing the two systems, ethylene/graphite and tetrafluoromethane/graphite, we observe a qualitatively similar behavior.

Meteorological variables to aid forecasting deep slab avalanches on persistent weak layers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marienthal, Alex; Hendrikx, Jordy; Birkeland, Karl; Irvine, Kathryn M.

2015-01-01

Deep slab avalanches are particularly challenging to forecast. These avalanches are difficult to trigger, yet when they release they tend to propagate far and can result in large and destructive avalanches. We utilized a 44-year record of avalanche control and meteorological data from Bridger Bowl ski area in southwest Montana to test the usefulness of meteorological variables for predicting seasons and days with deep slab avalanches. We defined deep slab avalanches as those that failed on persistent weak layers deeper than 0.9 m, and that occurred after February 1st. Previous studies often used meteorological variables from days prior to avalanches, but we also considered meteorological variables over the early months of the season. We used classification trees and random forests for our analyses. Our results showed seasons with either dry or wet deep slabs on persistent weak layers typically had less precipitation from November through January than seasons without deep slabs on persistent weak layers. Days with deep slab avalanches on persistent weak layers often had warmer minimum 24-hour air temperatures, and more precipitation over the prior seven days, than days without deep slabs on persistent weak layers. Days with deep wet slab avalanches on persistent weak layers were typically preceded by three days of above freezing air temperatures. Seasonal and daily meteorological variables were found useful to aid forecasting dry and wet deep slab avalanches on persistent weak layers, and should be used in combination with continuous observation of the snowpack and avalanche activity.

Effects of local factors and climate on permafrost conditions and distribution in Beiluhe basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.

PubMed

Yin, Guoan; Niu, Fujun; Lin, Zhanju; Luo, Jing; Liu, Minghao

2017-03-01

Beiluhe basin is underlain by warm and ice-rich permafrost, and covered by vegetation and soils characteristic of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. A field monitoring network was established to investigate permafrost conditions and to assess potential impacts of local factors and climate change. This paper describes the spatial variations in permafrost conditions from instrumented boreholes, controlling environmental factors, and recent thermal evolution of permafrost in the basin. The study area was divided into 10 ecotypes using satellite imagery based classification. The field investigations and cluster analysis of ground temperatures indicated that permafrost underlies most of the ground in swamp meadow, undisturbed alpine meadow, degrading alpine meadow, and desert alpine grassland, but is absent in other cover types. Permafrost-ecotope relations examined over a 2-year (2014-2016) period indicated that: (i) ground surface temperatures varied largely among ecotopes; (ii) annual mean ground temperatures ranged from -1.5 to 0°C in permafrost, indicating sensitive permafrost conditions; (iii) active-layer thicknesses ranged from 1.4m to 3.4m; (iv) ground ice content at the top of permafrost is high, but the active-layer soil is relatively dry. Long-term climate warming has driven thermal changes to permafrost, but ground surface characteristics and soil moisture content strongly influence the ground thermal state. These factors control local-scale spatial variations in permafrost conditions. The warm permafrost in the basin is commonly in thermal disequilibrium, and is sensitive to future climate change. Active-layer thicknesses have increased by at least 42cm and the mean annual ground temperatures have increased by up to 0.2°C in the past 10years over the basin. A permafrost distribution map was produced based on ecotypes, suggesting that permafrost underlies 64% of the study region. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Sensory/Active Piezoelectric Composite Structures in Thermal Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Ho-Jun; Saravanos, Dimitris A.

1996-01-01

Although there has been extensive development of analytical methods for modeling the behavior of piezoelectric structures, only a limited amount of research has been performed concerning the implications of thermal effects on both the active and sensory response of smart structures. Thermal effects become important when the piezoelectric structure has to operate in either extremely hot or cold temperature environments. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to extend the previously developed discrete layer formulation of Saravanos and Heyliger to account for the coupled mechanical, electrical, and thermal response in modern smart composite beams. The mechanics accounts for thermal effects which may arise in the elastic and piezoelectric media at the material level through the constitutive equations. The displacements, electric potentials, and temperatures are introduced as state variables, allowing them to be modeled as variable fields through the laminate thickness. This unified representation leads to an inherent capability to model both the active compensation of thermal distortions in smart structures and the resultant sensory voltage when thermal loads are applied. The corresponding finite element formulation is developed and numerical results demonstrate the ability to model both the active and sensory modes of composite beams with heterogeneous plies with attached piezoelectric layers under thermal loadings.

Investigation of diffusional interaction between P91 grade ferritic steel and Fe-15 wt.%B alloy and study of kinetics of boride formation at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Arun Kumar; Vijayashanthi, N.; Tripathy, H.; Hajra, R. N.; Raju, S.; Murugesan, S.; Saroja, S.

2017-11-01

In the present study, the feasibility of employing the indigenously developed ferroboron alloy (Fe-15 wt.%B) as an alternate neutron shield material in combination with 9Cr-based ferritic steel (P91) clad in future Indian fast breeder reactors (FBR), has been investigated from a metallurgical perspective. Towards this goal, a series of diffusion couple experiments have been conducted at three different temperatures namely, 600, 700 and 800 °C for time durations up to 5000 h. The thickness of interaction layer has been monitored using standard metallographic procedures. The experiments revealed that ferroboron/P91 combination exhibited a tendency to form complex intermetallic borides at the interface. The structural and microstructural characterization of the interface confirmed that the reaction layer consists predominantly of borides of Fe and Cr of type FeB, Fe2B, (Fe,Cr)2B and (Fe,Cr)B. The measured variation of interaction layer thickness as a function of time and temperature have been modelled in terms of diffusion mediated interaction. The growth kinetics of borided layer has followed the parabolic law at each temperature, and the apparent activation energy for boride layer formation is found to be of the order of 115 kJ mol-1. This indicates that the kinetics of boriding could be governed by diffusion of B into the P91 matrix. Based on the findings of present study, an extrapolative estimate of the clad attack thickness at 550 °C for 60 years of operating time has been made and it turns out to be 210 ± 15 μm, which is less than the clad thickness of FBR shielding subassembly (4 mm) [1]. Thus, this study confirms that at testing temperatures from 550 to 600 °C, the ferroboron/P91 steel combination can be safely employed for shielding subassembly applications in fast reactors.

Wheel-type magnetic refrigerator

DOEpatents

Barclay, John A.

1983-01-01

The disclosure is directed to a wheel-type magnetic refrigerator capable of cooling over a large temperature range. Ferromagnetic or paramagnetic porous materials are layered circumferentially according to their Curie temperature. The innermost layer has the lowest Curie temperature and the outermost layer has the highest Curie temperature. The wheel is rotated through a magnetic field perpendicular to the axis of the wheel and parallel to its direction of rotation. A fluid is pumped through portions of the layers using inner and outer manifolds to achieve refrigeration of a thermal load.

Wheel-type magnetic refrigerator

DOEpatents

Barclay, J.A.

1982-01-20

The disclosure is directed to a wheel-type magnetic refrigerator capable of cooling over a large temperature range. Ferromagnetic or paramagnetic porous materials are layered circumferentially according to their Curie temperature. The innermost layer has the lowest Curie temperature and the outermost layer has the highest Curie temperature. The wheel is rotated through a magnetic field perpendicular to the axis of the wheel and parallel to its direction of rotation. A fluid is pumped through portions of the layers using inner and outer manifolds to achieve refrigeration of a thermal load.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study.

PubMed

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-04-20

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-01-01

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C. PMID:28773423

Hollow spheres of iron carbide nanoparticles encased in graphitic layers as oxygen reduction catalysts.

PubMed

Hu, Yang; Jensen, Jens Oluf; Zhang, Wei; Cleemann, Lars N; Xing, Wei; Bjerrum, Niels J; Li, Qingfeng

2014-04-01

Nonprecious metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction are the ultimate materials and the foremost subject for low-temperature fuel cells. A novel type of catalysts prepared by high-pressure pyrolysis is reported. The catalyst is featured by hollow spherical morphologies consisting of uniform iron carbide (Fe3 C) nanoparticles encased by graphitic layers, with little surface nitrogen or metallic functionalities. In acidic media the outer graphitic layers stabilize the carbide nanoparticles without depriving them of their catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). As a result the catalyst is highly active and stable in both acid and alkaline electrolytes. The synthetic approach, the carbide-based catalyst, the structure of the catalysts, and the proposed mechanism open new avenues for the development of ORR catalysts. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Phosphorus Doping Effect in a Zinc Oxide Channel Layer to Improve the Performance of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Dong-Suk; Moon, Yeon-Keon; Lee, Sih; Kim, Kyung-Taek; Moon, Dae-Yong; Lee, Sang-Ho; Kim, Woong-Sun; Park, Jong-Wan

2012-09-01

In this study, we fabricated phosphorus-doped zinc oxide-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering at a relatively low temperature of 100°C. To improve the TFT device performance, including field-effect mobility and bias stress stability, phosphorus dopants were employed to suppress the generation of intrinsic defects in the ZnO-based semiconductor. The positive and negative bias stress stabilities were dramatically improved by introducing the phosphorus dopants, which could prevent turn-on voltage ( V ON) shift in the TFTs caused by charge trapping within the active channel layer. The study showed that phosphorus doping in ZnO was an effective method to control the electrical properties of the active channel layers and improve the bias stress stability of oxide-based TFTs.

Room temperature bonding and debonding of polyimide film and glass substrate based on surface activate bonding method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Kai; Fujino, Masahisa; Matsumoto, Yoshiie; Suga, Tadatomo

2018-02-01

The temporary bonding of polyimide (PI) films and glass substrates is a key technology for realizing flexible devices with thin-film transistors (TFTs). In this paper, we report the surface activated bonding (SAB) method using Si intermediate layers and its bonding and debonding mechanisms after heating. The bonding interface composed of Si and Fe shows a higher bond strength than the interface of only Si, while the bond strengths of both interfaces decrease with post bonding heating. It is also clarified by composition analysis on the debonded surfaces and cross-sectional observation of the bonding interface that the bond strength depends on the toughness of the intermediated layers and PI. The SAB method using Si intermediate layers is found to be applicable to the bonding and debonding of PI and glass.

Online Chapmann Layer Calculator for Simulating the Ionosphere with Undergraduate and Graduate Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, N. A.; Withers, P.; Sojka, J. J.

2014-12-01

The Chapman Layer Model is a "textbook" model of the ionosphere (for example, "Theory of Planetary Atmospheres" by Chamberlain and Hunten, Academic Press (1978)). The model use fundamental assumptions about the neutral atmosphere, the flux of ionizing radiation, and the recombination rate to calculation the ionization rate, and ion/electron density for a single species atmosphere. We have developed a "Chapman Layer Calculator" application that is deployed on the web using Java. It allows the user to see how various parameters control ion density, peak height, and profile of the ionospheric layer. Users can adjust parameters relevant to thermosphere scale height (temperature, gravitational acceleration, molecular weight, neutral atmosphere density) and to Extreme Ultraviolet solar flux (reference EUV, distance from the Sun, and solar Zenith Angle) and then see how the layer changes. This allows the user to simulate the ionosphere on other planets, by adjusting to the appropriate parameters. This simulation has been used as an exploratory activity for the NASA/LWS - Heliophysics Summer School 2014 and has an accompanying activity guide.

Entropy generation in a parallel-plate active magnetic regenerator with insulator layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mugica Guerrero, Ibai; Poncet, Sébastien; Bouchard, Jonathan

2017-02-01

This paper proposes a feasible solution to diminish conduction losses in active magnetic regenerators. Higher performances of these machines are linked to a lower thermal conductivity of the Magneto-Caloric Material (MCM) in the streamwise direction. The concept presented here involves the insertion of insulator layers along the length of a parallel-plate magnetic regenerator in order to reduce the heat conduction within the MCM. This idea is investigated by means of a 1D numerical model. This model solves not only the energy equations for the fluid and solid domains but also the magnetic circuit that conforms the experimental setup of reference. In conclusion, the addition of insulator layers within the MCM increases the temperature span, cooling load, and coefficient of performance by a combination of lower heat conduction losses and an increment of the global Magneto-Caloric Effect. The generated entropy by solid conduction, fluid convection, and conduction and viscous losses are calculated to help understand the implications of introducing insulator layers in magnetic regenerators. Finally, the optimal number of insulator layers is studied.

Proton exchange membrane micro fuel cells on 3D porous silicon gas diffusion layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouassi, S.; Gautier, G.; Thery, J.; Desplobain, S.; Borella, M.; Ventura, L.; Laurent, J.-Y.

2012-10-01

Since the 90's, porous silicon has been studied and implemented in many devices, especially in MEMS technology. In this article, we present a new approach to build miniaturized proton exchange membrane micro-fuel cells using porous silicon as a hydrogen diffusion layer. In particular, we propose an innovative process to build micro fuel cells from a “corrugated iron like” 3D structured porous silicon substrates. This structure is able to increase up to 40% the cell area keeping a constant footprint on the silicon wafer. We propose here a process route to perform electrochemically 3D porous gas diffusion layers and to deposit fuel cell active layers on such substrates. The prototype peak power performance was measured to be 90 mW cm-2 in a “breathing configuration” at room temperature. These performances are less than expected if we compare with a reference 2D micro fuel cell. Actually, the active layer deposition processes are not fully optimized but this prototype demonstrates the feasibility of these 3D devices.

Curie temperature of ultrathin ferromagnetic layer with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

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

You, Chun-Yeol

2014-08-07

We investigate the effect of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) on the Curie temperature of the ultrathin ferromagnetic layers. It has been known that the Curie temperature of the ferromagnet depends on spin wave excitation energies, and they are affected by DMI. Therefore, the ferromagnetic transition temperature of the ultrathin ferromagnetic layer must be sensitive on the DMI. We find that the Curie temperature depends on the DMI by using the double time Green's function method. Since the DMI is arisen by the inversion symmetry breaking structure, the DMI is always important in the inversion symmetry breaking ultrathin ferromagnetic layers.

Fabrication of needle-like ZnO nanorods arrays by a low-temperature seed-layer growth approach in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haimin; Quan, Xie; Chen, Shuo; Zhao, Huimin

2007-11-01

Uniform, large-scale, and well-aligned needle-like ZnO nanorods with good photoluminescence and photocatalysis properties on Zn substrates, have been successfully fabricated using a simple low-temperature seed-layer growth approach in solution (50 °C). The formation of ZnO seed-layer by the anodic oxidation technique (AOT) plays an important role in the subsequent growth of highly oriented ZnO nanorods arrays. Temperature also proved to be a significant factor in the growth of ZnO nanorods and had a great effect on their optical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) indicated that the needle-like ZnO nanorods were single crystal in nature and that they had grown up preferentially along the [0001] direction. The well-aligned ZnO nanorods arrays on Zn substrates exhibited strong UV emission at around 380 nm at room temperature. To investigate their potential as photocatalysts, degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in aqueous solution was carried out using photocatalytic processes, with comparison to direct photolysis. After 1 h, the degradation efficiencies of PCP by direct photolysis and photocatalytic processes achieved 57% and 76% under given experimental conditions, respectively. This improved degradation efficiency of PCP illustrates that ZnO nanorods arrays on Zn substrates have good photocatalytic activity. This simple low-temperature seed-layer growth approach in solution resulted in the development of an effective and low-cost fabrication process for high-quality ZnO nanorods arrays with good optical and photocatalytic properties that can be applicable in many fields such as photocatalysis, photovoltaic cells, luminescent sensors, and photoconductive sensors.

Analysis of wave-like oscillations in parameters of sporadic E layer and neutral atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mošna, Z.; Koucká Knížová, P.

2012-12-01

The present study mainly concerns the wave-like activity in the ionospheric sporadic E layer (Es) and in the lower lying stratosphere. The proposed analysis involves parameters describing the state of plasma in the sporadic E layer. Critical frequencies foEs and layer heights hEs were measured at the Pruhonice station (50°N, 14.5°E) during summer campaigns 2004, 2006 and 2008. Further, we use neutral atmosphere (temperature data at 10 hPa) data from the same time interval. The analysis concentrates on vertically propagating wave-like structures within distant atmospheric regions. By means of continuous wavelet transform (CWT) we have detected significant wave-like oscillation at periods covering tidal and planetary oscillation domains both in the Es layer parameters (some of them were reported earlier, for instance in works of Abdu et al., 2003; Pancheva and Mitchel, 2004; Pancheva et al., 2003; Šauli and Bourdillon, 2008) and in stratospheric temperature variations. Further analyses using cross wavelet transform (XWT) and wavelet coherence analysis (WTC) show that despite high wave-like activity in a wide period range, there are only limited coherent wave-like bursts present in both spectra. Such common coherent wave bursts occur on periods close to eigen-periods of the terrestrial atmosphere. We suppose that vertical coupling between atmospheric regions realized by vertically propagating planetary waves occurs predominantly on periods close to those of Rossby modes. Analysis of the phase shift between data from distant atmospheric regions reveals high variability and very likely supports the non-linear scenario of the vertical coupling provided by planetary waves.

Mitigation of methane emissions in a pilot-scale biocover system at the AV Miljø Landfill, Denmark: 1. System design and gas distribution.

PubMed

Cassini, Filippo; Scheutz, Charlotte; Skov, Bent H; Mou, Zishen; Kjeldsen, Peter

2017-05-01

Greenhouse gas mitigation at landfills by methane oxidation in engineered biocover systems is believed to be a cost effective technology, but so far a full quantitative evaluation of the efficiency of the technology in full scale has only been carried out in a few cases. A third generation semi-passive biocover system was constructed at the AV Miljø Landfill, Denmark. The biocover system was fed by landfill gas pumped out of three leachate collection wells. An innovative gas distribution system was used to overcome the commonly observed surface emission hot spot areas resulting from an uneven gas distribution to the active methane oxidation layer, leading to areas with methane overloading. Performed screening of methane and carbon dioxide surface concentrations, as well as flux measurement using a flux chamber at the surface of the biocover, showed homogenous distributions indicating an even gas distribution. This was supported by results from a tracer gas test where the compound HFC-134a was added to the gas inlet over an adequately long time period to obtain tracer gas stationarity in the whole biocover system. Studies of the tracer gas movement within the biocover system showed a very even gas distribution in gas probes installed in the gas distribution layer. Also the flux of tracer gas out of the biocover surface, as measured by flux chamber technique, showed a spatially even distribution. Installed probes logging the temperature and moisture content of the methane oxidation layer at different depths showed elevated temperatures in the layer with temperature differences to the ambient temperature in the range of 25-50°C at the deepest measuring point due to the microbial processes occurring in the layer. The moisture measurements showed that infiltrating precipitation was efficiently drained away from the methane oxidation layer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

InGaAs(0.98 μm)/GaAs vertical cavity surface emitting laser grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houng, Y. M.; Tan, M. R. T.; Liang, B. W.; Wang, S. Y.; Yang, L.; Mars, D. E.

1994-03-01

We report the growth of InGaAs/GaAs vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) with an emission wavelength at 0.98 μm by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy (GSMBE). The surface emitting laser diodes are composed of a 15-pair p + GaAs/AlAs graded mirror with a 3-quantum well In 0.2Ga 0.8As active region and a 16.5-pair n + GaAs/AlAs grade mirror on an n + GaAs substrate. We use a simple interferometric technique for in-situ monitoring and feedback control of layer thickness to obtain a highly reproducible Bragg reflector. This technique uses an optical pyrometer to measure apparent temperature oscillations of the growing epi-layer surface. These measurements can be performed with continuous substrate rotation and without any growth interruption. The growing layer thickness can then be related to the apparent temperature oscillation spectrum. When the layer reaches the desired thickness, the growth of the subsequent layer is then initiated. By making layer thickness measurements and control in real-time throughout the entire growth cycle of the structure, the center of the mirror reflectivity and the Fabry-Pérot resonance at the desired wavelength can be reproducibly obtained. The reproducibility of the center wavelength and FWHM of the reflectivity stop-band with a variation of ≤ 0.2% was achieved in the AlAs/GaAs mirror stacks grown using this technique. The VCSEL structures with a variation of the Fabry-Pérot wavelength of ≤ 0.4% have been grown. Bottom-emitting laser diodes were fabricated and operated CW at room temperature. CW threshold currents of 3 and 6 mA are measured at room temperature for 10 and 25 μm diameter lasers, respectively. Output powers higher than 15 mW are obtained from these devices. These devices have an external quantum efficiency higher than 40%.

Mathematical Modelling of Arctic Polygonal Tundra with Ecosys : 1. Microtopography Determines How Active Layer Depths Respond to Changes in Temperature and Precipitation

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

Grant, R. F.; Mekonnen, Z. A.; Riley, W. J.

Microtopographic variation that develops among features (troughs, rims, and centers) within polygonal landforms of coastal arctic tundra strongly affects movement of surface water and snow and thereby affects soil water contents (θ) and active layer depth (ALD). Spatial variation in ALD among these features may exceed interannual variation in ALD caused by changes in climate and so needs to be represented in projections of changes in arctic ALD. For this study, increases in near-surface θ with decreasing surface elevation among polygon features at the Barrow Experimental Observatory (BEO) were modeled from topographic effects on redistribution of surface water and snowmore » and from lateral water exchange with a subsurface water table during a model run from 1981 to 2015. These increases in θ caused increases in thermal conductivity that in turn caused increases in soil heat fluxes and hence in ALD of up to 15 cm with lower versus higher surface elevation which were consistent with increases measured at BEO. The modeled effects of θ caused interannual variation in maximum ALD that compared well with measurements from 1985 to 2015 at the Barrow Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) site (R 2 = 0.61, RMSE = 0.03 m). For higher polygon features, interannual variation in ALD was more closely associated with annual precipitation than mean annual temperature, indicating that soil wetting from increases in precipitation may hasten permafrost degradation beyond that caused by soil warming from increases in air temperature. This degradation may be more rapid if increases in precipitation cause sustained wetting in higher features.« less

Mathematical Modelling of Arctic Polygonal Tundra with Ecosys : 1. Microtopography Determines How Active Layer Depths Respond to Changes in Temperature and Precipitation

DOE PAGES

Grant, R. F.; Mekonnen, Z. A.; Riley, W. J.; ...

2017-11-17

Microtopographic variation that develops among features (troughs, rims, and centers) within polygonal landforms of coastal arctic tundra strongly affects movement of surface water and snow and thereby affects soil water contents (θ) and active layer depth (ALD). Spatial variation in ALD among these features may exceed interannual variation in ALD caused by changes in climate and so needs to be represented in projections of changes in arctic ALD. For this study, increases in near-surface θ with decreasing surface elevation among polygon features at the Barrow Experimental Observatory (BEO) were modeled from topographic effects on redistribution of surface water and snowmore » and from lateral water exchange with a subsurface water table during a model run from 1981 to 2015. These increases in θ caused increases in thermal conductivity that in turn caused increases in soil heat fluxes and hence in ALD of up to 15 cm with lower versus higher surface elevation which were consistent with increases measured at BEO. The modeled effects of θ caused interannual variation in maximum ALD that compared well with measurements from 1985 to 2015 at the Barrow Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) site (R 2 = 0.61, RMSE = 0.03 m). For higher polygon features, interannual variation in ALD was more closely associated with annual precipitation than mean annual temperature, indicating that soil wetting from increases in precipitation may hasten permafrost degradation beyond that caused by soil warming from increases in air temperature. This degradation may be more rapid if increases in precipitation cause sustained wetting in higher features.« less

Room-Temperature Processing of TiOx Electron Transporting Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Deng, Xiaoyu; Wilkes, George C; Chen, Alexander Z; Prasad, Narasimha S; Gupta, Mool C; Choi, Joshua J

2017-07-20

In order to realize high-throughput roll-to-roll manufacturing of flexible perovskite solar cells, low-temperature processing of all device components must be realized. However, the most commonly used electron transporting layer in high-performance perovskite solar cells is based on TiO 2 thin films processed at high temperature (>450 °C). Here, we demonstrate room temperature solution processing of the TiO x layer that performs as well as the high temperature TiO 2 layer in perovskite solar cells, as evidenced by a champion solar cell efficiency of 16.3%. Using optical spectroscopy, electrical measurements, and X-ray diffraction, we show that the room-temperature processed TiO x is amorphous with organic residues, and yet its optical and electrical properties are on par with the high-temperature TiO 2 . Flexible perovskite solar cells that employ a room-temperature TiO x layer with a power conversion efficiency of 14.3% are demonstrated.

Low temperature p-type doping of (Al)GaN layers using ammonia molecular beam epitaxy for InGaN laser diodes

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

Malinverni, M., E-mail: marco.malinverni@epfl.ch; Lamy, J.-M.; Martin, D.

2014-12-15

We demonstrate state-of-the-art p-type (Al)GaN layers deposited at low temperature (740 °C) by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy (NH{sub 3}-MBE) to be used as top cladding of laser diodes (LDs) with the aim of further reducing the thermal budget on the InGaN quantum well active region. Typical p-type GaN resistivities and contact resistances are 0.4 Ω cm and 5 × 10{sup −4} Ω cm{sup 2}, respectively. As a test bed, we fabricated a hybrid laser structure emitting at 400 nm combining n-type AlGaN cladding and InGaN active region grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy, with the p-doped waveguide and cladding layers grown by NH{sub 3}-MBE. Single-mode ridge-waveguide LD exhibitsmore » a threshold voltage as low as 4.3 V for an 800 × 2 μm{sup 2} ridge dimension and a threshold current density of ∼5 kA cm{sup −2} in continuous wave operation. The series resistance of the device is 6 Ω and the resistivity is 1.5 Ω cm, confirming thereby the excellent electrical properties of p-type Al{sub 0.06}Ga{sub 0.94}N:Mg despite the low growth temperature.« less

Hydrothermal variations in soils resulting from the freezing and thawing processes in the active layer of an alpine grassland in the Qilian Mountains, northeastern Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qingfeng; Yang, Qianqian; Guo, Hong; Xiao, Xiongxin; Jin, Huijun; Li, Lili; Zhang, Tingjun; Wu, Qingbai

2018-06-01

Soil hydrothermal dynamics, resulting from the freezing and thawing processes in the active layer and their influencing factors, were studied in the upper Heihe River Basin (UHRB) in the Qilian Mountains, northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Soil temperature and water content measurements were taken in the active layer of the UHRB in alpine grassland from 2013 to 2014. The results showed that the thaw rate of the active layer was significantly smaller in alpine paludal meadows than the thaw rate in alpine meadows and alpine steppes. This was mainly related to the hydrothermal properties of soils in the active layer, such as moisture content, thermal conductivity, and specific heat. During the thawing process, the active layer soil water content was higher and fluctuated less in alpine paludal meadows. Conversely, the soil water content was lower and fluctuated more significantly in alpine meadows and alpine steppes. These findings could be explained by the prevalence of peat soils, with a low bulk density, and high clay and organic matter content. By contrast, the soil particles in the active layer of alpine meadows and alpine steppes were significantly coarser, with higher bulk density and lower organic matter content. During the freezing process, gravel content and soil texture had a great impact on the unfrozen water content in the frozen soils. However, the factors influencing the soil water retention in frozen soils are complex, and further study is needed. These results provide theoretical support for the evaluation of the hydrological characteristics of the alpine permafrost zone in the Qilian Mountains. Furthermore, the effect of frozen ground on hydrological changes due to climate change in the Heihe River Basin can be simulated and predicted, providing a scientific basis for the ecological conservation of the Qilian Mountains National Park.

A delta-doped amorphous silicon thin-film transistor with high mobility and stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Pyunghun; Lee, Kyung Min; Lee, Eui-Wan; Jo, Younjung; Kim, Do-Hyung; Kim, Hong-jae; Yang, Key Young; Son, Hyunji; Choi, Hyun Chul

2012-12-01

Ultrathin doped layers, known as delta-doped layers, were introduced within the intrinsic amorphous silicon (a-Si) active layer to fabricate hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with enhanced field-effect mobility. The performance of the delta-doped a-Si:H TFTs depended on the phosphine (PH3) flow rate and the distance from the n+ a-Si to the deltadoping layer. The delta-doped a-Si:H TFTs fabricated using a commercial manufacturing process exhibited an enhanced field-effect mobility of approximately ˜0.23 cm2/Vs (compared to a conventional a-Si:H TFT with 0.15 cm2/Vs) and a desirable stability under a bias-temperature stress test.

Impact of Typhoons on the Western Pacific Ocean (ITOP) DRI: Numerical Modeling of Ocean Mixed Layer Turbulence and Entrainment at High Winds

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

1 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Impact of Typhoons on the Western Pacific Ocean (ITOP...The measurement and modeling activities include a focus on the impact of surface waves, air-sea fluxes and the temperature, salinity and velocity...SUBTITLE Impact of Typhoons on the Western Pacific Ocean (ITOP) DRI: Numerical Modeling of Ocean Mixed Layer Turbulence and Entrainment at High Winds

Thermal characterization of GaN-based laser diodes by forward-voltage method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, M. X.; Zhang, S. M.; Jiang, D. S.; Liu, J. P.; Wang, H.; Zeng, C.; Li, Z. C.; Wang, H. B.; Wang, F.; Yang, H.

2012-05-01

An expression of the relation between junction temperature and forward voltage common for both GaN-based laser diodes (LDs) and light emitting diodes is derived. By the expression, the junction temperature of GaN-based LDs emitting at 405 nm was measured at different injection current and compared with the result of micro-Raman spectroscopy, showing that the expression is reasonable. In addition, the activation energy of Mg in AlGaN/GaN superlattice layers is obtained based on the temperature dependence of forward voltage.

Electrochemical cell having cylindrical electrode elements

DOEpatents

Nelson, Paul A.; Shimotake, Hiroshi

1982-01-01

A secondary, high temperature electrochemical cell especially adapted for lithium alloy negative electrodes, transition metal chalcogenide positive electrodes and alkali metal halide or alkaline earth metal halide electrolyte is disclosed. The cell is held within an elongated cylindrical container in which one of the active materials is filled around the outside surfaces of a plurality of perforate tubular current collectors along the length of the container. Each of the current collector tubes contain a concentric tubular layer of electrically insulative ceramic as an interelectrode separator. The active material of opposite polarity in elongated pin shape is positioned longitudinally within the separator layer. A second electrically conductive tube with perforate walls can be swagged or otherwise bonded to the outer surface of the pin as a current collector and the electrically insulative ceramic layer can be coated or otherwise layered onto the outer surface of this second current collector. Alternatively, the central pin electrode can include an axial core as a current collector.

Release properties of tannic acid from hydrogen bond driven antioxidative cellulose nanofibrous films.

PubMed

Zhou, Bin; Hu, Xiaoqian; Zhu, Jinjin; Wang, Zhenzhen; Wang, Xichang; Wang, Mingfu

2016-10-01

Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembled films have been exploited for surface-mediated bioactive compound delivery. Here, an antioxidative hydrogen-bonded multilayer electrospun nanofibrous film was fabricated from tannic acid (TA), acting as a polyphenolic antioxidant, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) via layer-by-layer assembly. It overcame the burst release behavior of nanofibrous carrier, due to the reversible/dynamic nature of hydrogen bond, which was responded to external stimuli. The PEG/TA nanofibrous films disassembled gradually and released TA to the media, when soaked in aqueous solutions. The release rate of TA increased with increasing bilayer number, pH and temperature, but decreased with enhancing ionic strength. The surface morphology of the nanofibrous mats was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The following antioxidant activity assay revealed that it could scavenge DPPH free radicals and ABTS(+) cation radicals, a major biological activity of polyphenols. This technology can be used to fabricate other phenolic-containing slowly releasing antioxidative nanofibrous films. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lateral solid phase epitaxy of silicon and application to the fabrication of metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, Brian Joseph

Thin film silicon on insulator fabrication is an increasingly important technology requirement for improving performance in future generation devices and circuits. One process for SOI fabrication that has recently been generating renewed interest is Lateral Solid Phase Epitaxy (LSPE) of silicon over oxide. This process involves annealing amorphous silicon that has been deposited on oxide patterned Si wafers. The (001) Si substrate forms the crystalline seed for epitaxial growth, permitting the generation of Si films that are both single crystal, and oriented to the substrate. This method is particularly attractive to fabrication that requires low temperature processing, because the Si films are deposited in the amorphous phase at temperatures near 525°C, and crystallized at temperatures near 570°C. It is also attractive for applications requiring three dimensional stacking of active silicon device layers, due to the relatively low temperatures involved. For sub-50 nm gate length MOSFET fabrication, an SOI thickness on the order of 10 nm will be required. One limitation of the LSPE process has been the need for thick films (0.5--2 mum) and/or heavy P doping (10 19--1020 cm-3) to increase the maximum achievable lateral growth distance, and therefore minimize the area on the substrate occupied by seed holes. This dissertation discusses the characterization and optimization of process conditions for large area LSPE silicon film growth, as well as efforts to adapt the traditional LSPE process to achieve ultra-thin SOI layers (Tsilicon ≤ 25 nm) while avoiding the use of heavy active doping layers. MOSFETs fabricated in these films that exhibit electron mobility comparable to the Universal Si MOS Mobility are described.

Low-temperature atomic layer epitaxy of AlN ultrathin films by layer-by-layer, in-situ atomic layer annealing.

PubMed

Shih, Huan-Yu; Lee, Wei-Hao; Kao, Wei-Chung; Chuang, Yung-Chuan; Lin, Ray-Ming; Lin, Hsin-Chih; Shiojiri, Makoto; Chen, Miin-Jang

2017-01-03

Low-temperature epitaxial growth of AlN ultrathin films was realized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) together with the layer-by-layer, in-situ atomic layer annealing (ALA), instead of a high growth temperature which is needed in conventional epitaxial growth techniques. By applying the ALA with the Ar plasma treatment in each ALD cycle, the AlN thin film was converted dramatically from the amorphous phase to a single-crystalline epitaxial layer, at a low deposition temperature of 300 °C. The energy transferred from plasma not only provides the crystallization energy but also enhances the migration of adatoms and the removal of ligands, which significantly improve the crystallinity of the epitaxial layer. The X-ray diffraction reveals that the full width at half-maximum of the AlN (0002) rocking curve is only 144 arcsec in the AlN ultrathin epilayer with a thickness of only a few tens of nm. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy also indicates the high-quality single-crystal hexagonal phase of the AlN epitaxial layer on the sapphire substrate. The result opens a window for further extension of the ALD applications from amorphous thin films to the high-quality low-temperature atomic layer epitaxy, which can be exploited in a variety of fields and applications in the near future.

Low-temperature atomic layer epitaxy of AlN ultrathin films by layer-by-layer, in-situ atomic layer annealing

PubMed Central

Shih, Huan-Yu; Lee, Wei-Hao; Kao, Wei-Chung; Chuang, Yung-Chuan; Lin, Ray-Ming; Lin, Hsin-Chih; Shiojiri, Makoto; Chen, Miin-Jang

2017-01-01

Low-temperature epitaxial growth of AlN ultrathin films was realized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) together with the layer-by-layer, in-situ atomic layer annealing (ALA), instead of a high growth temperature which is needed in conventional epitaxial growth techniques. By applying the ALA with the Ar plasma treatment in each ALD cycle, the AlN thin film was converted dramatically from the amorphous phase to a single-crystalline epitaxial layer, at a low deposition temperature of 300 °C. The energy transferred from plasma not only provides the crystallization energy but also enhances the migration of adatoms and the removal of ligands, which significantly improve the crystallinity of the epitaxial layer. The X-ray diffraction reveals that the full width at half-maximum of the AlN (0002) rocking curve is only 144 arcsec in the AlN ultrathin epilayer with a thickness of only a few tens of nm. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy also indicates the high-quality single-crystal hexagonal phase of the AlN epitaxial layer on the sapphire substrate. The result opens a window for further extension of the ALD applications from amorphous thin films to the high-quality low-temperature atomic layer epitaxy, which can be exploited in a variety of fields and applications in the near future. PMID:28045075

Atmospheric tides on Venus. III - The planetary boundary layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobrovolskis, A. R.

1983-01-01

Diurnal solar heating of Venus' surface produces variable temperatures, winds, and pressure gradients within a shallow layer at the bottom of the atmosphere. The corresponding asymmetric mass distribution experiences a tidal torque tending to maintain Venus' slow retrograde rotation. It is shown that including viscosity in the boundary layer does not materially affect the balance of torques. On the other hand, friction between the air and ground can reduce the predicted wind speeds from about 5 to about 1 m/sec in the lower atmosphere, more consistent with the observations from Venus landers and descent probes. Implications for aeolian activity on Venus' surface and for future missions are discussed.

Analysis of the leading edge effects on the boundary layer transition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chow, Pao-Liu

1990-01-01

A general theory of boundary layer control by surface heating is presented. Some analytical results for a simplified model, i.e., the optimal control of temperature fluctuations in a shear flow are described. The results may provide a clue to the effectiveness of the active feedback control of a boundary layer flow by wall heating. In a practical situation, the feedback control may not be feasible from the instrumentational point of view. In this case the vibrational control introduced in systems science can provide a useful alternative. This principle is briefly explained and applied to the control of an unstable wavepacket in a parallel shear flow.

Low temperature production of large-grain polycrystalline semiconductors

DOEpatents

Naseem, Hameed A [Fayetteville, AR; Albarghouti, Marwan [Loudonville, NY

2007-04-10

An oxide or nitride layer is provided on an amorphous semiconductor layer prior to performing metal-induced crystallization of the semiconductor layer. The oxide or nitride layer facilitates conversion of the amorphous material into large grain polycrystalline material. Hence, a native silicon dioxide layer provided on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), followed by deposited Al permits induced crystallization at temperatures far below the solid phase crystallization temperature of a-Si. Solar cells and thin film transistors can be prepared using this method.

Method for restoring the resistance of indium oxide semiconductors after heating while in sealed structures

DOEpatents

Seager, C.H.; Evans, J.T. Jr.

1998-11-24

A method is described for counteracting increases in resistivity encountered when Indium Oxide resistive layers are subjected to high temperature annealing steps during semiconductor device fabrication. The method utilizes a recovery annealing step which returns the Indium Oxide layer to its original resistivity after a high temperature annealing step has caused the resistivity to increase. The recovery anneal comprises heating the resistive layer to a temperature between 100 C and 300 C for a period of time that depends on the annealing temperature. The recovery is observed even when the Indium Oxide layer is sealed under a dielectric layer. 1 fig.

Method for restoring the resistance of indium oxide semiconductors after heating while in sealed structures

DOEpatents

Seager, Carleton H.; Evans, Jr., Joseph Tate

1998-01-01

A method for counteracting increases in resistivity encountered when Indium Oxide resistive layers are subjected to high temperature annealing steps during semiconductor device fabrication. The method utilizes a recovery annealing step which returns the Indium Oxide layer to its original resistivity after a high temperature annealing step has caused the resistivity to increase. The recovery anneal comprises heating the resistive layer to a temperature between 100.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. for a period of time that depends on the annealing temperature. The recovery is observed even when the Indium Oxide layer is sealed under a dielectric layer.

Low temperature fabrication of biodegradable sugar glass microneedles for transdermal drug delivery applications.

PubMed

Martin, C J; Allender, C J; Brain, K R; Morrissey, A; Birchall, J C

2012-02-28

Transdermal drug delivery is limited by the barrier properties of the outer skin layer. Microneedles (MNs) effectively circumvent the skin barrier to offer this route as a potential alternative to oral and parenteral delivery of therapeutics. Biodegradable microneedles offer particular advantages however processing commonly requires elevated temperatures that may adversely affect heat-labile molecules and macromolecules. In this study, solid amorphous sugar glasses containing low residual quantities of water were created by dehydration of trehalose and sucrose sugar combination solutions. Biodegradable sugar glass MNs were fabricated following optimisation of a simple and novel low temperature vacuum deposition micromoulding methodology. These had absolute morphological fidelity to silicon master structures and demonstrated sufficient structural rigidity to efficiently penetrate excised human breast skin. Sugar glass MNs incorporating a marker compound dissolved rapidly and completely in situ releasing dye into deeper skin layers. The biological activity of a model macromolecule was partially retained over extended storage following incorporation into sugar glass. This is the first demonstration that MNs created from amorphous sugar glasses can be used for incorporating and delivering molecules, and potentially biologically active macromolecules, via the transdermal route. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tunable molecular orientation and elevated thermal stability of vapor-deposited organic semiconductors

PubMed Central

Walters, Diane M.; Lyubimov, Ivan; de Pablo, Juan J.; Ediger, M. D.

2015-01-01

Physical vapor deposition is commonly used to prepare organic glasses that serve as the active layers in light-emitting diodes, photovoltaics, and other devices. Recent work has shown that orienting the molecules in such organic semiconductors can significantly enhance device performance. We apply a high-throughput characterization scheme to investigate the effect of the substrate temperature (Tsubstrate) on glasses of three organic molecules used as semiconductors. The optical and material properties are evaluated with spectroscopic ellipsometry. We find that molecular orientation in these glasses is continuously tunable and controlled by Tsubstrate/Tg, where Tg is the glass transition temperature. All three molecules can produce highly anisotropic glasses; the dependence of molecular orientation upon substrate temperature is remarkably similar and nearly independent of molecular length. All three compounds form “stable glasses” with high density and thermal stability, and have properties similar to stable glasses prepared from model glass formers. Simulations reproduce the experimental trends and explain molecular orientation in the deposited glasses in terms of the surface properties of the equilibrium liquid. By showing that organic semiconductors form stable glasses, these results provide an avenue for systematic performance optimization of active layers in organic electronics. PMID:25831545

Application of thin layer activation technique for monitoring corrosion of carbon steel in hydrocarbon processing environment.

PubMed

Saxena, R C; Biswal, Jayashree; Pant, H J; Samantray, J S; Sharma, S C; Gupta, A K; Ray, S S

2018-05-01

Acidic crude oil transportation and processing in petroleum refining and petrochemical operations cause corrosion in the pipelines and associated components. Corrosion monitoring is invariably required to test and prove operational reliability. Thin Layer Activation (TLA) technique is a nuclear technique used for measurement of corrosion and erosion of materials. The technique involves irradiation of material with high energy ion beam from an accelerator and measurement of loss of radioactivity after the material is subjected to corrosive environment. In the present study, TLA technique has been used to monitor corrosion of carbon steel (CS) in crude oil environment at high temperature. Different CS coupons were irradiated with a 13 MeV proton beam to produce Cobalt-56 radioisotope on the surface of the coupons. The corrosion studies were carried out by subjecting the irradiated coupons to a corrosive environment, i.e, uninhibited straight run gas oil (SRGO) containing known amount of naphthenic acid (NA) at high temperature. The effects of different parameters, such as, concentration of NA, temperature and fluid velocity (rpm) on corrosion behaviour of CS were studied. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Burning Graphene Layer-by-Layer

PubMed Central

Ermakov, Victor A.; Alaferdov, Andrei V.; Vaz, Alfredo R.; Perim, Eric; Autreto, Pedro A. S.; Paupitz, Ricardo; Galvao, Douglas S.; Moshkalev, Stanislav A.

2015-01-01

Graphene, in single layer or multi-layer forms, holds great promise for future electronics and high-temperature applications. Resistance to oxidation, an important property for high-temperature applications, has not yet been extensively investigated. Controlled thinning of multi-layer graphene (MLG), e.g., by plasma or laser processing is another challenge, since the existing methods produce non-uniform thinning or introduce undesirable defects in the basal plane. We report here that heating to extremely high temperatures (exceeding 2000 K) and controllable layer-by-layer burning (thinning) can be achieved by low-power laser processing of suspended high-quality MLG in air in “cold-wall” reactor configuration. In contrast, localized laser heating of supported samples results in non-uniform graphene burning at much higher rates. Fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were also performed to reveal details of oxidation mechanisms leading to uniform layer-by-layer graphene gasification. The extraordinary resistance of MLG to oxidation paves the way to novel high-temperature applications as continuum light source or scaffolding material. PMID:26100466

High Curie temperature drive layer materials for ion-implanted magnetic bubble devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fratello, V. J.; Wolfe, R.; Blank, S. L.; Nelson, T. J.

1984-01-01

Ion implantation of bubble garnets can lower the Curie temperature by 70 C or more, thus limiting high temperature operation of devices with ion-implanted propagation patterns. Therefore, double-layer materials were made with a conventional 2-micron bubble storage layer capped by an ion-implantable drive layer of high Curie temperature, high magnetostriction material. Contiguous disk test patterns were implanted with varying doses of a typical triple implant. Quality of propagation was judged by quasistatic tests on 8-micron period major and minor loops. Variations of magnetization, uniaxial anisotropy, implant dose, and magnetostriction were investigated to ensure optimum flux matching, good charged wall coupling, and wide operating margins. The most successful drive layer compositions were in the systems (SmDyLuCa)3(FeSi)5O12 and (BiGdTmCa)3(FeSi)5O12 and had Curie temperatures 25-44 C higher than the storage layers.

Thin Film Transistors On Plastic Substrates

DOEpatents

Carey, Paul G.; Smith, Patrick M.; Sigmon, Thomas W.; Aceves, Randy C.

2004-01-20

A process for formation of thin film transistors (TFTs) on plastic substrates replaces standard thin film transistor fabrication techniques, and uses sufficiently lower processing temperatures so that inexpensive plastic substrates may be used in place of standard glass, quartz, and silicon wafer-based substrates. The silicon based thin film transistor produced by the process includes a low temperature substrate incapable of withstanding sustained processing temperatures greater than about 250.degree. C., an insulating layer on the substrate, a layer of silicon on the insulating layer having sections of doped silicon, undoped silicon, and poly-silicon, a gate dielectric layer on the layer of silicon, a layer of gate metal on the dielectric layer, a layer of oxide on sections of the layer of silicon and the layer of gate metal, and metal contacts on sections of the layer of silicon and layer of gate metal defining source, gate, and drain contacts, and interconnects.

The role of temperature ramp-up time before barrier layer growth in optical and structural properties of InGaN/GaN multi-quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Yao; Zhao, Degang; Jiang, Desheng; Liu, Zongshun; Zhu, Jianjun; Chen, Ping; Yang, Jing; Liu, Wei; Liang, Feng; Liu, Shuangtao; Zhang, Liqun; Wang, Wenjie; Li, Mo; Zhang, Yuantao; Du, Guotong

2018-05-01

In InGaN/GaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs), a low temperature cap (LT-cap) layer is grown between the InGaN well layer and low temperature GaN barrier layer. During the growth, a temperature ramp-up and ramp-down process is added between LT-cap and barrier layer growth. The effect of temperature ramp-up time duration on structural and optical properties of quantum wells is studied. It is found that as the ramp-up time increases, the Indium floating layer on the top of the well layer can be diminished effectively, leading to a better interface quality between well and barrier layers, and the carrier localization effect is enhanced, thereby the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of QWs increases surprisingly. However, if the ramp-up time is too long, the carrier localization effect is weaker, which may increase the probabilities of carriers to meet with nonradiative recombination centers. Meanwhile, more nonradiative recombination centers will be introduced into well layers due to the indium evaporation. Both of them will lead to a reduction of internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of MQWs.

Active and passive controls of Jeffrey nanofluid flow over a nonlinear stretching surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayat, Tasawar; Aziz, Arsalan; Muhammad, Taseer; Alsaedi, Ahmed

This communication explores magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary-layer flow of Jeffrey nanofluid over a nonlinear stretching surface with active and passive controls of nanoparticles. A nonlinear stretching surface generates the flow. Effects of thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion are considered. Jeffrey fluid is electrically conducted subject to non-uniform magnetic field. Low magnetic Reynolds number and boundary-layer approximations have been considered in mathematical modelling. The phenomena of impulsing the particles away from the surface in combination with non-zero mass flux condition is known as the condition of zero mass flux. Convergent series solutions for the nonlinear governing system are established through optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM). Graphs have been sketched in order to analyze that how the temperature and concentration distributions are affected by distinct physical flow parameters. Skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are also computed and analyzed. Our findings show that the temperature and concentration distributions are increasing functions of Hartman number and thermophoresis parameter.

Statistical Forecasting of Current and Future Circum-Arctic Ground Temperatures and Active Layer Thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aalto, J.; Karjalainen, O.; Hjort, J.; Luoto, M.

2018-05-01

Mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) and active layer thickness (ALT) are key to understanding the evolution of the ground thermal state across the Arctic under climate change. Here a statistical modeling approach is presented to forecast current and future circum-Arctic MAGT and ALT in relation to climatic and local environmental factors, at spatial scales unreachable with contemporary transient modeling. After deploying an ensemble of multiple statistical techniques, distance-blocked cross validation between observations and predictions suggested excellent and reasonable transferability of the MAGT and ALT models, respectively. The MAGT forecasts indicated currently suitable conditions for permafrost to prevail over an area of 15.1 ± 2.8 × 106 km2. This extent is likely to dramatically contract in the future, as the results showed consistent, but region-specific, changes in ground thermal regime due to climate change. The forecasts provide new opportunities to assess future Arctic changes in ground thermal state and biogeochemical feedback.

Room-Temperature and Solution-Processable Cu-Doped Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Hole-Transport Layers of Flexible Large-Area Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

He, Qiqi; Yao, Kai; Wang, Xiaofeng; Xia, Xuefeng; Leng, Shifeng; Li, Fan

2017-12-06

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using plastic substrates have become one of the most attractive points in the field of thin-film solar cells. Low-temperature and solution-processable nanoparticles (NPs) enable the fabrication of semiconductor thin films in a simple and low-cost approach to function as charge-selective layers in flexible PSCs. Here, we synthesized phase-pure p-type Cu-doped NiO x NPs with good electrical properties, which can be processed to smooth, pinhole-free, and efficient hole transport layers (HTLs) with large-area uniformity over a wide range of film thickness using a room-temperature solution-processing technique. Such a high-quality inorganic HTL allows for the fabrication of flexible PSCs with an active area >1 cm 2 , which have a power conversion efficiency over 15.01% without hysteresis. Moreover, the Cu/NiO x NP-based flexible devices also demonstrate excellent air stability and mechanical stability compared to their counterpart fabricated on the pristine NiO x films. This work will contribute to the evolution of upscaling flexible PSCs with a simple fabrication process and high device performances.

Photoelectric properties of the metamorphic InAs/InGaAs quantum dot structure at room temperature

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

Golovynskyi, S. L., E-mail: golovynskyi@isp.kiev.ua; Seravalli, L.; Trevisi, G.

We present the study of optical and photoelectric properties of InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on a metamorphic In{sub 0.15}Ga{sub 0.85}As buffer layer: such nanostructures show efficient light emission in the telecom window at 1.3 μm (0.95 eV) at room temperature. We prepared a sample with vertical geometry of contacts isolated from the GaAs substrate. The structure is found to be photosensitive in the spectral range above 0.9 eV at room temperature, showing distinctive features in the photovoltage and photocurrent spectra attributed to QDs, InAs wetting layer, and In{sub 0.15}Ga{sub 0.85}As metamorphic buffer, while a drop in the photoelectric signal above 1.36 eV ismore » related to the GaAs layer. No effect of defect centers on the photoelectrical properties is found, although they are observed in the absorption spectrum. We conclude that metamorphic QDs have a low amount of interface-related defects close to the optically active region and charge carriers can be effectively collected into InAs QDs.« less

Strain-engineering of GaInAsSb overgrown layers and its effects on the optical properties of InAs/GaAs quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salhi, A.; Alshaibani, S.; Alaskar, Y.; Albrithen, H.; Albedri, A.; Alyamani, A.

2018-05-01

The effect of antimony incorporation in In0.11Ga0.89As overgrown layers on the optical properties of InAs/GaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy has been studied. The results of photoluminescence, high resolution X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, power and temperature-dependent photoluminescence from 77 K to 300 K have been correlated to characterize the grown samples. The wavelength emission increases with Sb content, and it reaches ∼1367 nm and does not increase further because of Sb incorporation's saturation in the In0.11Ga0.89As layer. To redshift further the wavelength to 1432 nm, a reduction of the growth temperature of the In0.11Ga0.89As1-ySby layer from 500 °C to 440 °C was necessary. This achievement is accompanied by the transformation of the QDs distribution to 2 QDs families. The extracted activation energies suggest that the PL quenching is mainly attributed to the thermal transfer of carriers in the QDs to the higher energy levels in the defects located within the In0.11Ga0.89As1-ySby SRLs. The variation of PL FWHM with temperature was interpreted by carrier thermalization and capture among different QDs within the same QD family or between small and large QD families.

Temperature Inversions and Nighttime Convection in the Martian Tropics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinson, D. P.; Spiga, A.; Lewis, S.; Tellmann, S.; Paetzold, M.; Asmar, S. W.; Häusler, B.

2013-12-01

We are using radio occultation measurements from Mars Express, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and Mars Global Surveyor to characterize the diurnal cycle in the lowest scale height above the surface. We focus on northern spring and summer, using observations from 4 Martian years at local times of 4-5 and 15-17 h. We supplement the observations with results obtained from large-eddy simulations and through data assimilation by the UK spectral version of the LMD Mars Global Circulation Model. We previously investigated the depth of the daytime convective boundary layer (CBL) and its variations with surface elevation and surface properties. We are now examining unusual aspects of the temperature structure observed at night. Most important, predawn profiles in the Tharsis region contain an unexpected layer of neutral static stability at pressures of 200-300 Pa with a depth of 4-5 km. The mixed layer is bounded above by a midlevel temperature inversion and below by another strong inversion adjacent to the surface. The sharp temperature minimum at the base of the midlevel inversion suggests the presence of a thin water ice cloud layer, with the further implication that radiative cooling at cloud level can induce convective activity at lower altitudes. Conversely, nighttime profiles in Amazonis show no sign of a midlevel inversion or a detached mixed layer. These regional variations in the nighttime temperature structure appear to arise in part from large-scale variations in topography, which have several notable effects. First, the CBL is much deeper in the Tharsis region than in Amazonis, owing to a roughly 6-km difference in surface elevation. Second, large-eddy simulations show that daytime convection is not only deeper above Tharsis but also considerably more intense than it is in Amazonis. Finally, the daytime surface temperatures are comparable in the two regions, so that Tharsis acts as an elevated heat source throughout the CBL. These topographic effects are expected to enhance the vertical mixing of water vapor above elevated terrain, which might lead to the formation and regional confinement of nighttime clouds.

Comparative Measurements of Total Temperature in a Supersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer Using a Conical Equilibrium and Combined Temperature-Pressure Probe

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-07-01

AD/A-002 982 COMPARATIVE MEASUREMENTS CF TOTAL TEMPERATURE IN A SUPERSONIC TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYER USING A CONICAL EQUILIB- RIUM AND COMBINED...SUPERSONIC TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYER USING A CONICAL EQUILIORIUM AND COMBINED TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE PROBE H.L.P. Vowt R.E. L" 0H.U. M.i July 1974 NAVAL...1 ~~o iotaPRO eig ature In A Supersonic Turbulent Boundary ____________ Layer Using A Conical Equilibrium and 6. 111111ORWING OR. 0111001117,~t

Wheel-type magnetic refrigerator

DOEpatents

Barclay, J.A.

1983-10-11

The disclosure is directed to a wheel-type magnetic refrigerator capable of cooling over a large temperature range. Ferromagnetic or paramagnetic porous materials are layered circumferentially according to their Curie temperature. The innermost layer has the lowest Curie temperature and the outermost layer has the highest Curie temperature. The wheel is rotated through a magnetic field perpendicular to the axis of the wheel and parallel to its direction of rotation. A fluid is pumped through portions of the layers using inner and outer manifolds to achieve refrigeration of a thermal load. 7 figs.

Activation energy of negative fixed charges in thermal ALD Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}

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

Kühnhold-Pospischil, S.; Institute of Physical Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg; Freiburg Materials Research Center FMF, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 21, 79104 Freiburg

2016-08-08

A study of the thermally activated negative fixed charges Q{sub tot} and the interface trap densities D{sub it} at the interface between Si and thermal atomic-layer-deposited amorphous Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} layers is presented. The thermal activation of Q{sub tot} and D{sub it} was conducted at annealing temperatures between 220 °C and 500 °C for durations between 3 s and 38 h. The temperature-induced differences in Q{sub tot} and D{sub it} were measured using the characterization method called corona oxide characterization of semiconductors. Their time dependency were fitted using stretched exponential functions, yielding activation energies of E{sub A} = (2.2 ± 0.2) eV and E{submore » A} = (2.3 ± 0.7) eV for Q{sub tot} and D{sub it}, respectively. For annealing temperatures from 350 °C to 500 °C, the changes in Q{sub tot} and D{sub it} were similar for both p- and n-type doped Si samples. In contrast, at 220 °C the charging process was enhanced for p-type samples. Based on the observations described in this contribution, a charging model leading to Q{sub tot} based on an electron hopping process between the silicon and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} through defects is proposed.« less

Constraints on Thermochemical Convection of the Mantle from Plume-related Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, S.

2005-05-01

Although geochemical observations have long suggested a layered mantle with more enriched mantle material in the bottom layer to provide a significant amount of heat to the top layer, the nature of such a layering remains unclear. An important observation that has been used to argue against the conventional layered mantle model (i.e., the layering at the 670 km depth) was the plume heat flux [Davies, 1999]. Plume heat flux is estimated as ~ 3.5 TW, or 10% of the surface heat flux [Davies, 1988; Sleep, 1990]. In this study, we demonstrate with 3-D spherical models of mantle convection with depth- and temperature-dependent viscosity that observed plume heat flux, plume excess temperature (<350°C), and upper mantle temperature (~ 1300°C) can pose important constraints on the layered mantle convection. We show that for a purely thermal convection model (i.e., a whole mantle convection), the observations of plume heat flux, plume excess temperature, and upper mantle temperature can be simultaneously explained only when internal heating rate is about 65%. For smaller internal heating rate, plume heat flux and plume excess temperature would be too large, and upper mantle temperature would be too small, compared with the observed. This suggests that for a whole mantle convection the CMB heat flux needs to be > 10 TW. For a core with no significant heat producing elements, such large CMB heat flux may lead to too rapid cooling of the core or a too young inner core. A layered mantle convection may help reduce the CMB heat flux. For layered convection models, we found that the top layer needs to be ~70% internally heated to explain the upper mantle temperature and plume-related observations, and this required internal heating ratio is insensitive to the layer thickness for the bottom layer (we used ~600 km and 1100 km thicknesses). This result suggests that heat generation rate for the bottom layer cannot be significantly larger (< a factor of 2) than that for the top layer. thus challenging the conventional geochemical inference for an significantly enriched bottom layer. However, this is more consistent with recent estimate of the MORB source composition that increases heat producing element concentration by a factor of three compared with the previously proposed.

Room temperature growth of ZnO nanorods by hydrothermal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tateyama, Hiroki; Zhang, Qiyan; Ichikawa, Yo

2018-05-01

The effect of seed layer morphology on ZnO nanorod growth at room temperature was studied via hydrothermal synthesis on seed layers with different thicknesses and further annealed at different temperatures. The change in the thickness and annealing temperature enabled us to control over a diameter of ZnO nanorods which are attributed to the changing of crystallinity and roughness of the seed layers.

Strain relaxation of thin Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4} grown with low-temperature buffers by molecular beam epitaxy

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

Zhao, M.; Hansson, G. V.; Ni, W.-X.

A double-low-temperature-buffer variable-temperature growth scheme was studied for fabrication of strain-relaxed thin Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4} layer on Si(001) by using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), with particular focuses on the influence of growth temperature of individual low-temperature-buffer layers on the relaxation process and final structural qualities. The low-temperature buffers consisted of a 40 nm Si layer grown at an optimized temperature of {approx}400 deg. C, followed by a 20 nm Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4} layer grown at temperatures ranging from 50 to 550 deg. C. A significant relaxation increase together with a surface roughness decrease both by a factor of {approx}2, accompaniedmore » with the cross-hatch/cross-hatch-free surface morphology transition, took place for the sample containing a low-temperature Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4} layer that was grown at {approx}200 deg. C. This dramatic change was explained by the association with a certain onset stage of the ordered/disordered growth transition during the low-temperature MBE, where the high density of misfit dislocation segments generated near surface cusps largely facilitated the strain relaxation of the top Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4} layer.« less

Deposition and characterization of silicon thin-films by aluminum-induced crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebil, Ozgenc

Polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) as a thin-film solar cell material could have major advantages compared to non-silicon thin-film technologies. In theory, thin-film poly-Si may retain the performance and stability of c-Si while taking advantage of established manufacturing techniques. However, poly-Si films deposited onto foreign substrates at low temperatures typically have an average grain size of 10--50 nm. Such a grain structure presents a potential problem for device performance since it introduces an excessive number of grain boundaries which, if left unpassivated, lead to poor solar cell properties. Therefore, for optimum device performance, the grain size of the poly-Si film should be at least comparable to the thickness of the films. For this project, the objectives were the deposition of poly-Si thin-films with 2--5 mum grain size on glass substrates using in-situ and conventional aluminum-induced crystallization (AIC) and the development of a model for AIC process. In-situ AIC experiments were performed using Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition (HWCVD) both above and below the eutectic temperature (577°C) of Si-Al binary system. Conventional AIC experiments were performed using a-Si layers deposited on aluminum coated glass substrates by Electron-beam deposition, Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and HWCVD. Continuous poly-Si films with an average grain size of 10 mum on glass substrates were achieved by both in-situ and conventional aluminum-induced crystallization of Si below eutectic temperature. The grain size was determined by three factors; the grain structure of Al layer, the nature of the interfacial oxide, and crystallization temperature. The interface oxide was found to be crucial for AIC process but not necessary for crystallization itself. The characterization of interfacial oxide layer formed on Al films revealed a bilayer structure containing Al2O3 and Al(OH)3 . The effective activation energy for AIC process was determined to be 0.9 eV and depended on the nature of the interfacial oxide layer. Poly-Si layers prepared by AIC technique can be used as seed layers for epitaxial growth of bulk Si layer or as back contacts in c-Si based solar cells.

Highly organized smectic-like packing in vapor-deposited glasses of a liquid crystal

DOE PAGES

Gujral, Ankit; Gomez, Jaritza; Jiang, Jing; ...

2016-12-26

Glasses of a model smectic liquid crystal-forming molecule, itraconazole, were prepared by vapor deposition onto substrates with temperatures ranging from T substrate = 0.78T g to 1.02T g, where T g (=330 K) is the glass transition temperature. The films were characterized using X-ray scattering techniques. For T substrate near and below T g, glasses with layered smectic-like structures can be prepared and the layer spacing can be tuned by 16% through the choice of T substrate. Remarkably, glasses prepared with T substrate values above T g exhibit levels of structural organization much higher than that of a thermally annealedmore » film. These results are explained by a mechanism based upon a preferred molecular orientation and enhanced molecular motion at the free surface, indicating that molecular organization in the glass is independent of the anchoring preferred at the substrate. Furthermore, these results suggest new strategies for optimizing molecular packing within active layers of organic electronic and optoelectronic devices.« less

Microstructural evolution and IMCs growth behavior of Sn-58Bi-0.25Mo solder joint during aging treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Li; Zhu, Lu; Zhang, Yaocheng; Zhou, Shiyuan; Xiong, Yifeng; Wu, Pengcheng

2018-02-01

The microstructural evolution and IMCs growth behavior of Sn-58Bi and Sn-58Bi-0.25Mo solder joints were investigated. The results showed that the microstructure is coarsened, the IMCs layer thickness is increased and the tensile strength of Sn-58Bi and Sn-58Bi-0.25Mo solder joints is decreased with increasing aging time and temperature. Aging temperature is the key factor that causes the excessive IMCs growth of the solder joint compared with aging time, and the activation energy of IMCs layer growth of Sn-58Bi and Sn-58Bi-0.25Mo solder joints is 48.94 kJ mol-1 and 53.79 kJ mol-1, respectively. During the aging treatment, the microstructure of Sn-58Bi solder joint is refined by adding Mo nanoparticles, and the appropriate IMCs layer thickness and improved mechanical properties are obtained by Sn-58Bi-0.25Mo solder joint.

A simple radiative transfer model of the high latitude mesospheric scattering layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hummel, J. R.

1974-01-01

A simple radiative transfer model of the particle layer found at 85 km over the summer poles is presented. The effects of the layer on the global radiative temperature, the polar region temperature, and the greenhouse effect are discussed. The estimated magnitude of the global radiative temperature change is 3.5 x .001 K to 2.2 x .01 K, depending on the value of the imaginary part of the particle index of refraction. The layer is shown to have a possible secondary influence on the temperature of the polar region while the contribution which the layer makes to the greenhouse effect is shown to be negligible. The imaginary part of the particle index of refraction is shown to be important in determining the attenuation properties of the layer.

Passivation of phosphorus diffused silicon surfaces with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}: Influence of surface doping concentration and thermal activation treatments

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

Richter, Armin, E-mail: armin.richter@ise.fraunhofer.de; Benick, Jan; Kimmerle, Achim

2014-12-28

Thin layers of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} are well known for the excellent passivation of p-type c-Si surfaces including highly doped p{sup +} emitters, due to a high density of fixed negative charges. Recent results indicate that Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} can also provide a good passivation of certain phosphorus-diffused n{sup +} c-Si surfaces. In this work, we studied the recombination at Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} passivated n{sup +} surfaces theoretically with device simulations and experimentally for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} deposited with atomic layer deposition. The simulation results indicate that there is a certain surface doping concentration, where the recombination is maximal duemore » to depletion or weak inversion of the charge carriers at the c-Si/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} interface. This pronounced maximum was also observed experimentally for n{sup +} surfaces passivated either with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} single layers or stacks of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} capped by SiN{sub x}, when activated with a low temperature anneal (425 °C). In contrast, for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SiN{sub x} stacks activated with a short high-temperature firing process (800 °C) a significant lower surface recombination was observed for most n{sup +} diffusion profiles without such a pronounced maximum. Based on experimentally determined interface properties and simulation results, we attribute this superior passivation quality after firing to a better chemical surface passivation, quantified by a lower interface defect density, in combination with a lower density of negative fixed charges. These experimental results reveal that Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SiN{sub x} stacks can provide not only excellent passivation on p{sup +} surfaces but also on n{sup +} surfaces for a wide range of surface doping concentrations when activated with short high-temperature treatments.« less

Temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength in tunable diode laser spectroscopy.

PubMed

Fukuda, M; Mishima, T; Nakayama, N; Masuda, T

2010-08-01

The factors determining temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength are investigated and discussed under monitoring CO(2)-gas absorption spectra. The diffusion rate of Joule heating at the active layer to the surrounding region is observed by monitoring the change in the junction voltage, which is a function of temperature and the wavelength (frequency) deviation under sinusoidal current modulation. Based on the experimental results, the time interval of monitoring the wavelength after changing the ambient temperature or injected current (scanning rate) has to be constant at least to eliminate the monitoring error induced by the deviation of lasing wavelength, though the temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength differ with the rate.

Reflectance Speckle of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Reveals Axonal Activity

PubMed Central

Huang, Xiang-Run; Knighton, Robert W.; Zhou, Ye; Zhao, Xiao-Peng

2013-01-01

Purpose. This study investigated the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) reflectance speckle and tested the hypothesis that temporal change of RNFL speckle reveals axonal dynamic activity. Methods. RNFL reflectance speckle of isolated rat retinas was studied with monochromatic illumination. A series of reflectance images was collected every 5 seconds for approximately 15 minutes. Correlation coefficients (CC) of selected areas between a reference and subsequent images were calculated and plotted as a function of the time intervals between images. An exponential function fit to the time course was used to evaluate temporal change of speckle pattern. To relate temporal change of speckle to axonal activity, in vitro living retina perfused at a normal (34°C) and a lower (24°C) temperature, paraformaldehyde-fixed retina, and retina treated with microtubule depolymerization were used. Results. RNFL reflectance was not uniform; rather nerve fiber bundles had a speckled texture that changed with time. In normally perfused retina, the time constant of the CC change was 0.56 ± 0.26 minutes. In retinas treated with lower temperature and microtubule depolymerization, the time constants increased by two to four times, indicating that the speckle pattern changed more slowly. The speckled texture in fixed retina was stationary. Conclusions. Fixation stops axonal activity; treatments with either lower temperature or microtubule depolymerization are known to decrease axonal transport. The results obtained in this study suggest that temporal change of RNFL speckle reveals structural change due to axonal activity. Assessment of RNFL reflectance speckle may offer a new means of evaluating axonal function. PMID:23532525

Detecting climate change oriented and human induced changes in stream temperature across the Southeastern U.S.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Voisin, N.; Cheng, Y.; Niemeyer, R. J.; Nijssen, B.; Yearsley, J. R.; Zhou, T.

2017-12-01

In many areas, climate change is expected to alter the flow regime and increase stream temperature, especially during summer low flow periods. During these low flow periods, water management increases flows in order to sustain human activities such as water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Water extraction from rivers during warm season can increase stream temperature while reservoir regulation may cool downstream river temperatures by releasing cool water from deep layers. Thus, it is reasonable to hypothesize that water management changes the sensitivity of the stream temperature regime to climate change when compared to unmanaged resources. The time of emergence of change refers to the point in time when observations, or model simulations, show statistically significant changes from a given baseline period, i.e. above natural variability. Here we aim to address two questions by investigating the time of emergence of changes in stream temperature in the southeastern United States: what is the sensitivity of stream temperature under regulated flow conditions to climate change and what is the contribution of water management in increasing or decreasing stream temperature sensitivity to climate change. We simulate regulated flow by using runoff from the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) macroscale hydrological model as input into a large scale river routing and reservoir model MOSART-WM. The River Basin Model (RBM), a distributed stream temperature model, includes a two-layer thermal stratification module to simulate stream temperature in regulated river systems. We evaluate the timing of emergence of changes in flow and stream temperature based on climate projections from two representative concentration pathways (RCPs; RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). We analyze the difference in emergence of change between natural and regulated streamflow. Insights will be provided toward applications for multiple sectors of activities including electrical resources adequacy studies over the southeastern U.S.

A comparative study of CeO2-Al2O3 support prepared with different methods and its application on MoO3/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst for sulfur-resistant methanation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Minhong; Wang, Baowei; Yao, Yuqin; Li, Zhenhua; Ma, Xinbin; Qin, Shaodong; Sun, Qi

2013-11-01

The CeO2-Al2O3 supports prepared with impregnation (IM), deposition precipitation (DP), and solution combustion (SC) methods for MoO3/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst were investigated in the sulfur-resistant methanation. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2-physisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The N2-physisorption results indicated that the DP method was favorable for obtaining better textural properties. The TEM and RS results suggested that there is a CeO2 layer on the surface of the support prepared with DP method. This CeO2 layer not only prevented the interaction between MoO3 and γ-Al2O3 to form Al2(MoO4)3 species, but also improved the dispersion of MoO3 in the catalyst. Accordingly, the catalysts whose supports were prepared with DP method exhibited the best catalytic activity. The catalysts whose supports were prepared with SC method had the worst catalytic activity. This was caused by the formation of Al2(MoO4)3 and crystalline MoO3. Additionally, the CeO2 layer resulted in the instability of catalysts in reaction process. The increasing of calcination temperature of supports reduced the catalytic activity of all catalysts. The decrease extent of the catalysts whose supports were prepared with DP method was the lowest as the CeO2 layer prevented the interaction between MoO3 and γ-Al2O3.

Permafrost Monitoring Sonnblick

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reisenhofer, Stefan; Riedl, Claudia

2014-05-01

Within the project 'Permafrost Monitoring Sonnblick' (PERSON) the spatial distribution of permafrost is investigated by the 'Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik' (ZAMG) in the Sonnblick area, in the Hohe Tauern in Austria. The aim of PERSON is to identify parameters affecting permafrost (geological, geomorphological, orographical and climatic factors), to determine its spatio-temporal behaviour under present day climate conditions and to estimate its possible future extension under a climate change scenario. PERSON makes use of a permafrost monitoring network that was installed 2005 in the Sonnblick area and is made up by four study sites: On the one hand the spatial extension of permafrost was focused at the ice-dammed lake Pilatus and the rock glacier Zirmsee. On the other hand, at two sites, namely Goldbergspitze and Wintergasse measurements of 'Ground-Surface Temperature' (GST) and 'Bottom Temperatures of the Snow cover' (BTS) are measured. In order to record temperatures in the uppermost layer of the ground and avoid heating by direct solar radiation loggers were buried a few centimetres into the ground or installed in boreholes at depths between 2 and 140 cm. Each of the 'Near Surface Temperature' (NST) borehole mouths is closed up with insulating foam to protect the measurements from atmospheric influence. In addition to these measurements, continuous temperature records from three 20 m deep boreholes located at the southern slope of Hoher Sonnblick are available since 2007, which represent the longest series of its kind in Austria. Furthermore, data from seismic and geoelectric measurements, temperature sensors readings at the surface and extensive meteorological observations from the Sonnblick Observatory are available. Already collected and evaluated data indicate that the thickness of the debris layer around the boreholes reaches a depth of 2 m but no more. The active layer thickness measured in the borehole next to the glacier ranges between 0.7 m and 1.35 m during the past six years and between 0.8 m and 1.04 m from 2008 to 2011 in the borehole nearby the Observatory. The year to year thickness of the active layer mostly depends on depth and duration of the snow cover. Ground temperatures have been slightly increasing during the past three years. The evaluation of the GST data yielded following results: the lower limit of the Permafrost-distribution at the south-east facing slope Goldbergspitze is about 2750m a.s.l. and at the north-west facing slope Wintergasse it is about 2500m a.s.l. Further statements are not yet possible, because of the heterogeneous topography in the study area and the shortness of the records.

Active Layer and Water Geochemistry Dynamics throughout the Yukon River Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutter, E. A.; Toohey, R.; Herman-Mercer, N. M.; Schuster, P. F.

2017-12-01

The hydrology of the Yukon River Basin has changed over the last several decades as evidenced by a variety of discharge, gravimetric, and geochemical analyses. The Indigenous Observation Network (ION), a community-based project, was initiated by the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council and USGS. Capitalizing on existing USGS monitoring and research infrastructure and supplementing USGS collected data, ION investigates changes in surface water geochemistry and active layer dynamics throughout the Yukon River Basin. Over 1600 samples of surface water geochemistry (i.e., major ions, dissolved organic carbon, and 18O and 2H) have been collected at 35 sites throughout the Yukon River and its major tributaries over the past 15 years. Active layer dynamics (maximum thaw depth, soil temperature and moisture) have been collected at 20 sites throughout the Yukon River Basin for the past eight years. Important regional differences in geochemistry and active layer parameters linked to permafrost continuity and tributaries will be highlighted. Additionally, annual trends and seasonal dynamics describing the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the watershed will be presented in the context of observed hydrological changes. These data assist the global effort to characterize arctic river fluxes and their relationship to the carbon cycle, weathering and permafrost degradation.

Solid state radiative heat pump

DOEpatents

Berdahl, P.H.

1984-09-28

A solid state radiative heat pump operable at room temperature (300 K) utilizes a semiconductor having a gap energy in the range of 0.03-0.25 eV and operated reversibly to produce an excess or deficit of change carriers as compared equilibrium. In one form of the invention an infrared semiconductor photodiode is used, with forward or reverse bias, to emit an excess or deficit of infrared radiation. In another form of the invention, a homogenous semiconductor is subjected to orthogonal magnetic and electric fields to emit an excess or deficit of infrared radiation. Three methods of enhancing transmission of radiation the active surface of the semiconductor are disclosed. In one method, an anti-refection layer is coated into the active surface of the semiconductor, the anti-reflection layer having an index of refraction equal to the square root of that of the semiconductor. In the second method, a passive layer is speaced trom the active surface of the semiconductor by a submicron vacuum gap, the passive layer having an index of refractive equal to that of the semiconductor. In the third method, a coupler with a paraboloid reflecting surface surface is in contact with the active surface of the semiconductor, the coupler having an index of refraction about the same as that of the semiconductor.

Rapid control of mold temperature during injection molding process

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

Liparoti, Sara; Titomanlio, Giuseppe; Hunag, Tsang Min

2015-05-22

The control of mold surface temperature is an important factor that determines surface morphology and its dimension in thickness direction. It can also affect the frozen molecular orientation and the mold surface replicability in injection molded products. In this work, thin thermally active films were used to quickly control the mold surface temperature. In particular, an active high electrical conductivity carbon black loaded polyimide composites sandwiched between two insulating thin polymeric layers was used to condition the mold surface. By controlling the heating time, it was possible to control precisely the temporal variation of the mold temperature surface during themore » entire cycle. The surface heating rate was about 40°C/s and upon contact with the polymer the surface temperature decreased back to 40°C within about 5 s; the overall cycle time increased only slightly. The effect on cross section sample morphology of samples of iPP were analyzed and discussed on the basis of the recorded temperature evolution.« less

On the interdiffusion in multilayered silicide coatings for the vanadium-based alloy V-4Cr-4Ti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaia, N.; Portebois, L.; Mathieu, S.; David, N.; Vilasi, M.

2017-02-01

To provide protection against corrosion at high temperatures, silicide diffusion coatings were developed for the V-4Cr-4Ti alloy, which can be used as the fuel cladding in next-generation sodium-cooled fast breeder reactors. The multilayered coatings were prepared by halide-activated pack cementation using MgF2 as the transport agent and pure silicon (high activity) as the master alloy. Coated pure vanadium and coated V-4Cr-4Ti alloy were studied and compared as substrates. In both cases, the growth of the silicide layers (V3Si, V5Si3, V6Si5 and VSi2) was controlled exclusively by solid-state diffusion, and the growth kinetics followed a parabolic law. Wagner's analysis was adopted to calculate the integrated diffusion coefficients for all silicides. The estimated values of the integrated diffusion coefficients range from approximately 10-9 to 10-13 cm2 s-1. Then, a diffusion-based numerical approach was used to evaluate the growth and consumption of the layers when the coated substrates were exposed at critical temperatures. The estimated lifetimes of the upper VSi2 layer were 400 h and 280 h for pure vanadium and the V-4Cr-4Ti alloy, respectively. The result from the numeric simulation was in good agreement with the layer thicknesses measured after aging the coated samples at 1150 °C under vacuum.

Facile bottom-up synthesis of partially oxidized black phosphorus nanosheets as metal-free photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution.

PubMed

Tian, Bin; Tian, Bining; Smith, Bethany; Scott, M C; Lei, Qin; Hua, Ruinian; Tian, Yue; Liu, Yi

2018-04-24

Few-layer black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets were first reported as a 2D material for the application of field-effect transistors in 2014 and have stimulated intense activity among physicists, chemists, and material and biomedical scientists, driving research into novel synthetic techniques to produce BP nanosheets. At present, exfoliation is the main route toward few-layer BP nanosheets via employing bulk BP as raw material. However, this is a complicated and time-consuming process, which is difficult for the large-scale synthesis of BP nanosheets. Moreover, BP degrades rapidly when exfoliated to nanoscale dimensions, resulting in the rapid loss of semiconducting properties. Here, we report the direct wet-chemical synthesis of few-layer BP nanosheets in gram-scale quantities in a bottom-up approach based on common laboratory reagents at low temperature, showing excellent stability due to partial oxidation of surface. Solvent and temperature are two critical factors, controlling not only the formation of BP nanosheets but also the thickness. The as-prepared BP nanosheets can extract hydrogen from pure water (pH = 6.8), exhibiting more than 24-fold higher activity than the well-known C 3 N 4 nanosheets. Our results reporting the ability to prepare few-layer BP nanosheets with a facile, scalable, low-cost approach take us a step closer to real-world applications of phosphorene including next-generation metal-free photocatalysts for photosynthesis. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

The Influence of Grain Structure on Intermetallic Compound Layer Growth Rates in Fe-Al Dissimilar Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Lei; Robson, Joseph D.; Wang, Li; Prangnell, Philip B.

2018-02-01

The thickness of the intermetallic compound (IMC) layer that forms when aluminum is welded to steel is critical in determining the properties of the dissimilar joints. The IMC reaction layer typically consists of two phases ( η and θ) and many attempts have been made to determine the apparent activation energy for its growth, an essential parameter in developing any predictive model for layer thickness. However, even with alloys of similar composition, there is no agreement of the correct value of this activation energy. In the present work, the IMC layer growth has been characterized in detail for AA6111 aluminum to DC04 steel couples under isothermal annealing conditions. The samples were initially lightly ultrasonically welded to produce a metallic bond, and the structure and thickness of the layer were then characterized in detail, including tracking the evolution of composition and grain size in the IMC phases. A model developed previously for Al-Mg dissimilar welds was adapted to predict the coupled growth of the two phases in the layer, whilst accounting explicitly for grain boundary and lattice diffusion, and considering the influence of grain growth. It has been shown that the intermetallic layer has a submicron grain size, and grain boundary diffusion as well as grain growth plays a critical role in determining the thickening rate for both phases. The model was used to demonstrate how this explains the wide scatter in the apparent activation energies previously reported. From this, process maps were developed that show the relative importance of each diffusion path to layer growth as a function of temperature and time.

Thin transparent conducting films of cadmium stannate

DOEpatents

Wu, Xuanzhi; Coutts, Timothy J.

2001-01-01

A process for preparing thin Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 films. The process comprises the steps of RF sputter coating a Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer onto a first substrate; coating a second substrate with a CdS layer; contacting the Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer with the CdS layer in a water- and oxygen-free environment and heating the first and second substrates and the Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 and CdS layers to a temperature sufficient to induce crystallization of the Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer into a uniform single-phase spinel-type structure, for a time sufficient to allow full crystallization of the Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer at that temperature; cooling the first and second substrates to room temperature; and separating the first and second substrates and layers from each other. The process can be conducted at temperatures less than 600.degree. C., allowing the use of inexpensive soda lime glass substrates.

Metabolic activity of permafrost bacteria below the freezing point

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivkina, E. M.; Friedmann, E. I.; McKay, C. P.; Gilichinsky, D. A.

2000-01-01

Metabolic activity was measured in the laboratory at temperatures between 5 and -20 degrees C on the basis of incorporation of (14)C-labeled acetate into lipids by samples of a natural population of bacteria from Siberian permafrost (permanently frozen soil). Incorporation followed a sigmoidal pattern similar to growth curves. At all temperatures, the log phase was followed, within 200 to 350 days, by a stationary phase, which was monitored until the 550th day of activity. The minimum doubling times ranged from 1 day (5 degrees C) to 20 days (-10 degrees C) to ca. 160 days (-20 degrees C). The curves reached the stationary phase at different levels, depending on the incubation temperature. We suggest that the stationary phase, which is generally considered to be reached when the availability of nutrients becomes limiting, was brought on under our conditions by the formation of diffusion barriers in the thin layers of unfrozen water known to be present in permafrost soils, the thickness of which depends on temperature.

Fabrication and Characterization of Plasma Electrolytic Borocarburized Layers on Q235 Low-Carbon Steel at Different Discharge Voltages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin; Wu, Jie; Jin, Xiaoyue; Wu, Xiaoling; Wu, Zhenglong; Xue, Wenbin

The influence of applied voltage on the plasma electrolytic borocarburizing (PEB/C) layer of Q235 low-carbon steel in high-concentration borax solution was investigated. XRD and XPS spectra of PEB/C layer confirmed that the modified boride layer mainly consisted of Fe2B phase, and the FeB phase only exists in the loose top layer. The applied voltage on Q235 steel played a key role in determining the properties of hardened layers. The thickness and microhardness of boride layers increased with the increase of the applied voltage, which led to superior corrosion and wear resistances of Q235 low-carbon steel. The diffusion coefficient (D) of boride layer at 280, 300 and 330V increased with borocarburizing temperature and ranged from 0.062×10-12m2/s to 0.462×10-12m2/s. The activation energy (Q) of boride layer growth during PEB/C treatment was only 52.83kJṡmol-1, which was much lower than that of the conventional boriding process.

Crossover from band-like to thermally activated charge transport in organic transistors due to strain-induced traps

PubMed Central

Mei, Yaochuan; Diemer, Peter J.; Niazi, Muhammad R.; Hallani, Rawad K.; Jarolimek, Karol; Day, Cynthia S.; Risko, Chad; Anthony, John E.; Amassian, Aram

2017-01-01

The temperature dependence of the charge-carrier mobility provides essential insight into the charge transport mechanisms in organic semiconductors. Such knowledge imparts critical understanding of the electrical properties of these materials, leading to better design of high-performance materials for consumer applications. Here, we present experimental results that suggest that the inhomogeneous strain induced in organic semiconductor layers by the mismatch between the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the consecutive device layers of field-effect transistors generates trapping states that localize charge carriers. We observe a universal scaling between the activation energy of the transistors and the interfacial thermal expansion mismatch, in which band-like transport is observed for similar CTEs, and activated transport otherwise. Our results provide evidence that a high-quality semiconductor layer is necessary, but not sufficient, to obtain efficient charge-carrier transport in devices, and underline the importance of holistic device design to achieve the intrinsic performance limits of a given organic semiconductor. We go on to show that insertion of an ultrathin CTE buffer layer mitigates this problem and can help achieve band-like transport on a wide range of substrate platforms. PMID:28739934

Crossover from band-like to thermally activated charge transport in organic transistors due to strain-induced traps.

PubMed

Mei, Yaochuan; Diemer, Peter J; Niazi, Muhammad R; Hallani, Rawad K; Jarolimek, Karol; Day, Cynthia S; Risko, Chad; Anthony, John E; Amassian, Aram; Jurchescu, Oana D

2017-08-15

The temperature dependence of the charge-carrier mobility provides essential insight into the charge transport mechanisms in organic semiconductors. Such knowledge imparts critical understanding of the electrical properties of these materials, leading to better design of high-performance materials for consumer applications. Here, we present experimental results that suggest that the inhomogeneous strain induced in organic semiconductor layers by the mismatch between the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the consecutive device layers of field-effect transistors generates trapping states that localize charge carriers. We observe a universal scaling between the activation energy of the transistors and the interfacial thermal expansion mismatch, in which band-like transport is observed for similar CTEs, and activated transport otherwise. Our results provide evidence that a high-quality semiconductor layer is necessary, but not sufficient, to obtain efficient charge-carrier transport in devices, and underline the importance of holistic device design to achieve the intrinsic performance limits of a given organic semiconductor. We go on to show that insertion of an ultrathin CTE buffer layer mitigates this problem and can help achieve band-like transport on a wide range of substrate platforms.

Electron temperature differences and double layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, C.; Hershkowitz, N.; Lonngren, K. E.

1983-01-01

Electron temperature differences across plasma double layers are studied experimentally. It is shown that the temperature differences across a double layer can be varied and are not a result of thermalization of the bump-on-tail distribution. The implications of these results for electron thermal energy transport in laser-pellet and tandem-mirror experiments are also discussed.

Technical note: unsafe rectal temperature measurements due to delayed warming of the thermocouple by using a condom. An issue concerning the estimation of the postmortem interval by using Henßge's nomogram.

PubMed

Krap, Tristan; Meurs, Joris; Boertjes, Janine; Duijst, Wilma

2016-03-01

In some cases, in the Netherlands, an additional layer is being added to the thermocouple, used to measure the rectal temperature in medicolegal death investigations. Because of this deviation from the standard method, questions arose regarding the accuracy and precision of the measured temperature. Therefore, a cooling experiment was carried out on a round body made of agar with an average thermal conductivity of 0.454 W/(m °C) while measuring the temperature with and without an additional layer around the thermocouple for three different starting temperatures: 36, 30, and 27 °C. The results show a significant difference between the measured values for the first 5 min when comparing with and without the additional layer. Further, a decrease in precision is present within the first minutes when using an additional layer. Therefore, it is concluded that it is best to measure the rectal temperature without an additional layer around the thermocouple and caution should be taken when measuring with an additional layer.

Epitaxial GaN layers formed on langasite substrates by the plasma-assisted MBE method

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

Lobanov, D. N., E-mail: dima@ipmras.ru; Novikov, A. V.; Yunin, P. A.

2016-11-15

In this publication, the results of development of the technology of the epitaxial growth of GaN on single-crystal langasite substrates La{sub 3}Ga{sub 5}SiO{sub 14} (0001) by the plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy (PA MBE) method are reported. An investigation of the effect of the growth temperature at the initial stage of deposition on the crystal quality and morphology of the obtained GaN layer is performed. It is demonstrated that the optimal temperature for deposition of the initial GaN layer onto the langasite substrate is about ~520°C. A decrease in the growth temperature to this value allows the suppression of oxygen diffusion frommore » langasite into the growing layer and a decrease in the dislocation density in the main GaN layer upon its subsequent high-temperature deposition (~700°C). Further lowering of the growth temperature of the nucleation layer leads to sharp degradation of the GaN/LGS layer crystal quality. As a result of the performed research, an epitaxial GaN/LGS layer with a dislocation density of ~10{sup 11} cm{sup –2} and low surface roughness (<2 nm) is obtained.« less

Energy management and control of active distribution systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shariatzadeh, Farshid

Advancements in the communication, control, computation and information technologies have driven the transition to the next generation active power distribution systems. Novel control techniques and management strategies are required to achieve the efficient, economic and reliable grid. The focus of this work is energy management and control of active distribution systems (ADS) with integrated renewable energy sources (RESs) and demand response (DR). Here, ADS mean automated distribution system with remotely operated controllers and distributed energy resources (DERs). DER as active part of the next generation future distribution system includes: distributed generations (DGs), RESs, energy storage system (ESS), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and DR. Integration of DR and RESs into ADS is critical to realize the vision of sustainability. The objective of this dissertation is the development of management architecture to control and operate ADS in the presence of DR and RES. One of the most challenging issues for operating ADS is the inherent uncertainty of DR and RES as well as conflicting objective of DER and electric utilities. ADS can consist of different layers such as system layer and building layer and coordination between these layers is essential. In order to address these challenges, multi-layer energy management and control architecture is proposed with robust algorithms in this work. First layer of proposed multi-layer architecture have been implemented at the system layer. Developed AC optimal power flow (AC-OPF) generates fair price for all DR and non-DR loads which is used as a control signal for second layer. Second layer controls DR load at buildings using a developed look-ahead robust controller. Load aggregator collects information from all buildings and send aggregated load to the system optimizer. Due to the different time scale at these two management layers, time coordination scheme is developed. Robust and deterministic controllers are developed to maximize the energy usage from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation locally and minimize heat-ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) consumption while maintaining inside temperature within comfort zone. The performance of the developed multi-layer architecture has been analyzed using test case studies and results show the robustness of developed controller in the presence of uncertainty.

Dynamics and characteristics of soil temperature and moisture of active layer in central Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, L.; Hu, G.; Wu, X.; Tian, L.

2017-12-01

Research on the hydrothermal properties of active layer during the thawing and freezing processes was considered as a key question to revealing the heat and moisture exchanges between permafrost and atmosphere. The characteristics of freezing and thawing processes at Tanggula (TGL) site in permafrost regions on the Tibetan Plateau, the results revealed that the depth of daily soil temperature transmission was about 40 cm shallower during thawing period than that during the freezing period. Soil warming process at the depth above 140 cm was slower than the cooling process, whereas they were close below 140 cm depth. Moreover, the hydro-thermal properties differed significantly among different stages. Precipitation caused an obviously increase in soil moisture at 0-20 cm depth. The vertical distribution of soil moisture could be divided into two main zones: less than 12% in the freeze state and greater than 12% in the thaw state. In addition, coupling of moisture and heat during the freezing and thawing processes also showed that soil temperature decreased faster than soil moisture during the freezing process. At the freezing stage, soil moisture exhibited an exponential relationship with the absolute soil temperature. Energy consumed for water-ice conversion during the freezing process was 149.83 MJ/m2 and 141.22 MJ/m2 in 2011 and 2012, respectively, which was estimated by the soil moisture variation.

Temperature dependent current-voltage characteristics of Au/n-Si Schottky barrier diodes and the effect of transition metal oxides as an interface layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahato, Somnath; Puigdollers, Joaquim

2018-02-01

Temperature dependent current-voltage (I‒V) characteristics of Au/n-type silicon (n-Si) Schottky barrier diodes have been investigated. Three transition metal oxides (TMO) are used as an interface layer between gold and silicon. The basic Schottky diode parameters such as ideality factor (n), barrier height (ϕb 0) and series resistance (Rs) are calculated and successfully explained by the thermionic emission (TE) theory. It has been found that ideality factor decreased and barrier height increased with increased of temperature. The conventional Richardson plot of ln(I0/T2) vs. 1000/T is determined the activation energy (Ea) and Richardson constant (A*). Whereas value of 'A*' is much smaller than the known theoretical value of n-type Si. The temperature dependent I-V characteristics obtained the mean value of barrier height (ϕb 0 bar) and standard deviation (σs) from the linear plot of ϕap vs. 1000/T. From the modified Richardson plot of ln(I0/T2) ˗ (qσ)2/2(kT)2 vs. 1000/T gives Richardson constant and homogeneous barrier height of Schottky diodes. Main observation in this present work is the barrier height and ideality factor shows a considerable change but the series resistance value exhibits negligible change due to TMO as an interface layer.

Spatial temperature distribution in human hairy and glabrous skin after infrared CO2 laser radiation

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background CO2 lasers have been used for several decades as an experimental non-touching pain stimulator. The laser energy is absorbed by the water content in the most superficial layers of the skin. The deeper located nociceptors are activated by passive conduction of heat from superficial to deeper skin layers. Methods In the current study, a 2D axial finite element model was developed and validated to describe the spatial temperature distribution in the skin after infrared CO2 laser stimulation. The geometry of the model was based on high resolution ultrasound scans. The simulations were compared to the subjective pain intensity ratings from 16 subjects and to the surface skin temperature distributions measured by an infrared camera. Results The stimulations were sensed significantly slower and less intense in glabrous skin than they were in hairy skin (MANOVA, p < 0.001). The model simulations of superficial temperature correlated with the measured skin surface temperature (r > 0.90, p < 0.001). Of the 16 subjects tested; eight subjects reported pricking pain in the hairy skin following a stimulus of 0.6 J/cm2 (5 W, 0.12 s, d1/e2 = 11.4 mm) only two reported pain to glabrous skin stimulation using the same stimulus intensity. The temperature at the epidermal-dermal junction (depth 50 μm in hairy and depth 133 μm in glabrous skin) was estimated to 46°C for hairy skin stimulation and 39°C for glabrous skin stimulation. Conclusions As compared to previous one dimensional heat distribution models, the current two dimensional model provides new possibilities for detailed studies regarding CO2 laser stimulation intensity, temperature levels and nociceptor activation. PMID:21059226

Influence of Sporadic E layers on Mesospheric Na and Fe Layers over Arecibo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raizada, S.; Tepley, C. A.; Zhou, Q.; Sarkhel, S.; Mathews, J. D.; Aponte, N.; Kerr, R.

2014-12-01

Arecibo offers unique opportunity to investigate the structure of the mesospheric metal layers and their response to Sporadic E as observed by the incoherent scatter radar data. Previous studies have shown higher occurrences of sporadic activity in the neutral Fe layers as compared to Na at mid-latitudes. Other studies demonstrated that Sporadic Na (NaS) layers are more common at low and high latitudes as compared to FeS. It is important to note that case studies based on a few nights of observations are significant as they can shed more light on factors that are important on short term scales. These efforts can also help in evaluation of the role played by these factors in the climatological or global studies. In this study, we have used two adjacent nights of simultaneous Na and Fe data obtained using resonance lidars at Arecibo, while the co-located Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) provides information about Sporadic E (ES). On both the nights (17 and 18 March 2004) ES was observed with electron densities exceeding 3000 electrons/cc. Some interesting observations are worth noting: The Fe main layer (below 90 km) was stronger than the corresponding sporadic layer around 95 km. However, Na data displayed a weaker main layer below 90 km with stronger NaS activity. Hence, the ratio of densities determined within layers of 3 km thickness centered at 97 km and at 87 km are less than 1 for Fe and exceeds 1 in the case of Na. A correlation analysis between Na/Ne and Fe/Ne also displays dissimilarities in the 94-100 km altitude range. An onsite all-sky imager recorded similar wave activities on both the nights with both ripple and band type structures that were observed in the 557.7 nm airglow. We will discuss the dissimilar response of Na and Fe to Sporadic E activity in relation to neutralization lifetimes of their respective ions and their sensitivity to temperatures.

Non-Implanted Gallium-Arsenide and its Subsequent Annealing Effects.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liou, Lih-Yeh

Infrared spectroscopy is used to study ion-implanted GaAs and its subsequent annealing effects. The damage in the implantation region causes a change in dielectric constant resulting in an infrared reflection spectrum which shows the interference pattern of a multilayer structure. Reflection data are fitted by values calculated from a physically realistic model by using computer codes. The first part in this work studies the solid state regrowth of amorphous GaAs made by Be implantation at -100(DEGREES)C. The regrowth temperature is around 200(DEGREES)C. The regrowth starts with a narrowing of the transition region and the transformation of the implanted layer from as-implanted amorphous (a-l) state to thermally-stablized amorphous (a-ll) state. The non-epitaxial recrystallization from both the surface and the interfacial region follows. The final regrown layer has a slightly higher refractive index than the crystalline value, indicating a high residual defect concentration. The temperature dependent regrowth velocity and the activation energy for this process are determined. The second part studies the free carrier activation in Be-implanted GaAs. Free holes are activated with prolonged annealing at 400(DEGREES)C ((TURN)50 hours) or a shorter time at higher temperature. The carrier contribution to the dielectric constant is calculated from the classical model and best fit to the reflection results show that the carrier profile can be approximated by a two half-Gaussians joined smoothly at their peaks. The peak position for the profile occurs deeper than that for the Be impurity profile measured by SIMS. The carrier distribution is speculated to be the result of the Be impurity, Ga vacancy and possible compensating defect distributions. The final part studies the free carrier removal by proton implantation in heavily doped, high carrier density, n-type GaAs. The as-implantation region is highly compensated until annealed at 550(DEGREES)C. After annealing between 300 and 400(DEGREES)C, the infrared results show a partially compensated region diffused deeply into substrate from the as-implanted region. The SIMS measurements show a well correlated hydrogen diffusion layer which suggests that the compensation defect is hydrogen related. After 500(DEGREES)C, the hydrogen diffusion layer is still observed, but the compensation layer has disappeared. The diffusion coefficient of the compensating defect and the activation energy for this process are determined. Carbon -implanted GaAs having a high carrier density substrate is also measured and compared with the H-implanted cases. (Copies available exclusively from Micrographics Department, Doheny Library, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089 -0182.).

High-Mobility 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) Pentacene Transistors Using Solution-Processed Polysilsesquioxane Gate Dielectric Layers.

PubMed

Matsuda, Yu; Nakahara, Yoshio; Michiura, Daisuke; Uno, Kazuyuki; Tanaka, Ichiro

2016-04-01

Polysilsesquioxane (PSQ) is a low-temperature curable polymer that is compatible with low-cost plastic substrates. We cured PSQ gate dielectric layers by irradiation with ultraviolet light at ~60 °C, and used them for 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) thin film transistors (TFTs). The fabricated TFTs have shown the maximum and average hole mobility of 1.3 and 0.78 ± 0.3 cm2V-1s-1, which are comparable to those of the previously reported transistors using single-crystalline TIPS-pentacene micro-ribbons for their active layers and thermally oxidized SiO2 for their gate dielectric layers. Itis therefore demonstrated that PSQ is a promising polymer gate dielectric material for low-cost organic TFTs.

New Tubular Ceramic Membranes from Natural Moroccan Clay for Microfiltration Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ait Taleb, A.; El Baraka, N.; Saffaj, N.; Laknifli, A.; Mamouni, R.; Fatni, A.; El Hammadi, A.; El Qacimi, N.

2018-05-01

This paper is devoted the preparation of low cost microfiltration membranes using Moroccan clay powder. The preparation of membrane was composed with two steps: First a macroporous tubular support with a pore diameter 10 μm and porosity 43%. Secondly a microfiltration layer was performed by the slip casting method. A deflocculated slip was obtained by mixing mineral powder of ZrO2, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and water, after drying at room temperature for 24 h, the microfiltration layer was heated to 800°C for consolidation. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed homogeneous layers without cracks with an average pore diameter of 0.19 μm for the active layer. Water permeability obtained is about 841 L/h.m2.bar. The membranes have been tested to cleaning of colored wastewater.

Exact solutions of laminar-boundary-layer equations with constant property values for porous wall with variable temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donoughe, Patrick L; Livingood, John N B

1955-01-01

Exact solution of the laminar-boundary-layer equations for wedge-type flow with constant property values are presented for transpiration-cooled surfaces with variable wall temperatures. The difference between wall and stream temperature is assumed proportional to a power of the distance from the leading edge. Solutions are given for a Prandtl number of 0.7 and ranges of pressure-gradient, cooling-air-flow, and wall-temperature-gradient parameters. Boundary-layer profiles, dimensionless boundary-layer thicknesses, and convective heat-transfer coefficients are given in both tabular and graphical form. Corresponding results for constant wall temperature and for impermeable surfaces are included for comparison purposes.

Non-Psychrophilic Methanogens Capable of Growth Following Long-Term Extreme Temperature Changes, with Application to Mars.

PubMed

Mickol, Rebecca L; Laird, Sarah K; Kral, Timothy A

2018-04-23

Although the martian environment is currently cold and dry, geomorphological features on the surface of the planet indicate relatively recent (<4 My) freeze/thaw episodes. Additionally, the recent detections of near-subsurface ice as well as hydrated salts within recurring slope lineae suggest potentially habitable micro-environments within the martian subsurface. On Earth, microbial communities are often active at sub-freezing temperatures within permafrost, especially within the active layer, which experiences large ranges in temperature. With warming global temperatures, the effect of thawing permafrost communities on the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane becomes increasingly important. Studies examining the community structure and activity of microbial permafrost communities on Earth can also be related to martian permafrost environments, should life have developed on the planet. Here, two non-psychrophilic methanogens, Methanobacterium formicicum and Methanothermobacter wolfeii , were tested for their ability to survive long-term (~4 year) exposure to freeze/thaw cycles varying in both temperature and duration, with implications both for climate change on Earth and possible life on Mars.

Mineral Composition and Abundance of the Rocks and Soils at Gusev and Meridiani from the Mars Exploration Rover Mini-TES Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christensen, P. R.; Wyatt, M. B.; Glotch, T. D.; Rogers, A. D.; Anwar, S.; Arvidson, R. E.; Bandfield, J. L.; Blaney, D. L.; Budney, C.; Calvin, W. M.

2005-01-01

The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) has provided remote measurements of mineralogy, thermophysical properties, and atmospheric temperature profile and composition of the outcrops, rocks, spherules, and soils surrounding the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers. The mineralogy of volcanic rocks provides insights into the composition of the source regions and the nature of martian igneous processes. Carbonates, sulfates, evaporites, and oxides provide information on the role of water in the surface evolution. Oxides, such as crystalline hematite, provide insight into aqueous weathering processes, as would the occurrence of clay minerals and other weathering products. Diurnal temperature measurements can be used to determine particle size and search for the effects of sub-surface layering, which in turn provide clues to the origin of surficial materials through rock disintegration, aeolian transport, atmospheric fallout, or induration. In addition to studying the surface properties, Mini-TES spectra have also been used to determine the temperature profile in the lower boundary layer, providing evidence for convective activity, and have determined the seasonal trends in atmospheric temperature and dust and cloud opacity.

Room-temperature processed tin oxide thin film as effective hole blocking layer for planar perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Hong; Ma, Zhibin; Yang, Guang; Wang, Haoning; Long, Hao; Zhao, Hongyang; Qin, Pingli; Fang, Guojia

2018-03-01

Tin oxide (SnO2) film with high mobility and good transmittance has been reported as a promising semiconductor material for high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, ultrathin SnO2 film synthesized by radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) method at room temperature was employed as hole blocking layer for planar PSCs. The room-temperature sputtered SnO2 film not only shows favourable energy band structure but also improves the surface topography of fluorine doped SnO2 (FTO) substrate and perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) layer. Thus, this SnO2 hole blocking layer can efficiently promote electron transport and suppress carrier recombination. Furthermore, the best efficiency of 13.68% was obtained for planar PSC with SnO2 hole blocking layer prepared at room temperature. This research highlights the room-temperature preparation process of hole blocking layer in PSC and has a certain reference significance for the usage of flexible and low-cost substrates.

Anomalous temperature dependence of layer spacing of de Vries liquid crystals: Compensation model

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

Merkel, K.; Kocot, A.; Vij, J. K., E-mail: jvij@tcd.ie

Smectic liquid crystals that exhibit temperature independent layer thickness offer technological advantages for their use in displays and photonic devices. The dependence of the layer spacing in SmA and SmC phases of de Vries liquid crystals is found to exhibit distinct features. On entering the SmC phase, the layer thickness initially decreases below SmA to SmC (T{sub A–C}) transition temperature but increases anomalously with reducing temperature despite the molecular tilt increasing. This anomalous observation is being explained quantitatively. Results of IR spectroscopy show that layer shrinkage is caused by tilt of the mesogen's rigid core, whereas the expansion is causedmore » by the chains getting more ordered with reducing temperature. This mutual compensation arising from molecular fragments contributing to the layer thickness differs from the previous models. The orientational order parameter of the rigid core of the mesogen provides direct evidence for de Vries cone model in the SmA phase for the two compounds investigated.« less

Tectonic plates, D (double prime) thermal structure, and the nature of mantle plumes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lenardic, A.; Kaula, W. M.

1994-01-01

It is proposed that subducting tectonic plates can affect the nature of thermal mantle plumes by determining the temperature drop across a plume source layer. The temperature drop affects source layer stability and the morphology of plumes emitted from it. Numerical models are presented to demonstrate how introduction of platelike behavior in a convecting temperature dependent medium, driven by a combination of internal and basal heating, can increase the temperature drop across the lower boundary layer. The temperature drop increases dramatically following introduction of platelike behavior due to formation of a cold temperature inversion above the lower boundary layer. This thermal inversion, induced by deposition of upper boundary layer material to the system base, decays in time, but the temperature drop across the lower boundary layer always remains considerably higher than in models lacking platelike behavior. On the basis of model-inferred boundary layer temperature drops and previous studies of plume dynamics, we argue that generally accepted notions as to the nature of mantle plumes on Earth may hinge on the presence of plates. The implication for Mars and Venus, planets apparently lacking plate tectonics, is that mantle plumes of these planets may differ morphologically from those of Earth. A corollary model-based argument is that as a result of slab-induced thermal inversions above the core mantle boundary the lower most mantle may be subadiabatic, on average (in space and time), if major plate reorganization timescales are less than those acquired to diffuse newly deposited slab material.

A spontaneous change in the oxidation states of Pd/WO3 toward an active phase during catalytic cycles of CO oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Byungwook; Kim, Ansoon; Lee, Young-Ahn; Seo, Hyungtak; Kim, Yu Kwon

2017-11-01

CO oxidation over Pd/WO3 films prepared on a glass substrate has been examined at the substrate temperature of 150 - 250 °C and pressures less than 1 Torr with a stoichiometric mixture of CO and O2. Under the given reaction condition, the chemical states of the Pd/WO3 film gradually change into the most catalytically active form with the highest saturation reaction rate regardless of the initial oxidation states. The measured CO oxidation rate over the Pd/WO3 is strongly dependent on the chemical states of Pd and W. Either metallic Pd or fully oxidized PdO phase is not as catalytically active as the active form with mixed metallic Pd and thin PdO layers supported on WO3 with partially reduced W5+ state which is spontaneously obtained during the catalytic reaction cycles. Our results indicate that the facile oxygen transfer between Pd and WO3 layers not only facilitate the spontaneous changes into the active form, but also act as a promotional role in CO oxidation over the Pd layer.

Ab initio molecular dynamics study of thermite reaction at Al and CuO nano-interfaces at different temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Cui-Ming; Chen, Xiao-Xu; Cheng, Xin-Lu; Zhang, Chao-Yang; Lu, Zhi-Peng

2018-05-01

The thermite reaction at Al/CuO nano-interfaces is investigated with ab initio molecular dynamics calculations in canonical ensemble at 500 K, 800 K, 1200 K and 1500 K, respectively. The reaction process and reaction products are analyzed in terms of chemical bonds, average charge, time constants and total potential energy. The activity of the reactants enhances with increasing temperature, which induces a faster thermite reaction. The alloy reaction obviously expands outward at Cu-rich interface of Al/CuO system, and the reaction between Al and O atoms obviously expands outward at O-rich interface as temperature increases. Different reaction products are found at the outermost layer of different interfaces in the Al/CuO system. In generally, the average charge of the outer layer aluminum atoms (i.e., Al1, Al2, Al5 and Al6) increases with temperature. The potential energy of Al/CuO system decreases significantly, which indicates that drastic exothermic reaction occurs at the Al/CuO system. This research enhances fundamental understanding in temperature effect on the thermite reaction at atomic level, which can potentially open new possibilities for its industrial application.

Effect of shell thickness on the exchange bias blocking temperature and coercivity in Co-CoO core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, S.; Reethu, K.; Thanveer, T.; Myint, M. T. Z.; Al-Harthi, S. H.

2017-08-01

The exchange bias blocking temperature distribution of naturally oxidized Co-CoO core-shell nanoparticles exhibits two distinct signatures. These are associated with the existence of two magnetic entities which are responsible for the temperature dependence of an exchange bias field. One is from the CoO grains which undergo thermally activated magnetization reversal. The other is from the disordered spins at the Co-CoO interface which exhibits spin-glass-like behavior. We investigated the oxide shell thickness dependence of the exchange bias effect. For particles with a 3 nm thick CoO shell, the predominant contribution to the temperature dependence of exchange bias is the interfacial spin-glass layer. On increasing the shell thickness to 4 nm, the contribution from the spin-glass layer decreases, while upholding the antiferromagnetic grain contribution. For samples with a 4 nm CoO shell, the exchange bias training was minimal. On the other hand, 3 nm samples exhibited both the training effect and a peak in coercivity at an intermediate set temperature Ta. This is explained using a magnetic core-shell model including disordered spins at the interface.

Thin transparent W-doped indium-zinc oxide (WIZO) layer on glass.

PubMed

Lee, Young-Jun; Lim, Byung-Wook; Kim, Joo-Hyung; Kim, Tae-Won; Oh, Byeong-Yun; Heo, Gi-Seok; Kim, Kwang-Young

2012-07-01

Annealing effect on structural and electrical properties of W-doped IZO (WIZO) films for thin film transistors (TFT) was studied under different process conditions. Thin WIZO films were deposited on glass substrates by RF magnetron co-sputtering technique using indium zinc oxide (10 wt.% ZnO-doped In2O3) and WO3 targets in room temperature. The post annealing temperature was executed from 200 degrees C to 500 degrees C under various O2/Ar ratios. We could not find any big difference from the surface observation of as grown films while it was found that the carrier density and sheet resistance of WIZO films were controlled by O2/Ar ratio and post annealing temperature. Furthermore, the crystallinity of WIZO film was changed as annealing temperature increased, resulting in amorphous structure at the annealing temperature of 200 degrees C, while clear In2O3 peak was observed for the annealed over 300 degrees C. The transmittance of as-grown films over 89% in visible range was obtained. As an active channel layer for TFT, it was found that the variation of resistivity, carrier density and mobility concentration of WIZO film decreased by annealing process.

Influence of growth temperature on laser molecular beam epitaxy and properties of GaN layers grown on c-plane sapphire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixit, Ripudaman; Tyagi, Prashant; Kushvaha, Sunil Singh; Chockalingam, Sreekumar; Yadav, Brajesh Singh; Sharma, Nita Dilawar; Kumar, M. Senthil

2017-04-01

We have investigated the influence of growth temperature on the in-plane strain, structural, optical and mechanical properties of heteroepitaxially grown GaN layers on sapphire (0001) substrate by laser molecular beam epitaxy (LMBE) technique in the temperature range 500-700 °C. The GaN epitaxial layers are found to have a large in-plane compressive stress of about 1 GPa for low growth temperatures but the strain drastically reduced in the layer grown at 700 °C. The nature of the in-plane strain has been analyzed using high resolution x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. From AFM, a change in GaN growth mode from grain to island is observed at the high growth temperature above 600 °C. A blue shift of 20-30 meV in near band edge PL emission line has been noticed for the GaN layers containing the large in-plane strain. These observations indicate that the in-plane strain in the GaN layers is dominated by a biaxial strain. Using nanoindentation, it is found that the indentation hardness and Young's modulus of the GaN layers increases with increasing growth temperature. The results disclose the critical role of growth mode in determining the in-plane strain and mechanical properties of the GaN layers grown by LMBE technique.

Monitoring rock glacier dynamics and ground temperatures in the semiarid Andes (Chile, 30°S)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenning, Alexander; Azócar, Guillermo F.; Bodin, Xavier

2013-04-01

Rock glaciers and mountain permafrost are widespread in the high semiarid Andes of Chile, where they concentrate greater amounts of ice than glaciers. Rock glaciers are of particular interest because in some cases the permafrost they contain might be in a degrading in response to climatic warming. This could result in increased dynamics and even to destabilization, which has been observed on some rock glaciers in the studied area. Displacement rates and active-layer temperatures of two rock glaciers as well as ground surface temperatures of the periglacial environment in the upper Elqui valley have been monitored since summer 2009/10 with funding from the Chilean Dirección General de Aguas. Differential GPS measurements of 115 points on the surface of two rock glaciers since April 2010 showed horizontal displacements of up to 1.3 m/a on the Llano de las Liebres rock glacier and up to 1.2 m/a on the Tapado rock glacier. General velocity patterns are consistent with the morphological evidence of activity (e.g., front slopes, looseness of debris) and for the Tapado complex, a clearly distinct activity from the debris-covered glacier was observed. Temperature measurements in four boreholes indicate active-layer depths of about 2.5 m at the highest locations on the Tapado rock glacier (~4400 m a.s.l.) and about 8 m near the front of the Llano rock glacier (3786 m a.s.l.). Spatial patterns of mean ground surface temperature (MGST) were analyzed with regards to influences of elevation, potential incoming solar radiation, location on ice-debris landforms (rock and debris-covered glaciers), and snow cover duration using linear mixed-effects models. While accounting for the other variables, sites with long-lasting snow patches had ~0.4°C lower MGST, and ice-debris landforms had ~0.4-0.6°C lower MGST than general debris surfaces, highlighting important local modifications to the general topographic variation of ground thermal conditions.

Increasing the reliability and quality of important cast products made of chemically active metals and alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varfolomeev, M. S.; Moiseev, V. S.; Shcherbakova, G. I.

2017-01-01

A technology is developed to produce highly thermoresistant ceramic monoxide corundum molds using investment casting and an aluminum-organic binder. This technology is a promising trend in creating ceramic molds for precision complex-shape casting of important ingots made of high-alloy steels, high-temperature and titanium alloys, and refractory metals. The use of the casting molds that have a high thermal and chemical resistance to chemically active metals and alloys under high-temperature casting minimizes the physicochemical interaction and substantially decreases the depth of the hard-to-remove metal oxide layer on important products, which increases their service properties.

Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christensen, Andrew B.

1995-01-01

This report covers the activities performed under NAS5-32572. The results of those activities are included in this Final Report. TIMED Science Objectives: (1) To determine the temperature, density, and wind structure of the MLTI (mixed layer thermal inertia), including the seasonal and latitudinal variations; and (2) To determine the relative importance of the various radiative, chemical, electrodynamical, and dynamical sources and sinks of energy for the thermal structure of the MLTI. GUVI Science Goals: (1) Determine the spatial and temporal variations of temperature and constituent densities in the lower thermosphere; and (2) Determine the importance of auroral energy sources and solar EUV (extreme ultraviolet) to the energy balance of the region.

Surface morphology and interdiffusion of LiF in Alq3-based organic light-emitting devices.

PubMed

Lee, Young Joo; Li, Xiaolong; Kang, Da-Yeon; Park, Seong-Sik; Kim, Jinwoo; Choi, Jeong-Woo; Kim, Hyunjung

2008-09-01

Highly efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have been realized by insertion of a thin insulating lithium fluoride (LiF) layer between aluminum (Al) cathode and an electron transport layer, tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq(3)). In this paper, we study the surface morphology of LiF on Alq(3) by synchrotron X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a function of thickness of LiF. We also study the interdiffusion of LiF into Al cathode as well as into Alq(3) layer as a function of temperature. Initially, LiF molecules are distributed randomly as clusters on the Alq(3) layer and then gradually form a layer as increasing LiF thickness. The interdiffusion of LiF into Al occurs more actively than into Alq(3) in annealing process. LiF on Alq(3) induces the ordering of Al to (111) direction strongly with increasing LiF thickness.

High-power AlGaInN lasers for Blu-ray disc system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeya, Motonubu; Ikeda, Shinroh; Sasaki, Tomomi; Fujimoto, Tsuyoshi; Ohfuji, Yoshio; Mizuno, Takashi; Oikawa, Kenji; Yabuki, Yoshifumi; Uchida, Shiro; Ikeda, Masao

2003-07-01

This paper describes an improved laser structure for AlGaInN based blue-violet lasers (BV-LDs). The design realizes a small beam divergence angle perpendicular to the junction plane and high characteristic temperature wihtout significant increase in threshold current density (Jth) by optimizing the position of the Mg-doped layer and introducing an undoped AlGaN layer between the active layer and the Mg-doped electron-blocking layer. The mean time to failure (MTTF) of devices based on this design was found to be closely related to the dislocation density of ELO-GaN basal layer. Under 50 mW CW operation at 70°C, a MTTF of over 5000 h was realized whenthe dark spot density (indicative of dislocation density) is less than ~5×106 cm-2. Power consumption under 50mW CW operation at 70°C was approximately 0.33 W, independent of the dislocation density.

Fabrication of a microfluidic chip by UV bonding at room temperature for integration of temperature-sensitive layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlautmann, S.; Besselink, G. A. J.; Radhakrishna Prabhu, G.; Schasfoort, R. B. M.

2003-07-01

A method for the bonding of a microfluidic device at room temperature is presented. The wafer with the fluidic structures was bonded to a sensor wafer with gold pads by means of adhesive bonding, utilizing an UV-curable glue layer. To avoid filling the fluidic channels with the glue, a stamping process was developed which allows the selective application of a thin glue layer. In this way a microfluidic glass chip was fabricated that could be used for performing surface plasmon resonance measurements without signs of leakage. The advantage of this method is the possibility of integration of organic layers as well as other temperature-sensitive layers into a microfluidic glass device.

Interpretation of transport measurements in ZnO-thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petukhov, Vladimir; Stoemenos, John; Rothman, Johan; Bakin, Andrey; Waag, Andreas

2011-01-01

In order to interpret results of temperature dependent Hall measurements in heteroepitaxial ZnO-thin films, we adopted a multilayer conductivity model considering carrier-transport through the interfacial layer with degenerate electron gas as well as the upper part of ZnO layers with lower conductivity. This model was applied to the temperature dependence of the carrier concentration and mobility measured by Hall effect in a ZnO-layer grown on c-sapphire with conventional high-temperature MgO and low-temperature ZnO buffer. We also compared our results with the results of maximum entropy mobility-spectrum analysis (MEMSA). The formation of the highly conductive interfacial layer was explained by analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images taken from similar layers.

Last Decade of Changes in Ground Temperature and Active Layer Thickness in the High Canadian Arctic and in Barrow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanovsky, V. E.; Cable, W.; Walker, D. A.; Yoshikawa, K.; Marchenko, S. S.

2013-12-01

The impact of climate warming on permafrost and the potential of climate feedbacks resulting from permafrost thawing have recently received a great deal of attention. Most of the permafrost observatories in the Northern Hemisphere show substantial warming of permafrost since circa 1980-1990. The magnitude of warming has varied with location, but was typically from 0.5 to 2°C. Permafrost is already thawing within the southern part of the permafrost domain. However, recent observations documented propagation of this process northward into the continuous permafrost zone. The close proximity of the exceptionally icy soil horizons to the ground surface, which is typical for the arctic tundra biome, makes tundra surfaces extremely sensitive to the natural and human-made changes that may resulted in development of processes such as thermokarst, thermal erosion, and retrogressive thaw slumps that strongly affect the stability of ecosystems and infrastructure. In 2003-2005, three Ecological Permafrost Observatories where established in the High Canadian Arctic (Green Cabin on the Banks Island, Mould Bay on the Prince Patrick Island, and Isachsen on the Ellef Ringnes Island) as a part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks NSF funded Biocomplexity Project. These observatories represent the northern part of the North American Arctic Transect (NAAT) established as a result of this project. The climatic and ground temperature data collected at these observatories show a general warming trend similar to what has been observed at the other locations in the North American Arctic. An important result of this resent warming is a significant increase in the active layer thickness (ALT) during the last decade. For example, ALT at the Isachsen observatory increased from 0.4-0.42 m in 2005 to 0.54 m in 2012. The maximum ALT of 0.58 m was recorded in 2008. In a shallow excavation across an ice wedge at the Isachsen site, we estimated that the top of the ice wedge ice was located at 42-45 cm from the ground surface in 2005. Increase in the active layer beyond this depth triggered the melting of the upper part of the ice wedges and widespread ground settlement at this location. In our presentation we will report on the observed changes in local topography in relation to changes in ground temperature and ALT at all three mentioned sites. In 2001, a Permafrost Observatory was also established within the Barrow Environmental Observatory in Barrow, Alaska under the auspices of the International Arctic Research Center of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Since 2001, permafrost temperature at this depth increased by 0.5°C. Most of this increase happened after 2005. A site-specific numerical model for the Barrow permafrost temperature regime was developed in the GI Permafrost Lab. The daily air temperatures and snow cover thickness during the entire period of measurements (1924-2013) at the Barrow meteorological station were used as input data. Analysis of the resulting time series will be used in this presentation to reveal the effect of changes in air temperature and in snow depth on permafrost temperature and on the active layer thickness. This will help to put our decade-long observations along NAAT into a longer time perspective.

Preparation of erbium ion-doped TiO2 films and the study of their photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hongfei; Huang, Yujiao; Li, Shaoni; Luan, Chunhui; Huang, Wei; Wang, Xiaodong; Feng, Xianshe

2017-11-01

A series of erbium ion-doped TiO2 (Er3+-TiO2) films were prepared by a sol-gel dip/spin coating method, and the effect of the dosage of erbium ion (0-2.0 mol%), the films coating layers (1-5 layers), and calcination temperature (400-700 °C) on the film structure and photocatalytic activity were investigated in detail. The films were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TG-DTG) and UV-Vis diffusive reflectance spectra (DRS). The results showed that the films were composed of anatase, and no other TiO2 phases (rutile and brookite). With the increase of the erbium ion dosage, the crystal size decreased. Erbium ion doping could enhance the thermal stability of TiO2 and inhibit the increase of the crystallite size. Meanwhile doping of erbium ions gave rise to three typical absorption peaks within the range of visible light (400-700 nm), locating at 490, 523, and 654 nm, attributed to the transition of 4f electrons. The higher calcination temperature led to higher crystallinity and bigger crystal grains. The photocatalytic performance of the films was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange solution under simulated solar light. The highest quality film we prepared was with 4 layers, 1.0 mol% dosage of erbium ion, and the calcination temperature of 500 °C. With this film, the degradation percentage of 7.8 mg/L methyl orange solution was up to 53.3% under simulated solar light after 6 h photoreaction.

Simultaneous remote measurement of CO2 concentration, humidity and temperature with a matrix of optical fiber sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wysokiński, Karol; Filipowicz, Marta; Stańczyk, Tomasz; Lipiński, Stanisław; Napierała, Marek; Murawski, Michał; Nasiłowski, Tomasz

2017-10-01

A matrix of optical fiber sensors eligible for remote measurements is reported in this paper. The aim of work was to monitor the air quality with a device, which does not need any electricity on site of the measurement. The matrix consists of several sensors detecting carbon dioxide concentration, relative humidity and temperature. Sensors utilize active optical materials, which change their color when exposed to varied conditions. All the sensors are powered with standard light emitting diodes. Light is transmitted by an optical fiber from the light source and then it reaches the active layer which changes its color, when the conditions change. This results in a change of attenuation of light passing through the active layer. Modified light is then transmitted by another optical fiber to the detector, where simple photoresistor is used. It is powered by a stabilized DC power supply and the current is measured. Since no expensive elements are needed to manufacture such a matrix of sensors, its price may be competitive to the price of the devices already available on the market, while the matrix also exhibits other valuable properties.

Repeatability Measurements of Apparent Thermal Conductivity of Multilayer Insulation (MLI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanderlaan, M.; Stubbs, D.; Ledeboer, K.; Ross, J.; Van Sciver, S.; Guo, W.

2017-12-01

This report presents and discusses the results of repeatability experiments gathered from the multi-layer insulation thermal conductivity experiment (MIKE) for the measurement of the apparent thermal conductivity of multi-layer insulation (MLI) at variable boundary temperatures. Our apparatus uses a calibrated thermal link between the lower temperature shield of a concentric cylinder insulation assembly and the cold head of a cryocooler to measure the heat leak. In addition, thermocouple readings are taken in-between the MLI layers. These measurements are part of a multi-phase NASA-Yetispace-FSU collaboration to better understand the repeatability of thermal conductivity measurements of MLI. NASA provided five 25 layer coupons and requested boundary temperatures of 20 K and 300 K. Yetispace provided ten 12-layer coupons and requested boundary temperatures of 77 K and 293 K. Test conditions must be met for a duration of four hours at a steady state variance of less than 0.1 K/hr on both cylinders. Temperatures from three Cernox® temperature sensors on each of the two cylinders are averaged to determine the boundary temperatures. A high vacuum, less than 10-5 torr, is maintained for the duration of testing. Layer density varied from 17.98 - 26.36 layers/cm for Yetispace coupons and 13.05 - 17.45 layers/cm for the NASA coupons. The average measured heat load for the Yetispace coupons was 2.40 W for phase-one and 2.92 W for phase-two. The average measured heat load for the NASA coupons was 1.10 W. This suggests there is still unknown variance of MLI performance. It has been concluded, variations in the insulation installation heavy effect the apparent thermal conductivity and are not solely dependent on layer density.

Collaborative Research: Effects of Stability, Canopies, and Non-Stationarity on Dispersion in the Stable Boundary Layer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-31

absorbing efficiency for photosynthet- ically active and near-infrared radiation is prescribed. In addition, soil moisture and temperature profiles and...their scattering/absorbing efficiency for photosynthetically active and near-infrared radiation is prescribed. In addition, soil moisture and...vertical mixing driven by the contrast between the relatively warm soil and the leaf -induced cool air in the upper canopy. Essentially, the plume mimics

Soil Moisture Controls the Thermal Habitat of Active Layer Soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wlostowski, A. N.; Gooseff, M. N.; Adams, B. J.

2018-01-01

Antarctic soil ecosystems are strongly controlled by abiotic habitat variables. Regional climate change in the McMurdo Dry Valleys is expected to cause warming over the next century, leading to an increase in frequency of freeze-thaw cycling in the soil habitat. Previous studies show that physiological stress associated with freeze-thaw cycling adversely affects invertebrate populations by decreasing abundance and positively selecting for larger body sizes. However, it remains unclear whether or not climate warming will indeed enhance the frequency of annual freeze-thaw cycling and associated physiological stresses. This research quantifies the frequency, rate, and spatial heterogeneity of active layer freezing to better understand how regional climate change may affect active layer soil thermodynamics, and, in turn, affect soil macroinvertebrate communities. Shallow active layer temperature, specific conductance, and soil moisture were observed along natural wetness gradients. Field observations show that the frequency and rate of freeze events are nonlinearly related to freezable soil moisture (θf). Over a 2 year period, soils at θf < 0.080 m3/m3 experienced between 15 and 35 freeze events and froze rapidly compared to soils with θf > 0.080 m3/m3, which experienced between 2 and 6 freeze events and froze more gradually. A numerical soil thermodynamic model is able to simulate observed freezing rates across a range of θf, reinforcing a well-known causal relationship between soil moisture and active layer freezing dynamics. Findings show that slight increases in soil moisture can potentially offset the effect of climate warming on exacerbating soil freeze-thaw cycling.

Toward the Active Control of Heat Transfer in the Hot Gas Path of Gas Turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oertling, Jeremiah E.

2003-01-01

The work at NASA this summer has focused on assisting the Professor's project, namely "Toward the Active Control of Heat Transfer in the Hot Gas Path of Gas Turbines." The mode of controlling the Heat Transfer that the project focuses on is film cooling. Film cooling is used in high temperature regions of a gas turbine and extends the life of the components exposed to these extreme temperatures. A "cool" jet of air is injected along the surface of the blade and this layer of cool air shields the blade from the high temperatures. Cool is a relative term. The hot gas path temperatures reach on the order of 1500 to 2000 K. The "coo" air is on the order of 700 to 1000 K. This cooler air is bled off of an appropriate compressor stage. The next parameter of interest is the jet s position and orientation in the flow-field.

Embedded cluster metal-polymeric micro interface and process for producing the same

DOEpatents

Menezes, Marlon E.; Birnbaum, Howard K.; Robertson, Ian M.

2002-01-29

A micro interface between a polymeric layer and a metal layer includes isolated clusters of metal partially embedded in the polymeric layer. The exposed portion of the clusters is smaller than embedded portions, so that a cross section, taken parallel to the interface, of an exposed portion of an individual cluster is smaller than a cross section, taken parallel to the interface, of an embedded portion of the individual cluster. At least half, but not all of the height of a preferred spherical cluster is embedded. The metal layer is completed by a continuous layer of metal bonded to the exposed portions of the discontinuous clusters. The micro interface is formed by heating a polymeric layer to a temperature, near its glass transition temperature, sufficient to allow penetration of the layer by metal clusters, after isolated clusters have been deposited on the layer at lower temperatures. The layer is recooled after embedding, and a continuous metal layer is deposited upon the polymeric layer to bond with the discontinuous metal clusters.

Ni-base superalloy powder-processed porous layer for gas cooling in extreme environments

DOE PAGES

White, Emma M. H.; Heidloff, Andrew J.; Byrd, David J.; ...

2016-05-26

Extreme high temperature conditions demand novel solutions for hot gas filters and coolant access architectures, i.e., porous layers on exposed components. These high temperatures, for example in current turbine engines, are at or exceeding current material limits for high temperature oxidation/corrosion, creep resistance, and, even, melting temperature. Thus novel blade designs allowing greater heat removal are required to maintain airfoil temperatures below melting and/ or rapid creep deformation limits. Gas atomized Ni-base superalloy powders were partially sintered into porous layers to allow full-surface, transpirational cooling of the surface of airfoils. Furthermore, these powder-processed porous layers were fully characterized for surface,more » morphology, cross-sectional microstructure, and mechanical strength characteristics. A sintering model based on pure Ni surface diffusion correlated well with the experimental results and allowed reasonable control over the partial sintering process to obtain a specified level of porosity within the porous layer.« less

Ni-base superalloy powder-processed porous layer for gas cooling in extreme environments

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

White, Emma M. H.; Heidloff, Andrew J.; Byrd, David J.

Extreme high temperature conditions demand novel solutions for hot gas filters and coolant access architectures, i.e., porous layers on exposed components. These high temperatures, for example in current turbine engines, are at or exceeding current material limits for high temperature oxidation/corrosion, creep resistance, and, even, melting temperature. Thus novel blade designs allowing greater heat removal are required to maintain airfoil temperatures below melting and/ or rapid creep deformation limits. Gas atomized Ni-base superalloy powders were partially sintered into porous layers to allow full-surface, transpirational cooling of the surface of airfoils. Furthermore, these powder-processed porous layers were fully characterized for surface,more » morphology, cross-sectional microstructure, and mechanical strength characteristics. A sintering model based on pure Ni surface diffusion correlated well with the experimental results and allowed reasonable control over the partial sintering process to obtain a specified level of porosity within the porous layer.« less

Difference between blocking and Néel temperatures in the exchange biased Fe3O4/CoO system.

PubMed

van der Zaag, P J; Ijiri, Y; Borchers, J A; Feiner, L F; Wolf, R M; Gaines, J M; Erwin, R W; Verheijen, M A

2000-06-26

The blocking temperature T(B) has been determined as a function of the antiferromagnetic layer thickness in the Fe3O4/CoO exchange biased system. For CoO layers thinner than 50 A, T(B) is reduced below the Néel temperature T(N) of bulk CoO (291 K), independent of crystallographic orientation or film substrate ( alpha-Al2O3, SrTiO3, and MgO). Neutron diffraction studies show that T(B) does not track the CoO ordering temperature and, hence, that this reduction in T(B) does not arise from finite-size scaling. Instead, the ordering temperature of the CoO layers is enhanced above the bulk T(N) for layer thicknesses approximately less than or equal to 100 A due to the proximity of magnetic Fe3O4 layers.

Gate-bias and temperature dependence of charge transport in dinaphtho[2,3-b:2‧,3‧-d]thiophene thin-film transistors with MoO3/Au electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaari, Safizan; Naka, Shigeki; Okada, Hiroyuki

2018-04-01

We investigated the gate-bias and temperature dependence of the voltage-current (V-I) characteristics of dinaphtho[2,3-b:2‧,3‧-d]thiophene with MoO3/Au electrodes. The insertion of the MoO3 layer significantly improved the device performance. The temperature dependent V-I characteristics were evaluated and could be well fitted by the Schottky thermionic emission model with barrier height under forward- and reverse-biased regimes in the ranges of 33-57 and 49-73 meV, respectively. However, at a gate voltage of 0 V, at which a small activation energy was obtained, we needed to consider another conduction mechanism at the grain boundary. From the obtained results, we concluded that two possible conduction mechanisms governed the charge injection at the metal electrode-organic semiconductor interface: the Schottky thermionic emission model and the conduction model in the organic thin-film layer and grain boundary.

A bioactive coating of a silica xerogel/chitosan hybrid on titanium by a room temperature sol-gel process.

PubMed

Jun, Shin-Hee; Lee, Eun-Jung; Yook, Se-Won; Kim, Hyoun-Ee; Kim, Hae-Won; Koh, Young-Hag

2010-01-01

A bioactive coating consisting of a silica xerogel/chitosan hybrid was applied to Ti at room temperature as a novel surface treatment for metallic implants. A crack-free thin layer (<2 microm) was coated on Ti with a chitosan content of >30 vol.% through a sol-gel process. The coating layer became more hydrophilic with increasing silica xerogel content, as assessed by contact angle measurement. The hybrid coatings afforded excellent bone bioactivity by inducing the rapid precipitation of apatite on their surface when immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Osteoblastic cells cultured on the hybrid coatings were more viable than those on a pure chitosan coating. Furthermore, the alkaline phosphate activity of the cells was significantly higher on the hybrid coatings than on a pure chitosan coating, with the highest level being achieved on the hybrid coating containing 30% chitosan. These results indicate that silica xerogel/chitosan hybrids are potentially useful as room temperature bioactive coating materials on titanium-based medical implants.

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

Zhan, Wangcheng; He, Qian; Liu, Xiaofei

Supported gold (Au) nanocatalysts hold great promise for heterogeneous catalysis; however, their practical application is greatly hampered by poor thermodynamic stability. Herein, a general synthetic strategy is reported where discrete metal nanoparticles are made resistant to sintering, preserving their catalytic activities in high-temperature oxidation processes. Taking advantage of the unique coating chemistry of dopamine, sacrificial carbon layers are constructed on the material surface, stabilizing the supported catalyst. Upon annealing at high temperature under an inert atmosphere, the interactions between support and metal nanoparticle are dramatically enhanced, while the sacrificial carbon layers can be subsequently removed through oxidative calcination in air.more » Owing to the improved metal-support contact and strengthened electronic interactions, the resulting Au nanocatalysts are resistant to sintering and exhibit excellent durability for catalytic combustion of propylene at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the facile synthetic strategy can be extended to the stabilization of other supported catalysts on a broad range of supports, providing a general approach to enhancing the thermal stability and sintering resistance of supported nanocatalysts.« less

Effects of Deposition Temperature on the Device Characteristics of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors Using In-Ga-Zn-O Active Channels Prepared by Atomic-Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Yoon, Sung-Min; Seong, Nak-Jin; Choi, Kyujeong; Seo, Gi-Ho; Shin, Woong-Chul

2017-07-12

We demonstrated the physical and electrical properties of the In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO) thin films prepared by atomic-layer deposition (ALD) method and investigated the effects of the ALD temperature. The film composition (atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn) and film density were examined to be 1:1:3 and 5.9 g/cm 3 , respectively, for all the temperature conditions. The optical band gaps decreased from 3.81 to 3.21 eV when the ALD temperature increased from 130 to 170 °C. The amounts of oxygen-related defects such as oxygen vacancies increased with increasing the ALD temperature. It was found from the in situ temperature-dependent electrical conductivity measurements that the electronic natures including the defect structures and conduction mechanism of the IGZO thin films prepared at different temperatures showed marked variations. The carrier mobilities in the saturation regions (μ sat 's) for the fabricated thin film transistors (TFTs) using the IGZO channel layers were estimated to be 6.1 to 14.8 cm 2 V -1 s -1 with increasing the ALD temperature from 130 to 170 °C. Among the devices, when the ALD temperature was controlled to be 150 °C, the IGZO TFTs showed the best performance, which resulted from the fact that the amounts of oxygen vacancies and interstitial defects could be appropriately modulated at this condition. Consequently, the μ sat , subthreshold swing, and on/off ratio for the TFT using the IGZO channel prepared at 150 °C showed 10.4 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , 90 mV/dec, and 2 × 10 9 , respectively. The threshold voltage shifts of this device could also be effectively reduced to be 0.6 and -3.2 V under the positive-bias and negative-bias-illumination stress conditions. These obtained characteristics can be comparable to those for the sputter-deposited IGZO TFTs.

Dynamics of Active Layer Depth across Alaskan Tundra Ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, C.; Zhang, X.; Song, X.; Xu, X.

2016-12-01

The thickness of the active layer, near-surface layer of Earth material above permafrost undergoing seasonal freezing and thawing, is of considerable importance in high-latitude environments because most physical, chemical, and biological processes in the permafrost region take place within it. The dynamics of active layer thickness (ALT) result from a combination of various factors including heat transfer, soil water content, soil texture, root density, stem density, moss layer thickness, organic layer thickness, etc. However, the magnitude and controls of ALT in the permafrost region remain uncertain. The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of the dynamics of ALT across Alaskan tundra ecosystems and their controls at multiple scales, ranging from plots to entire Alaska. This study compiled a comprehensive dataset of ALT at site and regional scales across the Alaskan tundra ecosystems, and further analyzed ALT dynamics and their hierarchical controls. We found that air temperature played a predominant role on the seasonality of ALT, regulated by other physical and chemical factors including soil texture, moisture, and root density. The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis confirmed the predominant role of physical controls (dominated by heat and soil properties), followed by chemical and biological factors. Then a simple empirical model was developed to reconstruct the ALT across the Alaska. The comparisons against field observational data show that the method used in this study is robust; the reconstructed time-series ALT across Alaska provides a valuable dataset source for understanding ALT and validating large-scale ecosystem models.

Effect of hydrogen on the device performance and stability characteristics of amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistors with a SiO2/SiNx/SiO2 buffer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Ki-Lim; Ok, Kyung-Chul; Cho, Hyeon-Su; Oh, Saeroonter; Park, Jin-Seong

2017-08-01

We investigate the influence of the multi-layered buffer consisting of SiO2/SiNx/SiO2 on amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). The multi-layered buffer inhibits permeation of water from flexible plastic substrates and prevents degradation of overlying organic layers. The a-IGZO TFTs with a multi-layered buffer suffer less positive bias temperature stress instability compared to the device with a single SiO2 buffer layer after annealing at 250 °C. Hydrogen from the SiNx layer diffuses into the active layer and reduces electron trapping at loosely bound oxygen defects near the SiO2/a-IGZO interface. Quantitative analysis shows that a hydrogen density of 1.85 × 1021 cm-3 is beneficial to reliability. However, the multi-layered buffer device annealed at 350 °C resulted in conductive characteristics due to the excess carrier concentration from the higher hydrogen density of 2.12 × 1021 cm-3.

Variable temperature semiconductor film deposition

DOEpatents

Li, X.; Sheldon, P.

1998-01-27

A method of depositing a semiconductor material on a substrate is disclosed. The method sequentially comprises (a) providing the semiconductor material in a depositable state such as a vapor for deposition on the substrate; (b) depositing the semiconductor material on the substrate while heating the substrate to a first temperature sufficient to cause the semiconductor material to form a first film layer having a first grain size; (c) continually depositing the semiconductor material on the substrate while cooling the substrate to a second temperature sufficient to cause the semiconductor material to form a second film layer deposited on the first film layer and having a second grain size smaller than the first grain size; and (d) raising the substrate temperature, while either continuing or not continuing to deposit semiconductor material to form a third film layer, to thereby anneal the film layers into a single layer having favorable efficiency characteristics in photovoltaic applications. A preferred semiconductor material is cadmium telluride deposited on a glass/tin oxide substrate already having thereon a film layer of cadmium sulfide.

Variable temperature semiconductor film deposition

DOEpatents

Li, Xiaonan; Sheldon, Peter

1998-01-01

A method of depositing a semiconductor material on a substrate. The method sequentially comprises (a) providing the semiconductor material in a depositable state such as a vapor for deposition on the substrate; (b) depositing the semiconductor material on the substrate while heating the substrate to a first temperature sufficient to cause the semiconductor material to form a first film layer having a first grain size; (c) continually depositing the semiconductor material on the substrate while cooling the substrate to a second temperature sufficient to cause the semiconductor material to form a second film layer deposited on the first film layer and having a second grain size smaller than the first grain size; and (d) raising the substrate temperature, while either continuing or not continuing to deposit semiconductor material to form a third film layer, to thereby anneal the film layers into a single layer having favorable efficiency characteristics in photovoltaic applications. A preferred semiconductor material is cadmium telluride deposited on a glass/tin oxide substrate already having thereon a film layer of cadmium sulfide.

Optimization of hetero-epitaxial growth for the threading dislocation density reduction of germanium epilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Haining; Wang, Zhewei; Chen, Chaonan; Xu, Zemin; Wu, Ke; Wu, Lan; Xu, Bo; Ye, Hui

2018-04-01

In order to suppress dislocation generation, we develop a "three-step growth" method to heteroepitaxy low dislocation density germanium (Ge) layers on silicon with the MBE process. The method is composed of 3 growth steps: low temperature (LT) seed layer, LT-HT intermediate layer as well as high temperature (HT) epilayer, successively. Threading dislocation density (TDD) of epitaxial Ge layers is measured as low as 1.4 × 106 cm-2 by optimizing the growth parameters. The results of Raman spectrum showed that the internal strain of heteroepitaxial Ge layers is tensile and homogeneous. During the growth of LT-HT intermediate layer, TDD reduction can be obtained by lowering the temperature ramping rate, and high rate deposition maintains smooth surface morphology in Ge epilayer. A mechanism based on thermodynamics is used to explain the TDD and surface morphological dependence on temperature ramping rate and deposition rate. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Ge layer obtained can provide an excellent platform for III-V materials integrated on Si.

Effect of a low-temperature-grown GaAs layer on InAs quantum-dot photoluminescence

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

Kosarev, A. N.; Chaldyshev, V. V., E-mail: chald.gvg@mail.ioffe.ru; Preobrazhenskii, V. V.

2016-11-15

The photoluminescence of InAs semiconductor quantum dots overgrown by GaAs in the low-temperature mode (LT-GaAs) using various spacer layers or without them is studied. Spacer layers are thin GaAs or AlAs layers grown at temperatures normal for molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). Direct overgrowth leads to photoluminescence disappearance. When using a thin GaAs spacer layer, the photoluminescence from InAs quantum dots is partially recovered; however, its intensity appears lower by two orders of magnitude than in the reference sample in which the quantum-dot array is overgrown at normal temperature. The use of wider-gap AlAs as a spacer-layer material leads to the enhancementmore » of photoluminescence from InAs quantum dots, but it is still more than ten times lower than that of reference-sample emission. A model taking into account carrier generation by light, diffusion and tunneling from quantum dots to the LT-GaAs layer is constructed.« less

Low temperature transient response and electroluminescence characteristics of OLEDs based on Alq3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Chao; Guan, Min; Zhang, Yang; Li, Yiyang; Liu, Shuangjie; Zeng, Yiping

2017-08-01

In this work, the organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on Alq3 are fabricated. In order to make clear the transport mechanism of carriers in organic light-emitting devices at low temperature, detailed electroluminescence transient response and the current-voltage-luminescence (I-V-L) characteristics under different temperatures in those OLEDs are investigated. It founds that the acceleration of brightness increases with increasing temperature is maximum when the temperature is 200 K and it is mainly affected by the electron transport layer (Alq3). The MoO3 injection layer and the electroluminescent layer have great influence on the delay time when the temperature is 200 K. Once the temperature is greater than 250 K, the delay time is mainly affected by the MoO3 injection layer. On the contrary, the fall time is mainly affected by the electroluminescent material. The Vf is the average growth rate of fall time when the temperature increases 1 K which represents the accumulation rate of carriers. The difference between Vf caused by the MoO3 injection layer is 0.52 us/K and caused by the electroluminescent material Ir(ppy)3 is 0.73 us/K.

Thermal IR exitance model of a plant canopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimes, D. S.; Smith, J. A.; Link, L. E.

1981-01-01

A thermal IR exitance model of a plant canopy based on a mathematical abstraction of three horizontal layers of vegetation was developed. Canopy geometry within each layer is quantitatively described by the foliage and branch orientation distributions and number density. Given this geometric information for each layer and the driving meteorological variables, a system of energy budget equations was determined and solved for average layer temperatures. These estimated layer temperatures, together with the angular distributions of radiating elements, were used to calculate the emitted thermal IR radiation as a function of view angle above the canopy. The model was applied to a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) canopy over a diurnal cycle. Simulated vs measured radiometric average temperatures of the midcanopy layer corresponded with 2 C. Simulation results suggested that canopy geometry can significantly influence the effective radiant temperature recorded at varying sensor view angles.

Parameter variation effects on temperature elevation in a steady-state, one-dimensional thermal model for millimeter wave exposure of one- and three-layer human tissue.

PubMed

Kanezaki, Akio; Hirata, Akimasa; Watanabe, Soichi; Shirai, Hiroshi

2010-08-21

The present study describes theoretical parametric analysis of the steady-state temperature elevation in one-dimensional three-layer (skin, fat and muscle) and one-layer (skin only) models due to millimeter-wave exposure. The motivation of this fundamental investigation is that some variability of warmth sensation in the human skin has been reported. An analytical solution for a bioheat equation was derived by using the Laplace transform for the one-dimensional human models. Approximate expressions were obtained to investigate the dependence of temperature elevation on different thermal and tissue thickness parameters. It was shown that the temperature elevation on the body surface decreases monotonically with the blood perfusion rate, heat conductivity and heat transfer from the body to air. Also revealed were the conditions where maximum and minimum surface temperature elevations were observed for different thermal and tissue thickness parameters. The surface temperature elevation in the three-layer model is 1.3-2.8 times greater than that in the one-layer model. The main reason for this difference is attributed to the adiabatic nature of the fat layer. By considering the variation range of thermal and tissue thickness parameters which causes the maximum and minimum temperature elevations, the dominant parameter influencing the surface temperature elevation was found to be the heat transfer coefficient between the body surface and air.

Temperature Dependence of the Resonant Magnetoelectric Effect in Layered Heterostructures.

PubMed

Burdin, Dmitrii A; Ekonomov, Nikolai A; Chashin, Dmitrii V; Fetisov, Leonid Y; Fetisov, Yuri K; Shamonin, Mikhail

2017-10-16

The dependence of the resonant direct magnetoelectric effect on temperature is studied experimentally in planar composite structures. Samples of rectangular shapes with dimensions of 5 mm × 20 mm employed ferromagnetic layers of either an amorphous (metallic glass) alloy or nickel with a thickness of 20-200 μm and piezoelectric layers of single crystalline langatate material or lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics with a thickness of 500 μm. The temperature of the samples was varied in a range between 120 and 390 K by blowing a gaseous nitrogen stream around them. It is shown that the effective characteristics of the magnetoelectric effect-such as the mechanical resonance frequency f r , the quality factor Q and the magnitude of the magnetoelectric coefficient α E at the resonance frequency-are contingent on temperature. The interrelations between the temperature changes of the characteristics of the magnetoelectric effect and the temperature variations of the following material parameters-Young's modulus Y , the acoustic quality factor of individual layers, the dielectric constant ε , the piezoelectric modulus d of the piezoelectric layer as well as the piezomagnetic coefficients λ (n) of the ferromagnetic layer-are established. The effect of temperature on the characteristics of the nonlinear magnetoelectric effect is observed for the first time. The results can be useful for designing magnetoelectric heterostructures with specified temperature characteristics, in particular, for the development of thermally stabilized magnetoelectric devices.

Method for producing high energy electroluminescent devices

DOEpatents

Meyerson, Bernard S.; Scott, Bruce A.; Wolford, Jr., Donald J.

1992-09-29

A method is described for fabricating electroluminescent devices exhibiting visible electroluminescence at room temperature, where the devices include at least one doped layer of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H). The a-Si:H layer is deposited on a substrate by homogeneous chemical vapor deposition (H-CVD) in which the substrate is held at a temperature lower than about 200.degree. C. and the a-Si:H layer is doped in-situ during deposition, the amount of hydrogen incorporated in the deposited layer being 12-50 atomic percent. The bandgap of the a-Si:H layer is between 1.6 and 2.6 eV, and in preferrable embodiments is between 2.0 and 2.6 eV. The conductivity of the a-Si:H layer is chosen in accordance with device requirements, and can be 10.sup.16 -10.sup.19 carriers/cm.sup.2. The bandgap of the a-Si:H layer depends at least in part on the temperature of the substrate on which the layer is deposited, and can be "tuned" by changing the substrate temperature.

Seasonal Mixed Layer Heat Budget in the Southeast Tropical Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scannell, H. A.; McPhaden, M. J.

2016-12-01

We analyze a mixed layer heat budget at 6ºS, 8ºE from a moored buoy of the Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Atlantic (PIRATA) to better understand the causes of seasonal mixed layer temperature variability in the southeast tropical Atlantic. This region is of interest because it is susceptible to warm biases in coupled global climate models and has historically been poorly sampled. Previous work suggests that thermodynamic changes in both latent heat loss and absorbed solar radiation dominate mixed layer properties away from the equator in the tropical Atlantic, while advection and entrainment are more important near the equator. Changes in mixed layer salinity can also influence temperature through the formation of barrier layers and density gradients. Freshwater flux from the Congo River, migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and advection of water masses are considered important contributors to mixed layer salinity variability in our study region. We analyze ocean temperature, salinity and meteorological data beginning in 2013 using mooring, Argo, and satellite platforms to study how seasonal temperature variability in the mixed layer is influenced by air-sea interactions and ocean dynamics.

Fabrication of IrSi(3)/p-Si Schottky diodes by a molecular beam epitaxy technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, T. L.; Iannelli, J. M.

1990-01-01

IrSi(3)/p-Si Schottky diodes have been fabricated by a molecular beam epitaxy technique at 630 C. Good surface morphology was observed for IrSi(3) layers grown at temperatures below 680 C, and an increasing tendency to form islands is observed in samples grown at higher temperatures. Good diode current-voltage characteristics were observed and Schottky barrier heights of 0.14-0.18 eV were determined by activation energy analysis and spectral response measurement.

Assessment of choke valve erosion in a high-pressure, high-temperature gas condensate well using TLA

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

Birchenough, P.M.; Cornally, D.; Dawson, S.G.B.

1994-12-31

Many planned new developments in the North Sea will involve the exploitation of hostile high pressure, high temperature gas condensate reserves. The extremely high pressure letdown over the wellhead choke leads to very high flow velocities, and consequent risks of erosion damage occurring to the choke internals. In a recent study, measurements of erosion have been performed during an offshore well test under flowing conditions using advanced Thin Layer Activation techniques and scaled Laboratory tests.

Tribological reactions of perfluoroalkyl polyether oils with stainless steel under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at room temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mori, Shigeyuki; Morales, Wilfredo

1989-01-01

The reaction between three types of commercial perfluoroalkyl polyether (PFPE) oils and stainless steel 440C was investigated experimentally during sliding under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at room temperature. It is found that the tribological reaction of PFPE is mainly affected by the activity of the mechanically formed fresh surfaces of metals rather than the heat generated at the sliding contacts. The fluorides formed on the wear track act as a boundary layer, reducing the friction coefficient.

Room-temperature lasing operation of a quantum-dot vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Hideaki; Nishi, Kenichi; Ogura, Ichiro; Sugou, Shigeo; Sugimoto, Yoshimasa

1996-11-01

Self-assembled growth of quantum dots by molecular-beam epitaxy is used to form the active region of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). Ten layers of InGaAs quantum dots are stacked in order to increase the gain. This quantum-dot VCSEL has a continuous-wave operating current of 32 mA at room temperature. Emission spectra at various current injections demonstrate that the lasing action is associated with a higher-order transition in the quantum dots.

Suppression of Mg propagation into subsequent layers grown by MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Anchal; Tahhan, Maher; Mates, Tom; Keller, Stacia; Mishra, Umesh

2017-01-01

Low temperature (LT) flow modulation epitaxy (FME) or "pulsed" growth was successfully used to prevent magnesium from Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) grown p-GaN:Mg layers riding into subsequently deposited n-type layers. Mg concentration in the subsequent layers was lowered from ˜1 × 1018 cm-3 for a medium temperature growth at 950 °C to ˜1 × 1016 cm-3 for a low temperature growth at 700 °C via FME. The slope of the Mg concentration drop in the 700 °C FME sample was 20 nm/dec—the lowest ever demonstrated by MOCVD. For growth on Mg implanted GaN layers, the drop for a medium temperature regrowth at 950 °C was ˜10 nm/dec compared to >120 nm/dec for a high temperature regrowth at 1150 °C. This drop-rate obtained at 950 °C or lower was maintained even when the growth temperature in the following layers was raised to 1150 °C. A controlled silicon doping series using LT FME was also demonstrated with the lowest and highest achieved doping levels being 5 × 1016 cm-3 and 6 × 1019 cm-3, respectively.

Evaluation of urban surface parameterizations in the WRF model using measurements during the Texas Air Quality Study 2006 field campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S.-H.; Kim, S.-W.; Angevine, W. M.; Bianco, L.; McKeen, S. A.; Senff, C. J.; Trainer, M.; Tucker, S. C.; Zamora, R. J.

2010-10-01

The impact of urban surface parameterizations in the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model on the simulation of local meteorological fields is investigated. The Noah land surface model (LSM), a modified LSM, and a single-layer urban canopy model (UCM) have been compared, focusing on urban patches. The model simulations were performed for 6 days from 12 August to 17 August during the Texas Air Quality Study 2006 field campaign. Analysis was focused on the Houston-Galveston metropolitan area. The model simulated temperature, wind, and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height were compared with observations from surface meteorological stations (Continuous Ambient Monitoring Stations, CAMS), wind profilers, the NOAA Twin Otter aircraft, and the NOAA Research Vessel Ronald H. Brown. The UCM simulation showed better results in the comparison of ABL height and surface temperature than the LSM simulations, whereas the original LSM overestimated both the surface temperature and ABL height significantly in urban areas. The modified LSM, which activates hydrological processes associated with urban vegetation mainly through transpiration, slightly reduced warm and high biases in surface temperature and ABL height. A comparison of surface energy balance fluxes in an urban area indicated the UCM reproduces a realistic partitioning of sensible heat and latent heat fluxes, consequently improving the simulation of urban boundary layer. However, the LSMs have a higher Bowen ratio than the observation due to significant suppression of latent heat flux. The comparison results suggest that the subgrid heterogeneity by urban vegetation and urban morphological characteristics should be taken into account along with the associated physical parameterizations for accurate simulation of urban boundary layer if the region of interest has a large fraction of vegetation within the urban patch. Model showed significant discrepancies in the specific meteorological conditions when nocturnal low-level jets exist and a thermal internal boundary layer over water forms.

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

DeMott, Paul J; Hill, Thomas CJ

Measurements were sought to evaluate a hypotheses that sea-spray-sourced ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are of biological origin and represent a distinctly different INP population in comparison to long-range-transported desert or urban and regional land-sourced INP, and that the layering of marine within other aerosol layers feeding orographic storms over the mountains of California and the Western United States thereby leads to common and quantifiable scenarios that influence precipitation over the region. Aerosol collections on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel (RV) Ronald H. Brown, for subsequent processing of INP immersion freezing activation temperature spectra and composition analyses, addedmore » a valuable measurement component to the ARM Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (ACAPEX) and related CalWater2 (NOAA) studies for use in parameterizing and modeling the impacts of marine boundary layer and other aerosols on climate and radiation via aerosol indirect effects on mixed-phase clouds. Twenty-five nominally 24-hour collections were made and have been processed for immersion freezing INP number concentrations versus temperature in the mixed-phase cloud temperature regime from -10 to -27°C. The similarity of INP number concentrations compared to typical marine boundary layer values attributed to sea-spray aerosols was noted. Nevertheless, variability of INP concentrations of up to 50 times was noted at individual temperatures over the course of the study. A particular analysis possible with this data set is to examine INP budgets over oceans inside versus outside of atmospheric river conditions. These INP measurements supplemented multiple airborne INP measurements on the ARM Aerial Facility (AAF), and others on the ground during ACAPEX and CalWater2, to provide extensive spatial and temporal analyses of INP immersion freezing spectra during winter storm periods. Future analyses will use thermal sensitivity to examine INP compositions as organic versus inorganic in these marine boundary layer samples. Data set integration is occurring under funding from an Atmospheric System Research (ASR) proposal.« less

In situ high temperature oxidation analysis of Zircaloy-4 using acoustic emission coupled with thermogravimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, Al Haj; Véronique, Peres; Eric, Serris; François, Grosjean; Jean, Kittel; François, Ropital; Michel, Cournil

2015-06-01

Zircaloy-4 oxidation behavior at high temperature (900 °C), which can be reached in case of severe accidental situations in nuclear pressurised water reactor, was studied using acoustic emission analysis coupled with thermogravimetry. Two different atmospheres were used to study the oxidation of Zircaloy-4: (a) helium and pure oxygen, (b) helium and oxygen combined with slight addition of air. The experiments with 20% of oxygen confirm the dependence on oxygen anions diffusion in the oxide scale. Under a mixture of oxygen and air in helium, an acceleration of the corrosion was observed due to the detrimental effect of nitrogen. The kinetic rate increased significantly after a kinetic transition (breakaway). This acceleration was accompanied by an acoustic emission activity. Most of the acoustic emission bursts were recorded after the kinetic transition (post-transition) or during the cooling of the sample. The characteristic features of the acoustic emission signals appear to be correlated with the different populations of cracks and their occurrence in the ZrO2 layer or in the α-Zr(O) layer. Acoustic events were recorded during the isothermal dwell time at high temperature under air. They were associated with large cracks in the zirconia porous layer. Acoustic events were also recorded during cooling after oxidation tests both under air or oxygen. For the latter, cracks were observed in the oxygen enriched zirconium metal phase and not in the dense zirconia layer after 5 h of oxidation.

Infrared Images of Boundary Layer Transition on the D8 Transport Configuration in the LaRC 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Michelle L.; Gatlin, Gregory M.

2015-01-01

Grit, trip tape, or trip dots are routinely applied on the leading-edge regions of the fuselage, wings, tails or nacelles of wind tunnel models to trip the flow from laminar to turbulent. The thickness of the model's boundary layer is calculated for nominal conditions in the wind tunnel test to determine the effective size of the trip dots, but the flow over the model may not transition as intended for runs with different flow conditions. Temperature gradients measured with an infrared camera can be used to detect laminar to turbulent boundary layer transition on a wind tunnel model. This non-intrusive technique was used in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel to visualize the behavior of the flow over a D8 transport configuration model. As the flow through the wind tunnel either increased to or decreased from the run conditions, a sufficient temperature difference existed between the air and the model to visualize the transition location (due to different heat transfer rates through the laminar and the turbulent boundary layers) for several runs in this test. Transition phenomena were visible without active temperature control in the atmospheric wind tunnel, whether the air was cooler than the model or vice-versa. However, when the temperature of the model relative to the air was purposely changed, the ability to detect transition in the infrared images was enhanced. Flow characteristics such as a wing root horseshoe vortex or the presence of fore-body vortical flows also were observed in the infrared images. The images of flow features obtained for this study demonstrate the usefulness of current infrared technology in subsonic wind tunnel tests.

The Impact of Wet Soil and Canopy Temperatures on Daytime Boundary-Layer Growth.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segal, M.; Garratt, J. R.; Kallos, G.; Pielke, R. A.

1989-12-01

The impact of very wet soil and canopy temperatures on the surface sensible heat flux, and on related daytime boundary-layer properties is evaluated. For very wet soils, two winter situations are considered, related to significant changes in soil surface temperature: (1) due to weather perturbations at a given location, and (2) due to the climatological north-south temperature gradient. Analyses and scaling of the various boundary-layer properties, and soil surface fluxes affecting the sensible beat flux, have been made; related evaluations show that changes in the sensible heat flux at a given location by a factor of 2 to 3 due to temperature changes related to weather perturbations is not uncommon. These changes result in significant alterations in the boundary-layer depth; in the atmospheric boundary-layer warming; and in the break-up time of the nocturnal surface temperature inversion. Investigation of the impact of the winter latitudinal temperature gradient on the above characteristics indicated that the relative increase in very wet soil sensible heat flux, due to the climatological reduction in the surface temperature in northern latitudes, moderates to some extent its reduction due to the corresponding decrease in solar radiation. Numerical model simulations confirmed these analytical evaluations.In addition, the impact of synoptic temperature perturbations during the transition seasons (fall and spring) on canopy sensible heal fluxes, and the related boundary-layer characteristics mentioned above, was evaluated. Analogous features to those found for very wet soil surfaces occurred also for the canopy situations. Likewise, evaluations were also carried out to explore the impact of high midlatitude foreste areas on the boundary-layer characteristics during the winter as compared to those during the summer. Similar impacts were found in both seasons, regardless of the substantial difference in the daily total solar radiation.

Improvement in temperature dependence and dielectric tunability properties of PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 thin films using Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 buffer layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhi; Zhou, Jing; Chen, Wen; Shen, Jie; Yang, Huimin; Zhang, Shisai; Liu, Yueli

2016-12-01

In this paper, Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films were prepared via sol-gel method. The effects of Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 (BMT) buffer layer on the temperature dependence and dielectric tunability properties of PZT thin films were studied. As the thickness of BMT buffer layer increases, the tan δ and tunability of PZT thin films decrease while tunability still maintains above 10%. This result shows that BMT buffer layer can improve the dielectric tunability properties of PZT thin films. Furthermore, the temperature coefficient of the dielectric constant decreases from 2333.4 to 906.9 ppm/°C with the thickness of BMT buffer layer increasing in the range from 25 to 205 °C, indicating that BMT buffer layer can improve the temperature stability of PZT thin films. Therefore, BMT buffer layer plays a critical role in improving temperature dependence and dielectric tunability properties of PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 thin films.

Low Temperature Double-layer Capacitors with Improved Energy Density: An Overview of Recent Development Efforts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandon, Erik J.; West, William C.; Smart, Marshall C.; Korenblit, Yair; Kajdos, Adam; Kvit, Alexander; Jagiello, Jacek; Yushin, Gleb

2012-01-01

Electrochemical double-layer capacitors are finding increased use in a wide range of energy storage applications, particularly where high pulse power capabilities are required. Double-layer capacitors store charge at a liquid/solid interface, making them ideal for low temperature power applications, due to the facile kinetic processes associated with the rearrangement of the electrochemical double-layer at these temperatures. Potential low temperature applications include hybrid and electric vehicles, operations in polar regions, high altitude aircraft and aerospace avionics, and distributed environmental and structural health monitoring. State-of-the-art capacitors can typically operate to -40 C, with a subsequent degradation in power performance below room temperature. However, recent efforts focused on advanced electrolyte and electrode systems can enable operation to temperatures as low as -70 C, with capacities similar to room temperature values accompanied by reasonably low equivalent series resistances. This presentation will provide an overview of recent development efforts to extend and improve the wide temperature performance of these devices.

Tropical warm pool rainfall variability and impact on upper ocean variability throughout the Madden-Julian oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Elizabeth J.

Heating and rain freshening often stabilize the upper tropical ocean, bringing the ocean mixed layer depth to the sea surface. Thin mixed layer depths concentrate subsequent fluxes of heat, momentum, and freshwater in a thin layer. Rapid heating and cooling of the tropical sea surface is important for controlling or triggering atmospheric convection. Ocean mixed layer depth and SST variability due to rainfall events have not been as comprehensively explored as the ocean's response to heating or momentum fluxes, but are very important to understand in the tropical warm pool where precipitation exceeds evaporation and many climate phenomena such as ENSO and the MJO (Madden Julian Oscillation) originate. The first part of the dissertation investigates tropical, oceanic convective and stratiform rainfall variability and determines how to most accurately estimate rainfall accumulation with radar from each rain type. The second, main part of the dissertation uses central Indian Ocean salinity and temperature microstructure measurements and surrounding radar-derived rainfall maps throughout two DYNAMO MJO events to determine the impact of precipitating systems on upper-ocean mixed layer depth and resulting SST variability. The ocean mixed layer was as shallow as 0-5 m during 528/1071 observation hours throughout 2 MJOs (54% of the data record). Out of 43 observation days, thirty-eight near-surface mixed layer depth events were attributed to freshwater stabilization, called rain-formed mixed layers (RFLs). Thirty other mixed layer stratification events were classified as diurnal warm layers (DWLs) due to stable temperature stratification by daytime heating. RFLs and DWLs were observed to interact in two ways: 1) RFLs fill preexisting DWLs and add to total near-surface mixed layer stratification, which occurred ten times; 2) RFLs last long enough to heat, creating a new DWL on top of the RFL, which happened nine times. These combination stratification events were responsible for the highest SST warming rates and some of the highest SSTs leading up to the most active precipitation and wind stage of the each MJO. DWLs without RFL interaction helped produce the highest SSTs in suppressed MJO conditions. As storm intensity, frequency, duration, and the ability of storms to maintain stratiform rain areas increased, RFLS became more common in the disturbed and active MJO phases. Along with the barrier layer, DWL and RFL stratification events helped suppress wind-mixing, cooling, and mixed layer deepening throughout the MJO. We hypothesize that both salinity and temperature stratification events, and their interactions, are important for controlling SST variability and therefore MJO initiation in the Indian Ocean. Most RFLs were caused by submesoscale and mesoscale convective systems with stratiform rain components and local rain accumulations above 10 mm but with winds mostly below 8 m s-1. We hypothesize that the stratiform rain components of storms helped stratify the ocean by providing weak but widespread, steady, long-lived freshwater fluxes. Although generally limited to rain rates ≤ 10 mm hr-1, it is demonstrated that stratiform rain can exert a strong buoyancy flux into the ocean, i.e. as high as maximum daytime solar heating. Storm morphology and the preexisting vertical structure of ocean stability were critical in determining ocean mixed layer depth variability in the presence of rain. Therefore, we suggest that high spatial and temporal resolution coupled ocean-atmosphere models that can parameterize or resolve storm morphology as well as ocean mixed layer and barrier layer evolution are needed to reproduce the diurnal and intraseasonal SST variability documented throughout the MJO.

Polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors fabricated by Joule-heating-induced crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Won-Eui; Ro, Jae-Sang

2015-01-01

Joule-heating-induced crystallization (JIC) of amorphous silicon (a-Si) films is carried out by applying an electric pulse to a conductive layer located beneath or above the films. Crystallization occurs across the whole substrate surface within few tens of microseconds. Arc instability, however, is observed during crystallization, and is attributed to dielectric breakdown in the conductor/insulator/transformed polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) sandwich structures at high temperatures during electrical pulsing for crystallization. In this study, we devised a method for the crystallization of a-Si films while preventing arc generation; this method consisted of pre-patterning an a-Si active layer into islands and then depositing a gate oxide and gate electrode. Electric pulsing was then applied to the gate electrode formed using a Mo layer. The Mo layer was used as a Joule-heat source for the crystallization of pre-patterned active islands of a-Si films. JIC-processed poly-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated successfully, and the proposed method was found to be compatible with the standard processing of coplanar top-gate poly-Si TFTs.

Room-temperature ferromagnetism in Dy films doped with Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edelman, I.; Ovchinnikov, S.; Markov, V.; Kosyrev, N.; Seredkin, V.; Khudjakov, A.; Bondarenko, G.; Kesler, V.

2008-09-01

Temperature, magnetic field and spectral dependences of magneto-optical effects (MOEs) in bi-layer films Dy (1-x)Ni x-Ni and Dy (1-x)(NiFe) x-NiFe were investigated, x changes from 0 to 0.06. Peculiar behavior of the MOEs was revealed at temperatures essentially exceeding the Curie temperature of bulk Dy which is explained by the magnetic ordering of the Dy layer containing Ni under the action of two factors: Ni impurities distributed homogeneously over the whole Dy layer and atomic contact of this layer with continues Ni layer. The mechanism of the magnetic ordering is suggested to be associated with the change of the density of states of the alloy Dy (1-x)Ni x owing to hybridization with narrow peaks near the Fermi level character for Ni.

Charge dissipative dielectric for cryogenic devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantor, Robin Harold (Inventor); Hall, John Addison (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) is disclosed comprising a pair of resistively shunted Josephson junctions connected in parallel within a superconducting loop and biased by an external direct current (dc) source. The SQUID comprises a semiconductor substrate and at least one superconducting layer. The metal layer(s) are separated by or covered with a semiconductor material layer having the properties of a conductor at room temperature and the properties of an insulator at operating temperatures (generally less than 100 Kelvins). The properties of the semiconductor material layer greatly reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge that can damage the device during normal handling of the device at room temperature, while still providing the insulating properties desired to allow normal functioning of the device at its operating temperature. A method of manufacturing the SQUID device is also disclosed.

Superconductive coupling in tailored [(SnSe)1+δ ] m (NbSe2)1 multilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trahms, Martina; Grosse, Corinna; Alemayehu, Matti B.; Hite, Omar K.; Chiatti, Olivio; Mogilatenko, Anna; Johnson, David C.; Fischer, Saskia F.

2018-06-01

Ferecrystals are a new artificially layered material system, in which the individual layers are stacked with monolayer precision and are turbostratically disordered. Here, the superconducting coupling of the NbSe2 layers in [(SnSe)1+δ ] m [NbSe2]1 ferecrystals with m between 1 and 6 are investigated. The variation of m effectively increases the distance between the superconducting NbSe2 monolayers. We find a systematic decrease of the transition temperature with an increasing number of SnSe layers per repeat unit. For m = 9 a superconducting transition can no longer be observed at temperatures above 250 mK. In order to investigate the superconducting coupling between individual NbSe2 layers, the cross-plane Ginzburg–Landau coherence lengths were determined. Electric transport measurements of the superconducting transition were performed in the presence of a magnetic field, oriented parallel and perpendicular to the layers, at temperatures closely below the transition temperature. A decoupling with increasing distance of the NbSe2 layers is observed. However, ferecrystals with NbSe2 layers separated by up to six layers of SnSe are still considered as three-dimensional superconductors.

Tunable molecular orientation and elevated thermal stability of vapor-deposited organic semiconductors

DOE PAGES

Dalal, Shakeel S.; Walters, Diane M.; Lyubimov, Ivan; ...

2015-03-23

Physical vapor deposition is commonly used to prepare organic glasses that serve as the active layers in light-emitting diodes, photovoltaics, and other devices. Recent work has shown that orienting the molecules in such organic semiconductors can significantly enhance device performance. In this paper, we apply a high-throughput characterization scheme to investigate the effect of the substrate temperature (T substrate) on glasses of three organic molecules used as semiconductors. The optical and material properties are evaluated with spectroscopic ellipsometry. We find that molecular orientation in these glasses is continuously tunable and controlled by T substrate/T g, where T g is themore » glass transition temperature. All three molecules can produce highly anisotropic glasses; the dependence of molecular orientation upon substrate temperature is remarkably similar and nearly independent of molecular length. All three compounds form “stable glasses” with high density and thermal stability, and have properties similar to stable glasses prepared from model glass formers. Simulations reproduce the experimental trends and explain molecular orientation in the deposited glasses in terms of the surface properties of the equilibrium liquid. Finally, by showing that organic semiconductors form stable glasses, these results provide an avenue for systematic performance optimization of active layers in organic electronics.« less

Novel Antimicrobial Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Obtained through a Combination of Atomic Layer Deposition and Electrospinning Technologies.

PubMed

López de Dicastillo, Carol; Patiño, Cristian; Galotto, María Jose; Palma, Juan Luis; Alburquenque, Daniela; Escrig, Juan

2018-02-24

The search for new antimicrobial substances has increased in recent years. Antimicrobial nanostructures are one of the most promising alternatives. In this work, titanium dioxide nanotubes were obtained by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process over electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (PVN) at different temperatures with the purpose of obtaining antimicrobial nanostructures with a high specific area. Electrospinning and ALD parameters were studied in order to obtain PVN with smallest diameter and highest deposition rate, respectively. Chamber temperature was a key factor during ALD process and an appropriate titanium dioxide deposition performance was achieved at 200 °C. Subsequently, thermal and morphological analysis by SEM and TEM microscopies revealed hollow nanotubes were obtained after calcination process at 600 °C. This temperature allowed complete polymer removal and influenced the resulting anatase crystallographic structure of titanium dioxide that positively affected their antimicrobial activities. X-ray analysis confirmed the change of titanium dioxide crystallographic structure from amorphous phase of deposited PVN to anatase crystalline structure of nanotubes. These new nanostructures with very large surface areas resulted in interesting antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Titanium dioxide nanotubes presented the highest activity against Escherichia coli with 5 log cycles reduction at 200 μg/mL concentration.

Novel Antimicrobial Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Obtained through a Combination of Atomic Layer Deposition and Electrospinning Technologies

PubMed Central

Patiño, Cristian; Galotto, María Jose; Palma, Juan Luis; Alburquenque, Daniela

2018-01-01

The search for new antimicrobial substances has increased in recent years. Antimicrobial nanostructures are one of the most promising alternatives. In this work, titanium dioxide nanotubes were obtained by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process over electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (PVN) at different temperatures with the purpose of obtaining antimicrobial nanostructures with a high specific area. Electrospinning and ALD parameters were studied in order to obtain PVN with smallest diameter and highest deposition rate, respectively. Chamber temperature was a key factor during ALD process and an appropriate titanium dioxide deposition performance was achieved at 200 °C. Subsequently, thermal and morphological analysis by SEM and TEM microscopies revealed hollow nanotubes were obtained after calcination process at 600 °C. This temperature allowed complete polymer removal and influenced the resulting anatase crystallographic structure of titanium dioxide that positively affected their antimicrobial activities. X-ray analysis confirmed the change of titanium dioxide crystallographic structure from amorphous phase of deposited PVN to anatase crystalline structure of nanotubes. These new nanostructures with very large surface areas resulted in interesting antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Titanium dioxide nanotubes presented the highest activity against Escherichia coli with 5 log cycles reduction at 200 μg/mL concentration. PMID:29495318

Atmospheric Structure and Diurnal Variations at Low Altitudes in the Martian Tropics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinson, David P.; Spiga, A.; Lewis, S.; Tellmann, S.; Pätzold, M.; Asmar, S.; Häusler, B.

2013-10-01

We are using radio occultation measurements from Mars Express, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and Mars Global Surveyor to characterize the diurnal cycle in the lowest scale height above the surface. We focus on northern spring and summer, using observations from 4 Martian years at local times of 4-5 and 15-17 h. We supplement the observations with results obtained from large-eddy simulations and through data assimilation by the UK spectral version of the LMD Mars Global Circulation Model. We previously investigated the depth of the daytime convective boundary layer (CBL) and its variations with surface elevation and surface properties. We are now examining unusual aspects of the temperature structure observed at night. Most important, predawn profiles in the Tharsis region contain an unexpected layer of neutral static stability at pressures of 200-300 Pa with a depth of 4-5 km. The mixed layer is bounded above by a midlevel temperature inversion and below by another strong inversion adjacent to the surface. The narrow temperature minimum at the base of the midlevel inversion suggests the presence of a water ice cloud layer, with the further implication that radiative cooling at cloud level can induce convective activity at lower altitudes. Conversely, nighttime profiles in Amazonis show no sign of a midlevel inversion or a detached mixed layer. These regional variations in the nighttime temperature structure appear to arise in part from large-scale variations in topography, which have several notable effects. First, the CBL is much deeper in the Tharsis region than in Amazonis, owing to a roughly 6-km difference in surface elevation. Second, large-eddy simulations show that daytime convection is not only deeper above Tharsis but also considerably more intense than it is in Amazonis. Finally, the daytime surface temperatures are comparable in the two regions, so that Tharsis acts as an elevated heat source throughout the CBL. These topographic effects are expected to enhance the vertical mixing of water vapor above elevated terrain, which might lead to the formation and regional confinement of nighttime clouds.

Maglev performance of a double-layer bulk high temperature superconductor above a permanent magnet guideway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Z.; Wang, J.; Zheng, J.; Lin, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, S.

2009-05-01

In order to improve the performance of the present high temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev vehicle system, the maglev performance of single- and double-layer bulk high temperature superconductors (HTSC) was investigated above a permanent magnet guideway (PMG). It is found that the maglev performance of a double-layer bulk HTSC is not a simple addition of each layer's levitation and guidance force. Moreover, the applied magnetic field at the position of the upper layer bulk HTSC is not completely shielded by the lower layer bulk HTSC either. 53.5% of the levitation force and 27.5% of the guidance force of the upper layer bulk HTSC are excited in the double-layer bulk HTSC arrangement in the applied field-cooling condition and working gap, bringing a corresponding improvement of 16.9% and 8.8% to the conventional single-layer bulk HTSC. The present research implies that the cost performance of upper layer bulk HTSC is a little low for the whole HTS maglev system.

Surface Morphology Transformation Under High-Temperature Annealing of Ge Layers Deposited on Si(100).

PubMed

Shklyaev, A A; Latyshev, A V

2016-12-01

We study the surface morphology and chemical composition of SiGe layers after their formation under high-temperature annealing at 800-1100 °C of 30-150 nm Ge layers deposited on Si(100) at 400-500 °C. It is found that the annealing leads to the appearance of the SiGe layers of two types, i.e., porous and continuous. The continuous layers have a smoothened surface morphology and a high concentration of threading dislocations. The porous and continuous layers can coexist. Their formation conditions and the ratio between their areas on the surface depend on the thickness of deposited Ge layers, as well as on the temperature and the annealing time. The data obtained suggest that the porous SiGe layers are formed due to melting of the strained Ge layers and their solidification in the conditions of SiGe dewetting on Si. The porous and dislocation-rich SiGe layers may have properties interesting for applications.

Experimental investigation of 20 K two-stage layered active magnetic regenerative refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Inmyong; Jeong, Sangkwon

2015-12-01

The performance of a two-stage layered AMRR is experimentally investigated. The test apparatus includes two-stage layered AMRs, low temperature superconducting (LTS) magnet which generates maximum magnetic field of 4 T, and the helium gas flow system. The helium compressor with the tandem rotary valve is employed to generate the oscillating flow of the helium gas minimizing the pressure swing effect. The mass flow rate of working fluid is controlled separately at the first and second stages of the AMR by solenoid valves. The mass flow rate of the AMRs is measured by the mass flow meter and the cryogenic hot-film sensor which is calibrated at cryogenic temperature range from 20 K to 77 K. In order to reduce the heat leak by shuttle heat transfer of the working fluid, void volumes have been implemented and connected to the cold ends of the AMR1 and AMR2. The temperature span of the AMR is recorded as 52 K and the performance of the AMR with the variation of the mass flow rate is analysed. The results show that the mass flow rate and the heat leak due to the shuttle heat transfer by oscillating working fluid are crucial factors in the AMR performance.

Ultra-low threshold gallium nitride photonic crystal nanobeam laser

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

Niu, Nan, E-mail: nanniu@fas.harvard.edu; Woolf, Alexander; Wang, Danqing

2015-06-08

We report exceptionally low thresholds (9.1 μJ/cm{sup 2}) for room temperature lasing at ∼450 nm in optically pumped Gallium Nitride (GaN) nanobeam cavity structures. The nanobeam cavity geometry provides high theoretical Q (>100 000) with small modal volume, leading to a high spontaneous emission factor, β = 0.94. The active layer materials are Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN) fragmented quantum wells (fQWs), a critical factor in achieving the low thresholds, which are an order-of-magnitude lower than obtainable with continuous QW active layers. We suggest that the extra confinement of photo-generated carriers for fQWs (compared to QWs) is responsible for the excellent performance.

Boundary layer temperature measurements of a noctual urban boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, Simon; Ricketts, Hugo; Vaughan, Geraint

2018-04-01

A low-power lidar system based in Manchester, United Kingdom has been developed to measure temperature profiles in the nocturnal urban boundary layer. The lidar transmitter uses a 355nm diode-pumped solid state Nd:YAG laser and two narrow-band interference filters in the receiver filter out rotational Raman lines that are dependent on temperature. The spectral response of the lidar is calibrated using a monochromator. Temperature profiles measured by the system are calibrated by comparison to co-located radiosondes.

Acousto-optical and SAW propagation characteristics of temperature stable multilayered structures based on LiNbO3 and diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shandilya, Swati; Sreenivas, K.; Gupta, Vinay

2008-01-01

Theoretical studies on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) properties of c-axis oriented LiNbO3/IDT/diamond and diamond/IDT/128° rotated Y-X cut LiNbO3 multilayered structures have been considered. Both layered structures exhibit a positive temperature coefficient of delay (TCD) characteristic, and a zero TCD device is obtained after integrating with an over-layer of either tellurium dioxide (TeO2) or silicon dioxide (SiO2). The presence of a TeO2 over-layer enhanced the electromechanical coupling coefficients of both multilayered structures, which acts as a better temperature compensation layer than SiO2. The temperature stable TeO2/LiNbO3/IDT/diamond layered structure exhibits good electromechanical coefficient and higher phase velocity for SAW device applications. On the other hand, a high acousto-optical (AO) figure of merit (30-37) × 10-15 s3 kg-1 has been obtained for the temperature stable SiO2/diamond/IDT/LiNbO3 layered structure indicating a promising device structure for AO applications.

Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticle multilayers deposited by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique for gas sensors application.

PubMed

Capone, S; Manera, M G; Taurino, A; Siciliano, P; Rella, R; Luby, S; Benkovicova, M; Siffalovic, P; Majkova, E

2014-02-04

Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) based thin films were used as active layers in solid state resistive chemical sensors. NPs were synthesized by high temperature solution phase reaction. Sensing NP monolayers (ML) were deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) techniques onto chemoresistive transduction platforms. The sensing ML were UV treated to remove NP insulating capping. Sensors surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Systematic gas sensing tests in controlled atmosphere were carried out toward NO2, CO, and acetone at different concentrations and working temperatures of the sensing layers. The best sensing performance results were obtained for sensors with higher NPs coverage (10 ML), mainly for NO2 gas showing interesting selectivity toward nitrogen oxides. Electrical properties and conduction mechanisms are discussed.

Specific features of doping with antimony during the ion-beam crystallization of silicon

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

Pashchenko, A. S., E-mail: as.pashchenko@gmail.com; Chebotarev, S. N.; Lunin, L. S.

2016-04-15

A method of doping during the growth of thin films by ion-beam crystallization is proposed. By the example of Si and Sb, the possibility of controllably doping semiconductors during the ion-beam crystallization process is shown. A calibrated temperature dependence of the antimony vapor flow rate in the range from 150 to 400°C is obtained. It is established that, an increase in the evaporator temperature above 200°C brings about the accumulation of impurities in the layer growth direction. Silicon layers doped with antimony to a concentration of 10{sup 18} cm{sup –3} are grown. It is shown that, as the evaporator temperaturemore » is increased, the efficiency of the activation of antimony in silicon nonlinearly decreases from ~10{sup 0} to ~10{sup –3}.« less

Enhanced corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy by a silane-based solution treatment after an in-situ formation of the Mg(OH)2 layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Fubao; Shen, Jun; Gao, Runhua; Xie, Xiong; Luo, Xiong

2016-03-01

A novel organic-inorganic Mg(OH)2/silane surface layer has been developed for corrosion protection of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the immersion tests, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and sellotape tests showed that the Mg(OH)2/silane-based composite surface layer possessed excellent corrosion resistance and very good adhesion due to the formation of Si-O-Mg bond between Mg(OH)2 layer and silane layer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests results indicated that for the long-term corrosion protection of AZ31 the increase of the curing temperature improved the impedance of the composited layer when the curing temperature was lower than 130 °С. However, the impedance of the composited layer deceased when the curing temperature was more than 130 °С due to the carbonization of the silane layer.

String-like collective motion and diffusion in the interfacial region of ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xinyi; Tong, Xuhang; Zhang, Hao; Douglas, Jack F.

2017-11-01

We investigate collective molecular motion and the self-diffusion coefficient Ds of water molecules in the mobile interfacial layer of the secondary prismatic plane (11 2 ¯ 0 ) of hexagonal ice by molecular dynamics simulation based on the TIP4P/2005 water potential and a metrology of collective motion drawn from the field of glass-forming liquids. The width ξ of the mobile interfacial layer varies from a monolayer to a few nm as the temperature is increased towards the melting temperature Tm, in accordance with recent simulations and many experimental studies, although different experimental methods have differed in their precise estimates of the thickness of this layer. We also find that the dynamics within this mobile interfacial ice layer is "dynamically heterogeneous" in a fashion that has many features in common with glass-forming liquids and the interfacial dynamics of crystalline Ni over the same reduced temperature range, 2/3 < T/Tm < 1. In addition to exhibiting non-Gaussian diffusive transport, decoupling between mass diffusion and the structural relaxation time, and stretched exponential relaxation, we find string-like collective molecular exchange motion in the interfacial zone within the ice interfacial layer and colored noise fluctuations in the mean square molecular atomic displacement 〈u2〉 after a "caging time" of 1 ps, i.e., the Debye-Waller factor. However, while the heterogeneous dynamics of ice is clearly similar in many ways to molecular and colloidal glass-forming materials, we find distinct trends between the diffusion coefficient activation energy Ea for diffusion Ds and the interfacial width ξ from the scale of collective string-like motion L than those found in glass-forming liquids.

Development of the active magnetic regenerative refrigerator operating between 77 K and 20 K with the conduction cooled high temperature superconducting magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Inmyong; Jeong, Sangkwon

2017-12-01

The experimental investigation of an active magnetic regenerative refrigerator (AMRR) operating between 77 K and 20 K is discussed in this paper, with detailed energy transfer analysis. A multi-layered active magnetic regenerator (AMR) is used, which consists of four different rare earth intermetallic compounds in the form of irregular powder. Numerical simulation confirms that the AMR can attain its target operating temperature range. Magnetic field alternation throughout the AMR is generated by a high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet. The HTS magnet is cooled by a two stage Gifford-McMahon (GM) cryocooler. Helium gas was employed as a working fluid and its oscillating flow in the AMR is controlled in accordance with the magnetic field variation. The AMR is divided into two stages and each stage has a different mass flow rate as needed to achieve the desired cooling performance. The temperature variation of the AMR during the experiment is monitored by temperature sensors installed inside the AMR. The experimental results show that the AMRR is capable of achieving no-load temperature of 25.4 K while the warm end temperature is 77 K. The performance of the AMRR is analyzed by observing internal temperature variations at cyclic steady state. Furthermore, numerical estimation of the cooling capacity and the temperature variation of the AMR are examined and compared with the experimental results.

Laser properties of Fe2+:ZnSe fabricated by solid-state diffusion bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balabanov, S. S.; Firsov, K. N.; Gavrishchuk, E. M.; Ikonnikov, V. B.; Kazantsev, S. Yu; Kononov, I. G.; Kotereva, T. V.; Savin, D. V.; Timofeeva, N. A.

2018-04-01

The characteristics of an Fe2+:ZnSe laser at room temperature and its active elements with undoped faces were studied. Polycrystalline elements with one or two diffusion-doped internal layers were obtained by the solid-state diffusion bonding technique applied to chemical vapor deposition grown ZnSe plates preliminary doped with Fe2+ ions in the process of hot isostatic pressing. A non-chain electric-discharge HF laser was used to pump the crystals. It was demonstrated that increasing the number of doped layers allows increasing the maximum diameter of the pump radiation spot and the pump energy without the appearance of transversal parasitic oscillation. For the two-layer-doped active element with a diameter of 20 mm an output energy of 480 mJ was achieved with 37% total efficiency with respect to the absorbed energy. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the developed technology for fabrication of active elements by the solid-state diffusion bonding technique combined with the hot isostatic pressing treatment for efficient IR lasers based on chalcogenides doped with transition metal ions.

Aqueous PCDTBT:PC71 BM Photovoltaic Inks Made by Nanoprecipitation.

PubMed

Prunet, Geoffrey; Parrenin, Laurie; Pavlopoulou, Eleni; Pecastaings, Gilles; Brochon, Cyril; Hadziioannou, Georges; Cloutet, Eric

2018-01-01

The fabrication of organic solar cells from aqueous dispersions of photoactive nanoparticles has recently attracted the interest of the photovoltaic community, since these dispersions offer an eco-friendly solution for the fabrication of solar cells, avoiding the use of toxic solvents. In this work, aqueous dispersions of pure poly[n-9'-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4',7'-di-2-thienyl-2',1',3'-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 71 -butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) nanoparticles, as well as of composite PC 71 BM:PCDTBT nanoparticles, are prepared using the nanoprecipitation postpolymerization method. These dispersions are subsequently used to form the active layer of organic photovoltaic cells. Thin films of PC 71 BM and PCDTBT are obtained by spray deposition of the nanoparticles' dispersions, and are characterized using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Photovoltaics that incorporate these active layers are fabricated thereafter. The impact of the annealing temperature and of the composition of the active layer on the efficiency of the solar cells is studied. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fluid flow induced by periodic temperature oscillation over a flat plate: Comparisons with the classical Stokes problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Debashis; Chakraborty, Suman

2015-05-01

We delineate the dynamics of temporally and spatially periodic flow over a flat plate originating out of periodic thermoviscous expansion of the fluid, as a consequence of a thermal wave applied on the plate wall. We identify two appropriate length scales, namely, the wavelength of the temperature wave and the thermal penetration depth, so as to bring out the complex thermo-physical interaction between the fluid and the solid boundaries. Our results reveal that the entire thermal fluctuation and the subsequent thermoviscous actuation remain confined within a "thermo-viscous boundary layer." Based on the length scales and the analytical solution for the temperature field, we demarcate three different layers, namely, the wall layer (which is further sub-divided into various sub-layers, based on the temperature field), the intermediate layer, and the outer layer. We show that the interactions between the pressure oscillation and temperature-dependent viscosity yield a unidirectional time-averaged (mean) flow within the wall layer opposite to the direction of motion of the thermal wave. We also obtain appropriate scalings for the time-averaged velocity, which we further substantiate by full scale numerical simulations. Our analysis may constitute a new design basis for simultaneous control of the net throughput and mixing over a solid boundary, by the judicious employment of a traveling temperature wave.

Cyclic Thermal Stress-Induced Degradation of Cu Metallization on Si3N4 Substrate at -40°C to 300°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Fengqun; Yamaguchi, Hiroshi; Nakagawa, Hiroshi; Sato, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

The high-temperature reliability of active metal brazed copper (AMC) on Si3N4 ceramic substrates used for fabricating SiC high-temperature power modules was investigated under harsh environments. The AMC substrate underwent isothermal storage at 300°C for up to 3000 h and a thermal cycling test at -40°C to 300°C for up to 3000 cycles. During isothermal storage at 300°C, the AMC substrate exhibited high reliability, characterized by very little deformation of the copper (Cu) layer, low crack growth, and low oxidation rate of the Cu layer. Under thermal cycling conditions at -40°C to 300°C, no detachment of the Cu layer was observed even after the maximum 3000 cycles of the experiment. However, serious deformation of the Cu layer occurred and progressed as the number of thermal cycles increased, thus significantly roughening the surface of the Cu metallized layer. The cyclic thermal stress led to a significant increase in the crack growth and oxidation of the Cu layer. The maximum depth of the copper oxides reached up to 5/6 of the Cu thickness. The deformation of the Cu layer was the main cause of the decrease of the bond strength under thermal cycling conditions. The shear strength of the SiC chips bonded on the AMC substrate with a Au-12 wt.%Ge solder decreased from the original 83 MPa to 14 MPa after 3000 cycles. Therefore, the cyclic thermal stress destroyed the Cu oxides and enhanced the oxidation of the Cu layer.

NGEE Arctic Plant Traits: Soil Depth, Kougarok Road Mile Marker 64, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, Beginning 2016

DOE Data Explorer

Stel, Holly Vander; Wullschleger, Stan; Breen, Amy; Iversen, Colleen

2017-03-01

Data includes active layer depth measured at intensive plots, reference points, vegetation plots, and soil temperature/moisture monitoring stations at the Kougarok hill slope located at Kougarok Road, Mile Marker 64. Data collection started July 2016 and will be ongoing. Data upload will be completed January 2017.

Low-temperature remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of ZrO2/zircone nanolaminate film for efficient encapsulation of flexible organic light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Chen, Zheng; Wang, Haoran; Wang, Xiao; Chen, Ping; Liu, Yunfei; Zhao, Hongyu; Zhao, Yi; Duan, Yu

2017-01-06

Encapsulation is essential to protect the air-sensitive components of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) such as active layers and cathode electrodes. In this study, hybrid zirconium inorganic/organic nanolaminates were fabricated using remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) and molecular layer deposition at a low temperature. The nanolaminate serves as a thin-film encapsulation layer for OLEDs. The reaction mechanism of PEALD process was investigated using an in-situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and in-situ quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS). The bonds present in the films were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The primary reaction byproducts in PEALD, such as CO, CO 2 , NO, H 2 O, as well as the related fragments during the O 2 plasma process were characterized using the QMS, indicating a combustion-like reaction process. The self-limiting nature and growth mechanisms of the ZrO 2 during the complex surface chemical reaction of the ligand and O 2 plasma were monitored using the QCM. The remote PEALD ZrO 2 /zircone nanolaminate structure prolonged the transmission path of water vapor and smooth surface morphology. Consequently, the water barrier properties were significantly improved (reaching 3.078 × 10 -5  g/m 2 /day). This study also shows that flexible OLEDs can be successfully encapsulated to achieve a significantly longer lifetime.

Low-temperature remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of ZrO2/zircone nanolaminate film for efficient encapsulation of flexible organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zheng; Wang, Haoran; Wang, Xiao; Chen, Ping; Liu, Yunfei; Zhao, Hongyu; Zhao, Yi; Duan, Yu

2017-01-01

Encapsulation is essential to protect the air-sensitive components of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) such as active layers and cathode electrodes. In this study, hybrid zirconium inorganic/organic nanolaminates were fabricated using remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) and molecular layer deposition at a low temperature. The nanolaminate serves as a thin-film encapsulation layer for OLEDs. The reaction mechanism of PEALD process was investigated using an in-situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and in-situ quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS). The bonds present in the films were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The primary reaction byproducts in PEALD, such as CO, CO2, NO, H2O, as well as the related fragments during the O2 plasma process were characterized using the QMS, indicating a combustion-like reaction process. The self-limiting nature and growth mechanisms of the ZrO2 during the complex surface chemical reaction of the ligand and O2 plasma were monitored using the QCM. The remote PEALD ZrO2/zircone nanolaminate structure prolonged the transmission path of water vapor and smooth surface morphology. Consequently, the water barrier properties were significantly improved (reaching 3.078 × 10-5 g/m2/day). This study also shows that flexible OLEDs can be successfully encapsulated to achieve a significantly longer lifetime.

Oxidation study of coated Crofer 22 APU steel in dry oxygen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molin, Sebastian; Chen, Ming; Hendriksen, Peter Vang

2014-04-01

The effect of a dual layer coating composed of a layer of a Co3O4 and a layer of a La0.85Sr0.15MnO3/Co3O4 mixture on the high temperature corrosion of the Crofer 22 APU alloy is reported. Oxidation experiments were performed in dry oxygen at three temperatures: 800 °C, 850 °C and 900 °C for periods up to 1000 h. Additionally at 850 °C a 5000 h long oxidation test was performed to evaluate longer term suitability of the proposed coating. Corrosion kinetics were evaluated by measuring mass gain during oxidation. The corrosion kinetics for the coated samples are analyzed in terms of a parabolic rate law. Microstructural features were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffractometry. The coating is effective in reducing the corrosion rate and in ensuring long lifetime of coated alloys. The calculated activation energy for the corrosion process is around 1.8 eV. A complex Co-Mn-Cr spinel is formed caused by diffusion of Cr and Mn from the alloy into the Co3O4 coating and by additional diffusion of Mn from the LSM layer. Adding a layer of LSM/Co3O4, acting as an additional Mn source, on top of the cobalt spinel is beneficial for the improved corrosion resistance.

Optical properties of beryllium-doped GaSb epilayers grown on GaAs substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Zhuo; Chen, Baile; Chen, Xiren; Shao, Jun; Gong, Qian; Liu, Huiyun; Wu, Jiang

2018-05-01

In this work, the effects of p-type beryllium (Be) doping on the optical properties of GaSb epilayers grown on GaAs substrate by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) have been studied. Temperature- and excitation power-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed on both nominally undoped and intentionally Be-doped GaSb layers. Clear PL emissions are observable even at the temperature of 270 K from both layers, indicating the high material quality. In the Be-doped GaSb layer, the transition energies of main PL features exhibit red-shift up to ∼7 meV, and the peak widths characterized by Full-Width-at-Half-Maximum (FWHM) also decrease. In addition, analysis on the PL integrated intensity in the Be-doped sample reveals a gain of emission signal, as well as a larger carrier thermal activation energy. These distinctive PL behaviors identified in the Be-doped GaSb layer suggest that the residual compressive strain is effectively relaxed in the epilayer, due possibly to the reduction of dislocation density in the GaSb layer with the intentional incorporation of Be dopants. Our results confirm the role of Be as a promising dopant in the improvement of crystalline quality in GaSb, which is a crucial factor for growth and fabrication of high quality strain-free GaSb-based devices on foreign substrates.

Effect of acid dopants in biodegradable gel polymer electrolyte and the performance in an electrochemical double layer capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudhakar, Y. N.; Selvakumar, M.; Krishna Bhat, D.

2015-09-01

Proton-conducting biodegradable gellan gum gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have been prepared using three different dopants, namely ortho-phosphoric (o-H3PO4), sulfuric (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acids (HCl). The GPEs were cross-linked using borax. The polymeric gels were characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, ionic conductivities and dielectric measurements. Proton conductivity was in the range of 5.1 × 10-3 to 3.7 × 10-4 s cm-1 and activation energies were between 0.14 meV and 0.19 meV, at different temperatures. Among the doped acids, the H3PO4 doped GPE exhibited thermal stability at varying temperature. Electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) were fabricated using activated carbon as electrode material and GPEs. The EDLCs were tested using cyclic voltammetry, ac impedance spectroscopic and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The maximum specific capacitance value was 146 F g-1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s-1. Quite stable values were obtained at a constant current density up to 1000 cycles.

Smart Pd Catalyst with Improved Thermal Stability Supported on High-Surface-Area LaFeO3 Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Onn, Tzia Ming; Monai, Matteo; Dai, Sheng; Fonda, Emiliano; Montini, Tiziano; Pan, Xiaoqing; Graham, George W; Fornasiero, Paolo; Gorte, Raymond J

2018-04-11

The concept of self-regenerating or "smart" catalysts, developed to mitigate the problem of supported metal particle coarsening in high-temperature applications, involves redispersing large metal particles by incorporating them into a perovskite-structured support under oxidizing conditions and then exsolving them as small metal particles under reducing conditions. Unfortunately, the redispersion process does not appear to work in practice because the surface areas of the perovskite supports are too low and the diffusion lengths for the metal ions within the bulk perovskite too short. Here, we demonstrate reversible activation upon redox cycling for CH 4 oxidation and CO oxidation on Pd supported on high-surface-area LaFeO 3 , prepared as a thin conformal coating on a porous MgAl 2 O 4 support using atomic layer deposition. The LaFeO 3 film, less than 1.5 nm thick, was shown to be initially stable to at least 900 °C. The activated catalysts exhibit stable catalytic performance for methane oxidation after high-temperature treatment.

Modeling the effects of fire severity and climate warming on active layer and soil carbon dynamics of black spruce forests across the landscape in interior Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Genet, H.; McGuire, Anthony David; Barrett, K.; Breen, A.; Euskirchen, E.S.; Johnstone, J.F.; Kasischke, E.S.; Melvin, A.M.; Bennett, A.; Mack, M.C.; Rupp, T.S.; Schuur, A.E.G.; Turetsky, M.R.; Yuan, F.

2013-01-01

There is a substantial amount of carbon stored in the permafrost soils of boreal forest ecosystems, where it is currently protected from decomposition. The surface organic horizons insulate the deeper soil from variations in atmospheric temperature. The removal of these insulating horizons through consumption by fire increases the vulnerability of permafrost to thaw, and the carbon stored in permafrost to decomposition. In this study we ask how warming and fire regime may influence spatial and temporal changes in active layer and carbon dynamics across a boreal forest landscape in interior Alaska. To address this question, we (1) developed and tested a predictive model of the effect of fire severity on soil organic horizons that depends on landscape-level conditions and (2) used this model to evaluate the long-term consequences of warming and changes in fire regime on active layer and soil carbon dynamics of black spruce forests across interior Alaska. The predictive model of fire severity, designed from the analysis of field observations, reproduces the effect of local topography (landform category, the slope angle and aspect and flow accumulation), weather conditions (drought index, soil moisture) and fire characteristics (day of year and size of the fire) on the reduction of the organic layer caused by fire. The integration of the fire severity model into an ecosystem process-based model allowed us to document the relative importance and interactions among local topography, fire regime and climate warming on active layer and soil carbon dynamics. Lowlands were more resistant to severe fires and climate warming, showing smaller increases in active layer thickness and soil carbon loss compared to drier flat uplands and slopes. In simulations that included the effects of both warming and fire at the regional scale, fire was primarily responsible for a reduction in organic layer thickness of 0.06 m on average by 2100 that led to an increase in active layer thickness of 1.1 m on average by 2100. The combination of warming and fire led to a simulated cumulative loss of 9.6 kgC m−2 on average by 2100. Our analysis suggests that ecosystem carbon storage in boreal forests in interior Alaska is particularly vulnerable, primarily due to the combustion of organic layer thickness in fire and the related increase in active layer thickness that exposes previously protected permafrost soil carbon to decomposition.

A review of the remote sensing of lower-tropospheric thermodynamic profiles and its indispensable role for the understanding and the simulation of water and energy cycles

DOE PAGES

Wulfmeyer, Volker; Hardesty, Mike; Turner, David D.; ...

2015-07-08

A review of remote sensing technology for lower-tropospheric thermodynamic (TD) profiling is presented with focus on high accuracy and high temporal-vertical resolution. The contributions of these instruments to the understanding of the Earth system are assessed with respect to radiative transfer, land-surface-atmosphere feedback, convection initiation, and data assimilation. We demonstrate that for progress in weather and climate research, TD profilers are essential. These observational systems must resolve gradients of humidity and temperature in the stable or unstable atmospheric surface layer close to the ground, in the mixed layer, in the interfacial layer – usually characterized by an inversion – andmore » the lower troposphere. A thorough analysis of the current observing systems is performed revealing significant gaps that must be addressed to fulfill existing needs. We analyze whether current and future passive and active remote sensing systems can close these gaps. A methodological analysis and demonstration of measurement capabilities with respect to bias and precision is executed both for passive and active remote sensing including passive infrared and microwave spectroscopy, the global positioning system as well as water-vapor and temperature Raman lidar and water-vapor differential absorption lidar. Whereas passive remote sensing systems are already mature with respect to operational applications, active remote sensing systems require further engineering to become operational in networks. However, active remote sensing systems provide a smaller bias as well as higher temporal and vertical resolutions. For a suitable mesoscale network design, TD profiler system developments should be intensified and dedicated observing system simulation experiments should be performed.« less

A review of the remote sensing of lower-tropospheric thermodynamic profiles and its indispensable role for the understanding and the simulation of water and energy cycles

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

Wulfmeyer, Volker; Hardesty, Mike; Turner, David D.

A review of remote sensing technology for lower-tropospheric thermodynamic (TD) profiling is presented with focus on high accuracy and high temporal-vertical resolution. The contributions of these instruments to the understanding of the Earth system are assessed with respect to radiative transfer, land-surface-atmosphere feedback, convection initiation, and data assimilation. We demonstrate that for progress in weather and climate research, TD profilers are essential. These observational systems must resolve gradients of humidity and temperature in the stable or unstable atmospheric surface layer close to the ground, in the mixed layer, in the interfacial layer – usually characterized by an inversion – andmore » the lower troposphere. A thorough analysis of the current observing systems is performed revealing significant gaps that must be addressed to fulfill existing needs. We analyze whether current and future passive and active remote sensing systems can close these gaps. A methodological analysis and demonstration of measurement capabilities with respect to bias and precision is executed both for passive and active remote sensing including passive infrared and microwave spectroscopy, the global positioning system as well as water-vapor and temperature Raman lidar and water-vapor differential absorption lidar. Whereas passive remote sensing systems are already mature with respect to operational applications, active remote sensing systems require further engineering to become operational in networks. However, active remote sensing systems provide a smaller bias as well as higher temporal and vertical resolutions. For a suitable mesoscale network design, TD profiler system developments should be intensified and dedicated observing system simulation experiments should be performed.« less

Nb and Pd co-doped La0.57Sr0.38Co0.19Fe0.665Nb0.095Pd0.05O3-δ as a stable, high performance electrode for barrier-layer-free Y2O3-ZrO2 electrolyte of solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kongfa; He, Shuai; Li, Na; Cheng, Yi; Ai, Na; Chen, Minle; Rickard, William D. A.; Zhang, Teng; Jiang, San Ping

2018-02-01

La0.6Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) is the most intensively investigated high performance cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs), but strontium segregation and migration at the electrode/electrolyte interface is a critical issue limiting the electrocatalytic activity and stability of LSCF based cathodes. Herein, we report a Nb and Pd co-doped LSCF (La0.57Sr0.38Co0.19Fe0.665Nb0.095Pd0.05O3-δ, LSCFNPd) perovskite as stable and active cathode on a barrier-layer-free anode-supported yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte cell using direct assembly method without pre-sintering at high temperatures. The cell exhibits a peak power density of 1.3 W cm-2 at 750 °C and excellent stability with no degradation during polarization at 500 mA cm-2 and 750 °C for 175 h. Microscopic and spectroscopic analysis show that the electrochemical polarization promotes the formation of electrode/electrolyte interface in operando and exsolution of Pd/PdO nanoparticles. The Nb doping in the B-site of LSCF significantly reduces the Sr surface segregation, enhancing the stability of the cathode, while the exsoluted Pd/PdO nanoparticles increases the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. The present study opens up a new route for the development of cobaltite-based perovskite cathodes with high activity and stability for barrier-layer-free YSZ electrolyte based IT-SOFCs.

How will the future warming climate impact the river discharge in the alpine mountain region of upper Heihe River Basin?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Yang, H.; Yang, D.; Gao, B.; Qin, Y.

2017-12-01

The Tibetan Plateau is more sensitive to the global climate change than other areas due to its special geography. Previous studies have shown that, besides the changes of temperature and precipitation, the changes in the cryosphere such as glacier and frozen ground also have important and far-reaching effects on the ecological and hydrological processes in the basin. In order to reliably predict the future runoff changing trend in the future, it's important to estimate the responses of cryosphere to the future climate change, as well as its impacts on the hydrological processes. Based on typical future climate scenarios (under emission scenario RCP4.5) from five general circulation models (GCMs) and one regional climate model (RCM), as well as a distributed eco-hydrological model (GBEHM), this study analyzes the possible future climate change (from 2011 to 2060) and its impacts on cryospheric and hydrological processes in upper Heihe River Basin, a typical cold mountain region located in the Northeast Tibetan Plateau. The results suggest that air temperature is expected to rise in the future by approximately 0.32 °C/10a, and precipitation is expected to rise slightly by about 3 mm/10a. Under the rising air temperature, the maximum frozen depth of seasonally frozen ground will decrease by about 4.1 cm/10a and the active layer depth of the frozen ground will increase by about 6.2 cm/10a. The runoff is expected to reduce by approximately 6 mm/10a and the evapotranspiration is expected to increase by approximately 9 mm/10a. These changes in hydrological processes are mainly caused by the air temperature rise. The impacts of air temperature change on the hydrological processes are mainly due to the changes of frozen ground. The thickening of active layer of the frozen ground increases the soil storage capacity, leading to the decrease of runoff and increase of evapotranspiration. Results show that, when the active layer depth increase by 1 cm, the runoff will decrease by about 1 2 mm and the evapotranspiration will increase by about 0.7 2 mm. Additionally, the changes from permafrost to seasonal frozen ground increase the groundwater infiltration, which also leads to the decrease of surface runoff.

Separation of variables solution for non-linear radiative cooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, Robert

1987-01-01

A separation of variables solution has been obtained for transient radiative cooling of an absorbing-scattering plane layer. The solution applies after an initial transient period required for adjustment of the temperature and scattering source function distributions. The layer emittance, equal to the instantaneous heat loss divided by the fourth power of the instantaneous mean temperature, becomes constant. This emittance is a function of only the optical thickness of the layer and the scattering albedo; its behavior as a function of these quantities is considerably different than for a layer at constant temperature.

Multi-layer coatings

DOEpatents

Maghsoodi, Sina; Brophy, Brenor L.; Abrams, Ze'ev R.; Gonsalves, Peter R.

2016-06-28

Disclosed herein are coating materials and methods for applying a top-layer coating that is durable, abrasion resistant, highly transparent, hydrophobic, low-friction, moisture-sealing, anti-soiling, and self-cleaning to an existing conventional high temperature anti-reflective coating. The top coat imparts superior durability performance and new properties to the under-laying conventional high temperature anti-reflective coating without reducing the anti-reflectiveness of the coating. Methods and data for optimizing the relative thickness of the under-layer high temperature anti-reflective coating and the top-layer thickness for optimizing optical performance are also disclosed.

Ion implantation damage, annealing and dopant activation in epitaxial gallium nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suvkhanov, Agajan

2001-07-01

Successful n- and p-doping of GaN is an extremely important technological problem. More recently, ion implantation has been used to achieve both n- and p-type GaN. The ion implantation process is accompanied by the presence of radiation defects as the result of the ion-solid interactions. The temperatures (above 1000°C) required for recovery of the implantation induced damage and dopant activation strongly affect the GaN's surface integrity due to the significant nitrogen vapor pressure. Preservation of the surface integrity of GaN during high temperature post-implantation annealing is one of the key issues in the fabrication of GaN-based light-emitting devices. The radiation damage build-up in the implanted GaN layers has been investigated as a function of ion dose and the substrate's temperature. Results of measurements of structural damage by the Rutherford backscattering/Channeling (RBS/C) and the spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) techniques have demonstrated the complex nature of the damage build-up. Analysis of GaN implanted at high temperature has demonstrated the presence of competing processes of layer-by-layer damage build-up and defect annihilation. Using a capping layer and annealing in a sealed quartz capsule filled with dry nitrogen can preserve the integrity of the GaN's surface. In this work the ion-implanted GaN samples were capped with 40 run MOCVD (Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) grown AlN film prior to annealing. The results of this work showed the advantage of high-temperature annealing of implanted GaN in a quartz capsule with nitrogen ambient, as compared with annealing in argon and nitrogen gas flow. Partial to complete decomposition of the AlN cap and underlying GaN has been observed by RBS/C and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) for the samples annealed in flowing argon, as well as for the samples processed in flowing nitrogen. Encapsulation with nitrogen overpressure prevented the decomposition of the AlN capping film and the GaN crystal, and made it possible to achieve optical activation of the implanted Mg + and Si+ ions. PL measurements at 16 K of GaN samples implanted with Mg+ and annealed in a capsule showed three relatively strong peaks at 211, 303, and 395 meV from the band-edge emission. The relative intensity of the "yellow" band emission (i.e. defect band) was several times lower in the case of annealing in a sealed capsule as compared to that of open anneals in flowing argon or nitrogen. A separate set of specially-grown GaN samples was used for low temperature (1.8 K) PL analysis of the activation properties of Mg+-implanted and Mg+/P+-implanted samples. The samples were annealed in Rapid thermal processor (RTP) at 1300°C for 10 s with AlON encapsulation in flowing N2. The Mg+ implants showed good optical activation, producing a dose-correlated acceptor bound exciton peak with 12.2 meV localization energy, and donor-to-acceptor and band-to-acceptor peaks at 3.270 and 3.284 eV, respectively. The spectroscopic Mg acceptor binding energy was found to be 224 meV. A broad peak at 2.35 eV is attributed to implantation-induced defects stable in p-type material.

Effect of dual-dielectric hydrogen-diffusion barrier layers on the performance of low-temperature processed transparent InGaZnO thin-film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tari, Alireza; Wong, William S.

2018-02-01

Dual-dielectric SiOx/SiNx thin-film layers were used as back-channel and gate-dielectric barrier layers for bottom-gate InGaZnO (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). The concentration profiles of hydrogen, indium, gallium, and zinc oxide were analyzed using secondary-ion mass spectroscopy characterization. By implementing an effective H-diffusion barrier, the hydrogen concentration and the creation of H-induced oxygen deficiency (H-Vo complex) defects during the processing of passivated flexible IGZO TFTs were minimized. A bilayer back-channel passivation layer, consisting of electron-beam deposited SiOx on plasma-enhanced chemical vapor-deposition (PECVD) SiNx films, effectively protected the TFT active region from plasma damage and minimized changes in the chemical composition of the semiconductor layer. A dual-dielectric PECVD SiOx/PECVD SiNx gate-dielectric, using SiOx as a barrier layer, also effectively prevented out-diffusion of hydrogen atoms from the PECVD SiNx-gate dielectric to the IGZO channel layer during the device fabrication.

Method of making a layered composite electrode/electrolyte

DOEpatents

Visco, Steven J.; Jacobson, Craig P.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

2005-01-25

An electrode/electrolyte structure is prepared by a plurality of methods. An unsintered (possibly bisque fired) moderately catalytic electronically-conductive or homogeneous mixed ionic electronic conductive electrode material is deposited on a layer composed of a sintered or unsintered ionically-conductive electrolyte material prior to being sintered. A layer of particulate electrode material is deposited on an unsintered ("green") layer of electrolyte material and the electrode and electrolyte layers are sintered simultaneously, sometimes referred to as "co-firing," under conditions suitable to fully densify the electrolyte while the electrode retains porosity. Or, the layer of particulate electrode material is deposited on a previously sintered layer of electrolyte, and then sintered. Subsequently, a catalytic material is added to the electrode structure by infiltration of an electrolcatalyst precursor (e.g., a metal salt such as a transition metal nitrate). This may be followed by low temperature firing to convert the precursor to catalyst. The invention allows for an electrode with high electronic conductivity and sufficient catalytic activity to achieve high power density in an ionic (electrochemical) device such as fuel cells and electrolytic gas separation systems.

Solid oxide fuel cell operable over wide temperature range

DOEpatents

Baozhen, Li; Ruka, Roswell J.; Singhal, Subhash C.

2001-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells having improved low-temperature operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interfacial layer of terbia-stabilized zirconia is located between the air electrode and electrolyte of the solid oxide fuel cell. The interfacial layer provides a barrier which controls interaction between the air electrode and electrolyte. The interfacial layer also reduces polarization loss through the reduction of the air electrode/electrolyte interfacial electrical resistance. In another embodiment, the solid oxide fuel cell comprises a scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte having high electrical conductivity. The scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte may be provided as a very thin layer in order to reduce resistance. The scandia-stabilized electrolyte is preferably used in combination with the terbia-stabilized interfacial layer. The solid oxide fuel cells are operable over wider temperature ranges and wider temperature gradients in comparison with conventional fuel cells.

Biodegradable and Multifunctional Polymer Micro-Tubes for Targeting Photothermal Therapy

PubMed Central

Wang, Xin; Yu, Guoping; Han, Xiyu; Zhang, Hua; Ren, Jing; Wu, Xia; Qu, Yanfeng

2014-01-01

We describe an innovative form of polymer micro-tubes with diverse functions including biodegradation, magnetic manipulation, and photothermal effect that employs and activates photothermal therapy to target cancer cells. The micro-tube comprised soybean protein isolate, poly-l-glutamic acid, magnetite nanoparticles, plus gold nanoparticles. Through electrostatic force, these components, with opposite charges, formed pairs of layers in the pores of the template, various bilayers of soybean protein isolate and poly-l-glutamic acid served as the biodegradable building wall to each micro-tube. The layers of magnetite nanoparticle functionalized micro-tubes enabled the micro-tube manipulate to target the cancer cells by using an external magnetic field. The photo-thermal effect of the layer of gold nanoparticles on the outer surface of the micro-tubes, when under irradiation and when brought about by the near infrared radiation, elevated each sample’s temperature. In addition, and when under the exposure of the near infrared radiation, the elevated temperature of the suspension of the micro-tubes, likewise with a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, and similarly with a power of 2 W and as well maintained for 10 min, elevated the temperature of the suspension beyond 42 °C. Such temperatures induced apoptosis of target cancer cells through the effect of photothermal therapy. The findings assert that structured micro-tubes have a promising application as a photothermal agent. From this assertion, the implications are that this multifunctional agent will significantly improve the methodology for cancer diagnosis and therapy. PMID:24992593

Kinetics of electrochemical boriding of low carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartal, G.; Eryilmaz, O. L.; Krumdick, G.; Erdemir, A.; Timur, S.

2011-05-01

In this study, the growth kinetics of the boride layers forming on low carbon steel substrates was investigated during electrochemical boriding which was performed at a constant current density of 200 mA/cm 2 in a borax based electrolyte at temperatures ranging from 1123 K to 1273 K for periods of 5-120 min. After boriding, the presence of both FeB and Fe 2B phases were confirmed by the X-ray diffraction method. Cross-sectional microscopy revealed a very dense and thick morphology for both boride phases. Micro hardness testing of the borided steel samples showed a significant increase in the hardness of the borided surfaces (i.e., up to (1700 ± 200) HV), while the hardness of un-borided steel samples was approximately (200 ± 20) HV. Systematic studies over a wide range of boriding time and temperature confirmed that the rate of the boride layer formation is strongly dependent on boriding duration and has a parabolic character. The activation energy of boride layer growth for electrochemical boriding was determined as (172.75 ± 8.6) kJ/mol.

Sustained drag reduction in a turbulent flow using a low-temperature Leidenfrost surface

PubMed Central

Saranadhi, Dhananjai; Chen, Dayong; Kleingartner, Justin A.; Srinivasan, Siddarth; Cohen, Robert E.; McKinley, Gareth H.

2016-01-01

Skin friction drag contributes a major portion of the total drag for small and large water vehicles at high Reynolds number (Re). One emerging approach to reducing drag is to use superhydrophobic surfaces to promote slip boundary conditions. However, the air layer or “plastron” trapped on submerged superhydrophobic surfaces often diminishes quickly under hydrostatic pressure and/or turbulent pressure fluctuations. We use active heating on a superhydrophobic surface to establish a stable vapor layer or “Leidenfrost” state at a relatively low superheat temperature. The continuous film of water vapor lubricates the interface, and the resulting slip boundary condition leads to skin friction drag reduction on the inner rotor of a custom Taylor-Couette apparatus. We find that skin friction can be reduced by 80 to 90% relative to an unheated superhydrophobic surface for Re in the range 26,100 ≤ Re ≤ 52,000. We derive a boundary layer and slip theory to describe the hydrodynamics in the system and show that the plastron thickness is h = 44 ± 11 μm, in agreement with expectations for a Leidenfrost surface. PMID:27757417

Response of mixed-phase boundary layer clouds with rapid and slow ice nucleation processes to cloud-top temperature trend

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fridlind, A. M.; Avramov, A.; Ackerman, A. S.; Alpert, P. A.; Knopf, D. A.; DeMott, P. J.; Brooks, S. D.; Glen, A.

2015-12-01

It has been argued on the basis of some laboratory data sets, observed mixed-phase cloud systems, and numerical modeling studies that weakly active or slowly consumed ice forming nuclei (IFN) may be important to natural cloud systems. It has also been argued on the basis of field measurements that ice nucleation under mixed-phase conditions appears to occur predominantly via a liquid-phase mechanism, requiring the presence of liquid droplets prior to substantial ice nucleation. Here we analyze the response of quasi-Lagrangian large-eddy simulations of mixed-phase cloud layers to IFN operating via a liquid-phase mode using assumptions that result in either slow or rapid depletion of IFN from the cloudy boundary layer. Using several generalized case studies that do not exhibit riming or drizzle, based loosely on field campaign data, we vary environmental conditions such that the cloud-top temperature trend varies. One objective of this work is to identify differing patterns in ice formation intensity that may be distinguishable from ground-based or satellite platforms.

Morphological evolution in dewetting polystyrene/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane thin film bilayers.

PubMed

Paul, Rituparna; Karabiyik, Ufuk; Swift, Michael C; Hottle, John R; Esker, Alan R

2008-05-06

Morphological evolution in dewetting thin film bilayers of polystyrene (PS) and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), trisilanolphenyl-POSS (TPP), was studied as a function of annealing temperature and annealing time. The results demonstrate unique dewetting morphologies in PS/TPP bilayers at elevated temperatures that are significantly different from those typically observed in dewetting polymer/polymer bilayers. During temperature ramp studies by optical microscopy (OM) in the reflection mode, PS/TPP bilayers form cracks with a weak optical contrast at approximately 130 degrees C. The crack formation is attributed to tensile stresses within the upper TPP layer. The weak optical contrast of the cracks observed in the bilayers for annealing temperatures below approximately 160 degrees C is consistent with the cracking and dewetting of only the upper TPP layer from the underlying PS layer. The optical contrast of the morphological features is significantly enhanced at annealing temperatures of >160 degrees C. This observation suggests dewetting of both the upper TPP and the lower PS layers that results in the exposure of the silicon substrate. Upon annealing the PS/TPP bilayers at 200 degrees C in a temperature jump experiment, the upper TPP layer undergoes instantaneous cracking as observed by OM. These cracks in the upper TPP layer serve as nucleation sites for rapid dewetting and aggregation of the TPP layer, as revealed by OM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that dewetting of the lower PS layer ensued for annealing times >5 min and progressed up to 90 min. For annealing times >90 min, OM, AFM, and XPS results revealed complete dewetting of both the layers with the formation of TPP encapsulated PS droplets.

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

Chen, B.; Lu, S. X.; Li, C. H.

In an atrium measured 120 m by 180 m by 36.5 m high, fire tests were conducted under 'natural filling' and 'mechanical exhaust' conditions by hot smoke test method. The fire size was 8 MW released by an ethanol pool of 3.6 m in diameter. The distribution of vertical temperature profiles above the fire source and the gas layer temperatures were measured. From these measurements, it was shown that the fans successfully exhausted hot smoke to control descending of hot smoke layer and temperature rising rate. The hot smoke layer can be maintained at about 30 m which was almostmore » 2 times of hot layer height in 'natural filling' condition. The temperature risings in both conditions were too low to cause thermal damage to the structure, only 18.6 K and 12 K. The centerline temperature above the fire source and the height of hot smoke layer were calculated using the plume models. The calculated results agreed well with the conclusions obtained from the experiment results.« less

Investigation of nitrogen transport in active screen plasma nitriding processes - Uphill diffusion effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasinski, J. J.; Fraczek, T.; Kurpaska, L.; Lubas, M.; Sitarz, M.

2018-07-01

The paper presents a structure of a nitrided layer formed with active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) technique, which is a modification of plasma nitriding. The model investigated material was Fe Armco. The nitriding processes were carried out at 773 K for 6 h and 150 Pa. The main objective of this study was to confirm nitrogen migration effect and its influence on the nitride layer formation in different area of the layer interfaces (ε/ε+γ‧/γ‧). The results of the tests were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM, SEM/EBSD), transmission electron microscopy - electron energy loss spectroscopy (TEM-EFTEM), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (WDS). The analysis of the results suggests that the structures of the nitrided layers and nitrides morphology differ for various parameters and are dependent on the surface layer saturation mechanism for each of the temperatures and process parameters. New approaches in diffusion of nitrogen and carbon atoms and optimizing process were also analyzed. Nitrogen and also carbon transport in the sublayer was observed by several effects i.e. uphill diffusion effect which confirmed migration of the atoms in diffusive layer towards top surface (ε/ε+γ‧ interface) and stress change effect in the nitrogen saturation area of the (Fe(C,N)+γ‧) layer. Results showed in the paper might be used both for optimization of ASPN processes, modeling of nitrided layers formation mechanism and for controlling the nitrided layers morphology when nitriding different Fe based materials.

Geothermic analysis of high temperature hydrothermal activities area in Western plateau of Sichuan province, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.

2016-12-01

There is a high temperature hydrothermal activity area in the western plateau of Sichuan. More than 200 hot springs points have been found in the region, including 11 hot spring water temperature above local boiling point. Most of these distribute along Jinshajjiang fracture, Dege-Xiangcheng fracture, Ganzi-Litang fracture as well as Xianshuihe fracture, and form three high-temperature hydrothermal activity strips in the NW-SE direction. Using gravity, magnetic, seismic and helium isotope data, this paper analyzed the crust-mantle heat flow structure, crustal heat source distribution and water heating system. The results show that the geothermal activity mainly controlled by the "hot" crust. The ratio of crustal heat flow and surface heat flow is higher than 60%. In the high temperature hydrothermal activities area, there is lower S wave velocity zone with Vs<3.2 km/s in 15 30 km depth in middle and lower crust. Basing on the S wave velocity inversion temperature of crust-mantle, it has been found that there is a high temperature layer with 850 1000 ° in 20 40 km depth. It is the main heat source of high temperature hydrothermal activity area of western Sichuan. Our argument is that atmospheric precipitation, surface water infiltrated along the fault fracture into the crustal deep, heating by crustal hot source, and circulation to surface become high temperature hot water. Geothermal water mainly reserve in the Triassic strata of the containing water good carbonate rocks, and in the intrusive granite which is along the fault zone. The thermal energy of Surface heat thermal activities mainly comes from the high-temperature hot source which is located in the middle and lower crust. Being in the deep crustal fracture, the groundwater infiltrated to the deep crust and absorbed heat, then, quickly got back to the surface and formed high hot springs.

Extrinsic germanium Blocked Impurity Bank (BIB) detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krabach, Timothy N.; Huffman, James E.; Watson, Dan M.

1989-01-01

Ge:Ga blocked-impurity-band (BIB) detectors with long wavelength thresholds greater than 190 microns and peak quantum efficiencies of 4 percent, at an operating temperature of 1.8 K, have been fabricated. These proof of concept devices consist of a high purity germanium blocking layer epitaxially grown on a Ga-doped Ge substrate. This demonstration of BIB behavior in germanium enables the development of far infrared detector arrays similar to the current silicon-based devices. Present efforts are focussed on improving the chemical vapor deposition process used to create the blocking layer and on the lithographic processing required to produce monolithic detector arrays in germanium. Approaches to test the impurity levels in both the blocking and active layers are considered.

High temperature oxidation of alumina forming cast austenitic stainless steels within an environment of pure steam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prenzlow, Elmer A.

Steam cracking of hydrocarbons in the petrochemical industry is a multibillion dollar industry. The processes performed in these plants create byproducts that negatively affect the integrity of stainless steel piping through high temperature corrosion. Alloys used presently in industry rely on the formation of chromium oxide (chromia) as a protective layer between the bulk metal pipe and chemical byproducts. However, chromia can become susceptible to attack from aggressive species such as carbon, water vapor, and sulfur compounds, thus creating a need for a better protection method. A new series of austenitic stainless steels have been developed in recent years that, rather than forming chromia, create a protective layer of aluminum oxide (alumina) under oxidative conditions. These alloys have high nickel content for the stabilization of the austenitic phase, and a more thermodynamically stable oxide layer relative to the traditional chromia formers. Consequently, alumina forming alloys have been proposed as replacements for chromia forming alloys in the petrochemical industry. General oxidation testing has been performed on alumina forming alloys under dry and 10% water vapor conditions. However, oxidation conditions in industry resemble a 100% steam environment. Therefore, test methods to mimic such conditions are needed so that alloys can be tested and developed further for these applications. Four alloys with aluminum contents ranging from 2.6 to 3.9 wt% were cut from centrifugally cast pipes and subjected to oxidation in an environment of pure steam for up to 30 hours, at temperatures of 800 °C and 950 °C. Samples were analyzed using Raman, SEM, and EDS and showed a continuous alumina layer free of cracks. The alumina layer thickness increased with time. Additionally, larger thicknesses were observed in samples oxidized at 950 °C from those of 800 °C. Thickness measurements were used to calculate parabolic and non-parabolic oxidation rate constants. Samples were compared using calculated parabolic and modified parabolic rates of oxidation. Plots for the prediction of oxide layer thickness were generated both for the Wagner model of parabolic oxidation, and an experimentally determined modification to said model. Oxide scale thickness as formed in pure steam was shown to be related to the aluminum content of the alloy and the temperature and time of exposure. Further testing of alumina forming stainless steels in other concentrations of steam would allow for the determination of steam's effect on alumina formation kinetics. In addition, tests at additional temperatures between 800 and 950 °C would allow for the calculation of activation energies and full understanding of the oxide layer. Finally, the analysis of alumina layer thickness effects on coking performance in a petrochemical application would allow for the potential transition of these alloys into the commercial market.

Large Eddy Simulations of a Bottom Boundary Layer Under a Shallow Geostrophic Front

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bateman, S. P.; Simeonov, J.; Calantoni, J.

2017-12-01

The unstratified surf zone and the stratified shelf waters are often separated by dynamic fronts that can strongly impact the character of the Ekman bottom boundary layer. Here, we use large eddy simulations to study the turbulent bottom boundary layer associated with a geostrophic current on a stratified shelf of uniform depth. The simulations are initialized with a spatially uniform vertical shear that is in geostrophic balance with a pressure gradient due to a linear horizontal temperature variation. Superposed on the temperature front is a stable vertical temperature gradient. As turbulence develops near the bottom, the turbulence-induced mixing gradually erodes the initial uniform temperature stratification and a well-mixed layer grows in height until the turbulence becomes fully developed. The simulations provide the spatial distribution of the turbulent dissipation and the Reynolds stresses in the fully developed boundary layer. We vary the initial linear stratification and investigate its effect on the height of the bottom boundary layer and the turbulence statistics. The results are compared to previous models and simulations of stratified bottom Ekman layers.