Detailed Visualization of Phase Evolution during Rapid Formation of Cu(InGa)Se2 Photovoltaic Absorber from Mo/CuGa/In/Se Precursors.

PubMed

Koo, Jaseok; Kim, Sammi; Cheon, Taehoon; Kim, Soo-Hyun; Kim, Woo Kyoung

2018-03-02

Amongst several processes which have been developed for the production of reliable chalcopyrite Cu(InGa)Se 2 photovoltaic absorbers, the 2-step metallization-selenization process is widely accepted as being suitable for industrial-scale application. Here we visualize the detailed thermal behavior and reaction pathways of constituent elements during commercially attractive rapid thermal processing of glass/Mo/CuGa/In/Se precursors on the basis of the results of systematic characterization of samples obtained from a series of quenching experiments with set-temperatures between 25 and 550 °C. It was confirmed that the Se layer crystallized and then melted between 250 and 350 °C, completely disappearing at 500 °C. The formation of CuInSe 2 and Cu(InGa)Se 2 was initiated at around 450 °C and 550 °C, respectively. It is suggested that pre-heat treatment to control crystallization of Se layer should be designed at 250-350 °C and Cu(InGa)Se 2 formation from CuGa/In/Se precursors can be completed within a timeframe of 6 min.

Free Energy Defect Model for the Cu-In-Ga-Se Tetrahedral Lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanbery, B. J.

2003-03-01

The most efficient thin-film photovoltaic converters of solar insolation to electrical power have recently achieved conversion efficiencies exceeding 19%, and are based on light absorbing layers containing the binary alloy (CuInSe_2)_1-X(CuGaSe_2)X of the α phases of these ternary chalcopyrite compounds. A statistical quantum mechanical model of the thermodynamic equilibrium defect structure of the tetrahedral lattice of copper, indium, and selenium with composition in the domain between that of the stoichiometric CuIn_1-XGa_XSe2 alloy and the β phase Cu(In_1-XGa_X)_3Se5 composition is presented. Compositions more copper-deficient than the latter have been reported experimentally to result in a breakdown of the tetrahedral coordination characteristic of the chalcopyrite lattice. These computations are based on a cluster expansion algorithm that minimizes the total free energy of the system using the Gibbs-Duhem equation to compute quasichemical reaction equilibria between the neutral clusters, and explicitly incorporates Fermi-Dirac statistics to determine their ionization equilibria and consequent carrier concentrations in the conduction and valence bands. The results are consistent with recent experimental evidence that the stoichiometric CuIn_1-XGa_XSe2 composition segregates in equilibrium into a two-phase mixture of a copper-deficient quaternary Cu_1-γIn_1-XGa_XSe2 composition and the binary Cu_2-δSe compound. The model predicts that the hole majority carrier (p-type) can only be achieved in the equilibrium single-phase chalcopyrite lattice with compositions that correspond to Cu_1-γIn_1-XGa_XSe_2+ɛ with γ and ɛ >0. This predicted requirement for selenium enrichment compared to the stoichiometric CuIn_1-XGa_XSe2 alloy composition for the dominance of holes over electrons as the majority carrier type is consistent with experimental evidence, and is explained in terms of a transition of the dominant lattice defect from the selenium vacancy in the stoichiometric case to the copper vacancy defect in the selenium-enriched lattice. This result is of particular importance since all CuIn_1-XGa_XSe2 thin-film solar cells utilize p-type absorber films.

Influence of carrier concentration on the performance of CIAS solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Kinjal; Ray, Jaymin

2018-05-01

Photovoltaic research has moved beyond the use of single crystalline materials such as Group IV elemental Si and Group III-V compounds like GaAs to much more complex compounds of the Group I-III-VI2 with chalcopyrite structure. The ternary ABC2 chalcopyrites (A=Cu; B=In, Ga or Al; C= S, Se or Te) form a large group of semiconducting materials with diverse structural and electrical properties. These materials are attractive for thin film photovoltaic application for a number of reasons. The bandgap of CuInSe2 is relatively low, 1.04 eV, but it can be adjusted to better match the solar spectrum either by substituting part of In by Ga or part of Se by S. Most reported and popular Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) is one of its derivative. Efficiency of the CIGS devices with Eg >1.3 eV is reduced by the degradation of the electronic properties of the absorber leading to losses in the fill-factor and the open-circuit voltage. Alternatively, the performance can be improved by the addition of Al to form CuInAlSe2 (CIAS) absorber layers with an increase in the bandgap energy, which matches closely with the solar spectrum. In the present work an effort was made in the direction of improving the conversion efficiency by studying the influence of carrier concentration. SCAPS simulation program is used to simulate the CIAS structure numerically. The obtained results intended the significant variation in the values of conversion efficiency. Variation in the efficiency can be considered because of the relation optical absorption and carrier concentration. Observed highest efficiency is 10 %, which can be further improved by considering actual parameters of the device as well as the operating condition.

Potassium-induced surface modification of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films for high-efficiency solar cells.

PubMed

Chirilă, Adrian; Reinhard, Patrick; Pianezzi, Fabian; Bloesch, Patrick; Uhl, Alexander R; Fella, Carolin; Kranz, Lukas; Keller, Debora; Gretener, Christina; Hagendorfer, Harald; Jaeger, Dominik; Erni, Rolf; Nishiwaki, Shiro; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2013-12-01

Thin-film photovoltaic devices based on chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layers show excellent light-to-power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. This high performance level requires a small amount of alkaline metals incorporated into the CIGS layer, naturally provided by soda lime glass substrates used for processing of champion devices. The use of flexible substrates requires distinct incorporation of the alkaline metals, and so far mainly Na was believed to be the most favourable element, whereas other alkaline metals have resulted in significantly inferior device performance. Here we present a new sequential post-deposition treatment of the CIGS layer with sodium and potassium fluoride that enables fabrication of flexible photovoltaic devices with a remarkable conversion efficiency due to modified interface properties and mitigation of optical losses in the CdS buffer layer. The described treatment leads to a significant depletion of Cu and Ga concentrations in the CIGS near-surface region and enables a significant thickness reduction of the CdS buffer layer without the commonly observed losses in photovoltaic parameters. Ion exchange processes, well known in other research areas, are proposed as underlying mechanisms responsible for the changes in chemical composition of the deposited CIGS layer and interface properties of the heterojunction.

Selenization of CIS and CIGS layers deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis

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

Babu, B. J.; Egaas, B.; Velumani, S.

Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS) thin films with x=0 (CIS) and x=0.3 (CIGS) were prepared on Mo-coated glass substrate by using chemical spray pyrolysis at a substrate temperature of 350 degrees C, followed by selenization treatment at 550 degrees C in selenium environment under N2 gas flow. X-ray diffraction patterns of as-deposited CIGS layers on Mo showed polycrystalline chalcopyrite phase with an intense (112) plane. Splitting of (204)/(220) and (116)/(312) planes for the film with x=0.3 reveals deviation of tetragonal nature. Field emission scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images of selenized films showed clear re-crystallization of grains. During the selenization process of the CIGSmore » absorber, a thin interface layer of MoSe2 is formed. Line mapping of Mo/CIGS layer showed more gallium segregation at the interface of back contact resulting in band gap grading. Chemical composition and mapping of the as-deposited and selenized samples were determined by energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. This work leads to fabrication of low cost and large scale Mo/CIGS/CdS/ZnO/ZnO:Al device structure.« less

Investigation of defect properties in Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cells by deep-level transient spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerr, L. L.; Li, Sheng S.; Johnston, S. W.; Anderson, T. J.; Crisalle, O. D.; Kim, W. K.; Abushama, J.; Noufi, R. N.

2004-09-01

The performance of the chalcopyrite material Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) used as an absorber layer in thin-film photovoltaic devices is significantly affected by the presence of native defects. The deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) technique is used in this work to characterize the defect properties, yielding relevant information about the defect types, their capture cross-sections, and energy levels and densities in the CIGS cells. Three solar cells developed using different absorber growth technologies were analyzed using DLTS, capacitance-voltage ( C- V), and capacitance-temperature ( C- T) techniques. It was found that CIS cells grown at the University of Florida exhibits a middle-gap defect level that may relate to the cell's low fill factor and open-circuit voltage values observed. A high efficiency ( ηc>18%) CIGS cell produced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was found to contain three minority-carrier (electron) traps and a 13% CIGS cell produced by the Energy Photovoltaics Inc. (EPV) exhibited one majority (hole) trap. The approach followed using the DLTS technique serves as a paradigm for revealing the presence of significant defect levels in absorber materials, and may be used to support the identification of remedial processing operations.

Synthesis and characterization of Zn(O,OH)S and AgInS2 layers to be used in thin film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallejo, W.; Arredondo, C. A.; Gordillo, G.

2010-11-01

In this paper AgInS2 and Zn(O,OH)S thin films were synthesized and characterized. AgInS2 layers were grown by co-evaporation from metal precursors in a two-step process, and, Zn(O,OH)S thin films were deposited from chemical bath containing thiourea, zinc acetate, sodium citrate and ammonia. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated that AgInS2 thin films grown with chalcopyrite structure, and the as-grown Zn(O,OH)S thin films were polycrystalline. It was also found that the AgInS2 films presented p-type conductivity, a high absorption coefficient (greater than 104 cm-1) and energy band-gap Eg of about 1.95 eV, Zn(O,OH),S thin films presented Eg of about 3.89 eV. Morphological analysis showed that under this synthesis conditions Zn(O,OH),S thin films coated uniformly the absorber layer. Additionally, the Zn(O,OH)S kinetic growth on AgInS2 layer was studied also. Finally, the results suggest that these layers possibly could be used in one-junction solar cells and/or as top cell in a tandem solar cell.

Ionic liquids for metal extraction from chalcopyrite: solid, liquid and gas phase studies.

PubMed

Kuzmina, O; Symianakis, E; Godfrey, D; Albrecht, T; Welton, T

2017-08-16

We studied leaching of Cu and Fe from naturally occurring chalcopyrite ore using aqueous solutions of ionic liquids (ILs) based on imidazolium and ethylammonium cations and hydrogensulfate, nitrate, acetate or dicyanamide anions. Liquid, solid and gas phases of the leaching systems were characterised. We have shown that nonoxidative leaching is greatly dependant not only on temperature and pH, but on the anion species of the IL. Solutions of 1-butylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate exhibited the best leaching performance among hydrogen sulphate ILs. We have suggested that the formation of an oxide layer in some ILs may be responsible for a reduced leaching ability. The analysis of the gas phase showed the production of CO 2 and CS 2 in all leached samples. Our results suggested that the CS 2 produced upon leaching could be responsible for decreasing the sulfur, but not oxide, layer on the surface of chalcopyrite samples and therefore more efficient leaching. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to provide a systematic comparison of the leaching performance of ILs composed of different anions and cations and without added oxidants.

Heterocoagulation of chalcopyrite and pyrite minerals in flotation separation.

PubMed

Mitchell, Timothy K; Nguyen, Anh V; Evans, Geoffrey M

2005-06-30

Heterocoagulation between various fine mineral particles contained within a mineral suspension with different structural and surface chemistry can interfere with the ability of the flotation processes to selectively separate the minerals involved. This paper examines the interactions between chalcopyrite (a copper mineral) and pyrite (an iron mineral often bearing gold) as they approach each other in suspensions with added chemicals, and relates the results to the experimental data for the flotation recovery and selectivity. The heterocoagulation was experimentally studied using the electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) technique and was modelled by incorporating colloidal forces, including the van der Waals, electrostatic double layer and hydrophobic forces. The ELS results indicated that pyrite has a positive zeta potential (zeta) up to its isoelectric point (IEP) at approximately pH 2.2, while chalcopyrite has a positive zeta up to its IEP at approximately pH 5.5. This produces heterocoagulation of chalcopyrite with pyrite between pH 2.2 and pH 5.5. The heterocoagulation was confirmed by the ELS spectra measured with a ZetaPlus instrument from Brookhaven and by small-scale flotation experiments.

Surface modifications of chalcopyrite CuInS2 thin films for photochatodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting under sunlight irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunawan; Haris, A.; Widiyandari, H.; Septina, W.; Ikeda, S.

2017-02-01

Copper chalcopyrite semiconductors include a wide range of compounds that are of interest for photoelectrochemical water splitting which enables them to be used as photochatodes for H2 generation. Among them, CuInS2 is one of the most important materials due to its optimum band gap energy for sunlight absorption. In the present study, we investigated the application of CuInS2 fabricated by electrodeposition as photochatodes for water splitting. Thin film of CuInS2 chalcopyrite was formed on Mo-coated glass substrate by stacked electrodeposition of copper and indium followed by sulfurization under H2S flow. The films worked as a H2 liberation electrode under cathodic polarization from a solution containing Na2SO4 after loading Pt deposits on the film. Introduction of an n-type CdS layer by chemical bath deposition on the CuInS2 surface before the Pt loading resulted appreciable improvements of H2 liberation efficiency and a higher photocurrent onset potential. Moreover, the use of In2S3 layer as an alternative n-type layer to the CdS significantly improved the H2 liberation performance: the CuInS2 film modified with In2S3 and Pt deposits worked as an efficient photocathode for photoelectrochemical water splitting.

High-Resolution AES Mapping and TEM Study of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Film Growth: Preprint

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

Perkins, C. L.; Yan, Y.; Jones, K.

2001-10-01

Presented at 2001 NCPV Program Review Meeting: TEM and high-resolution AES mapping data on CIGS samples. The chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} (CIGS) shows promise as an absorber layer in thin polycrystalline solar cells, however, details of the PVD growth of this complicated material remain in a developing stage. Previous workers have postulated the existence of a thin film of liquid Cu{sub x}Se on the growing CIGS film, and that this layer acts as a reservoir of copper as well as a layer in which rapid mass transport is possible. In this paper we present transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolutionmore » Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) mapping data taken on samples that had their growth interrupted at a stage when Cu{sub x}Se was expected to be present. The AES maps show CIGS grains which are highly enriched in copper relative to the rest of the CIGS film, and that these same areas contain almost no indium, results consistent with the presence of CuxSe. Small-area diffraction analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) performed on these same samples independently confirm the presence of Cu{sub x}Se at the surface of growing CIGS films.« less

A review of the structure, and fundamental mechanisms and kinetics of the leaching of chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Li, Y; Kawashima, N; Li, J; Chandra, A P; Gerson, A R

2013-09-01

Most investigators regard CuFeS2 as having the formal oxidation states of Cu(+)Fe(3+)(S(2-))2. However, the spectroscopic characterisation of chalcopyrite is clearly influenced by the considerable degree of covalency between S and both Fe and Cu. The poor cleavage of CuFeS2 results in conchoidal surfaces. Reconstruction of the fractured surfaces to form, from what was previously bulk S(2-), a mixture of surface S(2-), S2(2) and S(n)(2-) (or metal deficient sulfide) takes place. Oxidation of chalcopyrite in air (i.e. 0.2 atm of O2 equilibrated with atmospheric water vapour) results in a Fe(III)-O-OH surface layer on top of a Cu rich sulfide layer overlying the bulk chalcopyrite with the formation of Cu(II) and Fe(III) sulfate, and Cu(I)-O on prolonged oxidation. Cu2O and Cu2S-like species have also been proposed to form on exposure of chalcopyrite to air. S2(2-), S(n)(2-) and S(0) form on the chalcopyrite surface upon aqueous leaching. The latter two of these species along with a jarosite-like species are frequently proposed to result in surface leaching passivation. However, some investigators have reported the formation of S(0) sufficiently porous to allow ion transportation to and from the chalcopyrite surface. Moreover, under some conditions both S(n)(2-) and S(0) were observed to increase in surface concentration for the duration of the leach with no resulting passivation. The effect of a number of oxidants, e.g. O2, H2O2, Cu(2+), Cr(6+) and Fe(3+), has been examined. However, this is often accompanied by poor control of leach parameters, principally pH and E(h). Nevertheless, there is general agreement in the literature that chalcopyrite leaching is significantly affected by solution redox potential with an optimum E(h) range suggesting the participation of leach steps that involve both oxidation and reduction. Three kinetic models have generally been suggested by researchers to be applicable: diffusion, chemical reaction and a mixed model containing diffusion and chemical components which occur at different stages of leaching. Passivation effects, due to surface diffusion rate control, may be affected by leach conditions such as pH or E(h). However, only initial conditions are generally described and these parameters are not controlled in most studies. However, at fixed pH, E(h) and temperature, it appears most likely that leaching in sulfuric acid media in the presence of added Fe(3+) is surface reaction rate controlled with some initial period, depending on leach conditions, where the leach rate is surface layer diffusion controlled. Although bioleaching of some copper ores has been adopted by industry, bioleaching has yet to be applied to predominantly chalcopyrite ores due to the slow resulting leach rates. Mixed microbial strains usually yield higher leach rates, as compared to single strains, as different bacterial strains are able to adapt to the changing leach conditions throughout the leach process. As for chemical leaching, passivation is also observed on bioleaching with jarosite being likely to be the main contributor. In summary, whilst much has been observed at the macro-scale regarding the chalcopyrite leach process it is clear that interpretation of these phenomena is hampered by lack of understanding at the molecular or atomic scale. Three primary questions that require elucidation, before the overall mechanism can be understood are: 1. How does the surface of chalcopyrite interact with solution or air borne oxidants? 2. How does the nature of these oxidants affect the surface products formed? 3. What determines whether the surface formed will be passivating or not? These can only realistically be tackled by the application of near atomic-scale analytical approaches, which may include quantum chemical modelling, PEEM/SPEM, TEM, AFM etc. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioleaching of two different types of chalcopyrite by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Ying-bo; Lin, Hai; Fu, Kai-bin; Xu, Xiao-fang; Zhou, Shan-shan

2013-02-01

Two different types of chalcopyrite (pyritic chalcopyrite and porphyry chalcopyrite) were bioleached with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATF6. The bioleaching of the pyritic chalcopyrite and porphyry chalcopyrite is quite different. The copper extraction reaches 46.96% for the pyritic chalcopyrite after 48-d leaching, but it is only 14.50% for the porphyry chalcopyrite. Proper amounts of initial ferrous ions can improve the efficiency of copper extraction for the two different types of chalcopyrite. The optimum dosage of ferrous ions for the pyritic chalcopyrite and porphyry chalcopyrite is different. The adsorption of ATF6 on the pyritic chalcopyrite and porphyry chalcopyrite was also studied in this paper. It is found that ATF6 is selectively adsorbed by the two different types of chalcopyrite; the higher adsorption onto the pyritic chalcopyrite than the porphyry chalcopyrite leads to the higher copper dissolution rate of the pyritic chalcopyrite. In addition, the zeta-potential of chalcopyrite before and after bioleaching further confirms that ATF6 is more easily adsorbed onto the pyritic chalcopyrite.

Electrochemical and spectroscopic study of interfacial interactions between chalcopyrite and typical flotation process reagents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbano, Gustavo; Lázaro, Isabel; Rodríguez, Israel; Reyes, Juan Luis; Larios, Roxana; Cruz, Roel

2016-02-01

Comparative voltammetry and differential double-layer capacitance studies were performed to evaluate interfacial interactions between chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and n-isopropyl xanthate (X) in the presence of ammonium bisulfite/39wt% SO2 and caustic starch at different pH values. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and microflotation tests were used to establish the type and extent of xanthate adsorption as well as the species involved under different mineral surface conditions in this study. The results demonstrate that the species that favor a greater hydrophobicity of chalcopyrite are primarily CuX and S0, whereas oxides and hydroxides of Cu and Fe as well as an excess of starch decrease the hydrophobicity. A conditioning of the mineral surface with ammonium bisulfite/39wt% SO2 at pH 6 promotes the activation of surface and enhances the xanthate adsorption. However, this effect is diminished at pH ≥ 8, when an excess of starch is added during the preconditioning step.

Apparatus for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells employing materials selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite compounds

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, Reid A.; Chen, Wen S.

1983-01-01

Apparatus for forming thin-film, large area solar cells having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n-type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin "composition-graded" layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns (.congruent.2.5 .mu.m to .congruent.5.0 .mu.m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, causes the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer to evolve into p-type material, thereby defining a thin layer heterojunction device characterized by the absence of voids, vacancies and nodules which tend to reduce the energy conversion efficiency of the system.

Cu-In Halide Perovskite Solar Absorbers.

PubMed

Zhao, Xin-Gang; Yang, Dongwen; Sun, Yuanhui; Li, Tianshu; Zhang, Lijun; Yu, Liping; Zunger, Alex

2017-05-17

The long-term chemical instability and the presence of toxic Pb in otherwise stellar solar absorber APbX 3 made of organic molecules on the A site and halogens for X have hindered their large-scale commercialization. Previously explored ways to achieve Pb-free halide perovskites involved replacing Pb 2+ with other similar M 2+ cations in ns 2 electron configuration, e.g., Sn 2+ or by Bi 3+ (plus Ag + ), but unfortunately this showed either poor stability (M = Sn) or weakly absorbing oversized indirect gaps (M = Bi), prompting concerns that perhaps stability and good optoelectronic properties might be contraindicated. Herein, we exploit the electronic structure underpinning of classic Cu[In,Ga]Se 2 (CIGS) chalcopyrite solar absorbers to design Pb-free halide perovskites by transmuting 2Pb to the pair [B IB + C III ] such as [Cu + Ga] or [Ag + In] and combinations thereof. The resulting group of double perovskites with formula A 2 BCX 6 (A = K, Rb, Cs; B = Cu, Ag; C = Ga, In; X = Cl, Br, I) benefits from the ionic, yet narrow-gap character of halide perovskites, and at the same time borrows the advantage of the strong Cu(d)/Se(p) → Ga/In(s/p) valence-to-conduction-band absorption spectra known from CIGS. This constitutes a new group of CuIn-based Halide Perovskite (CIHP). Our first-principles calculations guided by such design principles indicate that the CIHPs class has members with clear thermodynamic stability, showing direct band gaps, and manifesting a wide-range of tunable gap values (from zero to about 2.5 eV) and combination of light electron and heavy-light hole effective masses. Materials screening of candidate CIHPs then identifies the best-of-class Rb 2 [CuIn]Cl 6 , Rb 2 [AgIn]Br 6 , and Cs 2 [AgIn]Br 6 , having direct band gaps of 1.36, 1.46, and 1.50 eV, and theoretical spectroscopic limited maximal efficiency comparable to chalcopyrites and CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 . Our finding offers a new routine for designing new-type Pb-free halide perovskite solar absorbers.

Investigation of AgInS2 thin films grown by coevaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arredondo, C. A.; Clavijo, J.; Gordillo, G.

2009-05-01

AgInS2 thin films were grown on soda-lime glass substrates by co-evaporation of the precursors in a two-step process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that these compounds grow in different phases and with different crystalline structure depending upon the deposition conditions. However, through a parameter study, conditions were found to grow thin films containing only the AgInS2 phase with chalcopyrite type structure. In samples containing a mixture of several phases, the contribution in percentage terms of each phase to the whole compound was estimated with the help of the PowderCell simulation package. It was also found that the AgInS2 films present p-type conductivity, a high absorption coefficient (greater than 104 cm-1) and an energy band gap Eg of about 1.95 eV, indicating that this compound has good properties to perform as absorbent layer in thin film tandem solar cells. The effect of the deposition conditions on the optical and morphological properties was also investigated through spectral transmitance and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements.

KF post-deposition treatment of industrial Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se) 2 thin-film surfaces: Modifying the chemical and electronic structure

DOE PAGES

Mezher, Michelle; Mansfield, Lorelle M.; Horsley, Kimberly; ...

2017-08-14

The chemical and electronic structures of industrial chalcopyrite photovoltaic absorbers after KF post-deposition treatment (KF-PDT) are investigated using electron spectroscopies to probe the occupied and unoccupied electronic states. In contrast to a variety of recent publications on the impact of KF-PDT, this study focuses on industrial Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 absorbers that also contain sulfur at the surface. We find that the KF-PDT removes surface adsorbates and oxides and also observe a change in the S/Se ratio. Furthermore, the KF-PDT leads to a Cu reduction at the surface but to a much lower degree than the strongly Cu-depleted or even Cu-free surfacesmore » reported for (non-industrial) sulfur-free Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 absorbers. Furthermore, the valence band maximum at the surface is found at a lower energy compared to the untreated absorber, and the conduction band minimum is found at a higher energy, overall revealing a widening of the bandgap in the surface region.« less

KF post-deposition treatment of industrial Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se) 2 thin-film surfaces: Modifying the chemical and electronic structure

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

Mezher, Michelle; Mansfield, Lorelle M.; Horsley, Kimberly

The chemical and electronic structures of industrial chalcopyrite photovoltaic absorbers after KF post-deposition treatment (KF-PDT) are investigated using electron spectroscopies to probe the occupied and unoccupied electronic states. In contrast to a variety of recent publications on the impact of KF-PDT, this study focuses on industrial Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 absorbers that also contain sulfur at the surface. We find that the KF-PDT removes surface adsorbates and oxides and also observe a change in the S/Se ratio. Furthermore, the KF-PDT leads to a Cu reduction at the surface but to a much lower degree than the strongly Cu-depleted or even Cu-free surfacesmore » reported for (non-industrial) sulfur-free Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 absorbers. Furthermore, the valence band maximum at the surface is found at a lower energy compared to the untreated absorber, and the conduction band minimum is found at a higher energy, overall revealing a widening of the bandgap in the surface region.« less

Copper isotope fractionation in acid mine drainage

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kimball, B.E.; Mathur, R.; Dohnalkova, A.C.; Wall, A.J.; Runkel, R.L.; Brantley, S.L.

2009-01-01

We measured the Cu isotopic composition of primary minerals and stream water affected by acid mine drainage in a mineralized watershed (Colorado, USA). The ??65Cu values (based on 65Cu/63Cu) of enargite (??65Cu = -0.01 ?? 0.10???; 2??) and chalcopyrite (??65Cu = 0.16 ?? 0.10???) are within the range of reported values for terrestrial primary Cu sulfides (-1??? < ??65Cu < 1???). These mineral samples show lower ??65Cu values than stream waters (1.38??? ??? ??65Cu ??? 1.69???). The average isotopic fractionation (??aq-min = ??65Cuaq - ??65Cumin, where the latter is measured on mineral samples from the field system), equals 1.43 ?? 0.14??? and 1.60 ?? 0.14??? for chalcopyrite and enargite, respectively. To interpret this field survey, we leached chalcopyrite and enargite in batch experiments and found that, as in the field, the leachate is enriched in 65Cu relative to chalcopyrite (1.37 ?? 0.14???) and enargite (0.98 ?? 0.14???) when microorganisms are absent. Leaching of minerals in the presence of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans results in smaller average fractionation in the opposite direction for chalcopyrite (??aq-mino = - 0.57 ?? 0.14 ???, where mino refers to the starting mineral) and no apparent fractionation for enargite (??aq-mino = 0.14 ?? 0.14 ???). Abiotic fractionation is attributed to preferential oxidation of 65Cu+ at the interface of the isotopically homogeneous mineral and the surface oxidized layer, followed by solubilization. When microorganisms are present, the abiotic fractionation is most likely not seen due to preferential association of 65Cuaq with A. ferrooxidans cells and related precipitates. In the biotic experiments, Cu was observed under TEM to occur in precipitates around bacteria and in intracellular polyphosphate granules. Thus, the values of ??65Cu in the field and laboratory systems are presumably determined by the balance of Cu released abiotically and Cu that interacts with cells and related precipitates. Such isotopic signatures resulting from Cu sulfide dissolution should be useful for acid mine drainage remediation and ore prospecting purposes. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd.

Rechargeable solid state neutron detector and visible radiation indicator

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley C.; Wiggins, Brenden; Burger, Arnold

2017-05-23

A radiation detection device, including: a support structure; and a chalcopyrite crystal coupled to the support structure; wherein, when the chalcopyrite crystal is exposed to radiation, a visible spectrum of the chalcopyrite crystal changes from an initial color to a modified color. The visible spectrum of the chalcopyrite crystal is changed back from the modified color to the initial color by annealing the chalcopyrite crystal at an elevated temperature below a melting point of the chalcopyrite crystal over time. The chalcopyrite crystal is optionally a .sup.6LiInSe.sub.2 crystal. The radiation is comprised of neutrons that decrease the .sup.6Li concentration of the chalcopyrite crystal via a .sup.6Li(n,.alpha.) reaction. The initial color is yellow and the modified color is one of orange and red. The annealing temperature is between about 450 degrees C. and about 650 degrees C. and the annealing time is between about 12 hrs and about 36 hrs.

Insights into the relation between adhesion force and chalcopyrite-bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

PubMed

Zhu, Jianyu; Wang, Qianfen; Zhou, Shuang; Li, Qian; Gan, Min; Jiang, Hao; Qin, Wenqing; Liu, Xueduan; Hu, Yuehua; Qiu, Guanzhou

2015-02-01

This paper presents a study on the relation between bacterial adhesion force and bioleaching rate of chalcopyrite, which sheds light on the influence of interfacial interaction on bioleaching behavior. In our research, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) were adapted to grow with FeSO4 · 7H2O, element sulfur or chalcopyrite. Then, surface properties of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and chalcopyrite were analyzed by contact angle, zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Adhesion force between bacteria and chalcopyrite was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Attachment and bioleaching behaviors were also monitored. The results showed that A. ferrooxidans adapted with chalcopyrite exhibited the strongest adhesion force to chalcopyrite and the highest bioleaching rate. Culture adapted with sulfur bacteria took second place and FeSO4 · 7H2O-adapted bacteria were the lowest. Bioleaching rate and bacterial attachment capacity were positively related to bacterial adhesion force, which is affected by the nature of energy source. According to this work, the attachment of bacteria to chalcopyrite surface is one of the most important aspects that influence the bioleaching process of chalcopyrite. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Liftoff process for exfoliation of thin film photovoltaic devices and back contact formation

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

Haight, Richard A.; Hannon, James B.; Oida, Satoshi

A method for forming a back contact on an absorber layer in a photovoltaic device includes forming a two dimensional material on a first substrate. An absorber layer including Cu--Zn--Sn--S(Se) (CZTSSe) is grown over the first substrate on the two dimensional material. A buffer layer is grown on the absorber layer on a side opposite the two dimensional material. The absorber layer is exfoliated from the two dimensional material to remove the first substrate from a backside of the absorber layer opposite the buffer layer. A back contact is deposited on the absorber layer.

Composite neutron absorbing coatings for nuclear criticality control

DOEpatents

Wright, Richard N.; Swank, W. David; Mizia, Ronald E.

2005-07-19

Thermal neutron absorbing composite coating materials and methods of applying such coating materials to spent nuclear fuel storage systems are provided. A composite neutron absorbing coating applied to a substrate surface includes a neutron absorbing layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate surface, and a corrosion resistant top coat layer overlying at least a portion of the neutron absorbing layer. An optional bond coat layer can be formed on the substrate surface prior to forming the neutron absorbing layer. The neutron absorbing layer can include a neutron absorbing material, such as gadolinium oxide or gadolinium phosphate, dispersed in a metal alloy matrix. The coating layers may be formed by a plasma spray process or a high velocity oxygen fuel process.

Synthesis of nanoparticle emulsion collector HNP and its application in microfine chalcopyrite flotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, G. C.; Ding, J.; Huang, C. H.; Kang, Q.

2018-01-01

Hydrophobic polystyrene nanoparticles bearing thiazole groups named HNP were used as collectors to improve recovery of microfine chalcopyrite in flotation. HNP adsorbs onto microfine particles selectively, which were modified hydrophobically to induce flotation effectively. Particle size and scanning electron microscope analysis for HNP show that HNP is a spherical nano particles with small size, uniform distribution and good dispersion. Infrared spectrum analysis for HNP proved that functional monomer 2-mercapto styrene acrylic thiazole was bonded chemically onto styrene. Flotation test results indicate that HNP is the right collector of chalcopyrite. Especially, the recovery of chalcopyrite is higher than 95% in neutral and acid media. FTIR results reveal that the flotation selectivity of collector HNP is due to strong chemical absorption onto chalcopyrite surface. Zeta potential analysis shows that the zeta potential of chalcopyrite decreased more quickly after interaction with HNP with the increase of pulp pH value, confirming that collector HNP is an anionic collector. Scanning electron microscope conform that HNP has good selective adsorption on chalcopyrite.

Synergistic bioleaching of chalcopyrite and bornite in the presence of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

PubMed

Zhao, Hongbo; Wang, Jun; Hu, Minghao; Qin, Wenqing; Zhang, Yansheng; Qiu, Guanzhou

2013-12-01

Bioleaching of chalcopyrite and bornite in the presence of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was carried out to investigate the influences between each other during bioleaching. Bioleaching results indicated that bornite accelerated the dissolution of chalcopyrite, and chalcopyrite also accelerated the dissolution of bornite, it could be described as a synergistic effect during bioleaching, this synergistic effect might be attributed to the galvanic effect between chalcopyrite and bornite, and to the relatively low solution potential as the addition of bornite. Significantly amount of elemental sulfur and jarosite formed on the minerals surface might be the main passivation film inhibiting the further dissolution, and the amount of elemental sulfur significantly increased with the addition of bornite. Results of electrochemical measurements indicated that the oxidation and reduction mechanisms of chalcopyrite and bornite were similar, the addition of bornite or chalcopyrite did not change the oxidative and reductive mechanisms, but increased the oxidation rate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Current scenario of chalcopyrite bioleaching: a review on the recent advances to its heap-leach technology.

PubMed

Panda, Sandeep; Akcil, Ata; Pradhan, Nilotpala; Deveci, Haci

2015-11-01

Chalcopyrite is the primary copper mineral used for production of copper metal. Today, as a result of rapid industrialization, there has been enormous demand to profitably process the low grade chalcopyrite and "dirty" concentrates through bioleaching. In the current scenario, heap bioleaching is the most advanced and preferred eco-friendly technology for processing of low grade, uneconomic/difficult-to-enrich ores for copper extraction. This paper reviews the current status of chalcopyrite bioleaching. Advanced information with the attempts made for understanding the diversity of bioleaching microorganisms; role of OMICs based research for future applications to industrial sectors and chemical/microbial aspects of chalcopyrite bioleaching is discussed. Additionally, the current progress made to overcome the problems of passivation as seen in chalcopyrite bioleaching systems have been conversed. Furthermore, advances in the designing of heap bioleaching plant along with microbial and environmental factors of importance have been reviewed with conclusions into the future prospects of chalcopyrite bioleaching. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hybrid particles and associated methods

DOEpatents

Fox, Robert V; Rodriguez, Rene; Pak, Joshua J; Sun, Chivin

2015-02-10

Hybrid particles that comprise a coating surrounding a chalcopyrite material, the coating comprising a metal, a semiconductive material, or a polymer; a core comprising a chalcopyrite material and a shell comprising a functionalized chalcopyrite material, the shell enveloping the core; or a reaction product of a chalcopyrite material and at least one of a reagent, heat, and radiation. Methods of forming the hybrid particles are also disclosed.

Protecting the surface of a light absorber in a photoanode

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

Hu, Shu; Lewis, Nathan S.

A photoanode includes a passivation layer on a light absorber. The passivation layer is more resistant to corrosion than the light absorber. The photoanode includes a surface modifying layer that is location on the passivation layer such that the passivation layer is between the light absorber and the surface modifying layer. The surface modifying layer reduces a resistance of the passivation layer to conduction of holes out of the passivation layer.

Absorbent product to absorb fluids. [for collection of human wastes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawn, F. S.; Correale, J. V. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

A multi-layer absorbent product for use in contact with the skin to absorb fluids is discussed. The product utilizes a water pervious facing layer for contacting the skin, overlayed by a first fibrous wicking layer, the wicking layer preferably being of the one-way variety in which fluid or liquid is moved away from the facing layer. The product further includes a first container section defined by inner and outer layer of a water pervious wicking material between which is disposed a first absorbent mass. A second container section defined by inner and outer layers between which is disposed a second absorbent mass and a liquid impermeable/gas permeable layer. Spacesuit applications are discussed.

Bioleaching of two different genetic types of chalcopyrite and their comparative mineralogical assessment.

PubMed

Deng, Sha; Gu, Guohua; Ji, Jing; Xu, Baoke

2018-02-01

The bioleaching of two different genetic types of chalcopyrite by the moderate thermophile Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans was investigated by leaching behaviors elucidation and their comparative mineralogical assessment. The leaching experiment showed that the skarn-type chalcopyrite (STC) revealed a much faster leaching rate with 33.34% copper extracted finally, while only 23.53% copper was bioleached for the porphyry-type chalcopyrite (PTC). The mineralogical properties were analyzed by XRD, SEM, XPS, and Fermi energy calculation. XRD indicated that the unit cell volume of STC was a little larger than that of PTC. SEM indicated that the surface of STC had more steps and ridges. XPS spectra showed that Cu(I) was the dominant species of copper on the surfaces of the two chalcopyrite samples, and STC had much more copper with lower Cu 2p 3/2 binding energy. Additionally, the Fermi energy of STC was much higher than that of PTC. These mineralogical differences were in good agreement with the bioleaching behaviors of chalcopyrite. This study will provide some new information for evaluating the oxidation kinetics of chalcopyrite.

High Operating Temperature Barrier Infrared Detector with Tailorable Cutoff Wavelength

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Hill, Cory J. (Inventor); Seibel, Alexander (Inventor); Bandara, Sumith Y. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A barrier infrared detector with absorber materials having selectable cutoff wavelengths and its method of manufacture is described. A GaInAsSb absorber layer may be grown on a GaSb substrate layer formed by mixing GaSb and InAsSb by an absorber mixing ratio. A GaAlAsSb barrier layer may then be grown on the barrier layer formed by mixing GaSb and AlSbAs by a barrier mixing ratio. The absorber mixing ratio may be selected to adjust a band gap of the absorber layer and thereby determine a cutoff wavelength for the barrier infrared detector. The absorber mixing ratio may vary along an absorber layer growth direction. Various contact layer architectures may be used. In addition, a top contact layer may be isolated into an array of elements electrically isolated as individual functional detectors that may be used in a detector array, imaging array, or focal plane array.

Absorbent product and articles made therefrom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawn, F. S.; Correale, J. V. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

A multilayer absorbent product for use in contact with the skin to absorb fluids is described. The product has a water pervious facing layer for contacting the skin, and a first fibrous wicking layer overlaying the water pervious layer. A first container section is defined by inner and outer layers of a water pervious wicking material in between a first absorbent mass and a second container section defined by inner and outer layers of a water pervious wicking material between what is disposed a second absorbent mass, and a liquid impermeable/gas permeable layer overlaying the second fibrous wicking layer.

Non-linear hydroxyl radical formation rate in dispersions containing mixtures of pyrite and chalcopyrite particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Jasmeet; Schoonen, Martin A.

2017-06-01

The formation of hydroxyl radicals was studied in mixed pyrite-chalcopyrite dispersions in water using the conversion rate of adenine as a proxy for hydroxyl radical formation rate. Experiments were conducted as a function of pH, presence of phosphate buffer, surface loading, and pyrite-to-chalcopyrite ratio. The results indicate that hydroxyl radical formation rate in mixed systems is non-linear with respect to the rates in the pure endmember dispersions. The only exception is a set of experiments in which phosphate buffer is used. In the presence of phosphate buffer, the hydroxyl radical formation is suppressed in mixtures and the rate is close to that predicted based on the reaction kinetics of the pure endmembers. The non-linear hydroxyl radical formation in dispersions containing mixtures of pyrite and chalcopyrite is likely the result of two complementary processes. One is the fact that pyrite and chalcopyrite form a galvanic couple. In this arrangement, chalcopyrite oxidation is accelerated, while pyrite passes electrons withdrawn from chalcopyrite to molecular oxygen, the oxidant. The incomplete reduction of molecular oxygen leads to the formation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. The galvanic coupling appears to be augmented by the fact that chalcopyrite generates a significant amount of hydrogen peroxide upon dispersal in water. This hydrogen peroxide is then available for conversion to hydroxyl radical, which appears to be facilitated by pyrite as chalcopyrite itself produces only minor amounts of hydroxyl radical. In essence, pyrite is a ;co-factor; that facilitates the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radical. This conversion reaction is a surface-mediated reaction. Given that hydroxyl radical is one of the most reactive species in nature, the formation of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous systems containing chalcopyrite and pyrite has implications for the stability of organic molecules, biomolecules, the viability of microbes, and exposure to dust containing the two metal sulfides may present a health burden.

Hybrid window layer for photovoltaic cells

DOEpatents

Deng, Xunming

2010-02-23

A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.

Hybrid window layer for photovoltaic cells

DOEpatents

Deng, Xunming [Syvania, OH; Liao, Xianbo [Toledo, OH; Du, Wenhui [Toledo, OH

2011-10-04

A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.

Hybrid window layer for photovoltaic cells

DOEpatents

Deng, Xunming [Sylvania, OH; Liao, Xianbo [Toledo, OH; Du, Wenhui [Toledo, OH

2011-02-01

A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.

Leaching of chalcopyrite with sodium hypochlorite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garlapalli, Ravinder Kumar

Chalcopyrite is the most important copper mineral source and also a refractory mineral for leaching. Several processing routes have been proposed to overcome the environmental problems related to copper extraction from chalcopyrite. In this study, the leaching of chalcopyrite has been investigated with a new reagent sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Experiments were carried out in two stages: conversion of chalcopyrite to cupric oxide with NaOCl solution in the first stage, followed by dissolution of the cupric oxide to cupric ion with 1 normal sulfuric acid at room temperature in the second stage. In the first stage leaching, the initial pH varied from 12.5 to 13.7; the temperature, from 35 to 75°C; NaOCl concentration, from 0.2 to 0.85 molar; and the chalcopyrite dosage, from 1 to 10 grams/500 ml. The leaching conversion showed a maximum (68.3%) around pH 13.2 at 0.5 molar of hypochlorite concentration and 65°C in 1 hour. The reagent consumption ratio, defined as the number of moles of hypochlorite consumed to leach one mole of chalcopyrite is found to be much higher than its stoichiometric ratio of 8.5. It reached 57.6 when the solid dosage was 1 gram/500 ml and decreased to 12.9 when the solid dosage was increased to 10 grams/500 ml. It was found that the leaching rate of chalcopyrite in the first stage was controlled by chemical reaction with the activation energy of 50.2 kJ/mol (12.0 kcal/mol). A leaching scheme was identified in which 98% chalcopyrite was leached by adding hypochlorite stock solution stepwise in less than three hours.

Thin film solar cells by selenization sulfurization using diethyl selenium as a selenium precursor

DOEpatents

Dhere, Neelkanth G.; Kadam, Ankur A.

2009-12-15

A method of forming a CIGSS absorber layer includes the steps of providing a metal precursor, and selenizing the metal precursor using diethyl selenium to form a selenized metal precursor layer (CIGSS absorber layer). A high efficiency solar cell includes a CIGSS absorber layer formed by a process including selenizing a metal precursor using diethyl selenium to form the CIGSS absorber layer.

Bioleaching of chalcopyrite and bornite by moderately thermophilic bacteria: an emphasis on their interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Hong-bo; Wang, Jun; Gan, Xiao-wen; Qin, Wen-qing; Hu, Ming-hao; Qiu, Guan-zhou

2015-08-01

Interactions between chalcopyrite and bornite during bioleaching by moderately thermophilic bacteria were investigated mainly by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical measurements performed in conjunction with bioleaching experiments. The results showed that a synergistic effect existed between chalcopyrite and bornite during bioleaching by both Acidithiobacillus caldus and Leptospirillum ferriphilum and that extremely high copper extraction could be achieved when chalcopyrite and bornite coexisted in a bioleaching system. Bornite dissolved preferentially because of its lower corrosion potential, and its dissolution was accelerated by the galvanic current during the initial stage of bioleaching. The galvanic current and optimum redox potential of 390-480 mV vs. Ag/AgCl promoted the reduction of chalcopyrite to chalcocite (Cu2S), thus accelerating its dissolution.

Two-color infrared detector

DOEpatents

Klem, John F; Kim, Jin K

2014-05-13

A two-color detector includes a first absorber layer. The first absorber layer exhibits a first valence band energy characterized by a first valence band energy function. A barrier layer adjoins the first absorber layer at a first interface. The barrier layer exhibits a second valence band energy characterized by a second valence band energy function. The barrier layer also adjoins a second absorber layer at a second interface. The second absorber layer exhibits a third valence band energy characterized by a third valence band energy function. The first and second valence band energy functions are substantially functionally or physically continuous at the first interface and the second and third valence band energy functions are substantially functionally or physically continuous at the second interface.

Fluorinated tin oxide back contact for AZTSSe photovoltaic devices

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

Gershon, Talia S.; Gunawan, Oki; Haight, Richard A.

A photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a back contact comprising a stable low-work function material, a photovoltaic absorber material layer comprising Ag.sub.2ZnSn(S,Se).sub.4 (AZTSSe) on a side of the back contact opposite the substrate, wherein the back contact forms an Ohmic contact with the photovoltaic absorber material layer, a buffer layer or Schottky contact layer on a side of the absorber layer opposite the back contact, and a top electrode on a side of the buffer layer opposite the absorber layer.

Chalcopyrite and Orientation-Patterned Semiconductors for Mid-IR Sources: Modeling, Growth, and Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

shallow 120-meV acceptor and residual donor impurities. To produce low -absorption material for use in nonlinear optical devices, it is necessary to reduce...our knowledge, -20x higher than in previously reported works. This is accomplished by simply inserting a layer of low - index material (AlxOy) in the...and thin - film ferromagnetic semiconductors with Curie points above room temperature, and characterization of their magnetic and transport properties

Recovery of Copper from Cyanidation Tailing by Flotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Tingsheng; Huang, Xiong; Yang, Xiuli

2016-02-01

In this work, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, sodium metabisulfite and copper sulfate as activators were investigated to lessen the depression effect of cyanide for deep-depressing chalcopyrite. The experimental results indicate that the copper recovery exceeded 94%, 84% and 97% at the dosage: sodium hypochlorite 3 mL/L, hydrogen peroxide 2 mL/L, sodium metabisulfite 2 × 10-3 mol/L and copper sulfate 1.67 × 10-4 mol/L, respectively. According to the results of zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectrum, it is suggested that chalcopyrite was depressed because of the chemical adsorption of cyanide on the chalcopyrite surfaces. Sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and sodium metabisulfite can destroy Cu-C bond on the deep-depressing chalcopyrite surface by chemical reaction. Copper sulfate can activate deep-depressing chalcopyrite by copper ion adsorption.

Comparative study on the selective chalcopyrite bioleaching of a molybdenite concentrate with mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria.

PubMed

Romano, P; Blázquez, M L; Alguacil, F J; Muñoz, J A; Ballester, A; González, F

2001-03-01

This study evaluates different bioleaching treatments of a molybdenite concentrate using mesophilic and thermophilic bacterial cultures. Further studies on the chemical leaching and the electrochemical behavior of the MoS(2) concentrate were carried out. Bioleaching tests showed a progressive removal of chalcopyrite from the molybdenite concentrate with an increase in temperature. Chemical leaching tests support the idea of an indirect attack of the concentrate. Electrochemical tests indicate that chalcopyrite dissolution is favored when molybdenite is present. Therefore, this type of bioleaching treatment could be applied to purify molybdenite flotation concentrates by selectively dissolving chalcopyrite.

Influence of the surface speciation on biofilm attachment to chalcopyrite by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.

PubMed

Lara, René H; García-Meza, J Viridiana; González, Ignacio; Cruz, Roel

2013-03-01

Surfaces of massive chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) electrodes were modified by applying variable oxidation potential pulses under growth media in order to induce the formation of different secondary phases (e.g., copper-rich polysulfides, S n(2-); elemental sulfur, S(0); and covellite, CuS). The evolution of reactivity (oxidation capacity) of the resulting chalcopyrite surfaces considers a transition from passive or inactive (containing CuS and S n(2-)) to active (containing increasing amounts of S(0)) phases. Modified surfaces were incubated with cells of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans) for 24 h in a specific culture medium (pH 2). Abiotic control experiments were also performed to compare chemical and biological oxidation. After incubation, the density of cells attached to chalcopyrite surfaces, the structure of the formed biofilm, and their exopolysaccharides and nucleic acids were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy coupled to dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS). Additionally, CuS and S n(2-)/S(0) speciation, as well as secondary phase evolution, was carried out on biooxidized and abiotic chalcopyrite surfaces using Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS. Our results indicate that oxidized chalcopyrite surfaces initially containing inactive S n(2-) and S n(2-)/CuS phases were less colonized by A. thiooxidans as compared with surfaces containing active phases (mainly S(0)). Furthermore, it was observed that cells were partially covered by CuS and S(0) phases during biooxidation, especially at highly oxidized chalcopyrite surfaces, suggesting the innocuous effect of CuS phases during A. thiooxidans performance. These results may contribute to understanding the effect of the concomitant formation of refractory secondary phases (as CuS and inactive S n(2-)) during the biooxidation of chalcopyrite by sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms in bioleaching systems.

Optimization of sound absorbing performance for gradient multi-layer-assembled sintered fibrous absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bo; Zhang, Weiyong; Zhu, Jian

2012-04-01

The transfer matrix method, based on plane wave theory, of multi-layer equivalent fluid is employed to evaluate the sound absorbing properties of two-layer-assembled and three-layer-assembled sintered fibrous sheets (generally regarded as a kind of compound absorber or structures). Two objective functions which are more suitable for the optimization of sound absorption properties of multi-layer absorbers within the wider frequency ranges are developed and the optimized results of using two objective functions are also compared with each other. It is found that using the two objective functions, especially the second one, may be more helpful to exert the sound absorbing properties of absorbers at lower frequencies to the best of their abilities. Then the calculation and optimization of sound absorption properties of multi-layer-assembled structures are performed by developing a simulated annealing genetic arithmetic program and using above-mentioned objective functions. Finally, based on the optimization in this work the thoughts of the gradient design over the acoustic parameters- the porosity, the tortuosity, the viscous and thermal characteristic lengths and the thickness of each samples- of porous metals are put forth and thereby some useful design criteria upon the acoustic parameters of each layer of porous fibrous metals are given while applying the multi-layer-assembled compound absorbers in noise control engineering.

Photoluminescence-based quality control for thin film absorber layers of photovoltaic devices

DOEpatents

Repins, Ingrid L.; Kuciauskas, Darius

2015-07-07

A time-resolved photoluminescence-based system providing quality control during manufacture of thin film absorber layers for photovoltaic devices. The system includes a laser generating excitation beams and an optical fiber with an end used both for directing each excitation beam onto a thin film absorber layer and for collecting photoluminescence from the absorber layer. The system includes a processor determining a quality control parameter such as minority carrier lifetime of the thin film absorber layer based on the collected photoluminescence. In some implementations, the laser is a low power, pulsed diode laser having photon energy at least great enough to excite electron hole pairs in the thin film absorber layer. The scattered light may be filterable from the collected photoluminescence, and the system may include a dichroic beam splitter and a filter that transmit the photoluminescence and remove scattered laser light prior to delivery to a photodetector and a digital oscilloscope.

Aluminium or copper substrate panel for selective absorption of solar energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, M. L.; Sharpe, M. H.; Krupnick, A. C. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A method for making panels which selectively absorb solar energy is disclosed. The panels are comprised of an aluminum substrate, a layer of zinc thereon, a layer of nickel over the zinc layer and an outer layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide or a copper substrate with a layer of nickel thereon and a layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide distal from the copper substrate.

Photodetector with absorbing region having resonant periodic absorption between reflectors

DOEpatents

Bryan, R.P.; Olbright, G.R.; Brennan, T.M.; Tsao, J.Y.

1995-02-14

A photodetector is disclosed that is responsive to a wavelength or wavelengths of interest which have heretofore been unrealized. The photodetector includes a resonant cavity structure bounded by first and second reflectors, the resonant cavity structure being resonant at the wavelength or wavelengths of interest for containing a plurality of standing waves therein. The photodetector further includes a radiation absorbing region disposed within the resonant cavity structure, the radiation absorbing region including a plurality of radiation absorbing layers spaced apart from one another by a distance substantially equal to a distance between antinodes of adjacent ones of the standing waves. Each of radiation absorbing layers is spatially positioned at a location of one of the antinodes of one of the standing waves such that radiation absorption is enhanced. The radiation absorbing layers may be either bulk layers or quantum wells includes a plurality of layers, each of which is comprised of a strained layer of InGaAs. Individual ones of the InGaAs layers are spaced apart from one another by a GaAs barrier layer. 11 figs.

Photodetector with absorbing region having resonant periodic absorption between reflectors

DOEpatents

Bryan, Robert P.; Olbright, Gregory R.; Brennan, Thomas M.; Tsao, Jeffrey Y.

1995-02-14

A photodetector that is responsive to a wavelength or wavelengths of interest which have heretofore been unrealized. The photodetector includes a resonant cavity structure bounded by first and second reflectors, the resonant cavity structure being resonant at the wavelength or wavelengths of interest for containing a plurality of standing waves therein. The photodetector further includes a radiation absorbing region disposed within the resonant cavity structure, the radiation absorbing region including a plurality of radiation absorbing layers spaced apart from one another by a distance substantially equal to a distance between antinodes of adjacent ones of the standing waves. Each of radiation absorbing layers is spatially positioned at a location of one of the antinodes of one of the standing waves such that radiation absorption is enhanced. The radiation absorbing layers may be either bulk layers or quantum wells includes a plurality of layers, each of which is comprised of a strained layer of InGaAs. Individual ones of the InGaAs layers are spaced apart from one another by a GaAs barrier layer.

Detection of Matrix Elements and Trace Impurities in Cu(In, Ga)Se2 Photovoltaic Absorbers Using Surface Analytical Techniques.

PubMed

Kim, Min Jung; Lee, Jihye; Kim, Seon Hee; Kim, Haidong; Lee, Kang-Bong; Lee, Yeonhee

2015-10-01

Chalcopyrite Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films are well known as the next-generation solar cell materials notable for their high absorption coefficient for solar radiation, suitable band gap, and ability for deposition on flexible substrate materials, allowing the production of highly flexible and lightweight solar panels. To improve solar cell performances, a quantitative and depth-resolved elemental analysis of photovoltaic thin films is much needed. In this study, Cu(In, Ga)Se2 thin films were prepared on molybdenum back contacts deposited on soda-lime glass substrates via three-stage evaporation. Surface analyses via AES and SIMS were used to characterize the CIGS thin films and compare their depth profiles. We determined the average concentration of the matrix elements, Cu, In, Ga, and Se, using ICP-AES, XRF, and EPMA. We also obtained depth profiling results using TOF-SIMS, magnetic sector SIMS and AES, and APT, a sub-nanometer resolution characterization technique that enables three-dimensional elemental mapping. The SIMS technique, with its high detection limit and ability to obtain the profiles of elements in parallel, is a powerful tool for monitoring trace elements in CIGS thin films. To identify impurities in a CIGS layer, the distribution of trace elements was also observed according to depth by SIMS and APT.

Chalcopyrite disease in sphalerite: pathology and epidemiology.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barton, P.B.; Bethke, P.M.

1987-01-01

This descriptive paper identifies three widely occurring textures designated as 'watermelon', 'dusting' and 'bimodal' that characterize the replacement of original Fe-bearing sphalerite by an aggregate of chalcopyrite and low-Fe sphalerite as an integral part of the mineralization process. Replacement probably predominates over alternative modes of origin for small chalcopyrite blebs in sphalerite from most vein and sea-floor massive sulphide deposits that formed in the 200-400oC temperature range and that have not been subsequently subjected to higher T. Sphalerite from the epithermal Ag-Pb-Zn deposit at Creede, Colorado, displays a rich variety of features ("bead chains') that are primary crystal dislocations decorated by exsolved chalcopyrite.-J.A.Z.

Catalytic effect of light illumination on bioleaching of chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Zhou, Shuang; Gan, Min; Zhu, Jianyu; Li, Qian; Jie, Shiqi; Yang, Baojun; Liu, Xueduan

2015-04-01

The influence of visible light exposure on chalcopyrite bioleaching was investigated using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The results indicated, in both shake-flasks and aerated reactors with 8500-lux light, the dissolved Cu was 91.80% and 23.71% higher, respectively, than that in the controls without light. The catalytic effect was found to increase bioleaching to a certain limit, then plateaued as the initial chalcopyrite concentration increased from 2% to 4.5%. Thus a balanced mineral concentration is highly amenable to bioleaching via offering increased available active sites for light adsorption while eschewing mineral aggregation and screening effects. Using semiconducting chalcopyrite, the light facilitated the reduction of Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) as metabolic substrates for A.ferrooxidans, leading to better biomass, lower pH and redox potential, which are conducive to chalcopyrite leaching. The light exposure on iron redox cycling was further confirmed by chemical leaching tests using Fe(3+), which exhibited higher Fe(2+) levels in the light-induced system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method for making an aluminum or copper substrate panel for selective absorption of solar energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, M. L.; Sharpe, M. H.; Krupnick, A. C. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

A panel is described for selectively absorbing solar energy comprising an aluminum substrate. A zinc layer was covered by a layer of nickel and an outer layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide or a copper substrate with a nickel layer. A layer of solar energy absorbing nickel oxide distal from the copper substrate was included. A method for making these panels is disclosed.

Investigation of energy gene expressions and community structures of free and attached acidophilic bacteria in chalcopyrite bioleaching.

PubMed

Zhu, Jianyu; Jiao, Weifeng; Li, Qian; Liu, Xueduan; Qin, Wenqing; Qiu, Guanzhou; Hu, Yuehua; Chai, Liyuan

2012-12-01

In order to better understand the bioleaching mechanism, expression of genes involved in energy conservation and community structure of free and attached acidophilic bacteria in chalcopyrite bioleaching were investigated. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we studied the expression of genes involved in energy conservation in free and attached Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans during bioleaching of chalcopyrite. Sulfur oxidation genes of attached A. ferrooxidans were up-regulated while ferrous iron oxidation genes were down-regulated compared with free A. ferrooxidans in the solution. The up-regulation may be induced by elemental sulfur on the mineral surface. This conclusion was supported by the results of HPLC analysis. Sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and ferrous-oxidizing Leptospirillum ferrooxidans were the members of the mixed culture in chalcopyrite bioleaching. Study of the community structure of free and attached bacteria showed that A. thiooxidans dominated the attached bacteria while L. ferrooxidans dominated the free bacteria. With respect to available energy sources during bioleaching of chalcopyrite, sulfur-oxidizers tend to be on the mineral surfaces whereas ferrous iron-oxidizers tend to be suspended in the aqueous phase. Taken together, these results indicate that the main role of attached acidophilic bacteria was to oxidize elemental sulfur and dissolution of chalcopyrite involved chiefly an indirect bioleaching mechanism.

Geological structure and ore mineralization of the South Sopchinsky and Gabbro-10 massifs and the Moroshkovoe Lake target, Monchegorsk area, Kola Peninsula, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pripachkin, Pavel V.; Rundkvist, Tatyana V.; Miroshnikova, Yana A.; Chernyavsky, Alexey V.; Borisenko, Elena S.

2016-12-01

The South Sopchinsky massif (SSM), Gabbro-10 (G-10) massif, and Moroshkovoe Lake (ML) target Monchegorsk area, Kola Peninsula, are located at the junction of the Monchepluton and Monchetundra layered intrusions. The intrusions were studied in detail as they are targets for platinum-group element (PGE) mineralization. The rocks in these targets comprise medium- to coarse-grained mesocratic to leucocratic gabbronorites, medium-grained mesocratic to melanocratic norites and pyroxenites, and various veins mainly comprising norite, plagioclase-amphibole-magnetite rocks, and quartz-magnetite rocks. The veins contain Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization associated with magnetite and chromite. In all targets, the contacts between gabbronorite and norite-pyroxenite are undulating, and the presence of magmatic (intrusive) breccias suggests that these rocks formed through mingling of two distinct magmatic pulses. In places, the gabbronorites clearly crosscut the modal layering of the norites and pyroxenites. Trace element data indicate that the gabbronorites have similar compositions to rocks of the upper part of the Monchetundra intrusion, whereas the norites and pyroxenites resemble rocks from the lower to intermediate stratigraphic levels of the Monchepluton, such as in the Nude-Poaz and Sopcha massifs. Sulfide mineralization in the studied targets principally consists of secondary bornite, millerite, and chalcopyrite. In contrast, the primary sulfide assemblage within the layered sequence of the adjacent Monchepluton is characterized by pentlandite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite. Therefore, the mineralization in the studied targets is interpreted to be of a contact style. We argue that the studied area represents the contact zone between gabbronorites of the Monchetundra intrusion and norites and pyroxenites of the Monchepluton. In addition, the rocks were overprinted by postmagmatic veining and remobilization of contact style sulfide and PGE mineralization.

Six-band terahertz metamaterial absorber based on the combination of multiple-order responses of metallic patches in a dual-layer stacked resonance structure.

PubMed

Wang, Ben-Xin; Wang, Gui-Zhen; Sang, Tian; Wang, Ling-Ling

2017-01-25

This paper reports on a numerical study of the six-band metamaterial absorber composed of two alternating stack of metallic-dielectric layers on top of a continuous metallic plane. Six obvious resonance peaks with high absorption performance (average larger than 99.37%) are realized. The first, third, fifth, and the second, fourth, sixth resonance absorption bands are attributed to the multiple-order responses (i.e., the 1-, 3- and 5-order responses) of the bottom- and top-layer of the structure, respectively, and thus the absorption mechanism of six-band absorber is due to the combination of two sets of the multiple-order resonances of these two layers. Besides, the size changes of the metallic layers have the ability to tune the frequencies of the six-band absorber. Employing the results, we also present a six-band polarization tunable absorber through varying the sizes of the structure in two orthogonal polarization directions. Moreover, nine-band terahertz absorber can be achieved by using a three-layer stacked structure. Simulation results indicate that the absorber possesses nine distinct resonance bands, and average absorptivities of them are larger than 94.03%. The six-band or nine-band absorbers obtained here have potential applications in many optoelectronic and engineering technology areas.

Thin-film solar cell fabricated on a flexible metallic substrate

DOEpatents

Tuttle, John R.; Noufi, Rommel; Hasoon, Falah S.

2006-05-30

A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metallic substrate (12). A semiconductor absorber layer (14) is deposited on the back metal contact. A photoactive film deposited on the semiconductor absorber layer (14) forms a heterojunction structure and a grid contact (24) deposited on the heterjunction structure. The flexible metal substrate (12) can be constructed of either aluminium or stainless steel. Furthermore, a method of constructing a solar cell is provided. The method comprises providing an aluminum substrate (12), depositing a semiconductor absorber layer (14) on the aluminum substrate (12), and insulating the aluminum substrate (12) from the semiconductor absorber layer (14) to inhibit reaction between the aluminum substrate (12) and the semiconductor absorber layer (14).

Thin-Film Solar Cell Fabricated on a Flexible Metallic Substrate

DOEpatents

Tuttle, J. R.; Noufi, R.; Hasoon, F. S.

2006-05-30

A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metallic substrate (12). A semiconductor absorber layer (14) is deposited on the back metal contact. A photoactive film deposited on the semiconductor absorber layer (14) forms a heterojunction structure and a grid contact (24) deposited on the heterjunction structure. The flexible metal substrate (12) can be constructed of either aluminium or stainless steel. Furthermore, a method of constructing a solar cell is provided. The method comprises providing an aluminum substrate (12), depositing a semiconductor absorber layer (14) on the aluminum substrate (12), and insulating the aluminum substrate (12) from the semiconductor absorber layer (14) to inhibit reaction between the aluminum substrate (12) and the semiconductor absorber layer (14).

The design and performance of the nano-carbon based double layers flexible coating for tunable and high-efficiency microwave absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Danfeng; Hao, Zhifeng; Qian, Yannan; Zeng, Bi; Zhu, Haiping; Wu, Qibai; Yan, Chengjie; Chen, Muyu

2018-05-01

Nanocarbon-based materials are outstanding microwave absorbers with good dielectric properties. In this study, double-layer silicone resin flexible absorbing coatings, composed of carbon-coated nickel nanoparticles (Ni@C) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with low loading and a total thickness of 2 mm, were prepared. The reflection loss (RL) of the double-layer absorbing coatings has measured for frequencies between 2 and 18 GHz using the Arch reflecting testing method. The effects of the thickness and electromagnetic parameters of each layer and of the layer sequence on the absorbing properties were investigated. It is found that the measured bandwidth (RL ≤ - 10 dB) of the optimum double-layer structure in our experiment range achieves 3.70 GHz. The results indicated that the double coating structure composed of different materials has greater synergistic absorption effect on impedance matching than that of same materials with different loading. The maximum RL of S1 (5 wt% CNTs)/S3 (60 wt% Ni@C) double-layer absorbing coating composed of different materials (S1 and S3) was larger than the one achieved using either S1 or S3 alone with the same thickness. This was because double-layer coating provided a suitable matching layer and improve the interfacial impedance. It was also shown that absorbing peak value and frequency position can be adjusted by double-layer coating structure.

Damped response of shells by a constrained viscoelastic layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Raheb, M.; Wagner, P.

1986-01-01

Vibration absorbers are introduced into an asymmetric configuration of thin cylinders and tori enclosing an acoustic medium. The absorbers consist of thin axial strips bonded to the cylinder with a thin viscoelastic layer. The constrained layer dissipates the energy of relative motions between strip and cylinder. The absorber is most effective on response modes with two or more circumferential waves. The use of transfer matrices is extended to the coupled cylinder-absorber system.

Short communication: Adverse effect of surface-active reagents on the bioleaching of pyrite and chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans.

PubMed

Huerta, G; Escobar, B; Rubio, J; Badilla-Ohlbaum, R

1995-09-01

Oxidation of Fe(II) iron and bioleaching of pyrite and chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was adversely affected by isopropylxanthate, a flotation agent, and by LIX 984, a solvent-extraction agent, each at ≤ 1 g/l. The reagents/l were adsorbed on the bacterial surface, decreasing the bacteria's development and preventing biooxidation. Both reagents inhibited the bioleaching of pyrite and LIX 984 also inhibited the bioleaching of chalcopyrite.

Adsorption Mechanism of 4-Amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole as Flotation Reagent on Chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Yin, Zhigang; Hu, Yuehua; Sun, Wei; Zhang, Chenyang; He, Jianyong; Xu, Zhijie; Zou, Jingxiang; Guan, Changping; Zhang, Chenhu; Guan, Qingjun; Lin, Shangyong; Khoso, Sultan Ahmed

2018-04-03

A novel compound 4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole was first synthesized, and its selective adsorption mechanism on the surface of chalcopyrite was comprehensively investigated using UV-vis spectra, zeta-potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and first principles calculations. The experimental and computational results consistently demonstrated that AMT would chemisorb onto the chalcopyrite surface by the formation of a five-membered chelate ring. The first principles periodic calculations further indicated that AMT would prefer to adsorb onto Cu rather than Fe due to the more negative adsorption energy of AMT on Cu in the chalcopyrite (001) surface, which was further confirmed by the coordination reaction energies of AMT-Cu and AMT-Fe based on the simplified cluster models at a higher accuracy level (UB3LYP/Def2-TZVP). The bench-scale results indicated that the selective index improved significantly when using AMT as a chalcopyrite depressant in Cu-Mo flotation separation.

Impact of absorption in the top layer of a two layer sample on spectroscopic spectral domain interferometry of the bottom layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleischhauer, F.; Feuchter, T.; Leick, L.; Rajendram, R.; Podoleanu, A.

2018-03-01

Spectroscopic spectral domain interferometry and spectroscopic optical coherence tomography combine depth information with spectrally-resolved localised absorption data. These additional data can improve diagnostics by giving access to functional information of the investigated sample. One possible application is measuring oxygenation levels at the retina for earlier detection of several eye diseases. Here measurements with different hollow glass tube phantoms are shown to measure the impact of a superficial absorbing layer on the precision of reconstructed attenuation spectra of a deeper layer. Measurements show that a superficial absorber has no impact on the reconstructed absorption spectrum of the deeper absorber. Even when diluting the concentration of the deeper absorber so far that an incorrect absorption maximum is obtained, still no influence of the superficially placed absorber is identified.

Single-Band and Dual-Band Infrared Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor); Soibel, Alexander (Inventor); Nguyen, Jean (Inventor); Khoshakhlagh, Arezou (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Bias-switchable dual-band infrared detectors and methods of manufacturing such detectors are provided. The infrared detectors are based on a back-to-back heterojunction diode design, where the detector structure consists of, sequentially, a top contact layer, a unipolar hole barrier layer, an absorber layer, a unipolar electron barrier, a second absorber, a second unipolar hole barrier, and a bottom contact layer. In addition, by substantially reducing the width of one of the absorber layers, a single-band infrared detector can also be formed.

Single-Band and Dual-Band Infrared Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor); Soibel, Alexander (Inventor); Nguyen, Jean (Inventor); Khoshakhlagh, Arezou (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Bias-switchable dual-band infrared detectors and methods of manufacturing such detectors are provided. The infrared detectors are based on a back-to-back heterojunction diode design, where the detector structure consists of, sequentially, a top contact layer, a unipolar hole barrier layer, an absorber layer, a unipolar electron barrier, a second absorber, a second unipolar hole barrier, and a bottom contact layer. In addition, by substantially reducing the width of one of the absorber layers, a single-band infrared detector can also be formed.

Potential application of a homogeneous and anisotropic slab as an angle insensitive absorbing material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fang; Liu, Chang; Liu, Xiaoning; Niu, Tiaoming; Wang, Jing; Mei, Zhonglei; Qin, Jiayong

2017-06-01

In this paper, a flat and incident angle independence absorbing material is proposed and numerically verified in the optical spectrum. A homogeneous and anisotropic dielectric slab as a non-reflecting layer is first reviewed, and a feasible realization strategy of the slab is then given by using layered isotropic materials. When the loss components of the constitutive materials are not zero, the slab will work as an angle insensitive absorbing layer, and the absorption rate augments with increase of the losses. As the numerical verifications, the field distributions of a metallic cylinder and a triangular metallic object individually covered by the designed absorbing layer are demonstrated. The simulation results show that the designed absorbing layer can efficiently absorb the incident waves with the property of incident angle independence at the operation frequency. This homogeneous slab can be used in one and two dimensional situations for the realization of an invisibility cloak, a carpet cloak and even a skin cloak, if it is used to conformally cover target objects.

Design and measure of a tunable double-band metamaterial absorber in the THz spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guiming, Han

2018-04-01

We demonstrate and measure a hybrid double-band tunable metamaterial absorber in the terahertz region. The measured metamaterial absorber contains of a hybrid dielectric layer structure: a SU-8 layer and a VO2 layer. Near perfect double-band absorption performances are achieved by optimizing the SU-8 layer thickness at room temperature 25 °C. Measured results show that the phase transition can be observed when the measured temperature reaches 68 °C. Further measured results indicate that the resonance frequency and absorption amplitude of the proposed metamaterial absorber are tunable through increasing the measured temperature, while structural parameters unchanged. The proposed hybrid metamaterial absorber shows many advantages, such as frequency agility, absorption amplitude tunable, and simple fabrication.

Chalcopyrite dissolution: Scanning photoelectron microscopy examination of the evolution of sulfur species with and without added iron or pyrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yubiao; Qian, Gujie; Brown, Paul L.; Gerson, Andrea R.

2017-09-01

Dissolution and oxidation of sulfide minerals play key roles in both acid and metalliferous rock drainage and supergene enrichment. Surface speciation heterogeneity, critical to understanding mechanisms of mineral sulfide dissolution, has to date largely not been considered. To this end synchrotron scanning photoelectron microscopy (SPEM) was employed to examine freshly fractured and partially dissolved chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) surfaces (pH 1.0 HClO4 solution, redox potential 650 mV relative to a standard hydrogen electrode, 75 °C). S2- (bulk), S22- and Sn2- were found to be present on all samples at varying concentrations. Oxidation was observed to take place heterogeneously at the sub-micron scale. As compared to chalcopyrite partially dissolved for 5 days, extended dissolution to 10 days did not show appreciably enhanced oxidation of surface species; however surface roughness increased markedly due to the growth/overlap of oxidised sulfur species. On addition of 4 mM iron both S0 and SO42- were observed but not SO32-, indicating that the greater Fe3+ activity/concentration promotes heterogeneous sulfur oxidation. On contact of pyrite (FeS2) with chalcopyrite, significantly greater chalcopyrite surface oxidation was observed than for the other systems examined, with S0, SO32- and SO42- being identified heterogeneously across the surface. It is proposed that chalcopyrite oxidative dissolution is enhanced by increasing its cathodic area, e.g. contacting with pyrite, while increased Fe3+ activity/concentration also contributes to increased dissolution rates. The high degree of surface heterogeneity of these surface products indicates that these surfaces are not passivated by their formation. These results suggest that chalcopyrite dissolution will be accelerated when in contact with pyrite at solution redox potential intermediate between the rest potentials of chalcopyrite and pyrite (560 mV and 660 mV, respectively) and/or iron rich acidic waters with resulting enhanced formation of secondary sulfur containing species and release of copper and iron. This in turn suggests accelerated supergene formation and enhanced metalliferous drainage under these conditions.

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

Bourlier, Yoan; Cristini Robbe, Odile; Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, Atomes et Molécules

Highlights: • CuIn{sub (1−x)}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2} thin films were prepared by sol–gel process. • Evolution of lattice parameters is characteristic of a solid solution. • Optical band gap was found to be linearly dependent on the gallium rate. - Abstract: In this paper, we report the elaboration of Cu(In,Ga)S{sub 2} chalcopyrite thin films via a sol–gel process. To reach this aim, solutions containing copper, indium and gallium complexes were prepared. These solutions were thereafter spin-coated onto the soda lime glass substrates and calcined, leading to metallic oxides thin films. Expected chalcopyrite films were finally obtained by sulfurization of oxides layersmore » using a sulfur atmosphere at 500 °C. The rate of gallium incorporation was studied both at the solutions synthesis step and at the thin films sulfurization process. Elemental and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses have shown the efficiency of monoethanolamine used as a complexing agent for the preparation of CuIn{sub (1−x)}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2} thin layers. Moreover, the replacement of diethanolamine by monoethanolamine has permitted the substitution of indium by isovalent gallium from x = 0 to x = 0.4 and prevented the precipitation of copper derivatives. XRD analyses of sulfurized thin films CuIn{sub (1−x)}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2,} clearly indicated that the increasing rate of gallium induced a shift of XRD peaks, revealing an evolution of the lattice parameter in the chalcopyrite structure. These results were confirmed by Raman analyses. Moreover, the optical band gap was also found to be linearly dependent upon the gallium rate incorporated within the thin films: it varies from 1.47 eV for x = 0 to 1.63 eV for x = 0.4.« less

Stretchable Metamaterial Absorber Using Liquid Metal-Filled Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

PubMed Central

Kim, Kyeongseob; Lee, Dongju; Eom, Seunghyun; Lim, Sungjoon

2016-01-01

A stretchable metamaterial absorber is proposed in this study. The stretchability was achieved by liquid metal and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). To inject liquid metal, microfluidic channels were fabricated using PDMS powers and microfluidic-channel frames, which were built using a three-dimensional printer. A top conductive pattern and ground plane were designed after considering the easy injection of liquid metal. The proposed metamaterial absorber comprises three layers of PDMS substrate. The top layer is for the top conductive pattern, and the bottom layer is for the meandered ground plane. Flat PDMS layers were inserted between the top and bottom PDMS layers. The measured absorptivity of the fabricated absorber was 97.8% at 18.5 GHz, and the absorption frequency increased from 18.5 to 18.65 GHz as the absorber was stretched from its original length (5.2 cm) to 6.4 cm. PMID:27077861

Design of a Tunable Ultra-Broadband Terahertz Absorber Based on Multiple Layers of Graphene Ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zenghui; Wu, Dong; Liu, Yumin; Liu, Chang; Yu, Zhongyuan; Yu, Li; Ye, Han

2018-05-01

We propose and numerically demonstrate an ultra-broadband graphene-based metamaterial absorber, which consists of multi-layer graphene/dielectric on the SiO2 layer supported by a metal substrate. The simulated result shows that the proposed absorber can achieve a near-perfect absorption above 90% with a bandwidth of 4.8 Thz. Owing to the flexible tunability of graphene sheet, the state of the absorber can be switched from on (absorption > 90%) to off (reflection > 90%) in the frequencies range of 3-7.8 Thz by controlling the Fermi energy of graphene. Moreover, the absorber is insensitive to the incident angles. The broadband absorption can be maintained over 90% up to 50°. Importantly, the design is scalable to develop broader tunable terahertz absorbers by adding more graphene layers which may have wide applications in imaging, sensors, photodetectors, and modulators.

Isolation and characterization of Ferroplasma thermophilum sp. nov., a novel extremely acidophilic, moderately thermophilic archaeon and its role in bioleaching of chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Zhou, H; Zhang, R; Hu, P; Zeng, W; Xie, Y; Wu, C; Qiu, G

2008-08-01

To isolate Ferroplasma thermophilum L1(T) from a low pH environment and to understand its role in bioleaching of chalcopyrite. Using serial dilution method, a moderately thermophilic and acidophilic ferrous iron-oxidizing archaeon, named L1(T), was isolated from a chalcopyrite-leaching bioreactor. The morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics of strain L1(T) and its role in bioleaching of chalcopyrite were studied. Strain L1(T) was a nonmotile coccus that lacked cell wall. Strain L1(T) had a temperature optimum of 45 degrees C and the optimum pH for growth was 1.0. Strain L1(T) was capable of chemomixotrophic growth on ferrous iron and yeast extract. Results of fatty acid analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, G+C content, and analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain L1(T) should be grouped in the genus Ferroplasma, and represented a new species, Ferroplasma thermophilum. Ferroplasma thermophilum in combination with Acidithiobacillus caldus and Leptospirillum ferriphilum could improve the copper dissolution in bioleaching of chalcopyrite. A novel extremely acidophilic, moderately thermophilic archaeon isolated from a bioleaching reactor has been identified as F. thermophilum that played an important role in bioleaching of chalcopyrite at low pH. This study contributes to understand the characteristics of F. thermophilum L1(T) and its role in bioleaching of sulfide ores.

Optimization by simulation of the nature of the buffer, the gap profile of the absorber and the thickness of the various layers in CZTSSe solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chadel, Meriem; Chadel, Asma; Moustafa Bouzaki, Mohammed; Aillerie, Michel; Benyoucef, Boumediene; Charles, Jean-Pierre

2017-11-01

Performances of ZnO/ZnS/CZTSSe polycrystalline thin film solar cells (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphur Selenium-solar cell) were simulated for different thicknesses of the absorber and ZnS buffer layers. Simulations were performed with SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) software, starting with actual parameters available from industrial data for commercial cells processing. The influences of the thickness of the various layers in the structure of the solar cell and the gap profile of the CZTSSe absorber layer on the performance of the solar cell were studied in detail. Through considerations of recent works, we discuss possible routes to enhance the performance of CZTSSe solar cells towards a higher efficiency level. Thus, we found that for one specific thickness of the absorber layer, the efficiency of the CZTSSe solar cell can be increased when a ZnS layer replaces the usual CdS buffer layer. On the other hand, the efficiency of the solar cell can be also improved when the absorber layer presents a grad-gap. In this case, the maximum efficiency for the CZTSSe cell was found equal to 13.73%.

An insight into the mechanism of charge-transfer of hybrid polymer:ternary/quaternary chalcopyrite colloidal nanocrystals.

PubMed

Chawla, Parul; Singh, Son; Sharma, Shailesh Narain

2014-01-01

In this work, we have demonstrated the structural and optoelectronic properties of the surface of ternary/quaternary (CISe/CIGSe/CZTSe) chalcopyrite nanocrystallites passivated by tri-n-octylphosphine-oxide (TOPO) and tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) and compared their charge transfer characteristics in the respective polymer: chalcopyrite nanocomposites by dispersing them in poly(3-hexylthiophene) polymer. It has been found that CZTSe nanocrystallites due to their high crystallinity and well-ordered 3-dimensional network in its pristine form exhibit a higher steric- and photo-stability, resistance against coagulation and homogeneity compared to the CISe and CIGSe counterparts. Moreover, CZTSe nanocrystallites display efficient photoluminescence quenching as evident from the high value of the Stern-Volmer quenching constant (K SV) and eventually higher charge transfer efficiency in their respective polymer P3HT:CZTSe composites. We modelled the dependency of the charge transfer from the donor and the charge separation mechanism across the donor-acceptor interface from the extent of crystallinity of the chalcopyrite semiconductors (CISe/CIGSe/CZTSe). Quaternary CZTSe chalcopyrites with their high crystallinity and controlled morphology in conjunction with regioregular P3HT polymer is an attractive candidate for hybrid solar cells applications.

Dynamically tunable dendritic graphene-based absorber with thermal stability at infrared regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hailong; Xia, Hui; Guo, Zhibo; Xie, Ding; Li, Hongjian

2018-06-01

The infrared polarization-insensitive absorber, which is composed of dendritic metal, graphene layer, silicon dioxides layer, gallium arsenide substrate, and metal plate, is investigated theoretically and numerically. The tunability can be realized by loading a graphene layer into the structure. The position of absorption peak can be tuned by manipulating the graphene's Fermi energy. Compared with the previously reported graphene-based absorbers, the system has the advantage of temperature-independent high absorption. The results indicate that the proposed absorber can be used in the applications of the refractive index sensor with a sensitivity of 587.8 nm/refractive index unit and temperature-insensitive infrared absorber.

RBS-channeling study of radiation damage in Ar{sup +} implanted CuInSe{sub 2} crystals

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

Yakushev, Michael V., E-mail: michael.yakushev@strath.ac.uk; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002; Institute of Solid State Chemistry of the Urals Branch of RAS, Ekaterinburg 620990

2016-09-15

Chalcopyrite solar cells are reported to have a high tolerance to irradiation by high energy electrons or ions, but the origin of this is not well understood. This work studies the evolution of damage in Ar{sup +}-bombarded CuInSe{sub 2} single crystal using Rutherford backscattering/channeling analysis. Ar{sup +} ions of 30 keV were implanted with doses in the range from 10{sup 12} to 3 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup −2} at room temperature. Implantation was found to create two layers of damage: (1) on the surface, caused by preferential sputtering of Se and Cu atoms; (2) at the layer of implanted Ar, possibly consisting of stackingmore » faults and dislocation loops. The damage in the second layer was estimated to be less than 2% of the theoretical prediction suggesting efficient healing of primary implantation defects.« less

A Wide Band Absorbing Material Design Using Band-Pass Frequency Selective Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggang; Xu, Qiang; Liu, Ting; Zheng, Dianliang; Zhou, Li

2018-03-01

Based on the high frequency advantage characteristics of the Fe based absorbing coating, a method for designing the structure of broadband absorbing structure by using frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed. According to the transmission and reflection characteristic of the different size FSS structure, the frequency variation characteristic was simulated. Secondly, the genetic algorithm was used to optimize the high frequency broadband absorbing materials, including the single and double magnetic layer material. Finally, the absorbing characteristics in iron layer were analyzed as the band pass FSS structure was embedded, the results showed that the band-pass FSS had the influence on widening the absorbing frequency. As the FSS was set as the bottom layer, it was effective to achieve the good absorbing property in low frequency and the high frequency absorbing performance was not weakened, because the band-pass FSS led the low frequency absorption and the high frequency shielding effect. The results of this paper are of guiding significance for designing and manufacturing the broadband absorbing materials.

Growth and optoelectronic characteristic of n-Si/p-CuIn(S 1-xSe x) 2 thin-film solar cell by solution growth technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chavhan, S.; Sharma, R.

2006-07-01

The p-CuIn(S 1-xSe x) 2 (CISS) thin films have been grown on n-Si substrate by solution growth technique. The deposition parameters, such as pH (10.5), deposition time (60 min), deposition temperature (50 °C), and concentration of bath solution (0.1 M) were optimized. Elemental analysis of the p-CuIn(S 1-xSe x) 2 thin film was confirmed by energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX). The SEM study of absorber layer shows the uniform morphology of film as well as the continuous smooth deposition onto the n-Si substrates, whose grain size is 130 nm. CuIn(S 1-xSe x) 2 ( x=0.5) reveals (1 1 2) orientation peak and exhibits the chalcopyrite structure with lattice constant a=5.28 Å and c=11.45 Å. The J- V characteristics were measured in dark and light. The device parameters have been calculated for solar cell fabrication, V=411.09 mV, and J=14.55 mA. FF=46.55% and η=4.64% under an illumination of 60 mW/cm 2. The J- V characteristics of the device under dark condition were also studied and the ideality factor was calculated, which is equal to 2.2 for n-Si/p-CuIn(S 0.5Se 0.5) 2 heterojunction thin film.

Ultrafast demagnetization by hot electrons: Diffusion or super-diffusion?

PubMed

Salvatella, G; Gort, R; Bühlmann, K; Däster, S; Vaterlaus, A; Acremann, Y

2016-09-01

Ultrafast demagnetization of ferromagnetic metals can be achieved by a heat pulse propagating in the electron gas of a non-magnetic metal layer, which absorbs a pump laser pulse. Demagnetization by electronic heating is investigated on samples with different thicknesses of the absorber layer on nickel. This allows us to separate the contribution of thermalized hot electrons compared to non-thermal electrons. An analytical model describes the demagnetization amplitude as a function of the absorber thickness. The observed change of demagnetization time can be reproduced by diffusive heat transport through the absorber layer.

Lightweight flywheel containment

DOEpatents

Smith, James R.

2001-01-01

A lightweight flywheel containment composed of a combination of layers of various material which absorb the energy of a flywheel structural failure. The various layers of material act as a vacuum barrier, momentum spreader, energy absorber, and reaction plate. The flywheel containment structure has been experimentally demonstrated to contain carbon fiber fragments with a velocity of 1,000 m/s and has an aerial density of less than 6.5 g/square centimeters. The flywheel containment, may for example, be composed of an inner high toughness structural layer, and energy absorbing layer, and an outer support layer. Optionally, a layer of impedance matching material may be utilized intermediate the flywheel rotor and the inner high toughness layer.

Lightweight flywheel containment

DOEpatents

Smith, James R.

2004-06-29

A lightweight flywheel containment composed of a combination of layers of various material which absorb the energy of a flywheel structural failure. The various layers of material act as a vacuum barrier, momentum spreader, energy absorber, and reaction plate. The flywheel containment structure has been experimentally demonstrated to contain carbon fiber fragments with a velocity of 1,000 m/s and has an aerial density of less than 6.5 g/square centimeters. The flywheel containment, may for example, be composed of an inner high toughness structural layer, and energy absorbing layer, and an outer support layer. Optionally, a layer of impedance matching material may be utilized intermediate the flywheel rotor and the inner high toughness layer.

Selective separation of pyrite and chalcopyrite by biomodulation.

PubMed

Chandraprabha, M N; Natarajan, K A; Modak, Jayant M

2004-09-01

Selective separation of pyrite from other associated ferrous sulphides at acidic and neutral pH has been a challenging problem. This paper discusses the utility of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for the selective flotation of chalcopyrite from pyrite. Consequent to interaction with bacterial cells, pyrite remained depressed even in the presence of potassium isopropyl xanthate collector while chalcopyrite exhibited significant flotability. However, when the minerals were conditioned together, the selectivity achieved was poor due to the activation of pyrite surface by the copper ions in solution. The selectivity was improved when the sequence of conditioning with bacterial cells and collector was reversed, since the bacterial cells were able to depress collector interacted pyrite effectively, while having negligible effect on chalcopyrite. The observed behaviour is analysed and discussed in detail. The separation obtained was significant both at acidic and alkaline pH. This selectivity achieved was retained when the minerals were interacted with both bacterial cells and collector simultaneously.

Nanocrystalline Chalcopyrite Materials (CuInS2 and CuInSe2) via Low-Temperature Pyrolysis of Molecular Single-Source Precursors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castro, Stephanie L.; Bailey, Sheila G.; Raffaelle, Ryne P.; Banger, Kulbinder K.; Hepp, Aloysius F.

2003-01-01

Nanometer sized particles of the chalcopyrite compounds CuInS2 and CuInSe2 were synthesized by thermal decomposition of molecular single-source precursors (PPh3)2CuIn(SEt)4 and (PPh3)2CuIn(SePh)4, respectively, in the non-coordinating solvent dioctyl phthalate at temperatures between 200 and 300 C. The nanoparticles range in size from 3 - 30 nm and are aggregated to form roughly spherical clusters of about 500 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction of the nanoparticle powders shows greatly broadened lines indicative of very small particle sizes, which is confirmed by TEM. Peaks present in the XRD can be indexed to reference patterns for the respective chalcopyrite compounds. Optical spectroscopy and elemental analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy support the identification of the nanoparticles as chalcopyrites.

X-PEEM, XPS and ToF-SIMS characterisation of xanthate induced chalcopyrite flotation: Effect of pulp potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalegowda, Yogesh; Chan, Yuet-Loy; Wei, Der-Hsin; Harmer, Sarah L.

2015-05-01

Synchrotron-based X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM), X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy were used to characterize the flotation behaviour of chalcopyrite with xanthate at different processing conditions. The flotation recovery of chalcopyrite decreased from 97% under oxidative conditions (Eh ~ 385 mV SHE, pH 4) to 41% at a reductive potential of - 100 mV SHE (at pH 9). X-PEEM images constructed from the metal L3 absorption edges were used to produce near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra from regions of interest, allowing the variability in mineral surface chemistry of each mineral particle to be analysed, and the effect of pulp potential (Eh) on the flotation of chalcopyrite to be determined. XPS, ToF-SIMS and NEXAFS analyses of chalcopyrite particles at oxidative conditions show that the surface was mildly oxidised and covered with adsorbed molecular CuEX. The Cu 2p XPS and Cu L2,3 NEXAFS spectra were dominated by CuI species attributed to bulk chalcopyrite and adsorbed CuEX. At a reductive potential of - 100 mV SHE, an increase in concentration of CuI and FeIII oxides and hydroxides was observed. X-PEEM analysis was able to show the presence of a low percentage of CuII oxides (CuO or Cu(OH)2) with predominantly CuI oxide (Cu2O) which is not evident in Cu 2p XPS spectra.

Neutron reflectometry on highly absorbing films and its application to 10B4C-based neutron detectors

PubMed Central

Piscitelli, F.; Khaplanov, A.; Devishvili, A.; Schmidt, S.; Höglund, C.; Birch, J.; Dennison, A. J. C.; Gutfreund, P.; Hall-Wilton, R.; Van Esch, P.

2016-01-01

Neutron reflectometry is a powerful tool used for studies of surfaces and interfaces. The absorption in the typical studied materials is neglected and this technique is limited only to the reflectivity measurement. For strongly absorbing nuclei, the absorption can be directly measured by using the neutron-induced fluorescence technique which exploits the prompt particle emission of absorbing isotopes. This technique is emerging from soft matter and biology where highly absorbing nuclei, in very small quantities, are used as a label for buried layers. Nowadays, the importance of absorbing layers is rapidly increasing, partially because of their application in neutron detection; a field that has become more active also due to the 3He-shortage. We extend the neutron-induced fluorescence technique to the study of layers of highly absorbing materials, in particular 10B4C. The theory of neutron reflectometry is a commonly studied topic; however, when a strong absorption is present the subtle relationship between the reflection and the absorption of neutrons is not widely known. The theory for a general stack of absorbing layers has been developed and compared to measurements. We also report on the requirements that a 10B4C layer must fulfil in order to be employed as a converter in neutron detection. PMID:26997902

Mode trap for absorbing transverse modes of an accelerated electron beam

DOEpatents

Chojnacki, Eric P.

1994-01-01

A mode trap to trap and absorb transverse modes formed by a beam in a linear accelerator includes a waveguide having a multiplicity of electrically conductive (preferably copper) irises and rings, each iris and ring including an aperture, and the irises and rings being stacked in a side-by-side, alternating fashion such that the apertures of the irises and rings are concentrically aligned. An absorbing material layer such as a dielectric is embedded in each iris and ring, and this absorbing material layer encircles, but is circumferentially spaced from its respective aperture. Each iris and ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots around its aperture and extending radially out toward its absorbing material layer.

Design of broadband absorber using 2-D materials for thermo-photovoltaic cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Sajal; Prajapati, Y. K.

2018-04-01

Present study is done to analyze a nano absorber for thermo-photovoltaic cell application. Optical absorbance of two-dimensional materials is exploited to achieve high absorbance. It is found that few alternating layers of graphene/transition metal dichalcogenide provide high absorbance of electromagnetic wave in visible as well as near infrared region. Four transition metal dichalcogenides are considered and found that most of these provide perfect absorbance for almost full considered wavelength range i.e. 200-1000 nm. Demonstrated results confirm the extended operating region and improved absorbance of the proposed absorber in comparison to the existing absorbers made of different materials. Further, absorber performance is improved by using thin layers of gold and chromium. Simple geometry of the proposed absorber also ensures easy fabrication.

Igneous and Ore-Forming Processes at the Roots of Giant - Ultra-Mafic Pluming System: the Seiland Igneous Comples, Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, R. B.; Iljina, M.; Schanke, M.

2012-12-01

SIP covers an area of 5500 km2 in N. Norway. 50 % of the volume comprises mafic layered or homogenous plg+px+Fe-Ti±ol gabbros. 25 % of the area comprises ultramafic intrusions, mostly peridotite and subsidiary pyroxenite and hornblendite. 25 % comprises calc-alkaline and alkaline plutons, respectively. Ultramafic plutons intersect gabbros and calc-alkaline plutons. Recent zircon U/Pb geochronology imply that SIP formed at 560-570 Ma, with mafic- and ultramafic rocks being emplaced in <4 Ma (Roberts et al., Geol. Mag, 2007). Geothermobarometry of contact metamorphic mineral assemblages, implies minimum depth of 20-30 kilometres. Accordingly, the Seiland province arguably provides a unique cross section through the deep-seated parts of a huge magmatic plumbing system. Sulphide Cu-Ni-(PGE) deposits are intimately associated with the ultramafic rock suite. One deposit from Stjernøy comprises sulphide dissiminations at the floor of a peridotitic pluton, another deposit occur at the floor of the Reinfjord ultramafic layered complex in the far West of SIP and the third deposit comprises vertical sulphide dykes in the interior of a hornblendite on the Øksfjord peninsula. Currently, only the Reinfjord deposit is studied in detail. The Reinfjord intrusions is layered and develops from olivine clinopyroxenites in the Lower Zone to wherlite in the Middle Zone to wehrlites and dunite in the Upper Zone. Earlier studies suggest parental melts with pyroxenitic compositions whereas the dunites and wherlites formed by fractional crystallization (Bennet et al., Bull. NGU, 405, 1-41). During our fieldwork we observed spectacular examples of cumulus structures, not previously reported, and including modally layered and modally graded dunite/wherlite, cross-bedding, slumping and mush-diapirs. Finally we saw an example of magma-replenishment where an olivine pyroxenitic magma was emplaced in to and mixed with the contemporary olivine/wherlite mushes!. The country rock gabbros were unconsolidated and were partially melted during emplacement of the hot peridotitic melts. Previous studies (Søyland Hansen, 1971, unpub. MSc thesis, NTNU) and our preliminary work document dissiminated Cu-Ni sulphides in a 10-20 metres thick and two km's long deposit at the lower contacts of the Reinfjord intrusion. Several analysis imply 0.15 wt% for both Ni and Cu. The sulphide assemblage iincludes pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and minor pyrite. Pentlandite is partially bravoitised. Airborne and ground geophysics done as part of our study implied a bowled shaped conducter c. 100 metres below the surface. Exploratory drilling confirmed two layers of 7 and 9 metres, respectively with 0.3-0.4 wt% Ni and minor Cu. The 9 m's zone included 5 m's with 0.6 ppm PGE+Au. Ni is in pentlandite whereas Cu is in chalcopyrite, cubanite or native Cu that apparently exsolved from Chalcopyrite. All sulphide deposits at Reinfjord has only 0.3 to 0.7 wt% S. The source of S is currently unknown, but new sulphur isotope data will be reported at the AGU-meeting.

Growth and characterization of epitaxial silver indium diselenide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pena Martin, Pamela

Photovoltaics (solar cells) are a key player in the renewable energy frontier, and will become increasingly important as their cost per watt continues to drop, especially if fossil fuel costs increase. One particularly promising photovoltaic technology is based on chalcopyrite-structure semiconductors. Within the chalcopyrite compounds the highest efficiency thin film solar cell absorber material to date is Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). While current efficiency records are over 21% for single-junction cells, there is still room for improvement. Replacing some of the Cu with Ag has been shown to be beneficial in CIGS devices. However, the Ag- containing chalcopyrites are still relatively unknown in terms of their growth mechanism, energetics, and surface atomic and electronic properties. These are best inferred through study of epitaxial films, yet they have little mention in literature and have not been the subject of a detailed study. This work describes the growth of epitaxial AgInSe2 (AIS) on GaAs substrates, studying the morphology, structure, and surface properties to understand how growth takes place. It also seeks to experimentally determine the surface electronic and atomic structure at the atomic scale to gain insight into the part of the material that forms the heterojunction that collects photon energy in the device. Finally, this work seeks to compare and contrast these findings with what is known about CIGS to determine where similarities and, more importantly, the differences may lie. This study has found that single phase tetragonal AIS can be epitaxially grown on GaAs, as illustrated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and surface morphology data. Like CIGS, the close packed polar (112) planes have the lowest energy. The morphology points to a difference in step dynamics, leading to less faceted, straight edged island shapes compared to CIGS. Epitaxial temperature as a function of growth direction shows a different trend in AIS than in CIGS. Interdiffusion of the group III elements across the substrate interface was found to result in an epitaxial intermixed layer between the film and substrate in some cases, which may help mediate the lattice mismatch. At the atomic scale, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to observe details of the surface morphology, which indicated growth of the (112)A orientation of AIS by a screw dislocation mechanism (other surfaces were not examined by STM but are expected to show similar results). The surface atomic structure was directly imaged for the first time, revealing an arrangement similar to that expected from a bulk terminated surface. The electronic structure shows a gap in surface electronic states with a width comparable to bulk AIS, n-type conduction, and a tail of states near the valence band edge that decay well into the gap. The conduction and valence bands show fluctuations as a function of position on the surface, with greater magnitude in the valence band. The fluctuations in both bands are less than those observed on the surface of CIS by STM. It seems to indicate a reduction in band tails, both in magnitude and spacial extent, in AIS compared to CIS, likely tied to a reduction in point defect concentration at the surface.

Thin film absorber for a solar collector

DOEpatents

Wilhelm, William G.

1985-01-01

This invention pertains to energy absorbers for solar collectors, and more particularly to high performance thin film absorbers. The solar collectors comprising the absorber of this invention overcome several problems seen in current systems, such as excessive hardware, high cost and unreliability. In the preferred form, the apparatus features a substantially rigid planar frame with a thin film window bonded to one planar side of the frame. An absorber in accordance with the present invention is comprised of two thin film layers that are sealed perimetrically. In a preferred embodiment, thin film layers are formed from a metal/plastic laminate. The layers define a fluid-tight planar envelope of large surface area to volume through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The absorber is bonded to the other planar side of the frame. The thin film construction of the absorber assures substantially full envelope wetting and thus good efficiency. The window and absorber films stress the frame adding to the overall strength of the collector.

Microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules and systems

DOEpatents

Nielson, Gregory N; Sweatt, William C; Okandan, Murat

2015-05-12

A microsystem enabled photovoltaic (MEPV) module including: an absorber layer; a fixed optic layer coupled to the absorber layer; a translatable optic layer; a translation stage coupled between the fixed and translatable optic layers; and a motion processor electrically coupled to the translation stage to controls motion of the translatable optic layer relative to the fixed optic layer. The absorber layer includes an array of photovoltaic (PV) elements. The fixed optic layer includes an array of quasi-collimating (QC) micro-optical elements designed and arranged to couple incident radiation from an intermediate image formed by the translatable optic layer into one of the PV elements such that it is quasi-collimated. The translatable optic layer includes an array of focusing micro-optical elements corresponding to the QC micro-optical element array. Each focusing micro-optical element is designed to produce a quasi-telecentric intermediate image from substantially collimated radiation incident within a predetermined field of view.

Low-bandgap double-heterostructure InAsP/GaInAs photovoltaic converters

DOEpatents

Wanlass, Mark W.

2001-01-01

A low-bandgap, double-heterostructure PV device is provided, including in optical alignment a first InP.sub.1-y As.sub.y n-layer formed with an n-type dopant, an Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x As absorber layer, the absorber layer having an n-region formed with an n-type dopant and an p-region formed with a p-type dopant to form a single pn-junction, and a second InP.sub.1-y As.sub.y p-layer formed with a p-type dopant, wherein the first and second layers are used for passivation and minority carrier confinement of the absorber layers.

Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans strain Cutipay enhances chalcopyrite bioleaching under moderate thermophilic conditions in the presence of chloride ion.

PubMed

Bobadilla-Fazzini, Roberto A; Cortés, Maria Paz; Maass, Alejandro; Parada, Pilar

2014-12-01

Currently more than 90% of the world's copper is obtained through sulfide mineral processing. Among the copper sulfides, chalcopyrite is the most abundant and therefore economically relevant. However, primary copper sulfide bioleaching is restricted due to high ionic strength raffinate solutions and particularly chloride coming from the dissolution of ores. In this work we describe the chalcopyrite bioleaching capacity of Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans strain Cutipay (DSM 27601) previously described at the genomic level (Travisany et al. (2012) Draft genome sequence of the Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans Cutipay strain, an indigenous bacterium isolated from a naturally extreme mining environment in Northern Chile. J Bacteriol 194:6327-6328). Bioleaching assays with the mixotrophic strain Cutipay showed a strong increase in copper recovery from chalcopyrite concentrate at 50°C in the presence of chloride ion, a relevant inhibitory element present in copper bioleaching processes. Compared to the abiotic control and a test with Sulfobacillus acidophilus DSM 10332, strain Cutipay showed an increase of 42 and 69% in copper recovery, respectively, demonstrating its high potential for chalcopyrite bioleaching. Moreover, a genomic comparison highlights the presence of the 2-Haloacid dehalogenase predicted-protein related to a potential new mechanism of chloride resistance in acidophiles. This novel and industrially applicable strain is under patent application CL 2013-03335.

Comparison of artificial absorbing boundaries for acoustic wave equation modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yingjie; Song, Hanjie; Zhang, Jinhai; Yao, Zhenxing

2017-12-01

Absorbing boundary conditions are necessary in numerical simulation for reducing the artificial reflections from model boundaries. In this paper, we overview the most important and typical absorbing boundary conditions developed throughout history. We first derive the wave equations of similar methods in unified forms; then, we compare their absorbing performance via theoretical analyses and numerical experiments. The Higdon boundary condition is shown to be the best one among the three main absorbing boundary conditions that are based on a one-way wave equation. The Clayton and Engquist boundary is a special case of the Higdon boundary but has difficulty in dealing with the corner points in implementaion. The Reynolds boundary does not have this problem but its absorbing performance is the poorest among these three methods. The sponge boundary has difficulties in determining the optimal parameters in advance and too many layers are required to achieve a good enough absorbing performance. The hybrid absorbing boundary condition (hybrid ABC) has a better absorbing performance than the Higdon boundary does; however, it is still less efficient for absorbing nearly grazing waves since it is based on the one-way wave equation. In contrast, the perfectly matched layer (PML) can perform much better using a few layers. For example, the 10-layer PML would perform well for absorbing most reflected waves except the nearly grazing incident waves. The 20-layer PML is suggested for most practical applications. For nearly grazing incident waves, convolutional PML shows superiority over the PML when the source is close to the boundary for large-scale models. The Higdon boundary and hybrid ABC are preferred when the computational cost is high and high-level absorbing performance is not required, such as migration and migration velocity analyses, since they are not as sensitive to the amplitude errors as the full waveform inversion.

Mode trap for absorbing transverse modes of an accelerated electron beam

DOEpatents

Chojnacki, E.P.

1994-05-31

A mode trap to trap and absorb transverse modes formed by a beam in a linear accelerator includes a waveguide having a multiplicity of electrically conductive (preferably copper) irises and rings, each iris and ring including an aperture, and the irises and rings being stacked in a side-by-side, alternating fashion such that the apertures of the irises and rings are concentrically aligned. An absorbing material layer such as a dielectric is embedded in each iris and ring, and this absorbing material layer encircles, but is circumferentially spaced from its respective aperture. Each iris and ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots around its aperture and extending radially out toward its absorbing material layer. 9 figs.

High temperature solar selective coatings

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

Kennedy, Cheryl E

Improved solar collectors (40) comprising glass tubing (42) attached to bellows (44) by airtight seals (56) enclose solar absorber tubes (50) inside an annular evacuated space (54. The exterior surfaces of the solar absorber tubes (50) are coated with improved solar selective coatings {48} which provide higher absorbance, lower emittance and resistance to atmospheric oxidation at elevated temperatures. The coatings are multilayered structures comprising solar absorbent layers (26) applied to the meta surface of the absorber tubes (50), typically stainless steel, topped with antireflective Savers (28) comprising at least two layers 30, 32) of refractory metal or metalloid oxides (suchmore » as titania and silica) with substantially differing indices of refraction in adjacent layers. Optionally, at least one layer of a noble metal such as platinum can be included between some of the layers. The absorbent layers cars include cermet materials comprising particles of metal compounds is a matrix, which can contain oxides of refractory metals or metalloids such as silicon. Reflective layers within the coating layers can comprise refractory metal silicides and related compounds characterized by the formulas TiSi. Ti.sub.3SiC.sub.2, TiAlSi, TiAN and similar compounds for Zr and Hf. The titania can be characterized by the formulas TiO.sub.2, Ti.sub.3O.sub.5. TiOx or TiO.sub.xN.sub.1-x with x 0 to 1. The silica can be at least one of SiO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2x or SiO.sub.2xN.sub.1-x with x=0 to 1.« less

Heterojunction solar cell

DOEpatents

Olson, Jerry M.

1994-01-01

A high-efficiency single heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. The conversion effiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the substrate and the absorber layer. An anti-reflection coating is preferably disposed over the emitter layer.

Low RF Reflectivity Spacecraft Thermal Blanket by Using High-Impedance Surface Absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, F.; Monorchio, A.; Carrubba, E.; Zolesi, V.

2012-05-01

A technique for designing a low-RF reflectivity thermal blanket is presented. Multi-layer insulation (MLI) blankets are employed to stabilize the temperature on spacecraft unit but they can be responsible of passive intermodulation products and high-mutual coupling between antennas since they are realized with metallic materials. The possibility to replace the last inner layer of a MLI blanket with an ultra-thin absorbing layer made of high-impedance surface absorber is discussed.

Fabrication of CIS Absorber Layers with Different Thicknesses Using A Non-Vacuum Spray Coating Method.

PubMed

Diao, Chien-Chen; Kuo, Hsin-Hui; Tzou, Wen-Cheng; Chen, Yen-Lin; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2014-01-03

In this study, a new thin-film deposition process, spray coating method (SPM), was investigated to deposit the high-densified CuInSe₂ absorber layers. The spray coating method developed in this study was a non-vacuum process, based on dispersed nano-scale CuInSe₂ precursor and could offer a simple, inexpensive, and alternative formation technology for CuInSe₂ absorber layers. After spraying on Mo/glass substrates, the CuInSe₂ thin films were annealed at 550 °C by changing the annealing time from 5 min to 30 min in a selenization furnace, using N₂ as atmosphere. When the CuInSe₂ thin films were annealed, without extra Se or H₂Se gas used as the compensation source during the annealing process. The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of annealing time on the densification and crystallization of the CuInSe₂ absorber layers to optimize the quality for cost effective solar cell production. The thickness of the CuInSe₂ absorber layers could be controlled as the volume of used dispersed CuInSe₂-isopropyl alcohol solution was controlled. In this work, X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Hall parameter measurements were performed in order to verify the quality of the CuInSe₂ absorber layers obtained by the Spray Coating Method.

Structural, optical, electron paramagnetic, thermal and dielectric characterization of chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Prameena, B; Anbalagan, G; Gunasekaran, S; Ramkumaar, G R; Gowtham, B

2014-03-25

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) a variety of pyrite minerals was investigated through spectroscopic techniques and thermal analysis. The morphology and elemental analysis of the chalcopyrite have been done by high resolution SEM with EDAX. The lattice parameters were from the powder diffraction data (a=5.3003±0.0089 Å, c=10.3679±0.0289 Å; the volume of the unit cell=291.266 Å(3) with space group I42d (122)). The thermal decomposition behavior of chalcopyrite was studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis at three different heating rates 10, 15 and 20 °C/min. The values of effective activation energy (Ea), pre-exponential factor (ln A) for thermal decomposition have been measured at three different heating rates by employing Kissinger, Kim-Park and Flynn-Wall methods. Dielectric studies at different temperatures have also been carried out and it was found that both dielectric constant and dielectric loss decreases with the increase of frequency. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Insights to the effects of free cells on community structure of attached cells and chalcopyrite bioleaching during different stages.

PubMed

Feng, Shoushuai; Yang, Hailin; Wang, Wu

2016-01-01

The effects of free cells on community structure of attached cells and chalcopyrite bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus sp. during different stages were investigated. The attached cells of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans owned the community advantage from 14thd to the end of bioprocess in the normal system. The community structure of attached cells was greatly influenced in the free cells-deficient systems. Compared to A. thiooxidans, the attached cells community of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans had a higher dependence on its free cells. Meanwhile, the analysis of key biochemical parameters revealed that the effects of free cells on chalcopyrite bioleaching in different stages were diverse, ranging from 32.8% to 64.3%. The bioleaching contribution of free cells of A. ferrooxidans in the stationary stage (8-14thd) was higher than those of A. thiooxidans, while the situation was gradually reversed in the jarosite passivation inhibited stage (26-40thd). These results may be useful in guiding chalcopyrite bioleaching. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thin film photovoltaic devices with a minimally conductive buffer layer

DOEpatents

Barnes, Teresa M.; Burst, James

2016-11-15

A thin film photovoltaic device (100) with a tunable, minimally conductive buffer (128) layer is provided. The photovoltaic device (100) may include a back contact (150), a transparent front contact stack (120), and an absorber (140) positioned between the front contact stack (120) and the back contact (150). The front contact stack (120) may include a low resistivity transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (124) and a buffer layer (128) that is proximate to the absorber layer (140). The photovoltaic device (100) may also include a window layer (130) between the buffer layer (128) and the absorber (140). In some cases, the buffer layer (128) is minimally conductive, with its resistivity being tunable, and the buffer layer (128) may be formed as an alloy from a host oxide and a high-permittivity oxide. The high-permittivity oxide may further be chosen to have a bandgap greater than the host oxide.

Electrical and optical performance of mid-wavelength infrared InAsSb heterostructure detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomółka, Emilia; Kopytko, Małgorzata; Michalczewski, Krystian; Kubiszyn, Łukasz; Kebłowski, Artur; Gawron, Waldemar; Martyniuk, Piotr; Piotrowski, Józef; Rutkowski, Jarosław

2017-10-01

In this work we investigate the high-operating temperature performance of InAsSb/AlSb heterostructure detectors with cut-off wavelengths near 5 μm at 230 K. The devices have been fabricated with different type of the absorbing layer: nominally undoped absorber, and both n- and p-type doped. The results show that the device performance strongly depends on absorber layer doping. Generally, p-type absorber provides higher values of current responsivity than n-type absorber, but at the same time also higher values of dark current. The device with nominally undoped absorbing layer shows moderate values of both current responsivity and dark current. Resulting detectivities D° of non-immersed devices varies from 2×109 to 7×109 cmHz1/2/W at 230 K, which is easily achievable with a two stage thermoelectric cooler.

Ultrathin and lightweight microwave absorbers made of mu-near-zero metamaterials

PubMed Central

Zhong, Shuomin; He, Sailing

2013-01-01

We present a theory of perfect absorption in a bilayer model composed of a mu-near-zero (MNZ) metamaterial (MM) absorbing layer on a metallic substrate. Our analytical solutions reveal that a MM layer with a large purely imaginary permeability and a moderate permittivity backed by a metallic plane has a zero reflection at normal incidence when the thickness is ultrathin. The impedance-mismatched metamaterial absorber (MA) can be 77.3% thinner than conventional impedance-matched MAs with the same material loss in order to get the same absorption. A microwave absorber using double-layered spiral MMs with a thickness of only about one percent of the operating wavelength is designed and realized. An absorption efficiency above 93% at 1.74 GHz is demonstrated experimentally at illumination angles up to 60 degrees. Our absorber is 98% lighter than traditional microwave absorbers made of natural materials working at the same frequencies. PMID:23803861

Towards Perfectly Absorbing Boundary Conditions for Euler Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayder, M. Ehtesham; Hu, Fang Q.; Hussaini, M. Yousuff

1997-01-01

In this paper, we examine the effectiveness of absorbing layers as non-reflecting computational boundaries for the Euler equations. The absorbing-layer equations are simply obtained by splitting the governing equations in the coordinate directions and introducing absorption coefficients in each split equation. This methodology is similar to that used by Berenger for the numerical solutions of Maxwell's equations. Specifically, we apply this methodology to three physical problems shock-vortex interactions, a plane free shear flow and an axisymmetric jet- with emphasis on acoustic wave propagation. Our numerical results indicate that the use of absorbing layers effectively minimizes numerical reflection in all three problems considered.

Surface and bulk effects of K in Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 solar cells

DOE PAGES

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Anderson, Timothy J.

2017-12-29

Two strategies for enhancing photovoltaic (PV) performance in chalcopyrite solar cells were investigated: Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with low K content (K/(K+Cu), or x ~ 0.07) distributed throughout the bulk, and CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 grown on their surfaces. Distributing K throughout the bulk absorbers improved power conversion efficiency, open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) for Ga/(Ga+In) of 0, 0.3 and 0.5. Surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 and bulk x ~ 0.07 Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 films with Ga/(Ga+In), or y of 0.3 and 0.5 also had improvedmore » efficiency, VOC, and FF, relative to CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 baselines. On the other hand, y ~ 1 absorbers did not benefit from K introduction. Similar to Cu 1-xK xInSe 2, the formation of Cu 1-xK xGaSe 2 alloys was favored at low temperatures and high Na supply by the substrate, relative to the formation of mixed-phase CuGaSe 2 + KGaSe 2. KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 alloys were grown for the first time, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. For all Ga/(Ga+In) compositions, the surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers had superior PV performance in buffered and buffer-free devices. However, the bulk x ~ 0.07 absorbers only outperformed the baselines in buffered devices. The data demonstrate that KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 passivates the surface of CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 to increase efficiency, VOC, and FF, while bulk Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with x ~ 0.07 enhance efficiency, VOC, and FF by some other mechanism.« less

Surface and bulk effects of K in Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 solar cells

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

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Anderson, Timothy J.

Two strategies for enhancing photovoltaic (PV) performance in chalcopyrite solar cells were investigated: Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with low K content (K/(K+Cu), or x ~ 0.07) distributed throughout the bulk, and CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 grown on their surfaces. Distributing K throughout the bulk absorbers improved power conversion efficiency, open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) for Ga/(Ga+In) of 0, 0.3 and 0.5. Surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 and bulk x ~ 0.07 Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 films with Ga/(Ga+In), or y of 0.3 and 0.5 also had improvedmore » efficiency, VOC, and FF, relative to CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 baselines. On the other hand, y ~ 1 absorbers did not benefit from K introduction. Similar to Cu 1-xK xInSe 2, the formation of Cu 1-xK xGaSe 2 alloys was favored at low temperatures and high Na supply by the substrate, relative to the formation of mixed-phase CuGaSe 2 + KGaSe 2. KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 alloys were grown for the first time, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. For all Ga/(Ga+In) compositions, the surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers had superior PV performance in buffered and buffer-free devices. However, the bulk x ~ 0.07 absorbers only outperformed the baselines in buffered devices. The data demonstrate that KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 passivates the surface of CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 to increase efficiency, VOC, and FF, while bulk Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with x ~ 0.07 enhance efficiency, VOC, and FF by some other mechanism.« less

Exchanging Ohmic Losses in Metamaterial Absorbers with Useful Optical Absorption for Photovoltaics

PubMed Central

Vora, Ankit; Gwamuri, Jephias; Pala, Nezih; Kulkarni, Anand; Pearce, Joshua M.; Güney, Durdu Ö.

2014-01-01

Using metamaterial absorbers, we have shown that metallic layers in the absorbers do not necessarily constitute undesired resistive heating problem for photovoltaics. Tailoring the geometric skin depth of metals and employing the natural bulk absorbance characteristics of the semiconductors in those absorbers can enable the exchange of undesired resistive losses with the useful optical absorbance in the active semiconductors. Thus, Ohmic loss dominated metamaterial absorbers can be converted into photovoltaic near-perfect absorbers with the advantage of harvesting the full potential of light management offered by the metamaterial absorbers. Based on experimental permittivity data for indium gallium nitride, we have shown that between 75%–95% absorbance can be achieved in the semiconductor layers of the converted metamaterial absorbers. Besides other metamaterial and plasmonic devices, our results may also apply to photodectors and other metal or semiconductor based optical devices where resistive losses and power consumption are important pertaining to the device performance. PMID:24811322

Measured acoustic properties of variable and low density bulk absorbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dahl, M. D.; Rice, E. J.

1985-01-01

Experimental data were taken to determine the acoustic absorbing properties of uniform low density and layered variable density samples using a bulk absober with a perforated plate facing to hold the material in place. In the layered variable density case, the bulk absorber was packed such that the lowest density layer began at the surface of the sample and progressed to higher density layers deeper inside. The samples were placed in a rectangular duct and measurements were taken using the two microphone method. The data were used to calculate specific acoustic impedances and normal incidence absorption coefficients. Results showed that for uniform density samples the absorption coefficient at low frequencies decreased with increasing density and resonances occurred in the absorption coefficient curve at lower densities. These results were confirmed by a model for uniform density bulk absorbers. Results from layered variable density samples showed that low frequency absorption was the highest when the lowest density possible was packed in the first layer near the exposed surface. The layers of increasing density within the sample had the effect of damping the resonances.

Phase-resolved reflectance spectroscopy on layered turbid media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hielscher, Andreas H.; Liu, Hanli; Chance, Britton; Tittel, Frank K.; Jacques, Steven L.

1995-05-01

In this study, we investigate the influence of layered tissue structures on the phase-resolved reflectance. As a particular example, we consider the affect of the skin, skull, and meninges on noninvasive blood oxygenation determination of the brain. In this case, it's important to know how accurate one can measure the absorption coefficient of the brain through the enclosing layers of different tissues. Experiments were performed on layered gelatin tissue phantoms and the results compared to diffusion theory. It is shown that when a high absorbing medium is placed on top of a low absorbing medium, the absorption coefficient of the lower layer is accessible. In the inverse case, where a low absorbing medium is placed on top of a high absorbing medium, the absorption coefficient of the underlying medium can only be determined if the differences in the absorption coefficient are small, or the top layer is very thin. Investigations on almost absorption and scattering free layers, like the cerebral fluid filled arachnoid, reveal that the determination of the absorption coefficient is barely affected by these kinds of structures.

Heterojunction solar cell with passivated emitter surface

DOEpatents

Olson, Jerry M.; Kurtz, Sarah R.

1994-01-01

A high-efficiency heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. A passivating window layer of defined composition is disposed over the emitter layer. The conversion efficiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the substrate and the absorber layer. An anti-reflection coating is preferably disposed over the window layer.

Heterojunction solar cell with passivated emitter surface

DOEpatents

Olson, J.M.; Kurtz, S.R.

1994-05-31

A high-efficiency heterojunction solar cell is described wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga[sub 0.52]In[sub 0.48]P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. A passivating window layer of defined composition is disposed over the emitter layer. The conversion efficiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the substrate and the absorber layer. An anti-reflection coating is preferably disposed over the window layer. 1 fig.

Geochemical signatures of copper redistribution in IOCG-type mineralisation, Gawler Craton, South Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uvarova, Yulia A.; Pearce, Mark A.; Liu, Weihua; Cleverley, James S.; Hough, Robert M.

2018-04-01

The Emmie Bluff iron oxide, copper, gold (IOCG) prospect is located in the Olympic Dam district, South Australia, and hosts sub-economic 150-m-thick Cu-Au mineralisation associated with the hematite-chlorite-sericite alteration with chalcopyrite commonly replacing pre-existing pyrite at a depth of 800 m. With the use of cutting-edge synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy and field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy, it is shown for the first time that sub-economic IOCG mineralisation in the Olympic Dam district was affected by a late fluid event, which resulted in partial dissolution of Cu mineralisation and transport of Cu in the form of chloride complexes. The porous chlorite-sericite matrix associated with the late alteration of chalcopyrite hosts a Cu-Cl-OH phase previously undescribed in IOCG rocks, which was identified as one of the polymorphs of the atacamite group of minerals, Cu2Cl(OH)3. Thermodynamic modelling shows that "atacamite" is produced during dissolution of chalcopyrite by an oxidised, Cl-bearing fluid. An acidic environment is produced within millimetres of the chalcopyrite grains during oxidation. This process drives chlorite recrystallisation that is recorded by compositional variation of chlorite proximal to chalcopyrite. The existence of the atacamite is discussed in the context of fluid evolution and interaction with IOCG-type mineralisation and its implications to ore preservation versus destruction and remobilisation.

Mineralogy, chemical composition and structure of the MIR Mound, TAG Hydrothermal Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanova, T. V.; Krasnov, S. G.; Cherkashev, G. A.

The study of samples collected from the surface of the MIR mound (TAG Hydrothermal Field) by video-controlled hydraulic grab allowed identification of a number of mineralogical types. These include pyrite-chalcopyrite (Py-Cp), bornite-chalcopyrite-opaline (Bn-Cp-Op) and sphalerite-opaline (Sp-Op) sulfide chimneys, massive sulfides composed of pyrite (Py), chalcopyrite-pyrite (Cp-Py), marcasite-pyrite-opaline (Mc-Py-Op), sphalerite-pyrite-opaline (Sp-Py-Op) and sphalerite-chalcopyrite-pyrite-opaline (Sp-Cp-Py-Op), as well as siliceous and Fe-Mn oxide hydrothermal deposits. Most of the minor elements (Ag, Au, Cd, Ga, Hg, Sb and Pb) are associated with Zn-rich massive sulfides, Co Bi, Pb, and As with Ferich ones, while Cu-rich sulfides are depleted of trace metals. Cu-enriched assemblages are concentrated in the northern part, Zn-enriched in the center, and siliceous rocks in the south of the MIR mound. According to paragenetic relations, the development of the mound started with the formation of quartz (originally opaline) rocks and dendritic assemblages of melnikovite-pyrite, followed by deposition of chalcopyrite and recrystallization of primary pyrite, subsequent generation of sphalerite-rich assemblages and final deposition of opaline rocks. The late renewal of hydrothermal activity led to local formation of Cu-rich chimneys enriched in Au, Ag, Hg and Pb probably due to their remobilization from inner parts of the deposit.

Heterojunction solar cell

DOEpatents

Olson, J.M.

1994-08-30

A high-efficiency single heterojunction solar cell is described wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga[sub 0.52]In[sub 0.48]P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. The conversion efficiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the substrate and the absorber layer. An anti-reflection coating is preferably disposed over the emitter layer. 1 fig.

Metamaterial Absorber Based Multifunctional Sensor Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozer, Z.; Mamedov, A. M.; Ozbay, E.

2017-02-01

In this study metamaterial based (MA) absorber sensor, integrated with an X-band waveguide, is numerically and experimentally suggested for important application including pressure, density sensing and marble type detecting applications based on rectangular split ring resonator, sensor layer and absorber layer that measures of changing in the dielectric constant and/or the thickness of a sensor layer. Changing of physical, chemical or biological parameters in the sensor layer can be detected by measuring the resonant frequency shifting of metamaterial absorber based sensor. Suggested MA based absorber sensor can be used for medical, biological, agricultural and chemical detecting applications in microwave frequency band. We compare the simulation and experimentally obtained results from the fabricated sample which are good agreement. Simulation results show that the proposed structure can detect the changing of the refractive indexes of different materials via special resonance frequencies, thus it could be said that the MA-based sensors have high sensitivity. Additionally due to the simple and tiny structures it could be adapted to other electronic devices in different sizes.

Semiconductor ferroelectric compositions and their use in photovoltaic devices

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

Rappe, Andrew M; Davies, Peter K; Spanier, Jonathan E

Disclosed herein are ferroelectric perovskites characterized as having a band gap, Egap, of less than 2.5 eV. Also disclosed are compounds comprising a solid solution of KNbO3 and BaNi1/2Nb1/2O3-delta, wherein delta is in the range of from 0 to about 1. The specification also discloses photovoltaic devices comprising one or more solar absorbing layers, wherein at least one of the solar absorbing layers comprises a semiconducting ferroelectric layer. Finally, this patent application provides solar cell, comprising: a heterojunction of n- and p-type semiconductors characterized as comprising an interface layer disposed between the n- and p-type semiconductors, the interface layer comprisingmore » a semiconducting ferroelectric absorber layer capable of enhancing light absorption and carrier separation.« less

Fabrication of CIS Absorber Layers with Different Thicknesses Using A Non-Vacuum Spray Coating Method

PubMed Central

Diao, Chien-Chen; Kuo, Hsin-Hui; Tzou, Wen-Cheng; Chen, Yen-Lin; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2014-01-01

In this study, a new thin-film deposition process, spray coating method (SPM), was investigated to deposit the high-densified CuInSe2 absorber layers. The spray coating method developed in this study was a non-vacuum process, based on dispersed nano-scale CuInSe2 precursor and could offer a simple, inexpensive, and alternative formation technology for CuInSe2 absorber layers. After spraying on Mo/glass substrates, the CuInSe2 thin films were annealed at 550 °C by changing the annealing time from 5 min to 30 min in a selenization furnace, using N2 as atmosphere. When the CuInSe2 thin films were annealed, without extra Se or H2Se gas used as the compensation source during the annealing process. The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of annealing time on the densification and crystallization of the CuInSe2 absorber layers to optimize the quality for cost effective solar cell production. The thickness of the CuInSe2 absorber layers could be controlled as the volume of used dispersed CuInSe2-isopropyl alcohol solution was controlled. In this work, X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Hall parameter measurements were performed in order to verify the quality of the CuInSe2 absorber layers obtained by the Spray Coating Method. PMID:28788451

Platinum-group mineralization at the margin of the Skaergaard intrusion, East Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersen, Jens C. Ø.; Rollinson, Gavyn K.; McDonald, Iain; Tegner, Christian; Lesher, Charles E.

2017-08-01

Two occurrences of platinum-group elements (PGEs) along the northern margin of the Skaergaard intrusion include a sulfide-bearing gabbro with slightly less than 1 ppm PGE + Au and a clinopyroxene-actinolite-plagioclase-biotite-ilmenite schist with 16 vol% sulfide and 1.8 ppm PGE + Au. Both have assemblages of pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite typical for orthomagmatic sulfides. Matching platinum-group mineral assemblages with sperrylite (PtAs2), kotulskite (Pd(Bi,Te)1-2), froodite (PdBi2), michenerite (PdBiTe), and electrum (Au,Ag) suggest a common origin. Petrological and geochemical similarities suggest that the occurrences are related to the Skaergaard intrusion. The Marginal Border Series locally displays Ni depletion consistent with sulfide fractionation, and the PGE fractionation trends of the occurrences are systematically enriched by 10-50 times over the chilled margin. The PGE can be explained by sulfide-silicate immiscibility in the Skaergaard magma with R factors of 110-220. Nickel depletion in olivine suggests that the process occurred within the host cumulate, and the low R factors require little sulfide mobility. The sulfide assemblages are different to the chalcopyrite-bornite-digenite assemblage found in the Skaergaard Layered Series and Platinova Reef. These differences can be explained by the early formation of sulfide melt, while magmatic differentiation or sulfur loss caused the unusual sulfide assemblage within the Layered Series. The PGEs indicate that the sulfides formed from the Skaergaard magma. The sulfides and PGEs could not have formed from the nearby Watkins Fjord wehrlite intrusion, which is nearly barren in sulfide. We suggest that silicate-sulfide immiscibility led to PGE concentration where the Skaergaard magma became contaminated with material from the Archean basement.

Analysis of single-layer metamaterial absorber with reflection theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Han; Tang, Ming-Chun; Hong, Jing-Song

2015-04-01

A reflection theory is employed to analyze a single-layered metamaterial absorber. With the necessary conditions for zero reflection, the permittivity and permeability as functions of absorptivity were obtained, which are suitable for analyzing the absorption properties of single-layered metamaterial absorber at both normal and oblique incidence cases. With the obtained expressions, it not only can explain why the absorption peaks monotonously decrease with increasing of the incident angles but also can explore the relationship between the absorptivity and spacer thickness of the dielectric slab. A Jerusalem cross metamaterial absorber was simulated and verified the validity of this proposed reflection theory. The main contribution of our work is that it can explain the physical mechanism of the various absorption peaks by using the analytical formula and highlights its potential guidance for designing and analyzing metamaterial absorbers in the future.

Peculiarities of light absorption by spherical microcapsules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geints, Yurii E.; Panina, Ekaterina K.; Zemlyanov, Alexander A.

2018-04-01

Optical radiation absorption in the poly-layer spherical microparticles simulating the inorganic/organic polyshell absorbing microcapsules is considered. With the aim of the finite-difference time-domain technique, the spatial distribution of the absorbed light power in microcapsules of various sizes and internal structure is numerically calculated. For the purpose of light absorption enhancement, we have engineered the optimal structure of a capsule consisting of a strong-refracting transparent outer coating and an absorbing layer which covers a liquid core. The proposed microcapsule prototype provides for a manifold increase in the absorbed light power density in comparison with the usual single-layer absorbing capsule. We show that for light-wavelengths-scaled microcapsules it is optimal to use a material with the refractive index larger than two as an outer shell, for example, titanium dioxide (TiO2). The highest values of the absorbed power density can be obtained in microcapsules with absorbing shell thickness of approximately a tenth of a laser wavelength. When laser radiation is scattered by a dimer constituted by two identical absorbing microcapsules the absorbed power density can be maximized by the choosing of proper dimer spatial configuration. In the case of strongly absorbing particles, the absorption maximum corresponds to a shift of the capsules to a distance of about their diameter, and in the case of weakly absorbing particles the absorption is maximal when particles are in geometrical shades of each other.

The electric field standing wave effect in infrared transflection spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayerhöfer, Thomas G.; Popp, Jürgen

2018-02-01

We show that an electric field standing wave effect is responsible for the oscillations and the non-linear dependence of the absorbance on the layer thickness in thin layers on a reflective surface. This effect is connected to the occurrence of interference inside these layers. Consequently, the absorptance undergoes a maximum electric field intensity enhancement at spectral positions close to those where corresponding non-absorbing layers on a metal show minima in the reflectance. The effect leads to changes of peak maxima ratios with layer thickness and shows the same periodicity as oscillations in the peak positions. These peculiarities are fully based on and described by Maxwell's equations but cannot be understood and described if the strongly simplifying model centered on reflectance absorbance is employed.

Boundary layer control device for duct silencers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmitz, Fredric H. (Inventor); Soderman, Paul T. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A boundary layer control device includes a porous cover plate, an acoustic absorber disposed under the porous cover plate, and a porous flow resistive membrane interposed between the porous cover plate and the acoustic absorber. The porous flow resistive membrane has a flow resistance low enough to permit sound to enter the acoustic absorber and high enough to damp unsteady flow oscillations.

Infrared-sensitive photocathode

DOEpatents

Mariella, Jr., Raymond P.; Cooper, Gregory A.

1995-01-01

A single-crystal, multi-layer device incorporating an IR absorbing layer that is compositionally different from the Ga.sub.x Al.sub.1-x Sb layer which acts as the electron emitter. Many different IR absorbing layers can be envisioned for use in this embodiment, limited only by the ability to grow quality material on a chosen substrate. A non-exclusive list of possible IR absorbing layers would include GaSb, InAs and InAs/Ga.sub.w In.sub.y Al.sub.1-y-w Sb superlattices. The absorption of the IR photon excites an electron into the conduction band of the IR absorber. An externally applied electric field then transports electrons from the conduction band of the absorber into the conduction band of the Ga.sub.x Al.sub.1-x Sb, from which they are ejected into vacuum. Because the band alignments of Ga.sub.x Al.sub.1-x Sb can be made the same as that of GaAs, emitting efficiencies comparable to GaAs photocathodes are obtainable. The present invention provides a photocathode that is responsive to wavelengths within the range of 0.9 .mu.m to at least 10 .mu.m.

Infrared-sensitive photocathode

DOEpatents

Mariella, R.P. Jr.; Cooper, G.A.

1995-04-04

A single-crystal, multi-layer device is described incorporating an IR absorbing layer that is compositionally different from the Ga{sub x}Al{sub 1{minus}x}Sb layer which acts as the electron emitter. Many different IR absorbing layers can be envisioned for use in this embodiment, limited only by the ability to grow quality material on a chosen substrate. A non-exclusive list of possible IR absorbing layers would include GaSb, InAs and InAs/Ga{sub w}In{sub y}Al{sub 1{minus}y{minus}w}Sb superlattices. The absorption of the IR photon excites an electron into the conduction band of the IR absorber. An externally applied electric field then transports electrons from the conduction band of the absorber into the conduction band of the Ga{sub x}Al{sub 1{minus}x}Sb, from which they are ejected into vacuum. Because the band alignments of Ga{sub x}Al{sub 1{minus}x}Sb can be made the same as that of GaAs, emitting efficiencies comparable to GaAs photocathodes are obtainable. The present invention provides a photocathode that is responsive to wavelengths within the range of 0.9 {mu}m to at least 10 {mu}m. 9 figures.

Preheating Water In The Covers Of Solar Water Heaters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhandari, Pradeep

1995-01-01

Solar water heaters that include glass covers over absorber plates redesigned to increase efficiencies according to proposal. Redesign includes modification of single-layer glass cover into double-layer glass cover and addition of plumbing so cool water to be heated made to flow between layers of cover before entering absorber plate.

Electrical isolation of component cells in monolithically interconnected modules

DOEpatents

Wanlass, Mark W.

2001-01-01

A monolithically interconnected photovoltaic module having cells which are electrically connected which comprises a substrate, a plurality of cells formed over the substrate, each cell including a primary absorber layer having a light receiving surface and a p-region, formed with a p-type dopant, and an n-region formed with an n-type dopant adjacent the p-region to form a single pn-junction, and a cell isolation diode layer having a p-region, formed with a p-type dopant, and an n-region formed with an n-type dopant adjacent the p-region to form a single pn-junction, the diode layer intervening the substrate and the absorber layer wherein the absorber and diode interfacial regions of a same conductivity type orientation, the diode layer having a reverse-breakdown voltage sufficient to prevent inter-cell shunting, and each cell electrically isolated from adjacent cells with a vertical trench trough the pn-junction of the diode layer, interconnects disposed in the trenches contacting the absorber regions of adjacent cells which are doped an opposite conductivity type, and electrical contacts.

Optoelectronic and low temperature thermoelectric studies on nanostructured thin films of silver gallium selenide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacob, Rajani; Philip, Rachel Reena; Nazer, Sheeba; Abraham, Anitha; Nair, Sinitha B.; Pradeep, B.; Urmila, K. S.; Okram, G. S.

2014-01-01

Polycrystalline thin films of silver gallium selenide were deposited on ultrasonically cleaned soda lime glass substrates by multi-source vacuum co-evaporation technique. The structural analysis done by X-ray diffraction ascertained the formation of nano structured tetragonal chalcopyrite thin films. The compound formation was confirmed by X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopic technique has been used for surface morphological analysis. Direct allowed band gap ˜1.78eV with high absorption coefficient ˜106/m was estimated from absorbance spectra. Low temperature thermoelectric effects has been investigated in the temperature range 80-330K which manifested an unusual increase in Seebeck coefficient with negligible phonon drag toward the very low and room temperature regime. The electrical resistivity of these n-type films was assessed to be ˜2.6Ωm and the films showed good photo response.

The Analysis and Construction of Perfectly Matched Layers for the Linearized Euler Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hesthaven, J. S.

1997-01-01

We present a detailed analysis of a recently proposed perfectly matched layer (PML) method for the absorption of acoustic waves. The split set of equations is shown to be only weakly well-posed, and ill-posed under small low order perturbations. This analysis provides the explanation for the stability problems associated with the split field formulation and illustrates why applying a filter has a stabilizing effect. Utilizing recent results obtained within the context of electromagnetics, we develop strongly well-posed absorbing layers for the linearized Euler equations. The schemes are shown to be perfectly absorbing independent of frequency and angle of incidence of the wave in the case of a non-convecting mean flow. In the general case of a convecting mean flow, a number of techniques is combined to obtain a absorbing layers exhibiting PML-like behavior. The efficacy of the proposed absorbing layers is illustrated though computation of benchmark problems in aero-acoustics.

The structure of reconstructed chalcopyrite surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thinius, Sascha; Islam, Mazharul M.; Bredow, Thomas

2018-03-01

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) surfaces are of major interest for copper exploitation in aqueous solution, called leaching. Since leaching is a surface process knowledge of the surface structure, bonding pattern and oxidation states is important for improving the efficiency. At present such information is not available from experimental studies. Therefore a detailed computational study of chalcopyrite surfaces is performed. The structures of low-index stoichiometric chalcopyrite surfaces {hkl} h, k, l ∈ {0, 1, 2} have been studied with density functional theory (DFT) and global optimization strategies. We have applied ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) in combination with simulated annealing (SA) in order to explore possible reconstructions via a minima hopping (MH) algorithm. In almost all cases reconstruction involving substantial rearrangement has occurred accompanied by reduction of the surface energy. The analysis of the change in the coordination sphere and migration during reconstruction reveals that S-S dimers are formed on the surface. Further it was observed that metal atoms near the surface move toward the bulk forming metal alloys passivated by sulfur. The obtained surface energies of reconstructed surfaces are in the range of 0.53-0.95 J/m2.

Electrical and optical performance of midwave infrared InAsSb heterostructure detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomółka, Emilia; Kopytko, Małgorzata; Markowska, Olga; Michalczewski, Krystian; Kubiszyn, Łukasz; Kębłowski, Artur; Jureńczyk, Jarosław; Gawron, Waldemar; Martyniuk, Piotr Marcin; Piotrowski, Józef; Rutkowski, Jarosław; Rogalski, Antoni

2018-02-01

We investigate the high-operating temperature performance of InAsSb/AlSb heterostructure detectors with cutoff wavelengths near 5 μm at 230 K. The devices have been fabricated with different types of absorbing layers: nominally undoped absorber (with n-type conductivity), and both n- and p-type doped. The results show that the device performance strongly depends on absorber layer type. Generally, the p-type absorber provides higher values of current responsivity than the n-type absorber, but at the same time also higher values of dark current. The device with the nominally undoped absorbing layer shows moderate values of both current responsivity and dark current. Resulting detectivities D * of nonimmersed devices vary from 2 × 109 to 5 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W ? 1 at 230 K, which is easily achievable with a two-stage thermoelectric cooler. Optical immersion increases the detectivity up to 5 × 1010 cm Hz1/2 W ? 1.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI{sub 2}

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, R.A.; Chen, W.S.

1985-08-13

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same are disclosed, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI{sub 2} chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin ``composition-graded`` layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns ({approx_equal}2.5 {mu}m to {approx_equal}5.0 {mu}m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii) a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion occurs (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer. 16 figs.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI[sub 2

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, R.A.; Chen, W.S.

1982-06-15

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same are disclosed, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (1) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI[sub 2] chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin composition-graded'' layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns ([approx equal]2.5[mu]m to [approx equal]5.0[mu]m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (2), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, is allowed.

Epitaxial CuInSe2 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy and migration enhanced epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abderrafi, K.; Ribeiro-Andrade, R.; Nicoara, N.; Cerqueira, M. F.; Gonzalez Debs, M.; Limborço, H.; Salomé, P. M. P.; Gonzalez, J. C.; Briones, F.; Garcia, J. M.; Sadewasser, S.

2017-10-01

While CuInSe2 chalcopyrite materials are mainly used in their polycrystalline form to prepare thin film solar cells, epitaxial layers have been used for the characterization of defects. Typically, epitaxial layers are grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Here we present epitaxial layers grown by migration enhanced epitaxy (MEE) and compare the materials quality to MBE grown layers. CuInSe2 layers were grown on GaAs (0 0 1) substrates by co-evaporation of Cu, In, and Se using substrate temperatures of 450 °C, 530 °C, and 620 °C. The layers were characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). HR-XRD and HR-TEM show a better crystalline quality of the MEE grown layers, and Raman scattering measurements confirm single phase CuInSe2. AFM shows the previously observed faceting of the (0 0 1) surface into {1 1 2} facets with trenches formed along the [1 1 0] direction. The surface of MEE-grown samples appears smoother compared to MBE-grown samples, a similar trend is observed with increasing growth temperature.

Strain-compensated infrared photodetector and photodetector array

DOEpatents

Kim, Jin K; Hawkins, Samuel D; Klem, John F; Cich, Michael J

2013-05-28

A photodetector is disclosed for the detection of infrared light with a long cutoff wavelength in the range of about 4.5-10 microns. The photodetector, which can be formed on a semiconductor substrate as an nBn device, has a light absorbing region which includes InAsSb light-absorbing layers and tensile-strained layers interspersed between the InAsSb light-absorbing layers. The tensile-strained layers can be formed from GaAs, InAs, InGaAs or a combination of these III-V compound semiconductor materials. A barrier layer in the photodetector can be formed from AlAsSb or AlGaAsSb; and a contact layer in the photodetector can be formed from InAs, GaSb or InAsSb. The photodetector is useful as an individual device, or to form a focal plane array.

Development of Proxies for Vent Fluid Trace Metal Concentrations and pH through Study of Sulfide Chimney Linings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, G. N.; Tivey, M. K.; Seewald, J.; Rouxel, O. J.; Monteleone, B.

2016-12-01

Analyses of trace elements (Ag, As, Co, Mn, and Zn) hosted in the chalcopyrite linings of `black smoker' chimneys using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) have been combined with data for trace metal concentrations in corresponding vent fluids to investigate fluid-mineral partitioning of trace elements. Goals of this research include development of proxies for fluid chemistry based on mineral trace element content. The use of SIMS allows for the measurement of trace elements below the detection limits of electron microprobe and at the necessary spatial resolution (20 microns) to examine fine-grained and mixed-mineral samples. Results indicate that the chalcopyrite linings of many `black smoker' chimneys are homogeneous with respect to Ag, Mn, Co, and Zn. Minerals picked from samples exhibiting homogeneity with respect to specific elements were dissolved and analyzed by solution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for use as working standards. Results also document a strong correlation between the Ag content of chalcopyrite and the Ag:Cu ratio of the corresponding hydrothermal fluid. This supports systematic partitioning of Ag into chalcopyrite as a substitute for Cu, providing a proxy for fluid Ag concentration. Additionally, the Ag content of chalcopyrite correlates with fluid pH, particularly at pH>3, and thus represents an effective proxy for fluid pH. Application of these proxies to chimney samples provides an opportunity to better identify hydrothermal conditions even when fluids have not been sampled, or not fully analyzed.

Metal Resistance and Lithoautotrophy in the Extreme Thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula

PubMed Central

Maezato, Yukari; Johnson, Tyler; McCarthy, Samuel; Dana, Karl

2012-01-01

Archaea such as Metallosphaera sedula are thermophilic lithoautotrophs that occupy unusually acidic and metal-rich environments. These traits are thought to underlie their industrial importance for bioleaching of base and precious metals. In this study, a genetic approach was taken to investigate the specific relationship between metal resistance and lithoautotrophy during biotransformation of the primary copper ore, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). In this study, a genetic system was developed for M. sedula to investigate parameters that limit bioleaching of chalcopyrite. The functional role of the M. sedula copRTA operon was demonstrated by cross-species complementation of a copper-sensitive Sulfolobus solfataricus copR mutant. Inactivation of the gene encoding the M. sedula copper efflux protein, copA, using targeted recombination compromised metal resistance and eliminated chalcopyrite bioleaching. In contrast, a spontaneous M. sedula mutant (CuR1) with elevated metal resistance transformed chalcopyrite at an accelerated rate without affecting chemoheterotrophic growth. Proteomic analysis of CuR1 identified pleiotropic changes, including altered abundance of transport proteins having AAA-ATPase motifs. Addition of the insoluble carbonate mineral witherite (BaCO3) further stimulated chalcopyrite lithotrophy, indicating that carbon was a limiting factor. Since both mineral types were actively colonized, enhanced metal leaching may arise from the cooperative exchange of energy and carbon between surface-adhered populations. Genetic approaches provide a new means of improving the efficiency of metal bioleaching by enhancing the mechanistic understanding of thermophilic lithoautotrophy. PMID:23065978

Laboratory chalcopyrite oxidation by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans: Oxygen and sulfur isotope fractionation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thurston, R.S.; Mandernack, K.W.; Shanks, Wayne C.

2010-01-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted to simulate chalcopyrite oxidation under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in the absence or presence of the bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Experiments were carried out with 3 different oxygen isotope values of water (??18OH2O) so that approach to equilibrium or steady-state isotope fractionation for different starting conditions could be evaluated. The contribution of dissolved O2 and water-derived oxygen to dissolved sulfate formed by chalcopyrite oxidation was unambiguously resolved during the aerobic experiments. Aerobic oxidation of chalcopyrite showed 93 ?? 1% incorporation of water oxygen into the resulting sulfate during the biological experiments. Anaerobic experiments showed similar percentages of water oxygen incorporation into sulfate, but were more variable. The experiments also allowed determination of sulfate-water oxygen isotope fractionation, ??18OSO4-H2O, of ~ 3.8??? for the anaerobic experiments. Aerobic oxidation produced apparent ??SO4-H2O values (6.4???) higher than the anaerobic experiments, possibly due to additional incorporation of dissolved O2 into sulfate. ??34SSO4 values are ~ 4??? lower than the parent sulfide mineral during anaerobic oxidation of chalcopyrite, with no significant difference between abiotic and biological processes. For the aerobic experiments, a small depletion in ??34SSO4 of ~- 1.5 ?? 0.2??? was observed for the biological experiments. Fewer solids precipitated during oxidation under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions, which may account for the observed differences in sulfur isotope fractionation under these contrasting conditions. ?? 2009 Elsevier B.V.

Proposed suitable electron reflector layer materials for thin-film CuIn1-xGaxSe2 solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharbati, Samaneh; Gharibshahian, Iman; Orouji, Ali A.

2018-01-01

This paper investigates the electrical properties of electron reflector layer to survey materials as an electron reflector (ER) for chalcopyrite CuInGaSe solar cells. The purpose is optimizing the conduction-band and valence-band offsets at ER layer/CIGS junction that can effectively reduce the electron recombination near the back contact. In this work, an initial device model based on an experimental solar cell is established, then the properties of a solar cell with electron reflector layer are physically analyzed. The electron reflector layer numerically applied to baseline model of thin-film CIGS cell fabricated by ZSW (efficiency = 20.3%). The improvement of efficiency is achievable by electron reflector layer materials with Eg > 1.3 eV and -0.3 < Δχ < 0.7, depends on bandgap. Our simulations examine various electron reflector layer materials and conclude the most suitable electron reflector layer for this real CIGS solar cells. ZnSnP2, CdSiAs2, GaAs, CdTe, Cu2ZnSnS4, InP, CuO, Pb10Ag3Sb11S28, CuIn5S8, SnS, PbCuSbS3, Cu3AsS4 as well as CuIn1-xGaxSe (x > 0.5) are efficient electron reflector layer materials, so the potential improvement in efficiency obtained relative gain of 5%.

Novel two-step laser ablation and ionization mass spectrometry (2S-LAIMS) of actor-spectator ice layers: Probing chemical composition of D{sub 2}O ice beneath a H{sub 2}O ice layer

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

Yang, Rui, E-mail: ryang73@ustc.edu; Gudipati, Murthy S., E-mail: gudipati@jpl.nasa.gov

2014-03-14

In this work, we report for the first time successful analysis of organic aromatic analytes imbedded in D{sub 2}O ices by novel infrared (IR) laser ablation of a layered non-absorbing D{sub 2}O ice (spectator) containing the analytes and an ablation-active IR-absorbing H{sub 2}O ice layer (actor) without the analyte. With these studies we have opened up a new method for the in situ analysis of solids containing analytes when covered with an IR laser-absorbing layer that can be resonantly ablated. This soft ejection method takes advantage of the tenability of two-step infrared laser ablation and ultraviolet laser ionization mass spectrometry,more » previously demonstrated in this lab to study chemical reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cryogenic ices. The IR laser pulse tuned to resonantly excite only the upper H{sub 2}O ice layer (actor) generates a shockwave upon impact. This shockwave penetrates the lower analyte-containing D{sub 2}O ice layer (spectator, a non-absorbing ice that cannot be ablated directly with the wavelength of the IR laser employed) and is reflected back, ejecting the contents of the D{sub 2}O layer into the vacuum where they are intersected by a UV laser for ionization and detection by a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Thus, energy is transmitted from the laser-absorbing actor layer into the non-absorbing spectator layer resulting its ablation. We found that isotope cross-contamination between layers was negligible. We also did not see any evidence for thermal or collisional chemistry of PAH molecules with H{sub 2}O molecules in the shockwave. We call this “shockwave mediated surface resonance enhanced subsurface ablation” technique as “two-step laser ablation and ionization mass spectrometry of actor-spectator ice layers.” This method has its roots in the well-established MALDI (matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization) method. Our method offers more flexibility to optimize both the processes—ablation and ionization. This new technique can thus be potentially employed to undertake in situ analysis of materials imbedded in diverse media, such as cryogenic ices, biological samples, tissues, minerals, etc., by covered with an IR-absorbing laser ablation medium and study the chemical composition and reaction pathways of the analyte in its natural surroundings.« less

Making Single-Source Precursors of Ternary Semiconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepp, Aloysius; Banger, Kulbindre K.

2007-01-01

A synthesis route has been developed for the commercial manufacture of single- source precursors of chalcopyrite semiconductor absorber layers of thin-film solar photovoltaic cells. A closely related class of single-source precursors of these semiconductors, and their synthesis routes, were reported in "Improved Single-Source Precursors for Solar-Cell Absorbers" (LEW-17445-1), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 31, No. 6 (June 2007), page 56. The present synthesis route is better suited to commercialization because it is simpler and involves the use of commercially available agents, yet offers the flexibility needed for synthesis of a variety of precursors. A single-source precursor of the type of interest here is denoted by the general formula L2M'(mu-ER)2M(ER)2, where L signifies a Lewis base; M signifies Al, In, or Ga; M' signifies Ag or Cu; R signifies an alkyl, aryl, silyl, or perfluorocarbon group; E signifies O, S, Se, or Te; and mu signifies a bridging ligand. This compound can be synthesized in a "one-pot" procedure from ingredients that are readily available from almost any chemical supplier. In a demonstration, the following synthesis was performed: Under anaerobic conditions, InCl3 was reacted with sodium ethanethiolate in methanol in a 1:4 molar ratio to afford the ionic stable intermediate compound Na+[In(SEt)4]- (where Et signifies ethyl group). After approximately 15 minutes, a heterogeneous solution of CuCl and the Lewis base PPh3 (where Ph signifies phenyl) in a 1:2 ratio in a mixture of CH3CN and CH2Cl2 was added directly to the freshly prepared Na+[In(SEt)4]-. After 24 hours, the reaction was essentially complete. The methanolic solution was concentrated, then the product was extracted with CH2Cl2, then the product was washed with dry ether and pentane. The product in its final form was a creamy white solid. Spectroscopic and elemental analysis confirmed that the product was (PPh3)2Cu(mu-SEt)2In(mu-SEt)2, which is known to be a precursor of the ternary semiconductor CuInS2.

Design and measuring of a tunable hybrid metamaterial absorber for terahertz frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Min; Liu, Shui Jie; Xu, Bang Li; Wang, Jie; Huang, Hua Qing

2018-04-01

A tunable hybrid metamaterial absorber is designed and experimentally produced in THz band. The hybrid metamaterial absorber contains two dielectric layers: SU-8 and VO2 layers. An absorption peak reaching to 83.5% is achieved at 1.04 THz. The hybrid metamaterial absorber exhibits high absorption when the incident angle reaches to 45°. Measured results indicate that the absorption amplitude and peak frequency of the hybrid metamaterial absorber is tunable in experiments. It is due to the insulator-to-metal phase transition is achieved when the measured temperature reaches to 68 °C. Moreover, the hybrid metamaterial absorber reveals high figure of merit (FOM) value when the measured temperature reaches to 68 °C.

Local Bonding Influence on the Band Edge and Band Gap Formation in Quaternary Chalcopyrites.

PubMed

Miglio, Anna; Heinrich, Christophe P; Tremel, Wolfgang; Hautier, Geoffroy; Zeier, Wolfgang G

2017-09-01

Quaternary chalcopyrites have shown to exhibit tunable band gaps with changing anion composition. Inspired by these observations, the underlying structural and electronic considerations are investigated using a combination of experimentally obtained structural data, molecular orbital considerations, and density functional theory. Within the solid solution Cu 2 ZnGeS 4- x Se x , the anion bond alteration parameter changes, showing larger bond lengths for metal-selenium than for metal-sulfur bonds. The changing bonding interaction directly influences the valence and conduction band edges, which result from antibonding Cu-anion and Ge-anion interactions, respectively. The knowledge of the underlying bonding interactions at the band edges can help design properties of these quaternary chalcopyrites for photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications.

Effect of pH values on the extracellular polysaccharide secreted by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans during chalcopyrite bioleaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Run-lan; Liu, Jing; Tan, Jian-xi; Zeng, Wei-min; Shi, Li-juan; Gu, Guo-hua; Qin, Wen-qing; Qiu, Guan-zhou

2014-04-01

The pH value plays an important role in the bioleaching of sulphide minerals. The effect of pH values on the extracellular polysaccharide secreted by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was investigated in different phases of bacterial growth during chalcopyrite bioleaching. It is found that extracellular polysaccharide secretion from the cells attached to chalcopyrite is more efficiently than that of the free cells in the bioleaching solution. Three factors, pH values, the concentration of soluble metal ions, and the bacterial growth and metabolism, affect extracellular polysaccharide secretion in the free cells, and are related to the bacterial growth phase. Extracellular polysaccharide secretion from the attached cells is mainly dependent on the pH value of the bacterial culture.

Molecular solution processing of metal chalcogenide thin film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wenbing

The barrier to utilize solar generated electricity mainly comes from their higher cost relative to fossil fuels. However, innovations with new materials and processing techniques can potentially make cost effective photovoltaics. One such strategy is to develop solution processed photovoltaics which avoid the expensive vacuum processing required by traditional solar cells. The dissertation is mainly focused on two absorber material system for thin film solar cells: chalcopyrite CuIn(S,Se)2 (CISS) and kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se) 4 organized in chronological order. Chalcopyrite CISS is a very promising material. It has been demonstrated to achieve the highest efficiency among thin film solar cells. Scaled-up industry production at present has reached the giga-watt per year level. The process however mainly relies on vacuum systems which account for a significant percentage of the manufacturing cost. In the first section of this dissertation, hydrazine based solution processed CISS has been explored. The focus of the research involves the procedures to fabricate devices from solution. The topics covered in Chapter 2 include: precursor solution synthesis with a focus on understanding the solution chemistry, CISS absorber formation from precursor, properties modification toward favorable device performance, and device structure innovation toward tandem device. For photovoltaics to have a significant impact toward meeting energy demands, the annual production capability needs to be on TW-level. On such a level, raw materials supply of rare elements (indium for CIS or tellurium for CdTe) will be the bottleneck limiting the scalability. Replacing indium with zinc and tin, earth abundant kesterite CZTS exhibits great potential to reach the goal of TW-level with no limitations on raw material availability. Chapter 3 shows pioneering work towards solution processing of CZTS film at low temperature. The solution processed devices show performances which rival vacuum-based techniques and is partially attributed to the ease in controlling composition and CZTS phase through this technique. Based on this platform, comprehensive characterization on CZTS devices is carried out including solar cells and transistors. Especially defects properties are exploited in Chapter 4 targeting to identify the limiting factors for further improvement on CZTS solar cells efficiency. Finally, molecular structures and precursor solution stability have been explored, potentially to provide a universal approach to process multinary compounds.

Optimization of Perfect Absorbers with Multilayer Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li Voti, Roberto

2018-02-01

We study wide-angle and broadband perfect absorbers with compact multilayer structures made of a sequence of ITO and TiN layers deposited onto a silver thick layer. An optimization procedure is introduced for searching the optimal thicknesses of the layers so as to design a perfect broadband absorber from 400 nm to 750 nm, for a wide range of angles of incidence from 0{°} to 50{°}, for both polarizations and with a low emissivity in the mid-infrared. We eventually compare the performances of several optimal structures that can be very promising for solar thermal energy harvesting and collectors.

Zoned Cr, Fe-spinel from the La Perouse layered gabbro, Fairweather Range, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Czamanske, G.K.; Himmelberg, G.R.; Goff, F.E.

1976-01-01

Zoned spinel of unusual composition and morphology has been found in massive pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-pent-landite ore from the La Perouse layered gabbro intrusion in the Fairweather Range, southeastern Alaska. The spinel grains show continuous zoning from cores with up to 53 wt.% Cr2O3 to rims with less than 11 wt.% Cr2O3. Their composition is exceptional because they contain less than 0.32 wt.% MgO and less than 0.10 wt.% Al2O3 and TiO2. Also notable are the concentrations of MnO and V2O3, which reach 4.73 and 4.50 wt.%, respectively, in the cores. The spinel is thought to have crystallized at low oxygen fugacity and at temperatures above 900??C, directly from a sulfide melt that separated by immiscibility from the gabbroic parental magma. ?? 1976.

Low-Cost, Efficient, and Durable H2 Production by Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting with CuGa3Se5 Photocathodes

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

Muzzillo, Christopher; Klein, Walter E; Li, Zhen

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is an elegant method of converting sunlight and water into H2 fuel. To be commercially advantageous, PEC devices must become cheaper, more efficient, and much more durable. This work examines low-cost polycrystalline chalcopyrite films, which are successful as photovoltaic absorbers, for application as PEC absorbers. In particular, Cu-Ga-Se films with wide band gaps can be employed as top cell photocathodes in tandem devices as a realistic route to high efficiencies. In this report, we demonstrate that decreasing Cu/Ga composition from 0.66 to 0.31 in Cu-Ga-Se films increased the band gap from 1.67 to 1.86 eV andmore » decreased saturated photocurrent density from 18 to 8 mA/cm2 as measured by chopped-light current-voltage (CLIV) measurements in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid electrolyte. Buffer and catalyst surface treatments were not applied to the Cu-Ga-Se films, and they exhibited promising stability, evidenced by unchanged CLIV after 9 months of storage in air. Finally, films with Cu/Ga = 0.36 (approximately stoichiometric CuGa3Se5) and 1.86 eV band gaps had exceptional durability and continuously split water for 17 days (~12 mA/cm2 at -1 V vs RHE). This is equivalent to ~17 200 C/cm2, which is a world record for any polycrystalline PEC absorber. These results indicate that CuGa3Se5 films are prime candidates for cheaply achieving efficient and durable PEC water splitting.« less

Low-Cost, Efficient, and Durable H2 Production by Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting with CuGa3Se5 Photocathodes.

PubMed

Muzzillo, Christopher P; Klein, W Ellis; Li, Zhen; DeAngelis, Alexander Daniel; Horsley, Kimberly; Zhu, Kai; Gaillard, Nicolas

2018-06-13

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is an elegant method of converting sunlight and water into H 2 fuel. To be commercially advantageous, PEC devices must become cheaper, more efficient, and much more durable. This work examines low-cost polycrystalline chalcopyrite films, which are successful as photovoltaic absorbers, for application as PEC absorbers. In particular, Cu-Ga-Se films with wide band gaps can be employed as top cell photocathodes in tandem devices as a realistic route to high efficiencies. In this report, we demonstrate that decreasing Cu/Ga composition from 0.66 to 0.31 in Cu-Ga-Se films increased the band gap from 1.67 to 1.86 eV and decreased saturated photocurrent density from 18 to 8 mA/cm 2 as measured by chopped-light current-voltage (CLIV) measurements in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid electrolyte. Buffer and catalyst surface treatments were not applied to the Cu-Ga-Se films, and they exhibited promising stability, evidenced by unchanged CLIV after 9 months of storage in air. Finally, films with Cu/Ga = 0.36 (approximately stoichiometric CuGa 3 Se 5 ) and 1.86 eV band gaps had exceptional durability and continuously split water for 17 days (∼12 mA/cm 2 at -1 V vs RHE). This is equivalent to ∼17 200 C/cm 2 , which is a world record for any polycrystalline PEC absorber. These results indicate that CuGa 3 Se 5 films are prime candidates for cheaply achieving efficient and durable PEC water splitting.

Multi-domain boundary element method for axi-symmetric layered linear acoustic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reiter, Paul; Ziegelwanger, Harald

2017-12-01

Homogeneous porous materials like rock wool or synthetic foam are the main tool for acoustic absorption. The conventional absorbing structure for sound-proofing consists of one or multiple absorbers placed in front of a rigid wall, with or without air-gaps in between. Various models exist to describe these so called multi-layered acoustic systems mathematically for incoming plane waves. However, there is no efficient method to calculate the sound field in a half space above a multi layered acoustic system for an incoming spherical wave. In this work, an axi-symmetric multi-domain boundary element method (BEM) for absorbing multi layered acoustic systems and incoming spherical waves is introduced. In the proposed BEM formulation, a complex wave number is used to model absorbing materials as a fluid and a coordinate transformation is introduced which simplifies singular integrals of the conventional BEM to non-singular radial and angular integrals. The radial and angular part are integrated analytically and numerically, respectively. The output of the method can be interpreted as a numerical half space Green's function for grounds consisting of layered materials.

Lightweight armor system

DOEpatents

Chu, Henry S; Langhorst, Benjamin R; Bakas, Michael P; Thinnes, Gary L

2013-02-26

The disclosure provides a shock absorbing layer comprised of one or more shock absorbing cells, where a shock absorbing cell is comprised of a cell interior volume containing a plurality of hydrogel particles and a free volume, and where the cell interior volume is surrounded by a containing layer. The containing layer has a permeability such that the hydrogel particles when swollen remain at least partially within the cell interior volume when subjected to a design shock pressure wave, allowing for force relaxation through hydrogel compression response. Additionally, the permeability allows for the flow of exuded free water, further dissipating wave energy. In an embodiment, a plurality of shock absorbing cells is combined with a penetration resistant material to mitigate the transmitted shock wave generated by an elastic precursor wave in the penetration resistant material.

Towards All-Inorganic Transport Layers for Wide-Band-Gap Formamidinium Lead Bromide-Based Planar Photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Subbiah, Anand S.; Mahuli, Neha; Agarwal, Sumanshu; ...

2017-07-21

Hybrid perovskite photovoltaic devices heavily rely on the use of organic (rather than inorganic) charge-transport layers on top of a perovskite absorber layer because of difficulties in depositing inorganic materials on top of these fragile absorber layers. However, in comparison to the unstable and expensive organic transport materials, inorganic charge-transport layers provide improved charge transport and stability to the device architecture. Here, we report photovoltaic devices using all-inorganic transport layers in a planar p-i-n junction device configuration using formamidinium lead tribromide (FAPbBr 3) as an absorber. Efficient planar devices are obtained through atomic layer deposition of nickel oxide and sputteredmore » zinc oxide as hole- and electron-transport materials, respectively. Using only inorganic charge-transport layers resulted in planar FAPbBr 3 devices with a power conversion efficiency of 6.75% at an open-circuit voltage of 1.23 V. In conclusion, the transition of planar FAPbBr 3 devices making from all-organic towards all-inorganic charge-transport layers is studied in detail.« less

Towards All-Inorganic Transport Layers for Wide-Band-Gap Formamidinium Lead Bromide-Based Planar Photovoltaics

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

Subbiah, Anand S.; Mahuli, Neha; Agarwal, Sumanshu

Hybrid perovskite photovoltaic devices heavily rely on the use of organic (rather than inorganic) charge-transport layers on top of a perovskite absorber layer because of difficulties in depositing inorganic materials on top of these fragile absorber layers. However, in comparison to the unstable and expensive organic transport materials, inorganic charge-transport layers provide improved charge transport and stability to the device architecture. Here, we report photovoltaic devices using all-inorganic transport layers in a planar p-i-n junction device configuration using formamidinium lead tribromide (FAPbBr 3) as an absorber. Efficient planar devices are obtained through atomic layer deposition of nickel oxide and sputteredmore » zinc oxide as hole- and electron-transport materials, respectively. Using only inorganic charge-transport layers resulted in planar FAPbBr 3 devices with a power conversion efficiency of 6.75% at an open-circuit voltage of 1.23 V. In conclusion, the transition of planar FAPbBr 3 devices making from all-organic towards all-inorganic charge-transport layers is studied in detail.« less

Improving the Performance of PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells by Optimizing ZnO Window Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiaokun; Hu, Long; Deng, Hui; Qiao, Keke; Hu, Chao; Liu, Zhiyong; Yuan, Shengjie; Khan, Jahangeer; Li, Dengbing; Tang, Jiang; Song, Haisheng; Cheng, Chun

2017-04-01

Comparing with hot researches in absorber layer, window layer has attracted less attention in PbS quantum dot solar cells (QD SCs). Actually, the window layer plays a key role in exciton separation, charge drifting, and so on. Herein, ZnO window layer was systematically investigated for its roles in QD SCs performance. The physical mechanism of improved performance was also explored. It was found that the optimized ZnO films with appropriate thickness and doping concentration can balance the optical and electrical properties, and its energy band align well with the absorber layer for efficient charge extraction. Further characterizations demonstrated that the window layer optimization can help to reduce the surface defects, improve the heterojunction quality, as well as extend the depletion width. Compared with the control devices, the optimized devices have obtained an efficiency of 6.7% with an enhanced V oc of 18%, J sc of 21%, FF of 10%, and power conversion efficiency of 58%. The present work suggests a useful strategy to improve the device performance by optimizing the window layer besides the absorber layer.

Study on the millimeter-wave scale absorber based on the Salisbury screen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Liming; Dai, Fei; Xu, Yonggang; Zhang, Yuan

2018-03-01

In order to solve the problem on the millimeter-wave scale absorber, the Salisbury screen absorber is employed and designed based on the RL. By optimizing parameters including the sheet resistance of the surface resistive layer, the permittivity and the thickness of the grounded dielectric layer, the RL of the Salisbury screen absorber could be identical with that of the theoretical scale absorber. An example is given to verify the effectiveness of the method, where the Salisbury screen absorber is designed by the proposed method and compared with the theoretical scale absorber. Meanwhile, plate models and tri-corner reflector (TCR) models are constructed according to the designed result and their scattering properties are simulated by FEKO. Results reveal that the deviation between the designed Salisbury screen absorber and the theoretical scale absorber falls within the tolerance of radar Cross section (RCS) measurement. The work in this paper has important theoretical and practical significance in electromagnetic measurement of large scale ratio.

A Moderately Thermophilic Mixed Microbial Culture for Bioleaching of Chalcopyrite Concentrate at High Pulp Density

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuguang; Zeng, Weimin; Qiu, Guanzhou; Chen, Xinhua

2014-01-01

Three kinds of samples (acid mine drainage, coal mine wastewater, and thermal spring) derived from different sites were collected in China. Thereafter, these samples were combined and then inoculated into a basal salts solution in which different substrates (ferrous sulfate, elemental sulfur, and chalcopyrite) served as energy sources. After that, the mixed cultures growing on different substrates were pooled equally, resulting in a final mixed culture. After being adapted to gradually increasing pulp densities of chalcopyrite concentrate by serial subculturing for more than 2 years, the final culture was able to efficiently leach the chalcopyrite at a pulp density of 20% (wt/vol). At that pulp density, the culture extracted 60.4% of copper from the chalcopyrite in 25 days. The bacterial and archaeal diversities during adaptation were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and constructing clone libraries of the 16S rRNA gene. The results show that the culture consisted mainly of four species, including Leptospirillum ferriphilum, Acidithiobacillus caldus, Sulfobacillus acidophilus, and Ferroplasma thermophilum, before adapting to a pulp density of 4%. However, L. ferriphilum could not be detected when the pulp density was greater than 4%. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to monitor the microbial dynamics during bioleaching at a pulp density of 20%. The results show that A. caldus was the predominant species in the initial stage, while S. acidophilus rather than A. caldus became the predominant species in the middle stage. F. thermophilum accounted for the greatest proportion in the final stage. PMID:24242252

Numerical investigation of optimized CZTSSe based solar cell in Wx-Amps environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, Soumya Priyadarshini; Padhy, Srinibasa; Chowdhury, Joy; Sing, Udai P.

2018-05-01

The CZTSSe is the modified version of CZTS with selenium infusion. It shows maximum efficiency in the band gap from 1 to 1.4 eV. In our present work CZTSSe based solar cell is investigated using Wx-Amps tool. The Mo layer, absorber layer, CdS layer, i-ZnO [4]and Al-ZnO layers with their electrical, optical and material parameters are fitted in the tool. The vital parameters such as carrier density, thickness of the CZTSSe absorber layer, operating temperature, CdS buffer layer thickness and its carrier density on the cell interpretation are calculated. From[4] the simulation results it is apparent that the optimal absorber layer varies from 2.9 µm to 3.7 µm. The temperature variation has a strong influence on the efficiency of the cell. An optimal efficiency of 22% (With Jsc=33 mA/cm2, Voc=0.98 V, and fill factor= 68%) are attained. These results will give some insight for makeing higher efficiency CZTSSe based solar cell.

Thermally-Resilient, Broadband Optical Absorber from UV-to-IR Derived from Carbon Nanostructures and Method of Making the Same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Anupama B. (Inventor); Coles, James B. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A monolithic optical absorber and methods of making same. The monolithic optical absorber uses an array of mutually aligned carbon nanotubes that are grown using a PECVD growth process and a structure that includes a conductive substrate, a refractory template layer and a nucleation layer. Monolithic optical absorbers made according to the described structure and method exhibit high absorptivity, high site densities (greater than 10.sup.9 nanotubes/cm.sup.2), very low reflectivity (below 1%), and high thermal stability in air (up to at least 400.degree. C.). The PECVD process allows the application of such absorbers in a wide variety of end uses.

Structured Metal Film as Perfect Absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Xiang; Jiang, Shang-Chi; Peng, Ru-Wen; Wang, Mu

2014-03-01

With standing U-shaped resonators, fish-spear-like resonator has been designed for the first time as the building block to assemble perfect absorbers. The samples have been fabricated with two-photon polymerization process and FTIR measurement results support the effectiveness of the perfect absorber design. In such a structure the polarization-dependent resonance occurs between the tines of the spears instead of the conventional design where the resonance occurs between the metallic layers separated by a dielectric interlayer. The incident light neither transmits nor reflects back which results in unit absorbance. The power of light is trapped between the tines of spears and finally be absorbed. The whole structure is covered with a continuous metallic layer with good thermo-conductance, which provides an excellent approach to deal with heat dissipation, is enlightening in exploring metamaterial absorbers.

Investigation of a broadband coherent perfect absorber in a multi-layer structure by using the transfer matrix method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Jihoon; Noh, Heeso

2018-01-01

We investigated a multi-layer structure for a broadband coherent perfect absorber (CPA). The transfer matrix method (TMM) is useful for analyzing the optical properties of structures and optimizing multi-layer structures. The broadband CPA strongly depends on the phase of the light traveling in one direction and the light reflected within the structure. The TMM simulation shows that the absorption bandwidth is increased by 95% in a multi-layer CPA compared to that in a single-layer CPA.

Pressure-induced structural transition in chalcopyrite ZnSiP2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhadram, Venkata S.; Krishna, Lakshmi; Toberer, Eric S.; Hrubiak, Rostislav; Greenberg, Eran; Prakapenka, Vitali B.; Strobel, Timothy A.

2017-05-01

The pressure-dependent phase behavior of semiconducting chalcopyrite ZnSiP2 was studied up to 30 GPa using in situ X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy in a diamond-anvil cell. A structural phase transition to the rock salt type structure was observed between 27 and 30 GPa, which is accompanied by soft phonon mode behavior and simultaneous loss of Raman signal and optical transmission through the sample. The high-pressure rock salt type phase possesses cationic disorder as evident from broad features in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The behavior of the low-frequency Raman modes during compression establishes a two-stage, order-disorder phase transition mechanism. The phase transition is partially reversible, and the parent chalcopyrite structure coexists with an amorphous phase upon slow decompression to ambient conditions.

FTIR studies of xanthate adsorption on chalcopyrite, pentlandite and pyrite surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yahui; Cao, Zhao; Cao, Yongdan; Sun, Chuanyao

2013-09-01

The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of sodium butyl xanthate, dibutyl dixanthogen, metal xanthate compounds and surfaces of chalcopyrite, pentlandite and pyrite treated with sodium butyl xanthate solution were systematically studied. The products of xanthate adsorpted on the three different minerals were characterized by comparing their FTIR spectra to those of dixanthogen and metal xanthate. Both metal xanthate and dixanthogen are formed on the surfaces of these minerals. However, the relative proportions of metal xanthate to dixanthogen on the minerals are different. In the cases of chalcopyrite and pentlandite, the quantity of metal xanthate is larger than that of dixanthogen. For pyrite, on the contrary, the quantity of dixanthogen is much greater than that of ferric xanthate. Therefore, the formation of dixanthogen is more essential for the flotation of pyrite.

Design of a dual band metamaterial absorber for Wi-Fi bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alkurt, Fatih Özkan; Baǧmancı, Mehmet; Karaaslan, Muharrem; Bakır, Mehmet; Altıntaş, Olcay; Karadaǧ, Faruk; Akgöl, Oǧuzhan; Ünal, Emin

2018-02-01

The goal of this work is to design and fabrication of a dual band metamaterial based absorber for Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) bands. Wi-Fi has two different operating frequencies such as 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz. A dual band absorber is proposed and the proposed structure consists of two layered unit cells, and different sized square split ring (SSR) resonators located on each layers. Copper is used for metal layer and resonator structure, FR-4 is used as substrate layer in the proposed structure. This designed dual band metamaterial absorber is used in the wireless frequency bands which has two center frequencies such as 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz. Finite Integration Technique (FIT) based simulation software used and according to FIT based simulation results, the absorption peak in the 2.45 GHz is about 90% and the another frequency 5 GHz has absorption peak near 99%. In addition, this proposed structure has a potential for energy harvesting applications in future works.

Crystallographic and optical properties and band diagrams of CuGaS2 and CuGa5S8 phases in Cu-poor Cu2S-Ga2S3 pseudo-binary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Tsuyoshi; Yu, Ying; Chen, Qing; Ueda, Kenta; Wada, Takahiro

2017-04-01

We synthesized Cu-poor Cu-Ga-S samples such, as CuGaS2 and CuGa5S8 with the composition of (1 - x)Cu2S-(x)Ga2S3 with 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.0, by a mechanochemical process and sequential heating. The crystal structure changes from tetragonal chalcopyrite-type CuGaS2 (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.55) to tetragonal stannite-type CuGa5S8 (x = 0.8). For samples with 0.60 ≤ x ≤ 0.75, the diffraction peaks were identified to be those of a mixed phase of the chalcopyrite- and stannite-type structures. The band-gap energies of Cu-poor Cu-Ga-S samples increase in a stepwise manner with increasing x. The band-gap energy of CuGa5S8 (x = 0.8) with the tetragonal stannite-type structure is approximately 2.66 eV, which is wider than that of chalcopyrite-type CuGaS2 (2.45 eV). The energy levels of valence band maxima (VBMs) were estimated from the ionization energies measured by photoemission yield spectroscopy (PYS). The energy levels of the VBM and conduction band minimum (CBM) of the Cu-poor Cu-Ga-S samples decrease significantly with increasing x (decreasing Cu/Ga ratio). The energy level of the VBM of CuGaS2 (-5.8 eV) is considerably deeper than those of CuInSe2 (-5.2 eV) and CuInS2 (-5.5 eV). The VBM of stannite-type CuGa5S8 with x = 0.8 (-6.4 eV) is much deeper than that of chalcopyrite-type CuGaS2 (-5.8 eV) and stannite-type CuIn3Se5 (-5.6 eV). In order to understand the band structures of chalcopyrite-type CuGaS2 and stannite-type CuGa5S8, we performed first-principles calculations using the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06), nonlocal screened hybrid density functional method. The theoretical band-gap energy of stannite-type CuGa5S8 (2.2 eV) is wider than that of chalcopyrite-type CuGaS2 (2.0 eV). Both the theoretical and experimental band gaps of stannite-type CuGa5S8 are about 0.2 eV wider than those of chalcopyrite-type CuGaS2.

Microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules and systems

DOEpatents

Nielson, Gregory N.; Sweatt, William C.; Okandan, Murat

2017-09-12

A photovoltaic (PV) module includes an absorber layer coupled to an optic layer. The absorber layer includes an array of PV elements. The optic layer includes a close-packed array of Keplerian telescope elements, each corresponding to one of an array of pupil elements. The Keplerian telescope substantially couple radiation that is incident on their objective surfaces into the corresponding pupil elements. Each pupil element relays radiation that is coupled into it from the corresponding Keplerian telescope element into the corresponding PV element.

Stable high-power saturable absorber based on polymer-black-phosphorus films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Dong; Li, Mingkun; Cui, Xiaoqi; Zhang, Wending; Lu, Hua; Song, Kun; Zhao, Jianlin

2018-01-01

Black phosphorus (BP), a rising two-dimensional material with a layer-number-dependent direct bandgap of 0.3-1.5 eV, is very interesting for optoelectronics applications from near- to mid-infrared wavebands. In the atmosphere, few-layer BP tends to be oxidized or degenerated during interacting with lasers. Here, we fabricate few-layer BP nanosheets based on a liquid exfoliation method using N-methylpyrrolidone as the dispersion liquid. By incorporating BP nanosheets with polymers (polyvinyl alcohol or high-melting-point polyimide), two flexible filmy BP saturable absorbers are fabricated to realize passive mode locking in erbium-doped fiber lasers. The polymer-BP saturable absorber, especially the polyimide-BP saturable absorber, can prevent the oxidation or water-induced etching under high-power laser illuminations, providing a promising candidate for Q-switchers, mode lockers, and light modulators.

Gold paragenesis and chemistry at Batu Hijau, Indoneisa: implications for gold-rich porphyry copper deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, J.; Baker, T.

2004-10-01

Gold is an important by-product in many porphyry-type deposits but the distribution and chemistry of gold in such systems remains poorly understood. Here we report the results of petrographic, electron microprobe, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and flotation test studies of gold and associated copper sulfides within a paragenetic framework from the world-class Batu Hijau (914 mt @ 0.53% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au) porphyry copper gold deposit, Indonesia. Unlike many other porphyry copper gold deposits, early copper minerals (bornite digenite chalcocite) are well preserved at Batu Hijau and the chalcopyrite pyrite overprint is less developed. Hence, it provides an excellent opportunity to study the entire gold paragenesis of the porphyry system. In 105 polished thin sections, 699 native gold grains were identified. Almost all of the native gold grains occurred either within quartz veins, attached to sulfide, or as free gold along quartz or silicate grain boundaries. The native gold grains are dominantly round in shape and mostly 1 12 μm in size. The majority of gold was deposited during the formation of early ‘A’ veins and is dominantly associated with bornite rather than chalcopyrite. The petrographic and LA-ICP-MS study results indicate that in bornite-rich ores gold mostly occurs within copper sulfide grains as invisible gold (i.e., within the sulfide structure) or as native gold grains. In chalcopyrite-rich ores gold mostly occurs as native gold grains with lesser invisible gold. Petrographic observations also indicate a higher proportion of free gold (native gold not attached to any sulfide) in chalcopyrite-rich ores compared to bornite rich ores. The pattern of free gold distribution appears to correlate with the flotation test data, where the average gold recovery value from chalcopyrite-rich ores is consistently lower than bornite-rich ores. Our data suggest that porphyry copper-gold deposits with chalcopyrite-rich ores are more likely to have a higher proportion of free gold and may require different ore processing strategies.

Textures and compositions of cobalt pentlandite and cobaltian mackinawite from the Madan-Kudan copper deposit, Khetri Copper Belt, Rajasthan, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baidya, Abu Saeed; Sen, Atlanta; Pal, Dipak C.

2018-06-01

The Khetri Copper Belt (KCB), a part of the Proterozoic Delhi-Aravalli fold belt in western India, hosts several Cu deposits, which are known to contain considerable Au, Ag, Co and Ni. Although many Co-bearing phases have been reported from the KCB and adjacent areas, detailed textural and geochemical data are either unavailable or scant except for mackinawite. In this study, we describe the textures and compositions (determined by EPMA) of two very rare Co-rich phases, namely cobaltian mackinawite (containing up to 12.68 wt.% Co, 1.90 wt.% Ni and 2.52 wt.% Cu) and cobalt-pentlandite (containing up to 49.30 wt.% Co and 10.19 wt.% Ni), identified based on composition, from the Madan-Kudan deposit. To the best of our knowledge, neither cobalt-pentlandite nor such highly Co-rich mackinawite have previously been reported from this area. The common sulphide minerals viz. chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and rare pyrite occur in chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite ± pyrite-magnetite-chlorite-blue amphibole (Cl-rich hastingsite-pargasite-sadanagaite) ± marialitic scapolite ± allanite ± uraninite veins in amphibole-bearing feldspathic quartzite and garnetiferous chlorite schist. Cobaltian mackinawite is invariably associated with chalcopyrite and occurs as exsolution and inclusion within chalcopyrite or outside, but at the contact of chalcopyrite. On the other hand, cobalt-pentlandite is invariably associated with pyrrhotite and shows similar textural relation with pyrrhotite as that of mackinawite with chalcopyrite. Mineralogically diverse undeformed sulphide veins comprising Cl-rich amphibole and locally Cl-rich marialitic scapolite suggests epigenetic hydrothermal mineralization involving Cl-rich saline fluid in the Madan-Kudan deposit. Transport of metals, derived from a mafic source rock with high intrinsic Ni:Co ratio, by Cl-rich fluid can suitably explain the high Co:Ni ratio of the studied ore minerals. Presence of such highly Co-rich phases and other circumstantial evidences, enumerated in this work, are consistent with variants of Fe oxide (-Cu-Au) (IOCG) style mineralization, at least for some stages of mineralization in the Madan-Kudan deposit.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI.sub. 2

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, Reid A.; Chen, Wen S.

1982-01-01

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin "composition-graded" layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns (.congruent.2.5.mu.m to .congruent.5.0.mu.m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, causes the transient n-type material in The Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. EG-77-C-01-4042, Subcontract No. XJ-9-8021-1 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI.sub. 2

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, Reid A [Bellevue, WA; Chen, Wen S [Seattle, WA

1985-08-13

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin "composition-graded" layer ranging from on the order ot about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns (.congruent.2.5 .mu.m to .congruent.5.0 .mu.m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, causes the The Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. EG-77-C-01-4042, Subcontract No. XJ-9-8021-1 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Metallic dielectric photonic crystals and methods of fabrication

DOEpatents

Chou, Jeffrey Brian; Kim, Sang-Gook

2017-12-05

A metallic-dielectric photonic crystal is formed with a periodic structure defining a plurality of resonant cavities to selectively absorb incident radiation. A metal layer is deposited on the inner surfaces of the resonant cavities and a dielectric material fills inside the resonant cavities. This photonic crystal can be used to selectively absorb broadband solar radiation and then reemit absorbed radiation in a wavelength band that matches the absorption band of a photovoltaic cell. The photonic crystal can be fabricated by patterning a sacrificial layer with a plurality of holes, into which is deposited a supporting material. Removing the rest of the sacrificial layer creates a supporting structure, on which a layer of metal is deposited to define resonant cavities. A dielectric material then fills the cavities to form the photonic crystal.

Metallic dielectric photonic crystals and methods of fabrication

DOEpatents

Chou, Jeffrey Brian; Kim, Sang-Gook

2016-12-20

A metallic-dielectric photonic crystal is formed with a periodic structure defining a plurality of resonant cavities to selectively absorb incident radiation. A metal layer is deposited on the inner surfaces of the resonant cavities and a dielectric material fills inside the resonant cavities. This photonic crystal can be used to selectively absorb broadband solar radiation and then reemit absorbed radiation in a wavelength band that matches the absorption band of a photovoltaic cell. The photonic crystal can be fabricated by patterning a sacrificial layer with a plurality of holes, into which is deposited a supporting material. Removing the rest of the sacrificial layer creates a supporting structure, on which a layer of metal is deposited to define resonant cavities. A dielectric material then fills the cavities to form the photonic crystal.

Diffractive Hyperbola of a Skin Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakubov, V. P.; Vaiman, E. V.; Shipilov, S. È.; Prasath, A. K.

2018-03-01

Based on an analysis of physics of the phase transition from the quasistatic state field to the running wave field of elementary electric and magnetic dipoles located in absorbing media, it is concluded that the skin layer is formed at the boundary of this phase transition. The possibility is considered of obtaining the diffractive hyperbola of the skin layer and its subsequent application for sensing of objects in strongly absorbing media.

Biomining with bacteriophage: selectivity of displayed peptides for naturally occurring sphalerite and chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Curtis, Susan B; Hewitt, Jeff; Macgillivray, Ross T A; Dunbar, W Scott

2009-02-01

During mineral processing, concentrates of sulfide minerals of economic interest are formed by froth flotation of fine ore particles. The method works well but recovery and selectivity can be poor for ores with complex mineralogy. There is considerable interest in methods that improve the selectivity of this process while avoiding the high costs of using flotation chemicals. Here we show the first application of phage biotechnology to the processing of economically important minerals in ore slurries. A random heptapeptide library was screened for peptide sequences that bind selectively to the minerals sphalerite (ZnS) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). After several rounds of enrichment, cloned phage containing the surface peptide loops KPLLMGS and QPKGPKQ bound specifically to sphalerite. Phage containing the peptide loop TPTTYKV bound to both sphalerite and chalcopyrite. By using an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), the phage was characterized as strong binders compared to wild-type phage. Specificity of binding was confirmed by immunochemical visualization of phage bound to mineral particles but not to silica (a waste mineral) or pyrite. The current study focused primarily on the isolation of ZnS-specific phage that could be utilized in the separation of sphalerite from silica. At mining sites where sphalerite and chalcopyrite are not found together in natural ores, the separation of sphalerite from silica would be an appropriate enrichment step. At mining sites where sphalerite and chalcopyrite do occur together, more specific phage would be required. This bacteriophage has the potential to be used in a more selective method of mineral separation and to be the basis for advanced methods of mineral processing.

Evolution of Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans secreting alginate during bioleaching of chalcopyrite concentrate.

PubMed

Yu, R-L; Liu, A; Liu, Y; Yu, Z; Peng, T; Wu, X; Shen, L; Liu, Y; Li, J; Liu, X; Qiu, G; Chen, M; Zeng, W

2017-06-01

To explore the distribution disciplinarian of alginate on the chalcopyrite concentrate surface during bioleaching. The evolution of Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans secreting alginate during bioleaching of chalcopyrite concentrate was investigated through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), and the critical synthetic genes (algA, algC, algD) of alginate were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The GC-MS analysis results indicated that there was a little amount of alginate formed on the mineral surface at the early stage, while increasing largely to the maximum value at the intermediate stage, and then kept a stable value at the end stage. The CLSM analysis of chalcopyrite slice showed the same variation trend of alginate content on the mineral surface. Furthermore, the RT-PCR results showed that during the early stage of bioleaching, the expressions of the algA, algC and the algD genes were all overexpressed. However, at the final stage, the algD gene expression decreased in a large scale, and the algA and algC decreased slightly. This expression pattern was attributed to the fact that algA and algC genes were involved in several biosynthesis reactions, but the algD gene only participated in the alginate biosynthesis and this was considered as the key gene to control alginate synthesis. The content of alginate on the mineral surface increased largely at the beginning of bioleaching, and remained stable at the end of bioleaching due to the restriction of algD gene expression. Our findings provide valuable information to explore the relationship between alginate formation and bioleaching of chalcopyrite. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Organometallic chemical vapor deposition and characterization of ZnGeP2/GaP multiple heterostructures on GaP substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xing, G. C.; Bachmann, Klaus J.

1993-01-01

The growth of ZnGeP2/GaP double and multiple heterostructures on GaP substrates by organometallic chemical vapor deposition is reported. These epitaxial films were deposited at a temperature of 580 C using dimethylzinc, trimethylgallium, germane, and phosphine as source gases. With appropriate deposition conditions, mirror smooth epitaxial GaP/ZnGeP2 multiple heterostructures were obtained on (001) GaP substrates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) studies of the films showed that the interfaces are sharp and smooth. Etching study of the films showed dislocation density on the order of 5x10(exp 4)cm(sup -2). The growth rates of the GaP layers depend linearly on the flow rates of trimethylgallium. While the GaP layers crystallize in zinc-blende structure, the ZnGeP2 layers crystallize in the chalcopyrite structure as determined by (010) electron diffraction pattern. This is the first time that multiple heterostructures combining these two crystal structures were made.

Pressure-induced structural transition in chalcopyrite ZnSiP 2

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

Bhadram, Venkata S.; Krishna, Lakshmi; Toberer, Eric S.

The pressure-dependent phase behavior of semiconducting chalcopyrite ZnSiP 2 was studied up to 30 GPa using in situ X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy in a diamond-anvil cell. A structural phase transition to the rock salt type structure was observed between 27 and 30 GPa, which is accompanied by soft phonon mode behavior and simultaneous loss of Raman signal and optical transmission through the sample. The high-pressure rock salt type phase possesses cationic disorder as evident from broad features in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The behavior of the low-frequency Raman modes during compression establishes a two-stage, order-disorder phase transition mechanism. Themore » phase transition is partially reversible, and the parent chalcopyrite structure coexists with an amorphous phase upon slow decompression to ambient conditions.« less

Leaching of Chalcopyrite with Thiobacillus ferrooxidans: Effect of Surfactants and Shaking

PubMed Central

Duncan, D. W.; Trussell, P. C.; Walden, C. C.

1964-01-01

The rate of leaching of chalcopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans has been greatly accelerated by using shaken flasks in place of stationary bottles or percolators. A further increase in rate and extent of leaching was obtained by the use of Tween 20, 40, 60, and 80, Triton X-100, Quaker TT 5386, and Hyamine 2389. Tween 20 was the most effective surfactant. No individual component of the Tween molecule was responsible for the improved leaching. The Tween-to-chalcopyrite ratio is more important than the Tween-to-medium ratio. The effect of the surfactants is probably due to increased contact between the mineral surface and the organism, and shaking provides the necessary oxygen. Rates and yields obtained by use of surfactants and shaking as aids to microbiological leaching approach those obtained with acidified erric sulfate leaching. PMID:14131359

Mask fabrication process

DOEpatents

Cardinale, Gregory F.

2000-01-01

A method for fabricating masks and reticles useful for projection lithography systems. An absorber layer is conventionally patterned using a pattern and etch process. Following the step of patterning, the entire surface of the remaining top patterning photoresist layer as well as that portion of an underlying protective photoresist layer where absorber material has been etched away is exposed to UV radiation. The UV-exposed regions of the protective photoresist layer and the top patterning photoresist layer are then removed by solution development, thereby eliminating the need for an oxygen plasma etch and strip and chances for damaging the surface of the substrate or coatings.

Broadband polarization-independent and low-profile optically transparent metamaterial absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Long; Xi, Rui; Liu, Haixia; Lv, Zhiyong

2018-05-01

A transparent metamaterial absorber with simultaneously high optical transparency and broadband microwave absorption is presented in this paper. Consisting of a two-layer soda-lime glass substrate and three-layer patch-shaped indium tin oxide (ITO) films, the proposed absorber has advantages of broadband absorption with an absorptivity higher than 85% in the range from 6.1 to 22.1 GHz, good polarization insensitiveness, a high transparency, a low profile, and wide-incident-angle stability. A prototype of the proposed absorber is fabricated and experimentally measured to demonstrate its excellent performance. The measured results agree well with the theoretical design and numerical simulations.

Polarization-independent dual-band terahertz metamaterial absorbers based on gold/parylene-C/silicide structure.

PubMed

Wen, Yongzheng; Ma, Wei; Bailey, Joe; Matmon, Guy; Yu, Xiaomei; Aeppli, Gabriel

2013-07-01

We design, fabricate, and characterize dual-band terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorbers with high absorption based on structures consisting of a cobalt silicide (Co-Si) ground plane, a parylene-C dielectric spacer, and a metal top layer. By combining two periodic metal resonators that couple separately within a single unit cell, a polarization-independent absorber with two distinct absorption peaks was obtained. By varying the thickness of the dielectric layer, we obtain absorptivity of 0.76 at 0.76 THz and 0.97 at 2.30 THz, which indicates the Co-Si ground plane absorbers present good performance.

Identifying the perfect absorption of metamaterial absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, G.; Schalch, J.; Zhao, X.; Zhang, J.; Averitt, R. D.; Zhang, X.

2018-01-01

We present a detailed analysis of the conditions that result in unity absorption in metamaterial absorbers to guide the design and optimization of this important class of functional electromagnetic composites. Multilayer absorbers consisting of a metamaterial layer, dielectric spacer, and ground plane are specifically considered. Using interference theory, the dielectric spacer thickness and resonant frequency for unity absorption can be numerically determined from the functional dependence of the relative phase shift of the total reflection. Further, using transmission line theory in combination with interference theory we obtain analytical expressions for the unity absorption resonance frequency and corresponding spacer layer thickness in terms of the bare resonant frequency of the metamaterial layer and metallic and dielectric losses within the absorber structure. These simple expressions reveal a redshift of the unity absorption frequency with increasing loss that, in turn, necessitates an increase in the thickness of the dielectric spacer. The results of our analysis are experimentally confirmed by performing reflection-based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy on fabricated absorber structures covering a range of dielectric spacer thicknesses with careful control of the loss accomplished through water absorption in a semiporous polyimide dielectric spacer. Our findings can be widely applied to guide the design and optimization of the metamaterial absorbers and sensors.

Dry etching technologies for reflective multilayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iino, Yoshinori; Karyu, Makoto; Ita, Hirotsugu; Kase, Yoshihisa; Yoshimori, Tomoaki; Muto, Makoto; Nonaka, Mikio; Iwami, Munenori

2012-11-01

We have developed a highly integrated methodology for patterning Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) mask, which has been highlighted for the lithography technique at the 14nm half-pitch generation and beyond. The EUV mask is characterized as a reflective-type mask which is completely different compared with conventional transparent-type of photo mask. And it requires not only patterning of absorber layer without damaging the underlying multi reflective layers (40 Si/Mo layers) but also etching multi reflective layers. In this case, the dry etch process has generally faced technical challenges such as the difficulties in CD control, etch damage to quartz substrate and low selectivity to the mask resist. Shibaura Mechatronics ARESTM mask etch system and its optimized etch process has already achieved the maximal etch performance at patterning two-layered absorber. And in this study, our process technologies of multi reflective layers will be evaluated by means of optimal combination of process gases and our optimized plasma produced by certain source power and bias power. When our ARES™ is used for multilayer etching, the user can choose to etch the absorber layer at the same time or etch only the multilayer.

First find of platinum group metals in the ore of Kirganik copper-porphyry deposit (Kamchatka)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidorov, E. G.; Ignatyev, E. K.; Chubarov, V. M.

2017-08-01

The Kirganik copper-porphyry deposit is situated in the central part of the Sredinnyi Mountain Range of Kamchatka and is confined to fields of development of potassic orthoclase metasomatite and hypabyssal intrusions of shonkinite. Platinum group metals (PGMs), such as merenskyite, kotulskite, keithconnite, and temagamite, were discovered in the chalcopyrite-bornite and chalcopyrite-bornite-chalcosine ore of the deposit for the first time.

Scientific communications: Re-Os sulfide (bornite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite) systematics of the carbonate-hosted copper deposits at ruby creek, southern brooks range, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Selby, D.; Kelley, K.D.; Hitzman, M.W.; Zieg, J.

2009-01-01

New Re-Os data for chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite from the carbonate-hosted Cu deposit at Ruby Creek (Bornite), Alaska, show extremely high Re abundances (hundreds of ppb, low ppm) and contain essentially no common Os. The Re-Os data provide the first absolute ages of ore formation for the carbonate-hosted Ruby Creek Cu-(Co) deposit and demonstrate that the Re-Os systematics of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and bornite are unaffected by greenschist metamorphism. The Re-Os data show that the main phase of Cu mineralization pre dominantly occurred at 384 ?? 4.2 Ma, with an earlier phase possibly at ???400 Ma. The Re-Os data are consistent with the observed paragenetic sequence and coincide with zircon U-Pb ages from igneous rocks within the Ambler metallogenic belt, some of which are spatially and genetically associated with regional volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. The latter may suggest a temporal link between regional magmatism and hydrothermal mineralization in the Ambler district. The utility of bornite and chalcopyrite, in addition to pyrite, contributes to a new understanding of Re-Os geochronology and permits a refinement of the genetic model for the Ruby Creek deposit. ?? 2009 Society of Economices Geologists, Inc.

Influence of the electromagnetic parameters on the surface wave attenuation in thin absorbing layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yinrui; Li, Dongmeng; Wang, Xian; Nie, Yan; Gong, Rongzhou

2018-05-01

This paper describes the relationships between the surface wave attenuation properties and the electromagnetic parameters of radar absorbing materials (RAMs). In order to conveniently obtain the attenuation constant of TM surface waves over a wide frequency range, the simplified dispersion equations in thin absorbing materials were firstly deduced. The validity of the proposed method was proved by comparing with the classical dispersion equations. Subsequently, the attenuation constants were calculated separately for the absorbing layers with hypothetical relative permittivity and permeability. It is found that the surface wave attenuation properties can be strongly tuned by the permeability of RAM. Meanwhile, the permittivity should be appropriate so as to maintain high cutoff frequency. The present work provides specific methods and designs to improve the attenuation performances of radar absorbing materials.

Development of Coatings for Radar Absorbing Materials at X-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Abhishek; Singh, Samarjit

2018-03-01

The present review gives a brief account on some of the technical features of radar absorbing materials (RAMs). The paper has been presented with a concentrated approach towards the material aspects for achieving enhanced radar absorption characteristics for its application as a promising candidate in stealth technology and electromagnetic interference (EMI) minimization problems. The effect of metal particles doping/dispersion in the ferrites and dielectrics has been discussed for obtaining tunable radar absorbing characteristics. A short theoretical overview on the development of absorber materials, implementation of genetic algorithm (GA) in multi-layering and frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) based multi-layer has also been presented for the development of radar absorbing coatings for achieving better absorption augmented with broadband features in order to counter the radar detection systems.

Implanted Silicon Resistor Layers for Efficient Terahertz Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, J. A.; Abrahams, J.; Allen, C. A.; Benford, D. J.; Henry, R.; Stevenson, T.; Wollack, E.; Moseley, S. H.

2005-01-01

Broadband absorption structures are an essential component of large format bolometer arrays for imaging GHz and THz radiation. We have measured electrical and optical properties of implanted silicon resistor layers designed to be suitable for these absorbers. Implanted resistors offer a low-film-stress, buried absorber that is robust to longterm aging, temperature, and subsequent metals processing. Such an absorber layer is readily integrated with superconducting integrated circuits and standard micromachining as demonstrated by the SCUBA II array built by ROE/NIST (1). We present a complete characterization of these layers, demonstrating frequency regimes in which different recipes will be suitable for absorbers. Single layer thin film coatings have been demonstrated as effective absorbers at certain wavelengths including semimetal (2,3), thin metal (4), and patterned metal films (5,6). Astronomical instrument examples include the SHARC II instrument is imaging the submillimeter band using passivated Bi semimetal films and the HAWC instrument for SOFIA, which employs ultrathin metal films to span 1-3 THz. Patterned metal films on spiderweb bolometers have also been proposed for broadband detection. In each case, the absorber structure matches the impedance of free space for optimal absorption in the detector configuration (typically 157 Ohms per square for high absorption with a single or 377 Ohms per square in a resonant cavity or quarter wave backshort). Resonant structures with -20% bandwidth coupled to bolometers are also under development; stacks of such structures may take advantage of instruments imaging over a wide band. Each technique may enable effective absorbers in imagers. However, thin films tend to age, degrade or change during further processing, can be difficult to reproduce, and often exhibit an intrinsic granularity that creates complicated frequency dependence at THz frequencies. Thick metal films are more robust but the requirement for patterning can limit their absorption at THz frequencies and their heat capacity can be high. patterned absorber structures that offer low heat capacity, absence of aging, and uniform, predictable behavior at THz frequencies. We have correlated DC electrical and THz optical measurements of a series of implanted layers and studied their frequency dependence of optical absorption from .3 to 10 THz at cryogenic temperatures. We have modeled the optical response to determine the suitability of the implanted silicon resistor as a function of resistance in the range 10 Ohms/sq to 300 Ohms/sq.

Laser shock peening studies on SS316LN plate with various sacrificial layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yella, Pardhu; Venkateswarlu, P.; Buddu, Ramesh K.; Vidyasagar, D. V.; Sankara Rao, K. Bhanu; Kiran, P. Prem; Rajulapati, Koteswararao V.

2018-03-01

Laser shock peening (LSP) has been utilized to modify the surface characteristics of SS316LN plates of 6 mm thickness. Laser pulse widths employed are 30 ps and 7 ns and the laser energy was varied in the range 5-90 mJ. Peening was performed in direct ablation mode as well as with various sacrificial layers such as black paint, transparent adhesive tape and absorbing adhesive tape. The surface characteristics were greatly influenced by the type of sacrificial layer employed. The average surface roughness values are about 0.4 μm when the black paint and transparent adhesive tape were used as sacrificial layers. In contrast to this, using absorbent adhesive tape as a sacrificial layer has resulted in an average surface roughness of about 0.04 μm. Irrespective of pulse durations (30 ps or 7 ns), absorbent adhesive tape has always resulted in compressive residual stresses whereas other layers appear to be not that effective. In case of 30 ps pulse, as the laser energy was increased from 5 mJ to 25 mJ, there was a texture observed in (111) reflection of X-ray diffractograms and the center of the peak has also gradually shifted to left. X-ray line profile analysis suggests that with the increase in laser energy, lattice microstrain also has increased. This lattice microstrain appears to be resulting from the increased dislocation density in the peened sample as evidenced during transmission electron microscopic investigations. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy performed on peened samples suggests that absorbing adhesive tape brings no surface damage to the samples whereas other sacrificial layers have resulted in some surface damage. Based on all these structural and microstructural details, it is recommended that absorbent tape could be used as a sacrificial layer during LSP process which induces surface residual stresses with no damage to the sample surface.

Methods for synthesizing semiconductor quality chalcopyrite crystals for nonlinear optical and radiation detection applications and the like

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold

2016-05-10

A method for synthesizing I-III-VI.sub.2 compounds, including: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound under heat, with mixing, and/or via vapor transport. The Group III element is melted at a temperature of between about 200 degrees C. and about 700 degrees C. Preferably, the Group I element consists of a neutron absorber and the group III element consists of In or Ga. The Group VI element and the single phase I-III compound are heated to a temperature of between about 700 degrees C. and about 1000 degrees C. Preferably, the Group VI element consists of S, Se, or Te. Optionally, the method also includes doping with a Group IV element activator.

Investigations of CuFeS{sub 2} semiconductor mineral from ocean rift hydrothermal vent fields by Cu NMR in a local field

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

Matukhin, V. L.; Pogoreltsev, A. I.; Gavrilenko, A. N., E-mail: ang-2000@mail.ru

The results of investigating natural samples of chalcopyrite mineral CuFeS{sub 2} from massive oceanic sulfide ores of the Mid-Atlantic ridge by the {sup 63}Cu nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR {sup 63}Cu) in a local field at room temperature are presented. The significant width of the resonance lines found in the {sup 63}Cu NMR spectrum directly testifies to a wide distribution of local magnetic and electric fields in the investigated chalcopyrite samples. This distribution can be the consequence of an appreciable deviation of the structure of the investigated chalcopyrite samples from the stoichiometric one. The obtained results show that the pulsed {supmore » 63}Cu NMR can be an efficient method for studying the physical properties of deep-water polymetallic sulfides of the World Ocean.« less

Low-temperature heat capacity and entropy of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2): estimates of the standard molar enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of formation of chalcopyrite and bornite (Cu5FeS4)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robie, R.A.; Wiggins, L.B.; Barton, P.B.; Hemingway, B.S.

1985-01-01

The heat capacity of CuFeS2 (chalcopyrite) was measured between 6.3 and 303.5 K. At 298.15 K, Cp,mo and Smo(T) are (95.67??0.14) J??K-1??mol-1 and (124.9??0.2) J??K-1??mol-1, respectively. From a consideration of the results of two sets of equilibrium measurements we conclude that ??fHmo(CuFeS2, cr, 298.15 K) = -(193.6??1.6) kJ??mol-1 and that the recent bomb-calorimetric determination by Johnson and Steele (J. Chem. Thermodynamics 1981, 13, 991) is in error. The standard molar Gibbs free energy of formation of bornite (Cu5FeS4) is -(444.9??2.1) kJ??mol-1 at 748 K. ?? 1985.

A High-Yield Synthesis of Chalcopyrite CuIn S 2 Nanoparticles with Exceptional Size Control

DOE PAGES

Sun, Chivin; Gardner, Joseph S.; Shurdha, Endrit; ...

2009-01-01

We repormore » t high-yield and efficient size-controlled syntheses of Chalcopyrite CuIn S 2 nanoparticles by decomposing molecular single source precursors (SSPs) via microwave irradiation in the presence of 1,2-ethanedithiol at reaction temperatures as low as 100 ° C and times as short as 30 minutes. The nanoparticles sizes were 1.8 nm to 10.8 nm as reaction temperatures were varied from 100 ° C to 200 ° C with the bandgaps from 2.71 eV to 1.28 eV with good size control and high yields (64%–95%). The resulting nanoparticles were analyzed by XRD, UV-Vis, ICP-OES, XPS, SEM, EDS, and HRTEM. Titration studies by 1 H NMR using SSP 1 with 1,2-ethanedithiol and benzyl mercaptan were conducted to elucidate the formation of Chalcopyrite CuIn S 2 nanoparticles.« less

Adaptive step-size algorithm for Fourier beam-propagation method with absorbing boundary layer of auto-determined width.

PubMed

Learn, R; Feigenbaum, E

2016-06-01

Two algorithms that enhance the utility of the absorbing boundary layer are presented, mainly in the framework of the Fourier beam-propagation method. One is an automated boundary layer width selector that chooses a near-optimal boundary size based on the initial beam shape. The second algorithm adjusts the propagation step sizes based on the beam shape at the beginning of each step in order to reduce aliasing artifacts.

Adaptive step-size algorithm for Fourier beam-propagation method with absorbing boundary layer of auto-determined width

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

Learn, R.; Feigenbaum, E.

Two algorithms that enhance the utility of the absorbing boundary layer are presented, mainly in the framework of the Fourier beam-propagation method. One is an automated boundary layer width selector that chooses a near-optimal boundary size based on the initial beam shape. Furthermore, the second algorithm adjusts the propagation step sizes based on the beam shape at the beginning of each step in order to reduce aliasing artifacts.

Adaptive step-size algorithm for Fourier beam-propagation method with absorbing boundary layer of auto-determined width

DOE PAGES

Learn, R.; Feigenbaum, E.

2016-05-27

Two algorithms that enhance the utility of the absorbing boundary layer are presented, mainly in the framework of the Fourier beam-propagation method. One is an automated boundary layer width selector that chooses a near-optimal boundary size based on the initial beam shape. Furthermore, the second algorithm adjusts the propagation step sizes based on the beam shape at the beginning of each step in order to reduce aliasing artifacts.

Thin film photovoltaic cells having increased durability and operating life and method for making same

DOEpatents

Barnett, Allen M.; Masi, James V.; Hall, Robert B.

1980-12-16

A solar cell having a copper-bearing absorber is provided with a composite transparent encapsulating layer specifically designed to prevent oxidation of the copper sulfide. In a preferred embodiment, the absorber is a layer of copper sulfide and the composite layer comprises a thin layer of copper oxide formed on the copper sulfide and a layer of encapsulating glass formed on the oxide. It is anticipated that such devices, when exposed to normal operating conditions of various terrestrial applications, can be maintained at energy conversion efficiencies greater than one-half the original conversion efficiency for periods as long as thirty years.

A comparative study between different approaches to improve the RCS of a compact double-layer absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Hakim, H. A.; Mahmoud, K. R.

2017-10-01

In this paper, straightforward and efficient techniques have been addressed into double-layer structure to enlarge the operating bandwidth to include the X, Ku and K bands, in addition to increase the electromagnetic wave absorption for wide varieties of incident angles and both polarization types. To increase the band-stop resonating frequency up to 26 GHz, an additional layer of meta-surface, circuit analog radar absorber material (CAR), or a thin radar absorber material (RAM) layer is engineered. The synthesized layers are designed based on optimization process with genetic algorithm (GA) through numerical technique (Ansoft design software HFSS) for both transmission line (T.L) and the free space method to get optimal material properties suitable for the design. For different approaches, the designed structures achieved a reflectivity value less than -16 dB on average in the desired bandwidth from 8 to 26 GHz for TE/TM modes with incidence angle up to 50o.

Optimization of X-ray Absorbers for TES Microcalorimeters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iyomoto, Naoko; Sadleir, John E.; Figueroa-Feliciano, Enectali; Saab, Tarek; Bandler, Simon; Kilbourne, Caroline; Chervenak, James; Talley, Dorothy; Finkbeiner, Fred; Brekosky, Regis

2004-01-01

We have investigated the thermal, electrical, and structural properties of Bi and BiCu films that are being developed as X-ray absorbers for transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter arrays for imaging X-ray spectroscopy. Bi could be an ideal material for an X-ray absorber due to its high X-ray stopping power and low heat capacity, but it has a low thermal conductivity, which can result in position dependence of the pulses in the absorber. In order to improve the thermal conductivity, we added Cu layers in between the Bi layers. We measured electrical and thermal conductivities of the films around 0.1 K(sub 1) the operating temperature of the TES calorimeter, to examine the films and to determine the optimal thickness of the Cu layer. From the electrical conductivity measurements, we found that the Cu is more resistive on the Bi than on a Si substrate. Together with an SEM picture of the Bi surface, we concluded that the rough surface of the Bi film makes the Cu layer resistive when the Cu layer is not thick enough t o fill in the roughness. From the thermal conductivity measurements, we determined the thermal diffusion constant to be 2 x l0(exp 3) micrometers squared per microsecond in a film that consists of 2.25 micrometers of Bi and 0.1 micrometers of Cu. We measured the position dependence in the film and found that its thermal diffusion constant is too low to get good energy resolution, because of the resistive Cu layer and/or possibly a very high heat capacity of our Bi films. We show plans to improve the thermal diffusion constant in our BiCu absorbers.

Conduction band position tuning and Ga-doping in (Cd,Zn)S alloy thin films

DOE PAGES

Baranowski, Lauryn L.; Christensen, Steven; Welch, Adam W.; ...

2017-02-13

In recent years, the number of novel photovoltaic absorber materials under exploration has rapidly increased. However, to reap the most benefit from these new absorbers, alternative device structures and components must also be considered. In particular, the choice of a heterojunction partner, or contact layer, is critical to device optimization. In this work, we explore alternative n-type contact layer candidates that could be widely applicable to a variety of new absorbers. We use theory to calculate the band edge tuning provided by a variety of II-VI alloy systems, and select the (Cd,Zn)S system as one that affords a wide rangemore » of conduction band tuning. The synthesis of (Cd,Zn)S alloys is explored using atomic layer deposition, which afforded precise compositional control and produced crystalline thin films. The predicted tuning of the band gap and conduction band minimum is confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical absorption measurements. In addition, we investigated Ga-doping in Cd 0.6Zn 0.4S films to decrease their series resistance when used as contact layers in photovoltaic devices. In conclusion, this study provides a framework for exploring and optimizing alternative contact layer materials, which will prove critical to the success of new PV absorbers.« less

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

Deng, Huixu; Li, Zhigang; Stan, Liliana

Broadband perfect absorber based on one ultrathin layer of the refractory metal chromium without structure pat- terning is proposed and demonstrated. The ideal permittivity of the metal layer for achieving broadband perfect absorption is derived based on the impedance transformation method. Since the permittivity of the refractory metal chromium matches this ideal permittivity well in the visible and near-infrared range, a silica-chromium-silica three-layer absorber is fabricated to demonstrate the broadband perfect absorption. The experimental results under normal incidence show that the absorption is above 90% over the wavelength range of 0.4–1.4 μm, and the measurements under angled incidence within 400–800more » nm prove that the absorber is angle-insensitive and polarization- independent.« less

Elucidating the charge carrier separation and working mechanism of CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x) perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Edri, Eran; Kirmayer, Saar; Mukhopadhyay, Sabyasachi; Gartsman, Konstantin; Hodes, Gary; Cahen, David

2014-03-11

Developments in organic-inorganic lead halide-based perovskite solar cells have been meteoric over the last 2 years, with small-area efficiencies surpassing 15%. We address the fundamental issue of how these cells work by applying a scanning electron microscopy-based technique to cell cross-sections. By mapping the variation in efficiency of charge separation and collection in the cross-sections, we show the presence of two prime high efficiency locations, one at/near the absorber/hole-blocking-layer, and the second at/near the absorber/electron-blocking-layer interfaces, with the former more pronounced. This 'twin-peaks' profile is characteristic of a p-i-n solar cell, with a layer of low-doped, high electronic quality semiconductor, between a p- and an n-layer. If the electron blocker is replaced by a gold contact, only a heterojunction at the absorber/hole-blocking interface remains.

Intensity tunable infrared broadband absorbers based on VO2 phase transition using planar layered thin films

PubMed Central

Kocer, Hasan; Butun, Serkan; Palacios, Edgar; Liu, Zizhuo; Tongay, Sefaattin; Fu, Deyi; Wang, Kevin; Wu, Junqiao; Aydin, Koray

2015-01-01

Plasmonic and metamaterial based nano/micro-structured materials enable spectrally selective resonant absorption, where the resonant bandwidth and absorption intensity can be engineered by controlling the size and geometry of nanostructures. Here, we demonstrate a simple, lithography-free approach for obtaining a resonant and dynamically tunable broadband absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) phase transition. Using planar layered thin film structures, where top layer is chosen to be an ultrathin (20 nm) VO2 film, we demonstrate broadband IR light absorption tuning (from ~90% to ~30% in measured absorption) over the entire mid-wavelength infrared spectrum. Our numerical and experimental results indicate that the bandwidth of the absorption bands can be controlled by changing the dielectric spacer layer thickness. Broadband tunable absorbers can find applications in absorption filters, thermal emitters, thermophotovoltaics and sensing. PMID:26294085

Illumination angle and layer thickness influence on the photo current generation in organic solar cells: A combined simulative and experimental study

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

Mescher, Jan, E-mail: jan.mescher@kit.edu; Mertens, Adrian; Egel, Amos

2015-07-15

In most future organic photovoltaic applications, such as fixed roof installations, facade or clothing integration, the solar cells will face the sun under varying angles. By a combined simulative and experimental study, we investigate the mutual interdependencies of the angle of light incidence, the absorber layer thickness and the photon harvesting efficiency within a typical organic photovoltaic device. For thin absorber layers, we find a steady decrease of the effective photocurrent towards increasing angles. For 90-140 nm thick absorber layers, however, we observe an effective photocurrent enhancement, exhibiting a maximum yield at angles of incidence of about 50°. Both effectsmore » mainly originate from the angle-dependent spatial broadening of the optical interference pattern inside the solar cell and a shift of the absorption maximum away from the metal electrode.« less

Illumination angle and layer thickness influence on the photo current generation in organic solar cells: A combined simulative and experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mescher, Jan; Mertens, Adrian; Egel, Amos; Kettlitz, Siegfried W.; Lemmer, Uli; Colsmann, Alexander

2015-07-01

In most future organic photovoltaic applications, such as fixed roof installations, facade or clothing integration, the solar cells will face the sun under varying angles. By a combined simulative and experimental study, we investigate the mutual interdependencies of the angle of light incidence, the absorber layer thickness and the photon harvesting efficiency within a typical organic photovoltaic device. For thin absorber layers, we find a steady decrease of the effective photocurrent towards increasing angles. For 90-140 nm thick absorber layers, however, we observe an effective photocurrent enhancement, exhibiting a maximum yield at angles of incidence of about 50°. Both effects mainly originate from the angle-dependent spatial broadening of the optical interference pattern inside the solar cell and a shift of the absorption maximum away from the metal electrode.

Dilute group III-V nitride intermediate band solar cells with contact blocking layers

DOEpatents

Walukiewicz, Wladyslaw; Yu, Kin Man

2015-02-24

An intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) is provided including a p-n junction based on dilute III-V nitride materials and a pair of contact blocking layers positioned on opposite surfaces of the p-n junction for electrically isolating the intermediate band of the p-n junction by blocking the charge transport in the intermediate band without affecting the electron and hole collection efficiency of the p-n junction, thereby increasing open circuit voltage (V.sub.OC) of the IBSC and increasing the photocurrent by utilizing the intermediate band to absorb photons with energy below the band gap of the absorber layers of the IBSC. Hence, the overall power conversion efficiency of a IBSC will be much higher than an conventional single junction solar cell. The p-n junction absorber layers of the IBSC may further have compositionally graded nitrogen concentrations to provide an electric field for more efficient charge collection.

Dilute Group III-V nitride intermediate band solar cells with contact blocking layers

DOEpatents

Walukiewicz, Wladyslaw [Kensington, CA; Yu, Kin Man [Lafayette, CA

2012-07-31

An intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) is provided including a p-n junction based on dilute III-V nitride materials and a pair of contact blocking layers positioned on opposite surfaces of the p-n junction for electrically isolating the intermediate band of the p-n junction by blocking the charge transport in the intermediate band without affecting the electron and hole collection efficiency of the p-n junction, thereby increasing open circuit voltage (V.sub.OC) of the IBSC and increasing the photocurrent by utilizing the intermediate band to absorb photons with energy below the band gap of the absorber layers of the IBSC. Hence, the overall power conversion efficiency of a IBSC will be much higher than an conventional single junction solar cell. The p-n junction absorber layers of the IBSC may further have compositionally graded nitrogen concentrations to provide an electric field for more efficient charge collection.

Design and Optimization of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Solar Cells for Lightweight Battlefield Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

spectrum. This results in most of the incident sunlight being absorbed close to the p-n hetero - junction formed with the CdS layer. This property is what... junction layer in the solar cell hetero - junction . A thin layer of CdS is used in CIGS cells to accomplish this. CdS has a band gap of 2.4 eV, which...field between the p-n hetero - junction at the cost of absorbing more of the usable photons from reaching the CIGS layer. From Figure 28, CdS reached peak

Effects of pyrite and sphalerite on population compositions, dynamics and copper extraction efficiency in chalcopyrite bioleaching process.

PubMed

Xiao, Yunhua; Liu, Xueduan; Dong, Weiling; Liang, Yili; Niu, Jiaojiao; Gu, Yabing; Ma, Liyuan; Hao, Xiaodong; Zhang, Xian; Xu, Zhen; Yin, Huaqun

2017-07-01

This study used an artificial microbial community with four known moderately thermophilic acidophiles (three bacteria including Acidithiobacillus caldus S1, Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans ST and Leptospirillum ferriphilum YSK, and one archaea, Ferroplasma thermophilum L1) to explore the variation of microbial community structure, composition, dynamics and function (e.g., copper extraction efficiency) in chalcopyrite bioleaching (C) systems with additions of pyrite (CP) or sphalerite (CS). The community compositions and dynamics in the solution and on the ore surface were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results showed that the addition of pyrite or sphalerite changed the microbial community composition and dynamics dramatically during the chalcopyrite bioleaching process. For example, A. caldus (above 60%) was the dominant species at the initial stage in three groups, and at the middle stage, still dominated C group (above 70%), but it was replaced by L. ferriphilum (above 60%) in CP and CS groups; at the final stage, L. ferriphilum dominated C group, while F. thermophilum dominated CP group on the ore surface. Furthermore, the additions of pyrite or sphalerite both made the increase of redox potential (ORP) and the concentrations of Fe 3+ and H + , which would affect the microbial community compositions and copper extraction efficiency. Additionally, pyrite could enhance copper extraction efficiency (e.g., improving around 13.2% on day 6) during chalcopyrite bioleaching; on the contrary, sphalerite restrained it.

Design of Multifunctional Materials: Chalcogenides and Chalcopyrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, N. B.; Su, Ching Hua; Arnold, Brad; Choa, Fow-Sen

2017-01-01

There is a strong need for developing multifunctional materials to reduce the cost of applied material without compromising the performance of the detectors, devices and sensors. The materials design, processing, growth and fabrication of bulk and nanocrystals and fabrication into devices and sensors involve huge cost and resources including a multidisciplinary team of experts. Because of this reason, prediction of multifunctionality of materials before design and development should be evaluated. Chalcogenides and chalcopyrites are a very exciting class of materials for developing multifunctionality. Materials such as Gallium selenide GaSe and zinc selenide ZnSe have been proven to be excellent examples. GaSe is a layered material and very difficult to grow in large crystal. However, it's ternary and quaternary analogs such as thallium gallium selenide TlGaSe2, thallium gallium selenide sulfide TlGaSe2-xSs, thallium arsenic selenide Tl3AsSe3, silver gallium selenide AgGaGe3Se8, AgGaGe5Se12 and several others have shown great promise for multifunctionality. Several of these materials have shown good efficiency for frequency conversion (nonlinear optical NLO), electro-optic modulation, and acousto-optic tunable filters and imagers suitable for the visible, near-infrared wavelength, mid wave infrared (MWIR), long wave infrared (LWIR) and even up to Tera hertz wavelength (THW) regions. In addition, this class of materials have demonstrated low absorption coefficients and power handling capability in the systems. Also, these crystals do not require post growth annealing, show very large transparency range and fabricability.

A study on the optics of copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) solar cells with ultra-thin absorber layers.

PubMed

Xu, Man; Wachters, Arthur J H; van Deelen, Joop; Mourad, Maurice C D; Buskens, Pascal J P

2014-03-10

We present a systematic study of the effect of variation of the zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) layer thickness on the absorption characteristics of CIGS solar cells using a simulation program based on finite element method (FEM). We show that the absorption in the CIGS layer does not decrease monotonically with its layer thickness due to interference effects. Ergo, high precision is required in the CIGS production process, especially when using ultra-thin absorber layers, to accurately realize the required thickness of the ZnO, cadmium sulfide (CdS) and CIGS layer. We show that patterning the ZnO window layer can strongly suppress these interference effects allowing a higher tolerance in the production process.

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide

DOE PAGES

Wheeler, Lance M.; Moore, David T.; Ihly, Rachelle; ...

2017-11-23

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer - composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex - from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning themore » absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. In conclusion, this work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.« less

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide.

PubMed

Wheeler, Lance M; Moore, David T; Ihly, Rachelle; Stanton, Noah J; Miller, Elisa M; Tenent, Robert C; Blackburn, Jeffrey L; Neale, Nathan R

2017-11-23

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer-composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex-from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning the absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. This work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide

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

Wheeler, Lance M.; Moore, David T.; Ihly, Rachelle

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer - composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex - from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning themore » absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. In conclusion, this work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.« less

Laminated and Two-Dimensional Carbon-Supported Microwave Absorbers Derived from MXenes.

PubMed

Han, Meikang; Yin, Xiaowei; Li, Xinliang; Anasori, Babak; Zhang, Litong; Cheng, Laifei; Gogotsi, Yury

2017-06-14

Microwave absorbers with layered structures that can provide abundant interfaces are highly desirable for enhancing electromagnetic absorbing capability and decreasing the thickness. The atomically thin layers of two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides (MXenes) make them a convenient precursor for synthesis of other 2D and layered structures. Here, laminated carbon/TiO 2 hybrid materials composed of well-aligned 2D carbon sheets with embedded TiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized and showed excellent microwave absorption. Disordered 2D carbon layers with an unusual structure were obtained by annealing multilayer Ti 3 C 2 MXene in a CO 2 atmosphere. The minimum reflection coefficient of laminated carbon/TiO 2 composites reaches -36 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth ranges from 3.6 to 18 GHz with the tunable thickness from 1.7 to 5 mm. The effective absorption bandwidth covers the whole Ku band (12.4-18 GHz) when the thickness of carbon/TiO 2 /paraffin composite is 1.7 mm. This study is expected to pave the way to the synthesis of carbon-supported absorbing materials using a large family of 2D carbides.

Bayesian characterization of micro-perforated panels and multi-layer absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Andrew Alexander Joseph

First described by the late acoustician Dah-You Maa, micro-perforated panel (MPP) absorbers produce extremely high acoustic absorption coefficients. This is done without the use of conventional fibrous or porous materials that are often used in acoustic treatments, meaning MPP absorbers are capable of being implemented and withstanding critical situations where traditional absorbers do not suffice. The absorption function of a micro-perforated panel yields high yet relatively narrow results at certain frequencies, although wide-band absorption can be designed by stacking multiple MPP absorbers comprised of different characteristic parameters. Using Bayesian analysis, the physical properties of panel thickness, pore diameter, perforation ratio, and air depth are estimated inversely from experimental data of acoustic absorption, based on theoretical models for design of micro-perforated panels. Furthermore, this analysis helps to understand the interdependence and uncertainties of the parameters and how each affects the performance of the panel. Various micro-perforated panels are manufactured and tested in single- and double-layer absorber constructions.

Platinum-group element concentrations in pyrite from the Main Sulfide Zone of the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piña, R.; Gervilla, F.; Barnes, S.-J.; Oberthür, T.; Lunar, R.

2016-10-01

The Main Sulfide Zone (MSZ) of the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe hosts the world's second largest resource of platinum-group elements (PGE) after the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The sulfide assemblage of the MSZ comprises pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite, and minor pyrite. Recently, several studies have observed in a number of Ni-Cu-PGE ore deposits that pyrite may host significant amounts of PGE, particularly Pt and Rh. In this study, we have determined PGE and other trace element contents in pyrite from the Hartley, Ngezi, Unki, and Mimosa mines of the Great Dyke by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Based on the textures and PGE contents, two types of pyrite can be differentiated. Py1 occurs as individual euhedral or subhedral grains or clusters of crystals mostly within chalcopyrite and pentlandite, in some cases in the form of symplectitic intergrowths, and is PGE rich (up to 99 ppm Pt and 61 ppm Rh; 1.7 to 47.1 ppm Ru, 0.1 to 7.8 ppm Os, and 1.2 to 20.2 ppm Ir). Py2 occurs as small individual euhedral or subhedral crystals within pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and less frequently within chalcopyrite and silicates and has low PGE contents (<0.11 ppm Pt, <0.34 ppm Rh, <2.5 ppm Ru, <0.37 ppm Ir, and <0.40 ppm Os). Py1 contains higher Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, and Pt contents than the associated pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite, whereas Py2 has similar PGE contents as coexisting pyrrhotite and pentlandite. Based on the textural relationships, two different origins are attributed for each pyrite type. Py1 intergrowth with pentlandite and chalcopyrite is inferred to have formed by late, low temperature (<300 °C) decomposition of residual Ni-rich monosulfide solid solution, whereas Py2 is suggested to have formed by replacement of pyrrhotite and pentlandite caused by late magmatic/hydrothermal fluids.

Systems having optical absorption layer for mid and long wave infrared and methods for making the same

DOEpatents

Kuzmenko, Paul J

2013-10-01

An optical system according to one embodiment includes a substrate; and an optical absorption layer coupled to the substrate, wherein the optical absorption layer comprises a layer of diamond-like carbon, wherein the optical absorption layer absorbs at least 50% of mid wave infrared light (3-5 .mu.m wavelength) and at least 50% of long wave infrared light (8-13 .mu.m wavelength). A method for applying an optical absorption layer to an optical system according to another embodiment includes depositing a layer of diamond-like carbon of an optical absorption layer above a substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, wherein the optical absorption layer absorbs at least 50% of mid wave infrared light (3-5 .mu.m wavelength) and at least 50% of long wave infrared light (8-13 .mu.m wavelength). Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Synthesis and microwave absorbing characteristics of functionally graded carbonyl iron/polyurethane composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, R. B.; Liang, W. F.; Wu, C. H.; Chen, C. C.

2016-05-01

Radar absorbing materials (RAMs) also known as microwave absorbers, which can absorb and dissipate incident electromagnetic wave, are widely used in the fields of radar-cross section reduction, electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction and human health protection. In this study, the synthesis of functionally graded material (FGM) (CI/Polyurethane composites), which is fabricated with semi-sequentially varied composition along the thickness, is implemented with a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the microwave absorption efficiency and bandwidth of FGM. For impedance matching and broad-band design, the original 8-layered FGM was obtained by the GA method to calculate the thickness of each layer for a sequential stacking of FGM from 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 75 wt% of CI fillers. The reflection loss of the original 8-layered FGM below -10 dB can be obtained in the frequency range of 5.12˜18 GHz with a total thickness of 9.66 mm. Further optimization reduces the number of the layers and the stacking sequence of the optimized 4-layered FGM is 20, 30, 65, 75 wt% with thickness of 0.8, 1.6, 0.6 and 1.0 mm, respectively. The synthesis and measurement of the optimized 4-layered FGM with a thickness of 4 mm reveal a minimum reflection loss of -25.2 dB at 6.64 GHz and its bandwidth below - 10 dB is larger than 12.8 GHz.

Numerical investigation of active porous composites with enhanced acoustic absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zieliński, Tomasz G.

2011-10-01

The paper presents numerical analysis - involving an advanced multiphysics modeling - of the concept of active porous composite sound absorbers. Such absorbers should be made up of a layer or layers of poroelastic material (porous foams) with embedded elastic inclusions having active (piezoelectric) elements. The purpose of such active composite material is to significantly absorb the energy of acoustic waves in a wide frequency range, particularly, at lower frequencies. At the same time the total thickness of composite should be very moderate. The active parts of composites are used to adapt the absorbing properties of porous layers to different noise conditions by affecting the so-called solid-borne wave - originating mainly from the vibrations of elastic skeleton of porous medium - to counteract the fluid-borne wave - resulting mainly from the vibrations of air in the pores; both waves are strongly coupled, especially, at lower frequencies. In fact, since the traction between the air and the solid frame of porous medium is the main absorption mechanism, the elastic skeleton is actively vibrated in order to adapt and improve the dissipative interaction of the skeleton and air in the pores. Passive and active performance of such absorbers is analyzed to test the feasibility of this approach.

Characterization of Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) films with varying gallium ratios

DOE PAGES

Claypoole, Jesse; Peace, Bernadette; Sun, Neville; ...

2015-09-05

Cu(In 1–x,Ga x)Se 2 (CIGS) absorber layers were deposited on molybdenum (Mo) coated soda-lime glass substrates with varying Ga content (described as Ga/(In + Ga) ratios) with respect to depth. As the responsible mechanisms for the limitation of the performance of the CIGS solar cells with high Ga contents are not well understood, the goal of this work was to investigate different properties of CIGS absorber films with Ga/(In + Ga) ratios varied between 0.29 and 0.41 (as determined by X-ray florescence spectroscopy (XRF)) in order to better understand the role that the Ga content has on film quality. Themore » Ga grading in the CIGS layer has the effect causing a higher band gap toward the surface and Mo contact while the band gap in the middle of the CIGS layer is lower. Also, a wider and larger Ga/(In + Ga) grading dip located deeper in the CIGS absorber layers tend to produce larger grains in the regions of the films that have lower Ga/(In + Ga) ratios. Moreover, it was found that surface roughness decreases from 51.2 nm to 41.0 nm with increasing Ga/(In + Ga) ratios. Furthermore, the surface roughness generally decreases if the Ga grading occurs deeper in the absorber layer.« less

Efficiency enhancement of perovskite solar cells using structural and morphological improvement of CH3NH3PbI3 absorber layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alidaei, Maryam; Izadifard, Morteza; Ghazi, Mohammad E.; Ahmadi, Vahid

2018-01-01

Perovskite solar cells have been heavily investigated due to their unique properties such as high power conversion efficiency (PCE), low-cost fabrication by solution processes, high diffusion length, large absorption coefficient, and direct and tunable band gap. PCE of perovskite devices is strongly dependent on the absorber layer properties such as morphology, crystallinity, and compactness, which are required to be optimized. In this work, the CH3NH3PbI3 (170-480 nm) absorber layers with various methylammonium iodine (MAI) concentrations (7, 10, 20 and 40 mg ml-1) and perovskite solar cells with the fluorine-doped tin oxide (400 nm)/C-TiO2 (30 nm)/Meso-TiO2 (400 nm)/CH3NH3PbI3 (170-480 nm)/P3HT (30 nm)/Au (100 nm) structure were fabricated. A two-step solution process was used for deposition of the CH3NH3PbI3 absorber layers. The morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties of the perovskite layer grown on glass and also the photovoltaic properties of the fabricated solar cells were studied. The results obtained showed that by controlling the deposition conditions, due to the reduction in charge recombination, PCE enhancement of the perovskite solar cell (up to 11.6%) was accessible.

Light distribution in plant canopies: A comparison between 1-D multi-layer modeling approach and 3-D ray tracing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, V.; Yiwen, X.; Ellis, A.; Christensen, A.; Borkiewic, K.; Cox, D.; Hart, J.; Long, S.; Marshall-Colon, A.

2016-12-01

The distribution of absorbed solar radiation in the photosynthetically active region wavelength (PAR) within plant canopies plays a critical role in determining photosynthetic carbon uptake and its associated transpiration. The vertical distribution of leaf area, leaf angles, leaf absorptivity and reflectivity within the canopy, affect the distribution of PAR absorbed throughout the canopy. While the upper canopy sunlit leaves absorb most of the incoming PAR and hence contribute most towards total canopy carbon uptake, the lower canopy shaded leaves which receive mostly lower intensity diffuse PAR make significant contributions towards plant carbon uptake. Most detailed vegetation models use a 1-D vertical multi-layer approach to model the sunlight and shaded canopy leaf fractions, and quantify the direct and diffuse radiation absorbed by the respective leaf fractions. However, this approach is only applicable under canopy closure conditions, and furthermore it fails to accurately capture the effects of diurnally varying leaf angle distributions in some plant canopies. Here, we show by using a 3-D ray tracing model which uses an explicit 3-D canopy structure that enforces no conditions about canopy closure, that the effects of diurnal variation of canopy leaf angle distributions better match with observed data. Our comparative analysis performed on soybean crop canopies between 3-D ray tracing model and the multi-layer model shows that the distribution of absorbed direct PAR is not exponential while, the distribution of absorbed diffuse PAR radiation within plant canopies is exponential. These results show the multi-layer model to significantly over-predict canopy PAR absorbed, and in turn significantly overestimate photosynthetic carbon uptake by up to 13% and canopy transpiration by 7% under mid-day sun conditions as verified through our canopy chamber experiments. Our results indicate that current detailed 1-D multi-layer canopy radiation attenuation models significantly over predict canopy radiation absorption and its associated canopy photosynthetic and transpiration fluxes, and use of a 3-D ray tracing model provides more realistic predictions of leaf canopy integrated fluxes of carbon and water.

Enhancement of absorption and color contrast in ultra-thin highly absorbing optical coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kats, Mikhail A.; Byrnes, Steven J.; Blanchard, Romain; Kolle, Mathias; Genevet, Patrice; Aizenberg, Joanna; Capasso, Federico

2013-09-01

Recently a new class of optical interference coatings was introduced which comprises ultra-thin, highly absorbing dielectric layers on metal substrates. We show that these lossy coatings can be augmented by an additional transparent subwavelength layer. We fabricated a sample comprising a gold substrate, an ultra-thin film of germanium with a thickness gradient, and several alumina films. The experimental reflectivity spectra showed that the additional alumina layer increases the color range that can be obtained, in agreement with calculations. More generally, this transparent layer can be used to enhance optical absorption, protect against erosion, or as a transparent electrode for optoelectronic devices.

Layered Halide Double Perovskites Cs3+nM(II)nSb2X9+3n (M = Sn, Ge) for Photovoltaic Applications.

PubMed

Tang, Gang; Xiao, Zewen; Hosono, Hideo; Kamiya, Toshio; Fang, Daining; Hong, Jiawang

2018-01-04

Over the past few years, the development of lead-free and stable perovskite absorbers with excellent performance has attracted extensive attention. Much effort has been devoted to screening and synthesizing this type of solar cell absorbers. Here, we present a general design strategy for designing the layered halide double perovskites Cs 3+n M(II) n Sb 2 X 9+3n (M = Sn, Ge) with desired photovoltaic-relevant properties by inserting [MX 6 ] octahedral layers, based on the principles of increased electronic dimensionality. Compared to Cs 3 Sb 2 I 9 , more suitable band gaps, smaller carrier effective masses, larger dielectric constants, lower exciton binding energies, and higher optical absorption can be achieved by inserting variable [SnI 6 ] or [GeI 6 ] octahedral layers into the [Sb 2 I 9 ] bilayers. Moreover, our results show that adjusting the thickness of inserted octahedral layers is an effective approach to tune the band gaps and carrier effective masses in a large range. Our work provides useful guidance for designing the promising layered antimony halide double perovskite absorbers for photovoltaic applications.

Charge-coupled device for low background observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loh, Edwin D. (Inventor); Cheng, Edward S. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A charge-coupled device with a low-emissivity metal layer located between a sensing layer and a substrate provides reduction in ghost images. In a typical charge-coupled device of a silicon sensing layer, a silicon dioxide insulating layer, with a glass substrate and a metal carrier layer, a near-infrared photon, not absorbed in the first pass, enters the glass substrate, reflects from the metal carrier, thereby returning far from the original pixel in its entry path. The placement of a low-emissivity metal layer between the glass substrate and the sensing layer reflects near infrared photons before they reach the substrate so that they may be absorbed in the silicon nearer the pixel of their points of entry so that the reflected ghost image is coincident with the primary image for a sharper, brighter image.

Semiconductor laser having a non-absorbing passive region with beam guiding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Botez, Dan (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A laser comprises a semiconductor body having a pair of end faces and including an active region comprising adjacent active and guide layers which is spaced a distance from the end face and a passive region comprising adjacent non-absorbing guide and mode control layers which extends between the active region and the end face. The combination of the guide and mode control layers provides a weak positive index waveguide in the lateral direction thereby providing lateral mode control in the passive region between the active region and the end face.

Community dynamics of attached and free cells and the effects of attached cells on chalcopyrite bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus sp.

PubMed

Yang, Hailin; Feng, Shoushuai; Xin, Yu; Wang, Wu

2014-02-01

The community dynamics of attached and free cells of Acidithiobacillus sp. were investigated and compared during chalcopyrite bioleaching process. In the mixed strains system, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was the dominant species at the early stage while Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans owned competitive advantage from the middle stage to the end of bioprocess. Meanwhile, compared to A. ferrooxidans, more significant effects of attached cells on free biomass with A. thiooxidans were shown in either the pure or mixed strains systems. Moreover, the effects of attached cells on key chemical parameters were also studied in different adsorption-deficient systems. Consistently, the greatest reduction of key chemical ion was shown with A. thiooxidans and the loss of bioleaching efficiency was high to 50.5%. These results all demonstrated the bioleaching function of attached cells was more efficient than the free cells, especially with A. thiooxidans. These notable results would help us to further understand the chalcopyrite bioleaching. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of multiangle photo-polarimetry to absorbing aerosol vertical layering and properties: Quantifying measurement uncertainties for ACE requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalashnikova, O. V.; Garay, M. J.; Davis, A. B.; Natraj, V.; Diner, D. J.; Tanelli, S.; Martonchik, J. V.; JPl Team

2011-12-01

The impact of tropospheric aerosols on climate can vary greatly based upon relatively small variations in aerosol properties, such as composition, shape and size distributions, as well as vertical layering. Multi-angle polarimetric measurements have been advocated in recent years as an additional tool to better understand and retrieve the aerosol properties needed for improved predictions of aerosol radiative forcing on climate. The central concern of this work is the assessment of the effects of absorbing aerosol properties under measurement uncertainties achievable for future generation multi-angle, polarimetric imaging instruments under ACE mission requirements. As guidelines, the on-orbit performance of MISR for multi-angle intensity measurements and the reported polarization sensitivities of a MSPI prototype were adopted. In particular, we will focus on sensitivities to absorbing aerosol layering and observation-constrained refractive indices (resulting in various single scattering albedos (SSA)) of both spherical and non-spherical absorbing aerosol types. We conducted modeling experiments to determine how the measured Stokes vector elements are affected in UV-NIR range by the vertical distribution, mixing and layering of smoke and dust aerosols, and aerosol SSA under the assumption of a black and polarizing ocean surfaces. We use a vector successive-orders-of-scattering (SOS) and VLIDORT transfer codes that show excellent agreement. Based on our sensitivity studies we will demonstrate advantages and disadvantages of wavelength selection in UV-NIR range to access absorbing aerosol properties. Polarized UV channels do not show particular advantage for absorbing aerosol property characterization due to dominating molecular signal. Polarimetric SSA sensitivity is small, however needed to be considered in the future polarimetric retrievals under ACE-defined uncertainty.

Complete genome sequence of Acidihalobacter prosperus strain F5, an extremely acidophilic, iron- and sulfur-oxidizing halophile with potential industrial applicability in saline water bioleaching of chalcopyrite.

PubMed

Khaleque, Himel N; Corbett, Melissa K; Ramsay, Joshua P; Kaksonen, Anna H; Boxall, Naomi J; Watkin, Elizabeth L J

2017-11-20

Successful process development for the bioleaching of mineral ores, particularly the refractory copper sulfide ore chalcopyrite, remains a challenge in regions where freshwater is scarce and source water contains high concentrations of chloride ion. In this study, a pure isolate of Acidihalobacter prosperus strain F5 was characterized for its ability to leach base metals from sulfide ores (pyrite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite) at increasing chloride ion concentrations. F5 successfully released base metals from ores including pyrite and pentlandite at up to 30gL -1 chloride ion and chalcopyrite up to 18gL -1 chloride ion. In order to understand the genetic mechanisms of tolerance to high acid, saline and heavy metal stress the genome of F5 was sequenced and analysed. As well as being the first strain of Ac. prosperus to be isolated from Australia it is also the first complete genome of the Ac. prosperus species to be sequenced. The F5 genome contains genes involved in the biosynthesis of compatible solutes and genes encoding monovalent cation/proton antiporters and heavy metal transporters which could explain its abilities to tolerate high salinity, acidity and heavy metal stress. Genome analysis also confirmed the presence of genes involved in copper tolerance. The study demonstrates the potential biotechnological applicability of Ac. prosperus strain F5 for saline water bioleaching of mineral ores. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of absorbing coating on ablation of diamond by IR laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kononenko, T. V.; Pivovarov, P. A.; Khomich, A. A.; Khmel'nitskii, R. A.; Konov, V. I.

2018-03-01

We study the possibility of increasing the efficiency and quality of laser ablation microprocessing of diamond by preliminary forming an absorbing layer on its surface. The laser pulses having a duration of 1 ps and 10 ns at a wavelength of 1030 nm irradiate the polycrystalline diamond surface coated by a thin layer of titanium or graphite. We analyse the dynamics of the growth of the crater depth as a function of the number of pulses and the change in optical transmission of the ablated surface. It is found that under irradiation by picosecond pulses the preliminary graphitisation allows one to avoid the laser-induced damage of the internal diamond volume until the appearance of a self-maintained graphitised layer. The absorbing coating (both graphite and titanium) much stronger affects ablation by nanosecond pulses, since it reduces the ablation threshold by more than an order of magnitude and allows full elimination of a laser-induced damage of deep regions of diamond and uncontrolled explosive ablation in the nearsurface layer.

Chemically Deposited Thin-Film Solar Cell Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raffaelle, R.; Junek, W.; Gorse, J.; Thompson, T.; Harris, J.; Hehemann, D.; Hepp, A.; Rybicki, G.

2005-01-01

We have been working on the development of thin film photovoltaic solar cell materials that can be produced entirely by wet chemical methods on low-cost flexible substrates. P-type copper indium diselenide (CIS) absorber layers have been deposited via electrochemical deposition. Similar techniques have also allowed us to incorporate both Ga and S into the CIS structure, in order to increase its optical bandgap. The ability to deposit similar absorber layers with a variety of bandgaps is essential to our efforts to develop a multi-junction thin-film solar cell. Chemical bath deposition methods were used to deposit a cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layers on our CIS-based absorber layers. Window contacts were made to these CdS/CIS junctions by the electrodeposition of zinc oxide (ZnO). Structural and elemental determinations of the individual ZnO, CdS and CIS-based films via transmission spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy will be presented. The electrical characterization of the resulting devices will be discussed.

Super-hydrophilic copper sulfide films as light absorbers for efficient solar steam generation under one sun illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhenzhen; Ming, Xin; Wang, Gang; Hou, Baofei; Liu, Xinghang; Mei, Tao; Li, Jinhua; Wang, Jianying; Wang, Xianbao

2018-02-01

Solar steam technology is one of the simplest, most direct and effective ways to harness solar energy through water evaporation. Here, we report the development using super-hydrophilic copper sulfide (CuS) films with double-layer structures as light absorbers for solar steam generation. In the double-layer structure system, a porous mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane is used as a supporting layer, which enables water to get into the CuS light absorbers through a capillary action to provide continuous water during solar steam generation. The super-hydrophilic property of the double-layer system (CuS/MCE) leads to a thinner water film close to the air-water interface where the surface temperature is sufficiently high, leading to more efficient evaporation (˜80 ± 2.5%) under one sun illumination. Furthermore, the evaporation efficiencies still keep a steady value after 15 cycles of testing. The super-hydrophilic CuS film is promising for practical application in water purification and evaporation as a light absorption material.

A Two-Step Absorber Deposition Approach To Overcome Shunt Losses in Thin-Film Solar Cells: Using Tin Sulfide as a Proof-of-Concept Material System

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

Steinmann, Vera; Chakraborty, Rupak; Rekemeyer, Paul H.

2016-08-31

As novel absorber materials are developed and screened for their photovoltaic (PV) properties, the challenge remains to reproducibly test promising candidates for high-performing PV devices. Many early-stage devices are prone to device shunting due to pinholes in the absorber layer, producing 'false-negative' results. Here, we demonstrate a device engineering solution toward a robust device architecture, using a two-step absorber deposition approach. We use tin sulfide (SnS) as a test absorber material. The SnS bulk is processed at high temperature (400 degrees C) to stimulate grain growth, followed by a much thinner, low-temperature (200 degrees C) absorber deposition. At a lowermore » process temperature, the thin absorber overlayer contains significantly smaller, densely packed grains, which are likely to provide a continuous coating and fill pinholes in the underlying absorber bulk. We compare this two-step approach to the more standard approach of using a semi-insulating buffer layer directly on top of the annealed absorber bulk, and we demonstrate a more than 3.5x superior shunt resistance Rsh with smaller standard error ..sigma..Rsh. Electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) measurements indicate a lower density of pinholes in the SnS absorber bulk when using the two-step absorber deposition approach. We correlate those findings to improvements in the device performance and device performance reproducibility.« less

Digital Alloy Absorber for Photodetectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, Cory J. (Inventor); Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

In order to increase the spectral response range and improve the mobility of the photo-generated carriers (e.g. in an nBn photodetector), a digital alloy absorber may be employed by embedding one (or fraction thereof) to several monolayers of a semiconductor material (insert layers) periodically into a different host semiconductor material of the absorber layer. The semiconductor material of the insert layer and the host semiconductor materials may have lattice constants that are substantially mismatched. For example, this may performed by periodically embedding monolayers of InSb into an InAsSb host as the absorption region to extend the cutoff wavelength of InAsSb photodetectors, such as InAsSb based nBn devices. The described technique allows for simultaneous control of alloy composition and net strain, which are both key parameters for the photodetector operation.

Photovoltaic cell

DOEpatents

Gordon, Roy G.; Kurtz, Sarah

1984-11-27

In a photovoltaic cell structure containing a visibly transparent, electrically conductive first layer of metal oxide, and a light-absorbing semiconductive photovoltaic second layer, the improvement comprising a thin layer of transition metal nitride, carbide or boride interposed between said first and second layers.

Low frequency and broadband metamaterial absorber with cross arrays and a flaked iron powder magnetic composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wangchang; Liu, Qing; Wang, Liwei; Zhou, Zuzhi; Zheng, Jingwu; Ying, Yao; Qiao, Liang; Yu, Jing; Qiao, Xiaojing; Che, Shenglei

2018-01-01

In this paper, we present a design, simulation and experimental measurement of a cross array metamaterial absorber (MMA) based on the flaked Carbonyl iron powder (CIP) filled rubber plate in the microwave regime. The metamaterial absorber is a layered structure consisting of multilayer periodic cross electric resonators, magnetic rubber plate and the ground metal plate. The MMA exhibits dual band absorbing property and the absorption can be tuned from 1˜8GHz in the same thickness depending on the dimension and position of the cross arrays. The obviously broadened absorbing band of the designed structure is a result of the synergistic effects of the electrical resonance of the cross arrays and intrinsic absorption of the magnetic layer. The polarization and oblique incident angle in TE and TM model are also investigated in detail to explore the absorbing mechanisms. The resonance current of the cross array can excite the enhanced local magnetic field and dielectric field which can promote the absorption. The measurement results are basically consistent with the simulations but the absorbing peaks move a little bit to higher frequency for the reason that the surface oxidation of the flaked CIP in the preparation process.

Nickel Nanoparticle Encapsulated in Few-Layer Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Supported by Nitrogen-Doped Graphite Sheets as a High-Performance Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Material.

PubMed

Yuan, Haoran; Yan, Feng; Li, Chunyan; Zhu, Chunling; Zhang, Xitian; Chen, Yujin

2018-01-10

Herein we develop a facile strategy for fabricating nickel particle encapsulated in few-layer nitrogen-doped graphene supported by graphite carbon sheets as a high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing material. The obtained material exhibits sheetlike morphology with a lateral length ranging from a hundred nanometers to 2 μm and a thickness of about 23 nm. Nickel nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 20 nm were encapsulated in about six layers of nitrogen-doped graphene. As applied for electromagnetic absorbing material, the heteronanostructures exhibit excellent electromagnetic wave absorption property, comparable to most EMW absorbing materials previously reported. Typically, the effective absorption bandwidth (the frequency region falls within the reflection loss below -10 dB) is up to 8.5 GHz at the thicknesses of 3.0 mm for the heteronanostructures with the optimized Ni content. Furthermore, two processes, carbonization at a high temperature and subsequent treatment in hot acid solution, were involved in the preparation of the heteronanostructures, and thus, mass production was achieved easily, facilitating their practical applications.

Femtosecond laser printing of living cells using absorbing film-assisted laser-induced forward transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopp, Béla; Smausz, Tomi; Szabó, Gábor; Kolozsvári, Lajos; Kafetzopoulos, Dimitris; Fotakis, Costas; Nógrádi, Antal

2012-01-01

The applicability of a femtosecond KrF laser in absorbing film-assisted, laser-induced forward transfer of living cells was studied. The absorbing materials were 50-nm-thick metal films and biomaterials (gelatine, Matrigel, each 50 μm thick, and polyhydroxybutyrate, 2 μm). The used cell types were human neuroblastoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, and osteogenic sarcoma cell lines, and primary astroglial rat cells. Pulses of a 500-fs KrF excimer laser focused onto the absorbing layer in a 250-μm diameter spot with 225 mJ/cm2 fluence were used to transfer the cells to the acceptor plate placed at 0.6 mm distance, which was a glass slide either pure or covered with biomaterials. While the low-absorptivity biomaterial absorbing layers proved to be ineffective in transfer of cells, when applied on the surface of acceptor plate, the wet gelatine and Matrigel layers successfully ameliorated the impact of the cells, which otherwise did not survive the arrival onto a hard surface. The best short- and long-term survival rate was between 65% and 70% for neuroblastoma and astroglial cells. The long-term survival of the transferred osteosarcoma cells was low, while the myeloid leukemia cells did not tolerate the procedure under the applied experimental conditions.

Computed a multiple band metamaterial absorber and its application based on the figure of merit value

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chao; Sheng, Yuping; Jun, Wang

2018-01-01

A high performed multiple band metamaterial absorber is designed and computed through the software Ansofts HFSS 10.0, which is constituted with two kinds of separated metal particles sub-structures. The multiple band absorption property of the metamaterial absorber is based on the resonance of localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes excited near edges of metal particles. The damping constant of gold layer is optimized to obtain a near-perfect absorption rate. Four kinds of dielectric layers is computed to achieve the perfect absorption perform. The perfect absorption perform of the metamaterial absorber is enhanced through optimizing the structural parameters (R = 75 nm, w = 80 nm). Moreover, a perfect absorption band is achieved because of the plasmonic hybridization phenomenon between LSP modes. The designed metamaterial absorber shows high sensitive in the changed of the refractive index of the liquid. A liquid refractive index sensor strategy is proposed based on the computed figure of merit (FOM) value of the metamaterial absorber. High FOM values (116, 111, and 108) are achieved with three liquid (Methanol, Carbon tetrachloride, and Carbon disulfide).

Electron-Selective TiO 2 Contact for Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Hsu, Weitse; Sutter-Fella, Carolin M.; Hettick, Mark; ...

2015-11-03

The non-toxic and wide bandgap material TiO 2 is explored as an n-type buffer layer on p-type Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) absorber layer for thin film solar cells. The amorphous TiO 2 thin film deposited by atomic layer deposition process at low temperatures shows conformal coverage on the CIGS absorber layer. Solar cells from non-vacuum deposited CIGS absorbers with TiO 2 buffer layer result in a high short-circuit current density of 38.9 mA/cm 2 as compared to 36.9 mA/cm 2 measured in the reference cell with CdS buffer layer, without compromising open-circuit voltage. The significant photocurrent gain, mainly in the UVmore » part of the spectrum, can be attributed to the low parasitic absorption loss in the ultrathin TiO 2 layer (~10 nm) with a larger bandgap of 3.4 eV compared to 2.4 eV of the traditionally used CdS. Overall the solar cell conversion efficiency was improved from 9.5% to 9.9% by substituting the CdS by TiO 2 on an active cell area of 10.5 mm2. In conclusion, optimized TiO 2/CIGS solar cells show excellent long-term stability. The results imply that TiO 2 is a promising buffer layer material for CIGS solar cells, avoiding the toxic CdS buffer layer with added performance advantage.« less

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF QUANTUM ELECTRONICS Nonlinearity, optoelectronic properties, and their correlations for some mixed ternary defect chalcopyrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta Roy, S.

2010-12-01

The refractive index, optical nonlinearity, lowest energy band gap, and other related parameters of some mixed defect ternary chalcopyrites are calculated using Levine's bond charge model and its modification developed by Samanta et al. for multinary and mixed compounds. The dependence of the band gap energy on the average quantum number, molecular weight, and anion displacement parameter is shown for the first time, which will be very useful for designing various optoelectronic and nonlinear laser devices.

Refractive Index Effects on Radiation in an Absorbing, Emitting, and Scattering Laminated Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, R.; Spuckler, C. M.

1993-01-01

A simple set of equations is derived for predicting temperature radiative energy flow in a two-region semitransparent laminated layer in the limit of zero heat conduction. The composite is heated on its two sides by unequal amounts of incident radiation. The two layers of the composite have different refractive indices, and each material absorbs, emits, and isotropically scatters radiation. The interfaces are diffuse, and all interface reflections are included. To illustrate the thermal behavior that is readily calculated from the equations, typical results an given for various optical thicknesses and refractive indices of the layers. Internal reflections have a substantial effect on the temperature distribution and radiative heat flow.

Adsorption properties of BSA and DsRed proteins deposited on thin SiO2 layers: optically non-absorbing versus absorbing proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scarangella, A.; Soumbo, M.; Villeneuve-Faure, C.; Mlayah, A.; Bonafos, C.; Monje, M.-C.; Roques, C.; Makasheva, K.

2018-03-01

Protein adsorption on solid surfaces is of interest for many industrial and biomedical applications, where it represents the conditioning step for micro-organism adhesion and biofilm formation. To understand the driving forces of such an interaction we focus in this paper on the investigation of the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (optically non-absorbing, model protein) and DsRed (optically absorbing, naturally fluorescent protein) on silica surfaces. Specifically, we propose synthesis of thin protein layers by means of dip coating of the dielectric surface in protein solutions with different concentrations (0.01-5.0 g l-1). We employed spectroscopic ellipsometry as the most suitable and non-destructive technique for evaluation of the protein layers’ thickness and optical properties (refractive index and extinction coefficient) after dehydration, using two different optical models, Cauchy for BSA and Lorentz for DsRed. We demonstrate that the thickness, the optical properties and the wettability of the thin protein layers can be finely controlled by proper tuning of the protein concentration in the solution. These results are correlated with the thin layer morphology, investigated by AFM, FTIR and PL analyses. It is shown that the proteins do not undergo denaturation after dehydration on the silica surface. The proteins arrange themselves in a lace-like network for BSA and in a rod-like structure for DsRed to form mono- and multi-layers, due to different mechanisms driving the organization stage.

Deformation, geochemistry, and origin of massive sulfide deposits, Gossan lead district, Virginia.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gair, J.E.; Slack, J.F.

1984-01-01

Lenses and layers of massive sulphides comprise a discontinuous horizon in the late Proterozoic metasedimentary Ashe formation. The folded and brecciated sulphides include pyrrhotite, minor chalcopyrite, sphalerite and pyrite, and rare arsenopyrite and galena. The deposits were mined for supergene copper, later for gossan iron, and finally for sulphur. The Ashe formation is interpreted to be marine turbidites, and contains lenses of mafic rocks of probable tholeiitic basalt parentage. Mineralogically and chemically distinctive rocks - for the Ashe formation - are interbedded with the sulphides and may represent metamorphosed alteration zones and/or mixed chemical and clastic sediments. The sulphide deposits are interpreted as syngenetic sediments, modified by deformation during metamorphism. Their deposition occurred in a deep, elongate marine basin overlying a crustal rift zone.-G.J.N.

Laser assisted bioprinting using a femtosecond laser with and without a gold transductive layer: a parametric study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desrus, H.; Chassagne, B.; Catros, S.; Artiges, C.; Devillard, R.; Petit, S.; Deloison, F.; Fricain, J. C.; Guillemot, F.; Kling, R.

2016-03-01

Experimental results of femtosecond Laser Assisted Bioprinting (LAB) are reported on. Two set-up, used to print different model bioinks and keratinocytes cells line HaCaT, were studied: first one was using a femtosecond laser with low pulse energy and an absorbing gold layer, whereas the second one used high pulse energy enabling the removal of the absorbing layer. Printed drop diameter and resulting height of the bioink jet are then quantified as a function of the LAB parameters such as laser energy, focus spot location or numerical aperture.

Solar collector

DOEpatents

Wilhelm, W.G.

The invention pertains to a flat plate collector that employs high performance thin films. The solar collector of this invention overcomes several problems in this field, such as excessive hardware, cost and reliability, and other prior art drawbacks outlined in the specification. In the preferred form, the apparatus features a substantially rigid planar frame. A thin film window is bonded to one planar side of the frame. An absorber of laminate construction is comprised of two thin film layers that are sealed perimetrically. The layers define a fluid-tight planar envelope of large surface area to volume through which a heat transfer fluid flows. Absorber is bonded to the other planar side of the frame. The thin film construction of the absorber assures substantially full envelope wetting and thus good efficiency. The window and absorber films stress the frame adding to the overall strength of the collector.

Tunable metamaterial dual-band terahertz absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, C. Y.; Li, Z. Z.; Guo, Z. H.; Yue, J.; Luo, Q.; Yao, G.; Ji, J.; Rao, Y. K.; Li, R. K.; Li, D.; Wang, H. X.; Yao, J. Q.; Ling, F. R.

2015-11-01

We report a design of a temperature controlled tunable dual band terahertz absorber. The compact single unit cell consists of two nested closed square ring resonators and a layer metallic separated by a substrate strontium titanate (STO) dielectric layer. It is found that the absorber has two distinctive absorption peaks at frequencies 0.096 THz and 0.137 THz, whose peaks are attained 97% and 75%. Cooling the absorber from 400 K to 250 K causes about 25% and 27% shift compared to the resonance frequency of room temperature, when we cooling the temperature to 150 K, we could attained both the two tunabilities exceeding 53%. The frequency tunability is owing to the variation of the dielectric constant of the low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. The mechanism of the dual band absorber is attributed to the overlapping of dual resonance frequencies, and could be demonstrated by the distributions of the electric field. The method opens up avenues for designing tunable terahertz devices in detection, imaging, and stealth technology.

Inelastic tunnel diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, L. M. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

Power is extracted from plasmons, photons, or other guided electromagnetic waves at infrared to midultraviolet frequencies by inelastic tunneling in metal-insulator-semiconductor-metal diodes. Inelastic tunneling produces power by absorbing plasmons to pump electrons to higher potential. Specifically, an electron from a semiconductor layer absorbs a plasmon and simultaneously tunnels across an insulator into metal layer which is at higher potential. The diode voltage determines the fraction of energy extracted from the plasmons; any excess is lost to heat.

Perfect absorption in nanotextured thin films via Anderson-localized photon modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aeschlimann, Martin; Brixner, Tobias; Differt, Dominik; Heinzmann, Ulrich; Hensen, Matthias; Kramer, Christian; Lükermann, Florian; Melchior, Pascal; Pfeiffer, Walter; Piecuch, Martin; Schneider, Christian; Stiebig, Helmut; Strüber, Christian; Thielen, Philip

2015-10-01

The enhancement of light absorption in absorber layers is crucial in a number of applications, including photovoltaics and thermoelectrics. The efficient use of natural resources and physical constraints such as limited charge extraction in photovoltaic devices require thin but efficient absorbers. Among the many different strategies used, light diffraction and light localization at randomly nanotextured interfaces have been proposed to improve absorption. Although already exploited in commercial devices, the enhancement mechanism for devices with nanotextured interfaces is still subject to debate. Using coherent two-dimensional nanoscopy and coherent light scattering, we demonstrate the existence of localized photonic states in nanotextured amorphous silicon layers as used in commercial thin-film solar cells. Resonant absorption in these states accounts for the enhanced absorption in the long-wavelength cutoff region. Our observations establish that Anderson localization—that is, strong localization—is a highly efficient resonant absorption enhancement mechanism offering interesting opportunities for the design of efficient future absorber layers.

Effect of layer thickness on device response of silicon heavily supersaturated with sulfur

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

Hutchinson, David; Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point NY 10996; Mathews, Jay

2016-05-15

We report on a simple experiment in which the thickness of a hyperdoped silicon layer, supersaturated with sulfur by ion implantation followed by pulsed laser melting and rapid solidification, is systematically varied at constant average sulfur concentration, by varying the implantation energy, dose, and laser fluence. Contacts are deposited and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) is measured for visible wavelengths. We posit that the sulfur layer primarily absorbs light but contributes negligible photocurrent, and we seek to support this by analyzing the EQE data for the different layer thicknesses in two interlocking ways. In the first, we use the measuredmore » concentration depth profiles to obtain the approximate layer thicknesses, and, for each wavelength, fit the EQE vs. layer thickness curve to obtain the absorption coefficient of hyperdoped silicon for that wavelength. Comparison to literature values for the hyperdoped silicon absorption coefficients [S.H. Pan et al. Applied Physics Letters 98, 121913 (2011)] shows good agreement. Next, we essentially run this process in reverse; we fit with Beer’s law the curves of EQE vs. hyperdoped silicon absorption coefficient for those wavelengths that are primarily absorbed in the hyperdoped silicon layer, and find that the layer thicknesses obtained from the fit are in good agreement with the original values obtained from the depth profiles. We conclude that the data support our interpretation of the hyperdoped silicon layer as providing negligible photocurrent at high S concentrations. This work validates the absorption data of Pan et al. [Applied Physics Letters 98, 121913 (2011)], and is consistent with reports of short mobility-lifetime products in hyperdoped layers. It suggests that for optoelectronic devices containing hyperdoped layers, the most important contribution to the above band gap photoresponse may be due to photons absorbed below the hyperdoped layer.« less

Micro-electro-mechanically switchable near infrared complementary metamaterial absorber

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

Pitchappa, Prakash; Pei Ho, Chong; Institute of Microelectronics

2014-05-19

We experimentally demonstrate a micro-electro-mechanically switchable near infrared complementary metamaterial absorber by integrating the metamaterial layer to be the out of plane movable microactuator. The metamaterial layer is electrostatically actuated by applying voltage across the suspended complementary metamaterial layer and the stationary bottom metallic reflector. Thus, the effective spacing between the metamaterial layer and bottom metal reflector is varied as a function of applied voltage. With the reduction of effective spacing between the metamaterial and reflector layers, a strong spectral blue shift in the peak absorption wavelength can be achieved. With spacing change of 300 nm, the spectral shift of 0.7 μmmore » in peak absorption wavelength was obtained for near infrared spectral region. The electro-optic switching performance of the device was characterized, and a striking switching contrast of 1500% was achieved at 2.1 μm. The reported micro-electro-mechanically tunable complementary metamaterial absorber device can potentially enable a wide range of high performance electro-optical devices, such as continuously tunable filters, modulators, and electro-optic switches that form the key components to facilitate future photonic circuit applications.« less

The Phenomenom of Ocean Acidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, S.

2017-12-01

The earth is 70% and is protected by its atmosphere. The atmosphere is made up of several layers. The sunlight penetrates through the atmosphere and warms the earth surface. The earth's surface then in turn emits invisible infrared radiation back. As this radiation moves back up each layer absorbs some of it. Each layer then sends some of this energy back to earth again. When the layer becomes so thin the energy then escapes back into space. When we are adding more carbon dioxide to these layers we are causing the layers to absorb more of the energy and the radiation. This in turn causes the layers to become warmer since fewer radiation moves up through the layers and this energy bounces back to earth increasing the temperatures. The entire planet is taking on more of this energy and hence the temperatures are rising. The ocean plays a big rule in this change. It has prevented some of the CO2 from entering the earth's atmosphere. Oceans absorb about one third of the anthropogenic CO2 causing the phenomenon of ocean acidification and this comes at a huge cost to our marine environments. The CO2 is absorbed on the surface and then transferred into the deeper waters. Which causes it to be stuck for centuries before making its way back into the atmosphere. As the CO2 dissolves in seawater it causes the PH to lower. With a lowered PH water becomes more acidic. The Hydrogen ions decrease and become less active. With this process carbonic acid is formed. The ocean now is more acidic then it has ever been in the past 650,000 years. The increase in acidic levels has caused our marine life to adjust. Acidosis caused by the increase of carbonic acid in the body fluids means a lower pH in the blood. This changes is just the start to many health issues for these organism's.

Fingerprinting two metal contaminants in streams with Cu isotopes near the Dexing Mine, China.

PubMed

Song, Shiming; Mathur, Ryan; Ruiz, Joaquin; Chen, Dandan; Allin, Nicholas; Guo, Kunyi; Kang, Wenkai

2016-02-15

Transition metal isotope signatures are becoming useful for fingerprinting sources in surface waters. This study explored the use of Cu isotope values to trace dissolved metal contaminants in stream water throughout a watershed affected by mining by-products of the Dexing Mine, the largest porphyry Cu operation in Asia. Cu isotope values of stream water were compared to potential mineral sources of Cu in the mining operation, and to proximity to the known Cu sources. The first mineral source, chalcopyrite, CuFeS2 has a 'tight' cluster of Cu isotope values (-0.15‰ to +1.65‰; +0.37 ± 0.6‰, 1σ, n=10), and the second mineral source, pyrite (FeS2), has a much larger range of Cu isotope values (-4‰ to +11.9‰; 2.7 ± 4.3‰, 1σ, n=16). Dissolved Cu isotope values of stream water indicated metal derived from either chalcopyrite or pyrite. Above known Cu mineralization, stream waters are approximately +1.5‰ greater than the average chalcopyrite and are interpreted as derived from weathering of chalcopyrite. In contrast, dissolved Cu isotope values in stream water emanating from tailings piles had Cu isotope values similar to or greater than pyrite (>+6‰, a common mineral in the tailings). These values are interpreted as sourced from the tailings, even in solutions that possess significantly lower concentrations of Cu (<0.05 ppm). Elevated Cu isotope values were also found in two soil and two tailings samples (δ(65)Cu ranging between +2 to +5‰). These data point to the mineral pyrite in tailings as the mineral source for the elevated Cu isotope values. Therefore, Cu isotope values of waters emanating from a clearly contaminated drainage possess different Cu isotope values, permitting the discrimination of Cu derived from chalcopyrite and pyrite in solution. Data demonstrate the utility of Cu isotopic values in waters, minerals, and soils to fingerprint metallic contamination for environmental problems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Understanding Copper Isotope Behavior in the High Temperature Magmatic-Hydrothermal Porphyry Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregory, Melissa J.; Mathur, Ryan

2017-11-01

Copper stable isotope geochemistry has the potential to constrain aspects of ore deposit formation once variations in the isotopic data can be related to the physiochemical conditions during metal deposition. This study presents Cu isotope ratios for samples from the Pebble porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit in Alaska. The δ65Cu values for hypogene copper sulfides range from -2.09‰ to 1.11‰ and show linear correlations with the δ18O isotope ratios calculated for the fluid in equilibrium with the hydrothermal alteration minerals in each sample. Samples with sodic-potassic, potassic, and illite alteration display a negative linear correlation between the Cu and O isotope results. This suggests that fractionation of Cu isotopes between the fluid and precipitating chalcopyrite is positive as the hydrothermal fluid is evolving from magmatic to mixed magmatic-meteoric compositions. Samples with advanced argillic alteration display a weak positive linear correlation between Cu and O isotope results consistent with small negative fluid-chalcopyrite Cu isotope fractionation during fluid evolution. The hydrothermal fluids that formed sodic-potassic, potassic, and illite alteration likely transported Cu as CuHS0. Hydrothermal fluids that resulted in advanced argillic alteration likely transport Cu as CuCl2-. The pH conditions also control Cu isotope fractionation, consistent with previous experimental work. Larger fractionation factors were found between fluids and chalcopyrite precipitating under neutral conditions contrasting with small fractionation factors calculated between fluids and chalcopyrite precipitating under acidic conditions. Therefore, this study proposes that hydrothermal fluid compositions and pH conditions are related to Cu isotope variations in high temperature magmatic-hydrothermal deposits.

Adjustable low frequency and broadband metamaterial absorber based on magnetic rubber plate and cross resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yongzhi; Nie, Yan; Wang, Xian; Gong, Rongzhou

2014-02-01

In this paper, the magnetic rubber plate absorber (MRPA) and metamaterial absorber (MA) based on MRP substrate were proposed and studied numerically and experimentally. Based on the characteristic of L-C resonances, experimental results show that the MA composed of cross resonator (CR) embedded single layer MRP could be adjustable easily by changing the wire length and width of CR structure and MRP thickness. Finally, experimental results show that the MA composed of CR-embedded two layers MRP with the total thickness of 2.42 mm exhibit a -10 dB absorption bandwidth from 1.65 GHz to 3.7 GHz, which is 1.86 times wider than the same thickness MRPA.

Flotation performances and surface properties of chalcopyrite with xanthate collector added before and after grinding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Huiqing; Wu, Di; Abdelmonem, Mohamed

In this study, effects of the collector added before grinding and after grinding on the subsequent flotation and mineral surface properties were investigated. The pH was controlled at 10 during the grinding and flotation processes opened to the atmosphere. With enough amounts of sodium butyl xanthate addition, adding the collector before grinding recovered more chalcopyrite than adding it after grinding in single mineral flotation. The Eh of each ground pulp before and after conditioning were measured and it was found that adding collector before grinding obtained higher and relatively suitable pulp potential for chalcopyrite flotation. Particle size analyses of the flotation products indicate that the different flotation recoveries occurred due to the different flotation losses in fine particles (<20 μm). XPS analyses focused on the fine particles of flotation feedings and found that more carbon and oxygen, and less iron were remained on mineral surfaces when the collector was added before grinding, due to the higher collector adsorption capacity, larger free oxygen adsorbance and less iron oxide/hydroxide species.

Novel integration strategy for enhancing chalcopyrite bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus sp. in a 7-L fermenter.

PubMed

Feng, Shoushuai; Yang, Hailin; Zhan, Xiao; Wang, Wu

2014-06-01

An integrated strategy (additional energy substrate-three stage pH control-fed batch) was firstly proposed for efficiently improving chalcopyrite bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus sp. in a 7-L fermenter. The strain adaptive-growing phase was greatly shortened from 8days into 4days with the supplement of additional 2g/L Fe(2+)+2g/L S(0). Jarosite passivation was effectively weakened basing on higher biomass via the three-stage pH-stat control (pH 1.3-1.0-0.7). The mineral substrate inhibition was attenuated by fed-batch fermentation. With the integrated strategy, the biochemical reaction was promoted and achieved a better balance. Meanwhile, the domination course of A. thiooxidans in the microbial community was shortened from 14days to 8days. As the results of integrated strategy, the final copper ion and productivity reached 89.1mg/L and 2.23mg/(Ld), respectively, which was improved by 52.8% compared to the uncontrolled batch bioleaching. The integrated strategy could be further exploited for industrial chalcopyrite bioleaching. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Co-culture microorganisms with different initial proportions reveal the mechanism of chalcopyrite bioleaching coupling with microbial community succession.

PubMed

Ma, Liyuan; Wang, Xingjie; Feng, Xue; Liang, Yili; Xiao, Yunhua; Hao, Xiaodong; Yin, Huaqun; Liu, Hongwei; Liu, Xueduan

2017-01-01

The effect of co-culture microorganisms with different initial proportions on chalcopyrite bioleaching was investigated. Communities were rebuilt by six typical strains isolated from the same habitat. The results indicated, by community with more sulfur oxidizers at both 30 and 40°C, the final copper extraction rate was 19.8% and 6.5% higher, respectively, than that with more ferrous oxidizers. The variations of pH, redox potential, ferrous and copper ions in leachate also provided evidences that community with more sulfur oxidizers was more efficient. Community succession of free and attached cells revealed that initial proportions played decisive roles on community dynamics at 30°C, while communities shared similar structures, not relevant to initial proportions at 40°C. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed different microbial functions on mineral surface. A mechanism model for chalcopyrite bioleaching was established coupling with community succession. This will provide theoretical basis for reconstructing an efficient community in industrial application. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coupling Monte Carlo simulations with thermal analysis for correcting microdosimetric spectra from a novel micro-calorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathi, K.; Galer, S.; Kirkby, K. J.; Palmans, H.; Nisbet, A.

2017-11-01

The high uncertainty in the Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) values of particle therapy beam, which are used in combination with the quantity absorbed dose in radiotherapy, together with the increase in the number of particle therapy centres worldwide necessitate a better understating of the biological effect of such modalities. The present novel study is part of performance testing and development of a micro-calorimeter based on Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). Unlike other microdosimetric detectors that are used for investigating the energy distribution, this detector provides a direct measurement of energy deposition at the micrometre scale, that can be used to improve our understanding of biological effects in particle therapy application, radiation protection and environmental dosimetry. Temperature rises of less than 1μK are detectable and when combined with the low specific heat capacity of the absorber at cryogenic temperature, extremely high energy deposition sensitivity of approximately 0.4 eV can be achieved. The detector consists of 3 layers: tissue equivalent (TE) absorber, superconducting (SC) absorber and silicon substrate. Ideally all energy would be absorbed in the TE absorber and heat rise in the superconducting layer would arise due to heat conduction from the TE layer. However, in practice direct particle absorption occurs in all 3 layers and must be corrected for. To investigate the thermal behaviour within the detector, and quantify any possible correction, particle tracks were simulated employing Geant4 (v9.6) Monte Carlo simulations. The track information was then passed to the COMSOL Multiphysics (Finite Element Method) software. The 3D heat transfer within each layer was then evaluated in a time-dependent model. For a statistically reliable outcome, the simulations had to be repeated for a large number of particles. An automated system has been developed that couples Geant4 Monte Carlo output to COMSOL for determining the expected distribution of proton tracks and their thermal contribution within the detector. The correction factor for a 3.8 MeV proton pencil beam was determined and applied to the expected spectra. The corrected microdosimetric spectra was shown to have a good agreement with the ideal spectra.

Microwave energy harvesting based on metamaterial absorbers with multi-layered square split rings for wireless communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karaaslan, Muharrem; Bağmancı, Mehmet; Ünal, Emin; Akgol, Oguzhan; Sabah, Cumali

2017-06-01

We propose the design of a multiband absorber based on multi-layered square split ring (MSSR) structure. The multi-layered metamaterial structure is designed to be used in the frequency bands such as WIMAX, WLAN and satellite communication region. The absorption levels of the proposed structure are higher than 90% for all resonance frequencies. In addition, the incident angle and polarization dependence of the multi-layered metamaterial absorber and harvester is also investigated and it is observed that the structure has polarization angle independent frequency response with good absorption characteristics in the entire working frequency band. The energy harvesting ratios of the structure is investigated especially for the resonance frequencies at which the maximum absorption occurs. The energy harvesting potential of the proposed MSSRs is as good as those of the structures given in the literature. Therefore, the suggested design having good absorption, polarization and angle independent characteristics with a wide bandwidth is a potential candidate for future energy harvesting applications in commonly used wireless communication bands, namely WIMAX, WLAN and satellite communication bands.

The Effects of an Absorbing Smoke Layer on MODIS Marine Boundary Layer Cloud Optical Property Retrievals and Radiative Forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Kerry; Platnick, Steven

2012-01-01

Clouds, aerosols, and their interactions are widely considered to be key uncertainty components in our current understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and radiation budget. The work presented here is focused on the quasi-permanent marine boundary layer . (MBL) clouds off the southern Atlantic coast of Africa and the effects on MODIS cloud optical property retrievals (MOD06) of an overlying absorbing smoke layer. During much of August and September, a persistent smoke layer resides over this region, produced from extensive biomass burning throughout the southern African savanna. The resulting absorption, which increases with decreasing wavelength, potentially introduces biases into the MODIS cloud optical property retrievals of the underlying MBL clouds. This effect is more pronounced in the cloud optical thickness retrievals, which over ocean are derived from the wavelength channel centered near 0.86 micron (effective particle size retrievals are derived from the longer-wavelength near-IR channels at 1.6, 2.1, and 3.7 microns). Here, the spatial distributions of the scalar statistics of both the cloud and aerosol layers are first determined from the CALIOP 5 km layer products. Next, the MOD06 look-up tables (LUTs) are adjusted by inserting an absorbing smoke layer of varying optical thickness over the cloud. Retrievals are subsequently performed for a subset of MODIS pixels collocated with the CALIOP ground track, using smoke optical thickness from the CALIOP 5km aerosol layer product to select the appropriate LUT. The resulting differences in cloud optical property retrievals due to the inclusion of the smoke layer in the LUTs will be examined. In addition, the direct radiative forcing of this smoke layer will be investigated from the perspective of the cloud optical property retrieval differences.

21 CFR 862.2270 - Thin-layer chromatography system for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Thin-layer chromatography system for clinical use... Instruments § 862.2270 Thin-layer chromatography system for clinical use. (a) Identification. A thin-layer... a mixture. The mixture of compounds is absorbed onto a stationary phase or thin layer of inert...

Method of manufacturing a matrix for the detection of mismatches

DOEpatents

Ershov, Gennady Moiseevich; Mirzabekov, Andrei Darievich

1998-01-01

This method for preparing micromatrices consists in applying a specially-patterned intermediate layer of laser-absorbing substance on a solid support. The configuration of the sublayer fully corresponds to the topology of the manufactured matrix. The intermediate layer is further covered by a continuous layer of gel , the gel and the material of the support being transparent towards laser radiation. The gel layer is irradiated by a laser beam for a time needed to evaporate simultaneously the gel in the places immediately above the laser-absorbing sublayer and the sublayer itself. Oligonucleotides from a chosen set are then attached to the formed gel `cells`, one oligonucleotide to each cell. This method is intended for use in biotechnology, specifically for deciphering the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Improving impact resistance of ceramic materials by energy absorbing surface layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirchner, H. P.; Seretsky, J.

1974-01-01

Energy absorbing surface layers were used to improve the impact resistance of silicon nitride and silicon carbide ceramics. Low elastic modulus materials were used. In some cases, the low elastic modulus was achieved using materials that form localized microcracks as a result of thermal expansion anisotropy, thermal expansion differences between phases, or phase transformations. In other cases, semi-vitreous or vitreous materials were used. Substantial improvements in impact resistance were observed at room and elevated temperatures.

Bacterial Sunscreen: Layer-by-Layer Deposition of UV-Absorbing Polymers on Whole-Cell Biosensors (POSTPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-13

mycosporine - like amino acids that absorb in the UV range and can quench UV-induced intracellular free radicals.2,3 Common in both microorganisms and higher...oxygen, which will react with amino acid side chains and reduce protein stability. GFPuv is excited by long-wave UV and requires ionization for...vinyl sulfate, poly-4-styrenesulfonic acid , and humic acid ) were used to encapsulate E. coli cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) either

Concentrating light in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, M.; Yin, G.; Song, M.; Duan, S.; Heidmann, B.; Sancho-Martinez, D.; Kämmer, S.; Köhler, T.; Manley, P.; Lux-Steiner, M. Ch.

2016-09-01

Light concentration has proven beneficial for solar cells, most notably for highly efficient but expensive absorber materials using high concentrations and large scale optics. Here we investigate light concentration for cost efficient thinfilm solar cells which show nano- or microtextured absorbers. Our absorber material of choice is Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) which has a proven stabilized record efficiency of 22.6% and which - despite being a polycrystalline thin-film material - is very tolerant to environmental influences. Taking a nanoscale approach, we concentrate light in the CIGSe absorber layer by integrating photonic nanostructures made from dielectric materials. The dielectric nanostructures give rise to resonant modes and field localization in their vicinity. Thus when inserted inside or adjacent to the absorber layer, absorption and efficiency enhancement are observed. In contrast to this internal absorption enhancement, external enhancement is exploited in the microscale approach: mm-sized lenses can be used to concentrate light onto CIGSe solar cells with lateral dimensions reduced down to the micrometer range. These micro solar cells come with the benefit of improved heat dissipation compared to the large scale concentrators and promise compact high efficiency devices. Both approaches of light concentration allow for reduction in material consumption by restricting the absorber dimension either vertically (ultra-thin absorbers for dielectric nanostructures) or horizontally (micro absorbers for concentrating lenses) and have significant potential for efficiency enhancement.

Turning Earth Abundant Kesterite-Based Solar Cells Into Efficient Protected Water-Splitting Photocathodes.

PubMed

Ros, Carles; Andreu, Teresa; Giraldo, Sergio; Izquierdo-Roca, Victor; Saucedo, Edgardo; Morante, Joan Ramon

2018-04-25

CZTS/Se kesterite-based solar cells have been protected by conformal atomic layer deposition (ALD)-deposited TiO 2 demonstrating its feasibility as powerful photocathodes for water splitting in highly acidic conditions (pH < 1), achieving stability with no detected degradation and with current density levels similar to photovoltaic productivities. The ALD has allowed low deposition temperatures of 200 °C for TiO 2 , preventing significant variations to the kesterite structure and CdS heterojunction, except for the pure-sulfide stoichiometry, which was studied by Raman spectroscopy. The measured photocurrent at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode, 37 mA·cm -2 , is the highest reported to date, and the associated half-cell solar-to-hydrogen efficiency reached 7%, being amongst the largest presented for kesterite-based photocathodes, corroborating the possibility of using them as abundant low-cost alternative photoabsorbers as their efficiencies are improved toward those of chalcopyrites. An electrical circuit has been proposed to model the photocathode, which comprises the photon absorption, charge transfer through the protective layer, and catalytic performance, which paves the way to the design of highly efficient photoelectrodes.

Efficient and compact Q-switched green laser using graphene oxide as saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jianhua; Li, Hanhan; Yang, Zhenbo; Yan, Na

2018-01-01

A new type of graphene oxide (GO) is successfully prepared using an improved modified Hummers method. The Raman shift, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurement techniques are used to characterize the GO. An efficient and compact Q-switched green laser based on Nd:YVO4/PPLN is demonstrated with a few-layered GO as the saturable absorber. Our experimental results show that such a few-layered GO saturable absorber allows for the generation of a stable Q-switched laser pulse centered at 532.1 nm with a 3 dB spectral bandwidth of 2.78 nm, a repetition rate of 71.4 kHz, and a pulse duration of 98 ns. The maximum average output power of 536 mW is obtained at the absorbed pump power of 5.16 W, corresponding to an optical conversion efficiency of 10.3%.

Very high S-band microwave absorption of carbon nanotube buckypapers with Mn nanoparticle interlayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Shaowei; Bai, Yaoyao; Wang, Jijie; Zhang, Lu; Tian, Caijiao; Ma, Keming; Wang, Xiaoqiang

2018-03-01

Flexible and high-performance electromagnetic absorbing materials of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) buckypapers with Mn nanoparticles (NPSs) interlayer were fabricated via monodisperse solutions through layer by layer vacuum filtration method. The morphology and element composition of buckypapers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The formation of flexible MWCNT buckypapers with Mn NPS (0-30 wt. %) interlayer was attributed to nanostructure and morphology of the samples. When the blended Mn NPS content in buckypapers is 20 wt. %, there are evidently two larger absorption peaks (-13.2 dB at 3.41 GHz, -15.6 dB at 3.52 GHz) of the buckypaper with an absorbing thickness of 0.1 mm. The fundamental microwave absorption mechanism of the buckypapers is discussed. This work opens a new pathway towards tuning microwave absorbers performance and this method can be extended to exploit other excellent microwave absorbers with interlayer.

Synthesis and Characterization of the First Liquid Single Source Precursors for the Deposition of Ternary Chalcopyrite (CuInS2) Thin Film Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banger, Kulbinder K.; Cowen, Jonathan; Hepp, Aloysius

2002-01-01

Molecular engineering of ternary single source precursors based on the [{PBu3}2Cu(SR')2In(SR')2] architecture have afforded the first liquid CIS ternary single source precursors (when R = Et, n-Pr), which are suitable for low temperature deposition (< 350 C). Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and modulated-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirm their liquid phase and reduced stability. X-ray diffraction studies, energy dispersive analyzer (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) support the formation of the single-phase chalcopyrite CuInS2 at low temperatures.

Infrared broadband metasurface absorber for reducing the thermal mass of a microbolometer.

PubMed

Jung, Joo-Yun; Song, Kyungjun; Choi, Jun-Hyuk; Lee, Jihye; Choi, Dae-Geun; Jeong, Jun-Ho; Neikirk, Dean P

2017-03-27

We demonstrate an infrared broadband metasurface absorber that is suitable for increasing the response speed of a microbolometer by reducing its thermal mass. A large fraction of holes are made in a periodic pattern on a thin lossy metal layer characterised with a non-dispersive effective surface impedance. This can be used as a non-resonant metasurface that can be integrated with a Salisbury screen absorber to construct an absorbing membrane for a microbolometer that can significantly reduce the thermal mass while maintaining high infrared broadband absorption in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) band. The non-dispersive effective surface impedance can be matched to the free space by optimising the surface resistance of the thin lossy metal layer depending on the size of the patterned holes by using a dc approximation method. In experiments a high broadband absorption was maintained even when the fill factor of the absorbing area was reduced to 28% (hole area: 72%), and it was theoretically maintained even when the fill factor of the absorbing area was reduced to 19% (hole area: 81%). Therefore, a metasurface with a non-dispersive effective surface impedance is a promising solution for reducing the thermal mass of infrared microbolometer pixels.

An effective absorbing layer for the boundary condition in acoustic seismic wave simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Gang; da Silva, Nuno V.; Wu, Di

2018-04-01

Efficient numerical simulation of seismic wavefields generally involves truncating the Earth model in order to keep computing time and memory requirements down. Absorbing boundary conditions, therefore, are applied to remove the boundary reflections caused by this truncation, thereby allowing for accurate modeling of wavefields. In this paper, we derive an effective absorbing boundary condition for both acoustic and elastic wave simulation, through the simplification of the damping term of the split perfectly matched layer (SPML) boundary condition. This new boundary condition is accurate, cost-effective, and easily implemented, especially for high-performance computing. Stability analysis shows that this boundary condition is effectively as stable as normal (non-absorbing) wave equations for explicit time-stepping finite differences. We found that for full-waveform inversion (FWI), the strengths of the effective absorbing layer—a reduction of the computational and memory cost coupled with a simplistic implementation—significantly outweighs the limitation of incomplete absorption of outgoing waves relative to the SPML. More importantly, we demonstrate that this limitation can easily be overcome through the use of two strategies in FWI, namely variable cell size and model extension thereby fully compensating for the imperfectness of the proposed absorbing boundary condition.

Enhancing the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells by Hybridizing SnS Quantum Dots with CH3 NH3 PbI3.

PubMed

Han, Jianhua; Yin, Xuewen; Nan, Hui; Zhou, Yu; Yao, Zhibo; Li, Jianbao; Oron, Dan; Lin, Hong

2017-08-01

The combination of perovskite solar cells and quantum dot solar cells has significant potential due to the complementary nature of the two constituent materials. In this study, solar cells (SCs) with a hybrid CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /SnS quantum dots (QDs) absorber layer are fabricated by a facile and universal in situ crystallization method, enabling easy embedding of the QDs in perovskite layer. Compared with SCs based on CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , SCs using CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /SnS QDs hybrid films as absorber achieves a 25% enhancement in efficiency, giving rise to an efficiency of 16.8%. The performance improvement can be attributed to the improved crystallinity of the absorber, enhanced photo-induced carriers' separation and transport within the absorber layer, and improved incident light utilization. The generality of the methods used in this work paves a universal pathway for preparing other perovskite/QDs hybrid materials and the synthesis of entire nontoxic perovskite/QDs hybrid structure. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nano-photonic light trapping near the Lambertian limit in organic solar cell architectures.

PubMed

Biswas, Rana; Timmons, Erik

2013-09-09

A critical step to achieving higher efficiency solar cells is the broad band harvesting of solar photons. Although considerable progress has recently been achieved in improving the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells, these cells still do not absorb upto ~50% of the solar spectrum. We have designed and developed an organic solar cell architecture that can boost the absorption of photons by 40% and the photo-current by 50% for organic P3HT-PCBM absorber layers of typical device thicknesses. Our solar cell architecture is based on all layers of the solar cell being patterned in a conformal two-dimensionally periodic photonic crystal architecture. This results in very strong diffraction of photons- that increases the photon path length in the absorber layer, and plasmonic light concentration near the patterned organic-metal cathode interface. The absorption approaches the Lambertian limit. The simulations utilize a rigorous scattering matrix approach and provide bounds of the fundamental limits of nano-photonic light absorption in periodically textured organic solar cells. This solar cell architecture has the potential to increase the power conversion efficiency to 10% for single band gap organic solar cells utilizing long-wavelength absorbers.

Effect of Index of Refraction on Radiation Characteristics in a Heated Absorbing, Emitting, and Scattering Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegel, R.; Spuckler, C. M.

1992-01-01

The effect of the index of refraction on the temperature distribution and radiative heat flux in semitransparent materials, such as some ceramics, is investigated analytically. In the case considered here, a plane layer of a ceramic material is subjected to external radiative heating incident on each of its surfaces; the material emits, absorbs, and isotropically scatters radiation. It is shown that, for radiative equilibrium in a gray layer with diffuse interfaces, the temperature distribution and radiative heat flux for any index of refraction can be obtained in a simple manner from the results for an index of refraction of unity.

Layered hydrothermal barite-sulfide mound field, East Diamante Caldera, Mariana volcanic arc

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hein, James R.; de Ronde, Cornel E. J.; Koski, Randolph A.; Ditchburn, Robert G.; Mizell, Kira; Tamura, Yoshihiko; Stern, Robert J.; Conrad, Tracey; Ishizuka, Osamu; Leybourne, Matthew I.

2014-01-01

East Diamante is a submarine volcano in the southern Mariana arc that is host to a complex caldera ~5 × 10 km (elongated ENE-WSW) that is breached along its northern and southwestern sectors. A large field of barite-sulfide mounds was discovered in June 2009 and revisited in July 2010 with the R/V Natsushima, using the ROV Hyper-Dolphin. The mound field occurs on the northeast flank of a cluster of resurgent dacite domes in the central caldera, near an active black smoker vent field. A 40Ar/39Ar age of 20,000 ± 4000 years was obtained from a dacite sample. The mound field is aligned along a series of fractures and extends for more than 180 m east-west and >120 m north-south. Individual mounds are typically 1 to 3 m tall and 0.5 to 2 m wide, with lengths from about 3 to 8 m. The mounds are dominated by barite + sphalerite layers with the margins of each layer composed of barite with disseminated sulfides. Rare, inactive spires and chimneys sit atop some mounds and also occur as clusters away from the mounds. Iron and Mn oxides are currently forming small (<1-m diam, ~0.5-m tall) knolls on the top surface of some of the barite-sulfide mounds and may also drape their flanks. Both diffusely and focused fluids emanate from the small oxide knolls. Radiometric ages of the layered barite-sulfide mounds and chimneys vary from ~3,920 to 3,350 years. One layer, from an outcrop of 10- to 100-cm-thick Cu-rich layers, is notably younger with an age of 2,180 years. The Fe-Mn oxides were <5 years old at the time of collection in 2009.Most mound, chimney, and layered outcrop samples are dominated by barite, silica, and sphalerite; other sulfides, in decreasing order of abundance, are galena, chalcopyrite, and rare pyrite. Anglesite, cerussite, and unidentified Pb oxychloride and Pb phosphate minerals occur as late-stage interstitial phases. The samples contain high Zn (up to 23 wt %), Pb (to 16 wt %), Ag (to 487 ppm), and Au (to 19 ppm) contents. Some layered outcrop samples are dominated by chalcopyrite resulting in ≤4.78 wt % Cu in a bulk sample (28 wt % for a single lens), with a mean of 0.28 wt % for other samples. Other significant metal enrichments are Sb (to 1,320 ppm), Cd (to 1,150 ppm), and Hg (to 55 ppm).The East Diamante mound field has a unique set of characteristics compared to other hydrothermal sites in the Mariana arc and elsewhere. The geochemical differences may predominantly reflect the distribution of fractures and faults and consequently the rock/water ratio, temperature of the fluid in the upper parts of the circulation system, and extensive and prolonged mixing with seawater. The location of mineralization is controlled by fractures. Following resurgent doming within the caldera, mineralization resulted from focused flow along small segments of linear fractures rather than from a point source, typical of hydrothermal chimney fields. Based on the mineral assemblage, the maximum fluid temperatures were ~260°C, near the boiling point for the water depths of the mound field (367–406 m). Lateral fluid flow within the mounds precipitated interstitial sphalerite, silica, and Pb minerals within a network of barite with disseminated sulfides; silica was the final phase to precipitate. The current low-temperature precipitation of Fe and Mn oxides and silica may represent rejuvenation of the system.

Nanocrystal synthesis and thin film formation for earth abundant photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, Nathaniel J.

Providing access to on-demand energy at the global scale is a grand challenge of our time. The fabrication of solar cells from nanocrystal inks comprising earth abundant elements represents a scalable and sustainable photovoltaic technology with the potential to meet the global demand for electricity. Solar cells with Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) absorber layers are of particular interest due to the high absorption coefficient of CZTSSe, its band gap in the ideal range for efficient photovoltaic power conversion, and the relative abundance of its constituent elements in the earth's crust. Despite the promise of this material system, CZTSSe solar cell efficiencies reported throughout literature have failed to exceed 12.6%, principally due to the low open-circuit voltage (VOC) achieved in these devices compared to the absorber band gap. The work presented herein primarily aims to address the low VOC problem. First, the fundamental cause for such low VOC's is investigated. Interparticle compositional inhomogeneities identified in the synthesized CZTS nanocrystals and their effect on the absorber layer formation and device performance are characterized. Real-time energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXRD) elucidates the role of these inhomogeneities in the mechanism by which a film of CZTS nanocrystals converts into a dense absorber layer comprising micron-sized CZTSSe grains upon annealing in a selenium atmosphere (selenization). Additionally, a direct correlation between the nanocrystal inhomogeneities and the VOC in completed devices is observed. Detailed characterization of CZTSSe solar cells identifies electrical potential fluctuations in the CZTSSe absorber - due to spatial composition variations not unlike those observed in the nanocrystals - as a primary V OC inhibitor. Additional causes for low VOC's in CZTSSe solar cells proposed in the literature involve recombination at the interface between the CZTSSe absorber and: (1) the n-type, CdS buffer layer, or (2) the Mo back contact, and work is presented to address these issues. A chemical-mechanical polishing procedure is developed to afford modification of the CZTSSe absorber surface, and in turn the CZTSSe/CdS interface. However, such treatment results in a failure of the resultant solar cells to produce any photogenerated current without annealing/selenizing the absorber again prior to the deposition of CdS. For nanocrystal-based CZTSSe solar cells, the possibility of V OC limitations due to back surface recombination may be related to the formation of the C- and Se-rich layer of fine grains between the CZTSSe layer and the Mo contact, which is largely attributed to the long-chain organic solvent and ligand typically utilized in formulating the nanocrystal ink. CZTS nanocrystals are synthesized using a lighter but chemically similar organic solvent, and while films selenized from these particles appear to contain qualitatively less carbon, devices with these absorbers fail to produce noteworthy efficiencies. Finally, Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CMTSSe) is investigated as a proof-of-concept PV material due to its structural similarity to CZTSSe and the magnetic properties of Mn, which may prove advantageous in spintronic photovoltaic hybrid devices. While initial results demonstrate diode behavior and photoresponse from a CMTSSe/CdS junction, further processing optimization is necessary to realize meaningful device efficiencies.

Enhanced sensitivity to dielectric function and thickness of absorbing thin films by combining total internal reflection ellipsometry with standard ellipsometry and reflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lizana, A.; Foldyna, M.; Stchakovsky, M.; Georges, B.; Nicolas, D.; Garcia-Caurel, E.

2013-03-01

High sensitivity of spectroscopic ellipsometry and reflectometry for the characterization of thin films can strongly decrease when layers, typically metals, absorb a significant fraction of the light. In this paper, we propose a solution to overcome this drawback using total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE) and exciting a surface longitudinal wave: a plasmon-polariton. As in the attenuated total reflectance technique, TIRE exploits a minimum in the intensity of reflected transversal magnetic (TM) polarized light and enhances the sensitivity of standard methods to thicknesses of absorbing films. Samples under study were stacks of three films, ZnO : Al/Ag/ZnO : Al, deposited on glass substrates. The thickness of the silver layer varied from sample to sample. We performed measurements with a UV-visible phase-modulated ellipsometer, an IR Mueller ellipsometer and a UV-NIR reflectometer. We used the variance-covariance formalism to evaluate the sensitivity of the ellipsometric data to different parameters of the optical model. Results have shown that using TIRE doubled the sensitivity to the silver layer thickness when compared with the standard ellipsometry. Moreover, the thickness of the ZnO : Al layer below the silver layer can be reliably quantified, unlike for the fit of the standard ellipsometry data, which is limited by the absorption of the silver layer.

Spray CVD for Making Solar-Cell Absorber Layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banger, Kulbinder K.; Harris, Jerry; Jin, Michael H.; Hepp, Aloysius

2007-01-01

Spray chemical vapor deposition (spray CVD) processes of a special type have been investigated for use in making CuInS2 absorber layers of thin-film solar photovoltaic cells from either of two subclasses of precursor compounds: [(PBu3) 2Cu(SEt)2In(SEt)2] or [(PPh3)2Cu(SEt)2 In(SEt)2]. The CuInS2 films produced in the experiments have been characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and four-point-probe electrical tests.

Modification of UV absorption profile of polymer film reflectors to increase solar-weighted reflectance

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

Jorgensen, Gary; Gee, Randall C.; White, David

Provided are reflective thin film constructions including a reduced number of layers, which provides for increased solar-weighted hemispherical reflectance and durability. Reflective films include those comprising an ultraviolet absorbing abrasion resistant coating over a metal layer. Also provided are ultraviolet absorbing abrasion resistant coatings and methods for optimizing the ultraviolet absorption of an abrasion resistant coating. Reflective films disclosed herein are useful for solar reflecting, solar collecting, and solar concentrating applications, such as for the generation of electrical power.

Numerical simulation of flow in the wet scrubber for desulfurization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novosád, Jan; Vít, Tomáš

2015-05-01

This article deals with numerical simulation of flow and chemical reactions in absorber for desulfurization of flue-gas. The objective of the work is the investigation of effect of different nozzles types and their placement in spray layers. These nozzles distribute lime suspension into flue gas stream. The research includes two types of nozzles and four different arrangements of nozzles and spray layers. Conclusion describes the effect of nozzle types and their arrangements on the suspension concentration in absorber.

Numerical and theoretical analysis on the absorption properties of metasurface-based terahertz absorbers with different thicknesses.

PubMed

Wu, Kaimin; Huang, Yongjun; Wanghuang, Tenglong; Chen, Weijian; Wen, Guangjun

2015-01-10

In this paper, we numerically and theoretically discuss the novel absorption properties of a conventional metasurface-based terahertz (THz) electromagnetic (EM) absorber with different dielectric thicknesses. Two absorption modes are presented in the considered frequency band due to the increased dielectric thickness, and both modes can achieve near-unity absorptions when the dielectric layers reach additional nλ(d)/2 (n=1, 2) thicknesses, where λ(d) is the operating wavelength at the peak absorption in the dielectric slabs. The surface currents between the metasurface resonators and ground plane are not associated any longer, different from the conventional thin absorbers. Moreover, the EM wave energies are completely absorbed by the metasurface resonators and dielectric layer, and the main function of ground plane is to reflect the incident EM waves back to the resonators. The discussed novel absorption properties are analyzed and explained by classical EM theory and interference theory after numerical demonstrations. These findings can broaden the potential applications of the metasurface-based absorbers in the THz frequency range for different requirements.

Conceptual design of quadriso particles with europium burnable absorber in HTRS.

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

Talamo, A.; Nuclear Engineering Division

2010-05-18

In High Temperature Reactors, burnable absorbers are utilized to manage the excess reactivity at the early stage of the fuel cycle. In this study QUADRISO particles are proposed to manage the initial xcess reactivity of High Temperature Reactors. The QUADRISO concept synergistically couples the decrease of the burnable poison with the decrease of the fissile materials at the fuel particle level. This echanism is set up by introducing a burnable poison layer around the fuel kernel in ordinary TRISO particles or by mixing the burnable poison with any of the TRISO coated layers. At the beginning of life, the nitialmore » excess reactivity is small because some neutrons are absorbed in the burnable poison and they are prevented from entering the fuel kernel. At the end of life, when the absorber is almost depleted, ore eutrons stream into the fuel kernel of QUADRISO particles causing fission reactions. The mechanism has been applied to a prismatic High Temperature Reactor with europium or erbium burnable absorbers, showing a significant reduction in the initial excess reactivity of the core.« less

A broadband metamaterial absorber based on multi-layer graphene in the terahertz region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Pan; Liu, Fei; Ren, Guang Jun; Su, Fei; Li, Dong; Yao, Jian Quan

2018-06-01

A broadband metamaterial absorber, composed of the periodic graphene pattern on SiO2 dielectric with the double layer graphene films inserted in it and all of them backed by metal plan, is proposed and investigated. The simulation results reveal that the wide absorption band can be flexibly tuned between the low-frequency band and the high-frequency band by adjusting graphene's Fermi level. The absorption can achieve 90% in 5.50-7.10 THz, with Fermi level of graphene is 0.3 eV, while in 6.98-9.10 THz with Fermi level 0.6 eV. Furthermore, the proposed structure can be switched from reflection (>81%) to absorption (>90%) over the whole operation band, when the Fermi level of graphene varies from 0 to 0.6 eV. Besides, the proposed absorber is insensitive to the polarization and can work over a wide range of incident angle. Compared with the previous broadband absorber, our graphene based wideband terahertz absorber can enable a wide application of high performance terahertz devices, including sensors, imaging devices and electro-optic switches.

Effect of screen printing type on transparent TiO2 layer as the working electrode of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) for solar windows applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurosyid, F.; Furqoni, L.; Supriyanto, A.; Suryana, R.

2016-11-01

The working electrode based on semiconductor TiO2 DSSC has been fabricated by screen printing method. This study aim is to determine the effect of the screen type on TiO2 layer as the working electrode of DSSC. Screen used for deposition of TiO2 has the types of; T- 49, T-55 and T-61. TiO2 layer was sintered at temperature of 500°C. DSSC structure was composed of semiconductor TiO2 adsorbed dye, an electrolyte solution and a platinum counter electrode. TiO2 layer thickness was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the absorbance was characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the electrical properties of DSSC were characterized by Keithley I-V measurement. TiO2 layer fabricated by screen T-49 had the biggest thickness that was 3.2 ± 0.3 μm and the highest UV-Vis absorbance wave at the peak wavelength of 315 nm with the absorbance value was 1.7. The I-V characterization showed that the sample fabricated by screen T-49 obtained the greatest efficiency that was 1.0 × 10-1%

Study of plasma-based stable and ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave absorption for stealth application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xuyang, CHEN; Fangfang, SHEN; Yanming, LIU; Wei, AI; Xiaoping, LI

2018-06-01

A plasma-based stable, ultra-wideband electromagnetic (EM) wave absorber structure is studied in this paper for stealth applications. The stability is maintained by a multi-layer structure with several plasma layers and dielectric layers distributed alternately. The plasma in each plasma layer is designed to be uniform, whereas it has a discrete nonuniform distribution from the overall view of the structure. The nonuniform distribution of the plasma is the key to obtaining ultra-wideband wave absorption. A discrete Epstein distribution model is put forward to constrain the nonuniform electron density of the plasma layers, by which the wave absorption range is extended to the ultra-wideband. Then, the scattering matrix method (SMM) is employed to analyze the electromagnetic reflection and absorption of the absorber structure. In the simulation, the validation of the proposed structure and model in ultra-wideband EM wave absorption is first illustrated by comparing the nonuniform plasma model with the uniform case. Then, the influence of various parameters on the EM wave reflection of the plasma are simulated and analyzed in detail, verifying the EM wave absorption performance of the absorber. The proposed structure and model are expected to be superior in some realistic applications, such as supersonic aircraft.

Dependence of lattice strain relaxation, absorbance, and sheet resistance on thickness in textured ZnO@B transparent conductive oxide for thin-film solar cell applications.

PubMed

Kou, Kuang-Yang; Huang, Yu-En; Chen, Chien-Hsun; Feng, Shih-Wei

2016-01-01

The interplay of surface texture, strain relaxation, absorbance, grain size, and sheet resistance in textured, boron-doped ZnO (ZnO@B), transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials of different thicknesses used for thin film, solar cell applications is investigated. The residual strain induced by the lattice mismatch and the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient for thicker ZnO@B is relaxed, leading to an increased surface texture, stronger absorbance, larger grain size, and lower sheet resistance. These experimental results reveal the optical and material characteristics of the TCO layer, which could be useful for enhancing the performance of solar cells through an optimized TCO layer.

Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, R.H.; Kirk, R.L.; Johnson, T.V.; Soderblom, L.A.

1990-01-01

Four geyser-like plumes were discovered near Triton's south pole in areas now in permanent sunlight. Because Triton's southern hemisphere is nearing a maximum summer solstice, insolation as a driver or a trigger for Triton's geyser-like plumes is an attractive hypothesis. Trapping of solar radiation in a translucent, low-conductivity surface layer (in a solid-state greenhouse), which is subsequently released in the form of latent heat of sublimation, could provide the required energy. Both the classical solid-state greenhouse consisting of exponentially absorbed insolation in a gray, translucent layer of solid nitrogen, and the "super" greenhouse consisting of a relatively transparent solid-nitrogen layer over an opaque, absorbing layer are plausible candidates. Geothermal heat may also play a part if assisted by the added energy input of seasonal cycles of insolation.

Layer-by-Layer Assembled Films of Perylene Diimide- and Squaraine-Containing Metal-Organic Frameworks- like Materials: Solar Energy Capture and Directional Energy Transfer

DOE PAGES

Park, Hea Jung; So, Monica C.; Gosztola, David J.

2016-09-28

We demonstrate that thin films of metal organic framework (MOF)-like materials, containing two perylenedlimides (PDICl4, PDIOPh2) and a squaraine dye (S1); can be fabricated by, layer-by-layer assembly (LbL). Interestingly, these LbL films absorb across the visible light region (400-750 nm) and facilitate directional energy transfer. Due to the high spectral overlap and oriented transition dipole moments of the donor (PDICl4 and PDIOPh2) and acceptor (S1) components, directional long-range energy transfer from the bluest to reddest absorber was successfully demonstrated in the multicomponent MOF-like films. These findings have significant implications for the development of solar energy conversion devices based on MOFs.

Large magnetoresistance in Heusler-alloy-based epitaxial magnetic junctions with semiconducting Cu(In{sub 0.8}Ga{sub 0.2})Se{sub 2} spacer

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

Kasai, S.; Center for Emergent Matter Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako 351-0198; Takahashi, Y. K.

2016-07-18

We investigated the structure and magneto-transport properties of magnetic junctions using a Co{sub 2}Fe(Ga{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5}) Heusler alloy as ferromagnetic electrodes and a Cu(In{sub 0.8}Ga{sub 0.2})Se{sub 2} (CIGS) semiconductor as spacers. Owing to the semiconducting nature of the CIGS spacer, large magnetoresistance (MR) ratios of 40% at room temperature and 100% at 8 K were obtained for low resistance-area product (RA) values between 0.3 and 3 Ω μm{sup 2}. Transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed the fully epitaxial growth of the chalcopyrite CIGS layer, and the temperature dependence of RA indicated that the large MR was due to spin dependent tunneling.

Deposition and characterization of spray pyrolysed p-type Cu2SnS3 thin film for potential absorber layer of solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiruvenkadam, S.; Sakthi, P.; Prabhakaran, S.; Chakravarty, Sujay; Ganesan, V.; Rajesh, A. Leo

2018-06-01

Thin film of ternary Cu2SnS3 (CTS), a potential absorber layer for solar cells was successfully deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis technique. The GIXRD pattern revealed that the film having tetragonal Cu2SnS3 phase with the preferential orientation along (112), (200), (220) and (312) plane and it is further confirmed using Raman spectroscopy by the existence of Raman peak at 320 cm-1. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to estimate the surface roughness of 28.8 nm. The absorption coefficient was found to be greater than the order of 105 cm-1 and bandgap of 1.70 eV. Hall effect measurement indicates the p type nature of the film with a hole concentration of 1.03 × 1016cm-3 and a hall mobility of 404 cm2/V. The properties of CTS thin film confirmed suitable to be a potential absorber layer material for photovoltaic applications.

Perfectly Matched Layer for Linearized Euler Equations in Open and Ducted Domains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tam, Christopher K. W.; Auriault, Laurent; Cambuli, Francesco

1998-01-01

Recently, perfectly matched layer (PML) as an absorbing boundary condition has widespread applications. The idea was first introduced by Berenger for electromagnetic waves computations. In this paper, it is shown that the PML equations for the linearized Euler equations support unstable solutions when the mean flow has a component normal to the layer. To suppress such unstable solutions so as to render the PML concept useful for this class of problems, it is proposed that artificial selective damping terms be added to the discretized PML equations. It is demonstrated that with a proper choice of artificial mesh Reynolds number, the PML equations can be made stable. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate that the stabilized PML performs well as an absorbing boundary condition. In a ducted environment, the wave mode are dispersive. It will be shown that the group velocity and phase velocity of these modes can have opposite signs. This results in a confined environment, PML may not be suitable as an absorbing boundary condition.

Surface coating for flame-retardant behavior of cotton fabric using a continuous layer-by-layer process

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cotton’s exceptional softness, breathability, and absorbency have made it America’s best selling textile fiber; however, cotton textiles are generally more combustible than their synthetic counterparts. In this study, a continuous layer-by-layer self-assembly technique was used to deposit polymer-cl...

Directionally Antagonistic Graphene Oxide-Polyurethane Hybrid Aerogel as a Sound Absorber.

PubMed

Oh, Jung-Hwan; Kim, Jieun; Lee, Hyeongrae; Kang, Yeonjune; Oh, Il-Kwon

2018-06-21

Innovative sound absorbers, the design of which is based on carbon nanotubes and graphene derivatives, could be used to make more efficient sound absorbing materials because of their excellent intrinsic mechanical and chemical properties. However, controlling the directional alignments of low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, such as restacking, alignment, and dispersion, has been a challenging problem when developing sound absorbing forms. Herein, we present the directionally antagonistic graphene oxide-polyurethane hybrid aerogel we developed as a sound absorber, the physical properties of which differ according to the alignment of the microscopic graphene oxide sheets. This porous graphene sound absorber has a microporous hierarchical cellular structure with adjustable stiffness and improved sound absorption performance, thereby overcoming the restrictions of both geometric and function-orientated functions. Furthermore, by controlling the inner cell size and aligned structure of graphene oxide layers in this study, we achieved remarkable improvement of the sound absorption performance at low frequency. This improvement is attributed to multiple scattering of incident and reflection waves on the aligned porous surfaces, and air-viscous resistance damping inside interconnected structures between the urethane foam and the graphene oxide network. Two anisotropic sound absorbers based on the directionally antagonistic graphene oxide-polyurethane hybrid aerogels were fabricated. They show remarkable differences owing to the opposite alignment of graphene oxide layers inside the polyurethane foam and are expected to be appropriate for the engineering design of sound absorbers in consideration of the wave direction.

Current Status of Aerosol Retrievals from TOMS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Torres, O.; Herman, J. R.; Bhartia, P. K.; Ginoux, P.

1999-01-01

Properties of atmospheric aerosols over all land and water surfaces are retrieved from TOMS measurements of backscattered radiances. The TOMS technique, uses observations at two wavelengths. In the near ultraviolet (330-380 nm) range, where the effects of gaseous absorption are negligible. The retrieved properties are optical depth and a measure of aerosol absorptivity, generally expressed as single scattering albedo. The main sources of error of the TOMS aerosol products are sub-pixel cloud contamination and uncertainty on the height above the surface of UV-absorbing aerosol layers. The first error source is related to the large footprint (50 x 50 km at nadir) of the sensor, and the lack of detection capability of sub-pixel size clouds. The uncertainty associated with the height of the absorbing aerosol layers, on the other hand, is related to the pressure dependence of the molecular scattering process, which is the basis of the near-UV method of absorbing aerosol detection. The detection of non-absorbing aerosols is not sensitive to aerosol layer height. We will report on the ongoing work to overcome both of these difficulties. Coincident measurements of high spatial resolution thermal infrared radiances are used to address the cloud contamination issue. Mostly clear scenes for aerosol retrieval are selected by examining the spatial homogeneity of the IR radiance measurements within a TOMS pixel. The approach to reduce the uncertainty associated with the height of the aerosol layer by making use of a chemical transport model will also be discussed.

Concentrating light in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, Martina; Yin, Guanchao; Song, Min; Duan, Shengkai; Heidmann, Berit; Sancho-Martinez, Diego; Kämmer, Steven; Köhler, Tristan; Manley, Phillip; Lux-Steiner, Martha Ch.

2017-01-01

Light concentration has proven beneficial for solar cells, most notably for highly efficient but expensive absorber materials using high concentrations and large scale optics. Here, we investigate the light concentration for cost-efficient thin-film solar cells that show nano- or microtextured absorbers. Our absorber material of choice is Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe), which has a proven stabilized record efficiency of 22.6% and which-despite being a polycrystalline thin-film material-is very tolerant to environmental influences. Taking a nanoscale approach, we concentrate light in the CIGSe absorber layer by integrating photonic nanostructures made from dielectric materials. The dielectric nanostructures give rise to resonant modes and field localization in their vicinity. Thus, when inserted inside or adjacent to the absorber layer, absorption and efficiency enhancement are observed. In contrast to this internal absorption enhancement, external enhancement is exploited in the microscaled approach: mm-sized lenses can be used to concentrate light onto CIGSe solar cells with lateral dimensions reduced down to the micrometer range. These micro solar cells come with the benefit of improved heat dissipation compared with the large scale concentrators and promise compact high-efficiency devices. Both approaches of light concentration allow for reduction in material consumption by restricting the absorber dimension either vertically (ultrathin absorbers for dielectric nanostructures) or horizontally (microabsorbers for concentrating lenses) and have significant potential for efficiency enhancement.

Reducing interface recombination for Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} by atomic layer deposited buffer layers

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

Hultqvist, Adam; Bent, Stacey F.; Li, Jian V.

2015-07-20

Partial CuInGaSe{sub 2} (CIGS) solar cell stacks with different atomic layer deposited buffer layers and pretreatments were analyzed by photoluminescence (PL) and capacitance voltage (CV) measurements to investigate the buffer layer/CIGS interface. Atomic layer deposited ZnS, ZnO, and SnO{sub x} buffer layers were compared with chemical bath deposited CdS buffer layers. Band bending, charge density, and interface state density were extracted from the CV measurement using an analysis technique new to CIGS. The surface recombination velocity calculated from the density of interface traps for a ZnS/CIGS stack shows a remarkably low value of 810 cm/s, approaching the range of single crystallinemore » II–VI systems. Both the PL spectra and its lifetime depend on the buffer layer; thus, these measurements are not only sensitive to the absorber but also to the absorber/buffer layer system. Pretreatment of the CIGS prior to the buffer layer deposition plays a significant role on the electrical properties for the same buffer layer/CIGS stack, further illuminating the importance of good interface formation. Finally, ZnS is found to be the best performing buffer layer in this study, especially if the CIGS surface is pretreated with potassium cyanide.« less

Reducing interface recombination for Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 by atomic layer deposited buffer layers

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

Hultqvist, Adam; Li, Jian V.; Kuciauskas, Darius

2015-07-20

Partial CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) solar cell stacks with different atomic layer deposited buffer layers and pretreatments were analyzed by photoluminescence (PL) and capacitance voltage (CV) measurements to investigate the buffer layer/CIGS interface. Atomic layer deposited ZnS, ZnO, and SnOx buffer layers were compared with chemical bath deposited CdS buffer layers. Band bending, charge density, and interface state density were extracted from the CV measurement using an analysis technique new to CIGS. The surface recombination velocity calculated from the density of interface traps for a ZnS/CIGS stack shows a remarkably low value of 810 cm/s, approaching the range of single crystalline II-VImore » systems. Both the PL spectra and its lifetime depend on the buffer layer; thus, these measurements are not only sensitive to the absorber but also to the absorber/buffer layer system. Pretreatment of the CIGS prior to the buffer layer deposition plays a significant role on the electrical properties for the same buffer layer/CIGS stack, further illuminating the importance of good interface formation. Finally, ZnS is found to be the best performing buffer layer in this study, especially if the CIGS surface is pretreated with potassium cyanide.« less

Reducing interface recombination for Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 by atomic layer deposited buffer layers

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

Hultqvist, Adam; Li, Jian V.; Kuciauskas, Darius

2015-07-20

Partial CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) solar cell stacks with different atomic layer deposited buffer layers and pretreatments were analyzed by photoluminescence (PL) and capacitance voltage (CV) measurements to investigate the buffer layer/CIGS interface. Atomic layer deposited ZnS, ZnO, and SnOx buffer layers were compared with chemical bath deposited CdS buffer layers. Band bending, charge density, and interface state density were extracted from the CV measurement using an analysis technique new to CIGS. The surface recombination velocity calculated from the density of interface traps for a ZnS/CIGS stack shows a remarkably low value of 810 cm/s, approaching the range of single crystalline II–VImore » systems. Both the PL spectra and its lifetime depend on the buffer layer; thus, these measurements are not only sensitive to the absorber but also to the absorber/buffer layer system. Pretreatment of the CIGS prior to the buffer layer deposition plays a significant role on the electrical properties for the same buffer layer/CIGS stack, further illuminating the importance of good interface formation. Finally, ZnS is found to be the best performing buffer layer in this study, especially if the CIGS surface is pretreated with potassium cyanide.« less

11-GHz waveguide Nd:YAG laser CW mode-locked with single-layer graphene.

PubMed

Okhrimchuk, Andrey G; Obraztsov, Petr A

2015-06-08

We report stable, passive, continuous-wave (CW) mode-locking of a compact diode-pumped waveguide Nd:YAG laser with a single-layer graphene saturable absorber. The depressed cladding waveguide in the Nd:YAG crystal is fabricated with an ultrafast laser inscription method. The saturable absorber is formed by direct deposition of CVD single-layer graphene on the output coupler. The few millimeter-long cavity provides generation of 16-ps pulses with repetition rates in the GHz range (up to 11.3 GHz) and 12 mW average power. Stable CW mode-locking operation is achieved by controlling the group delay dispersion in the laser cavity with a Gires-Tournois interferometer.

11-GHz waveguide Nd:YAG laser CW mode-locked with single-layer graphene

PubMed Central

Okhrimchuk, Andrey G.; Obraztsov, Petr A.

2015-01-01

We report stable, passive, continuous-wave (CW) mode-locking of a compact diode-pumped waveguide Nd:YAG laser with a single-layer graphene saturable absorber. The depressed cladding waveguide in the Nd:YAG crystal is fabricated with an ultrafast laser inscription method. The saturable absorber is formed by direct deposition of CVD single-layer graphene on the output coupler. The few millimeter-long cavity provides generation of 16-ps pulses with repetition rates in the GHz range (up to 11.3 GHz) and 12 mW average power. Stable CW mode-locking operation is achieved by controlling the group delay dispersion in the laser cavity with a Gires–Tournois interferometer. PMID:26052678

Evidence for Chemical and Electronic Nonuniformities in the Formation of the Interface of RbF-Treated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 with CdS.

PubMed

Nicoara, Nicoleta; Kunze, Thomas; Jackson, Philip; Hariskos, Dimitrios; Duarte, Roberto Félix; Wilks, Regan G; Witte, Wolfram; Bär, Marcus; Sadewasser, Sascha

2017-12-20

We report on the initial stages of CdS buffer layer formation on Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGSe) thin-film solar cell absorbers subjected to rubidium fluoride (RbF) postdeposition treatment (PDT). A detailed characterization of the CIGSe/CdS interface for different chemical bath deposition (CBD) times of the CdS layer is obtained from spatially resolved atomic and Kelvin probe force microscopy and laterally integrating X-ray spectroscopies. The observed spatial inhomogeneity in the interface's structural, chemical, and electronic properties of samples undergoing up to 3 min of CBD treatments is indicative of a complex interface formation including an incomplete coverage and/or nonuniform composition of the buffer layer. It is expected that this result impacts solar cell performance, in particular when reducing the CdS layer thickness (e.g., in an attempt to increase the collection in the ultraviolet wavelength region). Our work provides important findings on the absorber/buffer interface formation and reveals the underlying mechanism for limitations in the reduction of the CdS thickness, even when an alkali PDT is applied to the CIGSe absorber.

Stable isotopic constraints on fluid-rock interaction and Cu-PGE-S redistribution in the Sonju Lake intrusion, Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Park, Y.-R.; Ripley, E.M.; Miller, J.D.; Li, C.; Mariga, J.; Shafer, P.

2004-01-01

The Sonju Lake intrusion, part of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift-related Beaver Bay Complex, is a 1,200-m-thick, strongly differentiated, layered sequence of mafic cumulates located in northeastern Minnesota. Basal melatroctolite and dunite layers are overlain by troctolite, gabbro, Fe-Ti oxide-rich gabbro, apatite diorite, and monzodiorite. Stratigraphic intervals rich in Pt + Pd, Cu, and S occur over ???500 m in the Fe-Ti oxide-rich gabbro and apatite diorite units. Peak concentrations show offsets that are similar to those found in other tholeiitic layered intrusions. Concentrations of Pd in excess of 100 ppb are confined to the lowermost 25 m of the interval. Copper shows a sharp increase to 630 ppm above the Pd-rich interval. Sulfur contents are low (<375 ppm) in the Cu-rich interval, but they increase to values as high as 3,150 ppm above in the apatite diorite. Disseminated sulfides in the intrusion have ??34S values that range from -2.2 to 3 per mil Vienna-Canyon Diablo Troilite (V-CDT) and suggest that contamination by country rock sulfur was not an important process in the formation of the metal-rich interval. ??18O values of plagioclase from the intrusion range from 5.6 to 12.0 per mil (V-SMOW) and indicate that a relatively low-18O fluid (??18O ???3-5 ???) interacted with the rocks of the intrusion at temperatures less than ???275??C. Clinopyroxene and Fe-Ti oxides (ilmenite with minor amounts of titanomagnetite) show much more restricted ranges in ??18O values (4.6-5.7 and 5.5-6.7 per mil, respectively) and attest to the kinetic control of the oxygen isotope exchange process. The externally derived fluid that interacted with rocks now enriched in platinum group elements (PGE) + Cu- and Fe-sulfide minerals locally liberated sulfur and replaced chalcopyrite and pyrite with goethite. In the Cu-rich zone, goethite that replaces chalcopyrite may contain up to 8.5 weight percent Cu. It is evident that hydrothermal alteration resulted in a decoupling of copper and sulfur, with sulfur being transferred out of the Cu-rich interval. Interaction between rocks in the PGE-Cu-S interval of the Sonju Lake intrusion and an externally derived fluid at low temperatures modified what appears to have been a primary stratigraphic metal-sulfur zonation. The effects of hydrothermal alteration on PGE and base-metal sulfide mobility and redistribution must be understood before models of primary zonation processes can be meaningfully applied. ?? 2004 by Economic Geology.

Pressing effect in polymer solar cells with bulk heterojunction nanolayers.

PubMed

Park, Jiho; Nam, Sungho; Kim, Hwajeong; Kim, Youngkyoo

2011-01-01

We report the effect of pressing light-absorbing layers on the performance of polymer solar cells. The light-absorbing active layer was prepared on the transparent conducting oxide coated substrates from solutions that contain a mixture of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) and soluble fullerene molecules. The active layers were pressed using a home-built micro-press system by controlling temperature and pressure, followed by the top electrode deposition. The surface of the active layers pressed was examined using atomic force microscope, while the photovoltaic characteristics of devices were measured under simulated solar light illumination (air mass 1.5 G, 100 mW/cm2). Results showed that the dark current of devices was noticeably increased by pressing the active layer without respect to the pressing temperature. The highest power conversion efficiency was achieved for the device with the active layer pressed under 10 kgf at 70 degrees C. The result was explained in terms of surface morphology and thermophysical effect.

Design and simulation of multi-color infrared CMOS metamaterial absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Zhengxi; Chen, Yongping; Ma, Bin

2016-05-01

Metamaterial electromagnetic wave absorbers, which usually can be fabricated in a low weight thin film structure, have a near unity absorptivity in a special waveband, and therefore have been widely applied from microwave to optical waveband. To increase absorptance of CMOS MEMS devices in 2-5 μmm waveband, multi-color infrared metamaterial absorbers are designed with CSMC 0.5 μmm 2P3M and 0.18 μmm 1P6M CMOS technology in this work. Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) three-layer MMAs and Insulator-metal-insulator-metal (MIMI) four-layer MMAs are formed by CMOS metal interconnect layers and inter metal dielectrics layer. To broaden absorption waveband in 2-5μmm range, MMAs with a combination of different sizes cross bars are designed. The top metal layer is a periodic aluminum square array or cross bar array with width ranging from submicron to several microns. The absorption peak position and intensity of MMAs can be tuned by adjusting the top aluminum micro structure array. Post-CMOS process is adopted to fabricate MMAs. The infrared absorption spectra of MMAs are verified with finite element method simulation, and the effects of top metal structure sizes, patterns, and films thickness are also simulated and intensively discussed. The simulation results show that CMOS MEMS MMAs enhance infrared absorption in 2-20 μmm. The MIM broad MMA has an average absorptance of 0.22 in 2-5 μmm waveband, and 0.76 in 8-14 μm waveband. The CMOS metamaterial absorbers can be inherently integrated in many kinds of MEMS devices fabricated with CMOS technology, such as uncooled bolometers, infrared thermal emitters.

Synthesis and structures of metal chalcogenide precursors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepp, Aloysius F.; Duraj, Stan A.; Eckles, William E.; Andras, Maria T.

1990-01-01

The reactivity of early transition metal sandwich complexes with sulfur-rich molecules such as dithiocarboxylic acids was studied. Researchers recently initiated work on precursors to CuInSe2 and related chalcopyrite semiconductors. Th every high radiation tolerance and the high absorption coefficient of CuInSe2 makes this material extremely attractive for lightweight space solar cells. Their general approach in early transition metal chemistry, the reaction of low-valent metal complexes or metal powders with sulfur and selenium rich compounds, was extended to the synthesis of chalcopyrite precursors. Here, the researchers describe synthesis, structures, and and routes to single molecule precursors to metal chalcogenides.

Electronic modification of Cu-based chalcopyrite semiconductors induced by lattice deformation and composition alchemy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, F. D.; Feng, J. Y.

2008-02-01

Using first principles calculation, we systematically investigate the electronic modification of Cu-based chalcopyrite semiconductors induced by lattice deformation and composition alchemy. It is shown that the optical band gap Eg is remarkably sensitive to the anion displacement μ, resulting from the opposite shifts of conduction band minimum and valence band maximum. Meanwhile, the dependence of structural parameters of alloyed compounds on alloy composition x is demonstrated for both cation and anion alloying. The d orbitals of group-III cations are found to be of great importance in the calculation. Abnormal changes in the optical band gap Eg induced by anion alloying are addressed.

Chalcopyrite—bearer of a precious, non-precious metal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kimball, Bryn E.

2013-01-01

The mineral chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is the world's most abundant source of copper, a metal component in virtually every piece of electrical equipment. It is the main copper mineral in several different ore deposit types, the most important of which are porphyry deposits. Chalcopyrite is unstable at the Earth's surface, so it weathers from sulphide outcrops and mine waste piles, contributing acid and dissolved copper to what is known as acid rock drainage. If not prevented, dissolved copper from chalcopyrite weathering will be transported downstream, potentially harming ecosystems along the way. Pristine areas are becoming targets for future copper supply as we strive to meet ever-increasing demands for copper by developed and developing nations. Additionally, our uses for copper are expanding to include technology such as solar energy production. This has lead to the processing of increasingly lower grade ores, which is possible, in part, due to advances in bio-leaching (i.e. metal extraction catalysed by micro-organisms). Although copper is plentiful, it is still a nonrenewable resource. Future copper supply promises to fall short of demand and the volatility of the copper market may continue if we do not prioritize copper use and improve copper recycling and ore extraction efficiency.

Absorbed dose in target cell nuclei and dose conversion coefficient of radon progeny in the human lung.

PubMed

Nikezic, D; Lau, B M F; Stevanovic, N; Yu, K N

2006-01-01

To calculate the absorbed dose in the human lung due to inhaled radon progeny, ICRP focussed on the layers containing the target cells, i.e., the basal and secretory cells. Such an approach did not consider details of the sensitive cells in the layers. The present work uses the microdosimetric approach and determines the absorbed alpha-particle energy in non-spherical nuclei of target cells (basal and secretory cells). The absorbed energy for alpha particles emitted by radon progeny in the human respiratory tract was calculated in basal- and secretory-cell nuclei, assuming conical and ellipsoidal forms for these cells. Distributions of specific energy for different combinations of alpha-particle sources, energies and targets are calculated and shown. The dose conversion coefficient for radon progeny is reduced for about 2mSv/WLM when conical and ellipsoidal cell nuclei are considered instead of the layers. While changes in the geometry of secretory-cell nuclei do not have significant effects on their absorbed dose, changes from spherical to conical basal-cell nuclei have significantly reduced their absorbed dose from approximately 4 to approximately 3mGy/WLM. This is expected because basal cells are situated close to the end of the range of 6MeV alpha particles. This also underlines the significance of better and more precise information on targets in the T-B tree. A further change in the dose conversion coefficient can be achieved if a different weighting scheme is adopted for the doses for the cells. The results demonstrate the necessity for better information on the target cells for more accurate dosimetry for radon progeny.

CNT-based saturable absorbers with scalable modulation depth for Thulium-doped fiber lasers operating at 1.9 μm

PubMed Central

Sobon, Grzegorz; Duzynska, Anna; Świniarski, Michał; Judek, Jarosław; Sotor, Jarosław; Zdrojek, Mariusz

2017-01-01

In this work, we demonstrate a comprehensive study on the nonlinear parameters of carbon nanotube (CNT) saturable absorbers (SA) as a function of the nanotube film thickness. We have fabricated a set of four saturable absorbers with different CNT thickness, ranging from 50 to 200 nm. The CNTs were fabricated via a vacuum filtration technique and deposited on fiber connector end facets. Each SA was characterized in terms of nonlinear transmittance (i.e. optical modulation depth) and tested in a Thulium-doped fiber laser. We show, that increasing the thickness of the CNT layer significantly increases the modulation depth (up to 17.3% with 200 nm thick layer), which strongly influences the central wavelength of the laser, but moderately affects the pulse duration. It means, that choosing the SA with defined CNT thickness might be an efficient method for wavelength-tuning of the laser, without degrading the pulse duration. In our setup, the best performance in terms of bandwidth and pulse duration (8.5 nm and 501 fs, respectively) were obtained with 100 nm thick CNT layer. This is also, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a fully polarization-maintaining mode-locked Tm-doped laser based on CNT saturable absorber. PMID:28368014

Development of sampling calorimeter with segmented lead glass absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terada, R.; Takeshita, T.; Itoh, H.; Kanzaki, I.

2018-02-01

Sampling calorimeter is indispensable for physics measurement at collider experiment with PFA. Uncertainty of deposit energy at absorber layer degrades energy resolution. This problem will be solved by using lead glass as absorber, which is clear and heavy. High energy particles produce Cherenkov lights whose light yield corresponds to the track length in the lead glass. This information from the absorber will improve the energy resolution of the calorimeter. Performance of this calorimeter prototype tested for electrons at ELPH beam at Tohoku University has been described. We discuss the problems and its capabilities.

Multiobjective Topology Optimization of Energy Absorbing Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

absorbing liner for equestrian helmets. Part I: layered foam liner . Mater Des 30(9):3405–3413 Sethian J, Wiegmann A (2000) Structural boundary design via...Army Research Laboratory Wildman RA, Weile DS (2007) Geometry reconstruction of conduct- ing cylinders using genetic programming. IEEE Trans Antennas

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

Jia, X. L.; Meng, Q. X.; Yuan, C. X.

The visible light broadband perfect absorbers based on the silver (Ag) nano elliptical disks and holes array are studied using finite difference time domain simulations. The semiconducting indium silicon dioxide thin film is introduced as the space layer in this sandwiched structure. Utilizing the asymmetrical geometry of the structures, polarization sensitivity for transverse electric wave (TE)/transverse magnetic wave (TM) and left circular polarization wave (LCP)/right circular polarization wave (RCP) of the broadband absorption are gained. The absorbers with Ag nano disks and holes array show several peaks absorbance of 100% by numerical simulation. These simple and flexible perfect absorbers aremore » particularly desirable for various potential applications including the solar energy absorber.« less

Performance enhancement of uncooled infrared focal plane array by integrating metamaterial absorber

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

Ma, Wei; Wen, Yongzheng; Yu, Xiaomei, E-mail: yuxm@pku.edu.cn

2015-03-16

This letter presents an infrared (IR) focal plane array (FPA) with metamaterial absorber (MMA) integrated to enhance its performance. A glass substrate, on which arrays of bimaterial cantilevers are fabricated as the thermal-sensitive pixels by a polyimide surface sacrificial process, is employed to allow the optical readout from the back side of the substrate. Whereas the IR wave radiates onto the FPA from the front side, which consequently avoids the energy loss caused by the silicon substrate compared with the previous works. This structure also facilitates the integration of MMA by introducing a layer of periodic square resonators atop themore » SiN{sub x} structural layer to form a metal/dielectric/metal stack with the gold mirror functioning as the ground plane. A comparative experiment was carried out on the FPAs that use MMA and ordinary SiN{sub x} as the absorbers, respectively. The performance improvement was verified by the evaluation of the absorbers as well as the imaging results of both FPAs.« less

Solar collector

DOEpatents

Wilhelm, William G.

1982-01-01

The field of this invention is solar collectors, and more particularly, the invention pertains to a flat plate collector that employs high performance thin films. The solar collector of this invention overcomes several problems in this field, such as excessive hardware, cost and reliability, and other prior art drawbacks outlined in the specification. In the preferred form, the apparatus features a substantially rigid planar frame (14). A thin film window (42) is bonded to one planar side of the frame. An absorber (24) of laminate construction is comprised of two thin film layers (24a, 24b) that are sealed perimetrically. The layers (24a, 24b) define a fluid-tight planar envelope (24c) of large surface area to volume through which a heat transfer fluid flows. Absorber (24) is bonded to the other planar side of the frame. The thin film construction of the absorber assures substantially full envelope wetting and thus good efficiency. The window and absorber films stress the frame adding to the overall strength of the collector.

Hybridization-induced broadband terahertz wave absorption with graphene metasurfaces.

PubMed

Mou, Nanli; Sun, Shulin; Dong, Hongxing; Dong, Shaohua; He, Qiong; Zhou, Lei; Zhang, Long

2018-04-30

Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption plays a vital role in photonics. While metasurfaces are proposed to absorb EM waves efficiently, most of them exhibit limited bandwidth and fixed functionalities. Here, we propose a broadband and tunable terahertz (THz) absorber based on a graphene-based metasurface, which is constructed by a single layer of closely patterned graphene concentric double rings and a metallic mirror separated by an ultrathin SiO 2 layer. Plasmonic hybridization between two graphene rings significantly enlarges the absorption bandwidth, which can be further tuned by gating the graphene. Moreover, the specific design also makes our device insensitive to the incident angle and polarization state of impinging EM waves. Our results may inspire certain wave-modulation-related applications, such as THz imaging, smart absorber, tunable sensor, etc.

Relationship between open-circuit voltage in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell and peak position of (220/204) preferred orientation near its absorber surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chantana, J.; Watanabe, T.; Teraji, S.; Kawamura, K.; Minemoto, T.

2013-11-01

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorbers with various Ga/III, Ga/(In+Ga), profiles are prepared by the so-called "multi-layer precursor method" using multi-layer co-evaporation of material sources. It is revealed that open-circuit voltage (VOC) of CIGS solar cell is primarily dependent on averaged Ga/III near the surface of its absorber. This averaged Ga/III is well predicted by peak position of (220/204) preferred orientation of CIGS film near its surface investigated by glancing-incidence X-ray diffraction with 0.1° incident angle. Finally, the peak position of (220/204) preferred orientation is proposed as a measure of VOC before solar cell fabrication.

Photon and carrier management design for nonplanar thin-film copper indium gallium diselenide photovoltaics

DOEpatents

Atwater, Harry A.; Callahan, Dennis; Bukowsky, Colton

2017-11-21

Photovoltaic structures are disclosed. The structures can comprise randomly or periodically structured layers, a dielectric layer to reduce back diffusion of charge carriers, and a metallic layer to reflect photons back towards the absorbing semiconductor layers. This design can increase efficiency of photovoltaic structures. The structures can be fabricated by nanoimprint.

Flame retardant polymer-clay nanocoatings on cotton textile substrates using a newly developed, continuous layer-by-layer deposition process

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cotton’s exceptional softness, breathability, and absorbency have made it America’s best selling textile fiber; however, cotton textiles are generally more combustible than most synthetic fabrics. In this study, a continuous layer-by-layer self-assembly technique was used to deposit polymer-clay nan...

Presentation on mechanisms and applications of chalcopyrite and pyrite bioleaching in biohydrometallurgy - a presentation.

PubMed

Tao, Huang; Dongwei, Li

2014-12-01

This review outlines classic and current research, scientific documents and research achievements in bioleaching, particularly in respect of the bioleaching of chalcopyrite and pyrite. The diversity and commonality of the microbial leaching process can be easily studied through comparing the bioleaching mechanism and the application of these two metal sulfides. The crystal, electronic and surface structures of chalcopyrite and pyrite are summarized in detail in this paper. It determines the specific and complicated interaction pathways, kinetics of the atmospheric/aqueous oxidation, and the control process of bioleaching of the minerals as the precondition. Bioleaching of metal sulfides is performed by a diverse group of microorganisms and microbial communities. The species of the bacteria which have a significant effect on leaching ores are miraculously diverse. The newly identified acidophilic microorganisms with unique characteristics for efficient bioleaching of sulfidic minerals are increasing sharply. The cell-to-cell communication mechanisms, which are still implicit, elusive and intangible at present day, have gradually become a research hotspot. The different mineralogy characteristics and the acid solubility of the metal sulfides (e.g., chalcopyrite and pyrite) cause two different dissolution pathways, the thiosulfate and the polysulfide pathways. The bioleaching mechanisms are categorized by contact (an electrostatic attachment) and noncontact (planktonic) process, with emphasis on the produce of extracellular polymeric substances and formation of biofilm on the surface of the metal sulfides in this paper. The division of the direct and indirect effect are not adopted due to the redox chain, the reduction of the ferric iron and oxidation of the ferrous iron. The molecular oxygen is reduced by the electrons extracted from the specific metal sulfide, via a redox chain forming a supercomplex spanning the periplasmic space and connecting both outer and inner membrane. The passivation of the mineral surface can obviously hinder the dissolution of metal sulfides during the bioleaching process, which is significantly affected by the kinetic model, microenvironment on the surface of ore and the leach conditions, such as temperature, pH and E h . The new development of mechanism research, enhanced and intensified technologies on the bioleaching of chalcopyrite and pyrite, are conducted and summarized from the different branches of natural science. Some are depicted and explained based on molecular level in this paper. Catalyst and catalytic mechanisms in bioleaching and biooxidation for this two sulfide minerals have been concluded and applied for several decades, the continuous emergence of the new material and technology are also gradually applied into the biohydrometallurgy. The industrial applications of the bioleaching on chalcopyrite and pyrite are totally based on the understanding of the interaction mechanism between microbes and minerals, the optimization of ore leaching conditions and the development of new material and the leaching equipment. It is not incredible and unimaginable to take a different bioleaching process and diagram to deal with the two sulfuric metals, which is vital to succeed in elevating the leaching rate of copper.

Optical Properties and Microstructure of Barium Titanate Thin Film (BaTiO3) for Solar Cell Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setyadi, A. U. L. S.; Iriani, Y.; Nurosyid, F.

2018-03-01

Barium Titanate thin films were prepared with variations in the number of layers and variation of the solution on a Quartz substrate using the sol-gel method with spin coating technique, at rotation speed 3000 rpm for 30 seconds. The first solution was made with heated and the second with stirred and heated. In this experiment, BaTiO3 were heated at 900°C for 2 hours. The characterization of optical properties was performed by UV-Vis spectrometer and microstructural characterization was performed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Variation of layers number affects the intensity of the diffraction peaks. The more layers of the intensity are also greater. The variation of solution making process affects the intensity of diffraction peak. The process of making the solution with stirred and heated has greater intensity than the process of solution by simply heating it. When stirred at the same time heated to produce atoms diffuses more easily with other atoms so the bonds between atoms are more orderly and strong. The process of making the solution in the heated is larger in the crystallite size of than preparation of solution by stirred and heated. The stirred which the solution is produced influences the appearance of the size of the crystal. Variation number of layers influences the absorbance value of layer. The absorbance increases with increasing number of layers. The absorbance of the sample was made with heated the higher than with stirred and heated.

Charge transport in quantum dot organic solar cells with Si quantum dots sandwiched between poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) absorber and bathocuproine (BCP) transport layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Upendra Kumar; Kumar, Brijesh

2017-10-01

We have modeled a multilayer quantum dot organic solar cell that explores the current-voltage characteristic of the solar cell whose characteristics can be tuned by varying the fabrication parameters of the quantum dots (QDs). The modeled device consists of a hole transport layer (HTL) which doubles up as photon absorbing layer, several quantum dot layers, and an electron transport layer (ETL). The conduction of charge carriers in HTL and ETL has been modeled by the drift-diffusion transport mechanism. The conduction and recombination in the quantum dot layers are described by a system of coupled rate equations incorporating tunneling and bimolecular recombination. Analysis of QD-solar cells shows improved device performance compared to the similar bilayer and trilayer device structures without QDs. Keeping other design parameters constant, solar cell characteristics can be controlled by the quantum dot layers. Bimolecular recombination coefficient of quantum dots is a prime factor which controls the open circuit voltage (VOC) without any significant reduction in short circuit current (JSC).

Thermally induced nonlinear optical absorption in metamaterial perfect absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guddala, Sriram; Kumar, Raghwendra; Ramakrishna, S. Anantha

2015-03-01

A metamaterial perfect absorber consisting of a tri-layer (Al/ZnS/Al) metal-dielectric-metal system with top aluminium nano-disks was fabricated by laser-interference lithography and lift-off processing. The metamaterial absorber had peak resonant absorbance at 1090 nm and showed nonlinear absorption for 600ps laser pulses at 1064 nm wavelength. A nonlinear saturation of reflectance was measured to be dependent on the average laser power incident and not the peak laser intensity. The nonlinear behaviour is shown to arise from the heating due to the absorbed radiation and photo-thermal changes in the dielectric properties of aluminium. The metamaterial absorber is seen to be damage resistant at large laser intensities of 25 MW/cm2.

Design of a five-band terahertz perfect metamaterial absorber using two resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Tianhua; Hu, Dan; Zhu, Qiaofen

2018-05-01

We present a polarization-insensitive five-band terahertz perfect metamaterial absorber composed of two metallic circular rings and a metallic ground film separated by a dielectric layer. The calculated results show that the absorber has five distinctive absorption bands whose peaks are greater than 99% on average. The physical origin of the absorber originates from the combination of dipolar, hexapolar, and surface plasmon resonance of the patterned metallic structure, which is different from the work mechanism of previously reported absorbers. In addition, the influence of the structural parameters on the absorption spectra is analyzed to further confirm the origin of the five-band absorption peaks. The proposed absorber has potential applications in terahertz imaging, refractive index sensing, and material detecting.

A novel screen design for anti-ambient light front projection display with angle-selective absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Tianju; Chen, Weigang; He, Kebo; Zhang, Zhaoyu

2016-03-01

Ambient light is destructive to the reflective type projection system's contrast ratio which has great influence on the image quality. In contrast to the conventional front projection, short-throw projection has its advantage to reject the ambient light. Fresnel lens-shaped reflection layer is adapted to direct light from a large angle due to the low lens throw ratio to the viewing area. The structure separates the path of the ambient light and projection light, creating the chance to solve the problem that ambient light is mixed with projection light. However, with solely the lens-shaped reflection layer is not good enough to improve the contrast ratio due to the scattering layer, which contributes a necessarily wide viewing angle, could interfere with both light paths before hitting the layer. So we propose a new design that sets the draft angle surface with absorption layer and adds an angle-selective absorber to separate these two kinds of light. The absorber is designed to fit the direction of the projection light, leading to a small absorption cross section for the projection light and respectfully big absorption cross section for the ambient light. We have calculated the design with Tracepro, a ray tracing program and find a nearly 8 times contrast ratio improvement against the current design in theory. This design can hopefully provide efficient display in bright lit situation with better viewer satisfaction.

Solar cell with back side contacts

DOEpatents

Nielson, Gregory N; Okandan, Murat; Cruz-Campa, Jose Luis; Resnick, Paul J; Wanlass, Mark Woodbury; Clews, Peggy J

2013-12-24

A III-V solar cell is described herein that includes all back side contacts. Additionally, the positive and negative electrical contacts contact compoud semiconductor layers of the solar cell other than the absorbing layer of the solar cell. That is, the positive and negative electrical contacts contact passivating layers of the solar cell.

Superb electromagnetic wave-absorbing composites based on large-scale graphene and carbon nanotube films.

PubMed

Li, Jinsong; Lu, Weibang; Suhr, Jonghwan; Chen, Hang; Xiao, John Q; Chou, Tsu-Wei

2017-05-24

Graphene has sparked extensive research interest for its excellent physical properties and its unique potential for application in absorption of electromagnetic waves. However, the processing of stable large-scale graphene and magnetic particles on a micrometer-thick conductive support is a formidable challenge for achieving high reflection loss and impedance matching between the absorber and free space. Herein, a novel and simple approach for the processing of a CNT film-Fe 3 O 4 -large scale graphene composite is studied. The Fe 3 O 4 particles with size in the range of 20-200 nm are uniformly aligned along the axial direction of the CNTs. The composite exhibits exceptionally high wave absorption capacity even at a very low thickness. Minimum reflection loss of -44.7 dB and absorbing bandwidth of 4.7 GHz at -10 dB are achieved in composites with one-layer graphene in six-layer CNT film-Fe 3 O 4 prepared from 0.04 M FeCl 3 . Microstructural and theoretical studies of the wave-absorbing mechanism reveal a unique Debye dipolar relaxation with an Eddy current effect in the absorbing bandwidth.

The design of broadband radar absorbing surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suk, Go H.

1990-09-01

There has been a growing and widespread interest in radar absorbing material technology. As the name implies, radar absorbing materials or RAM's are coatings whose electric and magnetic properties have been selected to allow the absorption of microwave energy at discrete or broadband frequencies. In military applications low radar cross section (RCS) of a vehicle may be required in order to escape detection while a covert mission is being carried on. These requirements have led to the very low observable or stealth technology that reduces the probability of detection of an aircraft. The design of radar absorbing materials is limited by constraints on the allowable volume and weight of the surface coating, and it is difficult to design a broadband radar absorbing structure in limited volume. This thesis investigates the use of lossy dielectric materials of high dielectric permittivity in multilayer composites for the production of low radar cross section (RCS). The analysis is done by computing the plane wave reflection coefficient at the exterior surface of the composite coating by means of a computer program which selects layer parameters which determine low reflection coefficients for electromagnetic radiation under constraint of limited layer thickness as well as maximum frequency bandwidth.

Sulphur isotope constraints on formation conditions of the Luiswishi ore deposit, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerouge, C.; Cailteux, J.; Kampunzu, A. B.; Milesi, J. P.; Fléhoc, C.

2005-07-01

Luiswishi is a Congo-type Neoproterozoic sediment-hosted stratiform Cu-Co ore deposit of the Central Africa Copperbelt, located northwest of Lubumbashi (DRC). The ores form two main Cu-Co orebodies hosted by the Mines Subgroup, one in the lower part of the Kamoto Formation and the other at the base of the Dolomitic Shales Formation. Sulphides occur essentially as early parallel layers of chalcopyrite and carrolite, and secondarily as late stockwork sulphides cross-cutting the bedding and the early sulphide generation. Both types of stratiform and stockwork chalcopyrite and carrolite were systematically analyzed for sulphur isotopes, along the lithostratigraphic succession of the Mine Series. The quite similar δ 34S values of stratiform sulphides and late stockwork sulphides suggest an in situ recrystallization or a slight remobilization of stockwork sulphides without attainment of isotopic equilibrium between different sulphide phases (chalcopyrite and carrolite). The distribution of δ 34S values (-14.4‰ to +17.5‰) combined with the lithology indicates a strong stratigraphic control of the sulphur isotope signature, supporting bacterial sulphate reduction during early diagenesis of the host sediments, in a shallow marine to lacustrine environment. Petrological features combined with sulphur isotopic data of sulphides at Luiswishi and previous results on nodules of anhydrite in the Mine Series indicate a dominant seawater/lacustrine origin for sulphates, precluding a possible hydrothermal participation. The high positive δ 34S values of sulphides in the lower orebody at Luiswishi, hosted in massive chloritic-dolomitic siltite (known as Grey R.A.T.), fine-grained stratified dolostone (D.Strat.) and silicified-stromatolitic dolomites alternating with chloritic-dolomitic silty beds (R.S.F.), suggest that they were probably deposited during a period of regression in a basin cut off from seawater. The variations of δ 34S values (i.e. the decrease of δ 34S values from the Kamoto Formation to the overlying Dolomitic Shales and then the slight increase from S.D.2d to S.D.3a and S.D.3b members) are in perfect agreement with the inferred lithological and transgressive-regressive evolution of the ore-hosting sedimentary rocks [Cailteux, J., 1994. Lithostratigraphy of the Neoproterozoic Shaba-type (Zaire) Roan Supergroup and metallogenesis of associated stratiform mineralization. In: Kampunzu A.B., Lubala, R.T. (Eds.), Neoproterozoic Belts of Zambia, Zaire and Namibia. Journal of African Earth Sciences 19, 279-301].

Spectroscopic ellipsometry for analysis of polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic devices and prediction of external quantum efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibdah, Abdel-Rahman; Koirala, Prakash; Aryal, Puruswottam; Pradhan, Puja; Marsillac, Sylvain; Rockett, Angus A.; Podraza, Nikolas J.; Collins, Robert W.

2017-11-01

Complete polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices employing CuIn1-xGaxSe2/CdS and CdS/CdTe heterojunctions have been studied by ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). In this study, layer thicknesses have been extracted along with photon energy independent parameters such as compositions that describe the dielectric function spectra ε(E) of the individual layers. For accurate ex situ SE analysis of these PV devices, a database of ε(E) spectra is required for all thin film component materials used in each of the two absorber technologies. When possible, database measurements are performed by applying SE in situ immediately after deposition of the thin film materials and after cooling to room temperature in order to avoid oxidation and surface contamination. Determination of ε(E) from the resulting in situ SE data requires structural information that can be obtained from analysis of SE data acquired in real time during the deposition process. From the results of ex situ analysis of the complete CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) and CdTe PV devices, the deduced layer thicknesses in combination with the parameters describing ε(E) can be employed in further studies that simulate the external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectra of the devices. These simulations have been performed here by assuming that all electron-hole pairs generated within the active layers, i.e. layers incorporating a dominant absorber component (either CIGS or CdTe), are separated and collected. The active layers may include not only the bulk absorber but also window and back contact interface layers, and individual current contributions from these layers have been determined in the simulations. In addition, the ex situ SE analysis results enable calculation of the absorbance spectra for the inactive layers and the overall reflectance spectra, which lead to quantification of all optical losses in terms of a current density deficit. Mapping SE can be performed given the high speed of multichannel ellipsometers employing array detection, and the resulting EQE simulation capability has wide applications in predicting large area PV module output. The ultimate goal is an on-line capability that enables prediction of PV sub-cell current output as early as possible in the production process.

Reflection and transmission for layered composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graglia, Roberto D.; Uslenghi, Piergiorgio L. E.

1991-01-01

A layered planar structure consisting of different bianisotropic materials separated by jump-immittance sheets is considered. Reflection and transmission coefficients are determined via a chain-matrix algorithm. Applications are important for radomes and radar-absorbing materials.

Femtosecond solid-state laser based on a few-layered black phosphorus saturable absorber.

PubMed

Su, Xiancui; Wang, Yiran; Zhang, Baitao; Zhao, Ruwei; Yang, Kejian; He, Jingliang; Hu, Qiangqiang; Jia, Zhitai; Tao, Xutang

2016-05-01

In this Letter, a high-quality, few-layered black phosphorus (BP) saturable absorber (SA) was fabricated successfully, and a femtosecond solid-state laser modulated by BP-SA was experimentally demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Pulses as short as 272 fs were achieved with an average output power of 0.82 W, corresponding to the pulse energy of 6.48 nJ and peak power of 23.8 MW. So far, these represent the shortest pulse duration and highest output power ever obtained with a BP-based mode-locked solid-state laser. The results indicate the promising potential of few-layered BP-SA for applications in solid-state femtosecond mode-locked lasers.

High Precision Grids for Neutron, Hard X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Imaging Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Jonathan W. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Fourier telescopes permit observations over a very broad band of energy. They generally include synthetic spatial filtering structures, known as multilayer grids or grid pairs consisting of alternate layers of absorbing and transparent materials depending on whether neutrons or photons are being imaged. For hard x-rays and gamma rays high (absorbing) and low (transparent) atomic number elements, termed high-Z and low-Z materials may be used. Fabrication of these multilayer grid structures is not without its difficulties. Herein the alternate layers of the higher material and the lower material are inserted in a polyhedron, transparent to photons of interest, through an open face of the polyhedron. The inserted layers are then uniformly compressed to form a multilayer grid.

Influence of Organic Solvents on Chalcopyrite Oxidation Ability of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

PubMed Central

Torma, Arpad E.; Itzkovitch, Irwin J.

1976-01-01

It has been shown that organic solvents used primarily for the extraction of metals from aqueous leach liquors decrease both the surface tension of the aqueous phase and the chalcopyrite oxidation ability of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. For the reagents and modifiers investigated, the order of inhibition was found to be LIX 70 < LIX 73 < LIX 71 < LIX 64N < LIX 65N < TBP ∼ isodecanol ∼ nonylphenol < LIX 63 <<< D2EHPA ∼ Kelex 100 < Kelex 120 <<< Alamine 336 ∼ Alamine 308 ∼ Alamine 310 < Alamine 304 < Adogen 381 ∼ Aliquat 336 < Adogen 364. To avoid limitation in bacterial activity, organic matter should be removed from the recycling liquor prior to leaching. PMID:16345164

Thin films of mixed metal compounds

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, R.A.; Chen, W.S.

1985-06-11

Disclosed is a thin film heterojunction solar cell, said heterojunction comprising a p-type I-III-IV[sub 2] chalcopyrite substrate and an overlying layer of an n-type ternary mixed metal compound wherein said ternary mixed metal compound is applied to said substrate by introducing the vapor of a first metal compound to a vessel containing said substrate from a first vapor source while simultaneously introducing a vapor of a second metal compound from a second vapor source of said vessel, said first and second metals comprising the metal components of said mixed metal compound; independently controlling the vaporization rate of said first and second vapor sources; reducing the mean free path between vapor particles in said vessel, said gas being present in an amount sufficient to induce homogeneity of said vapor mixture; and depositing said mixed metal compound on said substrate in the form of a uniform composition polycrystalline mixed metal compound. 5 figs.

WS2 mode-locked ultrafast fiber laser

PubMed Central

Mao, Dong; Wang, Yadong; Ma, Chaojie; Han, Lei; Jiang, Biqiang; Gan, Xuetao; Hua, Shijia; Zhang, Wending; Mei, Ting; Zhao, Jianlin

2015-01-01

Graphene-like two dimensional materials, such as WS2 and MoS2, are highly anisotropic layered compounds that have attracted growing interest from basic research to practical applications. Similar with MoS2, few-layer WS2 has remarkable physical properties. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that WS2 nanosheets exhibit ultrafast nonlinear saturable absorption property and high optical damage threshold. Soliton mode-locking operations are achieved separately in an erbium-doped fiber laser using two types of WS2-based saturable absorbers, one of which is fabricated by depositing WS2 nanosheets on a D-shaped fiber, while the other is synthesized by mixing WS2 solution with polyvinyl alcohol, and then evaporating them on a substrate. At the maximum pump power of 600 mW, two saturable absorbers can work stably at mode-locking state without damage, indicating that few-layer WS2 is a promising high-power flexible saturable absorber for ultrafast optics. Numerous applications may benefit from the ultrafast nonlinear features of WS2 nanosheets, such as high-power pulsed laser, materials processing, and frequency comb spectroscopy. PMID:25608729

Second-mode control in hypersonic boundary layers over assigned complex wall impedance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sousa, Victor; Patel, Danish; Chapelier, Jean-Baptiste; Scalo, Carlo

2017-11-01

The durability and aerodynamic performance of hypersonic vehicles greatly relies on the ability to delay transition to turbulence. Passive aerodynamic flow control devices such as porous acoustic absorbers are a very attractive means to damp ultrasonic second-mode waves, which govern transition in hypersonic boundary layers under idealized flow conditions (smooth walls, slender geometries, small angles of attack). The talk will discuss numerical simulations modeling such absorbers via the time-domain impedance boundary condition (TD-IBC) approach by Scalo et al. in a hypersonic boundary layer flow over a 7-degree wedge at freestream Mach numbers M∞ = 7.3 and Reynolds numbers Rem = 1.46 .106 . A three-parameter impedance model tuned to the second-mode waves is tested first with varying resistance, R, and damping ratio, ζ, revealing complete mode attenuation for R < 20. A realistic IBC is then employed, derived via an inverse Helmholtz solver analysis of an ultrasonically absorbing carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon ceramic sample used in recent hypersonic transition experiments by Dr. Wagner and co-workers at DLR-Göttingen.

Infrared Transition Moment Directions in Smectic Liquid Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, C. S.; Jang, W. G.; Coleman, D.; Glaser, M. A.; Clark, N. A.

1997-03-01

We have investigated the variation of absorbance with polarization for C=O, O-H, and phenyl stretch modes in aligned smectic liquid crystals, for IR radiation propagating parallel to the smectic layers. For the C=O stretch, maximum absorbance is generally observed for radiation polarized perpendicular to the layer normal in the smectic A phase, consistent with the assumption that the IR transition moment direction is coincident with the C=O bond (oriented at an angle of ~ 60^circ with respect to the molecular long axis). In certain cases, however, maximum absorbance is observed for incident polarization parallel to the layer normal, and in general observed dichroic ratios depend sensitively on the nature of the functional groups surrounding the carbonyl moiety. Similar chemical sensitivity is observed for the phenyl and O-H stretch modes. We have succeeding in interpreting these measurements by calculating IR transition moment directions for the most important vibrational modes of several model compounds using quantum chemical methods, including HF/6-311G SCF and B3LYP/6-311G and B3LYP/6-31G DFT calculations.

Nonreflective Conditions for Perfectly Matched Layer in Computational Aeroacoustics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choung, Hanahchim; Jang, Seokjong; Lee, Soogab

2018-05-01

In computational aeroacoustics, boundary conditions such as radiation, outflow, or absorbing boundary conditions are critical issues in that they can affect the entire solution of the computation. Among these types of boundary conditions, the perfectly matched layer boundary condition, which has been widely used in computational fluid dynamics and computational aeroacoustics, is developed by augmenting the additional term in the original governing equations by an absorption function so as to stably absorb the outgoing waves. Even if the perfectly matched layer is analytically a perfectly nonreflective boundary condition, spurious waves occur at the interface, since the analysis is performed in discretized space. Hence, this study is focused on factors that affect numerical errors from perfectly matched layer to find the optimum conditions for nonreflective PML. Through a mathematical approach, a minimum width of perfectly matched layer and an optimum absorption coefficient are suggested. To validate the prediction of the analysis, numerical simulations are performed in a generalized coordinate system, as well as in a Cartesian coordinate system.

Explosion containment device

DOEpatents

Benedick, William B.; Daniel, Charles J.

1977-01-01

The disclosure relates to an explosives storage container for absorbing and containing the blast, fragments and detonation products from a possible detonation of a contained explosive. The container comprises a layer of distended material having sufficient thickness to convert a portion of the kinetic energy of the explosion into thermal energy therein. A continuous wall of steel sufficiently thick to absorb most of the remaining kinetic energy by stretching and expanding, thereby reducing the momentum of detonation products and high velocity fragments, surrounds the layer of distended material. A crushable layer surrounds the continuous steel wall and accommodates the stretching and expanding thereof, transmitting a moderate load to the outer enclosure. These layers reduce the forces of the explosion and the momentum of the products thereof to zero. The outer enclosure comprises a continuous pressure wall enclosing all of the layers. In one embodiment, detonation of the contained explosive causes the outer enclosure to expand which indicates to a visual observer that a detonation has occurred.

Semi-transparent photovoltaic glazing based on electrodeposited CIGS solar cells on patterned molybdenum/glass substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidali, Tarik; Bou, Adrien; Coutancier, Damien; Chassaing, Elisabeth; Theys, Bertrand; Barakel, Damien; Garuz, Richard; Thoulon, Pierre-Yves; Lincot, Daniel

2018-03-01

In this paper, a new way of preparing semi-transparent solar cells using Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS) chalcopyrite semiconductors as absorbers for BIPV applications is presented. The key to the elaboration process consists in the co-electrodeposition of Cu-In-Ga mixed oxides on submillimetric hole-patterned molybdenum substrate, followed by thermal reduction to metallic alloys and selenisation. This method has the advantage of being a selective deposition technique where the thin film growth is carried out only on Mo covered areas. Thus, after annealing, the transparency of the sample is always preserved, allowing light to pass through the device. A complete device (5 × 5 cm2) with 535 μm diameter holes and total glass aperture of around 35% shows an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 400 mV. Locally, the I-V curves reveal a maximum efficiency of 7.7%, VOC of 460 mV, JSC of 24 mA.cm-2 in an area of 0.1 cm2 with 35% aperture. This efficiency on the semi-transparent area is equivalent to a record efficiency of 11.9% by taking into account only the effective area.

Depth-Profiling Electronic and Structural Properties of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Thin-Film Solar Cell.

PubMed

Chiang, Ching-Yu; Hsiao, Sheng-Wei; Wu, Pin-Jiun; Yang, Chu-Shou; Chen, Chia-Hao; Chou, Wu-Ching

2016-09-14

Utilizing a scanning photoelectron microscope (SPEM) and grazing-incidence X-ray powder diffraction (GIXRD), we studied the electronic band structure and the crystalline properties of the pentanary Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) thin-film solar cell as a function of sample depth on measuring the thickness-gradient sample. A novel approach is proposed for studying the depth-dependent information on thin films, which can provide a gradient thickness and a wide cross-section of the sample by polishing process. The results exhibit that the CIGSSe absorber layer possesses four distinct stoichiometries. The growth mechanism of this distinctive compositional distribution formed by a two-stage process is described according to the thermodynamic reaction and the manufacturing process. On the basis of the depth-profiling results, the gradient profiles of the conduction and valence bands were constructed to elucidate the performance of the electrical properties (in this case, Voc = 620 mV, Jsc = 34.6 mA/cm(2), and η = 14.04%); the valence-band maxima (VBM) measured with a SPEM in the spectroscopic mode coincide with this band-structure model, except for a lowering of the VBM observed in the surface region of the absorber layer due to the ordered defect compound (ODC). In addition, the depth-dependent texturing X-ray diffraction pattern presents the crystalline quality and the residual stress for each depth of a thin-film device. We find that the randomly oriented grains in the bottom region of the absorber layer and the different residual stress between the underlying Mo and the absorber interface, which can deteriorate the electrical performance due to peeling-off effect. An anion interstitial defect can be observed on comparing the anion concentration of the elemental distribution with crystalline composition; a few excess sulfur atoms insert in interstitial sites at the front side of the absorber layer, whereas the interstitial selenium atoms insert at the back side.

Relationship between open-circuit voltage in Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} solar cell and peak position of (220/204) preferred orientation near its absorber surface

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

Chantana, J., E-mail: jakapan@fc.ritsumei.ac.jp; Minemoto, T.; Watanabe, T.

2013-11-25

Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} (CIGS) absorbers with various Ga/III, Ga/(In+Ga), profiles are prepared by the so-called “multi-layer precursor method” using multi-layer co-evaporation of material sources. It is revealed that open-circuit voltage (V{sub OC}) of CIGS solar cell is primarily dependent on averaged Ga/III near the surface of its absorber. This averaged Ga/III is well predicted by peak position of (220/204) preferred orientation of CIGS film near its surface investigated by glancing-incidence X-ray diffraction with 0.1° incident angle. Finally, the peak position of (220/204) preferred orientation is proposed as a measure of V{sub OC} before solar cell fabrication.

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.

Improving the efficiency of cadmium sulfide-sensitized titanium dioxide/indium tin oxide glass photoelectrodes using silver sulfide as an energy barrier layer and a light absorber

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) and silver sulfide (Ag2S) nanocrystals are deposited on the titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystalline film on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate to prepare CdS/Ag2S/TiO2/ITO photoelectrodes through a new method known as the molecular precursor decomposition method. The Ag2S is interposed between the TiO2 nanocrystal film and CdS nanocrystals as an energy barrier layer and a light absorber. As a consequence, the energy conversion efficiency of the CdS/Ag2S/TiO2/ITO electrodes is significantly improved. Under AM 1.5 G sunlight irradiation, the maximum efficiency achieved for the CdS(4)/Ag2S/TiO2/ITO electrode is 3.46%, corresponding to an increase of about 150% as compared to the CdS(4)/TiO2/ITO electrode without the Ag2S layer. Our experimental results show that the improved efficiency is mainly due to the formation of Ag2S layer that may increase the light absorbance and reduce the recombination of photogenerated electrons with redox ions from the electrolyte. PMID:25411566

Development of absorber coupled TES polarimeter at millimeter wavelengths.

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

Wang, G.; Yefremenko, V.; Novosad, V.

2009-06-01

We report an absorber coupled TES bolometric polarimeter, consisting of an absorptive metal grid and a Mo/Au bi-layer TES on a suspended silicon nitride membrane disk. The electromagnetic design of the polarization sensitive absorbers, the heat transport modeling of the detector, the thermal response of the TES, and the micro-fabrication processes are presented. We also report the results of laboratory tests of a single pixel prototype detector, and compare with theoretical expectations.

The Multi-Layer Variable Absorbers in NGC 1365 Revealed by XMM-Newton and NuSTAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivers, E.; Risaliti, G.; Walton, D. J.; Harrison, F.; Arevalo, P.; Baur, F. E.; Boggs, S. E.; Brenneman, L. W.; Brightman, M.; Zhang, W. W.

2015-01-01

Between 2012 July and 2013 February, NuSTAR and XMM-Newton performed four long-look joint observations of the type 1.8 Seyfert, NGC 1365. We have analyzed the variable absorption seen in these observations in order to characterize the geometry of the absorbing material. Two of the observations caught NGC 1365 in an unusually low absorption state, revealing complexity in the multi-layer absorber that had previously been hidden. We find the need for three distinct zones of neutral absorption in addition to the two zones of ionized absorption and the Compton-thick torus previously seen in this source. The most prominent absorber is likely associated with broad-line region clouds with column densities of around approximately 10 (sup 23) per square centimeter and a highly clumpy nature as evidenced by an occultation event in 2013 February. We also find evidence of a patchy absorber with a variable column around approximately 10 (sup 22) per square centimeter and a line-of-sight covering fraction of 0.3-0.9, which responds directly to the intrinsic source flux, possibly due to a wind geometry. A full-covering, constant absorber with a low column density of approximately 1 by 10 (sup 22) per square centimeter is also present, though the location of this low density haze is unknown.

On the absorption of solar radiation in a layer of oil beneath a layer of snow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larsen, J. C.; Barkstrom, B. R.

1976-01-01

Solar energy deposition in oil layers covered by snow is calculated for three model snow types using radiative transfer theory. It is suggested that excess absorbed energy is unlikely to escape, so that some melting is likely to occur for snow depths less than about 4 cm.

Universal Strategy To Reduce Noise Current for Sensitive Organic Photodetectors.

PubMed

Xiong, Sixing; Li, Lingliang; Qin, Fei; Mao, Lin; Luo, Bangwu; Jiang, Youyu; Li, Zaifang; Huang, Jinsong; Zhou, Yinhua

2017-03-15

Low noise current is critical for achieving high-detectivity organic photodetectors. Inserting charge-blocking layers is an effective approach to suppress the reverse-biased dark current. However, in solution-processed organic photodetectors, the charge-transport material needs to be dissolved in solvents that do not dissolve the underneath light-absorbing layer, which is not always possible for all kinds of light-absorbing materials developed. Here, we introduce a universal strategy of transfer-printing a conjugated polymer, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), as the electron-blocking layer to realize highly sensitive photodetectors. The transfer-printed P3HT layers substantially and universally reduced the reverse-biased dark current by about 3 orders of magnitude for various photodetectors with different active layers. These photodetectors can detect the light signal as weak as several picowatts per square centimeter, and the device detectivity is over 10 12 Jones. The results suggest that the strategy of transfer-printing P3HT films as the electron-blocking layer is universal and effective for the fabrication of sensitive organic photodetectors.

Angle-resolved photoluminescence spectrum of a uniform phosphor layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujieda, Ichiro; Ohta, Masamichi

2017-10-01

A photoluminescence spectrum depends on an emission angle due to self-absorption in a phosphor material. Assuming isotropic initial emission and Lambert-Beer's law, we have derived simple expressions for the angle-resolved spectra emerging from the top and bottom surfaces of a uniform phosphor layer. The transmittance of an excitation light through the phosphor layer can be regarded as a design parameter. For a strongly-absorbing phosphor layer, the forward flux is less intense and more red-shifted than the backward flux. The red-shift is enhanced as the emission direction deviates away from the plane normal. When we increase the transmittance, the backward flux decreases monotonically. The forward flux peaks at a certain transmittance value. The two fluxes become similar to each other for a weakly-absorbing phosphor layer. We have observed these behaviors in experiment. In a practical application, self-absorption decreases the efficiency of conversion and results in angle-dependent variations in chromaticity coordinates. A patterned phosphor layer with a secondary optical element such as a remote reflector alleviates these problems.

Evaluating the Radiation Damage to Quartz Rods in the ATLAS Zero Degree Calorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodale, Kathryn

2017-09-01

At the Large Hadron Collider, the ATLAS experiment studies particle collisions to explore the fundamental particles of nature. A key instrumentation technology used by the ATLAS experiment are calorimeters for particle energy measurements. UIUC is developing a new Zero-Degree Calorimeter; a hadronic calorimeter located at zero-degrees from the collision axis. It consists of alternating layers of tungsten and oil; passive and active layers, respectively. The passive layers cause intense showers of secondary particles. These particles then produce Cherenkov radiation in the active layer. The oil in the active layer is replaced at a constant rate allowing for very high radiation doses in the detector without deteriorating the radiator material. The active layer includes wavelength shifters that absorb and re-emit isotropically the Cherenkov radiation. In this way, some of the photons arrive at two, hollow quartz rods which are filled by a second stage wavelength shifter. Here the light is absorbed and re-directed to a Silicon Photomultiplier for detection. In this paper, the impact of ionizing radiation on quartz rods will be discussed and the results from attenuation measurements will be presented.

Organic solar cells with graded absorber layers processed from nanoparticle dispersions.

PubMed

Gärtner, Stefan; Reich, Stefan; Bruns, Michael; Czolk, Jens; Colsmann, Alexander

2016-03-28

The fabrication of organic solar cells with advanced multi-layer architectures from solution is often limited by the choice of solvents since most organic semiconductors dissolve in the same aromatic agents. In this work, we investigate multi-pass deposition of organic semiconductors from eco-friendly ethanol dispersion. Once applied, the nanoparticles are insoluble in the deposition agent, allowing for the application of further nanoparticulate layers and hence for building poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl):indene-C60 bisadduct absorber layers with vertically graded polymer and conversely graded fullerene concentration. Upon thermal annealing, we observe some degrees of polymer/fullerene interdiffusion by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy. Replacing the common bulk-heterojunction by such a graded photo-active layer yields an enhanced fill factor of the solar cell due to an improved charge carrier extraction, and consequently an overall power conversion efficiency beyond 4%. Wet processing of such advanced device architectures paves the way for a versatile, eco-friendly and industrially feasible future fabrication of organic solar cells with advanced multi-layer architectures.

EUVL mask patterning with blanks from commercial suppliers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Pei-Yang; Zhang, Guojing; Nagpal, Rajesh; Shu, Emily Y.; Li, Chaoyang; Qu, Ping; Chen, Frederick T.

2004-12-01

Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) reflective mask blank development includes low thermal expansion material fabrication, mask substrate finishing, reflective multi-layer (ML) and capping layer deposition, buffer (optional)/absorber stack deposition, EUV specific metrology, and ML defect inspection. In the past, we have obtained blanks deposited with various layer stacks from several vendors. Some of them are not commercial suppliers. As a result, the blank and patterned mask qualities are difficult to maintain and improve. In this paper we will present the evaluation results of the EUVL mask pattering processes with the complete EUVL mask blanks supplied by the commercial blank supplier. The EUVL mask blanks used in this study consist of either quartz or ULE substrates which is a type of low thermal expansion material (LTEM), 40 pairs of molybdenum/silicon (Mo/Si) ML layer, thin ruthenium (Ru) capping layer, tantalum boron nitride (TaBN) absorber, and chrome (Cr) backside coating. No buffer layer is used. Our study includes the EUVL mask blank characterization, patterned EUVL mask characterization, and the final patterned EUVL mask flatness evaluation.

Revealing the optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of the Zintl quaternary arsenides ACdGeAs{sub 2} (A = K, Rb)

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

Azam, Sikander; Khan, Saleem Ayaz; Goumri-Said, Souraya, E-mail: Souraya.Goumri-Said@chemistry.gatech.edu

Highlights: • Zintl tetragonal phase ACdGeAs{sub 2} (A = K, Rb) are chalcopyrite and semiconductors. • Their direct band gap is suitable for PV, optolectronic and thermoelectric applications. • Combination of DFT and Boltzmann transport theory is employed. • The present arsenides are found to be covalent materials. - Abstract: Chalcopyrite semiconductors have attracted much attention due to their potential implications in photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications. First principle calculations were performed to investigate the electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of the Zintl tetragonal phase ACdGeAs{sub 2} (A = K, Rb) using the full potential linear augmented plane wave method andmore » the Engle–Vosko GGA (EV–GGA) approximation. The present compounds are found semiconductors with direct band gap and covalent bonding character. The optical transitions are investigated via the dielectric function (real and imaginary parts) along with other related optical constants including refractive index, reflectivity and energy-loss spectrum. Combining results from DFT and Boltzmann transport theory, we reported the thermoelectric properties such as the Seebeck’s coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity, figure of merit and power factor as function of temperatures. The present chalcopyrite Zintl quaternary arsenides deserve to be explored for their potential applications as thermoelectric materials and for photovoltaic devices.« less

Selective Adhesion of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans to Pyrite

PubMed Central

Ohmura, Naoya; Kitamura, Keiko; Saiki, Hiroshi

1993-01-01

Bacterial adhesion to mineral surfaces plays an important role not only in bacterial survival in natural ecosystems, but also in mining industry applications. Selective adhesion was investigated with Thiobacillus ferrooxidans by using four minerals, pyrite, quartz, chalcopyrite, and galena. Escherichia coli was used as a control bacterium. Contact angles were used as indicators of hydrophobicity, which was an important factor in the interaction between minerals and bacteria. The contact angle of E. coli in a 0.5% sodium chloride solution was 31°, and the contact angle of T. ferrooxidans in a pH 2.0 sulfuric acid solution was 23°. E. coli tended to adhere to more hydrophobic minerals by hydrophobic interaction, while T. ferrooxidans selectively adhered to iron-containing minerals, such as pyrite and chalcopyrite. Ferrous ion inhibited the selective adhesion of T. ferrooxidans to pyrite competitively, while ferric ion scarcely inhibited such adhesion. When selective adhesion was quenched by ferrous ion completely, adhesion of T. ferrooxidans was controlled by hydrophilic interactions. Adhesion of E. coli to pyrite exhibited a liner relationship on langmuir isotherm plots, but adhesion of T. ferrooxidans did not. T. ferrooxidans recognized the reduced iron in minerals and selectively adhered to pyrite and chalcopyrite by a strong interaction other than the physical interaction. PMID:16349106

Optimization of staged bioleaching of low-grade chalcopyrite ore in the presence and absence of chloride in the irrigating lixiviant: ANFIS simulation.

PubMed

Vakylabad, Ali Behrad; Schaffie, Mahin; Naseri, Ali; Ranjbar, Mohammad; Manafi, Zahra

2016-07-01

In this investigation, copper was bioleached from a low-grade chalcopyrite ore using a chloride-containing lixiviant. In this regard, firstly, the composition of the bacterial culture media was designed to control the cost in commercial application. The bacterial culture used in this process was acclimated to the presence of chloride in the lixiviant. Practically speaking, the modified culture helped the bio-heap-leaching system operate in the chloridic media. Compared to the copper recovery from the low-grade chalcopyrite by bioleaching in the absence of chloride, bioleaching in the presence of chloride resulted in improved copper recovery. The composition of the lixiviant used in this study was a modification with respect to the basal salts in 9 K medium to optimize the leaching process. When leaching the ore in columns, 76.81 % Cu (based on solid residues of bioleaching operation) was recovered by staged leaching with lixiviant containing 34.22 mM NaCl. The quantitative findings were supported by SEM/EDS observations, X-ray elemental mapping, and mineralogical analysis of the ore before and after leaching. Finally, Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to simulate the operational parameters affecting the bioleaching operation in chloride-sulfate system.

Selenium content in sulfide ores from the Chalkidiki peninsula, Greece.

PubMed

Nicolaidou, A E

1998-01-01

Selenium (Se) was assessed in galena, sphalerite, and pyrite samples. These are components of mixed sulfide ores from the Olympias and Madem Lakkos-Mavres Petres deposits and the Skouries porphyry-copper deposit. We used atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with a hydride generator system. The highest concentration of Se (516 ppm) was found in the fine-grained galena at the -135 level of the Olympias deposits. In the Madem Lakkos-Mavres Petres deposit, the highest concentration of Se (33 ppm) was found in the pyrites of the level 30. The concentration of Se in the arsenopyrites and chalcopyrites is lower than the detection limit of the analytical method (< 100 ppb). The concentrated chalcopyrite from the porphyry copper deposit at Skouries exhibits a significant Se content (average 200 ppm) in contrast to the chalcopyrite from the Olympias and the Madem Lakkos-Mavres Petres. Variations in the Se content of the sulfide minerals studied could be caused by redox-pH and/or temperature conditions, as well as by the difference in crystal structure. The Se found in the areas studied may positively affect the environment. Sulfide minerals are oxidized by microorganisms, infiltrate in the soil-water in the form of selenate or selenite ion, and directly or indirectly influence the human organism.

The complicated substrates enhance the microbial diversity and zinc leaching efficiency in sphalerite bioleaching system.

PubMed

Xiao, Yunhua; Xu, YongDong; Dong, Weiling; Liang, Yili; Fan, Fenliang; Zhang, Xiaoxia; Zhang, Xian; Niu, Jiaojiao; Ma, Liyuan; She, Siyuan; He, Zhili; Liu, Xueduan; Yin, Huaqun

2015-12-01

This study used an artificial enrichment microbial consortium to examine the effects of different substrate conditions on microbial diversity, composition, and function (e.g., zinc leaching efficiency) through adding pyrite (SP group), chalcopyrite (SC group), or both (SPC group) in sphalerite bioleaching systems. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that microbial community structures and compositions dramatically changed with additions of pyrite or chalcopyrite during the sphalerite bioleaching process. Shannon diversity index showed a significantly increase in the SP (1.460), SC (1.476), and SPC (1.341) groups compared with control (sphalerite group, 0.624) on day 30, meanwhile, zinc leaching efficiencies were enhanced by about 13.4, 2.9, and 13.2%, respectively. Also, additions of pyrite or chalcopyrite could increase electric potential (ORP) and the concentrations of Fe3+ and H+, which were the main factors shaping microbial community structures by Mantel test analysis. Linear regression analysis showed that ORP, Fe3+ concentration, and pH were significantly correlated to zinc leaching efficiency and microbial diversity. In addition, we found that leaching efficiency showed a positive and significant relationship with microbial diversity. In conclusion, our results showed that the complicated substrates could significantly enhance microbial diversity and activity of function.

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.

A new type of artificial structure to achieve broadband omnidirectional acoustic absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Li-Yang; Wu, Ying; Zhang, Xiao-Liu; Ni, Xu; Chen, Ze-Guo; Lu, Ming-Hui; Chen, Yan-Feng

2013-10-01

We present a design for a two-dimensional omnidirectional acoustic absorber that can achieve 98.6% absorption of acoustic waves in water, forming an effective acoustic black hole. This artificial black hole consists of an absorptive core coated with layers of periodically distributed polymer cylinders embedded in water. Effective medium theory describes the response of the coating layers to the acoustic waves. The polymer parameters can be adjusted, allowing practical fabrication of the absorber. Since the proposed structure does not rely on resonances, it is applicable to broad bandwidths. The design might be extended to a variety of applications.

Expedient Membrane-Encapsulated Soil Layer (Mesl) Construction In Cold Weather

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-07-01

A new method of constructing membrane-encapsulated soil layers (MESLs) using plastic membranes, geotextiles, tapes for sealing the membranes, and absorbents for drying the soil was demonstrated. These materials would allow construction of a MESL in c...

Full potential calculations on the electron bandstructures of Sphalerite, Pyrite and Chalcopyrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edelbro, R.; Sandström, Å.; Paul, J.

2003-02-01

The bulk electronic structures of Sphalerite, Pyrite and Chalcopyrite have been calculated within an ab initio, full potential, density functional approach. The exchange term was approximated with the Dirac exchange functional, the Vosko-Wilk-Nusair parameterization of the Cepler-Alder free electron gas was used for correlation and linear combinations of Gaussian type orbitals were used as basis functions. The Sphalerite (zinc blende) band gap was calculated to be direct with a width of 2.23 eV. The Sphalerite valence band was 5.2 eV wide and composed of a mixture of sulfur and zinc orbitals. The band below the valence band located around -6.2 eV was mainly composed of Zn 3d orbitals. The S 3s orbitals gave rise to a band located around -12.3 eV. Pyrite was calculated to be a semiconductor with an indirect band gap of 0.51 eV, and a direct gap of 0.55 eV. The valence band was 1.25 eV wide and mainly composed of non-bonding Fe 3d orbitals. The band below the valence band was 4.9 eV wide and composed of a mixture of sulfur and iron orbitals. Due to the short inter-atomic distance between the sulfur dumbbells, the S 3s orbitals in Pyrite were split into a bonding and an anti-bonding range. Chalcopyrite was predicted to be a conductor, with no band-crossings at the Fermi level. The bands at -13.2 eV originate from the sulfur 3s orbitals and were quite similar to the sulfur 3s bands in Sphalerite, though somewhat shifted to lower energy. The top of the valence band consisted of a mixture of orbitals from all the atoms. The lower part of the same band showed metal character. Computational modeling as a tool for illuminating the flotation and leaching processes of Pyrite and Chalcopyrite, in connection with surface science experiments, is discussed.

The preliminary result of the δ65Cu and δ34S values of major ore minerals in the Erdenetiin-Ovoo Cu-Mo porphyry deposit, Northern Mongolia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

KIM, Y.; Lee, I.; Oyungerel, S.; Jargal, L.; Tsedenbal, T.; Ryu, J. S.

2016-12-01

The copper isotope (δ65Cu) and sulfur isotope (δ34S) compositions of major ore minerals from the Erdenetiin-Ovoo Cu-Mo porphyry deposit were measured to trace sources of copper and sulfur, and to evaluate the precipitation environment of ore minerals. The major ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite and chalcocite developed in the QSP (Quartz-Sericite-Pyrite) alteration zone. The sulfide minerals such as sphalerite and covellite, and carbonate ore minerals like malachite, azurite are also identified. The copper isotope ratios (65Cu/63Cu) of copper ore minerals (chalcopyrite, chalcocite, malachite, azurite, covellite and chrysocolla) were analyzed by the MC-ICPMS in KBSI located in Ochang, South Korea. The measured δ65Cu values relative to NIST 976 range from -1.01 ‰ to 5.76 ‰. The average δ65Cu values of sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite (1.03 ‰), chalcocite (0.62 ‰) and covellite (0.51 ‰) seem to be relatively lower than those of carbonate and silicate Cu minerals such as malachite (0.24 ‰), azurite (2.17 ‰) and chrysocolla (5.76 ‰). The sulfur isotope ratios (34S/32S) of major sulfide minerals were measured by EA-CF-IRMS (Elemental Analyzer - Continuous Flow - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer) in NCIRF, Seoul National University. The average δ34SV-CDT value is -1.1 ‰ indicating the magmatic signature of sulfur. There is the difference of δ34S values between sulfide minerals. While the δ34S values of pyrite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite range from -0.9 to 0.8 ‰, the δ34S values of chalcocite range from -2.6 ‰ to -1.4 ‰. These lower values might be attributed to the sulfur isotope fractionation during its precipitation.

The effect of Na on Cu-K-In-Se thin film growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Tong, Ho Ming; Anderson, Timothy J.

2018-04-01

Co-evaporation of Cu-KF-In-Se was performed on substrates with varied Na supply. Compositions of interest for photovoltaic absorbers were studied, with ratios of (K + Cu)/In ∼ 0.85 and K/(K + Cu) ∼ 0-0.57. Bare soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates had the highest Na supply as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry, while SLG/Mo and SLG/SiO2/Mo substrates led to 3x and 3000x less Na in the growing film, respectively. Increased Na supply favored Cu1-xKxInSe2 (CKIS) alloy formation as proven by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while decreased Na supply favored the formation of CuInSe2 + KInSe2 mixed-phase films. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the KInSe2 precipitates to be readily recognizable planar crystals. Extrinsic KF addition during film growth promoted diffusion of Na out from the various substrates and into the growing film, in agreement with previous reports. Time-resolved photoluminescence showed enhanced minority carrier lifetimes for films with moderate K compositions (0.04 < K/(K + Cu) < 0.14) grown on SLG/Mo. Due to the relatively high detection limit of KInSe2 by XRD and the low magnitude of chalcopyrite lattice shift for CKIS alloys with these compositions, it is unclear if the lifetime gains were associated with CKIS alloying, minor KInSe2 content, or both. The identified Na-K interdependency can be used to engineer alkali metal bonding in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 absorbers to optimize both initial and long-term photovoltaic power generation.

The effect of Na on Cu-K-In-Se thin film growth

DOE PAGES

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Tong, Ho Ming; Anderson, Timothy J.

2018-02-27

Co-evaporation of Cu-KF-In-Se was performed on substrates with varied Na supply. Compositions of interest for photovoltaic absorbers were studied, with ratios of (K + Cu)/In ~ 0.85 and K/(K + Cu) ~ 0-0.57. Bare soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates had the highest Na supply as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry, while SLG/Mo and SLG/SiO 2/Mo substrates led to 3x and 3000x less Na in the growing film, respectively. Increased Na supply favored Cu 1-xK xInSe 2 (CKIS) alloy formation as proven by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while decreased Na supply favored the formation of CuInSe 2 + KInSe 2 mixed-phase films.more » Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the KInSe 2 precipitates to be readily recognizable planar crystals. Extrinsic KF addition during film growth promoted diffusion of Na out from the various substrates and into the growing film, in agreement with previous reports. Time-resolved photoluminescence showed enhanced minority carrier lifetimes for films with moderate K compositions (0.04 < K/(K + Cu) < 0.14) grown on SLG/Mo. Due to the relatively high detection limit of KInSe 2 by XRD and the low magnitude of chalcopyrite lattice shift for CKIS alloys with these compositions, it is unclear if the lifetime gains were associated with CKIS alloying, minor KInSe 2 content, or both. The identified Na-K interdependency can be used to engineer alkali metal bonding in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) 2 absorbers to optimize both initial and long-term photovoltaic power generation.« less

The effect of Na on Cu-K-In-Se thin film growth

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

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Tong, Ho Ming; Anderson, Timothy J.

Co-evaporation of Cu-KF-In-Se was performed on substrates with varied Na supply. Compositions of interest for photovoltaic absorbers were studied, with ratios of (K + Cu)/In ~ 0.85 and K/(K + Cu) ~ 0-0.57. Bare soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates had the highest Na supply as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry, while SLG/Mo and SLG/SiO 2/Mo substrates led to 3x and 3000x less Na in the growing film, respectively. Increased Na supply favored Cu 1-xK xInSe 2 (CKIS) alloy formation as proven by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while decreased Na supply favored the formation of CuInSe 2 + KInSe 2 mixed-phase films.more » Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the KInSe 2 precipitates to be readily recognizable planar crystals. Extrinsic KF addition during film growth promoted diffusion of Na out from the various substrates and into the growing film, in agreement with previous reports. Time-resolved photoluminescence showed enhanced minority carrier lifetimes for films with moderate K compositions (0.04 < K/(K + Cu) < 0.14) grown on SLG/Mo. Due to the relatively high detection limit of KInSe 2 by XRD and the low magnitude of chalcopyrite lattice shift for CKIS alloys with these compositions, it is unclear if the lifetime gains were associated with CKIS alloying, minor KInSe 2 content, or both. The identified Na-K interdependency can be used to engineer alkali metal bonding in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) 2 absorbers to optimize both initial and long-term photovoltaic power generation.« less

Systems and methods for advanced ultra-high-performance InP solar cells

DOEpatents

Wanlass, Mark

2017-03-07

Systems and Methods for Advanced Ultra-High-Performance InP Solar Cells are provided. In one embodiment, an InP photovoltaic device comprises: a p-n junction absorber layer comprising at least one InP layer; a front surface confinement layer; and a back surface confinement layer; wherein either the front surface confinement layer or the back surface confinement layer forms part of a High-Low (HL) doping architecture; and wherein either the front surface confinement layer or the back surface confinement layer forms part of a heterointerface system architecture.

A novel concept of QUADRISO particles. Part II: Utilization for excess reactivity control.

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

Talamo, A.

2010-07-01

In high temperature reactors, burnable absorbers are utilized to manage the excess reactivity at the early stage of the fuel cycle. In this paper QUADRISO particles are proposed to manage the initial excess reactivity of high temperature reactors. The QUADRISO concept synergistically couples the decrease of the burnable poison with the decrease of the fissile materials at the fuel particle level. This mechanism is set up by introducing a burnable poison layer around the fuel kernel in ordinary TRISO particles or by mixing the burnable poison with any of the TRISO coated layers. At the beginning of life, the initialmore » excess reactivity is small because some neutrons are absorbed in the burnable poison and they are prevented from entering the fuel kernel. At the end of life, when the absorber is almost depleted, more neutrons stream into the fuel kernel of QUADRISO particles causing fission reactions. The mechanism has been applied to a prismatic high temperature reactor with europium or erbium burnable absorbers, showing a significant reduction in the initial excess reactivity of the core.« less

A novel concept of QUADRISO particles : Part II Utilization for excess reactivity control.

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

Talamo, A.

2011-01-01

In high temperature reactors, burnable absorbers are utilized to manage the excess reactivity at the early stage of the fuel cycle. In this paper QUADRISO particles are proposed to manage the initial excess reactivity of high temperature reactors. The QUADRISO concept synergistically couples the decrease of the burnable poison with the decrease of the fissile materials at the fuel particle level. This mechanism is set up by introducing a burnable poison layer around the fuel kernel in ordinary TRISO particles or by mixing the burnable poison with any of the TRISO coated layers. At the beginning of life, the initialmore » excess reactivity is small because some neutrons are absorbed in the burnable poison and they are prevented from entering the fuel kernel. At the end of life, when the absorber is almost depleted, more neutrons stream into the fuel kernel of QUADRISO particles causing fission reactions. The mechanism has been applied to a prismatic high temperature reactor with europium or erbium burnable absorbers, showing a significant reduction in the initial excess reactivity of the core.« less

Optical properties of different graphene concentration in P3HT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shariff, N. S. M.; Sarah, M. S. P.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

The discovery of Graphene has led to many new findings in material research. P3HT is a polymer that is well used in photovoltaic studies but the main problem is its low photocurrent due to its low electron mobility. Therefore the objective of this research is to increase the mobility in order to achieve higher photocurrent. In this research, P3HT will be mixed with Graphene and used as an active layer. The fabrication method used in this research is spin coating technique. Optical properties such as absorbance, transmittance and photoluminescence is characterized. Each optical properties shows a positive results when compared to P3HT layer. A concentration of 2 wt % shows the optimum absorbance and transmittance while quenching effect can be seen when compared to P3HT layer.

An Absorbing Boundary Condition for the Lattice Boltzmann Method Based on the Perfectly Matched Layer

PubMed Central

Najafi-Yazdi, A.; Mongeau, L.

2012-01-01

The Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is a well established computational tool for fluid flow simulations. This method has been recently utilized for low Mach number computational aeroacoustics. Robust and nonreflective boundary conditions, similar to those used in Navier-Stokes solvers, are needed for LBM-based aeroacoustics simulations. The goal of the present study was to develop an absorbing boundary condition based on the perfectly matched layer (PML) concept for LBM. The derivation of formulations for both two and three dimensional problems are presented. The macroscopic behavior of the new formulation is discussed. The new formulation was tested using benchmark acoustic problems. The perfectly matched layer concept appears to be very well suited for LBM, and yielded very low acoustic reflection factor. PMID:23526050

Tandem Solar Cells from Solution-Processed CdTe and PbS Quantum Dots Using a ZnTe–ZnO Tunnel Junction

DOE PAGES

Crisp, Ryan W.; Pach, Gregory F.; Kurley, J. Matthew; ...

2017-01-10

Here, we developed a monolithic CdTe-PbS tandem solar cell architecture in which both the CdTe and PbS absorber layers are solution-processed from nanocrystal inks. Due to their tunable nature, PbS quantum dots (QDs), with a controllable band gap between 0.4 and ~1.6 eV, are a promising candidate for a bottom absorber layer in tandem photovoltaics. In the detailed balance limit, the ideal configuration of a CdTe (E g = 1.5 eV)-PbS tandem structure assumes infinite thickness of the absorber layers and requires the PbS band gap to be 0.75 eV to theoretically achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 45%.more » But, modeling shows that by allowing the thickness of the CdTe layer to vary, a tandem with efficiency over 40% is achievable using bottom cell band gaps ranging from 0.68 and 1.16 eV. In a first step toward developing this technology, we explore CdTe-PbS tandem devices by developing a ZnTe-ZnO tunnel junction, which appropriately combines the two subcells in series. Furthermore, we examine the basic characteristics of the solar cells as a function of layer thickness and bottom-cell band gap and demonstrate open-circuit voltages in excess of 1.1 V with matched short circuit current density of 10 mA/cm 2 in prototype devices.« less

Tandem Solar Cells from Solution-Processed CdTe and PbS Quantum Dots Using a ZnTe-ZnO Tunnel Junction.

PubMed

Crisp, Ryan W; Pach, Gregory F; Kurley, J Matthew; France, Ryan M; Reese, Matthew O; Nanayakkara, Sanjini U; MacLeod, Bradley A; Talapin, Dmitri V; Beard, Matthew C; Luther, Joseph M

2017-02-08

We developed a monolithic CdTe-PbS tandem solar cell architecture in which both the CdTe and PbS absorber layers are solution-processed from nanocrystal inks. Due to their tunable nature, PbS quantum dots (QDs), with a controllable band gap between 0.4 and ∼1.6 eV, are a promising candidate for a bottom absorber layer in tandem photovoltaics. In the detailed balance limit, the ideal configuration of a CdTe (E g = 1.5 eV)-PbS tandem structure assumes infinite thickness of the absorber layers and requires the PbS band gap to be 0.75 eV to theoretically achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 45%. However, modeling shows that by allowing the thickness of the CdTe layer to vary, a tandem with efficiency over 40% is achievable using bottom cell band gaps ranging from 0.68 and 1.16 eV. In a first step toward developing this technology, we explore CdTe-PbS tandem devices by developing a ZnTe-ZnO tunnel junction, which appropriately combines the two subcells in series. We examine the basic characteristics of the solar cells as a function of layer thickness and bottom-cell band gap and demonstrate open-circuit voltages in excess of 1.1 V with matched short circuit current density of 10 mA/cm 2 in prototype devices.

Metal-Insulator-Metal-Based Plasmonic Metamaterial Absorbers at Visible and Infrared Wavelengths: A Review.

PubMed

Ogawa, Shinpei; Kimata, Masafumi

2018-03-20

Electromagnetic wave absorbers have been investigated for many years with the aim of achieving high absorbance and tunability of both the absorption wavelength and the operation mode by geometrical control, small and thin absorber volume, and simple fabrication. There is particular interest in metal-insulator-metal-based plasmonic metamaterial absorbers (MIM-PMAs) due to their complete fulfillment of these demands. MIM-PMAs consist of top periodic micropatches, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom reflector layer to generate strong localized surface plasmon resonance at absorption wavelengths. In particular, in the visible and infrared (IR) wavelength regions, a wide range of applications is expected, such as solar cells, refractive index sensors, optical camouflage, cloaking, optical switches, color pixels, thermal IR sensors, IR microscopy and gas sensing. The promising properties of MIM-PMAs are attributed to the simple plasmonic resonance localized at the top micropatch resonators formed by the MIMs. Here, various types of MIM-PMAs are reviewed in terms of their historical background, basic physics, operation mode design, and future challenges to clarify their underlying basic design principles and introduce various applications. The principles presented in this review paper can be applied to other wavelength regions such as the ultraviolet, terahertz, and microwave regions.

Metal-Insulator-Metal-Based Plasmonic Metamaterial Absorbers at Visible and Infrared Wavelengths: A Review

PubMed Central

Ogawa, Shinpei; Kimata, Masafumi

2018-01-01

Electromagnetic wave absorbers have been investigated for many years with the aim of achieving high absorbance and tunability of both the absorption wavelength and the operation mode by geometrical control, small and thin absorber volume, and simple fabrication. There is particular interest in metal-insulator-metal-based plasmonic metamaterial absorbers (MIM-PMAs) due to their complete fulfillment of these demands. MIM-PMAs consist of top periodic micropatches, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom reflector layer to generate strong localized surface plasmon resonance at absorption wavelengths. In particular, in the visible and infrared (IR) wavelength regions, a wide range of applications is expected, such as solar cells, refractive index sensors, optical camouflage, cloaking, optical switches, color pixels, thermal IR sensors, IR microscopy and gas sensing. The promising properties of MIM-PMAs are attributed to the simple plasmonic resonance localized at the top micropatch resonators formed by the MIMs. Here, various types of MIM-PMAs are reviewed in terms of their historical background, basic physics, operation mode design, and future challenges to clarify their underlying basic design principles and introduce various applications. The principles presented in this review paper can be applied to other wavelength regions such as the ultraviolet, terahertz, and microwave regions. PMID:29558454

TiAlN/TiAlON/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} tandem absorber for high temperature solar selective applications

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

Barshilia, Harish C.; Selvakumar, N.; Rajam, K. S.

2006-11-06

A tandem absorber of TiAlN/TiAlON/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} is prepared using a magnetron sputtering process. The graded composition of the individual component layers of the tandem absorber produces a film with a refractive index increasing from the surface to the substrate, which exhibits a high absorptance (0.95) and a low emittance (0.07). The tandem absorber is stable in air up to 600 deg. C for 2 h, indicating its importance for high temperature solar selective applications. The thermal stability of the tandem absorber is attributed to high oxidation resistance and microstructural stability of the component materials at higher temperatures.

A dual-band THz absorber based on graphene sheet and ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Rui; Jian, Shuisheng

2018-03-01

A dual-band graphene absorber is proposed and investigated in this paper. The absorber consists of the gold substrate, the graphene sheet sandwiched by dielectric layers and the array of graphene ribbon placed on the top. The two absorption peaks of the dual-band are 99.8% at 4.95 THz and 99.6% at 9.2 THz, respectively. Due to the characteristic of tunable surface conductivity of graphene, the absorption can be controlled by adjusting the chemical potential of graphene. We also investigate the dependence of the absorption curve of the proposed absorber on the structure parameters. In addition, the structure of the absorber is very simple and it can be manufactured by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Strong coupling of plasmon and nanocavity modes for dual-band, near-perfect absorbers and ultrathin photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Hagglund, Carl; Zeltzer, Gabriel; Ruiz, Ricardo; ...

2016-01-29

In this study, when optical resonances interact strongly, hybridized modes are formed with mixed properties inherited from the basic modes. Strong coupling therefore tends to equalize properties such as damping and oscillator strength of the spectrally separate resonance modes. This effect is here shown to be very useful for the realization of near-perfect dual-band absorption with ultrathin (~10 nm) layers in a simple geometry. Absorber layers are constructed by atomic layer deposition of the heavy-damping semiconductor tin monosulfide (SnS) onto a two-dimensional gold nanodot array. In combination with a thin (55 nm) SiO 2 spacer layer and a highly reflectivemore » Al film on the back, a semiopen nanocavity is formed. The SnS-coated array supports a localized surface plasmon resonance in the vicinity of the lowest order antisymmetric Fabry–Perot resonance of the nanocavity. Very strong coupling of the two resonances is evident through anticrossing behavior with a minimum peak splitting of 400 meV, amounting to 24% of the plasmon resonance energy. The mode equalization resulting from this strong interaction enables simultaneous optical impedance matching of the system at both resonances and thereby two near-perfect absorption peaks, which together cover a broad spectral range. When paired with the heavy damping from SnS band-to-band transitions, this further enables approximately 60% of normal incident solar photons with energies exceeding the band gap to be absorbed in the 10 nm SnS coating. Thereby, these results establish a distinct relevance of strong coupling phenomena to efficient, nanoscale photovoltaic absorbers and more generally for fulfilling a specific optical condition at multiple spectral positions.« less

Highly efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells grown on flexible polymer films.

PubMed

Chirilă, Adrian; Buecheler, Stephan; Pianezzi, Fabian; Bloesch, Patrick; Gretener, Christina; Uhl, Alexander R; Fella, Carolin; Kranz, Lukas; Perrenoud, Julian; Seyrling, Sieghard; Verma, Rajneesh; Nishiwaki, Shiro; Romanyuk, Yaroslav E; Bilger, Gerhard; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2011-09-18

Solar cells based on polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se(2) absorber layers have yielded the highest conversion efficiency among all thin-film technologies, and the use of flexible polymer films as substrates offers several advantages in lowering manufacturing costs. However, given that conversion efficiency is crucial for cost-competitiveness, it is necessary to develop devices on flexible substrates that perform as well as those obtained on rigid substrates. Such comparable performance has not previously been achieved, primarily because polymer films require much lower substrate temperatures during absorber deposition, generally resulting in much lower efficiencies. Here we identify a strong composition gradient in the absorber layer as the main reason for inferior performance and show that, by adjusting it appropriately, very high efficiencies can be obtained. This implies that future manufacturing of highly efficient flexible solar cells could lower the cost of solar electricity and thus become a significant branch of the photovoltaic industry.

Enhanced infrared detectors using resonant structures combined with thin type-II superlattice absorbers

DOE PAGES

Goldflam, Michael D.; Kadlec, Emil Andrew; Olson, Ben V.; ...

2016-12-22

Here we examined the spectral responsivity of a 1.77μm thick type-II superlattice based long-wave infrared detector in combination with metallic nanoantennas. Coupling between the Fabry-Pérot cavity formed by the semiconductor layer and the resonant nanoantennas on its surface enables spectral selectivity, while also increasing peak quantum efficiency to over 50%. Electromagnetic simulations reveal that this high responsivity is a direct result of field-enhancement in the absorber layer, enabling significant absorption in spite of the absorber’s subwavelength thickness. Notably, thinning of the absorbing material could ultimately yield lower photodetector noise through a reduction in dark current while improving photocarrier collection efficiency.more » The temperature- and incident-angle-independent spectral response observed in these devices allows for operation over a wide range of temperatures and optical systems. This detector paradigm demonstrates potential benefits to device performance with applications throughout the infrared.« less

Ultra-wideband polarization insensitive UT-shaped metamaterial absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karampour, Nasrollah; Nozhat, Najmeh

2017-05-01

In this paper, an ultra-wideband metamaterial absorber (MMA) with U and T shaped resonators has been proposed. The resonators and the ground plane consist of gold (Au) and titanium (Ti) layers. The resistive sheet effect of Ti layer and the resonance elements in the structure cause a broad absorption spectrum. The simulations are based on the finite element method (FEM) and the results show that the absorption of the proposed structure is more than 90% between 150 and 300 THz that is much larger than previous works. Moreover, by applying the interference theory, we have demonstrated that the simulation results are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The primary proposed MMA is polarization sensitive. Therefore, a polarization insensitive metamaterial absorber has been suggested. Also, because of the extra resonance elements the full width at 90% absorption increases about 35 THz. This ultra-wideband MMA has various applications in microbalometer, imaging, thermal emitters, photovoltaic, and energy harvesting.

Barrier infrared detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Khoshakhlagh, Arezou (Inventor); Soibel, Alexander (Inventor); Hill, Cory J. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A superlattice-based infrared absorber and the matching electron-blocking and hole-blocking unipolar barriers, absorbers and barriers with graded band gaps, high-performance infrared detectors, and methods of manufacturing such devices are provided herein. The infrared absorber material is made from a superlattice (periodic structure) where each period consists of two or more layers of InAs, InSb, InSbAs, or InGaAs. The layer widths and alloy compositions are chosen to yield the desired energy band gap, absorption strength, and strain balance for the particular application. Furthermore, the periodicity of the superlattice can be "chirped" (varied) to create a material with a graded or varying energy band gap. The superlattice based barrier infrared detectors described and demonstrated herein have spectral ranges covering the entire 3-5 micron atmospheric transmission window, excellent dark current characteristics operating at least 150K, high yield, and have the potential for high-operability, high-uniformity focal plane arrays.

The Response of the Ocean Thermal Skin Layer to Air-Sea Surface Heat Fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Elizabeth Wing-See

There is much evidence that the ocean is heating as a result of an increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere from human activities. GHGs absorb infrared radiation and re-emit infrared radiation back to the ocean's surface which is subsequently absorbed. However, the incoming infrared radiation is absorbed within the top micrometers of the ocean's surface which is where the thermal skin layer exists. Thus the incident infrared radiation does not directly heat the upper few meters of the ocean. We are therefore motivated to investigate the physical mechanism between the absorption of infrared radiation and its effect on heat transfer at the air-sea boundary. The hypothesis is that since heat lost through the air-sea interface is controlled by the thermal skin layer, which is directly influenced by the absorption and emission of infrared radiation, the heat flow through the thermal skin layer adjusts to maintain the surface heat loss, assuming the surface heat loss does not vary, and thus modulates the upper ocean heat content. This hypothesis is investigated through utilizing clouds to represent an increase in incoming longwave radiation and analyzing retrieved thermal skin layer vertical temperature profiles from a shipboard infrared spectrometer from two research cruises. The data are limited to night-time, no precipitation and low winds of less than 2 m/s to remove effects of solar radiation, wind-driven shear and possibilities of thermal skin layer disruption. The results show independence of the turbulent fluxes and emitted radiation on the incident radiative fluxes which rules out the immediate release of heat from the absorption of the cloud infrared irradiance back into the atmosphere through processes such as evaporation and increase infrared emission. Furthermore, independence was confirmed between the incoming and outgoing radiative flux which implies the heat sink for upward flowing heat at the air-sea interface is more-or-less fixed. The surplus energy, from absorbing increasing levels of infrared radiation, is found to adjust the curvature of the thermal skin layer such that there is a smaller gradient at the interface between the thermal skin layer and the mixed layer beneath. The vertical conduction of heat from the mixed layer to the surface is therefore hindered while the additional energy within the thermal skin layer is supporting the gradient changes of the skin layer's temperature profile. This results in heat beneath the thermal skin layer, which is a product of the absorption of solar radiation during the day, to be retained and cause an increase in upper ocean heat content. The accuracy of four published skin layer models were evaluated by comparison with the field results. The results show a need to include radiative effects, which are currently absent, in such models as they do not replicate the findings from the field data and do not elucidate the effects of the absorption of infrared radiation.

Dual-band wide-angle metamaterial perfect absorber based on the combination of localized surface plasmon resonance and Helmholtz resonance.

PubMed

Zhang, Changlei; Huang, Cheng; Pu, Mingbo; Song, Jiakun; Zhao, Zeyu; Wu, Xiaoyu; Luo, Xiangang

2017-07-18

In this article, a dual-band wide-angle metamaterial perfect absorber is proposed to achieve absorption at the wavelength where laser radar operates. It is composed of gold ring array and a Helmholtz resonance cavity spaced by a Si dielectric layer. Numerical simulation results reveal that the designed absorber displays two absorption peaks at the target wavelength of 10.6 μm and 1.064 μm with the large frequency ratio and near-unity absorptivity under the normal incidence. The wide-angle absorbing property and the polarization-insensitive feature are also demonstrated. Localized surface plasmons resonance and Helmholtz resonance are introduced to analyze and interpret the absorbing mechanism. The designed perfect absorber can be developed for potential applications in infrared stealth field.

Ultra-thin and -broadband microwave magnetic absorber enhanced by phase gradient metasurface incorporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Ya; Wang, Jiafu; Li, Yongfeng; Pang, Yongqiang; Zheng, Lin; Xiang, Jiayu; Zhang, Jieqiu; Qu, Shaobo

2018-05-01

Based on the effect of anomalous reflection and refraction caused by the circularly cross-polarized phase gradient metasurface (PGM), an ultra-thin and -broadband composite absorber composed of metasurface and conventional magnetic absorbing film is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. In the case of keeping nearly the same thickness of absorbing layer, the equivalent thickness of magnetic absorbing film is enlarged by the effect of anomalous reflection and refraction, resulting in the expansion and improvement of the absorbing bandwidth and efficiency in low microwave frequency. A biarc metallic sub-cell for circularly crossed polarization is adopted to form a broadband phase gradient, by the means of rotating the Pancharatnam–Berry phases. As indicated in the experimental results, the fabricated 3.6 mm-thick absorber can averagely absorb microwave energy with the specular reflection below  ‑10 dB in the frequency interval of 2–12 GHz, which shows a good match with simulated results. Due to ultra-thin thickness and ultra-wide operating bandwidth, the proposed application of PGM in absorbing can provide an alternative way to enhance the absorbing property of current absorbing materials.

Techniques of noninvasive optical tomographic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosen, Joseph; Abookasis, David; Gokhler, Mark

2006-01-01

Recently invented methods of optical tomographic imaging through scattering and absorbing media are presented. In one method, the three-dimensional structure of an object hidden between two biological tissues is recovered from many noisy speckle pictures obtained on the output of a multi-channeled optical imaging system. Objects are recovered from many speckled images observed by a digital camera through two stereoscopic microlens arrays. Each microlens in each array generates a speckle image of the object buried between the layers. In the computer each image is Fourier transformed jointly with an image of the speckled point-like source captured under the same conditions. A set of the squared magnitudes of the Fourier-transformed pictures is accumulated to form a single average picture. This final picture is again Fourier transformed, resulting in the three-dimensional reconstruction of the hidden object. In the other method, the effect of spatial longitudinal coherence is used for imaging through an absorbing layer with different thickness, or different index of refraction, along the layer. The technique is based on synthesis of multiple peak spatial degree of coherence. This degree of coherence enables us to scan simultaneously different sample points on different altitudes, and thus decreases the acquisition time. The same multi peak degree of coherence is also used for imaging through the absorbing layer. Our entire experiments are performed with a quasi-monochromatic light source. Therefore problems of dispersion and inhomogeneous absorption are avoided.

Computer analysis of microcrystalline silicon hetero-junction solar cell with lumerical FDTD/DEVICE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riaz, Muhammad; Earles, S. K.; Kadhim, Ahmed; Azzahrani, Ahmad

The computer analysis of tandem solar cell, c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, is studied within Lumerical FDTD/Device 4.6. The optical characterization is performed in FDTD and then total generation rate is transported into DEVICE for electrical characterization. The electrical characterization of the solar cell is carried out in DEVICE. The design is implemented by staking three sub cells with band gap of 1.12eV, 1.50eV and 1.70eV, respectively. First, single junction solar cell with both a-Si and μc-SiGe absorbing layers are designed and compared. The thickness for both layers are kept the same. In a single junction, solar cell with a-Si absorbing layer, the fill factor and the efficiency are noticed as FF = 78.98%, and η = 6.03%. For μc-SiGe absorbing layer, the efficiency and fill factor are increased as η = 7.06% and FF = 84.27%, respectively. Second, for tandem thin film solar cell c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, the fill factor FF = 81.91% and efficiency η = 9.84% have been noticed. The maximum efficiency for both single junction thin film solar cell c-Si/μc-SiGe and tandem solar cell c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe are improved with check board surface design for light trapping.

Interfacial Engineering and Charge Carrier Dynamics in Extremely Thin Absorber Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edley, Michael

Photovoltaic energy is a clean and renewable source of electricity; however, it faces resistance to widespread use due to cost. Nanostructuring decouples constraints related to light absorption and charge separation, potentially reducing cost by allowing a wider variety of processing techniques and materials to be used. However, the large interfacial areas also cause an increased dark current which negatively affects cell efficiency. This work focuses on extremely thin absorber (ETA) solar cells that used a ZnO nanowire array as a scaffold for an extremely thin CdSe absorber layer. Photoexcited electrons generated in the CdSe absorber are transferred to the ZnO layer, while photogenerated holes are transferred to the liquid electrolyte. The transfer of photoexcited carriers to their transport layer competes with bulk recombination in the absorber layer. After charge separation, transport of charge carriers to their respective contacts must occur faster than interfacial recombination for efficient collection. Charge separation and collection depend sensitively on the dimensions of the materials as well as their interfaces. We demonstrated that an optimal absorber thickness can balance light absorption and charge separation. By treating the ZnO/CdSe interface with a CdS buffer layer, we were able to improve the Voc and fill factor, increasing the ETA cell's efficiency from 0.53% to 1.34%, which is higher than that achievable using planar films of the same material. We have gained additional insight into designing ETA cells through the use of dynamic measurements. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that characteristic times for electron injection from CdSe to ZnO are less than 1 ps. Electron injection is rapid compared to the 2 ns bulk lifetime in CdSe. Optoelectronic measurements such as transient photocurrent/photovoltage and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were applied to study the processes of charge transport and interfacial recombination. With these techniques, the extension of the depletion layer from CdSe into ZnO was determined to be vital to suppression of interfacial recombination. However, depletion of the ZnO also restricted the effective diffusion core for electrons and slowed their transport. Thus, materials and geometries should be chosen to allow for a depletion layer that suppresses interfacial recombination without impeding electron transport to the point that it is detrimental to cell performance. Thin film solar cells are another promising technology that can reduce costs by relaxing material processing requirements. CuInxGa (1-x)Se (CIGS) is a well studied thin film solar cell material that has achieved good efficiencies of 22.6%. However, use of rare elements raise concerns over the use of CIGS for global power production. CuSbS2 shares chemistry with CuInSe2 and also presents desirable properties for thin film absorbers such as optimal band gap (1.5 eV), high absorption coefficient, and Earth-abundant and non-toxic elements. Despite the promise of CuSbS2, direct characterization of the material for solar cell application is scarce in the literature. CuSbS2 nanoplates were synthesized by a colloidal hot-injection method at 220 °C in oleylamine. The CuSbS2 platelets synthesized for 30 minutes had dimensions of 300 nm by 400 nm with a thickness of 50 nm and were capped with the insulating oleylamine synthesis ligand. The oleylamine synthesis ligand provides control over nanocrystal growth but is detrimental to intercrystal charge transport that is necessary for optoelectronic device applications. Solid-state and solution phase ligand exchange of oleylamine with S2- were used to fabricate mesoporous films of CuSbS2 nanoplates for application in solar cells. Exchange of the synthesis ligand with S2- resulted in a two order of magnitude increase in 4-point probe conductivity. Photoexcited carrier lifetimes of 1.4 ns were measured by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy, indicating potential for CuSbS2 as a solar cell absorber material.

DHCAL with minimal absorber: measurements with positrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freund, B.; Neubüser, C.; Repond, J.; Schlereth, J.; Xia, L.; Dotti, A.; Grefe, C.; Ivantchenko, V.; Berenguer Antequera, J.; Calvo Alamillo, E.; Fouz, M.-C.; Marin, J.; Puerta-Pelayo, J.; Verdugo, A.; Brianne, E.; Ebrahimi, A.; Gadow, K.; Göttlicher, P.; Günter, C.; Hartbrich, O.; Hermberg, B.; Irles, A.; Krivan, F.; Krüger, K.; Kvasnicka, J.; Lu, S.; Lutz, B.; Morgunov, V.; Provenza, A.; Reinecke, M.; Sefkow, F.; Schuwalow, S.; Tran, H. L.; Garutti, E.; Laurien, S.; Matysek, M.; Ramilli, M.; Schroeder, S.; Bilki, B.; Norbeck, E.; Northacker, D.; Onel, Y.; Cvach, J.; Gallus, P.; Havranek, M.; Janata, M.; Kovalcuk, M.; Kvasnicka, J.; Lednicky, D.; Marcisovsky, M.; Polak, I.; Popule, J.; Tomasek, L.; Tomasek, M.; Sicho, P.; Smolik, J.; Vrba, V.; Zalesak, J.; van Doren, B.; Wilson, G. W.; Kawagoe, K.; Hirai, H.; Sudo, Y.; Suehara, T.; Sumida, H.; Takada, S.; Tomita, T.; Yoshioka, T.; Bilokin, S.; Bonis, J.; Cornebise, P.; Pöschl, R.; Richard, F.; Thiebault, A.; Zerwas, D.; Hostachy, J.-Y.; Morin, L.; Besson, D.; Chadeeva, M.; Danilov, M.; Markin, O.; Popova, E.; Gabriel, M.; Goecke, P.; Kiesling, C.; van der Kolk, N.; Simon, F.; Szalay, M.; Corriveau, F.; Blazey, G. C.; Dyshkant, A.; Francis, K.; Zutshi, V.; Kotera, K.; Ono, H.; Takeshita, T.; Ieki, S.; Kamiya, Y.; Ootani, W.; Shibata, N.; Jeans, D.; Komamiya, S.; Nakanishi, H.

2016-05-01

In special tests, the active layers of the CALICE Digital Hadron Calorimeter prototype, the DHCAL, were exposed to low energy particle beams, without being interleaved by absorber plates. The thickness of each layer corresponded approximately to 0.29 radiation lengths or 0.034 nuclear interaction lengths, defined mostly by the copper and steel skins of the detector cassettes. This paper reports on measurements performed with this device in the Fermilab test beam with positrons in the energy range of 1 to 10 GeV. The measurements are compared to simulations based on GEANT4 and a standalone program to emulate the detailed response of the active elements.

Ultra-thin enhanced-absorption long-wave infrared detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaohua; Yoon, Narae; Kamboj, Abhilasha; Petluru, Priyanka; Zheng, Wanhua; Wasserman, Daniel

2018-02-01

We propose an architecture for enhanced absorption in ultra-thin strained layer superlattice detectors utilizing a hybrid optical cavity design. Our detector architecture utilizes a designer-metal doped semiconductor ground plane beneath the ultra-subwavelength thickness long-wavelength infrared absorber material, upon which we pattern metallic antenna structures. We demonstrate the potential for near 50% detector absorption in absorber layers with thicknesses of approximately λ0/50, using realistic material parameters. We investigate detector absorption as a function of wavelength and incidence angle, as well as detector geometry. The proposed device architecture offers the potential for high efficiency detectors with minimal growth costs and relaxed design parameters.

High-work-function molybdenum oxide hole extraction contacts in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells

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

Schulz, Philip; Tiepelt, Jan O.; Christians, Jeffrey A.

2016-11-08

Here, we investigate the effect of high work function contacts in halide perovskite absorber-based photovoltaic devices. Photoemission spectroscopy measurements reveal that band bending is induced in the absorber by the deposition of the high work function molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3). We find that direct contact between MoO 3 and the perovskite leads to a chemical reaction, which diminishes device functionality. Introducing an ultrathin spiro-MeOTAD buffer layer prevents the reaction, yet the altered evolution of the energy levels in the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3) layer at the interface still negatively impacts device performance.

Design and characterization of terahertz-absorbing nano-laminates of dielectric and metal thin films.

PubMed

Bolakis, C; Grbovic, D; Lavrik, N V; Karunasiri, G

2010-07-05

A terahertz-absorbing thin-film stack, containing a dielectric Bragg reflector and a thin chromium metal film, was fabricated on a silicon substrate for applications in bi-material terahertz (THz) sensors. The Bragg reflector is to be used for optical readout of sensor deformation under THz illumination. The THz absorption characteristics of the thin-film composite were measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The absorption of the structure was calculated both analytically and by finite element modeling and the two approaches agreed well. Finite element modeling provides a convenient way to extract the amount of power dissipation in each layer and is used to quantify the THz absorption in the multi-layer stack. The calculation and the model were verified by experimentally characterizing the multi-layer stack in the 3-5 THz range. The measured and simulated absorption characteristics show a reasonably good agreement. It was found that the composite film absorbed about 20% of the incident THz power. The model was used to optimize the thickness of the chromium film for achieving high THz absorption and found that about 50% absorption can be achieved when film thickness is around 9 nm.

Implementation of perfectly matched layers in an arbitrary geometrical boundary for elastic wave modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Hongwei; Zhang, Jianfeng

2008-09-01

The perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition is incorporated into an irregular-grid elastic-wave modelling scheme, thus resulting in an irregular-grid PML method. We develop the irregular-grid PML method using the local coordinate system based PML splitting equations and integral formulation of the PML equations. The irregular-grid PML method is implemented under a discretization of triangular grid cells, which has the ability to absorb incident waves in arbitrary directions. This allows the PML absorbing layer to be imposed along arbitrary geometrical boundaries. As a result, the computational domain can be constructed with smaller nodes, for instance, to represent the 2-D half-space by a semi-circle rather than a rectangle. By using a smooth artificial boundary, the irregular-grid PML method can also avoid the special treatments to the corners, which lead to complex computer implementations in the conventional PML method. We implement the irregular-grid PML method in both 2-D elastic isotropic and anisotropic media. The numerical simulations of a VTI lamb's problem, wave propagation in an isotropic elastic medium with curved surface and in a TTI medium demonstrate the good behaviour of the irregular-grid PML method.

Thin and Broadband Two-Layer Microwave Absorber in 4-12 GHz with Developed Flaky Cobalt Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gill, Neeraj; Singh, Jaydeep; Puthucheri, Smitha; Singh, Dharmendra

2018-03-01

Microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) in the frequency range of 2.0-18.0 GHz are essential for the stealth and communication applications. Researchers came up with effective MAMs for the higher frequency regions, i.e., 8.0-18.0 GHz, while absorbers with comparable properties in the lower frequency band are still not in the limelight. Designing a MAM for the lower frequency range is a critical task. It is known that the factors governing the absorption in this frequency predominantly depend on the permeability and conductivity of the material, whereas the shape anisotropy of the particles can initiate different absorption mechanisms like multiple internal reflections, phase cancellations, surface charge polarization and enhanced conductivity that can promote the microwave absorption towards lower frequencies. But the material alone may not serve the purpose of getting broad absorption bandwidth. With the effective use of advanced electromagnetic technique like multi-layering this problem may be solved. Therefore, in this paper, a material with shape anisotropy (cobalt flakes with high shape anisotropy) has been prepared and a two-layer structure is developed which gives the absorption bandwidth in 4.17-12.05 GHz at a coating thickness of 2.66 mm.

Thin and Broadband Two-Layer Microwave Absorber in 4-12 GHz with Developed Flaky Cobalt Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gill, Neeraj; Singh, Jaydeep; Puthucheri, Smitha; Singh, Dharmendra

2018-05-01

Microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) in the frequency range of 2.0-18.0 GHz are essential for the stealth and communication applications. Researchers came up with effective MAMs for the higher frequency regions, i.e., 8.0-18.0 GHz, while absorbers with comparable properties in the lower frequency band are still not in the limelight. Designing a MAM for the lower frequency range is a critical task. It is known that the factors governing the absorption in this frequency predominantly depend on the permeability and conductivity of the material, whereas the shape anisotropy of the particles can initiate different absorption mechanisms like multiple internal reflections, phase cancellations, surface charge polarization and enhanced conductivity that can promote the microwave absorption towards lower frequencies. But the material alone may not serve the purpose of getting broad absorption bandwidth. With the effective use of advanced electromagnetic technique like multi-layering this problem may be solved. Therefore, in this paper, a material with shape anisotropy (cobalt flakes with high shape anisotropy) has been prepared and a two-layer structure is developed which gives the absorption bandwidth in 4.17-12.05 GHz at a coating thickness of 2.66 mm.

Low-Temperature Growth of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Carbide Solar Cell by Inductively Coupled Plasma Deposition Toward High Conversion Efficiency in Indoor Lighting.

PubMed

Kao, Ming-Hsuan; Shen, Chang-Hong; Yu, Pei-Chen; Huang, Wen-Hsien; Chueh, Yu-Lun; Shieh, Jia-Min

2017-10-05

A p-a-SiC:H window layer was used in amorphous Si thin film solar cells to boost the conversion efficiency in an indoor lighting of 500 lx. The p-a-SiC:H window layer/p-a-Si:H buffer layer scheme moderates the abrupt band bending across the p/i interface for the enhancement of V OC , J SC and FF in the solar spectra of short wavelengths. The optimized thickness of i-a-Si:H absorber layer is 400 nm to achieve the conversion efficiency of ~9.58% in an AM1.5 G solar spectrum. However, the optimized thickness of the absorber layer can be changed from 400 to 600 nm in the indoor lighting of 500 lx, exhibiting the maximum output power of 25.56 μW/cm 2 . Furthermore, various durability tests with excellent performance were investigated, which are significantly beneficial to harvest the indoor lights for applications in the self-powered internet of thing (IoT).

High performance and thermally stable tandem solar selective absorber coating for concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, M. Shiva; Kumar, K. K. Phani; Atchuta, S. R.; Sobha, B.; Sakthivel, S.

2018-05-01

A novel tandem absorber system (Mn-Cu-Co-Ox-ZrO2/SiO2) developed on an austenitic stainless steel (SS-304) substrate to show an excellent optical performance (αsol: 0.96; ɛ: 0.23@500 °C). In order to achieve this durable tandem, we experimented with two antireflective layers such as ZrO2-SiO2 and nano SiO2 layer on top of Mn-Cu-Co-Ox-ZrO2 layer. We optimized the thickness of antireflective layers to get good tandem system in terms of solar absorptance and emittance. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-Vis-NIR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the developed coatings. Finally, the Mn-Cu-Co-Ox-ZrO2/SiO2 exhibits high temperature resistance up to 800 °C, thus allow an increase in the operating temperature of CSP which may lead to high efficiency. We successfully developed a high temperature resistant tandem layer with easy manufacturability at low cost which is an attractive candidate for concentrated solar power generation (CSP).

Radiolysis products and sensory properties of electron-beam-irradiated high-barrier food-packaging films containing a buried layer of recycled low-density polyethylene.

PubMed

Chytiri, S D; Badeka, A V; Riganakos, K A; Kontominas, M G

2010-04-01

The aim was to study the effect of electron-beam irradiation on the production of radiolysis products and sensory changes in experimental high-barrier packaging films composed of polyamide (PA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Films contained a middle buried layer of recycled LDPE, while films containing 100% virgin LDPE as the middle buried layer were taken as controls. Irradiation doses ranged between zero and 60 kGy. Generally, a large number of radiolysis products were produced during electron-beam irradiation, even at the lower absorbed doses of 5 and 10 kGy (approved doses for food 'cold pasteurization'). The quantity of radiolysis products increased with irradiation dose. There were no significant differences in radiolysis products identified between samples containing a recycled layer of LDPE and those containing virgin LDPE (all absorbed doses), indicating the 'functional barrier' properties of external virgin polymer layers. Sensory properties (mainly taste) of potable water were affected after contact with irradiated as low as 5 kGy packaging films. This effect increased with increasing irradiation dose.

Design of optimal buffer layers for CuInGaSe2 thin-film solar cells(Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lordi, Vincenzo; Varley, Joel B.; He, Xiaoqing; Rockett, Angus A.; Bailey, Jeff; Zapalac, Geordie H.; Mackie, Neil; Poplavskyy, Dmitry; Bayman, Atiye

2016-09-01

Optimizing the buffer layer in manufactured thin-film PV is essential to maximize device efficiency. Here, we describe a combined synthesis, characterization, and theory effort to design optimal buffers based on the (Cd,Zn)(O,S) alloy system for CIGS devices. Optimization of buffer composition and absorber/buffer interface properties in light of several competing requirements for maximum device efficiency were performed, along with process variations to control the film and interface quality. The most relevant buffer properties controlling performance include band gap, conduction band offset with absorber, dopability, interface quality, and film crystallinity. Control of an all-PVD deposition process enabled variation of buffer composition, crystallinity, doping, and quality of the absorber/buffer interface. Analytical electron microscopy was used to characterize the film composition and morphology, while hybrid density functional theory was used to predict optimal compositions and growth parameters based on computed material properties. Process variations were developed to produce layers with controlled crystallinity, varying from amorphous to fully epitaxial, depending primarily on oxygen content. Elemental intermixing between buffer and absorber, particularly involving Cd and Cu, also is controlled and significantly affects device performance. Secondary phase formation at the interface is observed for some conditions and may be detrimental depending on the morphology. Theoretical calculations suggest optimal composition ranges for the buffer based on a suite of computed properties and drive process optimizations connected with observed film properties. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin Film Solar Cell with Depth Gradient Composition Prepared by Selenization of Sputtered Novel Precursors.

PubMed

Lai, Fang-I; Yang, Jui-Fu; Chen, Wei-Chun; Kuo, Shou-Yi

2017-11-22

In this study, we proposed a new method for the synthesis of the target material used in a two stage process for preparation of a high quality CZTSe thin film. The target material consisting of a mixture of Cu x Se and Zn x Sn 1-x alloy was synthesized, providing a quality CZTSe precursor layer for highly efficient CZTSe thin film solar cells. The CZTSe thin film can be obtained by annealing the precursor layers through a 30 min selenization process under a selenium atmosphere at 550 °C. The CZTSe thin films prepared by using the new precursor thin film were investigated and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. It was found that diffusion of Sn occurred and formed the CTSe phase and Cu x Se phase in the resultant CZTSe thin film. By selective area electron diffraction transmission electron microscopy images, the crystallinity of the CZTSe thin film was verified to be single crystal. By secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements, it was confirmed that a double-gradient band gap profile across the CZTSe absorber layer was successfully achieved. The CZTSe solar cell with the CZTSe absorber layer consisting of the precursor stack exhibited a high efficiency of 5.46%, high short circuit current (J SC ) of 37.47 mA/cm 2 , open circuit voltage (V OC ) of 0.31 V, and fill factor (F.F.) of 47%, at a device area of 0.28 cm 2 . No crossover of the light and dark current-voltage (I-V) curves of the CZTSe solar cell was observed, and also, no red kink was observed under red light illumination, indicating a low defect concentration in the CZTSe absorber layer. Shunt leakage current with a characteristic metal/CZTSe/metal leakage current model was observed by temperature-dependent I-V curves, which led to the discovery of metal incursion through the CdS buffer layer on the CZTSe absorber layer. This leakage current, also known as space charge-limited current, grew larger as the measurement temperature increased and completely overwhelmed the diode current at a measurement temperature of 200 °C. This is due to interlayer diffusion of metal that increases the shunt leakage current and decreases the efficiency of the CZTSe thin film solar cells.

Efficient CsF interlayer for high and low bandgap polymer solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitul, Abu Farzan; Sarker, Jith; Adhikari, Nirmal; Mohammad, Lal; Wang, Qi; Khatiwada, Devendra; Qiao, Qiquan

2018-02-01

Low bandgap polymer solar cells have a great deal of importance in flexible photovoltaic market to absorb sun light more efficiently. Efficient wide bandgap solar cells are always available in nature to absorb visible photons. The development and incorporation of infrared photovoltaics (IR PV) with wide bandgap solar cells can improve overall solar device performance. Here, we have developed an efficient low bandgap polymer solar cell with CsF as interfacial layer in regular structure. Polymer solar cell devices with CsF shows enhanced performance than Ca as interfacial layer. The power conversion efficiency of 4.5% has been obtained for PDPP3T based polymer solar cell with CsF as interlayer. Finally, an optimal thickness with CsF as interfacial layer has been found to improve the efficiency in low bandgap polymer solar cells.

Intercalation of anionic organic ultraviolet ray absorbers into layered zinc hydroxide nitrate.

PubMed

Cursino, Ana Cristina Trindade; Gardolinski, José Eduardo Ferreira da Costa; Wypych, Fernando

2010-07-01

Layered zinc hydroxide nitrate (ZHN) was synthesized and nitrate ions were topotactically exchanged with three different anionic species of commercial organic ultraviolet (UV) ray absorbers: 2-mercaptobenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzoic acid, and 4-aminobenzoic acid. The exchange reactions were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (thermogravimetry, TGA, and differential thermal analysis, DTA). In all the anionic exchanged products, evidence of grafting of the organic species onto the inorganic matrix was obtained. In general, after intercalation/grafting, the UV absorption ability was improved in relation to the use of the parent organic material, showing that layered hydroxide salts (LHS) can be good alternative matrixes for the immobilization of organic species with UV-blocking properties in cosmetic products. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrawide Spectral Response of CIGS Solar Cells Integrated with Luminescent Down-Shifting Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Jeong, Ho-Jung; Kim, Ye-Chan; Lee, Soo Kyung; Jeong, Yonkil; Song, Jin-Won; Yun, Ju-Hyung; Jang, Jae-Hyung

2017-08-02

Conventional Cu(In 1-x ,Ga x )Se 2 (CIGS) solar cells exhibit poor spectral response due to parasitic light absorption in the window and buffer layers at the short wavelength range between 300 and 520 nm. In this study, the CdSe/CdZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) acting as a luminescent down-shifting (LDS) layer were inserted between the MgF 2 antireflection coating and the window layer of the CIGS solar cell to improve light harvesting in the short wavelength range. The LDS layer absorbs photons in the short wavelength range and re-emits photons in the 609 nm range, which are transmitted through the window and buffer layer and absorbed in the CIGS layer. The average external quantum efficiency in the parasitic light absorption region (300-520 nm) was enhanced by 51%. The resulting short circuit current density of 34.04 mA/cm 2 and power conversion efficiency of 14.29% of the CIGS solar cell with the CdSe/CdZnS QDs were improved by 4.35 and 3.85%, respectively, compared with those of the conventional solar cells without QDs.

Theoretical investigation on multilayer nanocomposite-based fiber optic SPR sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shojaie, Ehsan; Madanipour, Khosro; Gharibzadeh, Azadeh; Abbasi, Shabnam

2017-06-01

In this work, a multilayer nanocomposite based fiber optic SPR sensor is considered and especially designed for CO2 gas detection. This proposed fiber sensor consists of fiber core, gold-silver alloy and the absorber layers. The investigation is based on the evaluation of the transmitted-power derived under the transfer matrix method and the multiple-reflection in the sensing area. In terms of sensitivity, the sensor performance is studied theoretically under various conditions related to the metal layer and its gold and silver nanoparticles to form a single alloy film. Effect of additional parameters such as the ratio of the alloy composition and the thickness of the alloy film on the performance of the SPR sensor is studied, as well. Finally, a four-layer structure is introduced to detect carbon dioxide gas. It contains core fiber, gold-silver alloy layer, an absorbent layer of carbon dioxide gas (KOH) and measurement environment. Lower price and size are the main advantages of using such a sensor in compare with commercial (NDIR) gas sensor. Theoretical results show by increasing the metal layer thickness the sensitivity of sensor is increased, and by increasing the ratio of the gold in alloy the sensitivity is decreased.

Compensation of shear waves in photoacoustic tomography with layered acoustic media.

PubMed

Schoonover, Robert W; Anastasio, Mark A

2011-10-01

An image reconstruction formula is presented for photoacoustic computed tomography that accounts for conversion between longitudinal and shear waves in a planar-layered acoustic medium. We assume the optical absorber that produces the photoacoustic wave field is embedded in a single fluid layer and any elastic solid layers present are separated by one or more fluid layers. The measurement aperture is assumed to be planar. Computer simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate and investigate the proposed reconstruction formula.

Hybrid Lead Halide Layered Perovskites with Silsesquioxane Interlayers.

PubMed

Kataoka, Sho; Kaburagi, Wako; Mochizuki, Hiroyuki; Kamimura, Yoshihiro; Sato, Kazuhiko; Endo, Akira

2018-01-01

Hybrid organic-lead halide perovskites exhibit remarkable properties as semiconductors and light absorbers. Here, we report the formation of silsesquioxane-lead halide hybrid layered perovskites. We prepared silsesquioxane with a cubic cage-like structure and fabricated hybrid silsesquioxane-lead halide layered perovskites in a self-assembled manner. It is demonstrated that the silsesquioxane maintain their cage-like structure between lead halide perovskite layers. The silsesquioxane-lead halide perovskites also show excitonic absorption and emission in the visible light region similar to typical lead halide layered perovskites.

Modified Back Contact Interface of CZTSe Thin Film Solar Cells: Elimination of Double Layer Distribution in Absorber Layer

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhaojing; Yao, Liyong; Bi, Jinlian; Gao, Shoushuai; Gao, Qing; Jeng, Ming‐Jer; Sun, Guozhong; Zhou, Zhiqiang; He, Qing; Sun, Yun

2017-01-01

Abstract Double layer distribution exists in Cu2SnZnSe4 (CZTSe) thin films prepared by selenizing the metallic precursors, which will degrade the back contact of Mo substrate to absorber layer and thus suppressing the performance of solar cell. In this work, the double‐layer distribution of CZTSe film is eliminated entirely and the formation of MoSe2 interfacial layer is inhibited successfully. CZTSe film is prepared by selenizing the precursor deposited by electrodeposition method under Se and SnSex mixed atmosphere. It is found that the insufficient reaction between ZnSe and Cu‐Sn‐Se phases in the bottom of the film is the reason why the double layer distribution of CZTSe film is formed. By increasing Sn content in the metallic precursor, thus making up the loss of Sn because of the decomposition of CZTSe and facilitate the diffusion of liquid Cu2Se, the double layer distribution is eliminated entirely. The crystallization of the formed thin film is dense and the grains go through the entire film without voids. And there is no obvious MoSe2 layer formed between CZTSe and Mo. As a consequence, the series resistance of the solar cell reduces significantly to 0.14 Ω cm2 and a CZTSe solar cell with efficiency of 7.2% is fabricated. PMID:29610727

Modified Back Contact Interface of CZTSe Thin Film Solar Cells: Elimination of Double Layer Distribution in Absorber Layer.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhaojing; Yao, Liyong; Zhang, Yi; Ao, Jianping; Bi, Jinlian; Gao, Shoushuai; Gao, Qing; Jeng, Ming-Jer; Sun, Guozhong; Zhou, Zhiqiang; He, Qing; Sun, Yun

2018-02-01

Double layer distribution exists in Cu 2 SnZnSe 4 (CZTSe) thin films prepared by selenizing the metallic precursors, which will degrade the back contact of Mo substrate to absorber layer and thus suppressing the performance of solar cell. In this work, the double-layer distribution of CZTSe film is eliminated entirely and the formation of MoSe 2 interfacial layer is inhibited successfully. CZTSe film is prepared by selenizing the precursor deposited by electrodeposition method under Se and SnSe x mixed atmosphere. It is found that the insufficient reaction between ZnSe and Cu-Sn-Se phases in the bottom of the film is the reason why the double layer distribution of CZTSe film is formed. By increasing Sn content in the metallic precursor, thus making up the loss of Sn because of the decomposition of CZTSe and facilitate the diffusion of liquid Cu 2 Se, the double layer distribution is eliminated entirely. The crystallization of the formed thin film is dense and the grains go through the entire film without voids. And there is no obvious MoSe 2 layer formed between CZTSe and Mo. As a consequence, the series resistance of the solar cell reduces significantly to 0.14 Ω cm 2 and a CZTSe solar cell with efficiency of 7.2% is fabricated.

AN FDTD ALGORITHM WITH PERFECTLY MATCHED LAYERS FOR CONDUCTIVE MEDIA. (R825225)

EPA Science Inventory

We extend Berenger's perfectly matched layers (PML) to conductive media. A finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) algorithm with PML as an absorbing boundary condition is developed for solutions of Maxwell's equations in inhomogeneous, conductive media. For a perfectly matched laye...

The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Quanrong; Li, Yiqi; Chen, Lian; Wang, Shenggao; Wang, Geming; Sheng, Yonglong; Shao, Guosheng

2016-09-01

The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells with the interface defects were simulated by using analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures-one-dimensional (AMPS-1D) software. The simulation results suggest that TiO2 electron transport layer provides best device performance with conversion efficiency of 25.9% compared with ZnO and CdS. The threshold value of back electrode work function for Spiro-OMeTAD, NiO, CuI and Cu2O hole transport layer are calculated to be 4.9, 4.8, 4.7 and 4.9 eV, respectively, to reach the highest conversion efficiency. The mechanisms of device physics with various electron and hole transport materials are discussed in details. The device performance deteriorates gradually as the increased density of interface defects located at ETM/absorber or absorber/HTM. This research results can provide helpful guidance for materials and metal electrode choice for perovskite solar cells.

Slow-muon study of quaternary solar-cell materials: Single layers and p -n junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alberto, H. V.; Vilão, R. C.; Vieira, R. B. L.; Gil, J. M.; Weidinger, A.; Sousa, M. G.; Teixeira, J. P.; da Cunha, A. F.; Leitão, J. P.; Salomé, P. M. P.; Fernandes, P. A.; Törndahl, T.; Prokscha, T.; Suter, A.; Salman, Z.

2018-02-01

Thin films and p -n junctions for solar cells based on the absorber materials Cu (In ,G a ) Se2 and Cu2ZnSnS4 were investigated as a function of depth using implanted low energy muons. The most significant result is a clear decrease of the formation probability of the Mu+ state at the heterojunction interface as well as at the surface of the Cu (In ,G a ) Se2 film. This reduction is attributed to a reduced bonding reaction of the muon in the absorber defect layer at its surface. In addition, the activation energies for the conversion from a muon in an atomiclike configuration to a anion-bound position are determined from temperature-dependence measurements. It is concluded that the muon probe provides a measurement of the effective surface defect layer width, both at the heterojunctions and at the films. The CIGS surface defect layer is crucial for solar-cell electrical performance and additional information can be used for further optimizations of the surface.

Tunable optical properties of ZnCdTe2-xSex(x =0.625) chalcopyrite for photovoltaics; a mBJLDA approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashyap, Manish K.; Paudyal, D.; Harmon, B. N.

In the present study, we have performed ab-initio simulations of sp-element defect in ZnCdTe2-xSex (x =0.625) chalcopyrite to check the tuning of band gap as compared to the pristine case. The exchange and correlation (XC) effects are taken into account by an orbital independent modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential as coupled with Local Density Approximation (LDA) for these calculations. The calculated energy band structures show a direct band gap at the point in the brillouin zone for the pristine as well as the defected case and the band gap decreases with inclusion of sp-disorder. The imaginary dielectric function predicts the optical band gap of pristine ZnCdTe2 very close to the experimental value and the results are in reasonable agreement without applying any scissor operator. With inclusion of sp-element defect, the optical spectra is tuned to optimal region, suitable for photovoltaics. It is apparent that mBJ functional is well suited for calculating electronic structure of pristine as well as defected ZnCdTe2chalcopyrite. MKK acknowledges financial support from UGC, India in the form of RAMAN Post-doctoral fellowship. This work at Ames Laboratory was supported by the DOE, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences Division under contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11358.

First insights on the molybdenum-copper Bled M'Dena complex (Eglab massif, Algeria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lagraa, Karima; Salvi, Stefano; Béziat, Didier; Debat, Pierre; Kolli, Omar

2017-03-01

Molybdenum-Copper showings in the Eglab massif (eastern part of the Reguibat rise of Algeria), are found in quartz-monzodiorite and granodiorite of the Bled M'Dena complex, a Paleoproterozoic circular structure of ∼5 km in diameter, comprising volcanic and intrusive suites. The latter consist of quartz-diorite, quartz-monzodiorite and granodiorite with a metaluminous normative composition. They display an "adakitic character" with moderate light rare-earth element (LREE) enrichment, minor Eu anomalies, high Sr/Y ratio and low Yb concentration, suggestive of a hydrous, arc magma of volcanic-arc affinity. The mineralization occurs mostly in quartz + molybdenite + chalcopyrite stockwork veins marked by widespread propylitic alteration along the selvages. Molybdenite and chalcopyrite are commonly associated with calcite, which precipitated at relatively late stages of the hydrothermal alteration. Fluid inclusions related to the mineralization stage, range from aqueous to aqueous-carbonic to solid bearing. The latter inclusions have the highest homogenization temperature (up to ∼400 °C), are salt saturated, and commonly contain molybdenite and/or chalcopyrite crystals. The petrology and geochemistry of the host rocks, the style of the hydrothermal alteration, the ore mineral associations, and the characteristics of the fluid inclusions, are all coherent in indicating that the Bled M'Dena represents a Paleoproterozoic porphyry style Mo mineralization, which is far unreported in the African continent.

Expression of Critical Sulfur- and Iron-Oxidation Genes and the Community Dynamics During Bioleaching of Chalcopyrite Concentrate by Moderate Thermophiles.

PubMed

Zhou, Dan; Peng, Tangjian; Zhou, Hongbo; Liu, Xueduan; Gu, Guohua; Chen, Miao; Qiu, Guanzhou; Zeng, Weimin

2015-07-01

Sulfate adenylyltransferase gene and 4Fe-4S ferredoxin gene are the key genes related to sulfur and iron oxidations during bioleaching system, respectively. In order to better understand the bioleaching and microorganism synergistic mechanism in chalcopyrite bioleaching by mixed culture of moderate thermophiles, expressions of the two energy metabolism genes and community dynamics of free and attached microorganisms were investigated. Specific primers were designed for real-time quantitative PCR to study the expression of these genes. Real-time PCR results showed that sulfate adenylyltransferase gene was more highly expressed in Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans than that in Acidithiobacillus caldus, and expression of 4Fe-4S ferredoxin gene was higher in Ferroplasma thermophilum than that in S. thermosulfidooxidans and Leptospirillum ferriphilum. The results indicated that in the bioleaching system of chalcopyrite concentrate, sulfur and iron oxidations were mainly performed by S. thermosulfidooxidans and F. thermophilum, respectively. The community dynamics results revealed that S. thermosulfidooxidans took up the largest proportion during the whole period, followed by F. thermophilum, A. caldus, and L. ferriphilum. The CCA analysis showed that 4Fe-4S ferredoxin gene expression was mainly affected (positively correlated) by high pH and elevated concentration of ferrous ion, while no factor was observed to prominently influence the expression of sulfate adenylyltransferase gene.

Antenna-coupled transition-edge hot-electron microbolometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Shafinaz; Timbie, Peter T.; Malu, Siddharth; McCammon, Dan; Nelms, Kari L.; Pathak, Rashmi; van der Weide, Daniel W.; Allen, Christine A.; Abrahams, J.; Chervenak, James A.; Hsieh, Wen-Ting; Miller, Timothy M.; Moseley, S. H., Jr.; Stevenson, Thomas R.; Wollack, Edward J.

2004-10-01

We are developing a new type of detector for observational cosmology and astrophysical research. Incoming radiation from the sky is coupled to a superconducting microstrip transmission line that terminates in a thin film absorber. At sub-Kelvin temperature, the thermal isolation between the electrons and the lattice makes it possible for the electrons in the small absorber (100's of cubic micro-meter) and superconducting bilayer (Transition Edge Sensor) to heat up by the radiation absorbed by the electrons of the normal absorbing layer. We call this detector a Transition-edge Hot-electron Micro-bolometer (THM). THMs can be fabricated by photo lithography, so it is relatively easy to make matched detectors for a large focal plane array telescope. We report on the thermal properties of Mo/Au THMs with Bi/Au absorbers.

Development of Si3N4 and SiC of improved toughness. [for gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brennan, J. J.; Hulse, C. O.

1977-01-01

The application of energy absorbing surface layers to Si3N4 and SiC was investigated. Among the layers studied were microcracked materials such as iron titanate and a silica-zircon mixture and porous materials such as reaction sintered Si3N4. Energy absorption due to microcrack extension upon impact was found not to be an important mechanism. Instead, the fivefold improvement in Charpy and ballistic impact at elevated temperature (1250 C and 1370 C) found for Fe2TiO5 was due to plastic deformation while similar improvement found for silica-zircon mixtures at RT was due to crushing of the porous material. Due to thermal expansion mismatch, these two materials could not withstand thermal cycling when used as energy absorbing surface layers on Si3N4. Reaction sintered Si3N4 layers on dense Si3N4 were found to give up to a sevenfold increase in ballistic impact resistance due to crushing of the layer upon impact. High porosity (45%), large particle size R.S. Si3N4 layers fabricated from -100, +200 mesh Si powder gave better impact improvement than less porous (30%), small particle size layers fabricated from -325 mesh Si powder.

Modelling of graphene Q-switched Tm lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasukevich, A. S.; Loiko, P.; Gusakova, N. V.; Serres, J. M.; Mateos, X.; Yumashev, K. V.; Kuleshov, N. V.; Petrov, V.; Griebner, U.; Aguiló, M.; Díaz, F.

2017-04-01

We report on a model of diode-pumped Thulium lasers passively Q-switched by a graphene saturable absorber applicable also for any other "fast" saturable absorber. It reasonably predicts the dependence of the pulse duration, pulse energy and pulse repetition frequency on the absorbed power. The model is applied in the present work for a Tm: KLuW microchip laser passively Q-switched with a multi-layer graphene saturable absorber. The laser generates 1 W at 1926 nm with a slope efficiency of 39%. Stable 190 ns /4.1 μJ pulses are achieved at a pulse repetition frequency of 260 kHz. The potential of graphene for the generation of few-ns pulses at 2 μm is discussed.

Core-melt source reduction system

DOEpatents

Forsberg, C.W.; Beahm, E.C.; Parker, G.W.

1995-04-25

A core-melt source reduction system for ending the progression of a molten core during a core-melt accident and resulting in a stable solid cool matrix. The system includes alternating layers of a core debris absorbing material and a barrier material. The core debris absorbing material serves to react with and absorb the molten core such that containment overpressurization and/or failure does not occur. The barrier material slows the progression of the molten core debris through the system such that the molten core has sufficient time to react with the core absorbing material. The system includes a provision for cooling the glass/molten core mass after the reaction such that a stable solid cool matrix results. 4 figs.

Core-melt source reduction system

DOEpatents

Forsberg, Charles W.; Beahm, Edward C.; Parker, George W.

1995-01-01

A core-melt source reduction system for ending the progression of a molten core during a core-melt accident and resulting in a stable solid cool matrix. The system includes alternating layers of a core debris absorbing material and a barrier material. The core debris absorbing material serves to react with and absorb the molten core such that containment overpressurization and/or failure does not occur. The barrier material slows the progression of the molten core debris through the system such that the molten core has sufficient time to react with the core absorbing material. The system includes a provision for cooling the glass/molten core mass after the reaction such that a stable solid cool matrix results.

A naked eye refractive index sensor with a visible multiple peak metamaterial absorber.

PubMed

Ma, Heli; Song, Kun; Zhou, Liang; Zhao, Xiaopeng

2015-03-26

We report a naked eye refractive index sensor with a visible metamaterial absorber. The visible metamaterial absorber consisting of a silver dendritic/dielectric/metal structure shows multiple absorption peaks. By incorporating a gain material (rhodamine B) into the dielectric layer, the maximal magnitude of the absorption peak can be improved by about 30%. As the metamaterial absorber is sensitive to the refractive index of glucose solutions, it can function as a sensor that quickly responds to variations of the refractive index of the liquid. Meanwhile, since the response is presented via color changes, it can be clearly observed by the naked eyes. Further experiments have confirmed that the sensor can be used repeatedly.

Visible scintillation photodetector device incorporating chalcopyrite semiconductor crystals

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

Stowe, Ashley C.; Burger, Arnold

2017-04-04

A photodetector device, including: a scintillator material operable for receiving incident radiation and emitting photons in response; a photodetector material coupled to the scintillator material operable for receiving the photons emitted by the scintillator material and generating a current in response, wherein the photodetector material includes a chalcopyrite semiconductor crystal; and a circuit coupled to the photodetector material operable for characterizing the incident radiation based on the current generated by the photodetector material. Optionally, the scintillator material includes a gamma scintillator material and the incident radiation received includes gamma rays. Optionally, the photodetector material is further operable for receiving thermalmore » neutrons and generating a current in response. The circuit is further operable for characterizing the thermal neutrons based on the current generated by the photodetector material.« less

Geology of the Huron River pitchblende occurrence, Baraga County, Michigan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vickers, R.C.

1955-01-01

Pitchblende and secondary uranium minerals occur as very small, discontinuous stringers and pods in calcite and quartz cementing the breccia within a low-angle shear zone that dips about 10 degrees to the southwest. The shear zone has a thickness of 10 to 30 feet and cuts black, locally carbonaceous slates of the upper Huronian Precambrian Michigamme slate. Mineral deposition during two hypogene stages and one supergene stage was identified in polished sections. The first phase consisted of the introduction of quartz and minor hematite into the sheared slate. After fracturing of the quartz the second stage was initiated by deposition of calcite, pyrite, rutile, pitchblende, bornite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, and greenockite. The supergene stage consisted of the development of metatyuyamunite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, cuprite, volborthite, malachite, and goethite.

Saline-water bioleaching of chalcopyrite with thermophilic, iron(II)- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms.

PubMed

Watling, Helen R; Collinson, David M; Corbett, Melissa K; Shiers, Denis W; Kaksonen, Anna H; Watkin, Elizabeth L J

2016-09-01

The application of thermoacidophiles for chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) bioleaching in hot, acidic, saline solution was investigated as a possible process route for rapid Cu extraction. The study comprised a discussion of protective mechanisms employed for the survival and/or adaptation of thermoacidophiles to osmotic stress, a compilation of chloride tolerances for three genera of thermoacidophiles applied in bioleaching and an experimental study of the activities of three species in a saline bioleaching system. The data showed that the oxidation rates of iron(II) and reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (tetrathionate) were reduced in the presence of chloride levels well below chloride concentrations in seawater, limiting the applicability of these microorganisms in the bioleaching of CuFeS2 in saline water. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Enhancement of conduction noise absorption by hybrid absorbers composed of indium-tin-oxide thin film and magnetic composite sheet on a microstrip line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sun-Hong; Kim, Sung-Soo

2014-05-01

In order to develop wide-band noise absorbers with a focused design for low frequency performance, this study investigates hybrid absorbers that are composed of conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film and magnetic composite sheets. The ITO films prepared via reactive sputtering exhibit a typical value of electrical resistivity of ≃10-4 Ω m. Rubber composites with flaky Fe-Si-Al particles are used as the magnetic sheet with a high permeability and high permittivity. For the ITO film with a low surface resistance and covered by the magnetic sheet, approximately 90% power absorption can be obtained at 1 GHz, which is significantly higher than that of the original magnetic sheet or ITO film. The high power absorption of the hybrid absorber is attributed to the enhanced ohmic loss of the ITO film through increased electric field strength bounded by the upper magnetic composite sheet. However, for the reverse layering sequence of the ITO film, the electric field experienced by ITO film is very weak due to the electromagnetic shielding by the under layer of magnetic sheet, which does not result in enhanced power absorption.

One-way quasiplanar terahertz absorbers using nonstructured polar dielectric layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Ulibarri, P.; Beruete, M.; Serebryannikov, A. E.

2017-10-01

A concept of quasiplanar one-way transparent terahertz absorbers made of linear isotropic materials is presented. The resulting structure consists of a homogeneous absorbing layer of polar dielectric, GaAs, a dispersion-free substrate, and an ultrathin frequency-selective reflector. It is demonstrated that perfect absorption can be obtained for forward illumination, along with total reflection at backward illumination and transparency windows in the adjacent bands. The design is particularized for the polaritonic gap range where permittivity of GaAs varies in a wide range and includes epsilon-near-zero and transparency regimes. The underlying physics can be explained with the aid of a unified equivalent-circuit (EC) analytical model. Perfect matching of input impedance in forward operation and, simultaneously, strong mismatch in the backward case are the universal criteria of one-way absorption. It is shown that perfect one-way absorption can be achieved at rather arbitrary permittivity values, provided these criteria are fulfilled. The EC results are in good agreement with full-wave simulations in a wide range of material and geometrical parameters. The resulting one-way absorbers are very compact and geometrically simple, and enable transparency in the neighboring frequency ranges and, hence, multifunctionality that utilizes both absorption- and transmission-related regimes.

Modeling X-ray Absorbers in AGNs with MHD-Driven Accretion-Disk Winds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukumura, Keigo; Kazanas, D.; Shrader, C. R.; Tombesi, F.; Contopoulos, J.; Behar, E.

2013-04-01

We have proposed a systematic view of the observed X-ray absorbers, namely warm absorbers (WAs) in soft X-ray and highly-ionized ultra-fast outflows (UFOs), in the context of magnetically-driven accretion-disk wind models. While potentially complicated by variability and thermal instability in these energetic outflows, in this simplistic model we have calculated 2D kinematic field as well as density and ionization structure of the wind with density profile of 1/r corresponding to a constant column distribution per decade of ionization parameter. In particular we show semi-analytically that the inner layer of the disk-wind manifests itself as the strongly-ionized fast outflows while the outer layer is identified as the moderately-ionized absorbers. The computed characteristics of these two apparently distinct absorbers are consistent with X-ray data (i.e. a factor of ~100 difference in column and ionization parameters as well as low wind velocity vs. near-relativistic flow). With the predicted contour curves for these wind parameters one can constrain allowed regions for the presence of WAs and UFOs.The model further implies that the UFO's gas pressure is comparable to that of the observed radio jet in 3C111 suggesting that the magnetized disk-wind with density profile of 1/r is a viable agent to help sustain such a self-collimated jet at small radii.

Optimal spacing within a tubed, volumetric, cavity receiver suitable for modular molten salt solar towers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, Peter

2016-05-01

A 2-dimensional radiation analysis has been developed to analyse the radiative efficiency of an arrangement of heat transfer tubes distributed in layers but spaced apart to form a tubed, volumetric receiver. Such an arrangement could be suitable for incorporation into a cavity receiver. Much of the benefit of this volumetric approach is gained after using 5 layers although improvements do continue with further layers. The radiation analysis splits each tube into multiple segments in which each segment surface can absorb, reflect and radiate rays depending on its surface temperature. An iterative technique is used to calculate appropriate temperatures depending on the distribution of the net energy absorbed and assuming that the cool heat transfer fluid (molten salt) starts at the front layer and flows back through successive layers to the rear of the cavity. Modelling the finite diameter of each layer of tubes increases the ability of a layer to block radiation scattered at acute angles and this effect is shown to reduce radiation losses by nearly 25% compared to the earlier 1-d analysis. Optimum efficient designs tend to occur when the blockage factor is 0.2 plus the inverse of the number of tube layers. It is beneficial if the distance between successive layers is ≥ 2 times the diameter of individual tubes and in this situation, if the incoming radiation is spread over a range of angles, the performance is insensitive to the degree of any tube positional offset or stagger between layers.

Optical Physics of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells and Their Layer Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibdah, Abedl-Rahman

Polycrystalline Cu(In1-xGax)Se 2 (CIGS) thin film technology has emerged as a promising candidate for low cost and high performance solar modules. The efficiency of CIGS solar cells is strongly influenced by several key factors. Among these factors include Ga composition and its profile in the absorber layer, copper content in this layer, and the solar cell multilayer structure. As a result, tools for the characterization of thin film CIGS solar cells and their layer components are becoming increasingly essential in research and manufacturing. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is a non-invasive technique that can serve as an accurate probe of component layer optical properties and multilayer structures, and can be applied as a diagnostic tool for real-time, in-line, and off-line monitoring and analysis in small area solar cell fabrication as well as in large area photovoltaics manufacturing. Implementation of spectroscopic ellipsometry provides unique insights into the properties of complete solar cell multilayer structures and their layer components. These insights can improve our understanding of solar cell structures, overcome challenges associated with solar cell fabrication, and assist in process monitoring and control on a production line. In this dissertation research, Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films with different Cu contents have been prepared by the one stage co-evaporation process. These films have been studied by real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) during deposition, and by in-situ SE at the deposition temperature as well as at room temperature to extract the dielectric functions (epsilon1, epsilon 2) of the thin film materials. Analytical expressions for the room temperature dielectric functions were developed, and the free parameters that describe these analytical functions were in turn expressed as functions of the Cu content. As a result of this parameterization, the dielectric function spectra (epsilon 1, epsilon2) can be predicted for any desired composition within the range of the samples investigated. This capability was applied for mapping the structural and compositional variations of CIGS thin films deposited over a 10 cm x 10 cm substrate area. In another application presented in this dissertation, a non-invasive method utilizing ex-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis has been developed and applied to determine non-destructively the Ga compositional profile in CIGS absorbers. The method employs parameterized dielectric function spectra (epsilon1, epsilon2) of CIGS versus Ga content to probe the compositional variation with depth into the absorber. In addition, a methodology for prediction of the external quantum efficiency (QE) including optical gains and losses for a CIGS solar cell has been developed. The methodology utilizes ex-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis of a complete solar cell, with no free parameters, to deduce the multilayer solar cell structure non-invasively and simulate optical light absorption in each of the layer components. In the case of high efficiency CIGS solar cells, with minimal electronic losses, QE spectra are predicted from the sum of optical absorption in the active layer components. For such solar cells with ideal photo-generated charge carrier collection, the SE-predicted QE spectra are excellent representation of the measured ones. Since the QE spectra as well as the short circuit current density (Jsc) can be calculated directly from SE analysis results, then the predicted QE from SE can be compared with the experimental QE to evaluate electronic losses based on the difference between the spectra. Moreover, the calculated Jsc can be used as a key parameter for the design and optimization of anti-reflection coating structures. Because the long term production potential of CIGS solar modules may be limited by the availability of indium, it becomes important to reduce the thickness of the CIGS absorber layer. Thickness reduction would reduce the quantity of indium required for production which would in turn reduce costs. A decrease in short-circuit current density (Jsc) is expected, however, upon thinning the CIGS absorber due to incomplete absorption. To clarify the limits of obtainable Jsc in ultra-thin CIGS solar cells with Mo back contacts, optical properties and multilayer structural data are deduced via spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis and used to predict the QE spectra and maximum obtainable Jsc values upon thinning the absorber. Moreover, SE-guided optical design of ultra-thin CIGS solar cells has been demonstrated. In the case of solar cells fabricated on Mo, thinning the absorber in a CIGS solar cell is associated with significant optical losses in the Mo containing back contact layers. This is due in part to the poor optical reflectance of Mo. Such optical losses may be reduced by employing a back contact design with improved reflectance. Thus, alternative novel solar cell structures with ultra-thin absorbers and improved back contact reflectance have been designed and investigated using SE and the optical modeling methods. In addition to optical losses, electronic losses in the ultra-thin solar cells have been evaluated. By separating the absorber layer into sub-layer regions (for example, near-junction, bulk, and near-back-contact) and varying carrier collection probability in these regions, the contribution of each region to the current can be estimated. Based on this separation, the origin of the electronic losses has been identified as near the back contact.

Characteristics and issues of an EUVL mask applying phase-shifting thinner absorber for device fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Hwan-Seok; Lee, Dong-Gun; Ahn, Byung-Sup; Han, Hakseung; Huh, Sungmin; Kang, In-Yong; Kim, Hoon; Kim, Dongwan; Kim, Seong-Sue; Cho, Han-Ku

2009-03-01

Phase-shifting EUVL masks applying thinner absorber are investigated to design optimum mask structure with less shadowing problems. Simulations using S-Litho show that H-V bias in Si capping structure is higher than that of Ru capping since the high n (= 0.999) of Si increases sensible absorber height. Phase differences obtained from the patterned masks using the EUV CSM are well-matched with the calculated values using the practical refractive index of absorber materials. Although the mask with 62.4-nm-thick absorber, among the in-house masks, shows the closest phase ΔΦ(= 176°) to the out-of-phase condition, higher NILS and contrast as well as lower H-V bias are obtained with 52.4-nm-thick absorber (ΔΦ = 151°) which has higher R/R0 ratio. MET results also show that lithography performances including MEEF, PW, and resist threshold (dose), are improved with thinner absorber structure. However, low OD in EUVL mask, especially in thinner absorber structure, results in light leakage from the neighboring exposure shots, and thus an appropriate light-shielding layer should be introduced.

Symposium on Biosensors

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-11-01

cherists because a new parameter; the refractive index of materials is an important in design as the chemistry of the absorbing or reacting layer ...redox electrode surfaces (the Sharp electrodes); use of enzymes in reactive layers to generate from neutral charge substrate species that can be...and natural and synthetic ionophores in monovalent and divalent ion sensors since 1965); use of selective layers to extract or partition species into

Enhancement of near-infrared detectability from InGaZnO thin film transistor with MoS2 light absorbing layer.

PubMed

Pak, Sang Woo; Chu, Dongil; Song, Da Ye; Lee, Seung Kyo; Kim, Eun Kyu

2017-11-24

We report an enhancement of near-infrared (NIR) detectability from amorphous InGaZnO (α-IGZO) thin film transistor in conjunction with randomly distributed molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) flakes. The electrical characteristics of the α-IGZO grown by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering exhibit high effective mobility exceeding 15 cm 2 V -1 s -1 and current on/off ratio up to 10 7 . By taking advantages of the high quality α-IGZO and MoS 2 light absorbing layer, photodetection spectra are able to extend from ultra-violet to NIR range. The α-IGZO channel detector capped by MoS 2 show a photo-responsivity of approximately 14.9 mA W -1 at 1100 nm wavelength, which is five times higher than of the α-IGZO device without MoS 2 layer.

Enhancement of near-infrared detectability from InGaZnO thin film transistor with MoS2 light absorbing layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pak, Sang Woo; Chu, Dongil; Song, Da Ye; Kyo Lee, Seung; Kim, Eun Kyu

2017-11-01

We report an enhancement of near-infrared (NIR) detectability from amorphous InGaZnO (α-IGZO) thin film transistor in conjunction with randomly distributed molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flakes. The electrical characteristics of the α-IGZO grown by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering exhibit high effective mobility exceeding 15 cm2 V-1 s-1 and current on/off ratio up to 107. By taking advantages of the high quality α-IGZO and MoS2 light absorbing layer, photodetection spectra are able to extend from ultra-violet to NIR range. The α-IGZO channel detector capped by MoS2 show a photo-responsivity of approximately 14.9 mA W-1 at 1100 nm wavelength, which is five times higher than of the α-IGZO device without MoS2 layer.

[The Misgav Ladach method for cesarean section].

PubMed

Habek, Dubravko; Kulas, Tomislav; Karsa, Matija

2007-04-01

The Misgav Ladach method for cesarean section is based on the principles of surgical minimalism. This is based on the Joel Cohen laparotomy, somewhat higher than the Pfannenstiel incision. Subcutaneous tissue is left undisturbed apart from the midline, rectus muscles are separated by pulling. The peritoneum is opened by stretching with index fingers. The hysterotomy is closed with one layer extraendometrial continuous absorbable stitches (Vicryl), and the visceral and parietal peritoneal layers are left open. Fascia is stitched with a continuous synthetic absorbable stitch. The skin is closed with intracutaneous resorptive suture or metallic stapler sutures. The Misgav Ladach method is restrictive in the use of sharp instruments preferring manual manipulation: it gives faster recovery, shorter period to normal bowel function, less peritoneal adhesions and less scarring in the abdominal layers, less use of postoperative antibiotics, analgesics and antipyretics, and a shorter anesthetic and operative time. It is ideal for emergency and planned cesarean section.

Hybrid composite laminates reinforced with Kevlar/carbon/glass woven fabrics for ballistic impact testing.

PubMed

Randjbaran, Elias; Zahari, Rizal; Jalil, Nawal Aswan Abdul; Majid, Dayang Laila Abang Abdul

2014-01-01

Current study reported a facile method to investigate the effects of stacking sequence layers of hybrid composite materials on ballistic energy absorption by running the ballistic test at the high velocity ballistic impact conditions. The velocity and absorbed energy were accordingly calculated as well. The specimens were fabricated from Kevlar, carbon, and glass woven fabrics and resin and were experimentally investigated under impact conditions. All the specimens possessed equal mass, shape, and density; nevertheless, the layers were ordered in different stacking sequence. After running the ballistic test at the same conditions, the final velocities of the cylindrical AISI 4340 Steel pellet showed how much energy was absorbed by the samples. The energy absorption of each sample through the ballistic impact was calculated; accordingly, the proper ballistic impact resistance materials could be found by conducting the test. This paper can be further studied in order to characterise the material properties for the different layers.

Cermet based metamaterials for multi band absorbers over NIR to LWIR frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Jitendra K.; Behera, Gangadhar; Agarwal, Amit K.; Ghosh, Amitava; Ramakrishna, S. Anantha

2017-06-01

Cermets or ceramic-metals are known for their use in solar thermal technologies for their absorption across the solar band. Use of cermet layers in a metamaterial perfect absorber allows for flexible control of infra-red absorption over the short wave infra-red, to long wave infra-red bands, while keeping the visible/near infra-red absorption properties constant. We design multilayered metamaterials consisting of a conducting ground plane, a low metal volume fraction cermet/ZnS as dielectric spacer layers, and a top structured layer of an array of circular discs of metal/high volume metal fraction cermet that give rise to specified absorption bands in the near-infra-red (NIR) frequencies, as well as any specified band at SWIR-LWIR frequencies. Thus, a complete decoupling of the absorption at optical/NIR frequencies and the infra-red absorption behaviour of a structured metamaterial is demonstrated.

Hybrid vapor phase-solution phase growth techniques for improved CZT(S,Se) photovoltaic device performance

DOEpatents

Chang, Liang-Yi; Gershon, Talia S.; Haight, Richard A.; Lee, Yun Seog

2016-12-27

A hybrid vapor phase-solution phase CZT(S,Se) growth technique is provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a kesterite absorber material on a substrate includes the steps of: depositing a layer of a first kesterite material on the substrate using a vapor phase deposition process, wherein the first kesterite material includes Cu, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se; annealing the first kesterite material to crystallize the first kesterite material; and depositing a layer of a second kesterite material on a side of the first kesterite material opposite the substrate using a solution phase deposition process, wherein the second kesterite material includes Cu, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se, wherein the first kesterite material and the second kesterite material form a multi-layer stack of the absorber material on the substrate. A photovoltaic device and method of formation thereof are also provided.

21 CFR 862.2270 - Thin-layer chromatography system for clinical use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... a mixture. The mixture of compounds is absorbed onto a stationary phase or thin layer of inert material (e.g., cellulose, alumina, etc.) and eluted off by a moving solvent (moving phase) until equilibrium occurs between the two phases. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is...

Super sensitive UV detector using polymer functionalized nanobelts

DOEpatents

Wang, Zhong L; Lao, Changshi; Zhou, Jun

2012-10-23

An ultraviolet light sensor includes an elongated metal oxide nanostructure, a layer of an ultraviolet light-absorbing polymer, a current source and a current detector. The elongated metal oxide nanostructure has a first end and an opposite second end. The layer of an ultraviolet light-absorbing polymer is disposed about at least a portion of the metal oxide nanostructure. The current source is configured to provide electrons to the first end of the metal oxide nanostructure. The current detector is configured to detect an amount of current flowing through the metal oxide nanostructure. The amount of current flowing through the metal oxide nanostructure corresponds to an amount of ultraviolet light impinging on the metal oxide nanostructure.

Passively Q-switched wavelength-tunable 1-μm fiber lasers with tapered-fiber-based black phosphorus saturable absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Huaqing; Wang, Qi; Wang, Dongdong; Li, Li

2018-03-01

In this paper, we demonstrated passively Q-switched wavelength-tunable 1-μm fiber lasers utilizing few-layer black phosphorus saturable absorbers. The few-layer BP was deposited onto the tapered fibers by an optically driven process. The wavelength tunability was achieved with a fiber Sagnac loop comprised of a piece of polarization maintaining fiber and a polarization controller. Stable Q-switching laser operations were observed at wavelengths ranging from 1040.5 to 1044.6 nm at threshold pump power of 220 mW. Maximal pulse energy of 141.27 nJ at a repetition rate of 63 kHz was recorded under pump power of 445 mW.

Solar thermophotovoltaic system using nanostructures.

PubMed

Ungaro, Craig; Gray, Stephen K; Gupta, Mool C

2015-09-21

This paper presents results on a highly efficient experimental solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) system using simulated solar energy. An overall power conversion efficiency of 6.2% was recorded under solar simulation. This was matched with a thermodynamic model, and the losses within the system, as well as a path forward to mitigate these losses, have been investigated. The system consists of a planar, tungsten absorbing/emitting structure with an anti-reflection layer coated laser-microtextured absorbing surface and single-layer dielectric coated emitting surface. A GaSb PV cell was used to capture the emitted radiation and convert it into electrical energy. This simple structure is both easy to fabricate and temperature stable, and contains no moving parts or heat exchange fluids.

Dual-band absorption of mid-infrared metamaterial absorber based on distinct dielectric spacing layers.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan; Zhou, Peiheng; Cheng, Dengmu; Weng, Xiaolong; Xie, Jianliang; Deng, Longjiang

2013-04-01

We present the simulation, fabrication, and characterization of a dual-band metamaterial absorber in the mid-infrared regime. Two pairs of circular-patterned metal-dielectric stacks are employed to excite the dual-band absorption peaks. Dielectric characteristics of the dielectric spacing layer determine energy dissipation in each resonant stack, i.e., dielectric or ohmic loss. By controlling material parameters, both two mechanisms are introduced into our structure. Up to 98% absorption is obtained at 9.03 and 13.32 μm in the simulation, which is in reasonable agreement with experimental results. The proposed structure holds promise for various applications, e.g., thermal radiation modulators and multicolor infrared focal plane arrays.

Platinum-group element, Gold, Silver and Base Metal distribution in compositionally zoned sulfide droplets from the Medvezky Creek Mine, Noril'sk, Russia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnes, S.-J.; Cox, R.A.; Zientek, M.L.

2006-01-01

Concentrations of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Re, Zn and Platinum-group elements (PGE) have been determined in sulfide minerals from zoned sulfide droplets of the Noril'sk 1 Medvezky Creek Mine. The aims of the study were; to establish whether these elements are located in the major sulfide minerals (pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and cubanite), to establish whether the elements show a preference for a particular sulfide mineral and to investigate the model, which suggests that the zonation in the droplets is caused by the crystal fractionation of monosulfide solid solution (mss). Nickel, Cu, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Pd, were found to be largely located in the major sulfide minerals. In contrast, less than 25% of the Au, Cd, Pt and Zn in the rock was found to be present in these sulfides. Osmium, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re were found to be concentrated in pyrrhotite and pentlandite. Palladium and Co was found to be concentrated in pentlandite. Silver, Cd and Zn concentrations are highest in chalcopyrite and cubanite. Gold and platinum showed no preference for any of the major sulfide minerals. The enrichment of Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re in pyrrhotite and pentlandite (exsolution products of mss) and the low levels of these elements in the cubanite and chalcopyrite (exsolution products of intermediate solid solution, iss) support the mss crystal fractionation model, because Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re are compatible with mss. The enrichment of Ag, Cd and Zn in chalcopyrite and cubanite also supports the mss fractionation model these minerals are derived from the fractionated liquid and these elements are incompatible with mss and thus should be enriched in the fractionated liquid. Gold and Pt do not partition into either iss or mss and become sufficiently enriched in the final fractionated liquid to crystallize among the iss and mss grains as tellurides, bismithides and alloys. During pentlandite exsolution Pd appears to have diffused from the Cu-rich portion of the droplet into pentlandite. ?? Springer-Verlag 2006.

Equilibrium isotopic fractionation of copper during oxidation/reduction, aqueous complexation and ore-forming processes: Predictions from hybrid density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherman, David M.

2013-10-01

Copper exists as two isotopes: 65Cu (∼30.85%) and 63Cu (∼69.15%). The isotopic composition of copper in secondary minerals, surface waters and oxic groundwaters is 1-12‰ heavier than that of copper in primary sulfides. Changes in oxidation state and complexation should yield substantial isotopic fractionation between copper species but it is unclear to what extent the observed Cu isotopic variations reflect equilibrium fractionation. Here, I calculate the reduced partition function ratios for chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), cuprite (Cu2O), tenorite (CuO) and aqueous Cu+, Cu+2 complexes using periodic and molecular hybrid density functional theory to predict the equilibrium isotopic fractionation of Cu resulting from oxidation of Cu+ to Cu+2 and by complexation of dissolved Cu. Among the various copper(II) complexes in aqueous environments, there is a significant (1.3‰) range in the reduced partition function ratios. Oxidation and congruent dissolution of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) to dissolved Cu+2 (as Cu(H2O)5+2) yields 65-63δ(Cu+2-CuFeS2) = 3.1‰ at 25 °C; however, chalcopyrite oxidation/dissolution is incongruent so that the observed isotopic fractionation will be less. Secondary precipitation of cuprite (Cu2O) would yield further enrichment of dissolved 65Cu since 65-63δ(Cu+2-Cu2O) is 1.2‰ at 25 °C. However, precipitation of tenorite (CuO) will favor the heavy isotope by +1.0‰ making dissolved Cu isotopically lighter. These are upper-limit estimates for equilibrium fractionation. Therefore, the extremely large (9‰) fractionations between dissolved Cu+2 (or Cu+2 minerals) and primary Cu+ sulfides observed in supergene environments must reflect Rayleigh (open-system) or kinetic fractionation. Finally the previously proposed (Asael et al., 2009) use of δ65Cu in chalcopyrite to estimate the oxidation state of fluids that transported Cu in stratiform sediment-hosted copper deposits is refined.

Ultra-broadband microwave metamaterial absorber based on resistive sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Y. J.; Yoo, Y. J.; Hwang, J. S.; Lee, Y. P.

2017-01-01

We investigate a broadband perfect absorber for microwave frequencies, with a wide incident angle, using resistive sheets, based on both simulation and experiment. The absorber uses periodically-arranged meta-atoms, consisting of snake-shape metallic patterns and metal planes separated by three resistive sheet layers between four dielectric layers. We demonstrate the mechanism of the broadband by impedance matching with free space, and the distribution of surface currents at specific frequencies. In simulation, the absorption was over 96% in 1.4-6.0 GHz. The corresponding experimental absorption band over 96% was 1.4-4.0 GHz, however, the absorption was lower than 96% in the 4.0-6.0 GHz range because of the rather irregular thickness of the resistive sheets. Furthermore, it works for wide incident angles and is relatively independent of polarization. The design is scalable to smaller sizes in the THz range. The results of this study show potential for real applications in prevention of microwave frequency exposure, with devices such as cell phones, monitors, and microwave equipment.

Absorbing boundary layers for spin wave micromagnetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkat, G.; Fangohr, H.; Prabhakar, A.

2018-03-01

Micromagnetic simulations are used to investigate the effects of different absorbing boundary layers (ABLs) on spin waves (SWs) reflected from the edges of a magnetic nano-structure. We define the conditions that a suitable ABL must fulfill and compare the performance of abrupt, linear, polynomial and tan hyperbolic damping profiles in the ABL. We first consider normal incidence in a permalloy stripe and propose a transmission line model to quantify reflections and calculate the loss introduced into the stripe due to the ABL. We find that a parabolic damping profile absorbs the SW energy efficiently and has a low reflection coefficient, thus performing much better than the commonly used abrupt damping profile. We then investigated SWs that are obliquely incident at 26.6 °, 45 ° and 63.4 ° on the edge of a yttrium-iron-garnet film. The parabolic damping profile again performs efficiently by showing a high SW energy transfer to the ABL and a low reflected SW amplitude.

Optical fiber humidity sensor based on evanescent-wave scattering.

PubMed

Xu, Lina; Fanguy, Joseph C; Soni, Krunal; Tao, Shiquan

2004-06-01

The phenomenon of evanescent-wave scattering (EWS) is used to design an optical-fiber humidity sensor. Porous solgel silica (PSGS) coated on the surface of a silica optical-fiber core scatters evanescent waves that penetrate the coating layer. Water molecules in the gas phase surrounding the optical fiber can be absorbed into the inner surface of the pores of the porous silica. The absorbed water molecules form a thin layer of liquid water on the inner surface of the porous silica and enhance the EWS. The amount of water absorbed into the PSGS coating is in dynamic equilibrium with the water-vapor pressure in the gas phase. Therefore the humidity in the air can be quantitatively determined with fiber-optic EWS caused by the PSGS coating. The humidity sensor reported here is fast in response, reversible, and has a wide dynamic range. The possible interference caused by EWS to an optical-fiber gas sensor with a reagent-doped PSGS coating as a transducer is also discussed.

Combinatorial chemical bath deposition of CdS contacts for chalcogenide photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Mokurala, Krishnaiah; Baranowski, Lauryn L.; de Souza Lucas, Francisco W.; ...

2016-08-01

Contact layers play an important role in thin film solar cells, but new material development and optimization of its thickness is usually a long and tedious process. A high-throughput experimental approach has been used to accelerate the rate of research in photovoltaic (PV) light absorbers and transparent conductive electrodes, however the combinatorial research on contact layers is less common. Here, we report on the chemical bath deposition (CBD) of CdS thin films by combinatorial dip coating technique and apply these contact layers to Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGSe) and Cu 2ZnSnSe 4 (CZTSe) light absorbers in PV devices. Combinatorial thickness steps ofmore » CdS thin films were achieved by removal of the substrate from the chemical bath, at regular intervals of time, and in equal distance increments. The trends in the photoconversion efficiency and in the spectral response of the PV devices as a function of thickness of CdS contacts were explained with the help of optical and morphological characterization of the CdS thin films. The maximum PV efficiency achieved for the combinatorial dip-coating CBD was similar to that for the PV devices processed using conventional CBD. Finally, the results of this study lead to the conclusion that combinatorial dip-coating can be used to accelerate the optimization of PV device performance of CdS and other candidate contact layers for a wide range of emerging absorbers.« less

Quantitative analysis of optical and recombination losses in Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin-film solar cells

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

Kosyachenko, L. A., E-mail: lakos@chv.ukrpack.net; Lytvynenko, V. Yu.; Maslyanchuk, O. L.

2016-04-15

Optical and recombination losses in a Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin-film solar cell with a band gap of 1.36–1.38 eV are theoretically analyzed. The optical transmittance of the ZnO and CdS layers through which the radiation penetrates into the absorbing layer is determined. Using optical constants, the optical loss caused by reflection at the interfaces (7.5%) and absorption in the ZnO and CdS layers (10.2%) are found. To calculate the recombination loss, the spectral distribution of the quantum efficiency of CdS/CuIn{sub 1–x}Ga{sub x}Se{sub 2} is investigated. It is demonstrated that, taking the drift and diffusion components of recombination at the front andmore » rear surfaces of the absorber into account, the quantum efficiency spectra of the investigated solar cell can be analytically described in detail. The real parameters of the solar cell are determined by comparing the calculated results and experimental data. In addition, the losses caused by the recombination of photogenerated carriers at the front and rear surfaces of the absorbing layer (1.8% and <0.1%, respectively), at its neutral part (7.6%), and in the space-charge region of the p–n heterojunction (1.0%) are determined. A correction to the parameters of Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} is proposed, which enhances the charge-accumulation efficiency.« less

Superabsorbent Multilayer Fabric

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coreale, J. V.; Dawn, F. S.

1982-01-01

Material contains gel-forming polymer and copolymer that absorb from 70 to 200 times their weight of liquid. Superabsorbent Polymer and Copolymer form gels to bind and retain liquid in multiply fabric. Until reaction between liquid and absorbent masses forms gel, backing layer retains liquids within fabric; also allows material to "breathe." Possible applications include baby diapers, female hygiene napkins, and hospital bedpads. Might also have uses in improvement of dry soil.

Publications - SR 58 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

; Arsenopyrite; Barite; Base Metals; Big Delta; Bismuth; Chalcopyrite; Chicken Pluton; Cliff Mine; Coal ; Delta Junction; Diamond Drilling; Diamonds; Donlin Creek; Drift Mine; Drilling; Duke Island; Economic

Short-length and high-density TiO2 nanorod arrays for the efficient charge separation interface in perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Guannan; Shi, Chengwu; Zhang, Zhengguo; Li, Nannan; Li, Long

2017-05-01

The TiO2 nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 μm-2 were firstly prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. Over-500 nm-thickness CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx absorber layers were successfully obtained by sequential deposition routes using 1.7 M PbI2·DMSO complex precursor solution and 0.465 M isopropanol solution of the methylammonium halide mixture with the molar ratio of CH3NH3I/CH3NH3Br=85/15. The perovskite solar cells based on the TiO2 nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO2 nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% at the relative humidity of 50-54%.

Passivation of black phosphorus saturable absorbers for reliable pulse formation of fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Dongsoo; Park, Kichul; Park, Ki-Hwan; Song, Yong-Won

2017-11-01

Black phosphorus (BP) has attracted increasing attention due to its unique electrical properties. In addition, the outstanding optical nonlinearity of BP has been demonstrated in various ways. Its functionality as a saturable absorber, in particular, has been validated in demonstrations of passive mode-locked lasers. However, normally, the performance of BP is degraded eventually by both thermal and chemical damage in ambient conditions. The passivation of BP is the critical issue to guarantee a stable performance of the optical devices. We quantitatively characterized the mode-locked lasers operated by BP saturable absorbers with diversified passivation materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or Al2O3, considering the atomic structure of the materials, and therefore the hydro-permeability of the passivation layers. Unlike the BP layers without passivation, we demonstrated that the Al2O3-passivated BP layer was protected from the surface oxidation reaction in the long-term, and the PDMS-passivated one had a short-term blocking effect. The quantitative analysis showed that the time-dependent characteristics of the pulsed laser without passivation were changed with respect to the pulse duration, spectral width, and time-bandwidth product displaying 550 fs, 2.8 nm, and 0.406, respectively. With passivation, the changes were limited to <43 fs, <0.3 nm, and <0.012, respectively.

Correlation between the physical parameters of the i-nc-Si absorber layer grown by 27.12 MHz plasma with the nc-Si solar cell parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Debajyoti; Mondal, Praloy

2017-09-01

Growth of highly conducting nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) thin films of optimum crystalline volume fraction, involving dominant <220> crystallographic preferred orientation with simultaneous low fraction of microstructures at a low substrate temperature and high growth rate, is a challenging task for its promising utilization in nc-Si solar cells. Utilizing enhanced electron density and superior ion flux densities of the high frequency (∼27.12 MHz) SiH4 plasma, improved nc-Si films have been produced by simple optimization of H2-dilution, controlling the ion damage and enhancing supply of atomic-hydrogen onto the growing surface. Single junction nc-Si p-i-n solar cells have been prepared with i-nc-Si absorber layer and optimized. The physical parameters of the absorber layer have been systematically correlated to variations of the solar cell parameters. The preferred <220> alignment of crystallites, its contribution to the low recombination losses for conduction of charge carriers along the vertical direction, its spectroscopic correlation with the dominant growth of ultra-nanocrystalline silicon (unc-Si) component and corresponding longer wavelength absorption, especially in the neighborhood of i/n-interface region recognize scientific and technological key issues that pave the ground for imminent advancement of multi-junction silicon solar cells.

Passivation of black phosphorus saturable absorbers for reliable pulse formation of fiber lasers.

PubMed

Na, Dongsoo; Park, Kichul; Park, Ki-Hwan; Song, Yong-Won

2017-11-24

Black phosphorus (BP) has attracted increasing attention due to its unique electrical properties. In addition, the outstanding optical nonlinearity of BP has been demonstrated in various ways. Its functionality as a saturable absorber, in particular, has been validated in demonstrations of passive mode-locked lasers. However, normally, the performance of BP is degraded eventually by both thermal and chemical damage in ambient conditions. The passivation of BP is the critical issue to guarantee a stable performance of the optical devices. We quantitatively characterized the mode-locked lasers operated by BP saturable absorbers with diversified passivation materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or Al 2 O 3 , considering the atomic structure of the materials, and therefore the hydro-permeability of the passivation layers. Unlike the BP layers without passivation, we demonstrated that the Al 2 O 3 -passivated BP layer was protected from the surface oxidation reaction in the long-term, and the PDMS-passivated one had a short-term blocking effect. The quantitative analysis showed that the time-dependent characteristics of the pulsed laser without passivation were changed with respect to the pulse duration, spectral width, and time-bandwidth product displaying 550 fs, 2.8 nm, and 0.406, respectively. With passivation, the changes were limited to <43 fs, <0.3 nm, and <0.012, respectively.

Independently tunable dual-band perfect absorber based on graphene at mid-infrared frequencies

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Yuping; Li, Tongtong; Chen, Qi; ...

2015-12-22

We design a dual-band absorber formed by combining two cross-shaped metallic resonators of different sizes within a super-unit-cell arranged in mirror symmetry. Simulations indicate that absorption efficiencies greater than 99% can be achieved at two different frequencies under normal incidence. We also employ a design scheme with graphene integration, which allows independent tuning of individual absorption frequencies by electrostatically changing the Fermi energy of the graphene layer. High absorbance is maintained over a wide incident angle range up to 50 degrees for both TE and TM polarizations. Thus, it enables a promising way to design electrically tunable absorbers, which maymore » contribute toward the realization of frequency selective detectors for sensing applications.« less

Light Absorption Enhancement of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Devices with Multiple Bandgap Structures of Porous Silicon

PubMed Central

Wu, Kuen-Hsien; Li, Chong-Wei

2015-01-01

Porous-silicon (PS) multi-layered structures with three stacked PS layers of different porosity were prepared on silicon (Si) substrates by successively tuning the electrochemical-etching parameters in an anodization process. The three PS layers have different optical bandgap energy and construct a triple-layered PS (TLPS) structure with multiple bandgap energy. Photovoltaic devices were fabricated by depositing aluminum electrodes of Schottky contacts on the surfaces of the developed TLPS structures. The TLPS-based devices exhibit broadband photoresponses within the spectrum of the solar irradiation and get high photocurrent for the incident light of a tungsten lamp. The improved spectral responses of devices are owing to the multi-bandgap structures of TLPS, which are designed with a layered configuration analog to a tandem cell for absorbing a wider energy range of the incidental sun light. The large photocurrent is mainly ascribed to an enhanced light-absorption ability as a result of applying nanoporous-Si thin films as the surface layers to absorb the short-wavelength light and to improve the Schottky contacts of devices. Experimental results reveal that the multi-bandgap PS structures produced from electrochemical-etching of Si wafers are potentially promising for development of highly efficient Si-based solar cells. PMID:28793542

Surface plasmon enhanced SWIR absorption at the ultra n-doped substrate/PbSe nanostructure layer interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wittenberg, Vladimir; Rosenblit, Michael; Sarusi, Gabby

2017-08-01

This work presents simulation results of the plasmon enhanced absorption that can be achieved in the short wavelength infrared (SWIR - 1200 nm to 1800 nm) spectral range at the interface between ultra-heavily doped substrates and a PbSe nanostructure non-epitaxial growth absorbing layer. The absorption enhancement simulated in this study is due to surface plasmon polariton (SPP) excitation at the interface between these ultra-heavily n-doped GaAs or GaN substrates, which are nearly semimetals to SWIR light, and an absorption layer made of PbSe nano-spheres or nano-columns. The ultra-heavily doped GaAs or GaN substrates are simulated as examples, based on the Drude-Lorentz permittivity model. In the simulation, the substrates and the absorption layer were patterned jointly to forma blazed lattice, and then were back-illuminated using SWIR with a central wavelength of 1500 nm. The maximal field enhancement achieved was 17.4 with a penetration depth of 40 nm. Thus, such architecture of an ultra-heavily doped semiconductor and infrared absorbing layer can further increase the absorption due to the plasmonic enhanced absorption effect in the SWIR spectral band without the need to use a metallic layer as in the case of visible light.

Short-length and high-density TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays for the efficient charge separation interface in perovskite solar cells

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

Xiao, Guannan; Shi, Chengwu, E-mail: shicw506@foxmail.com; Zhang, Zhengguo

The TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 µm{sup −2} were firstly prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. Over-500 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layers were successfully obtained by sequential deposition routes using 1.7 M PbI{sub 2}·DMSO complex precursor solution and 0.465 M isopropanol solution of the methylammonium halide mixture with the molar ratio of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}I/CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}Br=85/15. The perovskite solar cellsmore » based on the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% at the relative humidity of 50–54%. - Graphical abstract: The TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 µm{sup −2} were prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. The optimal annealing temperature of TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays was 450 °C. The perovskite solar cells based on the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93% and the average PCE of 13.41±2.52%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% and the average PCE of 10.54±2.28% at the relative humidity of 50–54%. - Highlights: • Preparation of TiO{sub 2} nanorod array with length of 70 nm and density of 1000 µm{sup −2}. • Influence of annealing temperatures on the -OH content of TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays. • Preparation of over-500 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer. • Combination of short-length TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and high-thickness perovskite layer. • The best and average PCE with TiO{sub 2} array of 15.93% and 13.41±2.52% at 50–54% RH.« less

Positive temperature variation of the bandgap energy in the single-crystalline chalcopyrite semiconductor AgInS{sub 2}

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

Ozaki, Shunji, E-mail: ozaki@el.gunma-u.ac.jp; Horikoshi, Yoshimichi

2014-02-07

Optical absorption spectra have been measured on the single-crystalline chalcopyrite semiconductor AgInS{sub 2} using polarized light at T = 10–300 K. The bandgap energy E{sub g} of AgInS{sub 2} shows unusual temperature dependence at low temperatures. The resultant temperature coefficient ∂E{sub g}/∂T is found to be positive at T < 130 K and negative above 130 K. This result has been successfully explained by considering the effects of thermal expansion and electron–phonon interaction. The free-exciton emission of photoluminescence spectra also indicates positive temperature dependence of the peak energies at low temperatures. The exciton binding energy of AgInS{sub 2} is determined to be 26.4 meV.

The effect of processing on the properties of CuInS2 nanomaterials synthesized by simple hot injection route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qin-Miao; Zhou, Fang-Fang; Yuan, Hong-Chun; Chen, Jin; Ni, Yi; Zhu, Xi-Fang; Dou, Xiao-Ming

2017-07-01

Chalcopyrite and wurtzite CuInS2 (CIS) nanomaterials were synthesized from Cu2+, In3+, thiourea with or without triethanolamine (TEA) by simple hot injection method at low temperature. The effect of synthesis duration on the various properties of the synthesized CIS nanomaterials was studied. It shows that for chalcopyrite CIS, the optimal synthesis duration is 60 min and the synthesized nanomaterial is in spherical shape with diameter of about 90 nm. However, for the wurtzite CIS, the optimal synthesis duration should reach 150 min and the synthesized nanomaterial looks like nanoplate with thicknesses of ˜10 nm and diameters near 100 nm. The photovoltaic characteristics of two types of nanomaterials are quite different. This study may contribute to the synthesis of CIS nanomaterials at low temperatures.

Prediction of electronic and optical properties of ZnAl2Te4 defect chalcopyrite semiconductor: an ab-initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayengbam, Rishikanta; Tripathy, S. K.; Pandey, B. P.

2018-03-01

In this paper, we have investigated the structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnAl2Te4 defect chalcopyrite semiconductor using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within density functional theory (DFT). We have calculated the optimized lattice constants (a and c) and compared with the available experimental values. The optimized lattice constants have been used to calculate the energy band gap and found to be 1.57 eV. The partial density of states and total density of states have been discussed in detail. The frequency dependent dielectric constant and refractive index have been calculated and plotted in the energy range 0-13 eV. All the above parameters have been compared with the available experimental and theoretical values and found good agreement between them.

Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor films for solar cell application

DOEpatents

Basol, Bulent M.; Kapur, Vijay K.

1991-01-01

This invention relates to an improved thin film solar cell with excellent electrical and mechanical integrity. The device comprises a substrate, a Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor absorber layer and a transparent window layer. The mechanical bond between the substrate and the Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor layer is enhanced by an intermediate layer between the substrate and the Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor film being grown. The intermediate layer contains tellurium or substitutes therefor, such as Se, Sn, or Pb. The intermediate layer improves the morphology and electrical characteristics of the Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor layer.

ISO ammonia line absorption reveals a layer of hot gas veiling Sgr B2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceccarelli, C.; Baluteau, J.-P.; Walmsley, M.; Swinyard, B. M.; Caux, E.; Sidher, S. D.; Cox, P.; Gry, C.; Kessler, M.; Prusti, T.

2002-02-01

We report the first results of the unbiased spectral high resolution survey obtained towards Sgr B2 with the Long Wavelength Spectrometer on board ISO. The survey detected more than one hundreds lines from several molecules. Ammonia is the molecule with the largest number (21) of detected lines in the survey. We detected NH3 transitions from levels with energies from 45 to 500 cm-1. The detected transitions are from both para and ortho ammonia and metastable and non-metastable levels. All the ammonia lines are in absortion against the FIR continuum of Sgr B2. With such a large number of detected lines in such a large range of energy levels, we could very efficiently constrain the main parameters of the absorbing gas layer. The gas is at (700 +/- 100) K and has a density lower than 104 cm-3. The total NH3 column density in the layer is (3+/- 1) x 1016 cm-2, equally shared between ortho and para ammonia. Given the derived relatively high gas temperature and ammonia column density, our observations support the hypothesis previously proposed of a layer of shocked gas between us and Sgr B2. We also discuss previous observations of far infrared line absorption from other molecules, like H2O and HF, in the light of this hot absorbing layer. If the absorption is done by the hot absorbing layer rather than by the warm envelope surrounding Sgr B2, as was previously supposed in order to interpret the mentioned observations, the derived H2O and HF abundances are one order of magitude larger than previously estimated. Yet, the present H2O and HF observations do not allow one to disentangle the absorption from the hot layer against the warm envelope. Our conclusions are hence that care should be applied when interpreting the absorption observations in Sgr B2, as the hot layer clearly seen in the ammonia transitions may substantially contribute to the absorption. ISO is an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.

Reflection by absorbing periodically stratified media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lekner, John

2014-03-01

Existing theory gives the optical properties of a periodically stratified medium in terms of a two by two matrix. This theory is valid also for absorbing media, because the matrix remains unimodular. The main effect of absorption is that the reflection (of either polarization) becomes independent of the number of periods N, and of the substrate properties, provided N exceeds a certain value which depends on the absorption. The s and p reflections are then given by simple formulae. The stop-band structure, which gives total reflection in bands of frequency and angle of incidence in the non-absorbing case, remains influential in weakly absorbing media, causing strong variations in reflectivity. The theory is applied to the frequency dependence of the normal-incidence reflectivity of a quarter-wave stack in which the high-index and low-index layers both absorb weakly. Analytical expressions are obtained for the frequency at which the reflectivity is maximum, the maximum reflectivity, and also for the reflectivity at the band edges of the stop band of the non-absorbing stack.

Friction and work function oscillatory behavior for an even and odd number of layers in polycrystalline MoS 2

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

Lavini, Francesco; Calò, Annalisa; Gao, Yang

We report on a new oscillatory behavior of nanoscopic friction in continuous polycrystalline MoS 2 films for an odd and even number of atomic layers, related to the different in-plane polarization of crystalline grains and different capability of absorbing charged molecules.

Method to generate high efficient devices which emit high quality light for illumination

DOEpatents

Krummacher, Benjamin C.; Mathai, Mathew; Choong, Vi-En; Choulis, Stelios A.

2009-06-30

An electroluminescent apparatus includes an OLED device emitting light in the blue and green spectrums, and at least one down conversion layer. The down conversion layer absorbs at least part of the green spectrum light and emits light in at least one of the orange spectra and red spectra.

Friction and work function oscillatory behavior for an even and odd number of layers in polycrystalline MoS 2

DOE PAGES

Lavini, Francesco; Calò, Annalisa; Gao, Yang; ...

2018-01-01

We report on a new oscillatory behavior of nanoscopic friction in continuous polycrystalline MoS 2 films for an odd and even number of atomic layers, related to the different in-plane polarization of crystalline grains and different capability of absorbing charged molecules.

Microwave reflection, transmission, and absorption by human brain tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, M. A.; Akhlaghipour, N.; Zarei, M.; Niknam, A. R.

2018-04-01

These days, the biological effects of electromagnetic (EM) radiations on the brain, especially in the frequency range of mobile communications, have caught the attention of many scientists. Therefore, in this paper, the propagation of mobile phone electromagnetic waves in the brain tissues is investigated analytically and numerically. The brain is modeled by three layers consisting of skull, grey and white matter. First, we have analytically calculated the microwave reflection, transmission, and absorption coefficients using signal flow graph technique. The effect of microwave frequency and variations in the thickness of layers on the propagation of microwave through brain are studied. Then, the penetration of microwave in the layers is numerically investigated by Monte Carlo method. It is shown that the analytical results are in good agreement with those obtained by Monte Carlo method. Our results indicate the absorbed microwave energy depends on microwave frequency and thickness of brain layers, and the absorption coefficient is optimized at a number of frequencies. These findings can be used for comparing the microwave absorbed energy in a child's and adult's brain.

Enhanced Carrier Collection from CdS Passivated Grains in Solution-Processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells.

PubMed

Werner, Melanie; Keller, Debora; Haass, Stefan G; Gretener, Christina; Bissig, Benjamin; Fuchs, Peter; La Mattina, Fabio; Erni, Rolf; Romanyuk, Yaroslav E; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2015-06-10

Solution processing of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe)-kesterite solar cells is attractive because of easy manufacturing using readily available metal salts. The solution-processed CZTSSe absorbers, however, often suffer from poor morphology with a bilayer structure, exhibiting a dense top crust and a porous bottom layer, albeit yielding efficiencies of over 10%. To understand whether the cell performance is limited by this porous layer, a systematic compositional study using (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of the dimethyl sulfoxide processed CZTSSe absorbers is presented. TEM investigation revealed a thin layer of CdS that is formed around the small CZTSSe grains in the porous bottom layer during the chemical bath deposition step. This CdS passivation is found to be beneficial for the cell performance as it increases the carrier collection and facilitates the electron transport. Electron-beam-induced current measurements reveal an enhanced carrier collection for this buried region as compared to reference cells with evaporated CdS.

Melanoma thickness measurement in two-layer tissue phantoms using pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tianyi; Qiu, Jinze; Paranjape, Amit; Milner, Thomas E.

2009-02-01

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin. Melanoma is one of the rarer types of skin cancer but causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths. The staging of malignant melanoma using Breslow thickness is important because of the relationship to survival rate after five years. Pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR) is based on the time-resolved acquisition of infrared (IR) emission from a sample after pulsed laser exposure. PPTR can be used to investigate the relationship between melanoma thickness and detected radiometric temperature using two-layer tissue phantoms. We used a Monte Carlo simulation to mimic light transport in melanoma and employed a three-dimensional heat transfer model to obtain simulated radiometric temperature increase and, in comparison, we also conducted PPTR experiments to confirm our simulation results. Simulation and experimental results show similar trends: thicker absorbing layers corresponding to deeper lesions produce slower radiometric temperature decays. A quantitative relationship exists between PPTR radiometric temperature decay time and thickness of the absorbing layer in tissue phantoms.

Combining linear polarization spectroscopy and the Representative Layer Theory to measure the Beer-Lambert law absorbance of highly scattering materials.

PubMed

Gobrecht, Alexia; Bendoula, Ryad; Roger, Jean-Michel; Bellon-Maurel, Véronique

2015-01-01

Visible and Near Infrared (Vis-NIR) Spectroscopy is a powerful non destructive analytical method used to analyze major compounds in bulk materials and products and requiring no sample preparation. It is widely used in routine analysis and also in-line in industries, in-vivo with biomedical applications or in-field for agricultural and environmental applications. However, highly scattering samples subvert Beer-Lambert law's linear relationship between spectral absorbance and the concentrations. Instead of spectral pre-processing, which is commonly used by Vis-NIR spectroscopists to mitigate the scattering effect, we put forward an optical method, based on Polarized Light Spectroscopy to improve the absorbance signal measurement on highly scattering samples. This method selects part of the signal which is less impacted by scattering. The resulted signal is combined in the Absorption/Remission function defined in Dahm's Representative Layer Theory to compute an absorbance signal fulfilling Beer-Lambert's law, i.e. being linearly related to concentration of the chemicals composing the sample. The underpinning theories have been experimentally evaluated on scattering samples in liquid form and in powdered form. The method produced more accurate spectra and the Pearson's coefficient assessing the linearity between the absorbance spectra and the concentration of the added dye improved from 0.94 to 0.99 for liquid samples and 0.84-0.97 for powdered samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Method of removing oxides of sulfur and oxides of nitrogen from exhaust gases

DOEpatents

Walker, Richard J.

1986-01-01

A continuous method is presented for removing both oxides of sulfur and oxides of nitrogen from combustion or exhaust gases with the regeneration of the absorbent. Exhaust gas is cleaned of particulates and HCl by a water scrub prior to contact with a liquid absorbent that includes an aqueous solution of bisulfite and sulfite ions along with a metal chelate, such as, an iron or zinc aminopolycarboxylic acid. Following contact with the combustion gases the spent absorbent is subjected to electrodialysis to transfer bisulfite ions into a sulfuric acid solution while splitting water with hydroxide and hydrogen ion migration to equalize electrical charge. The electrodialysis stack includes alternate layers of anion selective and bipolar membranes. Oxides of nitrogen are removed from the liquid absorbent by air stripping at an elevated temperature and the regenerated liquid absorbent is returned to contact with exhaust gases for removal of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.

Eliminating the non-Gaussian spectral response of X-ray absorbers for transition-edge sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Daikang; Divan, Ralu; Gades, Lisa M.; Kenesei, Peter; Madden, Timothy J.; Miceli, Antonino; Park, Jun-Sang; Patel, Umeshkumar M.; Quaranta, Orlando; Sharma, Hemant; Bennett, Douglas A.; Doriese, William B.; Fowler, Joseph W.; Gard, Johnathon D.; Hays-Wehle, James P.; Morgan, Kelsey M.; Schmidt, Daniel R.; Swetz, Daniel S.; Ullom, Joel N.

2017-11-01

Transition-edge sensors (TESs) as microcalorimeters for high-energy-resolution X-ray spectroscopy are often fabricated with an absorber made of materials with high Z (for X-ray stopping power) and low heat capacity (for high resolving power). Bismuth represents one of the most compelling options. TESs with evaporated bismuth absorbers have shown spectra with undesirable and unexplained low-energy tails. We have developed TESs with electroplated bismuth absorbers over a gold layer that are not afflicted by this problem and that retain the other positive aspects of this material. To better understand these phenomena, we have studied a series of TESs with gold, gold/evaporated bismuth, and gold/electroplated bismuth absorbers, fabricated on the same die with identical thermal coupling. We show that the bismuth morphology is linked to the spectral response of X-ray TES microcalorimeters.

Eliminating the non-Gaussian spectral response of X-ray absorbers for transition-edge sensors

DOE PAGES

Divan, Ralu; Gades, Lisa M.; Kenesei, Peter; ...

2017-11-08

Transition-edge sensors (TESs) as microcalorimeters for high-energy-resolution X-ray spectroscopy are often fabricated with an absorber made of materials with high Z (for X-ray stopping power) and low heat capacity (for high resolving power). Bismuth represents one of the most compelling options. TESs with evaporated bismuth absorbers have shown spectra with undesirable and unexplained low-energy tails. We have developed TESs with electroplated bismuth absorbers over a gold layer that are not afflicted by this problem and that retain the other positive aspects of this material. To better understand these phenomena, we have studied a series of TESs with gold, gold/evaporated bismuth,more » and gold/electroplated bismuth absorbers, fabricated on the same die with identical thermal coupling. Lastly, we show that the bismuth morphology is linked to the spectral response of X-ray TES microcalorimeters.« less

Eliminating the non-Gaussian spectral response of X-ray absorbers for transition-edge sensors

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

Divan, Ralu; Gades, Lisa M.; Kenesei, Peter

Transition-edge sensors (TESs) as microcalorimeters for high-energy-resolution X-ray spectroscopy are often fabricated with an absorber made of materials with high Z (for X-ray stopping power) and low heat capacity (for high resolving power). Bismuth represents one of the most compelling options. TESs with evaporated bismuth absorbers have shown spectra with undesirable and unexplained low-energy tails. We have developed TESs with electroplated bismuth absorbers over a gold layer that are not afflicted by this problem and that retain the other positive aspects of this material. To better understand these phenomena, we have studied a series of TESs with gold, gold/evaporated bismuth,more » and gold/electroplated bismuth absorbers, fabricated on the same die with identical thermal coupling. Lastly, we show that the bismuth morphology is linked to the spectral response of X-ray TES microcalorimeters.« less

Self-Cooling Gradient Shell for Body Armor

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-10

Silica gel 2.1 Filter paper pocket (no absorbent) 2.0 2 g Silica gel (150-Å pore size) + 2 g sodium polyacrylate (SPA) in filter paper pocket 2.7...layer of filter paper improved the temperature difference by an additional 0.5 °C. More-absorbent materials, such as sodium polyacrylate (SPA) or... sodium polyacrylate SPM scanning probe microscopy µm micrometer Wm-2 watts per square meter °C degrees Celsius

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