Conductor-backed coplanar waveguide resonators of Y-Ba-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O on LaAlO3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, F. A.; Bhasin, K. B.; Stan, M. A.; Kong, K. S.; Itoh, T.

1992-01-01

Conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) resonators operating at 10.8 GHz have been fabricated from Tl-Ba-Ca-O (TBCCO) and Y-Ba-Cu-O (YBCO) thin films on LaAlO3. The resonators consist of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) patterned on the superconducting film side of the LaAlO3 substrate with a gold ground plane coated on the opposite side. These resonators were tested in the temperature range from 14 to 106 K. At 77 K, the best of our TBCCO and YBCO resonators have an unloaded quality factor (Qo) 7 and 4 times, respectively, larger than that of a similar all-gold resonator. In this study, the Qo's of the TBCCO resonators were larger than those of their YBCO counterparts throughout the aforementioned temperature range.

Laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) high temperature superconductor coplanar waveguide resonator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valco, G. J.; Blemker, A. R.; Bhasin, K. B.

1992-01-01

Several 8.8-GHz coplanar waveguide resonators are fabricated and tested that are made from laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films on LaAlO3 substrates. A quality factor of 1250 at 77 K was measured. A correlation between the microwave performance of the resonators and the critical temperature and morphology of the films was observed.

Attenuation of epsilon(sub eff) of coplanar waveguide transmission lines on silicon substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taub, Susan R.; Young, Paul G.

1993-01-01

Attenuation and epsilon(sub eff) of Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) transmission lines were measured on Silicon substrates with resistivities ranging from 400 to greater than 30,000 ohm-cm, that have a 1000 angstrom coating of SiO2. Both attenuation and epsilon(sub eff) are given over the frequency range 5 to 40 GHz for various strip and slot widths. These measured values are also compared to the theoretical values.

High-speed electro-optic switch based on nonlinear polymer-clad waveguide incorporated with quasi-in-plane coplanar waveguide electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ming-Hui; Wang, Xi-Bin; Xu, Qiang; Li, Ming; Niu, Dong-Hai; Sun, Xiao-Qiang; Wang, Fei; Li, Zhi-Yong; Zhang, Da-Ming

2018-01-01

Nonlinear optical (NLO) polymer is a promising material for active waveguide devices that can provide large bandwidth and high-speed response time. However, the performance of the active devices is not only related to the waveguide materials, but also related to the waveguide and electrode structures. In this paper, a high-speed Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) type of electro-optic (EO) switch based on NLO polymer-clad waveguide was fabricated. The quasi-in-plane coplanar waveguide electrodes were also introduced to enhance the poling and modulating efficiency. The characteristic parameters of the waveguide and electrode were carefully designed and simulated. The switches were fabricated by the conventional micro-fabrication process. Under 1550-nm operating wavelength, a typical fabricated switch showed a low insertion loss of 10.2 dB, and the switching rise time and fall time were 55.58 and 57.98 ns, respectively. The proposed waveguide and electrode structures could be developed into other active EO devices and also used as the component in the polymer-based large-scale photonic integrated circuit.

Optical loss analysis and parameter optimization for fan-shaped single-polarization grating coupler at wavelength of 1.3 µm band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushida, Jun; Tokushima, Masatoshi; Sobu, Yohei; Shimura, Daisuke; Yashiki, Kenichiro; Takahashi, Shigeki; Kurata, Kazuhiko

2018-05-01

Fan-shaped grating couplers (F-GCs) can be smaller than straight ones but are less efficient in general in coupling to single-mode fibers. To find a small F-GC with sufficiently high fiber-coupling characteristics, we numerically compared the dependencies of coupling efficiencies on wavelengths, the starting width of gratings, and misalignment distances among 25, 45, and 60° tapered angles of fan shape by using the three-dimensional finite-difference time domain method. A F-GC with a tapered angle of 25° exhibited the highest performances for all dependencies. The optical loss origins of F-GCs were discussed in terms of the electric field structures in them and scattering at the joint between the fan-shaped slab and channel waveguide. We fabricated an optimized 25° F-GC by using ArF photolithography, which almost exactly reproduced the optical coupling efficiency and radiation angle characteristics that were numerically expected.

A V-band wafer probe using ridge-trough waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godshalk, Edward M.

1991-12-01

A V-band (50-75 GHz) wafer probe is presented. The probe features a type of waveguide developed to allow transition from rectangular waveguide to coplanar waveguide. The waveguide consists of a ridge extending from the upper waveguide wall into a trough in the lower waveguide wall, and is known as the ridge-trough waveguide. A mathematical model is presented that allows important properties of the ridge-trough waveguide, such as the cutoff frequency and characteristic impedance, to be calculated.

Folded Coplanar Waveguide Slot Antenna on Silicon Substrates With a Polyimide Interface Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacon, Andrew; Ponchak, George E.; Papapolymerou, John; Bushyager, Nathan; Tentzeris, Manos; Williams, W. D. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A novel mm-wave Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) folded slot antenna is characterized on low-resistivity Si substrate (1 omega-cm) and a high resistivity Si substrate with a polyimide interface layer for the first time. The antenna resonates around 30 GHz with a return loss greater than 14.6 dB. Measured radiation patterns indicate the existence of a main lobe, but the radiation pattern is affected by a strong surface wave mode, which is greater in the high resistivity Si wafer.

New coplanar waveguide feed network for 2 x 2 linearly tapered slot antenna subarray

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Perl, Thomas D.; Lee, Richard Q.

1992-01-01

A novel feed method is presently demonstrated for a 2 x 2 linearly tapered slot antenna (LTSA) on the basis of a coplanar-waveguide (CPW)-to-slotline transition and a coax-to-CPW in-phase, four-way power divider. The LTSA subarray exhibits excellent radiation patterns and return-loss characteristics at 18 GHz, and has symmetric beamwidth; its compactness renders it applicable as either a feed for a reflector antenna or as a building-block for large arrays.

Temperature Dependent Performance of Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) on Substrates of Various Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taub, Susan R.; Young, Paul

1994-01-01

The attenuation (a) and effective dielectric constant (E(sub eff)) of Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) transmission lines on high-resistivity silicon and diamond substrates as a function of both temperature and frequency are presented. The technique used to obtain the values for a and E(sub eff) involves the use of a unique cryogenic probe station designed and built by NASA. Attenuation of gold CPW lines on diamond substrates is compared with that of superconducting CPW lines.

Waveguide Transition for Submillimeter-Wave MMICs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leong, Kevin M.; Deal, William R.; Radisic, Vesna; Mei, Xiaobing; Uyeda, Jansen; Lai, Richard; Fung, King Man; Gaier, Todd C.

2009-01-01

An integrated waveguide-to-MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) chip operating in the 300-GHz range is designed to operate well on high-permittivity semiconductor substrates typical for an MMIC amplifier, and allows a wider MMIC substrate to be used, enabling integration with larger MMICs (power amplifiers). The waveguide-to- CBCPW (conductor-backed coplanar waveguide) transition topology is based on an integrated dipole placed in the E-plane of the waveguide module. It demonstrates low loss and good impedance matching. Measurement and simulation demonstrate that the loss of the transition and waveguide loss is less than 1-dB over a 340-to-380-GHz bandwidth. A transition is inserted along the propagation direction of the waveguide. This transition uses a planar dipole aligned with the maximum E-field of the TE10 waveguide mode as an inter face between the waveguide and the MMIC. Mode conversion between the coplanar striplines (CPS) that feed the dipole and the CBCPW transmission line is accomplished using a simple air-bridge structure. The bottom side ground plane is truncated at the same reference as the top-side ground plane, leaving the end of the MMIC suspended in air.

Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Power Divider with large Isolation.

PubMed

Zhou, Shiyan; Lin, Jing-Yu; Wong, Sai-Wai; Deng, Fei; Zhu, Lei; Yang, Yang; He, Yejun; Tu, Zhi-Hong

2018-04-13

Periodic corrugated metal structure is designed to support and propagate spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) wave in the microwave frequencies. In this paper, firstly a plasmonic waveguide consisting of oval-ring shaped cells is proposed with the performance of high transmission efficiency in a wide frequency range. The coplanar waveguides (CPWs) with 50 Ω impedance are adopted to feed the energies or extract signals at both ends of the plasmonic waveguide. Then a well-isolated power divider is constructed based on the SSPPs waveguides aiming to equally split the energy of the SSPPs wave into two equal parts. The stepped-impedances are co-designed with the three input/output ports of the power divider to achieve the impedance-matching between the SSPPs waveguides and the coplanar waveguides. Besides, a single resistor is placed in the middle of two symmetrical half oval-rings to realize the isolation between the two output ports over the spectrum of 4.5-7.5 GHz. Finally, both plasmonic waveguide and the power divider are fabricated and tested to verify the predicted characteristics.

Characteristics of Coplanar Waveguide on Sapphire for High Temperature Applications (25 to 400 degrees C)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.; Jordan, Jennifer L.; Scardelletti, Maximilian; Stalker, Amy R.

2007-01-01

This paper presents the characteristics of coplanar waveguide transmission lines fabricated on R-plane sapphire substrates as a function of temperature across the temperature range of 25 to 400 C. Effective permittivity and attenuation are measured on a high temperature probe station. Two techniques are used to obtain the transmission line characteristics, a Thru-Reflect-Line calibration technique that yields the propagation coefficient and resonant stubs. To a first order fit of the data, the effective permittivity and the attenuation increase linearly with temperature.

Coplanar waveguide metamaterials: The role of bandwidth modifying slots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibraheem, Ibraheem A.; Koch, Martin

2007-09-01

The authors propose a coplanar waveguide stopband metasurface based on the Babinet principle. The resulting layout is a compact planar metal structure with complementary split ring resonators, which exhibits a high rejection stop band. The complementary rings provide a frequency band with an effective negative dielectric permittivity. Moreover, the rejected bandwidth can be expanded by introducing slots close to the rings. The authors provide a simple physical model which explains the impact of the slots. Simulations confirm the expected behavior and are in excellent agreement with the measurements.

Packaging of microwave integrated circuits operating beyond 100 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, L.; Daniel, E.; Sokolov, V.; Sommerfeldt, S.; Bublitz, J.; Olson, K.; Gilbert, B.; Chow, D.

2002-01-01

Several methods of packaging high speed (75-330 GHz) InP HEMT MMIC devices are discussed. Coplanar wirebonding is presented with measured insertion loss of less than 0.5dB and return loss better than -17 dB from DC to 110 GHz. A motherboard/daughterboard packaging scheme is presented which supports minimum loss chains of MMICs using this coplanar wirebonding method. Split waveguide block packaging approaches are presented in G-band (140-220 GHz) with two types of MMIC-waveguide transitions: E-plane probe andantipodal finline.

Low-loss waveguides for THz guidance and devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, B. M. A.; Themistos, C.; Tanvir, H.; Uthman, M.; Quadir, A.; Markides, C.

2013-03-01

The terahertz (THz) region occupies a large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, located between the microwave and optical frequencies and normally is defined as the band ranging from 0.1 to 10 THz. In recent years, this intermediate THz radiation band has attracted considerable interest, because it offers significant scientific and technological potential for applications in many fields, such as sensing [1], imaging [2] and spectroscopy [3]. However, waveguiding in this intermediate spectral region is a major challenge and strong dielectric and conductive losses in the terahertz frequency range have been a major problem for waveguiding. The conventional guiding structures exemplified by microstrips, coplanar striplines and coplanar waveguides [4] are highly lossy and dispersive. However, so far the most promising dielectric waveguides have been the use of photonic crystal fibers at terahertz frequencies [5, 6] and metal coated guides [7] at terahertz frequencies. In this paper, various types of practical dielectric and metal coated waveguides are evaluated and design optimization of Quantum Cascade Lasers, MMI-based power splitters and narrow-band filters are presented, by using full-vectorial finite element method [8].

General technique for the integration of MIC/MMIC'S with waveguides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geller, Bernard D. (Inventor); Zaghloul, Amir I. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A technique for packaging and integrating of a microwave integrated circuit (MIC) or monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) with a waveguide uses a printed conductive circuit pattern on a dielectric substrate to transform impedance and mode of propagation between the MIC/MMIC and the waveguide. The virtually coplanar circuit pattern lies on an equipotential surface within the waveguide and therefore makes possible single or dual polarized mode structures.

100 GHz pulse waveform measurement based on electro-optic sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Zhigang; Zhao, Kejia; Yang, Zhijun; Miao, Jingyuan; Chen, He

2018-05-01

We present an ultrafast pulse waveform measurement system based on an electro-optic sampling technique at 1560 nm and prepare LiTaO3-based electro-optic modulators with a coplanar waveguide structure. The transmission and reflection characteristics of electrical pulses on a coplanar waveguide terminated with an open circuit and a resistor are investigated by analyzing the corresponding time-domain pulse waveforms. We measure the output electrical pulse waveform of a 100 GHz photodiode and the obtained rise times of the impulse and step responses are 2.5 and 3.4 ps, respectively.

High-Tc superconductor coplanar waveguide filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chew, Wilbert; Bajuk, Louis J.; Cooley, Thomas W.; Foote, Marc C.; Hunt, Brian D.; Rascoe, Daniel L.; Riley, A. L.

1991-01-01

Coplanar waveguide (CPW) low-pass filters made of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) (YBCO) on LaAlO3 substrates, with dimensions suited for integrated circuits, were fabricated and packaged. A complete filter gives a true idea of the advantages and difficulties in replacing thin-film metal with a high-temperature superconductor in a practical circuit. Measured insertion losses in liquid nitrogen were superior to the loss of a similar thin-film copper filter throughout the 0- to 9.5-GHz passband. These results demonstrate the performance of fully patterned YBCO in a practical CPW structure after sealing in a hermetic package.

Hermetic Packages For Millimeter-Wave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herman, Martin I.; Lee, Karen A.; Lowry, Lynn E.; Carpenter, Alain; Wamhof, Paul

1994-01-01

Advanced hermetic packages developed to house electronic circuits operating at frequencies from 1 to 100 gigahertz and beyond. Signals coupled into and out of packages electromagnetically. Provides circuit packages small, lightweight, rugged, and inexpensive in mass production. Packages embedded in planar microstrip and coplanar waveguide circuits, in waveguide-to-planar and planar-to-waveguide circuitry, in waveguide-to-waveguide circuitry, between radiating (antenna) elements, and between planar transmission lines and radiating elements. Other applications in automotive, communication, radar, remote sensing, and biomedical electronic systems foreseen.

HEMT Amplifiers and Equipment for their On-Wafer Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fung, King man; Gaier, Todd; Samoska, Lorene; Deal, William; Radisic, Vesna; Mei, Xiaobing; Lai, Richard

2008-01-01

Power amplifiers comprising InP-based high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) in coplanar-waveguide (CPW) circuits designed for operation at frequencies of hundreds of gigahertz, and a test set for onwafer measurement of their power levels have been developed. These amplifiers utilize an advanced 35-nm HEMT monolithic microwave integrated-circuit (MMIC) technology and have potential utility as local-oscillator drivers and power sources in future submillimeter-wavelength heterodyne receivers and imaging systems. The test set can reduce development time by enabling rapid output power characterization, not only of these and similar amplifiers, but also of other coplanar-waveguide power circuits, without the necessity of packaging the circuits.

Analysis and characterizations of planar transmission structures and components for superconducting and monolithic integrated circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Itoh, Tatsuo

1991-01-01

The analysis and modeling of superconducting planar transmission lines were performed. Theoretically, the highest possible Q values of superconducting microstrip line was calculated and, as a result, it provided the Q value that the experiment can aim for. As an effort to search for a proper superconducting transmission line structure, the superconducting microstrip line and coplanar waveguide were compared in terms of loss characteristics and their design aspects. Also, the research was expanded to a superconducting coplanar waveguide family in the microwave packaging environment. Theoretically, it was pointed out that the substrate loss is critical in the superconducting transmission line structures.

Design and VNA-measurement of coplanar waveguide (CPW) on benzocyclobutene (BCB) at THz frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Lei; Grimault-Jacquin, Anne-Sophie; Zerounian, Nicolas; Aniel, Frédéric

2014-03-01

The low permittivity and the low loss tangent of the benzocyclobutene polymer (BCB) offers to coplanar waveguides (CPW) a low dispersive propagation properties at THz frequency. These transmission lines have been designed, modeled with a three dimensional (3D) solver of Maxwell equations based on finite element method (FEM) from 20 to 1000 GHz at various characteristic impedances (Zc). Their dispersion and losses (radiation, conduction and dielectric) have been investigated separately versus the waveguide size, the nature of the substrate (dielectric or semiconductor) to optimize the THz signal propagation. Monomode CPW on BCB numerically designed for various Zc were realized and measured with vector network analyzer (VNA). S-parameters of CPW are de-embedded by optimization of the accesses' model. A good agreement is found between experimental and numerical results with low attenuation constants of 2.7 dB/mm and 3.5 dB/mm at 400 GHz and 500 GHz, respectively.

670 GHz Schottky Diode Based Subharmonic Mixer with CPW Circuits and 70 GHz IF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chattopadhyay, Goutam (Inventor); Schlecht, Erich T. (Inventor); Lee, Choonsup (Inventor); Lin, Robert H. (Inventor); Gill, John J. (Inventor); Sin, Seth (Inventor); Mehdi, Imran (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A coplanar waveguide (CPW) based subharmonic mixer working at 670 GHz using GaAs Schottky diodes. One example of the mixer has a LO input, an RF input and an IF output. Another possible mixer has a LO input, and IF input and an RF output. Each input or output is connected to a coplanar waveguide with a matching network. A pair of antiparallel diodes provides a signal at twice the LO frequency, which is then mixed with a second signal to provide signals having sum and difference frequencies. The output signal of interest is received after passing through a bandpass filter tuned to the frequency range of interest.

A comparative study between shielded and open coplanar waveguide discontinuities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dib, Nihad I.; Harokopus, W. P., Jr.; Ponchak, G. E.; Katehi, L. P. B.

1993-01-01

A comparative study between open and shielded coplanar waveguide (CPW) discontinuities is presented. The space domain integral equation method is used to characterize several discontinuities such as the open-end CPW and CPW series stubs. Two different geometries of CPW series stubs (straight and bent stubs) are compared with respect to resonant frequency and radiation loss. In addition, the encountered radiation loss due to different CPW shunt stubs is evaluated experimentally. The notion of forced radiation simulation is presented, and the results of such a simulation are compared to the actual radiation loss obtained rigorously. It is shown that such a simulation cannot give reliable results concerning radiation loss from printed circuits.

Coplanar monolithic integrated circuits for low-noise communication and radar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bessemoulin, Alexandre; Verweyen, Ludger; Marsetz, Waldemar; Massler, Hermann; Neumann, Markus; Hulsmann, Axel; Schlechtweg, Michael

1999-12-01

This paper presents coplanar millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuits with high performance and small size for use in low noise communication and radar system applications. Technology and modeling issues with respect to active and passive elements are discussed first. In a second step, the potential of coplanar waveguides to realize compact ICs is illustrated through various design examples, such as low noise amplifiers, mixers and power amplifiers. The performance of multifunctional ICs is also presented by comparing simulated and measured results for a complete 77 GHz Transceive MMIC.

Separating hyperfine from spin-orbit interactions in organic semiconductors by multi-octave magnetic resonance using coplanar waveguide microresonators

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

Joshi, G.; Miller, R.; Ogden, L.

2016-09-05

Separating the influence of hyperfine from spin-orbit interactions in spin-dependent carrier recombination and dissociation processes necessitates magnetic resonance spectroscopy over a wide range of frequencies. We have designed compact and versatile coplanar waveguide resonators for continuous-wave electrically detected magnetic resonance and tested these on organic light-emitting diodes. By exploiting both the fundamental and higher-harmonic modes of the resonators, we cover almost five octaves in resonance frequency within a single setup. The measurements with a common π-conjugated polymer as the active material reveal small but non-negligible effects of spin-orbit interactions, which give rise to a broadening of the magnetic resonance spectrummore » with increasing frequency.« less

Design and analysis of coplanar waveguide triple-band antenna based on defected ground structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Hong; Chen, Wanli; Xia, Xinsheng; Qi, Peng; Sun, Quanling

2017-11-01

A kind of coplanar waveguide triple-band antenna based on defected ground structure is proposed, which has novel structure. Three batches with different frequency band are constructed by utilizing line combination, overlapping, and symmetry method. Stop band signals among three frequency bands are effectively suppressed by slots with different structures. More satisfactory impedance matching is realized by means of changing slot structure and improving return-loss. The presented antenna can operates simultaneously in various systems such as 3G / 4G wireless communication, Bluetooth, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, Wireless LAN. Test results show that the antenna has good radiation and gain in its working frequency band, and that it has great application potentials.

180 Degree Hybrid (Rat-Race) Junction on CMOS Grade Silicon with a Polyimide Interface Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.; Papapolymerou, John

2003-01-01

180-degree hybrid junctions can be used to equally divide power between two output ports with either a 0 or 180-degree phase difference. Alternatively, they can be used to combine signals from two sources and output a sum and difference signal. The main limitation of implementing; these on CMOS grade silicon is the high loss associated with the substrate. In this paper, we present a low loss 180-degree hybrid junction on CMOS grade (15 omega-cm) silicon with a polyimide interface layer for the first time. The divider utilizes Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) line technology, and operates at a center frequency of 15 GIIz.

Current-Tunable NbTiN Coplanar Photonic Bandgap Resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asfaw, A.; Sigillito, A. J.; Tyryshkin, A. M.; Lyon, S. A.

Coplanar waveguide resonators have been used in several experimental settings, from superconducting qubits to electron spin resonance. In our particular application of electron spin resonance, these resonators provide increased sensitivity to electron spins due to the small mode volume. Experiments have shown that these resonators can be used to readout as few as 300 spins per shot. Recently, photonic bandgap resonators have been shown to extend the advantages of traditional CPW resonators by allowing spin manipulation both at microwave and radio frequencies, thereby enabling both electron and nuclear spin resonance within the same resonator. We present measurements made using photonic bandgap resonators fabricated with thin NbTiN films which demonstrate microwave tunability of the resonator by modulating the kinetic inductance of the superconductor. Driving a small direct current through the center pin of the resonator allows us to tune the resonant frequency by over 30 MHz around 6.4 GHz while maintaining a quality factor over 8000 at 4.8K. This provides fast and simple tunability of coplanar waveguide resonators and opens new possibilities for multiple frequency electron spin resonance experiments.

Picosecond Optical Electronics

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

Optoelecironics, New York: Springer-Verlag, 1987 65. J. Archer, "Millimeter Wavelength Frequency Multipliers", IEEE MTr, Vol. 29, No. 6, June * 1981. 66. R. Majidi ...337-339. I 74. R. Majidi -Ahy et al., "Electrooptic Sampling Measurement of Coplanar Waveguide (Coupled Slot Line) Modes", Elect. Lett., Vol. 23, No...24, Nov. 1987, pp. 1262-1263. 1 75. R. Majidi -Ahy et al., "Electrooptic Sampling Measurement of Dispersion Characteristics of Slot line and Coplanar

Micromachined microwave signal control device and method for making same

DOEpatents

Forman, Michael A [San Francisco, CA

2008-09-02

A method for fabricating a signal controller, e.g., a filter or a switch, for a coplanar waveguide during the LIGA fabrication process of the waveguide. Both patterns for the waveguide and patterns for the signal controllers are created on a mask. Radiation travels through the mask and reaches a photoresist layer on a substrate. The irradiated portions are removed and channels are formed on the substrate. A metal is filled into the channels to form the conductors of the waveguide and the signal controllers. Micromachined quasi-lumped elements are used alone or together as filters. The switch includes a comb drive, a spring, a metal plunger, and anchors.

Method for making a micromachined microwave signal control device

DOEpatents

Forman, Michael A [Mountain House, CA

2011-02-15

A method for fabricating a signal controller, e.g., a filter or a switch, for a coplanar waveguide during the LIGA fabrication process of the waveguide. Both patterns for the waveguide and patterns for the signal controllers are created on a mask. Radiation travels through the mask and reaches a photoresist layer on a substrate. The irradiated portions are removed and channels are formed on the substrate. A metal is filled into the channels to form the conductors of the waveguide and the signal controllers. Micromachined quasi-lumped elements are used alone or together as filters. The switch includes a comb drive, a spring, a metal plunger, and anchors.

Microwave Spectroscopy of a Single Permalloy Chiral Metamolecule on a Coplanar Waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodama, Toshiyuki; Kusanagi, Yusaku; Okamoto, Satoshi; Kikuchi, Nobuaki; Kitakami, Osamu; Tomita, Satoshi; Hosoito, Nobuyoshi; Yanagi, Hisao

2018-05-01

We investigate the microwave spectroscopies of a micrometer-sized single permalloy (Py) chiral structure on coplanar waveguides (CPWs). Under an external dc magnetic field applied in a direction perpendicular to the microwave propagation, the Py chiral structure loaded on the center of the CPW signal line shows Kittel-mode ferromagnetic resonance. Contrastingly, the structure on the signal-line edge highlights two additional resonances: spin-wave resonance at a higher frequency, and unique resonance at a lower frequency of approximately 7.8 GHz. The resonance signal at 7.8 GHz originates from magnetically induced, geometry-driven resonance, although the resonance frequency does not depend on the external magnetic field. Moreover, the displacement of the Py structures on the signal line results in nonreciprocal microwave transmission, which is traced back to the edge-guide mode.

Surveying colloid sedimentation by coplanar waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duţu, C. A.; Vlad, A.; Roda-Neve, C.; Avram, I.; Sandu, G.; Raskin, J.-P.; Melinte, S.

2016-06-01

By using coplanar waveguides, direct access to the dielectric properties of aqueous solutions of polystyrene beads with different diameters from 330 nm to 10 μm is provided. The relative variation of the transmission parameter with respect to water is monitored, ranging from ˜ {3}% obtained for a 9.5% solution with 330 nm diameter beads to ˜22% for 10 μm diameter particles at the same concentration. To highlight its applicability in biosensing, the technique was further employed to survey the clustering between biotin and streptavidin-coated beads. The transmission parameter displays a ˜50% increase for mixtures containing nine volumes of biotin and one volume of streptavidin-modified beads (4.5 ng μl-1 of streptavidin) and reaches ˜400% higher values when equal volumes of biotin and streptavidin-coated beads (22.5 ng μl-1 of streptavidin) were mixed.

A Tandem Coupler for Terahertz Integrated Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reck, Theodore J.; Deal, William; Chattopadhyay, Goutam

2013-01-01

A coplanar waveguide 3 dB quadrature coupler operating from 500 to 700 GHz is designed, fabricated and measured. On-wafer measurements demonstrate an amplitude balance of +/-2 dB and phase balance of +/-20 deg.

Sensitive spin detection using an on-chip SQUID-waveguide resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, G.; Chen, L.; Barreda, J.; Bevara, V.; Hu, L.; Wu, L.; Wang, Z.; Andrei, P.; Bertaina, S.; Chiorescu, I.

2017-11-01

Precise detection of spin resonance is of paramount importance to achieve coherent spin control in quantum computing. We present a setup for spin resonance measurements, which uses a dc-SQUID flux detector coupled to an antenna from a coplanar waveguide. The SQUID and the waveguide are fabricated from a 20 nm Nb thin film, allowing high magnetic field operation with the field applied parallel to the chip. We observe a resonance signal between the first and third excited states of Gd spins S = 7/2 in a CaWO4 crystal, relevant for state control in multi-level systems.

DC-pass filter design with notch filters superposition for CPW rectenna at low power level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivière, J.; Douyère, A.; Alicalapa, F.; Luk, J.-D. Lan Sun

2016-03-01

In this paper the challenging coplanar waveguide direct current (DC) pass filter is designed, analysed, fabricated and measured. As the ground plane and the conductive line are etched on the same plane, this technology allows the connection of series and shunt elements to the active devices without via holes through the substrate. Indeed, this study presents the first step in the optimization of a complete rectenna in coplanar waveguide (CPW) technology: key element of a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting system. The measurement of the proposed filter shows good performance in the rejection of F0=2.45 GHz and F1=4.9 GHz. Additionally, a harmonic balance (HB) simulation of the complete rectenna is performed and shows a maximum RF-to-DC conversion efficiency of 37% with the studied DC-pass filter for an input power of 10 µW at 2.45 GHz.

Benefits of on-wafer calibration standards fabricated in membrane technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohland, M.; Arz, U.; Büttgenbach, S.

2011-07-01

In this work we compare on-wafer calibration standards fabricated in membrane technology with standards built in conventional thin-film technology. We perform this comparison by investigating the propagation of uncertainties in the geometry and material properties to the broadband electrical properties of the standards. For coplanar waveguides used as line standards the analysis based on Monte Carlo simulations demonstrates an up to tenfold reduction in uncertainty depending on the electromagnetic waveguide property we look at.

Multiplexing of adjacent vortex modes with the forked grating coupler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadovich, Christopher T.; Kosciolek, Derek J.; Crouse, David T.; Jemison, William D.

2017-08-01

For vortex fiber multiplexing to reach practical commercial viability, simple silicon photonic interfaces with vortex fiber will be required. These interfaces must support multiplexing. Toward this goal, an efficient singlefed multimode Forked Grating Coupler (FGC) for coupling two different optical vortex OAM charges to or from the TE0 and TE1 rectangular waveguide modes has been developed. A simple, apodized device implemented with e-beam lithography and a conventional dual-etch processing on SOI wafer exhibits low crosstalk and reasonable mode match. Advanced designs using this concept are expected to further improve performance.

Slotline fed microstrip antenna array modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lo, Y. T.; Oberhart, M. L.; Brenneman, J. S.; Aoyagi, P.; Moore, J.; Lee, R. Q. H.

1988-01-01

A feed network comprised of a combination of coplanar waveguide and slot transmission line is described for use in an array module of four microstrip elements. Examples of the module incorporating such networks are presented as well as experimentally obtained impedance and radiation characteristics.

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

Scott, Jeffrey Wayne

An RFID backscatter interrogator for transmitting data to an RFID tag, generating a carrier for the tag, and receiving data from the tag modulated onto the carrier, the interrogator including a single grounded-coplanar wave-guide circuit board and at least one surface mount integrated circuit supported by the circuit board.

Electromagnetic Modeling of Distributed-Source-Excitation of Coplanar Waveguides: Applications to Traveling-Wave Photomixers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pasqualini, Davide; Neto, Andrea; Wyss, Rolf A.

2001-01-01

In this work an electromagnetic model and subsequent design is presented for a traveling-wave, coplanar waveguide (CPW) based source that will operate in the THz frequency regime. The radio frequency (RF) driving current is a result of photoexcitation of a thin GaAs membrane using two frequency-offset lasers. The GaAs film is grown by molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) and displays sub-ps carrier lifetimes which enable the material conductivity to be modulated at a very high rate. The RF current flows between electrodes deposited on the GaAs membrane which are biased with a DC voltage source. The electrodes form a CPW and are terminated with a double slot antenna that couples the power to a quasi-optical system. The membrane is suspended above a metallic reflector to launch all radiation in one direction. The theoretical investigation and consequent design is performed in two steps. The first step consists of a direct evaluation of the magnetic current distribution on an infinitely extended coplanar waveguide excited by an impressed electric current distributed over a finite area. The result of the analysis is the difference between the incident angle of the laser beams and the length of the excited area that maximizes the RF power coupled to the CPW. The optimal values for both parameters are found as functions of the CPW and membrane dimensions as well as the dielectric constants of the layers. In the second step, a design is presented of a double slot antenna that matches the CPW characteristic impedance and gives good overall performance. The design is presently being implemented and measurements will soon be available.

Solid State Technology Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

A collection of papers written by the members of the Solid State Technology Branch of NASA LeRC from Jun. 1991 - Jun. 1992 is presented. A range of topics relating to superconductivity, Monolithic Microwave Circuits (MMIC's), coplanar waveguides, and material characterization is covered.

Multi-frequency spin manipulation using rapidly tunable superconducting coplanar waveguide microresonators

DOE PAGES

Asfaw, A. T.; Sigillito, A. J.; Tyryshkin, A. M.; ...

2017-07-17

In this work, we demonstrate the use of frequency-tunable superconducting NbTiN coplanar waveguide microresonators for multi-frequency pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. By applying a bias current to the center pin, the resonance frequency (~7.6 GHz) can be continuously tuned by as much as 95 MHz in 270 ns without a change in the quality factor of 3000 at 2 K. We demonstrate the ESR performance of our resonators by measuring donor spin ensembles in silicon and show that adiabatic pulses can be used to overcome magnetic field inhomogeneities and microwave power limitations due to the applied bias current. Wemore » take advantage of the rapid tunability of these resonators to manipulate both phosphorus and arsenic spins in a single pulse sequence, demonstrating pulsed double electron-electron resonance. Our NbTiN resonator design is useful for multi-frequency pulsed ESR and should also have applications in experiments where spin ensembles are used as quantum memories.« less

Multi-frequency spin manipulation using rapidly tunable superconducting coplanar waveguide microresonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asfaw, A. T.; Sigillito, A. J.; Tyryshkin, A. M.; Schenkel, T.; Lyon, S. A.

2017-07-01

In this work, we demonstrate the use of frequency-tunable superconducting NbTiN coplanar waveguide microresonators for multi-frequency pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. By applying a bias current to the center pin, the resonance frequency (˜7.6 GHz) can be continuously tuned by as much as 95 MHz in 270 ns without a change in the quality factor of 3000 at 2 K. We demonstrate the ESR performance of our resonators by measuring donor spin ensembles in silicon and show that adiabatic pulses can be used to overcome magnetic field inhomogeneities and microwave power limitations due to the applied bias current. We take advantage of the rapid tunability of these resonators to manipulate both phosphorus and arsenic spins in a single pulse sequence, demonstrating pulsed double electron-electron resonance. Our NbTiN resonator design is useful for multi-frequency pulsed ESR and should also have applications in experiments where spin ensembles are used as quantum memories.

Religious Perceptions and Attitudes of Men towards Discontinuation of Female Genital Cutting in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.

PubMed

Titilayo, Ayotunde; Palamuleni, Martin E; Olaoye-Oyesola, John O; Owoeye, Olumide M

2018-03-01

Men's roles in any patriarchal society and the influence of their religious belief cannot be overemphasized especially in a culturally encrypted matter like female genital cutting (FGC).The study sample consisted of 8,111 men who had previous awareness of FGC from a cross-sectional nationally representative survey in Nigeria. The data took into cognizance the religious belief of the respondents as well as their attitude towards FGC among others. Analytical bivariate and multivariate ordered logistic estimates for FGC discontinuation were considered for the study. Of the total respondents, 29% reported that their religion required FGC for female children. A significantly higher proportion (89.4%; p <0.01) of men whose religion did not require FGC were found subscribing to its discontinuation. Significantly lower odds of FGC discontinuation exist among those whose religious belief requires FGC practice. Religious teachings and beliefs are crucial correlates of men's attitude towards FGC. There is therefore a need to consider the religious beliefs of men when engaging them in strategies to fight FGC.

High Performance Hermetic Package For LiNbO3 Electro-Optic Waveguide Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preston, K. R.; Macdonald, B. M.; Harmon, R. A.; Ford, C. W.; Shaw, R. N.; Reid, I.; Davidson, J. H.; Beaumont, A. R.; Booth, R. C.

1989-02-01

A high performance fibre-tailed package for LiNbO3 electro-optic waveguide devices is described. The package is based around a hermetic metal submodule which contains no epoxy or other organic materials. The LiNbO3 chip is mounted using a soldering technique, and laser welding is used for fibre fixing to give stable, low loss optical coupling to single mode fibres. Optical reflections are minimised by the use of antireflective coatings on the fibre ends and waveguide facets. High speed electrical connections are made via coplanar glass-sealed leadthroughs to LiNb03 travelling wave devices, and packaged device operation to frequencies in excess of 4GHz is demonstrated.

Submillimeter-Wave Amplifier Module with Integrated Waveguide Transitions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, Lorene; Chattopadhyay, Goutam; Pukala, David; Gaier, Todd; Soria, Mary; ManFung, King; Deal, William; Mei, Gerry; Radisic, Vesna; Lai, Richard

2009-01-01

To increase the usefulness of monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuit (MMIC) components at submillimeter-wave frequencies, a chip has been designed that incorporates two integrated, radial E-plane probes with an MMIC amplifier in between, thus creating a fully integrated waveguide module. The integrated amplifier chip has been fabricated in 35-nm gate length InP high-electron-mobility-transistor (HEMT) technology. The radial probes were mated to grounded coplanar waveguide input and output lines in the internal amplifier. The total length of the internal HEMT amplifier is 550 m, while the total integrated chip length is 1,085 m. The chip thickness is 50 m with the chip width being 320 m. The internal MMIC amplifier is biased through wire-bond connections to the gates and drains of the chip. The chip has 3 stages, employing 35-nm gate length transistors in each stage. Wire bonds from the DC drain and gate pads are connected to off-chip shunt 51-pF capacitors, and additional off-chip capacitors and resistors are added to the gate and drain bias lines for low-frequency stability of the amplifier. Additionally, bond wires to the grounded coplanar waveguide pads at the RF input and output of the internal amplifier are added to ensure good ground connections to the waveguide package. The S-parameters of the module, not corrected for input or output waveguide loss, are measured at the waveguide flange edges. The amplifier module has over 10 dB of gain from 290 to 330 GHz, with a peak gain of over 14 dB at 307 GHz. The WR2.2 waveguide cutoff is again observed at 268 GHz. The module is biased at a drain current of 27 mA, a drain voltage of 1.24 V, and a gate voltage of +0.21 V. Return loss of the module is very good between 5 to 25 dB. This result illustrates the usefulness of the integrated radial probe transition, and the wide (over 10-percent) bandwidth that one can expect for amplifier modules with integrated radial probes in the submillimeter-regime (>300 GHz).

Exploring female genital cutting among west African immigrants.

PubMed

Akinsulure-Smith, Adeyinka M

2014-06-01

Although many African women immigrate to the United States from countries with high prevalence rates for female genital cutting (FGC), there has been limited research exploring the incidence and impact of FGC among this growing immigrant population. This pilot study sought to examine the experiences of FGC among West African immigrant women in the US. Of the 23 participants, 7 reported a history of FGC, with Muslim participants reporting significantly higher rates of FGC than Christians (Fisher's Exact = .045). Most of the women who had experienced FGC were from Sierra Leone (Fisher's Exact = .027). Limitations of the study are discussed along with suggestions for future research aimed at understanding the impact of FGC, reducing the prevalence and demand for FGC among African immigrant women and improving the health and quality of life of women who have undergone the procedure.

Novel Micro Strip-to-Waveguide Feed Employing a Double-Y Junction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkatesan, Jaikrishina

2010-01-01

Previous micro strip -to -waveguide transitions either required a hermetically sealed waveguide configuration, or a balun that needed to be tuned according to the frequency band of interest. In this design, the balun is realized using a double -Y junction to transition from microstrip to coplanar strip feeding a quasi-Yagi dipole array (see figure). The length of the feed (Lf) extending into the waveguide is 15.54 mm. The length of the ground plane below the ULTRALAM substrate is 7.75 mm. The lengths L1 , L2, and L3 are 8.50 mm, 4.38 mm, and 2.14 mm, respectively. These lengths were computed via a preliminary optimization aimed at improving the return loss at the band edges. The waveguide feed was designed to excite the TE10 mode in a WR-90 waveguide, and to operate over the recommended frequencies of 8.2 to 12.4 GHz. The feed employs a Rogers 6010 substrate (dielectric constant Er approx. equals 10.2) bonded with a Rogers ULTRALAM substrate (Er approx. equals 2.5). The ULTRALAM substrate serves to provide mechanical strength for 6010 substrate, and to mitigate loses due to parasitic modes (the ground plane is etched on the bottom of this layer due to the topology of the double -Y balun). The double-Y balun transitioning from an unbalanced microstrip line to a balanced coplanar strip (CPS) line does not provide inherent impedance transformation; hence, Klopfenstein impedance tapers were synthesized to transition from 50 to 77 Ohms in the microstrip section and from 77 to 110 Ohms in the CPS section. At the balun junction, the CPS stub lengths were chosen such that the X/ 8 resonance is pushed outside the bandwidth of operation. Also, the smallest allowable conductor width and gap spacing were chosen to meet acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

Solid State Technology Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center: Fifth Annual Digest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

The digest is a collection of papers written by the members of the Solid State Technology Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center from June 1992-June 1993. The papers cover a range of topics relating to superconductivity, monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC's), coplanar waveguide, and material characterization.

Strongly Confined Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Waveguiding Enabled by Planar Staggered Plasmonic Waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Longfang; Xiao, Yifan; Liu, Yanhui; Zhang, Liang; Cai, Guoxiong; Liu, Qing Huo

2016-12-01

We demonstrate a novel route to achieving highly efficient and strongly confined spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) waveguides at subwavelength scale enabled by planar staggered plasmonic waveguides (PSPWs). The structure of these new waveguides consists of an ultrathin metallic strip with periodic subwavelength staggered double groove arrays supported by a flexible dielectric substrate, leading to unique staggered EM coupling and waveguiding phenomenon. The spoof SPP propagation properties, including dispersion relations and near field distributions, are numerically investigated. Furthermore, broadband coplanar waveguide (CPW) to planar staggered plasmonic waveguide (PSPW) transitions are designed to achieve smooth momentum matching and highly efficient spoof SPP mode conversion. By applying these transitions, a CPW-PSPW-CPW structure is designed, fabricated and measured to verify the PSPW’s propagation performance at microwave frequencies. The investigation results show the proposed PSPWs have excellent performance of deep subwavelength spoof SPPs confinement, long propagation length and low bend loss, as well as great design flexibility to engineer the propagation properties by adjusting their geometry dimensions and material parameters. Our work opens up a new avenue for development of various advanced planar integrated plasmonic devices and circuits in microwave and terahertz regimes.

Strongly Confined Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Waveguiding Enabled by Planar Staggered Plasmonic Waveguides.

PubMed

Ye, Longfang; Xiao, Yifan; Liu, Yanhui; Zhang, Liang; Cai, Guoxiong; Liu, Qing Huo

2016-12-05

We demonstrate a novel route to achieving highly efficient and strongly confined spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) waveguides at subwavelength scale enabled by planar staggered plasmonic waveguides (PSPWs). The structure of these new waveguides consists of an ultrathin metallic strip with periodic subwavelength staggered double groove arrays supported by a flexible dielectric substrate, leading to unique staggered EM coupling and waveguiding phenomenon. The spoof SPP propagation properties, including dispersion relations and near field distributions, are numerically investigated. Furthermore, broadband coplanar waveguide (CPW) to planar staggered plasmonic waveguide (PSPW) transitions are designed to achieve smooth momentum matching and highly efficient spoof SPP mode conversion. By applying these transitions, a CPW-PSPW-CPW structure is designed, fabricated and measured to verify the PSPW's propagation performance at microwave frequencies. The investigation results show the proposed PSPWs have excellent performance of deep subwavelength spoof SPPs confinement, long propagation length and low bend loss, as well as great design flexibility to engineer the propagation properties by adjusting their geometry dimensions and material parameters. Our work opens up a new avenue for development of various advanced planar integrated plasmonic devices and circuits in microwave and terahertz regimes.

Observing electron spin resonance between 0.1 and 67 GHz at temperatures between 50 mK and 300 K using broadband metallic coplanar waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiemann, Yvonne; Simmendinger, Julian; Clauss, Conrad; Bogani, Lapo; Bothner, Daniel; Koelle, Dieter; Kleiner, Reinhold; Dressel, Martin; Scheffler, Marc

2015-05-01

We describe a fully broadband approach for electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments, where it is possible to tune not only the magnetic field but also the frequency continuously over wide ranges. Here, a metallic coplanar transmission line acts as compact and versatile microwave probe that can easily be implemented in different cryogenic setups. We perform ESR measurements at frequencies between 0.1 and 67 GHz and at temperatures between 50 mK and room temperature. Three different types of samples (Cr3+ ions in ruby, organic radicals of the nitronyl-nitroxide family, and the doped semiconductor Si:P) represent different possible fields of application for the technique. We demonstrate that an extremely large phase space in temperature, magnetic field, and frequency for ESR measurements, substantially exceeding the range of conventional ESR setups, is accessible with metallic coplanar lines.

Knowledge and perspectives of female genital cutting among the local religious leaders in Erbil governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan region.

PubMed

Ahmed, Hamdia M; Kareem, Mosleh S; Shabila, Nazar P; Mzori, Barzhang Q

2018-03-07

Religious leaders are one of the key actors in the issue of female genital cutting (FGC) due to the influential position they have in the community and the frequent association of FGC with the religion. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perspectives of the local religious leaders in Erbil governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Region about different aspects of FGC. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 29 local religious leaders. A semi-structured questionnaire was used that included questions about their knowledge, understanding, and perspectives on different aspects of FGC such as the reasons for practicing it, their contact and communication with the community regarding the practice and perspectives about banning the practice by law. Participants believed that FGC is useful for reducing or regulating the sexual desire of women to prevent adultery and engagement in pre and extramarital sexual relations and to enhance hygiene of women. They indicated that there is no any risk in doing FGC if there is no excessive cut. Most participants indicated that FGC is attributed to the religion and some considered it a tradition mixed with the religion. People rarely ask the advice of the religious leaders regarding FGC, but they frequently complain about the effects of the practice. Participants did not support having a law to ban FGC either because they thought it would be against the religion's advice on FGC or it will not work. The local religious leaders lack adequate knowledge about different aspects of FGC particularly the health consequences. There are different and disputing viewpoints about the reasons for practicing FGC, and there is poor support for having a law banning the practice. There is an essential need for enhancing the knowledge of the local religious leaders regarding FGC and its adverse effects on the women's health.

Compact, Single-Stage MMIC InP HEMT Amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pukala, David; Samoska, Lorene; Fung, King Man; Gaier, Todd; Deal, W. R.; Mei, Gerry; Radisic, Vesna; Lai, Richard

2008-01-01

A monolithic micro - wave integrated-circuit (MMIC) singlestage amplifier containing an InP-based high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) plus coplanar-waveguide (CPW) transmission lines for impedance matching and input and output coupling, all in a highly miniaturized layout as needed for high performance at operating frequencies of hundreds of gigahertz is described.

Propagation characteristics of some novel coplanar waveguide transmission lines on GaAs at MM-wave frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.

1986-01-01

Three new Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) transmission lines, namely, Suspended CPW (SCPW), Stripline-like Suspended CPW (SSCPW) and Inverted CPW (ICPW), are proposed and also analyzed for their propagation characteristics. The substrate thickness, permittivity and dimensions of housing are assumed to be arbitrary. These structures have the following advantages over conventional CPW. Firstly, the ratio of guide wavelength to free space wavelength is closer to unity which results in larger dimensions and hence lower tolerances. Secondly, the effective dielectric constant is lower and hence the electromagnetic field energies are concentrated more in the air regions which should reduce attenuation. Thirdly, for a prescribed impedance level, the above structures have a wider slot width for identical strip width. Thus, low impedance lines can be achieved with reasonable slot dimensions. Fourthly, in an inverted CPW shunt mounting of active devices, such as Gunn and IMPATT diodes, between the strip and the metal trough is possible. This feature further enhances the attractiveness of the above structures. Lastly, an E-plane probe type transition from a rectangular waveguide to suspended CPW can also be easily realized. The computed results for GaAs at Ka-band illustrate the variation of normalized guide wavelength, effective dielectric constant and the characteristic impedance as a function of the: (1) frequency; (2) distance of separation between the trough side walls; (3) normalized strip and slot widths; and (4) normalized air gap.

Arbitrary frequency tunable radio frequency bandpass filter based on nano-patterned Permalloy coplanar waveguide (invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tengxing; Rahman, B. M. Farid; Peng, Yujia; Xia, Tian; Wang, Guoan

2015-05-01

A well designed coplanar waveguide (CPW) based center frequency tunable bandpass filter (BPF) at 4 GHz enabled with patterned Permalloy (Py) thin film has been implemented. The operating frequency of BPF is tunable with only DC current without the use of any external magnetic field. Electromagnetic bandgap resonators structure is adopted in the BPF and thus external DC current can be applied between the input and output of the filter for tuning of Py permeability. Special configurations of resonators with multiple narrow parallel sections have been considered for larger inductance tenability; the tunability of CPW transmission lines of different widths with patterned Py thin film on the top of the signal lines is compared and measured. Py thin film patterned as bars is deposited on the top of the multiple narrow parallel sections of the designed filter. No extra area is required for the designed filter configuration. Filter is measured and results show that its center frequency could be tuned from 4 GHz to 4.02 GHz when the DC current is applied from 0 mA to 400 mA.

Microwave and Millimeter Wave Properties of Vertically-Aligned Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haddadi, K.; Tripon-Canseliet, C.; Hivin, Q.; Ducournau, G.; Teo, E.; Coquet, P.; Tay, B. K.; Lepilliet, S.; Avramovic, V.; Chazelas, J.; Decoster, D.

2016-05-01

We present the experimental determination of the complex permittivity of vertically aligned single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) films grown on quartz substrates in the microwave regime from 10 MHz up to 67 GHz, with the electrical field perpendicular to the main axis of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), based on coplanar waveguide transmission line approach together with the measurement of the microwave impedance of top metalized vertically—aligned SWCNTs grown on conductive silicon substrates up to 26 GHz. From coplanar waveguide measurements, we obtain a real part of the permittivity almost equal to unity, which is interpreted in terms of low carbon atom density (3 × 1019 at/cm3) associated with a very low imaginary part of permittivity (<10-3) in the frequency range considered due to a very small perpendicular conductivity. The microwave impedance of a vertically aligned CNTs bundle equivalent to a low resistance reveals a good conductivity (3 S/cm) parallel to the CNTs axis. From these two kinds of data, we experimentally demonstrate the tensor nature of the vertically grown CNTs bundles.

Characterization of the dominant loss mechanisms in superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calusine, Greg; Melville, Alexander; Woods, Wayne; Kim, David K.; Miloshi, Xhovalin; Sevi, Arjan; Yoder, Jonilyn; Oliver, William D.

The characterization of losses in superconducting coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators is commonly used as a surrogate means to probe relaxation in superconducting qubit capacitor structures. However, this method is complicated by device-to-device variations that result from a sensitivity to variations in fabrication processes, packaging, and measurement methods. We present results on characterizing ensembles of aluminum, niobium, and titanium nitride superconducting CPW resonators to determine the statistical significance of the effects of fabrication process changes on resonator intrinsic quality factor. Furthermore, we report progress on experiments aimed at determining the impact of other competing loss mechanisms such as vortex trapping, package coupling, and substrate loss. These results are then applied to the study of relaxation in superconducting qubits and investigations into the microscopic origins of surface losses. This research was funded in part by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of IARPA or the US Government.

Slow-wave propagation on monolithic microwave integrated circuits with layered and non-layered structures

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

Tzuang, C.K.C.

1986-01-01

Various MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) planar waveguides have shown possible existence of a slow-wave propagation. In many practical applications of these slow-wave circuits, the semiconductor devices have nonuniform material properties that may affect the slow-wave propagation. In the first part of the dissertation, the effects of the nonuniform material properties are studied by a finite-element method. In addition, the transient pulse excitations of these slow-wave circuits also have great theoretical and practical interests. In the second part, the time-domain analysis of a slow-wave coplanar waveguide is presented.

'Invisible' antenna takes up less space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shelley, M.; Bond, K.

1986-06-01

A compensated microstrip patch design is described that also uses grounded coplanar waveguide to permit a second, independent antenna to be mounted on any type of existing primary radar antenna aboard an aircraft without affecting its radiation. Successful integration of the IFF (identification friend or foe) antenna, which works at D-band, and the primary radar antenna is possible because of the diversity in frequency between the two antennas. Construction of a microstrip radiating element, electromagnetically invisible to the primary antenna, requires orthogonal grating elements and use of the primary antenna as the ground plane. Coplanar mounting of a stripline array with the primary antenna reduces the manufacturing costs and increases the functional performance of the IFF antenna.

Indirect questioning method reveals hidden support for female genital cutting in South Central Ethiopia.

PubMed

Gibson, Mhairi A; Gurmu, Eshetu; Cobo, Beatriz; Rueda, María M; Scott, Isabel M

2018-01-01

Female genital cutting (FGC) has major implications for women's physical, sexual and psychological health, and eliminating the practice is a key target for public health policy-makers. To date one of the main barriers to achieving this has been an inability to infer privately-held views on FGC within communities where it is prevalent. As a sensitive (and often illegal) topic, people are anticipated to hide their true support for the practice when questioned directly. Here we use an indirect questioning method (unmatched count technique) to identify hidden support for FGC in a rural South Central Ethiopian community where the practice is common, but thought to be in decline. Employing a socio-demographic household survey of 1620 Arsi Oromo adults, which incorporated both direct and indirect direct response (unmatched count) techniques we compare directly-stated versus privately-held views in support of FGC, and individual variation in responses by age, gender and education and target female (daughters versus daughters-in-law). Both genders express low support for FGC when questioned directly, while indirect methods reveal substantially higher acceptance (of cutting both daughters and daughters-in-law). Educated adults (those who have attended school) are privately more supportive of the practice than they are prepared to admit openly to an interviewer, indicating that education may heighten secrecy rather than decrease support for FGC. Older individuals hold the strongest views in favour of FGC (particularly educated older males), but they are also more inclined to conceal their support for FGC when questioned directly. As these elders represent the most influential members of society, their hidden support for FGC may constitute a pivotal barrier to eliminating the practice in this community. Our results demonstrate the great potential for indirect questioning methods to advance knowledge and inform policy on culturally-sensitive topics like FGC; providing more reliable data and improving understanding of the "true" drivers of FGC.

'You don't show everyone your weakness': Older adults' views on using Family Group Conferencing to regain control and autonomy.

PubMed

Metze, Rosalie N; Kwekkeboom, Rick H; Abma, Tineke A

2015-08-01

Family Group Conferencing (FGC), a model in which a person and his or her social network make their own 'care' plan, is used in youth care and might also be useful in elderly care to support older persons living at home. In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, FGC was implemented for older adults but they showed resistance. Reasons for this resistance have been researched and are described in this article. We examine existing views and attitudes of older adults concerning the use of FGC, and report on how older adults see the possibility to regain control over their lives using FGC. To do this, focus group sessions, duo interviews and individual interviews were held with older adults with varying characteristics: living at home, in sheltered housing, or in a home for the elderly; and living in urban, suburban or rural areas. Themes were: views on and contentment with the control and autonomy that they experience in their lives, and the willingness to use FGC to improve this. The main reasons for our respondents to resist FGC were: expecting people to be there for them without a FGC, not feeling ready yet for a FGC, feeling embarrassed when asking for help, being reluctant to open up about their problems, and having the fear of losing control when organizing a FGC. We conclude that, for this generation of older adults, FGC means losing control and autonomy rather than gaining it. To be appealing to older adults, a relational empowerment strengthening model should most likely be focused on reciprocity, peer-to-peer support, and solutions instead of problems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Observing electron spin resonance between 0.1 and 67 GHz at temperatures between 50 mK and 300 K using broadband metallic coplanar waveguides

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

Wiemann, Yvonne; Simmendinger, Julian; Clauss, Conrad

2015-05-11

We describe a fully broadband approach for electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments, where it is possible to tune not only the magnetic field but also the frequency continuously over wide ranges. Here, a metallic coplanar transmission line acts as compact and versatile microwave probe that can easily be implemented in different cryogenic setups. We perform ESR measurements at frequencies between 0.1 and 67 GHz and at temperatures between 50 mK and room temperature. Three different types of samples (Cr{sup 3+} ions in ruby, organic radicals of the nitronyl-nitroxide family, and the doped semiconductor Si:P) represent different possible fields of application formore » the technique. We demonstrate that an extremely large phase space in temperature, magnetic field, and frequency for ESR measurements, substantially exceeding the range of conventional ESR setups, is accessible with metallic coplanar lines.« less

The effectiveness of family group conferencing in youth care: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Dijkstra, Sharon; Creemers, Hanneke E; Asscher, Jessica J; Deković, Maja; Stams, Geert Jan J M

2016-12-01

A meta-analytic study, involving 14 controlled studies (N=88495 participants), was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Family Group Conferencing (FGC) in youth care. Child safety (in terms of reports of child maltreatment and out-of-home placement) and involvement of youth care were included as outcome variables; study, sample and intervention characteristics were included as moderators. Overall, FGC did not significantly reduce child maltreatment, out-of-home placements, and involvement of youth care. Study and sample characteristics moderated the effectiveness of FGC. Retrospective studies found FGC to be more effective than regular care in reducing the recurrence of maltreatment and decreasing the number and length of out-of-home placements, whereas prospective studies found FGC to be not more effective than regular care. Moreover, FGC was found to increase the number and length of out-of-home placements for families with older children and minority groups. The findings of this study showed that robust research proving effectiveness of FGC is limited. It is, therefore, crucial for the safety and protection of children in youth care that, before broadly implementing this decision making model in youth care, more robust studies examining the effectiveness of FGC be conducted. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4/graphene composites for enhanced U(VI) sorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Donglin; Zhu, Hongyu; Wu, Changnian; Feng, Shaojie; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Hayat, Tasawar; Chen, Changlun

2018-06-01

A novel magnetic Fe3O4/graphene composite (FGC) was fabricated by a facile one-step reaction route and shown to be effective for sorbing U(VI) from aqueous solution. The structure, properties and application of the prepared FGC composite were well evaluated. The high saturation magnetization (45.6 emu/g) made FGC easier to be separated from the media within several seconds under an external magnetic. Effects of different ambient conditions (i.e., pH and ionic strength, contact time, temperatures) on sorption behaviors of U(VI) on FGC were carried out by batch experiments. According to the calculation of Langmuir model, the maximum sorption capacity of U(VI) on the FGC at pH 5.5 and 298 K was 176.47 mg/g. The sorption was correlated with the effects of pH, contact time, and temperature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that U(VI) was sorbed on FGC via oxygen-containing functional groups. This work demonstrated that FGC could be recycled and used as an effective recyclable sorbent for sorption of U(VI).

Solid State Technology Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center: Fifth Annual Digest

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

Not Available

1993-08-01

The digest is a collection of papers written by the members of the Solid State Technology Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center from June 1992-June 1993. The papers cover a range of topics relating to superconductivity, monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC`s), coplanar waveguide, and material characterization. Individual papers are abstracted separately on the data base.

A new critical dimension metrology for chrome-on-glass substrates based on s-parameter measurements extracted from coplanar waveguide test structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nwokoye, Chidubem A.; Zaghloul, Mona; Cresswell, Michael W.; Allen, Richard A.; Murabito, Christine E.

2006-10-01

The technical objective of the work reported here is to assess whether radio-frequency (RF) measurements made on coplanar waveguide (CPW) test structures, which are replicated in conducting material on insulating substrates, could be employed to extract the critical dimension (CD) of the signal line using its center-to-center separation from the groundlines as a reference. The specific near-term objective is to assess whether this CPW-based CD-metrology has sensitivity and repeatability competitive with the other metrology techniques that are now used for chrome-on-glass (COG) photomasks. An affirmative answer is encouraging because advancing to a non-contact and non-vacuum implementation would then seem possible for this application. Our modeling of specific cases shows that, when the pitch of the replicated lines of the CPW is maintained constant, the sensitivity of its characteristic impedance to the CDs of the signal and ground lines is approximately 60 Ω/μm. This is a potentially useful result. For the same implementation, the quantity ∂C/∂w has a value of approximately 45 (pF/m)/μm, which appears to be large enough to provide acceptable accuracy.

The relationship between female genital cutting and women's autonomy in Eritrea.

PubMed

Besera, Ghenet; Roess, Amira

2014-09-01

To investigate the relationship between women's autonomy and attitudes toward female genital cutting (FGC) and having a daughter with FGC in Eritrea. Data from a nationally representative sample of 8754 women aged between 15 and 49 years from the 2002 Eritrea Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of the practice of and attitudes toward FGC, including women's autonomy. Sixty-three percent (n = 3168) of women sampled had at least one daughter who had undergone FGC and 50.1% (n = 4848) of women believed FGC should continue. When controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, the odds of supporting the continuation of FGC were greater among women who justified wife beating (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-1.66). Among women who participated in household decisions, the odds of them supporting the continuation of FGC were less than among women who did not participate in household decisions (aOR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.75-0.99). Interventions addressing women's autonomy, specifically attitudes toward gender norms and increasing women's involvement in household decisions that carry a greater responsibility, may be a useful approach to reduce the support for and practice of FGC. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

FGC Webinar: Making it Easier to Buy Greener Products and Services, and Final FGC Data Reporting

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Presention on changes in Sustainable Facility Tool, Green Product Compilation, and Environmental Programs pages that clarify requirements for purchasing products and services, as well as reporting your FY2017 FGC Data using Re-TRAC Connect.

Effects of exposure, diet, and thermoregulation on fecal glucocorticoid measures in wild bears.

PubMed

Stetz, Jeff; Hunt, Kathleen; Kendall, Katherine C; Wasser, Samuel K

2013-01-01

We examined fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) measures of nutrition and thermoregulatory demands on wild bears in Glacier National Park, Montana, and assessed how these measures changed in samples left in the field. Both ambient temperature and exposure can impact thermoregulation and sample degradation. Bear diets vary markedly with season, affecting body condition and thus fGC. We collected fecal samples during September and October, 2001, when ambient temperatures ranged from 30°C to -5°C. We collected half of each sample immediately and left the other half in its original location for 1-28 days. We used generalized linear models (GLM) to first predict fGC concentrations in fresh samples based on proxies of nutrition, ambient temperature, thermal exposure, and precipitation. These same covariates were then used to predict degradation-based differences in fGC concentrations between the paired sample halves. Variation in fGC was predicted by diet, Julian date, aspect, and the interaction between Julian date and aspect in both fresh and exposed samples. Cumulative precipitation was also a significant predictor of fGC concentrations in the exposed samples, independent of time, indicating that precipitation contributes to sample degradation but not enough to mask effects of other environmental factors on fGC concentrations. Differences between sample halves were only predicted by cumulative precipitation and exposure time; cumulative precipitation decreased, whereas exposure time increased, fGC concentrations in the exposed sample halves. Results indicate that fGC can provide reliable indices of nutrition and thermoregulatory demands in bears and that sample degradation impacts on these relations are minimal and can be virtually eliminated by controlling for cumulative precipitation over the estimated exposure times.

Effects of Exposure, Diet, and Thermoregulation on Fecal Glucocorticoid Measures in Wild Bears

PubMed Central

Stetz, Jeff; Hunt, Kathleen; Kendall, Katherine C.; Wasser, Samuel K.

2013-01-01

We examined fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) measures of nutrition and thermoregulatory demands on wild bears in Glacier National Park, Montana, and assessed how these measures changed in samples left in the field. Both ambient temperature and exposure can impact thermoregulation and sample degradation. Bear diets vary markedly with season, affecting body condition and thus fGC. We collected fecal samples during September and October, 2001, when ambient temperatures ranged from 30°C to −5°C. We collected half of each sample immediately and left the other half in its original location for 1–28 days. We used generalized linear models (GLM) to first predict fGC concentrations in fresh samples based on proxies of nutrition, ambient temperature, thermal exposure, and precipitation. These same covariates were then used to predict degradation-based differences in fGC concentrations between the paired sample halves. Variation in fGC was predicted by diet, Julian date, aspect, and the interaction between Julian date and aspect in both fresh and exposed samples. Cumulative precipitation was also a significant predictor of fGC concentrations in the exposed samples, independent of time, indicating that precipitation contributes to sample degradation but not enough to mask effects of other environmental factors on fGC concentrations. Differences between sample halves were only predicted by cumulative precipitation and exposure time; cumulative precipitation decreased, whereas exposure time increased, fGC concentrations in the exposed sample halves. Results indicate that fGC can provide reliable indices of nutrition and thermoregulatory demands in bears and that sample degradation impacts on these relations are minimal and can be virtually eliminated by controlling for cumulative precipitation over the estimated exposure times. PMID:23457488

Fecal glucocorticoids reflect socio-ecological and anthropogenic stressors in the lives of wild spotted hyenas.

PubMed

Van Meter, Page E; French, Jeffrey A; Dloniak, Stephanie M; Watts, Heather E; Kolowski, Joseph M; Holekamp, Kay E

2009-02-01

Our aim was to identify natural and anthropogenic influences on the stress physiology of large African carnivores, using wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) as model animals. With both longitudinal data from a single social group, and cross-sectional data from multiple groups, we used fecal glucocorticoids (fGC) to examine potential stressors among spotted hyenas. Longitudinal data from adult members of a group living on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, revealed that fGC concentrations were elevated during two periods of social upheaval among adults, especially among younger females; however, prey availability, rainfall, and presence of lions did not influence fGC concentrations among hyenas. Our results suggested that anthropogenic disturbance in the form of pastoralist activity, but not tourism, influenced fGC concentrations among adult male hyenas; rising concentrations of fGC among males over 12 years were significantly correlated with increasing human population density along the edge of the group's home range. As hyenas from this social group were frequently exposed to anthropogenic disturbance, we compared fGC concentrations among these hyenas with those obtained concurrently from hyenas living in three other groups undisturbed by pastoralist activity. We found that fGC concentrations from the undisturbed groups were significantly lower than those in the disturbed group, and we were able to rule out tourism and ecological stressors as sources of variation in fGC among the populations. Thus it appears that both social instability and anthropogenic disturbance, but not the ecological variables examined, elevate fGC concentrations and represent stressors for wild spotted hyenas. Further work will be necessary to determine whether interpopulation variation in stress physiology predicts population decline in groups exposed to intensive anthropogenic disturbance.

Study of Designing BPF by Using LC Tap-Coupling Resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuzumi, Takenori; Wada, Kouji; Nakajima, Naoko; Hashimoto, Osamu

The resonance characteristics of short-ended half-wavelength coplanar waveguide(CPW) LC tap-coupling resonators are examined theoretically and experimentally. The characteristics near the passband have been improved by applying the presented CPW resonator to a design of a bandpass filter(BPF). Moreover, the difference between the calculation and the measurement results is examined by using the equivalent circuit about the presented BPF.

Broadband electron spin resonance from 500 MHz to 40 GHz using superconducting coplanar waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clauss, Conrad; Bothner, Daniel; Koelle, Dieter; Kleiner, Reinhold; Bogani, Lapo; Scheffler, Marc; Dressel, Martin

2013-04-01

We present non-conventional electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments based on microfabricated superconducting Nb thin film waveguides. A very broad frequency range, from 0.5 to 40 GHz, becomes accessible at low temperatures down to 1.6 K and in magnetic fields up to 1.4 T. This allows for an accurate inspection of the ESR absorption position in the frequency domain, in contrast to the more common observation as a function of magnetic field. We demonstrate the applicability of frequency-swept ESR on Cr3+ atoms in ruby as well as on organic radicals of the nitronyl-nitroxide family. Measurements between 1.6 and 30 K reveal a small frequency shift of the ESR and a resonance broadening below the critical temperature of Nb, which we both attribute to a modification of the magnetic field configuration due to the appearance of shielding supercurrents in the waveguide.

Design and optimization of LTE 1800 MIMO antenna.

PubMed

Wong, Huey Shin; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul; Kibria, Salehin

2014-01-01

A multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna that comprises a printed microstrip antenna and a printed double-L sleeve monopole antenna for LTE 1800 wireless application is presented. The printed double-L sleeve monopole antenna is fed by a 50 ohm coplanar waveguide (CPW). A novel T-shaped microstrip feedline printed on the other side of the PCB is used to excite the waveguide's outer shell. Isolation characteristics better than -15 dB can be obtained for the proposed MIMO antenna. The proposed antenna can operate in LTE 1800 (1710 MHz-1880 MHz). This antenna exhibits omnidirectional characteristics. The efficiency of the antenna is greater than 70% and has high gain of 2.18 dBi.

Caring for Women Who Have Experienced Female Genital Cutting.

PubMed

Little, Cindy M

2015-01-01

Female genital cutting/mutilation (FGC/M) is a procedure that involves physically altering a woman's/girl's genitals for no health benefits. This is a practice that is deeply rooted in culture, religion, and social tradition primarily in some African and Middle East countries. It is performed by a midwife, barber, traditional healer with no surgical training, or a physician. The practice of FGC/M has been gaining increased attention as women from those countries have been migrating to the United States and Western Europe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 125 million women worldwide have undergone FGC/M. The practice has serious short-term and long-term physical, obstetric, and psychological complications. It has been proposed by some healthcare professionals that physicians or other healthcare providers should perform the cutting because it would be done under more sanitary conditions that would reduce complications. However, the WHO and other organizations have condemned the practice by any medical professional. The FGC/M procedure is a human rights violation and has been banned by WHO and other organizations and governments. This article provides an overview of the current issues related to FGC/M and addresses important cultural considerations for nurses caring for women with FGC/M. Nurses are in a unique position to provide holistic, culturally competent care in a respectful, nonjudgmental atmosphere. Nurses have a role in educating women with FGC/M about the complications and care, as education is necessary in the challenge to eradicate the practice of FGC/M.

High-Q Superconducting Coplanar Waveguide Resonators for Integration into Molecule Ion Traps

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

V12C (3.13) 4 and We = V12 (3.14) 4 w 2 L’ finally yielding 2Wm R Q = wo m - w0L= woRC, (3.15) where wo = 1/ vLC is the resonant frequency of the...small. The primary challenge with simulating the microresonators was refining the mesh while remaining under memory limits of the modeling computer. It

10th International Conference of Computational Methods in Sciences and Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-22

Density Modulation ", in the 10th International Conference of Computational Methods in Sciences and Engineering (ICCMSE 2014), April 4-7, 2014, Athens...ENGINEERING We organized the symposium, “Electronic Transport Properties in the Presence of Density Modulation ,” in the 10th International...Superlattices by Coplanar Waveguide Dr. Endo reported his recent experimental work on thermoelectric power of two-dimensional electron gases in the quantum

Butt-coupled interface between stoichiometric Si3N4 and thin-film plasmonic waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabos, G.; Ketzaki, D.; Tsiokos, D.; Pleros, N.

2017-02-01

Plasmonic technology has emerged as the most promising candidate to revolutionize future photonic-integrated-circuits (PICs) and deliver performance breakthroughs in diverse application areas by providing increased light-matter interaction at the nanometer scale, overcoming the diffraction limit. However, high insertion losses of plasmonic devices impede their practical deployment in PICs. To overcome this hurdle, selective integration of individual plasmonic devices on low-loss photonic platforms is considered, allowing for enhanced chip-scale functionalities with realistic power budgets. In this context, highly-efficient and fabrication-tolerant optical interfaces for co-planar plasmonic and photonic waveguides become essential, bridging these two "worlds" and ease combined high-volume manufacturing. Herein, a TM-mode butt-coupled interface for stoichiometric Si3N4 and Au-based thin-film plasmonic waveguides is proposed aiming to be utilized for bio-sensing applications. Following a systematic design process, this new configuration has been analyzed through 3D FDTD numerical simulations demonstrating coupling efficiencies up to 64% at the wavelength of 1.55 μm, with increased fabrication tolerance compared to silicon based waveguide alternatives.

Attitude towards the Practice of Female Genital Cutting among School Boys and Girls in Somali and Harari Regions, Eastern Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Introduction. Female genital cutting (FGC) is a harmful traditional practice that violates women's rights and threatens their health. Although much work has been done to tackle this practice in Ethiopia, the prevalence remains very high in Somali and Harari regions. This study aims to investigate the attitude towards FGC of young people (boys and girls) in Somali and Harari regions of Eastern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out in Somali and Harari regions from October to December 2015. Two districts were purposely selected from the two regions, and a stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 480 subjects from the randomly selected schools. Results. Out of 480 questionnaires distributed, 478 (99.6%) respondents filled the questionnaires and returned them. The finding of the study reveals that 86% of study participants condemn the practice of FGC. Almost 59% of male participants from both study areas preferred to marry uncircumcised girls. Being a female and being a Muslim are significantly associated with the support toward the continuation of the FGC (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Although the study demonstrates a positive attitude towards the abandonment of FGC, there is a need to increase the knowledge about the position of Islam in FGC and to educate women about the harmful effect of FGC. PMID:28386281

WASTE AND WATER MANAGEMENT FOR CONVENTIONAL COAL COMBUSTION: ASSESSMENT REPORT - 1979. VOLUME V. DISPOSAL OF FGC (FLUE GAS CLEANING) WASTES

EPA Science Inventory

The report, the fifth of five volumes, focuses on disposal of coal ash and FGD wastes which (together) comprise FGC wastes. The report assesses the various options for the disposal of FGC wastes with emphasis on disposal on land. A number of technical, economic, and regulatory fa...

Success of First-Generation College Students in a Selective Doctor of Optometry Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joyce, Sharon T.

2017-01-01

What happens when former first-generation college (FGC) students successfully graduate from college and then aim for post-undergraduate education? The purpose of this dissertation is to compare differences between FGC students and non-FGC admissions profiles regarding end-of-first-year performance at UC Berkeley's School of Optometry. The aims of…

Design and Optimization of LTE 1800 MIMO Antenna

PubMed Central

Wong, Huey Shin; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul

2014-01-01

A multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna that comprises a printed microstrip antenna and a printed double-L sleeve monopole antenna for LTE 1800 wireless application is presented. The printed double-L sleeve monopole antenna is fed by a 50 ohm coplanar waveguide (CPW). A novel T-shaped microstrip feedline printed on the other side of the PCB is used to excite the waveguide's outer shell. Isolation characteristics better than −15 dB can be obtained for the proposed MIMO antenna. The proposed antenna can operate in LTE 1800 (1710 MHz–1880 MHz). This antenna exhibits omnidirectional characteristics. The efficiency of the antenna is greater than 70% and has high gain of 2.18 dBi. PMID:24967440

Miniaturized Wilkinson Power Dividers Utilizing Capacitive Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.; Ponchak, George E.; Weller, Thomas M.

2001-01-01

This letter reports the miniaturization of a planar Wilkinson power divider by capacitive loading of the quarter wave transmission lines employed in conventional Wilkinson power dividers. Reduction of the transmission line segments from lambda/4 to between lambda/5 and lambda/12 are reported here. The input and output lines at the three ports and the lines comprising the divider itself are coplanar waveguide (CPW) and asymmetric coplanar stripline (ACPS), respectively. The 10 GHZ power dividers are fabricated on high resistivity silicon (HRS) and alumina wafers. These miniaturized dividers are 74% smaller than conventional Wilkinson power dividers, and have a return loss better than +30 dB and an insertion loss less than 0.55 dB. Design equations and a discussion about the effect of parasitic reactance on the isolation are presented for the first time.

Legislating Change? Responses to Criminalizing Female Genital Cutting in Senegal

PubMed Central

Shell-Duncan, Bettina; Hernlund, Ylva; Wander, Katherine; Moreau, Amadou

2014-01-01

Although the international community has recently promoted legislation as an important reform strategy for ending female genital cutting (FGC), there exist divergent views on its potential effects. Supporters argue that legal prohibition of FGC has a general deterrent effect, while others argue legislation can be perceived as coercive, and derail local efforts to end the practice. This study examines the range of responses observed in rural Senegal, where a 1999 anti-FGC law was imposed on communities in which the practice was being actively contested and targeted for elimination. Drawing on data from a mixed-methods study, we analyze responses in relation to two leading theories on social regulation, the law and economics and law and society paradigms, which make divergent predictions on the interplay between social norms and legal norms. Among supporters of FGC, legal norms ran counter to social norms, and did little to deter the practice, and in some instances incited reactance or drove the practice underground. Conversely, where FGC was being contested, legislation served to strengthen the stance of those contemplating or favoring abandonment. We conclude that legislation can complement other reform strategies by creating an “enabling environment” that supports those who have or wish to abandon FGC. PMID:24771947

Polymer film strain gauges for measuring large elongations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondratov, A. P.; Zueva, A. M.; Varakin, R. S.; Taranec, I. P.; Savenkova, I. A.

2018-02-01

The paper shows the possibility to print polymer strain gages, microstrip lines, coplanar waveguides, and other prints for avionics using printing technology and equipment. The methods of screen and inkjet printing have been complemented by three new operations of preparing print films for application of an electrically conductive ink layer. Such additional operations make it possible to enhance the conductive ink layer adhesion to the film and to manufacture strain gages for measuring large elongations.

Coupled macrospins: Mode dynamics in symmetric and asymmetric vertices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bang, Wonbae; Jungfleisch, Matthias B.; Montoncello, Federico; Farmer, Barry W.; Lapa, Pavel N.; Hoffmann, Axel; Giovannini, Loris; De Long, Lance E.; Ketterson, John B.

2018-05-01

We report the microwave response of symmetric and asymmetric threefold clusters with nearly contacting segments that can serve as the node in a Kagome artificial spin ice lattice. The structures are patterned on a coplanar waveguide and consist of elongated and nearly-contacting ellipses with uniform thickness. Branches of the ferromagnetic resonance spectra display mode softening that correlates well with the calculations, whereas agreement between the measured and simulated static magnetization is more qualitative.

Coupled macrospins: Mode dynamics in symmetric and asymmetric vertices

DOE PAGES

Bang, Wonbae; Jungfleisch, Matthias B.; Montoncello, Federico; ...

2017-12-29

We report the microwave response of symmetric and asymmetric threefold clusters with nearly contacting segments that can serve as the node in a Kagome artificial spin ice lattice. The structures are patterned on a coplanar waveguide and consist of elongated and nearly-contacting ellipses with uniform thickness. Branches of the ferromagnetic resonance spectra display mode softening that correlates well with the calculations, whereas agreement between the measured and simulated static magnetization is more qualitative.

A 94GHz Temperature Compensated Low Noise Amplifier in 45nm Silicon-on-Insulator Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (SOI CMOS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

ring oscillator based temperature sensor will be designed to compensate for gain variations over temperature. For comparison to a competing solution...Simulated (Green) Capacitance of the GSG Pads ........................ 9 Figure 6: Die Picture and Schematic of the L-2L Coplanar Waveguides...complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. A ring oscillator based temperature sensor was designed to compensate for gain variations

Sociodemographic factors associated with female genital cutting among women of reproductive age in Nigeria.

PubMed

Ojo, T O; Ijadunola, M Y

2017-08-01

The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of female genital cutting (FGC) among women of reproductive age in Nigeria and identify the sociodemographic factors associated with the practice. A secondary analysis of the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey was carried out in 38,948 women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The prevalence of FGC among respondents was almost 25%, most of whom (82%) had undergone the procedure when they were under 5 years of age. Traditional circumcisers performed 72.2% of all procedures. Type 2 was the common form (62.6%) of FGC. Almost a quarter of respondents (23.1%) wanted the practice to continue. Women aged 45-49 years were approximately twice as likely to have undergone FGC compared with women aged 15-19 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99, 2.92; p < .001). Women from parts of Nigeria other than the North East zone were significantly more likely to have experienced FGC (p < .001). Women of Yoruba ethnicity were significantly more likely to have experienced FGC compared with women of Hausa/Fulani ethnicity (OR 4.86; 95% CI 3.03, 8.12; p < .001). Our findings have programmatic implications for ending the practice of FGC in Nigeria. Elimination efforts should be intensified among women of Yoruba ethnicity. To instigate behavioural change, communication interventions should particularly target residents in parts of Nigeria other than the North East zone.

Ultra-thin silicon/electro-optic polymer hybrid waveguide modulators

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

Qiu, Feng; Spring, Andrew M.; Sato, Hiromu

2015-09-21

Ultra-thin silicon and electro-optic (EO) polymer hybrid waveguide modulators have been designed and fabricated. The waveguide consists of a silicon core with a thickness of 30 nm and a width of 2 μm. The cladding is an EO polymer. Optical mode calculation reveals that 55% of the optical field around the silicon extends into the EO polymer in the TE mode. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) modulator was prepared using common coplanar electrodes. The measured half-wave voltage of the MZI with 7 μm spacing and 1.3 cm long electrodes is 4.6 V at 1550 nm. The evaluated EO coefficient is 70 pm/V, which is comparable to that ofmore » the bulk EO polymer film. Using ultra-thin silicon is beneficial in order to reduce the side-wall scattering loss, yielding a propagation loss of 4.0 dB/cm. We also investigated a mode converter which couples light from the hybrid EO waveguide into a strip silicon waveguide. The calculation indicates that the coupling loss between these two devices is small enough to exploit the potential fusion of a hybrid EO polymer modulator together with a silicon micro-photonics device.« less

Perception and practice of female genital cutting in a rural community in southern Nigeria.

PubMed

Johnson, Ofonime E; Okon, Rose D

2012-12-01

This study was carried out to determine the awareness and practice of FGC in a rural community in southern Nigeria. A cross sectional study was carried out among Ayadehe women in Itu, LGA Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Information obtained was analysed using SPSS version 17. A total of 218 respondents participated in the study. Majority, 215 (98.6%) were aware of the practice of FGC. Type 2 FGC was the commonest type reported by 71.2% of respondents. Prevalence of FGC was 92.7%. A total of 69.8% were circumcised at 6-12 years. Health complications experienced included excruciating pains, (36.6%), severe bleeding, (15.8%), and painful urination, (26.7%). Up to 53.5% were circumcised by traditional birth attendants. The belief that FGM should be discontinued increased with educational level. The practice of FGC was high in this community. Increased female education, community involvement and legislation are needed to reduce this practice.

Characterization of a multimode coplanar waveguide parametric amplifier

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

Simoen, M., E-mail: simoen@chalmers.se; Krantz, P.; Bylander, Jonas

2015-10-21

We characterize a Josephson parametric amplifier based on a flux-tunable quarter-wavelength resonator. The fundamental resonance frequency is ∼1 GHz, but we use higher modes of the resonator for our measurements. An on-chip tuning line allows for magnetic flux pumping of the amplifier. We investigate and compare degenerate parametric amplification, involving a single mode, and nondegenerate parametric amplification, using a pair of modes. We show that we reach quantum-limited noise performance in both cases.

Effect of a Dielectric Overlay on a Linearly Tapered Slot Antenna Excited by a Coplanar Waveguide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Lee, Richard Q.; Perl, Thomas D.; Silvestro, John

1993-01-01

The effect of a dielectric overlay on a linearly tapered slot antenna (LTSA) is studied. The LTSA under study has very wide bandwidth and excellent radiation patterns. A dielectric overlay improves the patterns and directivity of the antenna by increasing the electrical length and effective aperture of the antenna. A dielectric overlay can also be used to reduce the physical length of the antenna without compromising the pattern quality.

Baseline data from a planned RCT on attitudes to female genital cutting after migration: when are interventions justified?

PubMed Central

Johnsdotter, Sara; Selling, Katarina Ekholm; Källestål, Carina; Essén, Birgitta

2017-01-01

Objectives To present the primary outcomes from a baseline study on attitudes towards female genital cutting (FGC) after migration. Design Baseline data from a planned cluster randomised, controlled trial. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect questionnaire data in 2015. Based on our hypothesis that established Somalis could be used as facilitators of change among those newly arrived, data were stratified into years of residency in Sweden. Setting Sweden. Participants 372 Somali men and women, 206 newly arrived (0–4 years), 166 established (>4 years). Primary outcome measures Whether FGC is acceptable, preferred for daughter and should continue, specified on anatomical extent. Results The support for anatomical change of girls and women’s genitals ranged from 0% to 2% among established and from 4% to 8% among newly arrived. Among those supporting no anatomical change, 75%–83% among established and 53%–67% among newly arrived opposed all forms of FGC, with the remaining supporting pricking of the skin with no removal of tissue. Among newly arrived, 37% stated that pricking was acceptable, 39% said they wanted their daughter to be pricked and 26% reported they wanted pricking to continue being practised. Those who had lived in Sweden ≤ 2 years had highest odds of supporting FGC; thereafter, the opposition towards FGC increased over time after migration. Conclusion A majority of Somali immigrants, including those newly arrived, opposed all forms of FGC with increased opposition over time after migration. The majority of proponents of FGC supported pricking. We argue that it would have been unethical to proceed with the intervention as it, with this baseline, would have been difficult to detect a change in attitudes given that a majority opposed all forms of FGC together with the evidence that a strong attitude change is already happening. Therefore, we decided not to implement the planned intervention. Trial registration number Trial registration number NCT02335697;Pre-results. PMID:28801440

Low-Noise MMIC Amplifiers for 120 to 180 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pukala, David; Samoska, Lorene; Peralta, Alejandro; Bayuk, Brian; Grundbacher, Ron; Oliver, Patricia; Cavus, Abdullah; Liu, Po-Hsin

2009-01-01

Three-stage monolithic millimeter-wave integrated-circuit (MMIC) amplifiers capable of providing useful amounts of gain over the frequency range from 120 to 180 GHz have been developed as prototype low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) to be incorporated into instruments for sensing cosmic microwave background radiation. There are also potential uses for such LNAs in electronic test equipment, passive millimeter- wave imaging systems, radar receivers, communication receivers, and systems for detecting hidden weapons. The main advantage afforded by these MMIC LNAs, relative to prior MMIC LNAs, is that their coverage of the 120-to-180-GHz frequency band makes them suitable for reuse in a wider variety of applications without need to redesign them. Each of these MMIC amplifiers includes InP transistors and coplanar waveguide circuitry on a 50- mthick chip (see Figure 1). Coplanar waveguide transmission lines are used for both applying DC bias and matching of input and output impedances of each transistor stage. Via holes are incorporated between top and bottom ground planes to suppress propagation of electromagnetic modes in the substrate. On the basis of computational simulations, each of these amplifiers was expected to operate with a small-signal gain of 14 dB and a noise figure of 4.3 dB. At the time of writing this article, measurements of noise figures had not been reported, but on-chip measurements had shown gains approaching their simulated values (see Figure 2).

Recent activities in printed Antennas at LeRC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Richard Q.; Simons, Rainee N.

1993-01-01

This paper will report two recent R&D efforts in printed antennas at NASA Lewis Research Center. These efforts are: (1) to enhance the current antenna performance in gain, bandwidth and pattern characteristics, and (2) to develop coplanar waveguide/aperture coupled feeding technique for dual excitation of a patch antenna. Research in area (1) has led to the development of a nonplanar linearly tapered slot antenna (LTSA) which has exhibited over 10 dB gain with broad bandwidth and excellent radiation patterns. This endfire antenna element is most suitable for use in MMIC arrays of 'brick' construction. A space power amplifier composed of active LTSA has been demonstrated and shown to have a gain of 30 dB at 20 GHz. In each of the antenna elements, a GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) three-stage power amplifier is integrated with two LTSA's. A single active LTSA has also been demonstrated and exhibited a power gain of 6.7 dB with the MMIC amplifier turned on. The aperture coupled feeding technique with coplanar waveguide feeds has demonstrated high coupling efficiency on both LTSA and patch antennas. Recent efforts have been focused on applying this technique for dual excitation (dual frequency and/or dual polarization) of a patch antenna. Preliminary results confirm the feasibility of this approach. Further development is required to improve the coupling efficiency and antenna radiation characteristics.

Reflectively Coupled Waveguide Photodetector for High Speed Optical Interconnection

PubMed Central

Hsu*, Shih-Hsiang

2010-01-01

To fully utilize GaAs high drift mobility, techniques to monolithically integrate In0.53Ga0.47As p-i-n photodetectors with GaAs based optical waveguides using total internal reflection coupling are reviewed. Metal coplanar waveguides, deposited on top of the polyimide layer for the photodetector’s planarization and passivation, were then uniquely connected as a bridge between the photonics and electronics to illustrate the high-speed monitoring function. The photodetectors were efficiently implemented and imposed on the echelle grating circle for wavelength division multiplexing monitoring. In optical filtering performance, the monolithically integrated photodetector channel spacing was 2 nm over the 1,520–1,550 nm wavelength range and the pass band was 1 nm at the −1 dB level. For high-speed applications the full-width half-maximum of the temporal response and 3-dB bandwidth for the reflectively coupled waveguide photodetectors were demonstrated to be 30 ps and 11 GHz, respectively. The bit error rate performance of this integrated photodetector at 10 Gbit/s with 27-1 long pseudo-random bit sequence non-return to zero input data also showed error-free operation. PMID:22163502

Family group conferencing in youth care: characteristics of the decision making model, implementation and effectiveness of the Family Group (FG) plans.

PubMed

Asscher, Jessica J; Dijkstra, Sharon; Stams, Geert Jan J M; Deković, Maja; Creemers, Hanneke E

2014-02-11

The model of Family group-conferencing (FG-c) for decision making in child welfare has rapidly spread over the world during the past decades. Its popularity is likely to be caused by its philosophy, emphasizing participation and autonomy of families, rather than based on positive research outcomes. Conclusive evidence regarding the (cost) effectiveness of FG-c is not yet available. The aim of this protocol is to describe the design of a study to evaluate the (cost) effectiveness of FG-c as compared to Treatment as Usual. The effectiveness of FG-c will be examined by means of a Randomized Controlled Trial. A multi-informant approach will be used to assess child safety as the primary outcome, and commitment of the social network, perceived control/ empowerment; family functioning and use of professional care as secondary outcomes. Implementation of FG-c, characteristics of family manager and family will be examined as moderators of effectiveness. Studying the effectiveness of Fg-c is crucial now the method is being implemented all over the world as a decision making model in child and youth care. Policy makers should be informed whether the ideals of participation in society and the right for self-determination indeed result in more effective care plans, and the money spent on FG-c is warranted. Dutch Trial Register number NTR4320. The design of this study is approved by the independent Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences of The University of Amsterdam (approval number: 2013-POWL-3308). This study is financially supported by a grant from ZonMw, The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, grant number: 70-72900-98-13158.

Family group conferencing in youth care: characteristics of the decision making model, implementation and effectiveness of the Family Group (FG) plans

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The model of Family group-conferencing (FG-c) for decision making in child welfare has rapidly spread over the world during the past decades. Its popularity is likely to be caused by its philosophy, emphasizing participation and autonomy of families, rather than based on positive research outcomes. Conclusive evidence regarding the (cost) effectiveness of FG-c is not yet available. The aim of this protocol is to describe the design of a study to evaluate the (cost) effectiveness of FG-c as compared to Treatment as Usual. Method/Design The effectiveness of FG-c will be examined by means of a Randomized Controlled Trial. A multi-informant approach will be used to assess child safety as the primary outcome, and commitment of the social network, perceived control/ empowerment; family functioning and use of professional care as secondary outcomes. Implementation of FG-c, characteristics of family manager and family will be examined as moderators of effectiveness. Discussion Studying the effectiveness of Fg-c is crucial now the method is being implemented all over the world as a decision making model in child and youth care. Policy makers should be informed whether the ideals of participation in society and the right for self-determination indeed result in more effective care plans, and the money spent on FG-c is warranted. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register number NTR4320. The design of this study is approved by the independent Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences of The University of Amsterdam (approval number: 2013-POWL-3308). This study is financially supported by a grant from ZonMw, The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, grant number: 70-72900-98-13158. PMID:24517167

Comparison of patients by family history with gastric and non-gastric cancer.

PubMed

Zhou, Xue-Fu; He, Yu-Long; Song, Wu; Peng, Jian-Jun; Zhang, Chang-Hua; Li, Wen; Wu, Hui

2009-06-07

To compare the gastric cancer (GC) patients by their family history with gastric and non-GC. Positive family histories within second-degree relatives and clinicopathological features were obtained for 256 patients. Of the 256 probands, 112 (76 male, 36 female) were incorporated into familial GC (FGC) group: at least two GC members; 144 (98 male, 46 female) were included in the non-FGC group (relatives only affected with non-GCs). Of 399 tumors in relatives (181 from FGC against 212 from non-FGC), GC was the most frequent, followed by esophageal, hepatocellular, and colorectal cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer was next to lung cancer but prior to breast and urogenital cancers. Most affected members aggregated within first-degree relatives (FGC: 66 siblings, 48 fathers, 31 mothers, four offspring; non-FGC: 56 fathers, 55 siblings, 43 mothers, and 15 offspring). The ratio of males to females in affected first-degree relatives was usually higher in male probands. Paternal history of GC was a slight risk for GC in males (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.53-2.69), while risk of GC by maternal history of non-GCs was increased in females (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22-0.97). Diffuse-GC was the major histological type in all subgroups. Difference in tumor sites between the two groups was derived from an excess of upper sites in non-FGC female probands. Distribution of associated non-GCs in a family history of GC may vary with geographic areas. GC may have different genetic and/or environmental etiology in different families, and a certain subtype may be inherited in a female-influenced fashion.

Project: Micromachined High-Frequency Circuits For Sub-mm-wave Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papapolymerou, Ioannis John

2004-01-01

A novel micromachined resonator at 45 GHz based on a defect in a periodic electromagnetic bandgap structure (EBG) and a two-pole Tchebysbev filter with 1.4% 0.15 dB equiripple bandwidth and 2.3 dB loss employing this resonator are presented in this letter. The periodic bandgap structure is realized on a 400 micron thick high-resistivity silicon wafer using deep reactive ion etching techniques. The resonator and filter can be accessed via coplanar waveguide feeds.

Coupling of individual quantum emitters to channel plasmons.

PubMed

Bermúdez-Ureña, Esteban; Gonzalez-Ballestero, Carlos; Geiselmann, Michael; Marty, Renaud; Radko, Ilya P; Holmgaard, Tobias; Alaverdyan, Yury; Moreno, Esteban; García-Vidal, Francisco J; Bozhevolnyi, Sergey I; Quidant, Romain

2015-08-07

Efficient light-matter interaction lies at the heart of many emerging technologies that seek on-chip integration of solid-state photonic systems. Plasmonic waveguides, which guide the radiation in the form of strongly confined surface plasmon-polariton modes, represent a promising solution to manipulate single photons in coplanar architectures with unprecedented small footprints. Here we demonstrate coupling of the emission from a single quantum emitter to the channel plasmon polaritons supported by a V-groove plasmonic waveguide. Extensive theoretical simulations enable us to determine the position and orientation of the quantum emitter for optimum coupling. Concomitantly with these predictions, we demonstrate experimentally that 42% of a single nitrogen-vacancy centre emission efficiently couples into the supported modes of the V-groove. This work paves the way towards practical realization of efficient and long distance transfer of energy for integrated solid-state quantum systems.

An Exploration of the Psycho-Sexual Experiences of Women Who Have Undergone Female Genital Cutting: A Case of the Maasai in Kenya

PubMed Central

Esho, T.

2012-01-01

The research explored the link between type II Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and sexual functioning. This thesis summary thus draws from an exploratory ethnographic field study carried out among the Maasai people of Kenya where type II FGC is still being practiced. A purposely sample consisting of 28 women and 19 men, within the ages of 15-80 years took part in individual interviews and 5 focus group discussions. Participants responded to open-ended questions, a method deemed appropriate to elicit insider’s in-depth information. The study found out that one of the desired effects of FGC ritual among the Maasai was to reduce women’s sexual desire, embodied as tamed sexuality. This consequence was however not experienced as an impediment to sexual function. The research established that esteeming transformational processes linked with the FGC ‘rite of passage’ are crucial in shaping a woman’s femininity, identity, marriageable status and legitimating sexuality. In turn, these elements are imperative in inculcating and nurturing a positive body-self image and sex appeal and consequently, positive sexual self actualization. These finding brings to question the validity of conventional sexuality theory, particularly those that subscribe to bio-physical models as universal bases for understanding the subject of female sexual functioning among women with FGC. Socio-cultural-symbolic nexus and constructions of sexuality should also be considered when investigating psychosexual consequences of FGC. PMID:24753899

The potential of Family Group Conferencing for the resilience and relational autonomy of older adults.

PubMed

Metze, Rosalie N; Kwekkeboom, Rick H; Abma, Tineke A

2015-08-01

Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is emerging in the field of elderly care, as a method to enhance the resilience and relational autonomy of older persons. In this article, we want to explore the appropriateness of these two concepts to understand the FGC process in older adults. Using a case study design, we researched eight FGC cases for older adults, and selected two cases for further analysis and comparison. We found that the concepts of relational autonomy and resilience provide insight in the FGC process. Compassionately interfering social contacts, showing respect for the older person's needs and wishes gave older adults an impulse to take action to solve their problems. The capacity of a person to initiate and maintain social relations, and his or her willingness to ask for help, seemed essential to foster behavioral change. But apart from these, other, contextual factors seem to be important, which are currently not included in the theoretical framework for FGC, such as the nature of the problems, the involvement and capacities of the social network, and the older person's background. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Target detection and localization in shallow water: an experimental demonstration of the acoustic barrier problem at the laboratory scale.

PubMed

Marandet, Christian; Roux, Philippe; Nicolas, Barbara; Mars, Jérôme

2011-01-01

This study demonstrates experimentally at the laboratory scale the detection and localization of a wavelength-sized target in a shallow ultrasonic waveguide between two source-receiver arrays at 3 MHz. In the framework of the acoustic barrier problem, at the 1/1000 scale, the waveguide represents a 1.1-km-long, 52-m-deep ocean acoustic channel in the kilohertz frequency range. The two coplanar arrays record in the time-domain the transfer matrix of the waveguide between each pair of source-receiver transducers. Invoking the reciprocity principle, a time-domain double-beamforming algorithm is simultaneously performed on the source and receiver arrays. This array processing projects the multireverberated acoustic echoes into an equivalent set of eigenrays, which are defined by their launch and arrival angles. Comparison is made between the intensity of each eigenray without and with a target for detection in the waveguide. Localization is performed through tomography inversion of the acoustic impedance of the target, using all of the eigenrays extracted from double beamforming. The use of the diffraction-based sensitivity kernel for each eigenray provides both the localization and the signature of the target. Experimental results are shown in the presence of surface waves, and methodological issues are discussed for detection and localization.

On-Wafer Measurement of a Multi-Stage MMIC Amplifier with 10 dB of Gain at 475 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, Lorene A.; Fung, KingMan; Pukala, David M.; Kangaslahti, Pekka P.; Lai, Richard; Ferreira, Linda

2012-01-01

JPL has measured and calibrated a WR2.2 waveguide wafer probe from GGB Industries in order to allow for measurement of circuits in the 325-500 GHz range. Circuits were measured, and one of the circuits exhibited 10 dB of gain at 475 GHz. The MMIC circuit was fabricated at Northrop Grumman Corp. (NGC) as part of a NASA Innovative Partnerships Program, using NGC s 35-nm-gatelength InP HEMT process technology. The chip utilizes three stages of HEMT amplifiers, each having two gate fingers of 10 m in width. The circuits use grounded coplanar waveguide topology on a 50- m-thick substrate with through substrate vias. Broadband matching is achieved with coplanar waveguide transmission lines, on-chip capacitors, and open stubs. When tested with wafer probing, the chip exhibited 10 dB of gain at 475 GHz, with over 9 dB of gain from 445-490 GHz. Low-noise amplifiers in the 400-500 GHz range are useful for astrophysics receivers and earth science remote sensing instruments. In particular, molecular lines in the 400-500 GHz range include the CO 4-3 line at 460 GHz, and the CI fine structure line at 492 GHz. Future astrophysics heterodyne instruments could make use of high-gain, low-noise amplifiers such as the one described here. In addition, earth science remote sensing instruments could also make use of low-noise receivers with MMIC amplifier front ends. Present receiver technology typically employs mixers for frequency down-conversion in the 400-500 GHz band. Commercially available mixers have typical conversion loss in the range of 7-10 dB with noise figure of 1,000 K. A low-noise amplifier placed in front of such a mixer would have 10 dB of gain and lower noise figure, particularly if cooled to low temperature. Future work will involve measuring the noise figure of this amplifier.

Dynamics of change in the practice of female genital cutting in Senegambia: testing predictions of social convention theory.

PubMed

Shell-Duncan, Bettina; Wander, Katherine; Hernlund, Ylva; Moreau, Amadou

2011-10-01

Recent reviews of intervention efforts aimed at ending female genital cutting (FGC) have concluded that progress to date has been slow, and call for more efficient programs informed by theories on behavior change. Social convention theory, first proposed by Mackie (1996), posits that in the context of extreme resource inequality, FGC emerged as a means of securing a better marriage by signaling fidelity, and subsequently spread to become a prerequisite for marriage for all women. Change is predicted to result from coordinated abandonment in intermarrying groups so as to preserve a marriage market for uncircumcised girls. While this theory fits well with many general observations of FGC, there have been few attempts to systematically test the theory. We use data from a three year mixed-method study of behavior change that began in 2004 in Senegal and The Gambia to explicitly test predictions generated by social convention theory. Analyses of 300 in-depth interviews, 28 focus group discussions, and survey data from 1220 women show that FGC is most often only indirectly related to marriageability via concerns over preserving virginity. Instead we find strong evidence for an alternative convention, namely a peer convention. We propose that being circumcised serves as a signal to other circumcised women that a girl or woman has been trained to respect the authority of her circumcised elders and is worthy of inclusion in their social network. In this manner, FGC facilitates the accumulation of social capital by younger women and of power and prestige by elder women. Based on this new evidence and reinterpretation of social convention theory, we suggest that interventions aimed at eliminating FGC should target women's social networks, which are intergenerational, and include both men and women. Our findings support Mackie's assertion that expectations regarding FGC are interdependent; change must therefore be coordinated among interconnected members of social networks. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Reconciling female genital circumcision with universal human rights.

PubMed

Gordon, John-Stewart

2017-09-18

One of the most challenging issues in cross-cultural bioethics concerns the long-standing socio-cultural practice of female genital circumcision (FGC), which is prevalent in many African countries and the Middle East as well as in some Asian and Western countries. It is commonly assumed that FGC, in all its versions, constitutes a gross violation of the universal human rights of health, physical integrity, and individual autonomy and hence should be abolished. This article, however, suggests a mediating approach according to which one form of FGC, the removal of the clitoris foreskin, can be made compatible with the high demands of universal human rights. The argument presupposes the idea that human rights are not absolutist by nature but can be framed in a meaningful, culturally sensitive way. It proposes important limiting conditions that must be met for the practice of FGC to be considered in accordance with the human rights agenda. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Time Course and Association of Functional and Biochemical Markers in Severe Semitendinosus Damage Following Intensive Eccentric Leg Curls: Differences between and within Subjects.

PubMed

Carmona, Gerard; Mendiguchía, Jurdan; Alomar, Xavier; Padullés, Josep M; Serrano, David; Nescolarde, Lexa; Rodas, Gil; Cussó, Roser; Balius, Ramón; Cadefau, Joan A

2018-01-01

Purpose: To investigate the extent and evolution of hamstring muscle damage caused by an intensive bout of eccentric leg curls (ELCs) by (1) assessing the time course and association of different indirect markers of muscle damage such as changes in the force-generating capacity (FGC), functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), and serum muscle enzyme levels and (2) analyzing differences in the degree of hamstring muscle damage between and within subjects (limb-to-limb comparison). Methods: Thirteen male participants performed six sets of 10 repetitions of an ELC with each leg. Before and at regular intervals over 7 days after the exercise, FGC was measured with maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC). Serum enzyme levels, fMRI transverse relaxation time (T2) and perceived muscle soreness were also assessed and compared against the FGC. Results: Two groups of subjects were identified according to the extent of hamstring muscle damage based on decreased FGC and increased serum enzyme levels: high responders ( n = 10, severe muscle damage) and moderate responders ( n = 3, moderate muscle damage). In the high responders, fMRI T2 analysis revealed that the semitendinosus (ST) muscle suffered severe damage in the three regions measured (proximal, middle, and distal). The biceps femoris short head (BFsh) muscle was also damaged and there were significant differences in the FGC within subjects in the high responders. Conclusion: FGC and serum enzyme levels measured in 10 of the subjects from the sample were consistent with severe muscle damage. However, the results showed a wide range of peak MVC reductions, reflecting different degrees of damage between subjects (high and moderate responders). fMRI analysis confirmed that the ST was the hamstring muscle most damaged by ELCs, with uniform T2 changes across all the measured sections of this muscle. During intensive ELCs, the ST muscle could suffer an anomalous recruitment pattern due to fatigue and damage, placing an excessive load on the BFsh and causing it to perform a synergistic compensation that leads to structural damage. Finally, T2 and MVC values did not correlate for the leg with the smaller FGC decrease in the hamstring muscles, suggesting that long-lasting increases in T2 signals after FGC markers have returned to baseline values might indicate an adaptive process rather than damage.

Time Course and Association of Functional and Biochemical Markers in Severe Semitendinosus Damage Following Intensive Eccentric Leg Curls: Differences between and within Subjects

PubMed Central

Carmona, Gerard; Mendiguchía, Jurdan; Alomar, Xavier; Padullés, Josep M.; Serrano, David; Nescolarde, Lexa; Rodas, Gil; Cussó, Roser; Balius, Ramón; Cadefau, Joan A.

2018-01-01

Purpose: To investigate the extent and evolution of hamstring muscle damage caused by an intensive bout of eccentric leg curls (ELCs) by (1) assessing the time course and association of different indirect markers of muscle damage such as changes in the force-generating capacity (FGC), functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), and serum muscle enzyme levels and (2) analyzing differences in the degree of hamstring muscle damage between and within subjects (limb-to-limb comparison). Methods: Thirteen male participants performed six sets of 10 repetitions of an ELC with each leg. Before and at regular intervals over 7 days after the exercise, FGC was measured with maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC). Serum enzyme levels, fMRI transverse relaxation time (T2) and perceived muscle soreness were also assessed and compared against the FGC. Results: Two groups of subjects were identified according to the extent of hamstring muscle damage based on decreased FGC and increased serum enzyme levels: high responders (n = 10, severe muscle damage) and moderate responders (n = 3, moderate muscle damage). In the high responders, fMRI T2 analysis revealed that the semitendinosus (ST) muscle suffered severe damage in the three regions measured (proximal, middle, and distal). The biceps femoris short head (BFsh) muscle was also damaged and there were significant differences in the FGC within subjects in the high responders. Conclusion: FGC and serum enzyme levels measured in 10 of the subjects from the sample were consistent with severe muscle damage. However, the results showed a wide range of peak MVC reductions, reflecting different degrees of damage between subjects (high and moderate responders). fMRI analysis confirmed that the ST was the hamstring muscle most damaged by ELCs, with uniform T2 changes across all the measured sections of this muscle. During intensive ELCs, the ST muscle could suffer an anomalous recruitment pattern due to fatigue and damage, placing an excessive load on the BFsh and causing it to perform a synergistic compensation that leads to structural damage. Finally, T2 and MVC values did not correlate for the leg with the smaller FGC decrease in the hamstring muscles, suggesting that long-lasting increases in T2 signals after FGC markers have returned to baseline values might indicate an adaptive process rather than damage. PMID:29467666

Superconducting Vacuum-Gap Crossovers for High Performance Microwave Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denis, Kevin L.; Brown, Ari D.; Chang, Meng-Ping; Hu, Ron; U-Yen, Kongpop; Wollack, Edward J.

2016-01-01

The design and fabrication of low-loss wide-bandwidth superconducting vacuum-gap crossovers for high performance millimeter wave applications are described. In order to reduce ohmic and parasitic losses at millimeter wavelengths a vacuum gap is preferred relative to dielectric spacer. Here, vacuum-gap crossovers were realized by using a sacrificial polymer layer followed by niobium sputter deposition optimized for coating coverage over an underlying niobium signal layer. Both coplanar waveguide and microstrip crossover topologies have been explored in detail. The resulting fabrication process is compatible with a bulk micro-machining process for realizing waveguide coupled detectors, which includes sacrificial wax bonding, and wafer backside deep reactive ion etching for creation of leg isolated silicon membrane structures. Release of the vacuum gap structures along with the wax bonded wafer after DRIE is implemented in the same process step used to complete the detector fabrication. ?

Dynamical Casimir Effect for Gaussian Boson Sampling.

PubMed

Peropadre, Borja; Huh, Joonsuk; Sabín, Carlos

2018-02-28

We show that the Dynamical Casimir Effect (DCE), realized on two multimode coplanar waveg-uide resonators, implements a gaussian boson sampler (GBS). The appropriate choice of the mirror acceleration that couples both resonators translates into the desired initial gaussian state and many-boson interference in a boson sampling network. In particular, we show that the proposed quantum simulator naturally performs a classically hard task, known as scattershot boson sampling. Our result unveils an unprecedented computational power of DCE, and paves the way for using DCE as a resource for quantum simulation.

Traveling-Wave Membrane Photomixers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyss, R. A.; Martin, S. C.; Nakamura, B. J.; Neto, A.; Pasqualini, D.; Siegel, P. H.; Kadow, C.; Gossard, A. C.

2001-01-01

Traveling-wave photomixers have superior performance when compared with lumped area photomixers in the 1 to 3 THz frequency range. Their large active area and distributed gain mechanism assure high thermal damage threshold and elimination of the capacitive frequency roll-off. However, the losses experienced by the radio frequency wave traveling along the coplanar strips waveguide (due to underlying semi-infinite GaAs substrate) were a serious drawback. In this paper we present device designs and an experimental setup that make possible the realization of photomixers on membranes which eliminate the losses.

A note on quantum teleportation without the Bell-state measurement in superconducting qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, R. M.; Cardoso, W. B.; Avelar, A. T.; Baseia, B.

2014-02-01

In this paper, we offer a simple scheme to teleport a quantum state from a superconducting qubit to another spatially separated qubit, both coupled to coplanar waveguide microwave resonator. In this scheme the Bell-state measurement is not necessary, which simplifies the experimental observation. We revisit the effective model that describes such a coupled system and present the teleportation scheme with 98.7% of fidelity and 25% of success probability. We also verify the feasibility of this protocol for the transmon qubit parameters.

Modeling and characterization of shielded low loss CPWs on 65 nm node silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hongrui, Wang; Dongxu, Yang; Li, Zhang; Lei, Zhang; Zhiping, Yu

2011-06-01

Coplanar waveguides (CPWs) are promising candidates for high quality passive devices in millimeter-wave frequency bands. In this paper, CPW transmission lines with and without ground shields have been designed and fabricated on 65 nm CMOS technology. A physical-based model is proposed to describe the frequency-dependent per-unit-length L, C, R and G parameters. Starting with a basic CPW structure, the slow-wave effect and ground-shield influence have been analyzed and incorporated into the general model. The accuracy of the model is confirmed by experimental results.

Crossing borders: Discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation

PubMed Central

Mulongo, Peggy; McAndrew, Sue; Hollins Martin, Caroline

2014-01-01

The terms ‘Female Circumcision’ (FC), ‘FG Cutting’ (FGC) and ‘FG Mutilation’ (FGM) refer to procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. In practicing countries, FGC/FC is more widely used, as it is believed to be inoffensive, providing more impartial ways of discussing the practice. Positive beliefs about FC/FGC include virginity, marriage prospects, family reputation, or passage to adulthood. Regardless of terminology, the practice exists in at least 28 African counties, and a few Asian and Middle Eastern countries. In Western society, FGM is considered a breach of human rights, being outlawed in a number of countries. With immigration trends, FGC is now prominent in Western society among practicing communities. While the past decade has seen an increase in studies and recommendations for health-care support related to the physical health consequences of FGM, little is known about the psychological impact and its management. For many girls and women, FGC is a traumatic practice, transforming it to FGM and affecting their mental health. This discussion paper focuses on evidence relating to the mental health consequences of FGM, therapeutic interventions, and the mental health nurse's role in addressing the needs of this group of women. PMID:24548699

Family group conferences in youth justice.

PubMed

Mutter, Robin; Shemmings, David; Dugmore, Paul; Hyare, Mina

2008-05-01

This paper discusses part of an evaluation of the 'Family Group Conference (FGC) Project for Young People Who Offend' within a large social services department ('Exshire'). The evaluation covers all 30 family group conferences during a 15-month period from September 2000 to December 2001. This article presents the findings relating to young people along with changes in their psychosocial profile using a modified version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman 1997). The views of all participants were positive, with the majority saying they would recommend FGCs to others. FGC was felt by most participants to have brought about changes in the way young people view the world, partly by helping them to accept the reality of offending in a way that had not previously been possible. It provided victims with a unique opportunity to become involved in the youth justice system, recognising them as key stakeholders as a result of a crime. This process left most victims with a sense of satisfaction and resolution. Average SDQ scores were lower following FGC for the 12 young people who responded to follow-up interviews. Although there are a number of restorative justice projects using FGC in youth justice, we believe this project is among the first in the UK to establish the use of the New Zealand model with its emphasis on 'private family time' as an ongoing established service. Although the data were collected before 2002, the project contains unique features which we believe should be brought to the attention of the wider academic and practice community given that FGC is still a fairly new, unexplored and under-evaluated phenomenon in youth justice. There is currently a need for more research looking at the use of FGC in relation to young offenders.

HIGH-SPEED GC/MS FOR AIR ANALYSIS

EPA Science Inventory

High speed or fast gas chromatography (FGC) consists of narrow bandwidth injection into a high-speed carrier gas stream passing through a short column leading to a fast detector. Many attempts have been made to demonstrate FGC, but until recently no practical method for routin...

On processing of Ni-Cr3C2 based functionally graded clads through microwave heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaushal, Sarbjeet; Gupta, Dheeraj; Bhowmick, Hiralal

2018-06-01

In the current study, functionally graded clads (FGC) of Ni-Cr3C2 based composite powders with varying percentage of Cr3C2 (0%–30% by weight) were developed on austenitic stainless steel (SS-304) substrate through microwave hybrid heating method. A domestic microwave oven working at 2.45 GHz and variable power level of 180–900 W was used to conduct the experimental trials. The exposure time was varied with compositional gradient and was optimized. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image of the FGC shows the uniform distribution of Cr3C2 particles inside the Ni matrix. Presence of Ni3C, Ni3Si, Ni3Cr2, and Cr3C2 phases was observed in the different layers of FGC. The top FGC layer exhibits the maximum value of microhardness of order 576 ± 25 HV which was 2.5 times more than that of the substrate.

Travel-time tomography in shallow water: experimental demonstration at an ultrasonic scale.

PubMed

Roux, Philippe; Iturbe, Ion; Nicolas, Barbara; Virieux, Jean; Mars, Jérôme I

2011-09-01

Acoustic tomography in a shallow ultrasonic waveguide is demonstrated at the laboratory scale between two source-receiver arrays. At a 1/1,000 scale, the waveguide represents a 1.1-km-long, 52-m-deep ocean acoustic channel in the kilohertz frequency range. Two coplanar arrays record the transfer matrix in the time domain of the waveguide between each pair of source-receiver transducers. A time-domain, double-beamforming algorithm is simultaneously performed on the source and receiver arrays that projects the multi-reflected acoustic echoes into an equivalent set of eigenrays, which are characterized by their travel times and their launch and arrival angles. Travel-time differences are measured for each eigenray every 0.1 s when a thermal plume is generated at a given location in the waveguide. Travel-time tomography inversion is then performed using two forward models based either on ray theory or on the diffraction-based sensitivity kernel. The spatially resolved range and depth inversion data confirm the feasibility of acoustic tomography in shallow water. Comparisons are made between inversion results at 1 and 3 MHz with the inversion procedure using ray theory or the finite-frequency approach. The influence of surface fluctuations at the air-water interface is shown and discussed in the framework of shallow-water ocean tomography. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW)-Based Wireless Temperature Sensor for Harsh Environments.

PubMed

Tan, Qiulin; Guo, Yanjie; Zhang, Lei; Lu, Fei; Dong, Helei; Xiong, Jijun

2018-05-03

This paper presents a new wireless sensor structure based on a substrate integrated circular waveguide (SICW) for the temperature test in harsh environments. The sensor substrate material is 99% alumina ceramic, and the SICW structure is composed of upper and lower metal plates and a series of metal cylindrical sidewall vias. A rectangular aperture antenna integrated on the surface of the SICW resonator is used for electromagnetic wave transmission between the sensor and the external antenna. The resonant frequency of the temperature sensor decreases when the temperature increases, because the relative permittivity of the alumina ceramic increases with temperature. The temperature sensor presented in this paper was tested four times at a range of 30⁻1200 °C, and a broad band coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed antenna was used as an interrogation antenna during the test process. The resonant frequency changed from 2.371 to 2.141 GHz as the temperature varied from 30 to 1200 °C, leading to a sensitivity of 0.197 MHz/°C. The quality factor of the sensor changed from 3444.6 to 35.028 when the temperature varied from 30 to 1000 °C.

Comparison of mechanical properties of three machinable ceramics with an experimental fluorophlogopite glass ceramic.

PubMed

Leung, Brian T W; Tsoi, James K H; Matinlinna, Jukka P; Pow, Edmond H N

2015-09-01

Fluorophlogopite glass ceramic (FGC) is a biocompatible, etchable, and millable ceramic with fluoride releasing property. However, its mechanical properties and reliability compared with other machinable ceramics remain undetermined. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the mechanical properties of 3 commercially available millable ceramic materials, IPS e.max CAD, Vitablocs Mark II, and Vita Enamic, with an experimental FGC. Each type of ceramic block was sectioned into beams (n=15) of standard dimensions of 2×2×15 mm. Before mechanical testing, specimens of the IPS e.max CAD group were further fired for final crystallization. Flexural strength was determined by the 3-point bend test with a universal loading machine at a cross head speed of 1 mm/min. Hardness was determined with a hardness tester with 5 Vickers hardness indentations (n=5) using a 1.96 N load and a dwell time of 15 seconds. Selected surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by the 1-way ANOVA test and Weibull analysis (α=.05). Weibull parameters, including the Weibull modulus (m) as well as the characteristic strength at 63.2% (η) and 10.0% (B10), were obtained. A significant difference in flexural strength (P<.001) was found among groups, with IPS e.max CAD (341.88 ±40.25 MPa)>Vita Enamic (145.95 ±12.65 MPa)>Vitablocs Mark II (106.67 ±18.50 MPa), and FGC (117.61 ±7.62 MPa). The Weibull modulus ranged from 6.93 to 18.34, with FGC showing the highest Weibull modulus among the 4 materials. The Weibull plot revealed that IPS e.max CAD>Vita Enamic>FGC>Vitablocs Mark II for the characteristic strength at both 63.2% (η) and 10.0% (B10). Significant difference in Vickers hardness among groups (P<.001) was found with IPS e.max CAD (731.63 ±30.64 H(V))>Vitablocs Mark II (594.74 ±25.22 H(V))>Vita Enamic (372.29 ±51.23 H(V))>FGC (153.74 ±23.62 H(V)). The flexural strength and Vickers hardness of IPS e.max CAD were significantly higher than those of the 3 materials tested. The FGC's flexural strength was comparable with Vitablocs Mark II. The FGC's Weibull modulus was the highest, while its Vickers hardness was the lowest among the materials tested. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dielectric Covered Planar Antennas at Submillimeter Wavelengths for Terahertz Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chattopadhyay, Goutam; Gill, John J.; Skalare, Anders; Lee, Choonsup; Llombart, Nuria; Siegel, Peter H.

2011-01-01

Most optical systems require antennas with directive patterns. This means that the physical area of the antenna will be large in terms of the wavelength. When non-cooled systems are used, the losses of microstrip or coplanar waveguide lines impede the use of standard patch or slot antennas for a large number of elements in a phased array format. Traditionally, this problem has been solved by using silicon lenses. However, if an array of such highly directive antennas is to be used for imaging applications, the fabrication of many closely spaced lenses becomes a problem. Moreover, planar antennas are usually fed by microstrip or coplanar waveguides while the mixer or the detector elements (usually Schottky diodes) are coupled in a waveguide environment. The coupling between the antenna and the detector/ mixer can be a fabrication challenge in an imaging array at submillimeter wavelengths. Antennas excited by a waveguide (TE10) mode makes use of dielectric superlayers to increase the directivity. These antennas create a kind of Fabry- Perot cavity between the ground plane and the first layer of dielectric. In reality, the antenna operates as a leaky wave mode where a leaky wave pole propagates along the cavity while it radiates. Thanks to this pole, the directivity of a small antenna is considerably enhanced. The antenna consists of a waveguide feed, which can be coupled to a mixer or detector such as a Schottky diode via a standard probe design. The waveguide is loaded with a double-slot iris to perform an impedance match and to suppress undesired modes that can propagate on the cavity. On top of the slot there is an air cavity and on top, a small portion of a hemispherical lens. The fractional bandwidth of such antennas is around 10 percent, which is good enough for heterodyne imaging applications.The new geometry makes use of a silicon lens instead of dielectric quarter wavelength substrates. This design presents several advantages when used in the submillimeter-wave and terahertz bands: a) Antenna fabrication compatible with lithographic techniques. b) Much simpler fabrication of the lens. c) A simple quarter-wavelength matching layer of the lens will be more efficient if a smaller portion of the lens is used. d) The directivity is given by the lens diameter instead of the leaky pole (the bandwidth will not depend anymore on the directivity but just on the initial cavity). The feed is a standard waveguide, which is compatible with proven Schottky diode mixer/detector technologies. The development of such technology will benefit applications where submillimeter- wave heterodyne array designs are required. The main fields are national security, planetary exploration, and biomedicine. For national security, wideband submillimeter radars could be an effective tool for the standoff detection of hidden weapons or bombs concealed by clothing or packaging. In the field of planetary exploration, wideband submillimeter radars can be used as a spectrometer to detect trace concentrations of chemicals in atmospheres that are too cold to rely on thermal imaging techniques. In biomedicine, an imaging heterodyne system could be helpful in detecting skin diseases.

W-Band On-Wafer Measurement of Uniplanar Slot-Type Antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raman, Sanjay; Gauthier, Gildas P.; Rebeiz, Gabriel M.

1997-01-01

Uniplanar slot-type antennas such as coplanar waveguide fed single- and dual-polarized slot-ring antennas and double folded-slot antennas are characterized using a millimeter-wave network analyzer and on-wafer measurement techniques. The antennas are designed to be mounted on a dielectric lens to minimize power loss into substrate modes and realize high-gain antenna patterns. On-wafer measurements are performed by placing the antenna wafer on a thick dielectric spacer of similar e(sub t) and eliminating the reflection from the probe station chuck with time-domain gating. The measured results agree well with method-of-moments simulations.

Single-photon-driven high-order sideband transitions in an ultrastrongly coupled circuit-quantum-electrodynamics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhen; Wang, Yimin; Li, Tiefu; Tian, Lin; Qiu, Yueyin; Inomata, Kunihiro; Yoshihara, Fumiki; Han, Siyuan; Nori, Franco; Tsai, J. S.; You, J. Q.

2017-07-01

We report the experimental observation of high-order sideband transitions at the single-photon level in a quantum circuit system of a flux qubit ultrastrongly coupled to a coplanar waveguide resonator. With the coupling strength reaching 10% of the resonator's fundamental frequency, we obtain clear signatures of higher order red-sideband and first-order blue-sideband transitions, which are mainly due to the ultrastrong Rabi coupling. Our observation advances the understanding of ultrastrongly coupled systems and paves the way to study high-order processes in the quantum Rabi model at the single-photon level.

A Dual Mode BPF with Improved Spurious Response Using DGS Cells Embedded on the Ground Plane of CPW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Min-Hang; Ye, Chang-Sin; Hung, Cheng-Yuan; Huang, Chun-Yueh

A novel dual mode bandpass filter (BPF) with improved spurious response is presented in this letter. To obtain low insertion loss, the coupling structure using the dual mode resonator and the feeding scheme using coplanar-waveguide (CPW) are constructed on the two sides of a dielectric substrate. A defected ground structure (DGS) is designed on the ground plane of the CPW to achieve the goal of spurious suppression of the filter. The filter has been investigated numerically and experimentally. Measured results show a good agreement with the simulated analysis.

Antenna design for propagating spin wave spectroscopy in ferromagnetic thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Yu, Ting; Chen, Ji-lei; Zhang, You-guang; Feng, Jian; Tu, Sa; Yu, Haiming

2018-03-01

In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of antenna for propagating-spin-wave-spectroscopy (PSWS) experiment in ferromagnetic thin films. Firstly, we simulate the amplitude and phase distribution of the high-frequency magnetic field around antenna by high frequency structure simulator (HFSS). And then k distribution of the antenna is obtained by fast Fourier transformation (FFT). Furthermore, three kinds of antenna designs, i.e. micro-strip line, coplanar waveguide (CPW), loop, are studied and compared. How the dimension parameter of antenna influence the corresponding high-frequency magnetic field amplitude and k distribution are investigated in details.

CPW-fed wearable antenna at 2.4 GHz ISM band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhammad, Zuraidah; Shah, S. M.; Abidin, Z. Z.; Asyhap, Adel Y. I.; Mustam, S. M.; Ma, Y.

2017-09-01

A wearable antenna working in 2.4 GHz for Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio bands is presented in this work. The proposed antenna is a rectangular textile antenna with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feeding on a cotton jeans as the substrate material. The antenna has a compact size with dimensions of 30 × 30 mm2 which makes it an attractive solution in a wearable antenna construction. The linear characteristics of the antenna are investigated to evaluate the performance of the antenna. The simulation and measurements results are compared and they agree well with each other.

RF Transmission Lines on Silicon Substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.

1999-01-01

A review of RF transmission lines on silicon substrates is presented. Through measurements and calculated results, it is shown that attenuation is dominated by conductor loss if silicon substrates with a resistivity greater than 2500 Ohm-cm are used. Si passivation layers affect the transmission line attenuation; however, measured results demonstrate that passivation layers do not necessarily increase attenuation. If standard, low resistivity Si wafers must be used, alternative transmission lines such as thin film microstrip and Co-Planar Waveguide (CPW) on thick polyimide layers must be used. Measured results presented here show that low loss per unit length is achievable with these transmission lines.

Strongly disordered TiN and NbTiN s-wave superconductors probed by microwave electrodynamics.

PubMed

Driessen, E F C; Coumou, P C J J; Tromp, R R; de Visser, P J; Klapwijk, T M

2012-09-07

We probe the effects of strong disorder (2.4

Left-handed compact MIMO antenna array based on wire spiral resonator for 5-GHz wireless applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alqadami, Abdulrahman Shueai Mohsen; Jamlos, Mohd Faizal; Soh, Ping Jack; Rahim, Sharul Kamal Abdul; Narbudowicz, Adam

2017-01-01

A compact coplanar waveguide-fed multiple-input multiple-output antenna array based on the left-handed wire loaded spiral resonators (SR) is presented. The proposed antenna consists of a 2 × 2 wire SR with two symmetrical microstrip feed lines, each line exciting a 1 × 2 wire SR. Left-handed metamaterial unit cells are placed on its reverse side and arranged in a 2 × 3 array. A reflection coefficient of less than -16 dB and mutual coupling of less than -28 dB are achieved at 5.15 GHz WLAN band.

Socialization and Information Horizons: Source Use Behavior of First-Generation and Continuing-Generation College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsai, Tien-I

2013-01-01

First-generation college (FGC) students have been described as an underrepresented group in comparison to their continuing-generation counterparts (non-FGC students). Studying college students' socialization experiences and their use of academic resources can help us understand how to facilitate their academic success. Incorporating…

Cultural protection against traumatic stress: traditional support of children exposed to the ritual of female genital cutting

PubMed Central

Schultz, Jon-Håkon; Lien, Inger-Lise

2014-01-01

This study explores the factors addressed in folk psychology in The Gambia for protecting the girl-child from the potential traumatic stress of female genital cutting (FGC). The type and quality of the psychological care was analyzed and compared with research on traumatic stress and principles for crisis and trauma intervention. Thirty-three qualitative indepth interviews were conducted with mothers who had supervised their daughters’ FGC, women who had been circumcised, and professional circumcisers. The findings indicate that the girls have largely managed to handle the potentially traumatic event of FGC. The event is placed in a meaningful system of understanding, and the stress is dealt with in a traditional way that to a great extent follows empirically-based and evidence-based principles of crisis intervention. However, the approach tends to be culturally encoded, based on the local cultural belief system. This puts circumcised individuals in a potentially vulnerable position if they are living outside the homeland’s supportive cultural context, with consequences for psychological and culturally competent FGC health care in exile. PMID:24611023

Crossing borders: discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation.

PubMed

Mulongo, Peggy; McAndrew, Sue; Hollins Martin, Caroline

2014-08-01

The terms 'Female Circumcision' (FC), 'FG Cutting' (FGC) and 'FG Mutilation' (FGM) refer to procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. In practicing countries, FGC/FC is more widely used, as it is believed to be inoffensive, providing more impartial ways of discussing the practice. Positive beliefs about FC/FGC include virginity, marriage prospects, family reputation, or passage to adulthood. Regardless of terminology, the practice exists in at least 28 African counties, and a few Asian and Middle Eastern countries. In Western society, FGM is considered a breach of human rights, being outlawed in a number of countries. With immigration trends, FGC is now prominent in Western society among practicing communities. While the past decade has seen an increase in studies and recommendations for health-care support related to the physical health consequences of FGM, little is known about the psychological impact and its management. For many girls and women, FGC is a traumatic practice, transforming it to FGM and affecting their mental health. This discussion paper focuses on evidence relating to the mental health consequences of FGM, therapeutic interventions, and the mental health nurse's role in addressing the needs of this group of women. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Thin film lithium niobate electro-optic modulator with terahertz operating bandwidth.

PubMed

Mercante, Andrew J; Shi, Shouyuan; Yao, Peng; Xie, Linli; Weikle, Robert M; Prather, Dennis W

2018-05-28

We present a thin film crystal ion sliced (CIS) LiNbO 3 phase modulator that demonstrates an unprecedented measured electro-optic (EO) response up to 500 GHz. Shallow rib waveguides are utilized for guiding a single transverse electric (TE) optical mode, and Au coplanar waveguides (CPWs) support the modulating radio frequency (RF) mode. Precise index matching between the co-propagating RF and optical modes is responsible for the device's broadband response, which is estimated to extend even beyond 500 GHz. Matching the velocities of these co-propagating RF and optical modes is realized by cladding the modulator's interaction region in a thin UV15 polymer layer, which increases the RF modal index. The fabricated modulator possesses a tightly confined optical mode, which lends itself to a strong interaction between the modulating RF field and the guided optical carrier; resulting in a measured DC half-wave voltage of 3.8 V·cm -1 . The design, fabrication, and characterization of our broadband modulator is presented in this work.

Polarization sensitive Multi-Chroic MKIDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Bradley R.; Flanigan, Daniel; Abitbol, Maximilian H.; Ade, Peter A. R.; Bryan, Sean; Cho, Hsiao-Mei; Datta, Rahul; Day, Peter; Doyle, Simon; Irwin, Kent; Jones, Glenn; Kernasovskiy, Sarah; Li, Dale; Mauskopf, Philip; McCarrick, Heather; McMahon, Jeff; Miller, Amber; Pisano, Giampaolo; Song, Yanru; Surdi, Harshad; Tucker, Carole

2016-07-01

We report on the development of scalable prototype microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays tai- lored for future multi-kilo-pixel experiments that are designed to simultaneously characterize the polarization properties of both the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and Galactic dust emission. These modular arrays are composed of horn-coupled, polarization-sensitive MKIDs, and each pixel has four detectors: two polariza- tions in two spectral bands between 125 and 280 GHz. A horn is used to feed each array element, and a planar orthomode transducer, composed of two waveguide probe pairs, separates the incoming light into two linear po- larizations. Diplexers composed of resonant-stub band-pass filters separate the radiation into 125 to 170 GHz and 190 to 280 GHz pass bands. The millimeter-wave power is ultimately coupled to a hybrid co-planar waveguide microwave kinetic inductance detector using a novel, broadband circuit developed by our collaboration. Elec- tromagnetic simulations show the expected absorption efficiency of the detector is approximately 90%. Array fabrication will begin in the summer of 2016.

Sensor And Method For Detecting A Superstrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey (Inventor); Cari, James R. (Inventor); Ngo, Phong H. (Inventor); Fink, Patrick W. (Inventor); Siekierski, James D. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

Method and apparatus are provided for determining a superstrate on or near a sensor, e.g., for detecting the presence of an ice superstrate on an airplane wing or a road. In one preferred embodiment, multiple measurement cells are disposed along a transmission line. While the present invention is operable with different types of transmission lines, construction details for a presently preferred coplanar waveguide and a microstrip waveguide are disclosed. A computer simulation is provided as part of the invention for predicting results of a simulated superstrate detector system. The measurement cells may be physically partitioned, nonphysically partitioned with software or firmware, or include a combination of different types of partitions. In one embodiment, a plurality of transmission lines are utilized wherein each transmission line includes a plurality of measurement cells. The plurality of transmission lines may be multiplexed with the signal from each transmission line being applied to the same phase detector. In one embodiment, an inverse problem method is applied to determine the superstrate dielectric for a transmission line with multiple measurement cells.

Angular Displacement and Velocity Sensors Based on Coplanar Waveguides (CPWs) Loaded with S-Shaped Split Ring Resonators (S-SRR).

PubMed

Naqui, Jordi; Coromina, Jan; Karami-Horestani, Ali; Fumeaux, Christophe; Martín, Ferran

2015-04-23

In this paper, angular displacement and angular velocity sensors based on coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines and S-shaped split ring resonators (S-SRRs) are presented. The sensor consists of two parts, namely a CPW and an S-SRR, both lying on parallel planes. By this means, line-to-resonator magnetic coupling arises, the coupling level being dependent on the line-to-resonator relative angular orientation. The line-to-resonator coupling level is the key parameter responsible for modulating the amplitude of the frequency response seen between the CPW ports in the vicinity of the S-SRR fundamental resonance frequency. Specifically, an amplitude notch that can be visualized in the transmission coefficient is changed by the coupling strength, and it is characterized as the sensing variable. Thus, the relative angular orientation between the two parts is measured, when the S-SRR is attached to a rotating object. It follows that the rotation angle and speed can be inferred either by measuring the frequency response of the S-SRR-loaded line, or the response amplitude at a fixed frequency in the vicinity of resonance. It is in addition shown that the angular velocity can be accurately determined from the time-domain response of a carrier time-harmonic signal tuned at the S-SRR resonance frequency. The main advantage of the proposed device is its small size directly related to the small electrical size of the S-SRR, which allows for the design of compact angular displacement and velocity sensors at low frequencies. Despite the small size of the fabricated proof-of-concept prototype (electrically small structures do not usually reject signals efficiently), it exhibits good linearity (on a logarithmic scale), sensitivity and dynamic range.

Angular Displacement and Velocity Sensors Based on Coplanar Waveguides (CPWs) Loaded with S-Shaped Split Ring Resonators (S-SRR)

PubMed Central

Naqui, Jordi; Coromina, Jan; Karami-Horestani, Ali; Fumeaux, Christophe; Martín, Ferran

2015-01-01

In this paper, angular displacement and angular velocity sensors based on coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines and S-shaped split ring resonators (S-SRRs) are presented. The sensor consists of two parts, namely a CPW and an S-SRR, both lying on parallel planes. By this means, line-to-resonator magnetic coupling arises, the coupling level being dependent on the line-to-resonator relative angular orientation. The line-to-resonator coupling level is the key parameter responsible for modulating the amplitude of the frequency response seen between the CPW ports in the vicinity of the S-SRR fundamental resonance frequency. Specifically, an amplitude notch that can be visualized in the transmission coefficient is changed by the coupling strength, and it is characterized as the sensing variable. Thus, the relative angular orientation between the two parts is measured, when the S-SRR is attached to a rotating object. It follows that the rotation angle and speed can be inferred either by measuring the frequency response of the S-SRR-loaded line, or the response amplitude at a fixed frequency in the vicinity of resonance. It is in addition shown that the angular velocity can be accurately determined from the time-domain response of a carrier time-harmonic signal tuned at the S-SRR resonance frequency. The main advantage of the proposed device is its small size directly related to the small electrical size of the S-SRR, which allows for the design of compact angular displacement and velocity sensors at low frequencies. Despite the small size of the fabricated proof-of-concept prototype (electrically small structures do not usually reject signals efficiently), it exhibits good linearity (on a logarithmic scale), sensitivity and dynamic range. PMID:25915590

First Generation College Students in Engineering: A Grounded Theory Study of Family Influence on Academic Decision Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simmons, Denise Rutledge

2012-01-01

This work develops a constructivist grounded theory describing the influence of family and those that serve a role similar to family on the academic decision making of undergraduate first generation in college (FGC) students majoring in engineering. FGC students, in this study, are students with neither parent having attained a bachelor's…

Co-simulation of a complete rectenna with a circular slot loop antenna in CPW technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivière, Jérôme; Douyère, Alexandre; Cazour, Jonathan; Alicalapa, Frédéric; Luk, Jean-Daniel Lan Sun

2017-05-01

This study starts with the design of a planar and compact CPW antenna fabricated on Arlon AD1000 substrate, ɛr=10.35. The antenna is a coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed circular slot loop antenna matched to the standard impedance 50 Ω by two stubs. The goal is to implement this antenna with a CPW RF/DC rectifier to build an optimized low power level rectenna. The rectenna design is restricted to allow easy and fast fabrication of an array with a high reproducibility. The full rectenna is simulated and achieves 10% effciency at -20 dBm.

Multiplexing Superconducting Qubit Circuit for Single Microwave Photon Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, R. E.; Senior, J.; Saira, O.-P.; Pekola, J. P.; de Graaf, S. E.; Lindström, T.; Pashkin, Yu A.

2017-10-01

We report on a device that integrates eight superconducting transmon qubits in λ /4 superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators fed from a common feedline. Using this multiplexing architecture, each resonator and qubit can be addressed individually, thus reducing the required hardware resources and allowing their individual characterisation by spectroscopic methods. The measured device parameters agree with the designed values, and the resonators and qubits exhibit excellent coherence properties and strong coupling, with the qubit relaxation rate dominated by the Purcell effect when brought in resonance with the resonator. Our analysis shows that the circuit is suitable for generation of single microwave photons on demand with an efficiency exceeding 80%.

Coax-to-channelised coplanar waveguide in-phase N-way, radial power divider

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, R. N.; Ponchak, G. E.

1990-01-01

A novel nonplanar, wideband power divider which makes use of a coax-to-CCPW transition is demonstrated. The transition utilizes a coaxial transformer whose outer conductor is slotted along the length for RF power division and also for exciting the CCPWs in equal amplitude and phase at the radial junction. The measured (8-16 GHz) excess insertion loss at the output ports is 0.5 dB for a four-way divider. The amplitude and phase balance are within 0.5 dB and 5 deg, respectively. The power divider should find applications in the feed network of phased arrays.

Design and simulation of RF MEMS SPST shunt and SPDT shunt-shunt switches for X-band and Ku-band applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenka, Manas K.; Sharma, Amit; Sharma, Jaibir; DasGupta, Amitava

2012-10-01

This paper describes the design and simulation of RF MEMS SPST shunt and SPDT shunt-shunt switches with modified coplanar waveguide (CPW) configuration for X-band and Ku-band applications exhibiting high isolation and low insertion loss. By modifying the basic CPW structure for a six-strip membrane having length 720 μm, the resonant frequency can be reduced from 33.5 GHz to 13.5 GHz with isolation as high as -30 dB(-63 dB at resonant frequency) in Ku-band. Similar results are also found in case SPST and SPDT switches with other membrane types.

Demonstration of a Submillimeter-Wave HEMT Oscillator Module at 330 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radisic, Vesna; Deal, W. R.; Mei, X. B.; Yoshida, Wayne; Liu, P. H.; Uyeda, Jansen; Lai, Richard; Samoska, Lorene; Fung, King Man; Gaier, Todd;

Development of Leaky Wave Antennas for Layered Ridge Dielectric Waveguide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.; Katehi, Linda P. B.

1993-01-01

The millimeter wave, especially above 100 GHz, and the submillimeter wave frequency spectrum offers the possibility for narrow-beam, high-resolution antennas which are critical for high definition radars required for space debris tracking, airport ground avoidance radars, and missile tracking. In addition, the frequency which most atmospheric constituents may be detected lie in this part of the frequency spectrum. Therefore, the development of electronic components for millimeter/submillimeter wave passive sensors is required for environmental monitoring of the Earth's atmosphere. Typical microwave transmission lines such as microstrip and coplanar waveguide rely on two or more electrical conductors to concentrate and guide the electromagnetic energy. Unfortunately, the surface resistance of the conductors increases as the square root of frequency. In addition, the circuit dimensions must be decreased with increasing frequency to maintain a single mode transmission line which further increases the conductor loss. An alternative family of transmission lines are formed from two or more insulating materials and rely on the differences in the permittivities between the two materials to guide the wave. No metal conductors are required although some dielectric waveguides do utilize a metallic ground plane to facilitate the interconnections of active electrical elements or to reduce the transmission line size. Examples of such transmission lines are image guides, insulated image guides, trapped image guides, ridge guide, and layered ridge dielectric waveguide (LRDW). Although most dielectric waveguides have dimensions on the order of lambda to provide sufficient field confinement, the LRDW has been shown to provide good field confinement for electrically small lines. This offers an advantage in circuit integration. It has been shown that a periodic array of metallic strips placed either along or on top of a dielectric waveguide forms an effective radiator. This antenna is easy to fabricate and there is good background of microstrip type antenna design information in the literature. This paper reports the development of the first frequency scanning antenna fed by a LRDW.

Male endocrine response to seasonally varying environmental and social factors in a neotropical primate, Cebus capucinus.

PubMed

Schoof, Valérie A M; Bonnell, Tyler R; Jack, Katharine M; Ziegler, Toni E; Melin, Amanda D; Fedigan, Linda M

2016-04-01

Circannual variation in reproduction is pervasive in birds and mammals. In primates, breeding seasonality is variable, with seasonal birth peaks occurring even in year-round breeders. Environmental seasonality is reportedly an important contributor to the observed variation in reproductive seasonality. Given that food availability is the primary factor constraining female reproduction, predictions concerning responsiveness to environmental seasonality focus on females, with studies of males focusing primarily on social factors. We examined the influence of both environmental and social factors on male fecal testosterone (fT) and glucocorticoids (fGC) in moderately seasonally breeding white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) in Costa Rica. Over 17 months, we collected 993 fecal samples from 14 males in three groups. We used LMM to simultaneously examine the relative effects of photoperiod, fruit biomass, rainfall, temperature, female reproductive status (i.e., number of periovulatory periods, POPs), and male age and dominance rank on monthly fT and fGC levels. Male age and rank had large effects on fT and fGC. Additionally, some hormone variation was explained by environmental factors: photoperiod in the previous month (i.e., lagged photoperiod) was the best environmental predictor of monthly fT levels, whereas fGC levels were best explained by lagged photoperiod, fruit biomass, and rainfall. POPs predicted monthly fT and fGC, but this effect was reduced when all variables were considered simultaneously, possibly because lagged photoperiod and POP were highly correlated. Males may use photoperiod as a cue predicting circannual trends in the temporal distribution of fertile females, while also fine-tuning short-term hormone increases to the actual presence of ovulatory females, which may occur at any time during the year. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Male Endocrine Response to Seasonally Varying Environmental and Social Factors in a Neotropical Primate, Cebus capucinus

PubMed Central

Schoof, Valérie A. M.; Bonnell, Tyler R.; Jack, Katharine M.; Ziegler, Toni E.; Melin, Amanda D.; Fedigan, Linda M.

2018-01-01

Objective Circannual variation in reproduction is pervasive in birds and mammals. In primates, breeding seasonality is variable, with seasonal birth peaks occurring even in year-round breeders. Environmental seasonality is reportedly an important contributor to the observed variation in reproductive seasonality. Given that food availability is the primary factor constraining female reproduction, predictions concerning responsiveness to environmental seasonality focus on females, with studies of males focusing primarily on social factors. We examined the influence of both environmental and social factors on male fecal testosterone (fT) and glucocorticoids (fGC) in moderately seasonally breeding white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) in Costa Rica. Methods Over 17 months, we collected 993 fecal samples from 14 males in three groups. We used LMM to simultaneously examine the relative effects of photoperiod, fruit biomass, rainfall, temperature, female reproductive status (i.e., number of periovulatory periods, POPs), and male age and dominance rank on monthly fT and fGC levels. Results Male age and rank had large effects on fT and fGC. Additionally, some hormone variation was explained by environmental factors: photoperiod in the previous month (i.e., lagged photoperiod) was the best environmental predictor of monthly fT levels, whereas fGC levels were best explained by lagged photoperiod, fruit biomass, and rainfall. POPs predicted monthly fT and fGC, but this effect was reduced when all variables were considered simultaneously, possibly because lagged photoperiod and POP were highly correlated. Conclusions Males may use photoperiod as a cue predicting circannual trends in the temporal distribution of fertile females, while also fine-tuning short-term hormone increases to the actual presence of ovulatory females, which may occur at any time during the year. PMID:26739266

Egyptian ever-married women's attitude toward discontinuation of female genital cutting.

PubMed

Afifi, M

2010-01-01

This study aimed to examine Egyptian ever-married women's beliefs and attitude toward the discontinuation of female genital cutting (FGC). We also examined the significant sources of information which the women with positive attitude were exposed to the year prior to the survey. In a national representative community-based sample of 15,573 ever-married Egyptian women, the intention to continue the practice of FGC and other sociodemographical variables were collected from the 2000 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey data. A secondary in-depth analysis was conducted on the data in order to investigate the women's attitude and its associated factors. Only 12.4 percent of the sample intended to discontinue the practice. The logistic regression models showed that women with a positive attitude to discontinue the practice believed that FGC was not an important part of religious traditions, that husbands did not prefer a cut wife, and that FGC reduced sexual desire. The most significant sources of information related to a positive attitude to discontinue the practice were community discussions, the mosques or churches and the newspapers. The aforementioned sources of information are related to the social and religious aspects of women in the Egyptian community. In order to change women's attitude toward the discontinuation of this unhealthy practice, communication rather than passive learning is needed.

Investigation of a GaAlAs Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator. M.S. Thesis. Final Contractor Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Materna, David M.

1987-01-01

A GaAs modulator operating at 0.78 to 0.88 micron wavelength has the potential to be integrated with a GaAs/GaAlAs laser diode for an integrated fiber-optic transmitter. A travelling-wave Mach-Zehnder modulator using the electro-optic effect of GaAs and operating at a wavelength of 0.82 microns has been investigated for the first time. A four layer Strip-loaded ridge optical waveguide has been analyzed using the effective index method and single mode waveguides have been designed. The electro-optic effect of GaAs has also been analyzed and a modulator using the geometry producing the maximum phase shift has been designed. A coplanar transmission line structure is used in an effort to tap the potentially higher bandwidth of travelling-wave electrodes. The modulator bandwidth has been calculated at 11.95 GHz with a required drive power of 2.335 Watts for full intensity modulation. Finally, some preliminary experiments were performed to characterize a fabrication process for the modulator.

A 1-W, 30-ghz, CPW Amplifier for ACTS Small Terminal Uplink

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taub, Susan R.; Simons, Rainee N.

1992-01-01

The progress is described of the development of a 1 W, 30 GHz, coplanar waveguide (CPW) amplifier for the Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS)Small Terminal Uplink. The amplifier is based on Texas Instruments' monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers; a three stage, low power amplifier, and a single stage, high power amplifier. The amplifiers have a power output of 190 mW and 0.710 W, gain of 23 and 4.2 dB, and efficiencies of 30.2 and 24 percent for the three stage and one stage amplifiers, respectively. The chips are to be combined via a CPW power divider/combiner circuit to yield the desired 1 W of output power.

Finite quasiparticle lifetime in disordered superconductors.

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

Zemlicka, M.; Neilinger, P.; Trgala, M

We investigate the complex conductivity of a highly disordered MoC superconducting film with k(F)l approximate to 1, where k(F) is the Fermi wave number and l is the mean free path, derived from experimental transmission characteristics of coplanar waveguide resonators in a wide temperature range below the superconducting transition temperature T-c. We find that the original Mattis-Bardeen model with a finite quasiparticle lifetime, tau, offers a perfect description of the experimentally observed complex conductivity. We show that iota is appreciably reduced by scattering effects. Characteristics of the scattering centers are independently found by scanning tunneling spectroscopy and agree with thosemore » determined from the complex conductivity.« less

Qubit Coupled Mechanical Resonator in an Electromechanical System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yu

This thesis describes the development of a hybrid quantum electromechanical system. In this system the mechanical resonator is capacitively coupled to a superconducting transmon which is embedded in a superconducting coplanar waveguide (CPW) cavity. The difficulty of achieving high quality of superconducting qubit in a high-quality voltage-biased cavity is overcome by integrating a superconducting reflective T-filter to the cavity. Further spectroscopic and pulsed measurements of the hybrid system demonstrate interactions between the ultra-high frequency mechanical resonator and transmon qubit. The noise of mechanical resonator close to ground state is measured by looking at the spectroscopy of the transmon. At last, fabrication and tests of membrane resonators are discussed.

A wide-range variable-frequency resonant tunneling diode oscillator using a variable resonator suitable for simple MEMS process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Takashi; Nakano, Daisuke; Mori, Masayuki; Maezawa, Koichi

2018-04-01

A resonant tunneling diode oscillator having a wide frequency variation range based on a novel MEMS resonator was proposed, which exploits the change in the signal propagation velocity on a coplanar waveguide according to a movable ground plane. First, we discussed the velocity modulation mechanism, and clarified the importance of the dielectric constant of the substrate. Then, a prototype device oscillating in a 10 to 20 GHz frequency range was fabricated to demonstrate the basic operation. A large and continuous increase in the oscillation frequency of about two times was achieved with this device. This is promising for various applications including THz spectroscopy.

Micromachined silicon cantilevers with integrated high-frequency magnetoimpedance sensors for simultaneous strain and magnetic field detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buettel, G.; Joppich, J.; Hartmann, U.

2017-12-01

Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) measurements in the high-frequency regime utilizing a coplanar waveguide with an integrated Permalloy multilayer and micromachined on a silicon cantilever are reported. The fabrication process is described in detail. The aspect ratio of the magnetic multilayer in the magnetoresistive and magnetostrictive device was varied. Tensile strain and compressive strain were applied. Vector network analyzer measurements in the range from the skin effect to ferromagnetic resonance confirm the technological potential of GMI-based micro-electro-mechanical devices for strain and magnetic field sensing applications. The strain-impedance gauge factor was quantified by finite element strain calculations and reaches a maximum value of almost 200.

Characterization of spin pumping effect in Permalloy/Cu/Pt microfabricated lateral devices

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

Yamamoto, Tatsuya, E-mail: tyamamoto@imr.tohoku.ac.jp; Seki, Takeshi; Takanashi, Koki

2014-05-07

We studied ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) for microfabricated lateral devices consisting of a Permalloy (Py) rectangular element and a Pt nano-element bridged by a Cu wire, which were located on a coplanar waveguide. A change in the resonance linewidth (Δf) was observed in the FMR spectra when the distance between Py and Pt (d) was varied. For devices with d < 400 nm, Δf definitely increased, suggesting the enhancement of the Gilbert damping constant (α). We discussed a possible reason for the this enhancement taking into account the increase in the efficiency of spin pumping into Cu due to the spin absorption of themore » attached Pt.« less

Electrically Small Folded Slot Antenna Utilizing Capacitive Loaded Slot Lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.; Ponchak, George E.; Merritt, Shane; Minor, John S.; Zorman, Christian A.

2007-01-01

This paper presents an electrically small, coplanar waveguide fed, folded slot antenna that uses capacitive loading. Several antennas are fabricated with and without capacitive loading to demonstrate the ability of this design approach to reduce the resonant frequency of the antenna, which is analogous to reducing the antenna size. The antennas are fabricated on Cu-clad Rogers Duriod(TM) 6006 with multilayer chip capacitors to load the antennas. Simulated and measured results show close agreement, thus, validating the approach. The electrically small antennas have a measured return loss greater than 15 dB and a gain of 5.4, 5.6, and 2.7 dBi at 4.3, 3.95, and 3.65 GHz, respectively.

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

Carter, Faustin Wirkus; Khaire, Trupti S.; Novosad, Valentyn

We present "scraps" (SuperConducting Analysis and Plotting Software), a Python package designed to aid in the analysis and visualization of large amounts of superconducting resonator data, specifically complex transmission as a function of frequency, acquired at many different temperatures and driving powers. The package includes a least-squares fitting engine as well as a Monte-Carlo Markov Chain sampler for sampling the posterior distribution given priors, marginalizing over nuisance parameters, and estimating covariances. A set of plotting tools for generating publication-quality figures is also provided in the package. Lastly, we discuss the functionality of the software and provide some examples of itsmore » utility on data collected from a niobium-nitride coplanar waveguide resonator fabricated at Argonne National Laboratory.« less

Adrenal responses of large whales: Integrating fecal aldosterone as a complementary biomarker to glucocorticoids.

PubMed

Burgess, Elizabeth A; Hunt, Kathleen E; Kraus, Scott D; Rolland, Rosalind M

2017-10-01

Until now, physiological stress assessment of large whales has predominantly focused on adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) measures. Elevated GC concentrations in feces (fGC) are known to reflect stressful disturbances, such as fishing gear entanglement and human-generated underwater noise, in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). However, there can be considerable variation in GC production as a function of sex and life history stage, which may confound the interpretation of fGC levels. Additionally, GC antibodies used in immunoassays can cross-react with other fecal metabolites (i.e., non-target steroids), potentially influencing fGC data. Here, aldosterone concentrations (fALD; aldosterone and related metabolites) were measured in fecal samples from right whales (total n=315 samples), including samples from identified individuals of known life history (n=82 individual whales), to evaluate its utility as a complementary biomarker to fGC for identifying adrenal activation. Concentrations of fALD were positively correlated with fGCs in right whales (r=0.59, P<0.001), suggesting concurrent secretion of these hormones by the adrenal gland. However, fALD levels were less influenced by concentrations of reproductive steroids in feces, minimizing the potential confounder of assay cross-reactivity in samples with highly skewed hormone ratios. Across different life history states for right whales, fALD concentrations showed similar patterns to those reported for fGC, with higher levels in pregnant females (35.9±7.6ng/g) followed by reproductively mature males (9.5±0.9ng/g) (P<0.05), providing further evidence of elevated adrenal activation in these groups of whales. The addition of fALD measurement as a biomarker of adrenal activation may help distinguish between intrinsic and external causes of stress hormone elevations in large whales, as well as other free-living wildlife species, providing a more comprehensive approach for associating adrenal activation with specific natural and anthropogenic stressors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design challenges of EO polymer based leaky waveguide deflector for 40 Gs/s all-optical analog-to-digital converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjloum, Massinissa; El Gibari, Mohammed; Li, Hongwu; Daryoush, Afshin S.

2016-08-01

Design challenges and performance optimization of an all-optical analog-to-digital converter (AOADC) is presented here. The paper addresses both microwave and optical design of a leaky waveguide optical deflector using electro-optic (E-O) polymer. The optical deflector converts magnitude variation of the applied RF voltage into variation of deflection angle out of a leaky waveguide optical beam using the linear E-O effect (Pockels effect) as part of the E-O polymer based optical waveguide. This variation of deflection angle as result of the applied RF signal is then quantized using optical windows followed by an array of high-speed photodetectors. We optimized the leakage coefficient of the leaky waveguide and its physical length to achieve the best trade-off between bandwidth and the deflected optical beam resolution, by improving the phase velocity matching between lightwave and microwave on one hand and using pre-emphasis technique to compensate for the RF signal attenuation on the other hand. In addition, for ease of access from both optical and RF perspective, a via-hole less broad bandwidth transition is designed between coplanar pads and coupled microstrip (CPW-CMS) driving electrodes. With the best reported E-O coefficient of 350 pm/V, the designed E-O deflector should allow an AOADC operating over 44 giga-samples-per-seconds with an estimated effective resolution of 6.5 bits on RF signals with Nyquist bandwidth of 22 GHz. The overall DC power consumption of all components used in this AOADC is of order of 4 W and is dominated by power consumption in the power amplifier to generate a 20 V RF voltage in 50 Ohm system. A higher sampling rate can be achieved at similar bits of resolution by interleaving a number of this elementary AOADC at the expense of a higher power consumption.

Effects of substitution of different levels of steam-flaked corn for finely ground corn on lactation and digestion in early lactation dairy cows.

PubMed

Zhong, R Z; Li, J G; Gao, Y X; Tan, Z L; Ren, G P

2008-10-01

Eight multiparous Holstein cows, 4 of them fitted with rumen cannulas, were used to test the effects of substitution of steam-flaked corn (SFC) for equal amounts of finely ground corn (FGC) in diets on feed intake and digestion, blood metabolites, and lactation performance in early lactation dairy cows. Cows were fed 4 diets in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. The fistulated cows formed 1 replicate. Each experimental period lasted for 3 wk. The 4 diets contained 0, 10, 20, or 40% SFC and 40, 30, 20, or 0% FGC (dry matter basis), respectively. The milk protein content and yield, milk solid nonfat content and yield, plasma glucose concentration, and dry matter intake increased as the proportion of SFC increased in diets. Apparent total tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and average ruminal fluid NH(3)-N concentration decreased with increasing levels of SFC. The ruminal fluid pH was not affected by the substitution of SFC for FGC. The 20% SFC substitution improved digestion of crude protein, yield of fat-corrected milk, milk lactose content, fat, and fat yield. The 40% SFC substitution increased urea concentration in both plasma and milk. It was concluded that 20% of SFC substitution for FGC appeared to be an appropriate level in diet for early lactation dairy cows.

Radiation tolerant power converter controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todd, B.; Dinius, A.; King, Q.; Uznanski, S.

2012-11-01

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) is the world's most powerful particle collider. The LHC has several thousand magnets, both warm and super-conducting, which are supplied with current by power converters. Each converter is controlled by a purpose-built electronic module called a Function Generator Controller (FGC). The FGC allows remote control of the power converter and forms the central part of a closed-loop control system where the power converter voltage is set, based on the converter output current and magnet-circuit characteristics. Some power converters and FGCs are located in areas which are exposed to beam-induced radiation. There are numerous radiation induced effects, some of which lead to a loss of control of the power converter, having a direct impact upon the accelerator's availability. Following the first long shut down (LS1), the LHC will be able to run with higher intensity beams and higher beam energy. This is expected to lead to significantly increased radiation induced effects in materials close to the accelerator, including the FGC. Recent radiation tests indicate that the current FGC would not be sufficiently reliable. A so-called FGClite is being designed to work reliably in the radiation environment in the post-LS1 era. This paper outlines the concepts of power converter controls for machines such as the LHC, introduces the risks related to radiation and a radiation tolerant project flow. The FGClite is then described, with its key concepts and challenges: aiming for high reliability in a radiation field.

Coping with a challenging environment

PubMed Central

Gesquiere, Laurence R.; Khan, Memuna; Shek, Lili; Wango, Tim L.; Wango, Emmanuel O.; Alberts, Susan C.; Altmann, Jeanne

2008-01-01

Environmental stressors impact physiology and behavior in many species of animals. These effects are partly mediated through changing concentrations of glucocorticoids, which also vary with reproductive state and social conditions. Prior research has focused largely on seasonal breeders, but the close temporal linkage between season and reproductive state in these species hinders ability to disentangle environmental effects from those of the animal’s reproductive status. Here we assessed the effects of environmental challenges on the fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) levels of non-seasonal breeders, female baboons (Papio cynocephalus) of Amboseli, Kenya. Amboseli is characterized by a long dry season, during which food and water become scarce, and by extreme temperatures above 40°C in the shade during some months of the year. We found that after accounting for female reproductive status and individual variability, females exhibited higher fGC levels during the dry season than during the wet season. Further, during the wet season, fGC levels were higher in months of high average daily maximum temperatures. During the dry season, fGC levels were elevated both in hotter months and in months during which the baboons spent a relatively high proportion of time feeding. In spite of these stressors, female baboons reproduce during all months of the year in Amboseli, unlike most other mammals in this environment. This may be attributable to their extreme adaptability, specifically their diversified diet, and their ability to modify their behavior, including their activity profiles. PMID:18514196

Deterministic transfer of an unknown qutrit state assisted by the low-Q microwave resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tong; Zhang, Yang; Yu, Chang-Shui; Zhang, Wei-Ning

2017-05-01

Qutrits (i.e., three-level quantum systems) can be used to achieve many quantum information and communication tasks due to their large Hilbert spaces. In this work, we propose a scheme to transfer an unknown quantum state between two flux qutrits coupled to two superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators. The quantum state transfer can be deterministically achieved without measurements. Because resonator photons are virtually excited during the operation time, the decoherences caused by the resonator decay and the unwanted inter-resonator crosstalk are greatly suppressed. Moreover, our approach can be adapted to other solid-state qutrits coupled to circuit resonators. Numerical simulations show that the high-fidelity transfer of quantum state between the two qutrits is feasible with current circuit QED technology.

Compact CPW-fed spiral-patch monopole antenna with tuneable frequency for multiband applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beigi, P.; Nourinia, J.; Zehforoosh, Y.

2018-04-01

A frequency reconfigurable monopole antenna with coplanar waveguide-fed with four switchable for multiband application is reported. The monopole antenna includes square-spiral patch and two L-shaped elements. The number of frequency resonances are increased by adding square spiral. In the reported antenna, two PIN diodes are used to achieve the multiband operation. PIN diodes embedded on the spiral patch can control the frequency resonance when they are forward-biased or in those off-state. The final designed antenna, with compact size of 20 × 20 ×1 mm3, has been fabricated on an inexpensive FR4 substrate. All experimental and simulation results are acceptable suggesting that the reported antenna is a good candidate for multiband applications.

Single-photon driven high-order sideband transitions in an ultrastrongly coupled circuit quantum electrodynamics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tiefu; Chen, Zhen; Wang, Yimin; Tian, Lin; Qiu, Yueyin; Inomata, Kunihiro; Yoshihara, Fumiki; Han, Siyuan; Nori, Franco; Tsai, Jaw-Shen; You, J. Q.

We report the experimental observation of high-order sideband transitions at the single-photon level in a quantum circuit system of a flux qubit ultrastrongly coupled to a coplanar waveguide resonator. With the coupling strength reaching 10 % of the resonator's fundamental frequency, we obtain clear signatures of higher-order red- and first-order blue-sideband transitions. These transitions are owing to the ultrastrong Rabi coupling, instead of the driving power. Our observation advances the understanding of ultrastrongly-coupled systems and paves the way to study high-order processes in the quantum Rabi model. This work is supported by the National Basic Research Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Low-voltage, high-extinction-ratio, Mach-Zehnder silicon optical modulator for CMOS-compatible integration.

PubMed

Ding, Jianfeng; Chen, Hongtao; Yang, Lin; Zhang, Lei; Ji, Ruiqiang; Tian, Yonghui; Zhu, Weiwei; Lu, Yangyang; Zhou, Ping; Min, Rui

2012-01-30

We demonstrate a carrier-depletion Mach-Zehnder silicon optical modulator, which is compatible with CMOS fabrication process and works well at a low driving voltage. This is achieved by the optimization of the coplanar waveguide electrode to reduce the electrical signal transmission loss. At the same time, the velocity and impedance matching are both considered. The 12.5 Gbit/s data transmission experiment of the fabricated device with a 2-mm-long phase shifter is performed. The driving voltages with the swing amplitudes of 1 V and 2 V and the reverse bias voltages of 0.5 V and 0.8 V are applied to the device, respectively. The corresponding extinction ratios are 7.67 and 12.79 dB.

High-frequency characterization and modeling of single metallic nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chuan-Lun; Ardila, Gustavo; Benech, Philippe

2013-07-01

The transmission line characteristics of an individual aluminum metallic nanowire up to 100 GHz are presented in this paper. We have built a reliable framework for characterizing such nanowires using a specially designed coplanar waveguide platform. We systematically estimate the pad parasitics, contact impedance and transmission line parameters based on an equivalent circuit model and cascade-based de-embedding theory. This is the first time that such external parasitic elements have been successfully removed from a nanoscale transmission line. The extracted frequency-dependent electrical responses show good signal levels and a high degree of reproducibility. Contribution to the Topical Issue “International Semiconductor Conference Dresden-Grenoble - ISCDG 2012”, Edited by Gérard Ghibaudo, Francis Balestra and Simon Deleonibus.

Analysis of shielded CPW discontinuities with air-bridges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dib, N. I.; Katehi, P. B.; Ponchak, George E.

1992-01-01

The effect of air-bridges on the performance of various coplanar waveguides (CPW) discontinuities is studied. Specifically, the coupled open-end CPW's and the short-end shunt CPW stub discontinuities are considered. The high frequency effect of the air-bridge is evaluated using a hybrid technique. At first, the frequency dependent equivalent circuit of the planar discontinuity without the air-bridge is derived using the Space Domain Integral Equation (SDIE) method. Then, the circuit is modified by incorporating the air-bridge's parasitic inductance and capacitance which are evaluated using a simple quasi-static model. The frequency response of each discontinuity with and without the air-bridge is studied and the scattering parameters are plotted in the frequency range 30-50 GHz for typical CPW dimensions.

Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes as RF Filters in Waveguides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppe, Daniel; Hunt, Brian; Hoenk, Michael; Noca, Flavio; Xu, Jimmy

2003-01-01

Brushlike arrays of carbon nanotubes embedded in microstrip waveguides provide highly efficient (high-Q) mechanical resonators that will enable ultraminiature radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuits. In its basic form, this invention is an RF filter based on a carbon nanotube array embedded in a microstrip (or coplanar) waveguide, as shown in Figure 1. In addition, arrays of these nanotube-based RF filters can be used as an RF filter bank. Applications of this new nanotube array device include a variety of communications and signal-processing technologies. High-Q resonators are essential for stable, low-noise communications, and radar applications. Mechanical oscillators can exhibit orders of magnitude higher Qs than electronic resonant circuits, which are limited by resistive losses. This has motivated the development of a variety of mechanical resonators, including bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators, surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators, and Si and SiC micromachined resonators (known as microelectromechanical systems or MEMS). There is also a strong push to extend the resonant frequencies of these oscillators into the GHz regime of state-of-the-art electronics. Unfortunately, the BAW and SAW devices tend to be large and are not easily integrated into electronic circuits. MEMS structures have been integrated into circuits, but efforts to extend MEMS resonant frequencies into the GHz regime have been difficult because of scaling problems with the capacitively-coupled drive and readout. In contrast, the proposed devices would be much smaller and hence could be more readily incorporated into advanced RF (more specifically, microwave) integrated circuits.

On-chip sub-terahertz surface plasmon polariton transmission lines with mode converter in CMOS

PubMed Central

Liang, Yuan; Yu, Hao; Wen, Jincai; Apriyana, Anak Agung Alit; Li, Nan; Luo, Yu; Sun, Lingling

2016-01-01

An on-chip low-loss and high conversion efficiency plasmonic waveguide converter is demonstrated at sub-THz in CMOS. By introducing a subwavelength periodic corrugated structure onto the transmission line (T-line) implemented by a top-layer metal, surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) are established to propagate signals with strongly localized surface-wave. To match both impedance and momentum of other on-chip components with TEM-wave propagation, a mode converter structure featured by a smooth bridge between the Ground coplanar waveguide (GCPW) with 50 Ω impedance and SPP T-line is proposed. To further reduce area, the converter is ultimately simplified to a gradual increment of groove with smooth gradient. The proposed SPP T-lines with the converter is designed and fabricated in the standard 65 nm CMOS process. Both near-field simulation and measurement results show excellent conversion efficiency from quasi-TEM to SPP modes in a broadband frequency range. The converter achieves wideband impedance matching (<−9 dB) with excellent transmission efficiency (averagely −1.9 dB) from 110 GHz–325 GHz. The demonstrated compact and wideband SPP T-lines with mode converter have shown great potentials to replace existing waveguides as future on-chip THz interconnects. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first time to demonstrate the (sub)-THz surface mode conversion on-chip in CMOS technology. PMID:27444782

Screening of a Novel Fragment Library with Functional Complexity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA.

PubMed

Prati, Federica; Zuccotto, Fabio; Fletcher, Daniel; Convery, Maire A; Fernandez-Menendez, Raquel; Bates, Robert; Encinas, Lourdes; Zeng, Jingkun; Chung, Chun-Wa; De Dios Anton, Paco; Mendoza-Losana, Alfonso; Mackenzie, Claire; Green, Simon R; Huggett, Margaret; Barros, David; Wyatt, Paul G; Ray, Peter C

2018-04-06

Our findings reported herein provide support for the benefits of including functional group complexity (FGC) within fragments when screening against protein targets such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA. We show that InhA fragment actives with FGC maintained their binding pose during elaboration. Furthermore, weak fragment hits with functional group handles also allowed for facile fragment elaboration to afford novel and potent InhA inhibitors with good ligand efficiency metrics for optimization. © 2018 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Exploration of the Tavis-Cummings Model with Multiple Qubits in Circuit QED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fink, J. M.; Blais, A.; Wallraff, A.

2009-03-01

Superconducting qubits in coplanar waveguide resonators provide an unprecedentedly large dipole coupling strength to microwave frequency photons confined in an on-chip waveguide resonator [1]. In contrast to atoms in traditional cavity QED a controlled number of qubits remain at fixed positions with constant coupling to the cavity field at all times. Utilizing these properties we have performed measurements with up to three independently flux-tunable qubits to study cavity mediated multi-qubit interactions. By tuning the qubits in resonance with the cavity field individually, we demonstrate the square root of N scaling of the collective dipole coupling strength with the number of resonant atoms N as described by the Tavis-Cummings model. To our knowledge this is the first observation of this nonlinearity in a system in which the atom number can be changed one by one in a discrete fashion. In addition, the energies of both bright and dark coupled multi-qubit / photon states are well explained by the Tavis-Cummings model over a wide range of detunings. On resonance we obtain an equal superposition of a photon and a Dicke state with an excitation equally shared among the N qubits.[1] J. M. Fink et al. Nature 454, 315 (2008).

Improvement of both bandwidth and driving voltage of polymer phase modulators using buried in-plane coupled micro-strip driving electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjloum, Massinissa; El Gibari, Mohammed; Li, Hongwu; Daryoush, Afshin S.

2017-06-01

A large performance improvement of polymer phase modulators is reported by using buried in-plane coupled microstrip (CMS) driving electrodes, instead of standard vertical Micro-Strip electrodes. The in-plane CMS driving electrodes have both low radio frequency (RF) losses and high overlap integral between optical and RF waves compared to the vertical designs. Since the optical waveguide and CMS electrodes are located in the same plane, optical injection and microwave driving access cannot be separated perpendicularly without intersection between them. A via-less transition between grounded coplanar waveguide access and CMS driving electrodes is introduced in order to provide broadband excitation of optical phase modulators and avoid the intersection of the optical core and the electrical probe. Simulation and measurement results of the benzocyclobutene polymer as a cladding material and the PMMI-CPO1 polymer as an optical core with an electro-optic coefficient of 70 pm/V demonstrate a broadband operation of 67 GHz using travelling-wave driving electrodes with a half-wave voltage of 4.5 V, while satisfying its low RF losses and high overlap integral between optical and RF waves of in-plane CMS electrodes.

Mechanical and Thermal Analysis of Classical Functionally Graded Coated Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toudehdehghan, Abdolreza; Mujibur Rahman, Md.; Tarlochan, Faris

2018-03-01

The governing equation of a classical rectangular coated beam made of two layers subjected to thermal and uniformly distributed mechanical loads are derived by using the principle of virtual displacements and based on Euler-Bernoulli deformation beam theory (EBT). The aim of this paper was to analyze the static behavior of clamped-clamped thin coated beam under thermo-mechanical load using MATLAB. Two models were considered for composite coated. The first model was consisting of ceramic layer as a coated and substrate which was metal (HC model). The second model was consisting of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) as a coated layer and metal substrate (FGC model). From the result it was apparent that the superiority of the FGC composite against conventional coated composite has been demonstrated. From the analysis, the stress level throughout the thickness at the interface of the coated beam for the FGC was reduced. Yet, the deflection in return was observed to increase. Therefore, this could cater to various new engineering applications where warrant the utilization of material that has properties that are well-beyond the capabilities of the conventional or yesteryears materials.

Customs, culture, and tradition--what role do they play in a woman's sexuality?

PubMed

Fourcroy, Jean L

2006-11-01

Sexual health is an assumed right for every individual, but we know little regarding customs, culture, or tradition and the role they play on the sexual experiences for a woman. A woman's sexuality must be considered in the context of the environment in which she and her partner live. Culture, social customs of the community, and religion often determine the acceptance and achievement of sexual health for both men and women. This is a review of the available literature on the impact of culture on a woman's sexual satisfaction, with emphasis placed on information from cultures practicing female genital circumcision (FGC). FGC provides a spectrum of surgical excisions and outcomes. The spectrum of FGC surgical excisions can alter well-being, obstetrical outcomes, and sexual responses. The psychologic aspects of a painful procedure in a young child may also impact her future sexual responsiveness. There is a paucity of information on which to base conclusions and the effect of culture on a woman's sexual satisfaction. Preliminary data suggest the need for further research using markers specific to the culture and her satisfaction.

On-wafer, cryogenic characterization of ultra-low noise HEMT devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bautista, J. J.; Laskar, J.; Szydlik, P.

1995-01-01

Significant advances in the development of high electron-mobility field-effect transistors (HEMT's) have resulted in cryogenic, low-noise amplifiers (LNA's) whose noise temperatures are within an order of magnitude of the quantum noise limit (hf/k). Further advances in HEMT technology at cryogenic temperatures may eventually lead to the replacement of maser and superconducting insulator superconducting front ends in the 1- to 100-GHz frequency band. Key to identification of the best HEMT's and optimization of cryogenic LNA's are accurate and repeatable device measurements at cryogenic temperatures. This article describes the design and operation of a cryogenic coplanar waveguide probe system for the characterization and modeling of advanced semiconductor transistors at cryogenic temperatures. Results on advanced HEMT devices are presented to illustrate the utility of the measurement system.

Multilevel Effects in a Driven Generalized Rabi Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietikäinen, I.; Danilin, S.; Kumar, K. S.; Tuorila, J.; Paraoanu, G. S.

2018-01-01

We study numerically the onset of higher-level excitations and resonance frequency shifts in the generalized multilevel Rabi model with dispersive coupling under strong driving. The response to a weak probe is calculated using the Floquet method, which allows us to calculate the probe spectrum and extract the resonance frequency. We test our predictions using a superconducting circuit consisting of a transmon coupled capacitively to a coplanar waveguide resonator. This system is monitored by a weak probe field and at the same time driven at various powers by a stronger microwave tone. We show that the transition from the quantum to the classical regime is accompanied by a rapid increase of the transmon occupation and consequently that the qubit approximation is valid only in the extreme quantum limit.

Probing the quantum coherence of a nanomechanical resonator using a superconducting qubit: II. Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blencowe, M. P.; Armour, A. D.

2008-09-01

We describe a possible implementation of the nanomechanical quantum superposition generation and detection scheme described in the preceding, companion paper (Armour A D and Blencowe M P 2008 New. J. Phys. 10 095004). The implementation is based on the circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) set-up, with the addition of a mechanical degree of freedom formed out of a suspended, doubly-clamped segment of the superconducting loop of a dc SQUID located directly opposite the centre conductor of a coplanar waveguide (CPW). The relative merits of two SQUID based qubit realizations are addressed, in particular a capacitively coupled charge qubit and inductively coupled flux qubit. It is found that both realizations are equally promising, with comparable qubit-mechanical resonator mode as well as qubit-microwave resonator mode coupling strengths.

Multilevel Effects in a Driven Generalized Rabi Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietikäinen, I.; Danilin, S.; Kumar, K. S.; Tuorila, J.; Paraoanu, G. S.

2018-06-01

We study numerically the onset of higher-level excitations and resonance frequency shifts in the generalized multilevel Rabi model with dispersive coupling under strong driving. The response to a weak probe is calculated using the Floquet method, which allows us to calculate the probe spectrum and extract the resonance frequency. We test our predictions using a superconducting circuit consisting of a transmon coupled capacitively to a coplanar waveguide resonator. This system is monitored by a weak probe field and at the same time driven at various powers by a stronger microwave tone. We show that the transition from the quantum to the classical regime is accompanied by a rapid increase of the transmon occupation and consequently that the qubit approximation is valid only in the extreme quantum limit.

scraps: An open-source Python-based analysis package for analyzing and plotting superconducting resonator data

DOE PAGES

Carter, Faustin Wirkus; Khaire, Trupti S.; Novosad, Valentyn; ...

2016-11-07

We present "scraps" (SuperConducting Analysis and Plotting Software), a Python package designed to aid in the analysis and visualization of large amounts of superconducting resonator data, specifically complex transmission as a function of frequency, acquired at many different temperatures and driving powers. The package includes a least-squares fitting engine as well as a Monte-Carlo Markov Chain sampler for sampling the posterior distribution given priors, marginalizing over nuisance parameters, and estimating covariances. A set of plotting tools for generating publication-quality figures is also provided in the package. Lastly, we discuss the functionality of the software and provide some examples of itsmore » utility on data collected from a niobium-nitride coplanar waveguide resonator fabricated at Argonne National Laboratory.« less

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

Beck, M. A., E-mail: mabeck2@wisc.edu; Isaacs, J. A.; Booth, D.

We describe the design and characterization of superconducting coplanar waveguide cavities tailored to facilitate strong coupling between superconducting quantum circuits and single trapped Rydberg atoms. For initial superconductor–atom experiments at 4.2 K, we show that resonator quality factors above 10{sup 4} can be readily achieved. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the incorporation of thick-film copper electrodes at a voltage antinode of the resonator provides a route to enhance the zero-point electric fields of the resonator in a trapping region that is 40 μm above the chip surface, thereby minimizing chip heating from scattered trap light. The combination of high resonator quality factor andmore » strong electric dipole coupling between the resonator and the atom should make it possible to achieve the strong coupling limit of cavity quantum electrodynamics with this system.« less

Measured Attenuation of Coplanar Waveguide on 6H, p-type SiC and High Purity Semi-Insulating 4H SiC through 800 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.; Schwartz, Zachary D.; Alterovitz, Samuel A.; Downey, Alan N.

2004-01-01

Wireless sensors for high temperature applications such as oil drilling and mining, automobiles, and jet engine performance monitoring require circuits built on wide bandgap semiconductors. In this paper, the characteristics of microwave transmission lines on 4H-High Purity Semi-Insulating SiC and 6H, p-type SiC is presented as a function of temperature and frequency. It is shown that the attenuation of 6H, p-type substrates is too high for microwave circuits, large leakage current will flow through the substrate, and that unusual attenuation characteristics are due to trapping in the SiC. The 4H-HPSI SiC is shown to have low attenuation and leakage currents over the entire temperature range.

Electron Spin Resonance at the Level of 1 04 Spins Using Low Impedance Superconducting Resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichler, C.; Sigillito, A. J.; Lyon, S. A.; Petta, J. R.

2017-01-01

We report on electron spin resonance measurements of phosphorus donors localized in a 200 μ m2 area below the inductive wire of a lumped element superconducting resonator. By combining quantum limited parametric amplification with a low impedance microwave resonator design, we are able to detect around 2 ×1 04 spins with a signal-to-noise ratio of 1 in a single shot. The 150 Hz coupling strength between the resonator field and individual spins is significantly larger than the 1-10 Hz coupling rates obtained with typical coplanar waveguide resonator designs. Because of the larger coupling rate, we find that spin relaxation is dominated by radiative decay into the resonator and dependent upon the spin-resonator detuning, as predicted by Purcell.

Vacuum-induced Autler-Townes splitting in a superconducting artificial atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Z. H.; Ding, J. H.; Zhou, Y.; Ying, L. L.; Wang, Z.; Zhou, L.; Kuang, L. M.; Liu, Yu-xi; Astafiev, O. V.; Tsai, J. S.

2018-06-01

We experimentally study a vacuum-induced Autler-Townes doublet in a superconducting three-level artificial atom strongly coupled to a coplanar waveguide resonator and simultaneously to a transmission line. The Autler-Townes splitting is observed in the reflection spectrum from the three-level atom in a transition between the ground state and the second excited state when the transition between the two excited states is resonant with a resonator. By applying a driving field to the resonator, we observe a change in the regime of the Autler-Townes splitting from quantum (vacuum-induced) to classical (with many resonator photons). Furthermore, we show that the reflection of propagating microwaves in a transmission line could be controlled by different frequency microwave fields at the single-photon level in a resonator.

Single-crystalline graphene radio-frequency nanoswitches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Peng; Cui, Tianhong

2015-07-01

Growth of monolayer single-crystalline graphene (SCG) using the low-pressure chemical vapor deposition method is reported. Graphene’s superb quality and single-crystalline nature were characterized and verified by Raman microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and carrier mobility measurement. Radio-frequency (RF) nanoelectromechanical switches based on coplanar waveguide double-clamped SCG membrane were achieved, and the superb properties of SCG enable the switches to operate at a pull-in voltage as low as 1 V, with switch time in the nanosecond regime. Owing to their single-crystalline nature, the switches’ lifetime (>5000 times) is much longer than that of polycrystalline graphene ones reported. The RF devices exhibit good isolation (-30 dB at 40 GHz (Ka band)), which can be further improved by SCG’s conductivity variation due to actuation voltage.

Microwave-to-optical frequency conversion with a Rydberg atom coupled to a coplanar waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gard, Bryan; Jacobs, Kurt; McDermott, Robert; Saffman, Mark

2017-04-01

A primary candidate for converting quantum information from microwave to optical frequencies is the use of Rydberg states of a single atom trapped near a surface. The fact that the Rydberg states possess both large electric dipole moments and microwave transition frequencies allows them to interact with superconducting mesoscopic circuits. By considering a concrete example, that of a Cesium atom, and using numerical search methods to optimize the control protocols, we determine the fidelities and transmission rates that could be achievable with such a device. We show that while protocols that exploit the adiabatic STIRAP mechanism provide the best raw transfer fidelities, the fastest communication speeds can be obtained by using heralding, which allows one to remove the adiabatic constraint. Support from Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

One-step generation of continuous-variable quadripartite cluster states in a circuit QED system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhi-peng; Li, Zhen; Ma, Sheng-li; Li, Fu-li

2017-07-01

We propose a dissipative scheme for one-step generation of continuous-variable quadripartite cluster states in a circuit QED setup consisting of four superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators and a gap-tunable superconducting flux qubit. With external driving fields to adjust the desired qubit-resonator and resonator-resonator interactions, we show that continuous-variable quadripartite cluster states of the four resonators can be generated with the assistance of energy relaxation of the qubit. By comparison with the previous proposals, the distinct advantage of our scheme is that only one step of quantum operation is needed to realize the quantum state engineering. This makes our scheme simpler and more feasible in experiment. Our result may have useful application for implementing quantum computation in solid-state circuit QED systems.

External electro-optic sampling utilizing a poled polymer asymmetric Fabry Perot cavity as an electro-optical probe tip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kaixin; Zhang, Hongbo; Zhang, Daming; Yang, Han; Yi, Maobin

2002-09-01

External electro-optic sampling utilizing a poled polymer asymmetry Fabry-Perot cavity as electro-optic probe tip has been demonstrated. Electro-optical polymer spin coated on the high-reflectivity mirror (HRM) was corona poled. Thus, an asymmetric F-P cavity was formed based on the different reflectivity of the polymer and HRM and it converted the phase modulation that originates from electro-optic effect of the poled polymer to amplitude modulation, so only one laser beam is needed in this system. The principle of the sampling was analyzed by multiple reflection and index ellipsoid methods. A 1.2 GHz microwave signal propagating on coplanar waveguide transmission line was sampled, and the voltage sensitivity about 0.5 mV/ Hz was obtained.

Large Dispersive Shift of Cavity Resonance Induced by a Superconducting Flux Qubit in the Straddling Regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inomata, Kunihiro; Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi; Billangeon, Pierre-M.; Lin, Zhirong; Nakamura, Yasunobu; Tsai, Jaw-Shen; Koshino, Kazuki

2013-03-01

We demonstrate enhancement of the dispersive frequency shift in a coplanar waveguide resonator induced by a capacitively coupled superconducting flux qubit in the straddling regime. The magnitude of the observed shift, 80 MHz for the qubit-resonator detuning of 5 GHz, is quantitatively explained by the generalized Rabi model which takes into account the contribution of the qubit higher energy levels. By applying the enhanced dispersive shift to the qubit readout, we achieved 90 % contrast of the Rabi oscillations which is mainly limited by the energy relaxation of the qubit. We also discuss the qubit readout using a Josephson parametric amplifier. This work was supported by the MEXT Kakenhi ``Quantum Cybernetics'', the JSPS through its FIRST Program, and the NICT Commissioned Research.

Diversification of the Salmonella Fimbriae: A Model of Macro- and Microevolution

PubMed Central

Yue, Min; Rankin, Shelley C.; Blanchet, Ryan T.; Nulton, James D.; Edwards, Robert A.; Schifferli, Dieter M.

2012-01-01

Bacteria of the genus Salmonella comprise a large and evolutionary related population of zoonotic pathogens that can infect mammals, including humans and domestic animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Salmonella carries a plethora of virulence genes, including fimbrial adhesins, some of them known to participate in mammalian or avian host colonization. Each type of fimbria has its structural subunit and biogenesis genes encoded by one fimbrial gene cluster (FGC). The accumulation of new genomic information offered a timely opportunity to better evaluate the number and types of FGCs in the Salmonella pangenome, to test the use of current classifications based on phylogeny, and to infer potential correlations between FGC evolution in various Salmonella serovars and host niches. This study focused on the FGCs of the currently deciphered 90 genomes and 60 plasmids of Salmonella. The analysis highlighted a fimbriome consisting of 35 different FGCs, of which 16 were new, each strain carrying between 5 and 14 FGCs. The Salmonella fimbriome was extremely diverse with FGC representatives in 8 out of 9 previously categorized fimbrial clades and subclades. Phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella suggested macroevolutionary shifts detectable by extensive FGC deletion and acquisition. In addition, microevolutionary drifts were best depicted by the high level of allelic variation in predicted or known adhesins, such as the type 1 fimbrial adhesin FimH for which 67 different natural alleles were identified in S. enterica subsp. I. Together with strain-specific collections of FGCs, allelic variation among adhesins attested to the pathoadaptive evolution of Salmonella towards specific hosts and tissues, potentially modulating host range, strain virulence, disease progression, and transmission efficiency. Further understanding of how each Salmonella strain utilizes its panel of FGCs and specific adhesin alleles for survival and infection will support the development of new approaches for the control of Salmonellosis. PMID:22701679

Outcomes of family group conferencing in Sweden. A 3-year follow-up.

PubMed

Sundell, Knut; Vinnerljung, Bo

2004-03-01

Between 1995 and 1997, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities implemented Family Group Conferences (FGC) in 10 local authorities throughout Sweden. This study reports on client outcomes of this implementation. 97 children involved in 66 FGCs between November 1996 and October 1997 were compared with 142 children from a random sample of 104 traditional child protection investigations by the Child Protective Services (CPS). All children were followed for exactly 3 years for future child maltreatment events reported to CPS. Effects were modeled using multiple regressions, controlling for the child's age, gender, family background, and type and severity of problems. After controlling for initial differences, FGC-children experienced higher rates of re-referral to CPS compared to the group that had been processed in traditional investigations. They were more often re-referred due to abuse, were more often re-referred by the extended family, were longer in out-of-home placements, but tended over time to get less intrusive support from the CPS. FGCs were not related to re-referrals of neglect, of case-closure after 3 years or number of days of received services. The results suggest that the impact of the FGC was scant, accounting for 0-7% of the statistical variance of outcome variables. The findings did not support the alleged effectiveness of the FGC model compared to traditional investigations in preventing future maltreatment cases. If these results are confirmed in future research, they serve as a reminder of the necessity to evaluate models based on untested theories or on extrapolations from other countries/cultures, before these models are widely spread in a national practice context.

Development of a Massive, Highly Multiplexible, Phonon-Mediated Particle Detector Using Kinetic Inductance Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Y.-Y.; Cornell, B.; Aralis, T.; Bumble, B.; Golwala, S. R.

2018-04-01

We present a status update on the development of a phonon-mediated particle detector using kinetic inductance detector (KID). The design is intended for O(1) kg substrate, using O(102) KIDs on a single readout line, to image the athermal phonon distribution at < 1 mm position resolution and O(10) eV energy resolution. The design specification is set by the need to improve position reconstruction fidelity while maintaining low energy threshold for future rare-event searches such as for low-mass dark matter. We report on the design, which shows negligible crosstalk and > 95% inductor current uniformity, using the coplanar waveguide feedline, ground shield, and a new class of KIDs with symmetric coplanar stripline (sCPS) inductor. The multiplexing is designed upon the frequency-geometry relation we develop for the sCPS KIDs. We introduce the fabrications of the Nb RF assessment prototypes and the high phonon collection efficiency Al-Nb devices. We achieve ≲ 0.07% frequency displacement on a 80-KID RF assessment prototype, and the result indicates that we may place more than 180 resonances in our 0.4 GHz readout band with minimal frequency misordering. The coupling quality factors are ˜ 105 as designed. Finally, we update our work in progress in fabricating the O(102) KID, bi-material, O(1) kg detectors, and the expected position and energy resolutions.

10 GHz Standing-Wave Coplanar Stripline on LiNbO3 Crystal for Radio to Optical-Wave Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darwis, F.; Wijayanto, Y. N.; Setiawan, A.; Mahmudin, D.; Rahman, A. N.; Daud, P.

2018-04-01

Recently, X-band radar systems are used widely for surveillance and navigation applications. Especially in archipelago or maritime country, the surveillance/navigation radar systems are required to monitoring critical areas and managing marine traffic. Accurate detection and fast analysis should be improved furthermore to provide security and safety condition. Therefore, several radar systems should be installed in many places to coverage the critical areas within radar networks. The radar network can be connected using optical fibers since it has extremely low propagation loss with optical-wave to carry-out the radar-wave. One important component in the scenario is a radio to optical-wave conversion component. In this paper, we report a 10 GHz radio to optical-wave conversion component using standing-wave coplanar stripline (CPS) on LiNbO3 optical crystal as the substrate. The standing-wave CPS electrodes with narrow slot are arranged in an array structure. An optical waveguide is located close to the narrow slot. The CPS electrodes were analysed using electromagnetic analysis software for 10 GHz operational frequency. Responses for slot width and electrode length variation are reported. As results, return loss of -14.580 dB and -19.517 dB are obtained for single and array CPS electrodes respectively. Optimization of the designed radio to optical-wave conversion devices was also done.

The Weakening of Kin Ties: Exploring the Need for Life-World Led Interventions

PubMed Central

Schout, Gert; de Jong, Gideon

2018-01-01

The protective features that families and wider social relationships can have are required to meet the demands of life in contemporary Western societies. Choice and detraditionalization, however; impede this source of solidarity. Family Group Conferencing (FGC) and other life-world led interventions have the potential to strengthen primary groups. This paper explores the need for such a social intervention, using insights from sociological and philosophical theories and empirical findings from a case study of the research project ‘FGC in mental health’. This need is understandable considering the weakening of kin ties, the poor qualities of state agencies to mobilise self-care and informal care, its capacity to produce a shift of power from public to private spheres and its capacity to mitigate the co-isolation of individuals, families and communities. A life-world led intervention like FGC with a specific and modest ambition contributes to small-scale solidarity. This ambition is not inclined to establish a broad social cohesion within society but to restore; in terms of the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk; immunity (protection) and solidarity in primary groups, and consequently, resolve issues with those (family, neighbours, colleagues) who share a sphere (a situation, a process, a fate). PMID:29370135

The Weakening of Kin Ties: Exploring the Need for Life-World Led Interventions.

PubMed

Schout, Gert; de Jong, Gideon

2018-01-25

The protective features that families and wider social relationships can have are required to meet the demands of life in contemporary Western societies. Choice and detraditionalization, however; impede this source of solidarity. Family Group Conferencing (FGC) and other life-world led interventions have the potential to strengthen primary groups. This paper explores the need for such a social intervention, using insights from sociological and philosophical theories and empirical findings from a case study of the research project 'FGC in mental health'. This need is understandable considering the weakening of kin ties, the poor qualities of state agencies to mobilise self-care and informal care, its capacity to produce a shift of power from public to private spheres and its capacity to mitigate the co-isolation of individuals, families and communities. A life-world led intervention like FGC with a specific and modest ambition contributes to small-scale solidarity. This ambition is not inclined to establish a broad social cohesion within society but to restore; in terms of the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk; immunity (protection) and solidarity in primary groups, and consequently, resolve issues with those (family, neighbours, colleagues) who share a sphere (a situation, a process, a fate).

[Study on correlation of glucagons, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation].

PubMed

Xu, Tao; Shi, Me; Qiu, Yun-Xia; Wang, Yan-Gang

2014-06-01

To analyze the changes of patients with type 2 diabetes in different stages in glucagon (GC) and free fatty acid (FFA) in fasting, OGT and L-Arg experiments, and discusses the role of pancreatic alphabeta cells in diabetes pathogenesis by studying the relations among indexes such as glucagon (GC), free fatty acid (FFA) and blood glucose (BG), insulin, insulin homeostasis model (HOMA) and glucose metabolism hormone secretion curve, in order to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of diabetes. Study objects were divided into the T2DM group (45 cases), the IGT group (28 cases) and the NGT group (30 cases) for an OGTT experiment and then an L-Arg experiment on the next day. Under the fasting state, their blood glucose (FBG), insulin (F), glucagon (FGC), free fatty acid (FFA) were detected to calculate HOMA-beta, insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and HOMA-IR of different groups. Meanwhile, efforts were made to calculate different time quantum detected in OGTT and L-Arg experiments and area under the curve AUC(BG), AUC(INS) and AUC(GC). Obvious overall differences were observed in FFA and FGC of the three groups. FGC of each group was negatively correlated with HOMA-beta and ISI. Among all of the 103 study objects, FGC was positively correlated with FBG and HOMA-IR and negatively correlated with HOMA-beta and ISI, with no correlation with FINS; FFA was positively correlated with FBG, HOMA-IR and negatively correlated with FINS, HOMA-beta, ISI. FGC and FFA were positively correlated in the T2DM group and the IGT group, but with no statistical correlation in the NGT group. The sequence of the three study objects was T2DM > IGR > NGT in AUC(GC) in the OGTT experiment and T2DM > IGR > NGT in in AUC(GC) in the L-Arg experiment, with the significant positive correlation between AUC(GC) and AUC(BG) and significant negative correlation with AUC(INS). Glucagon and free fatty acid of T2DM and IGT patients increased, which was positively correlated with blood glucose and HOMA-IR and negatively correlated with INS, HOMA-beta and ISI. The increase in glucagons of T2DM and IGT patients indicated inappropriate secretion of pancreatic alphabeta cells among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Surface Participation Effects in Titanium Nitride and Niobium Resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dove, Allison; Kreikebaum, John Mark; Livingston, William; Delva, Remy; Qiu, Yanjie; Lolowang, Reinhard; Ramasesh, Vinay; O'Brien, Kevin; Siddiqi, Irfan

Improving the coherence time of superconducting qubits requires a precise understanding of the location and density of surface defects. Superconducting microwave resonators are commonly used for quantum state readout and are a versatile testbed to systematically characterize materials properties as a function of device geometry and fabrication method. We report on sputter deposited titanium nitride and niobium on silicon coplanar waveguide resonators patterned using reactive ion etches to define the device geometry. We discuss the impact of different growth conditions (temperature and electrical bias) and processing techniques on the internal quality factor (Q) of these devices. In particular, to investigate the effect of surface participation, we use a Bosch process to etch many-micron-deep trenches in the silicon substrate and quantify the impact of etch depth and profile on the internal Q. This research was supported by the ARO.

Giant vacuum forces via transmission lines

PubMed Central

Shahmoon, Ephraim; Mazets, Igor; Kurizki, Gershon

2014-01-01

Quantum electromagnetic fluctuations induce forces between neutral particles, known as the van der Waals and Casimir interactions. These fundamental forces, mediated by virtual photons from the vacuum, play an important role in basic physics and chemistry and in emerging technologies involving, e.g., microelectromechanical systems or quantum information processing. Here we show that these interactions can be enhanced by many orders of magnitude upon changing the character of the mediating vacuum modes. By considering two polarizable particles in the vicinity of any standard electric transmission line, along which photons can propagate in one dimension, we find a much stronger and longer-range interaction than in free space. This enhancement may have profound implications on many-particle and bulk systems and impact the quantum technologies mentioned above. The predicted giant vacuum force is estimated to be measurable in a coplanar waveguide line. PMID:25002503

Solid State Technology Branch of NASA Lewis Research Center Second Annual Digest, June 1989 - June 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

A collection of papers and presentations authored by the branch between June 1989 and June 1990 is presented. The papers are organized into four sections. Section 1 deals with research in microwave circuits and includes full integrated circuits, the demonstration of optical/RF interfaces, and the evaluation of some hybrid circuitry. Section 2 indicates developments in coplanar waveguides and their use in breadboard circuits. Section 3 addresses high temperature superconductivity and includes: thin film deposition, transport measurement of film characteristics, RF surface resistant measurements, substrate permittivity measurements, measurements of microstrip line characteristics at cryogenic temperatures, patterning of superconducting films, and evaluation of simple passive microstrip circuitry based on YBaCuO films. Section 4 deals with carbon films, silicon carbide, GaAs/AlGaAs, HgCdTe, and other materials.

Spin wave propagation in perpendicularly magnetized nm-thick yttrium iron garnet films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jilei; Heimbach, Florian; Liu, Tao; Yu, Haiming; Liu, Chuanpu; Chang, Houchen; Stückler, Tobias; Hu, Junfeng; Zeng, Lang; Zhang, Youguang; Liao, Zhimin; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Weisheng; Wu, Mingzhong

2018-03-01

Magnonics offers a new way for information transport that uses spin waves (SWs) and is free of charge currents. Unlike Damon-Eshbach SWs, the magneto-static forward volume SWs offer the reciprocity configuration suitable for SW logic devices with low power consumption. Here, we study forward volume SW propagation in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin films with an ultra-low damping constant α = 8 ×10-5 . We design different integrated microwave antenna with different k-vector excitation distributions on YIG thin films. Using a vector network analyzer, we measured SW transmission with the films magnetized in perpendicular orientation. Based on the experimental results, we extract the group velocity as well as the dispersion relation of SWs and directly compare the power efficiency of SW propagation in YIG using coplanar waveguide and micro stripline for SW excitation and detection.

Spin wave propagation detected over 100 μm in half-metallic Heusler alloy Co2MnSi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stückler, Tobias; Liu, Chuanpu; Yu, Haiming; Heimbach, Florian; Chen, Jilei; Hu, Junfeng; Tu, Sa; Alam, Md. Shah; Zhang, Jianyu; Zhang, Youguang; Farrell, Ian L.; Emeny, Chrissy; Granville, Simon; Liao, Zhi-Min; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Weisheng

2018-03-01

The field of magnon spintronics offers a charge current free way of information transportation by using spin waves (SWs). Compared to forward volume spin waves for example, Damon-Eshbach (DE) SWs need a relatively weak external magnetic field which is suitable for small spintronic devices. In this work we study DE SWs in Co2MnSi, a half-metallic Heusler alloy with significant potential for magnonics. Thin films have been produced by pulsed laser deposition. Integrated coplanar waveguide (CPW) antennas with different distances between emitter and detection antenna have been prepared on a Co2MnSi film. We used a vector network analyzer to measure spin wave reflection and transmission. We observe spin wave propagation up to 100 μm, a new record for half-metallic Heusler thin films.

Mimicking glide symmetry dispersion with coupled slot metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camacho, Miguel; Mitchell-Thomas, Rhiannon C.; Hibbins, Alastair P.; Sambles, J. Roy; Quevedo-Teruel, Oscar

2017-09-01

In this letter, we demonstrate that the dispersion properties associated with glide symmetry can be achieved in systems that only possess reflection symmetry by balancing the influence of two sublattices. We apply this approach to a pair of coupled slots cut into an infinite perfectly conducting plane. Each slot is notched on either edge, with the complete two-slot system having only mirror symmetry. By modifying the relative size of the notches on either side of the slots, we show that a linear dispersion relation with a degeneracy with non-zero group velocity at the Brillouin zone boundary can be achieved. These properties, until now, only found in systems with glide symmetry are numerically and experimentally validated. We also show that these results can be used for the design of ultra-wideband one-dimensional leaky wave antennas in coplanar waveguide technology.

Orientation effect on microwave dielectric properties of Si-integrated Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 thin films for frequency agile devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun-Suk; Hyun, Tae-Seon; Kim, Ho-Gi; Kim, Il-Doo; Yun, Tae-Soon; Lee, Jong-Chul

2006-07-01

The effect of texture with (100) and (110) preferred orientations on dielectric properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST) thin films grown on SrO (9nm) and CeO2 (70nm ) buffered Si substrates, respectively, was investigated. The coplanar waveguide (CPW) phase shifter using (100) oriented BST films on SrO buffered Si exhibited a much-enhanced figure of merit of 24.7°/dB, as compared to that (10.2°/dB) of a CPW phase shifter using (110) oriented BST films on CeO2 buffered Si at 12GHz. This work demonstrates that the microwave properties of the Si-integrated BST thin films are highly correlated with crystal orientation.

14 GHz longitudinally detected electron spin resonance using microHall sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouterfas, M.; Mouaziz, S.; Popovic, R. S.

2017-09-01

In this work we developed a home-made LOngitudinally Detected Electron Spin Resonance (LODESR) spectrometer based on a microsize Hall sensor. A coplanar waveguide (CPW)-resonator is used to induce microwave-excitation on the sample at 14 GHz. We used InSb cross-shaped Hall devices with active areas of (10 μm × 10 μm) and (5 μm × 5 μm) . Signal intensities of the longitudinal magnetization component of DPPH and YIG samples of volumes about (10 μm) 3 and (5 μm) 3 , are measured under amplitude and frequency modulated microwave magnetic field generated by the CPW-resonator. At room temperature, 109spins /G √Hz sensitivity is achieved for 0.2mT linewidth, a result which is still better than most of inductive detected LODESR sensitivities.

Investigation of non-reciprocal magnon propagation using lock-in thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wid, Olga; Bauer, Jan; Müller, Alexander; Breitenstein, Otwin; Parkin, Stuart S. P.; Schmidt, Georg

2017-04-01

We have investigated the unidirectional spin wave heat conveyer effect in a 200 nm thin yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film using lock-in thermography (LIT). This originates from the non-reciprocal propagation of magnons, which leads to an asymmetric heat transport. To excite the spin waves we use two different respective antenna geometries: a coplanar waveguide (CPW) or a ‘microstrip’-like antenna on top of the YIG. By using the CPW and comparing the results for the Damon-Eshbach and the backward volume modes we are able to show that the origin of the asymmetric heat profile are indeed the non-reciprocal spin waves. Using the ‘microstrip’-like geometry we can confirm these results and we can even observe a distinct excitation profile along the antenna due to small field inhomogeneities.

PVD Silicon Carbide as a Thin Film Packaging Technology for Antennas on LCP Substrates for Harsh Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.; Stanton, John W.; Ponchak, George E.; Jordan, Jennifer L.; Zorman, Christian A.

2010-01-01

This paper describes an effort to develop a thin film packaging technology for microfabricated planar antennas on polymeric substrates based on silicon carbide (SiC) films deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD). The antennas are coplanar waveguide fed dual frequency folded slot antennas fabricated on liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates. The PVD SiC thin films were deposited directly onto the antennas by RF sputtering at room temperature at a chamber pressure of 30 mTorr and a power level of 300 W. The SiC film thickness is 450 nm. The return loss and radiation patterns were measured before and after the SiC-coated antennas were submerged into perchloric acid for 1 hour. No degradation in RF performance or physical integrity of the antenna was observed.

Excitation and tailoring of diffractive spin-wave beams in NiFe using nonuniform microwave antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Körner, H. S.; Stigloher, J.; Back, C. H.

2017-09-01

We experimentally demonstrate by time-resolved scanning magneto-optical Kerr microscopy the possibility to locally excite multiple spin-wave beams in the dipolar-dominated regime in metallic NiFe films. For this purpose we employ differently shaped nonuniform microwave antennas consisting of several coplanar waveguide sections different in size, thereby adapting an approach for the generation of spin-wave beams in the exchange-dominated regime suggested by Gruszecki et al. [Sci. Rep. 6, 22367 (2016), 10.1038/srep22367]. The occurring spin-wave beams are diffractive and we show that the width of the beam and its widening as it propagates can be tailored by the shape and the length of the nonuniformity. Moreover, the propagation direction of the diffractive beams can be manipulated by changing the bias field direction.

Flue gas conditioning today

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

Southam, B.J.; Coe, E.L. Jr.

1995-12-01

Many relatively small electrostatic precipitators (ESP`s) exist which collect fly ash at remarkably high efficiencies and have been tested consistently at correspondingly high migration velocities. But the majority of the world`s coal supplies produce ashes which are collected at much lower migration velocities for a given efficiency and therefore require correspondingly large specific collection areas to achieve acceptable results. Early trials of flue gas conditioning (FGC) showed benefits in maximizing ESP performance and minimizing expense which justified continued experimentation. Trials of several dozen ways of doing it wrong eventually developed a set of reliable rules for doing it right. Onemore » result is that the use of sulfur trioxide (SO{sub 3}) for adjustment of the resistivity of fly ash from low sulfur coal has been widely applied and has become an automatically accepted part of the option of burning low sulfur coal for compliance with the Clean Air Act of l990 in the U.S.A. Currently, over 100,000 MW of generating capacity is using FGC, and it is estimated that approximately 45,800 MW will utilize coal-switching with FGC for Clean Air Act emission compliance. Guarantees that this equipment will be available to operate at least 98 percent of the time it is called upon are routinely fulfilled.« less

Elevated glucocorticoid concentrations during gestation predict reduced reproductive success in subordinate female banded mongooses.

PubMed

Sanderson, J L; Nichols, H J; Marshall, H H; Vitikainen, E I K; Thompson, F J; Walker, S L; Cant, M A; Young, A J

2015-10-01

Dominant females in social species have been hypothesized to reduce the reproductive success of their subordinates by inducing elevated circulating glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations. However, this 'stress-related suppression' hypothesis has received little support in cooperatively breeding species, despite evident reproductive skews among females. We tested this hypothesis in the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo), a cooperative mammal in which multiple females conceive and carry to term in each communal breeding attempt. As predicted, lower ranked females had lower reproductive success, even among females that carried to term. While there were no rank-related differences in faecal glucocorticoid (fGC) concentrations prior to gestation or in the first trimester, lower ranked females had significantly higher fGC concentrations than higher ranked females in the second and third trimesters. Finally, females with higher fGC concentrations during the third trimester lost a greater proportion of their gestated young prior to their emergence from the burrow. Together, our results are consistent with a role for rank-related maternal stress in generating reproductive skew among females in this cooperative breeder. While studies of reproductive skew frequently consider the possibility that rank-related stress reduces the conception rates of subordinates, our findings highlight the possibility of detrimental effects on reproductive outcomes even after pregnancies have become established. © 2015 The Authors.

False beliefs predict increased circumcision satisfaction in a sample of US American men.

PubMed

Earp, Brian D; Sardi, Lauren M; Jellison, William A

2017-12-06

Critics of non-therapeutic male and female childhood genital cutting claim that such cutting is harmful. It is therefore puzzling that 'circumcised' women and men do not typically regard themselves as having been harmed by the cutting, notwithstanding the loss of sensitive, prima facie valuable tissue. For female genital cutting (FGC), a commonly proposed solution to this puzzle is that women who had part(s) of their vulvae removed before sexual debut 'do not know what they are missing' and may 'justify' their genitally-altered state by adopting false beliefs about the benefits of FGC, while simultaneously stigmatising unmodified genitalia as unattractive or unclean. Might a similar phenomenon apply to neonatally circumcised men? In this survey of 999 US American men, greater endorsement of false beliefs concerning circumcision and penile anatomy predicted greater satisfaction with being circumcised, while among genitally intact men, the opposite trend occurred: greater endorsement of false beliefs predicted less satisfaction with being genitally intact. These findings provide tentative support for the hypothesis that the lack-of-harm reported by many circumcised men, like the lack-of-harm reported by their female counterparts in societies that practice FGC, may be related to holding inaccurate beliefs concerning unaltered genitalia and the consequences of childhood genital modification.

Localized electrical fine tuning of passive microwave and radio frequency devices

DOEpatents

Findikoglu, Alp T.

2001-04-10

A method and apparatus for the localized electrical fine tuning of passive multiple element microwave or RF devices in which a nonlinear dielectric material is deposited onto predetermined areas of a substrate containing the device. An appropriate electrically conductive material is deposited over predetermined areas of the nonlinear dielectric and the signal line of the device for providing electrical contact with the nonlinear dielectric. Individual, adjustable bias voltages are applied to the electrically conductive material allowing localized electrical fine tuning of the devices. The method of the present invention can be applied to manufactured devices, or can be incorporated into the design of the devices so that it is applied at the time the devices are manufactured. The invention can be configured to provide localized fine tuning for devices including but not limited to coplanar waveguides, slotline devices, stripline devices, and microstrip devices.

Microwave characterization of slotline on high resistivity silicon for antenna feed network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Taub, Susan R.; Lee, Richard Q.; Young, Paul G.

1993-01-01

Conventional silicon wafers have low resistivity and consequently unacceptably high value of dielectric attenuation constant. Microwave circuits for phased array antenna systems fabricated on these wafers therefore have low efficiency. By choosing a silicon substrate with sufficiently high resistivity it is possible to make the dielectric attenuation constant of the interconnecting microwave transmission lines approach those of GaAs or InP. In order for this to be possible, the transmission lines must be characterized. In this presentation, the effective dielectric constant (epsilon sub eff) and attenuation constant (alpha) of a slotline on high resistivity (5000 to 10 000 ohm-cm) silicon wafer will be discussed. The epsilon sub eff and alpha are determined from the measured resonant frequencies and the corresponding insertion loss of a slotline ring resonator. The results for slotline will be compared with microstrip line and coplanar waveguide.

High-efficiency W-band hybrid integrated photoreceiver module using UTC-PD and pHEMT amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umezawa, T.; Katshima, K.; Kanno, A.; Akahane, K.; Matsumoto, A.; Yamamoto, N.; Kawanishi, T.

2016-02-01

A 100-GHz narrowband photoreceiver module integrated with a zero-bias operational uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) and a GaAs-based pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) amplifier was fabricated and characterized. Both devices exhibited flat frequency response and outstanding overall performance. The UTC-PD showed a 3-dB bandwidth beyond 110 GHz while the pHEMT amplifier featured low power consumption and a gain of 24 dB over the 85-100 GHz range. A butterfly metal package equipped with a 1.0 mm (W) coaxial connector and a microstrip-coplanar waveguide conversion substrate was designed for low insertion loss and low return loss. The fabricated photoreceiver module demonstrated high conversion gain, a maximum output power of +9.5 dBm at 96 GHz, and DC-power consumption of 0.21 W.

Improved equivalent circuit for twin slot terahertz receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGrath, W. R.

2002-01-01

Series-fed coplanar waveguide embedding circuits are being developed for terahertz mixers using, in particular, submicron-sized superconducting devices, such as hot electron bolometers as the nonlinear element. Although these mixers show promising performance, they usually also show a considerable downward shift in the center frequency, when compared with simulations obtained by using simplified models. This makes it very difficult to design low-noise mixers for a given THz frequency. This shiftis principally caused by parasitics due to the extremely small details (in terms of wavelength) of the device, and by the electrical properties of the RF choke filter in the DC/IF line. In this paper, we present an improved equivalent network model of such mixer circuits which agrees with measured results at THz frequencies and we propose a new set of THz bolometric mixers that have been fabricated and are currently being tested.

Transport conductivity of graphene at RF and microwave frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awan, S. A.; Lombardo, A.; Colli, A.; Privitera, G.; Kulmala, T. S.; Kivioja, J. M.; Koshino, M.; Ferrari, A. C.

2016-03-01

We measure graphene coplanar waveguides from direct current (DC) to a frequency f = 13.5 GHz and show that the apparent resistance (in the presence of parasitic impedances) has an {ω }2 dependence (where ω =2π f), but the intrinsic conductivity (without the influence of parasitic impedances) is frequency-independent. Consequently, in our devices the real part of the complex alternating current (AC) conductivity is the same as the DC value and the imaginary part is ˜0. The graphene channel is modeled as a parallel resistive-capacitive network with a frequency dependence identical to that of the Drude conductivity with momentum relaxation time ˜2.1 ps, highlighting the influence of AC electron transport on the electromagnetic properties of graphene. This can lead to optimized design of high-speed analog field-effect transistors, mixers, frequency doublers, low-noise amplifiers and radiation detectors.

Flux qubits in a planar circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture: Quantum control and decoherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orgiazzi, J.-L.; Deng, C.; Layden, D.; Marchildon, R.; Kitapli, F.; Shen, F.; Bal, M.; Ong, F. R.; Lupascu, A.

2016-03-01

We report experiments on superconducting flux qubits in a circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) setup. Two qubits, independently biased and controlled, are coupled to a coplanar waveguide resonator. Dispersive qubit state readout reaches a maximum contrast of 72%. We measure energy relaxation times at the symmetry point of 5 and 10 μ s , corresponding to 7 and 20 μ s when relaxation through the resonator due to Purcell effect is subtracted out, and levels of flux noise of 2.6 and 2.7 μ Φ0/√{Hz} at 1 Hz for the two qubits. We discuss the origin of decoherence in the measured devices. The strong coupling between the qubits and the cavity leads to a large, cavity-mediated, qubit-qubit coupling. This coupling, which is characterized spectroscopically, reaches 38 MHz. These results demonstrate the potential of cQED as a platform for fundamental investigations of decoherence and quantum dynamics of flux qubits.

Generation of three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state of superconducting qubits via transitionless quantum driving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xu; Chen, Ye-Hong; Wu, Qi-Cheng; Shi, Zhi-Cheng; Song, Jie; Xia, Yan

2017-01-01

We present an efficient scheme to quickly generate three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states by using three superconducting qubits (SQs) separated by two coplanar waveguide resonators (CPWRs) capacitively. The scheme is based on quantum Zeno dynamics and the approach of transitionless quantum driving to construct shortcuts to adiabatic passage. In order to highlight the advantages, we compare the present scheme with the traditional one with adiabatic passage. The comparison result shows the shortcut scheme is closely related to the adiabatic scheme but is better than it. Moreover, we discuss the influence of various decoherences with numerical simulation. The result proves that the present scheme is less sensitive to the energy relaxation, the decay of CPWRs and the deviations of the experimental parameters the same as the adiabatic passage. However, the shortcut scheme is effective and robust against the dephasing of SQs in comparison with the adiabatic scheme.

Millimeter wave micro-CPW integrated antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tzuang, Ching-Kuang C.; Lin, Ching-Chyuan

1996-12-01

This paper presents the latest result of applying the microstrip's leaky mode for a millimeter-wave active integrated antenna design. In contrast to the use of the first higher-order leaky mode, the second higher-order leaky mode, the second higher-order leaky mode of even symmetry is employed in the new approach, which allows larger dimension for leaky-wave antenna design and thereby reduces its performance sensitivity to the photolithographic tolerance. The new active integrated antenna operating at frequency about 34 GHz comprises of a microstrip and a coplanar waveguide stacked on top of each other, named as the millimeter wave micro-CPW integrated antenna. The feed is through the CPW that would be connected to the active uniplanar millimeter-wave (M)MIC's. Our experimental and theoretical investigations on the new integrated antenna show good input matching characteristics for such a highly directed leaky-wave antenna with the first-pass success.

Spin wave propagation in perpendicular magnetized 20 nm Yttrium Iron Garnet with different antenna design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jilei; Stueckler, Tobias; Zhang, Youguang; Zhao, Weisheng; Yu, Haiming; Chang, Houchen; Liu, Tao; Wu, Mingzhong; Liu, Chuanpu; Liao, Zhimin; Yu, Dapeng; Fert Beijing research institute Team; Colorado State University Team; Peking University Collaboration

Magnonics offers a new way to transport information using spin waves free of charge current and could lead to a new paradigm in the area of computing. Forward volume (FV) mode spin wave with perpendicular magnetized configuration is suitable for spin wave logic device because it is free of non-reciprocity effect. Here, we study FV mode spin wave propagation in YIG thin film with an ultra-low damping. We integrated differently designed antenna i.e., coplanar waveguide and micro stripline with different dimensions. The k vectors of the spin waves defined by the design of the antenna are calculated using Fourier transform. We show FV mode spin wave propagation results by measuring S12 parameter from vector network analyzer and we extract the group velocity of the FV mode spin wave as well as its dispersion relations.

CPW-fed Circularly Polarized Slot Antenna with Small Gap and Stick-shaped Shorted Strip for UHF FRID Readers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Chien-Yuan; Su, Chum-Chieh; Yang, Wei-Lin

2018-04-01

A new circularly polarized (CP) slot antenna with a small gap and a stick-shaped shorted strip is presented. The proposed antenna has a sufficient bandwidth for ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader applications. The antenna structure consists of a rectangular slot with a small gap, a stick-shaped shorted strip and a 50 Ω coplanar waveguide (CPW) feedline with an asymmetrical ground plane. By using the stick -shaped shorted strip to disturb magnetic current distribution on the slot, the CP radiation can be generated. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed antenna can reach a 10 dB return loss impedance bandwidth of 14.1 % (894-1030 MHz) and a 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 6.4 % (910-970 MHz). The whole antenna size is 80 × 80 × 1.6 mm3.

Microwave excitation of spin wave beams in thin ferromagnetic films

PubMed Central

Gruszecki, P.; Kasprzak, M.; Serebryannikov, A. E.; Krawczyk, M.; Śmigaj, W.

2016-01-01

An inherent element of research and applications in photonics is a beam of light. In magnonics, which is the magnetic counterpart of photonics, where spin waves are used instead of electromagnetic waves to transmit and process information, the lack of a beam source limits exploration. Here, we present an approach enabling generation of narrow spin wave beams in thin homogeneous nanosized ferromagnetic films by microwave current. We show that the desired beam-type behavior can be achieved with the aid of a properly designed coplanar waveguide transducer generating a nonuniform microwave magnetic field. We test this idea using micromagnetic simulations, confirming numerically that the resulting spin wave beams propagate over distances of several micrometers. The proposed approach requires neither inhomogeneity of the ferromagnetic film nor nonuniformity of the biasing magnetic field. It can be generalized to different magnetization configurations and yield multiple spin wave beams of different width at the same frequency. PMID:26971711

Flexible ultra-wideband antenna incorporated with metamaterial structures: multiple notches for chipless RFID application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalil, M. E.; Rahim, M. K. A.; Samsuri, N. A.; Dewan, R.; Kamardin, K.

2017-01-01

A coplanar waveguide (CPW) ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna incorporated with metamaterial—split ring resonator structure—that operates from 3.0 to 12.0 GHz is proposed for chipless RFID tag. The 30 mm × 40 mm flexible chipless RFID tag is designed on the fleece substrate ( ɛ r = 1.35, thickness = 1 mm and tan δ = 0.025). A six-slotted modified complementary split ring resonator (MCSRR) is introduced into the ultra-wideband antenna to produce multiple band notches at 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 GHz. The frequency shifting technique is introduced for designing a high-capacity chipless RFID tag with compact size. Each MCSRR is able to code in four different allocations (00, 01, 10 and 11). To achieve encoding of 10-bits data (10,234 number), six MCSRRs are proposed with three-slotted MCSRR in the radiator and three-slotted MCSRR in the ground plane.

A Novel Compact Wideband TSA Array for Near-Surface Ice Sheet Penetrating Radar Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Feng; Liu, Xiaojun; Fang, Guangyou

2014-03-01

A novel compact tapered slot antenna (TSA) array for near-surface ice sheet penetrating radar applications is presented. This TSA array is composed of eight compact antenna elements which are etched on two 480mm × 283mm FR4 substrates. Each antenna element is fed by a wideband coplanar waveguide (CPW) to coupled strip-line (CPS) balun. The two antenna substrates are connected together with a metallic baffle. To obtain wideband properties, another two metallic baffles are used along broadsides of the array. This array is fed by a 1 × 8 wideband power divider. The measured S11 of the array is less than -10dB in the band of 500MHz-2GHz, and the measured gain is more than 6dBi in the whole band which agrees well with the simulated results.

Comparison of the Experimental Performance of Ferroelectric CPW Circuits with Method of Moment Simulations and Conformal Mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanKeuls, Fred W.; Chevalier, Chris T.; Miranda, Felix A.; Carlson, C. M.; Rivkin, T. V.; Parilla, P. A.; Perkins, J. D.; Ginley, D. S.

2001-01-01

Experimental measurements of coplanar waveguide (CPW) circuits atop thin films of ferroelectric Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 (BST) were made as a function bias from 0 to 200 V and frequency from 0.045 to 20 GHz. The resulting phase shifts are compared with method of moments electromagnetic simulations and a conformal mapping analysis to determine the dielectric constant of the BST films. Based on the correlation between the experimental and the modeled data, an analysis of the extent to which the electromagnetic simulators provide reliable values for the dielectric constant of the ferroelectric in these structures has been performed. In addition, to determine how well the modeled data compare with experimental data, the dielectric constant values were also compared to low frequency measurements of interdigitated capacitor circuits on the same films. Results of these comparisons will be presented.

Fabrication and RF characterization of a single nickel silicide nanowire for an interconnect.

PubMed

Lee, Dongjin; Kang, Myunggil; Hong, Suheon; Hwang, Donghoon; Heo, Keun; Joo, Won-Jae; Kim, Sangsig; Whang, Dongmok; Hwang, Sung Woo

2013-09-01

We fabricated a nickel silicide nanowire (NiSi NW) device with a low thermal budget and characterized it by measuring the S-parameters in the radio-frequency (RF) regime. A single silicon nanowire (Si NW) was assembled on a substrate with a two-port coplanar waveguide structure using the dielectrophoresis method. Then, the Si NW on the device was perfectly transformed into a NiSi NW. The NiSi NW device was characterized by performing measurements in the DC and RF regimes. The transformation into the NiSi NW resulted in reducing about three-order more the resistance than before the transformation. Hence, the transmission of the NiSi NW device was 25 dB higher than that of the Si NW device up to gigahertz. We also discussed extracting the intrinsic properties of the NiSi NW by using de-embedding, circuit modeling, and simulation.

A 16.9 dBm InP DHBT W-band power amplifier with more than 20 dB gain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hongfei, Yao; Yuxiong, Cao; Danyu, Wu; Xiaoxi, Ning; Yongbo, Su; Zhi, Jin

2013-07-01

A two-stage MMIC power amplifier has been realized by use of a 1-μm InP double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT). The cascode structure, low-loss matching networks, and low-parasite cell units enhance the power gain. The optimum load impedance is determined from load-pull simulation. A coplanar waveguide transmission line is adopted for its ease of fabrication. The chip size is 1.5 × 1.7 mm2 with the emitter area of 16 × 1 μm × 15 μm in the output stage. Measurements show that small signal gain is more than 20 dB over 75.5-84.5 GHz and the saturated power is 16.9 dBm @ 79 GHz with gain of 15.2 dB. The high power gain makes it very suitable for medium power amplification.

SU-F-T-339: Comparison Between Coplanar and Non-Coplanar RapidArc Approach of Hippocampal-Sparing Whole Brain Radiotherapy

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

Liu, B; Kim, J

Purpose: To compare the dosimetry of coplanar and non-coplanar RapidArc whole brain plans for hippocampal sparing Methods: We studied the RapidArc plans of patient with brain metastases, with the prescription of 3750 cGy in 15 fractions. The coplanar approach used a full clockwise (CW) arc and a full counterclockwise (CCW) arc, with the couch angle to be 0°. The non-coplanar approach used a full arc with a couch angle of 0°, and a partial arc with a couch angle of 90°. Treatment planning system is Eclipse Ver. 11. Constraints for eyes, lens, brainstem, optical nerves and chiasm are employed inmore » the optimization so that these OARs’ dose are below tolerance. Constraints for hippocampus are employed so that they receive dose as low as possible while maintain good coverage to whole brain. The beam delivery machine is Varian 21 IX. T1-weighted MRI images were used for hippocampus contouring. Results: The target coverage index for coplanar and non-coplanar RapidArc plans are 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively, with homogeneity index of 0.223 vs 0.226, which is defined as (D2% – D98%)/Dmean of target volume. V95 and V100 are 99.0% and 94.8% for coplanar plan, vs 99.1% and 95.4% for non-coplanar plan, while the mean dose of hippocampus are 1244.5 cGy for coplanar plan vs 1212.3 cGy for non-coplanar plan. Dose for eyes, lens, optical nerves, optical chiasm and brainstem are all below tolerance. Conclusion: Coplanar RapidArc plan provides good target coverage while achieves good hippocampal sparing, and there is no benefit to use non-coplanar approach.« less

Room temperature deposition of sputtered TiN films for superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohya, S.; Chiaro, B.; Megrant, A.; Neill, C.; Barends, R.; Chen, Y.; Kelly, J.; Low, D.; Mutus, J.; O'Malley, P. J. J.; Roushan, P.; Sank, D.; Vainsencher, A.; Wenner, J.; White, T. C.; Yin, Y.; Schultz, B. D.; Palmstrøm, C. J.; Mazin, B. A.; Cleland, A. N.; Martinis, John M.

2014-01-01

We present a systematic study of the properties of room temperature deposited TiN films by varying the deposition conditions in an ultra-high-vacuum reactive magnetron sputtering chamber. By increasing the deposition pressure from 2 to 9 mTorr while keeping a nearly stoichiometric composition of Ti1-xNx (x = 0.5) without substrate heating, the film resistivity increases, the dominant crystal orientation changes from (100) to (111), grain boundaries become clearer, and the strong compressive in-plane strain changes to weak tensile in-plane strain. The TiN films absorb a high concentration of contaminants including hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen when they are exposed to air after deposition. With the target-substrate distance set to 88 mm the contaminant levels increase from ˜0.1% to ˜10% as the pressure is increased from 2 to 9 mTorr. The contaminant concentrations also correlate with in-plane distance from the center of the substrate and increase by roughly two orders of magnitude as the target-substrate distance is increased from 88 to 266 mm. These contaminants are found to strongly influence the properties of TiN thin films. For instance, the resistivity of stoichiometric films increases by around a factor of 5 as the oxygen content increases from 0.1% to 11%. These results strongly suggest that the energy of the sputtered TiN particles plays a crucial role in determining the TiN film properties, and that it is important to precisely control the energy of these particles to obtain high-quality TiN films. Superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators made from a series of nearly stoichiometric films grown at pressures from 2 to 7 mTorr show a substantial increase in intrinsic quality factor from ˜104 to ˜106 as the magnitude of the compressive strain decreases from nearly 3800 MPa to approximately 150 MPa and the oxygen content increases from 0.1% to 8%. Surprisingly, the films with a higher oxygen content exhibit lower loss, but care must be taken when depositing at room temperature to avoid nonuniform oxygen incorporation, which presents as a radially dependent resistivity and becomes a radially dependent surface inductance in the superconductor.

Coplanar PCB distribution between chorioallantoic membranes and eggs of alligators and Loggerhead sea turtles

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

Bargar, T.A.; Cobb, G.P.

1995-12-31

The relative distribution of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between chorioallantoic membranes (CAMS) and eggs was investigated in inviable American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretra) eggs. Cam and egg extracts were fractionated by HPLC using a porous graphitic column (PGC) and an in line switching valve to separate coplanar from non-coplanar PCBs. The fractions were collected, concentrated by nitrogen evaporation, and injected on GC-ECD (60M DB-5 capillary column) for quantification. Alligator and Loggerhead sea turtle eggs contain toxicologically significant coplanar PCBs. Mono-ortho substituted PCBs were present with greater frequency relative to non-ortho substituted PCBs in both eggsmore » and CAMS. The presence of coplanar PCBs in eggs appears to be correlated to coplanar PCB presence in CAMS. The chorioallantoic membrane could serve as a biomarker of embryo exposure to coplanar PCBs.« less

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

Ballinger, Ronald G

A material that resists lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) attack and retains its strength at 700°C would be an enabling technology for LBE-cooled reactors. No single alloy currently exists that can economically meet the required performance criteria of high strength and corrosion resistance. A Functionally Graded Composite (FGC) was developed with layers engineered to perform these functions. F91 was chosen as the structural layer of the composite for its strength and radiation resistance. Fe-12Cr-2Si, an alloy developed from previous work in the Fe-Cr-Si system, was chosen as the corrosion-resistant cladding layer because of its chemical similarity to F91 and its superior corrosionmore » resistance in both oxidizing and reducing environments. Fe-12Cr-2Si experienced minimal corrosion due to its self-passivation in oxidizing and reducing environments. Extrapolated corrosion rates are below one micron per year at 700ï°C. Corrosion of F91 was faster, but predictable and manageable. Diffusion studies showed that 17 microns of the cladding layer will be diffusionally diluted during the three year life of fuel cladding. 33 microns must be accounted for during the sixty year life of coolant piping. 5 cm coolant piping and 6.35 mm fuel cladding preforms were produced on a commercial scale by weld-overlaying Fe-12Cr-2Si onto F91 billets and co-extruding them. An ASME certified weld was performed followed by the prescribed quench-and-tempering heat treatment for F91. A minimal heat affected zone was observed, demonstrating field weldability. Finally, corrosion tests were performed on the fabricated FGC at 700ï°C after completely breaching the cladding in a small area to induce galvanic corrosion at the interface. None was observed. This FGC has significant impacts on LBE reactor design. The increases in outlet temperature and coolant velocity allow a large increase in power density, leading to either a smaller core for the same power rating or more power output for the same size core. This FGC represents an enabling technology for LBE cooled fast reactors.« less

Federal Green Challenge Awards

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

We are pleased to recognize the following participants in the FGC for their significant efforts in improving the sustainability of their facilities and for their leadership in reducing the environmental footprint of federal government activities.

2017 Federal Green Challenge Award Winners

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

We are pleased to recognize the following participants in the FGC for their significant efforts in improving the sustainability of their facilities and for their leadership in reducing the environmental footprint of federal government activities.

2016 Federal Green Challenge Award Winners in the Southeast Region

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2016 FGC award winners in the Southeast are: the Department of Human Services’ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Southeast Regional Office and Department of Energy’s East Tennessee Technology Park.

Preparation of fly ash-granulated blast furnace slag-carbide slag binder and application in total tailings paste backfill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chao; Hao, Ya-fei; Zhao, Feng-qing

2018-03-01

Based on activation and synergistic effect among various materials, a low-cost mine backfill cementing material, FGC binder, was prepared by using fly ash, granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS), carbide slag and composite activator. The proper proportioning of FGC binder is obtained by response surface experiment optimization method: fly ash 62 %, GBFS 20 %, carbide slag 8 % and compound activators 10 %. Adjusting the material ratio obtains different cementing material which could satisfy requirements of different mined-out areas. With the mass ratio of cementing material and tailings 1:4∼1:8, the concentration of total solid 70 %, the compressive strength values of total tailings filling body at 28 d reaches 1.64∼4.14 MPa, and the backfilling cost is 20 % lower than using OPC cement.

Internalizing Knowledge and Changing Attitudes to Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The process of paradigmatic attitudinal change has been analyzed by the use of multimethods and multileveled internalization theories. Forty-six informants (a network of activists and a group of Gambian women) have described their change of attitude to female genital cutting. This study shows that internalizing a packet of information as adults, that contradicts an old schema of knowledge internalized as children, can be experienced as epistemologically very painful. Activists in Norway who have changed their attitude to FGC have got information from different educational institutions, from seminars and conferences, from work as interpreters in hospitals, and from discussions among families and friends. Information can be received, listened to and subsequently discarded. In order to design FGC-abandonment campaigns, the importance of the internalization process in order for the individual to make an attitudinal change must be understood. PMID:23843795

Mean fecal glucocorticoid metabolites are associated with vigilance, whereas immediate cortisol levels better reflect acute anti-predator responses in meerkats.

PubMed

Voellmy, Irene K; Goncalves, Ines Braga; Barrette, Marie-France; Monfort, Steven L; Manser, Marta B

2014-11-01

Adrenal hormones likely affect anti-predator behavior in animals. With experimental field studies, we first investigated associations between mean fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGC) excretion and vigilance and with behavioral responses to alarm call playbacks in free-ranging meerkats (Suricata suricatta). We then tested how vigilance and behavioral responses to alarm call playbacks were affected in individuals administered exogenous cortisol. We found a positive association between mean fGC concentrations and vigilance behavior, but no relationship with the intensity of behavioral responses to alarm calls. However, in response to alarm call playbacks, individuals administered cortisol took slightly longer to resume foraging than control individuals treated with saline solution. Vigilance behavior, which occurs in the presence and absence of dangerous stimuli, serves to detect and avoid potential dangers, whereas responses to alarm calls serve to avoid immediate predation. Our data show that mean fGC excretion in meerkats was associated with vigilance, as a re-occurring anti-predator behavior over long time periods, and experimentally induced elevations of plasma cortisol affected the response to immediate threats. Together, our results indicate an association between the two types of anti-predator behavior and glucocorticoids, but that the underlying mechanisms may differ. Our study emphasizes the need to consider appropriate measures of adrenal activity specific to different contexts when assessing links between stress physiology and different anti-predator behaviors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Absorption enhancement in non-coplanar silver nanowire networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Zhihui; Zhou, Zhiping; Ren, Xincheng; Bai, Shaomin; Li, Hongjian; Cao, Dongmei; Li, Gang; Cao, Guangtao

2018-07-01

We propose non-coplanar silver nanowire (AgNW) networks placed on a SiO2 layer. A notable absorption peak is observed in our proposed structure, and compared with the absorption of coplanar periodic AgNW networks and periodic AgNW gratings, the absorption performance of the non-coplanar AgNW networks demonstrates obvious advantages. It could be determined that the absorption ratio in this non-coplanar AgNW networks can reach 95%. In addition, several parameters that have important effects on the absorption of the non-coplanar AgNW networks are discussed in detail. Our research may provide guidance for the fundamental exploration of plasmonic absorption device applications.

Non-coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are direct agonists for the human pregnane-X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor, and activate target gene expression in a tissue-specific manner

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

Al-Salman, Fadheela; Plant, Nick, E-mail: N.Plant@Surrey.ac.uk

The polychlorinated biphenyl group possesses high environmental persistence, leading to bioaccumulation and a number of adverse effects in mammals. Whilst coplanar PCBs elicit their toxic effects through agonism of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor; however, non-coplanar PCBs are not ligands for AhR, but may be ligands for members of the nuclear receptor family of proteins. To better understand the biological actions of non-coplanar PCBs, we have undertaken a systematic analysis of their ability to activate PXR and CAR-mediated effects. Cells were exposed to a range of non-coplanar PCBs (99, 138, 153, 180 and 194), or the coplanar PCB77: Direct activation ofmore » PXR and CAR was measured using a mammalian receptor activation assay in human liver cells, with rifampicin and CITCO used as positive controls ligands for PXR and CAR, respectively; activation of target gene expression was examined using reporter gene plasmids for CYP3A4 and MDR1 transfected into liver, intestine and lung cell lines. Several of the non-coplanar PCBs directly activated PXR and CAR, whilst the coplanar PCB77 did not. Non-coplanar PCBs were also able to activate PXR/CAR target gene expression in a substitution- and tissue-specific manner. Non-coplanar PCBs act as direct activators for the nuclear receptors PXR and CAR, and are able to elicit transcriptional activation of target genes in a substitution- and tissue-dependent manner. Chronic activation of PXR/CAR is linked to adverse effects and must be included in any risk assessment of PCBs. -- Highlights: ► Several Non-coplanar PCBs are able to directly activate both PXR and CAR in vitro. ► PCB153 is the most potent direct activator of PXR and CAR nuclear receptors. ► Non-coplanar PCB activation of CYP3A4/MDR1 reporter genes is structure-dependent. ► Non-coplanar PCB activate CYP3A4/MDR1 reporter genes in a tissue-dependent. ► PCB153 is the most potent activator of PXR/CAR target gene in all tissues.« less

Titanium dioxide thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition and integration in radio frequency devices: Study of structure, optical and dielectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlianges, Jean-Christophe; Crunteanu, Aurelian; Pothier, Arnaud; Merle-Mejean, Therese; Blondy, Pierre; Champeaux, Corinne

2012-12-01

Titanium dioxide presents a wide range of technological application possibilities due to its dielectric, electrochemical, photocatalytic and optical properties. The three TiO2 allotropic forms: anatase, rutile and brookite are also interesting, since they exhibit different properties, stabilities and growth modes. For instance, rutile has a high dielectric permittivity, of particular interest for the integration as dielectric in components such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for radio frequency (RF) devices. In this study, titanium dioxide thin films are deposited by pulsed laser deposition. Characterizations by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction show the evolution of the structural properties. Thin films optical properties are investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission measurements from UV to IR range. Co-planar waveguide (CPW) devices are fabricated based on these films. Their performances are measured in the RF domain and compared to simulation, leading to relative permittivity values in the range 30-120, showing the potentialities of the deposited material for capacitive switches applications.

Electrically Tunable Integrated Thin-Film Magnetoelectric Resonators

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

El-Ghazaly, Amal; Evans, Joseph T.; Sato, Noriyuki

Magnetoelectrics have attracted much attention for their ability to control magnetic behavior electrically and electrical behavior magnetically. This feature provides numerous benefits to electronic systems and can potentially serve as the bridge needed to integrate magnetic devices into mainstream electronics. This natural next step is pursued and thin-film integrated magnetoelectric devices are produced for radio-frequency (RF) electronics. The first fully integrated, thin-film magnetoelectric modulators for tunable RF electronics are presented. Moreover, these devices provide electric field control of magnetic permeability in order to change the phase velocity and resonance frequency of coplanar waveguides. During this study, the various thin-film materialmore » phenomena, trade-offs, and integration considerations for composite magnetoelectrics are analyzed and discussed. The fabricated devices achieve reversible tunability of the resonance frequency, characterized by a remarkable converse magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of up to 24 mG cm V -1 using just thin films. Based on this work, suggestions are given for additional optimizations of future designs that will maximize the thin-film magnetoelectric interactions.« less

Multi-directional emission and detection of spin waves propagating in yttrium iron garnet with wavelengths down to about 100 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maendl, Stefan; Grundler, Dirk

2018-05-01

We performed broadband spin-wave spectroscopy on 200 nm thick yttrium iron garnet containing arrays of partially embedded magnetic nanodisks. Using integrated coplanar waveguides (CPWs), we studied the excitation and transmission of spin waves depending on the presence of nanomagnet arrays of different lateral extensions. By means of the grating coupler effect, we excited spin waves propagating in multiple lateral directions with wavelengths down to 111 nm. They exhibited group velocities of up to 1 km/s. Detection of such short-wavelength spin waves was possible only in symmetrically designed emitter/detector configurations, not with a bare CPW. We report spin waves propagating between grating couplers under oblique angles exhibiting a wave vector component parallel to the CPW. The effective propagation distance amounted to about 80 μm. Such transmission signals were not addressed before and substantiate the versatility of the grating coupler effect for implementing nanomagnonic circuits.

The Quantum Socket: Wiring for Superconducting Qubits - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McConkey, T. G.; Bejanin, J. H.; Rinehart, J. R.; Bateman, J. D.; Earnest, C. T.; McRae, C. H.; Rohanizadegan, Y.; Shiri, D.; Mariantoni, M.; Penava, B.; Breul, P.; Royak, S.; Zapatka, M.; Fowler, A. G.

Quantum systems with ten superconducting quantum bits (qubits) have been realized, making it possible to show basic quantum error correction (QEC) algorithms. However, a truly scalable architecture has not been developed yet. QEC requires a two-dimensional array of qubits, restricting any interconnection to external classical systems to the third axis. In this talk, we introduce an interconnect solution for solid-state qubits: The quantum socket. The quantum socket employs three-dimensional wires and makes it possible to connect classical electronics with quantum circuits more densely and accurately than methods based on wire bonding. The three-dimensional wires are based on spring-loaded pins engineered to insure compatibility with quantum computing applications. Extensive design work and machining was required, with focus on material quality to prevent magnetic impurities. Microwave simulations were undertaken to optimize the design, focusing on the interface between the micro-connector and an on-chip coplanar waveguide pad. Simulations revealed good performance from DC to 10 GHz and were later confirmed against experimental measurements.

De-embedding technique for accurate modeling of compact 3D MMIC CPW transmission lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohan, U. H.; KKyabaggu, P. B.; Sinulingga, E. P.

2018-02-01

Requirement for high-density and high-functionality microwave and millimeter-wave circuits have led to the innovative circuit architectures such as three-dimensional multilayer MMICs. The major advantage of the multilayer techniques is that one can employ passive and active components based on CPW technology. In this work, MMIC Coplanar Waveguide(CPW)components such as Transmission Line (TL) are modeled in their 3D layouts. Main characteristics of CPWTL suffered from the probe pads’ parasitic and resonant frequency effects have been studied. By understanding the parasitic effects, then the novel de-embedding technique are developed accurately in order to predict high frequency characteristics of the designed MMICs. The novel de-embedding technique has shown to be critical in reducing the probe pad parasitic significantly from the model. As results, high frequency characteristics of the designed MMICs have been presented with minimumparasitic effects of the probe pads. The de-embedding process optimises the determination of main characteristics of Compact 3D MMIC CPW transmission lines.

Efficient EM Simulation of GCPW Structures Applied to a 200-GHz mHEMT Power Amplifier MMIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos-Roca, Yolanda; Amado-Rey, Belén; Wagner, Sandrine; Leuther, Arnulf; Bangert, Axel; Gómez-Alcalá, Rafael; Tessmann, Axel

2017-05-01

The behaviour of grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) structures in the upper millimeter-wave range is analyzed by using full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations. A methodological approach to develop reliable and time-efficient simulations is proposed by investigating the impact of different simplifications in the EM modelling and simulation conditions. After experimental validation with measurements on test structures, this approach has been used to model the most critical passive structures involved in the layout of a state-of-the-art 200-GHz power amplifier based on metamorphic high electron mobility transistors (mHEMTs). This millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) has demonstrated a measured output power of 8.7 dBm for an input power of 0 dBm at 200 GHz. The measured output power density and power-added efficiency (PAE) are 46.3 mW/mm and 4.5 %, respectively. The peak measured small-signal gain is 12.7 dB (obtained at 196 GHz). A good agreement has been obtained between measurements and simulation results.

Modeling electrical double-layer effects for microfluidic impedance spectroscopy from 100 kHz to 110 GHz.

PubMed

Little, Charles A E; Orloff, Nathan D; Hanemann, Isaac E; Long, Christian J; Bright, Victor M; Booth, James C

2017-07-25

Broadband microfluidic-based impedance spectroscopy can be used to characterize complex fluids, with applications in medical diagnostics and in chemical and pharmacological manufacturing. Many relevant fluids are ionic; during impedance measurements ions migrate to the electrodes, forming an electrical double-layer. Effects from the electrical double-layer dominate over, and reduce sensitivity to, the intrinsic impedance of the fluid below a characteristic frequency. Here we use calibrated measurements of saline solution in microfluidic coplanar waveguide devices at frequencies between 100 kHz and 110 GHz to directly measure the double-layer admittance for solutions of varying ionic conductivity. We successfully model the double-layer admittance using a combination of a Cole-Cole response with a constant phase element contribution. Our analysis yields a double-layer relaxation time that decreases linearly with solution conductivity, and allows for double-layer effects to be separated from the intrinsic fluid response and quantified for a wide range of conducting fluids.

Manufacture of radio frequency micromachined switches with annealing.

PubMed

Lin, Cheng-Yang; Dai, Ching-Liang

2014-01-17

The fabrication and characterization of a radio frequency (RF) micromachined switch with annealing were presented. The structure of the RF switch consists of a membrane, coplanar waveguide (CPW) lines, and eight springs. The RF switch is manufactured using the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The switch requires a post-process to release the membrane and springs. The post-process uses a wet etching to remove the sacrificial silicon dioxide layer, and to obtain the suspended structures of the switch. In order to improve the residual stress of the switch, an annealing process is applied to the switch, and the membrane obtains an excellent flatness. The finite element method (FEM) software CoventorWare is utilized to simulate the stress and displacement of the RF switch. Experimental results show that the RF switch has an insertion loss of 0.9 dB at 35 GHz and an isolation of 21 dB at 39 GHz. The actuation voltage of the switch is 14 V.

Manufacture of Radio Frequency Micromachined Switches with Annealing

PubMed Central

Lin, Cheng-Yang; Dai, Ching-Liang

2014-01-01

The fabrication and characterization of a radio frequency (RF) micromachined switch with annealing were presented. The structure of the RF switch consists of a membrane, coplanar waveguide (CPW) lines, and eight springs. The RF switch is manufactured using the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The switch requires a post-process to release the membrane and springs. The post-process uses a wet etching to remove the sacrificial silicon dioxide layer, and to obtain the suspended structures of the switch. In order to improve the residual stress of the switch, an annealing process is applied to the switch, and the membrane obtains an excellent flatness. The finite element method (FEM) software CoventorWare is utilized to simulate the stress and displacement of the RF switch. Experimental results show that the RF switch has an insertion loss of 0.9 dB at 35 GHz and an isolation of 21 dB at 39 GHz. The actuation voltage of the switch is 14 V. PMID:24445415

Contactless measurement of alternating current conductance in quantum Hall structures

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

Drichko, I. L.; Diakonov, A. M.; Malysh, V. A.

2014-10-21

We report a procedure to determine the frequency-dependent conductance of quantum Hall structures in a broad frequency domain. The procedure is based on the combination of two known probeless methods—acoustic spectroscopy and microwave spectroscopy. By using the acoustic spectroscopy, we study the low-frequency attenuation and phase shift of a surface acoustic wave in a piezoelectric crystal in the vicinity of the electron (hole) layer. The electronic contribution is resolved using its dependence on a transverse magnetic field. At high frequencies, we study the attenuation of an electromagnetic wave in a coplanar waveguide. To quantitatively calibrate these data, we use themore » fact that in the quantum-Hall-effect regime the conductance at the maxima of its magnetic field dependence is determined by extended states. Therefore, it should be frequency independent in a broad frequency domain. The procedure is verified by studies of a well-characterized p-SiGe/Ge/SiGe heterostructure.« less

Theory of multiwave mixing within the superconducting kinetic-inductance traveling-wave amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erickson, R. P.; Pappas, D. P.

2017-03-01

We present a theory of parametric mixing within the coplanar waveguide (CPW) of a superconducting nonlinear kinetic-inductance traveling-wave (KIT) amplifier engineered with periodic dispersion loadings. This is done by first developing a metamaterial band theory of the dispersion-engineered KIT using a Floquet-Bloch construction and then applying it to the description of mixing of the nonlinear RF traveling waves. Our theory allows us to calculate signal gain versus signal frequency in the presence of a frequency stop gap, based solely on loading design. We present results for both three-wave mixing (3WM), with applied dc bias, and four-wave mixing (4WM), without dc. Our theory predicts an intrinsic and deterministic origin to undulations of 4WM signal gain with signal frequency, apart from extrinsic sources, such as impedance mismatch, and shows that such undulations are absent from 3WM signal gain achievable with dc. Our theory is extensible to amplifiers based on Josephson junctions in a lumped LC-ladder transmission line (TWPA).

Alternative technological development for RF hybridization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antônio Finardi, Célio; da Fontoura Ponchet, André; Battesini Adamo, Cristina; Flacker, Alexander; Cotrin Teixeira, Ricardo; Panepucci, Roberto Ricardo

2017-03-01

The paper presents a technological solution for high frequency packaging platform evaluated up to 40 GHz. The main purpose of this development was to define an alternative hybrid technology that is more flexible and faster to prototype compared with thin film or multi chip module (MCM-D). The alternative technology also shows adequate performance for high bit rate solutions integrating optical and electronics blocks. This approach consists of a soft substrate (laminate material), plating processes (electroless Ni-P/Au, electrolytic Au) and lithography patterning. Ground coplanar waveguide was used for microwave structures with excellent ground planes connections due to easy via holes implementation. We present results of high frequency packaging of important RF blocks, such as integrated broadband bias-T, transimpedance amplifier ICs and silicon photonics optical modulators. The paper demonstrates a solution for high frequency hybridization that can be implemented with standard substrates, designed with any shape and with large numbers of metalized via holes and compatible with usual assembling techniques.

Approaching soft X-ray wavelengths in nanomagnet-based microwave technology

PubMed Central

Yu, Haiming; d' Allivy Kelly, O.; Cros, V.; Bernard, R.; Bortolotti, P.; Anane, A.; Brandl, F.; Heimbach, F.; Grundler, D.

2016-01-01

Seven decades after the discovery of collective spin excitations in microwave-irradiated ferromagnets, there has been a rebirth of magnonics. However, magnetic nanodevices will enable smart GHz-to-THz devices at low power consumption only, if such spin waves (magnons) are generated and manipulated on the sub-100 nm scale. Here we show how magnons with a wavelength of a few 10 nm are exploited by combining the functionality of insulating yttrium iron garnet and nanodisks from different ferromagnets. We demonstrate magnonic devices at wavelengths of 88 nm written/read by conventional coplanar waveguides. Our microwave-to-magnon transducers are reconfigurable and thereby provide additional functionalities. The results pave the way for a multi-functional GHz technology with unprecedented miniaturization exploiting nanoscale wavelengths that are otherwise relevant for soft X-rays. Nanomagnonics integrated with broadband microwave circuitry offer applications that are wide ranging, from nanoscale microwave components to nonlinear data processing, image reconstruction and wave-based logic. PMID:27063401

Parameter space for the collective laser coupling in the laser fusion driver based on the concept of fiber amplification network.

PubMed

Huang, Zhihua; Lin, Honghuan; Xu, Dangpeng; Li, Mingzhong; Wang, Jianjun; Deng, Ying; Zhang, Rui; Zhang, Yongliang; Tian, Xiaocheng; Wei, Xiaofeng

2013-07-15

Collective laser coupling of the fiber array in the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) laser driver based on the concept of fiber amplification network (FAN) is researched. The feasible parameter space is given for laser coupling of the fundamental, second and third harmonic waves by neglecting the influence of the frequency conversion on the beam quality under the assumption of beam quality factor conservation. Third harmonic laser coupling is preferred due to its lower output energy requirement from a single fiber amplifier. For coplanar fiber array, the energy requirement is around 0.4 J with an effective mode field diameter of around 500 μm while maintaining the fundamental mode operation which is more than one order of magnitude higher than what can be achieved with state-of-the-art technology. Novel waveguide structure needs to be developed to enlarge the fundamental mode size while mitigating the catastrophic self-focusing effect.

Frequencies of the Edge-Magnetoplasmon Excitations in Gated Quantum Hall Edges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endo, Akira; Koike, Keita; Katsumoto, Shingo; Iye, Yasuhiro

2018-06-01

We have investigated microwave transmission through the edge of quantum Hall systems by employing a coplanar waveguide (CPW) fabricated on the surface of a GaAs/AlGaAs two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) wafer. An edge is introduced to the slot region of the CPW by applying a negative bias Vg to the central electrode (CE) and depleting the 2DEG below the CE. We observe peaks attributable to the excitation of edge magnetoplasmons (EMP) at a fundamental frequency f0 and at its harmonics if0 (i = 2,3, \\ldots ). The frequency f0 increases with decreasing Vg, indicating that EMP propagates with higher velocity for more negative Vg. The dependence of f0 on Vg is interpreted in terms of the variation in the distance between the edge state and the CE, which alters the velocity by varying the capacitive coupling between them. The peaks are observed to continue, albeit with less clarity, up to the regions of Vg where 2DEG still remains below the CE.

Electrical isolation, thermal stability and rf loss in a multilayer GaAs planar doped barrier diode structure bombarded by H+ and Fe+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vo, V. T.; Koon, K. L.; Hu, Z. R.; Dharmasiri, C. N.; Subramaniam, S. C.; Rezazadeh, A. A.

2004-04-01

Electrical isolation in multilayer GaAs planar doped barrier (PDB) diode structures produced by H+ and Fe+ ion implantation were investigated. For an H+ bombardment with a dose of 1×1015cm-2, a sheet resistivity as high as 3×108 Ω/sq and thermal stability up to 400 °C has been achieved. For samples bombarded by Fe+ ions, a similar high sheet resistivity has also been achieved although a longer annealing time (15 min) and a higher annealing temperature (550 °C) were needed. The rf dissipation losses of coplanar waveguide (CPW) "thru" lines fabricated on bombarded multilayer PDBD structure samples were also examined. The measured rf losses were 1.65 dB/cm at 10 GHz and 3 dB/cm at 40 GHz, similar to the values that a CPW line exhibits on a semi-isolating GaAs substrate.

Quantum correlations in microwave frequency combs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weissl, Thomas; Jolin, Shan W.; Haviland, David B.; Department of Applied Physics Team

Non-linear superconducting resonators are used as parametric amplifiers in circuit quantum electrodynamics experiments. When a strong pump is applied to a non-linear microwave oscillator, it correlates vacuum fluctuations at signal and idler frequencies symmetrically located around the pump, resulting in two-mode squeezed vacuum. When the non-linear oscillator is pumped with a frequency comb, complex multipartite entangled states can be created as demonstrated with experiments in the optical domain. Such cluster states are considered to be a universal resource for one-way quantum computing. With our microwave measurement setup it is possible to pump and measure response at as many as 42 frequencies in parallel, with independent control over all pump amplitudes and phases. We show results of two-mode squeezing for of pairs of tones in a microwave frequency comb. The squeezing is created by four-wave mixing of a pump tone applied to a non-linear coplanar-waveguide resonator. We acknowledge financial support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation.

Electrically Tunable Integrated Thin-Film Magnetoelectric Resonators

DOE PAGES

El-Ghazaly, Amal; Evans, Joseph T.; Sato, Noriyuki; ...

2017-06-14

Magnetoelectrics have attracted much attention for their ability to control magnetic behavior electrically and electrical behavior magnetically. This feature provides numerous benefits to electronic systems and can potentially serve as the bridge needed to integrate magnetic devices into mainstream electronics. This natural next step is pursued and thin-film integrated magnetoelectric devices are produced for radio-frequency (RF) electronics. The first fully integrated, thin-film magnetoelectric modulators for tunable RF electronics are presented. Moreover, these devices provide electric field control of magnetic permeability in order to change the phase velocity and resonance frequency of coplanar waveguides. During this study, the various thin-film materialmore » phenomena, trade-offs, and integration considerations for composite magnetoelectrics are analyzed and discussed. The fabricated devices achieve reversible tunability of the resonance frequency, characterized by a remarkable converse magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of up to 24 mG cm V -1 using just thin films. Based on this work, suggestions are given for additional optimizations of future designs that will maximize the thin-film magnetoelectric interactions.« less

Ferromagnetic Resonance of a Single Magnetochiral Metamolecule of Permalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodama, Toshiyuki; Tomita, Satoshi; Kato, Takeshi; Oshima, Daiki; Iwata, Satoshi; Okamoto, Satoshi; Kikuchi, Nobuaki; Kitakami, Osamu; Hosoito, Nobuyoshi; Yanagi, Hisao

2016-08-01

We investigate the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) of a single chiral structure of a ferromagnetic metal—the magnetochiral (MCh) metamolecule. Using a strain-driven self-coiling technique, micrometer-sized MCh metamolecules of metallic permalloy (Py) are fabricated without any residual Py films. The magnetization curves of ten Py MCh metamolecules obtained by an alternating gradient magnetometer show soft magnetic behavior. In cavity FMR with a magnetic-field sweep and coplanar-waveguide (CPW) FMR with a frequency sweep, the Kittel-mode FMR of the single Py metamolecule is observed. The CPW-FMR results, which are consistent with the cavity-FMR results, bring about the effective g factor, effective magnetization, and Gilbert damping of the single metamolecule. Together with calculations using these parameters, the angle-resolved cavity FMR reveals that the magnetization in the Py MCh metamolecule is most likely to be the hollow-bar type of configuration when the external magnetic field is applied parallel to the chiral axis, although the expected magnetization state at remanence is the corkscrew type of configuration.

Exchange anisotropy pinning of a standing spin-wave mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magaraggia, R.; Kennewell, K.; Kostylev, M.; Stamps, R. L.; Ali, M.; Greig, D.; Hickey, B. J.; Marrows, C. H.

2011-02-01

Standing spin waves in a thin film are used as sensitive probes of interface pinning induced by an antiferromagnet through exchange anisotropy. Using coplanar waveguide ferromagnetic resonance, pinning of the lowest energy spin-wave thickness mode in Ni80Fe20/Ir25Mn75 exchange-biased bilayers was studied for a range of Ir25Mn75 thicknesses. We show that pinning of the standing mode can be used to amplify, relative to the fundamental resonance, frequency shifts associated with exchange bias. The shifts provide a unique “fingerprint” of the exchange bias and can be interpreted in terms of an effective ferromagnetic film thickness and ferromagnet-antiferromagnet interface anisotropy. Thermal effects are studied for ultrathin antiferromagnetic Ir25Mn75 thicknesses, and the onset of bias is correlated with changes in the pinning fields. The pinning strength magnitude is found to grow with cooling of the sample, while the effective ferromagnetic film thickness simultaneously decreases. These results suggest that exchange bias involves some deformation of magnetic order in the interface region.

Investigation of high sensitivity radio-frequency readout circuit based on AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao-Yu; Tan, Ren-Bing; Sun, Jian-Dong; Li, Xin-Xing; Zhou, Yu; Lü, Li; Qin, Hua

2015-10-01

An AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device is prepared by using a semiconductor nanofabrication process. A reflective radio-frequency (RF) readout circuit is designed and the HEMT device is assembled in an RF circuit through a coplanar waveguide transmission line. A gate capacitor of the HEMT and a surface-mounted inductor on the transmission line are formed to generate LC resonance. By tuning the gate voltage Vg, the variations of gate capacitance and conductance of the HEMT are reflected sensitively from the resonance frequency and the magnitude of the RF reflection signal. The aim of the designed RF readout setup is to develop a highly sensitive HEMT-based detector. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61107093), the Suzhou Science and Technology Project, China (Grant No. ZXG2012024), and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 2012243).

Microwave photon generation in a doubly tunable superconducting resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensson, I.-M.; Pierre, M.; Simoen, M.; Wustmann, W.; Krantz, P.; Bengtsson, A.; Johansson, G.; Bylander, J.; Shumeiko, V.; Delsing, P.

2018-03-01

We have created a doubly tunable resonator, with the intention to simulate relativistic motion of the resonator boundaries in real space. Our device is a superconducting coplanar-waveguide microwave resonator, with fundamental resonant frequency ω 1 /(2π) ~ 5 GHz. Both of its ends are terminated to ground via dc-SQUIDs, which serve as magnetic-flux-controlled inductances. Applying a flux to either SQUID allows the tuning of ω 1 /(2π) by approximately 700 MHz. Using two separate on-chip magnetic-flux lines, we modulate the SQUIDs with two tones of equal frequency, close to 2ω 1. We observe photon generation, at ω 1, above a certain pump amplitude threshold. By varying the relative phase of the two pumps we are able to control this threshold, in good agreement with a theoretical model. At the same time, some of our observations deviate from the theoretical predictions, which we attribute to parasitic couplings resulting in current driving of the SQUIDs.

Determination of the spin Hall angle in single-crystalline Pt films from spin pumping experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keller, Sascha; Mihalceanu, Laura; Schweizer, Matthias R.; Lang, Philipp; Heinz, Björn; Geilen, Moritz; Brächer, Thomas; Pirro, Philipp; Meyer, Thomas; Conca, Andres; Karfaridis, Dimitrios; Vourlias, George; Kehagias, Thomas; Hillebrands, Burkard; Papaioannou, Evangelos Th

2018-05-01

We report on the determination of the spin Hall angle in ultra-clean, defect-reduced epitaxial Pt films. By applying vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy to a series of single crystalline Fe (12 nm) /Pt (t Pt) bilayers we determine the real part of the spin mixing conductance (4.4 ± 0.2) × 1019 m‑2 and reveal a very small spin diffusion length in the epitaxial Pt (1.1 ± 0.1) nm film. We investigate the spin pumping and ISHE in a stripe microstucture excited by a microwave coplanar waveguide antenna. By using their different angular dependencies, we distinguish between spin rectification effects and the inverse spin Hall effect. The relatively large value of the spin Hall angle (5.7 ± 1.4)% shows that ultra-clean e-beam evaporated non-magnetic materials can also have a comparable spin-to-charge current conversion efficiency as sputtered high resistivity layers.

SU-F-T-416: Dosimetric Comparison of Coplanar and Non-Coplanar IMRT Plans for Peripheral Lung Lesion

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

Kang, J; Zhang, S; Philbrook, S

2016-06-15

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare dosimetric parameters of treatment plans between coplanar and non-coplanar techniques for treating peripheral lung lesions. Methods: The planning CT scans of 6 patients in supine positions were used in this study. The size of the PTV ranges from 163 c.c. to 782 c.c.. The locations of PTV are mostly at the peripheral of Lung, some spreading to the mediastinum. For each patient, we generated two IMRT plans, one with and the other without non-coplanar beams. The non-coplanar beams were carefully selected so that the beams would never exit patient bodies throughmore » the contralateral lung. The IMRT plans were generated with Pinnacle 9.8 treatment planning software. The IMRT optimization objectives were kept the same for the corresponding pairs of plans. All plans were normalized such that 95% of PTV receives the prescription dose (full dose). Results: The conformity index (mean±standard deviation of the mean) is 1.49±0.14 and 1.58±0.23 for the coplanar and noncoplanar plans, respectively. The heterogeneity index (mean±standard deviation of the mean) is 7.74 ±2.33 and 6.34±1.40 for the coplanar and non-coplanar plans, respectively. The maximum heart dose is 60.94±6.22 and 60.42±7.21 Gy, and mean heart dose is 10.22 ±7.57, 9.07 ±6.32 Gy, for the coplanar and non-coplanar plans, respectively. The ipsilateral lung V20 is 48.0%±2.4% and 47.5%±3.3%, and V5 is 68.2%±10.0% and 69.1%±7.3%, for the coplanar and noncoplanar plans, respectively. Furthermore, with the non-coplanar beam arrangement, the contralateral lung V20 was reduced from 3.3%±3.7% to 1.3%±0.8%, and the contralateral Lung V5 is reduced significantly from 65.6%±9.3% to 33.5%±20.9% (p value =0.008). Conclusion: The IMRT plans with non-coplanar beam arrangement could reduce the exit dose to the contralateral lung, and therefore reduce the contralateral lung V5 significantly. This method is especially helpful while the lung lesion doesn’t have a symmetric shape.« less

FGC Webinar: Driving Building Performance for Successful Participation in the Federal Green Challenge

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Presentation from the Federal Green Challenge Webinar Strategies for Energy/Water Conservation and Waste Diversion. Learn how the U.S. General Services Administration Region 2 program works to improve building performance.

FGC Webinar: From Fires to Floods and Everything In Between

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Federal Green Challenge presentations from the April 2018 'Billion Dollar Weather Events' webinar From Fires to Floods and Everything in Between: How Federal Facilities Can Thrive in an Era of Billion Dollar Weather Events.

FGC Webinar: Simplifying Sustainable Purchasing Through Guidelines and Standards

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Webinar covered EPA’s effort to simplify green purchasing through recommendations of specifications, standards, and ecolabels. EPA’s work in this area is intended to help federal purchasers identify and procure environmentally sustainable products.

Sensitive Spin Detection Using An On-Chip Squid-Waveguide Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Guang

Quantum computing gives novel way of computing using quantum mechanics, which furthers human knowledge and has exciting applications. Quantum systems with diluted spins such as rare earth ions hosted in single crystal, molecule-based magnets etc. are promising qubits candidates to form the basis of a quantum computer. High sensitivity measurement and coherent control of these spin systems are crucial for their practical usage as qubits. The micro-SQUID (direct-current micrometer-sized Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) is capable to measure magnetization of spin system with high sensitivity. For example, the micro-SQUID technique can measure magnetic moments as small as several thousand muB as shown by the study of [W. Wernsdorfer, Supercond. Sci. Technol. 22, 064013 (2009)]. Here we develop a novel on-chip setup that combines the micro-SQUID sensitivity with microwave excitation. Such setup can be used for electron spin resonance measurements or coherent control of spins utilizing the high sensitivity of micro-SQUID for signal detection. To build the setup, we studied the fabrication process of the micro-SQUID, which is made of weak-linked Josephson junctions. The SQUID as a detector is integrated on the same chip with a shorted coplanar waveguide, so that the microwave pulses can be applied through the waveguide to excite the sample for resonance measurements. The whole device is plasma etched from a thin (˜ 20nm) niobium film, so that the SQUID can work at in large in-plane magnetic fields of several tesla. In addition, computer simulations are done to find the best design of the waveguide such that the microwave excitation field is sufficiently strong and uniformly applied to the sample. The magnetization curve of Mn12 molecule-based magnet sample is measured to prove the proper working of the micro-SQUID. Electron spin resonance measurement is done on the setup for gadolinium ions diluted in a CaWO4 single crystal. The measurement shows clear evidence of the resonance signal from the 1st transition of the gadolinium ions' energy levels, which shows the setup is successfully built. Due to the high sensitivity of micro-SQUID and the ability to concentrate microwave energy in small areas of the chip, this setup can detect signals from a small number of spins (107) in a small volume (several mum 3).

Exploration of pathways related to the decline in female circumcision in Egypt.

PubMed

Modrek, Sepideh; Liu, Jenny X

2013-10-03

There has been a large decline in female genital circumcision (FGC) in Egypt in recent decades. Understanding how this change has occurred so rapidly has been an area of particular interest to policymakers and public health officials alike who seek to further discourage the practice elsewhere. We document the trends in this decline in the newest cohorts of young girls and explore the influences of three pathways--socioeconomic development, social media messages, and women's empowerment--for explaining the observed trends. Using the 2005 and 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys, we estimate several logistic regression models to (1) examine individual and household determinants of circumcision, (2) assess the contributions of different pathways through which these changes may have occurred, and (3) assess the robustness of different pathways when unobserved community differences are taken into account. Across all communities, socioeconomic status, social media messages, and women's empowerment all have significant independent effects on the risk of circumcision. However, after accounting for unobserved differences across communities, only mother's education and household wealth significantly predict circumcision outcomes. Additional analyses of maternal education suggest that increases in women's education may be causally related to the reduction in FGC prevalence. Women's empowerment and social media appear to be more important in explaining differences across communities; within communities, socioeconomic status is a key driver of girls' circumcision risk. Further investigation of community-level women's educational attainment for mothers suggests that investments made in female education a generation ago may have had echo effects on girls' FGC risk a generation later.

Endocrinology of year-round reproduction in a highly seasonal habitat: environmental variability in testosterone and glucocorticoids in baboon males

PubMed Central

Gesquiere, Laurence R.; Onyango, Patrick O.; Alberts, Susan C.; Altmann, Jeanne

2010-01-01

In conditions characterized by energetic constraints, such as in periods of low food availability, some trade-offs between reproduction and self-maintenance may be necessary; even year-round breeders may then be forced to exhibit some reproductive seasonality. Prior research has largely focused on female reproduction and physiology, and few studies have evaluated the impact of environmental factors on males. Here we assessed the effects of season and ambient temperatures on fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) and testosterone (fT) levels in male baboons in Amboseli, Kenya. The Amboseli basin is a highly challenging, semi-arid tropical habitat that is characterized by strongly seasonal patterns of rainfall and by high ambient temperatures. We previously reported that female baboons were impacted by these challenging environmental conditions. We ask here whether male baboons in the same environment and groups as females exhibit similar physiological effects. We found that after accounting for male age and individual variability, males exhibited higher fGC levels and lower fT levels during the dry season than during the wet season. Furthermore, fT but not fGC levels were lower in months of high average daily maximum temperatures, suggesting a direct impact of heat on testes. Our results demonstrate that male baboons, like females, experience ecological stress that alters their reproductive physiology. The impact of the environment on male reproduction deserves more attention both in its own right and because alteration in male physiology may contribute to the reduction in female fertility observed in challenging environments. PMID:20721938

Application of the coplanar principle to dynamic epidural pressure measurements.

PubMed

Beck, J; Schettini, A; Salton, R

1984-10-01

The application of the coplanar principle to dynamic epidural pressure measurements was investigated in vitro. The authors used a coplanar pressure-displacement transducer, commonly employed to measure the viscoelastic properties of brain tissue in vivo. The present studies were performed using canine dura and a specially constructed fluid-filled chamber. The accuracy of the technique was assessed by comparing the pressure in the chamber recorded by the coplanar transducer to the pressure measured by a transducer directly vented to the chamber. The results show that the coplanar principle remained valid for dynamic measurements with the transducer under a variety of conditions.

Chip-to-chip interconnects based on 3D stacking of optoelectrical dies on Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, P.; Raz, O.; Smalbrugge, B. E.; Duis, J.; Dorren, H. J. S.

2012-01-01

We demonstrate a new approach to increase the optical interconnection bandwidth density by stacking the opto-electrical dies directly on the CMOS driver. The suggested implementation is aiming to provide a wafer scale process which will make the use of wire bonding redundant and will allow for impedance matched metallic wiring between the electronic driving circuit and its opto-electronic counter part. We suggest the use of a thick photoresist ramp between CMOS driver and opto-electrical dies surface as the bridge for supporting co-plannar waveguides (CPW) electrically plated with lithographic accuracy. In this way all three dimensions of the interconnecting metal layer, width, length and thickness can be completely controlled. In this 1st demonstration all processing is done on commercially available devices and products, and is compatible with CMOS processing technology. To test the applicability of CPW instead of wire bonds for interconnecting the CMOS circuit and opto-electronic chips, we have made test samples and tested their performance at speeds up to 10 Gbps. In this demonstration, a silicon substrate was used on which we evaporated gold co-planar waveguides (CPW) to mimic a wire on the driver. An optical link consisting of a VCSEL chip and a photodiode chip has been assembled and fully characterized using optical coupling into and out of a multimode fiber (MMF). A 10 Gb/s 27-1 NRZ PRBS signal transmitted from one chip to another chip was detected error free. A 4 dB receiver sensitivity penalty is measured for the integrated device compared to a commercial link.

2016 Federal Green Challenge Award Winners in the Great Lakes Region

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2016 FGC award winners in the Great Lakes region: Mpls. Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, MN National Guard, U.S. EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Detroit Field Office, and Naval Station Great Lakes.

2017 Federal Green Challenge Award Winners in the Great Lakes Region

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017 FGC award winners in the Great Lakes region:the VA Minneapolis Health Care System, the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, the DOE Argonne National Lab, and the DHS U.S. Customs and Border Protection Detroit Field Office.

Effects of the processing methods of corn grain and soybean meal on milk protein expression profiles in dairy cows.

PubMed

Li, S S; Shen, J S; Ren, D X; Liu, J X

2015-02-01

A proteomic approach was used to investigate the effects of the processing method of corn grain and soybean meal on the milk protein expression profile in lactating dairy cows. A total of 12 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The primary factors examined were corn (finely ground (FGC) v. steam-flaked (SFC)) and soybean meal (solvent-extracted (SSBM) v. heat-treated (HSBM)), which were used to formulate four diets with the same basal ingredient: 27% FGC and 9% SSBM; 27% SFC and 9% SSBM; 27% FGC and 9% HSBM; and 27% SFC and 9% HSBM. Each period lasted for 21 days. Milk samples were collected on days 18, 19 and 20 of each period. Changes in the milk proteins were assessed by two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis and ImageMaster 2D Platinum 6.0 software. A total of 13 spots displayed variations in protein spot abundance according to the statistical analysis. These spots were identified by a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight/time of flight MS. According to the gels, the relative abundance of α(s2)-casein (CN) fragments was higher in the cows fed the SFC-HSBM than that for SFC-SSBM, whereas β-CN, α-lactalbumin and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein fragments were down-regulated in HSBM-fed cows. The relative decrease of β-CN expression was validated by western blot and agreed with the MS data. These results suggested that the method used to process soybean meal modified the synthesis and secretion of milk proteins in lactating dairy cows' mammary glands.

DISPOSAL OF FLUE-GAS-CLEANING WASTES

EPA Science Inventory

The article describes current commercial and emerging technology for disposal of wastes from flue gas cleaning (FGC) systems for coal-fired power plants. Over 80 million metric tons/yr (dry) of coal ash and desulfurization solids are expected to be produced by the 1980's. Althoug...

Noncoplanar VMAT for nasopharyngeal tumors: Plan quality versus treatment time.

PubMed

Wild, Esther; Bangert, Mark; Nill, Simeon; Oelfke, Uwe

2015-05-01

The authors investigated the potential of optimized noncoplanar irradiation trajectories for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments of nasopharyngeal patients and studied the trade-off between treatment plan quality and delivery time in radiation therapy. For three nasopharyngeal patients, the authors generated treatment plans for nine different delivery scenarios using dedicated optimization methods. They compared these scenarios according to dose characteristics, number of beam directions, and estimated delivery times. In particular, the authors generated the following treatment plans: (1) a 4π plan, which is a not sequenced, fluence optimized plan that uses beam directions from approximately 1400 noncoplanar directions and marks a theoretical upper limit of the treatment plan quality, (2) a coplanar 2π plan with 72 coplanar beam directions as pendant to the noncoplanar 4π plan, (3) a coplanar VMAT plan, (4) a coplanar step and shoot (SnS) plan, (5) a beam angle optimized (BAO) coplanar SnS IMRT plan, (6) a noncoplanar BAO SnS plan, (7) a VMAT plan with rotated treatment couch, (8) a noncoplanar VMAT plan with an optimized great circle around the patient, and (9) a noncoplanar BAO VMAT plan with an arbitrary trajectory around the patient. VMAT using optimized noncoplanar irradiation trajectories reduced the mean and maximum doses in organs at risk compared to coplanar VMAT plans by 19% on average while the target coverage remains constant. A coplanar BAO SnS plan was superior to coplanar SnS or VMAT; however, noncoplanar plans like a noncoplanar BAO SnS plan or noncoplanar VMAT yielded a better plan quality than the best coplanar 2π plan. The treatment plan quality of VMAT plans depended on the length of the trajectory. The delivery times of noncoplanar VMAT plans were estimated to be 6.5 min in average; 1.6 min longer than a coplanar plan but on average 2.8 min faster than a noncoplanar SnS plan with comparable treatment plan quality. The authors' study reconfirms the dosimetric benefits of noncoplanar irradiation of nasopharyngeal tumors. Both SnS using optimized noncoplanar beam ensembles and VMAT using an optimized, arbitrary, noncoplanar trajectory enabled dose reductions in organs at risk compared to coplanar SnS and VMAT. Using great circles or simple couch rotations to implement noncoplanar VMAT, however, was not sufficient to yield meaningful improvements in treatment plan quality. The authors estimate that noncoplanar VMAT using arbitrary optimized irradiation trajectories comes at an increased delivery time compared to coplanar VMAT yet at a decreased delivery time compared to noncoplanar SnS IMRT.

"Chasing a Passion": First-Generation College Graduates at Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Joann S.

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the college-to-work transition as experienced by first-generation college (FGC) graduates. First-generation graduates are often adjusting to workplaces that are significantly different from parents' work environments. Design/methodology/approach: This phenomenological study explored the…

Coupling an Ensemble of Electrons on Superfluid Helium to a Superconducting Circuit

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

Yang, Ge; Fragner, A.; Koolstra, G.

2016-03-01

The quantized lateral motional states and the spin states of electrons trapped on the surface of superfluid helium have been proposed as basic building blocks of a scalable quantum computer. Circuit quantum electrodynamics allows strong dipole coupling between electrons and a high-Q superconducting microwave resonator, enabling such sensitive detection and manipulation of electron degrees of freedom. Here, we present the first realization of a hybrid circuit in which a large number of electrons are trapped on the surface of superfluid helium inside a coplanar waveguide resonator. The high finesse of the resonator allows us to observe large dispersive shifts thatmore » are many times the linewidth and make fast and sensitive measurements on the collective vibrational modes of the electron ensemble, as well as the superfluid helium film underneath. Furthermore, a large ensemble coupling is observed in the dispersive regime during experiment, and it shows excellent agreement with our numeric model. The coupling strength of the ensemble to the cavity is found to be approximate to 1 MHz per electron, indicating the feasibility of achieving single electron strong coupling.« less

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

Jégou, C.; Maroutian, T.; Pillard, V.

We describe a vector network analyzer-based method to study the electromagnetic properties of nanoscale dielectrics at microwave frequencies (1 MHz–40 GHz). The complex permittivity spectrum of a given dielectric can be determined by placing it in a capacitor accessed on its both electrodes by coplanar waveguides. However, inherent propagation delays along the signal paths together with frequency-dependent effective surface of the capacitor at microwave frequencies can lead to significant distortion in the measured permittivity, which in turn can give rise to artificial frequency variations of the complex permittivity. We detail a fully analytical rigorous correction sequence with neither recourse tomore » extrinsic loss mechanisms nor to arbitrary parasitic signal paths. We illustrate our method on 3 emblematic dielectrics: ferroelectric morphotropic lead zirconate titanate, its paraelectric pyrochlore counterpart, and strontium titanate. Permittivity spectra taken at various points along the hysteresis loop help shedding light onto the nature of the different dielectric energy loss mechanisms. Thanks to the analytical character of our method, we can discuss routes to extend it to higher frequencies and we can identify unambiguously the sources of potential artifacts.« less

Millimeter-wave sensor based on a λ/2-line resonator for identification and dielectric characterization of non-ionic surfactants

PubMed Central

Rodilla, H.; Kim, A. A.; Jeffries, G. D. M.; Vukusic, J.; Jesorka, A.; Stake, J.

2016-01-01

Studies of biological and artificial membrane systems, such as niosomes, currently rely on the use of fluorescent tags, which can influence the system under investigation. For this reason, the development of label-free, non-invasive detection techniques is of great interest. We demonstrate an open-volume label-free millimeter-wave sensing platform based on a coplanar waveguide, developed for identification and characterization of niosome constituents. A design based on a λ/2-line resonator was used and on-wafer measurements of transmission and reflection parameters were performed up to 110 GHz. Our sensor was able to clearly distinguish between common niosome constituents, non-ionic surfactants Tween 20 and Span 80, measuring a resonance shift of 3 GHz between them. The complex permittivities of the molecular compounds have been extracted. Our results indicate insignificant frequency dependence in the investigated frequency range (3 GHz – 110 GHz). Values of permittivity around 3.0 + 0.7i and 2.2 + 0.4i were obtained for Tween 20 and Span 80, respectively. PMID:26786983

Millimeter-wave sensor based on a λ/2-line resonator for identification and dielectric characterization of non-ionic surfactants.

PubMed

Rodilla, H; Kim, A A; Jeffries, G D M; Vukusic, J; Jesorka, A; Stake, J

2016-01-20

Studies of biological and artificial membrane systems, such as niosomes, currently rely on the use of fluorescent tags, which can influence the system under investigation. For this reason, the development of label-free, non-invasive detection techniques is of great interest. We demonstrate an open-volume label-free millimeter-wave sensing platform based on a coplanar waveguide, developed for identification and characterization of niosome constituents. A design based on a λ/2-line resonator was used and on-wafer measurements of transmission and reflection parameters were performed up to 110 GHz. Our sensor was able to clearly distinguish between common niosome constituents, non-ionic surfactants Tween 20 and Span 80, measuring a resonance shift of 3 GHz between them. The complex permittivities of the molecular compounds have been extracted. Our results indicate insignificant frequency dependence in the investigated frequency range (3 GHz - 110 GHz). Values of permittivity around 3.0 + 0.7i and 2.2 + 0.4i were obtained for Tween 20 and Span 80, respectively.

Investigation of a stripline transmission line structure for gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line high power microwave sources.

PubMed

Reale, D V; Parson, J M; Neuber, A A; Dickens, J C; Mankowski, J J

2016-03-01

A stripline gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) was constructed out of yttrium iron garnet ferrite and tested at charge voltages of 35 kV-55 kV with bias fields ranging from 10 kA/m to 20 kA/m. Typically, high power gyromagnetic NLTLs are constructed in a coaxial geometry. While this approach has many advantages, including a uniform transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode, simple interconnection between components, and the ability to use oil or pressurized gas as an insulator, the coaxial implementation suffers from complexity of construction, especially when using a solid insulator. By moving to a simpler transmission line geometry, NLTLs can be constructed more easily and arrayed on a single substrate. This work represents a first step in exploring the suitability of various transmission line structures, such as microstrips and coplanar waveguides. The resulting high power microwave (HPM) source operates in ultra high frequency (UHF) band with an average bandwidth of 40.1% and peak rf power from 2 MW to 12.7 MW.

Investigation of a stripline transmission line structure for gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line high power microwave sources

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

Reale, D. V., E-mail: david.reale@ttu.edu; Parson, J. M.; Neuber, A. A.

2016-03-15

A stripline gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) was constructed out of yttrium iron garnet ferrite and tested at charge voltages of 35 kV–55 kV with bias fields ranging from 10 kA/m to 20 kA/m. Typically, high power gyromagnetic NLTLs are constructed in a coaxial geometry. While this approach has many advantages, including a uniform transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode, simple interconnection between components, and the ability to use oil or pressurized gas as an insulator, the coaxial implementation suffers from complexity of construction, especially when using a solid insulator. By moving to a simpler transmission line geometry, NLTLs can be constructedmore » more easily and arrayed on a single substrate. This work represents a first step in exploring the suitability of various transmission line structures, such as microstrips and coplanar waveguides. The resulting high power microwave (HPM) source operates in ultra high frequency (UHF) band with an average bandwidth of 40.1% and peak rf power from 2 MW to 12.7 MW.« less

Dielectrically-Loaded Cylindrical Resonator-Based Wireless Passive High-Temperature Sensor

PubMed Central

Xiong, Jijun; Wu, Guozhu; Tan, Qiulin; Wei, Tanyong; Wu, Dezhi; Shen, Sanmin; Dong, Helei; Zhang, Wendong

2016-01-01

The temperature sensor presented in this paper is based on a microwave dielectric resonator, which uses alumina ceramic as a substrate to survive in harsh environments. The resonant frequency of the resonator is determined by the relative permittivity of the alumina ceramic, which monotonically changes with temperature. A rectangular aperture etched on the surface of the resonator works as both an incentive and a coupling device. A broadband slot antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide is utilized as an interrogation antenna to wirelessly detect the sensor signal using a radio-frequency backscattering technique. Theoretical analysis, software simulation, and experiments verified the feasibility of this temperature-sensing system. The sensor was tested in a metal-enclosed environment, which severely interferes with the extraction of the sensor signal. Therefore, frequency-domain compensation was introduced to filter the background noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor signal. The extracted peak frequency was found to monotonically shift from 2.441 to 2.291 GHz when the temperature was varied from 27 to 800 °C, leading to an average absolute sensitivity of 0.19 MHz/°C. PMID:27916920

Suppression of Gain Ripples in Superconducting Traveling-Wave Kinetic Inductance Amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bal, Mustafa; Erickson, Robert P.; Ku, Hsiang Sheng; Wu, Xian; Pappas, David P.

Superconducting traveling-wave kinetic inductance (KIT) amplifiers demonstrated gain over a wide bandwidth with high dynamic range and low noise. However, the gain curve exhibits ripples. Impedance mismatch at the input and output ports of the KIT amplifier as wells as split ground planes of the coplanar waveguide (CPW) geometry are potential contributors to the ripple in the gain curve. Here we study the origin of these ripples in KIT amplifiers configured in CPW geometry using approximately 20 nm thick NbTiN films grown by reactive co-sputtering of NbN and TiN. Our NbTiN films have non-linear kinetic inductance as a function of current, described by L =L0 (1 +(I /I*) 2) , where I* = 15 . 96 +/- 0 . 11 mA measured by time domain reflectometry. We report the results of implementing an impedance taper that takes into account a significantly reduced phase velocity as it narrows, adding Au onto the CPW split grounds, as well as employing different designs of dispersion engineering. Qubit Measurements using KIT amplifiers will also be reported.

Real-time monitoring of sucrose, sorbitol, d-glucose and d-fructose concentration by electromagnetic sensing.

PubMed

Harnsoongnoen, Supakorn; Wanthong, Anuwat

2017-10-01

Magnetic sensing at microwave frequencies for real-time monitoring of sucrose, sorbitol, d-glucose and d-fructose concentrations is reported. The sensing element was designed based on a coplanar waveguide (CPW) loaded with a split ring resonator (SRR), which was fabricated on a DiClad 880 substrate with a thickness of 1.6mm and relative permittivity (ε r ) of 2.2. The magnetic sensor was connected to a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and the electromagnetic interaction between the samples and sensor was analyzed. The magnitude of the transmission coefficient (S 21 ) was used as an indicator to detect the solution sample concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.20g/ml. The experimental results confirmed that the developed system using microwaves for the real-time monitoring of sucrose, sorbitol, d-glucose and d-fructose concentrations gave unique results for each solution type and concentration. Moreover, the proposed sensor has a wide dynamic range, high linearity, fast operation and low-cost. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Broadband dielectric characterization of sapphire/TiOx/Ba₀.₃Sr₀.₇TiO₃ (111)-oriented thin films for the realization of a tunable interdigitated capacitor.

PubMed

Ghalem, Areski; Ponchel, Freddy; Remiens, Denis; Legier, Jean-Francois; Lasri, Tuami

2013-05-01

A complete microwave characterization up to 67 GHz using specific coplanar waveguides was performed to determine the dielectric properties (permittivity, losses, and tunability) of sapphire/TiOx/Ba0.3Sr0.7TiO3 (BST) (111)-oriented thin films. To that end, BaxSr1-xTiO3 thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on sapphire (0001) substrate. To control the preferred (111) orientation, a TiOx buffer layer was deposited on sapphire. According to the detailed knowledge of the material properties, it has been possible to conceive, fabricate, and test interdigitated capacitors, the basic element for future microwave tunable applications. Retention of capacitive behavior up to 67 GHz and a tunability of 32% at 67 GHz at an applied voltage of 30 V (150 kV/cm) were observed. The Q-factor remains greater than 30 over the entire frequency band. The possibility of a complete characterization of the material for the realization of high-performance interdigitated capacitors opens the door to microwave device fabrication.

A High Isolation Series-Shunt RF MEMS Switch

PubMed Central

Yu, Yuan-Wei; Zhu, Jian; Jia, Shi-Xing; Shi, Yi

2009-01-01

This paper presents a wide band compact high isolation microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch implemented on a coplanar waveguide (CPW) with three ohmic switch cells, which is based on the series-shunt switch design. The ohmic switch shows a low intrinsic loss of 0.1 dB and an isolation of 24.8 dB at 6 GHz. The measured average pull-in voltage is 28 V and switching time is 47 μs. In order to shorten design period of the high isolation switch, a structure-based small-signal model for the 3-port ohmic MEMS switch is developed and parameters are extracted from the measured results. Then a high isolation switch has been developed where each 3-port ohmic MEMS switch is closely located. The agreement of the measured and modeled radio frequency (RF) performance demonstrates the validity of the electrical equivalent model. Measurements of the series-shunt switch indicate an outstanding isolation of more than 40 dB and a low insertion loss of 0.35 dB from DC to 12 GHz with total chip size of 1 mm × 1.2 mm. PMID:22408535

Design and measurement of improved capacitively-shunted flux qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sears, Adam; Birenbaum, Jeffrey; Hover, David; Gudmundsen, Theodore; Kerman, Andrew; Welander, Paul; Yoder, Jonilyn L.; Gustavsson, Simon; Jin, Xiaoyue; Kamal, Archana; Clarke, John; Oliver, William

2014-03-01

The addition of a capacitive or inductive shunt across one of the junctions can alter the coherence properties of a classic flux or RF-SQUID qubit. We have studied the performance of capacitively shunted flux qubits fabricated with MBE aluminum, starting from a 2D coplanar waveguide geometry used in similar high-performance transmon qubits, and measured dispersively. We will detail the importance of design parameters that preserve the flux qubit's anharmonicity and discuss conclusions about materials quality based on calculations of the participation of junction, dielectric, and superconductor components. This research was funded in part by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA); and by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering under Air Force Contract number FA8721-05-C-0002. All statements of fact, opinion or conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as representing the official views or policies of IARPA, the ODNI, or the U.S. Government Present address: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA.

A magnetic field compatible graphene transmon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroll, James G.; Uilhoorn, Willemijn; de Jong, Damaz; Borsoi, Francesco; van der Enden, Kian; Goswami, Srijit; Cassidy, Maja; Kouwenhoven, Leo. P.

Hybrid circuit QED is a key tool for readout and scaling of both semiconductor-based spin and topological quantum computing schemes. However, traditional approaches to circuit QED are incompatible with the strong external magnetic fields required for these qubits. Here we present measurements of a hybrid graphene-based transmon operating at 1 T. The device consists of coplanar waveguide resonators where the NbTiN thin film is patterned with a dense anti-dot lattice to trap Abriskov vortices, resulting in internal quality factors Qi >10^5 up to 6 T. Furthermore, the atomically thin nature of graphene in combination with the high critical field of its superconducting contacts makes it an ideal system for tolerating strong parallel magnetic fields. We combine these circuit elements to realize a magnetic field compatible transmon qubit. An external gate allows us to change the Josephson energy, and study the corresponding change in the resonator-qubit interaction in the dispersive regime. Two tone spectroscopy reveals a gate-tunable qubit peak at 1T. These experiments open up the possibility of fast charge parity measurements in high magnetic fields for readout of Majorana qubits..

A full-field transmission x-ray microscope for time-resolved imaging of magnetic nanostructures

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

Ewald, J.; Nisius, T.; Abbati, G.

Sub-nanosecond magnetization dynamics of small permalloy (Ni{sub 80}Fe{sub 20}) elements has been investigated with a new full-field transmission microscope at the soft X-ray beamline P04 of the high brilliance synchrotron radiation source PETRA III. The soft X-ray microscope generates a flat-top illumination field of 20 μm diameter using a grating condenser. A tilted nanostructured magnetic sample can be excited by a picosecond electric current pulse via a coplanar waveguide. The transmitted light of the sample plane is directly imaged by a micro zone plate with < 65 nm resolution onto a 2D gateable X-ray detector to select one particular bunch in themore » storage ring that probes the time evolution of the dynamic information successively via XMCD spectromicroscopy in a pump-probe scheme. In the experiments it was possible to generate a homogeneously magnetized state in patterned magnetic layers by a strong magnetic Oersted field pulse of 200 ps duration and directly observe the recovery to the initial flux-closure vortex patterns.« less

A Very Compact and Low Profile UWB Planar Antenna with WLAN Band Rejection.

PubMed

Syed, Avez; Aldhaheri, Rabah W

2016-01-01

A low-cost coplanar waveguide fed compact ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with band rejection characteristics for wireless local area network (WLAN) is proposed. The notch band characteristic is achieved by etching half wavelength C-shaped annular ring slot in the radiating patch. By properly choosing the radius and position of the slot, the notch band can be adjusted and controlled. With an overall size of 18.7 mm × 17.6 mm, the antenna turns out to be one of the smallest UWB antennas with band-notched characteristics. It has a wide fractional bandwidth of 130% (2.9-13.7 GHz) with VSWR < 2 and rejecting IEEE 802.11a and HIPERLAN/2 frequency band of 5.1-5.9 GHz. Stable omnidirectional radiation patterns in the H plane with an average gain of 4.4 dBi are obtained. The band-notch mechanism of the proposed antenna is examined by HFSS simulator. A good agreement is found between measured and simulated results indicating that the proposed antenna is well suited for integration into portable devices for UWB applications.

USE OF FAST GC/TOFMS AS REFERENCE STANDARD FOR FIELD COMPARISON STUDIES WITH ON-SITE INSTRUMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

A faster reference standard for field comparison studies of portable gas chromatographs (PGC) is needed. A performance evaluation of a high-speed GCMS (FGC/MS) system conducted during 1998 demonstrated generally satisfactory performance, but it was evident that performance of b...

Barium Titanate Photonic Crystal Electro-Optic Modulators for Telecommunication and Data Network Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girouard, Peter D.

The microwave, optical, and electro-optic properties of epitaxial barium titanate thin films grown on (100) MgO substrates and photonic crystal electro-optic modulators fabricated on these films were investigated to demonstrate the applicability of these devices for telecommunication and data networks. The electrical and electro-optical properties were characterized up to modulation frequencies of 50 GHz, and the optical properties of photonic crystal waveguides were determined for wavelengths spanning the optical C band between 1500 and 1580 nm. Microwave scattering parameters were measured on coplanar stripline devices with electrode gap spacings between 5 and 12 mum on barium titanate films with thicknesses between 230 and 680 nm. The microwave index and device characteristic impedance were obtained from the measurements. Larger (lower) microwave indices (impedances) were obtained for devices with narrower electrode gap spacings and on thicker films. Thinner film devices have both lower index mismatch between the co-propagating microwave and optical signals and lower impedance mismatch to a 50O system, resulting in a larger predicted electro-optical 3 dB bandwidth. This was experimentally verified with electro-optical frequency response measurements. These observations were applied to demonstrate a record high 28 GHz electro-optic bandwidth measured for a BaTiO3 conventional ridge waveguide modulator having 1mm long electrodes and 12 mum gap spacing on a 260nm thick film. The half-wave voltage and electro-optic coefficients of barium titanate modulators were measured for films having thicknesses between 260 and 500 nm. The half-wave voltage was directly measured at low frequencies using a polarizer-sample-compensator-analyzer setup by over-driving waveguide integrated modulators beyond their linear response regime. Effective in-device electro-optic coefficients were obtained from the measured half-wave voltages. The effective electro-optic coefficients were found to increase with both applied electrical dc bias and with film thickness. A record low 0.39V ˙ cm (0.45V ˙ cm) voltage-length product was measured for barium titanate modulators operating at telecommunication wavelengths on a device with 5 ?m electrode gap spacing on a 500nm thick film modulated at a frequency of 100 Hz (1 MHz). This measured voltage-length product is more than a factor of 5 lower than that reported for state-of-the-art silicon conventional waveguide modulators. The electro-optical characterization of BaTiO3 films revealed a trade-off that exists for traveling wave BaTiO3 modulators: lower voltages are obtained in thicker film devices with narrow electrode gap spacing while larger bandwidths are obtained in thinner film devices with wider electrode gap spacing. These findings were supported by calculations of the film thickness dependent half-wave voltage and electro-optic bandwidth. In order to demonstrate modulators having simultaneously low voltage operation and high electro-optic bandwidth, photonic crystal waveguide modulators with large group index were investigated through theory and experiment. The theory for slow light phase delay in linear optical materials was extended for second order nonlinear optical materials. This theory was incorporated into a detailed model for predicting photonic crystal modulator performance in terms of voltage-length product and electro-optic bandwidth. Modeling shows that barium titanate photonic crystal modulators with sub-millimeter length, sub-volt operation, and greater than 40 GHz electro-optic bandwidth are achievable in a single device. Two types of photonic crystal waveguides (PC) on BaTiO3 films were designed, fabricated, and characterized: waveguides with hexagonal lattice symmetry and waveguides with hexagonal symmetry having a line defect oriented in the direction of light propagation. Excellent agreement was obtained between the simulated and measured transmission for hexagonal lattice PC waveguides. An extinction of 20 dB was measured across a 9.9 nm stop band edge, yielding a record large band edge sharpness of 2 dB/nm for all photonic crystal waveguides on ferroelectric films. A 12-fold enhancement of the electro-optic coefficient was measured via optical spectral analysis in a line defect BaTiO3 modulator, yielding an effective electro-optic coefficient of 900 pm/V in the photonic crystal region at a modulation frequency of 10 GHz. This enhancement was demonstrated over a 48 nm range, demonstrating the wideband operation of these devices.

PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in albatross from the North Pacific and Southern Oceans: levels, patterns, and toxicological implications.

PubMed

Tanabe, Shinsuke; Watanabe, Mafumi; Minh, Tu Binh; Kunisue, Tatsuya; Nakanishi, Shigeyuki; Ono, Hitoshi; Tanaka, Hiroyuki

2004-01-15

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (coplanar PCBs) were determined in five albatross species collected from the North Pacific and Southern Oceans to assess the north-south differences in residue levels, accumulation patterns, and toxic potential. Black-footed and Laysan albatrosses from the North Pacific Ocean contained higher levels of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs than albatrosses from the Southern Ocean, indicating that emission sources of these contaminants were predominant in the northern hemisphere. Residue levels in albatrosses from the remote North Pacific Ocean far from the point source of pollution were comparable to or higher than those in terrestrial and coastal birds from contaminated areas in developed nations, suggesting the specific exposure and accumulation of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs in albatross. The long life span and ingestion of plastic resin pellets by albatrosses could be the plausible explanations for the elevated accumulation of persistent and lipophilic contaminants including PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs in these birds. Relative proportions of PCDFs and coplanar PCBs in albatross were higher than those observed in birds inhabiting terrestrial and coastal areas, suggesting that these toxic chemicals may have higher transportability by air and water than PCDDs. Congener patterns of PCDD/Fs in albatross showed less variability as compared to those in terrestrial species, indicating that contamination patterns of PCDD/Fs were similar within the open ocean environment. Contributions of PCDD/Fs to total TEQs in albatrosses from the open ocean were generally lower than those in terrestrial birds, suggesting different toxic potency of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs on animals inhabiting open ocean and terrestrial environment. Whereas albatrosses from southern oceans retained lower TEQ concentrations, possible adverse effects of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs to black-footed and Laysan albatrosses of the North Pacific Ocean may be suspected from TEQ levels.

Noncoplanar VMAT for nasopharyngeal tumors: Plan quality versus treatment time

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

Wild, Esther, E-mail: e.wild@dkfz.de; Bangert, Mark; Nill, Simeon

Purpose: The authors investigated the potential of optimized noncoplanar irradiation trajectories for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments of nasopharyngeal patients and studied the trade-off between treatment plan quality and delivery time in radiation therapy. Methods: For three nasopharyngeal patients, the authors generated treatment plans for nine different delivery scenarios using dedicated optimization methods. They compared these scenarios according to dose characteristics, number of beam directions, and estimated delivery times. In particular, the authors generated the following treatment plans: (1) a 4π plan, which is a not sequenced, fluence optimized plan that uses beam directions from approximately 1400 noncoplanar directionsmore » and marks a theoretical upper limit of the treatment plan quality, (2) a coplanar 2π plan with 72 coplanar beam directions as pendant to the noncoplanar 4π plan, (3) a coplanar VMAT plan, (4) a coplanar step and shoot (SnS) plan, (5) a beam angle optimized (BAO) coplanar SnS IMRT plan, (6) a noncoplanar BAO SnS plan, (7) a VMAT plan with rotated treatment couch, (8) a noncoplanar VMAT plan with an optimized great circle around the patient, and (9) a noncoplanar BAO VMAT plan with an arbitrary trajectory around the patient. Results: VMAT using optimized noncoplanar irradiation trajectories reduced the mean and maximum doses in organs at risk compared to coplanar VMAT plans by 19% on average while the target coverage remains constant. A coplanar BAO SnS plan was superior to coplanar SnS or VMAT; however, noncoplanar plans like a noncoplanar BAO SnS plan or noncoplanar VMAT yielded a better plan quality than the best coplanar 2π plan. The treatment plan quality of VMAT plans depended on the length of the trajectory. The delivery times of noncoplanar VMAT plans were estimated to be 6.5 min in average; 1.6 min longer than a coplanar plan but on average 2.8 min faster than a noncoplanar SnS plan with comparable treatment plan quality. Conclusions: The authors’ study reconfirms the dosimetric benefits of noncoplanar irradiation of nasopharyngeal tumors. Both SnS using optimized noncoplanar beam ensembles and VMAT using an optimized, arbitrary, noncoplanar trajectory enabled dose reductions in organs at risk compared to coplanar SnS and VMAT. Using great circles or simple couch rotations to implement noncoplanar VMAT, however, was not sufficient to yield meaningful improvements in treatment plan quality. The authors estimate that noncoplanar VMAT using arbitrary optimized irradiation trajectories comes at an increased delivery time compared to coplanar VMAT yet at a decreased delivery time compared to noncoplanar SnS IMRT.« less

IMRT for Image-Guided Single Vocal Cord Irradiation

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

Osman, Sarah O.S., E-mail: s.osman@erasmusmc.nl; Astreinidou, Eleftheria; Boer, Hans C.J. de

2012-02-01

Purpose: We have been developing an image-guided single vocal cord irradiation technique to treat patients with stage T1a glottic carcinoma. In the present study, we compared the dose coverage to the affected vocal cord and the dose delivered to the organs at risk using conventional, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) coplanar, and IMRT non-coplanar techniques. Methods and Materials: For 10 patients, conventional treatment plans using two laterally opposed wedged 6-MV photon beams were calculated in XiO (Elekta-CMS treatment planning system). An in-house IMRT/beam angle optimization algorithm was used to obtain the coplanar and non-coplanar optimized beam angles. Using these angles, the IMRTmore » plans were generated in Monaco (IMRT treatment planning system, Elekta-CMS) with the implemented Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm. The organs at risk included the contralateral vocal cord, arytenoids, swallowing muscles, carotid arteries, and spinal cord. The prescription dose was 66 Gy in 33 fractions. Results: For the conventional plans and coplanar and non-coplanar IMRT plans, the population-averaged mean dose {+-} standard deviation to the planning target volume was 67 {+-} 1 Gy. The contralateral vocal cord dose was reduced from 66 {+-} 1 Gy in the conventional plans to 39 {+-} 8 Gy and 36 {+-} 6 Gy in the coplanar and non-coplanar IMRT plans, respectively. IMRT consistently reduced the doses to the other organs at risk. Conclusions: Single vocal cord irradiation with IMRT resulted in good target coverage and provided significant sparing of the critical structures. This has the potential to improve the quality-of-life outcomes after RT and maintain the same local control rates.« less

EVALUATION OF THE DISPOSAL OF FLUE GAS CLEANING WASTES IN COAL MINES AND AT SEA: REFINED ASSESSMENT

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives a refined assessment of the feasibility of disposing of flue gas cleaning (FGC) wastes in coal mines and at sea. Its focus is on specific impact areas identified in an earlier assessment. These areas were further investigated through laboratory studies as well as...

Theorizing Multidimensional Identity Negotiation: Reflections on the Lived Experiences of First-Generation College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orbe, Mark P.

2008-01-01

Drawing from recent research on first-generation college (FGC) students, this chapter advances an interdisciplinary theoretical framework for understanding how these students enact multiple aspects of their personal, cultural, and social identities. I use dialectical and cross-cultural adaptation theories as a foundation to extend examinations of…

NATIONAL INCINERATOR TESTING AND EVALUATION PROGRAM: THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF REFUSE-DERIVED FUEL (RDF) COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY - MID-CONNECTICUT FACILITY,

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of an environmental characterization of refuse-derived, semi-suspension burning technology at a facility in Hartford, CT, that represents state-of-the-art technology, including a spray dryer/fabric filter flue gas cleaning (FGC) system for each unit. The ...

A comparison of dioxins, dibenzofurans and coplanar PCBs in uncooked and broiled ground beef, catfish and bacon.

PubMed

Schecter, A; Dellarco, M; Päpke, O; Olson, J

1998-01-01

The primary source of dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and coplanar PCBs for the general population is food, especially meat, fish, and dairy products. However, most data on the levels of these chemicals is from food in the raw or uncooked state. We report here the effect of one type of cooking (broiling) on the levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in ground beef (hamburger), bacon and catfish. Samples of hamburger, bacon, and catfish were broiled and compared to uncooked samples in order to measure changes in the amounts of dioxins in cooked food. The total amount of PCDD, PCDF, and coplanar PCB TEQ decreased by approximately 50% on average for each portion as a result of broiling the hamburger, bacon and catfish specimens. The mean concentration (pg TEQ/kg, wet weight) of PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs, however, remained the same in the hamburger, increased by 83% in the bacon, and decreased by 34% in the catfish. On average, the total measured concentration (pg/kg) of the congeners of PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs increased 14% in the hamburger, increased 29% in the bacon, and decreased 33% in the catfish.

Study of Dual Band Wearable Antennas Using Commonly Worn Fabric Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Dipen Kumar

In recent years, body-centric communication has become one of the most attractive fields of study. The versatile applications of body-centric communication not only being used for health monitoring, but also for real-time communication purposes in special occupations. They are important for supporting a population with increasing life expectancy and increase the probability of survival for the people suffering from chronic illness. For both wearable and implantable form of body-centric communication, characterizing the system electromagnetically is very important. Given the constraints in power, size, weight and conformity, one of the most challenging parts become the designing antenna for such communication systems. Wearable antennas are the most popular option regarding these issues. Wearable antennas are easier and simpler to mount on clothing when they are made of textile materials. In the process of designing a textile antenna, the availability of the fabrics is pivotal to mount on regularly worn clothes. In this report, several designs of a co-planar waveguide microstrip patch antenna are presented. Instead of felt fabric, the antenna was modified using 100% polyester and cotton fabric for the substrate material. A parasitic patch slot was created on the co-planar ground plane to achieve the dual band resonance frequencies at 2.4 GHz and 5.15 GHz. The geometrical modifications of the antennas were described and their performances were analyzed. The antenna achieved resonating frequency with a thinner substrate as the dielectric constant went higher for the fabrics. The design with different fabric materials was first simulated in CST Microwave Studio, then fabricated and measured in a regular environment. They were also mounted on a 3-D printed human body model to analyze the bending effect. The design of the antennas shows satisfactory performance with a good -10dB bandwidth for both the lower and higher desired resonating frequency band.

Intraoperative Imaging Guidance for Sentinel Node Biopsy in Melanoma Using a Mobile Gamma Camera

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

Dengel, Lynn T; Judy, Patricia G; Petroni, Gina R

2011-04-01

The objective is to evaluate the sensitivity and clinical utility of intraoperative mobile gamma camera (MGC) imaging in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma. The false-negative rate for SLNB for melanoma is approximately 17%, for which failure to identify the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is a major cause. Intraoperative imaging may aid in detection of SLN near the primary site, in ambiguous locations, and after excision of each SLN. The present pilot study reports outcomes with a prototype MGC designed for rapid intraoperative image acquisition. We hypothesized that intraoperative use of the MGC would be feasible and that sensitivitymore » would be at least 90%. From April to September 2008, 20 patients underwent Tc99 sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy, and SLNB was performed with use of a conventional fixed gamma camera (FGC), and gamma probe followed by intraoperative MGC imaging. Sensitivity was calculated for each detection method. Intraoperative logistical challenges were scored. Cases in which MGC provided clinical benefit were recorded. Sensitivity for detecting SLN basins was 97% for the FGC and 90% for the MGC. A total of 46 SLN were identified: 32 (70%) were identified as distinct hot spots by preoperative FGC imaging, 31 (67%) by preoperative MGC imaging, and 43 (93%) by MGC imaging pre- or intraoperatively. The gamma probe identified 44 (96%) independent of MGC imaging. The MGC provided defined clinical benefit as an addition to standard practice in 5 (25%) of 20 patients. Mean score for MGC logistic feasibility was 2 on a scale of 1-9 (1 = best). Intraoperative MGC imaging provides additional information when standard techniques fail or are ambiguous. Sensitivity is 90% and can be increased. This pilot study has identified ways to improve the usefulness of an MGC for intraoperative imaging, which holds promise for reducing false negatives of SLNB for melanoma.« less

The association of intergroup encounters, dominance status, and fecal androgen and glucocorticoid profiles in wild male white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus)

PubMed Central

Schoof, Valérie A. M.; Jack, Katharine M.

2012-01-01

Androgens play a role in male reproductive competition, frequently via aggression, while glucocorticoids are associated with the stress response. However, the relationships of these hormones with different sources of competition (intra-versus intergroup) and dominance status are highly variable. Here we consider the fecal androgen (fA) and glucocorticoid (fGC) profiles of alpha and subordinate male Cebus capucinus in the context of intergroup competition during a rare period of low intragroup competition (i.e. all females were either pregnant or lactating). Intergroup encounters (IGEs) are a long-term reproductive strategy in male white-faced capuchins, enabling them to assess the composition of neighboring groups. IGEs pose a threat to resident males as these can result in injury or death, loss of dominance rank, group eviction, and group takeovers that are frequently associated with infanticide. From February to July 2007, fecal samples were collected from eight males in three groups of white-faced capuchins in the Santa Rosa Sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. IGE rate was positively associated with both fA and fGC levels, indicating that IGEs are perceived as reproductive challenges by resident males, and may be associated with elevated metabolic costs. Alpha males sire the majority of group offspring and, accordingly, the threat of IGEs to both future (via rank loss or eviction) and current (via infanticide) reproductive success is greater than for subordinate males. Consistent with this observation, alpha males had higher fA and fGC levels than subordinate males. Given that all females were either pregnant or lactating and pronounced overt intragroup competition was absent, we interpret the difference in hormone profiles of alpha and subordinate males as being primarily associated with variation in the perceived threats of IGEs to dominant versus subordinate males. Future studies should focus on the interaction of intra-and intergroup competition by examining hormone levels in the presence of periovulatory females. PMID:23090872

Beneficial effect of hot spring bathing on stress levels in Japanese macaques.

PubMed

Takeshita, Rafaela S C; Bercovitch, Fred B; Kinoshita, Kodzue; Huffman, Michael A

2018-05-01

The ability of animals to survive dramatic climates depends on their physiology, morphology and behaviour, but is often influenced by the configuration of their habitat. Along with autonomic responses, thermoregulatory behaviours, including postural adjustments, social aggregation, and use of trees for shelter, help individuals maintain homeostasis across climate variations. Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) are the world's most northerly species of nonhuman primates and have adapted to extremely cold environments. Given that thermoregulatory stress can increase glucocorticoid concentrations in primates, we hypothesized that by using an available hot spring, Japanese macaques could gain protection against weather-induced cold stress during winter. We studied 12 adult female Japanese macaques living in Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan, during the spring birth season (April to June) and winter mating season (October to December). We collected faecal samples for determination of faecal glucocorticoid (fGC) metabolite concentrations by enzyme immunoassay, as well as behavioural data to determine time spent in the hot springs, dominance rank, aggression rates, and affiliative behaviours. We used nonparametric statistics to examine seasonal changes in hot spring bathing, and the relationship between rank and air temperature on hot spring bathing. We used general linear mixed-effect models to examine factors impacting hormone concentrations. We found that Japanese macaques use hot spring bathing for thermoregulation during the winter. In the studied troop, the single hot spring is a restricted resource favoured by dominant females. High social rank had both costs and benefits: dominant females sustained high fGC levels, which were associated with high aggression rates in winter, but benefited by priority of access to the hot spring, which was associated with low fGC concentrations and therefore might help reduce energy expenditure and subsequent body heat loss. This unique habit of hot spring bathing by Japanese macaques illustrates how behavioural flexibility can help counter cold climate stress, with likely implications for reproduction and survival.

SU-F-BRB-04: Comparison of Coplanar VMAT, Non-Coplanar VMAT, and 4π Treatment Plans

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

Woods, K; Nguyen, D; Tran, A

2015-06-15

Purpose: The 4π non-coplanar radiotherapy delivery technique has demonstrated significantly better normal tissue sparing and dose conformality than the clinically used volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). It is unclear whether this is a fundamental limitation of VMAT delivery or the coplanar nature of its typical clinical plans. The non-coplanar basis of 4π is incorporated into VMAT treatment planning to compare its effect on plan quality. Methods: Clinical stereotactic body radiation therapy plans for 9 liver patients treated with 30–60 Gy using coplanar VMAT (cVMAT) were re-planned using non-coplanar VMAT (nVMAT) with 3 arcs and 4 π with 20 intensity-modulated non-coplanarmore » fields. All plans were optimized to deliver 100% of the prescribed dose to 95% of the planning target volume (PTV), and nVMAT and 4π plans were tailored to match the maximum and mean PTV dose from the clinical plan. The conformality index (CI), 50% dose spillage volume (R50), normal liver volume receiving >15 Gy (VL>15), and doses to organs at risk (OARs) were compared for all three treatment plans. Results: Compared to cVMAT, the nVMAT and 4π plans reduced VL>15 by an average of 30.6 cm3 and 96.3 cm3, respectively. The average CI was also reduced from 1.22 (cVMAT) to 1.17 (nVMAT) and 1.14 (4π), indicating higher conformality in the same order. Similarly, R50 was reduced from 3.87 (cVMAT) to 3.58 (nVMAT) and 2.74 (4π). With the exception of the mean right kidney dose, which increased by an average of only 0.6 Gy for nVMAT, the dose differences to OARs were not statistically significant between the two VMAT plans. 4π plans either significantly decreased or maintained OAR doses. Conclusion: While the manual selection of intuitive non-coplanar arcs does show some improvement over coplanar VMAT, the automated beam selection for 4π still results in superior plan quality. This project is supported in part by Varian Medical Systems and NIH R43 CA183390.« less

SU-E-T-217: Comprehensive Dosimetric Evaluation On 3D-CRT, IMRT and Non-Coplanar Arc Treatment for Prone Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

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

Chiu, T; Yan, Y; Ramirez, E

2015-06-15

Purpose: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an effective treatment for early stage breast-cancer. Irradiation in a prone position can mitigate breast motion and spare heart and lung. In this study, a comprehensive study is performed to evaluate various treatment techniques for prone APBI treatment including: 3D-CRT, IMRT, co-planar and non-coplanar partial arcs treatment. Methods: In this treatment planning study, a left breast patient treated in prone position in our clinic was imported into Varian Eclipse TPS. Six beams tangential to chest wall were used in both 3D-CRT and IMRT plans. These six beams were coplanar in a transactional planemore » achieved by both gantry and couch rotation. A 60-beam IMRT plan was also created to explore the maximum benefit of co-planar IMRT. Within deliverable couch rotation range (±30°), partial arc treatment plans with one and up to ten couch positions were generated for comparison. For each plan, 30Gy in 6 fractions was prescribed to 95% PTV volume. Critical dosimetric parameters, such as conformity index, mean, maximum, and volume dose of organ at risk, are evaluated. Results: The conformity indexes (CI) are 3.53, 3.17, 2.21 and 1.08 respectively to 3D-CRT, 6-beam IMRT, 60-beam IMRT, and two-partial-arcs coplanar plans. However, arc plans increase heart dose. CI for non-coplanar arc plans decreases from 1.19 to 1.10 when increases couch positions. Maximum dose in ipsilateral lung (1.98 to 1.13 Gy), and heart (0.62 to 0.43 Gy) are steadily decreased with the increased number of non-coplanar arcs. Conclusions: The dosimetric evaluation results show that partial arc plans have improved CIs compared to conventional 3D-CRT and IMRT plans. Increasing number of partial arcs decreases lung and heart dose. The dosimetric benefit obtained from non-coplanar arcs should be considered with treatment delivery time.« less

An Experimental and Numerical Study on Cracking Behavior of Brittle Sandstone Containing Two Non-coplanar Fissures Under Uniaxial Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Sheng-Qi; Tian, Wen-Ling; Huang, Yan-Hua; Ranjith, P. G.; Ju, Yang

2016-04-01

To understand the fracture mechanism in all kinds of rock engineering, it is important to investigate the fracture evolution behavior of pre-fissured rock. In this research, we conducted uniaxial compression experiments to evaluate the influence of ligament angle on the strength, deformability, and fracture coalescence behavior of rectangular prismatic specimens (80 × 160 × 30 mm) of brittle sandstone containing two non-coplanar fissures. The experimental results show that the peak strength of sandstone containing two non-coplanar fissures depends on the ligament angle, but the elastic modulus is not closely related to the ligament angle. With the increase of ligament angle, the peak strength decreased at a ligament angle of 60°, before increasing up to our maximum ligament angle of 120°. Crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence were all observed and characterized from the inner and outer tips of pre-existing non-coplanar fissures using photographic monitoring. Based on the results, the sequence of crack evolution in sandstone containing two non-coplanar fissures was analyzed in detail. In order to fully understand the crack evolution mechanism of brittle sandstone, numerical simulations using PFC2D were performed for specimens containing two non-coplanar fissures under uniaxial compression. The results are in good agreement with the experimental results. By analyzing the stress field, the crack evolution mechanism in brittle sandstone containing two non-coplanar fissures under uniaxial compression is revealed. These experimental and numerical results are expected to improve the understanding of the unstable fracture mechanism of fissured rock engineering structures.

POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS AND DIBENZOFURANS: REMOVAL FROM FLUE GAS AND DISTRIBUTION IN ASH/RESIDUE OF A REFUSE-DERIVED FUEL COMBUSTOR

EPA Science Inventory

The paper gives results of an early-1989 investigation of the effect of changing combustion and flue gas cleaning (FGC) system variables on the performance of these systems. Using information from earlier characterization tests at the same site (Mid-Connecticut facility in Hartfo...

Parametric Phase-Sensitive Detector Using Two-cell SQUID

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

an attenuator of -20 dB. The microwave was fed into the coplanar resonator by a coplanar capacitance of 9 fF, and corresponding response was coupled...transmission line between the two coupled coplanar capacitances . With a network analyzer, the resonant frequency was confirmed to be 8.985 GHz and the...microwave directional sensors based on two-cell SQUIDs. Two SQUID circuits with different values of McCumber parameter βc have been tested. Observed

Design and characterization of microstrip based E-field sensor for GSM and UMTS frequency bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narang, N.; Dubey, S. K.; Negi, P. S.; Ojha, V. N.

2016-12-01

An Electric (E-) field sensor based on coplanar waveguide-fed microstrip antenna to measure E-field strength for dual-band operation at 914 MHz and 2.1 GHz is proposed, designed, and characterized. The parametric optimization of the design has been performed to obtain resonance at global system for mobile communication and universal mobile telecommunication system frequency band. Low return loss (-17 dB and -19 dB), appropriate gain (0.50 dB and 1.55 dB), and isotropic behaviour (directivity ˜ 1 dB), respectively, at 914 MHz and 2.1 GHz, are obtained for probing application. Antenna factor (AF) is used as an important parameter to characterize the performance of the E-field sensor. The AF measurement is explained in detail and results are reported. Finally, using the designed E-field sensor, the E-field strength measurements are carried out in a transverse electromagnetic cell. The key sources of uncertainties in the measurement are identified, evaluated, and incorporated into the final results. The measurement results are compared with theoretical values, which are found in good agreement. For comparative validation, the results are evaluated with reference to an already calibrated commercially available isotropic probe.

Low-noise kinetic inductance traveling-wave amplifier using three-wave mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vissers, M. R.; Erickson, R. P.; Ku, H.-S.; Vale, Leila; Wu, Xian; Hilton, G. C.; Pappas, D. P.

2016-01-01

We have fabricated a wide-bandwidth, high dynamic range, low-noise cryogenic amplifier based on a superconducting kinetic inductance traveling-wave device. The device was made from NbTiN and consisted of a long, coplanar waveguide on a silicon chip. By adding a DC current and an RF pump tone, we are able to generate parametric amplification using three-wave mixing (3WM). The devices exhibit gain of more than 15 dB across an instantaneous bandwidth from 4 to 8 GHz. The total usable gain bandwidth, including both sides of the signal-idler gain region, is more than 6 GHz. The noise referred to the input of the devices approaches the quantum limit, with less than 1 photon excess noise. We compare these results directly to the four-wave mixing amplification mode, i.e., without DC-biasing. We find that the 3WM mode allows operation with the pump at lower RF power and at frequencies far from the signal. We have used this knowledge to redesign the amplifiers to utilize primarily 3WM amplification, thereby allowing for direct integration into large scale qubit and detector applications.

Magnetic thin-film insulator with ultra-low spin wave damping for coherent nanomagnonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Haiming; Kelly, O. D'allivy; Cros, V.; Bernard, R.; Bortolotti, P.; Anane, A.; Brandl, F.; Huber, R.; Stasinopoulos, I.; Grundler, D.

2014-10-01

Wave control in the solid state has opened new avenues in modern information technology. Surface-acoustic-wave-based devices are found as mass market products in 100 millions of cellular phones. Spin waves (magnons) would offer a boost in today's data handling and security implementations, i.e., image processing and speech recognition. However, nanomagnonic devices realized so far suffer from the relatively short damping length in the metallic ferromagnets amounting to a few 10 micrometers typically. Here we demonstrate that nm-thick YIG films overcome the damping chasm. Using a conventional coplanar waveguide we excite a large series of short-wavelength spin waves (SWs). From the data we estimate a macroscopic of damping length of about 600 micrometers. The intrinsic damping parameter suggests even a record value about 1 mm allowing for magnonics-based nanotechnology with ultra-low damping. In addition, SWs at large wave vector are found to exhibit the non-reciprocal properties relevant for new concepts in nanoscale SW-based logics. We expect our results to provide the basis for coherent data processing with SWs at GHz rates and in large arrays of cellular magnetic arrays, thereby boosting the envisioned image processing and speech recognition.

The Design and Operation of Ultra-Sensitive and Tunable Radio-Frequency Interferometers.

PubMed

Cui, Yan; Wang, Pingshan

2014-12-01

Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) is an important technique for scientific and technological investigations in various areas. DS sensitivity and operating frequency ranges are critical for many applications, including lab-on-chip development where sample volumes are small with a wide range of dynamic processes to probe. In this work, we present the design and operation considerations of radio-frequency (RF) interferometers that are based on power-dividers (PDs) and quadrature-hybrids (QHs). Such interferometers are proposed to address the sensitivity and frequency tuning challenges of current DS techniques. Verified algorithms together with mathematical models are presented to quantify material properties from scattering parameters for three common transmission line sensing structures, i.e., coplanar waveguides (CPWs), conductor-backed CPWs, and microstrip lines. A high-sensitivity and stable QH-based interferometer is demonstrated by measuring glucose-water solution at a concentration level that is ten times lower than some recent RF sensors while our sample volume is ~1 nL. Composition analysis of ternary mixture solutions are also demonstrated with a PD-based interferometer. Further work is needed to address issues like system automation, model improvement at high frequencies, and interferometer scaling.

Design and characterization of microstrip based E-field sensor for GSM and UMTS frequency bands.

PubMed

Narang, N; Dubey, S K; Negi, P S; Ojha, V N

2016-12-01

An Electric (E-) field sensor based on coplanar waveguide-fed microstrip antenna to measure E-field strength for dual-band operation at 914 MHz and 2.1 GHz is proposed, designed, and characterized. The parametric optimization of the design has been performed to obtain resonance at global system for mobile communication and universal mobile telecommunication system frequency band. Low return loss (-17 dB and -19 dB), appropriate gain (0.50 dB and 1.55 dB), and isotropic behaviour (directivity ∼ 1 dB), respectively, at 914 MHz and 2.1 GHz, are obtained for probing application. Antenna factor (AF) is used as an important parameter to characterize the performance of the E-field sensor. The AF measurement is explained in detail and results are reported. Finally, using the designed E-field sensor, the E-field strength measurements are carried out in a transverse electromagnetic cell. The key sources of uncertainties in the measurement are identified, evaluated, and incorporated into the final results. The measurement results are compared with theoretical values, which are found in good agreement. For comparative validation, the results are evaluated with reference to an already calibrated commercially available isotropic probe.

A CPW-fed circular wide-slot UWB antenna with wide tunable and flexible reconfigurable dual notch bands.

PubMed

Li, Yingsong; Li, Wenxing; Ye, Qiubo

2013-01-01

A coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed circular slot antenna with wide tunable dual band-notched function and frequency reconfigurable characteristic is designed, and its performance is verified experimentally for ultra-wideband (UWB) communication applications. The dual band-notched function is achieved by using a T-shaped stepped impedance resonator (T-SIR) inserted inside the circular ring radiation patch and by etching a parallel stub loaded resonator (PSLR) in the CPW transmission line, while the wide tunable bands can be implemented by adjusting the dimensions of the T-SIR and the PSLR. The notch band reconfigurable characteristic is realized by integrating three switches into the T-SIR and the PSLR. The numerical and experimental results show that the proposed antenna has a wide bandwidth ranging from 2.7 GHz to 12 GHz with voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2, except for the two notch bands operating at 3.8-5.9 GHz and 7.7-9.2 GHz, respectively. In addition, the proposed antenna has been optimized to a compact size and can provide omnidirectional radiation patterns, which are suitable for UWB communication applications.

A CPW-Fed Circular Wide-Slot UWB Antenna with Wide Tunable and Flexible Reconfigurable Dual Notch Bands

PubMed Central

Li, Yingsong; Li, Wenxing; Ye, Qiubo

2013-01-01

A coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed circular slot antenna with wide tunable dual band-notched function and frequency reconfigurable characteristic is designed, and its performance is verified experimentally for ultra-wideband (UWB) communication applications. The dual band-notched function is achieved by using a T-shaped stepped impedance resonator (T-SIR) inserted inside the circular ring radiation patch and by etching a parallel stub loaded resonator (PSLR) in the CPW transmission line, while the wide tunable bands can be implemented by adjusting the dimensions of the T-SIR and the PSLR. The notch band reconfigurable characteristic is realized by integrating three switches into the T-SIR and the PSLR. The numerical and experimental results show that the proposed antenna has a wide bandwidth ranging from 2.7 GHz to 12 GHz with voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2, except for the two notch bands operating at 3.8–5.9 GHz and 7.7–9.2 GHz, respectively. In addition, the proposed antenna has been optimized to a compact size and can provide omnidirectional radiation patterns, which are suitable for UWB communication applications. PMID:24222733

Radiation loss of planar surface plasmon polaritons transmission lines at microwave frequencies.

PubMed

Xu, Zhixia; Li, Shunli; Yin, Xiaoxing; Zhao, Hongxin; Liu, Leilei

2017-07-21

Radiation loss of a typical spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) transmission line (TL) is investigated in this paper. A 325 mm-long SSPPs TL is designed and fabricated. Simulated results show that radiation loss contributes more to transmission loss than dielectric loss and conductor loss from 2 GHz to 10 GHz. Radiation loss of the SSPPs TL could be divided into two parts, one is caused by the input mode converter, and the other is caused by the corrugated metallic strip. This paper explains mechanisms of radiation loss from different parts, designs a loaded SSPPs TL with a series of resistors to absorb electromagnetic energy on corrugated metallic strip, and then discriminates radiation loss from the input mode converter, proposes the concept of average radiation length (ARL) to evaluate radiation loss from SSPPs of finite length, and concludes that radiation loss is mainly caused by corrugated structure of finite length at low frequency band and by the input mode converter at high frequency band. To suppress radiation loss, a mixed slow wave TL based on the combination of coplanar waveguides (CPWs) and SSPPs is presented. The designed structure, sample fabrication and experimental verification are discussed.

A method for building low loss multi-layer wiring for superconducting microwave devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunsworth, A.; Barends, R.; Chen, Yu; Chen, Zijun; Chiaro, B.; Fowler, A.; Foxen, B.; Jeffrey, E.; Kelly, J.; Klimov, P. V.; Lucero, E.; Mutus, J. Y.; Neeley, M.; Neill, C.; Quintana, C.; Roushan, P.; Sank, D.; Vainsencher, A.; Wenner, J.; White, T. C.; Neven, H.; Martinis, John M.; Megrant, A.

2018-02-01

Complex integrated circuits require multiple wiring layers. In complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor processing, these layers are robustly separated by amorphous dielectrics. These dielectrics would dominate energy loss in superconducting integrated circuits. Here, we describe a procedure that capitalizes on the structural benefits of inter-layer dielectrics during fabrication and mitigates the added loss. We use a deposited inter-layer dielectric throughout fabrication and then etch it away post-fabrication. This technique is compatible with foundry level processing and can be generalized to make many different forms of low-loss wiring. We use this technique to create freestanding aluminum vacuum gap crossovers (airbridges). We characterize the added capacitive loss of these airbridges by connecting ground planes over microwave frequency λ/4 coplanar waveguide resonators and measuring resonator loss. We measure a low power resonator loss of ˜3.9 × 10-8 per bridge, which is 100 times lower than that of dielectric supported bridges. We further characterize these airbridges as crossovers, control line jumpers, and as part of a coupling network in gmon and fluxmon qubits. We measure qubit characteristic lifetimes (T1s) in excess of 30 μs in gmon devices.

Optimal Design of a Traveling-Wave Kinetic Inductance Amplifier Operated in Three-Wave Mixing Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erickson, Robert; Bal, Mustafa; Ku, Ksiang-Sheng; Wu, Xian; Pappas, David

In the presence of a DC bias, an injected pump, of frequency fP, and a signal, of frequency fS, undergo parametric three-way mixing (3WM) within a traveling-wave kinetic inductance (KIT) amplifier, producing an idler product of frequency fI =fP -fS . Periodic frequency stops are engineered into the coplanar waveguide of the device to enhance signal amplification. With fP placed just above the first frequency stop gap, 3WM broadband signal gain is achieved with maximum gain at fS =fP / 2 . Within a theory of the dispersion of traveling waves in the presence of these engineered loadings, which accounts for this broadband signal gain, we show how an optimal frequency-stop design may be constructed to achieve maximum signal amplification. The optimization approach we describe can be applied to the design of other nonlinear traveling-wave parametric amplifiers. This work was supported by the Army Research Office and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences under EAO221146, EAO241777, and the NIST Quantum Initiative. RPE acknowledges Grant 60NANB14D024 from the US Department of Commerce, NIST.

Modeling and design of a capacitive microwave power sensor for X-band applications based on GaAs technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Yan; Liao, Xiaoping

2012-05-01

In the work, modeling and design of a capacitive microwave power sensor employing the MEMS plate with clamped-clamped and free-free edges are presented. A novel analytical model of the sensor is established in detail. Through the function of mode shapes presented, the natural frequency can be solved by the Rayleigh-Ritz method. And based on the generalized coordinate introduced, the displacement of the plate with the irradiation of microwave power can be solved. Furthermore, the sensitivity for the power is also derived. Then the detailed consideration of the design and simulation of the microwave characteristic of the sensor are also presented. The linearly graded ground planar in the coplanar waveguide is employed to avoid step discontinuity. The fabrication process is compatible with GaAs MMIC technology completely, also described in detail. The measurement of the proposed sensor indicates a sensitivity of 7.2 fF W-1 and superior return and insertion losses (S11 and S21), less than -22.16 dB and -0.25 dB, respectively, up to 12 GHz, suggesting that it can be available for microwave power detecting in the X-band frequency range.

Conductor backed and shielded multi-layer coplanar waveguide designs on LTCC for RF carrier boards for packaging PICs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marraccini, Philip J.; Jezzini, Moises A.; Peters, Frank H.

2016-05-01

Designing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with packaging in mind is important since this impacts the performance of the final product. In coherent optical communication applications there are a large number of DC and RF lines that need routed to connect the PIC to the outer packaging. These RF lines should be impedance matched to the devices, isolated from each other, low loss and protected against electromagnetic interference (EMI) over the frequency range of interest to achieve the performance required for the application. Multilevel low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) boards can be used as a carrier board connecting the PIC to the packaging due to its good RF performance, machinability, compatibility with hermetic sealing, and ability to integrate drivers into the board. Flexibility with layer numbers enables additional layers for shielding against electromagnetic interference or increased space for routing electrical connections. In this paper the design, simulations, and measured results for a set of 4 phase matched transmission lines in LTCC that would be used with an IQ MZM are presented. The measured 3dB bandwidth for a set of four phase matched transmission lines for an IQ MZM was measured to be 19.8 GHz.

4 channel × 10 Gb/s bidirectional optical subassembly using silicon optical bench with precise passive optical alignment.

PubMed

Kang, Eun Kyu; Lee, Yong Woo; Ravindran, Sooraj; Lee, Jun Ki; Choi, Hee Ju; Ju, Gun Wu; Min, Jung Wook; Song, Young Min; Sohn, Ik-Bu; Lee, Yong Tak

2016-05-16

We demonstrate an advanced structure for optical interconnect consisting of 4 channel × 10 Gb/s bidirectional optical subassembly (BOSA) formed using silicon optical bench (SiOB) with tapered fiber guiding holes (TFGHs) for precise and passive optical alignment of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-to-multi mode fiber (MMF) and MMF-to-photodiode (PD). The co-planar waveguide (CPW) transmission line (Tline) was formed on the backside of silicon substrate to reduce the insertion loss of electrical data signal. The 4 channel VCSEL and PD array are attached at the end of CPW Tline using a flip-chip bonder and solder pad. The 12-channel ribbon fiber is simply inserted into the TFGHs of SiOB and is passively aligned to the VCSEL and PD in which no additional coupling optics are required. The fabricated BOSA shows high coupling efficiency and good performance with the clearly open eye patterns and a very low bit error rate of less than 10^-12 order at a data rate of 10 Gb/s with a PRBS pattern of 2³¹-1.

Toward Large FOV High-Resolution X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer: Microwave Multiplexed Readout of 32 TES Microcalorimeters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, Wonsik; Adams, Joseph S.; Bandler, Simon R.; Chervenak, James A.; Datesman, Aaron M.; Eckart, Megan E.; Finkbeiner, Fred M.; Kelley, Richard L.; Kilbourne, Caroline A.; Miniussi, Antoine R.;

Low-noise kinetic inductance traveling-wave amplifier using three-wave mixing

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

Vissers, M. R.; Erickson, R. P.; Ku, H.-S.

We have fabricated a wide-bandwidth, high dynamic range, low-noise cryogenic amplifier based on a superconducting kinetic inductance traveling-wave device. The device was made from NbTiN and consisted of a long, coplanar waveguide on a silicon chip. By adding a DC current and an RF pump tone, we are able to generate parametric amplification using three-wave mixing (3WM). The devices exhibit gain of more than 15 dB across an instantaneous bandwidth from 4 to 8 GHz. The total usable gain bandwidth, including both sides of the signal-idler gain region, is more than 6 GHz. The noise referred to the input of the devices approachesmore » the quantum limit, with less than 1 photon excess noise. We compare these results directly to the four-wave mixing amplification mode, i.e., without DC-biasing. We find that the 3WM mode allows operation with the pump at lower RF power and at frequencies far from the signal. We have used this knowledge to redesign the amplifiers to utilize primarily 3WM amplification, thereby allowing for direct integration into large scale qubit and detector applications.« less

A Very Compact and Low Profile UWB Planar Antenna with WLAN Band Rejection

PubMed Central

Syed, Avez; Aldhaheri, Rabah W.

2016-01-01

A low-cost coplanar waveguide fed compact ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with band rejection characteristics for wireless local area network (WLAN) is proposed. The notch band characteristic is achieved by etching half wavelength C-shaped annular ring slot in the radiating patch. By properly choosing the radius and position of the slot, the notch band can be adjusted and controlled. With an overall size of 18.7 mm × 17.6 mm, the antenna turns out to be one of the smallest UWB antennas with band-notched characteristics. It has a wide fractional bandwidth of 130% (2.9–13.7 GHz) with VSWR < 2 and rejecting IEEE 802.11a and HIPERLAN/2 frequency band of 5.1–5.9 GHz. Stable omnidirectional radiation patterns in the H plane with an average gain of 4.4 dBi are obtained. The band-notch mechanism of the proposed antenna is examined by HFSS simulator. A good agreement is found between measured and simulated results indicating that the proposed antenna is well suited for integration into portable devices for UWB applications. PMID:27088125

Magnetic thin-film insulator with ultra-low spin wave damping for coherent nanomagnonics

PubMed Central

Yu, Haiming; Kelly, O. d'Allivy; Cros, V.; Bernard, R.; Bortolotti, P.; Anane, A.; Brandl, F.; Huber, R.; Stasinopoulos, I.; Grundler, D.

2014-01-01

Wave control in the solid state has opened new avenues in modern information technology. Surface-acoustic-wave-based devices are found as mass market products in 100 millions of cellular phones. Spin waves (magnons) would offer a boost in today's data handling and security implementations, i.e., image processing and speech recognition. However, nanomagnonic devices realized so far suffer from the relatively short damping length in the metallic ferromagnets amounting to a few 10 micrometers typically. Here we demonstrate that nm-thick YIG films overcome the damping chasm. Using a conventional coplanar waveguide we excite a large series of short-wavelength spin waves (SWs). From the data we estimate a macroscopic of damping length of about 600 micrometers. The intrinsic damping parameter suggests even a record value about 1 mm allowing for magnonics-based nanotechnology with ultra-low damping. In addition, SWs at large wave vector are found to exhibit the non-reciprocal properties relevant for new concepts in nanoscale SW-based logics. We expect our results to provide the basis for coherent data processing with SWs at GHz rates and in large arrays of cellular magnetic arrays, thereby boosting the envisioned image processing and speech recognition. PMID:25355200

Efficient Charge Collection in Coplanar-Grid Radiation Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunc, J.; Praus, P.; Belas, E.; Dědič, V.; Pekárek, J.; Grill, R.

2018-05-01

We model laser-induced transient-current waveforms in radiation coplanar-grid detectors. Poisson's equation is solved by the finite-element method and currents induced by a photogenerated charge are obtained using the Shockley-Ramo theorem. The spectral response on a radiation flux is modeled by Monte Carlo simulations. We show a 10 × improved spectral resolution of the coplanar-grid detector using differential signal sensing. We model the current waveform dependence on the doping, depletion width, diffusion, and detector shielding, and their mutual dependence is discussed in terms of detector optimization. The numerical simulations are successfully compared to experimental data, and further model simplifications are proposed. The space charge below electrodes and a nonhomogeneous electric field on a coplanar-grid anode are found to be the dominant contributions to laser-induced transient-current waveforms.

First-Generation College Students and the Four-Year College Environment: An Exploration of Supplementary and Complementary Fit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ludwig, Nancy M.

2011-01-01

Enrollment in higher education in the United States has experienced significant growth in the last two decades. Growth is not only seen in the increasing numbers; diversity is increasing with more minority and non-traditionally aged students attending college. Many of these students are first-generation college (FGC) students; those whose parents…

Effectiveness of family group conferencing in preventing repeat referrals to child protective services and out-of-home placements.

PubMed

Hollinshead, Dana M; Corwin, Tyler W; Maher, Erin J; Merkel-Holguin, Lisa; Allan, Heather; Fluke, John D

2017-07-01

Rigorous research on the efficacy of family group conferencing is rare. This randomized control trial study used an intent-to-treat approach to examine whether a referral to a family group conference (FGC) was associated with re-referrals, substantiated re-referrals, or out-of-home placements among child welfare-involved families receiving in-home services. We found no significant associations between treatment and control group assignment and the three outcomes for the sample as a whole. However, families with more children had higher odds of a re-referral and a substantiated re-referral, families with more than one parent had higher odds of re-referral, and families where a substance abuse services referral was noted had higher odds of out-of-home placement. In interaction models with race, we found that families with African American mothers who were referred for an FGC were more likely to be re-referred compared to other families, but no differences were identified with respect to their rates of substantiated re-referrals or out-of-home placements. Implications are discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of discrete and continuous distributions of ventilatory time constants from dynamic computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doebrich, Marcus; Markstaller, Klaus; Karmrodt, Jens; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Eberle, Balthasar; Weiler, Norbert; Thelen, Manfred; Schreiber, Wolfgang G.

2005-04-01

In this study, an algorithm was developed to measure the distribution of pulmonary time constants (TCs) from dynamic computed tomography (CT) data sets during a sudden airway pressure step up. Simulations with synthetic data were performed to test the methodology as well as the influence of experimental noise. Furthermore the algorithm was applied to in vivo data. In five pigs sudden changes in airway pressure were imposed during dynamic CT acquisition in healthy lungs and in a saline lavage ARDS model. The fractional gas content in the imaged slice (FGC) was calculated by density measurements for each CT image. Temporal variations of the FGC were analysed assuming a model with a continuous distribution of exponentially decaying time constants. The simulations proved the feasibility of the method. The influence of experimental noise could be well evaluated. Analysis of the in vivo data showed that in healthy lungs ventilation processes can be more likely characterized by discrete TCs whereas in ARDS lungs continuous distributions of TCs are observed. The temporal behaviour of lung inflation and deflation can be characterized objectively using the described new methodology. This study indicates that continuous distributions of TCs reflect lung ventilation mechanics more accurately compared to discrete TCs.

Triple differential cross-sections of Ne (2s2) in coplanar to perpendicular plane geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, L. Q.; Khajuria, Y.; Chen, X. J.; Xu, K. Z.

2003-10-01

The distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) with the spin averaged static exchange potential has been used to calculate the triple differential cross-sections (TDCSs) for Ne (2s^2) ionization by electron impact in coplanar to perpendicular plane symmetric geometry at 110.5 eV incident electron energy. The present theoretical results at gun angles Psi = 0^circ (coplanar symmetric geometry) and Psi = 90^circ (perpendicular plane geometry) are in satisfactory agreement with the available experimental data. A deep interference minimum appears in the TDCS in the coplanar symmetric geometry and a strong peak at scattering angle xi = 90^circ caused by the single collision mechanism has been observed in the perpendicular plane geometry. The TDCSs at the gun angles Psi = 30^circ, and Psi = 60^circ are predicted.

Novel mutations of androgen receptor: a possible mechanism of bicalutamide withdrawal syndrome.

PubMed

Hara, Takahito; Miyazaki, Jun-ichi; Araki, Hideo; Yamaoka, Masuo; Kanzaki, Naoyuki; Kusaka, Masami; Miyamoto, Masaomi

2003-01-01

Most prostate cancers (PCs) become resistant to combined androgen blockade therapy with surgical or medical castration and antiandrogens after several years. Some of these refractory PCs regress after discontinuation of antiandrogen administration [antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome (AWS)]. Although the molecular mechanisms of the AWS are not fully understood because of the lack of suitable experimental models, one hypothesis of the mechanism is mutation of androgen receptor (AR). However, bicalutamide, which has become the most prevalent pure antiandrogen, does not work as an agonist for any mutant AR detected thus far in PC. To elucidate the mechanisms of the AWS, we established and characterized novel LNCaP cell sublines, LNCaP-cxDs, which were generated in vitro by culturing androgen-dependent LNCaP-FGC human PC cells in androgen-depleted medium with bicalutamide to mimic the combined androgen blockade therapy. LNCaP-FGC cells did not grow at first, but they started to grow after 6-13 weeks of culture. Bicalutamide stimulated LNCaP-cxD cell growth and increased prostate-specific antigen secretion from LNCaP-cxD cells both in vitro and in vivo. Sequencing of AR transcripts revealed that the AR in LNCaP-cxD cells harbors a novel mutation in codon 741, TGG (tryptophan) to TGT (cysteine; W741C), or in codon 741, TGG to TTG (leucine; W741L), in the ligand-binding domain. Transactivation assays showed that bicalutamide worked as an agonist for both W741C and W741L mutant ARs. Importantly, another antiandrogen, hydroxyflutamide, worked as an antagonist for these mutant ARs. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that within only 6-13 weeks of in vitro exposure to bicalutamide, LNCaP-FGC cells, whose growth had initially been suppressed, came to use bicalutamide as an AR agonist via W741 AR mutation to survive. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that AR mutation is one possible mechanism of the AWS and suggest that flutamide might be effective as a second-line therapy for refractory PC previously treated with bicalutamide.

SU-F-T-649: Dosimetric Evaluation of Non-Coplanar Arc Therapy Using a Novel Rotating Gamma Ray System

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

Eldib, A; Chibani, O; Jin, L

2016-06-15

Purpose: Stereotactic intra and extra-cranial body radiation therapy has evolved with advances in treatment accuracy, effective radiation dose, and parameters necessary to maximize machine capabilities. Novel gamma systems with a ring type gantry were developed having the ability to perform oblique arcs. The aim of this study is to explore the dosimetric advantages of this new system. Methods: The rotating Gamma system is named CybeRay (Cyber Medical Corp., Xian, China). It has a treatment head of 16 cobalt-60 sources focused to the isocenter, which can rotate 360° on the ring gantry and swing 35° in the superior direction. Treatment plansmore » were generated utilizing our in-house Monte Carlo treatment planning system. A cylindrical phantom was modeled with 2mm voxel size. Dose inside the cylindrical phantom was calculated for coplanar and non-coplanar arcs. Dosimetric differences between CybeRay cobalt beams and CyberKnife 6MV beams were compared in a lung phantom and for previously treated SBRT patients. Results: The full width at half maxima of cross profiles in the S-I direction for the coplanar setup matched the cone sizes, while for the non-coplanar setup, FWHM was larger by 2mm for a 10mm cone and about 5mm for larger cones. In the coronal and sagittal view, coplanar beams showed elliptical shaped isodose lines, while non-coplanar beams showed circular isodose lines. Thus proper selection of the oblique angle and cone size can aid optimal dose matching to the target volume. Comparing a single 5mm cone from CybeRay to that from CyberKnife showed similar penumbra in a lung phantom but CybeRay had significant lower doses beyond lung tissues. Comparable treatment plans were obtained with CybeRay as that from CyberKnife.ConclusionThe noncoplanar multiple source arrangement of CybeRay will be of great clinical benefits for stereotactic intra and extra-cranial radiation therapy.« less

Coplanar UHF RFID tag antenna with U-shaped inductively coupled feed for metallic applications.

PubMed

Salman, Karrar Naji; Ismail, Alyani; Raja Abdullah, Raja Syamsul Azmir; Saeedi, Tale

2017-01-01

In this paper, we present a novel compact, coplanar, tag antenna design for metallic objects. Electrically small antenna has designed for a UHF RFID (860-960 MHz) based on a proximity-coupled feed through. Furthermore, two symmetrical Via-loaded coplanar grounds fed by a U-shaped inductively coupled feed through an embedded transmission line. This configuration results in an antenna with dimensions of 31 × 19.5 × 3.065 mm3 at 915 MHz, and the total gain for the antenna is 0.12 dBi. The Via-loaded coplanar and U-shaped inductively coupled feeds allow the antenna to provide flexible tuning in terms of antenna impedance. In addition, a figure of merit is applied for the proposed tag antenna, and the results are presented. The read range is measured to be 4.2 m, which is very close to simulated values. This antenna measurement shows very good agreement with simulations.

DC transport in two-dimensional electron systems under strong microwave illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Shantanu

At low temperature (T) and weak magnetic field ( B), two dimensional electron systems (2DES) can exhibit strong 1/ B-periodic resistance oscillations on application of sufficiently strong microwave radiation. These oscillations are known as microwave induced resistance oscillations (MIROs), MIROs appearing near cyclotron resonance (CR) and its harmonics involve single photon processes and are called integer MIROs while the oscillations near CR subharmonics require multiphoton processes and are called fractional MIROs. Similar strong 1/B periodic resistance oscillations can occur due to strong dc current, and are known as Hall-field resistance oscillations (HIROs). Oscillations also occur for a combination of microwave radiation and strong dc current. In one prominent theory of MIROs, known as the displacement model, electrons make impurity-assisted transitions into higher or lower Landau levels by absorbing or emitting one or more (N) photons. In the presence of combined strong dc current and microwave radiation, electrons make transitions between Landau levels by absorbing or emitting photons followed by a space transition along the applied dc bias. The object of the dissertation is to explore how the different resistance oscillations area affected by strong microwave radiation when multiphoton processes are relevant. We used a coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure deposited on the sample, as opposed to simply placing the sample near the termination of a waveguide as is more the usual practice in this field. The CPW allows us to estimate the AC electric field (EAC) at the sample. In much of the work presented in this thesis we find that higher Nprocesses supersede the competing lower N processes as microwave power is increased. We show this in the presence and in the absence of a strong dc electric field. Finally, we look at the temperature evolution of fractional MIROs to compare the origin of the fractional MIROs with that of integer MIROs.

White noise of Nb-based microwave superconducting quantum interference device multiplexers with NbN coplanar resonators for readout of transition edge sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohjiro, Satoshi; Hirayama, Fuminori; Yamamori, Hirotake; Nagasawa, Shuichi; Fukuda, Daiji; Hidaka, Mutsuo

2014-06-01

White noise of dissipationless microwave radio frequency superconducting quantum interference device (RF-SQUID) multiplexers has been experimentally studied to evaluate their readout performance for transition edge sensor (TES) photon counters ranging from near infrared to gamma ray. The characterization has been carried out at 4 K, first to avoid the low-frequency fluctuations present at around 0.1 K, and second, for a feasibility study of readout operation at 4 K for extended applications. To increase the resonant Q at 4 K and maintain low noise SQUID operation, multiplexer chips consisting of niobium nitride (NbN)-based coplanar-waveguide resonators and niobium (Nb)-based RF-SQUIDs have been developed. This hybrid multiplexer exhibited 1 × 104 ≤ Q ≤ 2 × 104 and the square root of spectral density of current noise referred to the SQUID input √SI = 31 pA/√Hz. The former and the latter are factor-of-five and seven improvements from our previous results on Nb-based resonators, respectively. Two-directional readout on the complex plane of the transmission component of scattering matrix S21 enables us to distinguish the flux noise from noise originating from other sources, such as the cryogenic high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifier. Systematic noise measurements with various microwave readout powers PMR make it possible to distinguish the contribution of noise sources within the system as follows: (1) The achieved √SI is dominated by the Nyquist noise from a resistor at 4 K in parallel to the SQUID input coil which is present to prevent microwave leakage to the TES. (2) The next dominant source is either the HEMT-amplifier noise (for small values of PMR) or the quantization noise due to the resolution of 300-K electronics (for large values of PMR). By a decrease of these noise levels to a degree that is achievable by current technology, we predict that the microwave RF-SQUID multiplexer can exhibit √SI ≤ 5 pA/√Hz, i.e., close to √SI of state-of-the-art DC-SQUID-based multiplexers.

Concentric Coplanar Capacitive Sensor System with Quantitative Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Tianming (Inventor); Bowler, Nicola (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A concentric coplanar capacitive sensor includes a charged central disc forming a first electrode, an outer annular ring coplanar with and outer to the charged central disc, the outer annular ring forming a second electrode, and a gap between the charged central disc and the outer annular ring. The first electrode and the second electrode may be attached to an insulative film. A method provides for determining transcapacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode and using the transcapacitance in a model that accounts for a dielectric test piece to determine inversely the properties of the dielectric test piece.

Cockpit Displays to Support Hazard Awareness in Free Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wickens, Christopher D.; Carbonari, Ron; Merwin, Dave; Morphew, Ephimia; OBrien, Janelle V.

1997-01-01

Three experiments are described which each examine different aspects of the formatting and integration of cockpit displays of traffic information to support pilots in traffic avoidance planning. The first two experiments compared two-dimensional (coplanar) with three-dimensional (perspective) versions of a cockpit display of traffic information. In Experiment 1, 30 certified flight instructors flew a series of traffic conflict detection and avoidance maneuvers around an intruder aircraft, sometimes in the presence of a second intruder. The results revealed an advantage for the coplanar display, particularly when there was vertical intruder behavior. In Experiment 2, 17 instructors flew with the coplanar and perspective formats when weather information was either overlaid or displayed separately. Again performance was best with the coplanar display, particularly when the weather data were overlaid. The results of both experiments are also discussed in ten-ns of the traffic maneuver stereotypes exhibited by the pilots. Experiment 3 examined the benefits of the two different predictor elements used in the coplanar displays of Experiments 1 and 2. The study was carried out in a multitask context. These elements were both found to improve safety (reduce actual and predicted conflicts) and to reduce workload, although the different elements affected workload in different ways. Neither predictor element imposed a cost to concurrent task performance.

Evaluation of Perspective and Coplanar Cockpit Displays of Traffic Information to Support Hazard Awareness in Free Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merwin, David H.; Wickens, Christopher D.

1996-01-01

We examined the cockpit display representation of traffic, to support the pilot in tactical planning and conflict avoidance. Such displays may support the "free flight" concept, but can also support greater situation awareness in a non-free flight environment. Two perspective views and a coplanar display were contrasted in scenarios in which pilots needed to navigate around conflicting traffic, either in the absence (low workload) or presence (high workload) of a second intruder aircraft. All three formats were configured with predictive aiding vectors that explicitly represented the predicted point of closest pass, and predicted penetration of an alert zone around ownship. Ten pilots were assigned to each of the display conditions, and each flew a series of 60 conflict maneuvers that varied in their workload and the complexity of the conflict geometry. Results indicated a tendency to choose vertical over lateral maneuvers, a tendency which was amplified with the coplanar display. Vertical maneuvers by the intruder produced an added source of workload. Importantly, the coplanar display supported performance in all measures that was equal to or greater than either of the perspective displays (i.e., fewer predicted and actual conflicts, less extreme maneuvers). Previous studies that have indicated perspective superiority have only contrasted these with UNIplanar displays rather than the coplanar display used here.

Balancing Justice and Welfare Needs in Family Group Conferences for Children with Harmful Sexual Behavior: The HSB-FGC Framework.

PubMed

Anderson, Monique; Parkinson, Kate

2018-06-12

In England and Wales, family group conferences (FGCs) are most often found either in the field of youth justice or in the field of child protection, and consequently often have priorities in line with either one of the two systems. On the one hand, FGCs are a restorative justice tool to address offending behavior and hold young perpetrators to account, while giving victims the possibility of contributing to the justice process. On the other hand, FGCs address safeguarding concerns and are used to plan for child safety and protection. In cases where a young person has sexually harmed another young person, that is, has perpetrated harmful sexual behavior (HSB), all young people involved will have both justice and welfare needs. FGCs are emerging as promising mechanisms in such cases, not only because of their ability to deal with both sets of needs for both young people but also because of their potential to address more holistic needs. However, HSB cases are often complex and sensitive, and are not without risk. Drawing on their experiences in research and practice, the authors explore how the holistic needs of both the harmed and harming individual can be balanced within a risk managed HSB-FGC framework.

Spin-wave-induced lateral temperature gradient in a YIG thin film/GGG system excited in an ESR cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shigematsu, Ei; Ando, Yuichiro; Dushenko, Sergey; Shinjo, Teruya; Shiraishi, Masashi

2018-05-01

The lateral thermal gradient of an yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film under microwave application in the cavity of the electron spin resonance system (ESR) was measured at room temperature by fabricating a Cu/Sb thermocouple onto it. To date, thermal transport in YIG films caused by the Damon-Eshbach mode (DEM)—the unidirectional spin-wave heat conveyer effect—was demonstrated only by the excitation using coplanar waveguides. Here, we show that the effect exists even under YIG excitation using the ESR cavity—a tool often employed to realize spin pumping. The temperature difference observed around the ferromagnetic resonance field under 4 mW microwave power peaked at 13 mK. The observed thermoelectric signal indicates the imbalance of the population between the DEMs that propagate near the top and bottom surfaces of the YIG film. We attribute the DEM population imbalance to different magnetic dampings near the top and bottom YIG surfaces. Additionally, the spin wave dynamics of the system were investigated using the micromagnetic simulations. The micromagnetic simulations confirmed the existence of the DEM imbalance in the system with increased Gilbert damping at one of the YIG interfaces. The reported results are indispensable to the quantitative estimation of the electromotive force in the spin-charge conversion experiments using ESR cavities.

Manipulating line waves in flat graphene for agile terahertz applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisharat, Dia'aaldin J.; Sievenpiper, Daniel F.

2018-05-01

Reducing open waveguides enabled by surface waves, such as surface plasmon polaritons, to a one-dimensional line is attractive due to the potentially enhanced control over light confinement and transport. This was recently shown to be possible by simply interfacing two co-planar surfaces with complementary surface impedances, which support transverse-magnetic and transverse-electric modes, respectively. Attractively, the resultant "line wave" at the interface line features singular field enhancement and robust direction-dependent polarizations. Current implementations, however, are limited to microwave frequencies and have fixed functionality due to the lack of dynamic control. In this article, we examine the potential of using gate-tunable graphene sheets for supporting line waves in the terahertz regime and propose an adequate graphene-metasurface configuration for operation at room temperature and low voltage conditions. In addition, we show the occurrence of quasi-line wave under certain conditions of non-complementary boundaries and qualify the degradation in line wave confinement due to dissipation losses. Furthermore, we show the possibility to alter the orientation of the line wave's spin angular momentum on demand unlike conventional surface waves. Our results on active manipulation of electromagnetic line waves in graphene could be useful for various applications including reconfigurable integrated circuits, modulation, sensing and signal processes.

Microwave dynamics of high aspect ratio superconducting nanowires studied using self-resonance

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

Santavicca, Daniel F., E-mail: daniel.santavicca@unf.edu; Adams, Jesse K.; Grant, Lierd E.

2016-06-21

We study the microwave impedance of extremely high aspect ratio (length/width ≈ 5000) superconducting niobium nitride nanowires. The nanowires are fabricated in a compact meander geometry that is in series with the center conductor of a 50 Ω coplanar waveguide transmission line. The transmission coefficient of the sample is measured up to 20 GHz. At high frequency, a peak in the transmission coefficient is seen. Numerical simulations show that this is a half-wave resonance along the length of the nanowire, where the nanowire acts as a high impedance, slow wave transmission line. This resonance sets the upper frequency limit for these nanowires asmore » inductive elements. Fitting simulations to the measured resonance enables a precise determination of the nanowire's complex sheet impedance at the resonance frequency. The real part is a measure of dissipation, while the imaginary part is dominated by kinetic inductance. We characterize the dependence of the sheet resistance and sheet inductance on both temperature and current and compare the results to recent theoretical predictions for disordered superconductors. These results can aid in the understanding of high frequency devices based on superconducting nanowires. They may also lead to the development of novel superconducting devices such as ultra-compact resonators and slow-wave structures.« less

Coupled superconducting qudit-resonator system: Energy spectrum, state population, and state transition under microwave drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W. Y.; Xu, H. K.; Su, F. F.; Li, Z. Y.; Tian, Ye; Han, Siyuan; Zhao, S. P.

2018-03-01

Superconducting quantum multilevel systems coupled to resonators have recently been considered in some applications such as microwave lasing and high-fidelity quantum logical gates. In this work, using an rf-SQUID type phase qudit coupled to a microwave coplanar waveguide resonator, we study both theoretically and experimentally the energy spectrum of the system when the qudit level spacings are varied around the resonator frequency by changing the magnetic flux applied to the qudit loop. We show that the experimental result can be well described by a theoretical model that extends from the usual two-level Jaynes-Cummings system to the present four-level system. It is also shown that due to the small anharmonicity of the phase device a simplified model capturing the leading state interactions fits the experimental spectra very well. Furthermore we use the Lindblad master equation containing various relaxation and dephasing processes to calculate the level populations in the simpler qutrit-resonator system, which allows a clear understanding of the dynamics of the system under the microwave drive. Our results help to better understand and perform the experiments of coupled multilevel and resonator systems and can be applied in the case of transmon or Xmon qudits having similar anharmonicity to the present phase device.

Voltage- and current-activated metal-insulator transition in VO2-based electrical switches: a lifetime operation analysis.

PubMed

Crunteanu, Aurelian; Givernaud, Julien; Leroy, Jonathan; Mardivirin, David; Champeaux, Corinne; Orlianges, Jean-Christophe; Catherinot, Alain; Blondy, Pierre

2010-12-01

Vanadium dioxide is an intensively studied material that undergoes a temperature-induced metal-insulator phase transition accompanied by a large change in electrical resistivity. Electrical switches based on this material show promising properties in terms of speed and broadband operation. The exploration of the failure behavior and reliability of such devices is very important in view of their integration in practical electronic circuits. We performed systematic lifetime investigations of two-terminal switches based on the electrical activation of the metal-insulator transition in VO 2 thin films. The devices were integrated in coplanar microwave waveguides (CPWs) in series configuration. We detected the evolution of a 10 GHz microwave signal transmitted through the CPW, modulated by the activation of the VO 2 switches in both voltage- and current-controlled modes. We demonstrated enhanced lifetime operation of current-controlled VO 2 -based switching (more than 260 million cycles without failure) compared with the voltage-activated mode (breakdown at around 16 million activation cycles). The evolution of the electrical self-oscillations of a VO 2 -based switch induced in the current-operated mode is a subtle indicator of the material properties modification and can be used to monitor its behavior under various external stresses in sensor applications.

DISTRIBUTION OF DIOXINS, FURANS, AND COPLANAR PCBS IN DIFFERENT FAT MATRICES IN CATTLE

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently collaborated on a statistically-based, national survey of dioxin-like compounds, including dioxins, furans, and coplanar PCBs, in the back fat from slaughtered ...

Magnetic resonance imaging of the long head of the biceps tendon: benefit of coplanar image.

PubMed

Lin, Anderson; Ting, Julius; Lee, Kwo-Whei

2007-01-01

To evaluate coplanar imaging of the long head of the biceps tendon. We retrospectively compared coronal oblique magnetic resonance images aligned with the principal supraspinatus tendon and with the intra-articular biceps tendon in 21 patients. Magnetic resonance images were analyzed for lesions depicted, including superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) tears. Arthroscopic findings were reviewed. Coronal oblique images aligned with intra-articular biceps tendon depicted 18 (86%) of 21 coplanar intra-articular biceps tendons. Coplanar images identified 6 cases of tendinosis, 1 tear, 3 intra-articular ruptures, and 20 (95.2%) of 21 exact origins of the tendon. Arthroscopy revealed 18 SLAP tears. The detection of SLAP lesions between both coronal oblique magnetic resonance images was significantly different (P = 0.007). Advantages included imaging of the intra-articular biceps tendon with least partial-volume effects, definition of SLAP lesions and the tendinous origin at the supraglenoid tubercle, depiction of intra-articular bicipital ruptures, and increased sensitivity and specificity for intra-articular lesions.

Coplanar UHF RFID tag antenna with U-shaped inductively coupled feed for metallic applications

PubMed Central

Ismail, Alyani; Raja Abdullah, Raja Syamsul Azmir; Saeedi, Tale

2017-01-01

In this paper, we present a novel compact, coplanar, tag antenna design for metallic objects. Electrically small antenna has designed for a UHF RFID (860–960 MHz) based on a proximity-coupled feed through. Furthermore, two symmetrical Via-loaded coplanar grounds fed by a U-shaped inductively coupled feed through an embedded transmission line. This configuration results in an antenna with dimensions of 31 × 19.5 × 3.065 mm3 at 915 MHz, and the total gain for the antenna is 0.12 dBi. The Via-loaded coplanar and U-shaped inductively coupled feeds allow the antenna to provide flexible tuning in terms of antenna impedance. In addition, a figure of merit is applied for the proposed tag antenna, and the results are presented. The read range is measured to be 4.2 m, which is very close to simulated values. This antenna measurement shows very good agreement with simulations. PMID:28570706

Image Reconstruction in Radio Astronomy with Non-Coplanar Synthesis Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodrick, L.

2015-03-01

Traditional radio astronomy imaging techniques assume that the interferometric array is coplanar, with a small field of view, and that the two-dimensional Fourier relationship between brightness and visibility remains valid, allowing the Fast Fourier Transform to be used. In practice, to acquire more accurate data, the non-coplanar baseline effects need to be incorporated, as small height variations in the array plane introduces the w spatial frequency component. This component adds an additional phase shift to the incoming signals. There are two approaches to account for the non-coplanar baseline effects: either the full three-dimensional brightness and visibility model can be used to reconstruct an image, or the non-coplanar effects can be removed, reducing the three dimensional relationship to that of the two-dimensional one. This thesis describes and implements the w-projection and w-stacking algorithms. The aim of these algorithms is to account for the phase error introduced by non-coplanar synthesis arrays configurations, making the recovered visibilities more true to the actual brightness distribution model. This is done by reducing the 3D visibilities to a 2D visibility model. The algorithms also have the added benefit of wide-field imaging, although w-stacking supports a wider field of view at the cost of more FFT bin support. For w-projection, the w-term is accounted for in the visibility domain by convolving it out of the problem with a convolution kernel, allowing the use of the two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform. Similarly, the w-Stacking algorithm applies a phase correction in the image domain to image layers to produce an intensity model that accounts for the non-coplanar baseline effects. This project considers the KAT7 array for simulation and analysis of the limitations and advantages of both the algorithms. Additionally, a variant of the Högbom CLEAN algorithm was used which employs contour trimming for extended source emission flagging. The CLEAN algorithm is an iterative two-dimensional deconvolution method that can further improve image fidelity by removing the effects of the point spread function which can obscure source data.

SU-D-BRB-01: A Comparison of Learning Methods for Knowledge Based Dose Prediction for Coplanar and Non-Coplanar Liver Radiotherapy

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

Tran, A; Ruan, D; Woods, K

Purpose: The predictive power of knowledge based planning (KBP) has considerable potential in the development of automated treatment planning. Here, we examine the predictive capabilities and accuracy of previously reported KBP methods, as well as an artificial neural networks (ANN) method. Furthermore, we compare the predictive accuracy of these methods on coplanar volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and non-coplanar 4π radiotherapy. Methods: 30 liver SBRT patients previously treated using coplanar VMAT were selected for this study. The patients were re-planned using 4π radiotherapy, which involves 20 optimally selected non-coplanar IMRT fields. ANNs were used to incorporate enhanced geometric information including livermore » and PTV size, prescription dose, patient girth, and proximity to beams. The performance of ANN was compared to three methods from statistical voxel dose learning (SVDL), wherein the doses of voxels sharing the same distance to the PTV are approximated by either taking the median of the distribution, non-parametric fitting, or skew-normal fitting. These three methods were shown to be capable of predicting DVH, but only median approximation can predict 3D dose. Prediction methods were tested using leave-one-out cross-validation tests and evaluated using residual sum of squares (RSS) for DVH and 3D dose predictions. Results: DVH prediction using non-parametric fitting had the lowest average RSS with 0.1176(4π) and 0.1633(VMAT), compared to 0.4879(4π) and 1.8744(VMAT) RSS for ANN. 3D dose prediction with median approximation had lower RSS with 12.02(4π) and 29.22(VMAT), compared to 27.95(4π) and 130.9(VMAT) for ANN. Conclusion: Paradoxically, although the ANNs included geometric features in addition to the distances to the PTV, it did not perform better in predicting DVH or 3D dose compared to simpler, faster methods based on the distances alone. The study further confirms that the prediction of 4π non-coplanar plans were more accurate than VMAT. NIH R43CA183390 and R01CA188300.« less

Low energy electron-impact ionization of hydrogen atom for coplanar equal-energy-sharing kinematics in Debye plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jun; Zhang, Song Bin; Ye, Bang Jiao; Wang, Jian Guo; Janev, R. K.

2016-12-01

Low energy electron-impact ionization of hydrogen atom in Debye plasmas has been investigated by employing the exterior complex scaling method. The interactions between the charged particles in the plasma have been represented by Debye-Hückel potentials. Triple differential cross sections (TDCS) in the coplanar equal-energy-sharing geometry at an incident energy of 15.6 eV for different screening lengths are reported. As the screening strength increases, TDCS change significantly. The evolutions of dominant typical peak structures of the TDCS are studied in detail for different screening lengths and for different coplanar equal-energy-sharing geometries.

Detecting Planar Surfaces in Outdoor Urban Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

coplanar or parallel scene points and lines. Sturm and Maybank (18) perform 3D reconstruction given user-provided coplanarity, perpendicularity, and... Maybank , S. J. A method for intactive 3d reconstruction of piercewise planar objects from single images. in BMVC, 1999, 265–274 [19] Schaffalitzky, F

Intelligent mapping of alluvial aquifer characteristics in the Otago region, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedel, Michael; Rawlinson, Zara; Westerhoff, Rogier

2015-04-01

We adopt a hybrid approach to map the 3D hydrostratigraphy of an alluvial aquifer using big data collected in the Ettrick basin, Otago New Zealand. First, a subset (1%) of the 18 million regional helicopter frequency-domain electromagnetic (HEM) sounding measurements (300 Hz, Horizontal co-planar; 3300 Hz, vertical co-planar; 8200 Hz, horizontal co-planar; 40 kHz, horizontal co-planar; 137 kHz horizontal coplanar) and their numerically-inverted 1D resistivity (50¬-100 Ω-m) profiles are randomly split. For example, 50% of these data are used for training an unsupervised machine-learning (ML) network, and 50% of these data are used for performance at independent locations. The remaining set of HEM measurements are then presented to the vetted ML network to estimate regional resistivity structure which is compared to previously inverted resistivity. Second, about 50 borehole autocorrelation functions are computed based on cross-component correlations of quantized borehole locations sampled for lithology and HEM sounding data. Third, an unsupervised ML network is trained and performance tested using sparse borehole lithology (fractions of sand, silt, clay, mudstone, schist) and hydraulic properties (storage, hydraulic conductivity), and those HEM sounding data occurring within a radius defined by the maximum borehole autocorrelation distances. Fourth, this ML network is then used together with independent HEM sounding measurements to map the spatial distribution of physical aquifer properties and hydraulic properties across the basin.

Waveguide arrangements based on adiabatic elimination

DOEpatents

Suchowski, Haim; Mrejen, Michael; Wu, Chihhui; Zhang, Xiang

2016-09-13

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to nanophotonics. In one aspect, an arrangement of waveguides includes a substrate and three waveguides. Each of the three waveguides may be a linear waveguide. A second waveguide is positioned between a first waveguide and a third waveguide. The dimensions and positions of the first, the second, and the third waveguides are specified to substantially eliminate coupling between the first waveguide and the third waveguide over a distance of about 1 millimeter to 2 millimeters along lengths of the first waveguide, the second waveguide, and the third waveguide.

Second-order Born calculation of coplanar symmetric (e, 2e) process on Mg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yong-Zhi; Wang, Yang; Zhou, Ya-Jun

2014-06-01

The second-order distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) method is employed to investigate the triple differential cross sections (TDCS) of coplanar doubly symmetric (e, 2e) collisions for magnesium at excess energies of 6 eV-20 eV. Comparing with the standard first-order DWBA calculations, the inclusion of the second-order Born term in the scattering amplitude improves the degree of agreement with experiments, especially for backward scattering region of TDCS. This indicates that the present second-order Born term is capable to give a reasonable correction to DWBA model in studying coplanar symmetric (e, 2e) problems of two-valence-electron target in low energy range.

Preliminary report on electromagnetic model studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Frischknecht, F.C.; Mangan, G.B.

1960-01-01

More than 70 resopnse curves for various models have been obtained using the slingram and turam electromagnetic methods. Results show that for the slingram method, horizontal co-planar coils are usually more sensitive than vertical, co-axial or vertical, co-planar coils. The shape of the anomaly usually is simpler for the vertical coils.

Optimal Low-Thrust Limited-Power Transfers between Arbitrary Elliptic Coplanar Orbits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

daSilvaFernandes, Sandro; dasChagasCarvalho, Francisco

2007-01-01

In this work, a complete first order analytical solution, which includes the short periodic terms, for the problem of optimal low-thrust limited-power transfers between arbitrary elliptic coplanar orbits in a Newtonian central gravity field is obtained through Hamilton-Jacobi theory and a perturbation method based on Lie series.

A half millimeter thick coplanar flexible battery with wireless recharging capability.

PubMed

Kim, Joo-Seong; Ko, Dongah; Yoo, Dong-Joo; Jung, Dae Soo; Yavuz, Cafer T; Kim, Nam-In; Choi, In-Suk; Song, Jae Yong; Choi, Jang Wook

2015-04-08

Most of the existing flexible lithium ion batteries (LIBs) adopt the conventional cofacial cell configuration where anode, separator, and cathode are sequentially stacked and so have difficulty in the integration with emerging thin LIB applications, such as smart cards and medical patches. In order to overcome this shortcoming, herein, we report a coplanar cell structure in which anodes and cathodes are interdigitatedly positioned on the same plane. The coplanar electrode design brings advantages of enhanced bending tolerance and capability of increasing the cell voltage by in series-connection of multiple single-cells in addition to its suitability for the thickness reduction. On the basis of these structural benefits, we develop a coplanar flexible LIB that delivers 7.4 V with an entire cell thickness below 0.5 mm while preserving stable electrochemical performance throughout 5000 (un)bending cycles (bending radius = 5 mm). Also, even the pouch case serves as barriers between anodes and cathodes to prevent Li dendrite growth and short-circuit formation while saving the thickness. Furthermore, for convenient practical use wireless charging via inductive electromagnetic energy transfer and solar cell integration is demonstrated.

Spectroscopic classification of three SNe Ia at Asiago

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomasella, L.; Benetti, S.; Cappellaro, E.; Elias-Rosa, N.; Ochner, P.; Pastorello, A.; Tartaglia, L.; Terreran, G.; Turatto, M.

2015-06-01

The Asiago Transient Classification Program (Tomasella et al. 2014, AN, 335, 841) reports the spectroscopic classification of Gaia15agj in FGC 0955 discovered by Gaia satellite on 2015 Jun 03.05 UT (ATel #7615); ASASSN-15kx (ATel #7621) in PGC 068459 discovered by the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) and PSN J14432601+5725412 (= MASTER OT J144326.01+572541.2) discovered by MASTER-Kislovodsk auto-detection system (ATel #7618).

Development of Novel Noninvasive Methods of Stress Assessment in Baleen Whales

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-30

15 and she was subsequently re-sighted in early 2016 on the NARW calving grounds with a live neonate calf. This independent confirmation of pregnancy ...fMC and fGC should show a significant positive correlation, and (b) physiological stressors already known to elevate fGCs (such as pregnancy ) should...and sterile polystyrene dish. 4 Blow sample collection. We collected 100 blow samples from NARW during eight days at sea (66 hours of survey

Printing Semiconductor-Insulator Polymer Bilayers for High-Performance Coplanar Field-Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Bu, Laju; Hu, Mengxing; Lu, Wanlong; Wang, Ziyu; Lu, Guanghao

2018-01-01

Source-semiconductor-drain coplanar transistors with an organic semiconductor layer located within the same plane of source/drain electrodes are attractive for next-generation electronics, because they could be used to reduce material consumption, minimize parasitic leakage current, avoid cross-talk among different devices, and simplify the fabrication process of circuits. Here, a one-step, drop-casting-like printing method to realize a coplanar transistor using a model semiconductor/insulator [poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/polystyrene (PS)] blend is developed. By manipulating the solution dewetting dynamics on the metal electrode and SiO 2 dielectric, the solution within the channel region is selectively confined, and thus make the top surface of source/drain electrodes completely free of polymers. Subsequently, during solvent evaporation, vertical phase separation between P3HT and PS leads to a semiconductor-insulator bilayer structure, contributing to an improved transistor performance. Moreover, this coplanar transistor with semiconductor-insulator bilayer structure is an ideal system for injecting charges into the insulator via gate-stress, and the thus-formed PS electret layer acts as a "nonuniform floating gate" to tune the threshold voltage and effective mobility of the transistors. Effective field-effect mobility higher than 1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 with an on/off ratio > 10 7 is realized, and the performances are comparable to those of commercial amorphous silicon transistors. This coplanar transistor simplifies the fabrication process of corresponding circuits. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Levels of coplanar PCBs in human breast milk at different times of lactation

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

Gonzalez, M.J.; Ramos, L.; Hernandez, L.M.

PCBs are a highly lipophilic group of global pollutants, consisting of 209 congeners which exhibit wide differences in their toxic and biological effects. The coplanar PCB (non-, mono- and di-ortho Chlorine substituted) congeners, the most toxic ones, induce similar toxic effects as 2,3,7,8 TCDD. Thus for risk assessment of exposure to PCBs, the analysis of these coplanar congeners is required. The PCB levels in human breast milk are of specific concern because of the potential health damage which may be caused to the nursing baby. The PCB levels in this sample come from previously accumulated quantities in body fat whosemore » principal source is food, and pass directly to the nursing baby who accumulates the PCBs in adipose tissue. The amount of total PCBs and other organochlorine compounds (OCC) in human milk at different time intervals after birth was reported earlier, but data concerning individual and coplanar PCBs are sparse in the literature. The results from some studies showed a gradual decrease of residual levels in milk and milk fat. However, other research has shown differences in this respect. We present our first result concerning the concentration of 14 individual PCBs (13 coplanars) in breast milk from the same mother, during weeks 8 to 12 of lactation. We related the different concentration variations observed among the individual PCBs to their molecular structure and % fat in human breast milk. 17 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

A Survey of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans and Co-planar Polychlorinated Biphenyls in U.S. Meat and Poultry, 2007-2008

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A statistically-based survey of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in domestic meat and poultry was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from September 2007 to September 2008. Seventeen toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and three coplanar pol...

Compact waveguide circular polarizer

DOEpatents

Tantawi, Sami G.

2016-08-16

A multi-port waveguide is provided having a rectangular waveguide that includes a Y-shape structure with first top arm having a first rectangular waveguide port, a second top arm with second rectangular waveguide port, and a base arm with a third rectangular waveguide port for supporting a TE.sub.10 mode and a TE.sub.20 mode, where the end of the third rectangular waveguide port includes rounded edges that are parallel to a z-axis of the waveguide, a circular waveguide having a circular waveguide port for supporting a left hand and a right hand circular polarization TE.sub.11 mode and is coupled to a base arm broad wall, and a matching feature disposed on the base arm broad wall opposite of the circular waveguide for terminating the third rectangular waveguide port, where the first rectangular waveguide port, the second rectangular waveguide port and the circular waveguide port are capable of supporting 4-modes of operation.

Interconnect Between a Waveguide and a Dielectric Waveguide Comprising an Impedance Matched Dielectric Lens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decrossas, Emmanuel (Inventor); Chattopadhyay, Goutam (Inventor); Chahat, Nacer (Inventor); Tang, Adrian J. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A lens for interconnecting a metallic waveguide with a dielectric waveguide is provided. The lens may be coupled a metallic waveguide and a dielectric waveguide, and minimize a signal loss between the metallic waveguide and the dielectric waveguide.

RF window assembly comprising a ceramic disk disposed within a cylindrical waveguide which is connected to rectangular waveguides through elliptical joints

DOEpatents

Tantawi, Sami G.; Dolgashev, Valery A.; Yeremian, Anahid D.

2016-03-15

A high-power microwave RF window is provided that includes a cylindrical waveguide, where the cylindrical waveguide includes a ceramic disk concentrically housed in a central region of the cylindrical waveguide, a first rectangular waveguide, where the first rectangular waveguide is connected by a first elliptical joint to a proximal end of the cylindrical waveguide, and a second rectangular waveguide, where the second rectangular waveguide is connected by a second elliptical joint to a distal end of the cylindrical waveguide.

DEVELOPMERNT OF A LOW-LEVEL ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR CO-PLANAR PCB CONGENERS IN SOIL/SEDIMENT MATRICES USING GC/ECD.

EPA Science Inventory

The method development is on-going in the Region 10 Laboratory. The conditions of the separation technique is complete. The MDLs have been determined to be between 3 to 6 ppt in marine sediment for co-planar PCB congeners #77; #81; #126 and #169. The procedure has been used fo...

Reference values of coplanar and non-coplanar PCBs in serum samples from two Italian population groups.

PubMed

Turci, Roberta; Finozzi, Enrico; Catenacci, Giovanni; Marinaccio, Alessandro; Balducci, Claudio; Minoia, Claudio

2006-04-10

The main goal of this study is to establish the reference values of individual Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in non-occupationally exposed subjects. Since the PCB pattern in human serum is related to the living area, two different population groups from North and Central Italy, were compared. Serum concentrations of both coplanar and non-coplanar PCB congeners were measured by using gas chromatography coupled with low-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-LRMS). A fast and reliable method for the determination of 60 congeners had been previously validated. Its reliability was further verified by using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Thirty-one congeners out of 60 were found at detectable concentrations in at least one sample. The mean value for total PCBs was found to be 2.48 and 3.93 microg/L for the two population groups. Eight dioxin-like PCBs were detected. In accordance with the findings from the literature, the most abundant congeners were found to be 153, 138, 180, and 170. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age is a significant determinant of PCB concentrations. The correlation increased with increasing chlorination. Slight differences in the PCB pattern were observed in the two population groups.

Wheel-Based Ice Sensors for Road Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey; Fink, Patrick W.; Ngo, Phong H.; Carl, James R.

2011-01-01

Wheel-based sensors for detection of ice on roads and approximate measurement of the thickness of the ice are under development. These sensors could be used to alert drivers to hazardous local icing conditions in real time. In addition, local ice-thickness measurements by these sensors could serve as guidance for the minimum amount of sand and salt required to be dispensed locally onto road surfaces to ensure safety, thereby helping road crews to utilize their total supplies of sand and salt more efficiently. Like some aircraft wing-surface ice sensors described in a number of previous NASA Tech Briefs articles, the wheelbased ice sensors are based, variously, on measurements of changes in capacitance and/or in radio-frequency impedance as affected by ice on surfaces. In the case of ice on road surfaces, the measurable changes in capacitance and/or impedance are attributable to differences among the electric permittivities of air, ice, water, concrete, and soil. In addition, a related phenomenon that can be useful for distinguishing between ice and water is a specific transition in the permittivity of ice at a temperature- dependent frequency. This feature also provides a continuous calibration of the sensor to allow for changing road conditions. Several configurations of wheel-based ice sensors are under consideration. For example, in a simple two-electrode capacitor configuration, one of the electrodes would be a circumferential electrode within a tire, and the ground would be used as the second electrode. Optionally, the steel belts that are already standard parts of many tires could be used as the circumferential electrodes. In another example (see figure), multiple electrodes would be embedded in rubber between the steel belt and the outer tire surface. These electrodes would be excited in alternating polarities at one or more suitable audio or radio frequencies to provide nearly continuous monitoring of the road surface under the tire. In still another example, one or more microwave stripline(s) or coplanar waveguide(s) would be embedded in a tire near its outer surface; in comparison with lower-frequency capacitive devices, a device of this type could be more sensitive.

Ka-Band TWT High-Efficiency Power Combiner for High-Rate Data Transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wintucky, Edwin G.; Simons, Rainee; Vaden, Karl R.; Lesny, Gary G.; Glass, Jeffrey L.

2007-01-01

A four-port magic-T hybrid waveguide junction serves as the central component of a high-efficiency two-way power combiner circuit for transmitting a high-rate phase-modulated digital signal at a carrier frequency in the Ka-band (between 27 and 40 GHz). This power combiner was developed to satisfy a specific requirement to efficiently combine the coherent outputs of two traveling-wavetube (TWT) amplifiers that are typically characterized by power levels on the order of 100 W or more. In this application, the use of a waveguide-based power combiner (instead of a coaxial-cable- or microstrip-based power combiner, for example) is dictated by requirements for low loss, high power-handling capability, and broadband response. Combiner efficiencies were typically 90 percent or more over both the linear and saturated output power regions of operation of the TWTs . Figure 1 depicts the basic configuration of the magic-T hybrid junction. The coherent outputs of the two TWTs enter through ports 1 and 4. As a result of the orientations of the electromagnetic fields, which also provides a needed high port-to-port isolation, of these two input signals and the interior design of the magic-T junction, the input powers are divided so as to add in phase at one output port (port 2), and to be opposite in phase and hence cancel each other at the opposite coplanar output port (port 3). The net result is that the output power at port 2 is essentially double that of the output of one TWT, minus the power lost in the magic-T hybrid junction. Optimum performance as a high-efficiency power combiner thus requires a balance of both power and phase at the input ports of the magic-T. Replicas of this two-way combiner can be arranged in a binary configuration to obtain a 2n-way (where n is an integer) combiner. For example, Figure 2 illustrates the use of three two-way combiners to combine the outputs of four TWTs.

Thin film metrology and microwave loss characterization of indium and aluminum/indium superconducting planar resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McRae, C. R. H.; Béjanin, J. H.; Earnest, C. T.; McConkey, T. G.; Rinehart, J. R.; Deimert, C.; Thomas, J. P.; Wasilewski, Z. R.; Mariantoni, M.

2018-05-01

Scalable architectures characterized by quantum bits (qubits) with low error rates are essential to the development of a practical quantum computer. In the superconducting quantum computing implementation, understanding and minimizing material losses are crucial to the improvement of qubit performance. A new material that has recently received particular attention is indium, a low-temperature superconductor that can be used to bond pairs of chips containing standard aluminum-based qubit circuitry. In this work, we characterize microwave loss in indium and aluminum/indium thin films on silicon substrates by measuring superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators and estimating the main loss parameters at powers down to the sub-photon regime and at temperatures between 10 and 450 mK. We compare films deposited by thermal evaporation, sputtering, and molecular beam epitaxy. We study the effects of heating in a vacuum and ambient atmospheric pressure as well as the effects of pre-deposition wafer cleaning using hydrofluoric acid. The microwave measurements are supported by thin film metrology including secondary-ion mass spectrometry. For thermally evaporated and sputtered films, we find that two-level state are the dominant loss mechanism at low photon number and temperature, with a loss tangent due to native indium oxide of ˜ 5 × 10 - 5 . The molecular beam epitaxial films show evidence of the formation of a substantial indium-silicon eutectic layer, which leads to a drastic degradation in resonator performance.

Design methodology and performance analysis of a wideband 90° phase switch for radiometer applications

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

Villa, Enrique, E-mail: villae@unican.es; Aja, Beatriz; Cagigas, Jaime

2013-12-15

This paper presents the analysis, design, and characterization of a wideband 90° phase switch in Ka-band. The phase switch is based on two microstrip bandpass filters in which the commutation is performed by a novel single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. The analysis of π-network bandpass filters is provided, obtaining the phase difference and amplitude imbalance between filters and their scattering parameters; tested results show an average phase difference of 88.9° ± 5° and an amplitude imbalance of 0.15 dB from 24 to 37 GHz. The new broadband SPDT switch is based on a coplanar waveguide-to-slotline-to-microstrip structure, which enables a full planarmore » integration with shifting branches. PIN diodes are used to perform the switching between outputs. The SPDT shows isolation better than 19 dB, insertion loss of around 1.8 dB, and return loss better than 15 dB. The full integration of the phase switch achieves a return loss better than 11 dB and insertion loss of around 4 dB over the band 26–36 GHz, with an average phase difference of 87.1° ± 4° and an average amplitude imbalance of 0.3 dB. It provides an excellent performance for this frequency range, suitable for radio-astronomy receivers.« less

A Near-Zero Refractive Index Meta-Surface Structure for Antenna Performance Improvement.

PubMed

Ullah, Mohammad Habib; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

2013-11-06

A new meta-surface structure (MSS) with a near-zero refractive index (NZRI) is proposed to enhance the performance of a square loop antenna array. The main challenge to improve the antenna performance is increment of the overall antenna volume that is mitigated by assimilating the planar NZRI MSS at the back of the antenna structure. The proposed NZRI MSS-loaded CPW-fed (Co-Planar Waveguide) four-element array antenna is designed on ceramic-bioplastic-ceramic sandwich substrate using high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS), a finite-element-method-based simulation tool. The gain and directivity of the antenna are significantly enhanced by incorporating the NZRI MSS with a 7 × 6 set of elements at the back of the antenna structure. Measurement results show that the maximum gains of the antenna increased from 6.21 dBi to 8.25 dBi, from 6.52 dBi to 9.05 dBi and from 10.54 dBi to 12.15 dBi in the first, second and third bands, respectively. The effect of the slot configuration in the ground plane on the reflection coefficient of the antenna was analyzed and optimized. The overall performance makes the proposed antenna appropriate for UHFFM (Ultra High Frequency Frequency Modulation) telemetry-based space applications as well as mobile satellite, microwave radiometry and radio astronomy applications.

1.4 µm-Thick Transparent Radio Frequency Transmission Lines Based on Instant Fusion of Polyethylene Terephthalate Through Surface of Ag Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang-Woo; Kim, Kwang-Seok; Park, Myeongkoo; Nah, Wansoo; Kim, Dae Up; Lee, Cheul-Ro; Jung, Seung-Boo; Kim, Jong-Woong

2018-05-01

Though a percolated network of silver nanowires (AgNWs) has been considered the most promising flexible transparent electrode because of it high conductivity, high transmittance, and excellent flexibility, fabrication of AgNW-based transmission lines designed to conduct high frequency signals has been scarcely reported. The fabrication and performance of extremely thin (1.4 µm thick) and low lossy (smaller than - 17 dB for reflection coefficient corresponding to 2.5 GHz) transmission lines with unprecedented transparency (higher than 90% for the entire visible light spectrum) are demonstrated in this study. AgNWs deposited onto a 1.4 µm-thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet were irradiated by intense-pulsed-light to selectively raise their temperature. The intensive photon energy delivered to the AgNWs simultaneously caused the active diffusion of Ag atoms and plasmonic welding, resulting in large drops in resistivity without drastic changes in their physical shape or the optical transmittance of the films. Furthermore, absorption of heat also thermally activated the underlying polymer and causing it to react with the surface of the AgNWs—this results in enhanced adhesion between the AgNWs and the PET. Measurements and simulation of specially designed coplanar waveguide circuits revealed that the fabricated electrode could simultaneously provide excellent transmission characteristics and mechanical stability and transparency.

A Ku band 5 bit MEMS phase shifter for active electronically steerable phased array applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Anesh K.; Gautam, Ashu K.; Farinelli, Paola; Dutta, Asudeb; Singh, S. G.

2015-03-01

The design, fabrication and measurement of a 5 bit Ku band MEMS phase shifter in different configurations, i.e. a coplanar waveguide and microstrip, are presented in this work. The development architecture is based on the hybrid approach of switched and loaded line topologies. All the switches are monolithically manufactured on a 200 µm high resistivity silicon substrate using 4 inch diameter wafers. The first three bits (180°, 90° and 45°) are realized using switched microstrip lines and series ohmic MEMS switches whereas the fourth and fifth bits (22.5° and 11.25°) consist of microstrip line sections loaded by shunt ohmic MEMS devices. Individual bits are fabricated and evaluated for performance and the monolithic device is a 5 bit Ku band (16-18 GHz) phase shifter with very low average insertion loss of the order of 3.3 dB and a return loss better than 15 dB over the 32 states with a chip area of 44 mm2. A total phase shift of 348.75° with phase accuracy within 3° is achieved over all of the states. The performance of individual bits has been optimized in order to achieve an integrated performance so that they can be implemented into active electronically steerable antennas for phased array applications.

A Near-Zero Refractive Index Meta-Surface Structure for Antenna Performance Improvement

PubMed Central

Ullah, Mohammad Habib; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

2013-01-01

A new meta-surface structure (MSS) with a near-zero refractive index (NZRI) is proposed to enhance the performance of a square loop antenna array. The main challenge to improve the antenna performance is increment of the overall antenna volume that is mitigated by assimilating the planar NZRI MSS at the back of the antenna structure. The proposed NZRI MSS-loaded CPW-fed (Co-Planar Waveguide) four-element array antenna is designed on ceramic-bioplastic-ceramic sandwich substrate using high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS), a finite-element-method-based simulation tool. The gain and directivity of the antenna are significantly enhanced by incorporating the NZRI MSS with a 7 × 6 set of elements at the back of the antenna structure. Measurement results show that the maximum gains of the antenna increased from 6.21 dBi to 8.25 dBi, from 6.52 dBi to 9.05 dBi and from 10.54 dBi to 12.15 dBi in the first, second and third bands, respectively. The effect of the slot configuration in the ground plane on the reflection coefficient of the antenna was analyzed and optimized. The overall performance makes the proposed antenna appropriate for UHFFM (Ultra High Frequency Frequency Modulation) telemetry-based space applications as well as mobile satellite, microwave radiometry and radio astronomy applications. PMID:28788376

High-efficiency broadband excitation and propagation of second-mode spoof surface plasmon polaritons by a complementary structure.

PubMed

Zhang, Dawei; Zhang, Kuang; Wu, Qun; Yang, Guohui; Sha, Xuejun

2017-07-15

A complementary structure based on coplanar waveguides (CPWs) with periodical etching slots is proposed to support spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). In contrast to the traditional slotline-based complementary SSPP structure, a dispersion curve of the second mode by the proposed structure has a much lower starting point from the origin which exhibits greatly improved operating bandwidth. Moreover, tighter confinements of SSPPs in the region of small wave vectors corresponding to lower frequencies can be predicted from the dispersion analysis, which means enhancement of transmission efficiency. Then a simple and efficient transition structure with tapered CPWs and gradient slots is proposed to realize high-efficiency and broadband excitation of the second mode of SSPPs for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Based on the proposed structure, a seamless connection between CPWs and the SSPP structure can be achieved. The measured insertion loss and return loss below 6.6 GHz is better than -0.86 and -13.62  dB, respectively. Furthermore, it can be seen from the measurement results that a 3 dB bandwidth ranges from 0 to 10.57 GHz, and the return loss is better than -10  dB from 0 to 8.96 GHz. The proposed structure can promote the development of plasmonic integrate circuits and functional devices at microwave frequencies.

Novel non-periodic spoof surface plasmon polaritons with H-shaped cells and its application to high selectivity wideband bandpass filter.

PubMed

Gao, Xin; Che, Wenquan; Feng, Wenjie

2018-02-06

In this paper, one kind of novel non-periodic spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) with H-shaped cells is proposed. As we all know, the cutoff frequency exists inherently for the conventional comb-shaped SSPPs, which is a kind of periodic groove shape structures and fed by a conventional coplanar waveguide (CPW). In this work, instead of increasing the depth of all the grooves, two H-shaped cells are introduced to effectively reduce the cutoff frequency of the conventional comb-shaped SSPPs (about 12 GHz) for compact design. More importantly, the guide waves can be gradually transformed to SSPP waves with high efficiency, and better impedance matching from 50 Ω to the novel SSPP strip is achieved. Based on the proposed non-periodic SSPPs with H-shaped cells, a wideband bandpass filter (the 3-dB fractional bandwidths 68%) is realized by integrating the spiral-shaped defected ground structure (DGS) etched on CPW. Specifically, the filter shows high passband selectivity (Δf 3 dB /Δf 20 dB  = 0.91) and wide upper stopband with -20 dB rejection. A prototype is fabricated for demonstration. Good agreements can be observed between the measured and simulated results, indicating potential applications in the integrated plasmonic devices and circuits at microwave and even THz frequencies.

Tandem array of nanoelectronic readers embedded coplanar to a fluidic nanochannel for correlated single biopolymer analysis

PubMed Central

Lesser-Rojas, Leonardo; Sriram, K. K.; Liao, Kuo-Tang; Lai, Shui-Chin; Kuo, Pai-Chia; Chu, Ming-Lee; Chou, Chia-Fu

2014-01-01

We have developed a two-step electron-beam lithography process to fabricate a tandem array of three pairs of tip-like gold nanoelectronic detectors with electrode gap size as small as 9 nm, embedded in a coplanar fashion to 60 nm deep, 100 nm wide, and up to 150 μm long nanochannels coupled to a world-micro-nanofluidic interface for easy sample introduction. Experimental tests with a sealed device using DNA-protein complexes demonstrate the coplanarity of the nanoelectrodes to the nanochannel surface. Further, this device could improve transverse current detection by correlated time-of-flight measurements of translocating samples, and serve as an autocalibrated velocimeter and nanoscale tandem Coulter counters for single molecule analysis of heterogeneous samples. PMID:24753731

UHF coplanar-slot antenna for aircraft-to-satellite data communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myhre, R. W.

1979-01-01

A lightweight low drag coplanar slot antenna was developed for use on commercial jet aircraft that will provide upper hemisphere coverage in the UHF band at frequencies of 402 and 468 MHz is described. The antenna is designed to transmit meteorological data from wide body jet aircraft to ground users via synchronous meteorological data relay satellites. The low profile antenna (23.5 cm wide by 38.1 cm long slot by 1.9 cm high) is a conformal antenna utilizing the coplanar approach with the advantages of broad frequency bandwidth and improved electrical integrity over wide range of temperature. The antenna is circular polarized, has anon axis gain of near +2.5 dB, and a HPBW greater than 90 deg. Areas discussed include antenna design, radiation characteristics, flight testing, and system performance.

Journal Article: the National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (Ndamn): Measurements of CDDs, CDFs and Coplanar PCBs at 15 Rural and 6 National Park Areas of the U.S.: June 1998-December 1999.

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. EPA has established a National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (NDAMN) to determine the temporal and geographical variability of atmospheric CDDs, CDFs and coplanar PCBs at rural and nonimpacted locations throughout the United States. Currently operating at 32 sampling st...

Minimum fuel coplanar aeroassisted orbital transfer using collocation and nonlinear programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shi, Yun Yuan; Young, D. H.

1991-01-01

The fuel optimal control problem arising in coplanar orbital transfer employing aeroassisted technology is addressed. The mission involves the transfer from high energy orbit (HEO) to low energy orbit (LEO) without plane change. The basic approach here is to employ a combination of propulsive maneuvers in space and aerodynamic maneuvers in the atmosphere. The basic sequence of events for the coplanar aeroassisted HEO to LEO orbit transfer consists of three phases. In the first phase, the transfer begins with a deorbit impulse at HEO which injects the vehicle into a elliptic transfer orbit with perigee inside the atmosphere. In the second phase, the vehicle is optimally controlled by lift and drag modulation to satisfy heating constraints and to exit the atmosphere with the desired flight path angle and velocity so that the apogee of the exit orbit is the altitude of the desired LEO. Finally, the second impulse is required to circularize the orbit at LEO. The performance index is maximum final mass. Simulation results show that the coplanar aerocapture is quite different from the case where orbital plane changes are made inside the atmosphere. In the latter case, the vehicle has to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere to perform the desired orbital plane change. For the coplanar case, the vehicle needs only to penetrate the atmosphere deep enough to reduce the exit velocity so the vehicle can be captured at the desired LEO. The peak heating rates are lower and the entry corridor is wider. From the thermal protection point of view, the coplanar transfer may be desirable. Parametric studies also show the maximum peak heating rates and the entry corridor width are functions of maximum lift coefficient. The problem is solved using a direct optimization technique which uses piecewise polynomial representation for the states and controls and collocation to represent the differential equations. This converts the optimal control problem into a nonlinear programming problem which is solved numerically by using a modified version of NPSOL. Solutions were obtained for the described problem for cases with and without heating constraints. The method appears to be more robust than other optimization methods. In addition, the method can handle complex dynamical constraints.

SU-E-T-321: Dosimetric Evaluation of Non-Coplanar Arcs in VMAT Planning for SBRT Lung Cases: A Planning Study

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

Lu, S; Gardner, S; Doemer, A

Purpose: Investigate use of standardized non-coplanar arcs to improve plan quality in lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy(SBRT) VMAT planning. Methods: VMAT planning was performed for 9 patients previously treated with SBRT for peripheral lung tumors (tumor size:12.7cc to 32.5cc). For each patient, 7 VMAT plans (couch rotation values:0,5,10,15,20,25,and 30 deg) were generated; the coplanar plans were pushed to meet the RTOG0915 constraints and each non-coplanar plans utilized the same optimization constraints. The following plan dose metrics were used (taken from RTOG 0915): D-2cm: the maximum dose at 2 cm from the PTV, conformality index (CI), gradient index (GI), lung volumemore » receiving 5 Gy (V5) and lung volume receiving 20 Gy (V20). The couch collision clearance was checked for each plan through a dry run using the couch position from the patient’s treatment. Results: Of the 9 cases, one coplanar plan failed to meet two protocol guidelines (both gradient index and D-2cm parameter), and an additional plan failed the D-2cm parameter. When introducing at least 5 degree couch rotation, all plans met the protocol guidelines. The largest feasible couch angle available was 15 to 20 degrees due to gantry collision issues. Non-coplanar plans resulted in the average (standard deviation) reduction of the following metrics: GI by 7.3% (3.7%); lung V20 by 11.1% (3.2%); D-2cm by 12.7% (3.9%). The CI was unchanged (−0.3%±0.6%), and lung V5 increased (3.8%±8.2%). Conclusion: The use of couch rotations as little as 5 degrees allows for plan quality that will meet RTOG0915 constraints while reducing D-2cm, GI, and lung V20. Using default couch rotations while planning SBRT cases will allow for more efficient planning with the stated goal of meeting RTOG0915 criteria for all clinical cases. Gantry clearance checks in the treatment room may be necessary to ensure safe treatments for larger couch rotation values.« less

Levels of non-ortho-substituted (coplanar), mono- and di-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzo-p-dioxins, and dibenzofurans in human serum and adipose tissue.

PubMed Central

Patterson, D G; Todd, G D; Turner, W E; Maggio, V; Alexander, L R; Needham, L L

1994-01-01

We have measured non-ortho-substituted (coplanar) polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels as well as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) levels in human adipose tissue and serum collected in Atlanta, Georgia. The results show that the concentrations of the coplanar PCBs can be more than an order of magnitude higher than the concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Our measurements in pooled serum collected in 1982, 1988, and 1989 show a decrease in coplanar PCB levels from 1982 to 1989. We found that the pattern of relative amounts of coplanar PCBs in adipose tissue varied greatly from person to person unlike the PCDD and PCDF patterns, which were more nearly the same. Age was significantly correlated with the concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD,3,3'4,4'-PCB, 3,3',4,4',5-PCB, and 3,3'4,4',5,5'-PCB in adipose tissue. We also measured levels of the mono- and di-ortho chlorine-substituted PCBs in human serum. The levels for some of these PCB congeners were three orders of magnitude higher than the coplanar PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs. We used the international toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) for PCDDs and PCDFs and the TEFs proposed by Safe for PCBs to calculate the 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents. Four PCBs (3,3',4,4',5-; 2,3',4,4',5-;2,3,3',4,4'-;2,3,3',4,4',5-) make a larger contribution than 2,3,7,8-TCDD, while four other PCBs (3,3',4,4'5,5'-; 2,2',3,4,4',5'-;2,2',4,4',5,5'-;2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-) make nearly the same contribution as 2,3,7,8-TCDD. The mono-ortho-chlorine-substituted 2,3',4,4',5-PCB, however, is the major contributor to the total 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents in general population samples from the United States, Sweden, and Japan.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:8187709

Comparison of the extent of hippocampal sparing according to the tilt of a patient's head during WBRT using linear accelerator-based IMRT and VMAT.

PubMed

Moon, Sun Young; Yoon, Myonggeun; Chung, Mijoo; Chung, Weon Kuu; Kim, Dong Wook

2016-05-01

In this paper, we report the results of our investigation into whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) using linear accelerator-based intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in lung cancer patients with a high risk of metastasis to the brain. Specifically, we assessed the absorbed dose and the rate of adverse effects for several organs at risk (OAR), including the hippocampus, according to the tilt of a patient's head. We arbitrarily selected five cases where measurements were made with the patients' heads tilted forward and five cases without such tilt. We set the entire brain as the planning target volume (PTV), and the hippocampi, the lenses, the eyes, and the cochleae as the main OAR, and formulated new plans for IMRT (coplanar, non-coplanar) and VMAT (coplanar, non-coplanar). Using the dose-volume histogram (DVH), we calculated and compared the effective uniform dose (EUD), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of the OAR and the mean and the maximum doses of hippocampus. As a result, if the patient tilted the head forward when receiving the Linac-based treatment, for the same treatment effect in the PTV, we confirmed that a lower dose entered the OAR, such as the hippocampus, eye, lens, and cochlea. Moreover, the damage to the hippocampus was expected to be the least when receiving coplanar VMAT with the head tilted forward. Accordingly, if patients tilt their heads forward when undergoing Linac-based WBRT, we anticipate that a smaller dose would be transmitted to the OAR, resulting in better quality of life following treatment. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

results obtained by the application of two different methods for the calculation of optimal coplanar orbital maneuvers with time limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocco, Emr; Prado, Afbap; Souza, Mlos

In this work, the problem of bi-impulsive orbital transfers between coplanar elliptical orbits with minimum fuel consumption but with a time limit for this transfer is studied. As a first method, the equations presented by Lawden (1993) were used. Those equations furnishes the optimal transfer orbit with fixed time for this transfer, between two elliptical coplanar orbits considering fixed terminal points. The method was adapted to cases with free terminal points and those equations was solved to develop a software for orbital maneuvers. As a second method, the equations presented by Eckel and Vinh (1984) were used, those equations provide the transfer orbit between non-coplanar elliptical orbits with minimum fuel and fixed time transfer, or minimum time transfer for a prescribed fuel consumption, considering free terminal points. But in this work only the problem with fixed time transfer was considered, the case of minimum time for a prescribed fuel consumption was already studied in Rocco et al. (2000). Then, the method was modified to consider cases of coplanar orbital transfer, and develop a software for orbital maneuvers. Therefore, two software that solve the same problem using different methods were developed. The first method, presented by Lawden, uses the primer vector theory. The second method, presented by Eckel and Vinh, uses the ordinary theory of maxima and minima. So, to test the methods we choose the same terminal orbits and the same time as input. We could verify that we didn't obtain exactly the same result. In this work, that is an extension of Rocco et al. (2002), these differences in the results are explored with objective of determining the reason of the occurrence of these differences and which modifications should be done to eliminate them.

Dosimetric verification of IMRT treatment planning using Monte Carlo simulations for prostate cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J.; Li, J.; Chen, L.; Price, R.; McNeeley, S.; Qin, L.; Wang, L.; Xiong, W.; Ma, C.-M.

2005-03-01

The purpose of this work is to investigate the accuracy of dose calculation of a commercial treatment planning system (Corvus, Normos Corp., Sewickley, PA). In this study, 30 prostate intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plans from the commercial treatment planning system were recalculated using the Monte Carlo method. Dose-volume histograms and isodose distributions were compared. Other quantities such as minimum dose to the target (Dmin), the dose received by 98% of the target volume (D98), dose at the isocentre (Diso), mean target dose (Dmean) and the maximum critical structure dose (Dmax) were also evaluated based on our clinical criteria. For coplanar plans, the dose differences between Monte Carlo and the commercial treatment planning system with and without heterogeneity correction were not significant. The differences in the isocentre dose between the commercial treatment planning system and Monte Carlo simulations were less than 3% for all coplanar cases. The differences on D98 were less than 2% on average. The differences in the mean dose to the target between the commercial system and Monte Carlo results were within 3%. The differences in the maximum bladder dose were within 3% for most cases. The maximum dose differences for the rectum were less than 4% for all the cases. For non-coplanar plans, the difference in the minimum target dose between the treatment planning system and Monte Carlo calculations was up to 9% if the heterogeneity correction was not applied in Corvus. This was caused by the excessive attenuation of the non-coplanar beams by the femurs. When the heterogeneity correction was applied in Corvus, the differences were reduced significantly. These results suggest that heterogeneity correction should be used in dose calculation for prostate cancer with non-coplanar beam arrangements.

Trajectory optimization for dynamic couch rotation during volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smyth, Gregory; Bamber, Jeffrey C.; Evans, Philip M.; Bedford, James L.

2013-11-01

Non-coplanar radiation beams are often used in three-dimensional conformal and intensity modulated radiotherapy to reduce dose to organs at risk (OAR) by geometric avoidance. In volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) non-coplanar geometries are generally achieved by applying patient couch rotations to single or multiple full or partial arcs. This paper presents a trajectory optimization method for a non-coplanar technique, dynamic couch rotation during VMAT (DCR-VMAT), which combines ray tracing with a graph search algorithm. Four clinical test cases (partial breast, brain, prostate only, and prostate and pelvic nodes) were used to evaluate the potential OAR sparing for trajectory-optimized DCR-VMAT plans, compared with standard coplanar VMAT. In each case, ray tracing was performed and a cost map reflecting the number of OAR voxels intersected for each potential source position was generated. The least-cost path through the cost map, corresponding to an optimal DCR-VMAT trajectory, was determined using Dijkstra’s algorithm. Results show that trajectory optimization can reduce dose to specified OARs for plans otherwise comparable to conventional coplanar VMAT techniques. For the partial breast case, the mean heart dose was reduced by 53%. In the brain case, the maximum lens doses were reduced by 61% (left) and 77% (right) and the globes by 37% (left) and 40% (right). Bowel mean dose was reduced by 15% in the prostate only case. For the prostate and pelvic nodes case, the bowel V50 Gy and V60 Gy were reduced by 9% and 45% respectively. Future work will involve further development of the algorithm and assessment of its performance over a larger number of cases in site-specific cohorts.

Altered thyroid status in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) exposed to co-planar 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl.

PubMed

Brown, Scott B; Evans, Robert E; Vandenbyllardt, Lenore; Finnson, Ken W; Palace, Vince P; Kane, Andrew S; Yarechewski, Alvin Y; Muir, Derek C G

2004-03-30

Recent studies indicate that co-planar 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners or their metabolites may disrupt thyroid function in fishes. Although co-planar PCB have been detected at microgram per kilogram levels in fish from contaminated areas, few studies have examined mechanisms whereby, co-planar PCBs may alter thyroid function in fish. We treated immature lake trout by intraperitoneal (i.p.)-injection or dietary gavage with vehicle containing 0, 0.7, 1.2, 25 or 40 microg 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) per kgBW. Blood and tissue samples were collected at various times up to 61 weeks following exposure. The treatments produced sustained dose-dependent elevations of tissue (PCB 126) concentrations. Thyroid epithelial cell height (TECH), plasma thyroxine (T4) and 3,3',5-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) concentrations, hepatic 5'-monodeiodinase, hepatic glucuronidation of T4 and T3, as well as plasma T4 kinetics and fish growth were analyzed. Exposure to the highest doses of PCB 126 caused increased TECH, plasma T4 dynamics and T4-glucuronidation (T4-G). PCB 126 did not affect 5'-monodeiodinase and T3-glucuronidation (T3-G) and there were no effects on fish growth or condition. Because T3 status and growth were unaffected, the thyroid system was able to compensate for the alterations caused by the PCB 126 exposure. It is clear that concentrations of co-planar PCBs similar to those found in predatory fish from contaminated areas in the Great Lakes are capable of enhancing metabolism of T4. These changes may be of significance when T4 requirements are high for other reasons (e.g. periods of rapid growth, warm temperatures, metamorphosis, and parr-smolt transformation).

Further studies on criteria for the onset of dynamical instability in general three-body systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pendleton, Y. J.; Black, D. C.

1983-01-01

Numerical experiments designed for the elucidation of the conditions under which self-gravitating, three-body systems become dynamically unstable are examined of the cases of four orbital configuration types: circular, prograde, and coplanar; circular, retrograde, and coplanar; circular, direct, and inclined; and eccentric, direct, and coplanar. Results indicate that orbital inclination does not significantly affect stability in 'outer planet' configurations, while the stability of 'inner planet' configurations, where the tertiary is in close orbit about one member of the binary, is markedly less affected, once the relative orbital inclination is greater than 50 deg. It is found that the onset of dynamical instability is only weakly dependent on the eccentricity of either the binary or tertiary orbit, as long as the mass of the tertiary is comparable to the reduced mass of the binary.

Phase diagram of the Shastry-Sutherland Kondo lattice model with classical localized spins: a variational calculation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahzad, Munir; Sengupta, Pinaki

2017-08-01

We study the Shastry-Sutherland Kondo lattice model with additional Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interactions, exploring the possible magnetic phases in its multi-dimensional parameter space. Treating the local moments as classical spins and using a variational ansatz, we identify the parameter ranges over which various common magnetic orderings are potentially stabilized. Our results reveal that the competing interactions result in a heightened susceptibility towards a wide range of spin configurations including longitudinal ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic order, coplanar flux configurations and most interestingly, multiple non-coplanar configurations including a novel canted-flux state as the different Hamiltonian parameters like electron density, interaction strengths and degree of frustration are varied. The non-coplanar and non-collinear magnetic ordering of localized spins behave like emergent electromagnetic fields and drive unusual transport and electronic phenomena.

Microminiature optical waveguide structure and method for fabrication

DOEpatents

Strand, O.T.; Deri, R.J.; Pocha, M.D.

1998-12-08

A method for manufacturing low-cost, nearly circular cross section waveguides comprises starting with a substrate material that a molten waveguide material can not wet or coat. A thin layer is deposited of an opposite material that the molten waveguide material will wet and is patterned to describe the desired surface-contact path pedestals for a waveguide. A waveguide material, e.g., polymer or doped silica, is deposited. A resist material is deposited and unwanted excess is removed to form pattern masks. The waveguide material is etched away to form waveguide precursors and the masks are removed. Heat is applied to reflow the waveguide precursors into near-circular cross-section waveguides that sit atop the pedestals. The waveguide material naturally forms nearly circular cross sections due to the surface tension effects. After cooling, the waveguides will maintain the round shape. If the width and length are the same, then spherical ball lenses are formed. Alternatively, the pedestals can be patterned to taper along their lengths on the surface of the substrate. This will cause the waveguides to assume a conical taper after reflowing by heat. 32 figs.

Microminiature optical waveguide structure and method for fabrication

DOEpatents

Strand, Oliver T.; Deri, Robert J.; Pocha, Michael D.

1998-01-01

A method for manufacturing low-cost, nearly circular cross section waveguides comprises starting with a substrate material that a molten waveguide material can not wet or coat. A thin layer is deposited of an opposite material that the molten waveguide material will wet and is patterned to describe the desired surface-contact path pedestals for a waveguide. A waveguide material, e.g., polymer or doped silica, is deposited. A resist material is deposited and unwanted excess is removed to form pattern masks. The waveguide material is etched away to form waveguide precursors and the masks are removed. Heat is applied to reflow the waveguide precursors into near-circular cross-section waveguides that sit atop the pedestals. The waveguide material naturally forms nearly circular cross sections due to the surface tension effects. After cooling, the waveguides will maintain the round shape. If the width and length are the same, then spherical ball lenses are formed. Alternatively, the pedestals can be patterned to taper along their lengths on the surface of the substrate. This will cause the waveguides to assume a conical taper after reflowing by heat.

Method and apparatus for preventing cyclotron breakdown in partially evacuated waveguide

DOEpatents

Moeller, Charles P.

1987-01-01

Cyclotron breakdown is prevented in a partially evacuated waveguide by providing a section of waveguide having an axial cut therein in order to apply a potential across the two halves of the waveguide. This section is positioned in the waveguide crossing the area of electron cyclotron resonance. The potential applied across the waveguide halves is used to deflect seed electrons into the wall of the waveguide in order to prevent ionization of gas molecules and creation of more electron ion pairs which would result in cyclotron breakdown. Support means is also disclosed for electrically isolating the waveguide halves and transition means is provided between the section of the waveguide with the axial cut and the solid waveguide at either end thereof.

The Application of the FDTD Method to Millimeter-Wave Filter Circuits Including the Design and Analysis of a Compact Coplanar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oswald, J. E.; Siegel, P. H.

1994-01-01

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is applied to the analysis of microwave, millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave filter circuits. In each case, the validity of this method is confirmed by comparison with measured data. In addition, the FDTD calculations are used to design a new ultra-thin coplanar-strip filter for feeding a THz planar-antenna mixer.

Non-line-of-sight ultraviolet link loss in noncoplanar geometry.

PubMed

Wang, Leijie; Xu, Zhengyuan; Sadler, Brian M

2010-04-15

Various path loss models have been developed for solar blind non-line-of-sight UV communication links under an assumption of coplanar source beam axis and receiver pointing direction. This work further extends an existing single-scattering coplanar analytical model to noncoplanar geometry. The model is derived as a function of geometric parameters and atmospheric characteristics. Its behavior is numerically studied in different noncoplanar geometric settings.

Journal Article: the National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (Ndamn): Measurements of CDDs, CDFs, and Coplanar PCBs at 18 Rural, 8 National Parks, and 2 Suburban Areas of the U.S.: Results for the Year 2000.

EPA Science Inventory

In June, 1998, the U.S. EPA established the National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (NDAMN). The primary goal of NDAMN is determine the temporal and geographical variability of atmospheric CDDs, CDFs, and coplanar PCBs at rural and nonimpacted locations throughout the United Stat...

Coplanar surface barrier discharge ignited in water vapor—a selective source of OH radicals proved by (TA)LIF measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Procházka, V.; Tučeková, Z.; Dvořák, P.; Kováčik, D.; Slavíček, P.; Zahoranová, A.; Voráč, J.

2018-01-01

Coplanar dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was ignited in pure water vapor at atmospheric pressure in order to generate highly oxidizing plasma with one specific type of reactive radicals. In order to prevent water condensation the used plasma reactor was heated to 120 {}\\circ C. The composition of the radical species in the discharge was studied by methods based on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and compared with analogous measurements realized in the same coplanar DBD ignited in air. Fast collisional processes and laser-surface interaction were taken into account during LIF data processing. It was found that coplanar DBD ignited in water vapor produces hydroxyl (OH) radicals with concentration in the order of 1020 m-3, which is 10× higher than the value measured in discharge in humid air (40% relative humidity at 21 {}\\circ C). The concentration of atomic hydrogen radicals in the DBD ignited in water vapor was below the detection limit, which proves that the generation of oxidizing plasma with dominance of one specific type of reactive radicals was achieved. The temporal evolution, spatial distribution, power dependence and rotational temperature of the OH radicals was determined in the DBD ignited in both water vapor and air.

Effects and Location of Coplanar and Noncoplanar PCB in a Lipid Bilayer: A Solid-State NMR Study.

PubMed

Totland, Christian; Nerdal, Willy; Steinkopf, Signe

2016-08-02

Coplanar and noncoplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to have different routes and degree of toxicity. Here, the effects of noncoplanar PCB 52 and coplanar PCB 77 present at 2 mol % in a model system consisting of POPC liposomes (50% hydrated) are investigated by solid-state (13)C and (31)P NMR at 298 K. Both PCBs intercalate horizontally in the outer part of the bilayer, near the segments of the acyl chain close to the glycerol group. Despite similar membrane locations, the coplanar PCB 77 shows little effect on the bilayer properties overall, except for the four nearest neighboring lipids, while the effect of PCB 52 is more dramatic. The first ∼2 layers of lipids around each PCB 52 in the bilayer form a high fluidity lamellar phase, whereas lipids beyond these layers form a lamellar phase with a slight increase in fluidity compared to a bilayer without PCB 52. Further, a third high mobility domain is observed. The explanation for this is the interference of several high fluidity lamellar phases caused by interactions of PCB 52 molecules in different leaflets of the model bilayer. This causes formation of high curvature toroidal region in the bilayer and might induce formation of channels.

A secondary, coplanar design Ni/MCM-41/Zn microbattery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meskon, S. R.; Othman, R.; Ani, M. H.

2018-01-01

A secondary Ni/Zn microbattery (∼200 µm thick) has been developed in a coplanar electrode configuration. The cell is essentially of a circular shape (∼30 mm in diameter) consisting of a fine circular ring (cathode) and a circle (anode) split apart (~800 µm). Unlike the stacking cell architecture, coplanar configuration offers simple design, ease of fabrication and eventually cost saving. The use of MCM-41 mesoporous silica as the membrane separator cum electrolyte reservoir enables the successful implementation of coplanar configuration. The fabrication of Ni/Zn microbattery first begins with electrodeposition of zinc (Zn) and nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) thin films onto patterned FR4 printed circuit board, followed by deposition of zinc oxide (ZnO) slurry onto the zinc active layer, and finally ends by multiple drop-coating procedures of MCM-41 from its precursor solution at ambient temperature. Once a potassium hydroxide (6 M KOH)/MCM-41 electrolyte-separator mixture is incorporated, the cell is sealed with an acrylic sheet and epoxy adhesive. The fabricated microbatteries were capable to sustain around 130 deep charge-discharge cycles. When rated at 0.1 mA, the energy density of the microbattery was around 3.82 Wh l-1 which is suitable for low rate applications and storage for micro energy harvesters such as piezoelectric generators.

Evaluation of slot-to-slot coupling between dielectric slot waveguides and metal-insulator-metal slot waveguides.

PubMed

Kong, Deqing; Tsubokawa, Makoto

2015-07-27

We numerically analyzed the power-coupling characteristics between a high-index-contrast dielectric slot waveguide and a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) plasmonic slot waveguide as functions of structural parameters. Couplings due mainly to the transfer of evanescent components in two waveguides generated high transmission efficiencies of 62% when the slot widths of the two waveguides were the same and 73% when the waveguides were optimized by slightly different widths. The maximum transmission efficiency in the slot-to-slot coupling was about 10% higher than that in the coupling between a normal slab waveguide and an MIM waveguide. Large alignment tolerance of the slot-to-slot coupling was also proved. Moreover, a small gap inserted into the interface between two waveguides effectively enhances the transmission efficiency, as in the case of couplings between a normal slab waveguide and an MIM waveguide. In addition, couplings with very wideband transmissions over a wavelength region of a few hundred nanometers were validated.

Slotted Polyimide-Aerogel-Filled-Waveguide Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriguez-Solis, Rafael A.; Pacheco, Hector L.; Miranda, Felix A.; Meador, Mary Ann B.

2013-01-01

Polyimide aerogels were considered to serve as a filling for millimeter-wave waveguides. While these waveguides present a slightly higher loss than hollow waveguides, they have less losses than Duroid substrate integrated waveguides (less than 0.15 dB at Ka-band, in a 20 mm section), and exhibit an order of magnitude of mass reduction when compared to commercial waveguides. A Ka-band slotted aerogel-filled-waveguide array was designed, which provided the same gain (9 dBi) as its standard waveguide counterpart, and a slotted aerogel-filled-waveguide array using folded-slots was designed for comparison, obtaining a gain of 9 dB and a bandwidth of 590 MHz.

Competition and evolution of dielectric waveguide mode and plasmonic waveguide mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Sheng-Nan; Fang, Yun-Tuan

2017-10-01

In order to study the coupling and evolution law of the waveguide mode and two plasmonic surface modes, we construct a line defect waveguide based on hexagonal honeycomb plasmonic photonic crystal. Through adjusting the radius of the edge dielectric rods, the competition and evolution behaviors occur between dielectric waveguide mode and plasmonic waveguide mode. There are three status: only plasmonic waveguide modes occur for rA < 0.09a; only dielectric waveguide modes occur for rA > 0.25a; two kinds of modes coexist for 0.09a < rA < 0.25a. The plasmonic waveguide mode has advantages in achieving slow light.

Waveguide-mode polarization gaps in square spiral photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Rong-Juan; John, Sajeev; Li, Zhi-Yuan

2015-09-01

We designed waveguide channels in two types of square spiral photonic crystals. Wide polarization gaps, in which only one circular polarization wave is allowed while the other counter-direction circular polarization wave is forbidden, can be opened up on the waveguide modes within the fundamental photonic band gap according to the calculation of band structures and transmission spectra. This phenomenon is ascribed to the chirality of the waveguide and is independent of the chirality of the background photonic crystal. Moreover, the transmission spectra show a good one-way property of the waveguide channels. The chiral quality factor demonstrates the handedness of the allowed and impeded chiral waveguide modes, and further proved the property of the waveguide-mode polarization gap. Such waveguides with waveguide-mode polarization gap are a good candidate for one-way waveguides with robust backscattering-immune transport.

Characteristics of depth-sensing coplanar grid CdZnTe detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Zhong; Sturm, Ben W.

2005-12-01

The latest depth-sensing coplanar grid CdZnTe detectors have been tested. Two of these have dimensions 1.5×1.5×1.0 cm 3 and one is a cylindrical detector with 1.5 cm diameter and 1.0 cm length, all of them using the third-generation coplanar anode design. Energy resolutions of 2.0% and 2.4% FWHM at 662 keV γ-ray energies were obtained. Detector performance has been observed experimentally as a function of depth of the γ-ray interaction, and as a function of radial position near the anode surface. The measured results show the improvement of the third-generation anode design. Material uniformity of CdZnTe crystals manufactured by eV Products have been directly observed and compared on two 1.5×1.5×1.0 cm 3 detectors.

Antenna structure with distributed strip

DOEpatents

Rodenbeck, Christopher T.

2008-10-21

An antenna comprises electrical conductors arranged to form a radiating element including a folded line configuration and a distributed strip configuration, where the radiating element is in proximity to a ground conductor. The folded line and the distributed strip can be electrically interconnected and substantially coplanar. The ground conductor can be spaced from, and coplanar to, the radiating element, or can alternatively lie in a plane set at an angle to the radiating element. Embodiments of the antenna include conductor patterns formed on a printed wiring board, having a ground plane, spacedly adjacent to and coplanar with the radiating element. Other embodiments of the antenna comprise a ground plane and radiating element on opposed sides of a printed wiring board. Other embodiments of the antenna comprise conductors that can be arranged as free standing "foils". Other embodiments include antennas that are encapsulated into a package containing the antenna.

Antenna structure with distributed strip

DOEpatents

Rodenbeck, Christopher T [Albuquerque, NM

2008-03-18

An antenna comprises electrical conductors arranged to form a radiating element including a folded line configuration and a distributed strip configuration, where the radiating element is in proximity to a ground conductor. The folded line and the distributed strip can be electrically interconnected and substantially coplanar. The ground conductor can be spaced from, and coplanar to, the radiating element, or can alternatively lie in a plane set at an angle to the radiating element. Embodiments of the antenna include conductor patterns formed on a printed wiring board, having a ground plane, spacedly adjacent to and coplanar with the radiating element. Other embodiments of the antenna comprise a ground plane and radiating element on opposed sides of a printed wiring board. Other embodiments of the antenna comprise conductors that can be arranged as free standing "foils". Other embodiments include antennas that are encapsulated into a package containing the antenna.

Analysis of a Segmented Annular Coplanar Capacitive Tilt Sensor with Increased Sensitivity.

PubMed

Guo, Jiahao; Hu, Pengcheng; Tan, Jiubin

2016-01-21

An investigation of a segmented annular coplanar capacitor is presented. We focus on its theoretical model, and a mathematical expression of the capacitance value is derived by solving a Laplace equation with Hankel transform. The finite element method is employed to verify the analytical result. Different control parameters are discussed, and each contribution to the capacitance value of the capacitor is obtained. On this basis, we analyze and optimize the structure parameters of a segmented coplanar capacitive tilt sensor, and three models with different positions of the electrode gap are fabricated and tested. The experimental result shows that the model (whose electrode-gap position is 10 mm from the electrode center) realizes a high sensitivity: 0.129 pF/° with a non-linearity of <0.4% FS (full scale of ± 40°). This finding offers plenty of opportunities for various measurement requirements in addition to achieving an optimized structure in practical design.

Multimode Directional Coupler

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N. (Inventor); Wintucky, Edwin G. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A multimode directional coupler is provided. In some embodiments, the multimode directional coupler is configured to receive a primary signal and a secondary signal at a first port of a primary waveguide. The primary signal is configured to propagate through the primary waveguide and be outputted at a second port of the primary waveguide. The multimode directional coupler also includes a secondary waveguide configured to couple the secondary signal from the primary waveguide with no coupling of the primary signal into the secondary waveguide. The secondary signal is configured to propagate through the secondary waveguide and be outputted from a port of the secondary waveguide.

Photonic Waveguide Choke Joint with Absorptive Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wollack, Edward J. (Inventor); U-Yen, Kongpop (Inventor); Chuss, David T. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A photonic waveguide choke includes a first waveguide flange member having periodic metal tiling pillars, a dissipative dielectric material positioned within an area between the periodic metal tiling pillars and a second waveguide flange member disposed to be coupled with the first waveguide flange member and in spaced-apart relationship separated by a gap. The first waveguide flange member has a substantially smooth surface, and the second waveguide flange member has an array of two-dimensional pillar structures formed therein.

Acoustic one-way mode conversion and transmission by sonic crystal waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Shiliang; He, Hailong; He, Zhaojian; Deng, Ke; Zhao, Heping

2016-09-01

We proposed a scheme to achieve one-way acoustic propagation and even-odd mode switching in two mutually perpendicular sonic crystal waveguides connected by a resonant cavity. The even mode in the entrance waveguide is able to switch to the odd mode in the exit waveguide through a symmetry match between the cavity resonant modes and the waveguide modes. Conversely, the odd mode in the exit waveguide is unable to be converted into the even mode in the entrance waveguide as incident waves and eigenmodes are mismatched in their symmetries at the waveguide exit. This one-way mechanism can be applied to design an acoustic diode for acoustic integration devices and can be used as a convertor of the acoustic waveguide modes.

Optical waveguide device with an adiabatically-varying width

DOEpatents

Watts,; Michael R. , Nielson; Gregory, N [Albuquerque, NM

2011-05-10

Optical waveguide devices are disclosed which utilize an optical waveguide having a waveguide bend therein with a width that varies adiabatically between a minimum value and a maximum value of the width. One or more connecting members can be attached to the waveguide bend near the maximum value of the width thereof to support the waveguide bend or to supply electrical power to an impurity-doped region located within the waveguide bend near the maximum value of the width. The impurity-doped region can form an electrical heater or a semiconductor junction which can be activated with a voltage to provide a variable optical path length in the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide devices can be used to form a tunable interferometer (e.g. a Mach-Zehnder interferometer) which can be used for optical modulation or switching. The optical waveguide devices can also be used to form an optical delay line.

Photonic crystal slab waveguides in moderate index contrast media: Generalized transverse Bragg waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burckel, David Bruce

One of the anticipated advantages of photonic crystal waveguides is the ability to tune waveguide dispersion and propagation characteristics to achieve desired properties. The majority of research into photonic crystal waveguides centers around high index contrast photonic crystal waveguides with complete in-plane bandgaps in the photonic crystal cladding. This work focuses on linear photonic crystal waveguides in moderate index materials, with insufficient index contrast to guarantee a complete in-plane bandgap. Using a technique called Interferometric Lithography (IL) as well as standard semiconductor processing steps, a process flow for creating large area (˜cm 2), linear photonic crystal waveguides in a spin-deposited photocurable polymer is outlined. The study of such low index contrast photonic crystal waveguides offers a unique opportunity to explore the mechanisms governing waveguide confinement and photonic crystal behavior in general. Results from two optical characterization experiments are provided. In the first set of experiments, rhodamine 590 organic laser dye was incorporated into the polymer prior to fabrication of the photonic crystal slab. Emission spectra from waveguide core modes exhibit no obvious spectral selectivity owing to variation in the periodicity or geometry of the photonic crystal. In addition, grating coupled waveguides were fabricated, and a single frequency diode laser was coupled into the waveguide in order to study the transverse mode structure. To this author's knowledge, the optical mode profile images are the first taken of photonic crystal slab waveguides, exhibiting both simple low order mode structure as well as complex high order mode structure inconsistent with effective index theory. However, no obvious correlation between the mode structure and photonic crystal period or geometry was evident. Furthermore, in both the laser dye-doped and grating coupled waveguides, low loss waveguiding was observed regardless of wavelength to period ratio. These optical results indicated a need for a deeper understanding of the confinement/guiding mechanisms in such waveguide structures. A simplification of the full 2-D problem to a more tractable "tilted 1-D" geometry led to the proposal of a new waveguide geometry, Generalized Transverse Bragg Waveguides (GTBW), as well as a new propagation mode characterized by spatial variation in both the transverse direction as well as the direction of propagation. GTBW demonstrate many of the same dispersion tunability traits exhibited in complete bandgap photonic crystal waveguides, under more modest fabrication demands, and moreover provide much insight into photonic crystal waveguide modes of all types. Generalized Transverse Bragg Waveguides are presented in terms of the standard physical properties associated with waveguides, including the dispersion relation, expressions for the spatial field profile, and the concepts of phase and group velocity. In addition, the proposal of at least one obvious application, semiconductor optical amplifiers, is offered.

SU-F-T-590: Modeling PTV Dose Fall-Off for Cervical Cancer SBRT Treatment Planning Using VMAT and Step-And-Shoot IMRT

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

Delgado, A Brito; Cohen, D; Eng, T

Purpose: Due to the high dose per fraction in SBRT, dose conformity and dose fall-off are critical. In patients with cervical cancer, rapid dose fall-off is particularly important to limit dose to the nearby rectum, small bowel, and bladder. This study compares the target volume dose fall-off for two radiation delivery techniques, fixed-field IMRT & VMAT, using non-coplanar beam geometries. Further comparisons are made between 6 and 10MV photon beam energies. Methods: Eleven (n=11) patients were planned in Pinnacle3 v9.10 with a NovalisTx (HD120 MLC) machine model using 6 and 10 MV photons. The following three techniques were used: (1)more » IMRT (10 non-coplanar beams) (2) Dual, coplanar 360° VMAT arcs (4° spacing), and (3) Triple, non-coplanar VMAT arcs (1 full arc and dual partial arcs). All plans were normalized such that 98% of the PTV received at least 28Gy/4Fx. Dose was calculated using a 2.0mm isotropic dose grid. To assess dose fall-off, twenty concentric 2mm thick rings were created around the PTV. The maximum dose in each ring was recorded and the data was fitted to model dose fall-off. A separate analysis was performed by separating target volumes into small (0–50cc), medium (51–80cc), and large (81–110cc). Results: Triple, non-coplanar VMAT arcs showed the best dose fall-off for all patients evaluated. All fitted regressions had an R{sup 2}≥0.99. At 10mm from the PTV edge, 10 MV VMAT3-arc had an absolute improvement in dose fall-off of 3.8% and 6.9% over IMRT and VMAT2-arc, respectively. At 30mm, 10 MV VMAT3-arc had an absolute improvement of 12.0% and 7.0% over IMRT and VMAT2-arc, respectively. Faster dose fall-off was observed for small volumes as opposed to medium and large ones—9.6% at 20mm. Conclusion: Triple, non-coplanar VMAT arcs offer the sharpest dose fall-off for cervical SBRT plans. This improvement is most pronounced when treating smaller target volumes.« less

Integration of a waveguide self-electrooptic effect device and a vertically coupled interconnect waveguide

DOEpatents

Vawter, G Allen [Corrales, NM

2008-02-26

A self-electrooptic effect device ("SEED") is integrated with waveguide interconnects through the use of vertical directional couplers. Light initially propagating in the interconnect waveguide is vertically coupled to the active waveguide layer of the SEED and, if the SEED is in the transparent state, the light is coupled back to the interconnect waveguide.

Simplified flangeless unisex waveguide coupler assembly

DOEpatents

Michelangelo, Dimartino; Moeller, Charles P.

1993-01-01

A unisex coupler assembly is disclosed capable of providing a leak tight coupling for waveguides with axial alignment of the waveguides and rotational capability. The sealing means of the coupler assembly are not exposed to RF energy, and the coupler assembly does not require the provision of external flanges on the waveguides. In a preferred embodiment, O ring seals are not used and the coupler assembly is, therefore, bakeable at a temperature up to about 150.degree. C. The coupler assembly comprises a split collar which clamps around the waveguides and a second collar which fastens to the split collar. The split collar contains an inner annular groove. Each of the waveguides is provided with an external annular groove which receives a retaining ring. The split collar is clamped around one of the waveguides with the inner annular groove of the split collar engaging the retaining ring carried in the external annular groove in the waveguide. The second collar is then slipped over the second waveguide behind the annular groove and retaining ring therein and the second collar is coaxially secured by fastening means to the split collar to draw the respective waveguides together by coaxial force exerted by the second collar against the retaining ring on the second waveguide. A sealing ring is placed against an external sealing surface at a reduced external diameter end formed on one waveguide to sealingly engage a corresponding sealing surface on the other waveguide as the waveguides are urged toward each other.

Simplified flangeless unisex waveguide coupler assembly

DOEpatents

Michelangelo, D.; Moeller, C.P.

1993-05-04

A unisex coupler assembly is disclosed capable of providing a leak tight coupling for waveguides with axial alignment of the waveguides and rotational capability. The sealing means of the coupler assembly are not exposed to RF energy, and the coupler assembly does not require the provision of external flanges on the waveguides. In a preferred embodiment, O ring seals are not used and the coupler assembly is, therefore, bakeable at a temperature up to about 150 C. The coupler assembly comprises a split collar which clamps around the waveguides and a second collar which fastens to the split collar. The split collar contains an inner annular groove. Each of the waveguides is provided with an external annular groove which receives a retaining ring. The split collar is clamped around one of the waveguides with the inner annular groove of the split collar engaging the retaining ring carried in the external annular groove in the waveguide. The second collar is then slipped over the second waveguide behind the annular groove and retaining ring therein and the second collar is coaxially secured by fastening means to the split collar to draw the respective waveguides together by coaxial force exerted by the second collar against the retaining ring on the second waveguide. A sealing ring is placed against an external sealing surface at a reduced external diameter end formed on one waveguide to sealingly engage a corresponding sealing surface on the other waveguide as the waveguides are urged toward each other.

Simplified flangeless unisex waveguide coupler assembly

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

Michelangelo, D.; Moeller, C.P.

1993-05-04

A unisex coupler assembly is disclosed capable of providing a leak tight coupling for waveguides with axial alignment of the waveguides and rotational capability. The sealing means of the coupler assembly are not exposed to RF energy, and the coupler assembly does not require the provision of external flanges on the waveguides. In a preferred embodiment, O ring seals are not used and the coupler assembly is, therefore, bakeable at a temperature up to about 150 C. The coupler assembly comprises a split collar which clamps around the waveguides and a second collar which fastens to the split collar. Themore » split collar contains an inner annular groove. Each of the waveguides is provided with an external annular groove which receives a retaining ring. The split collar is clamped around one of the waveguides with the inner annular groove of the split collar engaging the retaining ring carried in the external annular groove in the waveguide. The second collar is then slipped over the second waveguide behind the annular groove and retaining ring therein and the second collar is coaxially secured by fastening means to the split collar to draw the respective waveguides together by coaxial force exerted by the second collar against the retaining ring on the second waveguide. A sealing ring is placed against an external sealing surface at a reduced external diameter end formed on one waveguide to sealingly engage a corresponding sealing surface on the other waveguide as the waveguides are urged toward each other.« less

Coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in shark livers from the north-western African Atlantic ocean

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

Serrano, R.; Fernandez, M.A.; Hernandez, L.M.

1997-01-01

Polychlorinated biphenyls have been widely used by industry throughout the world since 1930. Although their use has been banned in many countries since the late 1970s, they still represent an important class of priority pollutants due to their persistence. Most open uses of these chemicals have been severely curtailed in industrialized nations, but a considerable fraction of past productions is probably still cycling in the ecosphere. In recent years, attention has been focused on the toxicity of PCBs, especially of those congeners showing similar toxicity as the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). It has been shown that PCB congeners`more » toxicity largely depends on the chlorine substitution pattern. The most toxic PCB cogeners are those with two para chlorines, at least two meta chlorines and 0-2 ortho chlorines. These so-called {open_quotes}coplanar{close_quotes} (non- mono- and di-ortho) PCB cogeners are able to obtain planar conformation. Recently, toxic equivalence factors have been assigned to coplanar PCBs. Thus determination of individual PCB cogeners is important for evaluating the toxic potentials of PCB residues in, for example, wildlife. This paper presents preliminary results of a study looking at levels of PCB congeners, including coplanar ones, in the liver of six shark species, collected in the North African Atlantic Ocean. 15 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Congener-specific extraction and separation of coplanar PCBs from soil using SPME and capillary GC/MS

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

Woolley, C.L.; Mani, V.; Shirey, R.E.

1995-12-31

The persistence and widespread environmental occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the air, waterways and industrial facilities has created a need for quantitative and qualitative analysis of Aroclor-like mixtures. Although there are 209 possible PCB concerns, only a limited number have shown toxic activity similar to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The World Health Organization recently released a list of the 13 most toxic PCB congeners. Each was rated by its Toxic Equivalency Factor relative to TCDD. These 13 PCB congeners belong to the class of toxic coplanar compounds. These congeners commonly contain chlorosubstitutions in the 3,3{prime},4,4{prime} or 3,4,4{prime} or 3{prime},4,4{prime} positions andmore » either 0, 1, or 2 chloro-substituents in the ortho positions. A new capillary column containing a bonded octylmethyl polysiloxane stationary phase (SPB-Octyl) was evaluated for its propensity to separate coplanar PCB congeners. Solid phase microextraction (SPME), a solvent-free method for extracting volatiles and semi-volatiles from drinking water, waste water, soil and sludge was used to extract PCBs from soil. GC-ECD and GC-MS separations of PCB ladened soils were examined via SPME on the SPB-Octyl column. An approach for selective extraction of coplanar PCB congeners by SPME will be described.« less

Dynamics of changes in coplanar and indicator PCB in sewage sludge during mesophilic methane digestion.

PubMed

Rosińska, A; Karwowska, B

2017-02-05

Research was conducted, which aim was to evaluate the influence of mesophilic methane digestion on degradation of coplanar and indicator PCB in sewage sludge, and on dynamics of changes of these congeners during the process. For the research, sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant were used. Mesophilic digestion was conducted at the temperature of 36°C±1°C. The anaerobic stabilization processes of sewage sludge occurred correctly what was confirmed by appropriate values of pH, content of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ratio of VFA to alkalinity. Biodegradation of organic compounds in sewage sludge was confirmed by the decrease in total solids (by 26%) and volatile solids (by 36%). Up to the 3rd day of the digestion process no statistically significant differences in concentration of both coplanar and indicator PCB was observed. During the following days of the process, an increase in lower chlorinated PCB concentration was demonstrated and a decrease in concentration of higher chlorinated congeners (penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorobiphenyls). After the digestion, a decrease in higher chlorinated congener concentration was found. Significant degradation was demonstrated for coplanar PCB 169 (from 77.8 to 80.5%), and indicator PCB 180 (from 57.1 to 90.3%) and PCB 153 (from 60.4 to 79.2%). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PLATFORM DEFORMATION PHASE CORRECTION FOR THE AMiBA-13 COPLANAR INTERFEROMETER

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

Liao, Yu-Wei; Lin, Kai-Yang; Huang, Yau-De

2013-05-20

We present a new way to solve the platform deformation problem of coplanar interferometers. The platform of a coplanar interferometer can be deformed due to driving forces and gravity. A deformed platform will induce extra components into the geometric delay of each baseline and change the phases of observed visibilities. The reconstructed images will also be diluted due to the errors of the phases. The platform deformations of The Yuan-Tseh Lee Array for Microwave Background Anisotropy (AMiBA) were modeled based on photogrammetry data with about 20 mount pointing positions. We then used the differential optical pointing error between two opticalmore » telescopes to fit the model parameters in the entire horizontal coordinate space. With the platform deformation model, we can predict the errors of the geometric phase delays due to platform deformation with a given azimuth and elevation of the targets and calibrators. After correcting the phases of the radio point sources in the AMiBA interferometric data, we recover 50%-70% flux loss due to phase errors. This allows us to restore more than 90% of a source flux. The method outlined in this work is not only applicable to the correction of deformation for other coplanar telescopes but also to single-dish telescopes with deformation problems. This work also forms the basis of the upcoming science results of AMiBA-13.« less

Influence of infrared stimulation on spectroscopy characteristics of co-planar grid CdZnTe detectors

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

Fjodorov, V.; Ivanov, V.; Loutchanski, A.

It was previously found that illumination with monochromatic infrared (IR) light with wavelengths close to the absorption edge of the CdZnTe exert significant positive influence on the spectrometric characteristics of quasi-hemispherical CdZnTe detectors at room temperature. In this paper, preliminary results of IR stimulation on the spectrometric characteristics of coplanar-grid CdZnTe detectors as well as results of further studies of planar and quasi-hemispherical detectors are presented. Coplanar-grid detectors of 10 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm from Redlen Technologies and commercial available IR LEDs with different wavelengths of 800-1000 nm were used in the experiments. Influence of intensity andmore » direction of IR illumination on the detector's characteristics was studied. Analysis of signals shapes from the preamplifiers outputs at registration of alpha particles showed that IR illumination leads to a change in the shapes of these signals. This may indicate changes in electric fields distributions. An improvement in energy resolution at gamma-energy of 662 keV was observed with quasi-hemispherical and co-planar detectors at the certain levels of IR illumination intensity. The most noticeable effect of IR stimulation was observed with quasi-hemispherical detectors. It is due with optimization of charge collection conditions in the quasi-hemispherical detectors under IT stimulation. (authors)« less

Multiple mechanisms of PCB neurotoxicity

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

Carpenter, D.O.; Stoner, C.T.; Lawrence, D.A.

1996-12-31

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been implicated in cancer, but many of the symptoms in humans exposed to PCBs are related to the nervous system and behavior. We demonstrated three different direct mechanisms whereby PCBs are neurotoxic in rats. By using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that the orthosubstituted PCB congener 2,4,4{prime}, but neither TCDD nor the coplanar PCB congener 3,4,5,3{prime},4{prime}, causes rapid death of cerebellar granule cells. The ortho-substituted congener 2,4,4{prime} reduced long-term potentiation, an indicator of cognitive potential, in hippocampal brain slices, but a similar effect was observed for the coplanar congener 3,4,3{prime},4{prime}, indicating that this effect may be causedmore » by both ortho- and coplanar congeners by mechanisms presumably not mediated via the Ah receptor. It was previously shown that some ortho-substituted PCB congeners cause a reduction in levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, and we present in vitro and in vivo evidence that this is due to reduction of synthesis of dopamine via inhibition of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. Thus, PCBs have a variety of mechanisms of primary neurotoxicity, and neurotoxicity is a characteristic of ortho-substituted, non-dioxin-like congeners as well as some coplanar congeners. The relative contribution of each of these mechanisms to the loss of cognitive function in humans exposed to PCBs remains to be determined. 42 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

Evanescent fields of laser written waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jukić, Dario; Pohl, Thomas; Götte, Jörg B.

2015-03-01

We investigate the evanescent field at the surface of laser written waveguides. The waveguides are written by a direct femtosecond laser writing process into fused silica, which is then sanded down to expose the guiding layer. These waveguides support eigenmodes which have an evanescent field reaching into the vacuum above the waveguide. We study the governing wave equations and present solution for the fundamental eigenmodes of the modified waveguides.

Vertical waveguides integrated with silicon photodetectors: Towards high efficiency and low cross-talk image sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tut, Turgut; Dan, Yaping; Duane, Peter; Yu, Young; Wober, Munib; Crozier, Kenneth B.

2012-01-01

We describe the experimental realization of vertical silicon nitride waveguides integrated with silicon photodetectors. The waveguides are embedded in a silicon dioxide layer. Scanning photocurrent microscopy is performed on a device containing a waveguide, and on a device containing the silicon dioxide layer, but without the waveguide. The results confirm the waveguide's ability to guide light onto the photodetector with high efficiency. We anticipate that the use of these structures in image sensors, with one waveguide per pixel, would greatly improve efficiency and significantly reduce inter-pixel crosstalk.

Tectonic significance of magnetic and gravity data across northern California (lat. 39[degree]N. to lat. 41[degree]N. )

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

Griscom, A.; Roberts, C.W.; Halvorson, P.F.

1993-04-01

Aeromagnetic and isostatic residual gravity maps of an east-west transect across northern California show important tectonic features. A linear magnetic anomaly and west-sloping gradient extends over 300 km along the Franciscan-Great Valley contact (FGC) and across the Klamath Mountains province (KM) north to lat. 40[degree]45'N. The anomaly source lies at depths of 5--10 km beneath the KM and the FGC, and implies that the Franciscan complex of the Coast Ranges is thrust (and wedged) at least 80 km eastward beneath the KM to approximately long. 122[degree]40 minutes W. Calculations on a circular gravity low of [minus]50 mGal centered at themore » circular Bald Rock pluton (diameter about 15 km) in the Sierran foothills indicate a pluton thickness of about 15 km. The nearby Cascade and Merrimac plutons are located on the gradients of this gravity anomaly, have a relatively minor effect on it, and thus are interpreted to be thick (up to 5 km) laccolithic sills that emanate from the Bald Rock pluton, thinning away from it to a feather edge. Model studies indicate that the northeast contact of the Feather River periodotite body (FRPB) north of lat. 39[degree]40 minutes N. generally dips steeply northeast or vertical. The same contact south of this latitude dips east at angles of about 45[degree] to depths of at least 10 km. Magnetic patterns extending from the northern Sierra across the Cascades to the Klamath Mountains suggest that the FRPB may correlate with the Trinity ophiolite.« less

Regulation of expression of Na+,K+-ATPase in androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Blok, L J; Chang, G T G; Steenbeek-Slotboom, M; Weerden, W M van; Swarts, H G P; Pont, J J H H M De; Steenbrugge, G J van; Brinkmann, A O

1999-01-01

The β1-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase was isolated and identified as an androgen down-regulated gene. Expression was observed at high levels in androgen-independent as compared to androgen-dependent (responsive) human prostate cancer cell lines and xenografts when grown in the presence of androgens. Down-regulation of the β1-subunit was initiated at concentrations between 0.01 nM and 0.03 nM of the synthetic androgen R1881 after relatively long incubation times (> 24 h). Using polyclonal antibodies, the concentration of β1-subunit protein, but not of the α1-subunit protein, was markedly reduced in androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells (LNCaP-FGC) cultured in the presence of androgens. In line with these observations it was found that the protein expression of total Na+,K+-ATPase in the membrane (measured by 3H-ouabain binding) was also markedly decreased. The main function of Na+,K+-ATPase is to maintain sodium and potassium homeostasis in animal cells. The resulting electrochemical gradient is facilitative for transport of several compounds over the cell membrane (for example cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent experimentally used in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer). Here we observed that a ouabain-induced decrease of Na+,K+-ATPase activity in LNCaP-FGC cells results in reduced sensitivity of these cells to cisplatin-treatment. Surprisingly, androgen-induced decrease of Na+,K+-ATPase expression, did not result in significant protection against the chemotherapeutic agent. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaign PMID:10487609

Microoptoelectromechanical system (MOEMS) based laser

DOEpatents

Hutchinson, Donald P.

2003-11-04

A method for forming a folded laser and associated laser device includes providing a waveguide substrate, micromachining the waveguide substrate to form a folded waveguide structure including a plurality of intersecting folded waveguide paths, forming a single fold mirror having a plurality of facets which bound all ends of said waveguide paths except those reserved for resonator mirrors, and disposing a pair of resonator mirrors on opposite sides of the waveguide to form a lasing cavity. A lasing material is provided in the lasing cavity. The laser can be sealed by disposing a top on the waveguide substrate. The laser can include a re-entrant cavity, where the waveguide substrate is disposed therein, the re-entrant cavity including the single fold mirror.

Femtosecond laser inscribed cladding waveguide lasers in Nd:LiYF4 crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shi-Ling; Huang, Ze-Ping; Ye, Yong-Kai; Wang, Hai-Long

2018-06-01

Depressed circular cladding, buried waveguides were fabricated in Nd:LiYF4 crystals with an ultrafast Yb-doped fiber master-oscillator power amplifier laser. Waveguides were optimized by varying the laser writing conditions, such as pulse energy, focus depth, femtosecond laser polarization and scanning velocity. Under optical pump at 799 nm, cladding waveguides showed continuous-wave laser oscillation at 1047 nm. Single- and multi-transverse modes waveguide laser were realized by varying the waveguide diameter. The maximum output power in the 40 μm waveguide is ∼195 mW with a slope efficiency of 34.3%. The waveguide lasers with hexagonal and cubic cladding geometry were also realized.

Electrically Tunable Nd:YAG waveguide laser based on Graphene

PubMed Central

Ma, Linan; Tan, Yang; Akhmadaliev, Shavkat; Zhou, Shengqiang; Chen, Feng

2016-01-01

We demonstrate a tunable hybrid Graphene-Nd:YAG cladding waveguide laser exploiting the electro-optic and the Joule heating effects of Graphene. A cladding Nd:YAG waveguide was fabricated by the ion irradiation. The multi-layer graphene were transferred onto the waveguide surface as the saturable absorber to get the Q-switched pulsed laser oscillation in the waveguide. Composing with appropriate electrodes, graphene based capacitance and heater were formed on the surface of the Nd:YAG waveguide. Through electrical control of graphene, the state of the hybrid waveguide laser was turned on or off. And the laser operation of the hybrid waveguide was electrically tuned between the continuous wave laser and the nanosecond pulsed laser. PMID:27833114

Low-loss curved subwavelength grating waveguide based on index engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zheng; Xu, Xiaochuan; Fan, D. L.; Wang, Yaoguo; Chen, Ray T.

2016-03-01

Subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide is an intriguing alternative to conventional optical waveguides due to its freedom to tune a few important waveguide properties such as dispersion and refractive index. Devices based on SWG waveguide have demonstrated impressive performances compared to those of conventional waveguides. However, the large loss of SWG waveguide bends jeopardizes their applications in integrated photonics circuits. In this work, we propose that a predistorted refractive index distribution in SWG waveguide bends can effectively decrease the mode mismatch noise and radiation loss simultaneously, and thus significantly reduce the bend loss. Here, we achieved the pre-distortion refractive index distribution by using trapezoidal silicon pillars. This geometry tuning approach is numerically optimized and experimentally demonstrated. The average insertion loss of a 5 μm SWG waveguide bend can be reduced drastically from 5.58 dB to 1.37 dB per 90° bend for quasi-TE polarization. In the future, the proposed approach can be readily adopted to enhance performance of an array of SWG waveguide-based photonics devices.

Quasi-phase matching and quantum control of high harmonic generation in waveguides using counterpropagating beams

DOEpatents

Zhang, Xiaoshi; Lytle, Amy L.; Cohen, Oren; Kapteyn, Henry C.; Murnane, Margaret M.

2010-11-09

All-optical quasi-phase matching (QPM) uses a train of counterpropagating pulses to enhance high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in a hollow waveguide. A pump pulse enters one end of the waveguide, and causes HHG in the waveguide. The counterpropagation pulses enter the other end of the waveguide and interact with the pump pulses to cause QPM within the waveguide, enhancing the HHG.

Comparison of a new noncoplanar intensity-modulated radiation therapy technique for craniospinal irradiation with 3 coplanar techniques

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

Hansen, Anders T., E-mail: andehans@rm.dk; Lukacova, Slavka; Lassen-Ramshad, Yasmin

2015-01-01

When standard conformal x-ray technique for craniospinal irradiation is used, it is a challenge to achieve satisfactory dose coverage of the target including the area of the cribriform plate, while sparing organs at risk. We present a new intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), noncoplanar technique, for delivering irradiation to the cranial part and compare it with 3 other techniques and previously published results. A total of 13 patients who had previously received craniospinal irradiation with standard conformal x-ray technique were reviewed. New treatment plans were generated for each patient using the noncoplanar IMRT-based technique, a coplanar IMRT-based technique, and a coplanarmore » volumetric-modulated arch therapy (VMAT) technique. Dosimetry data for all patients were compared with the corresponding data from the conventional treatment plans. The new noncoplanar IMRT technique substantially reduced the mean dose to organs at risk compared with the standard radiation technique. The 2 other coplanar techniques also reduced the mean dose to some of the critical organs. However, this reduction was not as substantial as the reduction obtained by the noncoplanar technique. Furthermore, compared with the standard technique, the IMRT techniques reduced the total calculated radiation dose that was delivered to the normal tissue, whereas the VMAT technique increased this dose. Additionally, the coverage of the target was significantly improved by the noncoplanar IMRT technique. Compared with the standard technique, the coplanar IMRT and the VMAT technique did not improve the coverage of the target significantly. All the new planning techniques increased the number of monitor units (MU) used—the noncoplanar IMRT technique by 99%, the coplanar IMRT technique by 122%, and the VMAT technique by 26%—causing concern for leak radiation. The noncoplanar IMRT technique covered the target better and decreased doses to organs at risk compared with the other techniques. All the new techniques increased the number of MU compared with the standard technique.« less

MO-FG-CAMPUS-TeP2-05: Optimizing Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment of Multiple Brain Metastasis Lesions with Individualized Rotational Arc Trajectories

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

Dong, P; Xing, L; Ma, L

Purpose: Radiosurgery of multiple (n>4) brain metastasis lesions requires 3–4 noncoplanar VMAT arcs with excessively high monitor units and long delivery time. We investigated whether an improved optimization technique would decrease the needed arc numbers and increase the delivery efficiency, while improving or maintaining the plan quality. Methods: The proposed 4pi arc space optimization algorithm consists of two steps: automatic couch angle selection followed by aperture generation for each arc with optimized control points distribution. We use a greedy algorithm to select the couch angles. Starting from a single coplanar arc plan we search through the candidate noncoplanar arcs tomore » pick a single noncoplanar arc that will bring the best plan quality when added into the existing treatment plan. Each time, only one additional noncoplanar arc is considered making the calculation time tractable. This process repeats itself until desired number of arc is reached. The technique is first evaluated in coplanar arc delivery scheme with testing cases and then applied to noncoplanar treatments of a case with 12 brain metastasis lesions. Results: Clinically acceptable plans are created within minutes. For the coplanar testing cases the algorithm yields singlearc plans with better dose distributions than that of two-arc VMAT, simultaneously with a 12–17% reduction in the delivery time and a 14–21% reduction in MUs. For the treatment of 12 brain mets while Paddick conformity indexes of the two plans were comparable the SCG-optimization with 2 arcs (1 noncoplanar and 1 coplanar) significantly improved the conventional VMAT with 3 arcs (2 noncoplanar and 1 coplanar). Specifically V16 V10 and V5 of the brain were reduced by 11%, 11% and 12% respectively. The beam delivery time was shortened by approximately 30%. Conclusion: The proposed 4pi arc space optimization technique promises to significantly reduce the brain toxicity while greatly improving the treatment efficiency.« less

TU-G-BRB-01: Continuous Path Optimization for Non-Coplanar Variant SAD IMRT Delivery Using C-Arm Machines.

PubMed

Ruan, D; Dong, P; Low, D; Sheng, K

2012-06-01

To develop and investigate a continuous path optimization methodology to traverse prescribed non-coplanar IMRT beams with variant SADs, by orchestrating the couch and gantry movement with zero-collision, minimal patient motion consequence and machine travel time. We convert the given collision zone definition and the prescribed beam location/angles to a tumor-centric coordinate, and represent the traversing path as a continuous open curve. We proceed to optimize a composite objective function consisting of (1) a strong attraction energy to ensure all prescribed beams are en-route, (2) a penalty for patient-motion inducing couch motion, and (3) a penalty for travel-time inducing overall path-length. Feasibility manifold is defined as complement to collision zone and the optimization is performed with a level set representation evolved with variational flows. The proposed method has been implemented and tested on clinically derived data. In the absence of any existing solutions for the same problem, we validate by: (1) visual inspecting the generated path rendered in the 3D tumor-centric coordinates, and (2) comparing with a traveling-salesman (TSP) solution obtained from relaxing the variant SADs and continuous collision-avoidance requirement. The proposed method has generated delivery paths that are smooth and intuitively appealing. Under relaxed settings, our results outperform the generic TSP solutions and agree with specially tuned versions. We have proposed a novel systematic approach that automatically determines the continuous path to cover non-coplanar, varying SAD IMRT beams. The proposed approach accommodates patient-specific collision zone definition and ensures its avoidance continuously. The differential penalty to couch and gantry motions allows customizable tradeoff between patient geometry stability and delivery efficiency. This development paves the path to achieve safe, accurate and efficient non-coplanar IMRT delivery with the advanced robotic controls in new-generation C-arm systems, enabling practical harvesting of the dose benefit offered by non-coplanar, variant SAD IMRT treatment. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Electrical switching dynamics and broadband microwave characteristics of VO2 radio frequency devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Sieu D.; Zhou, You; Fisher, Christopher J.; Ramanathan, Shriram; Treadway, Jacob P.

2013-05-01

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a correlated electron system that features a metal-insulator phase transition (MIT) above room temperature and is of interest in high speed switching devices. Here, we integrate VO2 into two-terminal coplanar waveguides and demonstrate a large resistance modulation of the same magnitude (>103) in both electrically (i.e., by bias voltage, referred to as E-MIT) and thermally (T-MIT) driven transitions. We examine transient switching characteristics of the E-MIT and observe two distinguishable time scales for switching. We find an abrupt jump in conductivity with a rise time of the order of 10 ns followed by an oscillatory damping to steady state on the order of several μs. We characterize the RF power response in the On state and find that high RF input power drives VO2 further into the metallic phase, indicating that electromagnetic radiation-switching of the phase transition may be possible. We measure S-parameter RF properties up to 13.5 GHz. Insertion loss is markedly flat at 2.95 dB across the frequency range in the On state, and sufficient isolation of over 25 dB is observed in the Off state. We are able to simulate the RF response accurately using both lumped element and 3D electromagnetic models. Extrapolation of our results suggests that optimizing device geometry can reduce insertion loss further and maintain broadband flatness up to 40 GHz.

Application of sub-micrometer patterned permalloy thin film in tunable radio frequency inductors

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

Rahman, B.M. Farid; Divan, Ralu; Rosenmann, Daniel

Electrical tunable meander line inductor using coplanar waveguide structures with patterned permalloy (Py) thin film has been designed and implemented in this paper. High resistivity Si substrate is used to reduce the dielectric loss from the substrate. Inductor is implemented with a 60 nm thick Py deposited and patterned on top of the gold meander line, and Py film is patterned with dimension of 440 nm 10 lm to create the shape anisotropy field, which in turn increases the FMR frequency. Compared to a regular meanderline inductor without the application of sub-micrometer patterned Py thin film, the inductance density hasmore » been increased to 20% for the implemented inductor with patterned Py. Measured FMR frequency of the patterned Py is 4.51 GHz without the application of any external magnetic field. This has enabled the inductor application in the practical circuit boards, where the large external magnet is unavailable. Inductance tunability of the implemented inductor is demonstrated by applying a DC current. Applied DC current creates a magnetic field along the hard axis of the patterned Py thin film, which changes the magnetic moment of the thin film and thus, decreases the inductance of the line. Measured results show that the inductance density of the inductor can be varied 5% by applying 300 mA DC current, larger inductance tunability is achievable by increasing the thickness of Py film. VC 2015 AIP Publishing LLC. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4918766]« less

Effect of BST film thickness on the performance of tunable interdigital capacitors grown by MBE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyers, Cedric J. G.; Freeze, Christopher R.; Stemmer, Susanne; York, Robert A.

2017-12-01

Voltage-tunable, interdigital capacitors (IDCs) were fabricated on Ba0.29Sr0.71TiO3 grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). In this growth technique, we utilize the metal-organic precursor titanium tetraisopropoxide rather than solid-source Ti as with conventional MBE. Two samples of varying BaxSr(1-x)TiO3 (BST) thicknesses were fabricated and analyzed. High-quality, epitaxial Pt electrodes were deposited by sputtering from a high-purity Pt target at 825 °C. The Pt electrodes were patterned and etched by argon ion milling, passivated with reactively sputtered SiO2, and then metallized with lift-off Ti/Au. The fabricated devices consisted of two-port IDCs embedded in ground-signal-ground, coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines to enable radio-frequency (RF) probing. The sample included open and thru de-embedding structures to remove pad and CPW parasitic impedances. Two-port RF scattering (S) parameters were measured from 100 MHz to 40 GHz while DC bias was stepped from 0 V to 100 V. The IDCs exhibit a high zero-bias radio-frequency (RF) quality factor (Q) approaching 200 at 1 GHz and better than 2.3:1 capacitance tuning for the 300-nm-thick sample. Differences in the Q(V) and C(V) response with varying thicknesses indicate that unknown higher order material phenomena are contributing to the loss and tuning characteristics of the material.

Toward Large Field-of-View High-Resolution X-ray Imaging Spectrometers: Microwave Multiplexed Readout of 28 TES Microcalorimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, W.; Adams, J. S.; Bandler, S. R.; Becker, D.; Bennett, D. A.; Chervenak, J. A.; Datesman, A. M.; Eckart, M. E.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Fowler, J. W.; Gard, J. D.; Hilton, G. C.; Kelley, R. L.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Mates, J. A. B.; Miniussi, A. R.; Moseley, S. H.; Noroozian, O.; Porter, F. S.; Reintsema, C. D.; Sadleir, J. E.; Sakai, K.; Smith, S. J.; Stevenson, T. R.; Swetz, D. S.; Ullom, J. N.; Vale, L. R.; Wakeham, N. A.; Wassell, E. J.; Wollack, E. J.

2018-04-01

We performed small-scale demonstrations at GSFC of high-resolution X-ray TES microcalorimeters read out using a microwave SQUID multiplexer. This work is part of our effort to develop detector and readout technologies for future space-based X-ray instruments such as the microcalorimeter spectrometer envisaged for Lynx, a large mission concept under development for the Astro 2020 Decadal Survey. In this paper we describe our experiment, including details of a recently designed, microwave-optimized low-temperature setup that is thermally anchored to the 55 mK stage of our laboratory ADR. Using a ROACH2 FPGA at room temperature, we read out pixels of a GSFC-built detector array via a NIST-built multiplexer chip with Nb coplanar waveguide resonators coupled to rf-SQUIDs. The resonators are spaced 6 MHz apart (at ˜ 5.9 GHz) and have quality factors of ˜ 15,000. In our initial demonstration, we used flux-ramp modulation frequencies of 125 kHz to read out 5 pixels simultaneously and achieved spectral resolutions of 2.8-3.1 eV FWHM at 5.9 keV. Our subsequent work is ongoing: to-date we have achieved a median spectral resolution of 3.4 eV FWHM at 5.9 keV while reading out 28 pixels simultaneously with flux-ramp frequencies of 160 kHz. We present the measured system-level noise and maximum slew rates and briefly describe our future development work.

100-GHz Phase Switch/Mixer Containing a Slot-Line Transition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaier, Todd; Wells, Mary; Dawson, Douglas

2009-01-01

A circuit that can function as a phase switch, frequency mixer, or frequency multiplier operates over a broad frequency range in the vicinity of 100 GHz. Among the most notable features of this circuit is a grounded uniplanar transition (in effect, a balun) between a slot line and one of two coplanar waveguides (CPWs). The design of this circuit is well suited to integration of the circuit into a microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) package. One CPW is located at the input end and one at the output end of the top side of a substrate on which the circuit is fabricated (see Figure 1). The input CPW feeds the input signal to antiparallel flip-chip Schottky diodes connected to the edges of the slot line. Phase switching is effected by the combination of (1) the abrupt transition from the input CPW to the slot line and (2) CPW ground tuning effected by switching of the bias on the diodes. Grounding of the slot metal to the bottom metal gives rise to a frequency cutoff in the slot. This cutoff is valuable for separating different frequency components when the circuit is used as a mixer or multiplier. Proceeding along the slot line toward the output end, one encounters the aforementioned transition, which couples the slot line to the output CPW. Impedance tuning of the transition is accomplished by use of a high-impedance section immediately before the transition.

Compound semiconductor optical waveguide switch

DOEpatents

Spahn, Olga B.; Sullivan, Charles T.; Garcia, Ernest J.

2003-06-10

An optical waveguide switch is disclosed which is formed from III-V compound semiconductors and which has a moveable optical waveguide with a cantilevered portion that can be bent laterally by an integral electrostatic actuator to route an optical signal (i.e. light) between the moveable optical waveguide and one of a plurality of fixed optical waveguides. A plurality of optical waveguide switches can be formed on a common substrate and interconnected to form an optical switching network.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: New method for determination of the parameters of a channel waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galechyan, M. G.; Dianov, Evgenii M.; Lyndin, N. M.; Sychugov, V. A.; Tishchenko, A. V.; Usievich, B. A.

1992-02-01

A new method for the determination of the parameters of channel integrated optical waveguides is proposed. This method is based on measuring the spectral transmission of a system comprising the investigated waveguide and single-mode fiber waveguides, which are brought into contact with the channel waveguide. The results are reported of an investigation of two channel waveguides formed in glass by a variety of methods and characterized by different refractive index profiles. The proposed method is found to be suitable for determination of the parameters of the refractive index profile of the investigated channel waveguides.

Optical panel system including stackable waveguides

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

DeSanto, Leonard; Veligdan, James T.

An optical panel system including stackable waveguides is provided. The optical panel system displays a projected light image and comprises a plurality of planar optical waveguides in a stacked state. The optical panel system further comprises a support system that aligns and supports the waveguides in the stacked state. In one embodiment, the support system comprises at least one rod, wherein each waveguide contains at least one hole, and wherein each rod is positioned through a corresponding hole in each waveguide. In another embodiment, the support system comprises at least two opposing edge structures having the waveguides positioned therebetween, whereinmore » each opposing edge structure contains a mating surface, wherein opposite edges of each waveguide contain mating surfaces which are complementary to the mating surfaces of the opposing edge structures, and wherein each mating surface of the opposing edge structures engages a corresponding complementary mating surface of the opposite edges of each waveguide.« less

Microfabricated Waveguide Atom Traps.

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

Jau, Yuan-Yu

A nanoscale , microfabricated waveguide structure can in - principle be used to trap atoms in well - defined locations and enable strong photon-atom interactions . A neutral - atom platform based on this microfabrication technology will be prealigned , which is especially important for quantum - control applications. At present, there is still no reported demonstration of evanescent - field atom trapping using a microfabricated waveguide structure. We described the capabilities established by our team for future development of the waveguide atom - trapping technology at SNL and report our studies to overcome the technical challenges of loading coldmore » atoms into the waveguide atom traps, efficient and broadband optical coupling to a waveguide, and the waveguide material for high - power optical transmission. From the atomic - physics and the waveguide modeling, w e have shown that a square nano-waveguide can be utilized t o achieve better atomic spin squeezing than using a nanofiber for first time.« less

Dielectric-loaded waveguide circulator for cryogenically cooled and cascaded maser waveguide structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clauss, R. C.; Quinn, R. B. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A dielectrically loaded four port waveguide circulator is used with a reflected wave maser connected to a second port between first and third ports to form one of a plurality of cascaded maser waveguide structures. The fourth port is connected to a waveguide loaded with microwave energy absorbing material. The third (output signal) port of one maser waveguide structure is connected by a waveguide loaded with dielectric material to the first (input) port of an adjacent maser waveguide structure, and the second port is connected to a reflected wave maser by a matching transformer which passes the signal to be amplified into and out of the reflected wavemaser and blocks pumping energy in the reflected wave maser from entering the circulator. A number of cascaded maser waveguide structures are thus housed in a relatively small volume of conductive material placed within a cryogenically cooled magnet assembly.

An analog of photon-assisted tunneling in a periodically modulated waveguide array

PubMed Central

Li, Liping; Luo, Xiaobing; Yang, Xiaoxue; Wang, Mei; Lü, Xinyou; Wu, Ying

2016-01-01

We theoretically report an analog of photon-assisted tunneling (PAT) originated from dark Floquet state in a periodically driven lattice array without a static biased potential by studying a three-channel waveguide system in a non-high-frequency regime. This analog of PAT can be achieved by only periodically modulating the top waveguide and adjusting the distance between the bottom and its adjacent waveguide. It is numerically shown that the PAT resonances also exist in the five-channel waveguide system and probably exist in the waveguide arrays with other odd numbers of waveguides, but they will become weak as the number of waveguides increases. With origin different from traditional PAT, this type of PAT found in our work is closely linked to the existence of the zero-energy (dark) Floquet states. It is readily observable under currently accessible experimental conditions and may be useful for controlling light propagation in waveguide arrays. PMID:27767189

Optical panel system including stackable waveguides

DOEpatents

DeSanto, Leonard; Veligdan, James T.

2007-03-06

An optical panel system including stackable waveguides is provided. The optical panel system displays a projected light image and comprises a plurality of planar optical waveguides in a stacked state. The optical panel system further comprises a support system that aligns and supports the waveguides in the stacked state. In one embodiment, the support system comprises at least one rod, wherein each waveguide contains at least one hole, and wherein each rod is positioned through a corresponding hole in each waveguide. In another embodiment, the support system comprises at least two opposing edge structures having the waveguides positioned therebetween, wherein each opposing edge structure contains a mating surface, wherein opposite edges of each waveguide contain mating surfaces which are complementary to the mating surfaces of the opposing edge structures, and wherein each mating surface of the opposing edge structures engages a corresponding complementary mating surface of the opposite edges of each waveguide.

Slow-light enhanced subwavelength plasmonic waveguide refractive index sensors.

PubMed

Huang, Yin; Min, Changjun; Dastmalchi, Pouya; Veronis, Georgios

2015-06-01

We introduce slow-light enhanced subwavelength scale refractive index sensors which consist of a plasmonic metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguide based slow-light system sandwiched between two conventional MDM waveguides. We first consider a MDM waveguide with small width structrue for comparison, and then consider two MDM waveguide based slow light systems: a MDM waveguide side-coupled to arrays of stub resonators system and a MDM waveguide side-coupled to arrays of double-stub resonators system. We find that, as the group velocity decreases, the sensitivity of the effective index of the waveguide mode to variations of the refractive index of the fluid filling the sensors as well as the sensitivities of the reflection and transmission coefficients of the waveguide mode increase. The sensing characteristics of the slow-light waveguide based sensor structures are systematically analyzed. We show that the slow-light enhanced sensors lead to not only 3.9 and 3.5 times enhancements in the refractive index sensitivity, and therefore in the minimum detectable refractive index change, but also to 2 and 3 times reductions in the required sensing length, respectively, compared to a sensor using a MDM waveguide with small width structure.

Polymer taper bridge for silicon waveguide to single mode waveguide coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruse, Kevin; Middlebrook, Christopher T.

2016-03-01

Coupling of optical power from high-density silicon waveguides to silica optical fibers for signal routing can incur high losses and often requires complex end-face preparation/processing. Novel coupling device taper structures are proposed for low coupling loss between silicon photonic waveguides and single mode fibers are proposed and devices are fabricated and measured in terms of performance. Theoretical mode conversion models for waveguide tapers are derived for optimal device structure design and performance. Commercially viable vertical and multi-layer taper designs using polymer waveguide materials are proposed as innovative, cost-efficient, and mass-manufacturable optical coupling devices. The coupling efficiency for both designs is determined to evaluate optimal device dimensions and alignment tolerances with both silicon rib waveguides and silicon nanowire waveguides. Propagation loss as a function of waveguide roughness and metallic loss are determined and correlated to waveguide dimensions to obtain total insertion loss for the proposed taper designs. Multi-layer tapers on gold-sputtered substrates are fabricated through photolithography as proof-of-concept devices and evaluated for device loss optimization. Tapered waveguide coupling loss with Si WGs (2.74 dB) was experimentally measured with high correlation to theoretical results.

Minimum required capture radius in a coplanar model of the aerial combat problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breakwell, J. V.; Merz, A. W.

1977-01-01

Coplanar aerial combat is modeled with constant speeds and specified turn rates. The minimum capture radius which will always permit capture, regardless of the initial conditions, is calculated. This 'critical' capture radius is also the maximum range which the evader can guarantee indefinitely if the initial range, for example, is large. A composite barrier is constructed which gives the boundary, at any heading, of relative positions for which the capture radius is less than critical.

Supramolecular Polymers Based on Non-Coplanar AAA-DDD Hydrogen-Bonded Complexes.

PubMed

Mendez, Iamnica J Linares; Wang, Hong-Bo; Yuan, Ying-Xue; Wisner, James A

2018-03-01

Non-coplanar triple-hydrogen-bond arrays are connected as telechelic groups to alkyl chains and their properties as AA/BB type supramolecular polymers are examined. Viscosity studies at three temperatures are used to study the ring-chain equilibrium and determine the critical concentrations where polymer chains are formed. It is observed that neither the temperature range studied nor the alkyl chain length of one component significantly affect the polymerization properties in this system. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Propagation losses in undoped and n-doped polycrystalline silicon wire waveguides.

PubMed

Zhu, Shiyang; Fang, Q; Yu, M B; Lo, G Q; Kwong, D L

2009-11-09

Polycrystalline silicon (polySi) wire waveguides with width ranging from 200 to 500 nm are fabricated by solid-phase crystallization (SPC) of deposited amorphous silicon (a-Si) on SiO(2) at a maximum temperature of 1000 degrees C. The propagation loss at 1550 nm decreases from 13.0 to 9.8 dB/cm with the waveguide width shrinking from 500 to 300 nm while the 200-nm-wide waveguides exhibit quite large loss (>70 dB/cm) mainly due to the relatively rough sidewall of waveguides induced by the polySi dry etch. By modifying the process sequence, i.e., first patterning the a-Si layer into waveguides by dry etch and then SPC, the sidewall roughness is significantly improved but the polySi crystallinity is degraded, leading to 13.9 dB/cm loss in the 200-nm-wide waveguides while larger losses in the wider waveguides. Phosphorus implantation causes an additional loss in the polySi waveguides. The doping-induced optical loss increases relatively slowly with the phosphorus concentration increasing up to 1 x 10(18) cm(-3), whereas the 5 x 10(18) cm(-3) doped waveguides exhibit large loss due to the dominant free carrier absorption. For all undoped polySi waveguides, further 1-2 dB/cm loss reduction is obtained by a standard forming gas (10%H(2) + 90%N(2)) annealing owing to the hydrogen passivation of Si dangling bonds present in polySi waveguides, achieving the lowest loss of 7.9 dB/cm in the 300-nm-wide polySi waveguides. However, for the phosphorus doped polySi waveguides, the propagation loss is slightly increased by the forming gas annealing.

Radio frequency (RF) microwave components and subsystems using loaded ridge waveguide

DOEpatents

Kang, Yoon W.

2013-08-20

A waveguide having a non-conductive material with a high permeability (.mu., .mu..sub.r for relative permeability) and/or a high permittivity (.di-elect cons., .di-elect cons..sub.r for relative permittivity) positioned within a housing. When compared to a hollow waveguide, the waveguide of this invention, reduces waveguide dimensions by .varies..mu. ##EQU00001## The waveguide of this invention further includes ridges which further reduce the size and increases the usable frequency bandwidth.

Silicone polymer waveguide bridge for Si to glass optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruse, Kevin L.; Riegel, Nicholas J.; Middlebrook, Christopher T.

2015-03-01

Multimode step index polymer waveguides achieve high-speed, (<10 Gb/s) low bit-error-rates for onboard and embedded circuit applications. Using several multimode waveguides in parallel enables overall capacity to reach beyond 100 Gb/s, but the intrinsic bandwidth limitations due to intermodal dispersion limit the data transmission rates within multimode waveguides. Single mode waveguides, where intermodal dispersion is not present, have the potential to further improve data transmission rates. Single mode waveguide size is significantly less than their multimode counterparts allowing for greater density of channels leading to higher bandwidth capacity per layer. Challenges in implementation of embedded single mode waveguides within printed circuit boards involves mass production fabrication techniques to create precision dimensional waveguides, precision alignment tolerances necessary to launch a mode, and effective coupling between adjoining waveguides and devices. An emerging need in which single mode waveguides can be utilized is providing low loss fan out techniques and coupling between on-chip transceiver devices containing Si waveguide structures to traditional single mode optical fiber. A polymer waveguide bridge for Si to glass optical fibers can be implemented using silicone polymers at 1310 nm. Fabricated and measured prototype devices with modeling and simulation analysis are reported for a 12 member 1-D tapered PWG. Recommendations and designs are generated with performance factors such as numerical aperture and alignment tolerances.

Ultra-large nonlinear parameter in graphene-silicon waveguide structures.

PubMed

Donnelly, Christine; Tan, Dawn T H

2014-09-22

Mono-layer graphene integrated with optical waveguides is studied for the purpose of maximizing E-field interaction with the graphene layer, for the generation of ultra-large nonlinear parameters. It is shown that the common approach used to minimize the waveguide effective modal area does not accurately predict the configuration with the maximum nonlinear parameter. Both photonic and plasmonic waveguide configurations and graphene integration techniques realizable with today's fabrication tools are studied. Importantly, nonlinear parameters exceeding 10(4) W(-1)/m, two orders of magnitude larger than that in silicon on insulator waveguides without graphene, are obtained for the quasi-TE mode in silicon waveguides incorporating mono-layer graphene in the evanescent part of the optical field. Dielectric loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides incorporating mono-layer graphene are observed to generate nonlinear parameters as large as 10(5) W(-1)/m, three orders of magnitude larger than that in silicon on insulator waveguides without graphene. The ultra-large nonlinear parameters make such waveguides promising platforms for nonlinear integrated optics at ultra-low powers, and for previously unobserved nonlinear optical effects to be studied in a waveguide platform.

Geometrical tuning art for entirely subwavelength grating waveguide based integrated photonics circuits

DOE PAGES

Wang, Zheng; Xu, Xiaochuan; Fan, Donglei; ...

2016-05-05

Here, subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide is an intriguing alternative to conventional optical waveguides due to the extra degree of freedom it offers in tuning a few important waveguide properties, such as dispersion and refractive index. Devices based on SWG waveguides have demonstrated impressive performances compared to conventional waveguides. However, the high loss of SWG waveguide bends jeopardizes their applications in integrated photonic circuits. In this work, we propose a geometrical tuning art, which realizes a pre-distorted refractive index profile in SWG waveguide bends. The pre-distorted refractive index profile can effectively reduce the mode mismatch and radiation loss simultaneously, thus significantlymore » reduce the bend loss. This geometry tuning art has been numerically optimized and experimentally demonstrated in present study. Through such tuning, the average insertion loss of a 5 μm SWG waveguide bend is reduced drastically from 5.43 dB to 1.10 dB per 90° bend for quasi-TE polarization. In the future, the proposed scheme will be utilized to enhance performance of a wide range of SWG waveguide based photonics devices.« less

Geometrical tuning art for entirely subwavelength grating waveguide based integrated photonics circuits

PubMed Central

Wang, Zheng; Xu, Xiaochuan; Fan, Donglei; Wang, Yaguo; Subbaraman, Harish; Chen, Ray T.

2016-01-01

Subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide is an intriguing alternative to conventional optical waveguides due to the extra degree of freedom it offers in tuning a few important waveguide properties, such as dispersion and refractive index. Devices based on SWG waveguides have demonstrated impressive performances compared to conventional waveguides. However, the high loss of SWG waveguide bends jeopardizes their applications in integrated photonic circuits. In this work, we propose a geometrical tuning art, which realizes a pre-distorted refractive index profile in SWG waveguide bends. The pre-distorted refractive index profile can effectively reduce the mode mismatch and radiation loss simultaneously, thus significantly reduce the bend loss. This geometry tuning art has been numerically optimized and experimentally demonstrated in present study. Through such tuning, the average insertion loss of a 5 μm SWG waveguide bend is reduced drastically from 5.43 dB to 1.10 dB per 90° bend for quasi-TE polarization. In the future, the proposed scheme will be utilized to enhance performance of a wide range of SWG waveguide based photonics devices. PMID:27145872

Geometrical tuning art for entirely subwavelength grating waveguide based integrated photonics circuits.

PubMed

Wang, Zheng; Xu, Xiaochuan; Fan, Donglei; Wang, Yaguo; Subbaraman, Harish; Chen, Ray T

2016-05-05

Subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide is an intriguing alternative to conventional optical waveguides due to the extra degree of freedom it offers in tuning a few important waveguide properties, such as dispersion and refractive index. Devices based on SWG waveguides have demonstrated impressive performances compared to conventional waveguides. However, the high loss of SWG waveguide bends jeopardizes their applications in integrated photonic circuits. In this work, we propose a geometrical tuning art, which realizes a pre-distorted refractive index profile in SWG waveguide bends. The pre-distorted refractive index profile can effectively reduce the mode mismatch and radiation loss simultaneously, thus significantly reduce the bend loss. This geometry tuning art has been numerically optimized and experimentally demonstrated in present study. Through such tuning, the average insertion loss of a 5 μm SWG waveguide bend is reduced drastically from 5.43 dB to 1.10 dB per 90° bend for quasi-TE polarization. In the future, the proposed scheme will be utilized to enhance performance of a wide range of SWG waveguide based photonics devices.

Broadband photonic transport between waveguides by adiabatic elimination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oukraou, Hassan; Coda, Virginie; Rangelov, Andon A.; Montemezzani, Germano

2018-02-01

We propose an adiabatic method for the robust transfer of light between the two outer waveguides in a three-waveguide directional coupler. Unlike the established technique inherited from stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP), the method proposed here is symmetric with respect to an exchange of the left and right waveguides in the structure and permits the transfer in both directions. The technique uses the adiabatic elimination of the middle waveguide together with level crossing and adiabatic passage in an effective two-state system involving only the external waveguides. It requires a strong detuning between the outer and the middle waveguide and does not rely on the adiabatic transfer state (dark state) underlying the STIRAP process. The suggested technique is generalized to an array of N waveguides and verified by numerical beam propagation calculations.

Diffraction of an Electromagnetic Wave on a Dielectric Rod in a Rectangular Waveguide. A Method of Partial Waveguide Filling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zav'yalov, A. S.

2018-04-01

A variant of the method of partial waveguide filling is considered in which a sample is put into a waveguide through holes in wide waveguide walls at the distance equal to a quarter of the wavelength in the waveguide from a short-circuiter, and the total input impedance of the sample in the waveguide is directly measured. The equivalent circuit of the sample is found both without and with account of the hole. It is demonstrated that consideration of the edge effect makes it possible to obtain more exact values of the dielectric permittivity.

Passive estimation of the waveguide invariant per pair of modes.

PubMed

Le Gall, Yann; Bonnel, Julien

2013-08-01

In many oceanic waveguides, acoustic propagation is characterized by a parameter called waveguide invariant. This property is used in many passive and active sonar applications where knowledge of the waveguide invariant value is required. The waveguide invariant is classically considered as scalar but several studies show that it is better modeled by a distribution because of its dependence on frequency and mode pairs. This paper presents a new method for estimating the waveguide invariant distribution. Using the noise radiated by a distant ship and a single hydrophone, the proposed methodology allows estimating the waveguide invariant for each pair of modes in shallow water. Performance is evaluated on simulated data.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Noncollinear geometry for highly efficient excitation of a corrugated waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimov, M. S.; Sychugov, V. A.; Tishchenko, A. V.

1992-02-01

An analysis is made of the process of light emission from a corrugated waveguide into air and into a substrate in a noncollinear geometry, i.e., when the direction along which the waveguide mode propagates does not coincide with the plane in which the emitted wave lies. Calculations show that when a TE mode is excited in a corrugated waveguide by a light beam with the TM polarization incident from air on the waveguide at a grazing angle, one can achieve a high waveguide excitation efficiency (~ 60%) if the waveguide mode propagates along the normal to the plane of incidence.

Guiding properties of asymmetric hybrid plasmonic waveguides on dielectric substrates

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We proposed an asymmetric hybrid plasmonic waveguide which is placed on a substrate for practical applications by introducing an asymmetry into a symmetric hybrid plasmonic waveguide. The guiding properties of the asymmetric hybrid plasmonic waveguide are investigated using finite element method. The results show that, with proper waveguide sizes, the proposed waveguide can eliminate the influence of the substrate on its guiding properties and restore its broken symmetric mode. We obtained the maximum propagation length of 2.49 × 103 μm. It is approximately equal to that of the symmetric hybrid plasmonic waveguide embedded in air cladding with comparable nanoscale confinement. PMID:24406096

Optimal aeroassisted coplanar orbital transfer using an energy model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halyo, Nesim; Taylor, Deborah B.

1989-01-01

The atmospheric portion of the trajectories for the aeroassisted coplanar orbit transfer was investigated. The equations of motion for the problem are expressed using reduced order model and total vehicle energy, kinetic plus potential, as the independent variable rather than time. The order reduction is achieved analytically without an approximation of the vehicle dynamics. In this model, the problem of coplanar orbit transfer is seen as one in which a given amount of energy must be transferred from the vehicle to the atmosphere during the trajectory without overheating the vehicle. An optimal control problem is posed where a linear combination of the integrated square of the heating rate and the vehicle drag is the cost function to be minimized. The necessary conditions for optimality are obtained. These result in a 4th order two-point-boundary-value problem. A parametric study of the optimal guidance trajectory in which the proportion of the heating rate term versus the drag varies is made. Simulations of the guidance trajectories are presented.

Effective spring stiffness for a periodic array of interacting coplanar penny-shaped cracks at an interface between two dissimilar isotropic materials

PubMed Central

Lekesiz, Huseyin; Katsube, Noriko; Rokhlin, Stanislav I.; Seghi, Robert R.

2013-01-01

An effective spring stiffness approximation is proposed for a hexagonal array of coplanar penny shaped cracks located at the interface between two dissimilar solids. The approximation is based on the factorization of the solution on the material dissimilarity factor, the crack interaction factor and the effective spring stiffness solution for non-interacting cracks in a homogeneous material. Such factorization is exact and was validated for 2D collinear cracks between two dissimilar solids. The crack interaction factor is obtained using a recently developed model for stress intensity factors for an array of coplanar penny shaped cracks in a homogeneous material; also the material dissimilarity function recently obtained for non-interacting penny shaped crack at the interface between two dissimilar materials is employed. The obtained solution is useful for an assessment by ultrasonic measurements of the interface stiffness in bonded structures for monitoring the interfacial microdamage growth due to mechanical loading and environmental factors. PMID:27175036

Magnon Hall effect without Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.

PubMed

Owerre, S A

2017-01-25

Topological magnon bands and magnon Hall effect in insulating collinear ferromagnets are induced by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) even at zero magnetic field. In the geometrically frustrated star lattice, a coplanar/noncollinear [Formula: see text] magnetic ordering may be present due to spin frustration. This magnetic structure, however, does not exhibit topological magnon effects even with DMI in contrast to collinear ferromagnets. We show that a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the star plane induces a non-coplanar spin configuration with nonzero spin scalar chirality, which provides topological effects without the need of DMI. The non-coplanar spin texture originates from the topology of the spin configurations and does not need the presence of DMI or magnetic ordering, which suggests that this phenomenon may be present in the chiral spin liquid phases of frustrated magnetic systems. We propose that these anomalous topological magnon effects can be accessible in polymeric iron (III) acetate-a star-lattice antiferromagnet with both spin frustration and long-range magnetic ordering.

Design and optimization of surface profilometer based on coplanar guide rail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shuai; Dai, Yifan; Hu, Hao; Tie, Guipeng

2017-10-01

In order to implement the sub-micron precision measurement, a surface profilometer which based on the coplanar guide rail is designed. This profilometer adopts the open type air floating load and is driven by the magnetic force. As to achieve sub-micron accuracy, the flatness of granite guide working face and aerodynamic block are both processed to the micron level based on the homogenization of air flotation film theory. Permanent magnet which could reduce the influence of the driving disturbance to the measurement accuracy is used as the driving part. In this paper, the bearing capacity and the air floating stiffness of air floating block are both simulated and analyzed as to optimize the design parameters firstly. The layout and magnetic force of the magnet are also simulated. According to the simulation results, type selection and the position arrangement of the magnets are then confirmed. The test results on the experimental platform show that the surface profilometer based on coplanar guide rail possess the basis for realizing the submicron precision measurement.

Coplanar electrode microfluidic chip enabling accurate sheathless impedance cytometry.

PubMed

De Ninno, Adele; Errico, Vito; Bertani, Francesca Romana; Businaro, Luca; Bisegna, Paolo; Caselli, Federica

2017-03-14

Microfluidic impedance cytometry offers a simple non-invasive method for single-cell analysis. Coplanar electrode chips are especially attractive due to ease of fabrication, yielding miniaturized, reproducible, and ultimately low-cost devices. However, their accuracy is challenged by the dependence of the measured signal on particle trajectory within the interrogation volume, that manifests itself as an error in the estimated particle size, unless any kind of focusing system is used. In this paper, we present an original five-electrode coplanar chip enabling accurate particle sizing without the need for focusing. The chip layout is designed to provide a peculiar signal shape from which a new metric correlating with particle trajectory can be extracted. This metric is exploited to correct the estimated size of polystyrene beads of 5.2, 6 and 7 μm nominal diameter, reaching coefficient of variations lower than the manufacturers' quoted values. The potential impact of the proposed device in the field of life sciences is demonstrated with an application to Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.

Analysis of a Segmented Annular Coplanar Capacitive Tilt Sensor with Increased Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Guo, Jiahao; Hu, Pengcheng; Tan, Jiubin

2016-01-01

An investigation of a segmented annular coplanar capacitor is presented. We focus on its theoretical model, and a mathematical expression of the capacitance value is derived by solving a Laplace equation with Hankel transform. The finite element method is employed to verify the analytical result. Different control parameters are discussed, and each contribution to the capacitance value of the capacitor is obtained. On this basis, we analyze and optimize the structure parameters of a segmented coplanar capacitive tilt sensor, and three models with different positions of the electrode gap are fabricated and tested. The experimental result shows that the model (whose electrode-gap position is 10 mm from the electrode center) realizes a high sensitivity: 0.129 pF/° with a non-linearity of <0.4% FS (full scale of ±40°). This finding offers plenty of opportunities for various measurement requirements in addition to achieving an optimized structure in practical design. PMID:26805844

Effective spring stiffness for a periodic array of interacting coplanar penny-shaped cracks at an interface between two dissimilar isotropic materials.

PubMed

Lekesiz, Huseyin; Katsube, Noriko; Rokhlin, Stanislav I; Seghi, Robert R

2013-08-15

An effective spring stiffness approximation is proposed for a hexagonal array of coplanar penny shaped cracks located at the interface between two dissimilar solids. The approximation is based on the factorization of the solution on the material dissimilarity factor, the crack interaction factor and the effective spring stiffness solution for non-interacting cracks in a homogeneous material. Such factorization is exact and was validated for 2D collinear cracks between two dissimilar solids. The crack interaction factor is obtained using a recently developed model for stress intensity factors for an array of coplanar penny shaped cracks in a homogeneous material; also the material dissimilarity function recently obtained for non-interacting penny shaped crack at the interface between two dissimilar materials is employed. The obtained solution is useful for an assessment by ultrasonic measurements of the interface stiffness in bonded structures for monitoring the interfacial microdamage growth due to mechanical loading and environmental factors.

Waveguide Power-Amplifier Module for 80 to 150 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, Lorene; Weinreb, Sander; Peralta, Alejandro

2006-01-01

A waveguide power-amplifier module capable of operating over the frequency range from 80 to 150 GHz has been constructed. The module comprises a previously reported power amplifier packaged in a waveguide housing that is compatible with WR-8 waveguides. (WR- 8 is a standard waveguide size for the nominal frequency range from 90 to 140 GHz.) The waveguide power-amplifier module is robust and can be bolted to test equipment and to other electronic circuits with which the amplifier must be connected for normal operation.

A Method to Compute the Force Signature of a Body Impacting on a Linear Elastic Structure Using Fourier Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-17

FK * 1PK (2) The convolution of two transforms in time domain is the inverse transform of the product in frequency domain. Thus Rp(s) - Fgc() Ipg(*) (3...its inverse transform by: R,(r)- R,(a.)e’’ do. (5)2w In order to nuke use f a very accurate numerical method to ompute Fourier "ke and coil...taorm. When the inverse transform it tken by using Eq. (15), the cosine transform, because it converges faster than the sine transform refu-ft the

Dielectric waveguides for ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Bluemink, Johanna J; Raaijmakers, Alexander J E; Koning, Wouter; Andreychenko, Anna; Rivera, Debra S; Luijten, Peter R; Klomp, Dennis W J; van den Berg, Cornelis A T

2016-10-01

The design of RF coils for MRI transmit becomes increasingly challenging at high frequencies required for MRI at 7T and above. Our goal is to show a proof of principle of a new type of transmit coil for higher field strengths. We demonstrate an alternative transmit coil design based on dielectric waveguide principles which transfers energy via evanescent wave coupling. The operating principles and conditions are explored by simulations. The waveguide is applied for in vivo imaging at 7T. The waveguide can be an efficient transmit coil when four conditions are fulfilled: (1) the waveguide should be operated just above the cutoff frequency of the lowest order transverse electric mode, (2) the waveguide should not operate at a frequency where the wavelength fits an integer number of times in the waveguide length and standing wave patterns become very prominent, (3) for homogeneous excitation, the waveguide should be bent around the object, and (4) there should be an air gap between the waveguide and the object. By choosing the dielectric and the dimensions adequately, the dielectric waveguide couples the magnetic field efficiently into the body. The waveguide can be redesigned for higher frequencies by simple adaptations and may be a promising transmit alternative. Magn Reson Med 76:1314-1324, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nanoscale devices based on plasmonic coaxial waveguide resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahigir, A.; Dastmalchi, P.; Shin, W.; Fan, S.; Veronis, G.

2015-02-01

Waveguide-resonator systems are particularly useful for the development of several integrated photonic devices, such as tunable filters, optical switches, channel drop filters, reflectors, and impedance matching elements. In this paper, we introduce nanoscale devices based on plasmonic coaxial waveguide resonators. In particular, we investigate threedimensional nanostructures consisting of plasmonic coaxial stub resonators side-coupled to a plasmonic coaxial waveguide. We use coaxial waveguides with square cross sections, which can be fabricated using lithography-based techniques. The waveguides are placed on top of a silicon substrate, and the space between inner and outer coaxial metals is filled with silica. We use silver as the metal. We investigate structures consisting of a single plasmonic coaxial resonator, which is terminated either in a short or an open circuit, side-coupled to a coaxial waveguide. We show that the incident waveguide mode is almost completely reflected on resonance, while far from the resonance the waveguide mode is almost completely transmitted. We also show that the properties of the waveguide systems can be accurately described using a single-mode scattering matrix theory. The transmission and reflection coefficients at waveguide junctions are either calculated using the concept of the characteristic impedance or are directly numerically extracted using full-wave three-dimensional finite-difference frequency-domain simulations.

Silicon Photonic Waveguides for Near- and Mid-Infrared Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stankovic, S.; Milosevic, M.; Timotijevic, B.; Yang, P. Y.; Teo, E. J.; Crnjanski, J.; Matavulj, P.; Mashanovich, G. Z.

2007-11-01

The basic building block of every photonic circuit is a waveguide. In this paper we investigate the most popular silicon waveguide structures in the form of a silicon-on-insulator rib waveguide. We also analyse two structures that can find applications in mid- and long-wave infrared regions: free-standing and hollow core omnidirectional waveguides.