Probing dynamic behavior of electric fields and band diagrams in complex semiconductor heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turkulets, Yury; Shalish, Ilan

2018-01-01

Modern bandgap engineered electronic devices are typically made of multi-semiconductor multi-layer heterostructures that pose a major challenge to silicon-era characterization methods. As a result, contemporary bandgap engineering relies mostly on simulated band structures that are hardly ever verified experimentally. Here, we present a method that experimentally evaluates bandgap, band offsets, and electric fields, in complex multi-semiconductor layered structures, and it does so simultaneously in all the layers. The method uses a modest optical photocurrent spectroscopy setup at ambient conditions. The results are analyzed using a simple model for electro-absorption. As an example, we apply the method to a typical GaN high electron mobility transistor structure. Measurements under various external electric fields allow us to experimentally construct band diagrams, not only at equilibrium but also under any other working conditions of the device. The electric fields are then used to obtain the charge carrier density and mobility in the quantum well as a function of the gate voltage over the entire range of operating conditions of the device. The principles exemplified here may serve as guidelines for the development of methods for simultaneous characterization of all the layers in complex, multi-semiconductor structures.

Passing particle toroidal precession induced by electric field in a tokamak

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

Andreev, V. V.; Ilgisonis, V. I.; Sorokina, E. A.

2013-12-15

Characteristics of a rotation of passing particles in a tokamak with radial electric field are calculated. The expression for time-averaged toroidal velocity of the passing particle induced by the electric field is derived. The electric-field-induced additive to the toroidal velocity of the passing particle appears to be much smaller than the velocity of the electric drift calculated for the poloidal magnetic field typical for the trapped particle. This quantity can even have the different sign depending on the azimuthal position of the particle starting point. The unified approach for the calculation of the bounce period and of the time-averaged toroidalmore » velocity of both trapped and passing particles in the whole volume of plasma column is presented. The results are obtained analytically and are confirmed by 3D numerical calculations of the trajectories of charged particles.« less

Highly Structured Plasma Density and Associated Electric and Magnetic Field Irregularities at Sub-Auroral, Middle, and Low Latitudes in the Topside Ionosphere Observed with the DEMETER and DMSP Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, Robert F.; Liebrecht, C; Berthelier, Jean-Jacques; Parrot, M.; Lebreton, Jean-Pierre

2007-01-01

Detailed observations of the plasma structure and irregularities that characterize the topside ionosphere at sub-auroral, middle, and low-latitudes are gathered with probes on the DEMETER and DMSP satellites. In particular, we present DEMETER observations near 700 km altitude that reveal: (1) the electric field irregularities and density depletions at mid-latitudes are remarkably similar to those associated with equatorial spread-F at low latitudes; (2) the mid-latitude density structures contain both depletions and enhancements with scale lengths along the spacecraft trajectory that typically vary from 10's to 100's of km; (3) in some cases, ELF magnetic field irregularities are observed in association with the electric field irregularities on the walls of the plasma density structures and appear to be related to finely-structured spatial currents and/or Alfven waves; (4) during severe geomagnetic storms, broad regions of nightside plasma density structures are typically present, in some instances extending from the equator to the subauroral regions; and (5) intense, broadband electric and magnetic field irregularities are observed at sub-auroral latitudes during geomagnetic storm periods that are typically associated with the trough region. Data from successive DEMETER orbits during storm periods in both the daytime and nighttime illustrate how enhancements of both the ambient plasma density, as well as sub-auroral and mid-latitude density structures, correlate and evolve with changes in the Dst. The DEMETER data are compared with near simultaneous observations gathered by the DMSP satellites near 840 km. The observations are related to theories of sub-auroral and mid-latitude plasma density structuring during geomagnetic storms and penetration electric fields and are highly germane to understanding space weather effects regarding disruption of communication and navigation signals in the near-space environment.

Energy harvesting using a thermoelectric material

DOEpatents

Nersessian, Nersesse [Van Nuys, CA; Carman, Gregory P [Los Angeles, CA; Radousky, Harry B [San Leandro, CA

2008-07-08

A novel energy harvesting system and method utilizing a thermoelectric having a material exhibiting a large thermally induced strain (TIS) due to a phase transformation and a material exhibiting a stress induced electric field is introduced. A material that exhibits such a phase transformation exhibits a large increase in the coefficient of thermal expansion over an incremental temperature range (typically several degrees Kelvin). When such a material is arranged in a geometric configuration, such as, for a example, a laminate with a material that exhibits a stress induced electric field (e.g. a piezoelectric material) the thermally induced strain is converted to an electric field.

Initiation of Positive Streamers near Uncharged Ice Hydrometeors in the Thundercloud Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babich, L. P.; Bochkov, E. I.

2018-05-01

Since the threshold electric field required for breakdown of air is much higher than the maximum field strength measured in thunderstorm clouds, the problem of lightning initiation still remains unsolved. According to the popular hypothesis, lightning can be initiated by a streamer discharge in the field enhanced near a hydrometeor. To verify the adequacy of this hypothesis, the development of a positive streamer propagating along the thunderstorm electric field in the vicinity of an ice needle at an air pressure corresponding to an altitude of 5 km (which is typical of the lightning initiation conditions) was simulated numerically. The hydrometeor dimensions are determined at which streamers can be initiated at different strengths of the thunderstorm electric field.

The Ionospheric Impact of an ICME-Driven Sheath Region Over Indian and American Sectors in the Absence of a Typical Geomagnetic Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rout, Diptiranjan; Chakrabarty, D.; Sarkhel, S.; Sekar, R.; Fejer, B. G.; Reeves, G. D.; Kulkarni, Atul S.; Aponte, Nestor; Sulzer, Mike; Mathews, John D.; Kerr, Robert B.; Noto, John

2018-05-01

On 13 April 2013, the ACE spacecraft detected arrival of an interplanetary shock at 2250 UT, which is followed by the passage of the sheath region of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) for a prolonged (18-hr) period. The polarity of interplanetary magnetic field Bz was northward inside the magnetic cloud region of the ICME. The ring current (SYM-H) index did not go below -7 nT during this event suggesting the absence of a typical geomagnetic storm. The responses of the global ionospheric electric field associated with the passage of the ICME sheath region have been investigated using incoherent scatter radar measurements of Jicamarca and Arecibo (postmidnight sector) along with the variations of equatorial electrojet strength over India (day sector). It is found that westward and eastward prompt penetration (PP) electric fields affected ionosphere over Jicamarca/Arecibo and Indian sectors, respectively, during 0545-0800 UT. The polarities of the PP electric field perturbations over the day/night sectors are consistent with model predictions. In fact, DP2-type electric field perturbations with ˜40-min periodicity are found to affect the ionosphere over both the sectors for about 2.25 hr during the passage of the ICME sheath region. This result shows that SYM-H index may not capture the full geoeffectivenss of the ICME sheath-driven storms and suggests that the PP electric field perturbations should be evaluated for geoeffectiveness of ICME when the polarity of interplanetary magnetic field Bz is northward inside the magnetic cloud region of the ICME.

Plasma rotation by electric and magnetic fields in a discharge cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilhelm, H. E.; Hong, S. H.

1977-01-01

A theoretical model for an electric discharge consisting of a spatially diverging plasma sustained electrically between a small ring cathode and a larger ring anode in a cylindrical chamber with an axial magnetic field is developed to study the rotation of the discharge plasma in the crossed electric and magnetic fields. The associated boundary-value problem for the coupled partial differential equations which describe the electric potential and the plasma velocity fields is solved in closed form. The electric field, current density, and velocity distributions are discussed in terms of the Hartmann number and the Hall coefficient. As a result of Lorentz forces, the plasma rotates with speeds as high as 1 million cm/sec around its axis of symmetry at typical conditions. As an application, it is noted that rotating discharges of this type could be used to develop a high-density plasma-ultracentrifuge driven by j x B forces, in which the lighter (heavier) ion and atom components would be enriched in (off) the center of the discharge cylinder.

The effect of longitudinal conductance variations on the ionospheric prompt penetration electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sazykin, S.; Wolf, R.; Spiro, R.; Fejer, B.

Ionospheric prompt penetration electric fields of magnetospheric origin, together with the atmospheric disturbance dynamo, represent the most important parameters controlling the storm-time dynamics of the low and mid-latitude ionosphere. These prompt penetration fields result from the disruption of region-2 field-aligned shielding currents during geomagnetically disturbed conditions. Penetration electric fields con- trol, to a large extent, the generation and development of equatorial spread-F plasma instabilities as well as other dynamic space weather phenomena in the ionosphere equatorward of the auroral zone. While modeling studies typically agree with average patterns of prompt penetration fields, experimental results suggest that longitudinal variations of the ionospheric con- ductivities play a non-negligible role in controlling spread-F phenomena, an effect that has not previously been modeled. We present first results of modeling prompt pene- tration electric fields using a version of the Rice Convection Model (RCM) that allows for longitudinal variations in the ionospheric conductance tensor. The RCM is a first- principles numerical ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling model that solves for the electric fields, field-aligned currents, and particle distributions in the ionosphere and inner/middle magnetosphere. We compare these new theoretical results with electric field observations.

Electric organ discharges and near-field spatiotemporal patterns of the electromotive force in a sympatric assemblage of Neotropical electric knifefish.

PubMed

Waddell, Joseph C; Rodríguez-Cattáneo, Alejo; Caputi, Angel A; Crampton, William G R

2016-10-01

Descriptions of the head-to-tail electric organ discharge (ht-EOD) waveform - typically recorded with electrodes at a distance of approximately 1-2 body lengths from the center of the subject - have traditionally been used to characterize species diversity in gymnotiform electric fish. However, even taxa with relatively simple ht-EODs show spatiotemporally complex fields near the body surface that are determined by site-specific electrogenic properties of the electric organ and electric filtering properties of adjacent tissues and skin. In Brachyhypopomus, a pulse-discharging genus in the family Hypopomidae, the regional characteristics of the electric organ and the role that the complex 'near field' plays in communication and/or electrolocation are not well known. Here we describe, compare, and discuss the functional significance of diversity in the ht-EOD waveforms and near-field spatiotemporal patterns of the electromotive force (emf-EODs) among a species-rich sympatric community of Brachyhypopomus from the upper Amazon. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remote Sensing of the Reconnection Electric Field From In Situ Multipoint Observations of the Separatrix Boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, T. K. M.; Nakamura, R.; Varsani, A.; Genestreti, K. J.; Baumjohann, W.; Liu, Y.-H.

2018-05-01

A remote sensing technique to infer the local reconnection electric field based on in situ multipoint spacecraft observation at the reconnection separatrix is proposed. In this technique, the increment of the reconnected magnetic flux is estimated by integrating the in-plane magnetic field during the sequential observation of the separatrix boundary by multipoint measurements. We tested this technique by applying it to virtual observations in a two-dimensional fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulation of magnetic reconnection without a guide field and confirmed that the estimated reconnection electric field indeed agrees well with the exact value computed at the X-line. We then applied this technique to an event observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission when crossing an energetic plasma sheet boundary layer during an intense substorm. The estimated reconnection electric field for this event is nearly 1 order of magnitude higher than a typical value of magnetotail reconnection.

Controlling stray electric fields on an atom chip for experiments on Rydberg atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davtyan, D.; Machluf, S.; Soudijn, M. L.; Naber, J. B.; van Druten, N. J.; van Linden van den Heuvell, H. B.; Spreeuw, R. J. C.

2018-02-01

Experiments handling Rydberg atoms near surfaces must necessarily deal with the high sensitivity of Rydberg atoms to (stray) electric fields that typically emanate from adsorbates on the surface. We demonstrate a method to modify and reduce the stray electric field by changing the adsorbate distribution. We use one of the Rydberg excitation lasers to locally affect the adsorbed dipole distribution. By adjusting the averaged exposure time we change the strength (with the minimal value less than 0.2 V /cm at 78 μ m from the chip) and even the sign of the perpendicular field component. This technique is a useful tool for experiments handling Rydberg atoms near surfaces, including atom chips.

Optical electric field sensor sensitivity direction rerouting and enhancement using a passive integrated dipole antenna.

PubMed

Seng, Frederick; Yang, Zhenchao; King, Rex; Shumway, LeGrand; Stan, Nikola; Hammond, Alec; Warnick, Karl F; Schultz, Stephen

2017-06-10

This work introduces a passive dipole antenna integrated into the packaging of a slab-coupled optical sensor to enhance the directional sensitivity of electro-optic electric field measurements parallel to the fiber axis. Using the passive integrated dipole antenna described in this work, a sensor that can typically only sense fields transverse to the fiber direction is able to sense a 1.25 kV/m field along the fiber direction with a gain of 17.5. This is verified through simulation and experiment.

Electric field around a dielectric elastomer actuator in proximity to the human body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKenzie, Anita C.; Calius, Emilio P.; Anderson, Iain A.

2008-03-01

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are a promising artificial muscle technology that will enable new kinds of prostheses and wearable rehabilitation devices. DEAs are driven by electric fields in the MV/m range and the dielectric elastomer itself is typically 30μm in thickness or more. Large operating voltages, in the order of several kilovolts, are then required to produce useful strains and these large voltages and the resulting electric fields could potentially pose problems when DEAs are used in close proximity to the human body. The fringing electric fields of a DEA in close association with the skin were modelled using finite element methods. The model was verified against a known analytic solution describing the electric field surrounding a capacitor in air. The agreement between the two is good, as the difference is less than 10% unless within 4.5mm of the DEA's lateral edges. As expected, it was found that for a DEA constructed with thinner dielectric layers, the fringe field strength dropped in direct proportion to the reduction in applied voltage, despite the internal field being maintained at the same level. More interestingly, modelling the electric field around stacked DEAs showed that for an even number of layers the electric field is an order of magnitude less than for an odd number of layers, due to the cancelling of opposing electric fields.

Magnetocaloric effect and its modulation by electric field in La0.325Pr0.3Ca0.375MnO3 films grown on (0 1 1)-PMN-PT substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, K. M.; Li, J.; Liu, Y.; Kuang, H.; Wang, J.; Hu, F. X.; Sun, J. R.; Shen, B. G.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we have investigated the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and its modulation by electric field in La0.325Pr0.3Ca0.375MnO3 (LPCMO) films grown on (0 1 1)-oriented PMN-PT substrates. As a typical perovskite manganite with phase separation, the LPCMO bulk shows a considerable MCE, but the MCE of the LPCMO films has never been investigated. We found that the LPCMO films exhibit a MCE over a wide temperature range. A modulation of magnetization by electric field has been observed in the temperature dependent (M-T) and magnetic field dependent (M-H) curves. As a result, enhanced magnetic entropy change and refrigeration capacity by about 4% under an electric field of +6 kV/cm has been demonstrated.

Self-assembly of metal nanowires induced by alternating current electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Sánchez, Pablo; Arcenegui, Juan J.; Morgan, Hywel; Ramos, Antonio

2015-01-01

We describe the reversible assembly of an aqueous suspension of metal nanowires into two different 2-dimensional stable configurations. The assembly is induced by an AC electric field of magnitude around 10 kV/m. It is known that single metal nanowires orientate parallel to the electric field for all values of applied frequency, according to two different mechanisms depending on the frequency. These different mechanisms also govern the mutual interaction between nanowires, which leads to directed-assembly into distinctive structures, the shape of which depends on the frequency of the applied field. We show that for frequencies higher than the typical frequency for charging the electrical double layer at the metal-electrolyte interface, dipole-dipole interaction leads to the formation of chains of nanowires. For lower frequencies, the nanowires form wavy bands perpendicular to the electric field direction. This behavior appears to be driven by the electroosmotic flow induced on the metal surface of the nanowires. Remarkably, no similar structures have been reported in previous studies of nanowires.

Quantum control via a genetic algorithm of the field ionization pathway of a Rydberg electron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregoric, Vincent C.; Kang, Xinyue; Liu, Zhimin Cheryl; Rowley, Zoe A.; Carroll, Thomas J.; Noel, Michael W.

2017-08-01

Quantum control of the pathway along which a Rydberg electron field ionizes is experimentally and computationally demonstrated. Selective field ionization is typically done with a slowly rising electric field pulse. The (1/n*)4 scaling of the classical ionization threshold leads to a rough mapping between arrival time of the electron signal and principal quantum number of the Rydberg electron. This is complicated by the many avoided level crossings that the electron must traverse on the way to ionization, which in general leads to broadening of the time-resolved field ionization signal. In order to control the ionization pathway, thus directing the signal to the desired arrival time, a perturbing electric field produced by an arbitrary wave-form generator is added to a slowly rising electric field. A genetic algorithm evolves the perturbing field in an effort to achieve the target time-resolved field ionization signal.

Interaction of an electron with coherent dipole radiation: Role of convergence and anti-dephasing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, A. P. L.; Arefiev, A. V.

2018-05-01

The impact of longitudinal electric fields that are present in intense focusing and defocusing electromagnetic pulses on electron acceleration is investigated. These fields are typically much weaker than the transverse fields, but it is shown that they can have a profound effect on electron energy gain. It is shown that the longitudinal electric field of a defocusing pulse is directed backward along the trajectory of an accelerated electron, which leads to a continuous net energy gain. At the same time, the effect of the transverse oscillating electric field in a defocusing pulse is to reduce the electron energy over multiple oscillations. In contrast to a well-known interaction with a plane wave, the electron is able to retain a substantial amount of energy following its interaction with a defocusing pulse. The roles of the transverse and longitudinal electric fields are reversed in a focusing pulse, which leads to a reduction in the energy retention. The present analysis underscores the importance of relatively weak oscillating electric fields in focusing and defocusing pulses.

Simulation and Analysis of Electric Field for the Disconnector Switch Incomplete Opening Position Based on 220kV GIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Feifeng; Huang, Huimin; Su, Yi; Yan, Dandan; Lu, Yufeng; Xia, Xiaofei; Yang, Jian

2018-05-01

It has accounted for a large proportion of GIS equipment defects, which cause the disconnector switches to incomplete open-close position. Once opening operation is not in place, it will arouse continuous arcing between contacts to reduce insulation strength. Otherwise, the intense heat give rise to burn the contact, which has a severe effect on the safe operation of power grid. This paper analyzes some typical defection cases about the opening operation incomplete for disconnector switches of GIS. The COMSOL Multiphysics is applied to verify the influence on electric field distribution. The results show that moving contact out shield is 20 mm, the electric field distribution of the moving contact surface is uneven, and the maximum electric field value can reach 9.74 kV/mm.

Modulating the band gap of a boron nitride bilayer with an external electric field for photocatalyst

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

Tang, Y. R.; Cao, J. X., E-mail: jxcao@xtu.edu.cn; Zhang, Y.

2016-05-21

By virtue of first principle calculations, we propose an approach to reduce the band gap of layered semiconductors through the application of external electric fields for photocatalysis. As a typical example, the band gap of a boron nitride (BN) bilayer was reduced in the range from 4.45 eV to 0.3 eV by varying the external electric field strength. More interestingly, it is found that the uppermost valence band and the lowest conduction band are dominated by the N-p{sub z} and B-p{sub z} from different layers of the BN sheet, which suggests a wonderful photoexcited electron and hole separation system for photocatalysis. Ourmore » results imply that the strong external electric field can present an abrupt polarized surface.« less

THREE-DIMENSIONAL NON-VACUUM PULSAR OUTER-GAP MODEL: LOCALIZED ACCELERATION ELECTRIC FIELD IN THE HIGHER ALTITUDES

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

Hirotani, Kouichi

2015-01-10

We investigate the particle accelerator that arises in a rotating neutron-star magnetosphere. Simultaneously solving the Poisson equation for the electro-static potential, the Boltzmann equations for relativistic electrons and positrons, and the radiative transfer equation, we demonstrate that the electric field is substantially screened along the magnetic field lines by pairs that are created and separated within the accelerator. As a result, the magnetic-field-aligned electric field is localized in higher altitudes near the light cylinder and efficiently accelerates the positrons created in the lower altitudes outward but does not accelerate the electrons inward. The resulting photon flux becomes predominantly outward, leadingmore » to typical double-peak light curves, which are commonly observed from many high-energy pulsars.« less

A Qualitative Approach to Electricity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haertel, Hermann

In the teaching of physics, the study of electricity and magnetism typically follows the introduction of the basic concepts of mechanics. However, there are some new concepts associated with electromagnetic fields that seem at first to the student to be unrelated to, or even incompatible with, Newton's third law as learned in mechanics.…

Bioelectric fields of marine organisms: voltage and frequency contributions to detectability by electroreceptive predators.

PubMed

Bedore, Christine N; Kajiura, Stephen M

2013-01-01

Behavioral responses of elasmobranch fishes to weak electric fields have been well studied. These studies typically employ a stimulator that produces a dipole electric field intended to simulate the natural electric field of prey items. However, the characteristics of bioelectric fields have not been well described. The magnitude and frequency of the electric field produced by 11 families of marine organisms were quantified in this study. Invertebrate electric potentials ranged from 14 to 28 μV and did not differ from those of elasmobranchs, which ranged from 18 to 30 μV. Invertebrates and elasmobranchs produced electric potentials smaller than those of teleost fishes, which ranged from 39 to 319 μV. All species produced electric fields within the frequency range that is detectable by elasmobranch predators (<16 Hz), with the highest frequencies produced by the penaeids (10.3 Hz) and the gerreids (4.6 Hz). Although voltage differed by family, there was no relationship between voltage and mass or length of prey. Differences in prey voltage may be related to osmoregulatory strategies; invertebrates and elasmobranchs are osmoconformers and have less ion exchange with the surrounding seawater than teleosts species, which are hyposmotic. As predicted, voltage production was greatest at the mucous membrane-lined mouth and gills, which are sites of direct ion exchange with the environment.

Polarization resolved electric field measurements on plasma bullets in N2 using four-wave mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Schans, Marc; Boehm, Patrick; Nijdam, Sander; Ijzerman, Wilbert; Czarnetzki, Uwe

2016-09-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets generated by kHz AC or pulsed DC voltages typically consist of discrete guided ionization waves called plasma bullets. In this work, the electric field of plasma bullets generated in a pulsed DC jet with N2 as feed gas is investigated using the four-wave mixing method. In this diagnostic two laser beams, where one is Stokes shifted from the other, non-linearly interact with the N2 molecules and the bullet's electric field. As a result of the interaction a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattered (CARS) beam and an infrared beam are generated from which the electric field can be determined. Compared to emission-based methods, this technique has the advantage of being able to also probe the electric field in regions around the plasma bullet where no photons are emitted. The four-wave mixing method and its analysis have been adapted to work with the non-uniform electric field of plasma bullets. In addition, an ex-situ calibration procedure using an electrode geometry different from the discharge geometry has been developed. An experimentally obtained radial profile of the axial electric field component of a plasma bullet in N2 is presented. The position of this profile is related to the location of the propagating bullet from temporally resolved images.

On Electron-Positron Pair Production by a Spatially Inhomogeneous Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chervyakov, A.; Kleinert, H.

2018-05-01

A detailed analysis of electron-positron pair creation induced by a spatially non-uniform and static electric field from vacuum is presented. A typical example is provided by the Sauter potential. For this potential, we derive the analytic expressions for vacuum decay and pair production rate accounted for the entire range of spatial variations. In the limit of a sharp step, we recover the divergent result due to the singular electric field at the origin. The limit of a constant field reproduces the classical result of Euler, Heisenberg and Schwinger, if the latter is properly averaged over the width of a spatial variation. The pair production by the Sauter potential is described for different regimes from weak to strong fields. For all these regimes, the locally constant-field rate is shown to be the upper limit.

Measurements of intermediate-frequency electric and magnetic fields in households

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

Aerts, Sam, E-mail: sam.aerts@intec.ugent.be

Historically, assessment of human exposure to electric and magnetic fields has focused on the extremely-low-frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) ranges. However, research on the typically emitted fields in the intermediate-frequency (IF) range (300 Hz to 1 MHz) as well as potential effects of IF fields on the human body remains limited, although the range of household appliances with electrical components working in the IF range has grown significantly (e.g., induction cookers and compact fluorescent lighting). In this study, an extensive measurement survey was performed on the levels of electric and magnetic fields in the IF range typically present in residencesmore » as well as emitted by a wide range of household appliances under real-life circumstances. Using spot measurements, residential IF field levels were found to be generally low, while the use of certain appliances at close distance (20 cm) may result in a relatively high exposure. Overall, appliance emissions contained either harmonic signals, with fundamental frequencies between 6 kHz and 300 kHz, which were sometimes accompanied by regions in the IF spectrum of rather noisy, elevated field strengths, or much more capricious spectra, dominated by 50 Hz harmonics emanating far in the IF domain. The maximum peak field strengths recorded at 20 cm were 41.5 V/m and 2.7 A/m, both from induction cookers. Finally, none of the appliance emissions in the IF range exceeded the exposure summation rules recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 62233) standard at 20 cm and beyond (maximum exposure quotients EQ{sub E} 1.0 and {sub E}Q{sub H} 0.13). - Highlights: • Survey of residential electric and magnetic fields at intermediate frequencies (IF). • IF-EF and -MF emitted by 280 household appliances were characterised. • Strongest emitters were induction cookers, CFLs, LCD-TVs, and microwave ovens. • No emissions exceeded ICNIRP limits (highest exposure quotient was 1.00).« less

Electric field effect on the second-order nonlinear optical properties of parabolic and semiparabolic quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Li; Xie, Hong-Jing

2003-12-01

By using the compact-density-matrix approach and iterative procedure, a detailed procedure for the calculation of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) susceptibility tensor is given in the electric-field-biased parabolic and semiparabolic quantum wells (QW’s). The simple analytical formula for the SHG susceptibility in the systems is also deduced. By adopting the methods of envelope wave function and displacement harmonic oscillation, the electronic states in parabolic and semi parabolic QW’s with applied electric fields are exactly solved. Numerical results on typical AlxGa1-xAl/GaAs materials show that, for the same effective widths, the SHG susceptibility in semiparabolic QW is larger than that in parabolic QW due to the self-asymmetry of the semiparabolic QW, and the applied electric field can make the SHG susceptibilities in both systems enhance remarkably. Moreover, the SHG susceptibility also sensitively depends on the relaxation rate of the systems.

BPM Motors in Residential Gas Furnaces: What are theSavings?

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

Lutz, James; Franco, Victor; Lekov, Alex

2006-05-12

Residential gas furnaces contain blowers to distribute warm air. Currently, furnace blowers use either a Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) or a Brushless Permanent Magnet (BPM) motor. Blowers account for the majority of furnace electricity consumption. Therefore, accurate determination of the blower electricity consumption is important for understanding electricity consumption of furnaces. The electricity consumption of blower motors depends on the static pressure across the blower. This paper examines both types of blower motors in non-condensing non-weatherized gas furnaces at a range of static pressures. Fan performance data is based on manufacturer product literature and laboratory tests. We use field-measured staticmore » pressure in ducts to get typical system curves to calculate how furnaces would operate in the field. We contrast this with the electricity consumption of a furnace blower operating under the DOE test procedure and manufacturer rated conditions. Furnace electricity use is also affected by operating modes that happen at the beginning and end of each furnace firing cycle. These operating modes are the pre-purge and post-purge by the draft inducer, the on-delay and off-delay of the blower, and the hot surface ignitor operation. To accurately calculate this effect, we use the number of firing cycles in a typical California house in the Central Valley of California. Cooling hours are not considered in the DOE test procedure. We also account for furnace blower use by the air conditioner and stand-by power. Overall BPM motors outperform PSC motors, but the total electricity savings are significantly less than projected using the DOE test procedure conditions. The performance gains depend on the static pressure of the household ducts, which are typically much higher than in the test procedures.« less

Boundary-value problem for a counterrotating electrical discharge in an axial magnetic field. [plasma centrifuge for isotope separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, S. H.; Wilhelm, H. E.

1978-01-01

An electrical discharge between two ring electrodes embedded in the mantle of a cylindrical chamber is considered, in which the plasma in the anode and cathode regions rotates in opposite directions under the influence of an external axial magnetic field. The associated boundary-value problem for the coupled partial differential equations describing the azimuthal velocity and radial current-density fields is solved in closed form. The velocity, current density, induced magnetic induction, and electric fields are presented for typical Hartmann numbers, magnetic Reynolds numbers, and geometry parameters. The discharge is shown to produce anodic and cathodic plasma sections rotating at speeds of the order 1,000,000 cm/sec for conventional magnetic field intensities. Possible application of the magnetoactive discharge as a plasma centrifuge for isotope separation is discussed.

Experimental observation of the inductive electric field and related plasma nonuniformity in high frequency capacitive discharge

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

Ahn, S. K.; Chang, H. Y.

To elucidate plasma nonuniformity in high frequency capacitive discharges, Langmuir probe and B-dot probe measurements were carried out in the radial direction in a cylindrical capacitive discharge driven at 90 MHz with argon pressures of 50 and 400 mTorr. Through the measurements, a significant inductive electric field (i.e., time-varying magnetic field) was observed at the radial edge, and it was found that the inductive electric field creates strong plasma nonuniformity at high pressure operation. The plasma nonuniformity at high pressure operation is physically similar to the E-H mode transition typically observed in inductive discharges. This result agrees well with themore » theories of electromagnetic effects in large area and/or high frequency capacitive discharges.« less

High-Altitude Aircraft-Based Electric-Field Measurements Above Thunderstorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bateman, M. G.; Blakeslee, R. J.; Bailey, J. C.; Stewart, M. F.; Blair, A. K.

1999-01-01

We have developed a new set of eight electric field mills that were flown on a NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft. During the Third Convection And Moisture EXperiment (CAMEX-3; Fall, 1998), measurements of electric field, storm dynamics, and ice microphysics were made over several hurricanes. Concurrently, the TExas-FLorida UNderflights (TEFLUN) program was being conducted to make the same measurements over Gulf Coast thunderstorms. Sample measurements are shown: typical flight altitude is 20km. Our new mills have an internal 16-bit A/D, with a resolution of 0.25V/m per bit at high gain, with a noise level less than the least significant bit. A second, lower gain channel gives us the ability to measure fields as high as 150 kV/m.

Nanoscale Control over the Mixing Behavior of Surface-Confined Bicomponent Supramolecular Networks Using an Oriented External Electric Field

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Strong electric fields are known to influence the properties of molecules as well as materials. Here we show that by changing the orientation of an externally applied electric field, one can locally control the mixing behavior of two molecules physisorbed on a solid surface. Whether the starting two-component network evolves into an ordered two-dimensional (2D) cocrystal, yields an amorphous network where the two components phase separate, or shows preferential adsorption of only one component depends on the solution stoichiometry. The experiments are carried out by changing the orientation of the strong electric field that exists between the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope and a solid substrate. The structure of the two-component network typically changes from open porous at negative substrate bias to relatively compact when the polarity of the applied bias is reversed. The electric-field-induced mixing behavior is reversible, and the supramolecular system exhibits excellent stability and good response efficiency. When molecular guests are adsorbed in the porous networks, the field-induced switching behavior was found to be completely different. Plausible reasons behind the field-induced mixing behavior are discussed. PMID:29112378

Thermocouple shield

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN

2009-11-24

A thermocouple shield for use in radio frequency fields. In some embodiments the shield includes an electrically conductive tube that houses a standard thermocouple having a thermocouple junction. The electrically conductive tube protects the thermocouple from damage by an RF (including microwave) field and mitigates erroneous temperature readings due to the microwave or RF field. The thermocouple may be surrounded by a ceramic sheath to further protect the thermocouple. The ceramic sheath is generally formed from a material that is transparent to the wavelength of the microwave or RF energy. The microwave transparency property precludes heating of the ceramic sheath due to microwave coupling, which could affect the accuracy of temperature measurements. The ceramic sheath material is typically an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulative properties of the ceramic sheath help avert electrical arcing, which could damage the thermocouple junction. The electrically conductive tube is generally disposed around the thermocouple junction and disposed around at least a portion of the ceramic sheath. The concepts of the thermocouple shield may be incorporated into an integrated shielded thermocouple assembly.

A monopole model for annihilation line emission from the Galactic center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, D. Y.; Peng, Q. H.

Two traditional theoretical interpretations of the observed plasmapause are compared, namely, the plasmapause as: (1) the boundary between closed flux tubes that have been in the inner magnetosphere for several days and those that have recently drifted in from the magnetotail or (2) the last closed electric equipotential. Although the two interpretations become equivalent in the case where the electric-field pattern is steady for several days, interpretation 1 seems theoretically more secure for typical magnetospheric conditions. The results of old theoretical studies of the effects of time variations in the electric-field pattern on the shape of the plasmapause are reviewed briefly. The formulation of the present version of the Rice Convection Model is also reviewed. Preliminary results of recent computations of quiet-time electric fields, carried out with this model, are presented and discussed.

Student difficulties in translating between mathematical and graphical representations in introductory physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shih-Yin; Maries, Alexandru; Singh, Chandralekha

2013-01-01

We investigate introductory physics students' difficulties in translating between mathematical and graphical representations and the effect of scaffolding on students' performance. We gave a typical problem that can be solved using Gauss's law involving a spherically symmetric charge distribution (a conducting sphere concentric with a conducting spherical shell) to 95 calculus-based introductory physics students. We asked students to write a mathematical expression for the electric field in various regions and asked them to graph the electric field. We knew from previous experience that students have great difficulty in graphing the electric field. Therefore, we implemented two scaffolding interventions to help them. Students who received the scaffolding support were either (1) asked to plot the electric field in each region first (before having to plot it as a function of distance from the center of the sphere) or (2) asked to plot the electric field in each region after explicitly evaluating the electric field at the beginning, mid and end points of each region. The comparison group was only asked to plot the electric field at the end of the problem. We found that students benefited the most from intervention (1) and that intervention (2), although intended to aid students, had an adverse effect. Also, recorded interviews were conducted with a few students in order to understand how students were impacted by the aforementioned interventions.

Electric fields induced in the human body by time-varying magnetic field gradients in MRI: numerical calculations and correlation analysis.

PubMed

Bencsik, Martin; Bowtell, Richard; Bowley, Roger

2007-05-07

The spatial distributions of the electric fields induced in the human body by switched magnetic field gradients in MRI have been calculated numerically using the commercial software package, MAFIA, and the three-dimensional, HUGO body model that comprises 31 different tissue types. The variation of |J|, |E| and |B| resulting from exposure of the body model to magnetic fields generated by typical whole-body x-, y- and z-gradient coils has been analysed for three different body positions (head-, heart- and hips-centred). The magnetic field varied at 1 kHz, so as to produce a rate of change of gradient of 100 T m(-1) s(-1) at the centre of each coil. A highly heterogeneous pattern of induced electric field and current density was found to result from the smoothly varying magnetic field in all cases, with the largest induced electric fields resulting from application of the y-gradient, in agreement with previous studies. By applying simple statistical analysis to electromagnetic quantities within axial planes of the body model, it is shown that the induced electric field is strongly correlated to the local value of resistivity, and the induced current density exhibits even stronger correlation with the local conductivity. The local values of the switched magnetic field are however shown to bear little relation to the local values of the induced electric field or current density.

Cell Fragmentation and Permeabilization by a 1 ns Pulse Driven Triple-Point Electrode

PubMed Central

Li, Joy; Cho, Michael

2018-01-01

Ultrashort electric pulses (ns-ps) are useful in gaining understanding as to how pulsed electric fields act upon biological cells, but the electric field intensity to induce biological responses is typically higher than longer pulses and therefore a high voltage ultrashort pulse generator is required. To deliver 1 ns pulses with sufficient electric field but at a relatively low voltage, we used a glass-encapsulated tungsten wire triple-point electrode (TPE) at the interface among glass, tungsten wire, and water when it is immersed in water. A high electric field (2 MV/cm) can be created when pulses are applied. However, such a high electric field was found to cause bubble emission and temperature rise in the water near the electrode. They can be attributed to Joule heating near the electrode. Adherent cells on a cover slip treated by the combination of these stimuli showed two major effects: (1) cells in a crater (<100 μm from electrode) were fragmented and the debris was blown away. The principal mechanism for the damage is presumed to be shear forces due to bubble collapse; and (2) cells in the periphery of the crater were permeabilized, which was due to the combination of bubble movement and microstreaming as well as pulsed electric fields. These results show that ultrashort electric fields assisted by microbubbles can cause significant cell response and therefore a triple-point electrode is a useful ablation tool for applications that require submillimeter precision. PMID:29744357

Polar Spacecraft Based Comparisons of Intense Electric Fields and Poynting Flux Near and Within the Plasma Sheet-Tail Lobe Boundary to UVI Images: An Energy Source for the Aurora

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wygant, J. R.; Keiling, A.; Cattell, C. A.; Johnson, M.; Lysak, R. L.; Temerin, M.; Mozer, F. S.; Kletzing, C. A.; Scudder, J. D.; Peterson, W.;

Polar spacecraft based comparisons of intense electric fields and Poynting flux near and within the plasma sheet-tail lobe boundary to UVI images: An energy source for the aurora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wygant, J. R.; Keiling, A.; Cattell, C. A.; Johnson, M.; Lysak, R. L.; Temerin, M.; Mozer, F. S.; Kletzing, C. A.; Scudder, J. D.; Peterson, W.; Russell, C. T.; Parks, G.; Brittnacher, M.; Germany, G.; Spann, J.

2000-08-01

In this paper, we present measurements from two passes of the Polar spacecraft of intense electric and magnetic field structures associated with Alfven waves at and within the outer boundary of the plasma sheet at geocentric distances of 4-6 RE near local midnight. The electric field variations have maximum values exceeding 100 mV/m and are typically polarized approximately normal to the plasma sheet boundary. The electric field structures investigated vary over timescales (in the spacecraft frame) ranging from 1 to 30 s. They are associated with strong magnetic field fluctuations with amplitudes of 10-40 nT which lie predominantly in the plane of the plasma sheet and are perpendicular to the local magnetic field. The Poynting flux associated with the perturbation fields measured at these altitudes is about 1-2 ergs cm-2 s-1 and is directed along the average magnetic field direction toward the ionosphere. If the measured Poynting flux is mapped to ionospheric altitudes along converging magnetic field lines, the resulting energy flux ranges up to 100 ergs cm-2s-1. These strongly enhanced Poynting fluxes appear to occur in layers which are observed when the spacecraft is magnetically conjugate (to within a 1° mapping accuracy) to intense auroral structures as detected by the Polar UV Imager (UVI). The electron energy flux (averaged over a spatial resolution of 0.5° ) deposited in the ionosphere due to auroral electron beams as estimated from the intensity in the UVI Lyman-Birge-Hopfield-long filters is 15-30 ergs cm-2s-1. Thus there is evidence that these electric field structures provide sufficient Poynting flux to power the acceleration of auroral electrons (as well as the energization of upflowing ions and Joule heating of the ionosphere). During some events the phasing and ratio of the transverse electric and magnetic field variations are consistent with earthward propagation of Alfven surface waves with phase velocities of 4000-10000 km/s. During other events the phase shifts between electric and magnetic fields suggest interference between upward and downward propagating Alfven waves. The E/B ratios are about an order of magnitude larger than typical values of c/Σp, where Σp is the height integrated Pedersen conductivity. The contribution to the total energy flux at these altitudes from Poynting flux associated with Alfven waves is comparable to or larger than the contribution from the particle energy flux and 1-2 orders of magnitude larger than that estimated from the large-scale steady state convection electric field and field-aligned current system.

A study on the influence of corona on currents and electromagnetic fields predicted by a nonlinear lightning return-stroke model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Conti, Alberto; Silveira, Fernando H.; Visacro, Silvério

2014-05-01

This paper investigates the influence of corona on currents and electromagnetic fields predicted by a return-stroke model that represents the lightning channel as a nonuniform transmission line with time-varying (nonlinear) resistance. The corona model used in this paper allows the calculation of corona currents as a function of the radial electric field in the vicinity of the channel. A parametric study is presented to investigate the influence of corona parameters, such as the breakdown electric field and the critical electric field for the stable propagation of streamers, on predicted currents and electromagnetic fields. The results show that, regardless of the assumed corona parameters, the incorporation of corona into the nonuniform and nonlinear transmission line model under investigation modifies the model predictions so that they consistently reproduce most of the typical features of experimentally observed lightning electromagnetic fields and return-stroke speed profiles. In particular, it is shown that the proposed model leads to close vertical electric fields presenting waveforms, amplitudes, and decay with distance in good agreement with dart leader electric field changes measured in triggered lightning experiments. A comparison with popular engineering return-stroke models further confirms the model's ability to predict consistent electric field waveforms in the close vicinity of the channel. Some differences observed in the field amplitudes calculated with the different models can be related to the fact that current distortion, while present in the proposed model, is ultimately neglected in the considered engineering return-stroke models.

AC field exposure study: human exposure to 60-Hz electric fields

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

Silva, J.M.

1985-04-01

The objective of this study was to develop a method of estimating human exposure to the 60 Hz electric fields created by transmission lines. The Activity Systems Model simulates human activities in a variety of situations where exposure to electric fields is possible. The model combines maps of electric fields, activity maps, and experimentally determined activity factors to provide histograms of time spent in electric fields of various strengths in the course of agricultural, recreational, and domestic activities. For corroboration, the study team measured actual human exposure at locations across the United States near transmission lines ranging in voltage frommore » 115 to 1200 kV. The data were collected with a specially designed vest that measures exposure. These data demonstrate the accuracy of the exposure model presented in this report and revealed that most exposure time is spent in fields of magnitudes similar to many household situations. The report provides annual exposure estimates for human activities near transmission lines and in the home and compares them with exposure data from typical laboratory animal experiments. For one exposure index, the cumulative product of time and electric field, exposure during some of the laboratory animal experiments is two to four orders of magnitude greater than cumulative exposure for a human during one year of outdoor work on a farm crossed by a transmission line.« less

Electric Field Effects on the Intermolecular Interactions in Water Whiskers: Insight from Structures, Energetics, and Properties

DOE PAGES

Bai, Yang; He, Hui-Min; Li, Ying; ...

2015-02-19

Modulation of intermolecular interactions in response to external electric fields could be fundamental to the formation of unusual forms of water, such as water whiskers. However, a detailed understanding of the nature of intermolecular interactions in such systems is lacking. In this study, we present novel theoretical results based on electron correlation calculations regarding the nature of H-bonds in water whiskers, which is revealed by studying their evolution under external electric fields with various field strengths. We find that the water whiskers consisting of 2-7 water molecules all have a chain-length dependent critical electric field. Under the critical electric field,more » the most compact chain structures are obtained, featuring very strong H-bonds, herein referred to as covalent H-bonds. In the case of a water dimer whisker, the bond length of the novel covalent H-bond shortens by 25%, the covalent bond order increases by 9 times, and accordingly the H-bond energy is strengthened by 5 times compared to the normal H-bond in a (H 2O) 2 cluster. Below the critical electric field, it is observed that with increasing field strength, H-bonding orbitals display gradual evolutions in the orbital energy, orbital ordering, and orbital nature (i.e., from typical -style orbital to unusual -style double H-bonding orbital). We also show that beyond the critical electric field, a single water whisker may disintegrate to form a loosely bound zwitterionic chain due to a relay-style proton transfer, whereas two water whiskers may undergo intermolecular cross-linking to form a quasi-two-dimensional water network. In conclusion, these results help shed new insight on the effects of electric fields on water whisker formation.« less

Strategy for Improved Representation of Magnetospheric Electric Potential Structure on a Polar-Capped Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, M.

2016-12-01

In some simple models of magnetospheric electrodynamics [e.g., Volland, Ann. Géophys., 31, 159-173, 1975], the normal component of the convection electric field is discontinuous across the boundary between closed and open magnetic field lines, and this discontinuity facilitates the formation of auroral arcs there. The requisite discontinuity in E is achieved by making the scalar potential proportional to a positive power (typically 1 or 2) of L on closed field lines and to a negative power (typically -1/2) of L on open (i.e., polar-cap) field lines. This suggests that it may be advantageous to construct more realistic (and thus more complicated) empirical magnetospheric and ionospheric electric-field models from superpositions of mutually orthogonal (or not) vector basis functions having this same analytical property (i.e., discontinuity at L = L*, the boundary surface between closed and open magnetic field lines). The present work offers a few examples of such constructions. A major challenge in this project has been to devise a coordinate system that simplifies the required analytical expansions of electric scalar potentials and accommodates the anti-sunward offset of each polar-cap boundary's centroid with respect to the corresponding magnetic pole. For circular northern and southern polar caps containing equal amounts of magnetic flux, one can imagine a geometrical construction of nested circular (but non-concentric) contours of constant quasi-latitude whose centers converge toward the magnetic poles as the contours themselves approach the magnetic equator. For more general polar-cap shapes and (in any case) to assure mutual orthogonality of respective coordinate surfaces on a spherical ionosphere, a formulation based on harmonic coordinates (expanded from eigen-solutions of the two-dimensional Laplace equation) may be preferable.

Annotation: What Electrical Brain Activity Tells Us about Brain Function that Other Techniques Cannot Tell Us--A Child Psychiatric Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banaschewski, Tobias; Brandeis, Daniel

2007-01-01

Background: Monitoring brain processes in real time requires genuine subsecond resolution to follow the typical timing and frequency of neural events. Non-invasive recordings of electric (EEG/ERP) and magnetic (MEG) fields provide this time resolution. They directly measure neural activations associated with a wide variety of brain states and…

Excitons in coupled type-II double quantum wells under electric and magnetic fields: InAs/AlSb/GaSb

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

Lyo, S. K., E-mail: sklyo@uci.edu; Pan, W.

2015-11-21

We calculate the wave functions and the energy levels of an exciton in double quantum wells under electric (F) and magnetic (B) fields along the growth axis. The result is employed to study the energy levels, the binding energy, and the boundary on the F–B plane of the phase between the indirect exciton ground state and the semiconductor ground state for several typical structures of the type-II quasi-two-dimensional quantum wells such as InAs/AlSb/GaSb. The inter-well inter-band radiative transition rates are calculated for exciton creation and recombination. We find that the rates are modulated over several orders of magnitude by themore » electric and magnetic fields.« less

Experimental Identification of Electric Field Excitation Mechanisms in a Structural Transition of Tokamak Plasmas

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, T.; Itoh, K.; Ido, T.; Kamiya, K.; Itoh, S.-I.; Miura, Y.; Nagashima, Y.; Fujisawa, A.; Inagaki, S.; Ida, K.; Hoshino, K.

2016-01-01

Self-regulation between structure and turbulence, which is a fundamental process in the complex system, has been widely regarded as one of the central issues in modern physics. A typical example of that in magnetically confined plasmas is the Low confinement mode to High confinement mode (L-H) transition, which is intensely studied for more than thirty years since it provides a confinement improvement necessary for the realization of the fusion reactor. An essential issue in the L-H transition physics is the mechanism of the abrupt “radial” electric field generation in toroidal plasmas. To date, several models for the L-H transition have been proposed but the systematic experimental validation is still challenging. Here we report the systematic and quantitative model validations of the radial electric field excitation mechanism for the first time, using a data set of the turbulence and the radial electric field having a high spatiotemporal resolution. Examining time derivative of Poisson’s equation, the sum of the loss-cone loss current and the neoclassical bulk viscosity current is found to behave as the experimentally observed radial current that excites the radial electric field within a few factors of magnitude. PMID:27489128

Force balance near an X line along which E x J is less than 0. [plasma transfer from closed to open field lines in geomagnetic tail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, L. R.; Pridmore-Brown, D. C.

1992-01-01

Conditions for which particle motion within the current sheet in the vicinity of an X line can give a current in the direction appropriate for E x J is less than 0. The way in which the balance between gyroviscosity and the electric force along an X line is maintained for any E x J is shown. It is concluded that observational evidence for the occasional existence of E x J is less than 0 along an X line provides support for the suggestion that collisionless graviscosity, rather than resistivity, balances the electric force along an X line. It is found that there is a maximum electric field magnitude for particles to be able to carry a significant current. For parameters typical of the distant magnetotail, the critical electric field magnitude was found to be about 0.15 mV/m, which is of the order of, though somewhat less than, the potential electric field magnitudes expected in the magnetotail. This maximum allowable field magnitude is about the same for protons as it is for electrons in the magnetotail.

Explaining Electromagnetic Plane Waves in a Vacuum at the Introductory Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allred, Clark L.; Della-Rose, Devin J.; Flusche, Brian M.; Kiziah, Rex R.; Lee, David J.

2010-01-01

A typical introduction to electromagnetic waves in vacuum is illustrated by the following quote from an introductory physics text: "Maxwell's equations predict that an electromagnetic wave consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. The changing fields induce each other, which maintains the propagation of the wave; a changing electric…

On the folding phenomenon of comet tail rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ershkovich, A. I.

1982-01-01

It is shown that the folding phenomenon of the comet tail rays is compatible with the Ferraro isorotation law if the comet tail magnetic field has no azimuthal component, that is, Bphi (the polar angle) equals zero. Considering electric drift due to convectional electric fields, a formula is obtained for the angular rate of a ray closure which reduces to that of Ness and Donn (1966) if the velocity profile across the tail is linear. The magnetic field B of approximately 20-40 gammas in the coma and less than about 10 gammas in the distant tail is estimated under typical solar wind conditions at 1 AU.

Computational dosimetry of induced electric fields during realistic movements in the vicinity of a 3 T MRI scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laakso, Ilkka; Kännälä, Sami; Jokela, Kari

2013-04-01

Medical staff working near magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are exposed both to the static magnetic field itself and also to electric currents that are induced in the body when the body moves in the magnetic field. However, there are currently limited data available on the induced electric field for realistic movements. This study computationally investigates the movement induced electric fields for realistic movements in the magnetic field of a 3 T MRI scanner. The path of movement near the MRI scanner is based on magnetic field measurements using a coil sensor attached to a human volunteer. Utilizing realistic models for both the motion of the head and the magnetic field of the MRI scanner, the induced fields are computationally determined using the finite-element method for five high-resolution numerical anatomical models. The results show that the time-derivative of the magnetic flux density (dB/dt) is approximately linearly proportional to the induced electric field in the head, independent of the position of the head with respect to the magnet. This supports the use of dB/dt measurements for occupational exposure assessment. For the path of movement considered herein, the spatial maximum of the induced electric field is close to the basic restriction for the peripheral nervous system and exceeds the basic restriction for the central nervous system in the international guidelines. The 99th percentile electric field is a considerably less restrictive metric for the exposure than the spatial maximum electric field; the former is typically 60-70% lower than the latter. However, the 99th percentile electric field may exceed the basic restriction for dB/dt values that can be encountered during tasks commonly performed by MRI workers. It is also shown that the movement-induced eddy currents may reach magnitudes that could electrically stimulate the vestibular system, which could play a significant role in the generation of vertigo-like sensations reported by people moving in a strong static magnetic field.

Electrically reversible cracks in an intermetallic film controlled by an electric field

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

Liu, Z. Q.; Liu, J. H.; Biegalski, M. D.

Cracks in solid-state materials are typically irreversible. We report electrically reversible opening and closing of nanoscale cracks in an intermetallic thin film grown on a ferroelectric substrate driven by a small electric field (~0.83 kV/cm). Accordingly, a nonvolatile colossal electroresistance on-off ratio of more than 10 8 is measured across the cracks in the intermetallic film at room temperature. Cracks are easily formed with low-frequency voltage cycling and remain stable when the device is operated at high frequency, which offers intriguing potential for next-generation high-frequency memory applications. Moreover, endurance testing demonstrates that the opening and closing of such cracks canmore » reach over 10 7 cycles under 10-μs pulses, without catastrophic failure of the film.« less

Electrically reversible cracks in an intermetallic film controlled by an electric field

DOE PAGES

Liu, Z. Q.; Liu, J. H.; Biegalski, M. D.; ...

2018-01-03

Cracks in solid-state materials are typically irreversible. We report electrically reversible opening and closing of nanoscale cracks in an intermetallic thin film grown on a ferroelectric substrate driven by a small electric field (~0.83 kV/cm). Accordingly, a nonvolatile colossal electroresistance on-off ratio of more than 10 8 is measured across the cracks in the intermetallic film at room temperature. Cracks are easily formed with low-frequency voltage cycling and remain stable when the device is operated at high frequency, which offers intriguing potential for next-generation high-frequency memory applications. Moreover, endurance testing demonstrates that the opening and closing of such cracks canmore » reach over 10 7 cycles under 10-μs pulses, without catastrophic failure of the film.« less

Reversible conduction block in peripheral nerve using electrical waveforms.

PubMed

Bhadra, Niloy; Vrabec, Tina L; Bhadra, Narendra; Kilgore, Kevin L

2018-01-01

Electrical nerve block uses electrical waveforms to block action potential propagation. Two key features that distinguish electrical nerve block from other nonelectrical means of nerve block: block occurs instantly, typically within 1 s; and block is fully and rapidly reversible (within seconds). Approaches for achieving electrical nerve block are reviewed, including kilohertz frequency alternating current and charge-balanced polarizing current. We conclude with a discussion of the future directions of electrical nerve block. Electrical nerve block is an emerging technique that has many significant advantages over other methods of nerve block. This field is still in its infancy, but a significant expansion in the clinical application of this technique is expected in the coming years.

The Vector Electric Field Investigation on the C/NOFS Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R.; Acuna, M.; Kujawski, J.; Fourre, R.; Uribe, P.; Hunsaker, F.; Rowland, D.; Le, G.; Farrell, W.; Maynard, N.;

On the modulation of X ray fluxes in thunderstorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccarthy, Michael P.; Parks, George K.

1992-01-01

The production of X-ray fluxes in thunderstorms has been attributed to bremsstrahlung. Assuming this, another question arises. How can a thunderstorm modulate the number density of electrons which are sufficiently energetic to produce X-rays? As a partial answer to this question, the effects of typical thunderstorm electric fields on a background population of energetic electrons, such as produced by cosmic ray secondaries and their decays or the decay of airborne radionuclides, are considered. The observed variation of X-ray flux is shown to be accounted for by a simple model involving typical electric field strengths. A necessary background electron number density is found from the model and is determined to be more than 2 orders of magnitude higher than that available from radon decay and a factor of 8 higher than that available from cosmic ray secondaries. The ionization enhancement due to energetic electrons and X-rays is discussed.

Electric Field Effects in Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis under Microgravity Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unuvar, C.; Frederick, D. M.; Shaw, B. D.; Munir, Z. A.

2003-01-01

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) has been used to form many materials. SHS generally involves mixing reactants together (e.g., metal powders) and igniting the mixture such that a combustion (deflagration) wave passes though the mixture. The imposition of an electric field (AC or DC) across SHS reactants has been shown to have a marked effect on the dynamics of wave propagation and on the nature, composition, and homogeneity of the product . The use of an electric field with SHS has been termed "field-assisted SHS". Combustion wave velocities and temperatures are directly affected by the field, which is typically perpendicular to the average wave velocity. The degree of activation by the field (e.g., combustion rate) is related to the current density distribution within the sample, and is therefore related to the temperature-dependent spatial distribution of the effective electrical conductivity of reactants and products. Furthermore, the field can influence other important SHS-related phenomena including capillary flow, mass-transport in porous media, and Marangoni flows. These phenomena are influenced by gravity in conventional SHS processes (i.e., without electric fields). As a result the influence of the field on SHS under reduced gravity is expected to be different than under normal gravity. It is also known that heat loss rates from samples, which can depend significantly on gravity, can influence final products in SHS. This research program is focused on studying field-assisted SHS under reduced gravity conditions. The broad objective of this research program is to understand the role of an electric field in SHS reactions under conditions where gravity-related effects are suppressed. The research will allow increased understanding of fundamental aspects of field-assisted SHS processes as well as synthesis of materials that cannot be formed in normal gravity.

Reverse Current in Solar Flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, J. W.; Sturrock, P. A.

1976-01-01

The theory that impulsive X ray bursts are produced by high energy electrons streaming from the corona to the chromosphere is investigated. Currents associated with these streams are so high that either the streams do not exist or their current is neutralized by a reverse current. Analysis of a simple model indicates that the primary electron stream leads to the development of an electric field in the ambient corona which decelerates the primary beam and produces a neutralizing reverse current. It appears that, in some circumstances, this electric field could prevent the primary beam from reaching the chromosphere. In any case, the electric field acts as an energy exchange mechanism, extracting kinetic energy from the primary beam and using it to heat the ambient plasma. This heating is typically so rapid that it must be expected to have important dynamical consequences.

Dipolarizing flux bundles in the cis-geosynchronous magnetosphere: relationship between electric fields and energetic particle injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J.; Angelopoulos, V.; Zhang, X. J.; Turner, D. L.; Gabrielse, C.; Runov, A.; Funsten, H. O.; Spence, H. E.

2015-12-01

Dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs) are small flux tubes (typically < 3 RE in XGSM and YGSM) in the nightside magnetosphere that have magnetic field more dipolar than the background field. Although DFBs are known to accelerate particles to create energetic particle injections, their acceleration mechanism and importance in generating injections inside geosynchronous orbit remain open questions. To answer these questions, we investigate DFBs in the inner magnetosphere by conducting a statistical study with data from the Van Allen Probes. The results show that just like DFBs outside geosynchronous orbit, those inside that orbit occur most often in the pre-midnight sector. Half the DFBs are accompanied by energetic particle injection. Statistically, DFBs with injection have an electric field three times that of those without. All the injections accompanying DFBs appear dispersionless within the temporal and energy resolution considered. These findings suggest that the injections are ushered or locally produced by the DFB, and the DFB's strong electric field is an important aspect of the injection generation mechanism.

Confinement-induced InAs/GaSb heterojunction electron-hole bilayer tunneling field-effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padilla, J. L.; Medina-Bailon, C.; Alper, C.; Gamiz, F.; Ionescu, A. M.

2018-04-01

Electron-Hole Bilayer Tunneling Field-Effect Transistors are typically based on band-to-band tunneling processes between two layers of opposite charge carriers where tunneling directions and gate-induced electric fields are mostly aligned (so-called line tunneling). However, the presence of intense electric fields associated with the band bending required to trigger interband tunneling, along with strong confinement effects, has made these types of devices to be regarded as theoretically appealing but technologically impracticable. In this work, we propose an InAs/GaSb heterostructure configuration that, although challenging in terms of process flow design and fabrication, could be envisaged for alleviating the electric fields inside the channel, whereas, at the same time, making quantum confinement become the mechanism that closes the broken gap allowing the device to switch between OFF and ON states. The utilization of induced doping prevents the harmful effect of band tails on the device performance. Simulation results lead to extremely steep slope characteristics endorsing its potential interest for ultralow power applications.

MD simulation study of direct permeation of a nanoparticle across the cell membrane under an external electric field.

PubMed

Shimizu, Kenta; Nakamura, Hideya; Watano, Satoru

2016-06-09

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been attracting much attention for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In most of the applications, NPs are required to translocate across the cell membrane and to reach the cell cytosol. Experimental studies have reported that by applying an electric field NPs can directly permeate across the cell membrane without the confinement of NPs by endocytic vesicles. However, damage to the cell can often be a concern. Understanding of the mechanism underlying the direct permeation of NPs under an external electric field can greatly contribute to the realization of a technology for the direct delivery of NPs. Here we investigated the permeation of a cationic gold NP across a phospholipid bilayer under an external electric field using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. When an external electric field that is equal to the membrane breakdown intensity was applied, a typical NP delivery by electroporation was shown: the cationic gold NP directly permeated across a lipid bilayer without membrane wrapping of the NP, while a persistent transmembrane pore was formed. However, when a specific range of the electric field that is lower than the membrane breakdown intensity was applied, a unique permeation pathway was exhibited: the generated transmembrane pore immediately resealed after the direct permeation of NP. Furthermore, we found that the affinity of the NP for the membrane surface is a key for the self-resealing of the pore. Our finding suggests that by applying an electric field in a suitable range NPs can be directly delivered into the cell with less cellular damage.

Simulated electron beam trajectories toward a field ion microscopy specimen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, D. J.; Camus, P. P.; Kelly, T. F.

1993-04-01

This article explores the conditions under which a directed electron beam originating nearly normal to the specimen axis can be made to impact the near-apex region of a field ion microscopy specimen in a high electric field. Electron trajectories were calculated using a modified Runge-Kutta numerical method. The results indicate that an electron beam can be directed to a specimen under typical field ion microscopy conditions using two methods: by varying initial beam tilt (less than 60 mrad) or by translating the initial beam position relative to the specimen apex (less than 5 mm). The net focusing effect of the high electric field on the electron beam can be treated, to first order, as an astigmatism and may be correctable by a post-lens deflection system.

Development of a Nanomaterial Anode for a Low-Voltage Proportional Counter for Neutron Detection

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

Craps, Matthew Greg

NanoTechLabs (NTL) in collaboration with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and Clemson University have continued development of a next generation proportional counter (PC) for neutron detection utilizing robust, inexpensive nanostructured anodes while maximizing neutron capture. Neutron detectors are vital to national security as they can be used to detect illicit trafficking of radioactive materials, which could mean the presence of or planning of a dirty bomb attack. Typical PCs operate with high bias potentials that create electronic noise. Incorporating nanomaterials into the anode of PCs can theoretically operate at low voltages (eg. 10-300V) due to an increase in themore » electric field associated with a smaller diameter nano-scale anode. In addition to the lower operating voltage, typical high PC voltages (500-1200V) could be used to generate a larger electric field resulting in more electrons being collected, thus increasing the sensitivity of the PC. Other advantages of nano-PC include reduced platform size, weight, cost, and improved ruggedness. Clemson modeled the electric field around the CNT array tips. NTL grew many ordered CNT arrays as well as control samples and densified the arrays to improve the performance. The primary objective for this work is to provide evidence of a commercially viable technique for reducing the voltage of a parallel plate proportional counter using nanosized anodes. The parallel plate geometry has advantages over the typical cylindrical design based on more feasible placement of solid neutron absorbers and more geometrically practical windows for radiation capture and directional detection.« less

Magnetic field and electric current structure in the chromosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dravins, D.

1974-01-01

The three-dimensional vector magnetic field structure in the chromosphere above an active region is deduced by using high-resolution H-alpha filtergrams together with a simultaneous digital magnetogram. An analog model of the field is made with 400 metal wires representing field lines that outline the H-alpha structure. The height extent of the field is determined from vertical field-gradient observations around sunspots, from observed fibril heights, and from an assumption that the sources of the field are largely local. The computed electric currents (typically 10 mA/sq m) are found to flow in patterns not similar to observed features and not parallel to magnetic fields. Force structures correspond to observed solar features; the dynamics to be expected include: downward motion in bipolar areas in the lower chromosphere, an outflow of the outer chromosphere into the corona with radially outward flow above bipolar plage regions, and motion of arch filament systems.

First-principles calculations on strain and electric field induced band modulation and phase transition of bilayer WSe2sbnd MoS2 heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Xiang; Yu, Ke

2018-04-01

A purposeful modulation of physical properties of material via change external conditions has long captured people's interest and can provide many opportunities to improve the specific performance of electronic devices. In this work, a comprehensive first-principles survey was performed to elucidate that the bandgap and electronic properties of WSe2sbnd MoS2 heterostructure exhibited unusual response to exterior strain and electric field in comparison with pristine structures. It demonstrates that the WSe2sbnd MoS2 is a typical type-II heterostructure, and thus the electron-hole pairs can be effectively spatially separated. The external effects can trigger the electronic phase transition from semiconducting to metallic state, which originates from the internal electric evolution induced energy-level shift. Interestingly, the applied strain shows no direction-depended character for the modulation of bandgap of WSe2sbnd MoS2 heterostructure, while it exists in the electric field tuning processes and strongly depends on the direction of the electric field. Our findings elucidate the tunable electronic property of bilayer WSe2sbnd MoS2 heterostructure, and would provide a valuable reference to design the electronic nanodevices.

Plasma-electric field controlled growth of oriented graphene for energy storage applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Subrata; Polaki, S. R.; Kamruddin, M.; Jeong, Sang Mun; (Ken Ostrikov, Kostya

2018-04-01

It is well known that graphene grows as flat sheets aligned with the growth substrate. Oriented graphene structures typically normal to the substrate have recently attracted major attention. Most often, the normal orientation is achieved in a plasma-assisted growth and is believed to be due to the plasma-induced in-built electric field, which is usually oriented normal to the substrate. This work focuses on the effect of an in-built electric field on the growth direction, morphology, interconnectedness, structural properties and also the supercapacitor performance of various configurations of graphene structures and reveals the unique dependence of these features on the electric field orientation. It is shown that tilting of growth substrates from parallel to the normal direction with respect to the direction of in-built plasma electric field leads to the morphological transitions from horizontal graphene layers, to oriented individual graphene sheets and then interconnected 3D networks of oriented graphene sheets. The revealed transition of the growth orientation leads to a change in structural properties, wetting nature, types of defect in graphitic structures and also affects their charge storage capacity when used as supercapacitor electrodes. This simple and versatile approach opens new opportunities for the production of potentially large batches of differently oriented and structured graphene sheets in one production run.

Lightning Warning and Protection for DNA High Explosive Test-Bed.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-08-01

begins, personnel should be evacuated from the test-bed and the amonium nitrate fuel oil loading area. A safe distance will depend on the size of the...typically, P = -40 C, N = - 0 C, and D = ’-1O C. and ~whgive observed electric field intensity in the vicintv oa :t thundercloud. (Ref. 4, p. 3.) 4. 2...12 16 2 12 S-P •N=40C N -- • N=-40 C > 14 p= 10 CD z OI- 1 0 - 0 4 8 12 16 20 DISTANCE D (kin) Figure 2. Electric field intensity at the ground versus

Electric Field and Current Transport Mechanisms in Schottky CdTe X-ray Detectors under Perturbing Optical Radiation

PubMed Central

Cola, Adriano; Farella, Isabella

2013-01-01

Schottky CdTe X-ray detectors exhibit excellent spectroscopic performance but suffer from instabilities. Hence it is of extreme relevance to investigate their electrical properties. A systematic study of the electric field distribution and the current flowing in such detectors under optical perturbations is presented here. The detector response is explored by varying experimental parameters, such as voltage, temperature, and radiation wavelength. The strongest perturbation is observed under 850 nm irradiation, bulk carrier recombination becoming effective there. Cathode and anode irradiations evidence the crucial role of the contacts, the cathode being Ohmic and the anode blocking. In particular, under irradiation of the cathode, charge injection occurs and peculiar kinks, typical of trap filling, are observed both in the current-voltage characteristic and during transients. The simultaneous access to the electric field and the current highlights the correlation between free and fixed charges, and unveils carrier transport/collection mechanisms otherwise hidden. PMID:23881140

Onboard software of Plasma Wave Experiment aboard Arase: instrument management and signal processing of Waveform Capture/Onboard Frequency Analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuda, Shoya; Kasahara, Yoshiya; Kojima, Hirotsugu; Kasaba, Yasumasa; Yagitani, Satoshi; Ozaki, Mitsunori; Imachi, Tomohiko; Ishisaka, Keigo; Kumamoto, Atsushi; Tsuchiya, Fuminori; Ota, Mamoru; Kurita, Satoshi; Miyoshi, Yoshizumi; Hikishima, Mitsuru; Matsuoka, Ayako; Shinohara, Iku

2018-05-01

We developed the onboard processing software for the Plasma Wave Experiment (PWE) onboard the Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace, Arase satellite. The PWE instrument has three receivers: Electric Field Detector, Waveform Capture/Onboard Frequency Analyzer (WFC/OFA), and the High-Frequency Analyzer. We designed a pseudo-parallel processing scheme with a time-sharing system and achieved simultaneous signal processing for each receiver. Since electric and magnetic field signals are processed by the different CPUs, we developed a synchronized observation system by using shared packets on the mission network. The OFA continuously measures the power spectra, spectral matrices, and complex spectra. The OFA obtains not only the entire ELF/VLF plasma waves' activity but also the detailed properties (e.g., propagation direction and polarization) of the observed plasma waves. We performed simultaneous observation of electric and magnetic field data and successfully obtained clear wave properties of whistler-mode chorus waves using these data. In order to measure raw waveforms, we developed two modes for the WFC, `chorus burst mode' (65,536 samples/s) and `EMIC burst mode' (1024 samples/s), for the purpose of the measurement of the whistler-mode chorus waves (typically in a frequency range from several hundred Hz to several kHz) and the EMIC waves (typically in a frequency range from a few Hz to several hundred Hz), respectively. We successfully obtained the waveforms of electric and magnetic fields of whistler-mode chorus waves and ion cyclotron mode waves along the Arase's orbit. We also designed the software-type wave-particle interaction analyzer mode. In this mode, we measure electric and magnetic field waveforms continuously and transfer them to the mission data recorder onboard the Arase satellite. We also installed an onboard signal calibration function (onboard SoftWare CALibration; SWCAL). We performed onboard electric circuit diagnostics and antenna impedance measurement of the wire-probe antennas along the orbit. We utilize the results obtained using the SWCAL function when we calibrate the spectra and waveforms obtained by the PWE.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

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

Domengie, F., E-mail: florian.domengie@st.com; Morin, P.; Bauza, D.

We propose a model for dark current induced by metallic contamination in a CMOS image sensor. Based on Shockley-Read-Hall kinetics, the expression of dark current proposed accounts for the electric field enhanced emission factor due to the Poole-Frenkel barrier lowering and phonon-assisted tunneling mechanisms. To that aim, we considered the distribution of the electric field magnitude and metal atoms in the depth of the pixel. Poisson statistics were used to estimate the random distribution of metal atoms in each pixel for a given contamination dose. Then, we performed a Monte-Carlo-based simulation for each pixel to set the number of metalmore » atoms the pixel contained and the enhancement factor each atom underwent, and obtained a histogram of the number of pixels versus dark current for the full sensor. Excellent agreement with the dark current histogram measured on an ion-implanted gold-contaminated imager has been achieved, in particular, for the description of the distribution tails due to the pixel regions in which the contaminant atoms undergo a large electric field. The agreement remains very good when increasing the temperature by 15 °C. We demonstrated that the amplification of the dark current generated for the typical electric fields encountered in the CMOS image sensors, which depends on the nature of the metal contaminant, may become very large at high electric field. The electron and hole emissions and the resulting enhancement factor are described as a function of the trap characteristics, electric field, and temperature.« less

Initial Results from the Vector Electric Field Investigation on the C/NOFS Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R.; Rowland, D.; Acuna, M.; Le, G.; Farrell, W.; Holzworth, R.; Wilson, G.; Burke, W.; Freudenreich, H.; Bromund, K.;

Electric-field induced spin accumulation in the Landau level states of topological insulator thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siu, Zhuo Bin; Chowdhury, Debashree; Basu, Banasri; Jalil, Mansoor B. A.

2017-08-01

A topological insulator (TI) thin film differs from the more typically studied thick TI system in that the former has both a top and a bottom surface where the states localized at both surfaces can couple to one other across the finite thickness. An out-of-plane magnetic field leads to the formation of discrete Landau level states in the system, whereas an in-plane magnetization breaks the angular momentum symmetry of the system. In this work, we study the spin accumulation induced by the application of an in-plane electric field to the TI thin film system where the Landau level states and inter-surface coupling are simultaneously present. We show, via Kubo formula calculations, that the in-plane spin accumulation perpendicular to the magnetization due to the electric field vanishes for a TI thin film with symmetric top and bottom surfaces. A finite in-plane spin accumulation perpendicular to both the electric field and magnetization emerges upon applying either a differential magnetization coupling or a potential difference between the two film surfaces. This spin accumulation results from the breaking of the antisymmetry of the spin accumulation around the k-space equal-energy contours.

Effects of magnetic fields during high voltage live-line maintenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Göcsei, Gábor; Kiss, István, Dr; Németh, Bálint

2015-10-01

In case of transmission and distribution networks, extra low frequency (typically 50 or 60 Hz) electric and magnetic fields have to be taken into consideration separately from each other. Health effects have been documented from exposures to both types of fields. Magnetic fields are qualified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (category “2B”) by WHO's cancer research institute, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), so it is essential to protect the workers against their harmful effects. During live-line maintenance (LLM) electric fields can be shielded effectively by different kinds of conductive clothing, which are enclosed metal surfaces acting as a Faraday-cage. In practice laboratory measurements also prove their efficiency, the required shielding ratio is above 99% by the related standard.. A set of measurements have proved that regular conductive clothing used against the electric fields cannot shield the magnetic fields effectively at all. This paper introduces the possible risks of LLM from the aspect of the health effects of magnetic fields. Although in this case the principle of shielding the electric fields cannot be applied, new considerations in equipment design and technology can be used as a possible solution. Calculations and simulations based on the data of the Hungarian transmission network - which represents the European grid as a part of ENTSO-E - and high-current laboratory measurement results also prove the importance of the topic.

Numerical correction of the phase error due to electromagnetic coupling effects in 1D EIT borehole measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Y.; Zimmermann, E.; Huisman, J. A.; Treichel, A.; Wolters, B.; van Waasen, S.; Kemna, A.

2012-12-01

Spectral Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) allows obtaining images of the complex electrical conductivity for a broad frequency range (mHz to kHz). It has recently received increased interest in the field of near-surface geophysics and hydrogeophysics because of the relationships between complex electrical properties and hydrogeological and biogeochemical properties and processes observed in the laboratory with Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP). However, these laboratory results have also indicated that a high phase accuracy is required for surface and borehole EIT measurements because many soils and sediments are only weakly polarizable and show phase angles between 1 and 20 mrad. In the case of borehole EIT measurements, long cables and electrode chains (>10 meters) are typically used, which leads to undesired inductive coupling between the electric loops for current injection and potential measurement and capacitive coupling between the electrically conductive cable shielding and the soil. Depending on the electrical properties of the subsurface and the measured transfer impedances, both coupling effects can cause large phase errors that have typically limited the frequency bandwidth of field EIT measurement to the mHz to Hz range. The aim of this study is i) to develop correction procedures for these coupling effects to extend the applicability of EIT to the kHz range and ii) to validate these corrections using controlled laboratory measurements and field measurements. In order to do so, the inductive coupling effect was modeled using electronic circuit models and the capacitive coupling effect was modeled by integrating discrete capacitances in the electrical forward model describing the EIT measurement process. The correction methods were successfully verified with measurements under controlled conditions in a water-filled rain barrel, where a high phase accuracy of 2 mrad in the frequency range up to 10 kHz was achieved. In a field demonstration using a 25 m borehole chain with 8 electrodes with 1 m electrode separation, the corrections were also applied within a 1D inversion of the borehole EIT measurements. The results show that the correction methods increased the measurement accuracy considerably.

Reverse current in solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, J. W.; Sturrock, P. A.

1977-01-01

We examine the proposal that impulsive X-ray bursts are produced by high-energy electrons streaming from the corona to the chromosphere. It is known that the currents associated with these streams are so high that either the streams do not exist or their current is neutralized by a reverse current. Analysis of a simple model in which the reverse current is stable indicates that the primary electron stream leads to the development of an electric field in the ambient corona which (a) decelerates the primary beam and (b) produces a neutralizing reverse current. It appears that, in some circumstances, this electric field could prevent the primary beam from reaching the chromosphere. In any case, the electric field acts as an energy exchange mechanism, extracting kinetic energy from the primary beam and using it to heat the ambient plasma. This heating is typically so rapid that it must be expected to have important dynamical consequences.

Overview of the electric propulsion plasma diagnostics suite for the VASIMR VX-200 testbed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, Christopher; Longmier, Benjamin; Ballenger, Maxwell; Squire, Jared; Glover, Tim; Carter, Mark; Bering, Edgar; Giambusso, Matthew

2012-10-01

Descriptions of the various plasma diagnostics and data analysis methods are given for instruments used in high power (> 100 kW) electric propulsion testing. These include planar Langmuir probes, an articulating retarding potential analyzer, a double Langmuir probe, a multi-axis magnetometer, a high frequency electric field probe, microwave interferometer, and momentum flux targets. These diagnostics have been used to measure the efficiencies of the thruster, plasma source, ion cyclotron resonance booster, and magnetic nozzle as well as used to explore physical phenomena in the plume such as ion/electron detachment, plasma turbulence, and magnetic field line stretching. Typical plume parameters range up to 10^13 cm-3 electron density, 1 kG applied magnetic fields, ion energies in excess of 150 eV, and cold electrons (2 -- 5 eV) with a spatial measurement range over 2 m.

Electrical Manipulation of Spin Qubits in Li-doped Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petukhov, Andre; Pendo, Luke; Handberg, Erin; Smelyanskiy, Vadim

2011-03-01

We propose a complete quantum computing scheme based on Li donors in Si under external biaxial stress. The qubits are encoded on the ground state Zeeman doublets and coupled via long-range spin-spin interaction mediated by acoustic phonons. This interaction is unique for Li donors in Si due to their inverted electronic structure. Our scheme takes advantage of the fact that the energy level spacing in 1 s Li-donor manifold is comparable with the magnitude of the spin-orbit interaction. As a result the Li spin qubits can be placed 100 nm apart and manipulated by a combination of external electric field and microwave field impulses. We present a specially-designed sequence of the electric field impulses which allows for a typical time of a two-qubit gate ~ ~1~ μ s and a quality factor ~10-6 . These estimates are derived from detailed microscopic calculations of the quadratic Stark effect and electron-phonon decoherence times.

Reversible unidirectional reflection and absorption of PT-symmetry structure under electro-optical modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yun-tuan; Zhang, Yi-chi; Xia, Jing

2018-06-01

In order to obtain tunable unidirectional device, we assumed an ideal periodic layered Parity-Time (PT) symmetry structure inserted by doped LiNbO3 (LN) interlayers. LN is a typical electro-optical material of which the refractive index depends on the external electric field. In our work, we theoretically investigate the modulation effect of the external electric field on the transmittance and reflectance of the structure through numerical method. Through selected structural parameters, the one-way enhanced reflection and high absorption (above 0.9) behaviors are found. Within a special frequency band (not a single frequency), our theoretical model performs enhanced reflection in one incidence direction and high absorption in the other direction. Furthermore, the directions of enhanced reflection and absorption can be reversed through reversing the direction of applied electric field. Such structure with reversible properties has the potential in designing new optical devices.

Real-time, in situ monitoring of nanoporation using electric field-induced acoustic signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarafshani, Ali; Faiz, Rowzat; Samant, Pratik; Zheng, Bin; Xiang, Liangzhong

2018-02-01

The use of nanoporation in reversible or irreversible electroporation, e.g. cancer ablation, is rapidly growing. This technique uses an ultra-short and intense electric pulse to increase the membrane permeability, allowing non-permeant drugs and genes access to the cytosol via nanopores in the plasma membrane. It is vital to create a real-time in situ monitoring technique to characterize this process and answer the need created by the successful electroporation procedure of cancer treatment. All suggested monitoring techniques for electroporation currently are for pre-and post-stimulation exposure with no real-time monitoring during electric field exposure. This study was aimed at developing an innovative technology for real-time in situ monitoring of electroporation based on the typical cell exposure-induced acoustic emissions. The acoustic signals are the result of the electric field, which itself can be used in realtime to characterize the process of electroporation. We varied electric field distribution by varying the electric pulse from 1μ - 100ns and varying the voltage intensity from 0 - 1.2ܸ݇ to energize two electrodes in a bi-polar set-up. An ultrasound transducer was used for collecting acoustic signals around the subject under test. We determined the relative location of the acoustic signals by varying the position of the electrodes relative to the transducer and varying the electric field distribution between the electrodes to capture a variety of acoustic signals. Therefore, the electric field that is utilized in the nanoporation technique also produces a series of corresponding acoustic signals. This offers a novel imaging technique for the real-time in situ monitoring of electroporation that may directly improve treatment efficiency.

Retrieving Storm Electric Fields From Aircraft Field Mill Data. Part 2; Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshak, W. J.; Mach, D. M.; Christian, H. J.; Stewart, M. F.; Bateman, M. G.

2005-01-01

The Lagrange multiplier theory and "pitch down method" developed in Part I of this study are applied to complete the calibration of a Citation aircraft that is instrumented with six field mill sensors. When side constraints related to average fields are used, the method performs well in computer simulations. For mill measurement errors of 1 V/m and a 5 V/m error in the mean fair weather field function, the 3-D storm electric field is retrieved to within an error of about 12%. A side constraint that involves estimating the detailed structure of the fair weather field was also tested using computer simulations. For mill measurement errors of 1 V/m, the method retrieves the 3-D storm field to within an error of about 8% if the fair weather field estimate is typically within 1 V/m of the true fair weather field. Using this side constraint and data from fair weather field maneuvers taken on 29 June 2001, the Citation aircraft was calibrated. The resulting calibration matrix was then used to retrieve storm electric fields during a Citation flight on 2 June 2001. The storm field results are encouraging and agree favorably with the results obtained from earlier calibration analyses that were based on iterative techniques.

Current flow instability and nonlinear structures in dissipative two-fluid plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koshkarov, O.; Smolyakov, A. I.; Romadanov, I. V.; Chapurin, O.; Umansky, M. V.; Raitses, Y.; Kaganovich, I. D.

2018-01-01

The current flow in two-fluid plasma is inherently unstable if plasma components (e.g., electrons and ions) are in different collisionality regimes. A typical example is a partially magnetized E ×B plasma discharge supported by the energy released from the dissipation of the current in the direction of the applied electric field (perpendicular to the magnetic field). Ions are not magnetized so they respond to the fluctuations of the electric field ballistically on the inertial time scale. In contrast, the electron current in the direction of the applied electric field is dissipatively supported either by classical collisions or anomalous processes. The instability occurs due to a positive feedback between the electron and ion current coupled by the quasi-neutrality condition. The theory of this instability is further developed taking into account the electron inertia, finite Larmor radius and nonlinear effects. It is shown that this instability results in highly nonlinear quasi-coherent structures resembling breathing mode oscillations in Hall thrusters.

Features of Upward Positive Leaders Initiated From Towers in Natural Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Based on Simultaneous High-Speed Videos, Measured Currents, and Electric Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Visacro, Silverio; Guimaraes, Miguel; Murta Vale, Maria Helena

2017-12-01

Original simultaneous records of currents, close electric field, and high-speed videos of natural negative cloud-to-ground lightning striking the tower of Morro do Cachimbo Station are used to reveal typical features of upward positive leaders before the attachment, including their initiation and mode of propagation. According to the results, upward positive leaders initiate some hundreds of microseconds prior to the return stroke, while a continuous uprising current of about 4 A and superimposed pulses of a few tens amperes flow along the tower. Upon leader initiation, the electric field measured 50 m away from the tower at ground level is about 60 kV/m. The corresponding average field roughly estimated 0.5 m above the tower top is higher than 0.55 MV/m. As in laboratory experiments, the common propagation mode of upward positive leaders is developing continuously, without steps, from their initiation. Unlike downward negative leaders, upward positive leaders typically do not branch off, though they can bifurcate under the effect of a downward negative leader's secondary branch approaching their lateral surface. The upward positive leader's estimated average two-dimensional propagation speed, in the range of 0.06 × 106 to 0.16 × 106 m/s, has the same order of magnitude as that of downward negative leaders. Apparently, the speed tends to increase just before attachment.

Electric field measurement of two commercial active/sham coils for transcranial magnetic stimulation.

PubMed

Smith, James Evan; Peterchev, Angel V

2018-06-22

Sham TMS coils isolate the ancillary effects of their active counterparts, but typically induce low-strength electric fields (E-fields) in the brain, which could be biologically active. We measured the E-fields induced by two pairs of commonly-used commercial active/sham coils. Approach: E-field distributions of the active and sham configurations of the Magstim 70 mm AFC and MagVenture Cool-B65 A/P coils were measured over a 7-cm-radius, hemispherical grid approximating the cortical surface. Peak E-field strength was recorded over a range of pulse amplitudes. Main results: The Magstim and MagVenture shams induce peak E-fields corresponding to 25.3% and 7.72% of their respective active values. The MagVenture sham has an E-field distribution shaped like its active counterpart. The Magstim sham induces nearly zero E-field under the coil's center, and its peak E-field forms a diffuse oval 3-7 cm from the center. Electrical scalp stimulation paired with the MagVenture sham is estimated to increase the sham E-field in the brain up to 10%. Significance: Different commercial shams induce different E-field strengths and distributions in the brain, which should be considered in interpreting outcomes of sham stimulation. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Designing a Wien Filter Model with General Particle Tracer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, John; Hofler, Alicia

2017-09-01

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility injector employs a beamline component called a Wien filter which is typically used to select charged particles of a certain velocity. The Wien filter is also used to rotate the polarization of a beam for parity violation experiments. The Wien filter consists of perpendicular electric and magnetic fields. The electric field changes the spin orientation, but also imposes a transverse kick which is compensated for by the magnetic field. The focus of this project was to create a simulation of the Wien filter using General Particle Tracer. The results from these simulations were vetted against machine data to analyze the accuracy of the Wien model. Due to the close agreement between simulation and experiment, the data suggest that the Wien filter model is accurate. The model allows a user to input either the desired electric or magnetic field of the Wien filter along with the beam energy as parameters, and is able to calculate the perpendicular field strength required to keep the beam on axis. The updated model will aid in future diagnostic tests of any beamline component downstream of the Wien filter, and allow users to easily calculate the electric and magnetic fields needed for the filter to function properly. Funding support provided by DOE Office of Science's Student Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program.

Broadband EIT borehole measurements with high phase accuracy using numerical corrections of electromagnetic coupling effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Y.; Zimmermann, E.; Huisman, J. A.; Treichel, A.; Wolters, B.; van Waasen, S.; Kemna, A.

2013-08-01

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is gaining importance in the field of geophysics and there is increasing interest for accurate borehole EIT measurements in a broad frequency range (mHz to kHz) in order to study subsurface properties. To characterize weakly polarizable soils and sediments with EIT, high phase accuracy is required. Typically, long electrode cables are used for borehole measurements. However, this may lead to undesired electromagnetic coupling effects associated with the inductive coupling between the double wire pairs for current injection and potential measurement and the capacitive coupling between the electrically conductive shield of the cable and the electrically conductive environment surrounding the electrode cables. Depending on the electrical properties of the subsurface and the measured transfer impedances, both coupling effects can cause large phase errors that have typically limited the frequency bandwidth of field EIT measurements to the mHz to Hz range. The aim of this paper is to develop numerical corrections for these phase errors. To this end, the inductive coupling effect was modeled using electronic circuit models, and the capacitive coupling effect was modeled by integrating discrete capacitances in the electrical forward model describing the EIT measurement process. The correction methods were successfully verified with measurements under controlled conditions in a water-filled rain barrel, where a high phase accuracy of 0.8 mrad in the frequency range up to 10 kHz was achieved. The corrections were also applied to field EIT measurements made using a 25 m long EIT borehole chain with eight electrodes and an electrode separation of 1 m. The results of a 1D inversion of these measurements showed that the correction methods increased the measurement accuracy considerably. It was concluded that the proposed correction methods enlarge the bandwidth of the field EIT measurement system, and that accurate EIT measurements can now be made in the mHz to kHz frequency range. This increased accuracy in the kHz range will allow a more accurate field characterization of the complex electrical conductivity of soils and sediments, which may lead to the improved estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity from electrical properties. Although the correction methods have been developed for a custom-made EIT system, they also have potential to improve the phase accuracy of EIT measurements made with commercial systems relying on multicore cables.

Apparatus for Teaching Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gottlieb, Herbert H., Ed.

1981-01-01

Describes an apparatus for plotting electric fields using burglar alarm window tape for electrodes and carbonized electronic stencil paper as sheet resistance. Also describes a simple pentode modulator circuit which will modulate a typical helium-neon gas laser, providing an audio channel for demonstration purposes. (SK)

Electronic spin transport in gate-tunable black phosphorus spin valves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiawei; Avsar, Ahmet; Tan, Jun You; Oezyilmaz, Barbaros

High charge mobility, the electric field effect and small spin-orbit coupling make semiconducting black phosphorus (BP) a promising material for spintronics device applications requiring long spin distance spin communication with all rectification and amplification actions. Towards this, we study the all electrical spin injection, transport and detection under non-local spin valve geometry in fully encapsulated ultra-thin BP devices. We observe spin relaxation times as high as 4 ns, with spin relaxation lengths exceeding 6 μm. These values are an order of magnitude higher than what have been measured in typical graphene spin valve devices. Moreover, the spin transport depends strongly on charge carrier concentration and can be manipulated in a spin transistor-like manner by controlling electric field. This behaviour persists even at room temperature. Finally, we will show that similar to its electrical and optical properties, spin transport property is also strongly anisotropic.

Ion radial diffusion in an electrostatic impulse model for stormtime ring current formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Margaret W.; Schulz, Michael; Lyons, Larry R.; Gorney, David J.

1992-01-01

Guiding-center simulations of stormtime transport of ring-current and radiation-belt ions having first adiabatic invariants mu is approximately greater than 15 MeV/G (E is approximately greater than 165 keV at L is approximately 3) are surprisingly well described (typically within a factor of approximately less than 4) by the quasilinear theory of radial diffusion. This holds even for the case of an individual model storm characterized by substorm-associated impulses in the convection electric field, provided that the actual spectrum of the electric field is incorporated in the quasilinear theory. Correction of the quasilinear diffusion coefficient D(sub LL)(sup ql) for drift-resonance broadening (so as to define D(sub LL)(sup ql)) reduced the typical discrepancy with the diffusion coefficients D(sub LL)(sup sim) deduced from guiding-center simulations of representative-particle trajectories to a factor of approximately 3. The typical discrepancy was reduced to a factor of approximately 1.4 by averaging D(sub LL)(sup sim), D(sub LL)(sup ql), and D(sub LL)(sup rb) over an ensemble of model storms characterized by different (but statistically equivalent) sets of substorm-onset times.

Heterogeneous Superconducting Low-Noise Sensing Coils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hahn, Inseob; Penanen, Konstantin I.; Ho Eom, Byeong

2008-01-01

A heterogeneous material construction has been devised for sensing coils of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers that are subject to a combination of requirements peculiar to some advanced applications, notably including low-field magnetic resonance imaging for medical diagnosis. The requirements in question are the following: The sensing coils must be large enough (in some cases having dimensions of as much as tens of centimeters) to afford adequate sensitivity; The sensing coils must be made electrically superconductive to eliminate Johnson noise (thermally induced noise proportional to electrical resistance); and Although the sensing coils must be cooled to below their superconducting- transition temperatures with sufficient cooling power to overcome moderate ambient radiative heat leakage, they must not be immersed in cryogenic liquid baths. For a given superconducting sensing coil, this combination of requirements can be satisfied by providing a sufficiently thermally conductive link between the coil and a cold source. However, the superconducting coil material is not suitable as such a link because electrically superconductive materials are typically poor thermal conductors. The heterogeneous material construction makes it possible to solve both the electrical- and thermal-conductivity problems. The basic idea is to construct the coil as a skeleton made of a highly thermally conductive material (typically, annealed copper), then coat the skeleton with an electrically superconductive alloy (typically, a lead-tin solder) [see figure]. In operation, the copper skeleton provides the required thermally conductive connection to the cold source, while the electrically superconductive coating material shields against Johnson noise that originates in the copper skeleton.

Label-free electrical detection of pyrophosphate generated from DNA polymerase reactions on field-effect devices.

PubMed

Credo, Grace M; Su, Xing; Wu, Kai; Elibol, Oguz H; Liu, David J; Reddy, Bobby; Tsai, Ta-Wei; Dorvel, Brian R; Daniels, Jonathan S; Bashir, Rashid; Varma, Madoo

2012-03-21

We introduce a label-free approach for sensing polymerase reactions on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using a chelator-modified silicon-on-insulator field-effect transistor (SOI-FET) that exhibits selective and reversible electrical response to pyrophosphate anions. The chemical modification of the sensor surface was designed to include rolling-circle amplification (RCA) DNA colonies for locally enhanced pyrophosphate (PPi) signal generation and sensors with immobilized chelators for capture and surface-sensitive detection of diffusible reaction by-products. While detecting arrays of enzymatic base incorporation reactions is typically accomplished using optical fluorescence or chemiluminescence techniques, our results suggest that it is possible to develop scalable and portable PPi-specific sensors and platforms for broad biomedical applications such as DNA sequencing and microbe detection using surface-sensitive electrical readout techniques.

Pushing particles in extreme fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Daniel F.; Hafizi, Bahman; Palastro, John

2017-03-01

The update of the particle momentum in an electromagnetic simulation typically employs the Boris scheme, which has the advantage that the magnetic field strictly performs no work on the particle. In an extreme field, however, it is found that onerously small time steps are required to maintain accuracy. One reason for this is that the operator splitting scheme fails. In particular, even if the electric field impulse and magnetic field rotation are computed exactly, a large error remains. The problem can be analyzed for the case of constant, but arbitrarily polarized and independent electric and magnetic fields. The error can be expressed in terms of exponentials of nested commutators of the generators of boosts and rotations. To second order in the field, the Boris scheme causes the error to vanish, but to third order in the field, there is an error that has to be controlled by decreasing the time step. This paper introduces a scheme that avoids this problem entirely, while respecting the property that magnetic fields cannot change the particle energy.

Electroosmotic flow in microchannels with arbitrary geometry and arbitrary distribution of wall charge.

PubMed

Xuan, Xiangchun; Li, Dongqing

2005-09-01

General solutions are developed for direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electroosmotic flows in microfluidic channels with arbitrary cross-sectional geometry and arbitrary distribution of wall charge (zeta potential). The applied AC electric field can also be of arbitrary waveform. By proposing a nondimensional time scale varpi defined as the ratio of the diffusion time of momentum across the electric double-layer thickness to the period of the applied electric field, we demonstrate analytically that the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski electroosmotic velocity is an appropriate slip condition for AC electroosmotic flows in typical microfluidic applications. With this slip condition approach, electroosmotic flows in rectangular and asymmetric trapezoidal microchannels with nonuniform wall charge, as examples, are investigated. The unknown constants in the proposed general solutions are numerically determined with a least-squares method through matching the boundary conditions. We find that the wall charge affects significantly the electroosmotic flow while the channel geometry does not. Moreover, the flow feature is characterized by another nondimensional time scale Omega defined as the ratio of the diffusion time of momentum across the channel hydraulic radius to the period of the applied electric field. The onset of phase shift between AC electroosmotic velocity and applied electric field is also examined analytically.

Lightning generation in Titan due to the electrical self-polarization properties of Methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quintero, A.; Falcón, N.

2009-05-01

We describe an electrical charge process in Titan's thunderclouds, due to the self-polarization properties or pyroelectricity of methane, which increases the internal electric field in thunderclouds and facilitates the charge generation and separation processes. Microphysics that generates lightning flashes is associated with the physical and chemical properties of the local atmosphere, so methane could be the principal agent of the electrical activity because of its great concentration in Titan's atmosphere. Besides, Titan's electrical activity should not be very influenced by Saturn's magnetosphere because lightning occurs at very low altitude above Titan's surface, compared with the greater distance of Saturn's magnetosphere and Titan's troposphere. Using an electrostatic treatment, we calculate the internal electric field of Titan's thunderclouds due to methane's pyroelectrical properties, 7.05×10^11 Vm^-1; and using the telluric capacitor approximation for thunderclouds, we calculate the total charge obtained for a typical Titan thundercloud, 2.67×10^9 C. However, it is not right to use an electrostatic treatment because charge times are very fast due to the large methane concentration in Titan's clouds and the life time of thunderclouds is very low (around 2 hours). We consider a time dependent mechanism, employing common Earth atmospheric approaches, because of the similitude in chemical composition of both atmospheres (mainly nitrogen), so the typical charge of a thundercloud in Titan should reach between 20 C to 40 C, like on Earth. We obtain that lightning occurs with a frequency between 2 and 6 KHz. In Titan's atmosphere, methane concentration is higher than on Earth, and atmospheric electrical activity is stronger, so this model could be consistent with the observed phenomenology.

Plasma Waves Near the Magnetopause.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

be fairly typical of the late morning sector. In these three time intervals, the sheath magnetic field was southward of the ecliptic plane by...to peak sharply when the antenna was at spin phase 1400 ± 5. During this period, the mean magnetic field ecliptic longitude was about 2600 ± 5...implying that the electric field peaks at ecliptic longitude 40 or 2200, which is close to the plasma flow direction of 208. When all signals above 4 x 10

Imaging local electric fields produced upon synchrotron X-ray exposure

DOE PAGES

Dettmar, Christopher M.; Newman, Justin A.; Toth, Scott J.; ...

2014-12-31

Electron–hole separation following hard X-ray absorption during diffraction analysis of soft materials under cryogenic conditions produces substantial local electric fields visualizable by second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Monte Carlo simulations of X-ray photoelectron trajectories suggest the formation of substantial local electric fields in the regions adjacent to those exposed to X-rays, indicating a possible electric-field–induced SHG (EFISH) mechanism for generating the observed signal. In studies of amorphous vitreous solvents, analysis of the SHG spatial profiles following X-ray microbeam exposure was consistent with an EFISH mechanism. Within protein crystals, exposure to 12-keV (1.033-Å) X-rays resulted in increased SHG in the regionmore » extending ~3 μm beyond the borders of the X-ray beam. Moderate X-ray exposures typical of those used for crystal centering by raster scanning through an X-ray beam were sufficient to produce static electric fields easily detectable by SHG. The X-ray–induced SHG activity was observed with no measurable loss for longer than 2 wk while maintained under cryogenic conditions, but disappeared if annealed to room temperature for a few seconds. In conclusion, these results provide direct experimental observables capable of validating simulations of X-ray–induced damage within soft materials. Additionally, X-ray–induced local fields may potentially impact diffraction resolution through localized piezoelectric distortions of the lattice.« less

A comparison of in situ measurements of vector-E and - vector-V x vector-B from Dynamics Explorer 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanson, W. B.; Coley, W. R.; Heelis, R. A.; Maynard, N. C.; Aggson, T. L.

1993-01-01

Dynamics Explorer-2 provided the first opportunity to make a direct comparison of in situ measurements of the high-latitude convection electric field by two distinctly different techniques. The vector electric field instrument (VEFI) used antennae to measure the intrinsic electric fields and the ion drift meter (IDM) and retarding potential analyzer (RPA) measured the ion drift velocity vector, from which the convection electric field can be deduced. The data from three orbits having large electric fields at high latitude are presented, one at high, one at medium, and one at low altitudes. The general agreement between the two measurements of electric field is very good, with typical differences at high latitudes of the order of a few millivolts per meter, but there are some regions where the particle fluxes are extremely large (e.g., the cusp) and the disagreement is worse, probably because of IDM difficulties. The auroral zone potential patterns derived from the two devices are in excellent agreement for two of the cases, but not in the third, where bad attitude data may be the problem. At low latitudes there are persistent differences in the measurements of a few millivolts per meter, though these differences are quite constant from orbit to orbit. This problem seems to arise from some shortcoming in the VEFI measurments. Overall, however, these measurements confirm the concept of `frozen-in' plasma that drifts with velocity vector-E x vector-B/B(exp 2) within the measurement errors of the two techniques.

The magnetic field of gastrointestinal smooth muscle activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradshaw, Alan; Ladipo, Jk; Richards, William; Wikswo, John

1997-11-01

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract controls the absorption and transport of ingested materials. Its function is determined largely by the electrical activity of the smooth muscle that lines the GI tract. GI electrical activity consists of an omnipresent slowly oscillating wave known as the basic electrical rhythm (BER) that modulates a higher-frequency spiking activity associated with muscle contraction. The BER has been shown to be a reliable indicator of intestinal viability, and thus, recording of smooth muscle activity may have clinical value. The BER is difficult to measure with cutaneous electrodes because layers of low-conductivity fat between the GI tract and the abdominal surface attenuate the potential. On the other hand, the magnetic field associated with GI electrical activity is mostly unaffected by intervening fat layers. We recorded the magnetic fields from GI activity in 12 volunteers using a multichannel Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometer. Characteristics typical of gastric and intestinal BER were apparent in the data. Channels near the epigastrium recorded gastric BER, and channels in intestinal areas recorded small bowel BER. These results suggest that a single multichannel SQUID magnetometer is able to measure gastrointestinal electrical activity from multiple locations around the abdomen simultaneously.

Electro-migration of impurities in TlBr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ki Hyun; Kim, Eunlim; Kim, H.; Tappero, R.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.; Hossain, A.; Cirignano, L.; James, R. B.

2013-10-01

We observed the electro-migration of Cu, Ag, and Au impurities that exist in positive-ion states in TlBr detectors under electric field strengths typically used for device operation. The migration occurred predominantly through bulk- and specific-channels, which are presumed to be a network of grain and sub-grain boundaries. The electro-migration velocity of Cu, Ag, and Au in TlBr is about 4-8 × 10-8 cm/s at room temperature under an electric field of 500-800 V/mm. The instability and polarization effects of TlBr detectors might well be correlated with the electro-migration of residual impurities in TlBr, which alters the internal electric field over time. The effect may also have been due to migration of the electrode material itself, which would allow for the possibility of a better choice for contact material and for depositing an effective diffusion barrier. From our findings, we suggest that applying our electro-migration technique for purifying material is a promising new way to remove electrically active metallic impurities in TlBr crystals, as well as other materials.

Electron distribution functions in electric field environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudolph, Terence H.

1991-01-01

The amount of current carried by an electric discharge in its early stages of growth is strongly dependent on its geometrical shape. Discharges with a large number of branches, each funnelling current to a common stem, tend to carry more current than those with fewer branches. The fractal character of typical discharges was simulated using stochastic models based on solutions of the Laplace equation. Extension of these models requires the use of electron distribution functions to describe the behavior of electrons in the undisturbed medium ahead of the discharge. These electrons, interacting with the electric field, determine the propagation of branches in the discharge and the way in which further branching occurs. The first phase in the extension of the referenced models , the calculation of simple electron distribution functions in an air/electric field medium, is discussed. Two techniques are investigated: (1) the solution of the Boltzmann equation in homogeneous, steady state environments, and (2) the use of Monte Carlo simulations. Distribution functions calculated from both techniques are illustrated. Advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed.

Small-Scale Dayside Magnetic Reconnection Analysis via MMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pritchard, K. R.; Burch, J. L.; Fuselier, S. A.; Webster, J.; Genestreti, K.; Torbert, R. B.; Rager, A. C.; Phan, T.; Argall, M. R.; Le Contel, O.; Russell, C. T.; Strangeway, R. J.; Giles, B. L.

2017-12-01

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission has the primary objective of understanding the physics of the reconnection electron diffusion region (EDR), where magnetic energy is transformed into particle energy. In this poster, we present data from an EDR encounter that occurred in late December 2016 at approximately 11:00 MLT with a moderate guide field. The spacecraft were in a tetrahedral formation with an average inter-spacecraft distance of approximately 7 kilometers. During this event electron crescent-shaped distributions were observed in the electron stagnation region as is typical for asymmetric reconnection. Based on the observed ion velocity jets, the spacecraft traveled just south of the EDR. Because of the close spacecraft separation, fairly accurate computation of the Hall, electron pressure divergence, and electron inertia components of the reconnection electric field could be made. In the region of the crescent distributions good agreement was observed, with the strongest component being the normal electric field and the most significant sources being electron pressure divergence and the Hall electric field. While the strongest currents were in the out-of-plane direction, the dissipation was strongest in the normal direction because of the larger magnitude of the normal electric field component. These results are discussed in light of recent 3D PIC simulations performed by other groups.

Retrieving Storm Electric Fields from Aircrfaft Field Mill Data: Part II: Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshak, William; Mach, D. M.; Christian H. J.; Stewart, M. F.; Bateman M. G.

2006-01-01

The Lagrange multiplier theory developed in Part I of this study is applied to complete a relative calibration of a Citation aircraft that is instrumented with six field mill sensors. When side constraints related to average fields are used, the Lagrange multiplier method performs well in computer simulations. For mill measurement errors of 1 V m(sup -1) and a 5 V m(sup -1) error in the mean fair-weather field function, the 3D storm electric field is retrieved to within an error of about 12%. A side constraint that involves estimating the detailed structure of the fair-weather field was also tested using computer simulations. For mill measurement errors of 1 V m(sup -l), the method retrieves the 3D storm field to within an error of about 8% if the fair-weather field estimate is typically within 1 V m(sup -1) of the true fair-weather field. Using this type of side constraint and data from fair-weather field maneuvers taken on 29 June 2001, the Citation aircraft was calibrated. Absolute calibration was completed using the pitch down method developed in Part I, and conventional analyses. The resulting calibration matrices were then used to retrieve storm electric fields during a Citation flight on 2 June 2001. The storm field results are encouraging and agree favorably in many respects with results derived from earlier (iterative) techniques of calibration.

Optical Emissions of Sprite Streamers in Weak Electric Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, N.; Pasko, V. P.

2004-12-01

Sprites commonly consist of large numbers of needle-shaped filaments of ionization [e.g., Gerken and Inan, JASTP, 65, 567, 2003] and typically initiate at altitudes 70-75 km in a form of upward and downward propagating streamers [Stanley et al., GRL, 26, 3201, 1999; Stenbaek-Nielsen et al., GRL, 27, 3829, 2000; McHarg et al., JGR, 107, 1364, 2002; Moudry et al., JASTP, 65, 509, 2003]. The strong electric fields E exceeding the conventional breakdown threshold field Ek are needed for initiation of sprite streamers from single electron avalanches and recent modeling studies indicate that streamers propagating in fields E>Ek experience strong acceleration and expansion in good agreement with the above cited observations [Liu and Pasko, JGR, 109, A04301, 2004]. The initiated streamers are capable of propagating in fields substantially lower than Ek [Allen and Ghaffar, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., 28, 331, 1995] and it is expected that a significant part of sprite optical output comes from regions with EEk). Additionally, the values of electric fields inside of the streamer channel are always well below Ek and since the excitation coefficients for optical emissions are very sensitive to the driving electric field magnitude most of the optical luminosity of streamers in this case arises from streamer tips, indicating that observed streamer filaments in many cases may be produced by time averaging of optical luminosity coming from localized regions around streamer tips as streamers move through an instrument's field of view. We will discuss pressure dependent differences of optical emissions at different sprite altitudes, and important similarities between observed sprite streamers and recent time resolved (<1 ns) imaging of laboratory streamers in point-to-plane discharge geometry conducted at ground and near ground pressures [van Veldhuizen et al., IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., 30, 162, 2002; Yi and Williams, J. Phys. D. Appl. Phys., 35, 205, 2002].

Measurement of the magnetotail reconnection rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanchard, G. T.; Lyons, L. R.; de la Beaujardière, O.; Doe, R. A.; Mendillo, M.

1996-07-01

A technique to measure the magnetotail reconnection rate from the ground is described and applied to 71 hours of measurements from 20 nights. The reconnection rate is obtained from the ionospheric flow across the polar cap boundary in the frame of reference of the boundary, measured by the Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar. For our measurements, the polar cap boundary is located using 6300 Å auroral emissions and E region electron density. The average experimental uncertainty of the reconnection rate measurement is 11.6 mVm-1 in the ionospheric electric field. By using a large data set, we obtain the dependence of the reconnection rate on magnetic local time, the interplanetary magnetic field, and substorm activity, with much higher accuracy. We find that two thirds of the average polar cap potential drop occurs over the 4-hour segment of the separatrix centered on 2330 MLT, that the linear correlation between the reconnection electric field and the half-wave rectified dawn-dusk solar wind electric field VBs peaks between 1.0 and 1.5 hours, with a maximum linear correlation coefficient of 0.46 at 70 min; and that following substorm expansion phase onset, the reconnection electric field becomes larger than the experimental uncertainty, with an average delay of 23 min. The 70-min delay of the reconnection rate with respect to VBs is a typical convection time for a flux tube across the polar cap. This result indicates that reconnection in the magnetotail is influenced by the solar wind electric field VBs on the field line being reconnected.

Numerical calculation of ion runaway distributions

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

Embréus, O.; Stahl, A.; Hirvijoki, E.

2015-05-15

Ions accelerated by electric fields (so-called runaway ions) in plasmas may explain observations in solar flares and fusion experiments; however, limitations of previous analytic work have prevented definite conclusions. In this work, we describe a numerical solver of the 2D non-relativistic linearized Fokker-Planck equation for ions. It solves the initial value problem in velocity space with a spectral-Eulerian discretization scheme, allowing arbitrary plasma composition and time-varying electric fields and background plasma parameters. The numerical ion distribution function is then used to consider the conditions for runaway ion acceleration in solar flares and tokamak plasmas. Typical time scales and electric fieldsmore » required for ion acceleration are determined for various plasma compositions, ion species, and temperatures, and the potential for excitation of toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes during tokamak disruptions is considered.« less

Transcranial magnetic stimulation--may be useful as a preoperative screen of motor tract function.

PubMed

Galloway, Gloria M; Dias, Brennan R; Brown, Judy L; Henry, Christina M; Brooks, David A; Buggie, Ed W

2013-08-01

Transcranial motor stimulation with noninvasive cortical surface stimulation, using a high-intensity magnetic field referred to as transcranial magnetic stimulation generally, is considered a nonpainful technique. In contrast, transcranial electric stimulation of the motor tracts typically cannot be done in unanesthesized patients. Intraoperative monitoring of motor tract function with transcranial electric stimulation is considered a standard practice in many institutions for patients during surgical procedures in which there is potential risk of motor tract impairment so that the risk of paraplegia or paraparesis can be reduced. Because transcranial electric stimulation cannot be typically done in the outpatient setting, transcranial magnetic stimulation may be able to provide a well-tolerated method for evaluation of the corticospinal motor tracts before surgery. One hundred fifty-five patients aged 5 to 20 years were evaluated preoperatively with single-stimulation nonrepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for preoperative assessment. The presence of responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation reliably predicted the presence of responses to transcranial electric stimulation intraoperatively. No complications occurred during the testing, and findings were correlated to the clinical history and used in the setup of the surgical monitoring.

Magnetic vortex nucleation modes in static magnetic fields

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

Vanatka, Marek; Urbanek, Michal; Jira, Roman

The magnetic vortex nucleation process in nanometer- and micrometer-sized magnetic disks undergoes several phases with distinct spin configurations called the nucleation states. Before formation of the final vortex state, small submicron disks typically proceed through the so-called C-state while the larger micron-sized disks proceed through the more complicated vortex-pair state or the buckling state. This work classifies the nucleation states using micromagnetic simulations and provides evidence for the stability of vortex-pair and buckling states in static magnetic fields using magnetic imaging techniques and electrical transport measurements. Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscopy and Magnetic Transmission X-ray Microscopy are employed to reveal themore » details of spin configuration in each of the nucleation states. We further show that it is possible to unambiguously identify these states by electrical measurements via the anisotropic magnetoresistance effect. Combination of the electrical transport and magnetic imaging techniques confirms stability of a vortex-antivortex-vortex spin configuration which emerges from the buckling state in static magnetic fields.« less

Magnetic vortex nucleation modes in static magnetic fields

DOE PAGES

Vanatka, Marek; Urbanek, Michal; Jira, Roman; ...

2017-10-03

The magnetic vortex nucleation process in nanometer- and micrometer-sized magnetic disks undergoes several phases with distinct spin configurations called the nucleation states. Before formation of the final vortex state, small submicron disks typically proceed through the so-called C-state while the larger micron-sized disks proceed through the more complicated vortex-pair state or the buckling state. This work classifies the nucleation states using micromagnetic simulations and provides evidence for the stability of vortex-pair and buckling states in static magnetic fields using magnetic imaging techniques and electrical transport measurements. Lorentz Transmission Electron Microscopy and Magnetic Transmission X-ray Microscopy are employed to reveal themore » details of spin configuration in each of the nucleation states. We further show that it is possible to unambiguously identify these states by electrical measurements via the anisotropic magnetoresistance effect. Combination of the electrical transport and magnetic imaging techniques confirms stability of a vortex-antivortex-vortex spin configuration which emerges from the buckling state in static magnetic fields.« less

A Compact Microwave Microfluidic Sensor Using a Re-Entrant Cavity.

PubMed

Hamzah, Hayder; Abduljabar, Ali; Lees, Jonathan; Porch, Adrian

2018-03-19

A miniaturized 2.4 GHz re-entrant cavity has been designed, manufactured and tested as a sensor for microfluidic compositional analysis. It has been fully evaluated experimentally with water and common solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, and chloroform, with excellent agreement with the expected behaviour predicted by the Debye model. The sensor's performance has also been assessed for analysis of segmented flow using water and oil. The samples' interaction with the electric field in the gap region has been maximized by aligning the sample tube parallel to the electric field in this region, and the small width of the gap (typically 1 mm) result in a highly localised complex permittivity measurement. The re-entrant cavity has simple mechanical geometry, small size, high quality factor, and due to the high concentration of electric field in the gap region, a very small mode volume. These factors combine to result in a highly sensitive, compact sensor for both pure liquids and liquid mixtures in capillary or microfluidic environments.

Dipolarizing flux bundles in the cis-geosynchronous magnetosphere: Relationship between electric fields and energetic particle injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiang; Angelopoulos, V.; Zhang, Xiao-Jia; Turner, D. L.; Gabrielse, C.; Runov, A.; Li, Jinxing; Funsten, H. O.; Spence, H. E.

2016-02-01

Dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs) are small flux tubes (typically <3 RE in XGSM and YGSM) in the nightside magnetosphere that have magnetic field more dipolar than the background. Although DFBs are known to accelerate particles, creating energetic particle injections outside geosynchronous orbit (trans-GEO), the nature of the acceleration mechanism and the importance of DFBs in generating injections inside geosynchronous orbit (cis-GEO) are unclear. Our statistical study of cis-GEO DFBs using data from the Van Allen Probes reveals that just like trans-GEO DFBs, cis-GEO DFBs occur most often in the premidnight sector, but their occurrence rate is ~1/3 that of trans-GEO DFBs. Half the cis-GEO DFBs are accompanied by an energetic particle injection and have an electric field 3 times stronger than that of the injectionless half. All DFB injections are dispersionless within the temporal resolution considered (11 s). Our findings suggest that these injections are ushered or produced locally by the DFB, and the DFB's strong electric field is an important aspect of the injection generation mechanism.

High breakdown electric field in β-Ga2O3/graphene vertical barristor heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xiaodong; Esqueda, Ivan S.; Ma, Jiahui; Tice, Jesse; Wang, Han

2018-01-01

In this work, we study the high critical breakdown field in β-Ga2O3 perpendicular to its (100) crystal plane using a β-Ga2O3/graphene vertical heterostructure. Measurements indicate a record breakdown field of 5.2 MV/cm perpendicular to the (100) plane that is significantly larger than the previously reported values on lateral β-Ga2O3 field-effect-transistors (FETs). This result is compared with the critical field typically measured within the (100) crystal plane, and the observed anisotropy is explained through a combined theoretical and experimental analysis.

Thermal conductivity of electrospun polyethylene nanofibers.

PubMed

Ma, Jian; Zhang, Qian; Mayo, Anthony; Ni, Zhonghua; Yi, Hong; Chen, Yunfei; Mu, Richard; Bellan, Leon M; Li, Deyu

2015-10-28

We report on the structure-thermal transport property relation of individual polyethylene nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning with different deposition parameters. Measurement results show that the nanofiber thermal conductivity depends on the electric field used in the electrospinning process, with a general trend of higher thermal conductivity for fibers prepared with stronger electric field. Nanofibers produced at a 45 kV electrospinning voltage and a 150 mm needle-collector distance could have a thermal conductivity of up to 9.3 W m(-1) K(-1), over 20 times higher than the typical bulk value. Micro-Raman characterization suggests that the enhanced thermal conductivity is due to the highly oriented polymer chains and enhanced crystallinity in the electrospun nanofibers.

Ground level gamma-ray and electric field enhancements during disturbed weather: Combined signatures from convective clouds, lightning and rain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuveni, Yuval; Yair, Yoav; Price, Colin; Steinitz, Gideon

2017-11-01

We report coincidences of ground-level gamma-ray enhancements with precipitation events and strong electric fields typical of thunderstorms, measured at the Emilio Segre Cosmic Ray observatory located on the western slopes of Mt. Hermon in northern Israel. The observatory hosts 2 × 2″ Nal(TI) gamma ray scintillation detectors alongside a vertical atmospheric electric field (Ez) mill and conduction current (Jz) plates. During several active thunderstorms that occurred near the Mt. Hermon station in October and November 2015, we recorded prolonged periods of gamma ray enhancements, which lasted tens of minutes and coincided with peaks both in precipitation and the vertical electric field. Two types of events were detected: slow increase (up to 300 min) of atmospheric gamma ray radiation due to radon progeny washout (or rainout) along with minutes of Ez enhancement, which were not associated with the occurrences of nearby CG lightning discharges. The second type showed 30 min bursts of gamma rays, coinciding with minutes of Ez enhancement that closely matched the occurrences of nearby CG lightning discharges, and are superimposed on the radiation from radon daughters washed out to near surface levels by precipitation. We conclude that a superposition of accelerated high energy electrons by thunderstorm electric fields and radon progeny washout (or rainout) explains the relatively fast near surface gamma-ray increase, where the minutes-scale vertical electric field enhancement are presumably caused due to nearby convective clouds. Our results show that the mean exponential half-life depletion times of the residual nuclei produced during events without lightning occurrences were between 25-65 min, compared to 55-100 min when lightning was present, indicating that different types of nuclei were involved.

DC Electric Fields, Associated Plasma Drifts, and Irregularities Observed on the C/NOFS Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R.; Freudenreich, H.; Klenzing, J.

2011-01-01

Results are presented from the Vector Electric Field Investigation (VEFI) on the Air Force Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite, a mission designed to understand, model, and forecast the presence of equatorial ionospheric irregularities. The VEFI instrument includes a vector DC electric field detector, a fixed-bias Langmuir probe operating in the ion saturation regime, a flux gate magnetometer, an optical lightning detector, and associated electronics including a burst memory. Compared to data obtained during more active solar conditions, the ambient DC electric fields and their associated E x B drifts are variable and somewhat weak, typically < 1 mV/m. Although average drift directions show similarities to those previously reported, eastward/outward during day and westward/downward at night, this pattern varies significantly with longitude and is not always present. Daytime vertical drifts near the magnetic equator are largest after sunrise, with smaller average velocities after noon. Little or no pre-reversal enhancement in the vertical drift near sunset is observed, attributable to the solar minimum conditions creating a much reduced neutral dynamo at the satellite altitude. The nighttime ionosphere is characterized by larger amplitude, structured electric fields, even where the plasma density appears nearly quiescent. Data from successive orbits reveal that the vertical drifts and plasma density are both clearly organized with longitude. The spread-F density depletions and corresponding electric fields that have been detected thus far have displayed a preponderance to appear between midnight and dawn. Associated with the narrow plasma depletions that are detected are broad spectra of electric field and plasma density irregularities for which a full vector set of measurements is available for detailed study. The VEFI data represents a new set of measurements that are germane to numerous fundamental aspects of the electrodynamics and irregularities inherent to the Earth s low latitude ionosphere.

Electro-optical effects in porous PET films filled with liquid crystal: new possibilities for fiber optics and THZ applications.

PubMed

Chopik, A; Pasechnik, S; Semerenko, D; Shmeliova, D; Dubtsov, A; Srivastava, A K; Chigrinov, V

2014-03-15

The results of investigation of electro-optical properties of porous polyethylene terephthalate films filled with a nematic liquid crystal (5 CB) are presented. It is established that the optical response of the samples on the applied voltage drastically depends on the frequency range. At low frequencies of applied electrical field (ffc) electric field induces an overall change in the light intensity, which is typical for an electro-optical response of a liquid crystal (LC) layer in a conventional "sandwich"-like cell. The dependences of critical frequency fc, threshold voltages, and characteristic times on a pore diameter d were established. The peculiarities of electro-optical effects can be explained in the framework of the approach which connects the variations of light intensity with the corresponding changes of the effective refractive index n(eff) of a composite LC media. The unusual behavior of the electro-optical response at low frequencies is assigned to the orienting action of the specific shear flow typical for electrokinetic phenomena in polar liquids.

Impedance Spectrum in Cortical Tissue: Implications for Propagation of LFP Signals on the Microscopic Level

PubMed Central

Miceli, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

Brain research investigating electrical activity within neural tissue is producing an increasing amount of physiological data including local field potentials (LFPs) obtained via extracellular in vivo and in vitro recordings. In order to correctly interpret such electrophysiological data, it is vital to adequately understand the electrical properties of neural tissue itself. An ongoing controversy in the field of neuroscience is whether such frequency-dependent effects bias LFP recordings and affect the proper interpretation of the signal. On macroscopic scales and with large injected currents, previous studies have found various grades of frequency dependence of cortical tissue, ranging from negligible to strong, within the frequency band typically considered relevant for neuroscience (less than a few thousand hertz). Here, we performed a detailed investigation of the frequency dependence of the conductivity within cortical tissue at microscopic distances using small current amplitudes within the typical (neuro)physiological micrometer and sub-nanoampere range. We investigated the propagation of LFPs, induced by extracellular electrical current injections via patch-pipettes, in acute rat brain slice preparations containing the somatosensory cortex in vitro using multielectrode arrays. Based on our data, we determined the cortical tissue conductivity over a 100-fold increase in signal frequency (5–500 Hz). Our results imply at most very weak frequency-dependent effects within the frequency range of physiological LFPs. Using biophysical modeling, we estimated the impact of different putative impedance spectra. Our results indicate that frequency dependencies of the order measured here and in most other studies have negligible impact on the typical analysis and modeling of LFP signals from extracellular brain recordings. PMID:28197543

Impedance Spectrum in Cortical Tissue: Implications for Propagation of LFP Signals on the Microscopic Level.

PubMed

Miceli, Stéphanie; Ness, Torbjørn V; Einevoll, Gaute T; Schubert, Dirk

2017-01-01

Brain research investigating electrical activity within neural tissue is producing an increasing amount of physiological data including local field potentials (LFPs) obtained via extracellular in vivo and in vitro recordings. In order to correctly interpret such electrophysiological data, it is vital to adequately understand the electrical properties of neural tissue itself. An ongoing controversy in the field of neuroscience is whether such frequency-dependent effects bias LFP recordings and affect the proper interpretation of the signal. On macroscopic scales and with large injected currents, previous studies have found various grades of frequency dependence of cortical tissue, ranging from negligible to strong, within the frequency band typically considered relevant for neuroscience (less than a few thousand hertz). Here, we performed a detailed investigation of the frequency dependence of the conductivity within cortical tissue at microscopic distances using small current amplitudes within the typical (neuro)physiological micrometer and sub-nanoampere range. We investigated the propagation of LFPs, induced by extracellular electrical current injections via patch-pipettes, in acute rat brain slice preparations containing the somatosensory cortex in vitro using multielectrode arrays. Based on our data, we determined the cortical tissue conductivity over a 100-fold increase in signal frequency (5-500 Hz). Our results imply at most very weak frequency-dependent effects within the frequency range of physiological LFPs. Using biophysical modeling, we estimated the impact of different putative impedance spectra. Our results indicate that frequency dependencies of the order measured here and in most other studies have negligible impact on the typical analysis and modeling of LFP signals from extracellular brain recordings.

Observations of 50/60 Hz Power Line Radiation in the Low Latitude Ionosphere Detected by the Electric Field Instrument on the C/NOFS Satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfaff, R. F., Jr.; Freudenreich, H. T.; Simoes, F. A.; Liebrecht, M. C.; Farrell, W.

2017-12-01

One of the most ubiquitous forms of EM radiation emanating from the earth's surface is that of power line radiation. Associated with AC electric power generation, such emissions are typically launched along conducting power lines that may travel hundreds, or even thousands of km, from generating stations. The fundamental frequencies of such emissions are characteristically 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the regional standards for power generation/consumption. The frequency of this radiation is well below that of the plasma frequency of the ionosphere (typically several MHz) and hence is expected to reflect back to the earth and propagate in the waveguide formed by the earth's surface and the bottom ledge of the ionosphere, typically near 100 km. Given that such power lines are widespread on the exposed lithosphere, the leakage of some ELF emissions associated with electric power generation might nevertheless be expected in the ionosphere, in the same manner in which a small fraction of the power associated with ELF Schumann resonances and lightning sferics have been shown to penetrate into the ionosphere. We present direct measurements of 50/60 Hz power line radiation detected by in situ probes on an orbiting satellite in the earth's ionosphere. The data were gathered by the Vector Electric Field Investigation (VEFI) tri-axial double probe detector flown on the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast System (C/NOFS) satellite. C/NOFS was launched in April, 2008 into a low latitude (13 deg inclination) orbit with perigee and apogee of 400 km and 850 km, respectively. The electric field wave data were gathered by ELF receivers comprised of two orthogonal broadband channels sampled at 512 s/sec each, and digitized with 16 bit A/D converters. The data show distinct 60 Hz emissions while the satellite sampled within the Brazilian sector whereas distinct 50 Hz emissions were detected over India. Other, less distinct, emissions were observed over Africa and southeast Asia. We discuss the characteristics of the received emissions, including their amplitudes and spectral features (i.e., harmonics). We use these observations to advance our understanding of how natural terrestrial ELF emissions, such as those associated with Schumann resonances and lightning, penetrate into the ionosphere.

Electric field stabilization of viscous liquid layers coating the underside of a surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Thomas G.; Cimpeanu, Radu; Papageorgiou, Demetrios T.; Petropoulos, Peter G.

2017-05-01

We investigate the electrostatic stabilization of a viscous thin film wetting the underside of a horizontal surface in the presence of an electric field applied parallel to the surface. The model includes the effect of bounding solid dielectric regions above and below the liquid-air system that are typically found in experiments. The competition between gravitational forces, surface tension, and the nonlocal effect of the applied electric field is captured analytically in the form of a nonlinear evolution equation. A semispectral solution strategy is employed to resolve the dynamics of the resulting partial differential equation. Furthermore, we conduct direct numerical simulations (DNS) of the Navier-Stokes equations using the volume-of-fluid methodology and assess the accuracy of the obtained solutions in the long-wave (thin-film) regime when varying the electric field strength from zero up to the point when complete stabilization occurs. We employ DNS to examine the limitations of the asymptotically derived behavior as the liquid layer thickness increases and find excellent agreement even beyond the regime of strict applicability of the asymptotic solution. Finally, the asymptotic and computational approaches are utilized to identify robust and efficient active control mechanisms allowing the manipulation of the fluid interface in light of engineering applications at small scales, such as mixing.

Anhydrous octyl-glucoside phase transition from lamellar to isotropic induced by electric and magnetic fields.

PubMed

Hashim, Rauzah; Sugimura, Akihiko; Nguan, Hock-Seng; Rahman, Matiur; Zimmermann, Herbert

2017-02-28

A static deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance ( 2 HNMR) technique (magnetic field, B = 7.05 T) was employed to monitor the thermotropic lamellar phase of the anhydrous 1:1 mixture sample of octyl-b-D-glucoside (βOG) and that of partially deuterium labelled at the alpha position on the chain, i.e.,βOG-d 2 In the absence of an electric field, the 2 H NMR spectrum of the mixture gives a typical quadrupolar doublet representing the aligned lamellar phase. Upon heating to beyond the clearing temperature at 112 °C, this splitting converts to a single line expected for an isotropic phase. Simultaneous application of magnetic and electric fields (E = 0.4 MV/m) at 85 °C in the lamellar phase, whose direction was set to be parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field, resulted in the change of the doublet into a single line and this recovers to the initial doublet with time for both experimental geometries. This implies E- and B-field-induced phase transitions from the lamellar to an isotropic phase and a recovery to the lamellar phase again with time. Moreover, these phase transformations are accompanied by a transient current. A similar observation was made in a computational study when an electric field was applied to a water cluster system. Increasing the field strength distorts the water cluster and weakens its hydrogen bonds leading to a structural breakdown beyond a threshold field-strength. Therefore, we suggest the observed field-induced transition is likely due to a structure change of the βOG lamellar assembly caused by the field effect and not due to Joule heating.

The generation of magnetic fields and electric currents in cometary plasma tails

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ip, W.-H.; Mendis, D. A.

1976-01-01

Due to the folding of the interplanetary magnetic field into the tail as a comet sweeps through the interplanetary medium, the magnetic field in the tail can be built up to the order of 100 gammas at a heliocentric distance of about 1 AU. This folding of magnetic flux tubes also results in a cross-tail electric current passing through a neutral sheet. When streams of enhanced plasma density merge with the main tail, cross-tail currents as large as 1 billion A may result. A condition could arise which causes a significant fraction of this current to be discharged through the inner coma, resulting in rapid ionization. The typical time scale for such outbursts of ionization is estimated to be of the order of 10,000 sec, which is in reasonable agreement with observation.

Modelling of streamer ignition and propagation in the system of two approaching hydrometeors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansky, J.; Pasko, V. P.

2017-12-01

The lightning initiation in low thundercloud fields represents an unsolved problem in lightning discharge physics. One of the initial conditions required for formation of a hot leader channel is initiation of non-thermal streamer discharges. Streamers can be initiated from electron avalanches, however, the problem of existence of an electric field strong enough for streamer initiation in thunderclouds is still open. The maximum electric field in thunderstorms measured by balloons is typically 3-4 kV cm-1 atm-1, that is significantly smaller than the breakdown electric field needed for avalanche multiplication of electrons Ek≃28.7 kV cm-1 atm-1. One of the possible explanations for the streamer corona initiation is that hydrometeors greatly intensify the local electric field by at least an order of magnitude to initiate an electron avalanche. It was suggested that a particle pair or chain create more favorable conditions for initiation of lightning discharge than a single precipitation particle in low electric fields. Recently Cai et al. [GRL, 44, 5758-5765, 2017] analyzed the ignition conditions for two hydrometeors of same radii. In the present work we use streamer fluid model to study streamer initiation scenarios in a system of two hydrometeors with different radii. When the hydrometeors are approaching the Townsend discharge may develop first between them. Then the Townsend discharge transforms to streamer and two hydrometeors connect electrically, which leads to increase of the electric field on the outside hemispheres of hydrometeors. This increase of field for two particles of same radii was analyzed by Cooray et al. [Proceedings of 24th International Conference on Lightning Protection, Birmingham, United Kingdom, 1998]. The combination of small and large hydrometeors leads to higher enhancement on the outside of small hydrometeor. Simulation results show that streamer ignites there and propagates away from two hydrometeors. The streamer ignites at fields below Meek criterion due to the effects of photoionization feedback [Naidis, JPD, 38, 2211-2214, 2005; Liu et al., JASTP, 80, 179-186, 2012].

Vector tomography for reconstructing electric fields with non-zero divergence in bounded domains

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

Koulouri, Alexandra, E-mail: koulouri@uni-muenster.de; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2BT; Brookes, Mike

In vector tomography (VT), the aim is to reconstruct an unknown multi-dimensional vector field using line integral data. In the case of a 2-dimensional VT, two types of line integral data are usually required. These data correspond to integration of the parallel and perpendicular projection of the vector field along the integration lines and are called the longitudinal and transverse measurements, respectively. In most cases, however, the transverse measurements cannot be physically acquired. Therefore, the VT methods are typically used to reconstruct divergence-free (or source-free) velocity and flow fields that can be reconstructed solely from the longitudinal measurements. In thismore » paper, we show how vector fields with non-zero divergence in a bounded domain can also be reconstructed from the longitudinal measurements without the need of explicitly evaluating the transverse measurements. To the best of our knowledge, VT has not previously been used for this purpose. In particular, we study low-frequency, time-harmonic electric fields generated by dipole sources in convex bounded domains which arise, for example, in electroencephalography (EEG) source imaging. We explain in detail the theoretical background, the derivation of the electric field inverse problem and the numerical approximation of the line integrals. We show that fields with non-zero divergence can be reconstructed from the longitudinal measurements with the help of two sparsity constraints that are constructed from the transverse measurements and the vector Laplace operator. As a comparison to EEG source imaging, we note that VT does not require mathematical modeling of the sources. By numerical simulations, we show that the pattern of the electric field can be correctly estimated using VT and the location of the source activity can be determined accurately from the reconstructed magnitudes of the field. - Highlights: • Vector tomography is used to reconstruct electric fields generated by dipole sources. • Inverse solutions are based on longitudinal and transverse line integral measurements. • Transverse line integral measurements are used as a sparsity constraint. • Numerical procedure to approximate the line integrals is described in detail. • Patterns of the studied electric fields are correctly estimated.« less

Processing of energy materials in electromagnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodzevich, A. P.; Kuzmina, L. V.; Gazenaur, E. G.; Krasheninin, V. I.

2015-09-01

This paper presents the research results of complex impact of mechanical stress and electromagnetic field on the defect structure of energy materials. As the object of research quite a typical energy material - silver azide was chosen, being a model in chemistry of solids. According to the experiments co-effect of magnetic field and mechanical stress in silver azide crystals furthers multiplication, stopper breakaway, shift of dislocations, and generation of superlattice dislocations - micro-cracks. A method of mechanical and electric strengthening has been developed and involves changing the density of dislocations in whiskers.

Vector tomography for reconstructing electric fields with non-zero divergence in bounded domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koulouri, Alexandra; Brookes, Mike; Rimpiläinen, Ville

2017-01-01

In vector tomography (VT), the aim is to reconstruct an unknown multi-dimensional vector field using line integral data. In the case of a 2-dimensional VT, two types of line integral data are usually required. These data correspond to integration of the parallel and perpendicular projection of the vector field along the integration lines and are called the longitudinal and transverse measurements, respectively. In most cases, however, the transverse measurements cannot be physically acquired. Therefore, the VT methods are typically used to reconstruct divergence-free (or source-free) velocity and flow fields that can be reconstructed solely from the longitudinal measurements. In this paper, we show how vector fields with non-zero divergence in a bounded domain can also be reconstructed from the longitudinal measurements without the need of explicitly evaluating the transverse measurements. To the best of our knowledge, VT has not previously been used for this purpose. In particular, we study low-frequency, time-harmonic electric fields generated by dipole sources in convex bounded domains which arise, for example, in electroencephalography (EEG) source imaging. We explain in detail the theoretical background, the derivation of the electric field inverse problem and the numerical approximation of the line integrals. We show that fields with non-zero divergence can be reconstructed from the longitudinal measurements with the help of two sparsity constraints that are constructed from the transverse measurements and the vector Laplace operator. As a comparison to EEG source imaging, we note that VT does not require mathematical modeling of the sources. By numerical simulations, we show that the pattern of the electric field can be correctly estimated using VT and the location of the source activity can be determined accurately from the reconstructed magnitudes of the field.

Concept for a dark matter detector using liquid helium-4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, W.; McKinsey, D. N.

2013-06-01

Direct searches for light dark matter particles (mass<10GeV) are especially challenging because of the low energies transferred in elastic scattering to typical heavy nuclear targets. We investigate the possibility of using liquid helium-4 as a target material, taking advantage of the favorable kinematic matching of the helium nucleus to light dark matter particles. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to calculate the charge, scintillation, and triplet helium molecule signals produced by recoil He ions, for a variety of energies and electric fields. We show that excellent background rejection might be achieved based on the ratios between different signal channels. The sensitivity of the helium-based detector to light dark matter particles is estimated for various electric fields and light collection efficiencies.

An Overlooked Source of Auroral Arc Field-Aligned Current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knudsen, D. J.

2017-12-01

The search for the elusive generator of quiet auroral arcs often focuses on magnetospheric pressure gradients, based on the static terms in the so-called Vaslyiunas equation [Vasyliunas, in "Magneospheric Currents", Geophysical Monograph 28, 1984]. However, magnetospheric pressure gradient scale sizes are much larger than the width of individual auroral arcs. This discrepancy was noted by Atkinson [JGR, 27, p4746, 1970], who proposed that the auroral arcs are fed instead by steady-state polarization currents, in which large-scale convection across quasi-static electric field structures leads to an apparent time dependence in the frame co-moving with the plasma, and therefore to the generation of ion polarization currents. This mechanism has been adopted by a series of authors over several decades, relating to studies of the ionospheric feedback instability, or IFI. However, the steady-state polarization current mechanism does not require the IFI, nor even the ionsophere. Specifically, any quasi-static electric field structure that is stationary relative to large-scale plasma convection is subject to the generation this current. This talk demonstrates that assumed convection speeds of the order of a 100 m/s across typical arc fields structures can lead to the generation FAC magintudes of several μA/m2, typical of values observed at the ionospheric footpoint of auoral arcs. This current can be viewed as originating within the M-I coupling medium, along the entire field line connecting an auroral arc to its root in the magnetosphere.

Initial Results of DC Electric Fields, Associated Plasma Drifts, Magnetic Fields, and Plasma Waves Observed on the C/NOFS Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R.; Freudenreich, H.; Bromund, K.; Klenzing, J.; Rowland, D.; Maynard, N.

2010-01-01

Initial results are presented from the Vector Electric Field Investigation (VEFI) on the Air Force Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite, a mission designed to understand, model, and forecast the presence of equatorial ionospheric irregularities. The VEFI instrument includes a vector DC electric field detector, a fixed-bias Langmuir probe operating in the ion saturation regime, a flux gate magnetometer, an optical lightning detector, and associated electronics including a burst memory. Compared to data obtained during more active solar conditions, the ambient DC electric fields and their associated E x B drifts are variable and somewhat weak, typically < 1 mV/m. Although average drift directions show similarities to those previously reported, eastward/outward during day and westward/downward at night, this pattern varies significantly with longitude and is not always present. Daytime vertical drifts near the magnetic equator are largest after sunrise, with smaller average velocities after noon. Little or no pre-reversal enhancement in the vertical drift near sunset is observed, attributable to the solar minimum conditions creating a much reduced neutral dynamo at the satellite altitude. The nighttime ionosphere is characterized by larger amplitude, structured electric fields, even where the plasma density appears nearly quiescent. Data from successive orbits reveal that the vertical drifts and plasma density are both clearly organized with longitude. The spread-F density depletions and corresponding electric fields that have been detected thus far have displayed a preponderance to appear between midnight and dawn. Associated with the narrow plasma depletions that are detected are broad spectra of electric field and plasma density irregularities for which a full vector set of measurements is available for detailed study. Finally, the data set includes a wide range of ELF/VLF/HF oscillations corresponding to a variety of plasma waves, in particular banded ELF hiss, whistlers, and lower hybrid wave turbulence triggered by lightning-induced sferics. The VEFI data represents a new set of measurements that are germane to numerous fundamental aspects of the electrodynamics and irregularities inherent to the Earth's low latitude ionosphere.

Hot Carrier-Based Near-Field Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion.

PubMed

St-Gelais, Raphael; Bhatt, Gaurang Ravindra; Zhu, Linxiao; Fan, Shanhui; Lipson, Michal

2017-03-28

Near-field thermophotovoltaics (NFTPV) is a promising approach for direct conversion of heat to electrical power. This technology relies on the drastic enhancement of radiative heat transfer (compared to conventional blackbody radiation) that occurs when objects at different temperatures are brought to deep subwavelength distances (typically <100 nm) from each other. Achieving such radiative heat transfer between a hot object and a photovoltaic (PV) cell could allow direct conversion of heat to electricity with a greater efficiency than using current solid-state technologies (e.g., thermoelectric generators). One of the main challenges in the development of this technology, however, is its incompatibility with conventional silicon PV cells. Thermal radiation is weak at frequencies larger than the ∼1.1 eV bandgap of silicon, such that PV cells with lower excitation energies (typically 0.4-0.6 eV) are required for NFTPV. Using low bandgap III-V semiconductors to circumvent this limitation, as proposed in most theoretical works, is challenging and therefore has never been achieved experimentally. In this work, we show that hot carrier PV cells based on Schottky junctions between silicon and metallic films could provide an attractive solution for achieving high efficiency NFTPV electricity generation. Hot carrier science is currently an important field of research and several approaches are investigated for increasing the quantum efficiency (QE) of hot carrier generation beyond conventional Fowler model predictions. If the Fowler limit can indeed be overcome, we show that hot carrier-based NFTPV systems-after optimization of their thermal radiation spectrum-could allow electricity generation with up to 10-30% conversion efficiencies and 10-500 W/cm 2 generated power densities (at 900-1500 K temperatures). We also discuss how the unique properties of thermal radiation in the extreme near-field are especially well suited for investigating recently proposed approaches for high QE hot carrier junctions. We therefore expect our work to be of interest for the field of hot carrier science and-by relying solely on conventional thin film materials-to provide a path for the experimental demonstration of NFTPV energy conversion.

Microscopic vertical orientation of nano-interspaced graphene architectures in deposit films as electrodes for enhanced supercapacitor performance

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

Jang, Gyoung Gug; Song, Bo; Li, Liyi

This paper reported a novel two-step process to fabricate high-performance supercapacitor films that contain microscale domains of nano-interspaced, re-stacked graphene sheets oriented perpendicular to the surface of current collector substrate, i.e., carbon fiber paper. In the two-step process, we first used ligand molecules to modify the surface of graphene oxide (GO) sheets and manipulate the interspacing between the re-stacked GO sheets. The ligand-modified GOs, i.e., m-GOs, were then reduced to obtain more conductive graphene (m-rGO), where X-ray diffraction measurement results indicated well-controlled interlayer spacing between the restacked m-rGO sheets up to 1 nm. The typical lateral dimension of the restackedmore » m-rGO sheets were ~40 µm. Then, electrical field was introduced during m-rGO slurry deposition process to induce the vertical orientation of the m-rGO sheets/stacks in the film deposit. The direct current electrical field induced the orientation of the domains of m-rGO stacks along the direction perpendicular to the surface of deposit film, i.e., direction of electric field. Also, the applied electric field increased the interlayer spacing further, which should enhance the diffusion and accessibility of electrolyte ions. As compared with the traditionally deposited “control” films, the field-processed film deposits that contain oriented structure of graphene sheets/stacks have shown up to ~1.6 times higher values in capacitance (430 F/g at 0.5 A/g) and ~67% reduction in equivalent series resistance. Finally, the approach of using electric field to tailor the microscopic architecture of graphene-based deposit films is effective to fabricate film electrodes for high performance supercapacitors.« less

Microscopic vertical orientation of nano-interspaced graphene architectures in deposit films as electrodes for enhanced supercapacitor performance

DOE PAGES

Jang, Gyoung Gug; Song, Bo; Li, Liyi; ...

2016-12-14

This paper reported a novel two-step process to fabricate high-performance supercapacitor films that contain microscale domains of nano-interspaced, re-stacked graphene sheets oriented perpendicular to the surface of current collector substrate, i.e., carbon fiber paper. In the two-step process, we first used ligand molecules to modify the surface of graphene oxide (GO) sheets and manipulate the interspacing between the re-stacked GO sheets. The ligand-modified GOs, i.e., m-GOs, were then reduced to obtain more conductive graphene (m-rGO), where X-ray diffraction measurement results indicated well-controlled interlayer spacing between the restacked m-rGO sheets up to 1 nm. The typical lateral dimension of the restackedmore » m-rGO sheets were ~40 µm. Then, electrical field was introduced during m-rGO slurry deposition process to induce the vertical orientation of the m-rGO sheets/stacks in the film deposit. The direct current electrical field induced the orientation of the domains of m-rGO stacks along the direction perpendicular to the surface of deposit film, i.e., direction of electric field. Also, the applied electric field increased the interlayer spacing further, which should enhance the diffusion and accessibility of electrolyte ions. As compared with the traditionally deposited “control” films, the field-processed film deposits that contain oriented structure of graphene sheets/stacks have shown up to ~1.6 times higher values in capacitance (430 F/g at 0.5 A/g) and ~67% reduction in equivalent series resistance. Finally, the approach of using electric field to tailor the microscopic architecture of graphene-based deposit films is effective to fabricate film electrodes for high performance supercapacitors.« less

Optimizing electrostatic field calculations with the Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver to predict electric fields at protein-protein interfaces II: explicit near-probe and hydrogen-bonding water molecules.

PubMed

Ritchie, Andrew W; Webb, Lauren J

2014-07-17

We have examined the effects of including explicit, near-probe solvent molecules in a continuum electrostatics strategy using the linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation with the Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver (APBS) to calculate electric fields at the midpoint of a nitrile bond both at the surface of a monomeric protein and when docked at a protein-protein interface. Results were compared to experimental vibrational absorption energy measurements of the nitrile oscillator. We examined three methods for selecting explicit water molecules: (1) all water molecules within 5 Å of the nitrile nitrogen; (2) the water molecule closest to the nitrile nitrogen; and (3) any single water molecule hydrogen-bonding to the nitrile. The correlation between absolute field strengths with experimental absorption energies were calculated and it was observed that method 1 was only an improvement for the monomer calculations, while methods 2 and 3 were not significantly different from the purely implicit solvent calculations for all protein systems examined. Upon taking the difference in calculated electrostatic fields and comparing to the difference in absorption frequencies, we typically observed an increase in experimental correlation for all methods, with method 1 showing the largest gain, likely due to the improved absolute monomer correlations using that method. These results suggest that, unlike with quantum mechanical methods, when calculating absolute fields using entirely classical models, implicit solvent is typically sufficient and additional work to identify hydrogen-bonding or nearest waters does not significantly impact the results. Although we observed that a sphere of solvent near the field of interest improved results for relative field calculations, it should not be consider a panacea for all situations.

Spherical torus fusion reactor

DOEpatents

Peng, Yueng-Kay M.

1989-04-04

A fusion reactor is provided having a near spherical-shaped plasma with a modest central opening through which straight segments of toroidal field coils extend that carry electrical current for generating a toroidal magnet plasma confinement fields. By retaining only the indispensable components inboard of the plasma torus, principally the cooled toroidal field conductors and in some cases a vacuum containment vessel wall, the fusion reactor features an exceptionally small aspect ratio (typically about 1.5), a naturally elongated plasma cross section without extensive field shaping, requires low strength magnetic containment fields, small size and high beta. These features combine to produce a spherical torus plasma in a unique physics regime which permits compact fusion at low field and modest cost.

Spherical torus fusion reactor

DOEpatents

Peng, Yueng-Kay M.

1989-01-01

A fusion reactor is provided having a near spherical-shaped plasma with a modest central opening through which straight segments of toroidal field coils extend that carry electrical current for generating a toroidal magnet plasma confinement fields. By retaining only the indispensable components inboard of the plasma torus, principally the cooled toroidal field conductors and in some cases a vacuum containment vessel wall, the fusion reactor features an exceptionally small aspect ratio (typically about 1.5), a naturally elongated plasma cross section without extensive field shaping, requires low strength magnetic containment fields, small size and high beta. These features combine to produce a spherical torus plasma in a unique physics regime which permits compact fusion at low field and modest cost.

Chiral discrimination in NMR spectroscopy: computation of the relevant molecular pseudoscalars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckingham, A. David; Lazzeretti, Paolo; Pelloni, Stefano

2015-07-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is normally blind to chirality but it has been predicted that precessing nuclear spins in a strong magnetic field induce a rotating electric polarisation that is of opposite sign for enantiomers. The polarisation is determined by two pseudoscalars, ? and ?. The former arises from the distortion of the electronic structure by the nuclear magnetic moment in the presence of the strong magnetic field and is equivalent to the linear effect of an electric field on the nuclear shielding tensor. ? determines the temperature-dependent partial orientation of the permanent electric dipole moment of the molecule by the antisymmetric part of the nuclear shielding tensor. Computations of these two contributions are reported for the nuclei in the chiral molecules N-methyloxaziridine, 2-methyloxirane, 1,3-dimethylallene, 1-fluoroethanol, 2-fluoroazirine, 1,2-M-dioxin, 1,2-M-dithiin, 1,2-M-diselenin and 1,2-M-ditellurin. For strongly dipolar molecules, ? is typically two to three orders of magnitude greater than ?, raising hopes for the detection of chirality in NMR spectroscopy. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Nicholas Handy, F.R.S.

The theoretical ultimate magnetoelectric coefficients of magnetoelectric composites by optimization design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.-L.; Liu, B.

2014-03-01

This paper investigates what is the largest magnetoelectric (ME) coefficient of ME composites, and how to realize it. From the standpoint of energy conservation, a theoretical analysis is carried out on an imaginary lever structure consisting of a magnetostrictive phase, a piezoelectric phase, and a rigid lever. This structure is a generalization of various composite layouts for optimization on ME effect. The predicted theoretical ultimate ME coefficient plays a similar role as the efficiency of ideal heat engine in thermodynamics, and is used to evaluate the existing typical ME layouts, such as the parallel sandwiched layout and the serial layout. These two typical layouts exhibit ME coefficient much lower than the theoretical largest values, because in the general analysis the stress amplification ratio and the volume ratio can be optimized independently and freely, but in typical layouts they are dependent or fixed. To overcome this shortcoming and achieve the theoretical largest ME coefficient, a new design is presented. In addition, it is found that the most commonly used electric field ME coefficient can be designed to be infinitely large. We doubt the validity of this coefficient as a reasonable ME effect index and consider three more ME coefficients, namely the electric charge ME coefficient, the voltage ME coefficient, and the static electric energy ME coefficient. We note that the theoretical ultimate value of the static electric energy ME coefficient is finite and might be a more proper measure of ME effect.

The theoretical ultimate magnetoelectric coefficients of magnetoelectric composites by optimization design

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

Wang, H.-L.; Liu, B., E-mail: liubin@tsinghua.edu.cn

2014-03-21

This paper investigates what is the largest magnetoelectric (ME) coefficient of ME composites, and how to realize it. From the standpoint of energy conservation, a theoretical analysis is carried out on an imaginary lever structure consisting of a magnetostrictive phase, a piezoelectric phase, and a rigid lever. This structure is a generalization of various composite layouts for optimization on ME effect. The predicted theoretical ultimate ME coefficient plays a similar role as the efficiency of ideal heat engine in thermodynamics, and is used to evaluate the existing typical ME layouts, such as the parallel sandwiched layout and the serial layout.more » These two typical layouts exhibit ME coefficient much lower than the theoretical largest values, because in the general analysis the stress amplification ratio and the volume ratio can be optimized independently and freely, but in typical layouts they are dependent or fixed. To overcome this shortcoming and achieve the theoretical largest ME coefficient, a new design is presented. In addition, it is found that the most commonly used electric field ME coefficient can be designed to be infinitely large. We doubt the validity of this coefficient as a reasonable ME effect index and consider three more ME coefficients, namely the electric charge ME coefficient, the voltage ME coefficient, and the static electric energy ME coefficient. We note that the theoretical ultimate value of the static electric energy ME coefficient is finite and might be a more proper measure of ME effect.« less

Nonlinear relativistic plasma resonance: Renormalization group approach

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

Metelskii, I. I., E-mail: metelski@lebedev.ru; Kovalev, V. F., E-mail: vfkvvfkv@gmail.com; Bychenkov, V. Yu., E-mail: bychenk@lebedev.ru

An analytical solution to the nonlinear set of equations describing the electron dynamics and electric field structure in the vicinity of the critical density in a nonuniform plasma is constructed using the renormalization group approach with allowance for relativistic effects of electron motion. It is demonstrated that the obtained solution describes two regimes of plasma oscillations in the vicinity of the plasma resonance— stationary and nonstationary. For the stationary regime, the spatiotemporal and spectral characteristics of the resonantly enhanced electric field are investigated in detail and the effect of the relativistic nonlinearity on the spatial localization of the energy ofmore » the plasma relativistic field is considered. The applicability limits of the obtained solution, which are determined by the conditions of plasma wave breaking in the vicinity of the resonance, are established and analyzed in detail for typical laser and plasma parameters. The applicability limits of the earlier developed nonrelativistic theories are refined.« less

Observations of double layer-like and soliton-like structures in the ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boehm, M. H.; Carlson, C. W.; Mcfadden, J.; Mozer, F. S.

1984-01-01

Two types of large electric field signatures, individual pulses and pulse trains, were observed on a sounding rocket launched into the afternoon auroral zone on January 21, 1982. The typical electric fields in the individual pulses were 50 mV/m or larger, aligned mostly parallel to B, and the corresponding potentials were at leat 100 mV (kT approximately 0.3 eV). A lower limit of 15 km/sec can be set on the velocity of these structures, indicating that they were not ion acoustic double layers. The pulse trains, each consisting of on the order of 100 pulses, were observed in close association with intense plasma frequency waves. This correlation is consistent with the interpretation of these trains as Langmuir solitons. The pulse trains correlate better with the intensity of the field-aligned currents than with the energetic electron flux.

Electric Propulsion Laboratory Vacuum Chamber

NASA Image and Video Library

1964-06-21

Engineer Paul Reader and his colleagues take environmental measurements during testing of a 20-inch diameter ion engine in a vacuum tank at the Electric Propulsion Laboratory (EPL). Researchers at the Lewis Research Center were investigating the use of a permanent-magnet circuit to create the magnetic field required power electron bombardment ion engines. Typical ion engines use a solenoid coil to create this magnetic field. It was thought that the substitution of a permanent magnet would create a comparable magnetic field with a lower weight. Testing of the magnet system in the EPL vacuum tanks revealed no significant operational problems. Reader found the weight of the two systems was similar, but that the thruster’s efficiency increased with the magnet. The EPL contained a series of large vacuum tanks that could be used to simulate conditions in space. Large vacuum pumps reduced the internal air pressure, and a refrigeration system created the cryogenic temperatures found in space.

Electric field-induced reversible trapping of microtubules along metallic glass microwire electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyongwan; Sikora, Aurélien; Nakayama, Koji S.; Umetsu, Mitsuo; Hwang, Wonmuk; Teizer, Winfried

2015-04-01

Microtubules are among bio-polymers providing vital functions in dynamic cellular processes. Artificial organization of these bio-polymers is a requirement for transferring their native functions into device applications. Using electrophoresis, we achieve an accumulation of microtubules along a metallic glass (Pd42.5Cu30Ni7.5P20) microwire in solution. According to an estimate based on migration velocities of microtubules approaching the wire, the electrophoretic mobility of microtubules is around 10-12 m2/Vs. This value is four orders of magnitude smaller than the typical mobility reported previously. Fluorescence microscopy at the individual-microtubule level shows microtubules aligning along the wire axis during the electric field-induced migration. Casein-treated electrodes are effective to reversibly release trapped microtubules upon removal of the external field. An additional result is the condensation of secondary filamentous structures from oriented microtubules.

Influence of intrinsic decoherence on tripartite entanglement and bipartite fidelity of polar molecules in pendular states

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

Han, Jia-Xing; Hu, Yuan; Jin, Yu

An array of ultracold polar molecules trapped in an external electric field is regarded as a promising carrier of quantum information. Under the action of this field, molecules are compelled to undergo pendular oscillations by the Stark effect. Particular attention has been paid to the influence of intrinsic decoherence on the model of linear polar molecular pendular states, thereby we evaluate the tripartite entanglement with negativity, as well as fidelity of bipartite quantum systems for input and output signals using electric dipole moments of polar molecules as qubits. According to this study, we consider three typical initial states for bothmore » systems, respectively, and investigate the temporal evolution with variable values of the external field intensity, the intrinsic decoherence factor, and the dipole-dipole interaction. Thus, we demonstrate the sound selection of these three main parameters to obtain the best entanglement degree and fidelity.« less

Influence of intrinsic decoherence on tripartite entanglement and bipartite fidelity of polar molecules in pendular states.

PubMed

Han, Jia-Xing; Hu, Yuan; Jin, Yu; Zhang, Guo-Feng

2016-04-07

An array of ultracold polar molecules trapped in an external electric field is regarded as a promising carrier of quantum information. Under the action of this field, molecules are compelled to undergo pendular oscillations by the Stark effect. Particular attention has been paid to the influence of intrinsic decoherence on the model of linear polar molecular pendular states, thereby we evaluate the tripartite entanglement with negativity, as well as fidelity of bipartite quantum systems for input and output signals using electric dipole moments of polar molecules as qubits. According to this study, we consider three typical initial states for both systems, respectively, and investigate the temporal evolution with variable values of the external field intensity, the intrinsic decoherence factor, and the dipole-dipole interaction. Thus, we demonstrate the sound selection of these three main parameters to obtain the best entanglement degree and fidelity.

Effective lattice Hamiltonian for monolayer tin disulfide: Tailoring electronic structure with electric and magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jin; van Veen, Edo; Katsnelson, Mikhail I.; Yuan, Shengjun

2018-06-01

The electronic properties of monolayer tin dilsulfide (ML -Sn S2 ), a recently synthesized metal dichalcogenide, are studied by a combination of first-principles calculations and tight-binding (TB) approximation. An effective lattice Hamiltonian based on six hybrid s p -like orbitals with trigonal rotation symmetry are proposed to calculate the band structure and density of states for ML -Sn S2 , which demonstrates good quantitative agreement with relativistic density-functional-theory calculations in a wide energy range. We show that the proposed TB model can be easily applied to the case of an external electric field, yielding results consistent with those obtained from full Hamiltonian results. In the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field, highly degenerate equidistant Landau levels are obtained, showing typical two-dimensional electron gas behavior. Thus, the proposed TB model provides a simple way in describing properties in ML -Sn S2 .

Magnetic Field Homogenization of the Human Prefrontal Cortex with a Set of Localized Electrical Coils

PubMed Central

Juchem, Christoph; Nixon, Terence W.; McIntyre, Scott; Rothman, Douglas L.; de Graaf, Robin A.

2011-01-01

The prefrontal cortex is a common target brain structure in psychiatry and neuroscience due to its role in working memory and cognitive control. Large differences in magnetic susceptibility between the air-filled sinuses and the tissue/bone in the frontal part of the human head cause a strong and highly localized magnetic field focus in the prefrontal cortex. As a result, image distortion and signal dropout are observed in MR imaging. A set of external, electrical coils is presented that provides localized and high amplitude shim fields in the prefrontal cortex with minimum impact on the rest of the brain when combined with regular zero-to-second order spherical harmonics shimming. The experimental realization of the new shim method strongly minimized or even eliminated signal dropout in gradient-echo images acquired at settings typically used in functional magnetic resonance at 4 Tesla. PMID:19918909

DC Electric Field Measurement by the Double Probe System Aboard Geotail and its Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasaba, Y.; Hayakawa, H.; Ishisaka, K.; Okada, T.; Matsuoka, A.; Mukai, T.; Okada, M.

2005-12-01

We summarize the characteristics of the DC electric field measurement by the double probe system, PANT and EFD-P, aboard Geotail. The accuracy and correction factors for the gain (effective length) and off-set, which depends on ambient plasma conditions, are provided. Accurate measurements of electric fields are essential for space plasma studies, for example, plasma convection, wave-particle interactions, violation of MHD approximation, etc. One typical measurement techniques is the 'Double Probe method', identical to that of a voltmeter: the potential difference between two top-hat probes [cf. Pedersen et al., 1984]. This method can measure electric fields passively and continuously in all plasma conditions. However, the accuracy of the measured electric field values is limited. The probe measurement is also subjected to the variable gain (effective length) of the probe antenna and the artificial offset of the measured values. Those depend on a) the disturbance from ambient plasma and b) the disturbance from the spacecraft and the probe itself. In this paper, we show the results of the characteristics of DC electric field measurement by the PANT probe and the EFD-P (Electric Field Detector - Probe technique) receiver aboard Geotail [Tsuruda et al., 1994], in order to evaluate the accuracy, gain, and offset controlled by ambient plasmas. We conclude that the Geotail electric field measurement by the double probe system has the accuracy 0.4 mV/m for Ex and 0.3 mV/m for Ey, after the correction of the gain and offset. In better conditions, accuracy of Ey is 0.2 mV/m. The potential accuracy would be better because those values are limited by the accuracy of the particle measurement especially in low density conditions. In practical use, the corrections by long-term variation and spacecraft potential are effective to refine the electric field data. The characteristics of long-term variation and the dependences on ambient plasma are not fully understood well, yet. Further works will be needed based on the calibrated LEP data after 1998. It will also cover the conditions rejected in this paper, i.e., low density regions, potential controlled period, electric field quasi-parallel to magnetic field, etc. The comparison with EFD-B (EFD - Beam technique) data will also be included in order to reject the ambiguity in particle observations. In addition, we are trying to establish the numerical model of the double probe system for the full-quantitative understanding of the effect of potential structure and photoelectron distributions. Those will be the basis for planned experiments, BepiColombo to Mercury, ERG to the inner magnetosphere, and the multi-spacecraft magnetospheric mission SCOPE.

Immunity of medical electrical equipment to radiated RF disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mocha, Jan; Wójcik, Dariusz; Surma, Maciej

2018-04-01

Immunity of medical equipment to radiated radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) fields is a priority issue owing to the functions that the equipment is intended to perform. This is reflected in increasingly stringent normative requirements that medical electrical equipment has to conform to. A new version of the standard concerning electromagnetic compatibility of medical electrical equipment IEC 60601-1-2:2014 has recently been published. The paper discusses major changes introduced in this edition of the standard. The changes comprise more rigorous immunity requirements for medical equipment as regards radiated RF EM fields and a new requirement for testing the immunity of medical electrical equipment to disturbances coming from digital radio communication systems. Further on, the paper presents two typical designs of the input block: involving a multi-level filtering and amplification circuit and including a solution which integrates an input amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter in one circuit. Regardless of the applied solution, presence of electromagnetic disturbances in the input block leads to demodulation of the disturbance signal envelope. The article elaborates on mechanisms of amplitude detection occurring in such cases. Electromagnetic interferences penetration from the amplifier's input to the output is also described in the paper. If the aforementioned phenomena are taken into account, engineers will be able to develop a more conscious approach towards the issue of immunity to RF EM fields in the process of designing input circuits in medical electrical equipment.

Field Markup Language: biological field representation in XML.

PubMed

Chang, David; Lovell, Nigel H; Dokos, Socrates

2007-01-01

With an ever increasing number of biological models available on the internet, a standardized modeling framework is required to allow information to be accessed or visualized. Based on the Physiome Modeling Framework, the Field Markup Language (FML) is being developed to describe and exchange field information for biological models. In this paper, we describe the basic features of FML, its supporting application framework and its ability to incorporate CellML models to construct tissue-scale biological models. As a typical application example, we present a spatially-heterogeneous cardiac pacemaker model which utilizes both FML and CellML to describe and solve the underlying equations of electrical activation and propagation.

Experimental investigation on the electrical contact behavior of rolling contact connector.

PubMed

Chen, Junxing; Yang, Fei; Luo, Kaiyu; Zhu, Mingliang; Wu, Yi; Rong, Mingzhe

2015-12-01

Rolling contact connector (RCC) is a new technology utilized in high performance electric power transfer systems with one or more rotating interfaces, such as radars, satellites, wind generators, and medical computed tomography machines. Rolling contact components are used in the RCC instead of traditional sliding contacts to transfer electrical power and/or signal. Since the requirement of the power transmission is increasing in these years, the rolling electrical contact characteristics become more and more important for the long-life design of RCC. In this paper, a typical form of RCC is presented. A series of experimental work are carried out to investigate the rolling electrical contact characteristics during its lifetime. The influence of a variety of factors on the electrical contact degradation behavior of RCC is analyzed under both vacuum and air environment. Based on the surface morphology and elemental composition changes in the contact zone, which are assessed by field emission scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope, the mechanism of rolling electrical contact degradation is discussed.

Electron Acceleration in the Magnetotail during Substorms in Semi-Global PIC Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richard, R. L.; Schriver, D.; Ashour-Abdalla, M.; El-Alaoui, M.; Lapenta, G.; Walker, R. J.

2015-12-01

To understand the acceleration of electrons during a substorm reconnection event we have applied a semi-global particle in cell (PIC) simulation box embedded within a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of Earth's magnetosphere for an event on February 15, 2008. The MHD results were used to populate the PIC simulation and to set the boundary conditions. In the magnetotail we found that a series of dipolarizations formed due to unsteady reconnection. We also found that the most energetic electrons were in the separatrices far from the x-point. We attributed the acceleration to a streaming instability in the separatrices. To further understand electron acceleration we have applied the large scale kinetic (LSK) technique in which tens- to hundreds- of thousands of electrons are followed within the electric and magnetic fields from the PIC simulations., Electrons are already included in the PIC simulation, but the LSK simulations will allow selected individual particles to be followed and analyzed. Initially we performed electron LSK calculations in a two dimensional version of the PIC simulation in which electrons were allowed to move in the ignorable cross tail direction. These LSK calculations showed that electrons gained energy primarily for two reasons: (1) acceleration by the average dawn to dusk electric field and (2) acceleration by intense but localized electric field structures. The overall electron transport was more dawnward than duskward due to the average electric field. At the same time electrons typically moved away from the reconnection region in both the earthward and tailward directions. Superimposed on this large-scale transport was motion in both the dusk and dawn directions across the tail because of the electric field structures, which were particularly intense in the separatrices. LSK calculations are now being carried out by using the full three-dimensional magnetic and electric fields from the PIC simulation and these results will be compared with the two-dimensional results for the same substorm event.

Modeling of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers: The role of temperature and operating field strength on the laser performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefvand, Hossein Reza

2017-07-01

In this paper a self-consistent numerical approach to study the temperature and bias dependent characteristics of mid-infrared (mid-IR) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is presented which integrates a number of quantum mechanical models. The field-dependent laser parameters including the nonradiative scattering times, the detuning and energy levels, the escape activation energy, the backfilling excitation energy and dipole moment of the optical transition are calculated for a wide range of applied electric fields by a self-consistent solution of Schrodinger-Poisson equations. A detailed analysis of performance of the obtained structure is carried out within a self-consistent solution of the subband population rate equations coupled with carrier coherent transport equations through the sequential resonant tunneling, by taking into account the temperature and bias dependency of the relevant parameters. Furthermore, the heat transfer equation is included in order to calculate the carrier temperature inside the active region levels. This leads to a compact predictive model to analyze the temperature and electric field dependent characteristics of the mid-IR QCLs such as the light-current (L-I), electric field-current (F-I) and core temperature-electric field (T-F) curves. For a typical mid-IR QCL, a good agreement was found between the simulated temperature-dependent L-I characteristic and experimental data, which confirms validity of the model. It is found that the main characteristics of the device such as output power and turn-on delay time are degraded by interplay between the temperature and Stark effects.

In situ measurements of contributions to the global electrical circuit by a thunderstorm in southeastern Brazil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thomas, J.N.; Holzworth, R.H.; McCarthy, M.P.

2009-01-01

The global electrical circuit, which maintains a potential of about 280??kV between the earth and the ionosphere, is thought to be driven mainly by thunderstorms and lightning. However, very few in situ measurements of electrical current above thunderstorms have been successfully obtained. In this paper, we present dc to very low frequency electric fields and atmospheric conductivity measured in the stratosphere (30-35??km altitude) above an active thunderstorm in southeastern Brazil. From these measurements, we estimate the mean quasi-static conduction current during the storm period to be 2.5 ?? 1.25??A. Additionally, we examine the transient conduction currents following a large positive cloud-to-ground (+ CG) lightning flash and typical - CG flashes. We find that the majority of the total current is attributed to the quasi-static thundercloud charge, rather than lightning, which supports the classical Wilson model for the global electrical circuit.

A case study of the cusp electrodynamics by the Aureol-3 satellite - Evidence for FTE signatures?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bosqued, Jean M.; Berthelier, Annick; Berthelier, Jean J.; Escoubet, Christophe P.

1991-01-01

Particle and field data from a pass of the Aureol-3 satellite through the polar cusp, several minutes after the southward turning of the IMF, are analyzed in detail. Superposed on the classical cusp, characterized by the typical ion and electron precipitations, several very narrow arcs are detected where large fluxes of electrons and ions, accelerated to 2-4 keV, precipitate simultaneously. These localized arcs correspond to the upward current sheets of a succession in latitude of narrow, alternatively upward and downward field-aligned current sheets. The data suggest that the satellite has crossed the ionospheric footprints of 2 adjacent flux transfer events separated by 100-150 km in latitude. Electric spikes and electromagnetic turbulence are typically associated with the region of downward currents.

General-relativistic pulsar magnetospheric emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pétri, J.

2018-06-01

Most current pulsar emission models assume photon production and emission within the magnetosphere. Low-frequency radiation is preferentially produced in the vicinity of the polar caps, whereas the high-energy tail is shifted to regions closer but still inside the light cylinder. We conducted a systematic study of the merit of several popular radiation sites like the polar cap, the outer gap, and the slot gap. We computed sky maps emanating from each emission site according to a prescribed distribution function for the emitting particles made of an electron/positron mixture. Calculations are performed using a three-dimensional integration of the plasma emissivity in the vacuum electromagnetic field of a rotating and centred general-relativistic dipole. We compare Newtonian electromagnetic fields to their general-relativistic counterpart. In the latter case, light bending is also taken into account. As a typical example, light curves and sky maps are plotted for several power-law indices of the particle distribution function. The detailed pulse profiles strongly depend on the underlying assumption about the fluid motion subject to strong electromagnetic fields. This electromagnetic topology enforces the photon propagation direction directly, or indirectly, from aberration effects. We also discuss the implication of a net stellar electric charge on to sky maps. Taking into account, the electric field strongly affects the light curves originating close to the light cylinder, where the electric field strength becomes comparable to the magnetic field strength.

Intense picosecond pulsed electric fields induce apoptosis through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway in HeLa cells.

PubMed

Hua, Yuan-Yuan; Wang, Xiao-Shu; Zhang, Yu; Yao, Chen-Guo; Zhang, Xi-Ming; Xiong, Zheng-Ai

2012-04-01

The application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) is emerging as a new technique for tumor therapy. Picosecond pulsed electric fields (psPEF) can be transferred to target deep tissue non-invasively and precisely, but the research of the biological effects of psPEF on cells is limited. Electric theory predicts that intense psPEF will target mitochondria and lead to changes in transmembrane potential, therefore, it is hypothesized that it can induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. HeLa cells were exposed to psPEF in this study to investigate this hypothesis. MTT assay demonstrated that intense psPEF significantly inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Typical characteristics of apoptosis in HeLa cells were observed, using transmission electron microscopy. Loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential was explored using laser scanning confocal microscopy with Rhodamine-123 (Rh123) staining. Furthermore, the mitochondrial apoptotic events were also confirmed by western blot analysis for the release of cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria into the cytosol. In addition, activation of caspase-3, caspase-9, upregulation of Bax, p53 and downregulation of Bcl-2 were observed in HeLa cells also indicating apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that intense psPEF induce cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway.

Investigation of the broadband ELF turbulence by observations of the FAST satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golovchanskaya, I. V.; Kozelov, B. V.; Despirak, I. V.

2012-07-01

Scaling properties of variable electric fields in the topside ionosphere have been investigated on scales s from ˜30 m to 2 km by FAST electric field observations with sample rate of 512 s-1, in sixteen events of the broadband ELF turbulence. It is shown that down to scales of a few hundred meters, the power of turbulent electric fluctuations is a power law, ˜ s α. Scaling index α derived from the slope of logarithmic diagrams (LD) constructed by the discrete wavelet transform of data can be estimated as α = 2.2 ± 0.3, which is close to α estimate earlier reported for scales 1-30 km by electric field observations of the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite. The behavior of α index is analyzed near the scale of the order of electron inertial length λe = c/ω0 (ω0 being the electron plasma frequency). At altitudes considered (700-2500 km), λe makes 100-900 m. We demonstrate that at scales ≤λe, a decrease of LD slope and deviation from the power law are typically observed. As pointed out in the discussion, this feature cannot be identified as a transition to the diffusion range, where dissipation of the turbulence occurs.

Near surface gamma-ray and electric field enhancements during disturbed weather: combined signatures from convective clouds, lightning and rain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuveni, Yuval; Yair, Yoav; Price, Colin; Steinitz, Gideon

2017-04-01

We present correlations found between ground-level gamma-ray enhancements with precipitation and strong electric fields typical of thunderstorms. The data was obtained at the Cosmic Ray Observatory located on the western slopes of Mt. Hermon in northern Israel (altitude 2020 m ASL). During several thunderstorms in October and November 2015, we recorded extended periods of gamma ray enhancements, which lasted tens of minutes and coincided with peaks both in precipitation and the vertical electric field (Ez). We distinguish between two types of events based on the behavior of these parameters: (a) slow increase (up to 300 minutes) of atmospheric gamma ray radiation due to radon progeny washout along with minutes of Ez enhancement, which were not associated with the occurrences of near-by CG lightning discharges, and (b) rapid 30 minutes-long bursts of gamma rays, coinciding with much shorter Ez enhancements that were associated with the occurrences of near-by CG lightning discharges, and were superimposed on the radiation from radon daughters at ground level washed out by precipitation. We conclude that the superposition of accelerated high energy electrons by thunderstorm electric fields with the radon progeny washout explains the relatively fast gamma-ray increase observed at ground level, where the minutes-scale vertical electric field enhancement are presumably caused due to near-by convective clouds. Our results show that the mean half-life depletion times of the residual nuclei that were produced during events without lightning occurrences were between 25-65 minutes, compared to 55-100 minutes when lightning were present, indicating that different types of nuclei were involved.

Effects of electric fields on the photonic crystal formation from block copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Taekun; Ju, Jin-wook; Ryoo, Won

2012-03-01

Effects of electric fields on the self-assembly of block copolymers have been investigated for thin films of polystyrene-bpoly( 2-vinyl pyridine); PS-b-P2VP, 52 kg/mol-b-57 kg/mol and 133 kg/mol-b-132 kg/mol. Block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(2-vinyl pyridine) have been demonstrated to form photonic crystals of 1D lamellar structure with optical band gaps that correspond to UV-to-visible light. The formation of lamellar structure toward minimum freeenergy state needs increasing polymer chain mobility, and the self-assembly process is accelerated usually by annealing, that is exposing the thin film to solvent vapor such as chloroform and dichloromethane. In this study, thin films of block copolymers were spin-coated on substrates and placed between electrode arrays of various patterns including pin-points, crossing and parallel lines. As direct or alternating currents were applied to electrode arrays during annealing process, the final structure of thin films was altered from the typical 1D lamellae in the absence of electric fields. The formation of lamellar structure was spatially controlled depending on the shape of electrode arrays, and the photonic band gap also could be modulated by electric field strength. The spatial formation of lamellar structure was examined with simulated distribution of electrical potentials by finite difference method (FDM). P2VP layers in self-assembled film were quaternized with methyl iodide vapor, and the remaining lamellar structure was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The result of this work is expected to provide ways of fabricating functional structures for display devices utilizing photonic crystal array.

Conductivity versus Dielectric Mechanisms for Electrorheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, L. C.

1997-03-01

Electrorheological (ER) fluids are continuously and rapidly controllable by an electric field. Controllability of these materials permits the construction of novel intelligent systems such as semiactively controlled shock absorbers and vibration dampers, tunable composite beams and panels, and even reconfigurable Braille arrays. The eventual success of these applications depends in part on developing improved ER fluids, which requires a fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry of these materials. ER fluids generally consist of highly polarizable colloidal particles suspended in an insulating oil. Particles are typically 1-10 microns in diameter and can be of a wide variety of materials including zeolites, barium titanate, conducting polymers, and oxide-coated metals. Electric fields of magnitude 1-5 kV/mm induce particle chaining and concomitant shear stresses of order 1 kPa. Recent experiments (J. M. Ginder and S. L. Ceccio, J. Rheol. 39, 211 (1995)) using square-wave electric-field excitation have helped to elucidate the mechanisms of ER activity. Immediately after a step-function increase of electric field, chaining occurs due to particle-particle forces arising from dielectric polarization (dipoles and higher multipoles), i.e., it is controlled by the dielectric mismatch between particles and fluid. On a longer time scale, currents flow in the fluid and in the particles so that the forces are eventually dominated by the conductivity mismatch. Characteristic times for the transition between the two regimes are 10-50 ms. Likewise, in the frequency domain, conductivity mismatch dominates the dc response of ER fluids whereas dielectric effects dominate for high frequencies. A theory of ER fluids is given including a model for non-linear effects at high electric fields.

Electron penetration of spacecraft thermal insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powers, W. L.; Adams, B. F.; Inouye, G. T.

1981-01-01

The external thermal blanket with 13 mils of polyethylene which has the known range and stopping power as a function of electron energy is investiated. The most recent omnidirectional peak Jovian electron flux at 5 Jupiter radii is applied, the electron current penetrating the thermal blanket is calculated and allowed to impinge on a typical 20 mil polyethylene insulator surrounding a wire. The radiation dose rate to the insulator is then calculated and the electrical conductivity found. The results demonstrate that the increased electronic mobility is sufficient to keep the maximum induced electric field two orders of magnitude below the critical breakdown strength.

Energy consumption and usage characteristics from field measurements of residential dishwashers, clothes washers and clothes dryers

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

Chang, Y.L.; Grot, R.A.

1980-10-01

The measured energy consumption and usage characteristics for household dishwashers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers for ten townhouses at Twin Rivers, N.J., are presented. Whenever the dishwashers and/or clothes washers were in use, the energy consumption, water consumption, frequency of usage, and water temperature were measured by a data acquisition system. The electrical energy of electric clothes dryers and the gas consumption of gas clothes dryers were measured, as well as their frequency and duration of use, and exhaust temperature. Typical household usage patterns of these major appliances are included.

Direct simulation of phase delay effects on induced-charge electro-osmosis under large ac electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugioka, Hideyuki

2016-08-01

The standard theory of induced-charge electro-osmosis (ICEO) often overpredicts experimental values of ICEO velocities. Using a nonsteady direct multiphysics simulation technique based on the coupled Poisson-Nernst-Planck and Stokes equations for an electrolyte around a conductive cylinder subject to an ac electric field, we find that a phase delay effect concerning an ion response provides a fundamental mechanism for electrokinetic suppression. A surprising aspect of our findings is that the phase delay effect occurs even at much lower frequencies (e.g., 50 Hz) than the generally believed charging frequency of an electric double layer (typically, 1 kHz) and it can decrease the electrokinetic velocities in one to several orders. In addition, we find that the phase delay effect may also cause a change in the electrokinetic flow directions (i.e., flow reversal) depending on the geometrical conditions. We believe that our findings move toward a more complete understanding of complex experimental nonlinear electrokinetic phenomena.

Electric Current Activated Combustion Synthesis and Chemical Ovens Under Terrestrial and Reduced Gravity Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unuvar, C.; Fredrick, D.; Anselmi-Tamburini, U.; Manerbino, A.; Guigne, J. Y.; Munir, Z. A.; Shaw, B. D.

2004-01-01

Combustion synthesis (CS) generally involves mixing reactants together (e.g., metal powders) and igniting the mixture. Typically, a reaction wave will pass through the sample. In field activated combustion synthesis (FACS), the addition of an electric field has a marked effect on the dynamics of wave propagation and on the nature, composition, and homogeneity of the product as well as capillary flow, mass-transport in porous media, and Marangoni flows, which are influenced by gravity. The objective is to understand the role of an electric field in CS reactions under conditions where gravity-related effects are suppressed or altered. The systems being studied are Ti+Al and Ti+3Al. Two different ignition orientations have been used to observe effects of gravity when one of the reactants becomes molten. This consequentially influences the position and concentration of the electric current, which in turn influences the entire process. Experiments have also been performed in microgravity conditions. This process has been named Microgravity Field Activated Combustion Synthesis (MFACS). Effects of gravity have been demonstrated, where the reaction wave temperature and velocity demonstrate considerable differences besides the changes of combustion mechanisms with the different high currents applied. Also the threshold for the formation of a stable reaction wave is increased under zero gravity conditions. Electric current was also utilized with a chemical oven technique, where inserts of aluminum with minute amounts of tungsten and tantalum were used to allow observation of effects of settling of the higher density solid particles in liquid aluminum at the present temperature profile and wave velocity of the reaction.

[Electromagnetic pollution (electrosmog)--potential hazards of our electromagnetic future].

PubMed

Nowak, D; Radon, K

2004-02-26

The term electromagnetic environment encompasses the totality of all electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields generated by natural and technical sources. A differentiation is made between low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields. Typical sources of the former are domestic electricity Exposure to the latter is, for example, associated with the sue of mobile telephones. Studies on the health-related effects of electromagnetic fields are available in particular for the low-frequency range, based on an appropriate estimation of exposure. A number of these studies reveal an association between exposure to this type of electromagnetic fields and the occurrence of infantile leukemia in the highest exposure category. For high-frequency electromagnetic fields the number of epidemiological studies is limited. An increased risk of an accident occurring through the use of a cellular phone while driving has consistently been shown. Against the background of our limited knowledge about possible adverse effects of exposure to mobile phone transmitters, and the inability of the public to influence such exposure, transparency in the communication of the risks involved is of great importance.

Fines classification based on sensitivity to pore-fluid chemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jang, Junbong; Santamarina, J. Carlos

2016-01-01

The 75-μm particle size is used to discriminate between fine and coarse grains. Further analysis of fine grains is typically based on the plasticity chart. Whereas pore-fluid-chemistry-dependent soil response is a salient and distinguishing characteristic of fine grains, pore-fluid chemistry is not addressed in current classification systems. Liquid limits obtained with electrically contrasting pore fluids (deionized water, 2-M NaCl brine, and kerosene) are combined to define the soil “electrical sensitivity.” Liquid limit and electrical sensitivity can be effectively used to classify fine grains according to their fluid-soil response into no-, low-, intermediate-, or high-plasticity fine grains of low, intermediate, or high electrical sensitivity. The proposed methodology benefits from the accumulated experience with liquid limit in the field and addresses the needs of a broader range of geotechnical engineering problems.

Piezoelectric devices for generating low power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chilibon, Irinela

2016-12-01

This paper reviews concepts and applications in low-power electronics and energy harvesting technologies. Various piezoelectric materials and devices for small power generators useful in renewable electricity are presented. The vibrating piezoelectric device differs from the typical electrical power source in that it has capacitive rather than inductive source impedance, and may be driven by mechanical vibrations of varying amplitude. In general, vibration energy could be converted into electrical energy using one of three techniques: electrostatic charge, magnetic fields and piezoelectric. A low power piezoelectric generator, having a PZT element was realised in order to supply small electronic elements, such as optoelectronic small devices, LEDs, electronic watches, small sensors, interferometry with lasers or Micro-electro-mechanical System (MEMS) array with multi-cantilevers.

Towards the Development of Electrical Biosensors Based on Nanostructured Porous Silicon

PubMed Central

Recio-Sánchez, Gonzalo; Torres-Costa, Vicente; Manso, Miguel; Gallach, Darío; López-García, Juan; Martín-Palma, Raúl J.

2010-01-01

The typical large specific surface area and high reactivity of nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS) make this material very suitable for the development of sensors. Moreover, its biocompatibility and biodegradability opens the way to the development of biosensors. As such, in this work the use of nanoPS in the field of electrical biosensing is explored. More specifically, nanoPS-based devices with Al/nanoPS/Al and Au-NiCr/nanoPS/Au-NiCr structures were fabricated for the electrical detection of glucose and Escherichia Coli bacteria at different concentrations. The experimental results show that the current-voltage characteristics of these symmetric metal/nanoPS/metal structures strongly depend on the presence/absence and concentration of species immobilized on the surface.

Tailoring Functional Chitosan-based Composites for Food Applications.

PubMed

Nunes, Cláudia; Coimbra, Manuel A; Ferreira, Paula

2018-03-08

Chitosan-based functional materials are emerging for food applications. The covalent bonding of molecular entities demonstrates to enhance resistance to the typical acidity of food assigning mechanical and moisture/gas barrier properties. Moreover, the grafting to chitosan of some functional molecules, like phenolic compounds or essential oils, gives antioxidant, antimicrobial, among others properties to chitosan. The addition of nanofillers to chitosan and other biopolymers improves the already mentioned required properties for food applications and can attribute electrical conductivity and magnetic properties for active and intelligent packaging. Electrical conductivity is a required property for the processing of food at low temperature using electric fields or for sensors application. © 2018 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Preclinical treatment of severe burn trauma due to an electric arc on an overhead railway cable].

PubMed

Spelten, O; Wetsch, W A; Hinkelbein, J

2013-09-01

Severe burns due to electrical accidents occur rarely in Germany but represent a challenge for emergency physicians and their team. Apart from extensive burns cardiac arrhythmia, neurological damage caused by electric current and osseous injury corresponding to the trauma mechanism are also common. It is important to perform a survey of the pattern of injuries and treat acute life-threatening conditions immediately in the field. Furthermore, specific conditions related to burns must be considered, e.g. fluid resuscitation, thermal management and analgesia. In addition, a correct strategy for further medical care in an appropriate hospital is essential. Exemplified by this case guidelines for the treatment of severe burns and typical pitfalls are presented.

Frequency domain and full waveform time domain inversion of ground based magnetometer, electrometer and incoherent scattering radar arrays to image strongly heterogenous 3-D Earth structure, ionospheric structure, and to predict the intensity of GICs in the power grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, A.; Imamura, N.; Bonner, L. R., IV; Cosgrove, R. B.

2016-12-01

Ground-based magnetometer and electrometer arrays provide the means to probe the structure of the Earth's interior, the interactions of space weather with the ionosphere, and to anticipate the intensity of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in power grids. We present a local-to-continental scale view of a heterogeneous 3-D crust and mantle as determined from magnetotelluric (MT) observations across arrays of ground-based electric and magnetic field sensors. MT impedance tensors describe the relationship between electric and magnetic fields at a given site, thus implicitly they contain all known information on the 3-D electrical resistivity structure beneath and surrounding that site. By using multivariate transfer functions to project real-time magnetic observatory network data to areas surrounding electric power grids, and by projecting those magnetic fields through MT impedance tensors, the projected magnetic field can be transformed into predictions of electric fields along the path of the transmission lines, an essential element of predicting the intensity of GICs in the grid. Finally, we explore GICs, i.e. Earth-ionosphere coupling directly in the time-domain. We consider the fully coupled EM system, where we allow for a non-stationary ionospheric source field of arbitrary complexity above a 3-D Earth. We solve the simultaneous inverse problem for 3-D Earth conductivity and source field structure directly in the time domain. In the present work, we apply this method to magnetotelluric data obtained from a synchronously operating array of 25 MT stations that collected continuous MT waveform data in the interior of Alaska during the autumn and winter of 2015 under the footprint of the Poker Flat (Alaska) Incoherent Scattering Radar (PFISR). PFISR data yield functionals of the ionospheric electric field and ionospheric conductivity that constrain the MT source field. We show that in this region conventional robust MT processing methods struggle to produce reliable MT response functions at periods much greater than about 2,000 s, a consequence, we believe, of the complexity of the ionospheric source fields in this high latitude setting. This provides impetus for direct waveform inversion methods that dispense with typical parametric assumptions made about the MT source fields.

Recent Changes in Pgopher: a General Purpose Program for Simulating Rotational Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Western, Colin

2010-06-01

Key features of the PGOPHER program include the simulation and fitting of the rotational structure of linear molecules and symmetric and asymmetric tops, including effects due to unpaired electrons and nuclear spin. The program is written to be as general as possible, and can handle many effects such as multiple interacting states, predissociation and multiphoton transitions. It is designed to be easy to use, with a flexible graphical user interface. PGOPHER has been released as an open source program, and can be freely downloaded from the website at http://pgopher.chm.bris.ac.uk. Recent additions include a mode which allows the calculation of vibrational energy levels starting from a harmonic model and the multidimensional Franck-Condon factors required to calculate intensities of vibronic transitions. PGOPHER takes account of both the displacement along normal co-ordinates and mixing between modes (the Duschinsky effect). l matrices produced from ab initio programs can be directly read by PGOPHER or the mode displacements and mixing can be fit to observed spectra. In addition the effects of external electric and/or magnetic fields can now be calculated, including plots of energy level against electric field suitable for predicting Stark deceleration, focussing and trapping of molecules. The figure shows a typical plot, showing the electric field tuning of the M = 0 levels of 202, 111 and 110 levels of (NO)_2. Other new features include fits to combination differences, simulation of the Doppler split peak typical of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, specifying a nuclear spin temperature independent of rotational temperature and interactive adjustment of parameter values with the mouse in addition to typing values.

AC electrothermal technique in microchannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salari, Alinaghi; Navi, Maryam; Dalton, Colin

2017-02-01

Electrokinetic techniques have a wide range of applications in droplet, particle, and fluid manipulation systems. In general, they can be categorized into different subgroups including electroosmosis, electrothermal, electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis, etc. The AC electrothermal (ACET) technique has been shown to be very effective in applications which involve high conductivity fluids, such as blood, which are typically used in biomedical applications. In the past few years, the ACET effect has received considerable attention. Unlike AC electroosmosis (ACEO), the ACET effect shows plateaus in force in a wide frequency range. In other words, with electrothermal force, velocity is more steady and predictable at different frequencies, compared to ACEO and dielectrophoresis (DEP). Although electrothermal microflows form as a result of Joule heating in the fluid, due to high conduction of heat to the ambience, the temperature rise in the fluid is not so high as to threaten the nature of the biofluids. The average temperature rise resulting from the ACET effect is below 5 °K. In order to generate high strength AC electric fields, microfabricated electrode arrays are commonly used in microchannels. For pumping applications, it is essential to create asymmetry in the electric field, typically by having asymmetrical electrode pairs. There is no defined border between many electrokinetic techniques, and as such the point where electrothermal processes interferes with other electrokinetic techniques is not clear in the literature. In addition, there have been comprehensive reviews on micropumps, electrokinetics, and their subcategories, but the literature lacks a detailed up-to-date review on electrothermal microdevices. In this paper, a brief review is made specifically on electric fields in ACET devices, in order to provide an insight for the reader about the importance of this aspect of ACET devices and the improvements made to date.

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

Chen, Junxing; Yang, Fei, E-mail: yfei2007@mail.xjtu.edu.cn; Luo, Kaiyu

Rolling contact connector (RCC) is a new technology utilized in high performance electric power transfer systems with one or more rotating interfaces, such as radars, satellites, wind generators, and medical computed tomography machines. Rolling contact components are used in the RCC instead of traditional sliding contacts to transfer electrical power and/or signal. Since the requirement of the power transmission is increasing in these years, the rolling electrical contact characteristics become more and more important for the long-life design of RCC. In this paper, a typical form of RCC is presented. A series of experimental work are carried out to investigatemore » the rolling electrical contact characteristics during its lifetime. The influence of a variety of factors on the electrical contact degradation behavior of RCC is analyzed under both vacuum and air environment. Based on the surface morphology and elemental composition changes in the contact zone, which are assessed by field emission scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope, the mechanism of rolling electrical contact degradation is discussed.« less

The electric field in capacitively coupled RF discharges: a smooth step model that includes thermal and dynamic effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brinkmann, Ralf Peter

2015-12-01

The electric field in radio-frequency driven capacitively coupled plasmas (RF-CCP) is studied, taking thermal (finite electron temperature) and dynamic (finite electron mass) effects into account. Two dimensionless numbers are introduced, the ratios ε ={λ\\text{D}}/l of the electron Debye length {λ\\text{D}} to the minimum plasma gradient length l (typically the sheath thickness) and η ={ω\\text{RF}}/{ω\\text{pe}} of the RF frequency {ω\\text{RF}} to the electron plasma frequency {ω\\text{pe}} . Assuming both numbers small but finite, an asymptotic expansion of an electron fluid model is carried out up to quadratic order inclusively. An expression for the electric field is obtained which yields (i) the space charge field in the sheath, (ii) the generalized Ohmic and ambipolar field in the plasma, and (iii) a smooth interpolation for the transition in between. The new expression is a direct generalization of the Advanced Algebraic Approximation (AAA) proposed by the same author (2009 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 42 194009), which can be recovered for η \\to 0 , and of the established Step Model (SM) by Godyak (1976 Sov. J. Plasma Phys. 2 78), which corresponds to the simultaneous limits η \\to 0 , ε \\to 0 . A comparison of the hereby proposed Smooth Step Model (SSM) with a numerical solution of the full dynamic problem proves very satisfactory.

Modeling and Simulation of Viscous Electro-Active Polymers

PubMed Central

Vogel, Franziska; Göktepe, Serdar; Steinmann, Paul; Kuhl, Ellen

2014-01-01

Electro-active materials are capable of undergoing large deformation when stimulated by an electric field. They can be divided into electronic and ionic electro-active polymers (EAPs) depending on their actuation mechanism based on their composition. We consider electronic EAPs, for which attractive Coulomb forces or local re-orientation of polar groups cause a bulk deformation. Many of these materials exhibit pronounced visco-elastic behavior. Here we show the development and implementation of a constitutive model, which captures the influence of the electric field on the visco-elastic response within a geometrically non-linear finite element framework. The electric field affects not only the equilibrium part of the strain energy function, but also the viscous part. To adopt the familiar additive split of the strain from the small strain setting, we formulate the governing equations in the logarithmic strain space and additively decompose the logarithmic strain into elastic and viscous parts. We show that the incorporation of the electric field in the viscous response significantly alters the relaxation and hysteresis behavior of the model. Our parametric study demonstrates that the model is sensitive to the choice of the electro-viscous coupling parameters. We simulate several actuator structures to illustrate the performance of the method in typical relaxation and creep scenarios. Our model could serve as a design tool for micro-electro-mechanical systems, microfluidic devices, and stimuli-responsive gels such as artificial skin, tactile displays, or artificial muscle. PMID:25267881

Optimising the inactivation of grape juice spoilage organisms by pulse electric fields.

PubMed

Marsellés-Fontanet, A Robert; Puig, Anna; Olmos, Paola; Mínguez-Sanz, Santiago; Martín-Belloso, Olga

2009-04-15

The effect of some pulsed electric field (PEF) processing parameters (electric field strength, pulse frequency and treatment time), on a mixture of microorganisms (Kloeckera apiculata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus hilgardii and Gluconobacter oxydans) typically present in grape juice and wine were evaluated. An experimental design based on response surface methodology (RSM) was used and results were also compared with those of a factorially designed experiment. The relationship between the levels of inactivation of microorganisms and the energy applied to the grape juice was analysed. Yeast and bacteria were inactivated by the PEF treatments, with reductions that ranged from 2.24 to 3.94 log units. All PEF parameters affected microbial inactivation. Optimal inactivation of the mixture of spoilage microorganisms was predicted by the RSM models at 35.0 kV cm(-1) with 303 Hz pulse width for 1 ms. Inactivation was greater for yeasts than for bacteria, as was predicted by the RSM. The maximum efficacy of the PEF treatment for inactivation of microorganisms in grape juice was observed around 1500 MJ L(-1) for all the microorganisms investigated. The RSM could be used in the fruit juice industry to optimise the inactivation of spoilage microorganisms by PEF.

Subfemtosecond directional control of chemical processes in molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alnaser, Ali S.; Litvinyuk, Igor V.

2017-02-01

Laser pulses with a waveform-controlled electric field and broken inversion symmetry establish the opportunity to achieve directional control of molecular processes on a subfemtosecond timescale. Several techniques could be used to break the inversion symmetry of an electric field. The most common ones include combining a fundamental laser frequency with its second harmonic or with higher -frequency pulses (or pulse trains) as well as using few-cycle pulses with known carrier-envelope phase (CEP). In the case of CEP, control over chemical transformations, typically occurring on a timescale of many femtoseconds, is driven by much faster sub-cycle processes of subfemtosecond to few-femtosecond duration. This is possible because electrons are much lighter than nuclei and fast electron motion is coupled to the much slower nuclear motion. The control originates from populating coherent superpositions of different electronic or vibrational states with relative phases that are dependent on the CEP or phase offset between components of a two-color pulse. In this paper, we review the recent progress made in the directional control over chemical processes, driven by intense few-cycle laser pulses a of waveform-tailored electric field, in different molecules.

Electromagnetic Forces on a Relativistic Spacecraft in the Interstellar Medium

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

Hoang, Thiem; Loeb, Abraham, E-mail: thiemhoang@kasi.re.kr, E-mail: aloeb@cfa.harvard.edu

2017-10-10

A relativistic spacecraft of the type envisioned by the Breakthrough Starshot initiative will inevitably become charged through collisions with interstellar particles and UV photons. Interstellar magnetic fields would therefore deflect the trajectory of the spacecraft. We calculate the expected deflection for typical interstellar conditions. We also find that the charge distribution of the spacecraft is asymmetric, producing an electric dipole moment. The interaction between the moving electric dipole and the interstellar magnetic field is found to produce a large torque, which can result in fast oscillation of the spacecraft around the axis perpendicular to the direction of motion, with amore » period of ∼0.5 hr. We then study the spacecraft rotation arising from impulsive torques by dust bombardment. Finally, we discuss the effect of the spacecraft rotation and suggest several methods to mitigate it.« less

Single- and multi-frequency detection of surface displacements via scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Romanyuk, Konstantin; Luchkin, Sergey Yu; Ivanov, Maxim; Kalinin, Arseny; Kholkin, Andrei L

2015-02-01

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) provides a novel opportunity to detect picometer-level displacements induced by an electric field applied through a conducting tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Recently, it was discovered that superb vertical sensitivity provided by PFM is high enough to monitor electric-field-induced ionic displacements in solids, the technique being referred to as electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM). ESM has been implemented only in multi-frequency detection modes such as dual AC resonance tracking (DART) and band excitation, where the response is recorded within a finite frequency range, typically around the first contact resonance. In this paper, we analyze and compare signal-to-noise ratios of the conventional single-frequency method with multi-frequency regimes of measuring surface displacements. Single-frequency detection ESM is demonstrated using a commercial AFM.

Electromagnetic Forces on a Relativistic Spacecraft in the Interstellar Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Thiem; Loeb, Abraham

2017-10-01

A relativistic spacecraft of the type envisioned by the Breakthrough Starshot initiative will inevitably become charged through collisions with interstellar particles and UV photons. Interstellar magnetic fields would therefore deflect the trajectory of the spacecraft. We calculate the expected deflection for typical interstellar conditions. We also find that the charge distribution of the spacecraft is asymmetric, producing an electric dipole moment. The interaction between the moving electric dipole and the interstellar magnetic field is found to produce a large torque, which can result in fast oscillation of the spacecraft around the axis perpendicular to the direction of motion, with a period of ˜0.5 hr. We then study the spacecraft rotation arising from impulsive torques by dust bombardment. Finally, we discuss the effect of the spacecraft rotation and suggest several methods to mitigate it.

Identification of a limiting mechanism in GaSb-rich superlattice midwave infrared detector

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

Delmas, Marie; Rodriguez, Jean-Baptiste; Rossignol, Rémi

2016-05-07

GaSb-rich superlattice (SL) p-i-n photodiodes grown by molecular beam epitaxy were studied theoretically and experimentally in order to understand the poor dark current characteristics typically obtained. This behavior, independent of the SL-grown material quality, is usually attributed to the presence of defects due to Ga-related bonds, limiting the SL carrier lifetime. By analyzing the photoresponse spectra of reverse-biased photodiodes at 80 K, we have highlighted the presence of an electric field, breaking the minibands into localized Wannier-Stark states. Besides the influence of defects in such GaSb-rich SL structures, this electric field induces a strong tunneling current at low bias which canmore » be the main limiting mechanism explaining the high dark current density of the GaSb-rich SL diode.« less

Polarimetric ISAR: Simulation and image reconstruction

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

Chambers, David H.

In polarimetric ISAR the illumination platform, typically airborne, carries a pair of antennas that are directed toward a fixed point on the surface as the platform moves. During platform motion, the antennas maintain their gaze on the point, creating an effective aperture for imaging any targets near that point. The interaction between the transmitted fields and targets (e.g. ships) is complicated since the targets are typically many wavelengths in size. Calculation of the field scattered from the target typically requires solving Maxwell’s equations on a large three-dimensional numerical grid. This is prohibitive to use in any real-world imaging algorithm, somore » the scattering process is typically simplified by assuming the target consists of a cloud of independent, non-interacting, scattering points (centers). Imaging algorithms based on this scattering model perform well in many applications. Since polarimetric radar is not very common, the scattering model is often derived for a scalar field (single polarization) where the individual scatterers are assumed to be small spheres. However, when polarization is important, we must generalize the model to explicitly account for the vector nature of the electromagnetic fields and its interaction with objects. In this note, we present a scattering model that explicitly includes the vector nature of the fields but retains the assumption that the individual scatterers are small. The response of the scatterers is described by electric and magnetic dipole moments induced by the incident fields. We show that the received voltages in the antennas are linearly related to the transmitting currents through a scattering impedance matrix that depends on the overall geometry of the problem and the nature of the scatterers.« less

Hydrodynamic Models for Multicomponent Plasmas with Collisional-Radiative Kinetics

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

16, 17]. The plasma, typically created by electric discharges , can deposit heat locally in the vicinity the flame, which quickly raises the gas...the corona layer of laser produced plasmas (LPP). Secondly, the self-consistent coupling of the plasma with the field gives rise to particle...excited species and reaction radicals; 7 n ncr solid transport layer (overdense) corona layer (underdense) temperature density shock wave ablation

Estimating the Geoelectric Field Using Precomputed EMTFs: Effect of Magnetometer Cadence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grawe, M.; Butala, M.; Makela, J. J.; Kamalabadi, F.

2017-12-01

Studies that make use of electromagnetic transfer functions (EMTFs) to calculate the surface electric field from a specified surface magnetic field often use historical magnetometer information for validation and comparison purposes. Depending on the data source, the magnetometer cadence is typically between 1 and 60 seconds. It is often implied that a 60 (and sometimes 10) second cadence is acceptable for purposes of geoelectric field calculation using a geophysical model. Here, we quantitatively assess this claim under different geological settings and using models of varying complexity (using uniform/1D/3D EMTFs) across several different space weather events. Conclusions are made about sampling rate sufficiency as a function of local geology and the spectral content of the surface magnetic field.

Sensitivity of fields generated within magnetically shielded volumes to changes in magnetic permeability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andalib, T.; Martin, J. W.; Bidinosti, C. P.; Mammei, R. R.; Jamieson, B.; Lang, M.; Kikawa, T.

2017-09-01

Future experiments seeking to measure the neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) require stable and homogeneous magnetic fields. Normally these experiments use a coil internal to a passively magnetically shielded volume to generate the magnetic field. The stability of the magnetic field generated by the coil within the magnetically shielded volume may be influenced by a number of factors. The factor studied here is the dependence of the internally generated field on the magnetic permeability μ of the shield material. We provide measurements of the temperature-dependence of the permeability of the material used in a set of prototype magnetic shields, using experimental parameters nearer to those of nEDM experiments than previously reported in the literature. Our measurements imply a range of 1/μ dμ/dT from 0-2.7%/K. Assuming typical nEDM experiment coil and shield parameters gives μ/B0 dB0/dμ = 0.01, resulting in a temperature dependence of the magnetic field in a typical nEDM experiment of dB0/dT = 0 - 270 pT/K for B0 = 1 μT. The results are useful for estimating the necessary level of temperature control in nEDM experiments.

VLF Radio Field Strength Measurement of power line carrier system in San Diego, California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mertel, H. K.

1981-01-01

The radio frequency interference (RFI) potential was evaluated for a Powerline Carriet (PLC) installed in San Diego which monitors the performance of an electrical power system. The PLC system generated 30 amperes at 5.79 kHz. The RF radiations were measured to be (typically) 120 dBuV/m at the beginning of the 12 kV powerline and 60 dBuV/m at the end of the powerline. The RF fields varied inversely as the distance squared. Measurements were also performed with a 45 kHz PLC system. The RF fields were of similar amplitude.

Radar Differential Phase Signatures of Ice Orientation for the Prediction of Lightning Initiation and Cessation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carey, L.D.; Petersen, W.A.; Deierling, W.

2009-01-01

The majority of lightning-related casualties typically occur during thunderstorm initiation (e.g., first flash) or dissipation (e.g., last flash). The physics of electrification and lightning production during thunderstorm initiation is fairly well understood. As such, the literature includes a number of studies presenting various radar techniques (using reflectivity and, if available, other dual-polarimetric parameters) for the anticipation of initial electrification and first lightning flash. These radar techniques have shown considerable skill at forecasting first flash. On the other hand, electrical processes and lightning production during thunderstorm dissipation are not nearly as well understood and few, if any, successful techniques have been developed to anticipate the last flash and subsequent cessation of lightning. One promising approach involves the use of dual-polarimetric radar variables to infer the presence of oriented ice crystals in lightning producing storms. In the absence of strong vertical electric fields, ice crystals fall with their largest (semi-major) axis in the horizontal associated with gravitational and aerodynamic forces. In thunderstorms, strong vertical electric fields (100-200 kV m(sup -1)) have been shown to orient small (less than 2 mm) ice crystals such that their semi-major axis is vertical (or nearly vertical). After a lightning flash, the electric field is typically relaxed and prior radar research suggests that ice crystals rapidly resume their preferred horizontal orientation. In active thunderstorms, the vertical electric field quickly recovers and the ice crystals repeat this cycle of orientation for each nearby flash. This change in ice crystal orientation from primarily horizontal to vertical during the development of strong vertical electric fields prior to a lightning flash forms the physical basis for anticipating lightning initiation and, potentially, cessation. Research has shown that radar reflectivity (Z) and other co-polar back-scattering radar measurements like differential reflectivity (Z(sub dr)) typically measured by operational dual-polarimetric radars are not sensitive to these changes in ice crystal orientation. However, prior research has demonstrated that oriented ice crystals cause significant propagation effects that can be routinely measured by most dual-polarimetric radars from X-band (3 cm) to S-band (10 cm) wavelengths using the differential propagation phase shift (often just called differential phase, phi(sub dp)) or its range derivative, the specific differential phase (K(sub dp)). Advantages of the differential phase include independence from absolute or relative power calibration, attenuation, differential attenuation and relative insensitivity to ground clutter and partial beam occultation effects (as long as the signal remains above noise). In research mode, these sorts of techniques have been used to anticipate initial cloud electrification, lightning initiation, and cessation. In this study, we develop a simplified model of ice crystal size, shape, orientation, dielectric, and associated radar scattering and propagation effects in order to simulate various idealized scenarios of ice crystals responding to a hypothetical electric field and their dual-polarimetric radar signatures leading up to lightning initiation and particularly cessation. The sensitivity of the K(sub dp) ice orientation signature to various ice properties and radar wavelength will be explored. Since K(sub dp) is proportional to frequency in the Rayleigh- Gans scattering regime, the ice orientation signatures should be more obvious at higher (lower) frequencies (wavelengths). As a result, simulations at radar wavelengths from 10 cm down to 1 cm (Ka-band) will be conducted. Resonance effects will be considered using the T-matrix method. Since most K(sub dp) Vbased observations have been shown at S-band, we will present ice orientation signatures from C-band (UAH/NASA ARMOR) and X-bd (UAH MAX) dual-polarimetric radars located in Northern Alabama. Issues related to optimal radar scanning for the detection of oriented ice will be discussed. Preliminary suggestions on how these differential phase signatures of oriented ice could contribute to lightning initiation and cessation algorithms will be presented.

Properties of radiation stable insulation composites for fusion magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhixiong; Huang, Rongjin; Huang, Chuanjun; Li, Laifeng

2017-09-01

High field superconducting magnets made of Nb3Al will be a suitable candidate for future fusion device which can provide magnetic field over 15T without critical current degradation caused by strain. The higher magnetic field and the larger current will produce a huge electromagnetic force. Therefore, it is necessary to develop high strength cryogenic structural materials and electrical insulation materials with excellent performance. On the other hand, superconducting magnets in fusion devices will experience significant nuclear radiation exposure during service. While typical structural materials like stainless steel and titanium have proven their ability to withstand these conditions, electrical insulation materials used in these coils have not fared as well. In fact, recent investigations have shown that electrical insulation breakdown is a limiting factor in the performance of high field magnets. The insulation materials used in the high field fusion magnets should be characterized by excellent mechanical properties, high radiation resistivity and good thermal conductivity. To meet these objectives, we designed various insulation materials based on epoxy resins and cyanate ester resins and investigated their processing characteristic and mechanical properties before and after irradiation at low temperature. In this paper, the recent progress of the radiation stable insulation composites for high field fusion magnet is presented. The materials have been irradiated by 60Co γ-ray irradiation in air at ambient temperature with a dose rate of 300 Gy/min. The total doses of 1 MGy, 5 MGy and 10 MGy were selected to the test specimens.

Local Magnetic Measurements of Trapped Flux Through a Permanent Current Path in Graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stiller, Markus; Esquinazi, Pablo D.; Quiquia, José Barzola; Precker, Christian E.

2018-04-01

Temperature- and field-dependent measurements of the electrical resistance of different natural graphite samples suggest the existence of superconductivity at room temperature in some regions of the samples. To verify whether dissipationless electrical currents are responsible for the trapped magnetic flux inferred from electrical resistance measurements, we localized them using magnetic force microscopy on a natural graphite sample in remanent state after applying a magnetic field. The obtained evidence indicates that at room temperature a permanent current flows at the border of the trapped flux region. The current path vanishes at the same transition temperature T_c≈ 370 K as the one obtained from electrical resistance measurements on the same sample. This sudden decrease in the phase is different from what is expected for a ferromagnetic material. Time-dependent measurements of the signal show the typical behavior of flux creep of a permanent current flowing in a superconductor. The overall results support the existence of room-temperature superconductivity at certain regions in the graphite structure and indicate that magnetic force microscopy is suitable to localize them. Magnetic coupling is excluded as origin of the observed phase signal.

Volumetric HiLo microscopy employing an electrically tunable lens.

PubMed

Philipp, Katrin; Smolarski, André; Koukourakis, Nektarios; Fischer, Andreas; Stürmer, Moritz; Wallrabe, Ulrike; Czarske, Jürgen W

2016-06-27

Electrically tunable lenses exhibit strong potential for fast motion-free axial scanning in a variety of microscopes. However, they also lead to a degradation of the achievable resolution because of aberrations and misalignment between illumination and detection optics that are induced by the scan itself. Additionally, the typically nonlinear relation between actuation voltage and axial displacement leads to over- or under-sampled frame acquisition in most microscopic techniques because of their static depth-of-field. To overcome these limitations, we present an Adaptive-Lens-High-and-Low-frequency (AL-HiLo) microscope that enables volumetric measurements employing an electrically tunable lens. By using speckle-patterned illumination, we ensure stability against aberrations of the electrically tunable lens. Its depth-of-field can be adjusted a-posteriori and hence enables to create flexible scans, which compensates for irregular axial measurement positions. The adaptive HiLo microscope provides an axial scanning range of 1 mm with an axial resolution of about 4 μm and sub-micron lateral resolution over the full scanning range. Proof of concept measurements at home-built specimens as well as zebrafish embryos with reporter gene-driven fluorescence in the thyroid gland are shown.

The optical and radiation field signatures produced by lightning return strokes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guo, C.; Krider, E. P.

1982-01-01

Typical examples of the signals that are produced by first and subsequent return strokes in cloud-to-ground lightning on a microsecond time scale are presented. Statistics on the structure of the waveforms and the radiance of the channels are given. The relationship between the light signals and the associated electric field signatures is discussed. It is shown that the initial light signal from a return stroke tends to be linear for about 15 microsec and then rises more slowly to a peak that is delayed by approximately 60 microsec from the electric field peak. It is thought that the transition between the fast linear portion and the slower rise may be due to the return stroke entering the cloud base. A small percentage of the records suggest that two different branches of the same stepped leader can initiate separate return strokes. The light pulses from cloud discharges tend to be smaller and to vary more slowly than those from return strokes.

Required Accuracy of Structural Constraints in the Inversion of Electrical Resistivity Data for Improved Water Content Estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinze, T.; Budler, J.; Weigand, M.; Kemna, A.

2017-12-01

Water content distribution in the ground is essential for hazard analysis during monitoring of landslide prone hills. Geophysical methods like electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be utilized to determine the spatial distribution of water content using established soil physical relationships between bulk electrical resistivity and water content. However, often more dominant electrical contrasts due to lithological structures outplay these hydraulic signatures and blur the results in the inversion process. Additionally, the inversion of ERT data requires further constraints. In the standard Occam inversion method, a smoothness constraint is used, assuming that soil properties change softly in space. While this applies in many scenarios, sharp lithological layers with strongly divergent hydrological parameters, as often found in landslide prone hillslopes, are typically badly resolved by standard ERT. We use a structurally constrained ERT inversion approach for improving water content estimation in landslide prone hills by including a-priori information about lithological layers. The smoothness constraint is reduced along layer boundaries identified using seismic data. This approach significantly improves water content estimations, because in landslide prone hills often a layer of rather high hydraulic conductivity is followed by a hydraulic barrier like clay-rich soil, causing higher pore pressures. One saturated layer and one almost drained layer typically result also in a sharp contrast in electrical resistivity, assuming that surface conductivity of the soil does not change in similar order. Using synthetic data, we study the influence of uncertainties in the a-priori information on the inverted resistivity and estimated water content distribution. We find a similar behavior over a broad range of models and depths. Based on our simulation results, we provide best-practice recommendations for field applications and suggest important tests to obtain reliable, reproducible and trustworthy results. We finally apply our findings to field data, compare conventional and improved analysis results, and discuss limitations of the structurally-constrained inversion approach.

Feasibility study of solar energy in residential electricity generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solanki, Divyangsinh G.

With the increasing demand for energy and the concerns about the global environment, along with the steady progress in the field of renewable energy technologies, new opportunities and possibilities are opening up for an efficient utilization of renewable energy sources. Solar energy is undoubtedly the most clean, inexhaustible and abundant source of renewable energy. Photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most efficient mean to utilize solar power. The focus of this study was to establish economics of a residential photovoltaic system for a typical home in south Texas. The PV system serves the needs of a typical mid-size home inhibited by a typical family. Assumptions are made for the typical daily energy consumption, and the necessary equipments like solar arrays, batteries, inverter, etc. are sized and evaluated optimally so as to reduce the life cycle cost (LCC) of the system. Calculations are done taking into consideration the economic parameters concerned with the system.

Electrical characteristics of organic perylene single-crystal-based field-effect transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jin-Woo; Kang, Han-Saem; Kim, Min-Ki; Kim, Kihyun; Cho, Mi-Yeon; Kwon, Young-Wan; Joo, Jinsoo; Kim, Jae-Il; Hong, Chang-Seop

2007-12-01

We report on the fabrication of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) using perylene single crystal as the active material and their electrical characteristics. Perylene single crystals were directly grown from perylene powder in a furnace using a relatively short growth time of 1-3 h. The crystalline structure of the perylene single crystals was characterized by means of a single-crystal x-ray diffractometer. In order to place the perylene single crystal onto the Au electrodes of the field-effect transistor, a polymethlymethacrylate thin layer was spin-coated on top of the crystal surface. The OFETs fabricated using the perylene single crystal showed a typical p-type operating mode. The field-effect mobility of the perylene crystal based OFETs was measured to be ˜9.62×10-4 cm2/V s at room temperature. The anisotropy of the mobility implying the existence of different mobilities when applying currents in different directions was observed for the OFETs, and the existence of traps in the perylene crystal was found through the measurements of the temperature-dependent mobility at various operating drain voltages.

Laboratory Experiments of Helicity or Vortex Generation in an Electric Quadrupole: Simulation of Tonadoes with and without Lightning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, H.

2007-05-01

Laboratory Experiments of Helicity or Vortex Generation in an Electric Quadrupole: Simulation of Tornadoes with and without Lightning H. Kikuchi Institute for Environmental Electromagnetics 3-8-18, Komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170, Japan e-mail: hkikuchi@mars.dti.ne.jp Abstract Usually the source-origins of helicity or vortex generation have been considered to be thermohydrodynamic in the hydrodynamic (HD) regime and/or magnetohydrodynamic in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) regime. It has been shown, however, by the present author that an electric quadrupole is also capable for helicity or vortex generation and a new electric helic- ity defined as hE= v·E (v: flow velocity; E: electric field) has been introduced. Accordingly, we have now three kinds of helicity, namely fluid, magnetic, and electric helicity. In many cases of atmospheric and space electricity phenomena in nature, electric helicity or vortex generation of electric origin is involved as typically seen in tornadic thunderstorms. Conventional theory of tornadoes, however, space- charge and electric fields have never been considered properly so far, surprisingly in spite of their effects of significance, because of no theorv for such cases, although those effects have been recognized implicitly by field experiments. This paper fills up these demands by newly introducing the concept of 'Electric Helicity' based on 'Electrohydrodynamics' (EHD) established and developed over the last more than two decades and such a whole theory is applied to tornadioes with and without lightning. Further, experimental evidence of this theory is presented for the first time by using a 'universal electric-cusp type plasma reactor' designed more than a decade ago [1]. This device is composed of two positive and negative electrodes of lead spheres 1.5 cm in diameter suspended 2~5 cm above a copper plane on which a semispherical lead 1.25 cm in diameter or its modified object is placed. A whole setup is arranged in a wooden box whose back and both sides are covered by black papers to prevent scattered and reflected light while its front side is open. We are particularly focusing on 'significance of electric quadrupole(s) in helicity and vortex generation',taking photos of wind flows with the use of a bunch of incense sticks burned and placed on the semispherical lead at the cusp center in the reactor. With increasing both electrode voltages from zero to a certain kV, ascending straight wind flows turn to be cyclonic separately toward the both electrodes. As soon as electric discharge from both electrodes to object starts at a certain breakdown voltage, typically 20~30 kV, wind flows suddenly turn to be violent and wind flows toward negative electrode are still cyclonic but wind flows toward positive electrode become anticyclonic. These results are shown by a number of photos taken and provide at the same time 'laboratory simulation of tonadoes with and without lightning'. [1] Kikuchi, H. Electrohydrodynamics in Dusty and Dirty Plasmas, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht/The Netherlands, 2001, pp.93-94.

3D modeling of the total electric field induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation using the boundary element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salinas, F. S.; Lancaster, J. L.; Fox, P. T.

2009-06-01

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) delivers highly localized brain stimulations via non-invasive externally applied magnetic fields. This non-invasive, painless technique provides researchers and clinicians with a unique tool capable of stimulating both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, a complete analysis of the macroscopic electric fields produced by TMS has not yet been performed. In this paper, we addressed the importance of the secondary E-field created by surface charge accumulation during TMS using the boundary element method (BEM). 3D models were developed using simple head geometries in order to test the model and compare it with measured values. The effects of tissue geometry, size and conductivity were also investigated. Finally, a realistically shaped head model was used to assess the effect of multiple surfaces on the total E-field. Secondary E-fields have the greatest impact at areas in close proximity to each tissue layer. Throughout the head, the secondary E-field magnitudes typically range from 20% to 35% of the primary E-field's magnitude. The direction of the secondary E-field was generally in opposition to the primary E-field; however, for some locations, this was not the case (i.e. going from high to low conductivity tissues). These findings show that realistically shaped head geometries are important for accurate modeling of the total E-field.

Standard Practices for Usage of Inductive Magnetic Field Probes with Application to Electric Propulsion Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Hill, Carrie S.

2013-01-01

Inductive magnetic field probes (also known as B-dot probes and sometimes as B-probes or magnetic probes) are useful for performing measurements in electric space thrusters and various plasma accelerator applications where a time-varying magnetic field is present. Magnetic field probes have proven to be a mainstay in diagnosing plasma thrusters where changes occur rapidly with respect to time, providing the means to measure the magnetic fields produced by time-varying currents and even an indirect measure of the plasma current density through the application of Ampère's law. Examples of applications where this measurement technique has been employed include pulsed plasma thrusters and quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters. The Electric Propulsion Technical Committee (EPTC) of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) was asked to assemble a Committee on Standards (CoS) for Electric Propulsion Testing. The assembled CoS was tasked with developing Standards and Recommended Practices for various diagnostic techniques used in the evaluation of plasma thrusters. These include measurements that can yield either global information related to a thruster and its performance or detailed, local data related to the specific physical processes occurring in the plasma. This paper presents a summary of the standard, describing the preferred methods for fabrication, calibration, and usage of inductive magnetic field probes for use in diagnosing plasma thrusters. Inductive magnetic field probes (also called B-dot probes throughout this document) are commonly used in electric propulsion (EP) research and testing to measure unsteady magnetic fields produced by time-varying currents. The B-dot probe is relatively simple in construction, and requires minimal cost, making it a low-cost technique that is readily accessible to most researchers. While relatively simple, the design of a B-dot probe is not trivial and there are many opportunities for errors in probe construction, calibration, and usage, and in the post-processing of data that is produced by the probe. There are typically several ways in which each of these steps can be approached, and different applications may require more or less vigorous attention to various issues.

Understanding the conductive channel evolution in Na:WO3-x-based planar devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Dashan; Li, Peining; Wang, Tao; Carria, Egidio; Sun, Jirong; Shen, Baogen; Taubner, Thomas; Valov, Ilia; Waser, Rainer; Wuttig, Matthias

2015-03-01

An ion migration process in a solid electrolyte is important for ion-based functional devices, such as fuel cells, batteries, electrochromics, gas sensors, and resistive switching systems. In this study, a planar sandwich structure is prepared by depositing tungsten oxide (WO3-x) films on a soda-lime glass substrate, from which Na+ diffuses into the WO3-x films during the deposition. The entire process of Na+ migration driven by an alternating electric field is visualized in the Na-doped WO3-x films in the form of conductive channel by in situ optical imaging combined with infrared spectroscopy and near-field imaging techniques. A reversible change of geometry between a parabolic and a bar channel is observed with the resistance change of the devices. The peculiar channel evolution is interpreted by a thermal-stress-induced mechanical deformation of the films and an asymmetric Na+ mobility between the parabolic and the bar channels. These results exemplify a typical ion migration process driven by an alternating electric field in a solid electrolyte with a low ion mobility and are expected to be beneficial to improve the controllability of the ion migration in ion-based functional devices, such as resistive switching devices.An ion migration process in a solid electrolyte is important for ion-based functional devices, such as fuel cells, batteries, electrochromics, gas sensors, and resistive switching systems. In this study, a planar sandwich structure is prepared by depositing tungsten oxide (WO3-x) films on a soda-lime glass substrate, from which Na+ diffuses into the WO3-x films during the deposition. The entire process of Na+ migration driven by an alternating electric field is visualized in the Na-doped WO3-x films in the form of conductive channel by in situ optical imaging combined with infrared spectroscopy and near-field imaging techniques. A reversible change of geometry between a parabolic and a bar channel is observed with the resistance change of the devices. The peculiar channel evolution is interpreted by a thermal-stress-induced mechanical deformation of the films and an asymmetric Na+ mobility between the parabolic and the bar channels. These results exemplify a typical ion migration process driven by an alternating electric field in a solid electrolyte with a low ion mobility and are expected to be beneficial to improve the controllability of the ion migration in ion-based functional devices, such as resistive switching devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr07545e

Role of point defects in bipolar fatigue behavior of Bi(Mg{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3} modified (Bi{sub 1/2}K{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-(Bi{sub 1/2}Na{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} relaxor ceramics

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

Kumar, Nitish, E-mail: nitishkumar.iitk@gmail.com; Ansell, Troy Y.; Cann, David P.

Lead-free Bi(Mg{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-(Bi{sub 1/2}K{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-(Bi{sub 1/2}Na{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} (BMT-BKT-BNT) ceramics have been shown to exhibit large electromechanical strains under high electric fields along with negligible fatigue under strong electric fields. To investigate the role of point defects on the fatigue characteristics, the composition 5BMT-40BKT-55BNT was doped to incorporate acceptor and donor defects on the A and B sites by adjusting the Bi/Na and Ti/Mg stoichiometries. All samples had pseudo-cubic symmetries based on x-ray diffraction, typical of relaxors. Dielectric measurements showed that the high and low temperature phase transitions were largely unaffected by doping. Acceptor doping resulted inmore » the observation of a typical ferroelectric-like polarization with a remnant polarization and strain hysteresis loops with significant negative strain. Donor-doped compositions exhibited characteristics that were indicative of an ergodic relaxor phase. Fatigue measurements were carried out on all of the compositions. While the A-site acceptor-doped composition showed a small degradation in maximum strain after 10{sup 6} cycles, the other compositions were essentially fatigue free. Impedance measurements were used to identify the important conduction mechanisms in these compositions. As expected, the presence of defects did not strongly influence the fatigue behavior in donor-doped compositions owing to the nature of their reversible field-induced phase transformation. Even for the acceptor-doped compositions, which had stable domains in the absence of an electric field at room temperature, there was negligible degradation in the maximum strain due to fatigue. This suggests that either the defects introduced through stoichiometric variations do not play a prominent role in fatigue in these systems or it is compensated by factors like decrease in coercive field, an increase in ergodicity, symmetry change, or other factors.« less

Cosmological magnetic fields from inflation in extended electromagnetism

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

Beltran Jimenez, Jose; Maroto, Antonio L.

2011-01-15

In this work we consider an extended electromagnetic theory in which the scalar state which is usually eliminated by means of the Lorenz condition is allowed to propagate. This state has been shown to generate a small cosmological constant in the context of standard inflationary cosmology. Here we show that the usual Lorenz gauge-breaking term now plays the role of an effective electromagnetic current. Such a current is generated during inflation from quantum fluctuations and gives rise to a stochastic effective charge density distribution. Because of the high electric conductivity of the cosmic plasma after inflation, the electric charge densitymore » generates currents which give rise to both vorticity and magnetic fields on sub-Hubble scales. Present upper limits on vorticity coming from temperature anisotropies of the CMB are translated into lower limits on the present value of cosmic magnetic fields. We find that, for a nearly scale invariant vorticity spectrum, magnetic fields B{sub {lambda}>}10{sup -12} G are typically generated with coherence lengths ranging from subgalactic scales up to the present Hubble radius. Those fields could act as seeds for a galactic dynamo or even account for observations just by collapse and differential rotation of the protogalactic cloud.« less

Boundary-value problem for plasma centrifuge at arbitrary magnetic Reynolds numbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilhelm, H. E.; Hong, S. H.

1977-01-01

We solve in closed form the boundary-value problem for the partial differential equations which describe the (azimuthal) rotation velocity and induced magnetic fields in a cylindrical plasma centrifuge with ring electrodes of different radii and an external, axial magnetic field. The electric field, current density, and velocity distributions are discussed in terms of the Hartmann number H and the magnetic Reynolds number R. For small Hall coefficients, the induced magnetic field does not affect the plasma rotation. As a result of the Lorentz forces, the plasma rotates with speeds as high as 100,000 cm/sec around its axis of symmetry at typical conditions, so that the lighter (heavier) ion and atom components are enriched at (off) the center of the discharge cylinder.

Long term electromagnetic monitoring at Parkfield, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kappler, Karl Neil

Electric and magnetic fields in the (10-4-1.0) Hz band were monitored at two sites adjacent to the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield and Hollister, California. Observed fields typically comprise natural magnetotelluric fields, with cultural and instrument noise. A data window [2002-2005], enclosing the September 28, 2004 M6 Parkfield earthquake, was analyzed to determine if anomalous electric or magnetic fields, or changes in ground conductivity, occurred before the earthquake. The data were edited, removing intervals of instrument malfunction, leaving 875 days left in the four-year period. Frequent, local spike-like disturbances were removed. The distribution of these spikes was not biased around the time of the earthquake. Signal to noise ratios, estimated via magnetotelluric processing techniques, provided an index of data quality. Plots of signal and noise amplitude spectra, showed the behavior of the ULF fields to be remarkably constant over the period of analysis. From these first-order plots, it is clear that most of the recorded energy is coherent over the spatial extent of the array. Three main statistical techniques were employed to separate local anomalous electrical or magnetic fields from the dominant coherent natural fields: transfer function estimates between components at each site were employed to subtract the dominant field, and look deeper at the 'residual' fields; the data were decomposed into principal components to identify linear combinations of array channels, which are maximally uncorrelated; the technique of canonical coherences was employed to distinguish anomalous fields which are spatially broad from anomalies which occur at a single site only, and furthermore to distinguish anomalies which are present in both the electric and magnetic fields form those which are present in only one field type. Standard remote reference apparent resistivity estimates were generated daily at Parkfield. Most of the variation was observed to be seasonal, and frequency independent, suggesting a local seasonal distortion effect. Once corrected for distortion, nearly all of the variability in the apparent resistivity was removed. In all cases, high levels of sensitivity to subtle electromagnetic effects were demonstrated, but no effects which can be described as precursors to the Parkfield earthquake were found.

Spin-orbit coupling effects in zinc-blende InSb and wurtzite InAs nanowires: Realistic calculations with multiband k .p method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos, Tiago; Faria Junior, Paulo E.; Gmitra, Martin; Sipahi, Guilherme M.; Fabian, Jaroslav

2018-06-01

A systematic numerical investigation of spin-orbit fields in the conduction bands of III-V semiconductor nanowires is performed. Zinc-blende (ZB) InSb nanowires are considered along [001], [011], and [111] directions, while wurtzite (WZ) InAs nanowires are studied along [0001] and [10 1 ¯0 ] or [11 2 ¯0 ] directions. Robust multiband k .p Hamiltonians are solved by using plane-wave expansions of real-space parameters. In all cases, the linear and cubic spin-orbit coupling parameters are extracted for nanowire widths from 30 to 100 nm. Typical spin-orbit energies are on the μ eV scale, except for WZ InAs nanowires grown along [10 1 ¯0 ] or [11 2 ¯0 ] , in which the spin-orbit energy is about meV, largely independent of the wire diameter. Significant spin-orbit coupling is obtained by applying a transverse electric field, causing the Rashba effect. For an electric field of about 4 mV/nm, the obtained spin-orbit energies are about 1 meV for both materials in all investigated growth directions. The most favorable system, in which the spin-orbit effects are maximal, are WZ InAs nanowires grown along [1010] or [11 2 ¯0 ] since here spin-orbit energies are giant (meV) already in the absence of electric field. The least favorable are InAs WZ nanowires grown along [0001] since here even the electric field does not increase the spin-orbit energies beyond 0.1 meV. The presented results should be useful for investigations of optical orientation, spin transport, weak localization, and superconducting proximity effects in semiconductor nanowires.

Spin angular momentum induced by optical quasi-phonons activated in birefringent uniaxial crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamadou, B.; Maïmounatou, B.; Erasmus, R. M.

2017-09-01

The present report formally establishes the expression of the angular momentum of the quasi-phonons induced by linearly polarized light. The transferred mechanical torque due to phonons is then determined from the spin angular momentum and is shown to be measurable from Raman scattering experiments. To investigate this, the electric field due the excited dipoles and the associated macroscopic dielectric polarization vectors were first calculated using a lattice dynamical model in order to derive in a second step the analytical expression of the angular momentum density arising from the inelastic light scattering by quasi-phonons. The numerical results of the calculated angle dependent mode electric fields and the induced spin angular moments as well as the transferred torques were analyzed with regard to some typical behaviors of the interacting modes and it is shown that the fluctuations of the effective charges is their main origin.

Graphene Monoxide Bilayer As a High-Performance on/off Switching Media for Nanoelectronics.

PubMed

Woo, Jungwook; Yun, Kyung-Han; Chung, Yong-Chae

2016-04-27

The geometries and electronic characteristics of the graphene monoxide (GMO) bilayer are predicted via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. All the possible sequences of the GMO bilayer show the typical interlayer bonding characteristics of two-dimensional bilayer systems with a weak van der Waals interaction. The band gap energies of the GMO bilayers are predicted to be adequate for electronic device application, indicating slightly smaller energy gaps (0.418-0.448 eV) compared to the energy gap of the monolayer (0.536 eV). Above all, in light of the band gap engineering, the band gap of the GMO bilayer responds to the external electric field sensitively. As a result, a semiconductor-metal transition occurs at a small critical electric field (EC = 0.22-0.30 V/Å). It is therefore confirmed that the GMO bilayer is a strong candidate for nanoelectronics.

Electrostatic control of the coffee stain effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wray, Alex; Papageorgiou, Demetrios; Sefiane, Khellil; Matar, Omar

2013-11-01

The ``coffee stain effect,'' as first explained by Deegan et al. 1997, has received a great deal of attention amongst modellers and experimentalists in recent years, perhaps due in part to its obvious casual familiarity. However, it maintains interest because of its intriguing reliance on an interplay of a trio of effects: contact line pinning, inhomogeneous mass flux, and resulting capillarity-driven flow. What is more, the effect, and especially its suppression or reversal, find applications in fields as diverse as sample recovery, mass spectroscopy and the printing of Organic LEDs. We examine the motion a nanoparticle-laden droplet deposited on a precursor film, incorporating the effects of capillarity, concentration-dependent rheology, together with a heated substrate and resultant mass flux and Marangoni effects. We allow the substrate to act as an electrode and incorporate a second electrode above the droplet. The potential difference together with a disparity in electrical properties between the two regions results in electrical (Maxwell) stresses at the interface. We show via lubrication theory and via direct numerical simulations that the ring effect typically observed may be suppressed or augmented via appropriate use of electric fields. EPSRC DTG

Observations of subauroral ion drift (SAID) occurrence statistics and associated ionospheric conditions measured by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE-2).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landry, R. G.; Anderson, P. C.

2017-12-01

Subauroral ion drifts (SAID) are a phenomenon sometimes observed in the subauroral ionosphere in dusk to post-midnight magnetic local time sectors during magnetically active periods characterized by strong poleward electric fields that drive westward ion drifts greater than 1 km/s. SAIDs typically will span 1-2 degrees magnetic latitude and several hours in magnetic local time. SAIDs are often observed colocated with the midlatitude trough. The strong electric field can act to reduce the ionospheric conductivity further through enhanced recombination and vertical transport. The theory that SAIDs are generated by ionospheric Pedersen currents fed by ring current driven field-aligned currents (FAC) requires the decreased conductance associated with the midlatitude trough to produce the latitudinally narrow, large amplitude SAID electric field. Using Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE 2) plasma measurements of SAIDs from altitudes of 200 to 1000 km, we investigate the statistical variation of the ionospheric composition, temperature, and vertical ion drifts as a function of altitude. Using Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) measurements from 1987-2012, we extend the empirical study at the DMSP altitude of 830 km to investigate how season, longitude, and any ionospheric preconditioning before SAID formation affect the likelihood of SAID occurrence and coincidence with FACs and ion density troughs.

Modeling Stepped Leaders Using a Time Dependent Multi-dipole Model and High-speed Video Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karunarathne, S.; Marshall, T.; Stolzenburg, M.; Warner, T. A.; Orville, R. E.

2012-12-01

In summer of 2011, we collected lightning data with 10 stations of electric field change meters (bandwidth of 0.16 Hz - 2.6 MHz) on and around NASA/Kennedy Space Center (KSC) covering nearly 70 km × 100 km area. We also had a high-speed video (HSV) camera recording 50,000 images per second collocated with one of the electric field change meters. In this presentation we describe our use of these data to model the electric field change caused by stepped leaders. Stepped leaders of a cloud to ground lightning flash typically create the initial path for the first return stroke (RS). Most of the time, stepped leaders have multiple complex branches, and one of these branches will create the ground connection for the RS to start. HSV data acquired with a short focal length lens at ranges of 5-25 km from the flash are useful for obtaining the 2-D location of these multiple branches developing at the same time. Using HSV data along with data from the KSC Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR2) system and the Cloud to Ground Lightning Surveillance System (CGLSS), the 3D path of a leader may be estimated. Once the path of a stepped leader is obtained, the time dependent multi-dipole model [ Lu, Winn,and Sonnenfeld, JGR 2011] can be used to match the electric field change at various sensor locations. Based on this model, we will present the time-dependent charge distribution along a leader channel and the total charge transfer during the stepped leader phase.

Impact of small-scale saline tracer heterogeneity on electrical resistivity monitoring in fully and partially saturated porous media: Insights from geoelectrical milli-fluidic experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jougnot, Damien; Jiménez-Martínez, Joaquín; Legendre, Raphaël; Le Borgne, Tanguy; Méheust, Yves; Linde, Niklas

2018-03-01

Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a geophysical method widely used to remotely monitor the migration of electrically-conductive tracers and contaminant plumes in the subsurface. Interpretations of time-lapse ERT inversion results are generally based on the assumption of a homogeneous solute concentration below the resolution limits of the tomogram depicting inferred electrical conductivity variations. We suggest that ignoring small-scale solute concentration variability (i.e., at the sub-resolution scale) is a major reason for the often-observed apparent loss of solute mass in ERT tracer studies. To demonstrate this, we developed a geoelectrical milli-fluidic setup where the bulk electric conductivity of a 2D analogous porous medium, consisting of cylindrical grains positioned randomly inside a Hele-Shaw cell, is monitored continuously in time while saline tracer tests are performed through the medium under fully and partially saturated conditions. High resolution images of the porous medium are recorded with a camera at regular time intervals, and provide both the spatial distribution of the fluid phases (aqueous solution and air), and the saline solute concentration field (where the solute consists of a mixture of salt and fluorescein, the latter being used as a proxy for the salt concentration). Effective bulk electrical conductivities computed numerically from the measured solute concentration field and the spatial distributions of fluid phases agree well with the measured bulk conductivities. We find that the effective bulk electrical conductivity is highly influenced by the connectivity of high electrical conductivity regions. The spatial distribution of air, saline tracer fingering, and mixing phenomena drive temporal changes in the effective bulk electrical conductivity by creating preferential paths or barriers for electrical current at the pore-scale. The resulting heterogeneities in the solute concentrations lead to strong anisotropy of the effective bulk electrical conductivity, especially for partially saturated conditions. We highlight how these phenomena contribute to the typically large apparent mass loss observed when conducting field-scale time-lapse ERT.

Mathematical Modeling of Electrodynamics Near the Surface of Earth and Planetary Water Worlds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tyler, Robert H.

2017-01-01

An interesting feature of planetary bodies with hydrospheres is the presence of an electrically conducting shell near the global surface. This conducting shell may typically lie between relatively insulating rock, ice, or atmosphere, creating a strong constraint on the flow of large-scale electric currents. All or parts of the shell may be in fluid motion relative to main components of the rotating planetary magnetic field (as well as the magnetic fields due to external bodies), creating motionally-induced electric currents that would not otherwise be present. As such, one may expect distinguishing features in the types of electrodynamic processes that occur, as well as an opportunity for imposing specialized mathematical methods that efficiently address this class of application. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss such specialized methods. Specifically, thin-shell approximations for both the electrodynamics and fluid dynamics are combined to derive simplified mathematical formulations describing the behavior of these electric currents as well as their associated electric and magnetic fields. These simplified formulae allow analytical solutions featuring distinct aspects of the thin-shell electrodynamics in idealized cases. A highly efficient numerical method is also presented that is useful for calculations under inhomogeneous parameter distributions. Finally, the advantages as well as limitations in using this mathematical approach are evaluated. This evaluation is presented primarily for the generic case of bodies with water worlds or other thin spherical conducting shells. More specific discussion is given for the case of Earth, but also Europa and other satellites with suspected oceans.

High-throughput electrical measurement and microfluidic sorting of semiconductor nanowires.

PubMed

Akin, Cevat; Feldman, Leonard C; Durand, Corentin; Hus, Saban M; Li, An-Ping; Hui, Ho Yee; Filler, Michael A; Yi, Jingang; Shan, Jerry W

2016-05-24

Existing nanowire electrical characterization tools not only are expensive and require sophisticated facilities, but are far too slow to enable statistical characterization of highly variable samples. They are also generally not compatible with further sorting and processing of nanowires. Here, we demonstrate a high-throughput, solution-based electro-orientation-spectroscopy (EOS) method, which is capable of automated electrical characterization of individual nanowires by direct optical visualization of their alignment behavior under spatially uniform electric fields of different frequencies. We demonstrate that EOS can quantitatively characterize the electrical conductivities of nanowires over a 6-order-of-magnitude range (10(-5) to 10 S m(-1), corresponding to typical carrier densities of 10(10)-10(16) cm(-3)), with different fluids used to suspend the nanowires. By implementing EOS in a simple microfluidic device, continuous electrical characterization is achieved, and the sorting of nanowires is demonstrated as a proof-of-concept. With measurement speeds two orders of magnitude faster than direct-contact methods, the automated EOS instrument enables for the first time the statistical characterization of highly variable 1D nanomaterials.

Electrical Manipulation of Donor Spin Qubits in Silicon and Germanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigillito, Anthony James

Many proposals for quantum information devices rely on electronic or nuclear spins in semiconductors because of their long coherence times and compatibility with industrial fabrication processes. One of the most notable qubits is the electron spin bound to phosphorus donors in silicon, which offers coherence times exceeding seconds at low temperatures. These donors are naturally isolated from their environments to the extent that silicon has been coined a "semiconductor vacuum". While this makes for ultra-coherent qubits, it is difficult to couple two remote donors so quantum information proposals rely on high density arrays of qubits. Here, single qubit addressability becomes an issue. Ideally one would address individual qubits using electric fields which can be easily confined. Typically these schemes rely on tuning a donor spin qubit onto and off of resonance with a magnetic driving field. In this thesis, we measure the electrical tunability of phosphorus donors in silicon and use the extracted parameters to estimate the effects of electric-field noise on qubit coherence times. Our measurements show that donor ionization may set in before electron spins can be sufficiently tuned. We therefore explore two alternative options for qubit addressability. First, we demonstrate that nuclear spin qubits can be directly driven using electric fields instead of magnetic fields and show that this approach offers several advantages over magnetically driven spin resonance. In particular, spin transitions can occur at half the spin resonance frequency and double quantum transitions (magnetic-dipole forbidden) can occur. In a second approach to realizing tunable qubits in semiconductors, we explore the option of replacing silicon with germanium. We first measure the coherence and relaxation times for shallow donor spin qubits in natural and isotopically enriched germanium. We find that in isotopically enriched material, coherence times can exceed 1 ms and are limited by a single-phonon T1 process. At lower frequencies or lower temperatures the qubit coherence times should substantially increase. Finally, we measure the electric field tunability of donors in germanium and find a four order-of-magnitude enhancement in the spin-orbit Stark shift and confirm that the donors should be tunable by at least 4 times the electron spin ensemble linewidth (in isotopically enriched material). Germanium should therefore also be more sensitive to electrically driven nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on these results germanium is a promising alternative to silicon for spin qubits.

Onset of 2D magnetic reconnection in the solar photosphere, chromosphere, and corona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snow, B.; Botha, G. J. J.; McLaughlin, J. A.; Hillier, A.

2018-01-01

Aims: We aim to investigate the onset of 2D time-dependent magnetic reconnection that is triggered using an external (non-local) velocity driver located away from, and perpendicular to, an equilibrium Harris current sheet. Previous studies have typically utilised an internal trigger to initiate reconnection, for example initial conditions centred on the current sheet. Here, an external driver allows for a more naturalistic trigger as well as the study of the earlier stages of the reconnection start-up process. Methods: Numerical simulations solving the compressible, resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations were performed to investigate the reconnection onset within different atmospheric layers of the Sun, namely the corona, chromosphere and photosphere. Results: A reconnecting state is reached for all atmospheric heights considered, with the dominant physics being highly dependent on atmospheric conditions. The coronal case achieves a sharp rise in electric field (indicative of reconnection) for a range of velocity drivers. For the chromosphere, we find a larger velocity amplitude is required to trigger reconnection (compared to the corona). For the photospheric environment, the electric field is highly dependent on the inflow speed; a sharp increase in electric field is obtained only as the velocity entering the reconnection region approaches the Alfvén speed. Additionally, the role of ambipolar diffusion is investigated for the chromospheric case and we find that the ambipolar diffusion alters the structure of the current density in the inflow region. Conclusions: The rate at which flux enters the reconnection region is controlled by the inflow velocity. This determines all aspects of the reconnection start-up process, that is, the early onset of reconnection is dominated by the advection term in Ohm's law in all atmospheric layers. A lower plasma-β enhances reconnection and creates a large change in the electric field. A high plasma-β hinders the reconnection, yielding a sharp rise in the electric field only when the velocity flowing into the reconnection region approaches the local Alfvén speed.

Simulation of field-induced molecular dissociation in atom-probe tomography: Identification of a neutral emission channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanuttini, David; Blum, Ivan; Rigutti, Lorenzo; Vurpillot, François; Douady, Julie; Jacquet, Emmanuelle; Anglade, Pierre-Matthieu; Gervais, Benoit

2017-06-01

We investigate the dynamics of dicationic metal-oxide molecules under large electric-field conditions, on the basis of ab initio calculations coupled to molecular dynamics. Applied to the case of ZnO2 + in the field of atom probe tomography (APT), our simulation reveals the dissociation into three distinct exit channels. The proportions of these channels depend critically on the field strength and on the initial molecular orientation with respect to the field. For typical field strength used in APT experiments, an efficient dissociation channel leads to emission of neutral oxygen atoms, which escape detection. The calculated composition biases and their dependence on the field strength show remarkable consistency with recent APT experiments on ZnO crystals. Our work shows that bond breaking in strong static fields may lead to significant neutral atom production, and therefore to severe elemental composition biases in measurements.

Modeling Intracochlear Magnetic Stimulation: A Finite-Element Analysis.

PubMed

Mukesh, S; Blake, D T; McKinnon, B J; Bhatti, P T

2017-08-01

This study models induced electric fields, and their gradient, produced by pulsatile current stimulation of submillimeter inductors for cochlear implantation. Using finite-element analysis, the lower chamber of the cochlea, scala tympani, is modeled as a cylindrical structure filled with perilymph bounded by tissue, bone, and cochlear neural elements. Single inductors as well as an array of inductors are modeled. The coil strength (~100 nH) and excitation parameters (peak current of 1-5 A, voltages of 16-20 V) are based on a formative feasibility study conducted by our group. In that study, intracochlear micromagnetic stimulation achieved auditory activation as measured through the auditory brainstem response in a feline model. With respect to the finite element simulations, axial symmetry of the inductor geometry is exploited to improve computation time. It is verified that the inductor coil orientation greatly affects the strength of the induced electric field and thereby the ability to affect the transmembrane potential of nearby neural elements. Furthermore, upon comparing an array of micro-inductors with a typical multi-site electrode array, magnetically excited arrays retain greater focus in terms of the gradient of induced electric fields. Once combined with further in vivo analysis, this modeling study may enable further exploration of the mechanism of magnetically induced, and focused neural stimulation.

Real-time measurement of biomagnetic vector fields in functional syncytium using amorphous metal.

PubMed

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Uchiyama, Tusyoshi

2015-03-06

Magnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.

Nanogap near-field thermophotovoltaics.

PubMed

Fiorino, Anthony; Zhu, Linxiao; Thompson, Dakotah; Mittapally, Rohith; Reddy, Pramod; Meyhofer, Edgar

2018-06-18

Conversion of heat to electricity via solid-state devices is of great interest and has led to intense research of thermoelectric materials 1,2 . Alternative approaches for solid-state heat-to-electricity conversion include thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems where photons from a hot emitter traverse a vacuum gap and are absorbed by a photovoltaic (PV) cell to generate electrical power. In principle, such systems may also achieve higher efficiencies and offer more versatility in use. However, the typical temperature of the hot emitter remains too low (<1,000 K) to achieve a sufficient photon flux to the PV cell, limiting practical applications. Theoretical proposals 3-12 suggest that near-field (NF) effects 13-18 that arise in nanoscale gaps may be leveraged to increase the photon flux to the PV cell and significantly enhance the power output. Here, we describe functional NFTPV devices consisting of a microfabricated system and a custom-built nanopositioner and demonstrate an ~40-fold enhancement in the power output at nominally 60 nm gaps relative to the far field. We systematically characterize this enhancement over a range of gap sizes and emitter temperatures, and for PV cells with two different bandgap energies. We anticipate that this technology, once optimized, will be viable for waste heat recovery applications.

A computational study of the effects of DC electric fields on non-premixed counterflow methane-air flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belhi, Memdouh; Lee, Bok Jik; Bisetti, Fabrizio; Im, Hong G.

2017-12-01

Two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations for counterflow non-premixed methane-air flames were undertaken as an attempt to reproduce the experimentally observed electro-hydrodynamic effect, also known as the ionic wind effect, on flames. Incompressible fluid dynamic solver was implemented with a skeletal chemical kinetic mechanism and transport property evaluations. The simulation successfully reproduced the key characteristics of the flames subjected to DC bias voltages at different intensity and polarity. Most notably, the simulation predicted the flame positions and showed good qualitative agreement with experimental data for the current-voltage curve. The flame response to the electric field with positive and negative polarity exhibited qualitatively different characteristics. In the negative polarity of the configuration considered, a non-monotonic variation of the current with the voltage was observed, along with the existence of an unstable regime at an intermediate voltage level. With positive polarity, a typical monotonic current-voltage curve was obtained. This behavior was attributed to the asymmetry in the distribution of the positive and negative ions resulting from ionization processes. The present study demonstrated that the mathematical and computational models for the ion chemistry, transport, and fluid dynamics were able to describe the key processes responsible for the flame-electric field interaction.

Real-time Measurement of Biomagnetic Vector Fields in Functional Syncytium Using Amorphous Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Uchiyama, Tusyoshi

2015-03-01

Magnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.

Field-aligned Currents at Mercury and Implications for Crustal Electrical Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, B. J.; Johnson, C. L.; Korth, H.; Winslow, R. M.; Slavin, J. A.; Solomon, S. C.; McNutt, R. L., Jr.

2013-12-01

Magnetic field data acquired in orbit about Mercury by the Magnetometer on the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft are used to identify signatures of steady-state field-aligned or Birkeland currents in the northern polar region. These signatures allow us to determine the distribution, area, and total current typically flowing toward and away from the planet and closing at low altitudes. Results reveal that current flows downward on the dawn side and upward on the dusk side, a pattern corresponding to the Region-1 current system at Earth. Typical current densities are 10 to 20 nA/m2. The total current ranges from 10 kA under magnetically calm conditions to nearly 40 kA during disturbed periods. Both the current density and the total current are approximately two orders of magnitude lower than at Earth. The electric potential, consistent with dayside magnetopause magnetic reconnection, is estimated to be ~30 kV under typical conditions, implying that the net resistance to closure of the Birkeland currents is on the order of 1 ohm. At Earth this resistance is typically 0.02 ohms, and if the height-integrated low-altitude conductance were the same, the resistance at Mercury would be even lower than at Earth, ~0.01 ohms. The comparatively low current observed and the estimated high resistance are consistent with expectations that current closure at Mercury is markedly different than at Earth. We solve for the potential implied by the observed currents given closure through the planet. We consider crustal and mantle conductances consistent with experimental results for olivine, and we use a nominal present-day radial temperature profile for Mercury. Net potentials comparable to 30 kV require that the current closes radially through the crust and horizontally through the higher-conductivity mantle at depths of 50 to 400 km. The crust accounts for nearly all of the resistance to current flow, and the results are consistent with a crustal conductivity on the order of 10-8 S/m.

3D polarisation speckle as a demonstration of tensor version of the van Cittert-Zernike theorem for stochastic electromagnetic beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Ning; Zhao, Juan; Hanson, Steen G.; Takeda, Mitsuo; Wang, Wei

2016-10-01

Laser speckle has received extensive studies of its basic properties and associated applications. In the majority of research on speckle phenomena, the random optical field has been treated as a scalar optical field, and the main interest has been concentrated on their statistical properties and applications of its intensity distribution. Recently, statistical properties of random electric vector fields referred to as Polarization Speckle have come to attract new interest because of their importance in a variety of areas with practical applications such as biomedical optics and optical metrology. Statistical phenomena of random electric vector fields have close relevance to the theories of speckles, polarization and coherence theory. In this paper, we investigate the correlation tensor for stochastic electromagnetic fields modulated by a depolarizer consisting of a rough-surfaced retardation plate. Under the assumption that the microstructure of the scattering surface on the depolarizer is as fine as to be unresolvable in our observation region, we have derived a relationship between the polarization matrix/coherency matrix for the modulated electric fields behind the rough-surfaced retardation plate and the coherence matrix under the free space geometry. This relation is regarded as entirely analogous to the van Cittert-Zernike theorem of classical coherence theory. Within the paraxial approximation as represented by the ABCD-matrix formalism, the three-dimensional structure of the generated polarization speckle is investigated based on the correlation tensor, indicating a typical carrot structure with a much longer axial dimension than the extent in its transverse dimension.

Electrically induced reorganization phenomena of liquid metal film printed on biological skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Cangran; Yi, Liting; Yu, Yang; Liu, Jing

2016-12-01

Liquid metal has been demonstrated to be directly printable on biological skin as physiological measurement elements. However, many fundamental issues remained unclear so far. Here, we disclosed an intriguing phenomenon of electrically induced reorganization of liquid metal film. According to the experiments, when applying an external electric field to liquid metal films which were spray printed on biological skin, it would induce unexpected transformations of the liquid metals among different morphologies and configurations. These include shape shift from a large liquid metal film into a tiny sphere and contraction of liquid metal pool into spherical one. For comprehensively understanding the issues, the impacts of the size, voltage, orientations of the liquid metal electrodes, etc., were clarified. Further, effects of various substrates such as in vitro skin and in vivo skin affecting the liquid metal transformations were experimentally investigated. Compared to the intact tissues, the contraction magnitude of the liquid metal electrode appears weaker on in vivo skin of nude mice under the same electric field. The mechanisms lying behind such phenomena were interpreted through theoretical modeling. Lastly, typical applications of applying the current effect into practical elements such as electrical gating devices were also illustrated as an example. The present findings have both fundamental and practical values, which would help design future technical strategies in fabricating electronically controlled liquid metal electronics on skin.

An ironless armature brushless torque motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Studer, P. A.

1973-01-01

A high torque motor with improved servo mechanism is reported. Armature windings are cast into an epoxy cylinder and armature conductors are integrally cast with an aluminum mounting ring which provides thermal conductance directly into the structure. This configuration eliminates magnetic hysteresis because there is no relative motion between the rotating magnetic field and any stationary iron. The absence of destabilization forces provides a fast electrical response compared with a typical torquer of conventional construction.

Do steady fast magnetic dynamos exist?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finn, John M.; Ott, Edward; Hanson, James D.; Kan, Ittai

1989-01-01

This paper considers the question of the existense of a steady fast kinematic magnetic dynamo for a conducting fluid with a steady velocity field and vanishingly small electrical resistivity. The analysis of examples of steady dynamos, found by considering the zero-resistivity dynamics, indicated that, for sufficiently small resistivity, dynamo action can indeed occur in steady smooth three-dimensional chaotic fluid flows and that fast dynamos should consequently be a typical occurrence for such flows.

Characteristics of corona impulses from insulated wires subjected to high ac voltages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doreswamy, C. V.; Crowell, C. S.

1976-01-01

Corona discharges arise due to ionization of air or gas subject to high electric fields. The free electrons and ions contained in these discharges interact with molecules of insulating materials, resulting in chemical changes and destroying the electrical insulating properties. The paper describes some results of measurements aimed at determining corona pulse waveforms, their repetition rate, and amplitude distribution during various randomly-sampled identical time periods of a 60-Hz high-voltage wave. Described are properties of positive and negative corona impulses generated from typical conductors at various test high voltages. A possible method for calculating the energies, densities, and electromagnetic interferences by making use of these results is suggested.

Analyzing the tradeoff between electrical complexity and accuracy in patient-specific computational models of deep brain stimulation.

PubMed

Howell, Bryan; McIntyre, Cameron C

2016-06-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an adjunctive therapy that is effective in treating movement disorders and shows promise for treating psychiatric disorders. Computational models of DBS have begun to be utilized as tools to optimize the therapy. Despite advancements in the anatomical accuracy of these models, there is still uncertainty as to what level of electrical complexity is adequate for modeling the electric field in the brain and the subsequent neural response to the stimulation. We used magnetic resonance images to create an image-based computational model of subthalamic DBS. The complexity of the volume conductor model was increased by incrementally including heterogeneity, anisotropy, and dielectric dispersion in the electrical properties of the brain. We quantified changes in the load of the electrode, the electric potential distribution, and stimulation thresholds of descending corticofugal (DCF) axon models. Incorporation of heterogeneity altered the electric potentials and subsequent stimulation thresholds, but to a lesser degree than incorporation of anisotropy. Additionally, the results were sensitive to the choice of method for defining anisotropy, with stimulation thresholds of DCF axons changing by as much as 190%. Typical approaches for defining anisotropy underestimate the expected load of the stimulation electrode, which led to underestimation of the extent of stimulation. More accurate predictions of the electrode load were achieved with alternative approaches for defining anisotropy. The effects of dielectric dispersion were small compared to the effects of heterogeneity and anisotropy. The results of this study help delineate the level of detail that is required to accurately model electric fields generated by DBS electrodes.

Analyzing the tradeoff between electrical complexity and accuracy in patient-specific computational models of deep brain stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, Bryan; McIntyre, Cameron C.

2016-06-01

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an adjunctive therapy that is effective in treating movement disorders and shows promise for treating psychiatric disorders. Computational models of DBS have begun to be utilized as tools to optimize the therapy. Despite advancements in the anatomical accuracy of these models, there is still uncertainty as to what level of electrical complexity is adequate for modeling the electric field in the brain and the subsequent neural response to the stimulation. Approach. We used magnetic resonance images to create an image-based computational model of subthalamic DBS. The complexity of the volume conductor model was increased by incrementally including heterogeneity, anisotropy, and dielectric dispersion in the electrical properties of the brain. We quantified changes in the load of the electrode, the electric potential distribution, and stimulation thresholds of descending corticofugal (DCF) axon models. Main results. Incorporation of heterogeneity altered the electric potentials and subsequent stimulation thresholds, but to a lesser degree than incorporation of anisotropy. Additionally, the results were sensitive to the choice of method for defining anisotropy, with stimulation thresholds of DCF axons changing by as much as 190%. Typical approaches for defining anisotropy underestimate the expected load of the stimulation electrode, which led to underestimation of the extent of stimulation. More accurate predictions of the electrode load were achieved with alternative approaches for defining anisotropy. The effects of dielectric dispersion were small compared to the effects of heterogeneity and anisotropy. Significance. The results of this study help delineate the level of detail that is required to accurately model electric fields generated by DBS electrodes.

SansEC Sensing Technology - A New Tool for Designing Space Systems and Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodard, Stanley E.

2011-01-01

This paper presents concepts for using the NASA developed SansEC sensing technology for reconfiguring/modifying many space subsystems to add to their original function the ability to be sensors/sensor arrays without the addition of the electrical circuitry typically used for sensors. Each sensor is a self-resonating planar pattern of electrically conductive material that is an open-circuit single component without electrical connections. The sensors are wirelessly powered using external oscillating magnetic fields and when electrically excited respond with their own magnetic fields whose frequency, amplitude and bandwidth can be correlated with the magnitude of multiple unrelated physical quantities. These sensors have been demonstrated for numerous measurements required for spacecraft and inflatable/expandable structures. SansEC sensors are damage resilient and simple to fabricate. Thin films of conductive material can be used to create sensor arrays that function as sensing skins. Each sensor on the skin can be tailored for a science or engineering measurement. Additionally, each sensor has an inherent damage detection capability. These sensing skins can be used to redesign inflatable habitat multi-layer insulation to provide additional functions of environmental measurement and micrometeorite/orbital debris damage detections. The sensing skins can be deposited on planetary exploratory vehicles to increase the number of measurements with negligible weight increase.

Astrometric Calibration and Performance of the Dark Energy Camera

DOE PAGES

Bernstein, G. M.; Armstrong, R.; Plazas, A. A.; ...

2017-05-30

We characterize the ability of the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) to perform relative astrometry across its 500 Mpix, 3more » $deg^2$ science field of view, and across 4 years of operation. This is done using internal comparisons of $~ 4 x 10^7$ measurements of high-S/N stellar images obtained in repeat visits to fields of moderate stellar density, with the telescope dithered to move the sources around the array. An empirical astrometric model includes terms for: optical distortions; stray electric fields in the CCD detectors; chromatic terms in the instrumental and atmospheric optics; shifts in CCD relative positions of up to $$\\approx 10 \\mu m$$ when the DECam temperature cycles; and low-order distortions to each exposure from changes in atmospheric refraction and telescope alignment. Errors in this astrometric model are dominated by stochastic variations with typical amplitudes of 10-30 mas (in a 30 s exposure) and $$5^{\\prime}-10^{\\prime}$$ arcmin coherence length, plausibly attributed to Kolmogorov-spectrum atmospheric turbulence. The size of these atmospheric distortions is not closely related to the seeing. Given an astrometric reference catalog at density $$\\approx 0.7$$ $$arcmin^{-2}$$, e.g. from Gaia, the typical atmospheric distortions can be interpolated to $$\\approx$$ 7 mas RMS accuracy (for 30 s exposures) with $$1^{\\prime}$$ arcmin coherence length for residual errors. Remaining detectable error contributors are 2-4 mas RMS from unmodelled stray electric fields in the devices, and another 2-4 mas RMS from focal plane shifts between camera thermal cycles. Thus the astrometric solution for a single DECam exposure is accurate to 3-6 mas ( $$\\approx$$ 0.02 pixels, or $$\\approx$$ 300 nm) on the focal plane, plus the stochastic atmospheric distortion.« less

Analytic Solution to the Problem of Aircraft Electric Field Mill Calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshak, William

2003-01-01

It is by no means a simple task to retrieve storm electric fields from an aircraft instrumented with electric field mill sensors. The presence of the aircraft distorts the ambient field in a complicated way. Before retrievals of the storm field can be made, the field mill measurement system must be "calibrated". In other words, a relationship between impressed (i.e., ambient) electric field and mill output must be established. If this relationship can be determined, it is mathematically inverted so that ambient field can be inferred from the mill outputs. Previous studies have primarily focused on linear theories where the relationship between ambient field and mill output is described by a "calibration matrix" M. Each element of the matrix describes how a particular component of the ambient field is enhanced by the aircraft. For example the product M(sub ix), E(sub x), is the contribution of the E(sub x) field to the i(th) mill output. Similarly, net aircraft charge (described by a "charge field component" E(sub q)) contributes an amount M(sub iq)E(sub q) to the output of the i(th) sensor. The central difficulty in obtaining M stems from the fact that the impressed field (E(sub x), E(sub y), E(sub z), E(sub q) is not known but is instead estimated. Typically, the aircraft is flown through a series of roll and pitch maneuvers in fair weather, and the values of the fair weather field and aircraft charge are estimated at each point along the aircraft trajectory. These initial estimates are often highly inadequate, but several investigators have improved the estimates by implementing various (ad hoc) iterative methods. Unfortunately, none of the iterative methods guarantee absolute convergence to correct values (i.e., absolute convergence to correct values has not been rigorously proven). In this work, the mathematical problem is solved directly by analytic means. For m mills installed on an arbitrary aircraft, it is shown that it is possible to solve for a single 2m-vector that provides all other needed variables (i.e., the unknown fair weather field, the unknown aircraft charge, and the unknown matrix M). Numerical tests of the solution, effects of measurement errors, and studies of solution non-uniqueness are ongoing as of this writing.

A first look at lightning energy determined from GLM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bitzer, P. M.; Burchfield, J. C.; Brunner, K. N.

2017-12-01

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) was launched in November 2016 onboard GOES-16 has been undergoing post launch and product post launch testing. While these have typically focused on lightning metrics such as detection efficiency, false alarm rate, and location accuracy, there are other attributes of the lightning discharge that are provided by GLM data. Namely, the optical energy radiated by lightning may provide information useful for lightning physics and the relationship of lightning energy to severe weather development. This work presents initial estimates of the lightning optical energy detected by GLM during this initial testing, with a focus on observations during field campaign during spring 2017 in Huntsville. This region is advantageous for the comparison due to the proliferation of ground-based lightning instrumentation, including a lightning mapping array, interferometer, HAMMA (an array of electric field change meters), high speed video cameras, and several long range VLF networks. In addition, the field campaign included airborne observations of the optical emission and electric field changes. The initial estimates will be compared with previous observations using TRMM-LIS. In addition, a comparison between the operational and scientific GLM data sets will also be discussed.

Step-off, vertical electromagnetic responses of a deep resistivity layer buried in marine sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Hangilro; Jang, Hannuree; Lee, Ki Ha; Kim, Hee Joon

2013-04-01

A frequency-domain, marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method has been applied successfully in deep water areas for detecting hydrocarbon (HC) reservoirs. However, a typical technique with horizontal transmitters and receivers requires large source-receiver separations with respect to the target depth. A time-domain EM system with vertical transmitters and receivers can be an alternative because vertical electric fields are sensitive to deep resistive layers. In this paper, a time-domain modelling code, with multiple source and receiver dipoles that are finite in length, has been written to investigate transient EM problems. With the use of this code, we calculate step-off responses for one-dimensional HC reservoir models. Although the vertical electric field has much smaller amplitude of signal than the horizontal field, vertical currents resulting from a vertical transmitter are sensitive to resistive layers. The modelling shows a significant difference between step-off responses of HC- and water-filled reservoirs, and the contrast can be recognized at late times at relatively short offsets. A maximum contrast occurs at more than 4 s, being delayed with the depth of the HC layer.

Degradation Mechanisms for GaN and GaAs High Speed Transistors

PubMed Central

Cheney, David J.; Douglas, Erica A.; Liu, Lu; Lo, Chien-Fong; Gila, Brent P.; Ren, Fan; Pearton, Stephen J.

2012-01-01

We present a review of reliability issues in AlGaN/GaN and AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) as well as Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) in the AlGaAs/GaAs materials systems. Because of the complex nature and multi-faceted operation modes of these devices, reliability studies must go beyond the typical Arrhenius accelerated life tests. We review the electric field driven degradation in devices with different gate metallization, device dimensions, electric field mitigation techniques (such as source field plate), and the effect of device fabrication processes for both DC and RF stress conditions. We summarize the degradation mechanisms that limit the lifetime of these devices. A variety of contact and surface degradation mechanisms have been reported, but differ in the two device technologies: For HEMTs, the layers are thin and relatively lightly doped compared to HBT structures and there is a metal Schottky gate that is directly on the semiconductor. By contrast, the HBT relies on pn junctions for current modulation and has only Ohmic contacts. This leads to different degradation mechanisms for the two types of devices.

Design of high breakdown voltage GaN vertical HFETs with p-GaN buried buffer layers for power switching applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jiangfeng; Liu, Dong; Zhao, Ziqi; Bai, Zhiyuan; Li, Liang; Mo, Jianghui; Yu, Qi

2015-07-01

To achieve a high breakdown voltage, a GaN vertical heterostructure field effect transistor with p-GaN buried layers (PBL-VHFET) is proposed in this paper. The breakdown voltage of this GaN-based PBL-VHFET could be improved significantly by the optimizing thickness of p-GaN buried layers and doping concentration in PBL. When the GaN buffer layer thickness is 15 μm, the thickness, length and p-doping concentration of PBL are 0.3 μm, 2.7 μm, and 3 × 1017 cm-3, respectively. Simulation results show that the breakdown voltage and on-resistance of the device with two p-GaN buried layers are 3022 V and 3.13 mΩ cm2, respectively. The average breakdown electric field would reach as high as 201.5 V/μm. Compared with the typical GaN vertical heterostructure FETs without PBL, both of breakdown voltage and average breakdown electric field of device are increased more than 50%.

Photoinduced current transient spectroscopy of deep levels and transport mechanisms in iron-doped GaN thin films grown by low pressure-metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muret, P.; Pernot, J.; Azize, M.; Bougrioua, Z.

2007-09-01

Electrical transport and deep levels are investigated in GaN:Fe layers epitaxially grown on sapphire by low pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Photoinduced current transient spectroscopy and current detected deep level spectroscopy are performed between 200 and 650 K on three Fe-doped samples and an undoped sample. A detailed study of the detected deep levels assigns dominant centers to a deep donor 1.39 eV below the conduction band edge EC and to a deep acceptor 0.75 eV above the valence band edge EV at low electric field. A strong Poole-Frenkel effect is evidenced for the donor. Schottky diodes characteristics and transport properties in the bulk GaN:Fe layer containing a homogenous concentration of 1019 Fe/cm3 are typical of a compensated semiconductor. They both indicate that the bulk Fermi level is located typically 1.4 eV below EC, in agreement with the neutrality equation and dominance of the deep donor concentration. This set of results demonstrates unambiguously that electrical transport in GaN:Fe is governed by both types, either donor or acceptor, of the iron impurity, either substitutional in gallium sites or associated with other defects.

Influence of Chromium Doping on Electrical and Magnetic Behavior of Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lalitha, G.; Pavan Kumar, N.; Venugopal Reddy, P.

2018-04-01

With a view to understand the influence of chromium doping at the Mn site on the electrical and magnetic behavior of the Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 manganite system, a series of samples were prepared by the citrate sol-gel route method. The samples were characterized structurally by XRD. A systematic investigation of electrical resistivity over a temperature range 5-300 K was carried out mainly to understand the magneto-transport behavior in these materials. Studies on the variation of magnetization with temperature over a temperature range 80-330 K were undertaken. Investigation of magnetization at different magnetic fields at two different temperatures, viz. 80 and 300 K, was also carried out. The results show that chromium doping gave typical electrical and magnetic properties. It has been concluded that the coexistence of charge ordered and ferromagnetic phases induced by chromium doping plays an important role in the low-temperature behavior of the system.

Dual-polarized light-field imaging micro-system via a liquid-crystal microlens array for direct three-dimensional observation.

PubMed

Xin, Zhaowei; Wei, Dong; Xie, Xingwang; Chen, Mingce; Zhang, Xinyu; Liao, Jing; Wang, Haiwei; Xie, Changsheng

2018-02-19

Light-field imaging is a crucial and straightforward way of measuring and analyzing surrounding light worlds. In this paper, a dual-polarized light-field imaging micro-system based on a twisted nematic liquid-crystal microlens array (TN-LCMLA) for direct three-dimensional (3D) observation is fabricated and demonstrated. The prototyped camera has been constructed by integrating a TN-LCMLA with a common CMOS sensor array. By switching the working state of the TN-LCMLA, two orthogonally polarized light-field images can be remapped through the functioned imaging sensors. The imaging micro-system in conjunction with the electric-optical microstructure can be used to perform polarization and light-field imaging, simultaneously. Compared with conventional plenoptic cameras using liquid-crystal microlens array, the polarization-independent light-field images with a high image quality can be obtained in the arbitrary polarization state selected. We experimentally demonstrate characters including a relatively wide operation range in the manipulation of incident beams and the multiple imaging modes, such as conventional two-dimensional imaging, light-field imaging, and polarization imaging. Considering the obvious features of the TN-LCMLA, such as very low power consumption, providing multiple imaging modes mentioned, simple and low-cost manufacturing, the imaging micro-system integrated with this kind of liquid-crystal microstructure driven electrically presents the potential capability of directly observing a 3D object in typical scattering media.

Global Three-Dimensional Simulation of Earth's Dayside Reconnection Using a Two-Way Coupled Magnetohydrodynamics With Embedded Particle-in-Cell Model: Initial Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yuxi; Tóth, Gábor; Cassak, Paul; Jia, Xianzhe; Gombosi, Tamas I.; Slavin, James A.; Markidis, Stefano; Peng, Ivy Bo; Jordanova, Vania K.; Henderson, Michael G.

2017-10-01

We perform a three-dimensional (3-D) global simulation of Earth's magnetosphere with kinetic reconnection physics to study the flux transfer events (FTEs) and dayside magnetic reconnection with the recently developed magnetohydrodynamics with embedded particle-in-cell model. During the 1 h long simulation, the FTEs are generated quasi-periodically near the subsolar point and move toward the poles. We find that the magnetic field signature of FTEs at their early formation stage is similar to a "crater FTE," which is characterized by a magnetic field strength dip at the FTE center. After the FTE core field grows to a significant value, it becomes an FTE with typical flux rope structure. When an FTE moves across the cusp, reconnection between the FTE field lines and the cusp field lines can dissipate the FTE. The kinetic features are also captured by our model. A crescent electron phase space distribution is found near the reconnection site. A similar distribution is found for ions at the location where the Larmor electric field appears. The lower hybrid drift instability (LHDI) along the current sheet direction also arises at the interface of magnetosheath and magnetosphere plasma. The LHDI electric field is about 8 mV/m, and its dominant wavelength relative to the electron gyroradius agrees reasonably with Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) observations.

Magnetic field cycling effect on the non-linear current-voltage characteristics and magnetic field induced negative differential resistance in α-Fe1.64Ga0.36O3 oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmik, R. N.; Vijayasri, G.

2015-06-01

We have studied current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of α-Fe1.64Ga0.36O3, a typical canted ferromagnetic semiconductor. The sample showed a transformation of the I-V curves from linear to non-linear character with the increase of bias voltage. The I-V curves showed irreversible features with hysteresis loop and bi-stable electronic states for up and down modes of voltage sweep. We report positive magnetoresistance and magnetic field induced negative differential resistance as the first time observed phenomena in metal doped hematite system. The magnitudes of critical voltage at which I-V curve showed peak and corresponding peak current are affected by magnetic field cycling. The shift of the peak voltage with magnetic field showed a step-wise jump between two discrete voltage levels with least gap (ΔVP) 0.345(± 0.001) V. The magnetic spin dependent electronic charge transport in this new class of magnetic semiconductor opens a wide scope for tuning large electroresistance (˜500-700%), magnetoresistance (70-135 %) and charge-spin dependent conductivity under suitable control of electric and magnetic fields. The electric and magnetic field controlled charge-spin transport is interesting for applications of the magnetic materials in spintronics, e.g., magnetic sensor, memory devices and digital switching.

The application and research status of tin whisker formation in electric usage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Heng; Liu, Qing-bin; Lan, Yuan-pei; Wang, Hua; Yao, Da-wei

2017-05-01

`Hair Like' crystalline structure grows from most pure tin or zinc finishes. Usually, the diameter of tin whisker is up to 10 mm and the length of tin whisker is typically 1 µm. In detail, the questions for tin whisker formation are classified into 6 categories: 1. Residual stress with in the tin plating; 2. Intermetallic Formation; 3. Externally Applied Compressive Stress; 4. Bending and Stretching; 5. Scratches and Nicks; 6. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Mismatches. The result shows that, whisker formation could causes electrical short circuit (High current of whisker melting), debris contamination (Sensitive Optical and Micro Electrical Mechanical System) and metal vapor (Vaporize Damage). Thus, it is suggested that environmental tests and standards (Whisker Shape, Temperature, Pressure, Moisture, Thermal Cycling, and Electrical Field) are required for suppressing whisker formation. Nowadays, the new standards committee of Europe Union acts RoHS (Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) to restrict Pb usage. Thus, new compounds adding to alloys to suppress whiskers are required in electronic application area. In summary, the tin whisker formation is largely influenced by compositions and precipitations.

Simulation of the electric potential and plasma generation coupling in magnetron sputtering discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trieschmann, Jan; Krueger, Dennis; Schmidt, Frederik; Brinkmann, Ralf Peter; Mussenbrock, Thomas

2016-09-01

Magnetron sputtering typically operated at low pressures below 1 Pa is a widely applied deposition technique. For both, high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) as well as direct current magnetron sputtering (dcMS) the phenomenon of rotating ionization zones (also referred to as spokes) has been observed. A distinct spatial profile of the electric potential has been associated with the latter, giving rise to low, mid, and high energy groups of ions observed at the substrate. The adherent question of which mechanism drives this process is still not fully understood. This query is approached using Monte Carlo simulations of the heavy particle (i.e., ions and neutrals) transport consistently coupled to a pre-specified electron density profile via the intrinsic electric field. The coupling between the plasma generation and the electric potential, which establishes correspondingly, is investigated. While the system is observed to strive towards quasi-neutrality, distinct mechanisms governing the shape of the electric potential profile are identified. This work is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in the frame of the transregional collaborative research centre TRR 87.

On the mechanism of X-ray production by dart leaders of lightning flashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooray, Vernon; Dwyer, Joseph; Rakov, V.; Rahman, Mahbubur

2010-07-01

Radiation with energies up to about 250 keV associated with the dart leader phase of rocket-triggered lightning were reported by Dwyer et al. (2004). The mechanism of X-ray generation by dart leaders, however, is unknown at present. Recently, Cooray et al. (2009a) developed physical concepts and mathematical techniques necessary to calculate the electric field associated with the tip of dart leaders. We have utilized the results of these calculations together with the energy dependent frictional force on electrons, as presented by Moss et al. (2006), to evaluate the maximum energy an electron will receive in accelerating in the dart-leader-tip electric field. The main assumptions made in performing the calculations are: (a) the dart leader channel is straight and vertical; (b) the path of the electrons are straight inside the channel; and (c) the decay of the channel temperature is uniform along the length of the dart leader. In the calculation, we have taken into account the fact that the electric field is changing both in space and time and that the gas in the defunct return stroke channel is at atmospheric pressure and at elevated temperature (i.e. reduced gas density). The results of the calculation show that for a given dart leader current there is a critical defunct-return-stroke-channel temperature above which the cold electron runaway becomes feasible. For a typical dart leader, this temperature is around 2500 K. This critical temperature decreases with increase in dart leader current. Since the temperature of the defunct return stroke channel may lie in the range of 2000-4000 K, the results show that the electric field at the tip of dart leaders is capable of accelerating electrons to MeV energy levels.

Au nanostructure arrays for plasmonic applications: annealed island films versus nanoimprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopatynskyi, Andrii M.; Lytvyn, Vitalii K.; Nazarenko, Volodymyr I.; Guo, L. Jay; Lucas, Brandon D.; Chegel, Volodymyr I.

2015-03-01

This paper attempts to compare the main features of random and highly ordered gold nanostructure arrays (NSA) prepared by thermally annealed island film and nanoimprint lithography (NIL) techniques, respectively. Each substrate possesses different morphology in terms of plasmonic enhancement. Both methods allow such important features as spectral tuning of plasmon resonance position depending on size and shape of nanostructures; however, the time and cost is quite different. The respective comparison was performed experimentally and theoretically for a number of samples with different geometrical parameters. Spectral characteristics of fabricated NSA exhibited an expressed plasmon peak in the range from 576 to 809 nm for thermally annealed samples and from 606 to 783 nm for samples prepared by NIL. Modelling of the optical response for nanostructures with typical shapes associated with these techniques (parallelepiped for NIL and semi-ellipsoid for annealed island films) was performed using finite-difference time-domain calculations. Mathematical simulations have indicated the dependence of electric field enhancement on the shape and size of the nanoparticles. As an important point, the distribution of electric field at so-called `hot spots' was considered. Parallelepiped-shaped nanoparticles were shown to yield maximal enhancement values by an order of magnitude greater than their semi-ellipsoid-shaped counterparts; however, both nanoparticle shapes have demonstrated comparable effective electrical field enhancement values. Optimized Au nanostructures with equivalent diameters ranging from 85 to 143 nm and height equal to 35 nm were obtained for both techniques, resulting in the largest electrical field enhancement. The application of island film thermal annealing method for nanochips fabrication can be considered as a possible cost-effective platform for various surface-enhanced spectroscopies; while the NIL-fabricated NSA looks like more effective for sensing of small-size objects.

Measurement of atomic electric fields and charge densities from average momentum transfers using scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Müller-Caspary, Knut; Krause, Florian F; Grieb, Tim; Löffler, Stefan; Schowalter, Marco; Béché, Armand; Galioit, Vincent; Marquardt, Dennis; Zweck, Josef; Schattschneider, Peter; Verbeeck, Johan; Rosenauer, Andreas

2017-07-01

This study sheds light on the prerequisites, possibilities, limitations and interpretation of high-resolution differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). We draw particular attention to the well-established DPC technique based on segmented annular detectors and its relation to recent developments based on pixelated detectors. These employ the expectation value of the momentum transfer as a reliable measure of the angular deflection of the STEM beam induced by an electric field in the specimen. The influence of scattering and propagation of electrons within the specimen is initially discussed separately and then treated in terms of a two-state channeling theory. A detailed simulation study of GaN is presented as a function of specimen thickness and bonding. It is found that bonding effects are rather detectable implicitly, e.g., by characteristics of the momentum flux in areas between the atoms than by directly mapping electric fields and charge densities. For strontium titanate, experimental charge densities are compared with simulations and discussed with respect to experimental artifacts such as scan noise. Finally, we consider practical issues such as figures of merit for spatial and momentum resolution, minimum electron dose, and the mapping of larger-scale, built-in electric fields by virtue of data averaged over a crystal unit cell. We find that the latter is possible for crystals with an inversion center. Concerning the optimal detector design, this study indicates that a sampling of 5mrad per pixel is sufficient in typical applications, corresponding to approximately 10×10 available pixels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Continuous-flow multi-pulse electroporation at low DC voltages by microfluidic flipping of the voltage space topology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharjee, N.; Horowitz, L. F.; Folch, A.

2016-10-01

Concerns over biosafety, cost, and carrying capacity of viral vectors have accelerated research into physical techniques for gene delivery such as electroporation and mechanoporation. Advances in microfabrication have made it possible to create high electric fields over microscales, resulting in more efficient DNA delivery and higher cell viability. Continuous-flow microfluidic methods are typically more suitable for cellular therapies where a large number of cells need to be transfected under sterile conditions. However, the existing continuous-flow designs used to generate multiple pulses either require expensive peripherals such as high-voltage (>400 V) sources or function generators, or result in reduced cell viability due to the proximity of the cells to the electrodes. In this paper, we report a continuous-flow microfluidic device whose channel geometry reduces instrumentation demands and minimizes cellular toxicity. Our design can generate multiple pulses of high DC electric field strength using significantly lower voltages (15-60 V) than previous designs. The cells flow along a serpentine channel that repeatedly flips the cells between a cathode and an anode at high throughput. The cells must flow through a constriction each time they pass from an anode to a cathode, exposing them to high electric field strength for short durations of time (the "pulse-width"). A conductive biocompatible poly-aniline hydrogel network formed in situ is used to apply the DC voltage without bringing the metal electrodes close to the cells, further sheltering cells from the already low voltage electrodes. The device was used to electroporate multiple cell lines using electric field strengths between 700 and 800 V/cm with transfection efficiencies superior than previous flow-through designs.

Continuous-flow multi-pulse electroporation at low DC voltages by microfluidic flipping of the voltage space topology.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, N; Horowitz, L F; Folch, A

2016-10-17

Concerns over biosafety, cost, and carrying capacity of viral vectors have accelerated research into physical techniques for gene delivery such as electroporation and mechanoporation. Advances in microfabrication have made it possible to create high electric fields over microscales, resulting in more efficient DNA delivery and higher cell viability. Continuous-flow microfluidic methods are typically more suitable for cellular therapies where a large number of cells need to be transfected under sterile conditions. However, the existing continuous-flow designs used to generate multiple pulses either require expensive peripherals such as high-voltage (>400 V) sources or function generators, or result in reduced cell viability due to the proximity of the cells to the electrodes. In this paper, we report a continuous-flow microfluidic device whose channel geometry reduces instrumentation demands and minimizes cellular toxicity. Our design can generate multiple pulses of high DC electric field strength using significantly lower voltages (15-60 V) than previous designs. The cells flow along a serpentine channel that repeatedly flips the cells between a cathode and an anode at high throughput. The cells must flow through a constriction each time they pass from an anode to a cathode, exposing them to high electric field strength for short durations of time (the "pulse-width"). A conductive biocompatible poly-aniline hydrogel network formed in situ is used to apply the DC voltage without bringing the metal electrodes close to the cells, further sheltering cells from the already low voltage electrodes. The device was used to electroporate multiple cell lines using electric field strengths between 700 and 800 V/cm with transfection efficiencies superior than previous flow-through designs.

Optimizing Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences: Placing Physics in Biological Context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crouch, Catherine

2014-03-01

Physics is a critical foundation for today's life sciences and medicine. However, the physics content and ways of thinking identified by life scientists as most important for their fields are often not taught, or underemphasized, in traditional introductory physics courses. Furthermore, such courses rarely give students practice using physics to understand living systems in a substantial way. Consequently, students are unlikely to recognize the value of physics to their chosen fields, or to develop facility in applying physics to biological systems. At Swarthmore, as at several other institutions engaged in reforming this course, we have reorganized the introductory course for life science students around touchstone biological examples, in which fundamental physics contributes significantly to understanding biological phenomena or research techniques, in order to make explicit the value of physics to the life sciences. We have also focused on the physics topics and approaches most relevant to biology while seeking to develop rigorous qualitative reasoning and quantitative problem solving skills, using established pedagogical best practices. Each unit is motivated by and culminates with students analyzing one or more touchstone examples. For example, in the second semester we emphasize electric potential and potential difference more than electric field, and start from students' typically superficial understanding of the cell membrane potential and of electrical interactions in biochemistry to help them develop a more sophisticated understanding of electric forces, field, and potential, including in the salt water environment of life. Other second semester touchstones include optics of vision and microscopes, circuit models for neural signaling, and magnetotactic bacteria. When possible, we have adapted existing research-based curricular materials to support these examples. This talk will describe the design and development process for this course, give examples of materials, and present initial assessment data evaluating both content learning and student attitudes.

Testing a generalized domain model of photodegradation and self-healing using novel optical characterization techniques and the effects of an applied electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Benjamin R.

Reversible photodegradation is a relatively new phenomenon which is not well understood. Previous research into the phenomenon has focused primarily on non-linear measurements such as amplified spontaneous emission(ASE) and two-photon fluorescence(TPF). We expand on this research by considering linear optical mea- surements, such as transmittance imaging and absorption spectroscopy, of disperse orange 11(DO11) dye-doped (poly)methyl-methacralate(PMMA) thin films and find photodegradation to contain both a reversible component and irreversible component, with the irreversible component having a small nonlinear susceptibility. From absorption measurements, and the small nonlinear susceptibility of the irreversible component, we hypothesize that the reversible component corresponds to damage to the dye, and the irreversible component is due to damage to the polymer host. Also, we develop models of depth dependent photodegradation taking pump beam absorption and propagation into account. We find that pump absorption must be taken into account, and that ignoring the effect leads to an underestimation of the true decay rate and degree of damage. In addition, we find pump propagation effects occur on large length scales, such that they are negligible when compared to absorption and typical sample thicknesses. Finally, we perform electric field dependent reversible photodegradation measurements and find that the underlying mechanism of reversible photodegradation is sensitive to the dye-doped polymer's electrical properties. We develop an extension to the correlated chromophore domain model to include the effect of an applied field, and find the model to fit experimental data for varying intensity, temperature, and applied electric field with only one set of model parameters.

Effect of Electric Field on the Wetting Behavior of Eutectic Gallium-Indium Alloys in Aqueous Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Bo; He, Zhi-Zhu; Liu, Jing

2018-02-01

Room-temperature liquid metals have many intriguing properties that have not previously been fully understood. Among them, surface tension behaviors of such metals are especially critical in a group of newly emerging areas such as printed electronics, functional materials and soft machines, etc. This study is dedicated to clarifying the wettability of liquid metals on various substrate surfaces with varied roughness immersed in solutions when subject to an electric field. The contact angles of Ga75.5In24.5 in several typical liquids were comprehensively measured and interpreted, and were revealed to be affected by the components and concentration of the environmental solution. Meanwhile, the roughness of the substrates is also revealed to be an important parameter dominating the process. The dynamic wetting behaviors of liquid metal in aqueous environment under an electric field were quantified. The contact angle values of eutectic gallium-indium alloys (eGaIn) on titanium substrates with different roughness would lead to better electrowetting performances on rougher surfaces. In particular, using an electrical field to control the wetting status of liquid metal with the matching substrate have been illustrated, which would offer a practical way to flexibly control liquid metal-based functional devices working in an aqueous environment. Furthermore, Lippmann-Young's equation reveals the relationship between contact angle and applied voltage, explaining the excellent electrowetting property of eGaIn. The power law, R = αt β , was adopted to characterize the two-stage wetting process of eGaIn under different voltages. In the initial process, β ≈ 1/2 represents the complete wetting law, while the later one, β ≈ 1/10, meets with Tanner's law of a drop spontaneously spreading on a smooth surface.

Experimental study on the responsivity enhancement of Mn1.56Co0.96Ni0.48O4 detector under moderate bias field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wei; Hou, Yun; Gao, Yan Qing; Zhang, Leibo; Huang, Zhi Ming

2011-08-01

As a typical thermal sensitive material, Mn1.56Co0.96Ni0.48O4 (MCN) has achieved widely applications in uncooled bolometer. In this paper, we report that a large increase in electrical conductivity of MCN is obtained with moderate electric-field strengths (E~103V/cm) applied at room temperature (about 300K). Great enhancement in the responsivity is observed when operating with a proper electric bias field, which corresponds to a threshold voltage VTh. MCN bulk materials are prepared by using the sintering method. Micro MCN detector is fabricated by scribing the bulk material into pieces sized 200×100×10μm. The detector is clinged to an Al2O3 substrate with some electrical insulated epoxy glue which is mounted onto a Cu sink. The surrounding temperature is controlled precisely by a temperature controller with a precision of 1mK. Voltage-current characteristics at 270-330K are carefully examined. Different sweeping speeds of the bias-voltage are applied in different orders so as to find out a proper scanning rate, in which the electrical measurement is proceeded in a state of quasi-thermal equilibrium. According to quasi-thermal equilibrium and the time dependent nominal D.C. power, the temperature increase during the measurement is estimated. The conduction mechanism can be well explained with small polaron theory. Empirical equations are used to describe the thermal dynamic process in the pulsed mode, and the process is also simply simulated via numerical calculations. The experimental results and simulation works will be of some referential value to future studies in uncooled microbolometer made in transition metal oxides.

Graphene-graphite oxide field-effect transistors.

PubMed

Standley, Brian; Mendez, Anthony; Schmidgall, Emma; Bockrath, Marc

2012-03-14

Graphene's high mobility and two-dimensional nature make it an attractive material for field-effect transistors. Previous efforts in this area have used bulk gate dielectric materials such as SiO(2) or HfO(2). In contrast, we have studied the use of an ultrathin layered material, graphene's insulating analogue, graphite oxide. We have fabricated transistors comprising single or bilayer graphene channels, graphite oxide gate insulators, and metal top-gates. The graphite oxide layers show relatively minimal leakage at room temperature. The breakdown electric field of graphite oxide was found to be comparable to SiO(2), typically ~1-3 × 10(8) V/m, while its dielectric constant is slightly higher, κ ≈ 4.3. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Hydrodynamic mode associated with the pinch flow in RFP simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delzanno, Gian Luca; Chacon, Luis; Finn, John

2007-11-01

We present a systematic study of single helicity (SH) states and quasi-single helicity (QSH) states in RFPs. We begin with cylindrical paramagnetic pinch equilibria with uniform resistivity, characterized by a single dimensionless parameter proportional to the toroidal electric field, or the RFP toroidal current parameter θ. For sufficiently high θ, there are several unstable m=1 ideal MHD instabilities, typically one of which is nonresonant, with 1/n just above q(r=0). We evolve these modes nonlinearly to saturation for low Hartmann number H. We show the existence of a new class of unstable modes [1], besides the electromagnetic kink modes typically responsible for the reversal of the axial magnetic field at the edge in RFPs. This new instability is hydrodynamic in nature and is due to the inward equilibrium pinch flow and suitable boundary conditions. In these circumstances, the total angular momentum of the system must grow in response to the flux of particles coming from the boundary. The hydrodynamic mode dominates the nonlinear phase of the velocity field but has little effect on the dynamics of the magnetic field. [1] G.L. Delzanno, L. Chac'on, J.M. Finn, Hydrodynamic mode associated with the pinch flow in Reversed Field Pinch simulations, submitted (2007).

Electrohydrodynamic fibrillation governed enhanced thermal transport in dielectric colloids under a field stimulus.

PubMed

Dhar, Purbarun; Maganti, Lakshmi Sirisha; Harikrishnan, A R

2018-05-30

Electrorheological (ER) fluids are known to exhibit enhanced viscous effects under an electric field stimulus. The present article reports the hitherto unreported phenomenon of greatly enhanced thermal conductivity in such electro-active colloidal dispersions in the presence of an externally applied electric field. Typical ER fluids are synthesized employing dielectric fluids and nanoparticles and experiments are performed employing an in-house designed setup. Greatly augmented thermal conductivity under a field's influence was observed. Enhanced thermal conduction along the fibril structures under the field effect is theorized as the crux of the mechanism. The formation of fibril structures has also been experimentally verified employing microscopy. Based on classical models for ER fluids, a mathematical formalism has been developed to predict the propensity of chain formation and statistically feasible chain dynamics at given Mason numbers. Further, a thermal resistance network model is employed to computationally predict the enhanced thermal conduction across the fibrillary colloid microstructure. Good agreement between the mathematical model and the experimental observations is achieved. The domineering role of thermal conductivity over relative permittivity has been shown by proposing a modified Hashin-Shtrikman (HS) formalism. The findings have implications towards better physical understanding and design of ER fluids from both 'smart' viscoelastic as well as thermally active materials points of view.

Frequency Control of Single Quantum Emitters in Integrated Photonic Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidgall, Emma R.; Chakravarthi, Srivatsa; Gould, Michael; Christen, Ian R.; Hestroffer, Karine; Hatami, Fariba; Fu, Kai-Mei C.

2018-02-01

Generating entangled graph states of qubits requires high entanglement rates, with efficient detection of multiple indistinguishable photons from separate qubits. Integrating defect-based qubits into photonic devices results in an enhanced photon collection efficiency, however, typically at the cost of a reduced defect emission energy homogeneity. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction in defect homogeneity in an integrated device can be partially offset by electric field tuning. Using photonic device-coupled implanted nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in a GaP-on-diamond platform, we demonstrate large field-dependent tuning ranges and partial stabilization of defect emission energies. These results address some of the challenges of chip-scale entanglement generation.

Cathode fall measurement in a dielectric barrier discharge in helium

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

Hao, Yanpeng; Zheng, Bin; Liu, Yaoge

2013-11-15

A method based on the “zero-length voltage” extrapolation is proposed to measure cathode fall in a dielectric barrier discharge. Starting, stable, and discharge-maintaining voltages were measured to obtain the extrapolation zero-length voltage. Under our experimental conditions, the “zero-length voltage” gave a cathode fall of about 185 V. Based on the known thickness of the cathode fall region, the spatial distribution of the electric field strength in dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric helium is determined. The strong cathode fall with a maximum field value of approximately 9.25 kV/cm was typical for the glow mode of the discharge.

Frequency Control of Single Quantum Emitters in Integrated Photonic Circuits.

PubMed

Schmidgall, Emma R; Chakravarthi, Srivatsa; Gould, Michael; Christen, Ian R; Hestroffer, Karine; Hatami, Fariba; Fu, Kai-Mei C

2018-02-14

Generating entangled graph states of qubits requires high entanglement rates with efficient detection of multiple indistinguishable photons from separate qubits. Integrating defect-based qubits into photonic devices results in an enhanced photon collection efficiency, however, typically at the cost of a reduced defect emission energy homogeneity. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction in defect homogeneity in an integrated device can be partially offset by electric field tuning. Using photonic device-coupled implanted nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in a GaP-on-diamond platform, we demonstrate large field-dependent tuning ranges and partial stabilization of defect emission energies. These results address some of the challenges of chip-scale entanglement generation.

Rocketborne observations of ion convection and electric fields in dayside and nightside visual auroral arcs

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

Yau, A.W.; Whalen, B.A.; Creutzberg, F.

1981-08-01

We present ionospheric ion convection measurements in a series of four rocket payloads in and near dayside and nightside auroral arcs: one at Cape Parry (75.4/sup 0/N invariant latitude) near 1300 MLT and three at Churchill (70.0/sup 0/N invariant latitude) between 1900 and 2200 MLT. Direct measurements were made of the ionospheric ion velocity distribution function, and the observed ion convection velocities and equivalent convective electric fields were correlated with the energetic particle precipitation, the optical morphology of the aurora, and the topology of the geomagnetic field. Both in the postnoon and premidnight sectors it was observed that (1) equatorwardmore » of the region(s) of precipitation the ion flow was predominantly westward, with velocity of about 1 km/s; (2) poleward of the region(s) the flow was predominantly westward, with velocity of about 1 km/s; (2) poleward of the region(s) the flow was predominantly eastward: (3) the change in the flow direction, where observed, occurred near though not exactly at the edges of the precipitation region; (4) the flow inside the precipitation region was lower; (5) the reversal of the ion flow, where observed, occurred on closed magnetic field lines; and (6) the convective electric field typically dropped from 40 to 80 mV/m outside the precipitation region to 10 to 30 mV/m within. In the dayside Cape Perry flight, where quantitative photometric measurements were available, detailed anticorrelation between the ion convection speed and the green line emission intensity was also observed.« less

[Measurement of chemical agents in metallurgy field: electric steel plant].

PubMed

Cottica, D; Grignani, E; Ghitti, R; Festa, D; Apostoli, P

2012-01-01

The steel industry maintains its important position in the context of the Italian production involving thousands of workers. The iron and steel processes are divided into primary steel industry, production of intermediate minerals, and secondary steel, scrap from the production of semi-finished industrial and consumer sector (metal inserted into components and metal used for dissipative uses, primarily coatings) and industrial waste. The paper presents the results of environmental monitoring carried out in some electric steel plant for the measurement of airborne chemicals that characterize the occupational exposure of workers employed in particular area like electric oven, to treatment outside the furnace, continuous casting area. For the sampling of the pollutants were used both personal and in fixed positions samplers. The pollutants measured are those typical of steel processes inhalable dust, metals, respirable dust, crystalline silica, but also Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs).

Microwave assisted growth of nanorods vanadium dioxide VO2 (R): structural and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derkaoui, I.; Khenfouch, M.; Mothudi, B. M.; Moloi, S. J.; Zorkani, I.; Jorio, A.; Maaza, M.

2018-03-01

Nanostructured metal oxides have attracted a lot of attention recently owning to their unique structural advantages and demonstrated promising chemical and physical properties for various applications. In this study, we report the structural and electrical properties of vanadium dioxide VO2 (R) prepared via a single reaction microwave (SRC) synthesis. Our results are revealing that the components of VO2 (R) films have a rod-like shape with a uniform size distribution. The nanorods with very smooth and flat surfaces have a typical length of up to 2μm and a width of about several nanometers. The structural investigations reveal the high crystallinity of VO2 (R) ensuring good electrical contact and showing a high conductivity as a function of temperature. This synthesis method provides a new simple route to fabricate one-dimensional nanostructured metal oxides which is suitable for a large field of applications especially for smart windows.

Improving water content estimation on landslide-prone hillslopes using structurally-constrained inversion of electrical resistivity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinze, Thomas; Möhring, Simon; Budler, Jasmin; Weigand, Maximilian; Kemna, Andreas

2017-04-01

Rainfall-triggered landslides are a latent danger in almost any place of the world. Due to climate change heavy rainfalls might occur more often, increasing the risk of landslides. With pore pressure as mechanical trigger, knowledge of water content distribution in the ground is essential for hazard analysis during monitoring of potentially dangerous rainfall events. Geophysical methods like electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be utilized to determine the spatial distribution of water content using established soil physical relationships between bulk electrical resistivity and water content. However, often more dominant electrical contrasts due to lithological structures outplay these hydraulic signatures and blur the results in the inversion process. Additionally, the inversion of ERT data requires further constraints. In the standard Occam inversion method, a smoothness constraint is used, assuming that soil properties change softly in space. This applies in many scenarios, as for example during infiltration of water without a clear saturation front. Sharp lithological layers with strongly divergent hydrological parameters, as often found in landslide prone hillslopes, on the other hand, are typically badly resolved by standard ERT. We use a structurally constrained ERT inversion approach for improving water content estimation in landslide prone hills by including a-priori information about lithological layers. Here the standard smoothness constraint is reduced along layer boundaries identified using seismic data or other additional sources. This approach significantly improves water content estimations, because in landslide prone hills often a layer of rather high hydraulic conductivity is followed by a hydraulic barrier like clay-rich soil, causing higher pore pressures. One saturated layer and one almost drained layer typically result also in a sharp contrast in electrical resistivity, assuming that surface conductivity of the soil does not change in similar order. Using synthetic data, we study the influence of uncertainties in the a-priori information on the inverted resistivity and estimated water content distribution. Based on our simulation results, we provide best-practice recommendations for field applications and suggest important tests to obtain reliable, reproducible and trustworthy results. We finally apply our findings to field data, compare conventional and improved analysis results, and discuss limitations of the structurally-constrained inversion approach.

Electro-elastoviscous response of polyaniline functionalized nano-porous zeolite based colloidal dispersions.

PubMed

Chattopadhyay, Ankur; Rani, Poonam; Srivastava, Rajendra; Dhar, Purbarun

2018-06-01

The present article discusses the typical influence of grafted conducting polymers in the mesoscale pores of dielectric particles on the static and dynamic electrorheology and electro-viscoelastic behavior of corresponding colloids. Nanocrystalline meso-nanoporous zeolite has been prepared by chemical synthesis and subsequently polyaniline (PANI) coating has been implemented. Electrorheological (ER) suspensions have been formed by dispersing the nanoparticles in silicone oil and their viscoelastic behaviors are examined to understand the nature of such complex colloidal systems under electric fields. PANI-Zeolite ER fluids demonstrate higher static electroviscous effects and yield stress potential than untreated Zeolite, typically studied in literature. Transient electro-viscous characterizations show a stable and negligible hysteresis behavior when both the fluids are exposed to constant as well as time varying electric field intensities. Further oscillatory shear experiments of frequency and strain sweeps exhibit predominant elastic behavior in case of Zeolite based ER suspensions as compared to PANI systems. Detailed investigations reveal Zeolite based ER suspensions display enhanced relative yielding as well as electro-viscoelastic stability than the PANI-Zeolite. The steady state viscous behaviors are scaled against the non-dimensional Mason number to model the system behavior for both fluids. Experimental data of flow behaviors of both the ER fluids are compared with semi-classical models and it is found that the CCJ model possesses a closer proximity than traditional Bingham model, thereby revealing the fluids to be generic pseudo-linear fluids. The present article reveals that while the PANI based fluids are typically hailed superior in literature, it is only restricted to steady shear utilities. In case of dynamic and oscillatory systems, the traditional Zeolite based fluids exhibit superior ER caliber. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modeling and simulations of the double-probe electric field instrument in tenuous and cold streaming plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Y.; Cully, C. M.; Usui, H.; Nakashima, H.

2013-12-01

In order to increase accuracy and reliability of in-situ measurements made by scientific spacecraft, it is imperative to develop comprehensive understanding of spacecraft-plasma interactions. In space environments, not only the spacecraft charging but also surrounding plasma disturbances such as caused by the wake formation may interfere directly with in-situ measurements. The self-consistent solutions of such phenomena are necessary to assess their effects on scientific spacecraft systems. As our recent activity, we work on the modeling and simulations of Cluster double-probe instrument in tenuous and cold streaming plasmas [1]. Double-probe electric field sensors are often deployed using wire booms with radii much less than typical Debye lengths of magnetospheric plasmas (millimeters compared to tens of meters). However, in tenuous and cold streaming plasmas seen in the polar cap and lobe regions, the wire booms have a high positive potential due to photoelectron emission and can strongly scatter approaching ions. Consequently, an electrostatic wake formed behind the spacecraft is further enhanced by the presence of the wire booms. We reproduce this process for the case of the Cluster satellite by performing plasma particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations [2], which include the effects of both the spacecraft body and the wire booms in a simultaneous manner, on modern supercomputers. The simulations reveal that the effective thickness of the booms for the Cluster Electric Field and Wave (EFW) instrument is magnified from its real thickness (2.2 millimeters) to several meters, when the spacecraft potential is at 30-40 volts. Such booms enhance the wake electric field magnitude by a factor of about 2 depending on the spacecraft potential, and play a principal role in explaining the in situ Cluster EFW data showing sinusoidal spurious electric fields of about 10 mV/m amplitudes. The boom effects are quantified by comparing PIC simulations with and without wire booms. The paper also reports some recent progress of ongoing PIC simulation research that focuses on spurious electric field generation in subsonic ion flows. Our preliminary simulation results revealed that; (1) there is no apparent wake signature behind the spacecraft in such a condition, but (2) spurious electric field over 1 mV/m amplitude is observed in the direction of the flow vector. The observed field amplitude is sometimes comparable to the convection electric field (a few mV/m) associated with the flow. Our analysis also confirmed that the spurious field is caused by a weakly-asymmetric potential pattern created by the ion flow. We will present the parametric study of such spurious fields for various conditions of plasma flows. [References] [1] Miyake, Y., C. M. Cully, H. Usui, and H. Nakashima (2013), Plasma particle simulations of wake formation behind a spacecraft with thin wire booms, submitted to J. Geophys. Res. [2] Miyake, Y., and H. Usui (2009), New electromagnetic particle simulation code for the analysis of spacecraft-plasma interactions, Phys. Plasmas, 16, 062904, doi:10.1063/1.3147922.

Analysis of induced electrical currents from magnetic field coupling inside implantable neurostimulator leads.

PubMed

Pantchenko, Oxana S; Seidman, Seth J; Guag, Joshua W

2011-10-21

Over the last decade, the number of neurostimulator systems implanted in patients has been rapidly growing. Nearly 50, 000 neurostimulators are implanted worldwide annually. The most common type of implantable neurostimulators is indicated for pain relief. At the same time, commercial use of other electromagnetic technologies is expanding, making electromagnetic interference (EMI) of neurostimulator function an issue of concern. Typically reported sources of neurostimulator EMI include security systems, metal detectors and wireless equipment. When near such sources, patients with implanted neurostimulators have reported adverse events such as shock, pain, and increased stimulation. In recent in vitro studies, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been shown to inhibit the stimulation pulse of an implantable neurostimulator system during low frequency exposure at close distances. This could potentially be due to induced electrical currents inside the implantable neurostimulator leads that are caused by magnetic field coupling from the low frequency identification system. To systematically address the concerns posed by EMI, we developed a test platform to assess the interference from coupled magnetic fields on implantable neurostimulator systems. To measure interference, we recorded the output of one implantable neurostimulator, programmed for best therapy threshold settings, when in close proximity to an operating low frequency RFID emitter. The output contained electrical potentials from the neurostimulator system and those induced by EMI from the RFID emitter. We also recorded the output of the same neurostimulator system programmed for best therapy threshold settings without RFID interference. Using the Spatially Extended Nonlinear Node (SENN) model, we compared threshold factors of spinal cord fiber excitation for both recorded outputs. The electric current induced by low frequency RFID emitter was not significant to have a noticeable effect on electrical stimulation. We demonstrated a method for analyzing effects of coupled magnetic field interference on implantable neurostimulator system and its electrodes which could be used by device manufacturers during the design and testing phases of the development process.

Analysis of induced electrical currents from magnetic field coupling inside implantable neurostimulator leads

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Over the last decade, the number of neurostimulator systems implanted in patients has been rapidly growing. Nearly 50, 000 neurostimulators are implanted worldwide annually. The most common type of implantable neurostimulators is indicated for pain relief. At the same time, commercial use of other electromagnetic technologies is expanding, making electromagnetic interference (EMI) of neurostimulator function an issue of concern. Typically reported sources of neurostimulator EMI include security systems, metal detectors and wireless equipment. When near such sources, patients with implanted neurostimulators have reported adverse events such as shock, pain, and increased stimulation. In recent in vitro studies, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been shown to inhibit the stimulation pulse of an implantable neurostimulator system during low frequency exposure at close distances. This could potentially be due to induced electrical currents inside the implantable neurostimulator leads that are caused by magnetic field coupling from the low frequency identification system. Methods To systematically address the concerns posed by EMI, we developed a test platform to assess the interference from coupled magnetic fields on implantable neurostimulator systems. To measure interference, we recorded the output of one implantable neurostimulator, programmed for best therapy threshold settings, when in close proximity to an operating low frequency RFID emitter. The output contained electrical potentials from the neurostimulator system and those induced by EMI from the RFID emitter. We also recorded the output of the same neurostimulator system programmed for best therapy threshold settings without RFID interference. Using the Spatially Extended Nonlinear Node (SENN) model, we compared threshold factors of spinal cord fiber excitation for both recorded outputs. Results The electric current induced by low frequency RFID emitter was not significant to have a noticeable effect on electrical stimulation. Conclusions We demonstrated a method for analyzing effects of coupled magnetic field interference on implantable neurostimulator system and its electrodes which could be used by device manufacturers during the design and testing phases of the development process. PMID:22014169

Ephemeral Electric Potential and Electric Field Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide for the minimization of the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic leakage electrical currents enabling true measurements of electric potentials and electric fields. In an embodiment, an ephemeral electric potential and electric field sensor system may have at least one electric field sensor and a rotator coupled to the electric field sensor and be configured to rotate the electric field sensor at a quasi-static frequency. In an embodiment, ephemeral electric potential and electric field measurements may be taken by rotating at least one electric field sensor at a quasi-static frequency, receiving electrical potential measurements from the electric field sensor when the electric field sensor is rotating at the quasi-static frequency, and generating and outputting images based at least in part on the received electrical potential measurements.

Hybridizing CNT/PMMA/PVDF towards high-performance piezoelectric nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, K. Y.; Fang, F.; Wang, S. W.; Yang, W.; Sun, W.; Li, J. F.

2018-07-01

Piezoelectric nanofibers are of great importance in their potential applications as smart fibers and textiles to bring changes to daily lives. By employing the technique of electrospinning, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers modified with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (referred to as CNT/PMMA/PVDF) are prepared. The electric field induced displacement of the as-prepared nanofibers is characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy. Compared with the pure PVDF nanofibers, the CNT/PMMA/PVDF nanofibers exhibit a great enhancement of about 196% for the electric field induced displacement, while increments of about 104% and 78% are obtained for the PMMA/PVDF and CNT/PVDF nanofibers, respectively. A structural analysis indicates that the hydrogen bonding between the O atom in the carbonyl group of PMMA and the hydrogen atom in the CH2 groups of PVDF, the promotion of the nucleation of crystallites by CNTs, work synergistically to produce the high electroactive response of the CNT/PMMA/PVDF nanofibers. Based on the high-performance nanofibers, a prototype of a flexible nanofiber generator is fabricated, which exhibits a typical electrical output of 3.11 V upon a repeated impact-release loading at a frequency of 50 Hz.

Enhancement of conduction noise absorption by hybrid absorbers composed of indium-tin-oxide thin film and magnetic composite sheet on a microstrip line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sun-Hong; Kim, Sung-Soo

2014-05-01

In order to develop wide-band noise absorbers with a focused design for low frequency performance, this study investigates hybrid absorbers that are composed of conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film and magnetic composite sheets. The ITO films prepared via reactive sputtering exhibit a typical value of electrical resistivity of ≃10-4 Ω m. Rubber composites with flaky Fe-Si-Al particles are used as the magnetic sheet with a high permeability and high permittivity. For the ITO film with a low surface resistance and covered by the magnetic sheet, approximately 90% power absorption can be obtained at 1 GHz, which is significantly higher than that of the original magnetic sheet or ITO film. The high power absorption of the hybrid absorber is attributed to the enhanced ohmic loss of the ITO film through increased electric field strength bounded by the upper magnetic composite sheet. However, for the reverse layering sequence of the ITO film, the electric field experienced by ITO film is very weak due to the electromagnetic shielding by the under layer of magnetic sheet, which does not result in enhanced power absorption.

How much detail is needed in modeling a transcranial magnetic stimulation figure-8 coil: Measurements and brain simulations

PubMed Central

Mandija, Stefano; Sommer, Iris E. C.; van den Berg, Cornelis A. T.; Neggers, Sebastiaan F. W.

2017-01-01

Background Despite TMS wide adoption, its spatial and temporal patterns of neuronal effects are not well understood. Although progress has been made in predicting induced currents in the brain using realistic finite element models (FEM), there is little consensus on how a magnetic field of a typical TMS coil should be modeled. Empirical validation of such models is limited and subject to several limitations. Methods We evaluate and empirically validate models of a figure-of-eight TMS coil that are commonly used in published modeling studies, of increasing complexity: simple circular coil model; coil with in-plane spiral winding turns; and finally one with stacked spiral winding turns. We will assess the electric fields induced by all 3 coil models in the motor cortex using a computer FEM model. Biot-Savart models of discretized wires were used to approximate the 3 coil models of increasing complexity. We use a tailored MR based phase mapping technique to get a full 3D validation of the incident magnetic field induced in a cylindrical phantom by our TMS coil. FEM based simulations on a meshed 3D brain model consisting of five tissues types were performed, using two orthogonal coil orientations. Results Substantial differences in the induced currents are observed, both theoretically and empirically, between highly idealized coils and coils with correctly modeled spiral winding turns. Thickness of the coil winding turns affect minimally the induced electric field, and it does not influence the predicted activation. Conclusion TMS coil models used in FEM simulations should include in-plane coil geometry in order to make reliable predictions of the incident field. Modeling the in-plane coil geometry is important to correctly simulate the induced electric field and to correctly make reliable predictions of neuronal activation PMID:28640923

Parallels in Communication and Navigation Technology and Natural Phenomenon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert

2017-01-01

The premise is more than art imitates life, or technology imitates nature it is a nascent step to see how we might be unwittingly inspired and influenced. An example that might immediately come to mind is a starling murmuration (a phenomenon called scale-free correlation) and Intels recent Coachella music festival drone performance. Superconductivity is a macroscopic manifestation of a quantum phenomenon - choreographed electrons (i.e. an electron murmuration) that enable astonishing devices. There is indeed an intimate connectedness between biology and electromagnetism. Our brains are complex neural circuits generating magnetic fields with a magnitude around 100 femtoTesla (roughly one billion times weaker than a typical magnet used to tack notes to a refrigerator door). Migratory birds navigate by orienteering with respect to the Earth's magnetic field. Electromagnetic field therapy is used in orthopedics to aid in bone repair. The electric eel generates a large electric field for self-defense. Sharks apparently detect extremely weak electric fields for finding prey. And so on. There are similarities between the way a field of wheat responds to a breeze and the natural restoring forces of a semiconductor crystal. And waves in a slowly moving river can lap backwards against a peninsular shoreline mimicking a diffraction effect. Getting back to the introductory sentence and mysterious links over cosmic distances, in August 2016, China launched the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) satellite. The technology is based on a non-linear crystal that produces pairs of entangled photons whose attributes apparently remain entwined regardless of how far apart they are separated. This paper will, no doubt superficially, attempt to enumerate and examine these types of connections and parallelisms.

I-V Curves from Photovoltaic Modules Deployed in Tucson

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopp, Emily; Brooks, Adria; Lonij, Vincent; Cronin, Alex

2011-10-01

More than 30 Mega Watts of photo-voltaic (PV) modules are connected to the electric power grid in Tucson, AZ. However, predictions of PV system electrical yields are uncertain, in part because PV modules degrade at various rates (observed typically in the range 0% to 3 %/yr). We present I-V curves (PV output current as a function of PV output voltage) as a means to study PV module efficiency, de-ratings, and degradation. A student-made I-V curve tracer for 100-Watt modules will be described. We present I-V curves for several different PV technologies operated at an outdoor test yard, and we compare new modules to modules that have been operated in the field for 10 years.

Residential Fuel Cell Demonstration Handbook

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torrero, E.; McClelland, R.

2002-07-01

This report is a guide for rural electric cooperatives engaged in field testing of equipment and in assessing related application and market issues. Dispersed generation and its companion fuel cell technology have attracted increased interest by rural electric cooperatives and their customers. In addition, fuel cells are a particularly interesting source because their power quality, efficiency, and environmental benefits have now been coupled with major manufacturer development efforts. The overall effort is structured to measure the performance, durability, reliability, and maintainability of these systems, to identify promising types of applications and modes of operation, and to assess the related prospect for future use. In addition, technical successes and shortcomings will be identified by demonstration participants and manufacturers using real-world experience garnered under typical operating environments.

Deep dielectric charging of the lunar regolith within permanently shadowed regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, A.; Stubbs, T. J.; Joyce, C. J.; Schwadron, N.; Smith, S. S.; Spence, H.; Wilson, J. K.

2013-12-01

Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) can penetrate within the lunar regolith, causing deep dielectric charging. The discharging timescale depends on the regolith's electrical conductivity and permittivity. In permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) near the lunar poles, this timescale is on the order of a lunation (~20 days). To estimate the resulting electric fields within the regolith, we develop a data-driven, one-dimensional, time-dependent model. For model inputs, we use GCR data from the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) on board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and SEP data from the Electron, Proton, and Alpha Monitor (EPAM) on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE). We find that, during the recent solar minimum, GCRs create persistent electric fields up to 700 V/m. We also find that large SEP events create sporadic but strong fields (>10^6 V/m) that may induce dielectric breakdown. Meteoritic gardening limits the amount of time the regolith can spend close enough to the surface to be charged by SEPs, and we find that the gardened regolith within PSRs has likely experienced >10^6 breakdown-inducing events. Since dielectric breakdown typically creates cracks along the boundaries of changes in dielectric constant, we predict repeated breakdown to have fragmented a fraction of the regolith within PSRs into its mineralogical components.

Applying the cold plasma dispersion relation to whistler mode chorus waves: EMFISIS wave measurements from the Van Allen Probes

DOE PAGES

Hartley, D. P.; Chen, Y.; Kletzing, C. A.; ...

2015-01-26

Most theoretical wave models require the power in the wave magnetic field in order to determine the effect of chorus waves on radiation belt electrons. However, researchers typically use the cold plasma dispersion relation to approximate the magnetic wave power when only electric field data are available. In this study, the validity of using the cold plasma dispersion relation in this context is tested using Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) observations of both the electric and magnetic spectral intensities in the chorus wave band (0.1–0.9 f ce). Results from this study indicate that the calculatedmore » wave intensity is least accurate during periods of enhanced wave activity. For observed wave intensities >10⁻³ nT², using the cold plasma dispersion relation results in an underestimate of the wave intensity by a factor of 2 or greater 56% of the time over the full chorus wave band, 60% of the time for lower band chorus, and 59% of the time for upper band chorus. Hence, during active periods, empirical chorus wave models that are reliant on the cold plasma dispersion relation will underestimate chorus wave intensities to a significant degree, thus causing questionable calculation of wave-particle resonance effects on MeV electrons.« less

Measured close lightning leader-step electric-field-derivative waveforms.

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

Jordan, Doug M.; Hill, Dustin; Biagi, Christopher J.

2010-12-01

We characterize the measured electric field-derivative (dE/dt) waveforms of lightning stepped-leader steps from three negative lightning flashes at distances of tens to hundreds of meters. Electromagnetic signatures of leader steps at such close distances have rarely been documented in previous literature. Individual leader-step three-dimensional locations are determined by a dE/dt TOA system. The leader-step field derivative is typically a bipolar pulse with a sharp initial half-cycle of the same polarity as that of the return stroke, followed by an opposite polarity overshoot that decays relatively slowly to background level. This overshoot increases in amplitude relative to the initial peak andmore » becomes dominant as range decreases. The initial peak is often preceded by a 'slow front,' similar to the slow front that precedes the fast transition to peak in first return stroke dE/dt and E waveforms. The overall step-field waveform duration is typically less than 1 {micro}s. The mean initial peak of dE/dt, range-normalized to 100 km, is 7.4 V m{sup -1} {micro}s{sup -1} (standard deviation (S.D.), 3.7 V m{sup -1} {micro}s{sup -1}, N = 103), the mean half-peak width is 33.5 ns (S.D., 11.9 ns, N = 69), and the mean 10-to-90% risetime is 43.6 ns (S.D., 24.2 ns, N = 69). From modeling, we determine the properties of the leader step currents which produced two typical measured field derivatives, and we use one of these currents to calculate predicted leader step E and dE/dt as a function of source range and height, the results being in good agreement with our observations. The two modeled current waveforms had maximum rates of current rise-to-peak near 100 kA {micro}s{sup -1}, peak currents in the 5-7 kA range, current half-peak widths of about 300 ns, and charge transfers of {approx}3 mC. As part of the modeling, those currents were propagated upward at 1.5 x 10{sup 8} m s{sup -1}, with their amplitudes decaying exponentially with a decay height constant of 25 m.« less

Electrostatically screened, voltage-controlled electrostatic chuck

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard Elliott

2001-01-01

Employing an electrostatically screened, voltage-controlled electrostatic chuck particularly suited for holding wafers and masks in sub-atmospheric operations will significantly reduce the likelihood of contaminant deposition on the substrates. The electrostatic chuck includes (1) an insulator block having a outer perimeter and a planar surface adapted to support the substrate and comprising at least one electrode (typically a pair of electrodes that are embedded in the insulator block), (2) a source of voltage that is connected to the at least one electrode, (3) a support base to which the insulator block is attached, and (4) a primary electrostatic shield ring member that is positioned around the outer perimeter of the insulator block. The electrostatic chuck permits control of the voltage of the lithographic substrate; in addition, it provides electrostatic shielding of the stray electric fields issuing from the sides of the electrostatic chuck. The shielding effectively prevents electric fields from wrapping around to the upper or front surface of the substrate, thereby eliminating electrostatic particle deposition.

Experimental and theoretical analysis of neuron-transistor hybrid electrical coupling: the relationships between the electro-anatomy of cultured Aplysia neurons and the recorded field potentials.

PubMed

Cohen, Ariel; Shappir, Joseph; Yitzchaik, Shlomo; Spira, Micha E

2006-12-15

Understanding the mechanisms that generate field potentials (FPs) by neurons grown on semiconductor chips is essential for implementing neuro-electronic devices. Earlier studies emphasized that FPs are generated by current flow between differentially expressed ion channels on the membranes facing the chip surface, and those facing the culture medium in electrically compact cells. Less is known, however, about the mechanisms that generate FPs by action potentials (APs) that propagate along typical non-isopotential neurons. Using Aplysia neurons cultured on floating gate-transistors, we found that the FPs generated by APs in cultured neurons are produced by current flow along neuronal compartments comprising the axon, cell body, and neurites, rather than by flow between the membrane facing the chip substrate and that facing the culture medium. We demonstrate that the FPs waveform generated by non-isopotential neurons largely depends on the morphology of the neuron.

Dust Particle Dynamics in The Presence of Highly Magnetized Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, Brian; Konopka, Uwe; Thomas, Edward; Merlino, Robert; Rosenberg, Marlene

2016-10-01

Complex plasmas are four component plasmas that contain, in addition to the usual electrons, ions, and neutral atoms, macroscopic electrically charged (nanometer to micrometer) sized ``dust'' particles. These macroscopic particles typically obtain a net negative charge due to the higher mobility of electrons compared to that of ions. Because the electrons, ions, and dust particles are charged, their dynamics may be significantly modified by the presence of electric and magnetic fields. Possible consequences of this modification may be the charging rate and the equilibrium charge. For example, in the presence of a strong horizontal magnetic field (B >1 Tesla), it may be possible to observe dust particle gx B deflection and, from that deflection, determine the dust grain charge. In this poster, we present recent data from performing multiple particle dropping experiments to characterize the g x B deflection in the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment (MDPX). This work is supported by funding from the U. S. Department of Energy Grant Number DE - SC0010485 and the NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL-1543114.

Operational durability of a giant ER valve for Braille display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luning, Xu; Han, Li; Yufei, Li; Shen, Rong; Kunquan, Lu

2017-05-01

The compact configuration of giant ER (electrorheological) valves provides the possibility of realizing a full-page Braille display. The operational durability of ER valves is a key issue in fulfilling a Braille display. A giant ER valve was used to investigate the variations in pressure drops and critical pressure drops of the valves over a long period under some typical operational parameters. The results indicate that neither the pressure drops nor critical pressure drops of giant ER valves show apparent deterioration over a long period. Without ER fluid exchange, a blockage appears in the channel of the valve because the ER structures induced by an external electric field cannot be broken by the Brownian motion of hydraulic oil molecules when the external electric field is removed. Forcing ER fluid flow is an effective and necessary method to keep the channel of the valve unblocked. Thus the operational durability of the valve using giant ER fluids is able to meet the demands of Braille display.

Trapped atomic ions for quantum-limited metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wineland, David

2017-04-01

Laser-beam-manipulated trapped ions are a candidate for large-scale quantum information processing and quantum simulation but the basic techniques used can also be applied to quantum-limited metrology and sensing. Some examples being explored at NIST are: 1) As charged harmonic oscillators, trapped ions can be used to sense electric fields; this can be used to characterize the electrode-surface-based noisy electric fields that compromise logic-gate fidelities and may eventually be used as a tool in surface science. 2) Since typical qubit logic gates depend on state-dependent forces, we can adapt the gate dynamics to sensitively detect additional forces. 3) We can use extensions of Bell inequality measurements to further restrict the degree of local realism possessed by Bell states. 4) We also briefly describe experiments for creation of Bell states using Hilbert space engineering. This work is a joint effort including the Ion-Storage group, the Quantum processing group, and the Computing and Communications Theory group at NIST, Boulder. Supported by IARPA, ONR, and the NIST Quantum Information Program.

Physical mechanism and numerical simulation of the inception of the lightning upward leader

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

Li Qingmin; Lu Xinchang; Shi Wei

2012-12-15

The upward leader is a key physical process of the leader progression model of lightning shielding. The inception mechanism and criterion of the upward leader need further understanding and clarification. Based on leader discharge theory, this paper proposes the critical electric field intensity of the stable upward leader (CEFISUL) and characterizes it by the valve electric field intensity on the conductor surface, E{sub L}, which is the basis of a new inception criterion for the upward leader. Through numerical simulation under various physical conditions, we verified that E{sub L} is mainly related to the conductor radius, and data fitting yieldsmore » the mathematical expression of E{sub L}. We further establish a computational model for lightning shielding performance of the transmission lines based on the proposed CEFISUL criterion, which reproduces the shielding failure rate of typical UHV transmission lines. The model-based calculation results agree well with the statistical data from on-site operations, which show the effectiveness and validity of the CEFISUL criterion.« less

Tripolar electric field Structure in guide field magnetic reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Song; Huang, Shiyong; Zhou, Meng; Ni, Binbin; Deng, Xiaohua

2018-03-01

It has been shown that the guide field substantially modifies the structure of the reconnection layer. For instance, the Hall magnetic and electric fields are distorted in guide field reconnection compared to reconnection without guide fields (i.e., anti-parallel reconnection). In this paper, we performed 2.5-D electromagnetic full particle simulation to study the electric field structures in magnetic reconnection under different initial guide fields (Bg). Once the amplitude of a guide field exceeds 0.3 times the asymptotic magnetic field B0, the traditional bipolar Hall electric field is clearly replaced by a tripolar electric field, which consists of a newly emerged electric field and the bipolar Hall electric field. The newly emerged electric field is a convective electric field about one ion inertial length away from the neutral sheet. It arises from the disappearance of the Hall electric field due to the substantial modification of the magnetic field and electric current by the imposed guide field. The peak magnitude of this new electric field increases linearly with the increment of guide field strength. Possible applications of these results to space observations are also discussed.

A simple model for estimating a magnetic field in laser-driven coils

DOE PAGES

Fiksel, Gennady; Fox, William; Gao, Lan; ...

2016-09-26

Magnetic field generation by laser-driven coils is a promising way of magnetizing plasma in laboratory high-energy-density plasma experiments. A typical configuration consists of two electrodes—one electrode is irradiated with a high-intensity laser beam and another electrode collects charged particles from the expanding plasma. The two electrodes are separated by a narrow gap forming a capacitor-like configuration and are connected with a conducting wire-coil. The charge-separation in the expanding plasma builds up a potential difference between the electrodes that drives the electrical current in the coil. A magnetic field of tens to hundreds of Teslas generated inside the coil has beenmore » reported. This paper presents a simple model that estimates the magnetic field using simple assumptions. Lastly, the results are compared with the published experimental data.« less

Giant Electric Field Control of Magnetism and Narrow Ferromagnetic Resonance Linewidth in FeCoSiB/Si/SiO2/PMN PT Multiferroic Heterostructures (Open Access Author’s Manuscript)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-06

the widely used lead zirconate titanate ceramics which have a typical piezoelectric coefficient d31 of ~- 200pC/N, PMN-PT single crystals used in...substrate clamping effect, therefore, a relatively giant tunability can be obtained. However, the normally large roughness of piezoelectric layer...is the saturation magnetostriction constant, Y the Young’s modulus of the magnetic film, deff the effective piezoelectric coefficient, E

Simulation Studies for Inspection of the Benchmark Test with PATRASH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimosaki, Y.; Igarashi, S.; Machida, S.; Shirakata, M.; Takayama, K.; Noda, F.; Shigaki, K.

2002-12-01

In order to delineate the halo-formation mechanisms in a typical FODO lattice, a 2-D simulation code PATRASH (PArticle TRAcking in a Synchrotron for Halo analysis) has been developed. The electric field originating from the space charge is calculated by the Hybrid Tree code method. Benchmark tests utilizing three simulation codes of ACCSIM, PATRASH and SIMPSONS were carried out. These results have been confirmed to be fairly in agreement with each other. The details of PATRASH simulation are discussed with some examples.

Comparison of contractile and extensile pneumatic artificial muscles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pillsbury, Thomas E.; Wereley, Norman M.; Guan, Qinghua

2017-09-01

Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are used in robotic and prosthetic applications due to their high power to weight ratio, controllable compliance, and simple design. Contractile PAMs are typically used in traditional hard robotics in place of heavy electric motors. As the field of soft robotics grows, extensile PAMs are beginning to have increased usage. This work experimentally tests, models, and compares contractile and extensile PAMs to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of PAM and applications for which they are best suited.

Anomalous Hall Effect in a Feromagnetic Rare-Earth Cobalite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoilov, A. V.; Yeh, N. C.; Vasquez, R. P.

1996-01-01

Rare-Earth manganites and cobalites with the perovskite structure have been a subject of great recent interest because their electrical resistance changes significantly when a magnetic field is applied...we have studied the Hall effect in thin film La(sub 0.5)Ca(sub 0.5)CoO(sub 3) material and have obtained convincing evidence fo the so called anomalous Hall effect, typical for magnetic metals...Our results suggest that near the ferromagnetic ordering temperature, the dominant electron scattering mechanism is the spin fluctuation.

Effect of ion concentration, solution and membrane permittivity on electric energy storage and capacitance.

PubMed

Tajparast, Mohammad; Glavinović, Mladen I

2018-06-06

Bio-membranes as capacitors store electric energy, but their permittivity is low whereas the permittivity of surrounding solution is high. To evaluate the effective capacitance of the membrane/solution system and determine the electric energy stored within the membrane and in the solution, we estimated their electric variables using Poisson-Nernst-Planck simulations. We calculated membrane and solution capacitances from stored electric energy. The effective capacitance was calculated by fitting a six-capacitance model to charges (fixed and ion) and associated potentials, because it cannot be considered as a result of membrane and solution capacitance in series. The electric energy stored within the membrane (typically much smaller than that in the solution), depends on the membrane permittivity, but also on the external electric field, surface charge density, water permittivity and ion concentration. The effect on capacitances is more specific. Solution capacitance rises with greater solution permittivity or ion concentration, but the membrane capacitance (much smaller than solution capacitance) is only influenced by its permittivity. Interestingly, the effective capacitance is independent of membrane or solution permittivity, but rises as the ion concentration increases and surface charge becomes positive. Experimental estimates of membrane capacitance are thus not necessarily a reliable index of its surface area. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Transmembrane molecular transport during versus after extremely large, nanosecond electric pulses.

PubMed

Smith, Kyle C; Weaver, James C

2011-08-19

Recently there has been intense and growing interest in the non-thermal biological effects of nanosecond electric pulses, particularly apoptosis induction. These effects have been hypothesized to result from the widespread creation of small, lipidic pores in the plasma and organelle membranes of cells (supra-electroporation) and, more specifically, ionic and molecular transport through these pores. Here we show that transport occurs overwhelmingly after pulsing. First, we show that the electrical drift distance for typical charged solutes during nanosecond pulses (up to 100 ns), even those with very large magnitudes (up to 10 MV/m), ranges from only a fraction of the membrane thickness (5 nm) to several membrane thicknesses. This is much smaller than the diameter of a typical cell (∼16 μm), which implies that molecular drift transport during nanosecond pulses is necessarily minimal. This implication is not dependent on assumptions about pore density or the molecular flux through pores. Second, we show that molecular transport resulting from post-pulse diffusion through minimum-size pores is orders of magnitude larger than electrical drift-driven transport during nanosecond pulses. While field-assisted charge entry and the magnitude of flux favor transport during nanosecond pulses, these effects are too small to overcome the orders of magnitude more time available for post-pulse transport. Therefore, the basic conclusion that essentially all transmembrane molecular transport occurs post-pulse holds across the plausible range of relevant parameters. Our analysis shows that a primary direct consequence of nanosecond electric pulses is the creation (or maintenance) of large populations of small pores in cell membranes that govern post-pulse transmembrane transport of small ions and molecules. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transmembrane molecular transport during versus after extremely large, nanosecond electric pulses

PubMed Central

Smith, Kyle C.; Weaver, James C.

2012-01-01

Recently there has been intense and growing interest in the non-thermal biological effects of nanosecond electric pulses, particularly apoptosis induction. These effects have been hypothesized to result from the widespread creation of small, lipidic pores in the plasma and organelle membranes of cells (supra-electroporation) and, more specifically, ionic and molecular transport through these pores. Here we show that transport occurs overwhelmingly after pulsing. First, we show that the electrical drift distance for typical charged solutes during nanosecond pulses (up to 100 ns), even those with very large magnitudes (up to 10 MV/m), ranges from only a fraction of the membrane thickness (5 nm) to several membrane thicknesses. This is much smaller than the diameter of a typical cell (~16 μm), which implies that molecular drift transport during nanosecond pulses is necessarily minimal. This implication is not dependent on assumptions about pore density or the molecular flux through pores. Second, we show that molecular transport resulting from post-pulse diffusion through minimum-size pores is orders of magnitude larger than electrical drift-driven transport during nanosecond pulses. While field-assisted charge entry and the magnitude of flux favor transport during nanosecond pulses, these effects are too small to overcome the orders of magnitude more time available for post-pulse transport. Therefore, the basic conclusion that essentially all transmembrane molecular transport occurs post-pulse holds across the plausible range of relevant parameters. Our analysis shows that a primary direct consequence of nanosecond electric pulses is the creation (or maintenance) of large populations of small pores in cell membranes that govern post-pulse transmembrane transport of small ions and molecules. PMID:21756883

Numerical and experimental investigation on static electric charge model at stable cone-jet region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemi, Ali Reza; Pishevar, Ahmad Reza; Valipouri, Afsaneh; Pǎrǎu, Emilian I.

2018-03-01

In a typical electro-spinning process, the steady stretching process of the jet beyond the Taylor cone has a significant effect on the dimensions of resulting nanofibers. Also, it sets up the conditions for the onset of the bending instability. The focus of this work is the modeling and simulation of the initial stable jet phase seen during the electro-spinning process. The perturbation method was applied to solve hydrodynamic equations, and the electrostatic equation was solved by a boundary integral method. These equations were coupled with the stress boundary conditions derived appropriate at the fluid-fluid interface. Perturbation equations were discretized by the second-order finite difference method, and the Newton method was implemented to solve the discretized nonlinear system. Also, the boundary element method was utilized to solve the electrostatic equation. In the theoretical study, the fluid is described as a leaky dielectric with charges only on the jet surface in dielectric air. In this study, electric charges were modeled as static. Comparison of numerical and experimental results shows that at low flow rates and high electric field, good agreement was achieved because of the superior importance of the charge transport by conduction rather than convection and charge concentration. In addition, the effect of unevenness of the electric field around the nozzle tip was experimentally studied through plate-plate geometry as well as point-plate geometry.

Efficient Driving of Piezoelectric Transducers Using a Biaxial Driving Technique

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Efficient driving of piezoelectric materials is desirable when operating transducers for biomedical applications such as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or ultrasound imaging. More efficient operation reduces the electric power required to produce the desired bioeffect or contrast. Our preliminary work [Cole et al. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter. 2014;26(13):135901.] suggested that driving transducers by applying orthogonal electric fields can significantly reduce the coercivity that opposes ferroelectric switching. We present here the experimental validation of this biaxial driving technique using piezoelectric ceramics typically used in HIFU. A set of narrow-band transducers was fabricated with two sets of electrodes placed in an orthogonal configuration (following the propagation and the lateral mode). The geometry of the ceramic was chosen to have a resonance frequency similar for the propagation and the lateral mode. The average (± s.d.) resonance frequency of the samples was 465.1 (± 1.5) kHz. Experiments were conducted in which each pair of electrodes was driven independently and measurements of effective acoustic power were obtained using the radiation force method. The efficiency (acoustic/electric power) of the biaxial driving method was compared to the results obtained when driving the ceramic using electrodes placed only in the pole direction. Our results indicate that the biaxial method increases efficiency from 50% to 125% relative to the using a single electric field. PMID:26418550

Intense picosecond pulsed electric fields inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of HeLa cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; Xiong, Zheng-Ai; Chen, Wen-Juan; Yao, Cheng-Guo; Zhao, Zhong-Yong; Hua, Yuan-Yuan

2013-06-01

A picosecond pulsed electric field (psPEF) is a localized physical therapy for tumors that has been developed in recent years, and that may in the future be utilized as a targeted non‑invasive treatment. However, there are limited studies regarding the biological effects of psPEF on cells. Electric field amplitude and pulse number are the main parameters of psPEF that influence its biological effects. In this study, we exposed HeLa cells to a psPEF with a variety of electric field amplitudes, from 100 to 600 kV/cm, and various pulse numbers, from 1,000 to 3,000. An MTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition, while flow cytometry was used to determine the occurrence of apoptosis and the cell cycle of the HeLa cells following treatment. The morphological changes during cell apoptosis were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrated that the cell growth inhibition rate gradually increased, in correlation with the increasing electric field amplitude and pulse number, and achieved a plateau of maximum cell inhibition 12 h following the pulses. In addition, typical characteristics of HeLa cell apoptosis in the experimental groups were observed by TEM. The results demonstrated that the rate of apoptosis in the experimental groups was significantly elevated in comparison with the untreated group. In the treatment groups, the rate of apoptosis was greater in the higher amplitude groups than in the lower amplitude groups. The same results were obtained when the variable was the pulse number. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that the cell cycle of the HeLa cells was arrested at the G2/M phase following psPEF treatment. Overall, our results indicated that psPEF inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, and that these effects occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the results demonstrated that the growth of the HeLa cells was arrested at the G2/M phase following treatment. This study may provide a foundation for further in vivo experiments, and for the potential clinical application of psPEF in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Seasonal Patterns of Melatonin, Cortisol, and Progesterone Secretion in Female Lambs Raised Beneath a 500-KV Transmission Line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jack Monroe, Jr.

There is ongoing controversy about the possibility of adverse biological effects from environmental exposures to electric and magnetic fields. These fields are produced by all electrical equipment and appliances including electrical transmission lines. The objective of this environmental science study was to investigate the possible effects of a high voltage transmission line on domestic sheep (Ovis aries L.), a species that can often be found near such lines. The study was primarily designed to determine whether a specific effect of electric and magnetic fields found in laboratory animals also occurs in livestock under natural environmental conditions. The effect is the ability of fields, at levels found in the environment, to significantly depress the normally high nocturnal concentrations of the pineal hormone-melatonin. Ten female Suffolk lambs were penned for 10 months directly beneath a 500-kV transmission line near Estacada, Oregon. Ten other lambs of the same type were penned in a control area away from the transmission line where electric and magnetic fields were at ambient levels. Serum melatonin was analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) from 6618 blood samples collected at 0.5 to 3-hour intervals over eight 48-hour periods. Serum progesterone was analyzed by RIA from blood samples collected twice weekly. Serum cortisol was also assayed by RIA from the blood samples collected during the 48-hour samples. Results showed that lambs in both the control and line groups had the typical pattern of melatonin secretion consisting of low daytime and high nighttime serum concentrations. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in melatonin levels, or in the phase or duration of the nighttime melatonin elevation. Age at puberty and number of reproductive cycles also did not differ between groups. Serum cortisol showed a circadian rhythm with highest concentrations during the day. There were, however, no differences in cortisol concentrations between groups. Statistical analyses on other biological parameters revealed no differences between groups for body weight gain, wool growth, or behavior.

The drift-diffusion interpretation of the electron current within the organic semiconductor characterized by the bulk single energy trap level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cvikl, B.

2010-01-01

The closed solution for the internal electric field and the total charge density derived in the drift-diffusion approximation for the model of a single layer organic semiconductor structure characterized by the bulk shallow single trap-charge energy level is presented. The solutions for two examples of electric field boundary conditions are tested on room temperature current density-voltage data of the electron conducting aluminum/tris(8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum/calcium structure [W. Brütting et al., Synth. Met. 122, 99 (2001)] for which jexp∝Va3.4, within the interval of bias 0.4 V≤Va≤7. In each case investigated the apparent electron mobility determined at given bias is distributed within a given, finite interval of values. The bias dependence of the logarithm of their lower limit, i.e., their minimum values, is found to be in each case, to a good approximation, proportional to the square root of the applied electric field. On account of the bias dependence as incorporated in the minimum value of the apparent electron mobility the spatial distribution of the organic bulk electric field as well as the total charge density turn out to be bias independent. The first case investigated is based on the boundary condition of zero electric field at the electron injection interface. It is shown that for minimum valued apparent mobilities, the strong but finite accumulation of electrons close to the anode is obtained, which characterize the inverted space charge limited current (SCLC) effect. The second example refers to the internal electric field allowing for self-adjustment of its boundary values. The total electron charge density is than found typically to be of U shape, which may, depending on the parameters, peak at both or at either Alq3 boundary. It is this example in which the proper SCLC effect is consequently predicted. In each of the above two cases, the calculations predict the minimum values of the electron apparent mobility, which substantially exceed the corresponding published measurements. For this reason the effect of the drift term alone is additionally investigated. On the basis of the published empirical electron mobilities and the diffusion term revoked, it is shown that the steady state electron current density within the Al/Alq3 (97 nm)/Ca single layer organic structure may well be pictured within the drift-only interpretation of the charge carriers within the Alq3 organic characterized by the single (shallow) trap energy level. In order to arrive at this result, it is necessary that the nonzero electric field, calculated to exist at the electron injecting Alq3/Ca boundary, is to be appropriately accounted for in the computation.

Calculation of secondary-electron escape currents from inclined-spacecraft surfaces in a magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laframboise, J. G.

1985-01-01

In low Earth orbit, the geomagnetic field B(vector) is strong enough that secondary electrons emitted from spacecraft surfaces have an average gyroradius much smaller than typical dimensions of large spacecraft. This implies that escape of secondaries will be strongly inhibited on surfaces which are nearly parallel to B(vector), even if a repelling electric field exists outside them. This effect is likely to make an important contribution to the current balance and hence the equilibrium potential of such surfaces, making high voltage charging of them more likely. Numerically calculated escaping secondary electron fluxes are presented for these conditions. For use in numerical spacecraft charging simulations, an analytic curve fit to these results is given which is accurate to within 3% of the emitted current.

Micromechanical ``Trampoline'' Magnetometers for Use in Pulsed Magnetic Fields Exceeding 60 Tesla

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakirev, F. F.; Boebinger, G. S.; Aksyuk, V.; Gammel, P. L.; Haddon, R. C.; Bishop, D. J.

1998-03-01

We present the design, construction, and operation of a novel magnetometer for use in intense pulsed magnetic fields. The magnetometer consists of a silicon micromachined "trampoline" to which the sample is attached. The small size of the device (typically 400 microns on a side) gives a fast mechanical response (10,000 to 50,000 Hz) and extremely high sensitivity (10-11 Am^2, corresponding to 10-13 Am^2/Hz^(1/2)). The device is robust against electrical and mechanical noise and requires no special vibration isolation from the pulsed magnet. As a demonstration, we present data taken in a 60 tesla pulsed magnetic field which show clear de Haas-van Alphen oscillations in a one microgram sample of the organic superconductor K-(BEDT-TTF)_2Cu(NCS)_2.

Global three-dimensional simulation of Earth's dayside reconnection using a two-way coupled magnetohydrodynamics with embedded particle-in-cell model: initial results: 3D MHD-EPIC simulation of magnetosphere

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yuxi; Tóth, Gábor; Cassak, Paul; ...

2017-09-18

Here, we perform a three-dimensional (3D) global simulation of Earth's magnetosphere with kinetic reconnection physics to study the flux transfer events (FTEs) and dayside magnetic reconnection with the recently developed magnetohydrodynamics with embedded particle-in-cell model (MHD-EPIC). During the one-hour long simulation, the FTEs are generated quasi-periodically near the subsolar point and move toward the poles. We also find the magnetic field signature of FTEs at their early formation stage is similar to a ‘crater FTE’, which is characterized by a magnetic field strength dip at the FTE center. After the FTE core field grows to a significant value, it becomesmore » an FTE with typical flux rope structure. When an FTE moves across the cusp, reconnection between the FTE field lines and the cusp field lines can dissipate the FTE. The kinetic features are also captured by our model. A crescent electron phase space distribution is found near the reconnection site. A similar distribution is found for ions at the location where the Larmor electric field appears. The lower hybrid drift instability (LHDI) along the current sheet direction also arises at the interface of magnetosheath and magnetosphere plasma. Finally, the LHDI electric field is about 8 mV/m and its dominant wavelength relative to the electron gyroradius agrees reasonably with MMS observations.« less

Global three-dimensional simulation of Earth's dayside reconnection using a two-way coupled magnetohydrodynamics with embedded particle-in-cell model: initial results: 3D MHD-EPIC simulation of magnetosphere

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

Chen, Yuxi; Tóth, Gábor; Cassak, Paul

Here, we perform a three-dimensional (3D) global simulation of Earth's magnetosphere with kinetic reconnection physics to study the flux transfer events (FTEs) and dayside magnetic reconnection with the recently developed magnetohydrodynamics with embedded particle-in-cell model (MHD-EPIC). During the one-hour long simulation, the FTEs are generated quasi-periodically near the subsolar point and move toward the poles. We also find the magnetic field signature of FTEs at their early formation stage is similar to a ‘crater FTE’, which is characterized by a magnetic field strength dip at the FTE center. After the FTE core field grows to a significant value, it becomesmore » an FTE with typical flux rope structure. When an FTE moves across the cusp, reconnection between the FTE field lines and the cusp field lines can dissipate the FTE. The kinetic features are also captured by our model. A crescent electron phase space distribution is found near the reconnection site. A similar distribution is found for ions at the location where the Larmor electric field appears. The lower hybrid drift instability (LHDI) along the current sheet direction also arises at the interface of magnetosheath and magnetosphere plasma. Finally, the LHDI electric field is about 8 mV/m and its dominant wavelength relative to the electron gyroradius agrees reasonably with MMS observations.« less

Magnetic field cycling effect on the non-linear current-voltage characteristics and magnetic field induced negative differential resistance in α-Fe{sub 1.64}Ga{sub 0.36}O{sub 3} oxide

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

Bhowmik, R. N., E-mail: rnbhowmik.phy@pondiuni.edu.in; Vijayasri, G.

2015-06-15

We have studied current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of α-Fe{sub 1.64}Ga{sub 0.36}O{sub 3}, a typical canted ferromagnetic semiconductor. The sample showed a transformation of the I-V curves from linear to non-linear character with the increase of bias voltage. The I-V curves showed irreversible features with hysteresis loop and bi-stable electronic states for up and down modes of voltage sweep. We report positive magnetoresistance and magnetic field induced negative differential resistance as the first time observed phenomena in metal doped hematite system. The magnitudes of critical voltage at which I-V curve showed peak and corresponding peak current are affected by magnetic field cycling.more » The shift of the peak voltage with magnetic field showed a step-wise jump between two discrete voltage levels with least gap (ΔV{sub P}) 0.345(± 0.001) V. The magnetic spin dependent electronic charge transport in this new class of magnetic semiconductor opens a wide scope for tuning large electroresistance (∼500-700%), magnetoresistance (70-135 %) and charge-spin dependent conductivity under suitable control of electric and magnetic fields. The electric and magnetic field controlled charge-spin transport is interesting for applications of the magnetic materials in spintronics, e.g., magnetic sensor, memory devices and digital switching.« less

Gas breakdown driven by L band short-pulse high-power microwave

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

Yang Yiming; Yuan Chengwei; Qian Baoliang

2012-12-15

High power microwave (HPM) driven gas breakdown is a major factor in limiting the radiation and transmission of HPM. A method that HPM driven gas breakdown could be obtained by changing the aperture of horn antenna is studied in this paper. Changing the effective aperture of horn antenna can adjust the electric field in near field zone, leading to gas breakdown. With this method, measurements of air and SF{sub 6} breakdowns are carried out on a magnetically insulated transmission-line oscillators, which is capable of generating HPM with pulse duration of 30 ns, and frequency of 1.74 GHz. The typical breakdownmore » waveforms of air and SF{sub 6} are presented. Besides, the breakdown field strengths of the two gases are derived at different pressures. It is found that the effects of air and SF{sub 6} breakdown on the transmission of HPM are different: air breakdown mainly shortens the pulse width of HPM while SF{sub 6} breakdown mainly reduces the peak output power of HPM. The electric field threshold of SF{sub 6} is about 2.4 times larger than that of air. These differences suggest that gas properties have a great effect on the transmission characteristic of HPM in gases.« less

Enhanced electrocatalytic CO2 reduction via field-induced reagent concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Min; Pang, Yuanjie; Zhang, Bo; de Luna, Phil; Voznyy, Oleksandr; Xu, Jixian; Zheng, Xueli; Dinh, Cao Thang; Fan, Fengjia; Cao, Changhong; de Arquer, F. Pelayo García; Safaei, Tina Saberi; Mepham, Adam; Klinkova, Anna; Kumacheva, Eugenia; Filleter, Tobin; Sinton, David; Kelley, Shana O.; Sargent, Edward H.

2016-09-01

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) is the first step in the synthesis of more complex carbon-based fuels and feedstocks using renewable electricity. Unfortunately, the reaction suffers from slow kinetics owing to the low local concentration of CO2 surrounding typical CO2 reduction reaction catalysts. Alkali metal cations are known to overcome this limitation through non-covalent interactions with adsorbed reagent species, but the effect is restricted by the solubility of relevant salts. Large applied electrode potentials can also enhance CO2 adsorption, but this comes at the cost of increased hydrogen (H2) evolution. Here we report that nanostructured electrodes produce, at low applied overpotentials, local high electric fields that concentrate electrolyte cations, which in turn leads to a high local concentration of CO2 close to the active CO2 reduction reaction surface. Simulations reveal tenfold higher electric fields associated with metallic nanometre-sized tips compared to quasi-planar electrode regions, and measurements using gold nanoneedles confirm a field-induced reagent concentration that enables the CO2 reduction reaction to proceed with a geometric current density for CO of 22 milliamperes per square centimetre at -0.35 volts (overpotential of 0.24 volts). This performance surpasses by an order of magnitude the performance of the best gold nanorods, nanoparticles and oxide-derived noble metal catalysts. Similarly designed palladium nanoneedle electrocatalysts produce formate with a Faradaic efficiency of more than 90 per cent and an unprecedented geometric current density for formate of 10 milliamperes per square centimetre at -0.2 volts, demonstrating the wider applicability of the field-induced reagent concentration concept.

Magnetic levitation system for moving objects

DOEpatents

Post, R.F.

1998-03-03

Repelling magnetic forces are produced by the interaction of a flux-concentrated magnetic field (produced by permanent magnets or electromagnets) with an inductively loaded closed electric circuit. When one such element moves with respect to the other, a current is induced in the circuit. This current then interacts back on the field to produce a repelling force. These repelling magnetic forces are applied to magnetically levitate a moving object such as a train car. The power required to levitate a train of such cars is drawn from the motional energy of the train itself, and typically represents only a percent or two of the several megawatts of power required to overcome aerodynamic drag at high speeds. 7 figs.

Magnetic levitation system for moving objects

DOEpatents

Post, Richard F.

1998-01-01

Repelling magnetic forces are produced by the interaction of a flux-concentrated magnetic field (produced by permanent magnets or electromagnets) with an inductively loaded closed electric circuit. When one such element moves with respect to the other, a current is induced in the circuit. This current then interacts back on the field to produce a repelling force. These repelling magnetic forces are applied to magnetically levitate a moving object such as a train car. The power required to levitate a train of such cars is drawn from the motional energy of the train itself, and typically represents only a percent or two of the several megawatts of power required to overcome aerodynamic drag at high speeds.

High power 808 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser with multi-ring-shaped-aperture structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Y. Q.; Shang, C. Y.; Feng, Y.; Yan, C. L.; Zhao, Y. J.; Wang, Y. X.; Wang, X. H.; Liu, G. J.

2011-02-01

The carrier conglomeration effect has been one of the main problems in developing electrically pumped high power vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) with large aperture. We demonstrate a high power 808 nm VCSEL with multi-ring-shaped-aperture (MRSA) to weaken the carrier conglomeration effect. Compared with typical VCSEL with single large aperture (SLA), the 300-μm-diameter VCSEL with MRSA has more uniform near field and far field patterns. Moreover, MRSA laser exhibits maximal CW light output power 0.3 W which is about 3 times that of SLA laser. And the maximal wall-plug efficiency of 17.4% is achieved, higher than that of SLA laser by 10%.

Cascade model of gamma-ray bursts: Power-law and annihilation-line components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harding, A. K.; Sturrock, P. A.; Daugherty, J. K.

1988-01-01

If, in a neutron star magnetosphere, an electron is accelerated to an energy of 10 to the 11th or 12th power eV by an electric field parallel to the magnetic field, motion of the electron along the curved field line leads to a cascade of gamma rays and electron-positron pairs. This process is believed to occur in radio pulsars and gamma ray burst sources. Results are presented from numerical simulations of the radiation and photon annihilation pair production processes, using a computer code previously developed for the study of radio pulsars. A range of values of initial energy of a primary electron was considered along with initial injection position, and magnetic dipole moment of the neutron star. The resulting spectra was found to exhibit complex forms that are typically power law over a substantial range of photon energy, and typically include a dip in the spectrum near the electron gyro-frequency at the injection point. The results of a number of models are compared with data for the 5 Mar., 1979 gamma ray burst. A good fit was found to the gamma ray part of the spectrum, including the equivalent width of the annihilation line.

An LOD with improved breakdown voltage in full-frame CCD devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banghart, Edmund K.; Stevens, Eric G.; Doan, Hung Q.; Shepherd, John P.; Meisenzahl, Eric J.

2005-02-01

In full-frame image sensors, lateral overflow drain (LOD) structures are typically formed along the vertical CCD shift registers to provide a means for preventing charge blooming in the imager pixels. In a conventional LOD structure, the n-type LOD implant is made through the thin gate dielectric stack in the device active area and adjacent to the thick field oxidation that isolates the vertical CCD columns of the imager. In this paper, a novel LOD structure is described in which the n-type LOD impurities are placed directly under the field oxidation and are, therefore, electrically isolated from the gate electrodes. By reducing the electrical fields that cause breakdown at the silicon surface, this new structure permits a larger amount of n-type impurities to be implanted for the purpose of increasing the LOD conductivity. As a consequence of the improved conductance, the LOD width can be significantly reduced, enabling the design of higher resolution imaging arrays without sacrificing charge capacity in the pixels. Numerical simulations with MEDICI of the LOD leakage current are presented that identify the breakdown mechanism, while three-dimensional solutions to Poisson's equation are used to determine the charge capacity as a function of pixel dimension.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Design Challenge for Scientific Spacecraft Powered by a Stirling Power Converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sargent, Noel B.

2001-01-01

A 55 We free-piston Stirling Technology Demonstration Convertor (TDC) has been tested as part of an evaluation to determine its feasibility as a means for significantly reducing the amount of radioactive material required compared to Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) to support long-term space science missions. Measurements were made to quantify the low frequency magnetic and electric fields radiated from the Stirling's 80 Hertz (Hz) linear alternator and control electronics in order to determine the magnitude of reduction that will be required to protect sensitive field sensors aboard some science missions. One identified "Solar Probe" mission requires a 100 dB reduction in the low frequency magnetic field over typical military standard design limits, to protect its plasma wave sensor. This paper discusses the electromagnetic interference (EMI) control options relative to the physical design impacts for this power system, composed of 3 basic electrical elements. They are (1) the Stirling Power Convertor with its linear alternator, (2) the power switching and control electronics to convert the 90 V, 80 Hz alternator output to DC for the use of the spacecraft, and (3) the interconnecting wiring including any instrumentation to monitor and control items 1 and 2.

Understanding the conductive channel evolution in Na:WO(3-x)-based planar devices.

PubMed

Shang, Dashan; Li, Peining; Wang, Tao; Carria, Egidio; Sun, Jirong; Shen, Baogen; Taubner, Thomas; Valov, Ilia; Waser, Rainer; Wuttig, Matthias

2015-04-14

An ion migration process in a solid electrolyte is important for ion-based functional devices, such as fuel cells, batteries, electrochromics, gas sensors, and resistive switching systems. In this study, a planar sandwich structure is prepared by depositing tungsten oxide (WO(3-x)) films on a soda-lime glass substrate, from which Na(+) diffuses into the WO(3-x) films during the deposition. The entire process of Na(+) migration driven by an alternating electric field is visualized in the Na-doped WO(3-x) films in the form of conductive channel by in situ optical imaging combined with infrared spectroscopy and near-field imaging techniques. A reversible change of geometry between a parabolic and a bar channel is observed with the resistance change of the devices. The peculiar channel evolution is interpreted by a thermal-stress-induced mechanical deformation of the films and an asymmetric Na(+) mobility between the parabolic and the bar channels. These results exemplify a typical ion migration process driven by an alternating electric field in a solid electrolyte with a low ion mobility and are expected to be beneficial to improve the controllability of the ion migration in ion-based functional devices, such as resistive switching devices.

Wireless Electrical Device Using Open-Circuit Elements Having No Electrical Connections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Bryant Douglas (Inventor); Woodard, Stanley E. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A wireless electrical device includes an electrically unconnected electrical conductor and at least one electrically unconnected electrode spaced apart from the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the electrical conductor so-shaped resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. Each electrode is at a location lying within the magnetic field response so-generated and is constructed such that a linear movement of electric charges is generated in each electrode due to the magnetic field response so-generated.

Static electric fields modify the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches.

PubMed

Jackson, Christopher W; Hunt, Edmund; Sharkh, Suleiman; Newland, Philip L

2011-06-15

Static electric fields are found throughout the environment and there is growing interest in how electric fields influence insect behaviour. Here we have analysed the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in response to static electric fields at levels equal to and above those found in the natural environment. Walking behaviour (including velocity, distance moved, turn angle and time spent walking) were analysed as cockroaches approached an electric field boundary in an open arena, and also when continuously exposed to an electric field. On approaching an electric field boundary, the greater the electric field strength the more likely a cockroach would be to turn away from, or be repulsed by, the electric field. Cockroaches completely exposed to electric fields showed significant changes in locomotion by covering less distance, walking slowly and turning more often. This study highlights the importance of electric fields on the normal locomotory behaviour of insects.

Vacuum Microelectronic Field Emission Array Devices for Microwave Amplification.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancusi, Joseph Edward

This dissertation presents the design, analysis, and measurement of vacuum microelectronic devices which use field emission to extract an electron current from arrays of silicon cones. The arrays of regularly-spaced silicon cones, the field emission cathodes or emitters, are fabricated with an integrated gate electrode which controls the electric field at the tip of the cone, and thus the electron current. An anode or collector electrode is placed above the array to collect the emission current. These arrays, which are fabricated in a standard silicon processing facility, are developed for use as high power microwave amplifiers. Field emission has been studied extensively since it was first characterized in 1928, however due to the large electric fields required practical field emission devices are difficult to make. With the development of the semiconductor industry came the development of fabrication equipment and techniques which allow for the manufacture of the precision micron-scale structures necessary for practical field emission devices. The active region of a field emission device is a vacuum, therefore the electron travel is ballistic. This analysis of field emission devices includes electric field and electron emission modeling, development of a device equivalent circuit, analysis of the parameters in the equivalent circuit, and device testing. Variations in device structure are taken into account using a statistical model based upon device measurements. Measurements of silicon field emitter arrays at DC and RF are presented and analyzed. In this dissertation, the equivalent circuit is developed from the analysis of the device structure. The circuit parameters are calculated from geometrical considerations and material properties, or are determined from device measurements. It is necessary to include the emitter resistance in the equivalent circuit model since relatively high resistivity silicon wafers are used. As is demonstrated, the circuit model accurately predicts the magnitude of the emission current at a number of typical bias current levels when the device is operating at frequencies within the range of 10 MHz to 1 GHz. At low frequencies and at high frequencies within this range, certain parameters are negligible, and simplifications may be made in the equivalent circuit model.

Triboelectric-generator-driven pulse electrodeposition for micropatterning.

PubMed

Zhu, Guang; Pan, Caofeng; Guo, Wenxi; Chen, Chih-Yen; Zhou, Yusheng; Yu, Ruomeng; Wang, Zhong Lin

2012-09-12

By converting ambient energy into electricity, energy harvesting is capable of at least offsetting, or even replacing, the reliance of small portable electronics on traditional power supplies, such as batteries. Here we demonstrate a novel and simple generator with extremely low cost for efficiently harvesting mechanical energy that is typically present in the form of vibrations and random displacements/deformation. Owing to the coupling of contact charging and electrostatic induction, electric generation was achieved with a cycled process of contact and separation between two polymer films. A detailed theory is developed for understanding the proposed mechanism. The instantaneous electric power density reached as high as 31.2 mW/cm(3) at a maximum open circuit voltage of 110 V. Furthermore, the generator was successfully used without electric storage as a direct power source for pulse electrodeposition (PED) of micro/nanocrystalline silver structure. The cathodic current efficiency reached up to 86.6%. Not only does this work present a new type of generator that is featured by simple fabrication, large electric output, excellent robustness, and extremely low cost, but also extends the application of energy-harvesting technology to the field of electrochemistry with further utilizations including, but not limited to, pollutant degradation, corrosion protection, and water splitting.

Demonstration of ultra-high recyclable energy densities in domain-engineered ferroelectric films.

PubMed

Cheng, Hongbo; Ouyang, Jun; Zhang, Yun-Xiang; Ascienzo, David; Li, Yao; Zhao, Yu-Yao; Ren, Yuhang

2017-12-08

Dielectric capacitors have the highest charge/discharge speed among all electrical energy devices, but lag behind in energy density. Here we report dielectric ultracapacitors based on ferroelectric films of Ba(Zr 0.2 ,Ti 0.8 )O 3 which display high-energy densities (up to 166 J cm -3 ) and efficiencies (up to 96%). Different from a typical ferroelectric whose electric polarization is easily saturated, these Ba(Zr 0.2 ,Ti 0.8 )O 3 films display a much delayed saturation of the electric polarization, which increases continuously from nearly zero at remnant in a multipolar state, to a large value under the maximum electric field, leading to drastically improved recyclable energy densities. This is achieved by the creation of an adaptive nano-domain structure in these perovskite films via phase engineering and strain tuning. The lead-free Ba(Zr 0.2 ,Ti 0.8 )O 3 films also show excellent dielectric and energy storage performance over a broad frequency and temperature range. These findings may enable broader applications of dielectric capacitors in energy storage, conditioning, and conversion.

Observing non-equilibrium state of transport through graphene channel at the nano-second time-scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Abhishek; Meersha, Adil; Raghavan, Srinivasan; Shrivastava, Mayank

2017-12-01

Electrical performance of a graphene FET is drastically affected by electron-phonon inelastic scattering. At high electric fields, the out-of-equilibrium population of optical phonons equilibrates by emitting acoustic phonons, which dissipate the energy to heat sinks. The equilibration time of the process is governed by thermal diffusion time, which is few nano-seconds for a typical graphene FET. The nano-second time-scale of the process keeps it elusive to conventional steady-state or DC measurement systems. Here, we employ a time-domain reflectometry-based technique to electrically probe the device for few nano-seconds and investigate the non-equilibrium state. For the first time, the transient nature of electrical transport through graphene FET is revealed. A maximum change of 35% in current and 50% in contact resistance is recorded over a time span of 8 ns, while operating graphene FET at a current density of 1 mA/μm. The study highlights the role of intrinsic heating (scattering) in deciding metal-graphene contact resistance and transport through the graphene channel.

An approach to the parametric design of ion thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilbur, Paul J.; Beattie, John R.; Hyman, Jay, Jr.

1988-01-01

A methodology that can be used to determine which of several physical constraints can limit ion thruster power and thrust, under various design and operating conditions, is presented. The methodology is exercised to demonstrate typical limitations imposed by grid system span-to-gap ratio, intragrid electric field, discharge chamber power per unit beam area, screen grid lifetime, and accelerator grid lifetime constraints. Limitations on power and thrust for a thruster defined by typical discharge chamber and grid system parameters when it is operated at maximum thrust-to-power are discussed. It is pointed out that other operational objectives such as optimization of payload fraction or mission duration can be substituted for the thrust-to-power objective and that the methodology can be used as a tool for mission analysis.

Laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor with direct electric generation by magnetic flux compression

DOEpatents

Lasche, George P.

1988-01-01

A high-power-density laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor system maximizes the directed kinetic energy imparted to a large mass of liquid lithium by a centrally located fusion target. A fusion target is embedded in a large mass of lithium, of sufficient radius to act as a tritium breeding blanket, and provided with ports for the access of beam energy to implode the target. The directed kinetic energy is converted directly to electricity with high efficiency by work done against a pulsed magnetic field applied exterior to the lithium. Because the system maximizes the blanket thickness per unit volume of lithium, neutron-induced radioactivities in the reaction chamber wall are several orders of magnitude less than is typical of other fusion reactor systems.

Electrical and structural properties of ZnO synthesized via infiltration of lithographically defined polymer templates

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

Chang-Yong Nam; Stein, Aaron; Kisslinger, Kim

We investigate the electrical and structural properties of infiltration-synthesized ZnO. In-plane ZnO nanowire arrays with prescribed positional registrations are generated by infiltrating diethlyzinc and water vapor into lithographically defined SU-8 polymer templates and removing organic matrix by oxygen plasma ashing. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that homogeneously amorphous as-infiltrated polymer templates transform into highly nanocrystalline ZnO upon removal of organic matrix. Field-effect transistor device measurements show that the synthesized ZnO after thermal annealing displays a typical n-type behavior, ~1019 cm -3 carrier density, and ~0.1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 electron mobility, reflecting highly nanocrystalline internal structure. The results demonstratemore » the potential application of infiltration synthesis in fabricating metal oxide electronic devices.« less

Electrical and structural properties of ZnO synthesized via infiltration of lithographically defined polymer templates

DOE PAGES

Chang-Yong Nam; Stein, Aaron; Kisslinger, Kim; ...

2015-11-17

We investigate the electrical and structural properties of infiltration-synthesized ZnO. In-plane ZnO nanowire arrays with prescribed positional registrations are generated by infiltrating diethlyzinc and water vapor into lithographically defined SU-8 polymer templates and removing organic matrix by oxygen plasma ashing. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that homogeneously amorphous as-infiltrated polymer templates transform into highly nanocrystalline ZnO upon removal of organic matrix. Field-effect transistor device measurements show that the synthesized ZnO after thermal annealing displays a typical n-type behavior, ~1019 cm -3 carrier density, and ~0.1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 electron mobility, reflecting highly nanocrystalline internal structure. The results demonstratemore » the potential application of infiltration synthesis in fabricating metal oxide electronic devices.« less

Laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor with direct electric generation by magnetic flux compression

DOEpatents

Lasche, G.P.

1987-02-20

A high-power-density-laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor system maximizes the directed kinetic energy imparted to a large mass of liquid lithium by a centrally located fusion target. A fusion target is embedded in a large mass of lithium, of sufficient radius to act as a tritium breeding blanket, and provided with ports for the access of beam energy to implode the target. The directed kinetic energy is converted directly to electricity with high efficiency by work done against a pulsed magnetic field applied exterior to the lithium. Because the system maximizes the blanket thickness per unit volume of lithium, neutron-induced radioactivities in the reaction chamber wall are several orders of magnitude less than is typical of other fusion reactor systems. 25 figs.

Distribution of E/N and N sub e in a cross-flow electric discharge laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunning, J. W., Jr.; Lancashire, R. B.; Manista, E. J.

1976-01-01

The spatial distribution of the ratio of electric field to neutral gas density on a flowing gas, multiple pin-to-plane discharge was measured in a high-power, closed loop laser. The laser was operated at a pressure of 140 torr (1:7:20, CO2, N2, He) with typically a 100 meter/second velocity in the 5 x 8 x 135 centimeter discharge volume. E/N ratios ranged from 2.7 x 10 to the minus 16th power to 1.4 x 10 to the minus 16th power volts/cu cm along the discharge while the electron density ranged from 2.8 x 10 to the 10th power to 1.2 x 10 to the 10th power cm/3.

Electric Field Sensor for Lightning Early Warning System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Premlet, B.; Mohammed, R.; Sabu, S.; Joby, N. E.

2017-12-01

Electric field mills are used popularly for atmospheric electric field measurements. Atmospheric Electric Field variation is the primary signature for Lightning Early Warning systems. There is a characteristic change in the atmospheric electric field before lightning during a thundercloud formation.A voltage controlled variable capacitance is being proposed as a method for non-contacting measurement of electric fields. A varactor based mini electric field measurement system is developed, to detect any change in the atmospheric electric field and to issue lightning early warning system. Since this is a low-cost device, this can be used for developing countries which are facing adversities. A network of these devices can help in forming a spatial map of electric field variations over a region, and this can be used for more improved atmospheric electricity studies in developing countries.

Apparatuses and methods for generating electric fields

DOEpatents

Scott, Jill R; McJunkin, Timothy R; Tremblay, Paul L

2013-08-06

Apparatuses and methods relating to generating an electric field are disclosed. An electric field generator may include a semiconductive material configured in a physical shape substantially different from a shape of an electric field to be generated thereby. The electric field is generated when a voltage drop exists across the semiconductive material. A method for generating an electric field may include applying a voltage to a shaped semiconductive material to generate a complex, substantially nonlinear electric field. The shape of the complex, substantially nonlinear electric field may be configured for directing charged particles to a desired location. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed.

Modeling the plasma chemistry of stratospheric Blue Jet streamers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkler, Holger; Notholt, Justus

2014-05-01

Stratospheric Blue Jets (SBJs) are upward propagating discharges in the altitude range 15-40 km above thunderstorms. The currently most accepted theory associates SBJs to the development of the streamer zone of a leader. The streamers emitted from the leader can travel for a few tens of kilometers predominantly in the vertical direction (Raizer et al., 2007). The strong electric fields at the streamer tips cause ionisation, dissociation, and excitation, and give rise to chemical perturbations. While in recent years the effects of electric discharges occurring in the mesosphere (sprites) have been investigated in a number of model studies, there are only a few studies on the impact of SBJs. However, chemical perturbations due to SBJs are of interest as they might influence the stratospheric ozone layer. We present results of detailed plasma chemistry simulations of SBJ streamers for both day-time and night-time conditions. Any effects of the subsequent leader are not considered. The model accounts for more than 500 reactions and calculates the evolution of the 88 species under the influence of the breakdown electric fields at the streamer tip. As the SBJ dynamics is outside the scope of this study, the streamer parameters are prescribed. For this purpose, electric field parameters based on Raizer et al. (2007) are used. The model is applied to the typical SBJ altitude range 15-40 km. The simulations indicate that SBJ streamers cause significant chemical perturbations. In particular, the liberation of atomic oxygen during the discharge leads to a formation of ozone. At the same time, reactive nitrogen and hydrogen radicals are produced which will cause catalytic ozone destruction. Reference: Raizer et al. (2007), J. Atmos. Solar-Terr. Phys., 69 (8), 925-938.

(1) Majorana fermions in pinned vortices; (2) Manipulating and probing Majorana fermions using superconducting circuits; and (3) Controlling a nanowire spin-orbit qubit via electric-dipole spin resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nori, Franco

2014-03-01

We study a heterostructure which consists of a topological insulator and a superconductor with a hole. This system supports a robust Majorana fermion state bound to the vortex core. We study the possibility of using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (i) to detect the Majorana fermion in this setup and (ii) to study excited states bound to the vortex core. The Majorana fermion manifests itself as an H-dependent zero-bias anomaly of the tunneling conductance. The excited states spectrum differs from the spectrum of a typical Abrikosov vortex, providing additional indirect confirmation of the Majorana state observation. We also study how to manipulate and probe Majorana fermions using super-conducting circuits. In we consider a semiconductor nanowire quantum dot with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which can be used to achieve a spin-orbit qubit. In contrast to a spin qubit, the spin-orbit qubit can respond to an external ac electric field, i.e., electric-dipole spin resonance. We develop a theory that can apply in the strong SOC regime. We find that there is an optimal SOC strength ηopt = √ 2/2, where the Rabi frequency induced by the ac electric field becomes maximal. Also, we show that both the level spacing and the Rabi frequency of the spin-orbit qubit have periodic responses to the direction of the external static magnetic field. These responses can be used to determine the SOC in the nanowire. FN is partly supported by the RIKEN CEMS, iTHES Project, MURI Center for Dynamic Magneto-Optics, JSPS-RFBR Contract No. 12-02-92100, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S), MEXT Kakenhi on Quantum Cybernetics, and the JSPS via its FIRST program.

Diffusion of hydrogen interstitials in the near-surface region of Pd(111) under the influence of surface coverage and external static electric fields

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

Blanco-Rey, M.; Donostia International Physics Center; Tremblay, J. C.

2015-04-21

Past scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments of H manipulation on Pd(111), at low temperature, have shown that it is possible to induce diffusion of surface species as well as of those deeply buried under the surface. Several questions remain open regarding the role of subsurface site occupancies. In the present work, the interaction potential of H atoms with Pd(111) under various H coverage conditions is determined by means of density functional theory calculations in order to provide an answer to two of these questions: (i) whether subsurface sites are the final locations for the H impurities that attempt to emergemore » from bulk regions, and (ii) whether penetration of the surface is a competing route of on-surface diffusion during depletion of surface H on densely covered Pd(111). We find that a high H coverage has the effect of blocking resurfacing of H atoms travelling from below, which would otherwise reach the surface fcc sites, but it hardly alters deeper diffusion energy barriers. Penetration is unlikely and restricted to high occupancies of hcp hollows. In agreement with experiments, the Pd lattice expands vertically as a consequence of H atoms being blocked at subsurface sites, and surface H enhances this expansion. STM tip effects are included in the calculations self-consistently as an external static electric field. The main contribution to the induced surface electric dipoles originates from the Pd substrate polarisability. We find that the electric field has a non-negligible effect on the H-Pd potential in the vicinity of the topmost Pd atomic layer, yet typical STM intensities of 1-2 VÅ{sup −1} are insufficient to invert the stabilities of the surface and subsurface equilibrium sites.« less

Cosmic Rays in Thunderstorms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buitink, Stijn; Scholten, Olaf; van den Berg, Ad; Ebert, Ute

2013-04-01

Cosmic Rays in Thunderstorms Cosmic rays are protons and heavier nuclei that constantly bombard the Earth's atmosphere with energies spanning a vast range from 109 to 1021 eV. At typical altitudes up to 10-20 km they initiate large particle cascades, called extensive air showers, that contain millions to billions of secondary particles depending on their initial energy. These particles include electrons, positrons, hadrons and muons, and are concentrated in a compact particle front that propagates at relativistic speed. In addition, the shower leaves behind a trail of lower energy electrons from ionization of air molecules. Under thunderstorm conditions these electrons contribute to the electrical and ionization processes in the cloud. When the local electric field is strong enough the secondary electrons can create relativistic electron run-away avalanches [1] or even non-relativistic avalanches. Cosmic rays could even trigger lightning inception. Conversely, strong electric fields also influence the development of the air shower [2]. Extensive air showers emit a short (tens of nanoseconds) radio pulse due to deflection of the shower particles in the Earth's magnetic field [3]. Antenna arrays, such as AERA, LOFAR and LOPES detect these pulses in a frequency window of roughly 10-100 MHz. These systems are also sensitive to the radiation from discharges associated to thunderstorms, and provide a means to study the interaction of cosmic ray air showers and the electrical processes in thunderstorms [4]. In this presentation we discuss the involved radiation mechanisms and present analyses of thunderstorm data from air shower arrays [1] A. Gurevich et al., Phys. Lett. A 165, 463 (1992) [2] S. Buitink et al., Astropart. Phys. 33, 1 (2010) [3] H. Falcke et al., Nature 435, 313 (2005) [4] S. Buitink et al., Astron. & Astrophys. 467, 385 (2007)

Joule heating effects on electroosmotic flow in insulator-based dielectrophoresis.

PubMed

Sridharan, Sriram; Zhu, Junjie; Hu, Guoqing; Xuan, Xiangchun

2011-09-01

Insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is an emerging technology that has been successfully used to manipulate a variety of particles in microfluidic devices. However, due to the locally amplified electric field around the in-channel insulator, Joule heating often becomes an unavoidable issue that may disturb the electroosmotic flow and affect the particle motion. This work presents the first experimental study of Joule heating effects on electroosmotic flow in a typical iDEP device, e.g., a constriction microchannel, under DC-biased AC voltages. A numerical model is also developed to simulate the observed flow pattern by solving the coupled electric, energy, and fluid equations in a simplified two-dimensional geometry. It is observed that depending on the magnitude of the DC voltage, a pair of counter-rotating fluid circulations can occur at either the downstream end alone or each end of the channel constriction. Moreover, the pair at the downstream end appears larger in size than that at the upstream end due to DC electroosmotic flow. These fluid circulations, which are reasonably simulated by the numerical model, form as a result of the action of the electric field on Joule heating-induced fluid inhomogeneities in the constriction region. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Design and market considerations for axial flux superconducting electric machine design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ainslie, M. D.; George, A.; Shaw, R.; Dawson, L.; Winfield, A.; Steketee, M.; Stockley, S.

2014-05-01

In this paper, the authors investigate a number of design and market considerations for an axial flux superconducting electric machine design that uses high temperature superconductors. The axial flux machine design is assumed to utilise high temperature superconductors in both wire (stator winding) and bulk (rotor field) forms, to operate over a temperature range of 65-77 K, and to have a power output in the range from 10s of kW up to 1 MW (typical for axial flux machines), with approximately 2-3 T as the peak trapped field in the bulk superconductors. The authors firstly investigate the applicability of this type of machine as a generator in small- and medium-sized wind turbines, including the current and forecasted market and pricing for conventional turbines. Next, a study is also carried out on the machine's applicability as an in-wheel hub motor for electric vehicles. Some recommendations for future applications are made based on the outcome of these two studies. Finally, the cost of YBCO-based superconducting (2G HTS) wire is analysed with respect to competing wire technologies and compared with current conventional material costs and current wire costs for both 1G and 2G HTS are still too great to be economically feasible for such superconducting devices.

Avoiding neuromuscular stimulation in liver irreversible electroporation using radiofrequency electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castellví, Quim; Mercadal, Borja; Moll, Xavier; Fondevila, Dolors; Andaluz, Anna; Ivorra, Antoni

2018-02-01

Electroporation-based treatments typically consist of the application of high-voltage dc pulses. As an undesired side effect, these dc pulses cause electrical stimulation of excitable tissues such as motor nerves. The present in vivo study explores the use of bursts of sinusoidal voltage in a frequency range from 50 kHz to 2 MHz, to induce irreversible electroporation (IRE) whilst avoiding neuromuscular stimulation. A series of 100 dc pulses or sinusoidal bursts, both with an individual duration of 100 µs, were delivered to rabbit liver through thin needles in a monopolar electrode configuration, and thoracic movements were recorded with an accelerometer. Tissue samples were harvested three hours after treatment and later post-processed to determine the dimensions of the IRE lesions. Thermal damage due to Joule heating was ruled out via computer simulations. Sinusoidal bursts with a frequency equal to or above 100 kHz did not cause thoracic movements and induced lesions equivalent to those obtained with conventional dc pulses when the applied voltage amplitude was sufficiently high. IRE efficacy dropped with increasing frequency. For 100 kHz bursts, it was estimated that the electric field threshold for IRE is about 1.4 kV cm-1 whereas that of dc pulses is about 0.5 kV cm-1.

Introduction to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields.

PubMed Central

Kaune, W T

1993-01-01

This paper introduces the reader to electric and magnetic fields, particularly those fields produced by electric power systems and other sources using frequencies in the power-frequency range. Electric fields are produced by electric charges; a magnetic field also is produced if these charges are in motion. Electric fields exert forces on other charges; if in motion, these charges will experience magnetic forces. Power-frequency electric and magnetic fields induce electric currents in conducting bodies such as living organisms. The current density vector is used to describe the distribution of current within a body. The surface of the human body is an excellent shield for power-frequency electric fields, but power-frequency magnetic fields penetrate without significant attenuation; the electric fields induced inside the body by either exposure are comparable in magnitude. Electric fields induced inside a human by most environmental electric and magnetic fields appear to be small in magnitude compared to levels naturally occurring in living tissues. Detection of such fields thus would seem to require the existence of unknown biological mechanisms. Complete characterization of a power-frequency field requires measurement of the magnitudes and electrical phases of the fundamental and harmonic amplitudes of its three vector components. Most available instrumentation measures only a small subset, or some weighted average, of these quantities. Hand-held survey meters have been used widely to measure power-frequency electric and magnetic fields. Automated data-acquisition systems have come into use more recently to make electric- and magnetic-field recordings, covering periods of hours to days, in residences and other environments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:8206045

Charging of moving surfaces by corona discharges sustained in air

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

Wang, Jun-Chieh, E-mail: junchwan@umich.edu; Kushner, Mark J., E-mail: mjkush@umich.edu; Zhang, Daihua, E-mail: dhzhang@tju.edu.cn

Atmospheric pressure corona discharges are used in electrophotographic (EP) printing technologies for charging imaging surfaces such as photoconductors. A typical corona discharge consists of a wire (or wire array) biased with a few hundred volts of dc plus a few kV of ac voltage. An electric discharge is produced around the corona wire from which electrons drift towards and charge the underlying dielectric surface. The surface charging reduces the voltage drop across the gap between the corona wire and the dielectric surface, which then terminates the discharge, as in a dielectric barrier discharge. In printing applications, this underlying surface ismore » continuously moving throughout the charging process. For example, previously charged surfaces, which had reduced the local electric field and terminated the local discharge, are translated out of the field of view and are replaced with uncharged surface. The uncharged surface produces a rebound in the electric field in the vicinity of the corona wire which in turn results in re-ignition of the discharge. The discharge, so reignited, is then asymmetric. We found that in the idealized corona charging system we investigated, a negatively dc biased corona blade with a dielectric covered ground electrode, the discharge is initially sustained by electron impact ionization from the bulk plasma and then dominated by ionization from sheath accelerated secondary electrons. Depending on the speed of the underlying surface, the periodic re-ignition of the discharge can produce an oscillatory charging pattern on the moving surface.« less

Preliminary Results of Field Emission Cathode Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sovey, James S.; Kovaleski, Scott D.

2001-01-01

Preliminary screening tests of field emission cathodes such as chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond, textured pyrolytic graphite, and textured copper were conducted at background pressures typical of electric thruster test facilities to assess cathode performance and stability. Very low power electric thrusters which provide tens to hundreds micronewtons of thrust may need field emission neutralizers that have a capability of tens to hundreds of microamperes. From current voltage characteristics, it was found that the CVD diamond and textured metals cathodes clearly satisfied the Fowler-Nordheim emission relation. The CVD diamond and a textured copper cathode had average current densities of 270 and 380 mA/sq cm, respectively, at the beginning-of-life. After a few hours of operation the cathode emission currents degraded by 40 to 75% at background pressures in the 10(exp -5) Pa to 10(exp -4) Pa range. The textured pyrolytic graphite had a modest current density at beginning-of-life of 84 mA/sq cm, but this cathode was the most stable of all. Extended testing of the most promising cathodes is warranted to determine if current degradation is a burn-in effect or whether it is a long-term degradation process. Preliminary experiments with ferroelectric emission cathodes, which are ceramics with spontaneous electric polarization, were conducted. Peak current densities of 30 to 120 mA/sq cm were obtained for pulse durations of about 500 ns in the 10(exp -4) Pa pressure range.

Recompressed exfoliated graphite articles

DOEpatents

Zhamu, Aruna; Shi, Jinjun; Guo, Jiusheng; Jang, Bor Z

2013-08-06

This invention provides an electrically conductive, less anisotropic, recompressed exfoliated graphite article comprising a mixture of (a) expanded or exfoliated graphite flakes; and (b) particles of non-expandable graphite or carbon, wherein the non-expandable graphite or carbon particles are in the amount of between about 3% and about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the particles and the expanded graphite flakes combined; wherein the mixture is compressed to form the article having an apparent bulk density of from about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 to about 2.0 g/cm.sup.3. The article exhibits a thickness-direction conductivity typically greater than 50 S/cm, more typically greater than 100 S/cm, and most typically greater than 200 S/cm. The article, when used in a thin foil or sheet form, can be a useful component in a sheet molding compound plate used as a fuel cell separator or flow field plate. The article may also be used as a current collector for a battery, supercapacitor, or any other electrochemical cell.

Electrically modulated capillary filling imbibition of nematic liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhar, Jayabrata; Chakraborty, Suman

2018-04-01

The flow of nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) in the presence of an electric field is typically characterized by the variation in its rheological properties due to transition in its molecular arrangements. Here, we bring out a nontrivial interplay of a consequent alteration in the resistive viscous effects and driving electrocapillary interactions, toward maneuvering the capillary filling dynamics over miniaturized scales. Considering a dynamic interplay of the relevant bulk and interfacial forces acting in tandem, our results converge nicely to previously reported experimental data. Finally, we attempt a scaling analysis to bring forth further insight to the reported observations. Our analysis paves the way for the development of microfluidic strategies with previously unexplored paradigms of interaction between electrical and fluidic phenomenon, providing with an augmented controllability on capillary filling as compared to tthose reported to be achievable by the existing strategies. This, in turn, holds utilitarian scopes in improved designs of functional capillarities in electro-optical systems, electrorheological utilities, electrokinetic flow control, as well as in interfacing and imaging systems for biomedical microdevices.

Electrical Properties of Reactive Liquid Crystal Semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCulloch, Iain; Coelle, Michael; Genevicius, Kristijonas; Hamilton, Rick; Heckmeier, Michael; Heeney, Martin; Kreouzis, Theo; Shkunov, Maxim; Zhang, Weimin

2008-01-01

Fabrication of display products by low cost printing technologies such as ink jet, gravure offset lithography and flexography requires solution processable semiconductors for the backplane electronics. The products will typically be of lower performance than polysilicon transistors, but comparable to amorphous silicon. A range of prototypes are under development, including rollable electrophoretic displays, active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCD's), and flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. Organic semiconductors that offer both electrical performance and stability with respect to storage and operation under ambient conditions are required. This work describes the initial evaluation of reactive mesogen semiconductors, which can polymerise within mesophase temperatures, “freezing in” the order in crosslinked domains. These crosslinked domains offer mechanical stability and are inert to solvent exposure in further processing steps. Reactive mesogens containing conjugated aromatic cores, designed to facilitate charge transport and provide good oxidative stability, were prepared and their liquid crystalline properties evaluated. Both time-of-flight and field effect transistor devices were prepared and their electrical characterisation reported.

Report of the Jacksonville, Florida, Electric Authority on typical residential electric bills for August in 60 areas of the United States. [60 areas in U. S

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

Not Available

1976-08-01

The report of the Jacksonville, Florida, Electric Authority on typical residential electric bills for August 1976 in 60 areas of the U. S. is presented. The report includes both publicly and privately owned systems. The calculation includes Alabama Power Company's monthly energy adjustment factor. Data are included from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Massachusetts, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Texas, Ohio, West Virgina, Missouri, North Carolina, Mississippi, Maine, Alabama, and Tennessee. (MCW)

Saturation of the Electric Field Transmitted to the Magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyatsky, Wladislaw; Khazanov, George V.; Slavin, James A.

2010-01-01

We reexamined the processes leading to saturation of the electric field, transmitted into the Earth's ionosphere from the solar wind, incorporating features of the coupled system previously ignored. We took into account that the electric field is transmitted into the ionosphere through a region of open field lines, and that the ionospheric conductivity in the polar cap and auroral zone may be different. Penetration of the electric field into the magnetosphere is linked with the generation of the Alfven wave, going out from the ionosphere into the solar wind and being coupled with the field-aligned currents at the boundary of the open field limes. The electric field of the outgoing Alfven wave reduces the original electric field and provides the saturation effect in the electric field and currents during strong geomagnetic disturbances, associated with increasing ionospheric conductivity. The electric field and field-aligned currents of this Alfven wave are dependent on the ionospheric and solar wind parameters and may significantly affect the electric field and field-aligned currents, generated in the polar ionosphere. Estimating the magnitude of the saturation effect in the electric field and field-aligned currents allows us to improve the correlation between solar wind parameters and resulting disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere.

Novel techniques for optical sensor using single core multi-layer structures for electric field detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Amir R.; Kamel, Mohamed A.

2017-05-01

This paper studies the effect of the electrostriction force on the single optical dielectric core coated with multi-layers based on whispering gallery mode (WGM). The sensing element is a dielectric core made of polymeric material coated with multi-layers having different dielectric and mechanical properties. The external electric field deforming the sensing element causing shifts in its WGM spectrum. The multi-layer structures will enhance the body and the pressure forces acting on the core of the sensing element. Due to the gradient on the dielectric permittivity; pressure forces at the interface between every two layers will be created. Also, the gradient on Young's modulus will affect the overall stiffness of the optical sensor. In turn the sensitivity of the optical sensor to the electric field will be increased when the materials of each layer selected properly. A mathematical model is used to test the effect for that multi-layer structures. Two layering techniques are considered to increase the sensor's sensitivity; (i) Pressure force enhancement technique; and (ii) Young's modulus reduction technique. In the first technique, Young's modulus is kept constant for all layers, while the dielectric permittivity is varying. In this technique the results will be affected by the value dielectric permittivity of the outer medium surrounding the cavity. If the medium's dielectric permittivity is greater than that of the cavity, then the ascending ordered layers of the cavity will yield the highest sensitivity (the core will have the smallest dielectric permittivity) to the applied electric field and vice versa. In the second technique, Young's modulus is varying along the layers, while the dielectric permittivity has a certain constant value per layer. On the other hand, the descending order will enhance the sensitivity in the second technique. Overall, results show the multi-layer cavity based on these techniques will enhance the sensitivity compared to the typical polymeric optical sensor.

On inflating magnetic fields, and the backreactions thereof

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

Urban, Federico R., E-mail: urban@phas.ubc.ca

2011-12-01

We investigate in more depth the issue of backreaction in models that attempt at generating cosmological magnetic fields at inflation. By choosing different, physically motivated, parametrisations, we are able to isolate the heart of the problem, namely the existence, alongside the wanted magnetic field, of its electric counterpart, which turns out quite generally to be stronger and redder. We were also able to identify a few more interwoven weak spots (the typically very high scale of inflation, the width of the spectrum of modes processed by inflation, the blindness of the amplification mechanism to the energy scale processed), in amore » way independent on the specifications of the coupling between inflation and electromagnetism. Despite having stripped down the problem to the core, the obstacles encountered appear insurmountable, thereby posing a challenge to inflation as the incubator of cosmological magnetism.« less

MMS Encounters with Reconnection Diffusion Regions in the Earth's Magnetotail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torbert, R. B.; Burch, J. L.; Argall, M. R.; Farrugia, C. J.; Alm, L.; Dors, I.; Payne, D.; Rogers, A. J.; Strangeway, R. J.; Phan, T.; Ergun, R.; Goodrich, K.; Lindqvist, P. A.; Khotyaintsev, Y. V.; Giles, B. L.; Rager, A. C.; Gershman, D. J.; Kletzing, C.

2017-12-01

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) fleet of four spacecraft traversed the Earth's magnetotail in May through August of 2017 with an apogee of 25 Re, and encountered diffusion regions characteristic of symmetric reconnection. This presentation will describe in-situ measurements of large electric fields, strong electron cross-tail and Hall currents, and electron velocity distributions (frequently crescent-shaped) that are commonly observed in these regions. Positive electromagnetic energy conversion is also typical. The characteristics of symmetric reconnection observations will be contrasted with those of asymmetric reconnection that MMS observed previously at the dayside magnetopause.

NMR spectrum analysis for CrAs at ambient pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotegawa, H.; Nakahara, S.; Matsushima, K.; Tou, H.; Matsuoka, E.; Sugawara, H.; Harima, H.

2018-05-01

We report NMR spectrum analysis for CrAs, which was recently reported to be superconducting under pressure. The NMR spectrum obtained by the powdered single crystals shows a typical powder pattern reproduced by the electric field gradient (EFG) parameters and isotropic Knight shift, indicating anisotropy of Knight shift is not remarkable in CrAs. For the oriented sample, the spectrum can be understood by considering that the crystals are aligned for H ∥ b . The temperature dependence of Knight shift was successfully obtained from NMR spectrum with large nuclear quadrupole interaction.

Shields for protecting cables from the effects of electromagnetic noise and interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoeft, L. O.; Hofstra, J. S.; Karaskiewicz, R. J.; Torres, B. W.

1988-12-01

The intrinsic electromagnetic property of a cable or connector shield is its surface transfer impedance. This is the ratio of the longitudinal open circuit voltage measured on one side of the shield (normally the inside) to the axial current on the other side (normally the outside). In cases where a high electric field is present at the surface of the shield, the transfer admittance or charge transfer elastance is also important. Measurements of typical cables, connectors, backshells and cable terminations are presented and explained in terms of simple models.

A Numerical Investigation of the Electric and Thermal Cell Kill Distributions in Electroporation-Based Therapies in Tissue

PubMed Central

Garcia, Paulo A.; Davalos, Rafael V.; Miklavcic, Damijan

2014-01-01

Electroporation-based therapies are powerful biotechnological tools for enhancing the delivery of exogeneous agents or killing tissue with pulsed electric fields (PEFs). Electrochemotherapy (ECT) and gene therapy based on gene electrotransfer (EGT) both use reversible electroporation to deliver chemotherapeutics or plasmid DNA into cells, respectively. In both ECT and EGT, the goal is to permeabilize the cell membrane while maintaining high cell viability in order to facilitate drug or gene transport into the cell cytoplasm and induce a therapeutic response. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) results in cell kill due to exposure to PEFs without drugs and is under clinical evaluation for treating otherwise unresectable tumors. These PEF therapies rely mainly on the electric field distributions and do not require changes in tissue temperature for their effectiveness. However, in immediate vicinity of the electrodes the treatment may results in cell kill due to thermal damage because of the inhomogeneous electric field distribution and high current density during the electroporation-based therapies. Therefore, the main objective of this numerical study is to evaluate the influence of pulse number and electrical conductivity in the predicted cell kill zone due to irreversible electroporation and thermal damage. Specifically, we simulated a typical IRE protocol that employs ninety 100-µs PEFs. Our results confirm that it is possible to achieve predominant cell kill due to electroporation if the PEF parameters are chosen carefully. However, if either the pulse number and/or the tissue conductivity are too high, there is also potential to achieve cell kill due to thermal damage in the immediate vicinity of the electrodes. Therefore, it is critical for physicians to be mindful of placement of electrodes with respect to critical tissue structures and treatment parameters in order to maintain the non-thermal benefits of electroporation and prevent unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue, critical vascular structures, and/or adjacent organs. PMID:25115970

Exploration of a Buried Building Foundation and a Septic Tank Plume Dispersion Using a Laboratory-fabricated Resistivity Apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachhab, A.; Stepanik, N.; Booterbaugh, A.

2010-12-01

In the following study, an electrical resistivity device was built and used in both a laboratory setup and in the field to accurately identify the location of a septic tank and the foundation of Gustavus Adolphus (GA); a building that was burned at Susquehanna University in 1964. The entire apparatus, which costs a fraction of the price of a typical electrical resistivity device, was tested for accuracy in the laboratory prior to its use in the field. The electrical resistivity apparatus consists of a deep-cycle twelve volt battery, an AC to DC inverter and two multimeters to measure the potential and the current intensity from four linear electrodes via a wireless data transmission system. This apparatus was constructed by using basic inexpensive electrical and electronic equipments. The recorded potential and current values were used to calculate the apparent resistivity of different materials adopting the Wenner array for both investigations. Several tests were performed on the tabletop bench, producing consistent results when applied to find small bricks structures with different geometrical arrangement buried under a mixed sand-soil formation. The apparatus was also used to investigate a subsurface salty water plume in the same formation. The horizontal resistivity profile obtained over the vertical small brick wall matched the theoretical apparent resistivity of resistivity versus displacement on a vertical dike in a homogeneous material. In addition, the two-dimensional resistivity profile replicate the salty plume size conformably. Following the success on the small-scale laboratory tabletop bench, the electrical resistivity apparatus was implemented in the field to explore the foundation of GA in one location and the septic tank in another. An array of transects were performed, analyzed and plotted using MATLAB. The three dimensional contours of apparent resistivity depicted exactly the locations of the buried foundation walls, the septic tank and the leaking plume.

Formation of a strong electric field resulting in the excitation of microplasma discharges at the edge of a dielectric film on a metal in a plasma flow

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

Ivanov, V. A., E-mail: ivanov@fpl.gpi.ru; Sakharov, A. S.; Konyzhev, M. E.

2016-06-15

Results are presented from experimental and analytical studies of the processes resulting in the excitation of microplasma discharges (MPDs) on a metal surface partially covered with a thin dielectric film under the action of an external plasma flow in vacuum. It is shown experimentally that MPDs are excited at the interface between the open metal surface and the region covered by the dielectric film. The probability of MPD excitation is investigated as a function of the thickness of the dielectric film deposited on the metal. It is found that, for a film thickness of 1 μm, the probability of MPDmore » excitation is close to unity. As the film thickness decreases below ~10 nm or increases above ~10 μm, the probability of MPD excitation is reduced by more than two orders of magnitude. A two-dimensional kinetic numerical code is developed that allows one to model the processes of Debye sheath formation and generation of a strong electric field near the edge of a finite-thickness dielectric film on a metal surface in a plasma flow for different configurations of the film edge. It is shown that the maximum value of the tangential component of the electric field is reached at the film edge and amounts to E{sub max} ≈ |φ{sub 0}|/2d (where φ{sub 0} < 0 is the electric potential applied to the metal and d is the film thickness), which for typical conditions of experiments on the excitation of MPDs on metal surfaces (φ{sub 0} ≈–400 V, d ≈ 1 μm) yields E{sub max} ≈ 2 MV/cm. The results of kinetic simulations confirm the qualitative idea about the mechanism of the formation of a strong electric field resulting in the excitation of MPDs at the edge of a dielectric film on a metal surface in a plasma flow and agree with experimental data.« less

Laser-driven electron acceleration in a plasma channel with an additional electric field

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

Cheng, Li-Hong; Xue, Ju-Kui, E-mail: xuejk@nwnu.edu.cn; Liu, Jie, E-mail: liu-jie@iapcm.ac.cn

2016-05-15

We examine the electron acceleration in a two-dimensional plasma channel under the action of a laser field and an additional static electric field. We propose to design an appropriate additional electric field (its direction and location), in order to launch the electron onto an energetic trajectory. We find that the electron acceleration strongly depends on the coupled effects of the laser polarization, the direction, and location of the additional electric field. The additional electric field affects the electron dynamics by changing the dephasing rate. Particularly, a suitably designed additional electric field leads to a considerable energy gain from the lasermore » pulse after the interaction with the additional electric field. The electron energy gain from the laser with the additional electric field can be much higher than that without the additional electric field. This engineering provides a possible means for producing high energetic electrons.« less

Calculations of neoclassical impurity transport in stellarators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mollén, Albert; Smith, Håkan M.; Langenberg, Andreas; Turkin, Yuriy; Beidler, Craig D.; Helander, Per; Landreman, Matt; Newton, Sarah L.; García-Regaña, José M.; Nunami, Masanori

2017-10-01

The new stellarator Wendelstein 7-X has finished the first operational campaign and is restarting operation in the summer 2017. To demonstrate that the stellarator concept is a viable candidate for a fusion reactor and to allow for long pulse lengths of 30 min, i.e. ``quasi-stationary'' operation, it will be important to avoid central impurity accumulation typically governed by the radial neoclassical transport. The SFINCS code has been developed to calculate neoclassical quantities such as the radial collisional transport and the ambipolar radial electric field in 3D magnetic configurations. SFINCS is a cutting-edge numerical tool which combines several important features: the ability to model an arbitrary number of kinetic plasma species, the full linearized Fokker-Planck collision operator for all species, and the ability to calculate and account for the variation of the electrostatic potential on flux surfaces. In the present work we use SFINCS to study neoclassical impurity transport in stellarators. We explore how flux-surface potential variations affect the radial particle transport, and how the radial electric field is modified by non-trace impurities and flux-surface potential variations.

Large Amplitude Whistler Waves and Electron Acceleration in the Earth's Radiation Belts: A Review of STEREO and Wind Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cattell, Cynthia; Breneman, A.; Goetz, K.; Kellogg, P.; Kersten, K.; Wygant, J.; Wilson, L. B., III; Looper, Mark D.; Blake, J. Bernard; Roth, I.

2012-01-01

One of the critical problems for understanding the dynamics of Earth's radiation belts is determining the physical processes that energize and scatter relativistic electrons. We review measurements from the Wind/Waves and STEREO S/Waves waveform capture instruments of large amplitude whistler-mode waves. These observations have provided strong evidence that large amplitude (100s mV/m) whistler-mode waves are common during magnetically active periods. The large amplitude whistlers have characteristics that are different from typical chorus. They are usually nondispersive and obliquely propagating, with a large longitudinal electric field and significant parallel electric field. We will also review comparisons of STEREO and Wind wave observations with SAMPEX observations of electron microbursts. Simulations show that the waves can result in energization by many MeV and/or scattering by large angles during a single wave packet encounter due to coherent, nonlinear processes including trapping. The experimental observations combined with simulations suggest that quasilinear theoretical models of electron energization and scattering via small-amplitude waves, with timescales of hours to days, may be inadequate for understanding radiation belt dynamics.

Program Predicts Performance of Optical Parametric Oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, Patricia L.; Bowers, Mark

2006-01-01

A computer program predicts the performances of solid-state lasers that operate at wavelengths from ultraviolet through mid-infrared and that comprise various combinations of stable and unstable resonators, optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), and sum-frequency generators (SFGs), including second-harmonic generators (SHGs). The input to the program describes the signal, idler, and pump beams; the SFG and OPO crystals; and the laser geometry. The program calculates the electric fields of the idler, pump, and output beams at three locations (inside the laser resonator, just outside the input mirror, and just outside the output mirror) as functions of time for the duration of the pump beam. For each beam, the electric field is used to calculate the fluence at the output mirror, plus summary parameters that include the centroid location, the radius of curvature of the wavefront leaving through the output mirror, the location and size of the beam waist, and a quantity known, variously, as a propagation constant or beam-quality factor. The program provides a typical Windows interface for entering data and selecting files. The program can include as many as six plot windows, each containing four graphs.

Electrostatic Structure and Double-Probe Performance in Tenuous Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cully, C. M.; Ergun, R. E.

2006-12-01

Many in-situ plasma instruments are affected by the local electrostatic structure surrounding the spacecraft. In order to better understand this structure, we have developed a fully 3-dimensional self-consistent model that uses realistic spacecraft geometry, including thin (<1 mm) wires and long (>100m) booms, with open boundary conditions. One of the more surprising results is that in tenuous plasmas, the charge on the booms can dominate over the charge on the spacecraft body. For instruments such as electric field double probes and boom-mounted low-energy particle detectors, this challenges the existing paradigm: long booms do not allow the probes to escape the spacecraft potential. Instead, the potential structure simply expands as the boom is deployed. We then apply our model to the double-probe Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instruments on Cluster, and predict the magnitudes of the main error sources. The overall error budget is consistent with experiment, and the model yields some additional interesting insights. We show that the charge in the photoelectron cloud is relatively unimportant, and that the spacecraft potential is typically underestimated by about 20% by double-probe experiments.

Thermodynamics and instability of dielectric elastomer (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liwu; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong; Mu, Tong

2017-04-01

Dielectric elastomer is a kind of typical soft active material. It can deform obviously when subjected to an external voltage. When a dielectric elastomer with randomly oriented dipoles is subject to an electric field, the dipoles will rotate to and align with the electric field. The polarization of the dielectric elastomer may be saturated when the voltage is high enough. When subjected to a mechanical force, the end-to-end distance of each polymer chain, which has a finite contour length, will approach the finite value, reaching a limiting stretch. On approaching the limiting stretch, the elastomer stiffens steeply. Here, we develop a thermodynamic constitutive model of dielectric elastomers undergoing polarization saturation and strain-stiffening, and then investigate the stability (electromechanical stability, snap-through stability) and voltage induced deformation of dielectric elastomers. Analytical solution has been obtained and it reveals the marked influence of the extension limit and polarization saturation limit on its instability. The developed thermodynamic constitutive model and simulation results would be helpful in future to the research of dielectric elastomer based high-performance transducers.

A Neuron-Based Screening Platform for Optimizing Genetically-Encoded Calcium Indicators

PubMed Central

Schreiter, Eric R.; Hasseman, Jeremy P.; Tsegaye, Getahun; Fosque, Benjamin F.; Behnam, Reza; Shields, Brenda C.; Ramirez, Melissa; Kimmel, Bruce E.; Kerr, Rex A.; Jayaraman, Vivek; Looger, Loren L.; Svoboda, Karel; Kim, Douglas S.

2013-01-01

Fluorescent protein-based sensors for detecting neuronal activity have been developed largely based on non-neuronal screening systems. However, the dynamics of neuronal state variables (e.g., voltage, calcium, etc.) are typically very rapid compared to those of non-excitable cells. We developed an electrical stimulation and fluorescence imaging platform based on dissociated rat primary neuronal cultures. We describe its use in testing genetically-encoded calcium indicators (GECIs). Efficient neuronal GECI expression was achieved using lentiviruses containing a neuronal-selective gene promoter. Action potentials (APs) and thus neuronal calcium levels were quantitatively controlled by electrical field stimulation, and fluorescence images were recorded. Images were segmented to extract fluorescence signals corresponding to individual GECI-expressing neurons, which improved sensitivity over full-field measurements. We demonstrate the superiority of screening GECIs in neurons compared with solution measurements. Neuronal screening was useful for efficient identification of variants with both improved response kinetics and high signal amplitudes. This platform can be used to screen many types of sensors with cellular resolution under realistic conditions where neuronal state variables are in relevant ranges with respect to timing and amplitude. PMID:24155972

Auroral zone electric fields from DE 1 and 2 at magnetic conjunctions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weimer, D. R.; Goertz, C. K.; Gurnett, D. A.; Maynard, N. C.; Burch, J. L.

1985-01-01

Nearly simultaneous measurements of auroral zone electric fields are obtained by the Dynamics Explorer spacecraft at altitudes below 900 km and above 4,500 km during magnetic conjunctions. The measured electric fields are usually perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. The north-south meridional electric fields are projected to a common altitude by a mapping function which accounts for the convergence of the magnetic field lines. When plotted as a function of invariant latitude, graphs of the projected electric fields measured by both DE-1 and DE-2 show that the large-scale electric field is the same at both altitudes, as expected. Superimposed on the large-scale fields, however, are small-scale features with wavelengths less than 100 km which are larger in magnitude at the higher altitude. Fourier transforms of the electric fields show that the magnitudes depend on wavelength. Outside of the auroral zone the electric field spectrums are nearly identical. But within the auroral zone the high and low altitude electric fields have a ratio which increases with the reciprocal of the wavelength. The small-scale electric field variations are associated with field-aligned currents. These currents are measured with both a plasma instrument and magnetometer on DE-1.

Motionally-induced electromagnetic fields generated by idealized ocean currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyler, R. H.; Mysak, L. A.

Using the induction equation, we investigate the generation of electromagnetic fields by the motional electromagnetic induction due to ocean currents. In this paper, solutions are presented for a linear induction equation for the magnetic flux density vector which contains prescribed time-independent ocean current and conductivity fields. Once the magnetic flux density is known, the electric field and electric current density are easily obtained by differentiation. Solutions are given for several examples of idealized flow which include: 1) Vertically and horizontally sheared plane-parallel flow with depth-dependent conductivity; 2) A simple Stommel circulation gyre; and 3) Symmetric gyres. The results indicate that typical ocean current features induce magnetic fields with magnitudes reaching 100's of nT within the water and about 1-10 outside of the water. For the case of a field of gyres, the ocean-induced magnetic fields decay away from the ocean on spatial scales set by the horizontal scale of the ocean feature. At the altitudes of magnetic field satellite surveys, ocean-induced magnetic fields may retain values of a few nT, which are strong enough to be detected. Thus it is concluded that satellite observations of the earth's main magnetic field and, in particular, the observed temporal variations, could be affected by the ocean circulation. Summary and discussion In Section 3, we found exact solutions to the induction equation for idealized flows. The results gave magnitudes of about tens to hundreds of nT for the magnetic fields bH, about 10-5 V/m for the electric fields E, and about 10-5 A/m2 for the electric current density J induced by the ocean currents. These figures are in general agreement with the calculations of Lilley et al. (1993). In Section 4.2 we obtained solutions for the magnetic field above the ocean surface for the case of a Stommel gyre and a field of symmetric gyres. It was found in the last case that ocean gyres with a total transport of 100 Sv would have field magnitudes above the ocean of up to 23 nT and more typically between about 1 and 10 nT. The results also indicate that the decay scales for the magnetic field away from the ocean are of the same order as the horizontal scale of the flow. We calculated that flow features with scales of 100 km or more may retain magnitudes that are strong enough (a few nT) to be detected at satellite altitudes (300-500 km). Flows of smaller scale, however, would probably not be detected by current satellites. We have not explicitly solved for the magnetic fields that would be observed at magnetic observations on land since we have only treated cases of horizontally homogeneous conductivity. However, we conjecture that inland magnetic observations will also be affected by the ocean induction. The spatial decay inland from the ocean would again be set by the horizontal scale of the flow except when the electric currents involved in the induction are close to the coast. In this case there is a coastal effect, with the stronger fields decaying over a shorter scale. We have presented arguments which indicate that for uniform ocean conductivity s over a sediment layer of low conductivity, barotropic currents are efficient generators of electric fields but poor generators of electrical current and magnetic fields, while baroclinic currents are efficient generators of electrical current and magnetic fields, and (in our simple examples) poor generators of electric fields. When, however, s varies in the vertical, it appears that virtually all realistic forms of ocean circulation will be reasonably efficient generators of electrical current and magnetic fields. It is conceivable that the geomagnetic record from land and satellite observatories has captured oceanic signals. Another task before ocean and geomagnetic records can be linked, however, is to isolate the oceanic signal from the records which are known to be swarmed with magnetic signals from many other sources. How can we know that measured magnetic variations are due to variations in the ocean induction and not due to sources in the ionosphere or earth's core? This is a difficult problem, but there may be some ways to resolve it. Variations in ocean circulation or conductivity are rather slow compared to the rapid magnetic storms and most other variations due to external sources. Also the external effects at the earth's surface tend to have large spatial scales which allows removal using techniques such as 'remote referencing' as done by Lilley et al. (1993). With regard to sources in the earth's core, the geometric and electromagnetic filtering by the mantle are thought to prevent all but the lowest frequencies from reaching the earth's surface. Hence, it is conceivable that at the earth's surface, magnetic fields due to the earth's core can only appear as relatively smooth, slowly-varying fields with periods of decadal scale and longer. Hence, there is probably a fortuitous 'spectral window' through which we can view interannual variations in the ocean-induced fields. It is also important that the accuracy in measuring the time rate of change of the magnetic field on these time scales is greater than the accuracy of the field values (at least at the land observatories). This is because when differencing the magnetic series, errors in the baseline drift are reduced. Hence, it is probable that fluctuations in the ocean-induced magnetic fields would be easier to detect than the steady-state fields. The results presented here should also be helpful in designing future strategies for numerically modelling the ocean-induced electromagnetic fields. As we mentioned, (73) is similar in principle to the two-dimensional equation solved by Stephenson and Bryan (1992) but is more general, allowing for a more realistic description of conductivity and allowing for horizontal divergence in the conductivity transport. Other results in this paper may be helpful in finding new approaches to the problem of numerically modelling the oceanic induction. The flux form of the induction equation (18) could be a more convenient form to be used in established numerical algorithms using flux conservation. Also, (11) or (18) could be used with the Stokes or Divergence theorems to create a box-model description of global oceanic induction. When the scalar fluid property Λ described in Section 4.2.3 is taken to be a function of the conductivity, equation (76) is greatly simplified, suggesting that a three-dimensional numerical model using constant conductivity layers [similar in essence to the constant-density layer approach used in the OPYC ocean-circulation model written by Joseph Oberhuber (1993)] may be profitably exploited.

Analysis of Surface Electric Field Measurements from an Array of Electric Field Mills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, G.; Thayer, J. P.; Deierling, W.

2016-12-01

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has operated an distributed array of over 30 electric field mills over the past 18 years, providing a unique data set of surface electric field measurements over a very long timespan. In addition to the electric field instruments there are many meteorological towers around KSC that monitor the local meteorological conditions. Utilizing these datasets we have investigated and found unique spatial and temporal signatures in the electric field data that are attributed to local meteorological effects and the global electric circuit. The local and global scale influences on the atmospheric electric field will be discussed including the generation of space charge from the ocean surf, local cloud cover, and a local enhancement in the electric field that is seen at sunrise.

A New Kinetic Simulation Model with Self-Consistent Calculation of Regolith Layer Charging for Moon-Plasma Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, D.; Wang, J.

2015-12-01

The moon-plasma interactions and the resulting surface charging have been subjects of extensive recent investigations. While many particle-in-cell (PIC) based simulation models have been developed, all existing PIC simulation models treat the surface of the Moon as a boundary condition to the plasma flow. In such models, the surface of the Moon is typically limited to simple geometry configurations, the surface floating potential is calculated from a simplified current balance condition, and the electric field inside the regolith layer cannot be resolved. This paper presents a new full particle PIC model to simulate local scale plasma flow and surface charging. A major feature of this new model is that the surface is treated as an "interface" between two mediums rather than a boundary, and the simulation domain includes not only the plasma but also the regolith layer and the bedrock underneath it. There are no limitations on the surface shape. An immersed-finite-element field solver is applied which calculates the regolith surface floating potential and the electric field inside the regolith layer directly from local charge deposition. The material property of the regolith layer is also explicitly included in simulation. This new model is capable of providing a self-consistent solution to the plasma flow field, lunar surface charging, the electric field inside the regolith layer and the bedrock for realistic surface terrain. This new model is applied to simulate lunar surface-plasma interactions and surface charging under various ambient plasma conditions. The focus is on the lunar terminator region, where the combined effects from the low sun elevation angle and the localized plasma wake generated by plasma flow over a rugged terrain can generate strongly differentially charged surfaces and complex dust dynamics. We discuss the effects of the regolith properties and regolith layer charging on the plasma flow field, dust levitation, and dust transport.

Preliminary Findings from the One-Year Electric Field Study in the North Slope of Alaska (OYES-NSA), Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavigne, T.; Liu, C.

2017-12-01

Previous studies focusing on the comparison of the measured electric field to the physical properties of global electrified clouds have been conducted almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. The One-Year Electric Field Study-North Slope of Alaska (OYES-NSA) aims to establish a long-running collection of this valuable electric field data in the Northern Hemisphere. Presented here is the six-month preliminary data and results of the OYES-NSA Atmospheric Radiation Mission (ARM) field campaign. The local electric field measured in Barrow, Alaska using two CS110 reciprocating shutter field meters, has been compared to simultaneous measurements from the ARM Ka-Band zenith radar, to better understand the influence and contribution of different types of clouds on the local electric field. The fair-weather electric field measured in Barrow has also been analyzed and compared to the climatology of electric field at Vostok Station, Antarctica. The combination of the electric field dataset in the Northern Hemisphere, alongside the local Ka cloud radar, global Precipitation Feature (PF) database, and quasi-global lightning activity (55oN-55oS), allows for advances in the physical understanding of the local electric field, as well as the Global Electric Circuit (GEC).

Contact flexible microstrip applicators (CFMA) in a range from microwaves up to short waves.

PubMed

Gelvich, Edward A; Mazokhin, Vladimir N

2002-09-01

Contact flexible microstrip applicator (CFMA) is a new light-weight microstrip applicator type for superficial and deep local hyperthermia. Typical specimens are developed for operation at frequencies of 434, 70, 40, and 27 MHz. The main common features of CFMA, namely, their flexibility and light weight, as well as their aperture dimensions slightly depend on the operating frequency. Two antenna types are used in CFMAs: inductive antennas with a radiating plane electrical dipole at microwaves, and coplanar capacitive antennas, providing depression of the normal component of the electrical field in the very high-frequency (VHF) and high-frequency (HF) range. The flexibility of the applicators enables one to conform them with curved surfaces. In a bent state of the applicators there arises a focusing effect of energy deposition in deeper located tissues due to linear polarization of the irradiated electromagnetic (EM) field, inherent in CFMA. All CFMA are integrated with silicon water boluses which serve as a matching element, so as a skin cooling agent. Due to this and to the predominance of the tangential electrical component in the radiated EM field, no fat overheating effects are noticed, as a rule. The aperture of the developed applicators overlap the range 160-630 cm2 providing effective heating field sizes (EFSs) 64-400 cm2, respectively. The most bulky CFMAs with an aperture of (21 x 29) cm2 operating at the frequency of 434 MHz weigh 0.8 kg and 2.5 kg at 27 MHz. Phenomenological analysis of the radiating systems, as well as experimental evaluation of the applicators are presented. CFMAs operating at frequencies of 434 and 40 MHz are used in clinical practice. CFMA at 70 and 27 MHz are subjected to laboratory clinical investigations.

Electric field dynamics in nitride structures containing quaternary alloy (Al, In, Ga)N

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

Borysiuk, J., E-mail: jolanta.borysiuk@ifpan.edu.pl; Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw; Sakowski, K.

2016-07-07

Molecular beam epitaxy growth and basic physical properties of quaternary AlInGaN layers, sufficiently thick for construction of electron blocking layers (EBL), embedded in ternary InGaN layers are presented. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurement revealed good crystallographic structure and compositional uniformity of the quaternary layers contained in other nitride layers, which are typical for construction of nitride based devices. The AlInGaN layer was epitaxially compatible to InGaN matrix, strained, and no strain related dislocation creation was observed. The strain penetrated for limited depth, below 3 nm, even for relatively high content of indium (7%). For lower indium content (0.6%), the strain wasmore » below the detection limit by TEM strain analysis. The structures containing quaternary AlInGaN layers were studied by time dependent photoluminescence (PL) at different temperatures and excitation powers. It was shown that PL spectra contain three peaks: high energy donor bound exciton peak from the bulk GaN (DX GaN) and the two peaks (A and B) from InGaN layers. No emission from quaternary AlInGaN layers was observed. An accumulation of electrons on the EBL interface in high-In sample and formation of 2D electron gas (2DEG) was detected. The dynamics of 2DEG was studied by time resolved luminescence revealing strong dependence of emission energy on the 2DEG concentration. Theoretical calculations as well as power-dependence and temperature-dependence analysis showed the importance of electric field inside the structure. At the interface, the field was screened by carriers and could be changed by illumination. From these measurements, the dynamics of electric field was described as the discharge of carriers accumulated on the EBL.« less

Airborne EM survey in volcanoes : Application to a volcanic hazards assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mogi, T.

2010-12-01

Airborne electromagnetics (AEM) is a useful tool for investigating subsurface structures of volcanoes because it can survey large areas involving inaccessible areas. Disadvantages include lower accuracy and limited depth of investigation. AEM has been widely used in mineral exploration in frontier areas, and have been applying to engineering and environmental fields, particularly in studies involving active volcanoes. AEM systems typically comprise a transmitter and a receiver on an aircraft or in a towed bird, and although effective for surveying large areas, their penetration depth is limited because the distance between the transmitter and receiver is small and higher-frequency signals are used. To explore deeper structures using AEM, a semi-airborne system called GRounded Electrical source Airborne Transient ElectroMagnetics (GREATEM) has been developed. The system uses a grounded-electrical-dipole as the transmitter and generates horizontal electric fields. The GREATEM technology, first proposed by Mogi et al. (1998), has recently been improved and used in practical surveys (Mogi et al., 2009). The GREATEM survey system was developed to increase the depth of investigation possible using AEM. The method was tested in some volcanoes at 2004-2005. Here I will talk about some results of typical AEM surveys and GREATEM surveys in some volcanoes in Japan to mitigate hazards associated with volcano eruption. Geologic hazards caused by volcanic eruptions can be mitigated by a combination of prediction, preparedness and land-use control. Risk management depends on the identification of hazard zones and forecasting of eruptions. Hazard zoning involves the mapping of deposits which have formed during particular phases of volcanic activity and their extrapolation to identify the area which would be likely to suffer a similar hazard at some future time. The mapping is usually performed by surface geological surveys of volcanic deposits. Resistivity mapping by AEM is useful tool to identify each volcanic deposit on the surface and at shallower depth as well. This suggests that more efficient hazard map involving subsurface information can be supplied by AEM resistivity mapping.

The start of lightning: Evidence of bidirectional lightning initiation.

PubMed

Montanyà, Joan; van der Velde, Oscar; Williams, Earle R

2015-10-16

Lightning flashes are known to initiate in regions of strong electric fields inside thunderstorms, between layers of positively and negatively charged precipitation particles. For that reason, lightning inception is typically hidden from sight of camera systems used in research. Other technology such as lightning mapping systems based on radio waves can typically detect only some aspects of the lightning initiation process and subsequent development of positive and negative leaders. We report here a serendipitous recording of bidirectional lightning initiation in virgin air under the cloud base at ~11,000 images per second, and the differences in characteristics of opposite polarity leader sections during the earliest stages of the discharge. This case reveals natural lightning initiation, propagation and a return stroke as in negative cloud-to-ground flashes, upon connection to another lightning channel - without any masking by cloud.

Plasma MRI Experiments at UW-Madison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flanagan, K.; Clark, M.; Desangles, V.; Siller, R.; Wallace, J.; Weisberg, D.; Forest, C. B.

2015-11-01

Experiments for driving Keplerian-like flow profiles on both the Plasma Couette Experiment Upgrade (PCX-U) and the Wisconsin Plasma Astrophysics Laboratory (WiPAL) user facility are described. Instead of driving flow at the boundaries, as is typical in many liquid metal Couette experiments, a global drive is implemented. A large radial current is drawn across a small axial field generating torque across the whole profile. This global electrically driven flow is capable of producing profiles similar to Keplerian flow. PCX-U has been purposely constructed for MRI experiments, while similar experiments on the WiPAL device show the versatility of the user facility and provide a larger plasma volume. Numerical calculations show the predicted parameter spaces for exciting the MRI in these plasmas and the equilibrium flow profiles expected. In both devices, relevant MRI parameters appear to be within reach of typical operating characteristics.

3D vision upgrade kit for TALON robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edmondson, Richard; Vaden, Justin; Hyatt, Brian; Morris, James; Pezzaniti, J. Larry; Chenault, David B.; Tchon, Joe; Barnidge, Tracy; Kaufman, Seth; Pettijohn, Brad

2010-04-01

In this paper, we report on the development of a 3D vision field upgrade kit for TALON robot consisting of a replacement flat panel stereoscopic display, and multiple stereo camera systems. An assessment of the system's use for robotic driving, manipulation, and surveillance operations was conducted. The 3D vision system was integrated onto a TALON IV Robot and Operator Control Unit (OCU) such that stock components could be electrically disconnected and removed, and upgrade components coupled directly to the mounting and electrical connections. A replacement display, replacement mast camera with zoom, auto-focus, and variable convergence, and a replacement gripper camera with fixed focus and zoom comprise the upgrade kit. The stereo mast camera allows for improved driving and situational awareness as well as scene survey. The stereo gripper camera allows for improved manipulation in typical TALON missions.

Anti-arrhythmic strategies for atrial fibrillation

PubMed Central

Grandi, Eleonora; Maleckar, Mary M.

2016-01-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular stroke, and with several other pathologies, including heart failure. Current therapies for AF are targeted at reducing risk of stroke (anticoagulation) and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (rate or rhythm control). Rate control, typically achieved by atrioventricular nodal blocking drugs, is often insufficient to alleviate symptoms. Rhythm control approaches include antiarrhythmic drugs, electrical cardioversion, and ablation strategies. Here, we offer several examples of how computational modeling can provide a quantitative framework for integrating multi scale data to: (a) gain insight into multi-scale mechanisms of AF; (b) identify and test pharmacological and electrical therapy and interventions; and (c) support clinical decisions. We review how modeling approaches have evolved and contributed to the research pipeline and preclinical development and discuss future directions and challenges in the field. PMID:27612549

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

M. Hoeschele, E. Weitzel

Although heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant attention in recent years as a high efficiency electric water heating solution for single family homes, central HPWHs for commercial or multi-family applications are not as well documented in terms of measured performance and cost effectiveness. To evaluate this technology, the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team monitored the performance of a 10.5 ton central HPWH installed on a student apartment building at the West Village Zero Net Energy Community in Davis, California. Monitoring data collected over a 16-month period were then used to validate a TRNSYS simulation model. The TRNSYSmore » model was then used to project performance in different climates using local electric rates. Results of the study indicate that after some initial commissioning issues, the HPWH operated reliably with an annual average efficiency of 2.12 (Coefficient of Performance). The observed efficiency was lower than the unit's rated efficiency, primarily due to the fact that the system rarely operated under steady-state conditions. Changes in the system configuration, storage tank sizing, and control settings would likely improve the observed field efficiency. Modeling results suggest significant energy savings relative to electric storage water heating systems (typical annual efficiencies around 0.90) providing for typical simple paybacks of six to ten years without any incentives. The economics versus gas water heating are currently much more challenging given the current low natural gas prices in much of the country. Increased market size for this technology would benefit cost effectiveness and spur greater technology innovation.« less

Low-Pressure, Field-Ionizing Mass Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Frank; Smith, Steven

2009-01-01

A small mass spectrometer utilizing a miniature field ionization source is now undergoing development. It is designed for use in a variety of applications in which there are requirements for a lightweight, low-power-consumption instrument that can analyze the masses of a wide variety of molecules and ions. The device can operate without need for a high-vacuum, carrier-gas feed radioactive ionizing source, or thermal ionizer. This mass spectrometer can operate either in the natural vacuum of outer space or on Earth at any ambient pressure below 50 torr (below about 6.7 kPa) - a partial vacuum that can easily be reached by use of a small sampling pump. This mass spectrometer also has a large dynamic range - from singly charged small gas ions to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments larger than 104 atomic mass units - with sensitivity adequate for detecting some molecules and ions at relative abundances of less than one part per billion. This instrument (see figure) includes a field ionizer integrated with a rotating-field mass spectrometer (RFMS). The field ionizer effects ionization of a type characterized as "soft" in the art because it does not fragment molecules or initiate avalanche arcing. What makes the "soft" ionization mode possible is that the distance between the ionizing electrodes is less than mean free path for ions at the maximum anticipated operating pressure, so that the ionizer always operates on the non-breakdown side of the applicable Paschen curve (a standard plot of breakdown potential on the ordinate and pressure electrode separation on the abscissa). The field ionizer in this instrument is fabricated by micromachining a submicron-thick membrane out of an electrically nonconductive substrate, coating the membrane on both sides to form electrodes, then micromachining small holes through the electrodes and membrane. Because of the submicron electrode separation, even a potential of only 1 V applied between the electrodes gives rise to an electric field with a strength of in excess of a megavolt per meter strong enough to ionize any gas molecules passing through the holes. An accelerator grid and an electrostatic deflector focus the ions from the field ionizer into the rotating-field cell of the RFMS. The potentials applied to the electrodes of the cell to generate the rotating electric field typically range from 1 to 13 V. The ions travel in well-defined helices within this cell, after which they are collected in a Faraday cup. The mass of most of the molecules reaching the Faraday cup decreases with increasing frequency of rotation of the electric field in the cell. Therefore, the frequency of rotation of the electric field is made to vary in order to scan through a desired range of ion masses: For example, lightweight gas molecules are scanned at frequencies in the megahertz range, while DNA and other large organic molecules are scanned at kilohertz frequencies.

Low-Loss, High-Isolation Microwave Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Switches Being Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponchak, George E.

2002-01-01

Switches, electrical components that either permit or prevent the flow of electricity, are the most important and widely used electrical devices in integrated circuits. In microwave systems, switches are required for switching between the transmitter and receiver; in communication systems, they are needed for phase shifters in phased-array antennas, for radar and communication systems, and for the new class of digital or software definable radios. Ideally, switches would be lossless devices that did not depend on the electrical signal's frequency or power, and they would not consume electrical power to change from OFF to ON or to maintain one of these two states. Reality is quite different, especially at microwave frequencies. Typical switches in microwave integrated circuits are pin diodes or gallium arsenide (GaAs) field-effect transistors that are nonlinear, with characteristics that depend on the power of the signal. In addition, they are frequency-dependent, lossy, and require electrical power to maintain a certain state. A new type of component has been developed that overcomes most of these technical difficulties. Microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches rely on mechanical movement as a response to an applied electrical force to either transmit or reflect electrical signal power. The NASA Glenn Research Center has been actively developing MEMS for microwave applications for over the last 5 years. Complete fabrication procedures have been developed so that the moving parts of the switch can be released with near 100-percent yield. Moreover, the switches fabricated at Glenn have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance. A typical MEMS switch is shown. The switch extends over the signal and ground lines of a finite ground coplanar waveguide, a commonly used microwave transmission line. In the state shown, the switch is in the UP state and all the microwave power traveling along the transmission line proceeds unimpeded. When a potential difference is applied between the cantilever and the transmission line, the cantilever is pulled downward until it connects the signal line to the ground planes, creating a short circuit. In this state, all the microwave power is reflected. The graph shows the measured performance of the switch, which has less than 0.1 dB of insertion loss and greater than 30dB of isolation. These switches consume negligible electrical power and are extremely linear. Additional research is required to address reliability and to increase the switching speed.

An analytics of electricity consumption characteristics based on principal component analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Junshu

2018-02-01

Abstract . More detailed analysis of the electricity consumption characteristics can make demand side management (DSM) much more targeted. In this paper, an analytics of electricity consumption characteristics based on principal component analysis (PCA) is given, which the PCA method can be used in to extract the main typical characteristics of electricity consumers. Then, electricity consumption characteristics matrix is designed, which can make a comparison of different typical electricity consumption characteristics between different types of consumers, such as industrial consumers, commercial consumers and residents. In our case study, the electricity consumption has been mainly divided into four characteristics: extreme peak using, peak using, peak-shifting using and others. Moreover, it has been found that industrial consumers shift their peak load often, meanwhile commercial and residential consumers have more peak-time consumption. The conclusions can provide decision support of DSM for the government and power providers.

A Census of Plasma Waves and Structures Associated With an Injection Front in the Inner Magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malaspina, David M.; Ukhorskiy, Aleksandr; Chu, Xiangning; Wygant, John

2018-04-01

Now that observations have conclusively established that the inner magnetosphere is abundantly populated with kinetic electric field structures and nonlinear waves, attention has turned to quantifying the ability of these structures and waves to scatter and accelerate inner magnetospheric plasma populations. A necessary step in that quantification is determining the distribution of observed structure and wave properties (e.g., occurrence rates, amplitudes, and spatial scales). Kinetic structures and nonlinear waves have broadband signatures in frequency space, and consequently, high-resolution time domain electric and magnetic field data are required to uniquely identify such structures and waves as well as determine their properties. However, most high-resolution fields data are collected with a strong bias toward high-amplitude signals in a preselected frequency range, strongly biasing observations of structure and wave properties. In this study, an ˜45 min unbroken interval of 16,384 samples/s field burst data, encompassing an electron injection event, is examined. This data set enables an unbiased census of the kinetic structures and nonlinear waves driven by this electron injection, as well as determination of their "typical" properties. It is found that the properties determined using this unbiased burst data are considerably different than those inferred from amplitude-biased burst data, with significant implications for wave-particle interactions due to kinetic structures and nonlinear waves in the inner magnetosphere.

Wiedemann-Franz law and nonvanishing temperature scale across the field-tuned quantum critical point of YbRh2Si2

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

Reid, J.-Ph.; Tanatar, Makariy; Daou, R.

2014-01-23

The in-plane thermal conductivity kappa and electrical resistivity rho of the heavy-fermion metal YbRh2Si2 were measured down to 50 mK for magnetic fields H parallel and perpendicular to the tetragonal c axis, through the field-tuned quantum critical point H-c, at which antiferromagnetic order ends. The thermal and electrical resistivities, w L0T/kappa and rho, show a linear temperature dependence below 1 K, typical of the non-Fermi-liquid behavior found near antiferromagnetic quantum critical points, but this dependence does not persist down to T = 0. Below a characteristic temperature T-star similar or equal to 0.35 K, which depends weakly on H, w(T)more » and rho(T) both deviate downward and converge as T -> 0. We propose that T-star marks the onset of short-range magnetic correlations, persisting beyond H-c. By comparing samples of different purity, we conclude that the Wiedemann-Franz law holds in YbRh2Si2, even at H-c, implying that no fundamental breakdown of quasiparticle behavior occurs in this material. The overall phenomenology of heat and charge transport in YbRh2Si2 is similar to that observed in the heavy-fermion metal CeCoIn5, near its own field-tuned quantum critical point.« less

Effect of Alignment on Transport Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Metallic Junctions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wincheski, Buzz; Namkung, Min; Smits, Jan; Williams, Phillip; Harvey, Robert

2003-01-01

Ballistic and spin coherent transport in single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are predicted to enable high sensitivity single-nanotube devices for strain and magnetic field sensing. Based upon these phenomena, electron beam lithography procedures have been developed to study the transport properties of purified HiPCO single walled carbon nanotubes for development into sensory materials for nondestructive evaluation. Purified nanotubes are dispersed in solvent suspension and then deposited on the device substrate before metallic contacts are defined and deposited through electron beam lithography. This procedure produces randomly dispersed ropes, typically 2 - 20 nm in diameter, of single walled carbon nanotubes. Transport and scanning probe microscopy studies have shown a good correlation between the junction resistance and tube density, alignment, and contact quality. In order to improve transport properties of the junctions a technique has been developed to align and concentrate nanotubes at specific locations on the substrate surface. Lithographic techniques are used to define local areas where high frequency electric fields are to be concentrated. Application of the fields while the substrate is exposed to nanotube-containing solution results in nanotube arrays aligned with the electric field lines. A second electron beam lithography layer is then used to deposit metallic contacts across the aligned tubes. Experimental measurements are presented showing the increased tube alignment and improvement in the transport properties of the junctions.

Neuron matters: electric activation of neuronal tissue is dependent on the interaction between the neuron and the electric field.

PubMed

Ye, Hui; Steiger, Amanda

2015-08-12

In laboratory research and clinical practice, externally-applied electric fields have been widely used to control neuronal activity. It is generally accepted that neuronal excitability is controlled by electric current that depolarizes or hyperpolarizes the excitable cell membrane. What determines the amount of polarization? Research on the mechanisms of electric stimulation focus on the optimal control of the field properties (frequency, amplitude, and direction of the electric currents) to improve stimulation outcomes. Emerging evidence from modeling and experimental studies support the existence of interactions between the targeted neurons and the externally-applied electric fields. With cell-field interaction, we suggest a two-way process. When a neuron is positioned inside an electric field, the electric field will induce a change in the resting membrane potential by superimposing an electrically-induced transmembrane potential (ITP). At the same time, the electric field can be perturbed and re-distributed by the cell. This cell-field interaction may play a significant role in the overall effects of stimulation. The redistributed field can cause secondary effects to neighboring cells by altering their geometrical pattern and amount of membrane polarization. Neurons excited by the externally-applied electric field can also affect neighboring cells by ephaptic interaction. Both aspects of the cell-field interaction depend on the biophysical properties of the neuronal tissue, including geometric (i.e., size, shape, orientation to the field) and electric (i.e., conductivity and dielectricity) attributes of the cells. The biophysical basis of the cell-field interaction can be explained by the electromagnetism theory. Further experimental and simulation studies on electric stimulation of neuronal tissue should consider the prospect of a cell-field interaction, and a better understanding of tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropy is needed to fully appreciate the neural basis of cell-field interaction as well as the biological effects of electric stimulation.

Possible forerunners of earthquakes in optical range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malnev, V. N.; Martysh, E. V.; Koshevya, S.; Kotsarenko, A.; Siqueiros Alatorre, J.

2007-05-01

The monitoring of the electrostatic field on the eve of the strong earthquakes detect its ultra-low-frequency perturbations with a period of a few hours (10-4Hz) and a magnitude of the order of 10 V/cm. Usually this field is on the level of one V/cm. The anomalous electric field as a forerunner of the coming earthquake considerably increases a concentration of the metal ions (sodium) in the E-domain at altitudes ~120 km and the electron concentration, as well. In particular, the latter may enlarge by one order comparing with the initial electron concentration in this domain. The typical dimensions of this layer are ~ 100 km in a length and ~ 10 km in a thickness. The perturbations of this electric field form a layer with higher than usual concentration of sodium ions and atoms in the E- ionosphere and the field will heats-up electrons in this layer. Simple evaluations show the electron temperature in this layer in the presence of the seismogenic electric field is approximately about 1000-1300K at altitudes 100-120 km provided that the electric field is ~ 10-3 V/cm. It is important the cross-section of excitation of the nitrogen low vibration levels by electrons at this energy is anomalous and close to 5x10-15cm2. It happens to be that the eighth vibration level of a nitrogen molecule practically coincides with the first excited state of a sodium atom with energy ENa=2.1eV. Thus, the resonant transfer of the vibration energy of excited nitrogen with excitation of a sodium atom takes place practically in every collision. Our evaluation of the sodium doublet intensity due to the above-discussed mechanism from the ionosphere layer, mentioned above, gives 5x10-3erg/cm2s. A comparison of this quantity with the conventional intensity of the sodium doublet from this layer 7x10-4erg/cm2s shows that the suggested mechanism provides the intensity almost by one order larger than the conventional intensity of the sodium doublet. The considerable increasing in the intensity of the sodium doublet in the spectrum of the night ionosphere can be registered by monitoring the night sky over the seismic dangerous regions.

Simple estimation of induced electric fields in nervous system tissues for human exposure to non-uniform electric fields at power frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarao, Hiroo; Miyamoto, Hironobu; Korpinen, Leena; Hayashi, Noriyuki; Isaka, Katsuo

2016-06-01

Most results regarding induced current in the human body related to electric field dosimetry have been calculated under uniform field conditions. We have found in previous work that a contact current is a more suitable way to evaluate induced electric fields, even in the case of exposure to non-uniform fields. If the relationship between induced currents and external non-uniform fields can be understood, induced electric fields in nervous system tissues may be able to be estimated from measurements of ambient non-uniform fields. In the present paper, we numerically calculated the induced electric fields and currents in a human model by considering non-uniform fields based on distortion by a cubic conductor under an unperturbed electric field of 1 kV m-1 at 60 Hz. We investigated the relationship between a non-uniform external electric field with no human present and the induced current through the neck, and the relationship between the current through the neck and the induced electric fields in nervous system tissues such as the brain, heart, and spinal cord. The results showed that the current through the neck can be formulated by means of an external electric field at the central position of the human head, and the distance between the conductor and the human model. As expected, there is a strong correlation between the current through the neck and the induced electric fields in the nervous system tissues. The combination of these relationships indicates that induced electric fields in these tissues can be estimated solely by measurements of the external field at a point and the distance from the conductor.

Spherical Ethylene/Air Diffusion Flames Subject to Concentric DC Electric Field in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, Z. -G.; Hegde, U.; Faeth, G. M.

2001-01-01

It is well known that microgravity conditions, by eliminating buoyant flow, enable many combustion phenomena to be observed that are not possible to observe at normal gravity. One example is the spherical diffusion flame surrounding a porous spherical burner. The present paper demonstrates that by superimposing a spherical electrical field on such a flame, the flame remains spherical so that we can study the interaction between the electric field and flame in a one-dimensional fashion. Flames are susceptible to electric fields that are much weaker than the breakdown field of the flame gases owing to the presence of ions generated in the high temperature flame reaction zone. These ions and the electric current of the moving ions, in turn, significantly change the distribution of the electric field. Thus, to understand the interplay between the electric field and the flame is challenging. Numerous experimental studies of the effect of electric fields on flames have been reported. Unfortunately, they were all involved in complex geometries of both the flow field and the electric field, which hinders detailed study of the phenomena. In a one-dimensional domain, however, the electric field, the flow field, the thermal field and the chemical species field are all co-linear. Thus the problem is greatly simplified and becomes more tractable.

Surface plasmon resonance and polarization change properties in centrosymmetric nanoright-triangle dimer arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qilin; Liu, Guangqiang; Chen, Yiqing; Zhao, Qian; Guo, Jing; Yang, Shaosong; Cai, Weiping

2018-03-01

Dimer nanoparticles in a sandwich structure exhibit a large electric-field intensity enhancement. The dispersion relation between the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and particle size has not been reported yet, owing to the effects of the particle size, shape, materials, etc. A sandwich structure, which contains a nano-right-triangle dimer array, SiO2 spacer, and Au film, is proposed, with a significant electric-field intensity enhancement and polarization-changing properties. The dependence of the peak positions of the two localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes as a function of the triangle thicknesses is discussed; different trends are observed for the different LSPR modes. We introduce a concept on the rule for LSPR peak position change, which can contribute to a better understanding of the LSPR modes. In addition, centrosymmetric but not axisymmetric structures, which like in our study exhibit surface plasmon polaritons typically show different responses to a different polarization of the incident light. Here, we showed that our centrosymmetric but not axisymmetric structure can change the linearly polarized light into a circularly or elliptically polarized wave, by surface plasmon-induced polarization properties. Far-field distribution maps are used to study the properties of the surface plasmons-induced circular or elliptic polarization wave. These findings could be employed to better understand the surface plasmon-induced polarization properties showed in previous reports and near-field of surface plasmons. These findings could be employed to better understand the near-field of surface plasmons and polarization properties.

Study of electric field distorted by space charges under positive lightning impulse voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zezhong; Geng, Yinan

2018-03-01

Actually, many insulation problems are related to electric fields. And measuring electric fields is an important research topic of high-voltage engineering. In particular, the electric field distortion caused by space charge is the basis of streamer theory, and thus quantitatively measuring the Poisson electric field caused by space charge is significant to researching the mechanism of air gap discharge. In this paper, we used our photoelectric integrated sensor to measure the electric field distribution in a 1-m rod-plane gap under positive lightning impulse voltage. To verify the reliability of this quantitative measurement, we compared the measured results with calculated results from a numerical simulation. The electric-field time domain waveforms on the axis of the 1-m rod-plane out of the space charge zone were measured with various electrodes. The Poisson electric fields generated by space charge were separated from the Laplace electric field generated by applied voltages, and the amplitudes and variations were measured for various applied voltages and at various locations. This work also supplies the feasible basis for directly measuring strong electric field under high voltage.

Wireless Chemical Sensor and Sensing Method for Use Therewith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor); Taylor, Bryant D. (Inventor); Woodard, Stanley E. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.

Wireless Chemical Sensor and Sensing Method for Use Therewith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodard, Stanley E. (Inventor); Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor); Taylor, Bryant Douglas (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.

Wireless Chemical Sensing Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Bryant D. (Inventor); Woodard, Stanley E. (Inventor); Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.

Giant Electric Field Enhancement in Split Ring Resonators Featuring Nanometer-Sized Gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagiante, S.; Enderli, F.; Fabiańska, J.; Sigg, H.; Feurer, T.

2015-01-01

Today's pulsed THz sources enable us to excite, probe, and coherently control the vibrational or rotational dynamics of organic and inorganic materials on ultrafast time scales. Driven by standard laser sources THz electric field strengths of up to several MVm-1 have been reported and in order to reach even higher electric field strengths the use of dedicated electric field enhancement structures has been proposed. Here, we demonstrate resonant electric field enhancement structures, which concentrate the incident electric field in sub-diffraction size volumes and show an electric field enhancement as high as ~14,000 at 50 GHz. These values have been confirmed through a combination of near-field imaging experiments and electromagnetic simulations.

Collection-limited theory interprets the extraordinary response of single semiconductor organic solar cells

PubMed Central

Ray, Biswajit; Baradwaj, Aditya G.; Khan, Mohammad Ryyan; Boudouris, Bryan W.; Alam, Muhammad Ashraful

2015-01-01

The bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) architecture has dominated the literature due to its ability to be implemented in devices with relatively high efficiency values. However, a simpler device architecture based on a single organic semiconductor (SS-OPV) offers several advantages: it obviates the need to control the highly system-dependent nanoscale BHJ morphology, and therefore, would allow the use of broader range of organic semiconductors. Unfortunately, the photocurrent in standard SS-OPV devices is typically very low, which generally is attributed to inefficient charge separation of the photogenerated excitons. Here we show that the short-circuit current density from SS-OPV devices can be enhanced significantly (∼100-fold) through the use of inverted device configurations, relative to a standard OPV device architecture. This result suggests that charge generation may not be the performance bottleneck in OPV device operation. Instead, poor charge collection, caused by defect-induced electric field screening, is most likely the primary performance bottleneck in regular-geometry SS-OPV cells. We justify this hypothesis by: (i) detailed numerical simulations, (ii) electrical characterization experiments of functional SS-OPV devices using multiple polymers as active layer materials, and (iii) impedance spectroscopy measurements. Furthermore, we show that the collection-limited photocurrent theory consistently interprets typical characteristics of regular SS-OPV devices. These insights should encourage the design and OPV implementation of high-purity, high-mobility polymers, and other soft materials that have shown promise in organic field-effect transistor applications, but have not performed well in BHJ OPV devices, wherein they adopt less-than-ideal nanostructures when blended with electron-accepting materials. PMID:26290582

Collection-limited theory interprets the extraordinary response of single semiconductor organic solar cells.

PubMed

Ray, Biswajit; Baradwaj, Aditya G; Khan, Mohammad Ryyan; Boudouris, Bryan W; Alam, Muhammad Ashraful

2015-09-08

The bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) architecture has dominated the literature due to its ability to be implemented in devices with relatively high efficiency values. However, a simpler device architecture based on a single organic semiconductor (SS-OPV) offers several advantages: it obviates the need to control the highly system-dependent nanoscale BHJ morphology, and therefore, would allow the use of broader range of organic semiconductors. Unfortunately, the photocurrent in standard SS-OPV devices is typically very low, which generally is attributed to inefficient charge separation of the photogenerated excitons. Here we show that the short-circuit current density from SS-OPV devices can be enhanced significantly (∼100-fold) through the use of inverted device configurations, relative to a standard OPV device architecture. This result suggests that charge generation may not be the performance bottleneck in OPV device operation. Instead, poor charge collection, caused by defect-induced electric field screening, is most likely the primary performance bottleneck in regular-geometry SS-OPV cells. We justify this hypothesis by: (i) detailed numerical simulations, (ii) electrical characterization experiments of functional SS-OPV devices using multiple polymers as active layer materials, and (iii) impedance spectroscopy measurements. Furthermore, we show that the collection-limited photocurrent theory consistently interprets typical characteristics of regular SS-OPV devices. These insights should encourage the design and OPV implementation of high-purity, high-mobility polymers, and other soft materials that have shown promise in organic field-effect transistor applications, but have not performed well in BHJ OPV devices, wherein they adopt less-than-ideal nanostructures when blended with electron-accepting materials.

Biological and Agricultural Studies on Application of Discharge Plasma and Electromagnetic Fields 5. Effects of High Electric Fields on Animals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaka, Katsuo

The biological effects of extremely low frequency electric fields on animals are reviewed with emphasis on studies of the nervous system, behavior, endocrinology, and blood chemistry. First, this paper provides a histrical overview of studies on the electric field effects initiated in Russia and the United States mainly regarding electric utility workers in high voltage substations and transmission lines. Then, the possible mechanisms of electric field effects are explained using the functions of surface electric fields and induced currents in biological objects. The real mechanisms have not yet been identified. The thresholds of electric field perception levels for rats, baboons, and humans are introduced and compared. The experimental results concerning the depression of melatonin secretion in rats exposed to electric fields are described.

Magnetospheric electric fields and currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mauk, B. H.; Zanetti, L. J.

1987-01-01

The progress made in the years 1983-1986 in understanding the character and operation of magnetospheric electric fields and electric currents is discussed, with emphasis placed on the connection with the interior regions. Special attention is given to determinations of global electric-field configurations, measurements of the response of magnetospheric particle populations to the electric-field configurations, and observations of the magnetospheric currents at high altitude and during northward IMF. Global simulations of current distributions are discussed, and the sources of global electric fields and currents are examined. The topics discussed in the area of impulsive and small-scale phenomena include substorm current systems, impulsive electric fields and associated currents, and field-aligned electrodynamics. A key finding of these studies is that the electric fields and currents are interrelated and cannot be viewed as separate entities.

Fano-like resonance emerging from magnetic and electric plasmon mode coupling in small arrays of gold particles

DOE PAGES

Bakhti, Saïd; Tishchenko, Alexandre V.; Zambrana-Puyalto, Xavier; ...

2016-09-01

In this work we theoretically and experimentally analyze the resonant behavior of individual 3 × 3 gold particle oligomers illuminated under normal and oblique incidence. While this structure hosts both dipolar and quadrupolar electric and magnetic delocalized modes, only dipolar electric and quadrupolar magnetic modes remain at normal incidence. These modes couple into a strongly asymmetric spectral response typical of a Fano-like resonance. In the basis of the coupled mode theory, an analytical representation of the optical extinction in terms of singular functions is used to identify the hybrid modes emerging from the electric and magnetic mode coupling and tomore » interpret the asymmetric line profiles. Especially, we demonstrate that the characteristic Fano line shape results from the spectral interference of a broad hybrid mode with a sharp one. This structure presents a special feature in which the electric field intensity is confined on different lines of the oligomer depending on the illumination wavelength relative to the Fano dip. This Fano-type resonance is experimentally observed performing extinction cross section measurements on arrays of gold nano-disks. The vanishing of the Fano dip when increasing the incidence angle is also experimentally observed in accordance with numerical simulations.« less

Simulating and discussion on surface plasmon typical optical properties of patterned periodic metallic nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Runhan; Yuan, Ying; Long, Huabao; Peng, Sha; Wei, Dong; Zhang, Xinyu; Wang, Haiwei; Xie, Changsheng

2018-02-01

The intense surface plasmons (SPs) can be generated by patterned metal nano-structure arrays, through coupling incident light onto the functioned metal surface, so as to construct highly constrained surface electromagnetic modes. Therefore, a localized micro-nano-field array with a highly compressed surface electron distribution, can also be shaped and even nano-focused over the surface, which will lead to a lot of special physical effects such as anti-reflection effect, and thus indicate many new potential applications in the field of nano-photonics and -optoelectronics. In this paper, several typical patterned sub-wavelength metal nano-structure arrays were designed according to the process, in which common silicon wafer was employed as the substrate material and aluminum as the metal film with different structural size and arrangement circle. In addition, by adjusting the dielectric constant of metal material appropriately, the power control effect on metallic nanostructure was simulated. The key properties such as the excitation intensity of the surface plasmons were studied by simulating the reflectivity characteristic curves and the electric field distribution of the nanostructure excited by incident infrared beams. It is found that the angle of corners, the arrangement cycle and the metal material properties of the patterned nano-structures can be utilized as key factors to control the excitation intensity of surface plasmons.

Spectral fingerprint of electrostatic forces between biological cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murovec, T.; Brosseau, C.

2015-10-01

The prediction of electrostatic forces (EFs) between biological cells still poses challenges of great scientific importance, e.g., cell recognition, electroporation (EP), and mechanosensing. Frequency-domain finite element simulations explore a variety of cell configurations in the range of parameters typical for eukaryotic cells. Here, by applying an electric field to a pair of layered concentric shells, a prototypical model of a biological cell, we provide numerical evidence that the instantaneous EF changes from repulsion to attraction as the drive frequency of the electric field is varied. We identify crossover frequencies and discuss their dependence as a function of field frequency, conductivity of the extracellular medium, and symmetry of the configuration of cells. We present findings which suggest that the spectrum of EFs depends sensitively on the configuration of cells. We discuss the signatures of the collective behavior of systems with many cells in the spectrum of the EF and highlight a few of the observational consequences that this behavior implies. By looking at different cell configurations, we are able to show that the repulsion-to-attraction transition phenomenon is largely associated with an asymmetric electrostatic screening at very small separation between cells. These findings pave the way for the experimental observation of the electromagnetic properties of efficient and simple models of biological tissues.

Capacitive charge storage at an electrified interface investigated via direct first-principles simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radin, Maxwell D.; Ogitsu, Tadashi; Biener, Juergen; Otani, Minoru; Wood, Brandon C.

2015-03-01

Understanding the impact of interfacial electric fields on electronic structure is crucial to improving the performance of materials in applications based on charged interfaces. Supercapacitors store energy directly in the strong interfacial field between a solid electrode and a liquid electrolyte; however, the complex interplay between the two is often poorly understood, particularly for emerging low-dimensional electrode materials that possess unconventional electronic structure. Typical descriptions tend to neglect the specific electrode-electrolyte interaction, approximating the intrinsic "quantum capacitance" of the electrode in terms of a fixed electronic density of states. Instead, we introduce a more accurate first-principles approach for directly simulating charge storage in model capacitors using the effective screening medium method, which implicitly accounts for the presence of the interfacial electric field. Applying this approach to graphene supercapacitor electrodes, we find that results differ significantly from the predictions of fixed-band models, leading to improved consistency with experimentally reported capacitive behavior. The differences are traced to two key factors: the inhomogeneous distribution of stored charge due to poor electronic screening and interfacial contributions from the specific interaction with the electrolyte. Our results are used to revise the conventional definition of quantum capacitance and to provide general strategies for improving electrochemical charge storage, particularly in graphene and similar low-dimensional materials.

Improved ferroelectric, piezoelectric and electrostrictive properties of dense BaTiO{sub 3} ceramic

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

Baraskar, Bharat G.; Kakade, S. G.; Kambale, R. C., E-mail: rckambale@gmail.com

2016-05-23

The ferroelectric, piezoelectric and electrostrictive properties of BaTiO{sub 3} (BT) dense ceramic synthesized by solid-state reaction were investigated. X-ray diffraction study confirmed tetragonal crystal structure having c/a ~1.0144. The dense microstructure was evidenced from morphological studies with an average grain size ~7.8 µm. Temperature dependent dielectric measurement showed the maximum values of dielectric constant, ε{sub r} = 5617 at Curie temperature, T{sub c} = 125 °C. The saturation and remnant polarization, P{sub sat.} = 24.13 µC/cm{sup 2} and P{sub r} =10.42 µC/cm{sup 2} achieved respectively for the first time with lower coercive field of E{sub c}=2.047 kV/cm. The polarization currentmore » density-electric field measurement exhibits the peaking characteristics, confirms the saturation state of polarization for BT. The strain-electric field measurements revealed the “sprout” shape nature instead of typical “butterfly loop”. This shows the excellent converse piezoelectric response with remnant strain ~ 0.212% and converse piezoelectric constant d*{sub 33} ~376.35 pm/V. The intrinsic electrostrictive coefficient was deduced from the variation of strain with polarization with electrostrictive coefficient Q{sub 33}~ 0.03493m{sup 4}/C{sup 2}.« less

Germanene on single-layer ZnSe substrate: novel electronic and optical properties.

PubMed

Ye, H Y; Hu, F F; Tang, H Y; Yang, L W; Chen, X P; Wang, L G; Zhang, G Q

2018-06-01

In this work, the structural, electronic and optical properties of germanene and ZnSe substrate nanocomposites have been investigated using first-principles calculations. We found that the large direct-gap ZnSe semiconductors and zero-gap germanene form a typical orbital hybridization heterostructure with a strong binding energy, which shows a moderate direct band gap of 0.503 eV in the most stable pattern. Furthermore, the heterostructure undergoes semiconductor-to-metal band gap transition when subjected to external out-of-plane electric field. We also found that applying external strain and compressing the interlayer distance are two simple ways of tuning the electronic structure. An unexpected indirect-direct band gap transition is also observed in the AAII pattern via adjusting the interlayer distance. Quite interestingly, the calculated results exhibit that the germanene/ZnSe heterobilayer structure has perfect optical absorption in the solar spectrum as well as the infrared and UV light zones, which is superior to that of the individual ZnSe substrate and germanene. The staggered interfacial gap and tunability of the energy band structure via interlayer distance and external electric field and strain thus make the germanene/ZnSe heterostructure a promising candidate for field effect transistors (FETs) and nanoelectronic applications.

Spectral fingerprint of electrostatic forces between biological cells.

PubMed

Murovec, T; Brosseau, C

2015-10-01

The prediction of electrostatic forces (EFs) between biological cells still poses challenges of great scientific importance, e.g., cell recognition, electroporation (EP), and mechanosensing. Frequency-domain finite element simulations explore a variety of cell configurations in the range of parameters typical for eukaryotic cells. Here, by applying an electric field to a pair of layered concentric shells, a prototypical model of a biological cell, we provide numerical evidence that the instantaneous EF changes from repulsion to attraction as the drive frequency of the electric field is varied. We identify crossover frequencies and discuss their dependence as a function of field frequency, conductivity of the extracellular medium, and symmetry of the configuration of cells. We present findings which suggest that the spectrum of EFs depends sensitively on the configuration of cells. We discuss the signatures of the collective behavior of systems with many cells in the spectrum of the EF and highlight a few of the observational consequences that this behavior implies. By looking at different cell configurations, we are able to show that the repulsion-to-attraction transition phenomenon is largely associated with an asymmetric electrostatic screening at very small separation between cells. These findings pave the way for the experimental observation of the electromagnetic properties of efficient and simple models of biological tissues.

Soft Multifunctional Composites and Emulsions with Liquid Metals.

PubMed

Kazem, Navid; Hellebrekers, Tess; Majidi, Carmel

2017-07-01

Binary mixtures of liquid metal (LM) or low-melting-point alloy (LMPA) in an elastomeric or fluidic carrier medium can exhibit unique combinations of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This emerging class of soft multifunctional composites have potential applications in wearable computing, bio-inspired robotics, and shape-programmable architectures. The dispersion phase can range from dilute droplets to connected networks that support electrical conductivity. In contrast to deterministically patterned LM microfluidics, LMPA- and LM-embedded elastomer (LMEE) composites are statistically homogenous and exhibit effective bulk properties. Eutectic Ga-In (EGaIn) and Ga-In-Sn (Galinstan) alloys are typically used due to their high conductivity, low viscosity, negligible nontoxicity, and ability to wet to nonmetallic materials. Because they are liquid-phase, these alloys can alter the electrical and thermal properties of the composite while preserving the mechanics of the surrounding medium. For composites with LMPA inclusions (e.g., Field's metal, Pb-based solder), mechanical rigidity can be actively tuned with external heating or electrical activation. This progress report, reviews recent experimental and theoretical studies of this emerging class of soft material architectures and identifies current technical challenges and opportunities for further advancement. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

REACH. Electricity Units. Secondary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Gene; Sappe, Hoyt

As a part of the REACH (Refrigeration, Electro-Mechanical, Air-Conditioning, Heating) electromechanical cluster, this student manual contains individualized instructional units in the area of electricity. The instructional units focus on electricity fundamentals and electric motors. Each unit follows a typical format that includes a unit sheet,…

Effects of Trichothecenes on Cardiac Cell Electrical Function

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-16

toxic effects . These studies demonstrated unequivocal reversible effects of certain mycotoxins on heart cell electrical activity. Preliminary studies...muscle cells shown in Figure 8 illustrate the typical effects of trichothecene mycotoxins in canine ventricular cells. T-2 tetraol, for 3xample...false tendon cells and V ventricular muscle cells (shown in Figure 8) illustrate the typical effects of trichothecene mycotoxins in canine cardiac

Molecules with an induced dipole moment in a stochastic electric field.

PubMed

Band, Y B; Ben-Shimol, Y

2013-10-01

The mean-field dynamics of a molecule with an induced dipole moment (e.g., a homonuclear diatomic molecule) in a deterministic and a stochastic (fluctuating) electric field is solved to obtain the decoherence properties of the system. The average (over fluctuations) electric dipole moment and average angular momentum as a function of time for a Gaussian white noise electric field are determined via perturbative and nonperturbative solutions in the fluctuating field. In the perturbative solution, the components of the average electric dipole moment and the average angular momentum along the deterministic electric field direction do not decay to zero, despite fluctuations in all three components of the electric field. This is in contrast to the decay of the average over fluctuations of a magnetic moment in a Gaussian white noise magnetic field. In the nonperturbative solution, the component of the average electric dipole moment and the average angular momentum in the deterministic electric field direction also decay to zero.

The relationship between anatomically correct electric and magnetic field dosimetry and publishe delectric and magnetic field exposure limits.

PubMed

Kavet, Robert; Dovan, Thanh; Reilly, J Patrick

2012-12-01

Electric and magnetic field exposure limits published by International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are aimed at protection against adverse electrostimulation, which may occur by direct coupling to excitable tissue and, in the case of electric fields, through indirect means associated with surface charge effects (e.g. hair vibration, skin sensations), spark discharge and contact current. For direct coupling, the basic restriction (BR) specifies the not-to-be-exceeded induced electric field. The key results of anatomically based electric and magnetic field dosimetry studies and the relevant characteristics of excitable tissue were first identified. This permitted us to assess the electric and magnetic field exposure levels that induce dose in tissue equal to the basic restrictions, and the relationships of those exposure levels to the limits now in effect. We identify scenarios in which direct coupling of electric fields to peripheral nerve could be a determining factor for electric field limits.

Cloaking magnetic field and generating electric field with topological insulator and superconductor bi-layer sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jin

2017-12-01

When an electric field is applied on a topological insulator, not only the electric field is generated, but also the magnetic field is generated, vice versa. I designed topological insulator and superconductor bi-layer magnetic cloak, derived the electric field and magnetic field inside and outside the topological insulator and superconductor sphere. Simulation and calculation results show that the applied magnetic field is screened by the topological insulator and superconductor bi-layer, and the electric field is generated in the cloaked region.

Electric Field Feature of Moving Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, You Jun

2001-05-01

A new fundamental relationship of electric field with magnetic field has been inferred from the fundamental experimental laws and theories of classical electromagnetics. It can be described as moving magnetic field has or gives electric feature. When a field with magnetic induction of B moves in the velocity of V, it will show electric field character, the electric field intensity E is E = B x V and the direction of E is in the direction of the vector B x V. It is improper to use the time-varying electromagnetics theories as the fundamental theory of the electromagnetics and group the electromagnetic field into static kind and time-varying kind for the static is relative to motional not only time-varying. The relationship of time variation of magnetic field induction or magnetic flux with electric field caused by magnetic field is fellowship not causality. Thus time-varying magnetic field can cause electric field is not a nature principle. Sometime the time variation of magnetic flux is equal to the negative electromotive force or the time variation of magnetic field induction is equal to the negative curl of electric field caused by magnetic field motion, but not always. And not all motion of magnetic field can cause time variation of magnetic field. Therefore Faraday-Lenz`s law can only be used as mathematics tool to calculate the quantity relation of the electricity with the magnetism in some case like the magnetic field moving in uniform medium. Faraday-Lenz`s law is unsuitable to be used in moving uniform magnetic field or there is magnetic shield. Key word: Motional magnetic field, Magnetic induction, Electric field intensity, Velocity, Faraday-Lenz’s law

Processes in suspensions of nanocomposite microcapsules exposed to external electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermakov, A. V.; Lomova, M. V.; Kim, V. P.; Chumakov, A. S.; Gorbachev, I. A.; Gorin, D. A.; Glukhovskoy, E. G.

2016-04-01

Microcapsules with and without magnetite nanoparticles incorporated in the polyelectrolyte shell were prepared. The effect of external electric field on the nanocomposite polyelectrolyte microcapsules containing magnetite nanoparticles in the shell was studied in this work as a function of the electric field strength. Effect of electric fields on polyelectrolyte microcapsules and the control over integrity of polyelectrolyte microcapsules with and without inorganic nanoparticles by constant electric field has been investigated. Beads effect, aggregation and deformations of nanocomposite microcapsule shell in response to electric field were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Thus, a new approach for effect on the nanocomposite microcapsule, including opening microcapsule shell by an electric field, was demonstrated. These results can be used for creation of new systems for drug delivery systems with controllable release by external electric field.

On high-latitude convection field inhomogeneities, parallel electric fields and inverted-V precipitation events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lennartsson, W.

1977-01-01

A simple model of a static electric field with a component parallel to the magnetic field is proposed for calculating the electric field and current distributions at various altitudes when the horizontal distribution of the convection electric field is given at a certain altitude above the auroral ionosphere. The model is shown to be compatible with satellite observations of inverted-V electron precipitation structures and associated irregularities in the convection electric field.

Spatial feature tracking impedence sensor using multiple electric fields

DOEpatents

Novak, J.L.

1998-08-11

Linear and other features on a workpiece are tracked by measuring the fields generated between electrodes arrayed in pairs. One electrode in each pair operates as a transmitter and the other as a receiver, and both electrodes in a pair are arrayed on a carrier. By combining and subtracting fields between electrodes in one pair and between a transmitting electrode in one pair and a receiving electrode in another pair, information describing the location and orientation of the sensor relative to the workpiece in up to six degrees of freedom may be obtained. Typical applications will measure capacitance, but other impedance components may be measured as well. The sensor is designed to track a linear feature axis or a protrusion or pocket in a workpiece. Seams and ridges can be tracked by this non-contact sensor. The sensor output is useful for robotic applications. 10 figs.

Topological transformations of Hopf solitons in chiral ferromagnets and liquid crystals.

PubMed

Tai, Jung-Shen B; Ackerman, Paul J; Smalyukh, Ivan I

2018-01-30

Liquid crystals are widely known for their facile responses to external fields, which forms a basis of the modern information display technology. However, switching of molecular alignment field configurations typically involves topologically trivial structures, although singular line and point defects often appear as short-lived transient states. Here, we demonstrate electric and magnetic switching of nonsingular solitonic structures in chiral nematic and ferromagnetic liquid crystals. These topological soliton structures are characterized by Hopf indices, integers corresponding to the numbers of times that closed-loop-like spatial regions (dubbed "preimages") of two different single orientations of rod-like molecules or magnetization are linked with each other. We show that both dielectric and ferromagnetic response of the studied material systems allow for stabilizing a host of topological solitons with different Hopf indices. The field transformations during such switching are continuous when Hopf indices remain unchanged, even when involving transformations of preimages, but discontinuous otherwise.

Spatial feature tracking impedence sensor using multiple electric fields

DOEpatents

Novak, James L.

1998-01-01

Linear and other features on a workpiece are tracked by measuring the fields generated between electrodes arrayed in pairs. One electrode in each pair operates as a transmitter and the other as a receiver, and both electrodes in a pair are arrayed on a carrier. By combining and subtracting fields between electrodes in one pair and between a transmitting electrode in one pair and a receiving electrode in another pair, information describing the location and orientation of the sensor relative to the workpiece in up to six degrees of freedom may be obtained. Typical applications will measure capacitance, but other impedance components may be measured as well. The sensor is designed to track a linear feature axis or a protrusion or pocket in a workpiece. Seams and ridges can be tracked by this non-contact sensor. The sensor output is useful for robotic applications.

Impact ionisation in Al0.9Ga0.1As0.08Sb0.92 for Sb-based avalanche photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, X.; Craig, A. P.; Roblin, T.; Marshall, A. R. J.

2018-01-01

We report the impact ionisation coefficients of the quaternary alloy Al0.9Ga0.1As0.08Sb0.92 lattice matched to GaSb substrates within the field range of 150 to 550 kV cm-1 using p-i-n and n-i-p diodes of various intrinsic thicknesses. The coefficients were found with an evolutionary fitting algorithm using a non-local recurrence based multiplication model and a variable electric field profile. These coefficients indicate that an avalanche photodiode not only can be designed to be a function in the mid-wave infrared but also can be operated at lower voltages. This is due to the high magnitude of the impact ionisation coefficients at relatively low fields compared to other III-V materials typically used in avalanche multiplication regions.

Challenges in designing appropriate scaffolding to improve students' representational consistency: The case of a Gauss's law problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maries, Alexandru; Lin, Shih-Yin; Singh, Chandralekha

2017-12-01

Prior research suggests that introductory physics students have difficulty with graphing and interpreting graphs. Here, we discuss an investigation of student difficulties in translating between mathematical and graphical representations for a problem in electrostatics and the effect of increasing levels of scaffolding on students' representational consistency. Students in calculus-based introductory physics were given a typical problem that can be solved using Gauss's law involving a spherically symmetric charge distribution in which they were asked to write a mathematical expression for the electric field in various regions and then plot the electric field. In study 1, we found that students had great difficulty in plotting the electric field as a function of the distance from the center of the sphere consistent with the mathematical expressions in various regions, and interviews with students suggested possible reasons which may account for this difficulty. Therefore, in study 2, we designed two scaffolding interventions with levels of support which built on each other (i.e., the second scaffolding level built on the first) in order to help students plot their expressions consistently and compared the performance of students provided with scaffolding with a comparison group which was not given any scaffolding support. Analysis of student performance with different levels of scaffolding reveals that scaffolding from an expert perspective beyond a certain level may sometimes hinder student performance and students may not even discern the relevance of the additional support. We provide possible interpretations for these findings based on in-depth, think-aloud student interviews.

Permanent magnetic field, direct electric field, and infrared to reduce blood glucose level and hepatic function in mus musculus with diabetic mellitus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suhariningsih; Basuki Notobroto, Hari; Winarni, Dwi; Achmad Hussein, Saikhu; Anggono Prijo, Tri

2017-05-01

Blood contains several electrolytes with positive (cation) and negative (anion) ion load. Both electrolytes deliver impulse synergistically adjusting body needs. Those electrolytes give specific effect to external disturbance such as electric, magnetic, even infrared field. A study has been conducted to reduce blood glucose level and liver function, in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients, using Biophysics concept which uses combination therapy of permanent magnetic field, electric field, and infrared. This study used 48 healthy mice (mus musculus), male, age 3-4 weeks, with approximately 25-30 g in weight. Mice was fed with lard as high fat diet orally, before Streptozotocin (STZ) induction become diabetic mice. Therapy was conducted by putting mice in a chamber that emits the combination of permanent magnetic field, electric field, and infrared, every day for 1 hour for 28 days. There were 4 combinations of therapy/treatment, namely: (1) permanent magnetic field, direct electric field, and infrared; (2) permanent magnetic field, direct electric field, without infrared; (3) permanent magnetic field, alternating electric field, and infrared; and (4) permanent magnetic field, alternating electric field, without infrared. The results of therapy show that every combination is able to reduce blood glucose level, AST, and ALT. However, the best result is by using combination of permanent magnetic field, direct electric field, and infrared.

High sensitive space electric field sensing based on micro fiber interferometer with field force driven gold nanofilm.

PubMed

Zhu, Tao; Zhou, Liming; Liu, Min; Zhang, Jingdong; Shi, Leilei

2015-10-28

The traditional electrical field sensing can be realized by utilizing electro-optic materials or liquid crystals, and has limitations of easy breakdown, free assembly and difficult measurement of low-frequency. Here, we propose a new method to realize safe measurement of spatial dynamic electric field by using a micro fiber interferometer integrated with gold nanofilm. The energy of the electric charge received through antenna forms the intrinsic electric field with two micro electrodes, one of which is the 120 nm gold film vibration beam micromachined by femtosecond lasers and integrated with the micro fiber. The change of the intrinsic electric field force due to the spatial electric field will cause the vibration of the film beam. By demodulating the output signal of the micro fiber interferometer, the electric field can be measured. We demonstrate the detectable frequency ranges from tens of Hz to tens of KHz, and the minimum electric field intensity is ~200 V/m at 1 KHz. Our electric field measurement technology combining optical fiber interference with gold nanostructures shows the advantages of security, high sensitivity, compact size, and multiplexed multi-point and remote detection.

High sensitive space electric field sensing based on micro fiber interferometer with field force driven gold nanofilm

PubMed Central

Zhu, Tao; Zhou, Liming; Liu, Min; Zhang, Jingdong; Shi, Leilei

2015-01-01

The traditional electrical field sensing can be realized by utilizing electro-optic materials or liquid crystals, and has limitations of easy breakdown, free assembly and difficult measurement of low-frequency. Here, we propose a new method to realize safe measurement of spatial dynamic electric field by using a micro fiber interferometer integrated with gold nanofilm. The energy of the electric charge received through antenna forms the intrinsic electric field with two micro electrodes, one of which is the 120 nm gold film vibration beam micromachined by femtosecond lasers and integrated with the micro fiber. The change of the intrinsic electric field force due to the spatial electric field will cause the vibration of the film beam. By demodulating the output signal of the micro fiber interferometer, the electric field can be measured. We demonstrate the detectable frequency ranges from tens of Hz to tens of KHz, and the minimum electric field intensity is ~200 V/m at 1 KHz. Our electric field measurement technology combining optical fiber interference with gold nanostructures shows the advantages of security, high sensitivity, compact size, and multiplexed multi-point and remote detection. PMID:26507680

Direct comparison between satellite electric field measurements and the visual aurora

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swift, D. W.; Gurnett, D. A.

1973-01-01

Electric field data from two passes of the Injun 5 satellite, one corresponding to magnetically quiet conditions and one corresponding to substorm conditions, are compared with simultaneous all-sky-camera data from College, Alaska. In each case, a significant deviation of the electric field from the expected V x B field (where V is the satellite velocity) was evident and a distinct electric field reversal could be identified. In the region of substantial electric field equatorward of the electric field reversal a diffuse auroral arc was observed during the magnetically quiet pass and auroral patches were observed during the substorm pass. The motion of the auroral patches was consistent with the general direction and magnitude of the E x B drift computed from the satellite electric field measurements. In the substorm case the electric field reversal occurred very near a discrete auroral arc at the poleward side of the diffuse arcs and patches. Comparison of the quiet time and substorm cases suggests that the convection electric field penetrates deeper into the magnetosphere during a substorm.

Electrical and optical characterizations of InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Im Sik; Kim, Seung Hyun; Kim, Jong Su; Noh, Sam Kyu; Lee, Sang Jun; Kim, Honggyun; Kim, Deok-Kee; Leem, Jae-Young

2018-03-01

The electrical and optical characterizations of InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) were investigated by frequency dependent capacitance-voltage ( C- V) measurements and photoreflectance (PR) spectroscopy. The C- V results confirmed that the frequency dependent junction capacitance ( C j) of QDSC is sensitive to the carrier exhaustion process through trapping and recapturing in the strain-induced defects and QD states caused by the interface strain between InAs and GaAs materials. As a result, at a low frequency (≤ 200 kHz), the C j of the QDSCs decreased with increasing InAs deposition thickness ( θ), leading to the decrease in carrier concentration ( N d) of the n-GaAs absorber layer due to the carrier losses processes caused by the trapping and re-capturing in the defects and the relatively large QDs. At θ ≤ 2.0 ML, the p-n junction electric field strength ( F pn) of the QDSCs which was evaluated by PR spectra decreased with increasing excitation photon intensity ( I ex) due to the typical field screening effect in the SC structure. On the other hand, the F pn of QDSCs with θ ≥ 2.5 ML approached a constant value with a relatively high I ex, which suggests that the decrease in photo-generated carriers in the QDSC was caused by the re-capturing and trapping process.

Strong Depletion in Hybrid Perovskite p-n Junctions Induced by Local Electronic Doping.

PubMed

Ou, Qingdong; Zhang, Yupeng; Wang, Ziyu; Yuwono, Jodie A; Wang, Rongbin; Dai, Zhigao; Li, Wei; Zheng, Changxi; Xu, Zai-Quan; Qi, Xiang; Duhm, Steffen; Medhekar, Nikhil V; Zhang, Han; Bao, Qiaoliang

2018-04-01

A semiconductor p-n junction typically has a doping-induced carrier depletion region, where the doping level positively correlates with the built-in potential and negatively correlates with the depletion layer width. In conventional bulk and atomically thin junctions, this correlation challenges the synergy of the internal field and its spatial extent in carrier generation/transport. Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, a class of crystalline ionic semiconductors, are promising alternatives because of their direct badgap, long diffusion length, and large dielectric constant. Here, strong depletion in a lateral p-n junction induced by local electronic doping at the surface of individual CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite nanosheets is reported. Unlike conventional surface doping with a weak van der Waals adsorption, covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding between a MoO 3 dopant and the perovskite are theoretically predicted and experimentally verified. The strong hybridization-induced electronic coupling leads to an enhanced built-in electric field. The large electric permittivity arising from the ionic polarizability further contributes to the formation of an unusually broad depletion region up to 10 µm in the junction. Under visible optical excitation without electrical bias, the lateral diode demonstrates unprecedented photovoltaic conversion with an external quantum efficiency of 3.93% and a photodetection responsivity of 1.42 A W -1 . © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Controllable Sonar Lenses and Prisms Based on ERFs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Sherrit, Stewart; Chang, Zensheu; Bao, Xiaoqi; Paustian, Iris; Lopes, Joseph; Folds, Donald

2004-01-01

Sonar-beam-steering devices of the proposed type would contain no moving parts and would be considerably smaller and less power-hungry, relative to conventional multiple-beam sonar arrays. The proposed devices are under consideration for installation on future small autonomous underwater vehicles because the sizes and power demands of conventional multiple-beam arrays are excessive, and motors used in single-beam mechanically scanned systems are also not reliable. The proposed devices would include a variety of electrically controllable acoustic prisms, lenses, and prism/lens combinations both simple and compound. These devices would contain electrorheological fluids (ERFs) between electrodes. An ERF typically consists of dielectric particles floating in a dielectric fluid. When an electric field is applied to the fluid, the particles become grouped into fibrils aligned in rows, with a consequent increase in the viscosity of the fluid and a corresponding increase in the speed of sound in the fluid. The change in the speed of sound increases with an increase in the applied electric field. By thus varying the speed of sound, one varies the acoustic index of refraction, analogously to varying the index of refraction of an optical lens or prism. In the proposed acoustic devices, this effect would be exploited to control the angles of refraction of acoustic beams, thereby steering the beams and, in the case of lenses, controlling focal lengths.

Inhibition of brain tumor cell proliferation by alternating electric fields

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

Jeong, Hyesun; Oh, Seung-ick; Hong, Sunghoi, E-mail: shong21@korea.ac.kr, E-mail: radioyoon@korea.ac.kr

2014-11-17

This study was designed to investigate the mechanism by which electric fields affect cell function, and to determine the optimal conditions for electric field inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Low-intensity (<2 V/cm) and intermediate-frequency (100–300 kHz) alternating electric fields were applied to glioblastoma cell lines. These electric fields inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and abnormal mitosis due to the malformation of microtubules. These effects were significantly dependent on the intensity and frequency of applied electric fields.

A corotation electric field model of the Earth derived from Swarm satellite magnetic field measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maus, Stefan

2017-08-01

Rotation of the Earth in its own geomagnetic field sets up a primary corotation electric field, compensated by a secondary electric field of induced electrical charges. For the geomagnetic field measured by the Swarm constellation of satellites, a derivation of the global corotation electric field inside and outside of the corotation region is provided here, in both inertial and corotating reference frames. The Earth is assumed an electrical conductor, the lower atmosphere an insulator, followed by the corotating ionospheric E region again as a conductor. Outside of the Earth's core, the induced charge is immediately accessible from the spherical harmonic Gauss coefficients of the geomagnetic field. The charge density is positive at high northern and southern latitudes, negative at midlatitudes, and increases strongly toward the Earth's center. Small vertical electric fields of about 0.3 mV/m in the insulating atmospheric gap are caused by the corotation charges located in the ionosphere above and the Earth below. The corotation charges also flow outward into the region of closed magnetic field lines, forcing the plasmasphere to corotate. The electric field of the corotation charges further extends outside of the corotating regions, contributing radial outward electric fields of about 10 mV/m in the northern and southern polar caps. Depending on how the magnetosphere responds to these fields, the Earth may carry a net electric charge.

Rotation Detection Using the Precession of Molecular Electric Dipole Moment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Yi; Deng, Xiao-Bing; Hu, Zhong-Kun

2017-11-01

We present a method to detect the rotation by using the precession of molecular electric dipole moment in a static electric field. The molecular electric dipole moments are polarized under the static electric field and a nonzero electric polarization vector emerges in the molecular gas. A resonant radio-frequency pulse electric field is applied to realize a 90° flip of the electric polarization vector of a particular rotational state. After the pulse electric field, the electric polarization vector precesses under the static electric field. The rotation induces a shift in the precession frequency which is measured to deduce the angular velocity of the rotation. The fundamental sensitivity limit of this method is estimated. This work is only a proposal and does not involve experimental results.

Localized Electron Heating by Strong Guide-Field Magnetic Reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xuehan; Sugawara, Takumichi; Inomoto, Michiaki; Yamasaki, Kotaro; Ono, Yasushi; UTST Team

2015-11-01

Localized electron heating of magnetic reconnection was studied under strong guide-field (typically Bt 15Bp) using two merging spherical tokamak plasmas in Univ. Tokyo Spherical Tokamak (UTST) experiment. Our new slide-type two-dimensional Thomson scattering system documented for the first time the electron heating localized around the X-point. The region of high electron temperature, which is perpendicular to the magnetic field, was found to have a round shape with radius of 2 [cm]. Also, it was localized around the X-point and does not agree with that of energy dissipation term Et .jt . When we include a guide-field effect term Bt / (Bp + αBt) for Et .jt where α =√{ (vin2 +vout2) /v∥2 } , the energy dissipation area becomes localized around the X-point, suggesting that the electrons are accelerated by the reconnection electric field parallel to the magnetic field and thermalized around the X-point. This work was supported by JSPS A3 Foresight Program ``Innovative Tokamak Plasma Startup and Current Drive in Spherical Torus,'' a Grant-in-Aid from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellows 15J03758.

The effect of pulsed electric fields on carotenoids bioaccessibility: The role of tomato matrix.

PubMed

Bot, Francesca; Verkerk, Ruud; Mastwijk, Hennie; Anese, Monica; Fogliano, Vincenzo; Capuano, Edoardo

2018-02-01

Tomato fractions were subjected to pulsed electric fields treatment combined or not with heating. Results showed that pulsed electric fields and heating applied in combination or individually induced permeabilization of cell membranes in the tomato fractions. However, no changes in β-carotene and lycopene bioaccessibility were found upon combined and individual pulsed electric fields and heating, except in the following cases: (i) in tissue, a significant decrease in lycopene bioaccessibility upon combined pulsed electric fields and heating and heating only was observed; (ii) in chromoplasts, both β-carotene and lycopene bioaccessibility significantly decreased upon combined pulsed electric fields and heating and pulsed electric fields only. The reduction in carotenoids bioaccessibility was attributed to modification in chromoplasts membrane and carotenoids-protein complexes. Differences in the effects of pulsed electric fields on bioaccessibility among different tomato fractions were related to tomato structure complexity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on Properties of CoNi Films with mn Doping Prepared by Magnetic Fields Induced Codeposition Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Liang; Yu, Yundan; Ge, Hongliang; Wei, Guoying; Jiang, Li; Sun, Lixia

Magnetic field parallel to electric field was induced during plating process to prepare CoNiMn alloy films on copper substrate. Electrochemistry mechanism and properties of CoNiMn alloy films were investigated in this paper. Micro magnetohydrodynamic convection phenomenon caused by vertical component of current density and parallel magnetic field due to deformation of current distribution contributed directly to the improvement of cathode current and deposition rate. Cathode current of the CoNiMn plating system increased about 30% with 1T magnetic field induced. It was found that CoNiMn films electrodeposited with magnetic fields basically belonged to a kind of progressive nucleation mode. Higher magnetic intensity intended to obtain CoNiMn films with good crystal structures and highly preferred orientations. With the increase of magnetic intensities, surface morphology of CoNiMn alloy films changed from typically nodular to needle-like structures. Compared with coatings electrodeposited without magnetic field, CoNiMn alloy films prepared with magnetic fields possessed better magnetic properties. Coercivity, remanence and saturation magnetization of samples increased sharply when 1T magnetic field was induced during plating process.

Ion-driven wind: Aerodynamics, performance limits, and optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rickard, Matthew James Alan

When a strong electric field is generated between a sharp, charged object and a grounded electrode in a gas medium, ions that are generated via a corona discharge near the tip of the sharp object migrate to the electrical ground, setting the neutral hulk gas in motion. The strength of the flow generated from such a process; known as a "corona", "ionic", or "ion-driven" wind, increases with electric field until electrical breakdown is reached. Previous studies have found an upper bound on the velocity of the ion-driven wind, even when a series of electrode stages are aggregated. With the intent of maximizing the gas flow front such devices, this dissertation describes a series of experiments that have been conducted and a numerical model that has been employed. Although typical hardware configurations include a wire parallel to a plate, a wire placed concentrically within a cylinder, or a needle facing a perpendicular plate or mesh, the chosen setup for this study is a needle facing a concentric ring. Using multiple experimental techniques and numerical simulation, velocity profiles have been observed at the ring exit and are sensitive to the design of the mounting hardware. The numerical model predicts the ideal electrode geometry for maximizing flow through a single unit. A modular, multi-staged system has been constructed and, when loaded with an exit nozzle, the exit velocity can be substantially increased. Further, if a small-scale (sub-millimeter) system is created, it is expected that the velocity will increase with multi-staging, even in the absence of an exit nozzle.

Electrostrictive Polymers for Mechanical-to-Electrical Energy Harvesting

DTIC Science & Technology

usable electrical energy. Piezoelectric ceramic-based devices have long been used in energy harvesting for converting mechanical motion to electrical ...typically softer and more flexible, the translated electrical energy output is considerably higher under the same mechanical force. Currently...investigations in using electroactive polymers for energy harvesting, and mechanical-to- electrical energy conversion, are beginning to show potential for

Reception and learning of electric fields in bees

PubMed Central

Greggers, Uwe; Koch, Gesche; Schmidt, Viola; Dürr, Aron; Floriou-Servou, Amalia; Piepenbrock, David; Göpfert, Martin C.; Menzel, Randolf

2013-01-01

Honeybees, like other insects, accumulate electric charge in flight, and when their body parts are moved or rubbed together. We report that bees emit constant and modulated electric fields when flying, landing, walking and during the waggle dance. The electric fields emitted by dancing bees consist of low- and high-frequency components. Both components induce passive antennal movements in stationary bees according to Coulomb's law. Bees learn both the constant and the modulated electric field components in the context of appetitive proboscis extension response conditioning. Using this paradigm, we identify mechanoreceptors in both joints of the antennae as sensors. Other mechanoreceptors on the bee body are potentially involved but are less sensitive. Using laser vibrometry, we show that the electrically charged flagellum is moved by constant and modulated electric fields and more strongly so if sound and electric fields interact. Recordings from axons of the Johnston organ document its sensitivity to electric field stimuli. Our analyses identify electric fields emanating from the surface charge of bees as stimuli for mechanoreceptors, and as biologically relevant stimuli, which may play a role in social communication. PMID:23536603

Reception and learning of electric fields in bees.

PubMed

Greggers, Uwe; Koch, Gesche; Schmidt, Viola; Dürr, Aron; Floriou-Servou, Amalia; Piepenbrock, David; Göpfert, Martin C; Menzel, Randolf

2013-05-22

Honeybees, like other insects, accumulate electric charge in flight, and when their body parts are moved or rubbed together. We report that bees emit constant and modulated electric fields when flying, landing, walking and during the waggle dance. The electric fields emitted by dancing bees consist of low- and high-frequency components. Both components induce passive antennal movements in stationary bees according to Coulomb's law. Bees learn both the constant and the modulated electric field components in the context of appetitive proboscis extension response conditioning. Using this paradigm, we identify mechanoreceptors in both joints of the antennae as sensors. Other mechanoreceptors on the bee body are potentially involved but are less sensitive. Using laser vibrometry, we show that the electrically charged flagellum is moved by constant and modulated electric fields and more strongly so if sound and electric fields interact. Recordings from axons of the Johnston organ document its sensitivity to electric field stimuli. Our analyses identify electric fields emanating from the surface charge of bees as stimuli for mechanoreceptors, and as biologically relevant stimuli, which may play a role in social communication.

Comparative efficiency and driving range of light- and heavy-duty vehicles powered with biomass energy stored in liquid fuels or batteries

PubMed Central

Laser, Mark; Lynd, Lee R.

2014-01-01

This study addresses the question, “When using cellulosic biomass for vehicular transportation, which field-to-wheels pathway is more efficient: that using biofuels or that using bioelectricity?” In considering the question, the level of assumed technological maturity significantly affects the comparison, as does the intended transportation application. Results from the analysis indicate that for light-duty vehicles, over ranges typical in the United States today (e.g., 560–820 miles), field-to-wheels performance is similar, with some scenarios showing biofuel to be more efficient, and others indicating the two pathways to be essentially the same. Over the current range of heavy-duty vehicles, the field-to-wheels efficiency is higher for biofuels than for electrically powered vehicles. Accounting for technological advances and range, there is little basis to expect mature bioelectricity-powered vehicles to have greater field-to-wheels efficiency (e.g., kilometers per gigajoule biomass or per hectare) compared with mature biofuel-powered vehicles. PMID:24550477

Spacecraft high-voltage power supply construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutton, J. F.; Stern, J. E.

1975-01-01

The design techniques, circuit components, fabrication techniques, and past experience used in successful high-voltage power supplies for spacecraft flight systems are described. A discussion of the basic physics of electrical discharges in gases is included and a design rationale for the prevention of electrical discharges is provided. Also included are typical examples of proven spacecraft high-voltage power supplies with typical specifications for design, fabrication, and testing.

Rare earth fluoride nano-/microstructures: hydrothermal synthesis, luminescent properties and applications.

PubMed

Zhao, Qian; Xu, Zhenhe; Sun, Yaguang

2014-02-01

Rare earth fluoride materials have attracted wide interest and come to the forefront in nanophotonics due to their distinct electrical, optical and magnetic properties as well as their potential applications in diverse fields such as optical telecommunication, lasers, biochemical probes, infrared quantum counters, and medical diagnostics. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the flourishing field of rare earth fluorides materials in the past decade. We summarize the recent research progress on the preparation, morphology, luminescent properties and application of rare earth fluoride-based luminescent materials by hydrothermal systems. Various rare earth fluoride materials are obtained by fine-tuning of experimental conditions, such as capping agents, fluoride source, acidity, temperature and reaction time. The controlled morphology, luminescent properties and application of the rare earth fluorides are briefly discussed with typical examples.

A Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Thermoelectromagnetic Convection (TEMC) on the Bridgman Growth of Ge(1-x)Si(x)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yesilyurt, Serhat; Vujisic, Ljubomir; Motakef, Shariar; Szofran, F. R.; Volz, Martin P.

1998-01-01

Thermoelectric currents at the growth interface of GeSi during Bridgman growth are shown to promote convection when a low intensity axial magnetic field is applied. TEMC, typically, is characterized by a meridional flow driven by the rotation of the fluid; meridional convection alters composition of the melt, and shape of the growth interface substantially. TEMC effect is more important in micro-gravity environment than the terrestrial one, and can be used to control convection during the growth of GeSi. In this work, coupled thermo-solutal flow equations (energy, scalar transport, momentum and mass) are solved in tandem with Maxwell's equations to compute the thermo-solutat flow field, electric currents, and the growth-interface shape.

Evaluation of moving-coil loudspeaker and passive radiator parameters using normal-incidence sound transmission measurements: theoretical developments.

PubMed

Leishman, Timothy W; Anderson, Brian E

2013-07-01

The parameters of moving-coil loudspeaker drivers are typically determined using direct electrical excitation and measurement. However, as electro-mechano-acoustical devices, their parameters should also follow from suitable mechanical or acoustical evaluations. This paper presents the theory of an acoustical method of excitation and measurement using normal-incidence sound transmission through a baffled driver as a plane-wave tube partition. Analogous circuits enable key parameters to be extracted from measurement results in terms of open and closed-circuit driver conditions. Associated tools are presented that facilitate adjacent field decompositions and derivations of sound transmission coefficients (in terms of driver parameters) directly from the circuits. The paper also clarifies the impact of nonanechoic receiving tube terminations and the specific benefits of downstream field decompositions.

Investigation on cone jetting regimes of liquid droplets subjected to pyroelectric fields induced by laser blasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gennari, Oriella; Battista, Luigi; Silva, Benjamin; Grilli, Simonetta; Miccio, Lisa; Vespini, Veronica; Coppola, Sara; Orlando, Pierangelo; Aprin, Laurent; Slangen, Pierre; Ferraro, Pietro

2015-02-01

Electrical conductivity and viscosity play a major role in the tip jetting behaviour of liquids subjected to electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces, thus influencing significantly the printing performance. Recently, we developed a nozzle- and electrode-free pyro-EHD system as a versatile alternative to conventional EHD configurations and we demonstrated different applications, including inkjet printing and three-dimensional lithography. However, only dielectric fluids have been used in all of those applications. Here, we present an experimental characterization of the pyro-EHD jetting regimes, induced by laser blasts, of sessile drops in case of dielectric and conductive liquids in order to extend the applicability of the system to a wider variety of fields including biochemistry and biotechnology where conductive aqueous solutions are typically used.

The influence of electric field and confinement on cell motility.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Ja; Samorajski, Justin; Kreimer, Rachel; Searson, Peter C

2013-01-01

The ability of cells to sense and respond to endogenous electric fields is important in processes such as wound healing, development, and nerve regeneration. In cell culture, many epithelial and endothelial cell types respond to an electric field of magnitude similar to endogenous electric fields by moving preferentially either parallel or antiparallel to the field vector, a process known as galvanotaxis. Here we report on the influence of dc electric field and confinement on the motility of fibroblast cells using a chip-based platform. From analysis of cell paths we show that the influence of electric field on motility is much more complex than simply imposing a directional bias towards the cathode or anode. The cell velocity, directedness, as well as the parallel and perpendicular components of the segments along the cell path are dependent on the magnitude of the electric field. Forces in the directions perpendicular and parallel to the electric field are in competition with one another in a voltage-dependent manner, which ultimately govern the trajectories of the cells in the presence of an electric field. To further investigate the effects of cell reorientation in the presence of a field, cells are confined within microchannels to physically prohibit the alignment seen in 2D environment. Interestingly, we found that confinement results in an increase in cell velocity both in the absence and presence of an electric field compared to migration in 2D.

Electrospray ionization from nanopipette emitters with tip diameters of less than 100 nm.

PubMed

Yuill, Elizabeth M; Sa, Niya; Ray, Steven J; Hieftje, Gary M; Baker, Lane A

2013-09-17

Work presented here demonstrates application of nanopipettes pulled to orifice diameters of less than 100 nm as electrospray ionization emitters for mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric analysis of a series of peptides and proteins electrosprayed from pulled-quartz capillary nanopipette emitters with internal diameters ranging from 37 to 70 nm is detailed. Overall, the use of nanopipette emitters causes a shift toward the production of ions of higher charge states and leads to a reduction in width of charge-state distribution as compared to typical nanospray conditions. Further, nanopipettes show improved S/N and the same signal precision as typical nanospray, despite the much smaller dimensions. As characterized by SEM images acquired before and after spray, nanopipettes are shown to be robust under conditions employed. Analytical calculations and numerical simulations are used to calculate the electric field at the emitter tip, which can be significant for the small diameter tips used.

Monolithic stacked blue light-emitting diodes with polarization-enhanced tunnel junctions.

PubMed

Kuo, Yen-Kuang; Shih, Ya-Hsuan; Chang, Jih-Yuan; Lai, Wei-Chih; Liu, Heng; Chen, Fang-Ming; Lee, Ming-Lun; Sheu, Jinn-Kong

2017-08-07

Monolithic stacked InGaN light-emitting diode (LED) connected by a polarization-enhanced GaN/AlN-based tunnel junction is demonstrated experimentally in this study. The typical stacked LEDs exhibit 80% enhancement in output power compared with conventional single LEDs because of the repeated use of electrons and holes for photon generation. The typical operation voltage of stacked LEDs is higher than twice the operation voltage of single LEDs. This high operation voltage can be attributed to the non-optimal tunneling junction in stacked LEDs. In addition to the analyses of experimental results, theoretical analysis of different schemes of tunnel junctions, including diagrams of energy bands, diagrams of electric fields, and current-voltage relation curves, are investigated using numerical simulation. The results shown in this paper demonstrate the feasibility in developing cost-effective and highly efficient tunnel-junction LEDs.

Local Intensity Enhancements in Spherical Microcavities: Implications for Photonic Chemical and Biological Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuller, Kirk A.

2005-01-01

In this report, we summarize recent findings regarding the use spherical microcavities in the amplification of light that is inelastically scattered by either fluorescent or Raman-active molecules. This discussion will focus on Raman scattering, with the understanding that analogous processes apply to fluorescence. Raman spectra can be generated through the use of a very strong light source that stimulates inelastic light scattering by molecules, with the scattering occurring at wavelengths shifted from that of the source and being most prominent at shifts associated with the molecules natural vibrational frequencies. The Raman signal can be greatly enhanced by exposing a molecule to the intense electric fields that arise near surfaces (typically of gold or silver) exhibiting nanoscale roughness. This is known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). SERS typically produces gain factors of 103 - 106, but under special conditions, factors of 1010 - 1014 have been achieved.

Laboratory observation of electron phase-space holes during magnetic reconnection.

PubMed

Fox, W; Porkolab, M; Egedal, J; Katz, N; Le, A

2008-12-19

We report the observation of large-amplitude, nonlinear electrostatic structures, identified as electron phase-space holes, during magnetic reconnection experiments on the Versatile Toroidal Facility at MIT. The holes are positive electric potential spikes, observed on high-bandwidth ( approximately 2 GHz) Langmuir probes. Investigations with multiple probes establish that the holes travel at or above the electron thermal speed and have a three-dimensional, approximately spherical shape, with a scale size approximately 2 mm. This corresponds to a few electron gyroradii, or many tens of Debye lengths, which is large compared to holes considered in simulations and observed by satellites, whose length scale is typically only a few Debye lengths. Finally, a statistical study over many discharges confirms that the holes appear in conjunction with the large inductive electric fields and the creation of energetic electrons associated with the magnetic energy release.

Nature-inspired polymer actuators for micro-fluidic mixing.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

den Toonder, Jaap M. J.; Bos, Femke; de Goede, Judith; Anderson, Patrick

2007-11-01

One particular micro-fluidics manipulation mechanism ``designed'' by nature is that due to a covering of beating cilia over the external surface of micro-organisms (e.g. Paramecium). A cilium can be viewed as a small hair or flexible rod (in protozoa: typical length 10 microns and diameter 0.1 microns) which is attached to the surface. We have developed polymer micro-actuators, made with standard micro-technology processing, which respond to an applied electrical or magnetic field by changing their shape. The shape and size of the polymer actuators mimics that of cilia occurring in nature. Flow visualization experiments show that the cilia can generate substantial fluid velocities, in the order of 1 mm/s. In addition, using specially designed geometrical configurations of the cilia, very efficient mixing is obtained. Since the artificial cilia can be actively controlled using electrical signals, they have exciting applications in micro-fluidic devices.

Graphene-based smart materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiaowen; Cheng, Huhu; Zhang, Miao; Zhao, Yang; Qu, Liangti; Shi, Gaoquan

2017-09-01

The high specific surface area and the excellent mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of graphene make it an attractive component for high-performance stimuli-responsive or 'smart' materials. Complementary to these inherent properties, functionalization or hybridization can substantially improve the performance of these materials. Typical graphene-based smart materials include mechanically exfoliated perfect graphene, chemical vapour deposited high-quality graphene, chemically modified graphene (for example, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) and their macroscopic assemblies or composites. These materials are sensitive to a range of stimuli, including gas molecules or biomolecules, pH value, mechanical strain, electrical field, and thermal or optical excitation. In this Review, we outline different graphene-based smart materials and their potential applications in actuators, chemical or strain sensors, self-healing materials, photothermal therapy and controlled drug delivery. We also introduce the working mechanisms of graphene-based smart materials and discuss the challenges facing the realization of their practical applications.

Electrical and structural properties of ZnO synthesized via infiltration of lithographically defined polymer templates

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

Nam, Chang-Yong, E-mail: cynam@bnl.gov; Stein, Aaron; Kisslinger, Kim

We investigate the electrical and structural properties of infiltration-synthesized ZnO. In-plane ZnO nanowire arrays with prescribed positional registrations are generated by infiltrating diethlyzinc and water vapor into lithographically defined SU-8 polymer templates and removing organic matrix by oxygen plasma ashing. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that homogeneously amorphous as-infiltrated polymer templates transform into highly nanocrystalline ZnO upon removal of organic matrix. Field-effect transistor device measurements show that the synthesized ZnO after thermal annealing displays a typical n-type behavior, ∼10{sup 19 }cm{sup −3} carrier density, and ∼0.1 cm{sup 2} V{sup −1} s{sup −1} electron mobility, reflecting highly nanocrystalline internal structure. The results demonstrate themore » potential application of infiltration synthesis in fabricating metal oxide electronic devices.« less

Monitoring probe for groundwater flow

DOEpatents

Looney, Brian B.; Ballard, Sanford

1994-01-01

A monitoring probe for detecting groundwater migration. The monitor features a cylinder made of a permeable membrane carrying an array of electrical conductivity sensors on its outer surface. The cylinder is filled with a fluid that has a conductivity different than the groundwater. The probe is placed in the ground at an area of interest to be monitored. The fluid, typically saltwater, diffuses through the permeable membrane into the groundwater. The flow of groundwater passing around the permeable membrane walls of the cylinder carries the conductive fluid in the same general direction and distorts the conductivity field measured by the sensors. The degree of distortion from top to bottom and around the probe is precisely related to the vertical and horizontal flow rates, respectively. The electrical conductivities measured by the sensors about the outer surface of the probe are analyzed to determine the rate and direction of the groundwater flow.

Monitoring probe for groundwater flow

DOEpatents

Looney, B.B.; Ballard, S.

1994-08-23

A monitoring probe for detecting groundwater migration is disclosed. The monitor features a cylinder made of a permeable membrane carrying an array of electrical conductivity sensors on its outer surface. The cylinder is filled with a fluid that has a conductivity different than the groundwater. The probe is placed in the ground at an area of interest to be monitored. The fluid, typically saltwater, diffuses through the permeable membrane into the groundwater. The flow of groundwater passing around the permeable membrane walls of the cylinder carries the conductive fluid in the same general direction and distorts the conductivity field measured by the sensors. The degree of distortion from top to bottom and around the probe is precisely related to the vertical and horizontal flow rates, respectively. The electrical conductivities measured by the sensors about the outer surface of the probe are analyzed to determine the rate and direction of the groundwater flow. 4 figs.

Variable-frequency synchronous motor drives for electric vehicles

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

Chalmers, B.J.; Musaba, L.; Gosden, D.F.

1996-07-01

The performance capability envelope of a variable-frequency, permanent-magnet synchronous motor drive with field weakening is dependent upon the product of maximum current and direct-axis inductance. To obtain a performance characteristic suitable for a typical electric vehicle drive, in which short-term increase of current is applied, it is necessary to design an optimum value of direct-axis inductance. The paper presents an analysis of a hybrid motor design which uses a two-part rotor construction comprising a surface-magnet part and an axially laminated reluctance part. This arrangement combines the properties of all other types of synchronous motor and offers a greater choice ofmore » design variables. It is shown that the desired form of performance may be achieved when the high-inductance axis of the reluctance part is arranged to lead the magnet axis by 90{degree} (elec.).« less

Variable-frequency synchronous motor drives for electric vehicles

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

Chalmers, B.J.; Musaba, L.; Gosden, D.F.

1995-12-31

The performance capability envelope of a variable-frequency, permanent-magnet synchronous motor drive with field weakening is dependent upon the product of maximum current and direct-axis inductance. To obtain a performance characteristic suitable for a typical electric vehicle drive, in which short-term increase of current is applied, it is necessary to design an optimum value of direct-axis inductance. The paper presents an analysis of a hybrid motor design which uses a two-part rotor construction comprising a surface-magnet part and an axially-laminated reluctance part. This arrangement combines the properties of all other types of synchronous motor and offers a greater choice of designmore » variables. It is shown that the desired form of performance may be achieved when the high-inductance axis of the reluctance part is arranged to lead the magnet axis by 90{degree} (elec.).« less

Thermoelectric detection and imaging of propagating graphene plasmons.

PubMed

Lundeberg, Mark B; Gao, Yuanda; Woessner, Achim; Tan, Cheng; Alonso-González, Pablo; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Hone, James; Hillenbrand, Rainer; Koppens, Frank H L

2017-02-01

Controlling, detecting and generating propagating plasmons by all-electrical means is at the heart of on-chip nano-optical processing. Graphene carries long-lived plasmons that are extremely confined and controllable by electrostatic fields; however, electrical detection of propagating plasmons in graphene has not yet been realized. Here, we present an all-graphene mid-infrared plasmon detector operating at room temperature, where a single graphene sheet serves simultaneously as the plasmonic medium and detector. Rather than achieving detection via added optoelectronic materials, as is typically done in other plasmonic systems, our device converts the natural decay product of the plasmon-electronic heat-directly into a voltage through the thermoelectric effect. We employ two local gates to fully tune the thermoelectric and plasmonic behaviour of the graphene. High-resolution real-space photocurrent maps are used to investigate the plasmon propagation and interference, decay, thermal diffusion, and thermoelectric generation.

Electric Field Imaging Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcutt, Terrence; Hughitt, Brian; Burke, Eric; Generazio, Edward

2016-01-01

NDE historically has focused technology development in propagating wave phenomena with little attention to the field of electrostatics and emanating electric fields. This work is intended to bring electrostatic imaging to the forefront of new inspection technologies, and new technologies in general. The specific goals are to specify the electric potential and electric field including the electric field spatial components emanating from, to, and throughout volumes containing objects or in free space.

Electric-field enhanced performance in catalysis and solid-state devices involving gases

DOEpatents

Blackburn, Bryan M.; Wachsman, Eric D.; Van Assche, IV, Frederick Martin

2015-05-19

Electrode configurations for electric-field enhanced performance in catalysis and solid-state devices involving gases are provided. According to an embodiment, electric-field electrodes can be incorporated in devices such as gas sensors and fuel cells to shape an electric field provided with respect to sensing electrodes for the gas sensors and surfaces of the fuel cells. The shaped electric fields can alter surface dynamics, system thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and adsorption/desorption processes. In one embodiment, ring-shaped electric-field electrodes can be provided around sensing electrodes of a planar gas sensor.

Effect of strong electric field on the conformational integrity of insulin.

PubMed

Wang, Xianwei; Li, Yongxiu; He, Xiao; Chen, Shude; Zhang, John Z H

2014-10-02

A series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations up to 1 μs for bovine insulin monomer in different external electric fields were carried out to study the effect of external electric field on conformational integrity of insulin. Our results show that the secondary structure of insulin is kept intact under the external electric field strength below 0.15 V/nm, but disruption of secondary structure is observed at 0.25 V/nm or higher electric field strength. Although the starting time of secondary structure disruption of insulin is not clearly correlated with the strength of the external electric field ranging between 0.15 and 0.60 V/nm, long time MD simulations demonstrate that the cumulative effect of exposure time under the electric field is a major cause for the damage of insulin's secondary structure. In addition, the strength of the external electric field has a significant impact on the lifetime of hydrogen bonds when it is higher than 0.60 V/nm. The fast evolution of some hydrogen bonds of bovine insulin in the presence of the 1.0 V/nm electric field shows that different microwaves could either speed up protein folding or destroy the secondary structure of globular proteins deponding on the intensity of the external electric field.

Electron transport in reduced graphene oxides in high electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Wen-Bin; Lai, Jian-Jhong; Wang, Sheng-Tsung; Tsao, Rui-Wen; Su, Min-Chia; Tsai, Wei-Yu; Rosenstein, Baruch; Zhou, Xufeng; Liu, Zhaoping

Due to a honeycomb structure, charge carriers in graphene exhibit quasiparticles of linear energy-momentum dispersion and phenomena of Schwinger pair creation may be explored. Because graphene is easily broken in high electric fields, single-layer reduced graphene oxides (rGO) are used instead. The rGO shows a small band gap while it reveals a graphene like behavior in high electric fields. Electron transport in rGO exhibits two-dimensional Mott's variable range hopping. The temperature behavior of resistance in low electric fields and the electric field behavior of resistance at low temperatures are all well explained by the Mott model. At temperatures higher than 200 K, the electric field behavior does not agree with the model while it shows a power law behavior with an exponent of 3/2, being in agreement with the Schwinger model. Comparing with graphene, the rGO is more sustainable to high electric field thus presenting a complete high-electric field behavior. When the rGO is gated away from the charge neutral point, the turn-on electric field of Schwinger phenomena is increased. A summary figure is given to present electric field behaviors and power law variations of resistances of single-layer rGO, graphene, and MoS2.

Strong Ionospheric Electron Heating Associated With Pulsating Auroras - A Swarm Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, J.; Yang, B.; Burchill, J. K.; Donovan, E.; Knudsen, D. J.

2016-12-01

A pulsating aurora is a repetitive modulation of auroral luminosity with periods typically of the order of 1-30 sec. It is often observed in the equatorward portion of the auroral oval. While it is generally recognized that the ultimate source of the pulsating auroral precipitation comes from energetic electrons of magnetospheric origin, investigating the ionospheric signature of the pulsating aurora may offer clues to the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling aspect of the pulsating aurora and, under certain circumstance, to the generation mechanism of the pulsating aurora. In this study, we perform an extensive survey on the ionospheric signatures (electron temperature, plasma density and field-aligned current etc.) of pulsating auroras using Swarm satellite data. Via the survey we repeatedly identify a strong electron temperature enhancement associated with the pulsating aurora. On average, the electron temperature at Swarm satellite altitude ( 500 km) increases from 2100 K at subauroral altitudes to a peak of 2900 K upon entering the pulsating aurora patch. This indicates that the pulsating auroras may act as an important heating source of the nightside ionosphere/thermosphere. On the other hand, no well-defined trend of plasma density variation associated with pulsating auroras is identified in the survey. There often exist moderate upward field-aligned currents (up to a few mA/m2) within the pulsating auroral patch when the patch is "on" during the traversal of satellites [Gillies et al., 2015], and the electron temperature enhancement is found to be positively correlated with the magnitude of the field-aligned current. In a few events with high-resolution Swarm electric field instrument (EFI) data, we find that the on-time pulsating auroral patch is associated with structured electric field disturbances with peaks exceeding 10 mV/m. Based upon observations and ionospheric models, we consider and evaluate several possible mechanisms that may account for the strong electron heating associated with the pulsating aurora, including the Joule heating related to the field-aligned current and to the structured electric field, the backscattered secondary electrons led by the impact of pulsating auroral precipitation, and the vertical conductive heat transport.

Electric-field-driven switching of individual magnetic skyrmions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Pin-Jui; Kubetzka, André; Finco, Aurore; Romming, Niklas; von Bergmann, Kirsten; Wiesendanger, Roland

2017-02-01

Controlling magnetism with electric fields is a key challenge to develop future energy-efficient devices. The present magnetic information technology is mainly based on writing processes requiring either local magnetic fields or spin torques, but it has also been demonstrated that magnetic properties can be altered on the application of electric fields. This has been ascribed to changes in magnetocrystalline anisotropy caused by spin-dependent screening and modifications of the band structure, changes in atom positions or differences in hybridization with an adjacent oxide layer. However, the switching between states related by time reversal, for example magnetization up and down as used in the present technology, is not straightforward because the electric field does not break time-reversal symmetry. Several workarounds have been applied to toggle between bistable magnetic states with electric fields, including changes of material composition as a result of electric fields. Here we demonstrate that local electric fields can be used to switch reversibly between a magnetic skyrmion and the ferromagnetic state. These two states are topologically inequivalent, and we find that the direction of the electric field directly determines the final state. This observation establishes the possibility to combine electric-field writing with the recently envisaged skyrmion racetrack-type memories.

Questions Students Ask: Why Not Bend Light with an Electric Field?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Heuvelen, Alan

1983-01-01

In response to a question, "Why not use a magnetic or electric field to deflect light?," reviews the relation between electric charge and electric/magnetic fields. Discusses the Faraday effect, (describing matter as an intermediary in the rotation of the place of polarization) and other apparent interactions of light with electric/magnetic fields.…

Design, analysis, and test verification of advanced encapsulation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garcia, A.; Minning, C.

1981-01-01

Thermal, optical, structural, and electrical isolation analyses are decribed. Major factors in the design of terrestrial photovoltaic modules are discussed. Mechanical defects in the different layers of an encapsulation system, it was found, would strongly influence the minimum pottant thickness required for electrical isolation. Structural, optical, and electrical properties, a literature survey indicated, are hevily influenced by the presence of moisture. These items, identified as technology voids, are discussed. Analyses were based upon a 1.2 meter square module using 10.2 cm (4-inch) square cells placed 1.3 mm apart as shown in Figure 2-2. Sizing of the structural support member of a module was determined for a uniform, normal pressure load of 50 psf, corresponding to the pressure difference generated between the front and back surface of a module by a 100 mph wind. Thermal and optical calculations were performed for a wind velocity of 1 meter/sec parallel to the ground and for module tilt (relative to the local horizontal) of 37 deg. Placement of a module in a typical array field is illustrated.

Advanced electric propulsion system concept for electric vehicles. Addendum 1: Voltage considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raynard, A. E.; Forbes, F. E.

1980-01-01

The two electric vehicle propulsion systems that best met cost and performance goals were examined to assess the effect of battery pack voltage on system performance and cost. A voltage range of 54 to 540 V was considered for a typical battery pack capacity of 24 k W-hr. The highest battery specific energy (W-hr/kg) and the lowest cost ($/kW-hr) were obtained at the minimum voltage level. The flywheel system traction motor is a dc, mechanically commutated with shunt field control, and due to the flywheel the traction motor and the battery are not subject to extreme peaks of power demand. The basic system uses a permanent-magnet motor with electronic commutation supplied by an ac power control unit. In both systems battery cost were the major factor in system voltage selection, and a battery pack with the minimum voltage of 54 V produced the lowest life-cycle cost. The minimum life-cycle cost for the basic system with lead-acid batteries was $0.057/km and for the flywheel system was $0.037/km.

Design, analysis, and test verification of advanced encapsulation systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, A.; Minning, C.

1981-11-01

Thermal, optical, structural, and electrical isolation analyses are decribed. Major factors in the design of terrestrial photovoltaic modules are discussed. Mechanical defects in the different layers of an encapsulation system, it was found, would strongly influence the minimum pottant thickness required for electrical isolation. Structural, optical, and electrical properties, a literature survey indicated, are hevily influenced by the presence of moisture. These items, identified as technology voids, are discussed. Analyses were based upon a 1.2 meter square module using 10.2 cm (4-inch) square cells placed 1.3 mm apart as shown in Figure 2-2. Sizing of the structural support member of a module was determined for a uniform, normal pressure load of 50 psf, corresponding to the pressure difference generated between the front and back surface of a module by a 100 mph wind. Thermal and optical calculations were performed for a wind velocity of 1 meter/sec parallel to the ground and for module tilt (relative to the local horizontal) of 37 deg. Placement of a module in a typical array field is illustrated.

Assessing human exposure to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields.

PubMed Central

Kaune, W T

1993-01-01

This paper reviews published literature and current problems relating to the assessment of occupational and residential human exposures to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields. Available occupational exposure data suggest that the class of job titles known as electrical workers may be an effective surrogate for time-weighted-average (TWA) magnetic-field (but not electric-field) exposure. Current research in occupational-exposure assessment is directed to the construction of job-exposure matrices based on electric- and magnetic-field measurements and estimates of worker exposures to chemicals and other factors of interest. Recent work has identified five principal sources of residential magnetic fields: electric power transmission lines, electric power distribution lines, ground currents, home wiring, and home appliances. Existing residential-exposure assessments have used one or more of the following techniques: questionnaires, wiring configuration coding, theoretical field calculations, spot electric- and magnetic-field measurements, fixed-site magnetic-field recordings, personal- exposure measurements, and geomagnetic-field measurements. Available normal-power magnetic-field data for residences differ substantially between studies. It is not known if these differences are due to geographical differences, differences in measurement protocols, or instrumentation differences. Wiring codes and measured magnetic fields (but not electric fields) are associated weakly. Available data suggest, but are far from proving, that spot measurements may be more effective than wire codes as predictors of long-term historical magnetic-field exposure. Two studies find that away-from-home TWA magnetic-field exposures are less variable than at-home exposures. The importance of home appliances as contributors to total residential magnetic-field exposure is not known at this time. It also is not known what characteristics (if any) of residential electric and magnetic fields are determinants of human health effects. PMID:8206021

Remote sensing of mesospheric electric fields using MF radars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meek, C. E.; Manson, A. H.; Martynenko, S. I.; Rozumenko, V. T.; Tyrnov, O. F.

2004-07-01

Large mesospheric electric fields can play an essential role in middle atmospheric electrodynamics (see, e.g., Goldberg, R. A., Middle Atmospheric Electrodynamics during MAP, Adv. Space Res. 10 (10) (1990) 209). The V/m electric fields of atmospheric origin can be the possible cause of large variations in the electron collision frequency at mesospheric altitudes, and this provides a unique opportunity to take measurements of electric fields in the lower ionosphere by using remote sensing instruments employing radiowave techniques. A technique has been proposed for making estimates of large mesospheric electric field intensities on the lower edge of the ionosphere by using MF radar data and the inherent effective electron collision frequency. To do this, data collected in Canada and Ukraine were utilized. The developed technique permits the changes in mesospheric electric field intensities to be derived from MF radar data in real time. The statistical analysis of data consistent with large mesospheric electric field intensities in the 60-67km region resulted in the following inferences. There are at least two mechanisms for the generation of large mesospheric electric fields in the mesosphere. The most likely mechanism, with a probability of 60-70%, is the summation of random fields from a large number of elementary small-scale mesospheric generators, which results in a one-parameter Rayleigh distribution of the total large mesospheric electric field intensity E with a mean value of approximately 0.7-0.9V/m in the 60-67km altitude region, or in the corresponding one-parameter exponential distribution of the intensity squared E2 of large mesospheric electric fields. The second mechanism of unknown nature, with 5-15% probability, gives rise to the sporadic appearance of large mesospheric electric field intensities E>2.5V/m with a mean of 4V/m. Statistically significant seasonal differences in the averaged large mesospheric electric field parameters have not been revealed. The probability of the absence of local large mesospheric electric fields amounts to approximately 25% for Ukraine and approximately 30% for Canada. A comparison of the Ukrainian and Canadian data indicates the possible existence of a latitudinal dependence in mean large mesospheric electric field features. Hence, the large electric fields are an additional source of electron heating that must be taken into account in studying a disturbed lower ionosphere and radio wave propagation within it.

Poole-Frenkel-effect as dominating current mechanism in thin oxide films—An illusion?!

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

Schroeder, Herbert

2015-06-07

In many of the publications, over 50 per year for the last five years, the Poole-Frenkel-effect (PFE) is identified or suggested as dominating current mechanism to explain measured current–electric field dependencies in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) thin film stacks. Very often, the insulating thin film is a metal oxide as this class of materials has many important applications, especially in information technology. In the overwhelming majority of the papers, the identification of the PFE as dominating current mechanism is made by the slope of the current–electric field curve in the so-called Poole-Frenkel plot, i.e., logarithm of current density, j, divided by themore » applied electric field, F, versus the square root of that field. This plot is suggested by the simplest current equation for the PFE, which comprises this proportionality (ln(j/F) vs. F{sup 1/2}) leading to a straight line in this plot. Only one other parameter (except natural constants) may influence this slope: the optical dielectric constant of the insulating film. In order to identify the importance of the PFE simulation studies of the current through MIM stacks with thin insulating films were performed and the current–electric field curves without and with implementation of the PFE were compared. For the simulation, an advanced current model has been used combining electronic carrier injection/ejection currents at the interfaces, described by thermionic emission, with the carrier transport in the dielectric, described by drift and diffusion of electrons and holes in a wide band gap semiconductor. Besides the applied electric field (or voltage), many other important parameters have been varied: the density of the traps (with donor- and acceptor-like behavior); the zero-field energy level of the traps within the energy gap, this energy level is changed by the PFE (also called internal Schottky effect); the thickness of the dielectric film; the permittivity of the dielectric film simulating different oxide materials; the barriers for electrons and holes at the interfaces simulating different electrode materials; the temperature. The main results and conclusions are: (1) For a single type of trap present only (donor-like or acceptor-like), none of the simulated current density curves shows the expected behavior of the PFE and in most cases within the tested parameter field the effect of PFE is negligibly small. (2) For both types of traps present (compensation) only in the case of exact compensation, the expected slope in the PF-plot was nearly found for a wider range of the applied electric field, but for a very small range of the tested parameter field because of the very restricting additional conditions: first, the quasi-fermi level of the current controlling particle (electrons or holes) has to be 0.1 to 0.5 eV closer to the respective band limit than the zero-field energy level of the respective traps and, second, the compensating trap energy level has to be shallow. The conclusion from all these results is: the observation of the PFE as dominating current mechanism in MIM stacks with thin dielectric (oxide) films (typically 30 nm) is rather improbable!.« less

Locally Resolved Electron Emission Area and Unified View of Field Emission from Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Films

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

Chubenko, Oksana; Baturin, Stanislav S.; Kovi, Kiran K.

One of the common problems in case of field emission from polycrystalline diamond films, which typically have uniform surface morphology, is uncertainty in determining exact location of electron emission sites across the surface. Although several studies have suggested that grain boundaries are the main electron emission source, it is not particularly clear what makes some sites emit more than the others. It is also practically unclear how one could quantify the actual electron emission area and therefore field emission current per unit area. In this paper we study the effect of actual, locally resolved, field emission (FE) area on electronmore » emission characteristics of uniform planar highly conductive nitrogen-incorporated ultrananocrystalline diamond ((N)UNCD) field emitters. It was routinely found that field emission from as-grown planar (N)UNCD films is always confined to a counted number of discrete emitting centers across the surface which varied in size and electron emissivity. It was established that the actual FE area critically depends on the applied electric field, as well as that the actual FE area and the overall electron emissivity improve with sp2 fraction present in the film irrespectively of the original substrate roughness and morphology. To quantify the actual FE area and its dependence on the applied electric field, imaging experiments were carried out in a vacuum system in a parallel-plate configuration with a specialty anode phosphor screen. Electron emission micrographs were taken concurrently with I-V characteristics measurements. In addition, a novel automated image processing algorithm was developed to process extensive imaging datasets and calculate emission area per image. By doing so, it was determined that the emitting area was always significantly smaller than the FE cathode surface area. Namely, the actual FE area would change from 5×10-3 % to 1.5 % of the total cathode area with the applied electric field increased. Finally and most importantly, it was shown that when I-E curves as measured in the experiment were normalized by the field-dependent emission area, the resulting j-E curves demonstrated a strong kink and significant deviation from Fowler-Nordheim (FN) law, and eventually saturated at a current density of ~100 mA/cm2 . This value was nearly identical for all (N)UNCD films measured in this study, regardless of the substrate.« less

High electric field conduction in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dash, Priyanka; Yuan, Mengxue; Gao, Jun; Furman, Eugene; Lanagan, Michael T.

2018-02-01

Electrical conduction in silica-based glasses under a low electric field is dominated by high mobility ions such as sodium, and there is a transition from ionic transport to electronic transport as the electric field exceeds 108 V/m at low temperatures. Electrical conduction under a high electric field was investigated in thin low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass samples, showing nonlinear conduction with the current density scaling approximately with E1/2, where E is the electric field. In addition, thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) characterization was carried out on room-temperature electrically poled glass samples, and an anomalous discharging current flowing in the same direction as the charging current was observed. High electric field conduction and TSDC results led to the conclusion that Poole-Frenkel based electronic transport occurs in the mobile-cation-depleted region adjacent to the anode, and accounts for the observed anomalous current.

Electric emissions from electrical appliances.

PubMed

Leitgeb, N; Cech, R; Schröttner, J

2008-01-01

Electric emissions from electric appliances are frequently considered negligible, and standards consider electric appliances to comply without testing. By investigating 122 household devices of 63 different categories, it could be shown that emitted electric field levels do not justify general disregard. Electric reference values can be exceeded up to 11-fold. By numerical dosimetry with homogeneous human models, induced intracorporal electric current densities were determined and factors calculated to elevate reference levels to accounting for reduced induction efficiency of inhomogeneous fields. These factors were found not high enough to allow generally concluding on compliance with basic restrictions without testing. Electric appliances usually simultaneously emit both electric and magnetic fields exposing almost the same body region. Since the sum of induced current densities is limited, one field component reduces the available margin for the other. Therefore, superposition of electric current densities induced by either field would merit consideration.

Electric Potential and Electric Field Imaging with Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Ed

2016-01-01

The technology and techniques for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field may be used for (illuminating) volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology, electric field sensor (e-sensor), and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasistatic generator), and current e-sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-sensor) are discussed. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. This new EFI capability is demonstrated to reveal characterization of electric charge distribution, creating a new field of study that embraces areas of interest including electrostatic discharge mitigation, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, dielectric morphology of structures, inspection of containers, inspection for hidden objects, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.

Effects of an electric field on interaction of aromatic systems.

PubMed

Youn, Il Seung; Cho, Woo Jong; Kim, Kwang S

2016-04-30

The effect of uniform external electric field on the interactions between small aromatic compounds and an argon atom is investigated using post-HF (MP2, SCS-MP2, and CCSD(T)) and density functional (PBE0-D3, PBE0-TS, and vdW-DF2) methods. The electric field effect is quantified by the difference of interaction energy calculated in the presence and absence of the electric field. All the post-HF methods describe electric field effects accurately although the interaction energy itself is overestimated by MP2. The electric field effect is explained by classical electrostatic models, where the permanent dipole moment from mutual polarization mainly determines its sign. The size of π-conjugated system does not have significant effect on the electric field dependence. We found out that PBE0-based methods give reasonable interaction energies and electric field response in every case, while vdW-DF2 sometimes shows spurious artifact owing to its sensitivity toward the real space electron density. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Feasibility of maintaining in-plane polarization for a storage ring EDM search

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephenson, Edward; Storage Ring EDM Collaboration

2014-09-01

A search for an electric dipole moment (EDM) on charged particles using a storage ring requires beam polarization lifetimes approaching 1000 s for in-plane polarization. A feasibility study using beam bunching and sextupole field adjustment is underway with a 0.97-GeV/c vector-polarized deuteron beam at COSY. The polarimeter consists of a thick carbon target positioned at the edge of the beam and the EDDA scintillation detectors. The DAQ system assigns a clock time to each polarimeter event. Once calibrated against the RF-cavity, the clock time is used to select events associated with a maximal sideways polarization (precessing at 120 kHz). With this tool, the in-plane polarization magnitude is tracked versus time. Electron cooling reduces the depolarization from finite emittance and second-order momentum spread acting through synchrotron oscillations. Further lifetime improvement to the level of hundreds of seconds is achieved by adjusting sextupole fields located in the COSY ring arcs at places of large transverse beta functions and dispersion. The dependence of the reciprocal of the lifetime on sextupole field strength is nearly linear, permitting an easy location of the best field values. These typically occur near loci of zero chromaticity. A search for an electric dipole moment (EDM) on charged particles using a storage ring requires beam polarization lifetimes approaching 1000 s for in-plane polarization. A feasibility study using beam bunching and sextupole field adjustment is underway with a 0.97-GeV/c vector-polarized deuteron beam at COSY. The polarimeter consists of a thick carbon target positioned at the edge of the beam and the EDDA scintillation detectors. The DAQ system assigns a clock time to each polarimeter event. Once calibrated against the RF-cavity, the clock time is used to select events associated with a maximal sideways polarization (precessing at 120 kHz). With this tool, the in-plane polarization magnitude is tracked versus time. Electron cooling reduces the depolarization from finite emittance and second-order momentum spread acting through synchrotron oscillations. Further lifetime improvement to the level of hundreds of seconds is achieved by adjusting sextupole fields located in the COSY ring arcs at places of large transverse beta functions and dispersion. The dependence of the reciprocal of the lifetime on sextupole field strength is nearly linear, permitting an easy location of the best field values. These typically occur near loci of zero chromaticity. Supported in part by the Forschungszentrum-Juelich and the European Union.

Multifamily Heat Pump Water Heater Evaluation

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

Hoeschele, M.; Weitzel, E.

2017-03-03

Although heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant attention in recent years as a high efficiency electric water heating solution for single family homes, central HPWHs for commercial or multi-family applications are not as well documented in terms of measured performance and cost effectiveness. To evaluate this technology, the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team monitored the performance of a 10.5 ton central HPWH installed on a student apartment building at the West Village Zero Net Energy Community in Davis, California. Monitoring data collected over a 16 month period were then used to validate a TRNSYS simulation model. Themore » TRNSYS model was then used to project performance in different climates using local electric rates. Results of the study indicate that after some initial commissioning issues, the HPWH operated reliably with an annual average efficiency of 2.12 (Coefficient of Performance). The observed efficiency was lower than the unit's rated efficiency, primarily due to the fact that the system rarely operated under steady-state conditions. Changes in the system configuration, storage tank sizing, and control settings would likely improve the observed field efficiency. Modeling results suggest significant energy savings relative to electric storage water heating systems (typical annual efficiencies around 0.90) providing for typical simple paybacks of six to ten years without any incentives. The economics versus gas water heating are currently much more challenging given the current low natural gas prices in much of the country. Increased market size for this technology would benefit cost effectiveness and spur greater technology innovation.« less

Multifamily Heat Pump Water Heater Evaluation

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

Hoeschele, M.; Weitzel, E.

2017-03-01

Although heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant attention in recent years as a high efficiency electric water heating solution for single family homes, central HPWHs for commercial or multi-family applications are not as well documented in terms of measured performance and cost effectiveness. To evaluate this technology, the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team monitored the performance of a 10.5 ton central HPWH installed on a student apartment building at the West Village Zero Net Energy Community in Davis, California. Monitoring data collected over a 16 month period were then used to validate a TRNSYS simulation model. Themore » TRNSYS model was then used to project performance in different climates using local electric rates. Results of the study indicate that after some initial commissioning issues, the HPWH operated reliably with an annual average efficiency of 2.12 (Coefficient of Performance). The observed efficiency was lower than the unit's rated efficiency, primarily due to the fact that the system rarely operated under steady-state conditions. Changes in the system configuration, storage tank sizing, and control settings would likely improve the observed field efficiency. Modeling results suggest significant energy savings relative to electric storage water heating systems (typical annual efficiencies around 0.90) providing for typical simple paybacks of six to ten years without any incentives. The economics versus gas water heating are currently much more challenging given the current low natural gas prices in much of the country. Increased market size for this technology would benefit cost effectiveness and spur greater technology innovation.« less

Building America Case Study: Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heaters, Davis, California

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

Although heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant attention in recent years as a high efficiency electric water heating solution for single family homes, central HPWHs for commercial or multi-family applications are not as well documented in terms of measured performance and cost effectiveness. To evaluate this technology, the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team monitored the performance of a 10.5 ton central HPWH installed on a student apartment building at the West Village Zero Net Energy Community in Davis, California. Monitoring data collected over a 16-month period were then used to validate a TRNSYS simulation model. The TRNSYSmore » model was then used to project performance in different climates using local electric rates. Results of the study indicate that after some initial commissioning issues, the HPWH operated reliably with an annual average efficiency of 2.12 (Coefficient of Performance). The observed efficiency was lower than the unit's rated efficiency, primarily due to the fact that the system rarely operated under steady-state conditions. Changes in the system configuration, storage tank sizing, and control settings would likely improve the observed field efficiency. Modeling results suggest significant energy savings relative to electric storage water heating systems (typical annual efficiencies around 0.90) providing for typical simple paybacks of six to ten years without any incentives. The economics versus gas water heating are currently much more challenging given the current low natural gas prices in much of the country. Increased market size for this technology would benefit cost effectiveness and spur greater technology innovation.« less

Lattice QCD with strong external electric fields.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Arata

2013-03-15

We study particle generation by a strong electric field in lattice QCD. To avoid the sign problem of the Minkowskian electric field, we adopt the "isospin" electric charge. When a strong electric field is applied, the insulating vacuum is broken down and pairs of charged particles are produced by the Schwinger mechanism. The competition against the color confining force is also discussed.

Divergent effect of electric fields on the mechanical property of water-filled carbon nanotubes with an application as a nanoscale trigger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Hongfei; Zheng, Yonggang; Zhou, Lili; Zhao, Junfei; Zhang, Hongwu; Chen, Zhen

2018-01-01

Polar water molecules exhibit extraordinary phenomena under nanoscale confinement. Through the application of an electric field, a water-filled carbon nanotube (CNT) that has been successfully fabricated in the laboratory is expected to have distinct responses to the external electricity. Here, we examine the effect of electric field direction on the mechanical property of water-filled CNTs. It is observed that a longitudinal electric field enhances, but the transverse electric field reduces the elastic modulus and critical buckling stress of water-filled CNTs. The divergent effect of the electric field is attributed to the competition between the axial and circumferential pressures induced by polar water molecules. Furthermore, it is notable that the transverse electric field could result in an internal pressure with elliptical distribution, which is an effective and convenient approach to apply nonuniform pressure on nanochannels. Based on pre-strained water-filled CNTs, we designed a nanoscale trigger with an evident and rapid height change initiated by switching the direction of the electric field. The reported finding provides a foundation for an electricity-controlled property of nanochannels filled with polar molecules and provides an insight into the design of nanoscale functional devices.

Divergent effect of electric fields on the mechanical property of water-filled carbon nanotubes with an application as a nanoscale trigger.

PubMed

Ye, Hongfei; Zheng, Yonggang; Zhou, Lili; Zhao, Junfei; Zhang, Hongwu; Chen, Zhen

2017-12-11

Polar water molecules exhibit extraordinary phenomena under nanoscale confinement. Through the application of an electric field, a water-filled carbon nanotube (CNT) that has been successfully fabricated in the laboratory is expected to have distinct responses to the external electricity. Here, we examine the effect of electric field direction on the mechanical property of water-filled CNTs. It is observed that a longitudinal electric field enhances, but the transverse electric field reduces the elastic modulus and critical buckling stress of water-filled CNTs. The divergent effect of the electric field is attributed to the competition between the axial and circumferential pressures induced by polar water molecules. Furthermore, it is notable that the transverse electric field could result in an internal pressure with elliptical distribution, which is an effective and convenient approach to apply nonuniform pressure on nanochannels. Based on pre-strained water-filled CNTs, we designed a nanoscale trigger with an evident and rapid height change initiated by switching the direction of the electric field. The reported finding provides a foundation for an electricity-controlled property of nanochannels filled with polar molecules and provides an insight into the design of nanoscale functional devices.

Domain switching of fatigued ferroelectric thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tak Lim, Yun; Yeog Son, Jong; Shin, Young-Han

2014-05-01

We investigate the domain wall speed of a ferroelectric PbZr0.48Ti0.52O3 (PZT) thin film using an atomic force microscope incorporated with a mercury-probe system to control the degree of electrical fatigue. The depolarization field in the PZT thin film decreases with increasing the degree of electrical fatigue. We find that the wide-range activation field previously reported in ferroelectric domains result from the change of the depolarization field caused by the electrical fatigue. Domain wall speed exhibits universal behavior to the effective electric field (defined by an applied electric field minus the depolarization field), regardless of the degree of the electrical fatigue.

Heisenberg spin-1/2 XXZ chain in the presence of electric and magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Pradeep; Durganandini, P.

2018-02-01

We study the interplay of electric and magnetic order in the one-dimensional Heisenberg spin-1/2 XXZ chain with large Ising anisotropy in the presence of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction and with longitudinal and transverse magnetic fields, interpreting the DM interaction as a coupling between the local electric polarization and an external electric field. We obtain the ground state phase diagram using the density matrix renormalization group method and compute various ground state quantities like the magnetization, staggered magnetization, electric polarization and spin correlation functions, etc. In the presence of both longitudinal and transverse magnetic fields, there are three different phases corresponding to a gapped Néel phase with antiferromagnetic (AF) order, gapped saturated phase, and a critical incommensurate gapless phase. The external electric field modifies the phase boundaries but does not lead to any new phases. Both external magnetic fields and electric fields can be used to tune between the phases. We also show that the transverse magnetic field induces a vector chiral order in the Néel phase (even in the absence of an electric field) which can be interpreted as an electric polarization in a direction parallel to the AF order.

Self-Consistent Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling and Associated Plasma Energization Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.; Six, N. Frank (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Magnetosphere-Ionosphere (MI) coupling and associated with this process electron and ion energization processes have interested scientists for decades and, in spite of experimental and theoretical research efforts, are still ones of the least well known dynamic processes in space plasma physics. The reason for this is that the numerous physical processes associated with MI coupling occur over multiple spatial lengths and temporal scales. One typical example of MI coupling is large scale ring current (RC) electrodynamic coupling that includes calculation of the magnetospheric electric field that is consistent with the ring current (RC) distribution. A general scheme for numerical simulation of such large-scale magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes has been presented earlier in many works. The mathematical formulation of these models are based on "modified frozen-in flux theorem" for an ensemble of adiabatically drifting particles in the magnetosphere. By tracking the flow of particles through the inner magnetosphere, the bounce-averaged phase space density of the hot ions and electrons can be reconstructed and the magnetospheric electric field can be calculated such that it is consistent with the particle distribution in the magnetosphere. The new a self-consistent ring current model has been developed that couples electron and ion magnetospheric dynamics with calculation of electric field. Two new features were taken into account in addition to the RC ions, we solve an electron kinetic equation in our model, self-consistently including these results in the solution. Second, using different analytical relationships, we calculate the height integrated ionospheric conductances as the function of precipitated high energy magnetospheric electrons and ions as produced by our model. This results in fundamental changes to the electric potential pattern in the inner magnetosphere, with a smaller Alfven boundary than previous potential formulations would predict but one consistent with recent satellite observations. This leads to deeper penetration of the plasma sheet ions and electrons into the inner magnetosphere and more effective ring current ions and electron energization.

Geometric and material determinants of patterning efficiency by dielectrophoresis.

PubMed

Albrecht, Dirk R; Sah, Robert L; Bhatia, Sangeeta N

2004-10-01

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces have been used extensively to manipulate, separate, and localize biological cells and bioparticles via high-gradient electric fields. However, minimization of DEP exposure time is desirable, because of possible untoward effects on cell behavior. Toward this goal, this article investigates the geometric and material determinants of particle patterning kinetics and efficiency. In particular, the time required to achieve a steady-state pattern is theoretically modeled and experimentally validated for a planar, interdigitated bar electrode array energized in a standing-wave configuration. This measure of patterning efficiency is calculated from an improved Fourier series solution of DEP force, in which realistic boundary conditions and a finite chamber height are imposed to reflect typical microfluidic applications. The chamber height, electrode spacing, and fluid viscosity and conductivity are parameters that profoundly affect patterning efficiency, and optimization can reduce electric field exposure by orders of magnitude. Modeling strategies are generalizable to arbitrary electrode design as well as to conditions where DEP force may not act alone to cause particle motion. This improved understanding of DEP patterning kinetics provides a framework for new advances in the development of DEP-based biological devices and assays with minimal perturbation of cell behavior. Copyright 2004 Biophysical Society

Effective ion speeds at ˜200-250 km from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko near perihelion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vigren, E.; André, M.; Edberg, N. J. T.; Engelhardt, I. A. D.; Eriksson, A. I.; Galand, M.; Goetz, C.; Henri, P.; Heritier, K.; Johansson, F. L.; Nilsson, H.; Odelstad, E.; Rubin, M.; Stenberg-Wieser, G.; Tzou, C.-Y.; Vallières, X.

2017-07-01

In 2015 August, comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the target comet of the ESA Rosetta mission, reached its perihelion at ˜1.24 au. Here, we estimate for a three-day period near perihelion, effective ion speeds at distances ˜200-250 km from the nucleus. We utilize two different methods combining measurements from the Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC)/Mutual Impedance Probe with measurements either from the RPC/Langmuir Probe or from the Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis (ROSINA)/Comet Pressure Sensor (COPS) (the latter method can only be applied to estimate the effective ion drift speed). The obtained ion speeds, typically in the range 2-8 km s-1, are markedly higher than the expected neutral outflow velocity of ˜1 km s-1. This indicates that the ions were de-coupled from the neutrals before reaching the spacecraft location and that they had undergone acceleration along electric fields, not necessarily limited to acceleration along ambipolar electric fields in the radial direction. For the limited time period studied, we see indications that at increasing distances from the nucleus, the fraction of the ions' kinetic energy associated with radial drift motion is decreasing.

Effects of Lipid Composition on Bilayer Membranes Quantified by All-Atom Molecular Dynamics.

PubMed

Ding, Wei; Palaiokostas, Michail; Wang, Wen; Orsi, Mario

2015-12-10

Biological bilayer membranes typically contain varying amounts of lamellar and nonlamellar lipids. Lamellar lipids, such as dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), are defined by their tendency to form the lamellar phase, ubiquitous in biology. Nonlamellar lipids, such as dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), prefer instead to form nonlamellar phases, which are mostly nonbiological. However, nonlamellar lipids mix with lamellar lipids in biomembrane structures that remain overall lamellar. Importantly, changes in the lamellar vs nonlamellar lipid composition are believed to affect membrane function and modulate membrane proteins. In this work, we employ atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to quantify how a range of bilayer properties are altered by variations in the lamellar vs nonlamellar lipid composition. Specifically, we simulate five DOPC/DOPE bilayers at mixing ratios of 1/0, 3/1, 1/1, 1/3, and 0/1. We examine properties including lipid area and bilayer thickness, as well as the transmembrane profiles of electron density, lateral pressure, electric field, and dipole potential. While the bilayer structure is only marginally altered by lipid composition changes, dramatic effects are observed for the lateral pressure, electric field, and dipole potential profiles. Possible implications for membrane function are discussed.

Novel transcranial magnetic stimulation coil for mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

March, Stephen; Stark, Spencer; Crowther, Lawrence; Hadimani, Ravi; Jiles, David

2014-03-01

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows potential for non-invasive treatment of various neurological disorders. Significant work has been performed on the design of coils used for TMS on human subjects but few reports have been made on the design of coils for use on the brains of animals such as mice. This work is needed as TMS studies utilizing mice can allow rapid preclinical development of TMS for human disorders but the coil designs developed for use on humans are inadequate for optimal stimulation of the much smaller mouse brain. A novel TMS coil has been developed with the goal of inducing strong and focused electric fields for the stimulation of small animals such as mice. Calculations of induced electric fields were performed utilizing an MRI derived inhomogeneous model of an adult male mouse. Mechanical and thermal analysis of this new TMS helmet-coil design have also been performed at anticipated TMS operating conditions to ensure mechanical stability of the new coil and establish expected linear attraction and rotational force values. Calculated temperature increases for typical stimulation periods indicate the helmet-coil system is capable of operating within established medical standards. A prototype of the coil has been fabricated and characterization results are presented.

Vertical Soil Profiling Using a Galvanic Contact Resistivity Scanning Approach

PubMed Central

Pan, Luan; Adamchuk, Viacheslav I.; Prasher, Shiv; Gebbers, Robin; Taylor, Richard S.; Dabas, Michel

2014-01-01

Proximal sensing of soil electromagnetic properties is widely used to map spatial land heterogeneity. The mapping instruments use galvanic contact, capacitive coupling or electromagnetic induction. Regardless of the type of instrument, the geometrical configuration between signal transmitting and receiving elements typically defines the shape of the depth response function. To assess vertical soil profiles, many modern instruments use multiple transmitter-receiver pairs. Alternatively, vertical electrical sounding can be used to measure changes in apparent soil electrical conductivity with depth at a specific location. This paper examines the possibility for the assessment of soil profiles using a dynamic surface galvanic contact resistivity scanning approach, with transmitting and receiving electrodes configured in an equatorial dipole-dipole array. An automated scanner system was developed and tested in agricultural fields with different soil profiles. While operating in the field, the distance between current injecting and measuring pairs of rolling electrodes was varied continuously from 40 to 190 cm. The preliminary evaluation included a comparison of scan results from 20 locations to shallow (less than 1.2 m deep) soil profiles and to a two-layer soil profile model defined using an electromagnetic induction instrument. PMID:25057135

Geometric and Material Determinants of Patterning Efficiency by Dielectrophoresis

PubMed Central

Albrecht, Dirk R.; Sah, Robert L.; Bhatia, Sangeeta N.

2004-01-01

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces have been used extensively to manipulate, separate, and localize biological cells and bioparticles via high-gradient electric fields. However, minimization of DEP exposure time is desirable, because of possible untoward effects on cell behavior. Toward this goal, this article investigates the geometric and material determinants of particle patterning kinetics and efficiency. In particular, the time required to achieve a steady-state pattern is theoretically modeled and experimentally validated for a planar, interdigitated bar electrode array energized in a standing-wave configuration. This measure of patterning efficiency is calculated from an improved Fourier series solution of DEP force, in which realistic boundary conditions and a finite chamber height are imposed to reflect typical microfluidic applications. The chamber height, electrode spacing, and fluid viscosity and conductivity are parameters that profoundly affect patterning efficiency, and optimization can reduce electric field exposure by orders of magnitude. Modeling strategies are generalizable to arbitrary electrode design as well as to conditions where DEP force may not act alone to cause particle motion. This improved understanding of DEP patterning kinetics provides a framework for new advances in the development of DEP-based biological devices and assays with minimal perturbation of cell behavior. PMID:15454417

Non-Intrusive Magneto-Optic Detecting System for Investigations of Air Switching Arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pengfei; Zhang, Guogang; Dong, Jinlong; Liu, Wanying; Geng, Yingsan

2014-07-01

In current investigations of electric arc plasmas, experiments based on modern testing technology play an important role. To enrich the testing methods and contribute to the understanding and grasping of the inherent mechanism of air switching arcs, in this paper, a non-intrusive detecting system is described that combines the magneto-optic imaging (MOI) technique with the solution to inverse electromagnetic problems. The detecting system works in a sequence of main steps as follows: MOI of the variation of the arc flux density over a plane, magnetic field information extracted from the magneto-optic (MO) images, arc current density distribution and spatial pattern reconstruction by inverting the resulting field data. Correspondingly, in the system, an MOI set-up is designed based on the Faraday effect and the polarization properties of light, and an intelligent inversion algorithm is proposed that involves simulated annealing (SA). Experiments were carried out for high current (2 kA RMS) discharge cases in a typical low-voltage switchgear. The results show that the MO detection system possesses the advantages of visualization, high resolution and response, and electrical insulation, which provides a novel diagnostics tool for further studies of the arc.

Electric field with bipolar structure during magnetic reconnection without a guide field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jun

2014-05-01

We present a study on the polarized electric field during the collisionless magnetic reconnection of antiparallel fields using two dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The simulations demonstrate clearly that electron holes and electric field with bipolar structure are produced during magnetic reconnection without a guide field. The electric field with bipolar structure can be found near the X-line and on the separatrix and the plasma sheet boundary layer, which is consistent with the observations. These structures will elongate electron's time staying in the diffusion region. In addition, the electric fields with tripolar structures are also found in our simulation.

Assessment of human body influence on exposure measurements of electric field in indoor enclosures.

PubMed

de Miguel-Bilbao, Silvia; García, Jorge; Ramos, Victoria; Blas, Juan

2015-02-01

Personal exposure meters (PEMs) used for measuring exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) are typically used in epidemiological studies. As is well known, these measurement devices cause a perturbation of real EMF exposure levels due to the presence of the human body in the immediate proximity. This paper aims to model the alteration caused by the body shadow effect (BSE) in motion conditions and in indoor enclosures at the Wi-Fi frequency of 2.4 GHz. For this purpose, simulation techniques based on ray-tracing have been carried out, and their results have been verified experimentally. A good agreement exists between simulation and experimental results in terms of electric field (E-field) levels, and taking into account the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the spatial distribution of amplitude. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test provides a P-value greater than 0.05, in fact close to 1. It has been found that the influence of the presence of the human body can be characterized as an angle of shadow that depends on the dimensions of the indoor enclosure. The CDFs show that the E-field levels in indoor conditions follow a lognormal distribution in the absence of the human body and under the influence of BSE. In conclusion, the perturbation caused by BSE in PEMs readings cannot be compensated for by correction factors. Although the mean value is well adjusted, BSE causes changes in CDF that would require improvements in measurement protocols and in the design of measuring devices to subsequently avoid systematic errors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The role of the large scale convection electric field in erosion of the plasmasphere during moderate and strong storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thaller, S. A.; Wygant, J. R.; Cattell, C. A.; Breneman, A. W.; Bonnell, J. W.; Kletzing, C.; De Pascuale, S.; Kurth, W. S.; Hospodarsky, G. B.; Bounds, S. R.

2015-12-01

The Van Allen Probes offer the first opportunity to investigate the response of the plasmasphere to the enhancement and penetration of the large scale duskward convection electric field in different magnetic local time (MLT) sectors. Using electric field measurements and estimates of the cold plasma density from the Van Allen Probes' Electric Fields and Waves (EFW) instrument, we study erosion of the plasmasphere during moderate and strong geomagnetic storms. We present the electric field and density data both on an orbit by orbit basis and synoptically, showing the behavior of the convection electric field and plasmasphere over a period of months. The data indicate that the large scale duskward electric field penetrates deep (L shell < 3) into the inner magnetosphere on both the dusk and dawn sides, but that the plasmasphere response on the dusk and dawn sides differ. In particular, significant (~2 orders of magnitude) decreases in the cold plasma density occur on the dawn side within hours of the onset of enhanced duskward electric field. In contrast, on the dusk side, the plasmapause is located at higher L shell than it is on the dawn side. In some cases, in the post-noon sector, cold plasma density enhancements accompany duskward electric field enhancements for the first orbit after the electric field enchantment, consistent with a duskside, sunward flowing, drainage plume.

Correlation between dielectric property by dielectrophoretic levitation and growth activity of cells exposed to electric field.

PubMed

Hakoda, Masaru; Hirota, Yusuke

2013-09-01

The purpose of this study is to develop a system analyzing cell activity by the dielectrophoresis method. Our previous studies revealed a correlation between the growth activity and dielectric property (Re[K(ω)]) of mouse hybridoma 3-2H3 cells using dielectrophoretic levitation. Furthermore, it was clarified that the differentiation activity of many stem cells could be evaluated by the Re[K(ω)] without differentiation induction. In this paper, 3-2H3 cells exposed to an alternating current (AC) electric field or a direct current (DC) electric field were cultivated, and the influence of damage by the electric field on the growth activity of the cells was examined. To evaluate the activity of the cells by measuring the Re[K(ω)], the correlation between the growth activity and the Re[K(ω)] of the cells exposed to the electric field was examined. The relations between the cell viability, growth activity, and Re[K(ω)] in the cells exposed to the AC electric field were obtained. The growth activity of the cells exposed to the AC electric field could be evaluated by the Re[K(ω)]. Furthermore, it was found that the adverse effects of the electric field on the cell viability and the growth activity were smaller in the AC electric field than the DC electric field.

Dynamics analysis of extraction of manganese intensified by electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wenrui; Tao, Changyuan; Li, Huizhan; Liu, Zuohua; Liu, Renlong

2018-06-01

In this study, a process reinforcement technology for leaching process of pyrolusite was developed. The electric field was introduced to decrease reaction temperature and improve the leaching rate of pyrolusite. The mechanisms of electric field intensifying leaching process of pyrolusite were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) in detail. The results showed that the electric field could decrease obviously the apparent activation energy of leaching process of pyrolusite. The apparent activation energy of the leaching of pyrolusite intensified by electric field was calculated to be 53.76 kJ.mol-1. In addition, the leaching efficiency of manganese was effectively increased by 10% to 20% than that without electric field under the same conditions. This was because that the electron conduit between Fe (II)/Fe (III) and pyrite was dredged effectively by electric field.

Large-eddy simulation, atmospheric measurement and inverse modeling of greenhouse gas emissions at local spatial scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nottrott, Anders Andelman

Multiferroic materials and devices have attracted intensified interests due to the demonstrated strong magnetoelectric coupling in new multiferroic materials, artificial multiferroic heterostructures and devices with unique functionalities and superior performance characteristics. This offers great opportunities for achieving compact, fast, energy-efficient and voltage tunable spintronic devices. In traditional magnetic materials based magnetic random access memories (MRAM) devices, the binary information is stored as magnetization. The high coercivity of the ferromagnetic media requires large magnetic fields for switching the magnetic states thus consuming large amount of energy. In modern MRAM information writing process, spin-torque technique is utilized for minimizing the large energy for generating magnetic field by passing through a spin-polarized current directly to the magnets. However, both methods still need large current/current density to toggle the magnetic bits which consume large amount of energy. With the presence of multiferroic or magnetoelectric materials, spin is controlled by electric field which opens new opportunities for power-efficient voltage control of magnetization in spintronic devices leading to magnetoelectric random access memories (MERAM) with ultra-low energy consumption. However, state of the art multiferroic materials still have difficulty of realizing nonvolatile 180° magnetization reversal, which is desired in realizing MERAM. In a strain-mediated multiferroic system, the typical modification of the magnetism of ferromagnetic phase as a function of bipolar electric field shows a "butterfly" like behavior. This is due to the linear piezoelectricity of ferroelectric phase which has a "butterfly" like piezostrain as a function of electric field curve resulting from ferroelectric domain wall switching. In this case, the magnetization state is volatile because of the vanishing of the piezostrain at zero electric field. However, the non-volatile switching of magnetization would be more promising for information storage or MERAM devices with lower energy consumption and the magnetic state can be further controlled by voltage impulse. In this work, we first study the equivalent of direct and converse magnetoelectric effects. The resonant direct and converse magnetoelectric (ME) effects have been investigated experimentally and theoretically in FeGa/PZT/FeGa sandwich laminate composites. The frequency responses of direct and converse magnetoelectric effects were measured under the same electric and magnetic bias conditions. The resonant direct ME effect (DME) occurs at an antiresonance frequency, while resonant converse ME effect (CME) occurs at a resonance frequency. The antiresonance and resonance frequencies have close but different values under identical bias conditions. The magnitudes of resonant effective ME coefficients for direct and converse ME effects are also not equal. Based on different sets of constitutive equations of the materials for DME and CME, a new model was developed to describe the frequency response of DME and CME in laminate composite, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. Inequivalence of resonant ME effects is ascribed to the different mechanical and electrical boundary conditions for DME and CME. On the other hand, similar bias E and H field dependence was observed for both DME and CME resonance frequencies and resonant coefficients, indicating consistency between DME and CME effects. In the study of the frequency response of DME and CME, the linear piezoelectric effect is used. However, this linear piezoelectric effect in converse magnetoelectric coupling would lead to "butter-fly" like magnetization vs. electric field curve which leads to a "volatile" behavior in magnetic memory system. In the presented study, a unique ferroelastic switching pathway in ferroelectric substrates is utilized to produce two distinct, reversible and stable lattice strain states which leads to the establish of two stable magnetization states of the ferromagnetic thin film. In this process, instead of complete 180° ferromagnetic domain switching, 71°/109° ferroelastic domain wall switching is involved, where the electric polarization is switching between in-plane and out-of-plane direction. A voltage impulse induced reversible bistable magnetization switching in FeGaB/lead zirconate titanate (PZT) multiferroic heterostructures at room temperature is first demonstrated. Two reversible and stable voltage-impulse induced mechanical strain states were obtained in the PZT by applying an electric field impulse with its amplitude smaller than the electric coercive field, which led to reversible voltage impulse induced bistable magnetization switching. Direct and converse magnetoelectric effects are carefully quantified.