Contactless measurement of electrical conductivity of semiconductor wafers using the reflection of millimeter waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Yang; Inoue, Kojiro; Saka, Masumi; Abe, Hiroyuki

2002-11-01

We present a method for quantitative measurement of electrical conductivity of semiconductor wafers in a contactless fashion by using millimeter waves. A focusing sensor was developed to focus a 110 GHz millimeter wave beam on the surface of a silicon wafer. The amplitude and the phase of the reflection coefficient of the millimeter wave signal were measured by which electrical conductivity of the wafer was determined quantitatively, independent of the permittivity and thickness of the wafers. The conductivity obtained by this method agrees well with that measured by the conventional four-point-probe method.

PLZT capacitor and method to increase the dielectric constant

DOEpatents

Taylor, Ralph S.; Fairchild, Manuel Ray; Balachjandran, Uthamalingam; Lee, Tae H.

2017-12-12

A ceramic-capacitor includes a first electrically-conductive-layer, a second electrically-conductive-layer arranged proximate to the first electrically-conductive-layer, and a dielectric-layer interposed between the first electrically-conductive-layer and the second electrically-conductive-layer. The dielectric-layer is formed of a lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate material (PLZT), wherein the PLZT is characterized by a dielectric-constant greater than 125, when measured at 25 degrees Celsius and zero Volts bias, and an excitation frequency of ten-thousand Hertz (10 kHz). A method for increasing a dielectric constant of the lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate material (PLZT) includes the steps of depositing PLZT to form a dielectric-layer of a ceramic-capacitor, and heating the ceramic-capacitor to a temperature not greater than 300.degree. C.

Low resistance thin film organic solar cell electrodes

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen [Princeton, NJ; Xue, Jiangeng [Piscataway, NJ

2008-01-01

A method which lower the series resistance of photosensitive devices includes providing a transparent film of a first electrically conductive material arranged on a transparent substrate; depositing and patterning a mask over the first electrically conductive material, such that openings in the mask have sloping sides which narrow approaching the substrate; depositing a second electrically conductive material directly onto the first electrically conductive material exposed in the openings of the mask, at least partially filling the openings; stripping the mask, leaving behind reentrant structures of the second electrically conductive material which were formed by the deposits in the openings of the mask; after stripping the mask, depositing a first organic material onto the first electrically conductive material in between the reentrant structures; and directionally depositing a third electrically conductive material over the first organic material deposited in between the reentrant structures, edges of the reentrant structures aligning deposition so that the third electrically conductive material does not directly contact the first electrically conductive material, and does not directly contact the second electrically conductive material.

Electrical and fluid transport in consolidated sphere packs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Xin; Schwartz, Lawrence M.; Toksöz, M. Nafi

2015-05-01

We calculate geometrical and transport properties (electrical conductivity, permeability, specific surface area, and surface conductivity) of a family of model granular porous media from an image based representation of its microstructure. The models are based on the packing described by Finney and cover a wide range of porosities. Finite difference methods are applied to solve for electrical conductivity and hydraulic permeability. Two image processing methods are used to identify the pore-grain interface and to test correlations linking permeability to electrical conductivity. A three phase conductivity model is developed to compute surface conductivity associated with the grain-pore interface. Our results compare well against empirical models over the entire porosity range studied. We conclude by examining the influence of image resolution on our calculations.

Calculation and research of electrical characteristics of induction crucible furnaces with unmagnetized conductive crucible

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedin, M. A.; Kuvaldin, A. B.; Kuleshov, A. O.; Zhmurko, I. Y.; Akhmetyanov, S. V.

2018-01-01

Calculation methods for induction crucible furnaces with a conductive crucible have been reviewed and compared. The calculation method of electrical and energy characteristics of furnaces with a conductive crucible has been developed and the example of the calculation is shown below. The calculation results are compared with experimental data. Dependences of electrical and power characteristics of the furnace on frequency, inductor current, geometric dimensions and temperature have been obtained.

Method for electrically isolating an electrically conductive member from another such member

DOEpatents

Tsang, K.L.; Chen, Y.

1984-02-09

The invention relates to methods for electrically isolating a first electrically conductive member from another such member by means of an electrically insulating medium. In accordance with the invention, the insulating medium is provided in the form of MgO which contains a dopant selected from lithium, copper, cobalt, sodium, silver, gold and hydrogen. The dopant is present in the MgO in an amount effective to suppress dielectric breakdown of the MgO, even at elevated temperatures and in the presence of electrical fields.

Equivalent Electromagnetic Constants for Microwave Application to Composite Materials for the Multi-Scale Problem

PubMed Central

Fujisaki, Keisuke; Ikeda, Tomoyuki

2013-01-01

To connect different scale models in the multi-scale problem of microwave use, equivalent material constants were researched numerically by a three-dimensional electromagnetic field, taking into account eddy current and displacement current. A volume averaged method and a standing wave method were used to introduce the equivalent material constants; water particles and aluminum particles are used as composite materials. Consumed electrical power is used for the evaluation. Water particles have the same equivalent material constants for both methods; the same electrical power is obtained for both the precise model (micro-model) and the homogeneous model (macro-model). However, aluminum particles have dissimilar equivalent material constants for both methods; different electric power is obtained for both models. The varying electromagnetic phenomena are derived from the expression of eddy current. For small electrical conductivity such as water, the macro-current which flows in the macro-model and the micro-current which flows in the micro-model express the same electromagnetic phenomena. However, for large electrical conductivity such as aluminum, the macro-current and micro-current express different electromagnetic phenomena. The eddy current which is observed in the micro-model is not expressed by the macro-model. Therefore, the equivalent material constant derived from the volume averaged method and the standing wave method is applicable to water with a small electrical conductivity, although not applicable to aluminum with a large electrical conductivity. PMID:28788395

Electrophoretic Deposition on Porous Non-Conductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Compson, Charles; Besra, Laxmidhar; Liu, Meilin

2007-01-01

A method of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on substrates that are porous and electrically non-conductive has been invented. Heretofore, in order to perform an EPD, it has been necessary to either (1) use a substrate material that is inherently electrically conductive or (2) subject a non-conductive substrate to a thermal and/or chemical treatment to render it conductive. In the present method, instead of relying on the electrical conductivity of the substrate, one ensures that the substrate is porous enough that when it is immersed in an EPD bath, the solvent penetrates throughout the thickness, thereby forming quasi-conductive paths through the substrate. By making it unnecessary to use a conductive substrate, this method simplifies the overall EPD process and makes new applications possible. The method is expected to be especially beneficial in enabling deposition of layers of ceramic and/or metal for chemical and electrochemical devices, notably including solid oxide fuel cells.

Directly calculated electrical conductivity of hot dense hydrogen from molecular dynamics simulation beyond Kubo-Greenwood formula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qian; Kang, Dongdong; Zhao, Zengxiu; Dai, Jiayu

2018-01-01

Electrical conductivity of hot dense hydrogen is directly calculated by molecular dynamics simulation with a reduced electron force field method, in which the electrons are represented as Gaussian wave packets with fixed sizes. Here, the temperature is higher than electron Fermi temperature ( T > 300 eV , ρ = 40 g / cc ). The present method can avoid the Coulomb catastrophe and give the limit of electrical conductivity based on the Coulomb interaction. We investigate the effect of ion-electron coupled movements, which is lost in the static method such as density functional theory based Kubo-Greenwood framework. It is found that the ionic dynamics, which contributes to the dynamical electrical microfield and electron-ion collisions, will reduce the conductivity significantly compared with the fixed ion configuration calculations.

Analytical solution of electromagnetic radiation by a vertical electric dipole inside the earth and the effect of atmospheric electrical conductivity inhomogeneity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosayebidorcheh, Taha; Hosseinibalam, Fahimeh; Hassanzadeh, Smaeyl

2017-11-01

In this paper, the effect of atmospheric electrical conductivity on the electromagnetic waves radiated by a vertical electric dipole located in the earth, near the surface of the earth, is investigated. As far as electrical conductivity is concerned, the atmosphere is divided into three areas, in which the electrical conductivity changes with altitude. The Maxwell equations in these areas are investigated as well. Using the differential transform method, the differential equation is solved in a way that atmospheric electrical conductivity is variable. Solving the problem in these areas indicates that electrical conductivity in the middle and lower areas of atmosphere may be ignored. However, in the upper areas of atmosphere, the magnitude of the magnetic field in the ionosphere at a frequency of 10 kHz at night is five times smaller when electrical conductivity is considered compared to when it is neglected.

Conductive fabric seal

DOEpatents

Livesay, Ronald Jason; Mason, Brandon William; Kuhn, Michael Joseph; Rowe, Nathan Carl

2017-04-04

Disclosed are several examples of a system and method for detecting if an article is being tampered with. Included is a covering made of a substrate that is coated with a layer of an electrically conductive material that forms an electrically conductive surface having an electrical resistance. The covering is configured to at least partially encapsulate the article such that the article cannot be tampered with, without modifying the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A sensing device is affixed to the electrically conductive surface of the covering and the sensing device monitors the condition of the covering by producing a signal that is indicative of the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A measured electrical resistance that differs from a nominal electrical resistance is indicative of a covering that is being tampered with and an alert is communicated to an observer.

Conductive fabric seal

DOEpatents

Livesay, Ronald Jason; Mason, Brandon William; Kuhn, Michael Joseph; Rowe, Nathan Carl

2015-10-13

Disclosed are several examples of a system and method for detecting if an article is being tampered with. Included is a covering made of a substrate that is coated with a layer of an electrically conductive material that forms an electrically conductive surface having an electrical resistance. The covering is configured to at least partially encapsulate the article such that the article cannot be tampered with, without modifying the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A sensing device is affixed to the electrically conductive surface of the covering and the sensing device monitors the condition of the covering by producing a signal that is indicative of the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A measured electrical resistance that differs from a nominal electrical resistance is indicative of a covering that is being tampered with and an alert is communicated to an observer.

3D imaging of soil apparent electrical conductivity from VERIS data using a 1D spatially constrained inversion algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jesús Moral García, Francisco; Rebollo Castillo, Francisco Javier; Monteiro Santos, Fernando

2016-04-01

Maps of apparent electrical conductivity of the soil are commonly used in precision agriculture to indirectly characterize some important properties like salinity, water, and clay content. Traditionally, these studies are made through an empirical relationship between apparent electrical conductivity and properties measured in soil samples collected at a few locations in the experimental area and at a few selected depths. Recently, some authors have used not the apparent conductivity values but the soil bulk conductivity (in 2D or 3D) calculated from measured apparent electrical conductivity through the application of an inversion method. All the published works used data collected with electromagnetic (EM) instruments. We present a new software to invert the apparent electrical conductivity data collected with VERIS 3100 and 3150 (or the more recent version with three pairs of electrodes) using the 1D spatially constrained inversion method (1D SCI). The software allows the calculation of the distribution of the bulk electrical conductivity in the survey area till a depth of 1 m. The algorithm is applied to experimental data and correlations with clay and water content have been established using soil samples collected at some boreholes. Keywords: Digital soil mapping; inversion modelling; VERIS; soil apparent electrical conductivity.

Contactless Determination of Electrical Conductivity of One-Dimensional Nanomaterials by Solution-Based Electro-orientation Spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Akin, Cevat; Yi, Jingang; Feldman, Leonard C.; ...

2015-05-05

For nanowires of the same composition, and even fabricated within the same batch, often exhibit electrical conductivities that can vary by orders of magnitude. Unfortunately, existing electrical characterization methods are time-consuming, making the statistical survey of highly variable samples essentially impractical. Here, we demonstrate a contactless, solution-based method to efficiently measure the electrical conductivity of 1D nanomaterials based on their transient alignment behavior in ac electric fields of different frequencies. In comparison with direct transport measurements by probe-based scanning tunneling microscopy shows that electro-orientation spectroscopy can quantitatively measure nanowire conductivity over a 5-order-of-magnitude range, 10–5–1 Ω–1 m–1 (corresponding to resistivitiesmore » in the range 102–107 Ω·cm). With this method, we statistically characterize the conductivity of a variety of nanowires and find significant variability in silicon nanowires grown by metal-assisted chemical etching from the same wafer. We also find that the active carrier concentration of n-type silicon nanowires is greatly reduced by surface traps and that surface passivation increases the effective conductivity by an order of magnitude. Moreover, this simple method makes electrical characterization of insulating and semiconducting 1D nanomaterials far more efficient and accessible to more researchers than current approaches. Electro-orientation spectroscopy also has the potential to be integrated with other solution-based methods for the high-throughput sorting and manipulation of 1D nanomaterials for postgrowth device assembly.« less

Electronically and ionically conductive porous material and method for manufacture of resin wafers therefrom

DOEpatents

Lin, YuPo J [Naperville, IL; Henry, Michael P [Batavia, IL; Snyder, Seth W [Lincolnwood, IL

2011-07-12

An electrically and ionically conductive porous material including a thermoplastic binder and one or more of anion exchange moieties or cation exchange moieties or mixtures thereof and/or one or more of a protein capture resin and an electrically conductive material. The thermoplastic binder immobilizes the moieties with respect to each other but does not substantially coat the moieties and forms the electrically conductive porous material. A wafer of the material and a method of making the material and wafer are disclosed.

Electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxides as a switching element and methods for production and use thereof

DOEpatents

Tour, James M.; Yao, Jun; Natelson, Douglas; Zhong, Lin; He, Tao

2015-09-08

In various embodiments, electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxide as a switching element are described herein. The electronic devices are two-terminal devices containing a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in which at least one of the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact is deposed on a substrate to define a gap region therebetween. A switching layer containing a switchably conductive silicon oxide resides in the gap region between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The electronic devices exhibit hysteretic current versus voltage properties, enabling their use in switching and memory applications. Methods for configuring, operating and constructing the electronic devices are also presented herein.

Minimizing radiation damage in nonlinear optical crystals

DOEpatents

Cooke, D.W.; Bennett, B.L.; Cockroft, N.J.

1998-09-08

Methods are disclosed for minimizing laser induced damage to nonlinear crystals, such as KTP crystals, involving various means for electrically grounding the crystals in order to diffuse electrical discharges within the crystals caused by the incident laser beam. In certain embodiments, electrically conductive material is deposited onto or into surfaces of the nonlinear crystals and the electrically conductive surfaces are connected to an electrical ground. To minimize electrical discharges on crystal surfaces that are not covered by the grounded electrically conductive material, a vacuum may be created around the nonlinear crystal. 5 figs.

Method and Apparatus for Obtaining a Precision Thickness in Semiconductor and Other Wafers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okojie, Robert S. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A method and apparatus for processing a wafer comprising a material selected from an electrical semiconducting material and an electrical insulating material is presented. The wafer has opposed generally planar front and rear sides and a peripheral edge, wherein said wafer is pressed against a pad in the presence of a slurry to reduce its thickness. The thickness of the wafer is controlled by first forming a recess such as a dimple on the rear side of the wafer. A first electrical conducting strip extends from a first electrical connection means to the base surface of the recess to the second electrical connector. The first electrical conducting strip overlies the base surface of the recess. There is also a second electrical conductor with an electrical potential source between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to form. In combination with the first electrical conducting strip, the second electrical conductor forms a closed electrical circuit, and an electrical current flows through the closed electrical circuit. From the front side of the wafer the initial thickness of the wafer is reduced by lapping until the base surface of the recess is reached. The conductive strip is at least partially removed from the base surface to automatically stop the lapping procedure and thereby achieve the desired thickness.

Coated carbon nanotube array electrodes

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng; Wen, Jian; Chen, Jinghua; Huang, Zhongping; Wang, Dezhi

2006-12-12

The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Coated carbon nanotube array electrodes

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng [Newton, MA; Wen, Jian [Newton, MA; Chen, Jinghua [Chestnut Hill, MA; Huang, Zhongping [Belmont, MA; Wang, Dezhi [Wellesley, MA

2008-10-28

The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

A Novel Method for Measuring Electrical Conductivity of High Insulating Oil Using Charge Decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Z. Q.; Qi, P.; Wang, D. S.; Wang, Y. D.; Zhou, W.

2016-05-01

For the high insulating oil, it is difficult to measure the conductivity precisely using voltammetry method. A high-precision measurementis proposed for measuring bulk electrical conductivity of high insulating oils (about 10-9--10-15S/m) using charge decay. The oil is insulated and charged firstly, and then grounded fully. During the experimental procedure, charge decay is observed to show an exponential law according to "Ohm" theory. The data of time dependence of charge density is automatically recorded using an ADAS and a computer. Relaxation time constant is fitted from the data using Gnuplot software. The electrical conductivity is calculated using relaxation time constant and dielectric permittivity. Charge density is substituted by electric potential, considering charge density is difficult to measure. The conductivity of five kinds of oils is measured. Using this method, the conductivity of diesel oil is easily measured to beas low as 0.961 pS/m, as shown in Fig. 5.

Redox active polymer devices and methods of using and manufacturing the same

DOEpatents

Johnson, Paul; Bautista-Martinez, Jose Antonio; Friesen, Cody; Switzer, Elise

2018-06-05

The disclosed technology relates generally to apparatus comprising conductive polymers and more particularly to tag and tag devices comprising a redox-active polymer film, and method of using and manufacturing the same. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a substrate and a conductive structure formed on the substrate which includes a layer of redox-active polymer film having mobile ions and electrons. The conductive structure further includes a first terminal and a second terminal configured to receive an electrical signal therebetween, where the layer of redox-active polymer is configured to conduct an electrical current generated by the mobile ions and the electrons in response to the electrical signal. The apparatus additionally includes a detection circuit operatively coupled to the conductive structure and configured to detect the electrical current flowing through the conductive structure.

Detection of temperature distribution via recovering electrical conductivity in MREIT.

PubMed

Oh, Tong In; Kim, Hyung Joong; Jeong, Woo Chul; Chauhan, Munish; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2013-04-21

In radiofrequency (RF) ablation or hyperthermia, internal temperature measurements and tissue property imaging are important to control their outputs and assess the treatment effect. Recently, magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), as a non-invasive imaging method of internal conductivity distribution using an MR scanner, has been developed. Its reconstruction algorithm uses measured magnetic flux density induced by injected currents. The MREIT technique has the potential to visualize electrical conductivity of tissue with high spatial resolution and measure relative conductivity variation according to the internal temperature change based on the fact that the electrical conductivity of biological tissues is sensitive to the internal temperature distribution. In this paper, we propose a method to provide a non-invasive alternative to monitor the internal temperature distribution by recovering the electrical conductivity distribution using the MREIT technique. To validate the proposed method, we design a phantom with saline solution and a thin transparency film in a form of a hollow cylinder with holes to create anomalies with different electrical and thermal conductivities controlled by morphological structure. We first prove the temperature maps with respect to spatial and time resolution by solving the thermal conductivity partial differential equation with the real phantom experimental environment. The measured magnetic flux density and the reconstructed conductivity distributions using the phantom experiments were compared to the simulated temperature distribution. The relative temperature variation of two testing objects with respect to the background saline was determined by the relative conductivity contrast ratio (rCCR,%). The relation between the temperature and conductivity measurements using MREIT was approximately linear with better accuracy than 0.22 °C.

Transient Torque Method: A Fast and Nonintrusive Technique to Simultaneously Determine Viscosity and Electrical Conductivity of Semiconducting and Metallic Melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Ban, H.; Lin, B.; Scripa, R. N.; Su, C.-H.; Lehoczky, S. L.; Zhu, S.

2004-01-01

A transient torque method was developed to rapidly and simultaneously determine the viscosity and electrical conductivity of liquid metals and molten semiconductors. The experimental setup of the transient torque method is similar to that of the oscillation cup method. The melt sample is sealed inside a fused silica ampoule, and the ampoule is suspended by a long quartz fiber to form a torsional oscillation system. A rotating magnetic field is used to induce a rotating flow in the conductive melt, which causes the ampoule to rotate around its vertical axis. A sensitive angular detector is used to measure the deflection angle of the ampoule. Based on the transient behavior of the deflection angle as the rotating magnetic field is applied, the electrical conductivity and viscosity of the melt can be obtained simultaneously by numerically fitting the data to a set of governing equations. The transient torque viscometer was applied successfully to measure the viscosity and electrical conductivity of high purity mercury at 53.4 C. The results were in excellent agreement with published data. The method is nonintrusive; capable of rapid measurement of the viscosity of toxic, high vapor pressure melts at elevated temperatures. In addition, the transient torque viscometer can also be operated as an oscillation cup viscometer to measure just the viscosity of the melt or as a rotating magnetic field method to determine the electrical conductivity of a melt or a solid if desired.

Evaluation on expansive performance of the expansive soil using electrical responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Ya; Liu, Songyu; Bate, Bate; Xu, Lei

2018-01-01

Light structures, such as highways and railroads, built on expansive soils are prone to damages from the swelling of their underlain soil layers. Considerable amount of research has been conducted to characterize the swelling properties of expansive soils. Current swell characterization models, however, are limited by lack of standardized tests. Electrical methods are non-destructive, and are faster and less expensive than the traditional geotechnical methods. Therefore, geo-electrical methods are attractive for defining soil characteristics, including the swelling behavior. In this study, comprehensive laboratory experiments were undertaken to measure the free swelling and electrical resistivity of the mixtures of commercial kaolinite and bentonite. The electrical conductivity of kaolinite-bentonite mixtures was measured by a self-developed four-electrode soil resistivity box. Increasing the free swelling rate of the kaolinite-bentonite mixtures (0.72 to 1 of porosity of soils samples) led to a reduction in the electrical resistivity and an increase in conductivity. A unique relationship between free swelling rate and normalized surface conductivity was constructed for expensive soils by eliminating influences of porosity and m exponent. Therefore, electrical response measurement can be used to characterize the free swelling rate of expensive soils.

Determination of consolidation properties using electrical resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibria, Golam; Hossain, Sahadat; Khan, Mohammad Sadik

2018-05-01

Electrical conductivity is an indirect method used to evaluate pore-structures and their influence on macro and microscale behavior of soils. Although this method can provide useful information about the consolidation properties of soil samples, insufficient studies have been conducted to identify correlations between electrical and consolidation properties. The current study presents electrical resistivity responses of clayey samples at different consolidation stages. The consolidation properties of four soil specimens were measured in conjunction with electrical conductivity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed on soil samples before and after consolidation to identify the changes in fabric morphology due to the application of loads. It was observed that the electrical conductivity of samples decreased with the increase of pressure, and the trends of variations were similar to e vs. logP curves. Although a linear correlation exists between electrical conductivity and void ratio, the relationship depends on the structural changes in clay particles. Therefore, changes in fabric structures were analyzed using SEM images, and results showed that the aspect ratio of the particles increased as much as 18.3% after consolidation. Based on the investigation, the coefficient of consolidations and one-dimensional strain were determined using electrical resistivity measurements.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, T.E.

1996-12-03

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, and the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: a. providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; b. rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway. 8 figs.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, T.E.

1997-03-04

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: (a) providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; (b) rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway. 8 figs.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, Tony E.

1996-01-01

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, and the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: a. providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; b. rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, Tony E.

1997-01-01

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, and the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: a. providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; b. rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway.

All diamond self-aligned thin film transistor

DOEpatents

Gerbi, Jennifer [Champaign, IL

2008-07-01

A substantially all diamond transistor with an electrically insulating substrate, an electrically conductive diamond layer on the substrate, and a source and a drain contact on the electrically conductive diamond layer. An electrically insulating diamond layer is in contact with the electrically conductive diamond layer, and a gate contact is on the electrically insulating diamond layer. The diamond layers may be homoepitaxial, polycrystalline, nanocrystalline or ultrananocrystalline in various combinations.A method of making a substantially all diamond self-aligned gate transistor is disclosed in which seeding and patterning can be avoided or minimized, if desired.

Method to pattern <10 micrometer conducting and passivating features on 3D substrates for implantable devices

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

Tolosa, Vanessa; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Sheth, Heeral

2017-07-04

An implantable device has a cylindrical base, at least one electrode on the cylindrical base, at least one electrically conducting lead on the cylindrical base connected to the electrode wherein the electrically conducting lead has a feature size of <10 micrometers. A protective coating on the cylindrical base covers the at least one electrically conducting lead.

A Route for Polymer Nanocomposites with Engineered Electrical Conductivity and Percolation Threshold

PubMed Central

Kalaitzidou, Kyriaki; Fukushima, Hiroyuki; Drzal, Lawrence T.

2010-01-01

Polymer nanocomposites with engineered electrical properties can be made by tuning the fabrication method, processing conditions and filler’s geometric and physical properties. This work focuses on investigating the effect of filler’s geometry (aspect ratio and shape), intrinsic electrical conductivity, alignment and dispersion within the polymer, and polymer crystallinity, on the percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of polypropylene based nanocomposites. The conductive reinforcements used are exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets, carbon black, vapor grown carbon fibers and polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers. The composites are made using melt mixing followed by injection molding. A coating method is also employed to improve the nanofiller’s dispersion within the polymer and compression molding is used to alter the nanofiller’s alignment.

Method and apparatus for remote tube crevice detection by current and voltage probe resistance measurement

DOEpatents

Kikta, Thomas J.; Mitchell, Ronald D.

1992-01-01

A method and apparatus for determining the extent of contact between an electrically conducting tube and an electrically conductive tubesheet surrounding the tube, based upon the electrical resistance of the tube and tubesheet. A constant current source is applied to the interior of the electrically conducting tube by probes and a voltmeter is connected between other probes to measure the voltage at the point of current injection, which is inversely proportional to the amount of contact between the tube and tubesheet. Namely, the higher the voltage measured by the voltmeter, the less contact between the tube and tubesheet.

Method and apparatus for remote tube crevice detection by current and voltage probe resistance measurement

DOEpatents

Kikta, T.J.; Mitchell, R.D.

1992-11-24

A method and apparatus for determining the extent of contact between an electrically conducting tube and an electrically conductive tubesheet surrounding the tube, based upon the electrical resistance of the tube and tubesheet. A constant current source is applied to the interior of the electrically conducting tube by probes and a voltmeter is connected between other probes to measure the voltage at the point of current injection, which is inversely proportional to the amount of contact between the tube and tubesheet. Namely, the higher the voltage measured by the voltmeter, the less contact between the tube and tubesheet. 4 figs.

Electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxides as a switching element and methods for production and use thereof

DOEpatents

Tour, James M; Yao, Jun; Natelson, Douglas; Zhong, Lin; He, Tao

2013-11-26

In various embodiments, electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxide as a switching element are described herein. The electronic devices are two-terminal devices containing a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in which at least one of the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact is deposed on a substrate to define a gap region therebetween. A switching layer containing a switchably conductive silicon oxide resides in the the gap region between the first electical contact and the second electrical contact. The electronic devices exhibit hysteretic current versus voltage properties, enabling their use in switching and memory applications. Methods for configuring, operating and constructing the electronic devices are also presented herein.

Perforation patterned electrical interconnects

DOEpatents

Frey, Jonathan

2014-01-28

This disclosure describes systems and methods for increasing the usable surface area of electrical contacts within a device, such as a thin film solid state device, through the implementation of electrically conductive interconnects. Embodiments described herein include the use of a plurality of electrically conductive interconnects that penetrate through a top contact layer, through one or more multiple layers, and into a bottom contact layer. The plurality of conductive interconnects may form horizontal and vertical cross-sectional patterns. The use of lasers to form the plurality of electrically conductive interconnects from reflowed layer material further aids in the manufacturing process of a device.

Assessing the temporal stability of spatial patterns of soil apparent electrical conductivity using geophysical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Caires, Sunshine A.; Wuddivira, Mark N.; Bekele, Isaac

2014-10-01

Cocoa remains in the same field for decades, resulting in plantations dominated with aging trees growing on variable and depleted soils. We determined the spatio-temporal variability of key soil properties in a (5.81 ha) field from the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad using geophysical methods. Multi-year (2008-2009) measurements of apparent electrical conductivity at 0-0.75 m (shallow) and 0.75-1.5 m (deep) were conducted. Apparent electrical conductivity at deep and shallow gave the strongest linear correlation with clay-silt content (R = 0.67 and R = 0.78, respectively) and soil solution electrical conductivity (R = 0.76 and R = 0.60, respectively). Spearman rank correlation coefficients ranged between 0.89-0.97 and 0.81- 0.95 for apparent electrical conductivity at deep and shallow, respectively, signifying a strong linear dependence between measurement days. Thus, in the humid tropics, cocoa fields with thick organic litter layer and relatively dense understory cover, experience minimal fluctuations in transient properties of soil water and temperature at the topsoil resulting in similarly stable apparent electrical conductivity at shallow and deep. Therefore, apparent electrical conductivity at shallow, which covers the depth where cocoa feeder roots concentrate, can be used as a fertility indicator and to develop soil zones for efficient application of inputs and management of cocoa fields.

Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction for Electrical Conductivity based Tissue imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariappan, Leo

Electrical conductivity imaging of biological tissue has attracted considerable interest in recent years owing to research indicating that electrical properties, especially electrical conductivity and permittivity, are indicators of underlying physiological and pathological conditions in biological tissue. Also, the knowledge of electrical conductivity of biological tissue is of interest to researchers conducting electromagnetic source imaging and in design of devices that apply electromagnetic energy to the body such as MRI. So, the need for a non-invasive, high resolution impedance imaging method is highly desired. To address this need we have studied the magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) method. In MAT-MI, the object is placed in a static and a dynamic magnetic field giving rise to ultrasound waves. The dynamic field induces eddy currents in the object, and the static field leads to generation of acoustic vibrations from Lorentz force on the induced currents. The acoustic vibrations are at the same frequency as the dynamic magnetic field, which is chosen to match the ultrasound frequency range. These ultrasound signals can be measured by ultrasound probes and are used to reconstruct MAT-MI acoustic source images using possible ultrasound imaging approaches .The reconstructed high spatial resolution image is indicative of the object's electrical conductivity contrast. We have investigated ultrasound imaging methods to reliably reconstruct the MAT-MI image under the practical conditions of limited bandwidth and transducer geometry. The corresponding imaging algorithm, computer simulation and experiments are developed to test the feasibility of these different methods. Also, in experiments, we have developed a system with the strong static field of an MRI magnet and a strong pulsed magnetic field to evaluate MAT-MI in biological tissue imaging. It can be seen from these simulations and experiments that conductivity boundary images with millimeter resolution can be reliably reconstructed with MAT-MI. Further, to estimate the conductivity distribution throughout the object, we reconstruct a vector source image corresponding to the induced eddy currents. As the current source is uniformly present throughout the object, we are able to reliably estimate the internal conductivity distribution for a more complete imaging. From the computer simulations and experiments it can be seen that MAT-MI method has the potential to be a clinically applicable, high resolution, non-invasive method for electrical conductivity imaging.

Clad fiber capacitor and method of making same

DOEpatents

Tuncer, Enis

2013-11-26

A clad capacitor and method of manufacture includes assembling a preform comprising a ductile, electrically conductive fiber; a ductile, electrically insulating cladding positioned on the fiber; a ductile, electrically conductive sleeve positioned over the cladding. One or more of the preforms are then bundled, heated and drawn along a longitudinal axis to decrease the diameter of the ductile components of the preform and fuse the preform into a unitized strand.

Clad fiber capacitor and method of making same

DOEpatents

Tuncer, Enis

2012-12-11

A clad capacitor and method of manufacture includes assembling a preform comprising a ductile, electrically conductive fiber; a ductile, electrically insulating cladding positioned on the fiber; and a ductile, electrically conductive sleeve positioned over the cladding. One or more preforms are then bundled, heated and drawn along a longitudinal axis to decrease the diameter of the ductile components of the preform and fuse the preform into a unitized strand.

Studying Some of Electrical and Mechanical Properties for Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Epoxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafeeq, Sewench N.; Hussein, Samah M.

2011-12-01

As ordinary known the ability of synthesizing electrical conducting polymer composites is possible but with poor mechanical properties, for the solution of this problem, we carried out this study in order to obtain that both properties. Three methods were applied for preparing the conductive polyaniline (PANI) composites using Kevlar fiber fabric as substrate for the deposition of the PANI at one time and the prepared composite (EP/Kevlar fiber) at others. The chemical oxidative method was adopted for polymerization of the aniline and simultaneously protonated of PANI with a hydrochloric acid at concentration (1M). Two kinds of oxidation agents (FeCl3.6H2O) and ((NH4)2S2O8) were used. The electrical measurements indicate the effect of each preparation method, kind of oxidant agent and the kind of mat erial which PANI deposited on the electrical results. The conductivity results showed that the prepared composites lie within semiconductors region. Temperature—dependence of electric conductivity results showed semiconductors and conductors behavior of this material within the applied temperature ranges. The mechan ical property (tensile strength) was studied. X-ray diffraction study showed the crystalline structure for EP/Kevlar fiber/PANI composites prepared by the three methods. These results gave optimism to the synthesis of conductive polymer composites with excellent mechanical properties..

Electrically conductive resinous bond and method of manufacture

DOEpatents

Snowden, T.M. Jr.; Wells, B.J.

1985-01-01

A method of bonding elements together with a bond of high strength and good electrical conductivity which comprises: applying an unfilled polyimide resin between surfaces of the elements to be bonded, heat treating said unfilled polyimide resin in stages between a temperature range of about 40 to 365/sup 0/C to form a strong adhesive bond between said elements, applying a metal-filled polyimide resin overcoat between said elements so as to provide electrical connection therebetween, and heat treating said metal-filled polyimide resin with substantially the same temperature profile as the unfilled polyimide resin. The present invention is also concerned with an adhesive, resilient, substantially void free bonding combination for providing a high strength, electrically conductive adhesive attachment between electrically conductive elements which comprises a major amount of an unfilled polyimide resin and a minor amount of a metal-filled polyimide resin.

Electrically conductive resinous bond and method of manufacture

DOEpatents

Snowden, Jr., Thomas M.; Wells, Barbara J.

1987-01-01

A method of bonding elements together with a bond of high strength and good electrical conductivity which comprises: applying an unfilled polyimide resin between surfaces of the elements to be bonded, heat treating said unfilled polyimide resin in stages between a temperature range of about 40.degree. to 365.degree. C. to form a strong adhesive bond between said elements, applying a metal-filled polyimide resin overcoat between said elements so as to provide electrical connection therebetween, and heat treating said metal-filled polyimide resin with substantially the same temperature profile as the unfilled polyimide resin. The present invention is also concerned with an adhesive, resilient, substantially void free bonding combination for providing a high strength, electrically conductive adhesive attachment between electrically conductive elements which comprises a major amount of an unfilled polyimide resin and a minor amount of a metal-filled polyimide resin.

The electrical conductivity and energy band gap of ‘bunga belimbing buluh’/tio2 nanocrystals as hybrid solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamarulzaman, N. H.; Salleh, H.; Ghazali, M. S. M.; Ghazali, S. M.; Ahmad, Z.

2018-05-01

This research intends to explore the effect of thickness of inorganic titania nanocrystals (TiO2 NCs) materials and Averrhoe bilimbi’s flower towards the electrical conductivity. Averrhoe bilimbi’s flower or also known as ‘bunga belimbing buluh’ was used for the first time as a natural dye in hybrid solar cells. The performance of electrical conductivity can be improved in bilayer heterojunction hybrid solar cell (HCS). The TiO2 NCs was deposited on the ITO substrate using Electrochemistry method at room temperature. The dye extracted from Averrhoe bilimbi’s flower was deposited on the top of TiO2 NCs layered using the same method. The electrical conductivity can be recorded using Four Point Probe (FPP) under dark and light radiation (range of 0 Wm-2 to 200Wm-2). From the results, electrical conductivity was increased by the increment light intensity and suitable for further solar cell fabrications.

Method for electrically producing dispersions of a nonconductive fluid in a conductive medium

DOEpatents

DePaoli, D.W.; Tsouris, C.; Feng, J.Q.

1998-06-09

A method is described for use in electrically forming dispersions of a nonconducting fluid in a conductive medium that minimizes power consumption, gas generation, and sparking between the electrode of the nozzle and the conductive medium. The method utilizes a nozzle having a passageway, the wall of which serves as the nozzle electrode, for the transport of the nonconducting fluid into the conductive medium. A second passageway provides for the transport of a flowing low conductivity buffer fluid which results in a region of the low conductivity buffer fluid immediately adjacent the outlet from the first passageway to create the necessary protection from high current drain and sparking. An electrical potential difference applied between the nozzle electrode and an electrode in contact with the conductive medium causes formation of small droplets or bubbles of the nonconducting fluid within the conductive medium. A preferred embodiment has the first and second passageways arranged in a concentric configuration, with the outlet tip of the first passageway withdrawn into the second passageway. 4 figs.

Method for electrically producing dispersions of a nonconductive fluid in a conductive medium

DOEpatents

DePaoli, David W.; Tsouris, Constantinos; Feng, James Q.

1998-01-01

A method for use in electrically forming dispersions of a nonconducting fluid in a conductive medium that minimizes power consumption, gas generation, and sparking between the electrode of the nozzle and the conductive medium. The method utilizes a nozzle having a passageway, the wall of which serves as the nozzle electrode, for the transport of the nonconducting fluid into the conductive medium. A second passageway provides for the transport of a flowing low conductivity buffer fluid which results in a region of the low conductivity buffer fluid immediately adjacent the outlet from the first passageway to create the necessary protection from high current drain and sparking. An electrical potential difference applied between the nozzle electrode and an electrode in contact with the conductive medium causes formation of small droplets or bubbles of the nonconducting fluid within the conductive medium. A preferred embodiment has the first and second passageways arranged in a concentric configuration, with the outlet tip of the first passageway withdrawn into the second passageway.

Tunable electrical conductivity in metal-organic framework thin film devices

DOEpatents

Talin, Albert Alec; Allendorf, Mark D.; Stavila, Vitalie; Leonard, Francois

2016-08-30

A composition including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site and a guest species capable of charge transfer that can coordinate with the open metal site, wherein the composition is electrically conductive. A method including infiltrating a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site with a guest species that is capable of charge transfer; and coordinating the guest species to the open metal site to form a composition including an electrical conductivity greater than an electrical conductivity of the MOF.

Tunable electrical conductivity in metal-organic framework thin film devices

DOEpatents

Talin, Albert Alec; Allendorf, Mark D.; Stavila, Vitalie; Leonard, Francois

2016-05-24

A composition including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site and a guest species capable of charge transfer that can coordinate with the open metal site, wherein the composition is electrically conductive. A method including infiltrating a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site with a guest species that is capable of charge transfer; and coordinating the guest species to the open metal site to form a composition including an electrical conductivity greater than an electrical conductivity of the MOF.

Method and Apparatus for Monitoring the Integrity of a Geomembrane Liner using time Domain Reflectometry

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

Morris, John L.

1998-11-09

Leaks are detected in a multi-layered geomembrane liner by a two-dimensional time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique. The TDR geomembrane liner is constructed with an electrically conductive detection layer positioned between two electrically non-conductive dielectric layers, which are each positioned between the detection layer and an electrically conductive reference layer. The integrity of the TDR geomembrane liner is determined by generating electrical pulses within the detection layer and measuring the time delay for any reflected electrical energy caused by absorption of moisture by a dielectric layer.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a geomembrane liner using time domain reflectometry

DOEpatents

Morrison, John L [Idaho Falls, ID

2001-04-24

Leaks are detected in a multi-layered geomembrane liner by a two-dimensional time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique. The TDR geomembrane liner is constructed with an electrically conductive detection layer positioned between two electrically non-conductive dielectric layers, which are each positioned between the detection layer and an electrically conductive reference layer. The integrity of the TDR geomembrane liner is determined by generating electrical pulses within the detection layer and measuring the time delay for any reflected electrical energy caused by absorption of moisture by a dielectric layer.

Relationship between electrical conductivity anisotropy and fabric anisotropy in granular materials during drained triaxial compressive tests: a numerical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Qifei; Revil, André; Li, Zhaofeng; Wang, Yu-Hsing

2017-07-01

The anisotropy of granular media and its evolution during shearing are important aspects required in developing physics-based constitutive models in Earth sciences. The development of relationships between geoelectrical properties and the deformation of porous media has applications to the monitoring of faulting and landslides. However, such relationships are still poorly understood. In this study, we first investigate the definition of the electrical conductivity anisotropy tensor of granular materials in presence of surface conductivity of the grains. Fabric anisotropy is related to the components of the fabric tensor. We define an electrical anisotropy factor based on the Archie's exponent second-order symmetric tensor m of granular materials. We use numerical simulations to confirm a relationship between the evolution of electrical and fabric anisotropy factors during shearing. To realize the simulations, we build a virtual laboratory in which we can easily perform synthetic experiments. We first simulate drained compressive triaxial tests of loose and dense granular materials (porosity 0.45 and 0.38, respectively) using the discrete element method. Then, the electrical conductivity tensor of a set of deformed synthetic samples is computed using the finite-difference method. The numerical results show that shear strains are responsible for a measurable anisotropy in the bulk conductivity of granular media. The observed electrical anisotropy response, during shearing, is distinct for dense and loose synthetic samples. Electrical and fabric anisotropy factors exhibit however a unique linear correlation, regardless of the shear strain and the initial state (porosity) of the synthetic samples. The practical implication of this finding confirms the usefulness of the electrical conductivity method in studying the fabric tensor of granular media. This result opens the door in using time-lapse electrical resistivity to study non-intrusively the evolution of anisotropy of soils and granular rocks during deformation, for instance during landslides, and to use the evolution of the conductivity tensor to monitor mechanical properties.

Experimental and numerical investigation of the effective electrical conductivity of nitrogen-doped graphene nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehrali, Mohammad; Sadeghinezhad, Emad; Rashidi, Mohammad Mehdi; Akhiani, Amir Reza; Tahan Latibari, Sara; Mehrali, Mehdi; Metselaar, Hendrik Simon Cornelis

2015-06-01

Electrical conductivity is an important property for technological applications of nanofluids that have not been widely investigated, and few studies have been concerned about the electrical conductivity. In this study, nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG) nanofluids were prepared using the two-step method in an aqueous solution of 0.025 wt% Triton X-100 as a surfactant at several concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 wt%). The electrical conductivity of the aqueous NDG nanofluids showed a linear dependence on the concentration and increased up to 1814.96 % for a loading of 0.06 wt% NDG nanosheet. From the experimental data, empirical models were developed to express the electrical conductivity as functions of temperature and concentration. It was observed that increasing the temperature has much greater effect on electrical conductivity enhancement than increasing the NDG nanosheet loading. Additionally, by considering the electrophoresis of the NDG nanosheets, a straightforward electrical conductivity model is established to modulate and understand the experimental results.

Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, and chemical reactant sources

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C

2013-11-26

Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, chemical reactant sources, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor system comprising a reaction chamber, a combustion torch positioned to direct a flame into the reaction chamber, and one or more reactant feed assemblies configured to electrically energize at least one electrically conductive solid reactant structure to form a plasma and feed each electrically conductive solid reactant structure into the plasma to form at least one product is disclosed. In an additional embodiment, a chemical reactant source for a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor comprising an elongated electrically conductive reactant structure consisting essentially of at least one chemical reactant is disclosed. In further embodiments, methods of forming a chemical reactant source and methods of chemically converting at least one reactant into at least one product are disclosed.

Electrical characterization of non‐Fickian transport in groundwater and hyporheic systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Singha, Kamini; Pidlisecky, Adam; Day-Lewis, Frederick D.; Gooseff, Michael N.

2008-01-01

Recent work indicates that processes controlling solute mass transfer between mobile and less mobile domains in porous media may be quantified by combining electrical geophysical methods and electrically conductive tracers. Whereas direct geochemical measurements of solute preferentially sample the mobile domain, electrical geophysical methods are sensitive to changes in bulk electrical conductivity (bulk EC) and therefore sample EC in both the mobile and immobile domains. Consequently, the conductivity difference between direct geochemical samples and remotely sensed electrical geophysical measurements may provide an indication of mass transfer rates and mobile and immobile porosities in situ. Here we present (1) an overview of a theoretical framework for determining parameters controlling mass transfer with electrical resistivity in situ; (2) a review of a case study estimating mass transfer processes in a pilot‐scale aquifer storage recovery test; and (3) an example application of this method for estimating mass transfer in watershed settings between streams and the hyporheic corridor. We demonstrate that numerical simulations of electrical resistivity studies of the stream/hyporheic boundary can help constrain volumes and rates of mobile‐immobile mass transfer. We conclude with directions for future research applying electrical geophysics to understand field‐scale transport in aquifer and fluvial systems subject to rate‐limited mass transfer.

Cathode for a hall-heroult type electrolytic cell for producing aluminum

DOEpatents

Brown, Craig W.

2004-04-13

A method of producing aluminum from alumina in an electrolytic cell including using a cathode comprised of a base material having low electrical conductivity and wettable with molten aluminum to form a reaction layer having a high electrical conductivity on said base layer and a cathode bar extending from said reaction layer through said base material to conduct electrical current from said reaction layer.

Method for improving performance of highly stressed electrical insulating structures

DOEpatents

Wilson, Michael J.; Goerz, David A.

2002-01-01

Removing the electrical field from the internal volume of high-voltage structures; e.g., bushings, connectors, capacitors, and cables. The electrical field is removed from inherently weak regions of the interconnect, such as between the center conductor and the solid dielectric, and places it in the primary insulation. This is accomplished by providing a conductive surface on the inside surface of the principal solid dielectric insulator surrounding the center conductor and connects the center conductor to this conductive surface. The advantage of removing the electric fields from the weaker dielectric region to a stronger area improves reliability, increases component life and operating levels, reduces noise and losses, and allows for a smaller compact design. This electric field control approach is currently possible on many existing products at a modest cost. Several techniques are available to provide the level of electric field control needed. Choosing the optimum technique depends on material, size, and surface accessibility. The simplest deposition method uses a standard electroless plating technique, but other metalization techniques include vapor and energetic deposition, plasma spraying, conductive painting, and other controlled coating methods.

Method of forming catalyst layer by single step infiltration

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

Gerdes, Kirk; Lee, Shiwoo; Dowd, Regis

Provided herein is a method for electrocatalyst infiltration of a porous substrate, of particular use for preparation of a cathode for a solid oxide fuel cell. The method generally comprises preparing an electrocatalyst infiltrate solution comprising an electrocatalyst, surfactant, chelating agent, and a solvent; pretreating a porous mixed ionic-electric conductive substrate; and applying the electrocatalyst infiltration solution to the porous mixed ionic-electric conductive substrate.

New Method for Solving Inductive Electric Fields in the Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanhamäki, H.

2005-12-01

We present a new method for calculating inductive electric fields in the ionosphere. It is well established that on large scales the ionospheric electric field is a potential field. This is understandable, since the temporal variations of large scale current systems are generally quite slow, in the timescales of several minutes, so inductive effects should be small. However, studies of Alfven wave reflection have indicated that in some situations inductive phenomena could well play a significant role in the reflection process, and thus modify the nature of ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling. The input to our calculation method are the time series of the potential part of the ionospheric electric field together with the Hall and Pedersen conductances. The output is the time series of the induced rotational part of the ionospheric electric field. The calculation method works in the time-domain and can be used with non-uniform, time-dependent conductances. In addition no particular symmetry requirements are imposed on the input potential electric field. The presented method makes use of special non-local vector basis functions called Cartesian Elementary Current Systems (CECS). This vector basis offers a convenient way of representing curl-free and divergence-free parts of 2-dimensional vector fields and makes it possible to solve the induction problem using simple linear algebra. The new calculation method is validated by comparing it with previously published results for Alfven wave reflection from uniformly conducting ionosphere.

Changes in the structure of the surface layer of metal materials upon friction and electric current loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fadin, V. V.

2013-09-01

Dependences of the electric conductivity of a contact and wear intensity of metal materials on the electric current density in sliding friction are obtained. It is established that alloying of the material basis leads to faster damage of the friction surface. The presence of about 40 аt.% oxygen in the surface layer is detected by the Auger spectrometry method. It is demonstrated by the x-ray diffraction method that FeO formed in the surface layer leads to an increase in the electric conductivity of the contact.

Density, Electrical Conductivity and Viscosity of Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te Melt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Scripa, R. N.; Ban, H.; Su, C.-H.; Lehoczky, S. L.

2004-01-01

The density, viscosity, and electrical conductivity of Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te melt were measured as a function of temperature. A pycnometric method was used to measure the melt density in the temperature range of 1072 to 1122 K. The viscosity and electrical conductivity were determined using a transient torque method from 1068 to 1132 K. The density result from this study is within 0.3% of the published data. However, the current viscosity result is approximately 30% lower than the existing data. The electrical conductivity of Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te melt as a function of temperature, which is not available in the literature, is also determined. The analysis of the temperature dependent electrical conductivity and the relationship between the kinematic viscosity and density indicated that the structure of the melt appeared to be homogeneous when the temperature was above 1090 K. A structural transition occurred in the Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te melt as the temperature was decreased to below 1090 K

Density, Electrical Conductivity and Viscosity of Hg(sub 0.8)Cd(sub 0.2)Te Melt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Scripa, R. N.; Ban, H.; Lin, B.; Su, C.-H.; Lehoczky, S. L.

2004-01-01

The density, viscosity, and electrical conductivity of Hg(sub 0.8)Cd(sub 0.2)Te melt were measures as a function of temperature. A pycnometric method was used to measure the melt density in the temperature range of 1072 to 1122 K. The viscosity and electrical conductivity were determined using a transient torque method from 1068 to 1132 K. The density result from this study is within 0.3% of the published data. However, the current viscosity result is approximately 30% lower than the existing data. The electrical conductivity of Hg(sub 0.8)Cd(sub 0.2)Te melt as a function of temperature, which is not available in the literature, is also determined. The analysis of the temperature dependent electrical conductivity and the relationship between the kinematic viscosity and density indicated that the structure of the melt appeared to be homogeneous when the temperature was above 1090 K. A structural transition occurred in the Hg(sub 0.8)Cd(sub 0.2)Te melt as the temperature was decreased to below 1090 K.

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

Chianelli, Russell R.; Castillo, Karina; Gupta, Vipin

Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same, are disclosed herein. The cell comprises a photovoltaic device that comprises a first electrically conductive layer comprising a photo-sensitized electrode; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution comprising at least one asphaltene fraction, wherein the metal-oxide particles are optionally dispersed in a surfactant; and a second electrically conductive layer comprising a counter-electrode, wherein the second electrically conductive layer comprises one or more conductive elements comprising carbon, graphite, soot, carbon allotropes or any combinations thereof.

Electrical condition monitoring method for polymers

DOEpatents

Watkins, Jr. Kenneth S.; Morris, Shelby J.; Masakowski, Daniel D.; Wong, Ching Ping; Luo, Shijian

2010-02-16

An electrical condition monitoring method utilizes measurement of electrical resistivity of a conductive composite degradation sensor to monitor environmentally induced degradation of a polymeric product such as insulated wire and cable. The degradation sensor comprises a polymeric matrix and conductive filler. The polymeric matrix may be a polymer used in the product, or it may be a polymer with degradation properties similar to that of a polymer used in the product. The method comprises a means for communicating the resistivity to a measuring instrument and a means to correlate resistivity of the degradation sensor with environmentally induced degradation of the product.

Carbon Nanotube/Space Durable Polymer Nanocomposite Films for Electrostatic Charge Dissipation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. G., Jr.; Watson, K. A.; Thompson, C. M.; Connell, J. W.

2002-01-01

Low solar absorptivity, space environmentally stable polymeric materials possessing sufficient electrical conductivity for electrostatic charge dissipation (ESD) are of interest for potential applications on spacecraft as thin film membranes on antennas, solar sails, large lightweight space optics, and second surface mirrors. One method of imparting electrical conductivity while maintaining low solar absorptivity is through the use of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). However, SWNTs are difficult to disperse. Several preparative methods were employed to disperse SWNTs into the polymer matrix. Several examples possessed electrical conductivity sufficient for ESD. The chemistry, physical, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films will be presented.

Lightweight magnesium nanocomposites: electrical conductivity of liquid magnesium doped by CoPd nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakymovych, Andriy; Slabon, Adam; Plevachuk, Yuriy; Sklyarchuk, Vasyl; Sokoliuk, Bohdan

2018-04-01

The effect of monodisperse bimetallic CoPd NP admixtures on the electrical conductivity of liquid magnesium was studied. Temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of liquid Mg98(CoPd)2, Mg96(CoPd)4, and Mg92(CoPd)8 alloys was measured in a wide temperature range above the melting point by a four-point method. It was shown that the addition of even small amount of CoPd nanoparticles to liquid Mg has a significant effect on the electrical properties of the melts obtained.

3D electrical conductivity tomography of volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soueid Ahmed, A.; Revil, A.; Byrdina, S.; Coperey, A.; Gailler, L.; Grobbe, N.; Viveiros, F.; Silva, C.; Jougnot, D.; Ghorbani, A.; Hogg, C.; Kiyan, D.; Rath, V.; Heap, M. J.; Grandis, H.; Humaida, H.

2018-05-01

Electrical conductivity tomography is a well-established galvanometric method for imaging the subsurface electrical conductivity distribution. We characterize the conductivity distribution of a set of volcanic structures that are different in terms of activity and morphology. For that purpose, we developed a large-scale inversion code named ECT-3D aimed at handling complex topographical effects like those encountered in volcanic areas. In addition, ECT-3D offers the possibility of using as input data the two components of the electrical field recorded at independent stations. Without prior information, a Gauss-Newton method with roughness constraints is used to solve the inverse problem. The roughening operator used to impose constraints is computed on unstructured tetrahedral elements to map complex geometries. We first benchmark ECT-3D on two synthetic tests. A first test using the topography of Mt. St Helens volcano (Washington, USA) demonstrates that we can successfully reconstruct the electrical conductivity field of an edifice marked by a strong topography and strong variations in the resistivity distribution. A second case study is used to demonstrate the versatility of the code in using the two components of the electrical field recorded on independent stations along the ground surface. Then, we apply our code to real data sets recorded at (i) a thermally active area of Yellowstone caldera (Wyoming, USA), (ii) a monogenetic dome on Furnas volcano (the Azores, Portugal), and (iii) the upper portion of the caldera of Kīlauea (Hawai'i, USA). The tomographies reveal some of the major structures of these volcanoes as well as identifying alteration associated with high surface conductivities. We also review the petrophysics underlying the interpretation of the electrical conductivity of fresh and altered volcanic rocks and molten rocks to show that electrical conductivity tomography cannot be used as a stand-alone technique due to the non-uniqueness in interpreting electrical conductivity tomograms. That said, new experimental data provide evidence regarding the strong role of alteration in the vicinity of preferential fluid flow paths including magmatic conduits and hydrothermal vents.

A Novel Approach to Enhance the Mechanical Strength and Electrical and Thermal Conductivity of Cu-GNP Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saboori, Abdollah; Pavese, Matteo; Badini, Claudio; Fino, Paolo

2018-01-01

Copper/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanocomposites were produced by a wet mixing method followed by a classical powder metallurgy technique. A qualitative evaluation of the structure of graphene after mixing indicated that wet mixing is an appropriate dispersion method. Thereafter, the effects of two post-processing techniques such as repressing-annealing and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on density, interfacial bonding, hardness, and thermal and electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites were analyzed. Density evaluations showed that the relative density of specimens increased after the post-processing steps so that after HIPing almost full densification was achieved. The Vickers hardness of specimens increased considerably after the post-processing techniques. The thermal conductivity of pure copper was very low in the case of the as-sintered samples containing 2 to 3 pct porosity and increased considerably to a maximum value in the case of HIPed samples which contained only 0.1 to 0.2 pct porosity. Electrical conductivity measurements showed that by increasing the graphene content electrical conductivity decreased.

Wrapped optoelectronic devices and methods for making same

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

Curran, Seamus; Dias, Sampath; Alley, Nigel

In various embodiments, optoelectronic devices are described herein. The optoelectronic device may include an optoelectronic cell arranged so as to wrap around a central axis wherein the cell includes a first conductive layer, a semi-conductive layer disposed over and in electrical communication with the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer disposed over and in electrical communication with the semi-conductive layer. In various embodiments, methods for making optoelectronic devices are described herein. The methods may include forming an optoelectronic cell while flat and wrapping the optoelectronic cell around a central axis. The optoelectronic devices may be photovoltaic devices. Alternatively,more » the optoelectronic devices may be organic light emitting diodes.« less

Reconfigurable electronics using conducting metal-organic frameworks

DOEpatents

Allendorf, Mark D.; Talin, Albert Alec; Leonard, Francois; Stavila, Vitalie

2017-07-18

A device including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) disposed between two terminals, the device including a first state wherein the MOF is infiltrated by a guest species to form an electrical path between the terminals and a second state wherein the electrical conductivity of the MOF is less than the electrical conductivity in the first state. A method including switching a porous metal organic framework (MOF) between two terminals from a first state wherein a metal site in the MOF is infiltrated by a guest species that is capable of charge transfer to a second state wherein the MOF is less electrically conductive than in the first state.

Chip connectivity verification program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Josh (Inventor); Patterson, George (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A method for testing electrical connectivity between conductive structures on a chip that is preferably layered with conductive and nonconductive layers. The method includes determining the layer on which each structure is located and defining the perimeter of each structure. Conductive layer connections between each of the layers are determined, and, for each structure, the points of intersection between the perimeter of that structure and the perimeter of each other structure on the chip are also determined. Finally, electrical connections between the structures are determined using the points of intersection and the conductive layer connections.

Influence of Electrical and Ionic Conductivities of Organic Electronic Ion Pump on Acetylcholine Exchange Performance

PubMed Central

Abdullayeva, Nazrin; Sankir, Mehmet

2017-01-01

By using an easy and effective method of depositing conjugated polymers (PEDOT:PSS) on flexible substrates, a new design for organic bioelectronic devices has been developed. The purpose was to build up a system that mimics the motion of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft by obtaining an electrical to chemical signal transport. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman measurements have demonstrated that electrochemical overoxidation region which separates the pristine PEDOT:PSS electrodes and allows ionic conduction has been achieved successfully. The influence of both electrical and ionic conductivities on organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) performances has been studied. The ultimate goal was to achieve the highest equilibrium current density at the lowest applied voltage via enhancing the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS and ionic conductivity of electrochemically overoxidized region. The highest equilibrium current density, which corresponds to 4.81 × 1017 number of ions of acetylcholine was about 41 μA cm−2 observed for the OEIP with the electrical conductivities of 54 S cm−1. This was a threshold electrical conductivity beyond which the OEIP performances were not changed much. Once Nafion™ has been applied for enhancing the ionic conductivity, the equilibrium current density increased about ten times and reached up to 408 μA cm−2. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the OEIP performance mainly scales with the ionic conductivity. A straightforward method of producing organic bioelectronics is proposed here may provide a clue for their effortless mass production in the near future. PMID:28772946

[Image reconstruction of conductivity on magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction].

PubMed

Li, Jingyu; Yin, Tao; Liu, Zhipeng; Xu, Guohui

2010-04-01

The electric characteristics such as impedance and conductivity of the organization will change in the case where pathological changes occurred in the biological tissue. The change in electric characteristics usually took place before the change in the density of tissues, and also, the difference in electric characteristics such as conductivity between normal tissue and pathological tissue is obvious. The method of magneto-acoustic tomography with magnetic induction is based on the theory of magnetic eddy current induction, the principle of vibration generation and acoustic transmission to get the boundary of the pathological tissue. The pathological change could be inspected by electricity characteristic imaging which is invasive to the tissue. In this study, a two-layer concentric spherical model is established to simulate the malignant tumor tissue surrounded by normal tissue mutual relations of the magneto-sound coupling effect and the coupling equations in the magnetic field are used to get the algorithms for reconstructing the conductivity. Simulation study is conducted to test the proposed model and validate the performance of the reconstructed algorithms. The result indicates that the use of signal processing method in this paper can image the conductivity boundaries of the sample in the scanning cross section. The computer simulating results validate the feasibility of applying the method of magneto-acoustic tomography with magnetic induction for malignant tumor imaging.

Applications for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) and Electrical Properties of the Human Body.

PubMed

Lymperopoulos, Georgios; Lymperopoulos, Panagiotis; Alikari, Victoria; Dafogianni, Chrisoula; Zyga, Sofia; Margari, Nikoletta

2017-01-01

Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a promising application that displays changes in conductivity within a body. The basic principle of the method is the repeated measurement of surface voltages of a body, which are a result of rolling injection of known and small-volume sinusoidal AC current to the body through the electrodes attached to its surface. This method finds application in biomedicine, biology and geology. The objective of this paper is to present the applications of Electrical Impedance Tomography, along with the method's capabilities and limitations due to the electrical properties of the human body. For this purpose, investigation of existing literature has been conducted, using electronic databases, PubMed, Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore. In addition, there was a secondary research phase, using paper citations found during the first research phase. It should be noted that Electrical Impedance Tomography finds use in a plethora of medical applications, as the different tissues of the body have different conductivities and dielectric constants. Main applications of EIT include imaging of lung function, diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, detection of tumors in the chest area and diagnosis and distinction of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. EIT advantages include portability, low cost and safety, which the method provide, since it is a noninvasive imaging method that does not cause damage to the body. The main disadvantage of the method, which blocks its wider spread, appears in the image composition from the voltage measurements, which are conducted by electrodes placed on the periphery of the body, because the injected currents are affected nonlinearly by the general distribution of the electrical properties of the body. Furthermore, the complex impedance of the skin-electrode interface can be modelled by using a capacitor and two resistor, as a result of skin properties. In conclusion, Electrical Impedance Tomography is a promising method for the development of noninvasive diagnostic medicine, since it is able to provide imaging of the interior of the human body in real time without causing harm or putting the human body in risk.

Electrical screening procedure for solid ionic conductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, H. E.; Singer, J.; Fielder, W. L.; Fordyce, J. S.

1973-01-01

An electrical screening method has been developed for preliminary evaluation of polycrystalline specimens of candidates for use as solid ionic conductive electrolytes in batteries. The procedure measures dielectric loss and capacitance, from which are calculated an ac conductivity attributed provisionally to ions and an activation energy for that conductivity. Electronic conductivity is directly measured. The screening procedure applied to sodium beta-alumina yielded acceptable values for conductivity and activation energy.

Electrical swing adsorption gas storage and delivery system

DOEpatents

Judkins, Roddie R.; Burchell, Timothy D.

1999-01-01

Systems and methods for electrical swing natural gas adsorption are described. An apparatus includes a pressure vessel; an electrically conductive gas adsorptive material located within the pressure vessel; and an electric power supply electrically connected to said adsorptive material. The adsorptive material can be a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS). The systems and methods provide advantages in that both a high energy density and a high ratio of delivered to stored gas are provided.

Research on the Applicable Method of Valuation of Pure Electric Used vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, yun; Tan, zhengping; Wang, yidong; Mao, pan

2018-03-01

With the rapid growth in the ownership of pure electric vehicles, the research on the valuation of used electric vehicles has become the key to the development of the pure electric used vehicle market. The paper analyzed the application of the three value assessment methods, current market price method, capitalized earning method and replacement cost method, in pure electric used vehicles, and draws a conclusion that the replacement cost method is more suitable for pure electric used car. At the same time, the article also conducted a parametric correction exploration research, aiming at the characteristics of pure electric vehicles and replacement cost of the constituent factors. Through the analysis of the applicability parameters of physical devaluation, functional devaluation and economic devaluation, the revised replacement cost method can be used for the valuation of purely used electric vehicles for private use.

The influence of the dispersion method on the electrical properties of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber/epoxy composites

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The influence of the dispersion of vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNF) on the electrical properties of VGCNF/Epoxy composites has been studied. A homogenous dispersion of the VGCNF does not imply better electrical properties. In fact, it is demonstrated that the most simple of the tested dispersion methods results in higher conductivity, since the presence of well-distributed nanofiber clusters appears to be a key factor for increasing composite conductivity. PACS: 72.80.Tm; 73.63.Fg; 81.05.Qk PMID:21711873

Conductor of high electrical current at high temperature in oxygen and liquid metal environment

DOEpatents

Powell, IV, Adam Clayton; Pati, Soobhankar; Derezinski, Stephen Joseph; Lau, Garrett; Pal, Uday B.; Guan, Xiaofei; Gopalan, Srikanth

2016-01-12

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to apparatuses for and methods of conducting electrical current in an oxygen and liquid metal environment. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for production of metals from their oxides comprising providing a cathode in electrical contact with a molten electrolyte, providing a liquid metal anode separated from the cathode and the molten electrolyte by a solid oxygen ion conducting membrane, providing a current collector at the anode, and establishing a potential between the cathode and the anode.

Nanowire-based detector

DOEpatents

Berggren, Karl K; Hu, Xiaolong; Masciarelli, Daniele

2014-06-24

Systems, articles, and methods are provided related to nanowire-based detectors, which can be used for light detection in, for example, single-photon detectors. In one aspect, a variety of detectors are provided, for example one including an electrically superconductive nanowire or nanowires constructed and arranged to interact with photons to produce a detectable signal. In another aspect, fabrication methods are provided, including techniques to precisely reproduce patterns in subsequently formed layers of material using a relatively small number of fabrication steps. By precisely reproducing patterns in multiple material layers, one can form electrically insulating materials and electrically conductive materials in shapes such that incoming photons are redirected toward a nearby electrically superconductive materials (e.g., electrically superconductive nanowire(s)). For example, one or more resonance structures (e.g., comprising an electrically insulating material), which can trap electromagnetic radiation within its boundaries, can be positioned proximate the nanowire(s). The resonance structure can include, at its boundaries, electrically conductive material positioned proximate the electrically superconductive nanowire such that light that would otherwise be transmitted through the sensor is redirected toward the nanowire(s) and detected. In addition, electrically conductive material can be positioned proximate the electrically superconductive nanowire (e.g. at the aperture of the resonant structure), such that light is directed by scattering from this structure into the nanowire.

The relation between temperature distribution for lung RFA and electromagnetic wave frequency dependence of electrical conductivity with changing a lung's internal air volumes.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Nozomu; Watanabe, Hiroki; Lu, Xiaowei; Isobe, Yosuke; Kobayashi, Yo; Miyashita, Tomoyuki; Fujie, Masakatsu G

2013-01-01

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) for lung cancer has increasingly been used over the past few years because it is a minimally invasive treatment. As a feature of RFA for lung cancer, lung contains air during operation. Air is low thermal and electrical conductivity. Therefore, RFA for this cancer has the advantage that only the cancer is coagulated, and it is difficult for operators to control the precise formation of coagulation lesion. In order to overcome this limitation, we previously proposed a model-based robotic ablation system using finite element method. Creating an accurate thermo physical model and constructing thermal control method were a challenging problem because the thermal properties of the organ are complex. In this study, we measured electromagnetic wave frequency dependence of lung's electrical conductivity that was based on lung's internal air volumes dependence with in vitro experiment. In addition, we validated the electromagnetic wave frequency dependence of lung's electrical conductivity using temperature distribution simulator. From the results of this study, it is confirmed that the electromagnetic wave frequency dependence of lung's electrical conductivity effects on heat generation of RFA.

Electrically conductive, black thermal control coatings for space craft application. II - Silicone matrix formulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hribar, V. F.; Bauer, J. L.; O'Donnell, T. P.

1986-01-01

Five black electrically conductive thermal-control coatings have been formulated and tested for application on the Galileo spacecraft. The coatings consisted of organic and inorganic systems applied on titanium and aluminum surfaces. The coatings were tested under simulated space environment conditions. Coated specimens were subjected to thermal radiation and convective and conductive heating from -196 to 538 C. Mechanical, physical, thermal, electrical, and optical characteristics, formulation, mixing, application, surface preparation of substrates, and a method of determining electrical resistance are presented for the silicone matrix formulation designated as GF-580.

High thermal conductivity lossy dielectric using a multi layer configuration

DOEpatents

Tiegs, Terry N.; Kiggans, Jr., James O.

2003-01-01

Systems and methods are described for loss dielectrics. A loss dielectric includes at least one high dielectric loss layer and at least one high thermal conductivity-electrically insulating layer adjacent the at least one high dielectric loss layer. A method of manufacturing a loss dielectric includes providing at least one high dielectric loss layer and providing at least one high thermal conductivity-electrically insulating layer adjacent the at least one high dielectric loss layer. The systems and methods provide advantages because the loss dielectrics are less costly and more environmentally friendly than the available alternatives.

High thermal conductivity connector having high electrical isolation

DOEpatents

Nieman, Ralph C.; Gonczy, John D.; Nicol, Thomas H.

1995-01-01

A method and article for providing a low-thermal-resistance, high-electrical-isolation heat intercept connection. The connection method involves clamping, by thermal interference fit, an electrically isolating cylinder between an outer metallic ring and an inner metallic disk. The connection provides durable coupling of a heat sink and a heat source.

Drawing Sensors with Ball-Milled Blends of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Graphite

PubMed Central

Ko, Michael; Aykanat, Aylin; Smith, Merry K.

2017-01-01

The synthetically tunable properties and intrinsic porosity of conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) make them promising materials for transducing selective interactions with gaseous analytes in an electrically addressable platform. Consequently, conductive MOFs are valuable functional materials with high potential utility in chemical detection. The implementation of these materials, however, is limited by the available methods for device incorporation due to their poor solubility and moderate electrical conductivity. This manuscript describes a straightforward method for the integration of moderately conductive MOFs into chemiresistive sensors by mechanical abrasion. To improve electrical contacts, blends of MOFs with graphite were generated using a solvent-free ball-milling procedure. While most bulk powders of pure conductive MOFs were difficult to integrate into devices directly via mechanical abrasion, the compressed solid-state MOF/graphite blends were easily abraded onto the surface of paper substrates equipped with gold electrodes to generate functional sensors. This method was used to prepare an array of chemiresistors, from four conductive MOFs, capable of detecting and differentiating NH3, H2S and NO at parts-per-million concentrations. PMID:28946624

Multi-threshold de-noising of electrical imaging logging data based on the wavelet packet transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Fang; Xiao, Chengwen; Liu, Ruilin; Zhang, Lili

2017-08-01

A key problem of effectiveness evaluation for fractured-vuggy carbonatite reservoir is how to accurately extract fracture and vug information from electrical imaging logging data. Drill bits quaked during drilling and resulted in rugged surfaces of borehole walls and thus conductivity fluctuations in electrical imaging logging data. The occurrence of the conductivity fluctuations (formation background noise) directly affects the fracture/vug information extraction and reservoir effectiveness evaluation. We present a multi-threshold de-noising method based on wavelet packet transform to eliminate the influence of rugged borehole walls. The noise is present as fluctuations in button-electrode conductivity curves and as pockmarked responses in electrical imaging logging static images. The noise has responses in various scales and frequency ranges and has low conductivity compared with fractures or vugs. Our de-noising method is to decompose the data into coefficients with wavelet packet transform on a quadratic spline basis, then shrink high-frequency wavelet packet coefficients in different resolutions with minimax threshold and hard-threshold function, and finally reconstruct the thresholded coefficients. We use electrical imaging logging data collected from fractured-vuggy Ordovician carbonatite reservoir in Tarim Basin to verify the validity of the multi-threshold de-noising method. Segmentation results and extracted parameters are shown as well to prove the effectiveness of the de-noising procedure.

Mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogels

DOEpatents

Worsley, Marcus A; Baumann, Theodore F; Satcher, Jr., Joe H

2014-04-01

A method of making a mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogel, including the steps of dispersing nanotubes in an aqueous media or other media to form a suspension, adding reactants and catalyst to the suspension to create a reaction mixture, curing the reaction mixture to form a wet gel, drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel, and pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce the mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogel. The aerogel is mechanically robust, electrically conductive, and ultralow-density, and is made of a porous carbon material having 5 to 95% by weight carbon nanotubes and 5 to 95% carbon binder.

Mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogels

DOEpatents

Worsley, Marcus A.; Baumann, Theodore F.; Satcher, Jr, Joe H.

2016-07-05

A method of making a mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogel, including the steps of dispersing nanotubes in an aqueous media or other media to form a suspension, adding reactants and catalyst to the suspension to create a reaction mixture, curing the reaction mixture to form a wet gel, drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel, and pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce the mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogel. The aerogel is mechanically robust, electrically conductive, and ultralow-density, and is made of a porous carbon material having 5 to 95% by weight carbon nanotubes and 5 to 95% carbon binder.

Effect of Temperature on Electrical Conductivity of Guaiacol-Guanidine Hydrochloride-Formaldehyde Copolymer Resin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukade, S. D.; Bawankar, S. V.

2018-02-01

The purpose of the present paper is to report temperature dependence of electrical conductivity on Guaiacol-guanidine hydrochloride-formaldehyde copolymer resin. By using a microwave irradiation technique, various ratios of copolymer resin were synthesized from the reacting monomers, i.e., guaiacol, guanidine hydrochloride and formaldehyde. The characterization of the copolymer resins has been fulfilled by spectral methods viz. ultraviolet visible (UV visible), infrared and proton nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The solid state direct current electrical conductivity of synthesized copolymer resins has been measured as a function of temperature. The electrical conductivity values of all the copolymers have been found in the range of a semiconductor.

Capacitive charge generation apparatus and method for testing circuits

DOEpatents

Cole, E.I. Jr.; Peterson, K.A.; Barton, D.L.

1998-07-14

An electron beam apparatus and method for testing a circuit are disclosed. The electron beam apparatus comprises an electron beam incident on an outer surface of an insulating layer overlying one or more electrical conductors of the circuit for generating a time varying or alternating current electrical potential on the surface; and a measurement unit connected to the circuit for measuring an electrical signal capacitively coupled to the electrical conductors to identify and map a conduction state of each of the electrical conductors, with or without an electrical bias signal being applied to the circuit. The electron beam apparatus can further include a secondary electron detector for forming a secondary electron image for registration with a map of the conduction state of the electrical conductors. The apparatus and method are useful for failure analysis or qualification testing to determine the presence of any open-circuits or short-circuits, and to verify the continuity or integrity of electrical conductors buried below an insulating layer thickness of 1-100 {micro}m or more without damaging or breaking down the insulating layer. The types of electrical circuits that can be tested include integrated circuits, multi-chip modules, printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuits. 7 figs.

Capacitive charge generation apparatus and method for testing circuits

DOEpatents

Cole, Jr., Edward I.; Peterson, Kenneth A.; Barton, Daniel L.

1998-01-01

An electron beam apparatus and method for testing a circuit. The electron beam apparatus comprises an electron beam incident on an outer surface of an insulating layer overlying one or more electrical conductors of the circuit for generating a time varying or alternating current electrical potential on the surface; and a measurement unit connected to the circuit for measuring an electrical signal capacitively coupled to the electrical conductors to identify and map a conduction state of each of the electrical conductors, with or without an electrical bias signal being applied to the circuit. The electron beam apparatus can further include a secondary electron detector for forming a secondary electron image for registration with a map of the conduction state of the electrical conductors. The apparatus and method are useful for failure analysis or qualification testing to determine the presence of any open-circuits or short-circuits, and to verify the continuity or integrity of electrical conductors buried below an insulating layer thickness of 1-100 .mu.m or more without damaging or breaking down the insulating layer. The types of electrical circuits that can be tested include integrated circuits, multi-chip modules, printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuits.

Electrical swing adsorption gas storage and delivery system

DOEpatents

Judkins, R.R.; Burchell, T.D.

1999-06-15

Systems and methods for electrical swing natural gas adsorption are described. An apparatus includes a pressure vessel; an electrically conductive gas adsorptive material located within the pressure vessel; and an electric power supply electrically connected to said adsorptive material. The adsorptive material can be a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS). The systems and methods provide advantages in that both a high energy density and a high ratio of delivered to stored gas are provided. 5 figs.

Flexible, transparent electrodes using carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

We prepare thin single-walled carbon nanotube networks on a transparent and flexible substrate with different densities, using a very simple spray method. We measure the electric impedance at different frequencies Z(f) in the frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 GHz using two different methods: a two-probe method in the range up to 110 MHz and a coaxial (Corbino) method in the range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz. We measure the optical absorption and electrical conductivity in order to optimize the conditions for obtaining optimum performance films with both high electrical conductivity and transparency. We observe a square resistance of 1 to 8.5 kΩ for samples showing 65% to 85% optical transmittance, respectively. For some applications, we need flexibility and not transparency: for this purpose, we deposit a thick film of single-walled carbon nanotubes on a flexible silicone substrate by spray method from an aqueous suspension of carbon nanotubes in a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate), thereby obtaining a flexible conducting electrode showing an electrical resistance as low as 200 Ω/sq. When stretching up to 10% and 20%, the electrical resistance increases slightly, recovering the initial value for small elongations up to 10%. We analyze the stretched and unstretched samples by Raman spectroscopy and observe that the breathing mode on the Raman spectra is highly sensitive to stretching. The high-energy Raman modes do not change, which indicates that no defects are introduced when stretching. Using this method, flexible conducting films that may be transparent are obtained just by employing a very simple spray method and can be deposited on any type or shape of surface. PMID:23074999

Method of Fabricating a Composite Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkie, W. Keats (Inventor); Bryant, Robert G. (Inventor); Fox, Robert L. (Inventor); Hellbaum, Richard F. (Inventor); High, James W. (Inventor); Jalink, Antony, Jr. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A method for fabricating a piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator comprises making a piezoelectric fiber sheet by providing a plurality of wafers of piezoelectric material, bonding the wafers together with an adhesive material to from a stack of alternating layers of piezoelectric material and adhesive material, and cutting through the stack in a direction substantially parallel to the thickness of the stack and across the alternating layers of piezoelectric material and adhesive material to provide at least one piezoelectric fiber sheet having two sides comprising a plurality of piezoelectric fibers in juxtaposition to the adhesive material. The method further comprises bonding two electrically conductive films to the two sides of the piezoelectric fiber sheet. At least one conductive film has first and second conductive patterns formed thereon which are electrically isolated from one another and in electrical contact with the piezoelectric fiber sheet.

Effect of process parameters on microstructure and electrical conductivity during FSW of Al-6101 and Pure Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Nidhi; Khan, Zahid A.; Siddiquee, Arshad Noor; Shihab, Suha K.; Atif Wahid, Mohd

2018-04-01

Copper (Cu) is predominantly used material as a conducting element in electrical and electronic components due to its high conductivity. Aluminum (Al) being lighter in weight and more conductive on weight basis than that of Cu is able to replace or partially replace Cu to make lighter and cost effective electrical components. Conventional methods of joining Al to Cu, such as, fusion welding process have many shortcomings. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process which overcomes the shortcoming of the fusion welding. FSW parameters affect the mechanical and electrical properties of the joint. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different process parameters such as shoulder diameter, pin offset, welding and rotational speed on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of the dissimilar Al-Cu joint. FSW is performed using cylindrical pin profile, and four process parameters. Each parameter at different levels is varied according to Taguchi’s L18 standard orthogonal array. It is found that the electrical conductivity of the FSWed joints are equal to that of aluminum at all the welded sections. FSW is found to be an effective technique to join Al to Cu without compromising with the electrical properties. However, the electrical conductivity gets influenced by the process parameters in the stir zone. The optimal combination of the FSW parameters for maximum electrical conductivity is determined. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique applied on stir zone suggests that the rotational speed and tool pin offset are the significant parameters to influence the electrical conductivity.

Modeling of electric field distribution in tissues during electroporation

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Electroporation based therapies and treatments (e.g. electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer for gene therapy and DNA vaccination, tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation and transdermal drug delivery) require a precise prediction of the therapy or treatment outcome by a personalized treatment planning procedure. Numerical modeling of local electric field distribution within electroporated tissues has become an important tool in treatment planning procedure in both clinical and experimental settings. Recent studies have reported that the uncertainties in electrical properties (i.e. electric conductivity of the treated tissues and the rate of increase in electric conductivity due to electroporation) predefined in numerical models have large effect on electroporation based therapy and treatment effectiveness. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the increase in electric conductivity of tissues needs to be taken into account when modeling tissue response to the electroporation pulses and how it affects the local electric distribution within electroporated tissues. Methods We built 3D numerical models for single tissue (one type of tissue, e.g. liver) and composite tissue (several types of tissues, e.g. subcutaneous tumor). Our computer simulations were performed by using three different modeling approaches that are based on finite element method: inverse analysis, nonlinear parametric and sequential analysis. We compared linear (i.e. tissue conductivity is constant) model and non-linear (i.e. tissue conductivity is electric field dependent) model. By calculating goodness of fit measure we compared the results of our numerical simulations to the results of in vivo measurements. Results The results of our study show that the nonlinear models (i.e. tissue conductivity is electric field dependent: σ(E)) fit experimental data better than linear models (i.e. tissue conductivity is constant). This was found for both single tissue and composite tissue. Our results of electric field distribution modeling in linear model of composite tissue (i.e. in the subcutaneous tumor model that do not take into account the relationship σ(E)) showed that a very high electric field (above irreversible threshold value) was concentrated only in the stratum corneum while the target tumor tissue was not successfully treated. Furthermore, the calculated volume of the target tumor tissue exposed to the electric field above reversible threshold in the subcutaneous model was zero assuming constant conductivities of each tissue. Our results also show that the inverse analysis allows for identification of both baseline tissue conductivity (i.e. conductivity of non-electroporated tissue) and tissue conductivity vs. electric field (σ(E)) of electroporated tissue. Conclusion Our results of modeling of electric field distribution in tissues during electroporation show that the changes in electrical conductivity due to electroporation need to be taken into account when an electroporation based treatment is planned or investigated. We concluded that the model of electric field distribution that takes into account the increase in electric conductivity due to electroporation yields more precise prediction of successfully electroporated target tissue volume. The findings of our study can significantly contribute to the current development of individualized patient-specific electroporation based treatment planning. PMID:23433433

High voltage-derived enhancement of electric conduction in nanogap devices for detection of prostate-specific antigen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Hyung Ju; Chi, Young Shik; Choi, Insung S.; Yun, Wan Soo

2010-07-01

We report a simple method of enhancing electric conductance in nanogap devices without any additional treatments, such as silver-enhancing process. The low electric conductance after selective immobilization of biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles in the gap region was greatly enhanced by repeated I-V scans at relatively high voltage ranges of -5 to 5 V, which was attributed to the formation of a new conduction pathway across the gap. The higher conduction state of the nanogap device showed a very stable I-V curve, which was used as an excellent measure of the existence of prostate-specific antigen.

Electrical and Thermal Conductivity and Conduction Mechanism of Ge2Sb2Te5 Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Rui; Endo, Rie; Kuwahara, Masashi; Kobayashi, Yoshinao; Susa, Masahiro

2017-11-01

Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has drawn much attention due to its application in phase-change random-access memory and potential as a thermoelectric material. Electrical and thermal conductivity are important material properties in both applications. The aim of this work is to investigate the temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy and discuss the thermal conduction mechanism. The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy were measured from room temperature to 823 K by four-terminal and hot-strip method, respectively. With increasing temperature, the electrical resistivity increased while the thermal conductivity first decreased up to about 600 K then increased. The electronic component of the thermal conductivity was calculated from the Wiedemann-Franz law using the resistivity results. At room temperature, Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has large electronic thermal conductivity and low lattice thermal conductivity. Bipolar diffusion contributes more to the thermal conductivity with increasing temperature. The special crystallographic structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy accounts for the thermal conduction mechanism.

Electrical and Thermal Conductivity and Conduction Mechanism of Ge2Sb2Te5 Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Rui; Endo, Rie; Kuwahara, Masashi; Kobayashi, Yoshinao; Susa, Masahiro

2018-06-01

Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has drawn much attention due to its application in phase-change random-access memory and potential as a thermoelectric material. Electrical and thermal conductivity are important material properties in both applications. The aim of this work is to investigate the temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy and discuss the thermal conduction mechanism. The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy were measured from room temperature to 823 K by four-terminal and hot-strip method, respectively. With increasing temperature, the electrical resistivity increased while the thermal conductivity first decreased up to about 600 K then increased. The electronic component of the thermal conductivity was calculated from the Wiedemann-Franz law using the resistivity results. At room temperature, Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has large electronic thermal conductivity and low lattice thermal conductivity. Bipolar diffusion contributes more to the thermal conductivity with increasing temperature. The special crystallographic structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy accounts for the thermal conduction mechanism.

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

Usanov, D. A., E-mail: UsanovDA@info.sgu.ru; Nikitov, S. A.; Skripal, A. V.

A method is proposed for the measurement of the electrophysical characteristics of semiconductor structures: the electrical conductivity of the n layer, which plays the role of substrate for a semiconductor structure, and the thickness and electrical conductivity of the strongly doped epitaxial n{sup +} layer. The method is based on the use of a one-dimensional microwave photonic crystal with a violation of periodicity containing the semiconductor structure under investigation. The characteristics of epitaxial gallium-arsenide structures consisting of an epitaxial layer and the semi-insulating substrate measured by this method are presented.

Apparatus for improving performance of electrical insulating structures

DOEpatents

Wilson, Michael J.; Goerz, David A.

2004-08-31

Removing the electrical field from the internal volume of high-voltage structures; e.g., bushings, connectors, capacitors, and cables. The electrical field is removed from inherently weak regions of the interconnect, such as between the center conductor and the solid dielectric, and places it in the primary insulation. This is accomplished by providing a conductive surface on the inside surface of the principal solid dielectric insulator surrounding the center conductor and connects the center conductor to this conductive surface. The advantage of removing the electric fields from the weaker dielectric region to a stronger area improves reliability, increases component life and operating levels, reduces noise and losses, and allows for a smaller compact design. This electric field control approach is currently possible on many existing products at a modest cost. Several techniques are available to provide the level of electric field control needed. Choosing the optimum technique depends on material, size, and surface accessibility. The simplest deposition method uses a standard electroless plating technique, but other metalization techniques include vapor and energetic deposition, plasma spraying, conductive painting, and other controlled coating methods.

Apparatus for improving performance of electrical insulating structures

DOEpatents

Wilson, Michael J.; Goerz, David A.

2002-01-01

Removing the electrical field from the internal volume of high-voltage structures; e.g., bushings, connectors, capacitors, and cables. The electrical field is removed from inherently weak regions of the interconnect, such as between the center conductor and the solid dielectric, and places it in the primary insulation. This is accomplished by providing a conductive surface on the inside surface of the principal solid dielectric insulator surrounding the center conductor and connects the center conductor to this conductive surface. The advantage of removing the electric fields from the weaker dielectric region to a stronger area improves reliability, increases component life and operating levels, reduces noise and losses, and allows for a smaller compact design. This electric field control approach is currently possible on many existing products at a modest cost. Several techniques are available to provide the level of electric field control needed. Choosing the optimum technique depends on material, size, and surface accessibility. The simplest deposition method uses a standard electroless plating technique, but other metalization techniques include vapor and energetic deposition, plasma spraying, conductive painting, and other controlled coating methods.

Comparison of electrical conductivity calculation methods for natural waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCleskey, R. Blaine; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Ryan, Joseph N.

2012-01-01

The capability of eleven methods to calculate the electrical conductivity of a wide range of natural waters from their chemical composition was investigated. A brief summary of each method is presented including equations to calculate the conductivities of individual ions, the ions incorporated, and the method's limitations. The ability of each method to reliably predict the conductivity depends on the ions included, effective accounting of ion pairing, and the accuracy of the equation used to estimate the ionic conductivities. The performances of the methods were evaluated by calculating the conductivity of 33 environmentally important electrolyte solutions, 41 U.S. Geological Survey standard reference water samples, and 1593 natural water samples. The natural waters tested include acid mine waters, geothermal waters, seawater, dilute mountain waters, and river water impacted by municipal waste water. The three most recent conductivity methods predict the conductivity of natural waters better than other methods. Two of the recent methods can be used to reliably calculate the conductivity for samples with pH values greater than about 3 and temperatures between 0 and 40°C. One method is applicable to a variety of natural water types with a range of pH from 1 to 10, temperature from 0 to 95°C, and ionic strength up to 1 m.

Multi-Directional Environmental Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manohara, Harish (Inventor); Del Castillo, Linda Y. (Inventor); Mojarradi, Mohammed M. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement multi-directional environmental sensors. In one embodiment, a multi-directional environmental sensor includes: an inner conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; an outer conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; and a device that measures the electrical characteristics of the multi-directional environmental sensor, the device having a first terminal and a second terminal; where the inner conductive element is substantially enclosed within the outer conductive element; where the inner conductive element is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the device; and where the outer conductive element is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the device.

Characterization of electrical conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced plastic using surface potential distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikunaga, Kazuya; Terasaki, Nao

2018-04-01

A new method of evaluating electrical conductivity in a structural material such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) using surface potential is proposed. After the CFRP was charged by corona discharge, the surface potential distribution was measured by scanning a vibrating linear array sensor along the object surface with a high spatial resolution over a short duration. A correlation between the weave pattern of the CFRP and the surface potential distribution was observed. This result indicates that it is possible to evaluate the electrical conductivity of a material comprising conducting and insulating regions.

Enhancement of Electrical Conductivity in Multicomponent Nanocomposites.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Xiaojuan; Hui, Chao; Su, Ninghai; Liu, Feng

To date, very limited theoretical or numerical analyses have been carried out to understand the electrical percolation properties in multicomponent nanocomposite systems. In this work, a disk-stick percolation model was developed to investigate the electrical percolation behavior of an electrically insulating matrix reinforced with one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) conductors via Monte Carlo simulation. The effective electrical conductivity was evaluated through Kirchhoff's current law by transforming it into an equivalent resistor network. The percolation threshold, equivalent resistance and conductivity were obtained from the distribution of nodal voltages by solving a system of linear equations with Gaussian elimination method. The effects of size, aspect ratio, relative concentration and contact patterns of 1D/2D inclusions on conductivity performance were examined. Our model is able to predict the electrical percolation threshold and evaluate the conductivity for hybrid systems with multiple components. The results suggest that carbon-based nanocomposites can have a high potential for applications where favorable electrical properties and low specific weight are required. We acknowledge the financial support from DOE-BES (No. DE-FG02-04ER46148).

A method for calibrating pH meters using standard solutions with low electrical conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodionov, A. K.

2011-07-01

A procedure for obtaining standard solutions with low electrical conductivity that reproduce pH values both in acid and alkali regions is proposed. Estimates of the maximal possible error of reproducing the pH values of these solutions are obtained.

Electrical and optical performance of transparent conducting oxide films deposited by electrostatic spray assisted vapour deposition.

PubMed

Hou, Xianghui; Choy, Kwang-Leong; Liu, Jun-Peng

2011-09-01

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films have the remarkable combination of high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. There is always a strong motivation to produce TCO films with good performance at low cost. Electrostatic Spray Assisted Vapor Deposition (ESAVD), as a variant of chemical vapour deposition (CVD), is a non-vacuum and low-cost deposition method. Several types of TCO films have been deposited using ESAVD process, including indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). This paper reports the electrical and optical properties of TCO films produced by ESAVD methods, as well as the effects of post treatment by plasma hydrogenation on these TCO films. The possible mechanisms involved during plasma hydrogenation of TCO films are also discussed. Reduction and etching effect during plasma hydrogenation are the most important factors which determine the optical and electrical performance of TCO films.

Microbial community structure in a shallow hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer associated with high electrical conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duris, J. W.; Rossbach, S.; Atekwana, E. A.; Werkema, D., Jr.

2003-04-01

Little is known about the complex interactions between microbial communities and electrical properties in contaminated aquifers. In order to investigate possible connections between these parameters a study was undertaken to investigate the hypothesis that the degradation of hydrocarbons by resident microbial communities causes a local increase in organic acid concentrations, which in turn cause an increase in native mineral weathering and a concurrent increase in the bulk electrical conductivity of soil. Microbial community structure was analyzed using a 96-well most probable number (MPN) method and rDNA intergenic spacer region analysis (RISA). Microbial community structure was found to change in the presence of hydrocarbon contaminants and these changes were consistently observed in regions of high electrical conductivity. We infer from this relationship that geophysical methods for monitoring the subsurface are a promising new technology for monitoring changes in microbial community structure and simultaneous changes in geochemistry that are associated with hydrocarbon degradation.

Electrical Transport Properties of Single-Crystalline β-Zn4Sb3 Prepared Through the Zn-Sn Mixed-Flux Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongxia; Deng, Shuping; Shen, Lanxian; Wang, Jinsong; Feng, Cheng; Deng, Shukang

2017-03-01

β-Zn4Sb3 is a promising p-type thermoelectric material for utilization in moderate temperatures. This study prepares a group of single-crystalline β-Zn4Sb3 samples using the Zn-Sn mixed-flux method based on the stoichiometric ratios of Zn4+ x Sb3Sn y . The effect of Zn-to-Sn proportion in the flux on the structure and electrical transport properties is investigated. All samples are strip-shaped single crystals of different sizes. The actual Zn content of the present samples is improved (>3.9) compared with that of the samples prepared through the Sn flux method. Larger lattice parameters are also obtained. The carrier concentration of all the samples is in the order of over 1019 cm-3. With increasing Sn rate in the flux, this carrier concentration decreases, whereas mobility is significantly enhanced. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficients of all the samples exhibit a behavior that of a degenerate semiconductor transport. Electrical conductivity initially increases and then decreases as the Sn ratio in the flux increases. The electrical conductivity of the x: y = 5:1 sample reaches 6.45 × 104 S m-1 at 300 K. Benefitting from the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, the flux proportion of the x: y = 7:1 sample finally achieves the highest power factor value of 1.4 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 598 K.

Localized electrical fine tuning of passive microwave and radio frequency devices

DOEpatents

Findikoglu, Alp T.

2001-04-10

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

Using independent component analysis for electrical impedance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Peimin; Mo, Yulong

2004-05-01

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a way to resolve signals into independent components based on the statistical characteristics of the signals. It is a method for factoring probability densities of measured signals into a set of densities that are as statistically independent as possible under the assumptions of a linear model. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is used to detect variations of the electric conductivity of the human body. Because there are variations of the conductivity distributions inside the body, EIT presents multi-channel data. In order to get all information contained in different location of tissue it is necessary to image the individual conductivity distribution. In this paper we consider to apply ICA to EIT on the signal subspace (individual conductivity distribution). Using ICA the signal subspace will then be decomposed into statistically independent components. The individual conductivity distribution can be reconstructed by the sensitivity theorem in this paper. Compute simulations show that the full information contained in the multi-conductivity distribution will be obtained by this method.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric Composite Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkie, W. Keats (Inventor); Bryant, Robert (Inventor); Fox, Robert L. (Inventor); Hellbaum, Richard F. (Inventor); High, James W. (Inventor); Jalink, Antony, Jr. (Inventor); Little, Bruce D. (Inventor); Mirick, Paul H. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A method for fabricating a piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator comprises providing a piezoelectric material that has two sides and attaching one side upon an adhesive backing sheet. The method further comprises slicing the piezoelectric material to provide a plurality of piezoelectric fibers in juxtaposition. A conductive film is then adhesively bonded to the other side of the piezoelectric material, and the adhesive backing sheet is removed. The conductive film has first and second conductive patterns formed thereon which are electrically isolated from one another and in electrical contact with the piezoelectric material. The first and second conductive patterns of the conductive film each have a plurality of electrodes to form a pattern of interdigitated electrodes. A second film is then bonded to the other side of the piezoelectric material. The second film may have a pair of conductive patterns similar to the conductive patterns of the first film.

Solution-Based Electro-Orientation Spectroscopy (EOS) for Contactless Measurement of Semiconductor Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Wuhan; Mohabir, Amar; Tutuncuoglu, Gozde; Filler, Michael; Feldman, Leonard; Shan, Jerry

2017-11-01

Solution-based, contactless methods for determining the electrical conductivity of nanowires and nanotubes have unique advantages over conventional techniques in terms of high throughput and compatibility with further solution-based processing and assembly methods. Here, we describe the solution-based electro-orientation spectroscopy (EOS) method, in which nanowire conductivity is measured from the AC-electric-field-induced alignment rate of the nanowire in a suspending fluid. The particle conductivity is determined from the measured crossover frequency between conductivity-dominated, low-frequency alignment to the permittivity-dominated, high-frequency regime. We discuss the extension of the EOS measurement range by an order-of-magnitude, taking advantage of the high dielectric constant of deionized water. With water and other fluids, we demonstrate that EOS can quantitatively characterize the electrical conductivities of nanowires over a 7-order-of-magnitude range, 10-5 to 102 S/m. We highlight the efficiency and utility of EOS for nanomaterial characterization by statistically characterizing the variability of semiconductor nanowires of the same nominal composition, and studying the connection between synthesis parameters and properties. NSF CBET-1604931.

Investigation of organic adhesives for hybrid microcircuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perkins, K. L.; Licari, J. J.

1975-01-01

The properties of organic adhesives were investigated to acquire information for a guideline document regarding the selection of adhesives for use in high reliability hybrid microcircuits. Specifically, investigations were made of (1) alternate methods for determining the outgassing of cured adhesives, (2) effects of long term aging at 150 C on the electrical properties of conductive adhesives, (3) effects of shelf life age on adhesive characteristics, (4) bond strengths of electrically conductive adhesives on thick film gold metallization, (5) a copper filled adhesive, (6) effects of products outgassed from cured adhesives on device electrical parameters, (7) metal migration from electrically conductive adhesives, and (8) ionic content of electrically insulative adhesives. The tests performed during these investigations are described, and the results obtained are discussed.

Determination of water saturation using gas phase partitioning tracers and time-lapse electrical conductivity measurements

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

Johnson, Timothy C.; Oostrom, Martinus; Truex, Michael J.

2013-05-21

Water saturation is an important indicator of contaminant distribution and plays a governing role in contaminant transport within the vadose zone. Understanding the water saturation distribution is critical for both remediation and contaminant flux monitoring in unsaturated environments. In this work we propose and demonstrate a method of remotely determining water saturation levels using gas phase partitioning tracers and time-lapse bulk electrical conductivity measurements. The theoretical development includes the partitioning chemistry for the tracers we demonstrate (ammonia and carbon dioxide), as well as a review of the petrophysical relationship governing how these tracers influence bulk conductivity. We also investigate methodsmore » of utilizing secondary information provided by electrical conductivity breakthrough magnitudes induced by the tracers. We test the method on clean, well characterized, intermediate-scale sand columns under controlled conditions. Results demonstrate the capability to predict partitioning coefficients and accurately monitor gas breakthrough curves along the length of the column according to the corresponding electrical conductivity response, leading to accurate water saturation estimates. This work is motivated by the need to develop effective characterization and monitoring techniques for contaminated deep vadose zone environments, and provides a proof-of-concept toward uniquely characterizing and monitoring water saturation levels at the field scale and in three-dimensions using electrical resistivity tomography.« less

High-Temperature Electrical Insulation Behavior of Alumina Films Prepared at Room Temperature by Aerosol Deposition and Influence of Annealing Process and Powder Impurities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Michael; Leupold, Nico; Exner, Jörg; Kita, Jaroslaw; Moos, Ralf

2018-04-01

Alumina (Al2O3) is a widely used material for highly insulating films due to its very low electrical conductivity, even at high temperatures. Typically, alumina films have to be sintered far above 1200 °C, which precludes the coating of lower melting substrates. The aerosol deposition method (ADM), however, is a promising method to manufacture ceramic films at room temperature directly from the ceramic raw powder. In this work, alumina films were deposited by ADM on a three-electrode setup with guard ring and the electrical conductivity was measured between 400 and 900 °C by direct current measurements according to ASTM D257 or IEC 60093. The effects of film annealing and of zirconia impurities in the powder on the electrical conductivity were investigated. The conductivity values of the ADM films correlate well with literature data and can even be improved by annealing at 900 °C from 4.5 × 10-12 S/cm before annealing up to 5.6 × 10-13 S/cm after annealing (measured at 400 °C). The influence of zirconia impurities is very low as the conductivity is only slightly elevated. The ADM-processed films show a very good insulation behavior represented by an even lower electrical conductivity than conventional alumina substrates as they are commercially available for thick-film technology.

Electrically conductive doped block copolymer of polyacetylene and polyisoprene

DOEpatents

Aldissi, Mahmoud

1985-01-01

An electrically conductive block copolymer of polyisoprene and polyacetyl and a method of making the same are disclosed. The polymer is prepared by first polymerizing isoprene with n-butyllithium in a toluene solution to form an active isoprenyllithium polymer. The active polymer is reacted with an equimolar amount of titanium butoxide and subsequently exposed to gaseous acetylene. A block copolymer of polyisoprene and polyacetylene is formed. The copolymer is soluble in common solvents and may be doped with I.sub.2 to give it an electrical conductivity in the metallic regime.

Accelerating acquisition strategies for low-frequency conductivity imaging using MREIT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yizhuang; Seo, Jin Keun; Chauhan, Munish; Indahlastari, Aprinda; Ashok Kumar, Neeta; Sadleir, Rosalind

2018-02-01

We sought to improve efficiency of magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography data acquisition so that fast conductivity changes or electric field variations could be monitored. Undersampling of k-space was used to decrease acquisition times in spin-echo-based sequences by a factor of two. Full MREIT data were reconstructed using continuity assumptions and preliminary scans gathered without current. We found that phase data were reconstructed faithfully from undersampled data. Conductivity reconstructions of phantom data were also possible. Therefore, undersampled k-space methods can potentially be used to accelerate MREIT acquisition. This method could be an advantage in imaging real-time conductivity changes with MREIT.

Electrical device fabrication from nanotube formations

DOEpatents

Nicholas, Nolan Walker; Kittrell, W. Carter; Kim, Myung Jong; Schmidt, Howard K.

2013-03-12

A method for forming nanotube electrical devices, arrays of nanotube electrical devices, and device structures and arrays of device structures formed by the methods. Various methods of the present invention allow creation of semiconducting and/or conducting devices from readily grown SWNT carpets rather than requiring the preparation of a patterned growth channel and takes advantage of the self-controlling nature of these carpet heights to ensure a known and controlled channel length for reliable electronic properties as compared to the prior methods.

Experimental evaluation of electrical conductivity imaging of anisotropic brain tissues using a combination of diffusion tensor imaging and magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography

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

Sajib, Saurav Z. K.; Jeong, Woo Chul; Oh, Tong In

Anisotropy of biological tissues is a low-frequency phenomenon that is associated with the function and structure of cell membranes. Imaging of anisotropic conductivity has potential for the analysis of interactions between electromagnetic fields and biological systems, such as the prediction of current pathways in electrical stimulation therapy. To improve application to the clinical environment, precise approaches are required to understand the exact responses inside the human body subjected to the stimulated currents. In this study, we experimentally evaluate the anisotropic conductivity tensor distribution of canine brain tissues, using a recently developed diffusion tensor-magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography method. At lowmore » frequency, electrical conductivity of the biological tissues can be expressed as a product of the mobility and concentration of ions in the extracellular space. From diffusion tensor images of the brain, we can obtain directional information on diffusive movements of water molecules, which correspond to the mobility of ions. The position dependent scale factor, which provides information on ion concentration, was successfully calculated from the magnetic flux density, to obtain the equivalent conductivity tensor. By combining the information from both techniques, we can finally reconstruct the anisotropic conductivity tensor images of brain tissues. The reconstructed conductivity images better demonstrate the enhanced signal intensity in strongly anisotropic brain regions, compared with those resulting from previous methods using a global scale factor.« less

Study of temperature dependent electrical properties of Se80-xTe20Bix (x = 0, 3, 6) glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deepika, Singh, Hukum

2018-05-01

This paper reports the variation in electrical properties of Se80-xTe20Bix (x = 0, 3, 6) glasses studied at different temperatures. The amorphous samples were prepared using the melt quenching method and the electrical measurements were performed on Keithley Electrometer in the temperature ranging from 298-373 K. The I-V characteristics were noted at different temperatures and the data obtained was analysed to get dc electrical conductivity and activation energy of electrical conduction. Further, Mott's 3D VRH model has been applied to obtain density of states, hopping range and hopping energy at different temperatures. The obtained results show that dc electrical conductivity increases with increase in Bi composition in Se-Te system. These compositions also show close agreement to Mott's VRH model.

Myocardial electrical conduction blockade time dominated by irradiance on photodynamic reaction: in vitro and in silico study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Emiyu; Arai, Tsunenori

2018-02-01

The time for electrical conduction blockade induced by a photodynamic reaction was studied on a myocardial cell wire in vitro and an in silico simulation model was constructed to understand the necessary time for electrical conduction blockade for the wire. Vulnerable state of the cells on a laser interaction would be an unstable and undesirable state since the cells might progress to completely damaged or repaired to change significantly therapeutic effect. So that in silico model, which can calculate the vulnerable cell state, is needed. Understanding an immediate electrical conduction blockade is needed for our proposed new methodology for tachyarrhythmia catheter ablation applying a photodynamic reaction. We studied the electrical conduction blockade occurrence on the electrical conduction wire made of cultured myocardial cells in a line shape and constructed in silico model based on this experimental data. The intracellular Ca2+ ion concentrations were obtained using Fluo-4 AM dye under a confocal laser microscope. A cross-correlation function was used for the electrical conduction blockade judgment. The photodynamic reaction was performed under the confocal microscopy with 3-120 mW/cm2 in irradiance by the diode laser with 663 nm in wavelength. We obtained that the time for the electrical conduction blockade decreased with the irradiance increasing. We constructed a simulation model composed of three states; living cells, vulnerable cells, and blocked cells, using the obtained experimental data and we found the rate constant by an optimization using a conjugate gradient method.

Simultaneous measurement of electrical and thermal conductivities of suspended monolayer graphene

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

Wang, Haidong; Kurata, Kosaku; Fukunaga, Takanobu

2016-06-28

We measured both in-plane electrical and thermal properties of the same suspended monolayer graphene using a novel T-type sensor method. At room temperature, the values are about 240 000 Ω{sup −1} m{sup −1} and 2100 W m{sup −1} K{sup −1} for the electrical and thermal conductivities, respectively. Based on the Wiedemann-Franz law, the electrons have negligible contribution to the thermal conductivity of graphene, while the in-plane LA and TA modes phonons are the dominant heat carriers. In monolayer graphene, the absence of layer-layer and layer-substrate interactions enhances the contribution of long wave-length phonons to the heat transport and increases the thermal conductivity accordingly. The reportedmore » method and experimental data of suspended monolayer graphene are useful for understanding the basic physics and designing the future graphene electronic devices.« less

Fabrication of Conductive Macroporous Structures Through Nano-phase Separation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Soohyun; Lee, Hyunjung

2018-03-01

Thermoelectric power generation performance is characterized on the basis of the figure of merit, which tends to be high in thermoelectric materials with high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity. Porous structures cause phonon scattering, which decreases thermal conductivity. In this study, we fabricated porous structures for thermoelectric devices via nano-phase separation of silica particles from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix via a sol-gel process. The porosity was determined by control of silica particle size with various the mixing ratio of tetraethylorthosilicate as the precursor of silica particles to PAN. High electrical conductivity was maintained by subsequent carbonization of the PAN matrix in spited of a high porosity. As the results, the conductive porous structures having porosity from 13.9 to 83.3 (%) was successfully fabricated, keeping their electrical conductivities.

Effects of Electric Discharge Plasma Treatment on the Thermal Conductivity of Polymer-Metal Nitride/Carbide Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parali, Levent; Kurbanov, Mirza A.; Bayramov, Azad A.; Tatardar, Farida N.; Sultanakhmedova, Ramazanova I.; Xanlar, Huseynova Gulnara

2015-11-01

High-density polymer composites with semiconductor or dielectric fillers such as aluminum nitride (AIN), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium carbide (TiC), titanium nitride (TiN), boron nitride (BN), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and titanium carbonitride (TiCN) were prepared by the hot pressing method. Each powder phase of the composites was exposed to an electric discharge plasma process before composite formation. The effects of the electric discharge plasma process and the filler content (volume fraction) on the thermal conductivity, volt-ampere characteristics, thermally stimulated depolarization current, as well as electrical and mechanical strength were investigated. The results of the study indicate that, with increasing filler volume fraction, the thermal conductivity of the samples also increased. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity, and electrophysical and mechanical properties of the high-density polyethylene + 70% BN composite modified using the electric discharge plasma showed improvement when compared with that without electric discharge plasma treatment.

Bioelectrical Impedance Methods for Noninvasive Health Monitoring: A Review

PubMed Central

Bera, Tushar Kanti

2014-01-01

Under the alternating electrical excitation, biological tissues produce a complex electrical impedance which depends on tissue composition, structures, health status, and applied signal frequency, and hence the bioelectrical impedance methods can be utilized for noninvasive tissue characterization. As the impedance responses of these tissue parameters vary with frequencies of the applied signal, the impedance analysis conducted over a wide frequency band provides more information about the tissue interiors which help us to better understand the biological tissues anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Over past few decades, a number of impedance based noninvasive tissue characterization techniques such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrical impedance plethysmography (IPG), impedance cardiography (ICG), and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) have been proposed and a lot of research works have been conducted on these methods for noninvasive tissue characterization and disease diagnosis. In this paper BIA, EIS, IPG, ICG, and EIT techniques and their applications in different fields have been reviewed and technical perspective of these impedance methods has been presented. The working principles, applications, merits, and demerits of these methods has been discussed in detail along with their other technical issues followed by present status and future trends. PMID:27006932

Evidence-Based Systematic Review: Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Swallowing and Neural Activation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Heather; Lazarus, Cathy; Arvedson, Joan; Schooling, Tracy; Frymark, Tobi

2009-01-01

Purpose: To systematically review the literature examining the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on swallowing and neural activation. The review was conducted as part of a series examining the effects of oral motor exercises (OMEs) on speech, swallowing, and neural activation. Method: A systematic search was conducted to…

Thermophysical Properties and Structural Transition of Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te Melt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Scripa, R. N.; Ban, H.; Lin, B.; Su, C.; Lehoczky, S. L.

2004-01-01

Thermophysical properties, namely, density, viscosity, and electrical conductivity of Hg(sub o.8)Cd(sub 0.2)Te melt were measured as a function of temperature. A pycnometric method was used to measure the melt density in the temperature range of 1072 to 1122 K. The viscosity and electrical conductivity were simultaneously determined using a transient torque method from 1068 to 1132 K. The density result from this study is within 0.3% of the published data. However, the current viscosity result is approximately 30% lower than the existing data. The electrical conductivity of Hg(sub o.8)Cd(sub 0.2)Te melt as a function of temperature, which is not available in the literature, is also determined. The analysis of the temperature dependent electrical conductivity and the relationship between the kinematic viscosity and density indicated that the structure of the melt appeared to be homogeneous when the temperature was above 1090 K. A structural transition occurred in the Hg(sub 0.8)Cd(0.2)Te melt as the temperature was decreased from 1090 K to the liquidus temperature.

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Nb-doped SrTiO3 by nano-inclusion with low thermal conductivity

PubMed Central

Wang, Ning; Chen, Haijun; He, Hongcai; Norimatsu, Wataru; Kusunoki, Michiko; Koumoto, Kunihito

2013-01-01

Authors reported an effective path to increase the electrical conductivity while to decrease the thermal conductivity, and thus to enhance the ZT value by nano-inclusions. By this method, the ZT value of Nb-doped SrTiO3 was enhanced 9-fold by yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nano-inclusions. YSZ inclusions, located inside grain and in triple junction, can reduce the thermal conductivity by effective interface phonon scattering, enhance the electrical conductivity by promoting the abnormal grain growth, and thus lead to the obvious enhancement of ZT value, which strongly suggests that, it is possible to not only reduce the thermal conductivity, but also increase the electrical conductivity by nano-inclusions with low thermal conductivity. This study will give some useful enlightenment to the preparation of high-performance oxide thermoelectric materials. PMID:24316665

Synthesis and characterization of electrical conducting porous carbon structures based on resorcinol-formaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najeh, I.; Ben Mansour, N.; Mbarki, M.; Houas, A.; Nogier, J. Ph.; El Mir, L.

2009-10-01

Electrical conducting carbon (ECC) porous structures were explored by changing the pyrolysis temperature of organic xerogel compounds prepared by sol-gel method from resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) mixtures in acetone using picric acid as catalyst. The effect of this preparation parameter on the structural and electrical properties of the obtained ECCs was studied. The analysis of the obtained results revealed that the polymeric insulating xerogel phase was transformed progressively with pyrolysis temperature into carbon conducting phase; this means the formation of long continuous conducting path for charge carriers to move inside the structure with thermal treatment and the samples exhibited tangible percolation behaviour where the percolation threshold can be determined by pyrolysis temperature. The temperature-dependent conductivity of the obtained ECC structures shows a semi-conducting behaviour and the I( V) characteristics present a negative differential resistance. The results obtained from STM micrographs revealed that the obtained ECC structures consist of porous electrical conducting carbon materials.

Polymer composites with graphene nanofillers: electrical properties and applications.

PubMed

Tjong, Sie Chin

2014-02-01

Graphene with extraordinary high elastic modulus and excellent electrical conductivity has good prospects for use as the filler material for fabricating novel polymer composites designed for electrostatic discharge and EMI shielding protection, field emission, gas sensor, and fuel cell applications. Large amounts of graphene oxide (GO) can be obtained by wet chemical oxidation of graphite into a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid, sodium nitrate and potassium permanganate. Accordingly, carbon atoms in the basal plane and edges of GO are decorated with oxygenated functional groups, forming an electrical insulator. To restore electrical conductivity, chemical reduction or thermal annealing is needed to eliminate oxygenated groups of GO. However, such treatments induce internal defects and remove oxygenated atoms of GO partially. The remnant-oxygenated groups affect electrical conductivity of graphene greatly. Nevertheless, reduced graphene oxide and thermally reduced graphene oxide are sufficiently conductive to form polymer nanocomposites at very low percolation threshold. This review provides the fundamentals and state-of-the-art developments in the fabrication methods and electrical property characterizations as well as the applications of novel graphene/polymer nanocomposites. Particular attention is paid to their processing-structural-electrical property relationships.

On the value of incorporating spatial statistics in large-scale geophysical inversions: the SABRe case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kokkinaki, A.; Sleep, B. E.; Chambers, J. E.; Cirpka, O. A.; Nowak, W.

2010-12-01

Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) is a popular method for investigating subsurface heterogeneity. The method relies on measuring electrical potential differences and obtaining, through inverse modeling, the underlying electrical conductivity field, which can be related to hydraulic conductivities. The quality of site characterization strongly depends on the utilized inversion technique. Standard ERT inversion methods, though highly computationally efficient, do not consider spatial correlation of soil properties; as a result, they often underestimate the spatial variability observed in earth materials, thereby producing unrealistic subsurface models. Also, these methods do not quantify the uncertainty of the estimated properties, thus limiting their use in subsequent investigations. Geostatistical inverse methods can be used to overcome both these limitations; however, they are computationally expensive, which has hindered their wide use in practice. In this work, we compare a standard Gauss-Newton smoothness constrained least squares inversion method against the quasi-linear geostatistical approach using the three-dimensional ERT dataset of the SABRe (Source Area Bioremediation) project. The two methods are evaluated for their ability to: a) produce physically realistic electrical conductivity fields that agree with the wide range of data available for the SABRe site while being computationally efficient, and b) provide information on the spatial statistics of other parameters of interest, such as hydraulic conductivity. To explore the trade-off between inversion quality and computational efficiency, we also employ a 2.5-D forward model with corrections for boundary conditions and source singularities. The 2.5-D model accelerates the 3-D geostatistical inversion method. New adjoint equations are developed for the 2.5-D forward model for the efficient calculation of sensitivities. Our work shows that spatial statistics can be incorporated in large-scale ERT inversions to improve the inversion results without making them computationally prohibitive.

Unavoidable electric current caused by inhomogeneities and its influence on measured material parameters of thermoelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, K.; Song, H. P.; Gao, C. F.

2018-03-01

It is well known that the key factor determining the performance of thermoelectric materials is the figure of merit, which depends on the thermal conductivity (TC), electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient (SC). The electric current must be zero when measuring the TC and SC to avoid the occurrence of measurement errors. In this study, the complex-variable method is used to analyze the thermoelectric field near an elliptic inhomogeneity in an open circuit, and the field distributions are obtained in closed form. Our analysis shows that an electric current inevitably exists in both the matrix and the inhomogeneity even though the circuit is open. This unexpected electric current seriously affects the accuracy with which the TC and SC are measured. These measurement errors, both overall and local, are analyzed in detail. In addition, an error correction method is proposed based on the analytical results.

A study of the electrical properties of carbon nanofiber polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardoso, Paulo Jorge Magalhaes

The interest of industry on using carbon nanofibers (CNF) as a possible alternative to carbon nanotubes (CNT) to produce polymer based composites is due to their lower price, the ability to be produced in large amounts and the their usefulness as a reinforcement filler in order to improve the matrix properties such as mechanical, thermal and electrical. Polymers like epoxy resins already have good-to-excellent properties and an extensive range of applications, but the reinforcement with fillers like CNF, which has high aspect ratio (AR) and surface energy, has the potential to extend the range of applications. The Van der Waals interactions between nanofillers, such as CNF, promote the clustering effect which affects their dispersion in the polymer and may interfere with some properties of the nanocomposites. In this sense, it is very important to use appropriate dispersion methods which are able to disentangle the nanofillers to a certain degree, but avoiding the reduction of the nanofibers AR as much as possible. In fact, the methods and conditions of nanocomposites processing have also influence on the filler orientation, dispersion, distribution and aspect ratio. To the present day, there is a lack of complete information in the literature about the relation between structure and properties, in particular electrical properties, for polymer nanocomposites. The main objective of this work is to study the electrical properties of composites based on CNF and epoxy resin using production methods which can be easily implemented in industrial environments and that provide different dispersion levels, investigating therefore the relationship between dispersion level and electrical response. Some of the requirements for such methods are the adaptability to the industrial processes and facilities which allow large scale productions and provide a good relation between quality and cost of the composite materials. In this work, morphological, electrical and electromechanical studies were performed in epoxy resin composites with vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNF). First, the electrical properties of VGCNF/epoxy resin composites produced with a simple method were studied. Then, it was investigated the relation between the electrical properties and the dispersion level of VGCNF/epoxy composites produced with different methods, which were selected to provide different levels of dispersion.The level of nanofiber dispersion of the composites produced with the different methods and filler contents was analyzed by transmission optical microscopy (TOM) and greyscale analysis (GSA) and then compared to the electrical conductivity measurements. After this study, the influence of different methods of VGCNF dispersion on the electrical conduction mechanism of the composites was investigated. Then, these composites were submitted to electromechanical tests in order to apply them as piezoresistive sensors. The last study of this work was dedicated to an initial comparison between the epoxy composites with VGCNG and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), in terms of electrical and morphological properties. As the main outcomes of the present work, it can be concluded that a better cluster dispersion seems to be more suitable than good filler dispersion for achieving larger electrical conductivities and lower percolation thresholds. It is also concluded that hopping conductivity is a relevant mechanism for determining the overall conductivity of the composites and that the CNF/epoxy composites are appropriate materials for piezoresistive sensors in particular at concentrations close to the percolation threshold.

Transdermal delivery of therapeutic agent

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kwiatkowski, Krzysztof C. (Inventor); Hayes, Ryan T. (Inventor); Magnuson, James W. (Inventor); Giletto, Anthony (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A device for the transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent to a biological subject that includes a first electrode comprising a first array of electrically conductive microprojections for providing electrical communication through a skin portion of the subject to a second electrode comprising a second array of electrically conductive microprojections. Additionally, a reservoir for holding the therapeutic agent surrounding the first electrode and a pulse generator for providing an exponential decay pulse between the first and second electrodes may be provided. A method includes the steps of piercing a stratum corneum layer of skin with two arrays of conductive microprojections, encapsulating the therapeutic agent into biocompatible charged carriers, surrounding the conductive microprojections with the therapeutic agent, generating an exponential decay pulse between the two arrays of conductive microprojections to create a non-uniform electrical field and electrokinetically driving the therapeutic agent through the stratum corneum layer of skin.

Programmable nanometer-scale electrolytic metal deposition and depletion

DOEpatents

Lee, James Weifu [Oak Ridge, TN; Greenbaum, Elias [Oak Ridge, TN

2002-09-10

A method of nanometer-scale deposition of a metal onto a nanostructure includes the steps of: providing a substrate having thereon at least two electrically conductive nanostructures spaced no more than about 50 .mu.m apart; and depositing metal on at least one of the nanostructures by electric field-directed, programmable, pulsed electrolytic metal deposition. Moreover, a method of nanometer-scale depletion of a metal from a nanostructure includes the steps of providing a substrate having thereon at least two electrically conductive nanostructures spaced no more than about 50 .mu.m apart, at least one of the nanostructures having a metal disposed thereon; and depleting at least a portion of the metal from the nanostructure by electric field-directed, programmable, pulsed electrolytic metal depletion. A bypass circuit enables ultra-finely controlled deposition.

Preparation, characterization, and surface conductivity of nanocomposites with hollow graphitic carbon nanospheres as fillers in polymethylmethacrylate matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cheng; Gao, Qingshan; Zhou, Bing; Bhargava, Gaurang

2017-08-01

Hollow graphitized carbon nanosphere (CNS) materials with inner diameter of 20 to 50 nm and shell thickness of 10 15 nm were synthesized from the polymerization of resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) in the presence of a well-characterized iron polymeric complex (IPC). The CNS with unique nanostructures was used to fabricate CNS-polymer composites by dispersing CNS as fillers in the polymer matrix. Aggregation of CNS in polymer composites is usually a challenging issue. In this work, we employed in situ polymerization method and melt-mixing method to fabricate CNS-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composites and compared their difference in terms of CNS dispersion in the composites and surface electrical conductivity. Four probes technique was utilized to measure the surface electrical conductivity of the CNS-PMMA composites. The measurements on four points and four silver painted lines on the thin film of CNS-PMMA composites were compared. The in situ polymerization method was found more efficient for better CNS dispersion in PMMA matrix and lower percolation conductivity threshold compared to the melt-mixing method. The enhanced electrical conductivity for CNS-PMMA composites may be attributed to the stronger covalent CNS-PMMA bonding between the surface functional groups and the MMA moieties.

Equivalent complex conductivities representing the effects of T-tubules and folded surface membranes on the electrical admittance and impedance of skeletal muscles measured by external-electrode method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekine, Katsuhisa

2017-12-01

In order to represent the effects of T-tubules and folded surface membranes on the electrical admittance and impedance of skeletal muscles measured by the external-electrode method, analytical relations for the equivalent complex conductivities of hypothetical smooth surface membranes were derived. In the relations, the effects of each tubule were represented by the admittance of a straight cable. The effects of the folding of a surface membrane were represented by the increased area of surface membranes. The equivalent complex conductivities were represented as summation of these effects, and the effects of the T-tubules were different between the transversal and longitudinal directions. The validity of the equivalent complex conductivities was supported by the results of finite-difference method (FDM) calculations made using three-dimensional models in which T-tubules and folded surface membranes were represented explicitly. FDM calculations using the equivalent complex conductivities suggested that the electrically inhomogeneous structure due to the existence of muscle cells with T-tubules was sufficient for explaining the experimental results previously obtained using the external-electrode method. Results of FDM calculations in which the structural changes caused by muscle contractions were taken into account were consistent with the reported experimental results.

Investigation of vibration characteristics of electric motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakshis, A. K.; Tamoshyunas, Y. K.

1973-01-01

The vibration characteristics of electric motors were analyzed using mathematical statistics methods. The equipment used and the method of conducting the test are described. Curves are developed to show the visualization of the electric motor vibrations in the vertical direction. Additional curves are included to show the amplitude-phase frequency characteristic of dynamic rotor-housing vibrations at the first lug and the same data for the second lug of the electric motor. Mathematical models were created to show the transmission function of the dynamic rotor housing system.

Electrically conductive doped block copolymer of polyacetylene and polyisoprene. [Soluble in organic solvents

DOEpatents

Aldissi, M.

1984-06-27

An electrically conductive block copolymer of polyisoprene and polyacetylene and a method of making the same are disclosed. The polymer is prepared by first polymerizing isoprene with n-butyllithium in a toluene solution to form an active isoprenyllithium polymer. The active polymer is reacted with an equimolar amount of titanium butoxide and subsequently exposed to gaseous acetylene. A block copolymer of polyisoprene and polyacetylene is formed. The copolymer is soluble in common solvents and may be doped with I/sub 2/ to give it an electrical conductivity in the metallic regime.

Fundamental Aspects on Conductive Textiles Implemented in Intelligent System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manea, L. R.; Hristian, L.; Ene, D.; Amariei, N.; Popa, A.

2017-06-01

Conductive fibers, which are electrically conductive elements having the structure of a fiber, have a fairly long history and have been used for applications in electronic textiles as well as for aesthetics, anti-static and shielding purposes. Electrically conducting textile fibers, such as gold-coated threads, were produced in antiquity for aesthetic purposes, before the discovery of electricity, using various manufacturing methods. The textile intelligent systems, which comprise conducting textile structures (electroconducting wires or structures), present a dynamic behavior which favors the self regulation of the thermal insulation and vapor permeability with the purpose to maintain the thermo-physiological balance; the clothing assembly aims at monitoring the biologic potential, used only in critical situation (ex. accidents, falling down in a precipice etc.).

Inductive Measurement of Plasma Jet Electrical Conductivity (MSFC Center Director's discretionary Fund). Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, M. W.; Hawk, C. W.; Litchford, R. J.

2001-01-01

Measurement of plasma jet electrical conductivity has utility in the development of explosively driven magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) energy converters as well as magnetic flux compression reaction chambers for nuclear/chemical pulse propulsion and power. Within these types of reactors, the physical parameter of critical importance to underlying MHD processes is the magnetic Reynolds number, the value of which depends upon the product of plasma electrical conductivity and velocity. Therefore, a thorough understanding of MHD phenomena at high magnetic Reynolds number is essential, and methods are needed for the accurate and reliable measurement of electrical conductivity in high-speed plasma jets. It is well known that direct measurements using electrodes suffer from large surface resistance, and an electrodeless technique is desired. To address this need, an inductive probing scheme, originally developed for shock tube studies, has been adapted. In this method, the perturbation of an applied magnetic field by a plasma jet induces a voltage in a search coil, which, in turn, can be used to infer electrical conductivity through the inversion of a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. A 1-in.-diameter probe using a light-gas gun. Exploratory laboratory experiments were carried out using plasma jets expelled from 15-g shaped charges. Measured conductivities were in the range of 4 kS/m for unseeded octol charges and 26 kS/m for seeded octol charges containing 2-percent potassium carbonate by mass.

Electrical Conductivity of HgTe at High Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Lehoczky, S. L.; Su, C.-H.; Scripa, R. N.

2004-01-01

The electrical conductivity of HgTe was measured using a rotating magnetic field method from 300 K to the melting point (943 K). A microscopic theory for electrical conduction was used to calculate the expected temperature dependence of the HgTe conductivity. A comparison between the measured and calculated conductivities was used to obtain the estimates of the temperature dependence of Gamma(sub 6)-Gamma(sub 8) energy gap from 300 K to 943 K. The estimated temperature coefficient for the energy gap was comparable to the previous results at lower temperatures (less than or equal to 300 K). A rapid increase in the conductivity just above 300 K and a subsequent decrease at 500 K is attributed to band crossover effects. This paper describes the experimental approach and some of the theoretical calculation details.

Selected physical properties of various diesel blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hlaváčová, Zuzana; Božiková, Monika; Hlaváč, Peter; Regrut, Tomáš; Ardonová, Veronika

2018-01-01

The quality determination of biofuels requires identifying the chemical and physical parameters. The key physical parameters are rheological, thermal and electrical properties. In our study, we investigated samples of diesel blends with rape-seed methyl esters content in the range from 3 to 100%. In these, we measured basic thermophysical properties, including thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity, using two different transient methods - the hot-wire method and the dynamic plane source. Every thermophysical parameter was measured 100 times using both methods for all samples. Dynamic viscosity was measured during the heating process under the temperature range 20-80°C. A digital rotational viscometer (Brookfield DV 2T) was used for dynamic viscosity detection. Electrical conductivity was measured using digital conductivity meter (Model 1152) in a temperature range from -5 to 30°C. The highest values of thermal parameters were reached in the diesel sample with the highest biofuel content. The dynamic viscosity of samples increased with higher concentration of bio-component rapeseed methyl esters. The electrical conductivity of blends also increased with rapeseed methyl esters content.

A method to investigate the electron scattering characteristics of ultrathin metallic films by in situ electrical resistance measurements.

PubMed

Trindade, I G; Fermento, R; Leitão, D; Sousa, J B

2009-07-01

In this article, a method to measure the electrical resistivity/conductivity of metallic thin films during layer growth on specific underlayers is described. The in situ monitoring of an underlayer electrical resistance, its change upon the incoming of new material atoms/molecules, and the growth of a new layer are presented. The method is easy to implement and allows obtaining in situ experimental curves of electrical resistivity dependence upon film thickness with a subatomic resolution, providing insight in film growth microstructure characteristics, specular/diffuse electron scattering surfaces, and optimum film thicknesses.

Experimental characterization and numerical modeling of tissue electrical conductivity during pulsed electric fields for irreversible electroporation treatment planning.

PubMed

Neal, Robert E; Garcia, Paulo A; Robertson, John L; Davalos, Rafael V

2012-04-01

Irreversible electroporation is a new technique to kill cells in targeted tissue, such as tumors, through a nonthermal mechanism using electric pulses to irrecoverably disrupt the cell membrane. Treatment effects relate to the tissue electric field distribution, which can be predicted with numerical modeling for therapy planning. Pulse effects will change the cell and tissue properties through thermal and electroporation (EP)-based processes. This investigation characterizes these changes by measuring the electrical conductivity and temperature of ex vivo renal porcine tissue within a single pulse and for a 200 pulse protocol. These changes are incorporated into an equivalent circuit model for cells and tissue with a variable EP-based resistance, providing a potential method to estimate conductivity as a function of electric field and pulse length for other tissues. Finally, a numerical model using a human kidney volumetric mesh evaluated how treatment predictions vary when EP- and temperature-based electrical conductivity changes are incorporated. We conclude that significant changes in predicted outcomes will occur when the experimental results are applied to the numerical model, where the direction and degree of change varies with the electric field considered.

Method for making a photodetector with enhanced light absorption

DOEpatents

Kane, James

1987-05-05

A photodetector including a light transmissive electrically conducting layer having a textured surface with a semiconductor body thereon. This layer traps incident light thereby enhancing the absorption of light by the semiconductor body. A photodetector comprising a textured light transmissive electrically conducting layer of SnO.sub.2 and a body of hydrogenated amorphous silicon has a conversion efficiency about fifty percent greater than that of comparative cells. The invention also includes a method of fabricating the photodetector of the invention.

Spectral functions at small energies and the electrical conductivity in hot quenched lattice QCD.

PubMed

Aarts, Gert; Allton, Chris; Foley, Justin; Hands, Simon; Kim, Seyong

2007-07-13

In lattice QCD, the maximum entropy method can be used to reconstruct spectral functions from Euclidean correlators obtained in numerical simulations. We show that at finite temperature the most commonly used algorithm, employing Bryan's method, is inherently unstable at small energies and gives a modification that avoids this. We demonstrate this approach using the vector current-current correlator obtained in quenched QCD at finite temperature. Our first results indicate a small electrical conductivity above the deconfinement transition.

Voltage-induced reduction of graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faucett, Austin C.

Graphene Oxide (GO) is being widely researched as a precursor for the mass production of graphene, and as a versatile material in its own right for flexible electronics, chemical sensors, and energy harvesting applications. Reduction of GO, an electrically insulating material, into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) restores electrical conductivity via removal of oxygen-containing functional groups. Here, a reduction method using an applied electrical bias, known as voltage-induced reduction, is explored. Voltage-induced reduction can be performed under ambient conditions and avoids the use of hazardous chemicals or high temperatures common with standard methods, but little is known about the reduction mechanisms and the quality of rGO produced with this method. This work performs extensive structural and electrical characterization of voltage-reduced GO (V-rGO) and shows that it is competitive with standard methods. Beyond its potential use as a facile and eco-friendly processing approach, V-rGO reduction also offers record high-resolution patterning capabilities. In this work, the spatial resolution limits of voltage-induced reduction, performed using a conductive atomic force microscope probe, are explored. It is shown that arbitrary V-rGO conductive features can be patterned into insulating GO with nanoscale resolution. The localization of voltage-induced reduction to length scales < 10 nm allows studies of reduction reaction kinetics, using electrical current obtained in-situ, with statistical robustness. Methods for patterning V-rGO nanoribbons are then developed. After presenting sub-10nm patterning of V-rGO nanoribbons in GO single sheets and films, the performance of V-rGO nanoribbon field effect transistors (FETs) are demonstrated. Preliminary measurements show an increase in electrical current on/off ratios as compared to large-area rGO FETs, indicating transport gap modulation that is possibly due to quantum confinement effects.

Electrically Conductive TPU Nanofibrous Composite with High Stretchability for Flexible Strain Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Lu; Wang, Xiao-Xiong; He, Xiao-Xiao; Nie, Guang-Di; Zhang, Jun; Zhang, Bin; Guo, Wen-Zhe; Long, Yun-Ze

2018-03-01

Highly stretchable and electrically conductive thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrous composite based on electrospinning for flexible strain sensor and stretchable conductor has been fabricated via in situ polymerization of polyaniline (PANI) on TPU nanofibrous membrane. The PANI/TPU membrane-based sensor could detect a strain from 0 to 160% with fast response and excellent stability. Meanwhile, the TPU composite has good stability and durability. Besides, the composite could be adapted to various non-flat working environments and could maintain opportune conductivity at different operating temperatures. This work provides an easy operating and low-cost method to fabricate highly stretchable and electrically conductive nanofibrous membrane, which could be applied to detect quick and tiny human actions.

Diagnostic criteria for mass lesions differentiating in electrical impedance mammography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

A, Karpov; M, Korotkova

2013-04-01

The purpose of this research was to determine the diagnostic criteria for differentiating volumetric lesions in the mammary gland in electrical impedance mammography. The research was carried out utilizing the electrical impedance computer mammograph llMEIK v.5.6gg®, which enables to acquire images of 3-D conductivity distribution layers within mamma's tissues up to 5 cm depth. The weighted reciprocal projection method was employed to reconstruct the 3-D electric conductivity distribution of the examined organ. The results of 3,710 electrical impedance examinations were analyzed. The analysis of a volumetric lesion included assessment of its shape, contour, internal electrical structure and changes of the surrounding tissues. Moreover, mammary gland status was evaluated with the help of comparative and age-related electrical conductivity curves. The diagnostic chart is provided. Each criterion is measured in points. Using the numerical score for evaluation of mass and non-volumetric lesions within the mammary gland in electrical impedance mammography allowed comparing this information to BI-RADS categories developed by American College of Radiology experts. The article is illustrated with electrical impedance mammograms and tables.

Fabrication and characterization of novel transparent conducting oxide N-CNT doped ZnO for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benyounes, Anas; Abbas, Naseem; Hammi, Maryama; Ziat, Younes; Slassi, Amine; Zahra, Nida

2018-02-01

The present research reports on the electrical and optical properties of N-CNT doped with ZnO, which is considered as wurtzite transparent and conducting oxide semiconductor structure. The thin films of N-doped carbon nanotubes/ZnO were prepared using sol-gel method, then we carried out investigations in optical and electrical point of view to extract their usefulness in photovoltaic applications. For this purpose, ZnO films were doped by several ratios of carbon nanotubes and N-doped carbon nanotubes. The electrical studies were performed over these two kinds of doped ZnO films, the electrical conductivity has found to be more important for ZnO films filled with N-CNTs. This finding is pretty explained by the electronic conduction hold by nitrogen as charge carriers within carbon nanotubes.

Anisotropic electrical conduction and reduction in dangling-bond density for polycrystalline Si films prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niikura, Chisato; Masuda, Atsushi; Matsumura, Hideki

1999-07-01

Polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) films with high crystalline fraction and low dangling-bond density were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (Cat-CVD), often called hot-wire CVD. Directional anisotropy in electrical conduction, probably due to structural anisotropy, was observed for Cat-CVD poly-Si films. A novel method to separately characterize both crystalline and amorphous phases in poly-Si films using anisotropic electrical conduction was proposed. On the basis of results obtained by the proposed method and electron spin resonance measurements, reduction in dangling-bond density for Cat-CVD poly-Si films was achieved using the condition to make the quality of the included amorphous phase high. The properties of Cat-CVD poly-Si films are found to be promising in solar-cell applications.

Current-induced alternating reversed dual-echo-steady-state for joint estimation of tissue relaxation and electrical properties.

PubMed

Lee, Hyunyeol; Sohn, Chul-Ho; Park, Jaeseok

2017-07-01

To develop a current-induced, alternating reversed dual-echo-steady-state-based magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography for joint estimation of tissue relaxation and electrical properties. The proposed method reverses the readout gradient configuration of conventional, in which steady-state-free-precession (SSFP)-ECHO is produced earlier than SSFP-free-induction-decay (FID) while alternating current pulses are applied in between the two SSFPs to secure high sensitivity of SSFP-FID to injection current. Additionally, alternating reversed dual-echo-steady-state signals are modulated by employing variable flip angles over two orthogonal injections of current pulses. Ratiometric signal models are analytically constructed, from which T 1 , T 2 , and current-induced B z are jointly estimated by solving a nonlinear inverse problem for conductivity reconstruction. Numerical simulations and experimental studies are performed to investigate the feasibility of the proposed method in estimating relaxation parameters and conductivity. The proposed method, if compared with conventional magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography, enables rapid data acquisition and simultaneous estimation of T 1 , T 2 , and current-induced B z , yielding a comparable level of signal-to-noise ratio in the parameter estimates while retaining a relative conductivity contrast. We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in jointly estimating tissue relaxation parameters as well as conductivity distributions. It can be a promising, rapid imaging strategy for quantitative conductivity estimation. Magn Reson Med 78:107-120, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

In-line bulk supersaturation measurement by electrical conductometry in KDP crystal growth from aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordui, P. F.; Loiacono, G. M.

1984-07-01

A method is presented for in-line bulk supersaturation measurement in crystal growth from aqueous solution. The method is based on a computer-controlled concentration measurement exploiting an experimentally predetermined cross-correlation between the concentration, electrical conductivity, and temperature of the growth solution. The method was applied to Holden crystallization of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). An extensive conductivity-temperature-concentration data base was generated for this system over a temperature range of 31 to 41°C. The method yielded continous, automated bulk supersaturation output accurate to within ±0.05 g KDP100 g water (±0.15% relative supersaturation).

Method for forming precision clockplate with pivot pins

DOEpatents

Wild, Ronald L [Albuquerque, NM

2010-06-01

Methods are disclosed for producing a precision clockplate with rotational bearing surfaces (e.g. pivot pins). The methods comprise providing an electrically conductive blank, conventionally machining oversize features comprising bearing surfaces into the blank, optionally machining of a relief on non-bearing surfaces, providing wire accesses adjacent to bearing surfaces, threading the wire of an electrical discharge machine through the accesses and finishing the bearing surfaces by wire electrical discharge machining. The methods have been shown to produce bearing surfaces of comparable dimension and tolerances as those produced by micro-machining methods such as LIGA, at reduced cost and complexity.

Field strengths and dissipated powers in microwave-excited high-pressure sulphur discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Dongen, Menno; Körber, Achim; van der Heijden, Harm; Jonkers, Jeroen; Scholl, Robert; van der Mullen, Joost

1998-11-01

A method which makes it is possible to measure the electric field strength in microwave discharges is presented. A condition for this method is that the plasma has such a low conductivity that the associated skin depth is larger than the discharge radius. It is found that the field strength in high-pressure sulphur lamps is around 400 V 0022-3727/31/21/015/img10. Furthermore, this method allows the determination of the power absorbed in the resonator's wall and in the plasma and the estimation of the effective electric conductivity in the discharge.

Electrical conductivity modification using silver nano particles of Jatropha Multifida L. and Pterocarpus Indicus w. extracts films

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

Diantoro, Markus, E-mail: markus.diantoro.fmipa@um.ac.id; Hidayati, Nisfi Nahari Sani; Latifah, Rodatul

Natural polymers can be extracted from leaf or stem of plants. Pterocarpus Indicus W. (PIW) and Jatropha Multifida L. (JIL) plants are good candidate as natural polymer sources. PIW and JIW polymers contain chemical compound so-called flavonoids which has C{sub 6}-C{sub 3}-C{sub 6} carbons conjugated configuration. The renewable type of polymer as well as their abundancy of flavonoid provide us to explore their physical properties. A number of research have been reported related to broad synthesis method and mechanical properties. So far there is no specific report of electrical conductivity associated to PIW and JIL natural polymers. In order tomore » obtain electrical conductivity and its crystallinity of the extracted polymer films, it was induced on them a various fraction of silver nano particles. The film has been prepared by means of spin coating method on nickel substrate. It was revealed that FTIR spectra confirm the existing of rutine flavonoid. The crystallinity of the samples increase from 0.66%, to 4.11% associated to the respective various of silver fractions of 0.1 M to 0.5 M. SEM images show that there are some grains of silver in the film. The nature of electric conductivity increases a long with the addition of silver. The electrical conductivity increase significantly from 3.22 S/cm, to 542.85 S/cm. On the other hand, PIW films also shows similar trends that increase of Ag induce the increase its crystallinity as well as its electrical conductivity at semiconducting level. This result opens a prospective research and application of the green renewable polymer as optoelectronic materials.« less

Electrical conductivity modification using silver nano particles of Jatropha Multifida L. and Pterocarpus Indicus w. extracts films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diantoro, Markus; Hidayati, Nisfi Nahari Sani; Latifah, Rodatul; Fuad, Abdulloh; Nasikhudin, Sujito, Hidayat, Arif

2016-03-01

Natural polymers can be extracted from leaf or stem of plants. Pterocarpus Indicus W. (PIW) and Jatropha Multifida L. (JIL) plants are good candidate as natural polymer sources. PIW and JIW polymers contain chemical compound so-called flavonoids which has C6-C3-C6 carbons conjugated configuration. The renewable type of polymer as well as their abundancy of flavonoid provide us to explore their physical properties. A number of research have been reported related to broad synthesis method and mechanical properties. So far there is no specific report of electrical conductivity associated to PIW and JIL natural polymers. In order to obtain electrical conductivity and its crystallinity of the extracted polymer films, it was induced on them a various fraction of silver nano particles. The film has been prepared by means of spin coating method on nickel substrate. It was revealed that FTIR spectra confirm the existing of rutine flavonoid. The crystallinity of the samples increase from 0.66%, to 4.11% associated to the respective various of silver fractions of 0.1 M to 0.5 M. SEM images show that there are some grains of silver in the film. The nature of electric conductivity increases a long with the addition of silver. The electrical conductivity increase significantly from 3.22 S/cm, to 542.85 S/cm. On the other hand, PIW films also shows similar trends that increase of Ag induce the increase its crystallinity as well as its electrical conductivity at semiconducting level. This result opens a prospective research and application of the green renewable polymer as optoelectronic materials.

Characterizing fiber-reinforced composite structures using AC-impedance spectroscopy (AC-IS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Leta Y.

Property enhancement in composites depends largely on the reinforcement. For fiber-reinforced composites, the distribution of fibers is crucial in determining the electrical and mechanical performance. Image analysis methods for characterization can be time-consuming and/or destructive. This work explores the capability of AC-impedance spectroscopy (AC-IS), an electrical measurement technique, to serve as a rapid, non-destructive tool for characterizing composite microstructure. The composite requirements include a filler that is electrically conducting or semi-conducting with higher conductivity than the matrix, and a high-impedance interface or coating between the filler and the matrix. To establish an AC-IS characterization method, cement-matrix composites with steel reinforcement were employed as both a technologically important and a model system to investigate how fibers affect the electrical response. Beginning with spherical particulates and then fibers, composites were examined using composite theory and an "intrinsic conductivity" approach. The intrinsic conductivity approach applies to composites with low volume fractions of fibers (i.e., in the dilute regime) and relates how the composite conductivity varies relative to the matrix as a function of volume fraction. A universal equivalent circuit model was created to understand the AC-IS response of composites based on the geometry and volume fraction of the filler. Deviation from predicted behavior was assessed using a developed f-function, which quantifies how fibers contribute to the overall electrical response of the composite. Using the f-function, an AC-IS method for investigating fiber dispersion was established to characterize alignment, settling/segregation, and aggregation. Alignment was investigated using measurements made in three directions. A point-probe technique characterized settling and/or large-scale inhomogeneous mixing in samples. Aggregation was quantified using a "dispersion factor" that compared theoretical with measured values and served as an upper limit for how well the fibers were dispersed. The AC-IS method was then extended to two different cement-matrix composite systems, low resistivity fresh-paste cement composites (confirmed by time domain reflectometry) and high resistivity cement composites, both of which required additional analysis to apply the AC-IS characterization method.

Temperature Dependence of Electrical and Thermal Conduction in Single Silver Nanowire

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-02

Methods section. After knowing the geometrical sizes of the films, the electrical resistivity can be calculated . The temper- ature dependent electrical...plane spacing for peaks (111), (220) and (311) are 2.3616 Å, 1.4518 Å and 1.2287 Å respectively. The corresponding lattice constant can be calculated ...21 nm). So the upper limit of the thermal conductivity ( C vl 3ph vκ = /, ) is calculated as 12.3 W/K·m at 36 K. The phonon mean free path should

Using of electrical impedance tomography for diagnostics of the cervix uteri diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trokhanova, O. V.; Chijova, Y. A.; Okhapkin, M. B.; Korjenevsky, A. V.; Tuykin, T. S.

2010-04-01

The report presents results of investigation of the neck of the womb (cervix) of 64 women aged from 19 to 70, that formed 4 clinical groups (1st group: 15 women without any pathology of the cervix, 2nd group: 27 women with the erosion, 3rd group: 11 women with dysplasia, 4th group: 11 women with cancer of the cervix). The aim of this research is to assess the capabilities of electrical impedance tomography in the diagnostics of the cervix diseases. The methods of the research were: visual examination with the speculum, colposcopy, and biopsy of the cervix. Also the new method of visualization of the cervix was used - electrical impedance tomography with the help of gynecological impedance tomograph (GIT). The following results were obtained. The electrical conductivity of the cervix in norm and in different pathology has different indices, which allow differential diagnostics of benign and malignant diseases. Summary: the method of electrical impedance tomography allows not only visually estimate portio vaginalis, but receive indices of electrical conductivity of the cervix on the depth up to 0.8 cm and thereby reveal pathological changes in epithelium without invasive and operative intervention.

Investigation on structural and electrical properties of Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by solution combustion method

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

Ram, Mast, E-mail: mastram1999@yahoo.com; Bala, Kanchan; Sharma, Hakikat

In the present study, nanoparticles of Fe doped zinc oxide (ZnO) [Zn{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}O where x=0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.05] were prepared by cost effective solution combustion method. The powder X-ray diffractometry confirms the formation of single phase wurtzite structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the micrsostructure of Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The DC electrical conductivity was found to increase with temperature and measurement was carried out in the temperature range of 300-473K. DC electrical conductivity increases with temperature and decreases with Fe doping concentration.

Effects of Synthesis Method on Electrical Properties of Graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuad, M. F. I. Ahmad; Jarni, H. H.; Shariffudin, W. N.; Othman, N. H.; Rahim, A. N. Che Abdul

2018-05-01

The aim of this study is to achieve the highest reduction capability and complete reductions of oxygen from graphene oxide (GO) by using different type of chemical methods. The modification of Hummer’s method has been proposed to produce GO, and hydrazine hydrate has been utilized in the GO’s reduction process into graphene. There are two types of chemical method are used to synthesize graphene; 1) Sina’s method and 2) Sasha’s method. Both GO and graphene were then characterized using X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). The graph patterns obtained from XRD showed that the values of graphene and GO are within their reliable ranges, FT-IR identified the comparison functional group between GO and graphene. Graphene was verified to experience the reduction process due to absent of functional group consist of oxygen has detected. Electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) was then conducted to test the ability of conducting electricity of two batches (each weighted 1.6g) of graphene synthesized using different methods (Sina’s method and Sasha’s method). Sasha’s method was proven to have lower conductivity value compare to Sina’s method, with value of 6.2E+02 S/m and 8.1E+02 S/m respectively. These values show that both methods produced good graphene; however, by using Sina’s method, the graphene produced has better electrical properties.

Conduction of Electrical Current to and Through the Human Body: A Review

PubMed Central

Fish, Raymond M.; Geddes, Leslie A.

2009-01-01

Objective: The objective of this article is to explain ways in which electric current is conducted to and through the human body and how this influences the nature of injuries. Methods: This multidisciplinary topic is explained by first reviewing electrical and pathophysiological principles. There are discussions of how electric current is conducted through the body via air, water, earth, and man-made conductive materials. There are also discussions of skin resistance (impedance), internal body resistance, current path through the body, the let-go phenomenon, skin breakdown, electrical stimulation of skeletal muscles and nerves, cardiac dysrhythmias and arrest, and electric shock drowning. After the review of basic principles, a number of clinically relevant examples of accident mechanisms and their medical effects are discussed. Topics related to high-voltage burns include ground faults, ground potential gradient, step and touch potentials, arcs, and lightning. Results: The practicing physician will have a better understanding of electrical mechanisms of injury and their expected clinical effects. Conclusions: There are a variety of types of electrical contact, each with important characteristics. Understanding how electric current reaches and travels through the body can help the clinician understand how and why specific accidents occur and what medical and surgical problems may be expected. PMID:19907637

Appendix 3 Summary of Field Sampling and Analytical Methods with Bibliography

EPA Science Inventory

Conductivity and Specific conductance are measures of the ability of water to conduct an electric current, and are a general measure of stream-water quality. Conductivity is affected by temperature, with warmer water having a greater conductivity. Specific conductance is the te...

Application of electrical and electromagnetic depth sounding in highly conductive sediments: The concept of vertical electrical anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhler, A.; Bahr, K.

2010-12-01

“Nördlinger Ries” is a meteorite crater in the Bavarian ‘Alb’ of Germany that was formed 15 million years ago, and subsequently filled with salty water. Evaporation resulted in an approximately 300 meter thick layer of young, highly conductive sediments. Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric (AMT) and geoelectric depth sounding (VES) techniques were used to analyze the electrical properties of these sediments. The apparent resistivities measured by the two methods are different, which can be explained by vertical electrical anisotropy (horizontal layering). Applying a joint forward modelling technique with resistivity variations found by a Monte Carlo method results in a best fit model containing a large number of layers, while separate inversions of the two data sets yield 3-layer models. Comparisons of the coefficient of anisotropy with drilling core samples demonstrate the reliability of the results. One difficulty of the AMT method is the low signal-to-noise ratio, because of the source’s deadband. Some suggestions for an “intelligent” processing are presented. Kerch (this session) is employing the result of the integrated conductivity as an input for 3D modelling of collected MT data.

A new method of calculating electrical conductivity with applications to natural waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCleskey, R. Blaine; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Ryan, Joseph N.; Ball, James W.

2012-01-01

A new method is presented for calculating the electrical conductivity of natural waters that is accurate over a large range of effective ionic strength (0.0004–0.7 mol kg-1), temperature (0–95 °C), pH (1–10), and conductivity (30–70,000 μS cm-1). The method incorporates a reliable set of equations to calculate the ionic molal conductivities of cations and anions (H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, F-, Cl-, Br-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32-, NO3-, and OH-), environmentally important trace metals (Al3+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, and Zn2+), and ion pairs (HSO4-, NaSO4-, NaCO3-, and KSO4-). These equations are based on new electrical conductivity measurements for electrolytes found in a wide range of natural waters. In addition, the method is coupled to a geochemical speciation model that is used to calculate the speciated concentrations required for accurate conductivity calculations. The method was thoroughly tested by calculating the conductivities of 1593 natural water samples and the mean difference between the calculated and measured conductivities was -0.7 ± 5%. Many of the samples tested were selected to determine the limits of the method and include acid mine waters, geothermal waters, seawater, dilute mountain waters, and river water impacted by municipal waste water. Transport numbers were calculated and H+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+, K+, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32-, F-, Al3+, Fe2+, NO3-, and HSO4- substantially contributed (>10%) to the conductivity of at least one of the samples. Conductivity imbalance in conjunction with charge imbalance can be used to identify whether a cation or an anion measurement is likely in error, thereby providing an additional quality assurance/quality control constraint on water analyses.

A new method of calculating electrical conductivity with applications to natural waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCleskey, R. Blaine; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Ryan, Joseph N.; Ball, James W.

2012-01-01

A new method is presented for calculating the electrical conductivity of natural waters that is accurate over a large range of effective ionic strength (0.0004-0.7 mol kg-1), temperature (0-95 °C), pH (1-10), and conductivity (30-70,000 μS cm-1). The method incorporates a reliable set of equations to calculate the ionic molal conductivities of cations and anions (H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, F-, Cl-, Br-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32-, NO3-, and OH-), environmentally important trace metals (Al3+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, and Zn2+), and ion pairs (HSO4-, NaSO4-, NaCO3-, and KSO4-). These equations are based on new electrical conductivity measurements for electrolytes found in a wide range of natural waters. In addition, the method is coupled to a geochemical speciation model that is used to calculate the speciated concentrations required for accurate conductivity calculations. The method was thoroughly tested by calculating the conductivities of 1593 natural water samples and the mean difference between the calculated and measured conductivities was -0.7 ± 5%. Many of the samples tested were selected to determine the limits of the method and include acid mine waters, geothermal waters, seawater, dilute mountain waters, and river water impacted by municipal waste water. Transport numbers were calculated and H+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+, K+, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32-, F-, Al3+, Fe2+, NO3-, and HSO4-substantially contributed (>10%) to the conductivity of at least one of the samples. Conductivity imbalance in conjunction with charge imbalance can be used to identify whether a cation or an anion measurement is likely in error, thereby providing an additional quality assurance/quality control constraint on water analyses.

Doping Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Electrical Insulation Properties of Polyethylene: From Macroscopic to Molecular Scale

PubMed Central

Jing, Ziang; Li, Changming; Zhao, Hong; Zhang, Guiling; Han, Baozhong

2016-01-01

The doping effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on electrical insulation properties of polyethylene (PE) was studied by combining experimental and theoretical methods. The electric conduction properties and trap characteristics were tested for pure PE and PE/GNPs composites by using a direct measurement method and a thermal stimulated current (TSC) method. It was found that doping smaller GNPs is more beneficial to decrease the conductivity of PE/GNPs. The PE/GNPs composite with smaller size GNPs mainly introduces deep energy traps, while with increasing GNPs size, besides deep energy traps, shallow energy traps are also introduced. These results were also confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) and the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method calculations. Therefore, doping small size GNPs is favorable for trapping charge carriers and enhancing insulation ability, which is suggested as an effective strategy in exploring powerful insulation materials. PMID:28773802

Numerical Simulation of Electrical Properties of Carbonate Reservoir Rocks Using µCT Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colgin, J.; Niu, Q.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, F.

2017-12-01

Digital rock physics involves the modern microscopic imaging of geomaterials, digitalization of the microstructure, and numerical simulation of physical properties of rocks. This physics-based approach can give important insight into understanding properties of reservoir rocks, and help reveal the link between intrinsic rock properties and macroscopic geophysical responses. The focus of this study is the simulation of the complex conductivity of carbonate reservoir rocks using reconstructed 3D rock structures from high-resolution X-ray micro computed tomography (µCT). Carbonate core samples with varying lithofacies and pore structures from the Cambro-Ordovician Arbuckle Group and the Upper Pennsylvanian Lansing-Kansas City Group in Kansas are used in this study. The wide variations in pore geometry and connectivity of these samples were imaged using µCT. A two-phase segmentation method was used to reconstruct a digital rock of solid particles and pores. We then calculate the effective electrical conductivity of the digital rock volume using a pore-scale numerical approach. The complex conductivity of geomaterials is influenced by the electrical properties and geometry of each phase, i.e., the solid and fluid phases. In addition, the electrical double layer that forms between the solid and fluid phases can also affect the effective conductivity of the material. In the numerical modeling, the influence of the electrical double layer is quantified by a complex surface conductance and converted to an apparent volumetric complex conductivity of either solid particles or pore fluid. The effective complex conductivity resulting from numerical simulations based on µCT images will be compared to results from laboratory experiments on equivalent rock samples. The imaging and digital segmentation method, assumptions in the numerical simulation, and trends as compared to laboratory results will be discussed. This study will help us understand how microscale physics affects macroscale electrical conductivity in porous media.

3D noninvasive ultrasound Joule heat tomography based on acousto-electric effect using unipolar pulses: a simulation study

PubMed Central

Yang, Renhuan; Li, Xu; Song, Aiguo; He, Bin; Yan, Ruqiang

2012-01-01

Electrical properties of biological tissues are highly sensitive to their physiological and pathological status. Thus it is of importance to image electrical properties of biological tissues. However, spatial resolution of conventional electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is generally poor. Recently, hybrid imaging modalities combining electric conductivity contrast and ultrasonic resolution based on acouto-electric effect has attracted considerable attention. In this study, we propose a novel three-dimensional (3D) noninvasive ultrasound Joule heat tomography (UJHT) approach based on acouto-electric effect using unipolar ultrasound pulses. As the Joule heat density distribution is highly dependent on the conductivity distribution, an accurate and high resolution mapping of the Joule heat density distribution is expected to give important information that is closely related to the conductivity contrast. The advantages of the proposed ultrasound Joule heat tomography using unipolar pulses include its simple inverse solution, better performance than UJHT using common bipolar pulses and its independence of any priori knowledge of the conductivity distribution of the imaging object. Computer simulation results show that using the proposed method, it is feasible to perform a high spatial resolution Joule heat imaging in an inhomogeneous conductive media. Application of this technique on tumor scanning is also investigated by a series of computer simulations. PMID:23123757

Transient Torque Method: A Fast and Non-Intrusive Technique to Simultaneously Determine Viscosity and Electrical Conductivity of Semiconducting and Metallic Melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Ban, H.; Lin, B.; Scripa, R. N.; Su, C.; Lehoczky, S. L.; Zhu, S.

2003-01-01

A transient torque method was developed to rapidly and simultaneously determine the viscosity and electrical conductivity of semiconducting or metallic melts. The experimental setup is similar to that for the oscillation cup technique. The melt sample is sealed inside a fused silica ampoule, and the ampoule is suspended by a long quartz fiber to form a torsional oscillation system. A rotating magnetic field is used to induce a rotating flow in the conductive melt, which causes the ampoule to rotate along its axis. A sensitive angular detector is used to measure the deflection angle of the ampoule. Based on the transient behavior of the deflection angle as the rotating magnetic field is applied, the electrical conductivity and viscosity of the melt can be obtained simultaneously by numerically fitting the data to a set of governing equations. The transient torque viscometer was applied successfully to measure the viscosity and electrical conductivity of high purity mercury at 53.4 C. The results were in excellent agreement with the published data. The main advantage of the technique is that the measurement can be completed in one or two minutes, as opposed to the one or two-hour measurement time required by the oscillation cup technique. The method is non-intrusive; capable of rapid measurement of the viscosity of toxic, high vapor pressure melts at elevated temperatures. In addition, the transient torque viscometer can also be operated as an oscillation cup viscometer if desired.

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.

Imaging and characterizing root systems using electrical impedance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemna, A.; Weigand, M.; Kelter, M.; Pfeifer, J.; Zimmermann, E.; Walter, A.

2011-12-01

Root architecture, growth, and activity play an essential role regarding the nutrient uptake of roots in soils. While in recent years advances could be achieved concerning the modeling of root systems, measurement methods capable of imaging, characterizing, and monitoring root structure and dynamics in a non-destructive manner are still lacking, in particular at the field scale. We here propose electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for the imaging of root systems. The approach takes advantage of the low-frequency capacitive electrical properties of the soil-root interface and the root tissue. These properties are based on the induced migration of ions in an externally applied electric field and give rise to characteristic impedance spectra which can be measured by means of electrical impedance spectroscopy. The latter technique was already successfully applied in the 10 Hz to 1 MHz range by Ozier-Lafontaine and Bajazet (2005) to monitor root growth of tomato. We here apply the method in the 1 mHz to 45 kHz range, requiring four-electrode measurements, and demonstrate its implementation and potential in an imaging framework. Images of real and imaginary components of complex electrical conductivity are computed using a finite-element based inversion algorithm with smoothness-constraint regularization. Results from laboratory measurements on rhizotrons with different root systems (barley, rape) show that images of imaginary conductivity delineate the spatial extent of the root system under investigation, while images of real conductivity show a less clear response. As confirmed by numerical simulations, the latter could be explained by the partly compensating electrical conduction properties of epidermis (resistive) and inner root cells (conductive), indicating the limitations of conventional electrical resistivity tomography. The captured spectral behavior exhibits two distinct relaxation processes with Cole-Cole type signatures, which we interpret as the responses of the soil-root interface (phase peak in the range of 10 Hz) and the root tissue (phase peak above 10 kHz). Importantly, our measurements prove an almost linear relationship between root mass and the electrical polarizability associated with the low-frequency relaxation, suggesting the potential of the method to quantify root structural parameters. In future studies we will in particular investigate a hypothesized relationship between time constant and effective root radius. Based on our results, we believe that spectral EIT, by combining the spatial resolution benefits of a tomographic method with the diagnostic capability of spectroscopy, can be developed into a valuable tool for imaging, characterizing, and monitoring root systems both at laboratory and field scales.

Influences of Na2O and K2O Additions on Electrical Conductivity of CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guo-Hua; Zheng, Wei-Wei; Chou, Kuo-Chih

2017-04-01

The present study investigated the influences of Na2O and K2O additions on electrical conductivity of blast furnace type CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 melts by the four-electrode method. Both the single addition of Na2O or K2O and the double additions of Na2O and K2O were studied. It was found that electrical conductivity monotonously increased as the amount of Na2O addition was gradually increased, whereas, when K2O was added, there was a continuous decrease of electrical conductivity. With melts containing both Na2O and K2O, electrical conductivity first decreased but then increased when Na2O was gradually substituted for K2O while keeping the molar fractions of other components constant. In other words, the mixed-alkali effect took place in CaO-Mg-Al2O3-SiO2-ΣR2O melts.

Simulation study on heat conduction of a nanoscale phase-change random access memory cell.

PubMed

Kim, Junho; Song, Ki-Bong

2006-11-01

We have investigated heat transfer characteristics of a nano-scale phase-change random access memory (PRAM) cell using finite element method (FEM) simulation. Our PRAM cell is based on ternary chalcogenide alloy, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), which is used as a recording layer. For contact area of 100 x 100 nm2, simulations of crystallization and amorphization processes were carried out. Physical quantities such as electric conductivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat were treated as temperature-dependent parameters. Through many simulations, it is concluded that one can reduce set current by decreasing both electric conductivities of amorphous GST and crystalline GST, and in addition to these conditions by decreasing electric conductivity of molten GST one can also reduce reset current significantly.

Method for forming electrically charged laser targets

DOEpatents

Goodman, Ronald K.; Hunt, Angus L.

1979-01-01

Electrically chargeable laser targets and method for forming such charged targets in order to improve their guidance along a predetermined desired trajectory. This is accomplished by the incorporation of a small amount of an additive to the target material which will increase the electrical conductivity thereof, and thereby enhance the charge placed upon the target material for guidance thereof by electrostatic or magnetic steering mechanisms, without adversely affecting the target when illuminated by laser energy.

Effect of Sr substitution on the room temperature electrical properties of La1-xSrxFeO3 nano-crystalline materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafa, C. A.; Triyono, D.; Laysandra, H.

2017-07-01

LaFeO3 is a material with Perovskite structure which electrical properties got investigated a lot, because as a p-type semiconductor it showed good gas sensing behavior through resistivity comparison. Sr doping on LaFeO3 is able to improve the electrical conductivity through structural modification. Using the Sr atoms doping concentration (x) from 0.1 to 0.4, La1-xSrxFeO3 nanocrystal pellets were synthesized using sol-gel method, followed by gradual heat treatment and uniaxial compaction. Structural analysis from XRD characterization shows that the structure of the materials is Orthorhombic Perovskite. The topography of the sample by SEM reveals grain and grain boundary existence with emerging agglomeration. The electrical properties of the material, as functions of frequency, were measured by Impedance Spectroscopy method using RLC meter. Through the Nyquist plot and Bode plot, the electrical conductivity of La1-xSrxFeO3 is contributed by grain and grain boundaries. It is reported that La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 sample has the most superior electrical conductivity of all samples, and the electrical permittivity of both La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 and La0.7Sr0.3FeO3 are the most stable.

Electric Conduction in Semiconductors: A Pedagogical Model Based on the Monte Carlo Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capizzo, M. C.; Sperandeo-Mineo, R. M.; Zarcone, M.

2008-01-01

We present a pedagogic approach aimed at modelling electric conduction in semiconductors in order to describe and explain some macroscopic properties, such as the characteristic behaviour of resistance as a function of temperature. A simple model of the band structure is adopted for the generation of electron-hole pairs as well as for the carrier…

Apparent isotropic electrical property for electrical brain stimulation (EBS) using magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (MR-DWI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Mun Bae; Kwon, Oh-In

2018-04-01

Electrical brain stimulation (EBS) is an invasive electrotherapy and technique used in brain neurological disorders through direct or indirect stimulation using a small electric current. EBS has relied on computational modeling to achieve optimal stimulation effects and investigate the internal activations. Magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is commonly useful for diagnosis and investigation of tissue functions in various organs. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measures the intensity of water diffusion within biological tissues using DWI. By measuring trace ADC and magnetic flux density induced by the EBS, we propose a method to extract electrical properties including the effective extracellular ion-concentration (EEIC) and the apparent isotropic conductivity without any auxiliary additional current injection. First, the internal current density due to EBS is recovered using the measured one component of magnetic flux density. We update the EEIC by introducing a repetitive scheme called the diffusion weighting J-substitution algorithm using the recovered current density and the trace ADC. To verify the proposed method, we study an anesthetized canine brain to visualize electrical properties including electrical current density, effective extracellular ion-concentration, and effective isotropic conductivity by applying electrical stimulation of the brain.

Leachate recirculation: moisture content assessment by means of a geophysical technique.

PubMed

Guérin, Roger; Munoz, Marie Laure; Aran, Christophe; Laperrelle, Claire; Hidra, Mustapha; Drouart, Eric; Grellier, Solenne

2004-01-01

Bioreactor technology is a waste treatment concept consisting in speeding up the biodegradation of landfilled waste by optimizing its moisture content through leachate recirculation. The measurement of variations in waste moisture content is critical in the design and control of bioreactors. Conventional methods such as direct physical sampling of waste reach their limits due to the interference with the waste matrix. This paper reviews geophysical measurements such as electrical direct current and electromagnetic slingram methods for measuring the electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity is a property, which is linked to both moisture and temperature and can provide useful indications on the biodegradation environment in the waste mass. The study reviews three site experiments: a first experimentation shows the advantages (correlation between conductive anomaly and water seepage) but also the limits of geophysical interpretation; the two other sites allow the leachate recirculation to be tracked by studying the relative resistivity variation versus time from electrical 2D imaging. Even if some improvements are necessary to consider geophysical measurements as a real bioreactor monitoring tool, results are promising and could lead to the use of electrical 2D imaging in bioreactor designing.

Temperature profiles in the earth of importance to deep electrical conductivity models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čermák, Vladimír; Laštovičková, Marcela

1987-03-01

Deep in the Earth, the electrical conductivity of geological material is extremely dependent on temperature. The knowledge of temperature is thus essential for any interpretation of magnetotelluric data in projecting lithospheric structural models. The measured values of the terrestrial heat flow, radiogenic heat production and thermal conductivity of rocks allow the extrapolation of surface observations to a greater depth and the calculation of the temperature field within the lithosphere. Various methods of deep temperature calculations are presented and discussed. Characteristic geotherms are proposed for major tectonic provinces of Europe and it is shown that the existing temperatures on the crust-upper mantle boundary may vary in a broad interval of 350 1,000°C. The present work is completed with a survey of the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity for selected crustal and upper mantle rocks within the interval 200 1,000°C. It is shown how the knowledge of the temperature field can be used in the evaluation of the deep electrical conductivity pattern by converting the conductivity-versustemperature data into the conductivity-versus-depth data.

What we can learn from measurements of air electric conductivity in 222Rn-rich atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seran, E.; Godefroy, M.; Pili, E.; Michielsen, N.; Bondiguel, S.

2017-02-01

Electric conductivity of air is an important characteristic of the electric properties of an atmosphere. Testing instruments to measure electric conductivity ranging from 10-13 to 10-9 S m-1 in natural conditions found in the Earth atmosphere is not an easy task. One possibility is to use stratospheric balloon flights; another (and a simpler one) is to look for terrestrial environments with significant radioactive decay. In this paper we present measurements carried out with different types of conductivity sensors in two 222Rn-rich environments, i.e., in the Roselend underground tunnel (French Alps) and in the Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety BACCARA (BAnC de CAllibrage du RAdon) chamber. The concept of the conductivity sensor is based on the classical time relaxation method. New elements in our design include isolation of the sensor sensitive part (electrode) from the external electric field and sensor miniaturization. This greatly extends the application domain of the sensor and permits to measure air electric conductivity when the external electric field is high and varies from few tens of V m-1 to up to few tens of kV m-1. This is suitable to propose the instrument for a planetary mission. Two-fold objectives were attained as the outcome of these tests and their analysis. First was directly related to the performances of the conductivity sensors and the efficiency of the conductivity sensor design to shield the external electric field. Second objective aimed at understanding the decay mechanisms of 222Rn and its progeny in atmosphere and the impact of the enclosed space on the efficiency of gas ionization.

Electrical conductivity and Hf 4+ ion substitution range in NaSICON system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essoumhi, A.; Favotto, C.; Mansori, M.; Ouzaouit, K.; Satre, P.

2007-03-01

In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterizations of NaSICON-type ionic conducting ceramics of the general formula Na 1+ xM 1.775Si x-0.9P 3.9- xO 12 with 1.8 ≤ x ≤ 2.2 and M = Zr or Hf. The effect of the total substitution of zirconium by hafnium on electric properties has been studied. The various compositions were prepared by using the sol-gel method and the synthesized precursors were characterized by coupled DTA-TG. The oxides obtained after pyrolysis of the precursors were identified by X-ray diffraction. A sintering study by thermodilatometry permits to select the best thermal cycle adapted to our ceramics. Furthermore, the electric conductivity of the sintered ceramic samples was characterized by complex impedance spectroscopy. These results show that ceramics containing Zr synthesized by soft method, present a higher total conductivity than those obtained in literature (to be around 10 -4 S cm -1). The total substitution of Zr by Hf still improves this conductivity for some compositions.

Relationship between anisotropies of permeability, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity, with application to the Ellenburger dolomite reservoir analog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kutemi, Titilope F.

The steady-state flow technique was employed to measure the flow rate of clean dry air through thirty core plugs (approximately 1" diameter) of the Ellenburger dolomite, drilled normal and parallel to the dominant fractures. Porosity was estimated by the method of imbibition. Electrical parameters (electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity) were calculated from electrical resistance and capacitance measured as a function of frequency (100 Hz, 120 Hz, 1 KHz, and 10 KHz) and saturation (dry/ambient and brine saturated conditions). Another set of permeability data obtained by the method of pressure decay on similar samples was used for correlation. Anisotropies of permeability and electromagnetic parameters were established. Empirical relations between porosity (phi), permeability (k), electrical conductivity (sigma), and dielectric permittivity (epsilon) were defined via cross-plots and linear regressions. Prediction of k from sigma and epsilon was attempted; k from sigma was modeled from a combination of the Archie's relation and the Carman-Kozeny relation. Anisotropic EM responses are sensitive to saturation. Anisotropies of conductivity and permeability were observed to be controlled by the pore micro-structure. Although the rock is fractured, the fracture density appears insufficient to dominate the effects of primary structures in these samples of the Ellenburger dolomite. Model-based prediction of permeability from conductivity is generally unreliable, and is attributed to the underlying assumptions of the models, which are not consistent with the properties of the samples used for this study. Permeability was not predictable from dielectric permittivity.

Hydrothermal temperature effect on crystal structures, optical properties and electrical conductivity of ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhafina, Wan Almaz; Salleh, Hasiah; Daud, Mohd Zalani; Ghazali, Mohd Sabri Mohd; Ghazali, Salmah Mohd

2017-09-01

ZnO is an wide direct band gap semiconductor and possess rich family of nanostructures which turned to be a key role in the nanotechnology field of applications. Hydrothermal method was proven to be simple, robust and low cost among the reported methods to synthesize ZnO nanostructures. In this work, the properties of ZnO nanostructures were altered by varying temperatures of hydrothermal process. The changes in term of morphological, crystal structures, optical properties and electrical conductivity were investigated. A drastic change of ZnO nanostructures morphology and decreases of 002 diffraction peak were observed as the hydrothermal temperature increased. The band gap of samples decreased as the size of ZnO nanostructure increased, whereas the electrical conductivity had no influence on the band gap value but more on the morphology of ZnO nanostructures instead.

Temperature Dependence of Density, Viscosity and Electrical Conductivity for Hg-Based II-VI Semiconductor Melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Ban, H.; Lin, B.; Scripa, R. N.; Su, C.-H.; Lehoczky, S. L.

2004-01-01

The relaxation phenomenon of semiconductor melts, or the change of melt structure with time, impacts the crystal growth process and the eventual quality of the crystal. The thermophysical properties of the melt are good indicators of such changes in melt structure. Also, thermophysical properties are essential to the accurate predication of the crystal growth process by computational modeling. Currently, the temperature dependent thermophysical property data for the Hg-based II-VI semiconductor melts are scarce. This paper reports the results on the temperature dependence of melt density, viscosity and electrical conductivity of Hg-based II-VI compounds. The melt density was measured using a pycnometric method, and the viscosity and electrical conductivity were measured by a transient torque method. Results were compared with available published data and showed good agreement. The implication of the structural changes at different temperature ranges was also studied and discussed.

Structural and electrical properties of cobalt-doped 4H-SrMnO_{3-δ} perovskites obtained by the hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ben Rguiga, N.; Álvarez-Serrano, I.; López, M. L.; Chérif, W.; Alonso, J. A.

2018-02-01

A mild hydrothermal method was adapted to prepare the SrMn_{1-x}CoxO_{3-δ} (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) compounds. They showed hexagonal-4H perovskite-type structure with space group P63/mmc, and cell parameters a ˜ 5.45 and c ˜ 9.08 Å, as deduced from X-ray and neutron diffraction data. The mean atomic concentrations indicated global stoichiometries close to the nominal ones whereas electron microscopy analyses pointed out to heterogeneity at the nanoscale. The characterization of the electrical response by means of impedance measurements, suggested a semiconductor behavior mainly ascribed to bulk contributions. Relaxation and conduction processes were analyzed. The materials showed mixed electronic-ionic conduction above ˜ 400 K, when ionic conduction between intergrains becomes favored. Microstructural homogeneity was revealed as the key factor controlling the electrical response.

Fuel cell electrode interconnect contact material encapsulation and method

DOEpatents

Derose, Anthony J.; Haltiner, Jr., Karl J.; Gudyka, Russell A.; Bonadies, Joseph V.; Silvis, Thomas W.

2016-05-31

A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell cassettes each including a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode. Each fuel cell cassette also includes an electrode interconnect adjacent to the anode or the cathode for providing electrical communication between an adjacent fuel cell cassette and the anode or the cathode. The interconnect includes a plurality of electrode interconnect protrusions defining a flow passage along the anode or the cathode for communicating oxidant or fuel to the anode or the cathode. An electrically conductive material is disposed between at least one of the electrode interconnect protrusions and the anode or the cathode in order to provide a stable electrical contact between the electrode interconnect and the anode or cathode. An encapsulating arrangement segregates the electrically conductive material from the flow passage thereby, preventing volatilization of the electrically conductive material in use of the fuel cell stack.

Method of monolithic module assembly

DOEpatents

Gee, James M.; Garrett, Stephen E.; Morgan, William P.; Worobey, Walter

1999-01-01

Methods for "monolithic module assembly" which translate many of the advantages of monolithic module construction of thin-film PV modules to wafered c-Si PV modules. Methods employ using back-contact solar cells positioned atop electrically conductive circuit elements affixed to a planar support so that a circuit capable of generating electric power is created. The modules are encapsulated using encapsulant materials such as EVA which are commonly used in photovoltaic module manufacture. The methods of the invention allow multiple cells to be electrically connected in a single encapsulation step rather than by sequential soldering which characterizes the currently used commercial practices.

Method for the thermal characterization, visualization, and integrity evaluation of conducting material samples or complex structures

DOEpatents

Ortiz, Marcos G.

1992-01-01

A method for modeling a conducting material sample or structure (herein called a system) as at least two regions which comprise an electrical network of resistances, for measuring electric resistance between at least two selected pairs of external leads attached to the surface of the system, wherein at least one external lead is attached to the surface of each of the regions, and, using basic circuit theory, for translating measured resistances into temperatures or thermophysical properties in corresponding regions of the system.

Method for the thermal characterization, visualization, and integrity evaluation of conducting material samples or complex structures

DOEpatents

Ortiz, M.G.

1992-11-24

Disclosed is a method for modeling a conducting material sample or structure (herein called a system) as at least two regions which comprise an electrical network of resistances, for measuring electric resistance between at least two selected pairs of external leads attached to the surface of the system, wherein at least one external lead is attached to the surface of each of the regions, and, using basic circuit theory, for translating measured resistances into temperatures or thermophysical properties in corresponding regions of the system. 16 figs.

Electrical network method for the thermal or structural characterization of a conducting material sample or structure

DOEpatents

Ortiz, Marco G.

1993-01-01

A method for modeling a conducting material sample or structure system, as an electrical network of resistances in which each resistance of the network is representative of a specific physical region of the system. The method encompasses measuring a resistance between two external leads and using this measurement in a series of equations describing the network to solve for the network resistances for a specified region and temperature. A calibration system is then developed using the calculated resistances at specified temperatures. This allows for the translation of the calculated resistances to a region temperature. The method can also be used to detect and quantify structural defects in the system.

Electrical network method for the thermal or structural characterization of a conducting material sample or structure

DOEpatents

Ortiz, M.G.

1993-06-08

A method for modeling a conducting material sample or structure system, as an electrical network of resistances in which each resistance of the network is representative of a specific physical region of the system. The method encompasses measuring a resistance between two external leads and using this measurement in a series of equations describing the network to solve for the network resistances for a specified region and temperature. A calibration system is then developed using the calculated resistances at specified temperatures. This allows for the translation of the calculated resistances to a region temperature. The method can also be used to detect and quantify structural defects in the system.

Studies on surface morphology and electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS thin films in presence of gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowal, Ashim Chandra; Kundu, Sarathi

2018-04-01

PEDOT:PSS is a water soluble conducting polymer consists of positively charged PEDOT and negatively charged PSS. However, this polymer suffers low conductivity problem which restrict its use. In this paper, electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS thin films is improved by using charged gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles used are synthesized using lysozyme protein. The nanoparticles coated with lysozyme protein possess positive zeta potential. In the presence of gold nanoparticles due to electrostatic interaction between positively charged nanoparticles and negatively charged PSS chains, modification takes place in the surface morphology and electrical behaviors of PEDOT:PSS thin films. The changes in the polymer matrix conformations in the presence of nanoparticles are studied by Fourier transformed Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, whereas the surface morphology of prepared thin films before and after interaction with nanoparticles is investigated through atomic force microscopy (AFM). Four probe method is used to measure the variation of electrical conductivity from I-V characteristics curves.

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.

Conformally encapsulated multi-electrode arrays with seamless insulation

DOEpatents

Tabada, Phillipe J.; Shah, Kedar G.; Tolosa, Vanessa; Pannu, Satinderall S.; Tooker, Angela; Delima, Terri; Sheth, Heeral; Felix, Sarah

2016-11-22

Thin-film multi-electrode arrays (MEA) having one or more electrically conductive beams conformally encapsulated in a seamless block of electrically insulating material, and methods of fabricating such MEAs using reproducible, microfabrication processes. One or more electrically conductive traces are formed on scaffold material that is subsequently removed to suspend the traces over a substrate by support portions of the trace beam in contact with the substrate. By encapsulating the suspended traces, either individually or together, with a single continuous layer of an electrically insulating material, a seamless block of electrically insulating material is formed that conforms to the shape of the trace beam structure, including any trace backings which provide suspension support. Electrical contacts, electrodes, or leads of the traces are exposed from the encapsulated trace beam structure by removing the substrate.

Three Dimensional Distribution of Sensitive Field and Stress Field Inversion of Force Sensitive Materials under Constant Current Excitation.

PubMed

Zhao, Shuanfeng; Liu, Min; Guo, Wei; Zhang, Chuanwei

2018-02-28

Force sensitive conductive composite materials are functional materials which can be used as the sensitive material of force sensors. However, the existing sensors only use one-dimensional electrical properties of force sensitive conductive materials. Even in tactile sensors, the measurement of contact pressure is achieved by large-scale arrays and the units of a large-scale array are also based on the one-dimensional electrical properties of force sensitive materials. The main contribution of this work is to study the three-dimensional electrical properties and the inversion method of three-dimensional stress field of a force sensitive material (conductive rubber), which pushes the application of force sensitive material from one dimensional to three-dimensional. First, the mathematical model of the conductive rubber current field distribution under a constant force is established by the effective medium theory, and the current field distribution model of conductive rubber with different geometry, conductive rubber content and conductive rubber relaxation parameters is deduced. Secondly, the inversion method of the three-dimensional stress field of conductive rubber is established, which provides a theoretical basis for the design of a new tactile sensor, three-dimensional stress field and space force based on force sensitive materials.

Product formulation for ohmic heating: blanching as a pretreatment method to improve uniformity in heating of solid-liquid food mixtures.

PubMed

Sarang, S; Sastry, S K; Gaines, J; Yang, T C S; Dunne, P

2007-06-01

The electrical conductivity of food components is critical to ohmic heating. Food components of different electrical conductivities heat at different rates. While equal electrical conductivities of all phases are desirable, real food products may behave differently. In the present study involving chicken chow mein consisting of a sauce and different solid components, celery, water chestnuts, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and chicken, it was observed that the sauce was more conductive than all solid components over the measured temperature range. To improve heating uniformity, a blanching method was developed to increase the ionic content of the solid components. By blanching different solid components in a highly conductive sauce at 100 degrees C for different lengths of time, it was possible to adjust their conductivity to that of the sauce. Chicken chow mein samples containing blanched particulates were compared with untreated samples with respect to ohmic heating uniformity at 60 Hz up to 140 degrees C. All components of the treated product containing blanched solids heated more uniformly than untreated product. In sensory tests, 3 different formulations of the blanched product showed good quality attributes and overall acceptability, demonstrating the practical feasibility of the blanching protocol.

Thermal constitutive matrix applied to asynchronous electrical machine using the cell method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domínguez, Pablo Ignacio González; Monzón-Verona, José Miguel; Rodríguez, Leopoldo Simón; Sánchez, Adrián de Pablo

2018-03-01

This work demonstrates the equivalence of two constitutive equations. One is used in Fourier's law of the heat conduction equation, the other in electric conduction equation; both are based on the numerical Cell Method, using the Finite Formulation (FF-CM). A 3-D pure heat conduction model is proposed. The temperatures are in steady state and there are no internal heat sources. The obtained results are compared with an equivalent model developed using the Finite Elements Method (FEM). The particular case of 2-D was also studied. The errors produced are not significant at less than 0.2%. The number of nodes is the number of the unknowns and equations to resolve. There is no significant gain in precision with increasing density of the mesh.

Characterization of riverbed sediments hydraulic conductivity using slug tests and electrical resistivity tomography and induced polarization tomogrpahy.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, F.; Benoit, S.; Gommers, K.; Ghysels, G.; Hermans, T.; Huysmans, M.

2017-12-01

Hydraulic conductivity of river sediments ranges from values smaller than 10-9 m/s to values higher than 10-2 m/s, with a dominance in values between 10-7 m/s and 10-3 m/s. Both horizontal hydraulic conductivity and vertical hydraulic conductivity show spatial variation in a riverbed. The spatial variation in hydraulic conductivity is due to the influence of the sedimentary and geomorphological environment as well as the method of determination, including scale, size and imprecision of the applied method. The characterization of the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity in riverbeds is important because of its effect on the interaction between river and groundwater. These river - groundwater interactions influence water resource management, water quality and functioning of the riparian ecosystem. It is necessary in the simulation of 3D flow between river and aquifer near the interface and thus, it also determines contaminant transport and biogeochemical modelling in this riparian or hyporheic zone. Different processes occur in this specific zone such as transport, degradation, transformation, precipitation and sorption of substances, all dependent on hydraulic conductivity. Several methods exist to determine the hydraulic conductivity in river beds, both direct and indirect methods, from field to laboratory experiments or numerical modelling, but the uncertainty on obtained K values is often large because of the large variability of K. In the recent years, research has been performed on the usefulness of geophysical methods on rivers, in particular Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP). The implementation of ERT and IP in rivers provides a continuous image of the resistivity and chargeability of the subsurface, respectively, and can be used in several applications as proxies for hydraulic conductivity. This work reports and investigate a correlation between hydraulic conductivity measured by slug tests at an experimental site, and electrical resistivity, chargeability and normalized chargeability for riverbeds sediments.

Electrical conductivity and morphology of electrochemical synthesized polyaniline/CuO nano composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashokkumar, S. P.; Yesappa, L.; Vijeth, H.; Niranjana, M.; Devendrappa, H.

2018-05-01

Polyaniline (PANI) and Polyaniline/CuO nanocomposite have been synthesized by using electrochemical deposition method. The composite was characterized using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) to confirm the chemical interaction changes, micro structural morphology was done by Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The dielectric constant and AC conductivity are found to increases with increase in temperature range (303 to 393K), these results shows enhancement in electrical conductivity due to effect of nanocomposite.

Evaluation of critical nuclear power plant electrical cable response to severe thermal fire conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Gabriel James

The failure of electrical cables exposed to severe thermal fire conditions are a safety concern for operating commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs). The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has promoted the use of risk-informed and performance-based methods for fire protection which resulted in a need to develop realistic methods to quantify the risk of fire to NPP safety. Recent electrical cable testing has been conducted to provide empirical data on the failure modes and likelihood of fire-induced damage. This thesis evaluated numerous aspects of the data. Circuit characteristics affecting fire-induced electrical cable failure modes have been evaluated. In addition, thermal failure temperatures corresponding to cable functional failures have been evaluated to develop realistic single point thermal failure thresholds and probability distributions for specific cable insulation types. Finally, the data was used to evaluate the prediction capabilities of a one-dimension conductive heat transfer model used to predict cable failure.

System and method of modulating electrical signals using photoconductive wide bandgap semiconductors as variable resistors

DOEpatents

Harris, John Richardson; Caporaso, George J; Sampayan, Stephen E

2013-10-22

A system and method for producing modulated electrical signals. The system uses a variable resistor having a photoconductive wide bandgap semiconductor material construction whose conduction response to changes in amplitude of incident radiation is substantially linear throughout a non-saturation region to enable operation in non-avalanche mode. The system also includes a modulated radiation source, such as a modulated laser, for producing amplitude-modulated radiation with which to direct upon the variable resistor and modulate its conduction response. A voltage source and an output port, are both operably connected to the variable resistor so that an electrical signal may be produced at the output port by way of the variable resistor, either generated by activation of the variable resistor or propagating through the variable resistor. In this manner, the electrical signal is modulated by the variable resistor so as to have a waveform substantially similar to the amplitude-modulated radiation.

Direct current sputtering of boron from boron/coron mixtures

DOEpatents

Timberlake, John R.; Manos, Dennis; Nartowitz, Ed

1994-01-01

A method for coating a substrate with boron by sputtering includes lowering the electrical resistance of a boron-containing rod to allow electrical conduction in the rod; placing the boron-containing rod inside a vacuum chamber containing substrate material to be coated; applying an electrical potential between the boron target material and the vacuum chamber; countering a current avalanche that commences when the conduction heating rate exceeds the cooling rate, and until a steady equilibrium heating current is reached; and, coating the substrate material with boron by sputtering from the boron-containing rod.

Cathode for aluminum producing electrolytic cell

DOEpatents

Brown, Craig W.

2004-04-13

A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell comprising the steps of providing an anode in a cell, preferably a non-reactive anode, and also providing a cathode in the cell, the cathode comprised of a base material having low electrical conductivity reactive with molten aluminum to provide a highly electrically conductive layer on the base material. Electric current is passed from the anode to the cathode and alumina is reduced and aluminum is deposited at the cathode. The cathode base material is selected from boron carbide, and zirconium oxide.

Drude conductivity exhibited by chemically synthesized reduced graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Younas, Daniyal; Javed, Qurat-ul-Ain; Fatima, Sabeen; Kalsoom, Riffat; Abbas, Hussain; Khan, Yaqoob

2017-09-01

Electrical conductance in graphene layers having Drude like response due to massless Dirac fermions have been well explained theoretically as well as experimentally. In this paper Drude like electrical conductivity response of reduced graphene oxide synthesized by chemical route is presented. A method slightly different from conventional methods is used to synthesize graphene oxide which is then converted to reduced graphene oxide. Various analytic techniques were employed to verify the successful oxidation and reductions in the process and were also used to measure various parameters like thickness of layers and conductivity. Obtained reduced graphene oxide has very thin layers of thickness around 13 nm on average and reduced graphene oxide has average thickness below 20 nm. Conductivity of the reduced graphene was observed to have Drude like response which is explained on basis of Drude model for conductors.

Gold nanostructures and methods of use

DOEpatents

Zhang, Jin Z [Santa Cruz, CA; Schwartzberg, Adam [Santa Cruz, CA; Olson, Tammy Y [Santa Cruz, CA

2012-03-20

The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

Electrically conducting polyimide film containing tin complexes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St.clair, Anne K. (Inventor); Ezzell, Stephen A. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Disclosed is a thermally-stable SnO2-surfaced polyimide film wherein the electrical conductivity of the SnO2 surface is within the range of about 3.0 x 10(exp -3) to about 1 x 10(exp -2) ohms(exp -1). Also disclosed is a method of preparing this film from a solution containing a polyamic acid and SnCl4 (DMSO)2.

Gold nanostructures and methods of use

DOEpatents

Zhang, Jin Z.; Schwartzberg, Adam; Olson, Tammy Y.

2016-03-01

The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

Investigation of the Effect of Mixing Methods and Chemical Treatments on the Conductivity of the CNT/PLA Based Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talwar, Brijpal Singh

The growing popularity of Poly lactic acid (PLA) is mainly due to its biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, and its synthesis from renewable resources. PLA can be compounded with electrically conductive fillers (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) to form conductive polymer composites (CPCs). These fillers provide conductive functionality to the composite material by forming percolation paths. Featuring very low weight densities, CPCs have the potential to replace metals in the electronic industry, if they exhibit similar electrical conductivities to that of the metals. The current challenges being faced during the mixing of CNTs in the polymer matrix are: formation of aggregates due to strong van der Waals forces and breakage of CNTs during dispersion. In this study, we compare: (1) two fabrication methods to create CPCs (i.e., solution mixing by sonication and melt extrusion) (2) effect of various CNT functionalization techniques (i.e., acid and plasma treatments) on the conductivity of CPCs and (3) effect of using binding molecules like para-phenylenediamine, that act as bridges in between the CNTs in the CPCs and its effect on the conductivity of CPCs. Such conductive composite materials find widespread technological applications which either require, or could benefit from, the ability to pattern micro-sized features in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) architectures. Direct-write fabrication technique is used to realise these printed patterns, using the CPC solution as ink. First, the composites comprising of 30% PLA by weight in Dichloromethane (DCM) and CNTs in different concentrations (up to 5wt. %) are fabricated using a two-step sonication method (i.e., dissolving PLA in DCM and then dispersing the CNTs in this polymer solution). Second, CPCs are fabricated using a twin screw micro extruder operating at 180°C. To verify the effects of functionalization of the CNTs on the conductivity of composites, the CNTs are functionalized by three methods: HNO3 acid functionalization, 3:1 ratio HNO 3 + H2SO4 acid (stronger) functionalization and N2 plasma functionalization. To check the effect of amine binding molecules, HNO3 acid functionalized CNTs are treated with a mixture of para-phenylenediamine and aniline in an acidic solution. These chemically treated CNTs are then mixed with PLA to form composites. CPC fibers are drawn using the solvent-cast printing method. These fibers are tested for their electrical conductivity using the two-probe resistivity measurement method. Maximum electrical conductivity was observed in the 5wt. % CNT concentration samples at 3.97 S/m and 25.16 S/m for CPC fibers obtained via the solution blend and the extrusion methods, respectively. In the case of the functionalized CNTs, conductivity measurements show a negative effect of functionalization on the electrical properties of the CPC. While, the amine treated CNT/PLA CPC fibers show better conductivity at 4.2 S/m when compared to the untreated CNT/PLA samples manufactured using the solution mixing method. Finally, one-dimensional (1D) structures like fibres and 2D, 3D structures like single and multi-layer scaffolds were fabricated using the solvent-cast printing technique with the above manufactured CPC solutions in DCM as inks. Such conductive microstructures find their application in the electronic industry and in micro-scale systems such as pollution detection in natural environments, tissue engineering, mechanical sensors and smart devices.

Metamaterial Behavior of Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Polypropylene/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated by Means of Ultrasound-Assisted Extrusion

PubMed Central

Pérez-Medina, Juan C.; Waldo-Mendoza, Miguel A.; Cruz-Delgado, Víctor J.; Quiñones-Jurado, Zoe V.; González-Morones, Pablo; Ziolo, Ronald F.; Martínez-Colunga, Juan G.; Soriano-Corral, Florentino; Avila-Orta, Carlos A.

2016-01-01

Metamaterial behavior of polymer nanocomposites (NCs) based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated based on the observation of a negative dielectric constant (ε′). It is demonstrated that as the dielectric constant switches from negative to positive, the plasma frequency (ωp) depends strongly on the ultrasound-assisted fabrication method, as well as on the melt flow index of the iPP. NCs were fabricated using ultrasound-assisted extrusion methods with 10 wt % loadings of MWCNTs in iPPs with different melt flow indices (MFI). AC electrical conductivity (σ(AC)) as a function of frequency was determined to complement the electrical classification of the NCs, which were previously designated as insulating (I), static-dissipative (SD), and conductive (C) materials. It was found that the SD and C materials can also be classified as metamaterials (M). This type of behavior emerges from the negative dielectric constant observed at low frequencies although, at certain frequencies, the dielectric constant becomes positive. Our method of fabrication allows for the preparation of metamaterials with tunable ωp. iPP pure samples show only positive dielectric constants. Electrical conductivity increases in all cases with the addition of MWCNTs with the largest increases observed for samples with the highest MFI. A relationship between MFI and the fabrication method, with respect to electrical properties, is reported. PMID:28774042

Electrokinetic removal of charged contaminant species from soil and other media using moderately conductive adsorptive materials

DOEpatents

Lindgren, Eric R.; Mattson, Earl D.

2001-01-01

Method for collecting and concentrating charged species, specifically, contaminant species in a medium, preferably soil. The method utilizes electrokinesis to drive contaminant species into and through a bed adjacent to a drive electrode. The bed comprises a moderately electrically conductive adsorbent material which is porous and is infused with water or other solvent capable of conducting electrical current. The bed material, preferably activated carbon, is easily removed and disposed of. Preferably, where activated carbon is used, after contaminant species are collected and concentrated, the mixture of activated carbon and contaminant species is removed and burned to form a stable and easily disposable waste product.

Training Needs Assessment of Technical Skills in Managers of Tehran Electricity Distribution Company

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koohi, Amir Hasan; Ghandali, Fatemeh; Dehghan, Hasan; Ghandali, Najme

2016-01-01

Current dissertation has been conducted in order to investigate and detect training needs of the mangers (top and middle) in Tehran Electricity Distribution Company. Research method is applied kind based on its purpose. Due to data collection method, this query is descriptive-survey type. Statistical population in this study is all of managers in…

Frequency dependence of electrical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/graphite electrode waste/natural carbon black composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Insiyanda, D. R.; Indayaningsih, N.; Prihandoko, B.; Subhan, A.; Khaerudini, D. S.; Widodo, H.; Destyorini, F.; Chaer, A.

2018-03-01

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material with remarkably high piezoelectric coefficient and an attractive polymer matrix for micro-composite with superior mechanical and electrical properties. The conductive filler is obtained from Graphite Electrode Waste (GEW) and Natural Carbon Black (NCB). The variation of composite content (%) of PVdF/NCB/GEW were 100/0/0, 95/5/0, 95/0/5, 95/2.5/2.5. This experiment employed dry dispersion method for material mixing. The materials were then moulded using hot press machine with compression parameters of P = 5.5 MPa, T = 150 °C, t = 60 minutes, A = 5×5×(0.2 - 0.4) cm3. The electrical conductivity properties of pure PVdF, as well as PVdF/GEW, PVdF/NCB, and PVdF/NCB/GEW composites were investigated in a frequency range of 100 to 100000 Hz. The PVdF/GEW sample obtained the highest electrical conductivity. It is concluded that GEW and NCB can be incorporated into PVdF as a conductive filler to increase the conductivity of conductive material composite without solvent.

Geophysical data integration and conditional uncertainty analysis on hydraulic conductivity estimation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rahman, A.; Tsai, F.T.-C.; White, C.D.; Carlson, D.A.; Willson, C.S.

2007-01-01

Integration of various geophysical data is essential to better understand aquifer heterogeneity. However, data integration is challenging because there are different levels of support between primary and secondary data needed to be correlated in various ways. This study proposes a geostatistical method to integrate the hydraulic conductivity measurements and electrical resistivity data to better estimate the hydraulic conductivity (K) distribution. The K measurements are obtained from the pumping tests and represent the primary data (hard data). The borehole electrical resistivity data from electrical logs are regarded as the secondary data (soft data). The electrical resistivity data is used to infer hydraulic conductivity values through the Archie law and Kozeny-Carman equation. A pseudo cross-semivariogram is developed to cope with the resistivity data non-collocation. Uncertainty in the auto-semivariograms and pseudo cross-semivariogram is quantified. The methodology is demonstrated by a real-world case study where the hydraulic conductivity is estimated in the Upper Chicot aquifer of Southwestern Louisiana. The groundwater responses by the cokriging and cosimulation of hydraulic conductivity are compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). ?? 2007 ASCE.

Polypyrrole-chitosan conductive biomaterial synchronizes cardiomyocyte contraction and improves myocardial electrical impulse propagation.

PubMed

Cui, Zhi; Ni, Nathan C; Wu, Jun; Du, Guo-Qing; He, Sheng; Yau, Terrence M; Weisel, Richard D; Sung, Hsing-Wen; Li, Ren-Ke

2018-01-01

Background: The post-myocardial infarction (MI) scar interrupts electrical impulse propagation and delays regional contraction, which contributes to ventricular dysfunction. We investigated the potential of an injectable conductive biomaterial to restore scar tissue conductivity and re-establish synchronous ventricular contraction. Methods: A conductive biomaterial was generated by conjugating conductive polypyrrole (PPY) onto chitosan (CHI) backbones. Trypan blue staining of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CMs) cultured on biomaterials was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the conductive biomaterials. Ca 2+ imaging was used to visualize beating CMs. A cryoablation injury rat model was used to investigate the ability of PPY:CHI to improve cardiac electrical propagation in the injured heart in vivo . Electromyography was used to evaluate conductivity of scar tissue ex vivo . Results: Cell survival and morphology were similar between cells cultured on biomaterials-coated and uncoated-control dishes. PPY:CHI established synchronous contraction of two distinct clusters of spontaneously-beating CMs. Intramyocardial PPY:CHI injection into the cryoablation-induced injured region improved electrical impulse propagation across the scarred tissue and decreased the QRS interval, whereas saline- or CHI-injected hearts continued to have delayed propagation patterns and significantly reduced conduction velocity compared to healthy controls. Ex vivo evaluation found that scar tissue from PPY:CHI-treated rat hearts had higher signal amplitude compared to those from saline- or CHI-treated rat heart tissue. Conclusions: The PPY:CHI biomaterial is electrically conductive, biocompatible and injectable. It improved synchronous contraction between physically separated beating CM clusters in vitro . Intra-myocardial injection of PPY:CHI following cardiac injury improved electrical impulse propagation of scar tissue in vivo .

Determining resistivity of a formation adjacent to a borehole having casing with an apparatus having all current conducting electrodes within the cased well

DOEpatents

Vail, III, William Banning

2001-01-01

Methods of operation of different types of multiple electrode apparatus vertically disposed in a cased well to measure information useful to determine the resistivity of adjacent geological formations from within the cased well are described. The multiple electrode apparatus has a plurality of spaced apart voltage measurement electrodes that electrically engage a portion of the interior of the cased well. During measurements of information useful to determine formation resistivity, current is conducted between a first current conducting electrode in electrical contact with the interior of the cased well to a second current conducting electrode that is also in electrical contact with the interior of the cased well. The first and second current conducting electrodes are separated by a distance sufficient so that at least a portion of the current conducted between the first and second current conducting electrodes is conducted through the geological formation of interest.

Determining Electrical Properties Based on B1 Fields Measured in an MR Scanner Using a Multi-channel Transmit/Receive Coil: a General Approach

PubMed Central

Liu, Jiaen; Zhang, Xiaotong; Van de Moortele, Pierre-Francois; Schmitter, Sebastian

2013-01-01

Electrical Property Tomography (EPT) is a recently developed noninvasive technology to image the electrical conductivity and permittivity of biological tissues at Larmor frequency in Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanners. The absolute phase of the complex radio-frequency (RF) magnetic field (B1) is necessary for electrical property calculation. However, due to the lack of practical methods to directly measure the absolute B1 phases, current EPT techniques have been achieved with B1 phase estimation based on certain assumptions on object anatomy, coil structure and/or electromagnetic wave behavior associated with the main magnetic field, limiting EPT from a larger variety of applications. In this study, using a multi-channel transmit/receive coil, the framework of a new general approach for EPT has been introduced, which is independent on the assumptions utilized in previous studies. Using a human head model with realistic geometry, a series of computer simulations at 7T were conducted to evaluate the proposed method under different noise levels. Results showed that the proposed method can be used to reconstruct the conductivity and permittivity images with noticeable accuracy and stability. The feasibility of this approach was further evaluated in a phantom experiment at 7T. PMID:23743673

The application of moment methods to the analysis of fluid electrical conductivity logs in boreholes

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

Loew, S.; Tsang, Chin-Fu; Hale, F.V.

1990-08-01

This report is one of a series documenting the results of the Nagra-DOE Cooperative (NDC-I) research program in which the cooperating scientists explore the geological, geophysical, hydrological, geochemical, and structural effects anticipated from the use of a rock mass as a geologic repository for nuclear waste. Previous reports have presented a procedure for analyzing a time sequence of wellbore electric conductivity logs in order to obtain outflow parameters of fractures intercepted by the borehole, and a code, called BORE, used to simulate borehole fluid conductivity profiles given these parameters. The present report describes three new direct (not iterative) methods formore » analyzing a short time series of electric conductivity logs based on moment quantities of the individual outflow peaks and applies them to synthetic as well as to field data. The results of the methods discussed show promising results and are discussed in terms of their respective advantages and limitations. In particular it is shown that one of these methods, the so-called Partial Moment Method,'' is capable of reproducing packer test results from field experiments in the Leuggern deep well within a factor of three, which is below the range of what is recognized as the precision of packer tests themselves. Furthermore the new method is much quicker than the previously used iterative fitting procedure and is even capable of handling transient fracture outflow conditions. 20 refs., 11 figs., 10 tabs.« less

Nutrient Estimation Using Subsurface Sensing Methods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This report investigates the use of precision management techniques for measuring soil conductivity on feedlot surfaces to estimate nutrient value for crop production. An electromagnetic induction soil conductivity meter was used to collect apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) from feedlot p...

Electric Field Activated Shape Memory Polymer Composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Jin Ho (Inventor); Turner, Travis L. (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor); Penner, Ronald K. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Provided is an electrically activated shape memory polymer composite capable of thermal shape reformation using electric power to heat the composite through its matrix glass transition temperature. The composite includes an adaptable polymer matrix component using a diglycidyl ether resin, at least one substantially well-dispersed conductive or magnetic nano-filler component, and at least one elastic, laminated layer. Also provided are methods of preparing the composite and methods of activating the composite. A shape reformation of the composite is triggered by applying an electric field at DC and/or at a frequency above about 1.mu.Hz for a sufficient time.

Electrical Resistivity of Wire Arc Sprayed Zn and Cu Coatings for In-Mold-Metal-Spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobzin, K.; Öte, M.; Knoch, M. A.; Liao, X.; Hopmann, Ch; Ochotta, P.

2018-06-01

Electrical functionalities can be integrated into plastic parts by integrating thermally sprayed metal coatings into the non-conductive base material. Thermally sprayed conducting tracks for power and signal transmission are one example. In this case, the electrical resistance or resistivity of the coatings should be investigated. Therefore, the electrical resistivity of wire arc sprayed Zn and Cu coatings has been investigated. In case of Zn coatings, spray distance, gas pressure and wire diameter could be identified as significant influencing parameters on the electrical resistivity. In contrast, process gas, gas pressure and voltage do have a significant influence on the electrical resistivity of Cu coatings. Through the use of the In-Mold-Metal-Spraying method (IMMS), thermal degradation can be avoided by transferring thermally sprayed coating from a mold insert onto the plastic part. Therefore, the influence of the transfer process on the electrical resistance of the coatings has also been investigated.

In vivo mapping of current density distribution in brain tissues during deep brain stimulation (DBS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajib, Saurav Z. K.; Oh, Tong In; Kim, Hyung Joong; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2017-01-01

New methods for in vivo mapping of brain responses during deep brain stimulation (DBS) are indispensable to secure clinical applications. Assessment of current density distribution, induced by internally injected currents, may provide an alternative method for understanding the therapeutic effects of electrical stimulation. The current flow and pathway are affected by internal conductivity, and can be imaged using magnetic resonance-based conductivity imaging methods. Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) is an imaging method that can enable highly resolved mapping of electromagnetic tissue properties such as current density and conductivity of living tissues. In the current study, we experimentally imaged current density distribution of in vivo canine brains by applying MREIT to electrical stimulation. The current density maps of three canine brains were calculated from the measured magnetic flux density data. The absolute current density values of brain tissues, including gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid were compared to assess the active regions during DBS. The resulting current density in different tissue types may provide useful information about current pathways and volume activation for adjusting surgical planning and understanding the therapeutic effects of DBS.

Roll-to-Roll Continuous Manufacturing Multifunctional Nanocomposites by Electric-Field-Assisted "Z" Direction Alignment of Graphite Flakes in Poly(dimethylsiloxane).

PubMed

Guo, Yuanhao; Chen, Yuwei; Wang, Enmin; Cakmak, Miko

2017-01-11

A roll-to-roll continuous process was developed to manufacture large-scale multifunctional poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) films embedded with thickness direction ("Z" direction) aligned graphite nanoparticles by application of electric field. The kinetics of particle "Z" alignment and chain formation was studied by tracking the real-time change of optical light transmission through film thickness direction. Benefiting from the anisotropic structure of aligned particle chains, the electrical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were dramatically enhanced through the thickness direction as compared to those of the nanocomposites containing the same particle loading without electrical field alignment. With 5 vol % graphite loading, 250 times higher electrical conductivity, 43 times higher dielectric permittivity, and 1.5 times higher thermal conductivity was achieved in the film thickness direction after the particles were aligned under electrical field. Moreover, the aligned nanocomposites with merely 2 vol % graphite particles exhibit even higher electric conductivity and dielectric permittivity than those of the nonaligned nanocomposites at random percolation threshold (10 vol % particles), as the "electric-field-directed" percolation threshold concentration is substantially decreased using this process. As the graphite loading increases to 20 vol %, the aligned nanocomposites exhibit thermal conductivity as high as 6.05 W/m·K, which is 35 times the thermal conductivity of pure matrix. This roll-to-roll electric field continuous process provides a simple, low-cost, and commercially viable method to manufacture multifunctional nanocomposites for applications as embedded capacitor, electromagnetic (EM) shielding, and thermal interface materials.

Numerical modelling of processes that occur in the selective waste disassembly installation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherecheş, T.; Lixandru, P.; Dragnea, D.; Cherecheş, D. M.

2017-08-01

This paper is the result of the attempts of quantitative approach of some of the processes that are occurring in the selective fragmentation with high voltage pulses installation. It has been formulated a methodology which customizes the general methods for the issue of transient electric field in mixed environments. The electromagnetic processes inside the fragmentation installation, the initiation and formation of the discharge channels, the thermodynamic and mechanical effects in the process vessel are complex, transient and very quick. One of the underlying principles of the fragmentation process consists in the differentiated reaction of materials in an electric field. Generally in the process vessel there can be found together three types of materials: dielectrics, metal, electrolytes. The conductivity of dielectric materials is virtually zero. Metallic materials conduct very well through electronic conductivity. Electrolytes have a more modest conductivity since they conduct through electrochemical processes. The electrical current, in this case, is the movement of ions having sizes and the masses different from the electrons. Here, the electric current includes displacements of ions and molecules, collisions and chemical reactions. Part of the electrical field’s energy is absorbed by the electrolyte in the form of mechanical and chemical energy.

Investigation of changes in the electrical properties of novel knitted conductive textiles during cyclic loading.

PubMed

Isaia, Cristina; McNally, Donal; McMaster, Simon A; Branson, David T

2016-08-01

Combining stainless steel with polyester fibres adds an attractive conductive behaviour to the yarn. Once knitted in such a manner, fabrics develop sensing properties that make the textiles, also known as e-textiles, suitable for smart/wearable applications. Structural deformations of the fibres (e.g. stretching) will cause changes in the conductivity of the fabric. This work investigates changes in the electrical properties exhibited by four knitted conductive textiles made of 20% stainless steel and 80% polyester fibres during cyclic loading. The samples were preconditioned first with 500 hundred cycles of unidirectional elongation and, after a rest interval, tested again for repeatability at the same conditions. In both cases the electrical behaviour stabilises after a few tens of cycles. In particular the repeatability test exhibited a considerably smaller settling time and a larger resistance due to the mechanical stabilisation and the loosening of the fabrics, respectively. It was found that the current provided to the fabrics affects the resistance measurements by decreasing the resistance value at which the samples become electrically stable. The reported findings present a valid method for the electrical characterisation of conductive textiles for use in further studies as a wearable technology.

N-type droping of nanocrystalline diamond films with nitrogen and electrodes made therefrom

DOEpatents

Gruen, Dieter M [Downers Grove, IL; Krauss, Alan R [late of Naperville, IL; Auciello, Orlando H [Bolingbrook, IL; Carlisle, John A [Plainfield, IL

2004-09-21

An electrically conducting n-type ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) having no less than 10.sup.19 atoms/cm.sup.3 of nitrogen is disclosed. A method of making the n-doped UNCD. A method for predictably controlling the conductivity is also disclosed.

A Technique for Estimating the Surface Conductivity of Single Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bau, Haim; Arsenault, Mark; Zhao, Hui; Purohit, Prashant; Goldman, Yale

2007-11-01

When an AC electric field at 2MHz was applied across a small gap between two metal electrodes elevated above a surface, rhodamine-phalloidin-labeled actin filaments were attracted to the gap and became suspended between the two electrodes. The variance of each filament's horizontal, lateral displacement was measured as a function of electric field intensity and position along the filament. The variance significantly decreased as the electric field intensity increased. Hypothesizing that the electric field induces electroosmotic flow around the filament that, in turn, induces drag on the filament, which appears as effective tension, we estimated the tension using a linear, Brownian dynamic model. Based on the tension, we estimated the filament's surface conductivity. Our experimental method provides a novel means for trapping and manipulating biological filaments and for probing the surface conductance and mechanical properties of single polymers.

Catalytic devices

DOEpatents

Liu, Ming; Zhang, Xiang

2018-01-23

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to catalytic devices. In one aspect, a device includes a substrate, an electrically insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a layer of material disposed on the electrically insulating layer, and a catalyst disposed on the layer of material. The substrate comprises an electrically conductive material. The substrate and the layer of material are electrically coupled to one another and configured to have a voltage applied across them.

A new method for electric impedance imaging using an eddy current with a tetrapolar circuit.

PubMed

Ahsan-Ul-Ambia; Toda, Shogo; Takemae, Tadashi; Kosugi, Yukio; Hongo, Minoru

2009-02-01

A new contactless technique for electrical impedance imaging, using an eddy current managed along with the tetrapolar circuit method, is proposed. The eddy current produced by a magnetic field is superimposed on a constant current that is normally used in the tetrapolar circuit method, and thus is used to control the current distribution in the body. By changing the current distribution, a set of voltage differences is measured with a pair of electrodes. This set of voltage differences is used in the image reconstruction of the resistivity distribution. The least square error minimization method is used in the reconstruction algorithm. The principle of this method is explained theoretically. A backprojection algorithm was used to get 2-D images. Based on this principle, a measurement system was developed and model experiments were conducted with a saline-filled phantom. The estimated shape of each model in the reconstructed image was similar to that of the corresponding model. From the results of these experiments, it is confirmed that the proposed method is applicable to the realization of electrical conductivity imaging.

EIT Imaging of admittivities with a D-bar method and spatial prior: experimental results for absolute and difference imaging.

PubMed

Hamilton, S J

2017-05-22

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an emerging imaging modality that uses harmless electrical measurements taken on electrodes at a body's surface to recover information about the internal electrical conductivity and or permittivity. The image reconstruction task of EIT is a highly nonlinear inverse problem that is sensitive to noise and modeling errors making the image reconstruction task challenging. D-bar methods solve the nonlinear problem directly, bypassing the need for detailed and time-intensive forward models, to provide absolute (static) as well as time-difference EIT images. Coupling the D-bar methodology with the inclusion of high confidence a priori data results in a noise-robust regularized image reconstruction method. In this work, the a priori D-bar method for complex admittivities is demonstrated effective on experimental tank data for absolute imaging for the first time. Additionally, the method is adjusted for, and tested on, time-difference imaging scenarios. The ability of the method to be used for conductivity, permittivity, absolute as well as time-difference imaging provides the user with great flexibility without a high computational cost.

Influence of Pore-Fluid Pressure on Elastic Wave Velocity and Electrical Conductivity in Water-Saturated Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higuchi, A.; Watanabe, T.

2013-12-01

Pore-fluid pressure in seismogenic zones can play a key role in the occurrence of earthquakes (e.g., Sibson, 2009). Its evaluation via geophysical observations can lead to a good understanding of seismic activities. The evaluation requires a thorough understanding of the influence of the pore-fluid pressure on geophysical observables like seismic velocity and electrical conductivity. We have studied the influence of pore-fluid pressure on elastic wave velocity and electrical conductivity in water-saturated rocks. Fine grained (100-500μm) biotite granite (Aji, Kagawa pref., Japan) was used as rock samples. The density is 2.658-2.668 g/cm3, and the porosity 0.68-0.87%. The sample is composed of 52.8% plagioclase, 36.0% Quartz, 3.0% K-feldspar, 8.2% biotite. SEM images show that a lot of grain boundaries are open. Few intracrystalline cracks were observed. Following the method proposed by David and Zimmerman (2012), the distribution function of crack aspect ratio was evaluated from the pressure dependence of compressional and shear wave velocities in a dry sample. Cylindrical sample has dimensions of 25 mm in diameter and 30 mm in length, and saturated with 0.01 mol/l KCl aqueous solution. Compressional and shear wave velocities were measured with the pulse transmission technique (PZT transducers, f=2 MHz), and electrical conductivity the two-electrode method (Ag-AgCl electrodes, f=1 Hz-100 kHz). Simultaneous measurements of velocities and conductivity were made using a 200 MPa hydrostatic pressure vessel, in which confining and pore-fluid pressures can be separately controlled. The pore-fluid is electrically insulated from the metal work of the pressure vessel by using a newly designed plastic device (Watanabe and Higuchi, 2013). The confining pressure was progressively increased up to 25 MPa, while the pore-fluid pressure was kept at 0.1 MPa. It took five days or longer for the electrical conductivity to become stationary after increasing the confining pressure. Elastic wave velocities and electrical conductivity showed reproducibly contrasting changes for a small increase in the confining pressure. The elastic wave velocities increased only by 5% as the confining pressure increased from 0.1 MPa to 25 MPa, while the electrical conductivity decreased by an order of magnitude. Based on the SEM examinations, open grain boundaries work as cracks. The changes in elastic wave velocities and electrical conductivity must be caused by the closure of open grain boundaries. Most (˜80%) of the decrease in electrical conductivity occurred below the confining pressure of 5 MPa. As the confining pressure increased from 0.1 MPa to 5 MPa, cracks with the aspect ratio smaller than 7.5×10-5 were closed. The decrease in porosity was only 0.0005%. Such a small change in porosity caused a large change in electrical conductivity. The connectivity of fluid was maintained at the confining pressure of 25 MPa by cracks with the aspect ratio larger than 3.7×10-4. Simultaneous measurements have provided us a lot of information on the microstructure of fluid-bearing rocks.

Electrically conducting polyimide film containing tin complexes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, Anne K. (Inventor); Ezzell, Stephen A. (Inventor); Taylor, Larry T. (Inventor); Boston, Harold G. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

Disclosed is a thermally-stable SnO.sub.2 -surfaced polyimide film wherein the electrical conductivity of the SnO.sub.2 surface is within the range of about 3.0.times.10.sup.-3 to about 1.times.10.sup.-2 ohms.sup.-1,. Also disclosed is a method of preparing this film from a solution containing a polyamic acid and SnCl.sub.4 (DMSO).sub.2.

Conductometry of electrolyte solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safonova, Lyubov P.; Kolker, Arkadii M.

1992-09-01

A review is given of the theories of the electrical conductance of electrolyte solutions of different ionic strengths and concentrations, and of the models of ion association. An analysis is made of the methods for mathematical processing of experimental conductometric data. An account is provided of various theories describing the dependence of the limiting value of the ionic electrical conductance on the properties of the solute and solvent. The bibliography includes 115 references.

Standard reference materials: Thermal conductivity of electrolytic iron, SRM 734, from 4 to 300 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hust, J. G.; Sparks, L. L.

1971-01-01

Thermal conductivity data were obtained by the axial one-dimensional heat flow method for a cylindrical rod 3.6 mm in diameter and 23 cm long with an electric heater at one end and a temperature controlled sink at the other. Variability of this iron was studied by means of electrical residual resistivity ratio measurements on 63 specimens. This study showed that with a two-hour anneal at 1000 C one can obtain a thermal conductivity Standard Reference Material that has variability of less than 1% in thermal conductivity.

A review of anisotropic conductivity models of brain white matter based on diffusion tensor imaging.

PubMed

Wu, Zhanxiong; Liu, Yang; Hong, Ming; Yu, Xiaohui

2018-06-01

The conductivity of brain tissues is not only essential for electromagnetic source estimation (ESI), but also a key reflector of the brain functional changes. Different from the other brain tissues, the conductivity of whiter matter (WM) is highly anisotropic and a tensor is needed to describe it. The traditional electrical property imaging methods, such as electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), usually fail to image the anisotropic conductivity tensor of WM with high spatial resolution. The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a newly developed technique that can fulfill this purpose. This paper reviews the existing anisotropic conductivity models of WM based on the DTI and discusses their advantages and disadvantages, as well as identifies opportunities for future research on this subject. It is crucial to obtain the linear conversion coefficient between the eigenvalues of anisotropic conductivity tensor and diffusion tensor, since they share the same eigenvectors. We conclude that the electrochemical model is suitable for ESI analysis because the conversion coefficient can be directly obtained from the concentration of ions in extracellular liquid and that the volume fraction model is appropriate to study the influence of WM structural changes on electrical conductivity. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Electrolytic etch for preventing electrical shorts in solar cells on polymer surfaces

DOEpatents

Weber, Michael F.

1991-10-08

A method for preventing shorts and shunts in solar cells having in order, an insulating substrate, a conductive metal layer on the substrate, an amorphous silicon layer and a transparent conductive layer. The method includes anodic etching of exposed portions of the metal layer after deposition of the amorphous silicon and prior to depositing the transparent conductive layer.

The use of diamond-filled polymers as thermally conductive composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morlidge, Christopher Patrick

A need for a material that combines excellent thermal conductivity with high electrical resistivity has been identified in the electrical industry. As many materials currently exist that conduct both materials the investigation was carried out into a ceramic filled polymer. Diamond was chosen as the filling material due to its exceptionally high thermal conductivity. Three polymer materials were investigated as matrices for this material. The materials used were silicone rubber, polyester and a paint based on poly vinyl chloride. A study of method of production and mixing was first carried out to find the best route to produce the composite by ensuring even dispersion and ease of application. Various examination techniques were employed to find the success of the different processes. These methods were calibrated and optimised. The best methods of mixing and choice of filling material was established. Thermal conductivity tests carried out on the composite materials showed that there was a marked increase in the thermal conductivity of the materials. The strength and thermal expansion of the silicone rubber based material were also increased.

Variability analysis of the bulk resistivity measured using concrete cylinders.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

"Many agencies are interested in using a rapid test method for measuring the electrical properties of concrete (i.e., the : resistivity or conductivity) since the electrical properties can be related to fluid transport (e.g., ion diffusion). The adva...

Electrical conductivity measurement of excised human metastatic liver tumours before and after thermal ablation.

PubMed

Haemmerich, Dieter; Schutt, David J; Wright, Andrew W; Webster, John G; Mahvi, David M

2009-05-01

We measured the ex vivo electrical conductivity of eight human metastatic liver tumours and six normal liver tissue samples from six patients using the four electrode method over the frequency range 10 Hz to 1 MHz. In addition, in a single patient we measured the electrical conductivity before and after the thermal ablation of normal and tumour tissue. The average conductivity of tumour tissue was significantly higher than normal tissue over the entire frequency range (from 4.11 versus 0.75 mS cm(-1) at 10 Hz, to 5.33 versus 2.88 mS cm(-1) at 1 MHz). We found no significant correlation between tumour size and measured electrical conductivity. While before ablation tumour tissue had considerably higher conductivity than normal tissue, the two had similar conductivity throughout the frequency range after ablation. Tumour tissue conductivity changed by +25% and -7% at 10 Hz and 1 MHz after ablation (0.23-0.29 at 10 Hz, and 0.43-0.40 at 1 MHz), while normal tissue conductivity increased by +270% and +10% at 10 Hz and 1 MHz (0.09-0.32 at 10 Hz and 0.37-0.41 at 1 MHz). These data can potentially be used to differentiate tumour from normal tissue diagnostically.

Monotonicity-based electrical impedance tomography for lung imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Liangdong; Harrach, Bastian; Seo, Jin Keun

2018-04-01

This paper presents a monotonicity-based spatiotemporal conductivity imaging method for continuous regional lung monitoring using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). The EIT data (i.e. the boundary current-voltage data) can be decomposed into pulmonary, cardiac and other parts using their different periodic natures. The time-differential current-voltage operator corresponding to the lung ventilation can be viewed as either semi-positive or semi-negative definite owing to monotonic conductivity changes within the lung regions. We used these monotonicity constraints to improve the quality of lung EIT imaging. We tested the proposed methods in numerical simulations, phantom experiments and human experiments.

Structural and electrical study of ZrO{sub 2} nanoparticles modified with surfactants

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

Sidhu, Gaganpreet Kaur; Kumar, Rajesh, E-mail: rajeshbaboria@gmail.com; Tripathi, S. K.

2015-06-24

Zirconia ceramic is one of the most investigated materials for its outstanding mechanical properties and ionic conduction properties, due to its high oxygen ion conduction. In order to achieve novel properties of zirconia nanoparticles, nanoparticles of zirconia are modified by using two different surfactants (SDS and CTAB) were prepared by in-situ method using zirconia/surfactant dispersions. Zirconia nanoparticles with surfactant (SDS or CTAB) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The structural and optical properties of Zirconia/surfactant nanoparticles were investigated comprehensively by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical measurements. XRD highlights the crystalline behavior of nanoparticles.

A Simple Demonstration of the Effect of Eddy Currents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sapple, Paul; Reilly, Lee M.

2013-01-01

Demonstrating that a moving magnet can induce an electromagnetic force by causing an electric current in a conducting material can be shown by a number of methods. A common method is dropping a magnet down a copper pipe and showing that the rate of fall is much slower than expected owing to the induced electric current in the copper pipe. This…

Method And Apparatus For Two Dimensional Surface Property Analysis Based On Boundary Measurement

DOEpatents

Richardson, John G.

2005-11-15

An apparatus and method for determining properties of a conductive film is disclosed. A plurality of probe locations selected around a periphery of the conductive film define a plurality of measurement lines between each probe location and all other probe locations. Electrical resistance may be measured along each of the measurement lines. A lumped parameter model may be developed based on the measured values of electrical resistance. The lumped parameter model may be used to estimate resistivity at one or more selected locations encompassed by the plurality of probe locations. The resistivity may be extrapolated to other physical properties if the conductive film includes a correlation between resistivity and the other physical properties. A profile of the conductive film may be developed by determining resistivity at a plurality of locations. The conductive film may be applied to a structure such that resistivity may be estimated and profiled for the structure's surface.

Effect of Mn2+ doping on structural, electrical transport and dielectric properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, Mohd Mohsin Nizam; Khan, Shakeel; Bhargava, Richa; Ahmad, Naseem

2018-05-01

Manganese substituted cobalt ferrites, Co1-xMnxFe2O4 (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) were successfully synthesized by sol-gel method. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase cubic spinel structures having Fd-3m space group and crystallite size is found to be in the range of 12.9 - 15.5 nm. The lattice parameter increased from 8.4109 Å to 8.4531 Å with increasing Mn2+ ion doping. Dielectric constant (ɛ'), dielectric loss (tanδ) and ac conductivity (σac) were analyzed at room temperature as a function of frequency (42 Hz to 5 MHz) and the behavior is explained on the basis of Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization. DC electrical resistivity measurements were carried out by two-probe method. DC electrical resistivity decreases with increase in temperature confirms the semiconducting nature of the samples. Impedance spectroscopy method has been used to understand the conduction mechanism and the effect of grains and grain boundary on the electrical properties of the materials.

Use of fathometers and electrical-conductivity probes to monitor riverbed scour at bridge piers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Donald C.; Drummond, F.E.

1995-01-01

Two methods, a fathometer system and an electrical- conductivity probe system, were developed to monitor scour at bridge piers. The scour-monitoring systems consisted of a sensor (fathometer or electrical- conductivity probe), power supply, data logger, relay, and system program. The fathometer system was installed and tested at a bridge over the Leipsic River at Leipsic, Delaware, and at a bridge over Sinepuxent Bay near Ocean City. Maryland. Field data collected indicate that fathometers can be used to identify and monitor the riverbed elevation if post processing of the data and trends in the data are used to determine the riverbed location in relation to the transducer. The accuracy of the system is approximately the same as the resolution of the fathometer. Signal scatter can be a major source of error in the data. The electrical- conductivity probe system was installed and tested at a bridge over the Pamunkey River near Hanover, Virginia. The approximate elevation of the riverbed is determined by comparing conductivities of the surface-water flow with conductivities of submerged bed material from sensors located in each. Field data collected indicate that an electrical- conductivity probe, as tested, has limited usefulness in identifying and monitoring the riverbed elevation during high flows. As the discharge increases, the concentration of sediment in the surface-water flow increases, especially near the riverbed. Conductivities, measured at the sensors in the surface-water flow could not be distinguished from conductivities measured at the shallowest sensor in the submerged bed material.

Electrical modulus and dielectric behavior of Cr3+ substituted Mg-Zn nanoferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansour, S. F.; Abdo, M. A.

2017-04-01

The dielectric parameters and ac electrical conductivity of Mg0.8Zn0.2CrxFe2-xO4; (0≤x≤0.025) nanoferrites synthesized citrate-nitrate auto-combustion method were studied using the complex impedance technique in the frequency and temperature ranges 4 Hz-5 MHz and 303-873 K respectively. Hopping of charge carriers plus interfacial polarization could interpret the behaviors of dielectric constant (ε‧), dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) and ac electrical conductivity (σac) with frequency, temperatures and composition. The up-normal behavior observed in tanδ trend with temperatures confirms the presence of relaxation loss (dipoles losses). Correlated barrier hopping (CBH) of electron is the conduction mechanism of the investigated nanoferrites. Cole-Cole plots at different temperatures emphasize the main role of grain and grain boundaries in the properties of the investigated nanoferrites. Cr3+ substitution can control the dielectric parameters and ac electrical conductivity of Mg-Zn nanoferrites making it candidates for versatile applications.

Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Al 6101 and 6201 alloys processed by hydro-extrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakiela, Z.; Ludwichowska, K.; Ferenc, J.; Kulczyk, M.

2014-08-01

The aim of this work was to produce a material with high strength and electrical conductivity. Two aluminium alloys: Al 6101 and 6201 were used for investigation. Improvement of mechanical properties was obtained by severe plastic deformation, using Hydrostatic Extrusion (HE). To examine mechanical properties of the materials microhardness and tensile tests were carried out. Furthermore, the microstructure analysis was carried out using TEM and light microscopy. Electrical conductivity of materials was measured by 4-wire method. It was found that in the material processed by HE tensile strength and microhardness increased about twice. The biggest strength of 356 MPa was obtained for alloy 6201 after HE. In this case the reduction of a diameters from 20 to 5 mm was used. Examination of the microstructure revealed that as a result of HE grain size refinement to 0.5 micrometer occurred. It was also found that the material has the electric conductivity of about 52% IACS.

Development of a REBCO HTS magnet for Maglev - repeated bending tests of HTS pancake coils -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugino, Motohikoa; Mizuno, Katsutoshi; Tanaka, Minoru; Ogata, Masafumi

2018-01-01

In the past study, two manufacturing methods were developed that can manufacture pancake coils by using REBCO coated conductors. It was confirmed that the conductors have no electric degradation that caused by the manufacturing method. The durability evaluation tests of the pancake coils were conducted as the final evaluation of the coil manufacturing method in this study. The repeated bending deformation was applied to manufactured pancake coils in the tests. As the results of these tests, it was confirmed that the pancake coils that were manufactured by two methods had the durability for the repeated bending deformation and the coils maintained the appropriate mechanical performance and electric performance. We adopted the fusion bonding method as the coil manufacturing method of the HTS magnet Furthermore, using the prototype pancake coil that was manufactured by the fusion bonding method as a test sample, the repeated bending test under the exited condition was conducted. Thus it was confirmed that the coil manufactured by the fusion bonding method has no degradation of the electricity performance and the mechanical properties even if the repeated bending deformation was applied under the exited condition.

Colloidal Electrolytes and the Critical Micelle Concentration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knowlton, L. G.

1970-01-01

Describes methods for determining the Critical Micelle Concentration of Colloidal Electrolytes; methods described are: (1) methods based on Colligative Properties, (2) methods based on the Electrical Conductivity of Colloidal Electrolytic Solutions, (3) Dye Method, (4) Dye Solubilization Method, and (5) Surface Tension Method. (BR)

Tuning oxidation level, electrical conductance and band gap structure on graphene sheets by cyclic atomic layer reduction technique

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

Gu, Si-Yong; Hsieh, Chien-Te; Lin, Tzu-Wei

The present work develops an atomic layer reduction (ALR) method to accurately tune oxidation level, electrical conductance, band-gap structure, and photoluminescence (PL) response of graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The ALR route is carried out at 200 °C within ALR cycle number of 10–100. The ALR treatment is capable of striping surface functionalities (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxylic groups), producing thermally-reduced GO sheets. The ALR cycle number serves as a controlling factor in adjusting the crystalline, surface chemistry, electrical, optical properties of GO sheets. With increasing the ALR cycle number, ALR-GO sheets display a high crystallinity, a low oxidation level, anmore » improved electrical conductivity, a narrow band gap, and a tunable PL response. Finally, on the basis of the results, the ALR technique offers a great potential for accurately tune electrical and optical properties of carbon materials through the cyclic removal of oxygen functionalities, without any complicated thermal and chemical desorption processes.« less

Tuning oxidation level, electrical conductance and band gap structure on graphene sheets by cyclic atomic layer reduction technique

DOE PAGES

Gu, Si-Yong; Hsieh, Chien-Te; Lin, Tzu-Wei; ...

2018-05-12

The present work develops an atomic layer reduction (ALR) method to accurately tune oxidation level, electrical conductance, band-gap structure, and photoluminescence (PL) response of graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The ALR route is carried out at 200 °C within ALR cycle number of 10–100. The ALR treatment is capable of striping surface functionalities (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxylic groups), producing thermally-reduced GO sheets. The ALR cycle number serves as a controlling factor in adjusting the crystalline, surface chemistry, electrical, optical properties of GO sheets. With increasing the ALR cycle number, ALR-GO sheets display a high crystallinity, a low oxidation level, anmore » improved electrical conductivity, a narrow band gap, and a tunable PL response. Finally, on the basis of the results, the ALR technique offers a great potential for accurately tune electrical and optical properties of carbon materials through the cyclic removal of oxygen functionalities, without any complicated thermal and chemical desorption processes.« less

Canonical decomposition of magnetotelluric responses: Experiment on 1D anisotropic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Ze-qiu; Wei, Wen-bo; Ye, Gao-feng; Jin, Sheng; Jing, Jian-en

2015-08-01

Horizontal electrical heterogeneity of subsurface earth is mostly originated from structural complexity and electrical anisotropy, and local near-surface electrical heterogeneity will severely distort regional electromagnetic responses. Conventional distortion analyses for magnetotelluric soundings are primarily physical decomposition methods with respect to isotropic models, which mostly presume that the geoelectric distribution of geological structures is of local and regional patterns represented by 3D/2D models. Due to the widespread anisotropy of earth media, the confusion between 1D anisotropic responses and 2D isotropic responses, and the defects of physical decomposition methods, we propose to conduct modeling experiments with canonical decomposition in terms of 1D layered anisotropic models, and the method is one of the mathematical decomposition methods based on eigenstate analyses differentiated from distortion analyses, which can be used to recover electrical information such as strike directions, and maximum and minimum conductivity. We tested this method with numerical simulation experiments on several 1D synthetic models, which turned out that canonical decomposition is quite effective to reveal geological anisotropic information. Finally, for the background of anisotropy from previous study by geological and seismological methods, canonical decomposition is applied to real data acquired in North China Craton for 1D anisotropy analyses, and the result shows that, with effective modeling and cautious interpretation, canonical decomposition could be another good method to detect anisotropy of geological media.

Direct current sputtering of boron from boron/boron mixtures

DOEpatents

Timberlake, J.R.; Manos, D.; Nartowitz, E.

1994-12-13

A method for coating a substrate with boron by sputtering includes lowering the electrical resistance of a boron-containing rod to allow electrical conduction in the rod; placing the boron-containing rod inside a vacuum chamber containing substrate material to be coated; applying an electrical potential between the boron target material and the vacuum chamber; countering a current avalanche that commences when the conduction heating rate exceeds the cooling rate, and until a steady equilibrium heating current is reached; and, coating the substrate material with boron by sputtering from the boron-containing rod. 2 figures.

Electrical Conductivity and Barrier Properties of Lithium Niobate Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudkov, S. I.; Baklanova, K. D.; Kamenshchikov, M. V.; Solnyshkin, A. V.; Belov, A. N.

2018-04-01

The thin-film structures made of LiNbO3 and obtained via laser ablation and magnetron sputtering are studied with volt-farad and volt-ampere characteristics. A potential barrier on the Si-LiNbO3 interface was found for both types of the films with the capacitance-voltage characteristics. The current-voltage characteristics showed that there are several conduction mechanisms in the structures studied. The Poole-Frenkel effect and the currents limited by a space charge mainly contribute to the electrical conductivity in the LiNbO3 film produced with the laser ablation method. The currents limited by a space charge contribute to the main mechanism in the film heterostructure obtained with the magnetron sputtering method.

Electrical Conductivity of Charged Particle Systems and Zubarev's Nonequilibrium Statistical Operator Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Röpke, G.

2018-01-01

One of the fundamental problems in physics that are not yet rigorously solved is the statistical mechanics of nonequilibrium processes. An important contribution to describing irreversible behavior starting from reversible Hamiltonian dynamics was given by D. N. Zubarev, who invented the method of the nonequilibrium statistical operator. We discuss this approach, in particular, the extended von Neumann equation, and as an example consider the electrical conductivity of a system of charged particles. We consider the selection of the set of relevant observables. We show the relation between kinetic theory and linear response theory. Using thermodynamic Green's functions, we present a systematic treatment of correlation functions, but the convergence needs investigation. We compare different expressions for the conductivity and list open questions.

Oxygen partial pressure sensor

DOEpatents

Dees, D.W.

1994-09-06

A method for detecting oxygen partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure sensor are provided. The method for measuring oxygen partial pressure includes contacting oxygen to a solid oxide electrolyte and measuring the subsequent change in electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte. A solid oxide electrolyte is utilized that contacts both a porous electrode and a nonporous electrode. The electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte is affected when oxygen from an exhaust stream permeates through the porous electrode to establish an equilibrium of oxygen anions in the electrolyte, thereby displacing electrons throughout the electrolyte to form an electron gradient. By adapting the two electrodes to sense a voltage potential between them, the change in electrolyte conductivity due to oxygen presence can be measured. 1 fig.

Oxygen partial pressure sensor

DOEpatents

Dees, Dennis W.

1994-01-01

A method for detecting oxygen partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure sensor are provided. The method for measuring oxygen partial pressure includes contacting oxygen to a solid oxide electrolyte and measuring the subsequent change in electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte. A solid oxide electrolyte is utilized that contacts both a porous electrode and a nonporous electrode. The electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte is affected when oxygen from an exhaust stream permeates through the porous electrode to establish an equilibrium of oxygen anions in the electrolyte, thereby displacing electrons throughout the electrolyte to form an electron gradient. By adapting the two electrodes to sense a voltage potential between them, the change in electrolyte conductivity due to oxygen presence can be measured.

Electrical conductivity structure of the mantle derived from inversion of geomagnetic observatory data: implications for lateral variations in temperature, composition and water content.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munch, Federico; Grayver, Alexander; Khan, Amir; Kuvshinov, Alexey

2017-04-01

As most of Earth's interior remains geochemically unsampled, geophysical techniques based on seismology, geodesy, gravimetry, and electromagnetic studies play prominent roles because of their ability to sense structure at depth. Although seismic tomography maps show a variety of structures, separating thermal and compositional contributions from seismic velocities alone still remains a challenging task. Alternatively, as electrical conductivity is sensitive to temperature, chemical composition, oxygen fugacity, water content, and the presence of melt, it can serve for determining chemistry, mineralogy, and physical structure of the deep mantle. In this work we estimate and invert local C-responses (period range 3-100 days) for a number of worldwide geomagnetic observatories to map lateral variations of electrical conductivity in Earth's mantle (400-1600 km depth). The obtained conductivity profiles are interpreted in terms of basalt fraction in a basalt-harzburgite mixture, temperature structure, and water content variations. Interpretation is based on a self-consistent thermodynamic calculation of mineral phase equilibria, electrical conductivity databases, and probabilistic inverse methods.

Electrical properties of transparent conductive ATO coatings obtained by spray pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinchenko, T. O.; Kondrashin, V. I.; Pecherskaya, E. A.; Kozlyakov, A. S.; Nikolaev, K. O.; Shepeleva, J. V.

2017-08-01

Transparent conductive coatings based on thin films of metal oxides have been widely spread in various optoelectronic devices and appliances. It is necessary to determine the influence of preparation conditions on coatings properties for their use in the solution of certain tasks. Thin films of tin dioxide were obtained by the method of spray pyrolysis on glass substrates. Surface resistance and resistivity, concentration and mobility of charge carriers, the conductivity were measured, and the dependences showing the effect of preparation conditions on electrical properties of optically transparent coatings.

Metallic Nanowire Interconnections for Integrated Circuit Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, Hou Tee (Inventor); Li, Jun (Inventor); Meyyappan, Meyya (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A method for fabricating an electrical interconnect between two or more electrical components. A conductive layer is provided on a substarte and a thin, patterned catalyst array is deposited on an exposed surface of the conductive layer. A gas or vapor of a metallic precursor of a metal nanowire (MeNW) is provided around the catalyst array, and MeNWs grow between the conductive layer and the catalyst array. The catalyst array and a portion of each of the MeNWs are removed to provide exposed ends of the MeNWs.

Computational Interpretation of the Relation Between Electric Field and the Applied Current for Cathodic Protection Under Different Conductivity Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yong-Sang; Ko, Sang-Jin; Lee, Sangkyu; Kim, Jung-Gu

2018-03-01

An interpretation of the relation between the electric field and the applied current for cathodic protection is investigated using a boundary element method simulation. Also, a conductivity-difference environment is set for the interface influence. The variation of the potential distribution is increased with the increase of the applied current and the conductivity difference due to the rejection of the current at the interface. In the case of the electric field, the tendencies of the increasing rate and the applied currents are similar, but the interface influence is different according to the directional component and field type (decrease of E z and increases of E x and E y) due to the directional difference between the electric fields. Also, the change tendencies of the electric fields versus the applied current plots are affected by the polarization curve tendency regarding the polarization type (activation and concentration polarizations in the oxygen-reduction and hydrogen-reduction reactions). This study shows that the underwater electric signature is determined by the polarization behavior of the materials.

Effects of Aggregation on Blood Sedimentation and Conductivity

PubMed Central

Zhbanov, Alexander; Yang, Sung

2015-01-01

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test has been used for over a century. The Westergren method is routinely used in a variety of clinics. However, the mechanism of erythrocyte sedimentation remains unclear, and the 60 min required for the test seems excessive. We investigated the effects of cell aggregation during blood sedimentation and electrical conductivity at different hematocrits. A sample of blood was drop cast into a small chamber with two planar electrodes placed on the bottom. The measured blood conductivity increased slightly during the first minute and decreased thereafter. We explored various methods of enhancing or retarding the erythrocyte aggregation. Using experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, we show that the initial increase in blood conductivity was indeed caused by aggregation, while the subsequent decrease in conductivity resulted from the deposition of erythrocytes. We present a method for calculating blood conductivity based on effective medium theory. Erythrocytes are modeled as conducting spheroids surrounded by a thin insulating membrane. A digital camera was used to investigate the erythrocyte sedimentation behavior and the distribution of the cell volume fraction in a capillary tube. Experimental observations and theoretical estimations of the settling velocity are provided. We experimentally demonstrate that the disaggregated cells settle much slower than the aggregated cells. We show that our method of measuring the electrical conductivity credibly reflected the ESR. The method was very sensitive to the initial stage of aggregation and sedimentation, while the sedimentation curve for the Westergren ESR test has a very mild slope in the initial time. We tested our method for rapid estimation of the Westergren ESR. We show a correlation between our method of measuring changes in blood conductivity and standard Westergren ESR method. In the future, our method could be examined as a potential means of accelerating ESR tests in clinical practice. PMID:26047511

Conductance of AFM Deformed Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Svizhenko, Alexei; Maiti, Amitesh; Anatram, M. P.; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This viewgraph presentation provides information on the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes upon deformation by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The density of states and conductance were computed using four orbital tight-binding method with various parameterizations. Different chiralities develop bandgap that varies with chirality.

Determination of the electrical conductivity of human liver metastases: impact on therapy planning in the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors.

PubMed

Zurbuchen, Urte; Poch, Franz; Gemeinhardt, Ole; Kreis, Martin E; Niehues, Stefan M; Vahldieck, Janis L; Lehmann, Kai S

2017-02-01

Background Radiofrequency ablation is used to induce thermal necrosis in the treatment of liver metastases. The specific electrical conductivity of a liver metastasis has a distinct influence on the heat formation and resulting tumor ablation within the tissue. Purpose To examine the electrical conductivity σ of human colorectal liver metastases and of tumor-free liver tissue in surgical specimens. Material and Methods Surgical specimens from patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases were used for measurements (size of metastases <30 mm). A four-needle measuring probe was used to determine the electrical conductivity σ of human colorectal liver metastasis (n = 8) and tumor-free liver tissue (n = 5) in a total of five patients. All measurements were performed at 470 kHz, which is the relevant frequency for radiofrequency ablation. The tissue temperature was also measured. Hepatic resections were performed in accordance with common surgical standards. Measurements were performed in the operating theater immediately after resection. Results The median electrical conductivity σ was 0.57 S/m in human colorectal liver metastases at a median temperature of 35.1℃ and 0.35 S/m in tumor-free liver tissue at a median temperature of 34.9℃. The electrical conductivity was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in tumor-free liver tissue ( P = 0.005). There were no differences in tissue temperature between the two groups ( P = 0.883). Conclusion The electrical conductivity is significantly higher in human colorectal liver metastases than in tumor-free liver tissue at a frequency of 470 kHz.

Effect of electric field induced alignment and dispersion of functionalized carbon nanotubes on properties of natural rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jiangshan; He, Yan; Gong, Xiubin

2018-06-01

The original equipment and method for orienting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in natural rubber (NR) by alternating current (AC) electric field were reported in the present study. MWCNTs with various volume fractions were dispersed in the mixture latex which composed of natural rubber, additives and methylbenzene. The application of AC electric field during nanocomposites curing process was used to induce the formation of aligned conductive nanotube networks between the electrodes. The aligned MWCNTs in the composites have a better orientation performance and dispersion quality than these of random MWCNTs by analyzing TEM and SEM images. The effects of MWCNTs anisotropy on thermal conductivity, dielectric properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of NR were studied. The mean value of thermal conductivity of composites loading with aligned MWCNTs was 8.67% higher than that of composites with random MWCNTs due to the anisotropy of aligned MWCNTs. The compounds with aligned MWCNTs possessed low dielectric constant, loss tangents and conductivity, namely a good insulativity. The compounds loading with aligned MWCNTs had lower loss modulus and better dynamic mechanical properties than those with random MWCNTs. This method can make full use of the high thermal conductivity of MWCNTs axis, and expand the application areas of natural rubber like conducting heat in a certain direction with a high efficiency.

Synthesis, growth, spectral, electrical, mechanical and thermal characterization of a potential optical material: γ-glycine single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivakumar, N.; Jayavel, R.; Anbalagan, G.; Yadav, R. R.

2018-06-01

Gamma glycine, an organic material was grown by slow solvent evaporation method. Conventional polythermal method was employed in the temperature range, 30-50 °C to obtain the solubility and the metastable zonewidth. The crystal and molecular structures were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectral studies. Optical refractive index was determined by prism coupling technique and was found to be 1.4488. Electrical properties such as ac conductivity and activation energy were studied for different temperatures in the frequency range from 40 Hz to 6 MHz. The dc electrical conductivity was estimated from the Cole-Cole plot and the values were found to be 2.19 × 10-6 Sm-1 at 353K and 1.46 × 10-6 Sm-1 at 373K respectively. Mechanical studies on the grown crystal revealed that the material belongs to soft materials category. Thermal conductivity and specific heat capacities were estimated by Hot Disk Thermal Constants Analyzer.

Lithium ionic mobility study in xLi{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-yLiI (x = 95-70, y = 5-30 wt.%) solid electrolyte by impedance spectroscopy technique

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

Omar, Mohd Khari; Ahmad, Azizah Hanom; Institute of Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor D.E.

2015-08-28

A detailed systematic study on the effects of different amount (wt.%) of LiI addition on the electrical conductivity and dielectric behavior of the xLi{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-xLiI (x = 95-70, y = 5-30 wt.%) electrolyte system was carried out. The samples with different compositions were prepared and ground by mechanical milling method. The electrical and dielectric properties of the samples over a range of frequency (50Hz – 1MHz) were investigated by deploying electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in a series of temperature set (298–373K). Normally, Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3} itself shows a very low electrical conductivity (10{sup −5} Scm{sup −1}). However, themore » electrical conductivity of the system was found to be increased (10{sup −3} Scm{sup −1}) as the lithium salt (LiI) were introduced to the system. The dielectric analysis displayed that the activation energy was inversely proportional to the increment of LiI (wt.%). As the electrical conductivity reached their maximum value (4.63 × 10{sup −3} Scm{sup −1}) at the 20 wt.% of LiI, the activation energy was dropped to the minimum (0.1 eV). The electrical conductivity increases with the temperature (298 – 373K) indicate that the system obeys Arrhenius law.« less

Differentiation of nonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil using an electrical conductivity measurement-based inductive sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yu; Zhang, Hongpeng; Wang, Man; Chen, Haiquan

2018-02-01

A method that measures the electrical conductivity of metal based on monitoring the inductance changes of coils via an inductive sensor is introduced in this work to differentiate metal particles in lubrication oil. Theoretical analysis coupled with experimentation is employed to differentiate varieties of nonferrous metal particles, including copper and aluminum particles, ranging from 860 μm to 880 μm in diameter. The results show that the inductive sensor is capable of the identification and differentiation of nonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil based on the electrical conductivity measurement. The concept demonstrated in this paper can be extended to inductive sensors in metal particle detection and other scientific and industrial applications.

Photovoltaic devices comprising cadmium stannate transparent conducting films and method for making

DOEpatents

Wu, Xuanzhi; Coutts, Timothy J.; Sheldon, Peter; Rose, Douglas H.

1999-01-01

A photovoltaic device having a substrate, a layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 disposed on said substrate as a front contact, a thin film comprising two or more layers of semiconductor materials disposed on said layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4, and an electrically conductive film disposed on said thin film of semiconductor materials to form a rear electrical contact to said thin film. The device is formed by RF sputter coating a Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer onto a substrate, depositing a thin film of semiconductor materials onto the layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4, and depositing an electrically conductive film onto the thin film of semiconductor materials.

Electrochemical detection of single molecules using abiotic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions

DOEpatents

Sansinena, Jose-Maria [Los Alamos, NM; Redondo, Antonio [Los Alamos, NM; Olazabal, Virginia [Los Alamos, NM; Hoffbauer, Mark A [Los Alamos, NM; Akhadov, Elshan A [Los Alamos, NM

2009-12-29

A barrier structure for use in an electrochemical stochastic membrane sensor for single molecule detection. The sensor is based upon inorganic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions. The inorganic nanopores are formed from inorganic materials and an electrically conductive polymer. Methods of making the barrier structure and sensing single molecules using the barrier structure are also described.

Electrochemical detection of single molecules using abiotic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions

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

Sansinena, Jose-Maria; Redondo, Antonio; Olazabal, Virginia

2017-09-12

A barrier structure for use in an electrochemical stochastic membrane sensor for single molecule detection. The sensor is based upon inorganic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions. The inorganic nanopores are formed from inorganic materials and an electrically conductive polymer. Methods of making the barrier structure and sensing single molecules using the barrier structure are also described.

Electrochemical detection of single molecules using abiotic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions

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

Sansinena, Jose-Maria; Redondo, Antonio; Olazabal, Virginia

2017-07-18

A barrier structure for use in an electrochemical stochastic membrane sensor for single molecule detection. The sensor is based upon inorganic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions. The inorganic nanopores are formed from inorganic materials and an electrically conductive polymer. Methods of making the barrier structure and sensing single molecules using the barrier structure are also described.

Electrochemical detection of single molecules using abiotic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions

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

Sansinena, Jose-Maria; Redondo, Antonio; Olazabal, Virginia

A barrier structure for use in an electrochemical stochastic membrane sensor for single molecule detection. The sensor is based upon inorganic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions. The inorganic nanopores are formed from inorganic materials and an electrically conductive polymer. Methods of making the barrier structure and sensing single molecules using the barrier structure are also described.

Carbon Nanofibers and Their Composites: A Review of Synthesizing, Properties and Applications

PubMed Central

Feng, Lichao; Xie, Ning; Zhong, Jing

2014-01-01

Carbon nanofiber (CNF), as one of the most important members of carbon fibers, has been investigated in both fundamental scientific research and practical applications. CNF composites are able to be applied as promising materials in many fields, such as electrical devices, electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors and as sensors. In these applications, the electrical conductivity is always the first priority need to be considered. In fact, the electrical property of CNF composites largely counts on the dispersion and percolation status of CNFs in matrix materials. In this review, the electrical transport phenomenon of CNF composites is systematically summarized based on percolation theory. The effects of the aspect ratio, percolation backbone structure and fractal characteristics of CNFs and the non-universality of the percolation critical exponents on the electrical properties are systematically reviewed. Apart from the electrical property, the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of CNF composites are briefly reviewed, as well. In addition, the preparation methods of CNFs, including catalytic chemical vapor deposition growth and electrospinning, and the preparation methods of CNF composites, including the melt mixing and solution process, are briefly introduced. Finally, their applications as sensors and electrode materials are described in this review article. PMID:28788657

Reconstruction of apparent orthotropic conductivity tensor image using magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajib, Saurav Z. K.; Kim, Ji Eun; Jeong, Woo Chul; Kim, Hyung Joong; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2015-03-01

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography visualizes current density and/or conductivity distributions inside an electrically conductive object. Injecting currents into the imaging object along at least two different directions, induced magnetic flux density data can be measured using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Without rotating the object inside the scanner, we can measure only one component of the magnetic flux density denoted as Bz. Since the biological tissues such as skeletal muscle and brain white matter show strong anisotropic properties, the reconstruction of anisotropic conductivity tensor is indispensable for the accurate observations in the biological systems. In this paper, we propose a direct method to reconstruct an axial apparent orthotropic conductivity tensor by using multiple Bz data subject to multiple injection currents. To investigate the anisotropic conductivity properties, we first recover the internal current density from the measured Bz data. From the recovered internal current density and the curl-free condition of the electric field, we derive an over-determined matrix system for determining the internal absolute orthotropic conductivity tensor. The over-determined matrix system is designed to use a combination of two loops around each pixel. Numerical simulations and phantom experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm stably determines the orthotropic conductivity tensor.

Anisotropic conducting films for electromagnetic radiation applications

DOEpatents

Cavallo, Francesca; Lagally, Max G.; Rojas-Delgado, Richard

2015-06-16

Electronic devices for the generation of electromagnetic radiation are provided. Also provided are methods for using the devices to generate electromagnetic radiation. The radiation sources include an anisotropic electrically conducting thin film that is characterized by a periodically varying charge carrier mobility in the plane of the film. The periodic variation in carrier mobility gives rise to a spatially varying electric field, which produces electromagnetic radiation as charged particles pass through the film.

Detectors

DOEpatents

Orr, Christopher Henry; Luff, Craig Janson; Dockray, Thomas; Macarthur, Duncan Whittemore; Bounds, John Alan; Allander, Krag

2002-01-01

The apparatus and method provide techniques through which both alpha and beta emission determinations can be made simultaneously using a simple detector structure. The technique uses a beta detector covered in an electrically conducting material, the electrically conducting material discharging ions generated by alpha emissions, and as a consequence providing a measure of those alpha emissions. The technique also offers improved mountings for alpha detectors and other forms of detectors against vibration and the consequential effects vibration has on measurement accuracy.

Electrical resistance tomography using steel cased boreholes as electrodes

DOEpatents

Daily, W.D.; Ramirez, A.L.

1999-06-22

An electrical resistance tomography method is described which uses steel cased boreholes as electrodes. The method enables mapping the electrical resistivity distribution in the subsurface from measurements of electrical potential caused by electrical currents injected into an array of electrodes in the subsurface. By use of current injection and potential measurement electrodes to generate data about the subsurface resistivity distribution, which data is then used in an inverse calculation, a model of the electrical resistivity distribution can be obtained. The inverse model may be constrained by independent data to better define an inverse solution. The method utilizes pairs of electrically conductive (steel) borehole casings as current injection electrodes and as potential measurement electrodes. The greater the number of steel cased boreholes in an array, the greater the amount of data is obtained. The steel cased boreholes may be utilized for either current injection or potential measurement electrodes. The subsurface model produced by this method can be 2 or 3 dimensional in resistivity depending on the detail desired in the calculated resistivity distribution and the amount of data to constrain the models. 2 figs.

Electrical resistance tomography using steel cased boreholes as electrodes

DOEpatents

Daily, William D.; Ramirez, Abelardo L.

1999-01-01

An electrical resistance tomography method using steel cased boreholes as electrodes. The method enables mapping the electrical resistivity distribution in the subsurface from measurements of electrical potential caused by electrical currents injected into an array of electrodes in the subsurface. By use of current injection and potential measurement electrodes to generate data about the subsurface resistivity distribution, which data is then used in an inverse calculation, a model of the electrical resistivity distribution can be obtained. The inverse model may be constrained by independent data to better define an inverse solution. The method utilizes pairs of electrically conductive (steel) borehole casings as current injection electrodes and as potential measurement electrodes. The greater the number of steel cased boreholes in an array, the greater the amount of data is obtained. The steel cased boreholes may be utilized for either current injection or potential measurement electrodes. The subsurface model produced by this method can be 2 or 3 dimensional in resistivity depending on the detail desired in the calculated resistivity distribution and the amount of data to constain the models.

Role of grain and grain boundary on the electrical and thermal conductivity of Bi0.9Y0.1Fe0.9Mn0.1O3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Rabichandra; Panda, Chandrakanta; Kumar, Pawan; Pradhan, Lagen Kumar; Kar, Manoranjan

2017-05-01

Role of grain and grain boundary on electrical and thermal conductivity of Bi0.9Y0.1Fe0.9Mn0.1O3 ceramic was investigated systematically. Tartaric acid modified sol gel method was used to synthesize the compound. X-ray diffraction technique was used to confirm the formation of single phase orthorhombic (Pbnm) structure. Electrical properties of the sample were measured with a wide frequency range from 100Hz to 10MHz at different temperature from 40°C to 250°C. AC impedance studies indicate the presence of grain and grain boundary effect. The negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behaviour of the compound has been confirmed by the cole-cole plot. DC electrical and thermal conductivities of the compound were explained on the basis of grain and grain boundaries.

Investigations for Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of ABS-Graphene Blended Prototypes

PubMed Central

Singh, Rupinder; Sandhu, Gurleen S.; Penna, Rosa; Farina, Ilenia

2017-01-01

The thermoplastic materials such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and Nylon have large applications in three-dimensional printing of functional/non-functional prototypes. Usually these polymer-based prototypes are lacking in thermal and electrical conductivity. Graphene (Gr) has attracted impressive enthusiasm in the recent past due to its natural mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. This paper presents the step by step procedure (as a case study) for development of an in-house ABS-Gr blended composite feedstock filament for fused deposition modelling (FDM) applications. The feedstock filament has been prepared by two different methods (mechanical and chemical mixing). For mechanical mixing, a twin screw extrusion (TSE) process has been used, and for chemical mixing, the composite of Gr in an ABS matrix has been set by chemical dissolution, followed by mechanical blending through TSE. Finally, the electrical and thermal conductivity of functional prototypes prepared from composite feedstock filaments have been optimized. PMID:28773244

Heterogeneous in situ polymerization of polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers on cotton textiles: Improved electrical conductivity, electrical switching, and tuning properties.

PubMed

Tissera, Nadeeka D; Wijesena, Ruchira N; Rathnayake, Samantha; de Silva, Rohini M; de Silva, K M Nalin

2018-04-15

Electrically conductive cotton fabric was fabricated by in situ one pot oxidative polymerization of aniline. Using a simple heterogeneous polymerization method, polyaniline (PANI) nano fibers with an average fiber diameter of 40-75 nm were grafted in situ onto cotton fabric. The electrical conductivity of the PANI nanofiber grafted fabric was improved 10 fold compared to fabric grafted with PANI nanoclusters having an average cluster size of 145-315 nm. The surface morphology of the cotton fibers was characterized using SEM and AFM. Electrical conductivity of PANI nanofibers on the cotton textile was further improved from 76 kΏ/cm to 1 kΏ/cm by increasing the HCl concentration from 1 M to 3 M in the polymerization medium. PANI grafted cotton fabrics were analyzed using FTIR, and the data showed the presence of polyaniline functional groups on the treated fabric. Further evidence was present for the chemical interaction of PANI with cellulose. Dopant level and morphology dependent electron transition behavior of PANI nanostructures grafted on cotton fabric was further characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of the PANI nano fiber grafted cotton fabric can be tuned by immersing the fabric in pH 2 and pH 6 solutions for multiple cycles. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Analysis of the error of the developed method of determination the active conductivity reducing the insulation level between one phase of the network and ground, and insulation parameters in a non-symmetric network with isolated neutral with voltage above 1000 V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utegulov, B. B.

2018-02-01

In the work the study of the developed method was carried out for reliability by analyzing the error in indirect determination of the insulation parameters in an asymmetric network with an isolated neutral voltage above 1000 V. The conducted studies of the random relative mean square errors show that the accuracy of indirect measurements in the developed method can be effectively regulated not only by selecting a capacitive additional conductivity, which are connected between phases of the electrical network and the ground, but also by the selection of measuring instruments according to the accuracy class. When choosing meters with accuracy class of 0.5 with the correct selection of capacitive additional conductivity that are connected between the phases of the electrical network and the ground, the errors in measuring the insulation parameters will not exceed 10%.

Method for transferring thermal energy and electrical current in thin-film electrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Rouillard, Roger [Beloeil, CA; Domroese, Michael K [South St. Paul, MN; Hoffman, Joseph A [Minneapolis, MN; Lindeman, David D [Hudson, WI; Noel, Joseph-Robert-Gaetan [St-Hubert, CA; Radewald, Vern E [Austin, TX; Ranger, Michel [Lachine, CA; Sudano, Anthony [Laval, CA; Trice, Jennifer L [Eagan, MN; Turgeon, Thomas A [Fridley, MN

2003-05-27

An improved electrochemical generator is disclosed. The electrochemical generator includes a thin-film electrochemical cell which is maintained in a state of compression through use of an internal or an external pressure apparatus. A thermal conductor, which is connected to at least one of the positive or negative contacts of the cell, conducts current into and out of the cell and also conducts thermal energy between the cell and thermally conductive, electrically resistive material disposed on a vessel wall adjacent the conductor. The thermally conductive, electrically resistive material may include an anodized coating or a thin sheet of a plastic, mineral-based material or conductive polymer material. The thermal conductor is fabricated to include a resilient portion which expands and contracts to maintain mechanical contact between the cell and the thermally conductive material in the presence of relative movement between the cell and the wall structure. The electrochemical generator may be disposed in a hermetically sealed housing.

Clear, Conductive, Transparent, Flexible Space Durable Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Kent A.; Connell, John W.; Delozier, Donavon M.; Smith, Joseph G., Jr.

2004-01-01

Space environmentally durable polymeric films with low color and sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have been under investigation as part of a materials development activity. These materials have potential applications on advanced spacecraft, particularly on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft. The approach taken to impart sufficient electrical conductivity into the polymer film while maintaining flexibility is to use single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as conductive additives. Approaches investigated in our lab involved an in-situ polymerization method, addition of SWNTs to a polymer containing reactive end-groups, and spray coating of polymer surfaces. The work described herein is a summary of the current status of this project. Surface conductivities (measured as surface resistance) in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation were achieved with minimal effects on the physical, thermal, mechanical and optical properties of the films. Additionally, the electrical conductivity was not affected by harsh mechanical manipulation of the films. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites will be discussed.

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.

Thermal modulation for gas chromatography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Block, Bruce P. (Inventor); Libardoni, Mark (Inventor); Stewart, Kristine (Inventor); Sacks, Richard D. (Inventor); Hasselbrink, Ernest F. (Inventor); Waite, J. Hunter (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A thermal modulator device for gas chromatography and associated methods. The thermal modulator device includes a cooling member, an electrically conductive capillary in direct thermal contact with the cooling member, and a power supply electrically coupled to the capillary and operable for controlled resistive heating of the capillary.

Electrical characterization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on organic thin film transistor (OTFT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musa, Nurhazwani; Halim, Nurul Farhanah Ab.; Ahmad, Mohd Noor; Zakaria, Zulkhairi; Hashim, Uda

2017-03-01

A green method and eco-friendly solution were used to chemically reduce graphene oxide (GO) to graphene using green reductant. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by using Tours method. Then, reduced graphene oxides (rGO) were prepared by using three typical reduction agents: L-ascorbic acid (L-AA), formamidinesulfinic acid (FAS) and sodium sulfite (Na2SO3). The reduced materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Graphene based organic thin film transistor (G-OTFT) was prepared by a spin coating and thermal evaporation technique. The electrical characterization of G-OTFT was analyzed by using semiconductor parameter analyzer (SPA). The G-OTFT devices show p-type semiconducting behaviour. This article focuses on the synthesis and reduction of graphene oxide using three different reductants in order to maximise its electrical conductivity. The rGO product demonstrated a good electrical conductivity performance with highly sensitivity sensor.

An experimental method to determine the resistance of a vertically aligned carbon nanotube forest in contact with a conductive layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vo, T. T.; Poulain, C.; Dijon, J.; Fournier, A.; Chevalier, N.; Mariolle, D.

2012-08-01

High density vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forests are considered as a promising conductive material for many applications (interconnects in microelectronics or contact material layer in sliding contact applications). It is thus crucial to characterize the electrical resistance of these forests, especially in contact with the inherent top/bottom conductive substrates. This paper aims to develop an original method to determine the contribution of the different terms in this electrical resistance, which is measured with a tipless atomic force microscope used in high accuracy "force mode." VACNT stacks with different heights on AlCu substrate with or without Au/Pd top coating are studied. The electrical contact area between the probe tip and the forest is considered to be equivalent to the classical electrical contact area between a tip and a rough surface. With this assumption, the scattering resistance of a mono-wall CNT is 14.6 kΩ μm-1, the top/bottom contact resistance is, respectively, 265 kΩ/385 kΩ. The bottom resistance divided in half is obtained by an interface substrate/CNT catalyst treatment. The same assumption leads to an effective compressive modulus of 175 MPa. These results are consistent with the values published by other authors. The proposed method is effective to optimise the CNT interface contact resistance before integration in a more complex functional structure.

Effect of surfactants and manufacturing methods on the electrical and thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube/silicone composites.

PubMed

Vilčáková, Jarmila; Moučka, Robert; Svoboda, Petr; Ilčíková, Markéta; Kazantseva, Natalia; Hřibová, Martina; Mičušík, Matej; Omastová, Mária

2012-11-05

The effect of ionic surfactants and manufacturing methods on the separation and distribution of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a silicone matrix are investigated. The CNTs are dispersed in an aqueous solution of the anionic surfactant dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and in a DBSA/CTAB surfactant mixture. Four types of CNT-based composites of various concentrations from 0 to 6 vol.% are prepared by simple mechanical mixing and sonication. The morphology, electrical and thermal conductivity of the CNT-based composites are analyzed. The incorporation of both neat and modified CNTs leads to an increase in electrical and thermal conductivity. The dependence of DC conductivity versus CNT concentration shows percolation behaviour with a percolation threshold of about 2 vol.% in composites with neat CNT. The modification of CNTs by DBSA increases the percolation threshold to 4 vol.% due to the isolation/separation of individual CNTs. This, in turn, results in a significant decrease in the complex permittivity of CNT–DBSA-based composites. In contrast to the percolation behaviour of DC conductivity, the concentration dependence of thermal conductivity exhibits a linear dependence, the thermal conductivity of composites with modified CNTs being lower than that of composites with neat CNTs. All these results provide evidence that the modification of CNTs by DBSA followed by sonication allows one to produce composites with high homogeneity.

Development of the algorithm of measurement data and tomographic section reconstruction results processing for evaluating the respiratory activity of the lungs using the multi-angle electric impedance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksanyan, Grayr; Shcherbakov, Ivan; Kucher, Artem; Sulyz, Andrew

2018-04-01

Continuous monitoring of the patient's breathing by the method of multi-angle electric impedance tomography allows to obtain images of conduction change in the chest cavity during the monitoring. Direct analysis of images is difficult due to the large amount of information and low resolution images obtained by multi-angle electrical impedance tomography. This work presents a method for obtaining a graph of respiratory activity of the lungs based on the results of continuous lung monitoring using the multi-angle electrical impedance tomography method. The method makes it possible to obtain a graph of the respiratory activity of the left and right lungs separately, as well as a summary graph, to which it is possible to apply methods of processing the results of spirography.

Heterovalent Substitution to Enrich Electrical Conductivity in Cu2CdSn1-xGaxSe4 Series for High Thermoelectric Performances

PubMed Central

Wang, Bo; Li, Yu; Zheng, Jiaxin; Xu, Ming; Liu, Fusheng; Ao, Weiqing; Li, Junqing; Pan, Feng

2015-01-01

Serials of Ga doping on Sn sites as heterovalent substitution in Cu2CdSnSe4 are prepared by the melting method and the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique to form Cu2CdSn1-xGaxSe4 (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.01, and 0.125). Massive atomic vacancies are found at x = 0.10 by the heterovalent substitution, which contributes significantly to the increase of electrical conductivity and the decrease of lattice thermal conductivity. The electrical conductivity is increased by about ten times at 300 K after Ga doping. Moreover, the seebeck coefficient only decreases slightly from 310 to 226 μV/K at 723 K, and a significant increase of the power factor is obtained. As a result, a maxium value of 0.27 for the figure of merit (ZT) is obtained at x = 0.10 and at 723 K. Through an ab initio study of the Ga doping effect, we find that the Fermi level of Cu2CdSnSe4 is shifted downward to the valence band, thus improving the hole concentration and enhancing the electrical conductivity at low doping levels. Our experimental and theoretical studies show that a moderate Ga doping on Sn sites is an effective method to improve the thermoelectric performance of Cu2CdSnSe4. PMID:25791823

Deployable wireless Fresnel lens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fink, Patrick W. (Inventor); Lin, Gregory Y. (Inventor); Kennedy, Timothy F. (Inventor); Chu, Andrew W. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Apparatus and methods for enhancing the gain of a wireless signal are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the apparatus can include a screen comprised of one or more electrically conductive regions for reflecting electromagnetic radiation and one or more non-conductive regions for permitting electromagnetic radiation therethrough. The one or more electrically conductive regions can be disposed adjacent to at least one of the one or more non-conductive regions. The apparatus can also include a support member disposed about at least a portion of the screen. The screen can be capable of collapsing by twisting the support member in opposite screw senses to form interleaved concentric sections.

Study of Dynamic Membrane Behavior in Applied DC Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Prashanta; Morshed, Adnan; Hossan, Mohammad

2017-11-01

Electrodeformation of vesicles can be used as a useful tool to understand the characteristics of biological soft matter, where vesicles immersed in a fluid medium are subjected to an applied electric field. The complex response of the vesicle membrane strongly depends on the conductivity of surrounding fluid, vesicle size and shape, and applied electric field We studied the electrodeformation of vesicles immersed in a fluid media under a short DC electric pulse. An immersed interface method is used to solve the electric field over the domain with conductive or non-conductive vesicles while an immersed boundary scheme is employed to solve fluid flow, fluid-solid interaction, membrane mechanics and vesicle movement. Force analysis on the membrane surface reveals almost linear relation with vesicle size, but highly nonlinear influence of applied field as well as the conductivity ratios inside and outside of the vesicle. Results also point towards an early linear deformation regime followed by an equilibrium stage for the membranes. Moreover, significant influence of the initial aspect ratio of the vesicle on the force distribution is observed across a range of conductivity ratios. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01GM122081.

Synthesis and Characterization of Molybdenum Doped ZnO Thin Films by SILAR Deposition Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radha, R.; Sakthivelu, A.; Pradhabhan, D.

2016-08-01

Molybdenum (Mo) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were deposited on the glass substrate by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) deposition method. The effect of Mo dopant concentration of 5, 6.6 and 10 mol% on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of n-type Mo doped ZnO films was studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that the Mo doped ZnO thin films were polycrystalline with wurtzite structure. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies shows that the surface morphology of the films changes with Mo doping. A blue shift of the optical band gap was observed in the optical studies. Effect of Mo dopant concentration on electrical conductivity was studied and it shows comparatively high electrical conductivity at 10 mol% of Mo doping concentration.

Electrochemical properties for high surface area and improved electrical conductivity of platinum-embedded porous carbon nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Geon-Hyoung; Ahn, Hyo-Jin; Hong, Woong-Ki

2015-01-01

Four different types of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), porous and non-porous CNFs with and without Pt metal nanoparticles, are synthesized by an electrospinning method and their performance in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) is characterized. In particular, the Pt-embedded porous CNFs (PCNFs) exhibit a high specific surface area of 670 m2 g-1, a large mesopore volume of 55.7%, and a low electrical resistance of 1.7 × 103. The synergistic effects of the high specific surface area with a large mesopore volume, and superior electrical conductivity result in an excellent specific capacitance of 130.2 F g-1, a good high-rate performance, superior cycling durability, and high energy density of 16.9-15.4 W h kg-1 for the performance of EDLCs.

Trade-off between the Mechanical Strength and Microwave Electrical Properties of Functionalized and Irradiated Carbon Nanotube Sheets.

PubMed

Williams, Tiffany S; Orloff, Nathan D; Baker, James S; Miller, Sandi G; Natarajan, Bharath; Obrzut, Jan; McCorkle, Linda S; Lebron-Colón, Marisabel; Gaier, James; Meador, Michael A; Liddle, J Alexander

2016-04-13

Carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets represent a novel implementation of CNTs that enable the tailoring of electrical and mechanical properties for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Small molecule functionalization and postprocessing techniques, such as irradiation with high-energy particles, are methods that can enhance the mechanical properties of CNTs. However, the effect that these modifications have on the electrical conduction mechanisms has not been extensively explored. By characterizing the mechanical and electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) sheets with different functional groups and irradiation doses, we can expand our insights into the extent of the trade-off that exists between mechanical strength and electrical conductivity for commercially available CNT sheets. Such insights allow for the optimization of design pathways for engineering applications that require a balance of material property enhancements.

A simple differential steady-state method to measure the thermal conductivity of solid bulk materials with high accuracy.

PubMed

Kraemer, D; Chen, G

2014-02-01

Accurate measurements of thermal conductivity are of great importance for materials research and development. Steady-state methods determine thermal conductivity directly from the proportionality between heat flow and an applied temperature difference (Fourier Law). Although theoretically simple, in practice, achieving high accuracies with steady-state methods is challenging and requires rather complex experimental setups due to temperature sensor uncertainties and parasitic heat loss. We developed a simple differential steady-state method in which the sample is mounted between an electric heater and a temperature-controlled heat sink. Our method calibrates for parasitic heat losses from the electric heater during the measurement by maintaining a constant heater temperature close to the environmental temperature while varying the heat sink temperature. This enables a large signal-to-noise ratio which permits accurate measurements of samples with small thermal conductance values without an additional heater calibration measurement or sophisticated heater guards to eliminate parasitic heater losses. Additionally, the differential nature of the method largely eliminates the uncertainties of the temperature sensors, permitting measurements with small temperature differences, which is advantageous for samples with high thermal conductance values and/or with strongly temperature-dependent thermal conductivities. In order to accelerate measurements of more than one sample, the proposed method allows for measuring several samples consecutively at each temperature measurement point without adding significant error. We demonstrate the method by performing thermal conductivity measurements on commercial bulk thermoelectric Bi2Te3 samples in the temperature range of 30-150 °C with an error below 3%.

Specific storage and hydraulic conductivity tomography through the joint inversion of hydraulic heads and self-potential data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, A. Soueid; Jardani, A.; Revil, A.; Dupont, J. P.

2016-03-01

Transient hydraulic tomography is used to image the heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity and specific storage fields of shallow aquifers using time series of hydraulic head data. Such ill-posed and non-unique inverse problem can be regularized using some spatial geostatistical characteristic of the two fields. In addition to hydraulic heads changes, the flow of water, during pumping tests, generates an electrical field of electrokinetic nature. These electrical field fluctuations can be passively recorded at the ground surface using a network of non-polarizing electrodes connected to a high impedance (> 10 MOhm) and sensitive (0.1 mV) voltmeter, a method known in geophysics as the self-potential method. We perform a joint inversion of the self-potential and hydraulic head data to image the hydraulic conductivity and specific storage fields. We work on a 3D synthetic confined aquifer and we use the adjoint state method to compute the sensitivities of the hydraulic parameters to the hydraulic head and self-potential data in both steady-state and transient conditions. The inverse problem is solved using the geostatistical quasi-linear algorithm framework of Kitanidis. When the number of piezometers is small, the record of the transient self-potential signals provides useful information to characterize the hydraulic conductivity and specific storage fields. These results show that the self-potential method reveals the heterogeneities of some areas of the aquifer, which could not been captured by the tomography based on the hydraulic heads alone. In our analysis, the improvement on the hydraulic conductivity and specific storage estimations were based on perfect knowledge of electrical resistivity field. This implies that electrical resistivity will need to be jointly inverted with the hydraulic parameters in future studies and the impact of its uncertainty assessed with respect to the final tomograms of the hydraulic parameters.

Leaching of Conductive Species: Implications to Measurements of Electrical Resistivity

PubMed Central

Spragg, R; Jones, S; Bu, Y; Lu, Y; Bentz, D; Snyder, K; Weiss, J

2017-01-01

Electrical tests have been used to characterize the microstructure of porous materials, the measured electrical response being determined by the contribution of the microstructure (porosity and tortuosity) and the electrical properties of the solution (conductivity of the pore solution) inside the pores of the material. This study has shown how differences in concentration between the pore solution (i.e., the solution in the pores) and the storage solution surrounding the test specimen leads to significant transport (leaching) of the conductive ionic species between the pore solution and the storage solution. Leaching influences the resistivity of the pore solution, thereby influencing electrical measurements on the bulk material from either a surface or uniaxial bulk resistance test. This paper has three main conclusions: 1.) Leaching of conductive species does occur with concentration gradients and that a diffusion based approach can be used to estimate the time scale associated with this change. 2.) Leaching of ions in the pore solution can influence resistivity measurements, and the ratio of surface to uniaxial resistivity can be used as a method to assess the presence of leaching and 3.) An estimation of the magnitude of leaching for standardized tests of cementitious materials. PMID:28584407

Leaching of Conductive Species: Implications to Measurements of Electrical Resistivity.

PubMed

Spragg, R; Jones, S; Bu, Y; Lu, Y; Bentz, D; Snyder, K; Weiss, J

2017-05-01

Electrical tests have been used to characterize the microstructure of porous materials, the measured electrical response being determined by the contribution of the microstructure (porosity and tortuosity) and the electrical properties of the solution (conductivity of the pore solution) inside the pores of the material. This study has shown how differences in concentration between the pore solution (i.e., the solution in the pores) and the storage solution surrounding the test specimen leads to significant transport (leaching) of the conductive ionic species between the pore solution and the storage solution. Leaching influences the resistivity of the pore solution, thereby influencing electrical measurements on the bulk material from either a surface or uniaxial bulk resistance test. This paper has three main conclusions: 1.) Leaching of conductive species does occur with concentration gradients and that a diffusion based approach can be used to estimate the time scale associated with this change. 2.) Leaching of ions in the pore solution can influence resistivity measurements, and the ratio of surface to uniaxial resistivity can be used as a method to assess the presence of leaching and 3.) An estimation of the magnitude of leaching for standardized tests of cementitious materials.

Probability of conductive bond formation in a percolating network of nanowires with fusible tips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rykaczewski, Konrad; Wang, Robert Y.

2018-03-01

Meeting the heat dissipation demands of microelectronic devices requires development of polymeric composites with high thermal conductivity. This property is drastically improved by percolation networks of metallic filler particles that have their particle-to-particle contact resistances reduced through thermal or electromagnetic fusing. However, composites with fused metallic fillers are electrically conductive, which prevents their application within the chip-board and the inter-chip gaps. Here, we propose that electrically insulating composites for these purposes can be achieved by the application of fusible metallic coatings to the tips of nanowires with thermally conductive but electrically insulating cores. We derive analytical models that relate the ratio of the coated and total nanowire lengths to the fraction of fused, and thus conductive, bonds within percolating networks of these structures. We consider two types of materials for these fusible coatings. First, we consider silver-like coatings, which form only conductive bonds when contacting the silver-like coating of another nanowire. Second, we consider liquid metal-like coatings, which form conductive bonds regardless of whether they contact a coated or an uncoated segment of another nanowire. These models were validated using Monte Carlo simulations, which also revealed that electrical short-circuiting is highly unlikely until most of the wire is coated. Furthermore, we demonstrate that switching the tip coating from silver- to liquid metal-like materials can double the fraction of conductive bonds. Consequently, this work provides motivation to develop scalable methods for fabrication of the hybrid liquid-coated nanowires, whose dispersion in a polymer matrix is predicted to yield highly thermally conductive but electrically insulating composites.

Electromagnetic studies in the Fennoscandian Shield—electrical conductivity of Precambrian crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korja, T.; Hjelt, S.-E.

1993-12-01

Electromagnetic (EM) investigations of the 1980s in the Fennoscandian (Baltic) Shield produced an unique and unified EM data set. Studies include regional investigations by the magnetovariational (MV) method with large lateral sampling distance, investigations of anomalous conductivity structures by magnetotelluric (MT) soundings and other (EM) and electrical methods (audio MT soundings, d.c. dipole-dipole and VLF resistivity profilings) with shorter sampling distance, and studies of the near-surface conductivity by airborne EM surveys. The variety of methods provide an ability to map efficiently crustal conductivity structures from a regional scale of hundreds of kilometres down to local details of some metres in the anomalous structures. The Precambrian of the Fennoscandian Shield is characterized by roughly NW-SE-directed elongated belts of conductors which separate more resistive crustal blocks. The latter serve as transparent windows through which to probe deep electrical structure and belts of conductors as tectonic markers of ancient orogenic zones including (1) the Kittilä-Vetrenny Poyas conductor, (2) the Lapland Granulite Belt and Inari-Pechenga-Imandra-Varzuga conductors, (3) the Archaean-Proterozoic boundary conductor and (4) the Southern Finland Conductor. The conductive belts—orogenic conductors—indicate places where crustal masses collided and were finally sealed together. Enhanced conductivity in the orogenic conductors is caused primarily by an electronic conducting mechanism in graphite- and sulphide-bearing metasedimentary rocks. Estimations of the lower-crustal conductivity indicate a laterally heterogeneous lower crust in the Fennoscandian Shield. Archaean lower crust seems to be in general more resistive than the Early Proterozoic lower crust of the Karelian and Svecofennian Domains. The lower crust in the southwestern part of the Svecofennian Domain and in the Sveconorwegian Domain seems to be more resistive than in the central part of the Svecofennian Domain.

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.

Mercuric iodide light detector and related method

DOEpatents

Iwanczyk, Jan S.; Barton, Jeff B.; Dabrowski, Andrzej J.; Schnepple, Wayne F.

1986-01-01

Apparatus and method for detecting light involve applying a substantially uniform electrical potential difference between first and second spaced surfaces of a body of mercuric iodide, exposing the first surface to light and measuring an electrical current passed through the body in response to the light. The mercuric iodide may be substantially monocrystalline and the potential may be applied between a substantially transparent conductive layer at the first surface and a second conductive layer at the second surface. In a preferred embodiment, the detector is coupled to a scintillator for passage of light to the mercuric iodide in response to ionizing radiation incident on the scintillator.

Mercuric iodide light detector and related method

DOEpatents

Iwanczyk, J.S.; Barton, J.B.; Dabrowski, A.J.; Schnepple, W.F.

1986-09-23

Apparatus and method for detecting light involve applying a substantially uniform electrical potential difference between first and second spaced surfaces of a body of mercuric iodide, exposing the first surface to light and measuring an electrical current passed through the body in response to the light. The mercuric iodide may be substantially monocrystalline and the potential may be applied between a substantially transparent conductive layer at the first surface and a second conductive layer at the second surface. In a preferred embodiment, the detector is coupled to a scintillator for passage of light to the mercuric iodide in response to ionizing radiation incident on the scintillator. 7 figs.

Electrical conductivity studies of graphene wrapped nanocrystalline LiMnPO{sub 4} composite

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

Cheruku, Rajesh; D, Surya Bhaskaram; Govindaraj, G., E-mail: ggraj-7@yahoo.com

Nanocrystalline LiMnPO{sub 4} material was synthesized by template free sucrose assisted hydrothermal method. The material possesses the orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma, space group having four formula units. The GO was prepared by the hummer’s method and it was reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of nitrogen atmosphere. LiMnPO{sub 4} material was wrapped by the rGO to increase its conductivity. The structural characterization was accomplished through X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Morphology was identified by the SEM, Electrical characterization was done through impedance spectroscopy and the results were reported.

Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terje A.

1985-01-01

A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte wherein an assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

DOEpatents

Skotheim, T.A.

1984-10-19

A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte is disclosed. An assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

In vivo electric conductivity of cervical cancer patients based on B₁⁺ maps at 3T MRI.

PubMed

Balidemaj, E; de Boer, P; van Lier, A L H M W; Remis, R F; Stalpers, L J A; Westerveld, G H; Nederveen, A J; van den Berg, C A T; Crezee, J

2016-02-21

The in vivo electric conductivity (σ) values of tissue are essential for accurate electromagnetic simulations and specific absorption rate (SAR) assessment for applications such as thermal dose computations in hyperthermia. Currently used σ-values are mostly based on ex vivo measurements. In this study the conductivity of human muscle, bladder content and cervical tumors is acquired non-invasively in vivo using MRI. The conductivity of 20 cervical cancer patients was measured with the MR-based electric properties tomography method on a standard 3T MRI system. The average in vivo σ-value of muscle is 14% higher than currently used in human simulation models. The σ-value of bladder content is an order of magnitude higher than the value for bladder wall tissue that is used for the complete bladder in many models. Our findings are confirmed by various in vivo animal studies from the literature. In cervical tumors, the observed average conductivity was 13% higher than the literature value reported for cervical tissue. Considerable deviations were found for the electrical conductivity observed in this study and the commonly used values for SAR assessment, emphasizing the importance of acquiring in vivo conductivity for more accurate SAR assessment in various applications.

Parallel-wire grid assembly with method and apparatus for construction thereof

DOEpatents

Lewandowski, E.F.; Vrabec, J.

1981-10-26

Disclosed is a parallel wire grid and an apparatus and method for making the same. The grid consists of a generally coplanar array of parallel spaced-apart wires secured between metallic frame members by an electrically conductive epoxy. The method consists of continuously winding a wire about a novel winding apparatus comprising a plurality of spaced-apart generally parallel spindles. Each spindle is threaded with a number of predeterminedly spaced-apart grooves which receive and accurately position the wire at predetermined positions along the spindle. Overlying frame members coated with electrically conductive epoxy are then placed on either side of the wire array and are drawn together. After the epoxy hardens, portions of the wire array lying outside the frame members are trimmed away.

Parallel-wire grid assembly with method and apparatus for construction thereof

DOEpatents

Lewandowski, Edward F.; Vrabec, John

1984-01-01

Disclosed is a parallel wire grid and an apparatus and method for making the same. The grid consists of a generally coplanar array of parallel spaced-apart wires secured between metallic frame members by an electrically conductive epoxy. The method consists of continuously winding a wire about a novel winding apparatus comprising a plurality of spaced-apart generally parallel spindles. Each spindle is threaded with a number of predeterminedly spaced-apart grooves which receive and accurately position the wire at predetermined positions along the spindle. Overlying frame members coated with electrically conductive epoxy are then placed on either side of the wire array and are drawn together. After the epoxy hardens, portions of the wire array lying outside the frame members are trimmed away.

Photodetector with enhanced light absorption

DOEpatents

Kane, James

1985-01-01

A photodetector including a light transmissive electrically conducting layer having a textured surface with a semiconductor body thereon. This layer traps incident light thereby enhancing the absorption of light by the semiconductor body. A photodetector comprising a textured light transmissive electrically conducting layer of SnO.sub.2 and a body of hydrogenated amorphous silicon has a conversion efficiency about fifty percent greater than that of comparative cells. The invention also includes a method of fabricating the photodetector of the invention.

On the Far-Zone Electromagnetic Field of a Horizontal Electric Dipole Over an Imperfectly Conducting Half-Space With Extensions to Plasmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michalski, Krzysztof A.; Lin, Hung-I.

2018-01-01

Second-order asymptotic formulas for the electromagnetic fields of a horizontal electric dipole over an imperfectly conducting half-space are derived using the modified saddle-point method. Application examples are presented for ordinary and plasmonic media, and the accuracy of the new formulation is assessed by comparisons with two alternative state-of-the-art theories and with the rigorous results of numerical integration.

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof

DOEpatents

Gessert, Timothy A; Yoshida, Yuki; Coutts, Timothy J

2014-05-27

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material may comprise: providing a TCO target (110) doped with either a high-permittivity oxide or a low-permittivity oxide in a process chamber (100). The method may also comprise depositing a metal oxide on the target (110) to form a thin film having enhanced optical properties without substantially decreasing electrical quality.

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof

DOEpatents

Gessert, Timothy A.; Yoshida, Yuki; Coutts, Timothy J.

2014-06-10

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material may comprise: providing a TCO target doped with either a high-permittivity oxide or a low-permittivity oxide in a process chamber. The method may also comprise depositing a metal oxide on the target in the process chamber to form a thin film having enhanced optical properties without substantially decreasing electrical quality.

New high-strength, high-conductivity Cu-Ag alloy sheets

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

Sakai, Y.; Inoue, K.; Maeda, H.

1995-04-01

A sheet-conductor fabrication method has been developed for Cu-Ag alloys containing 6--24 wt% Ag in which high-strength and high-conductivity are obtained by coldworking combined with intermediate heat treatments. The intermediate heat treatments were repeated three times at 400--450 C for 1--2 h at appropriate stages of cold-rolling. The optimized Cu-24 wt% Ag alloy sheet with a 96% reduction ratio shows an ultimate tensile strength of 1,050 MPa and an electrical conductivity of 75% IACS at room temperature. Anisotropy in the strength with respect to the rolling direction is less than 10%, and no anisotropy in the electrical conductivity occurs. Themore » authors demonstrated the ability to manufacture the Cu-Ag sheets for Bitter magnet on a commercial basis. The sheets fabricated by this method are promising as conductors for high-field Bitter magnet coils.« less

Electrochemical and mechanical polishing and shaping method and system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engelhaupt, Darell E. (Inventor); Gubarev, Mikhail V. (Inventor); Jones, William David (Inventor); Ramsey, Brian D. (Inventor); Benson, Carl M. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method and system are provided for the shaping and polishing of the surface of a material selected from the group consisting of electrically semi-conductive materials and conductive materials. An electrically non-conductive polishing lap incorporates a conductive electrode such that, when the polishing lap is placed on the material's surface, the electrode is placed in spaced-apart juxtaposition with respect to the material's surface. A liquid electrolyte is disposed between the material's surface and the electrode. The electrolyte has an electrochemical stability constant such that cathodic material deposition on the electrode is not supported when a current flows through the electrode, the electrolyte and the material. As the polishing lap and the material surface experience relative movement, current flows through the electrode based on (i) adherence to Faraday's Law, and (ii) a pre-processing profile of the surface and a desired post-processing profile of the surface.

Synthesis, Transport, and Thermoelectric Studies of Topological Dirac Semimetal Cd3As2 for Room Temperature Waste Heat Recovery and Energy Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Tahereh A.

Rising rates of the energy consumption and growing concerns over the climate change worldwide have made energy efficiency an urgent problem to address. Nowadays, almost two-thirds of the energy produced by burning fossil fuels to generate electrical power is lost in the form of the heat. On this front, increasing electrical power generation through a waste heat recovery remains one of the highly promising venues of the energy research. Thermo-electric generators (TEGs) directly convert thermal energy into electrical and are the prime candidates for application in low-grade thermal energy/ waste heat recovery. The key commercial TE materials, e.g. PbTe and Bi2Te 3, have room temperature ZT of less than 1, whereas ZT exceeding 3 is required for a TEG to be economically viable. With the thermoelectric efficiency typically within a few percent range and a low efficiency-to-cost ratio of TEGs, there has been a resurgence in the search for new class of thermo-electric materials for developing high efficiency thermo-to-electric energy conversion systems, with phonon-glass electron-crystal materials holding the most promise. Herein, we focus on synthesis, characterization and investigation of electrical, thermo-electrical and thermal characteristics of crystalline Cd 3As2, a high performance 3D topological Dirac semimetal with Dirac fermions dispersing linearly in k3-space and possessing one of the largest electron mobilities known for crystalline materials, i.e. 104-105cm2V-1 s-1. Suppression of carrier backscattering, ultra-high charge carrier mobility, and inherently low thermal conductivity make this semimetal a key candidate for demonstrating high, device-favorable S and in turn ZT. In this work, a low-temperature vapor-based crystallization pathway was developed and optimized to produce free standing 2D cm-size crystals in Cd 3As2. Compared to the bulk crystals produced in previous studies, e.g. Piper-Polich, Bridgman, or flux method, Cd3As 2 samples were synthesized over a considerably shorter time ( only a few hours), were single crystals and highly stochiometric. A high thermopower of up to 613 microV K-1 and the electrical conductivity of 105 S/m were registered within the temperature range of 300-400 K. A 1o-method based on the transfer function was applied to probe a thermal conductivity, k of Cd3As2 platelets. The results yield k of 2.4 W/m.K in the confirmation that the thermal conductivity of Cd3As2 crystals is to approach the amorphous limit at the room temperature. With its peak thermopower attained at the low temperature range of 300-400 K, high electrical conductivity and amorphous limit thermal conductivity, crystalline Cd3As2 grown via a low-T vapor based method demonstrates ZT > 3; the results confirm that as-produced Cd 3As2 platelets hold a high promise and is another phonon-glass electron-crystal TE material for the development of next generation, high efficiency thermo-electric generators and refrigerators operating under normal conditions.

Dielectric and ac ionic conductivity investigation of Li2SrP2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajili, O.; Louati, B.; Guidara, K.

2018-07-01

The pyrophosphate Li2SrP2O7 compound has been synthesized by the classic ceramic method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman and electrical impedance spectroscopy. Detailed electrical properties of the compound were analyzed as a function of frequency (209 Hz-1 MHz) and temperature (519-628) K. Impedance analysis exhibits the grain and grain boundary contribution to the electrical response of the sample. The temperature dependence of these contribution obey the Arrhenius law with activation energies (1.03 ± 0.05) and (1.25 ± 0.05) eV, respectively. The ac conductivity for grain contribution was interpreted using the universal Jonscher's power law. The temperature dependence of frequency exponent s was investigated to understand the conduction mechanism. The correlated barrier hopping model was found to be the best model describing the conduction mechanism.

Dielectric and ac ionic conductivity investigation of Li2SrP2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajili, O.; Louati, B.; Guidara, K.

2018-02-01

The pyrophosphate Li2SrP2O7 compound has been synthesized by the classic ceramic method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman and electrical impedance spectroscopy. Detailed electrical properties of the compound were analyzed as a function of frequency (209 Hz-1 MHz) and temperature (519-628) K. Impedance analysis exhibits the grain and grain boundary contribution to the electrical response of the sample. The temperature dependence of these contribution obey the Arrhenius law with activation energies (1.03 ± 0.05) and (1.25 ± 0.05) eV, respectively. The ac conductivity for grain contribution was interpreted using the universal Jonscher's power law. The temperature dependence of frequency exponent s was investigated to understand the conduction mechanism. The correlated barrier hopping model was found to be the best model describing the conduction mechanism.

Electrical Matching at Metal/Molecule Contacts for Efficient Heterogeneous Charge Transfer.

PubMed

Sato, Shino; Iwase, Shigeru; Namba, Kotaro; Ono, Tomoya; Hara, Kenji; Fukuoka, Atsushi; Uosaki, Kohei; Ikeda, Katsuyoshi

2018-02-27

In a metal/molecule hybrid system, unavoidable electrical mismatch exists between metal continuum states and frontier molecular orbitals. This causes energy loss in the electron conduction across the metal/molecule interface. For efficient use of energy in a metal/molecule hybrid system, it is necessary to control interfacial electronic structures. Here we demonstrate that electrical matching between a gold substrate and π-conjugated molecular wires can be obtained by using monatomic foreign metal interlayers, which can change the degree of d-π* back-donation at metal/anchor contacts. This interfacial control leads to energy level alignment between the Fermi level of the metal electrode and conduction molecular orbitals, resulting in resonant electron conduction in the metal/molecule hybrid system. When this method is applied to molecule-modified electrocatalysts, the heterogeneous electrochemical reaction rate is considerably improved with significant suppression of energy loss at the internal electron conduction.

Photovoltaic devices comprising cadmium stannate transparent conducting films and method for making

DOEpatents

Wu, X.; Coutts, T.J.; Sheldon, P.; Rose, D.H.

1999-07-13

A photovoltaic device is disclosed having a substrate, a layer of Cd[sub 2]SnO[sub 4] disposed on said substrate as a front contact, a thin film comprising two or more layers of semiconductor materials disposed on said layer of Cd[sub 2]SnO[sub 4], and an electrically conductive film disposed on said thin film of semiconductor materials to form a rear electrical contact to said thin film. The device is formed by RF sputter coating a Cd[sub 2]SnO[sub 4] layer onto a substrate, depositing a thin film of semiconductor materials onto the layer of Cd[sub 2]SnO[sub 4], and depositing an electrically conductive film onto the thin film of semiconductor materials. 10 figs.

Electroconductive PET/SWNT Films by Solution Casting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinert, Brian W.; Dean, Derrick R.

2008-01-01

The market for electrically conductive polymers is rapidly growing, and an emerging pathway for attaining these materials is via polymer-carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites, because of the superior properties of CNTs. Due to their excellent electrical properties and anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, we expect CNTs could be easily aligned to maximize their effectiveness in imparting electrical conductivity to the polymer matrix. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) were dispersed in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix by solution blending then cast onto a glass substrate to create thin, flexible films. Various SWNT loading concentrations were implemented (0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 wt.%) to study the effect of additive density. The processing method was repeated to produce films in the presence of magnetic fields (3 and 9.4 Tesla). The SWNTs showed a high susceptibility to the magnetic field and were effectively aligned in the PET matrix. The alignment was characterized with Raman spectroscopy. Impedance spectroscopy was utilized to study the electrical behavior of the films. Concentration and dispersion seemed to play very important roles in improving electrical conductivity, while alignment played a secondary and less significant role. The most interesting result proved to be the effect of a magnetic field during processing. It appears that a magnetic field may improve dispersion of unmodified SWNTs, which seems to be more important than alignment. It was concluded that SWNTs offer a good option as conductive, nucleating filler for electroconductive polymer applications, and the utilization of a magnetic field may prove to be a novel method for CNT dispersion that could lead to improved nanocomposite materials.

Wire EDM for Refractory Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zellars, G. R.; Harris, F. E.; Lowell, C. E.; Pollman, W. M.; Rys, V. J.; Wills, R. J.

1982-01-01

In an attempt to reduce fabrication time and costs, Wire Electrical Discharge Machine (Wire EDM) method was investigated as tool for fabricating matched blade roots and disk slots. Eight high-strength nickel-base superalloys were used. Computer-controlled Wire EDM technique provided high quality surfaces with excellent dimensional tolerances. Wire EDM method offers potential for substantial reductions in fabrication costs for "hard to machine" alloys and electrically conductive materials in specific high-precision applications.

An addressable conducting network for autonomic structural health management of composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Kosuke; Park, Jong Se; Hahn, H. Thomas

2010-10-01

The electrical resistance change method (ERCM) has long been an area of interest as an in-service health monitoring system. To apply the ERCM to existing structures, a new concept, the addressable conducting network (ACN), is proposed for autonomic structural health management of graphite/polymer composites. The ACN consists of two sets of conducting lines normal to each other, where one set resides on the top surface of the laminate and the other on the bottom surface. Damage can be detected by monitoring the resistance change 'through the laminate thickness' between two lines. By using a thermally mendable polymer as the matrix, the same conducting lines can be used to supply the electric current needed for resistive heating, thereby allowing the detected damage to be healed. As shown experimentally, the electrical resistance change method using an ACN distinguishes between laminates made of properly and improperly cured prepreg as well as revealing damage generated during three-point bending tests. Finite element analysis was performed to examine the feasibility of the ACN and indicated that the damage can be easily located from the spatial distribution of resistance changes and that the damaged area can be locally heated by supplying a large amount of current to selected conducting lines.

Fabrication of conductive polymer-based nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

PubMed

Gu, Bon Kang; Kim, Min Sup; Kang, Chang Mo; Kim, Jong-Ll; Park, Sang Jun; Kim, Chun-Ho

2014-10-01

Natural and synthetic polymers, in particular those that are conductive, are of great interest in the field of tissue engineering and the pursuit of biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) structures for adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. In the present study, natural chitin and conductive polyaniline (PANi) blended solutions were electrospun to produce biodegradable and conductive biomimetic nanostructured scaffolds. The chitin/PANi (Chi-PANi) nanofibrous materials were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, wettability analysis, mechanical testing, and electrical conductivity measurements using a 4-point probe method. The calculated electrical conductivities of the PANi-containing nanofiber scaffolds significantly increased as the amount of PANi increased, reaching 5.21 ± 0.28 x 10(-3) S/cm for 0.3 wt% content of the conducting polymer. In addition, the viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on the Chi-PANi nanofiber scaffolds in vitro was found to be excellent. These results suggest that the Chi-PANi nanofiber scaffolds have great potential for use in tissue engineering applications that involve electrical stimulation.

Calculating the electric field in real human head by transcranial magnetic stimulation with shield plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Mai; Ueno, Shoogo

2009-04-01

In this paper, we present a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) system by incorporating a conductive shield plate. The magnetic field, induced current density, and electric field in a real human head were calculated by impedance method and the results were compared with TMS without shielding. Our results show that the field localization can be improved by introducing a conductive shield plate; the stimulation magnitude (depth) in the brain is reduced comparing with the TMS without shielding. The strong magnetic field near the TMS coil is difficult to be efficiently shielded by a thinner conductive shield plate.

Electrically induced energy transmission used for implantable medical devices deep inside the body: Measurement of received voltage in consideration of biological effect.

PubMed

Shiba, Kenji

2015-08-01

We proposed an electrically induced energy transmission method for implantable medical devices deep inside the body. This method makes it possible to transmit energy deep inside the body using only a couple of titanium electrodes attached to the surface of the implantable medical device. In this study, electromagnetic simulations in which the area and distance of the receiving electrodes were changed were conducted. Then, experimental measurements of the received voltage were conducted in which electric energy was transmitted from the surface of the human phantom to an implantable device inside it (transmitting distance: 12 cm). As a result of the electromagnetic simulation, the area and distance of the receiving electrodes were roughly proportional to the received voltage, respectively. As a result of the experimental measurement, a received voltage of 2460 mV could be obtained with a load resistance of 100 Ω. We confirmed that our energy transmission method could be a powerful method for transmitting energy to a deeply implanted medical device.

Electrical transport measurements of thin film samples under high hydrostatic pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabaleta, J.; Parks, S. C.; Baum, B.; Teker, A.; Syassen, K.; Mannhart, J.

2017-03-01

We present a method to perform electrical measurements of epitaxial films and heterostructures a few nanometers thick under high hydrostatic pressures in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). Hydrostatic pressure offers the possibility to tune the rich landscape of properties shown by epitaxial heterostructures, systems in which the combination of different materials, performed with atomic precision, can give rise to properties not present in their individual constituents. Measuring electrical conductivity under hydrostatic pressure in these systems requires a robust method that can address all the challenges: the preparation of the sample with side length and thickness that fits in the DAC setup, a contacting method compatible with liquid media, a gasket insulation that resists high forces, as well as an accurate procedure to place the sample in the pressure chamber. We prove the robustness of the method described by measuring the resistance of a two dimensional electron system buried at the interface between two insulating oxides under hydrostatic conditions up to ˜5 GPa. The setup remains intact until ˜10 GPa, where large pressure gradients affect the two dimensional conductivity.

Electrical transport measurements of thin film samples under high hydrostatic pressure.

PubMed

Zabaleta, J; Parks, S C; Baum, B; Teker, A; Syassen, K; Mannhart, J

2017-03-01

We present a method to perform electrical measurements of epitaxial films and heterostructures a few nanometers thick under high hydrostatic pressures in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). Hydrostatic pressure offers the possibility to tune the rich landscape of properties shown by epitaxial heterostructures, systems in which the combination of different materials, performed with atomic precision, can give rise to properties not present in their individual constituents. Measuring electrical conductivity under hydrostatic pressure in these systems requires a robust method that can address all the challenges: the preparation of the sample with side length and thickness that fits in the DAC setup, a contacting method compatible with liquid media, a gasket insulation that resists high forces, as well as an accurate procedure to place the sample in the pressure chamber. We prove the robustness of the method described by measuring the resistance of a two dimensional electron system buried at the interface between two insulating oxides under hydrostatic conditions up to ∼5 GPa. The setup remains intact until ∼10 GPa, where large pressure gradients affect the two dimensional conductivity.

Fibroblast proliferation alters cardiac excitation conduction and contraction: a computational study.

PubMed

Zhan, He-qing; Xia, Ling; Shou, Guo-fa; Zang, Yun-liang; Liu, Feng; Crozier, Stuart

2014-03-01

In this study, the effects of cardiac fibroblast proliferation on cardiac electric excitation conduction and mechanical contraction were investigated using a proposed integrated myocardial-fibroblastic electromechanical model. At the cellular level, models of the human ventricular myocyte and fibroblast were modified to incorporate a model of cardiac mechanical contraction and cooperativity mechanisms. Cellular electromechanical coupling was realized with a calcium buffer. At the tissue level, electrical excitation conduction was coupled to an elastic mechanics model in which the finite difference method (FDM) was used to solve electrical excitation equations, and the finite element method (FEM) was used to solve mechanics equations. The electromechanical properties of the proposed integrated model were investigated in one or two dimensions under normal and ischemic pathological conditions. Fibroblast proliferation slowed wave propagation, induced a conduction block, decreased strains in the fibroblast proliferous tissue, and increased dispersions in depolarization, repolarization, and action potential duration (APD). It also distorted the wave-front, leading to the initiation and maintenance of re-entry, and resulted in a sustained contraction in the proliferous areas. This study demonstrated the important role that fibroblast proliferation plays in modulating cardiac electromechanical behaviour and which should be considered in planning future heart-modeling studies.

Fibroblast proliferation alters cardiac excitation conduction and contraction: a computational study*

PubMed Central

Zhan, He-qing; Xia, Ling; Shou, Guo-fa; Zang, Yun-liang; Liu, Feng; Crozier, Stuart

2014-01-01

In this study, the effects of cardiac fibroblast proliferation on cardiac electric excitation conduction and mechanical contraction were investigated using a proposed integrated myocardial-fibroblastic electromechanical model. At the cellular level, models of the human ventricular myocyte and fibroblast were modified to incorporate a model of cardiac mechanical contraction and cooperativity mechanisms. Cellular electromechanical coupling was realized with a calcium buffer. At the tissue level, electrical excitation conduction was coupled to an elastic mechanics model in which the finite difference method (FDM) was used to solve electrical excitation equations, and the finite element method (FEM) was used to solve mechanics equations. The electromechanical properties of the proposed integrated model were investigated in one or two dimensions under normal and ischemic pathological conditions. Fibroblast proliferation slowed wave propagation, induced a conduction block, decreased strains in the fibroblast proliferous tissue, and increased dispersions in depolarization, repolarization, and action potential duration (APD). It also distorted the wave-front, leading to the initiation and maintenance of re-entry, and resulted in a sustained contraction in the proliferous areas. This study demonstrated the important role that fibroblast proliferation plays in modulating cardiac electromechanical behaviour and which should be considered in planning future heart-modeling studies. PMID:24599687

Synthesis and dc electrical conductivity of Cr-doped CeO2 nanoparticles by solution combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harish, B. M.; Avinash, B. S.; Chaturmukha, V. S.; Jayanna, H. S.; Suresh, S.; Naveen, C. S.; Lamani, Ashok R.

2018-04-01

NPs of Ce1-xCrxO2 (x=0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12) have been synthesized by solution combustion method using glycine as fuel. The effect of chromium on structural and dc electrical conductivity of cerium oxide nanoparticles were investigated. The obtained powder is characterized by UV-visible spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDS). X-ray diffraction analysis carried out on calcined samples reveals that successful incorporation of Cr2+ in CeO2 lattice where as SEM studies confirms the porous morphological structure of the prepared sample. The Keithley source meter is used to measure the dc conductivity of samples in the temperature range from 303K to 623K. The conductivity was found to be increases with increase of temperature as well as the Cr concentration due to semiconducting behavior of material and change in the charge carrier concentration. The activation energy decreases with increasing chromium concentration. The present work deals with the effect of chromium additive on structural and the D.C electrical properties Ce1-xCrxO2 NPs.

Influence of material uncertainties on the RLC parameters of wound inductors modeled using the finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lossa, Geoffrey; Deblecker, Olivier; Grève, Zacharie De

2018-05-01

In this work, we highlight the influence of the material uncertainties (magnetic permeability, electric conductivity of a Mn-Zn ferrite core, and electric permittivity of wire insulation) on the RLC parameters of a wound inductor extracted from the finite element method. To that end, the finite element method is embedded in a Monte Carlo simulation. We show that considering mentioned different material properties as real random variables, leads to significant variations in the distributions of the RLC parameters.

The generation of pollution-free electrical power from solar energy.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cherry, W. R.

1971-01-01

Projections of the U.S. electrical power demands over the next 30 years indicate that the U.S. could be in grave danger from power shortages, undesirable effluence, and thermal pollution. An appraisal of nonconventional methods of producing electrical power is conducted, giving particular attention to the conversion of solar energy into commercial quantities of electrical power by solar cells. It is found that 1% of the land area of the 48 states could provide the total electrical power requirements of the U.S. in the year 1990. The ultimate method of generating vast quantities of electrical power would be from a series of synchronous satellites which beam microwave power back to earth to be used wherever needed. Present high manufacturing costs of solar cells could be substantially reduced by using massive automated techniques employing abundant low cost materials.

Downhole transmission system

DOEpatents

Hall, David R [Provo, UT; Fox, Joe [Spanish Fork, UT

2008-01-15

A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a data transmission element in both ends of the downhole component. Each data transmission element houses an electrically conducting coil in a MCEI circular trough. An electrical conductor connects both the transmission elements. The electrical conductor comprises at least three electrically conductive elements insulated from each other. In the preferred embodiment the electrical conductor comprises an electrically conducting outer shield, an electrically conducting inner shield and an electrical conducting core. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical conductor comprises an electrically insulating jacket. In other embodiments, the electrical conductor comprises a pair of twisted wires. In some embodiments, the electrical conductor comprises semi-conductive material.

Linearized image reconstruction method for ultrasound modulated electrical impedance tomography based on power density distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xizi; Xu, Yanbin; Dong, Feng

2017-04-01

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is a promising measurement technique with important industrial and clinical applications. However, with limited effective measurements, it suffers from poor spatial resolution due to the ill-posedness of the inverse problem. Recently, there has been an increasing research interest in hybrid imaging techniques, utilizing couplings of physical modalities, because these techniques obtain much more effective measurement information and promise high resolution. Ultrasound modulated electrical impedance tomography (UMEIT) is one of the newly developed hybrid imaging techniques, which combines electric and acoustic modalities. A linearized image reconstruction method based on power density is proposed for UMEIT. The interior data, power density distribution, is adopted to reconstruct the conductivity distribution with the proposed image reconstruction method. At the same time, relating the power density change to the change in conductivity, the Jacobian matrix is employed to make the nonlinear problem into a linear one. The analytic formulation of this Jacobian matrix is derived and its effectiveness is also verified. In addition, different excitation patterns are tested and analyzed, and opposite excitation provides the best performance with the proposed method. Also, multiple power density distributions are combined to implement image reconstruction. Finally, image reconstruction is implemented with the linear back-projection (LBP) algorithm. Compared with ERT, with the proposed image reconstruction method, UMEIT can produce reconstructed images with higher quality and better quantitative evaluation results.

Gradient-based Electrical Properties Tomography (gEPT): a Robust Method for Mapping Electrical Properties of Biological Tissues In Vivo Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Liu, Jiaen; Zhang, Xiaotong; Schmitter, Sebastian; Van de Moortele, Pierre-Francois; He, Bin

2014-01-01

Purpose To develop high-resolution electrical properties tomography (EPT) methods and investigate a gradient-based EPT (gEPT) approach which aims to reconstruct the electrical properties (EP), including conductivity and permittivity, of an imaged sample from experimentally measured B1 maps with improved boundary reconstruction and robustness against measurement noise. Theory and Methods Using a multi-channel transmit/receive stripline head coil, with acquired B1 maps for each coil element, by assuming negligible Bz component compared to transverse B1 components, a theory describing the relationship between B1 field, EP value and their spatial gradient has been proposed. The final EP images were obtained through spatial integration over the reconstructed EP gradient. Numerical simulation, physical phantom and in vivo human experiments at 7 T have been conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods. Results Reconstruction results were compared with target EP values in both simulations and phantom experiments. Human experimental results were compared with EP values in literature. Satisfactory agreement was observed with improved boundary reconstruction. Importantly, the proposed gEPT method proved to be more robust against noise when compared to previously described non-gradient-based EPT approaches. Conclusion The proposed gEPT approach holds promises to improve EP mapping quality by recovering the boundary information and enhancing robustness against noise. PMID:25213371

Quantitative assessment of passive electrical properties of the cardiac T-tubular system by FRAP microscopy

PubMed Central

Scardigli, M.; Ferrantini, C.; Gabbrielli, T.; Silvestri, L.; Coppini, R.; Tesi, C.; Rog-Zielinska, E. A.; Kohl, P.; Cerbai, E.; Poggesi, C.; Pavone, F. S.; Sacconi, L.

2017-01-01

Well-coordinated activation of all cardiomyocytes must occur on every heartbeat. At the cell level, a complex network of sarcolemmal invaginations, called the transverse-axial tubular system (TATS), propagates membrane potential changes to the cell core, ensuring synchronous and uniform excitation–contraction coupling. Although myocardial conduction of excitation has been widely described, the electrical properties of the TATS remain mostly unknown. Here, we exploit the formal analogy between diffusion and electrical conductivity to link the latter with the diffusional properties of TATS. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) microscopy is used to probe the diffusion properties of TATS in isolated rat cardiomyocytes: A fluorescent dextran inside TATS lumen is photobleached, and signal recovery by diffusion of unbleached dextran from the extracellular space is monitored. We designed a mathematical model to correlate the time constant of fluorescence recovery with the apparent diffusion coefficient of the fluorescent molecules. Then, apparent diffusion is linked to electrical conductivity and used to evaluate the efficiency of the passive spread of membrane depolarization along TATS. The method is first validated in cells where most TATS elements are acutely detached by osmotic shock and then applied to probe TATS electrical conductivity in failing heart cells. We find that acute and pathological tubular remodeling significantly affect TATS electrical conductivity. This may explain the occurrence of defects in action potential propagation at the level of single T-tubules, recently observed in diseased cardiomyocytes. PMID:28507142

Structural, electrical, optical and magneto-electric characteristics of chemically synthesized CaCu3Ti4O12 dielectric ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parida, Kalpana; Choudhary, R. N. P.

2017-07-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) was prepared by a chemical reaction method. The pellets prepared from the calcined powder of the material were sintered at 1100 °C. Analysis of x-ray diffraction pattern, recorded on CCTO powder, confirms the phase formation of CCTO. Studies of dielectric (ɛ r, tanδ) and impedance parameters using dielectric and impedance spectroscopy of the compound have provided information about the electrical properties and the dielectric relaxation mechanism of the material. Detailed studies on the variation of electrical conductivity (dc) with temperature show semi-conducting nature of the material. Study of frequency (of applied electric field) dependence of ac conductivity at different temperatures suggests that the compound follows the Jonscher’s power law. Complex impedance spectroscopic analysis suggests that the semicircles formed in the Nyquist plot are connected to the grains, grain boundary and interface effects. An optical energy band gap of ~1.9 eV is obtained from the UV-visible absorbance spectrum. The magnetic data related to magneto-electric (ME) coefficient, measured by varying dc bias magnetic field, have been obtained at room temperature.

DC electrical conductivity measurements for pure and titanium oxide doped KDP Crystals grown by gel medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mareeswaran, S.; Asaithambi, T.

2016-10-01

Now a day's crystals are the pillars of current technology. Crystals are applied in various fields like fiber optic communications, electronic industry, photonic industry, etc. Crystal growth is an interesting and innovative field in the subject of physics, chemistry, material science, metallurgy, chemical engineering, mineralogy and crystallography. In recent decades optically good quality of pure and metal doped KDP crystals have been grown by gel growth method in room temperature and its characterizations were studied. Gel method is a very simple and one of the easiest methods among the various crystal growth methods. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate KH2PO4 (KDP) continues to be an interesting material both academically and technologically. KDP is a delegate of hydrogen bonded materials which possess very good electrical and nonlinear optical properties in addition to interesting electro-optic properties. We made an attempt to grow pure and titanium oxide doped KDP crystals with various doping concentrations (0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008 and 0.010) using gel method. The grown crystals were collected after 20 days. We get crystals with good quality and shaped crystals. The dc electrical conductivity (resistance, capacitance and dielectric constant) values of the above grown crystals were measured at two different frequencies (1KHz and 100 Hz) with a temperature range of 500C to 1200C using simple two probe setup with Q band digital LCR meter present in our lab. The electrical conductivity increases with the increase of temperature. Dielectric constants value of titanium oxide doped KDP crystal was slightly decreased compared with pure KDP crystals. Results were discussed in details.

Synthesis and electrical properties of (LiCo 3/5Fe 1/5Mn 1/5)VO 4 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram, Moti

2010-03-01

(LiCo 3/5Fe 1/5Mn 1/5)VO 4 ceramic was synthesized via solution-based chemical method. X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out on the synthesized powder sample at room temperature, which confirms the orthorhombic structure with the lattice parameters of a = 10.3646 (20) Å, b = 3.7926 (20) Å, c = 9.2131 (20) Å. Field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis was carried out on the sintered pellet sample that indicates grains of unequal sizes (˜0.1 to 2 μm) presents average grains size with polydisperse distribution on the surface of the ceramic. Complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) technique is used for the study of electrical properties. CIS analysis identifies: (i) grain interior, grain boundary and electrode-material interface contributions to electrical response (ii) the presence of temperature dependent electrical relaxation phenomena in the ceramics. Detailed conductivity study indicates that electrical conduction in the material is a thermally activated process. The variation of A.C. conductivity with frequency at different temperatures obeys Jonscher's universal law.

Automated characterization and assembly of individual nanowires for device fabrication.

PubMed

Yu, Kaiyan; Yi, Jingang; Shan, Jerry W

2018-05-15

The automated sorting and positioning of nanowires and nanotubes is essential to enabling the scalable manufacturing of nanodevices for a variety of applications. However, two fundamental challenges still remain: (i) automated placement of individual nanostructures in precise locations, and (ii) the characterization and sorting of highly variable nanomaterials to construct well-controlled nanodevices. Here, we propose and demonstrate an integrated, electric-field based method for the simultaneous automated characterization, manipulation, and assembly of nanowires (ACMAN) with selectable electrical conductivities into nanodevices. We combine contactless and solution-based electro-orientation spectroscopy and electrophoresis-based motion-control, planning and manipulation strategies to simultaneously characterize and manipulate multiple individual nanowires. These nanowires can be selected according to their electrical characteristics and precisely positioned at different locations in a low-conductivity liquid to form functional nanodevices with desired electrical properties. We validate the ACMAN design by assembling field-effect transistors (FETs) with silicon nanowires of selected electrical conductivities. The design scheme provides a key enabling technology for the scalable, automated sorting and assembly of nanowires and nanotubes to build functional nanodevices.

One-dimensional nonlinear instability study of a slightly viscoelastic, perfectly conducting liquid jet under a radial electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fang; Yin, Xie-Yuan; Yin, Xie-Zhen

2016-05-01

A one-dimensional electrified viscoelastic model is built to study the nonlinear behavior of a slightly viscoelastic, perfectly conducting liquid jet under a radial electric field. The equations are solved numerically using an implicit finite difference scheme together with a boundary element method. The electrified viscoelastic jet is found to evolve into a beads-on-string structure in the presence of the radial electric field. Although the radial electric field greatly enhances the linear instability of the jet, its influence on the decay of the filament thickness is limited during the nonlinear evolution of the jet. On the other hand, the radial electric field induces axial non-uniformity of the first normal stress difference within the filament. The first normal stress difference in the center region of the filament may be greatly decreased by the radial electric field. The regions with/without satellite droplets are illuminated on the χ (the electrical Bond number)-k (the dimensionless wave number) plane. Satellite droplets may be formed for larger wave numbers at larger radial electric fields.

Skeletal myotube formation enhanced by electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotube scaffolds

PubMed Central

Sirivisoot, Sirinrath; Harrison, Benjamin S

2011-01-01

Background This study examined the effects of electrically conductive materials made from electrospun single- or multiwalled carbon nanotubes with polyurethane to promote myoblast differentiation into myotubes in the presence and absence of electrical stimulation. Methods and results After electrical stimulation, the number of multinucleated myotubes on the electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotube scaffolds was significantly larger than that on nonconductive electrospun polyurethane scaffolds (5% and 10% w/v polyurethane). In the absence of electrical stimulation, myoblasts also differentiated on the electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotube scaffolds, as evidenced by expression of Myf-5 and myosin heavy chains. The myotube number and length were significantly greater on the electrospun carbon nanotubes with 10% w/v polyurethane than on those with 5% w/v polyurethane. The results suggest that, in the absence of electrical stimulation, skeletal myotube formation is dependent on the morphology of the electrospun scaffolds, while with electrical stimulation it is dependent on the electrical conductivity of the scaffolds. Conclusion This study indicates that electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotubes can be used to modulate skeletal myotube formation with or without application of electrical stimulation. PMID:22072883

Estimation of electrical conductivity distribution within the human head from magnetic flux density measurement.

PubMed

Gao, Nuo; Zhu, S A; He, Bin

2005-06-07

We have developed a new algorithm for magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), which uses only one component of the magnetic flux density to reconstruct the electrical conductivity distribution within the body. The radial basis function (RBF) network and simplex method are used in the present approach to estimate the conductivity distribution by minimizing the errors between the 'measured' and model-predicted magnetic flux densities. Computer simulations were conducted in a realistic-geometry head model to test the feasibility of the proposed approach. Single-variable and three-variable simulations were performed to estimate the brain-skull conductivity ratio and the conductivity values of the brain, skull and scalp layers. When SNR = 15 for magnetic flux density measurements with the target skull-to-brain conductivity ratio being 1/15, the relative error (RE) between the target and estimated conductivity was 0.0737 +/- 0.0746 in the single-variable simulations. In the three-variable simulations, the RE was 0.1676 +/- 0.0317. Effects of electrode position uncertainty were also assessed by computer simulations. The present promising results suggest the feasibility of estimating important conductivity values within the head from noninvasive magnetic flux density measurements.

Dark and photo conductivity analysis of Cu doped CdSe-PVA nanocomposites synthesized by chemical route

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

Rani, Amita; Kurchania, Rajnish; Tripathi, S. K., E-mail: surya@pu.ac.in

2016-05-06

Present communication deals with the study of electrical conductivity measurements of Cu doped CdSe-PVA nanocomposite via chemical method. In electrical measurements, the dark conductivity (σ{sub d}) and the photoconductivity (σ{sub ph}) of CdSe prepared thin films have been studied in the temperature range of 308–343 K. The effect of temperature and the intensity on conductivity has been analyzed for CdSe and CdSe:Cu nanocomposite films. The conductivity of all the samples increases with increasing temperature indicating the semiconducting behavior of the samples. The value of photo activation energy is less than the dark activation energy due to the shift in energy levelsmore » under illumination.« less

A study of the influence of conductive paths and their directions in randomly generated conductor network.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandolesi, E.; Moorkamp, M.; Jones, A. G.

2014-12-01

Most electromagnetic (EM) geophysical methods focus on the electrical conductivity of rocks and sediments to determine the geological structure of the subsurface. Electric conductivity itself is measured in the laboratory with a wide range of instruments and techniques. These measurements seldom return a compatible result. The presence of partially-interconnected random pathways of electrically conductive materials in resistive hosts has been studied for decades, and recently with increasing interest. To comprehend which conductive mechanism scales from the microstructures up to field electrical conductivity measurements, two main branch of studies have been undertaken: statistical probability of having a conductive pathways and mixing laws. Several numerical approaches have been tested to understand the effects of interconnected pathways of conductors at field scale. Usually these studies were restricted in two ways: the sources are considered constant in time (i.e., DC) and the domain is, with few exception, two-dimensional. We simulated the effects of time-varying EM sources on the conductivity measured on the surface of a three-dimensional randomly generated body embedded in an uniform host by using electromagnetic induction equations. We modelled a two-phase mixture of resistive and conductive elements with the goal of comparing the conductivity measured on field scale with the one proper of the elements constituting the random rock, and to test how the internal structures influence the directionality of the responses. Moreover, we modelled data from randomly generated bodies characterized by coherent internal structures, to check the effect of the named structures on the anisotropy of the effective conductivity. We compared these values with the electrical conductivity limits predicted by Hashin-Shtrikman bounds and the effective conductivity predicted by the Archie's law, both cast in its classic form and in an updated that allow to take in account two materials. The same analysis was done for both the resistive and the conductive conductivity values for the anisotropic case.

Electrical properties of fluorine-doped ZnO nanowires formed by biased plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ying; Chen, Yicong; Song, Xiaomeng; Zhang, Zhipeng; She, Juncong; Deng, Shaozhi; Xu, Ningsheng; Chen, Jun

2018-05-01

Doping is an effective method for tuning electrical properties of zinc oxide nanowires, which are used in nanoelectronic devices. Here, ZnO nanowires were prepared by a thermal oxidation method. Fluorine doping was achieved by a biased plasma treatment, with bias voltages of 100, 200, and 300 V. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the nanowires treated at bias voltages of 100 and 200 V featured low crystallinity. When the bias voltage was 300 V, the nanowires showed single crystalline structures. Photoluminescence measurements revealed that concentrations of oxygen and surface defects decreased at high bias voltage. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that the F content increased as the bias voltage was increased. The conductivity of the as-grown nanowires was less than 103 S/m; the conductivity of the treated nanowires ranged from 1 × 104-5 × 104, 1 × 104-1 × 105, and 1 × 103-2 × 104 S/m for bias voltage treatments at 100, 200, and 300 V, respectively. The conductivity improvements of nanowires formed at bias voltages of 100 and 200 V, were attributed to F-doping, defects and surface states. The conductivity of nanowires treated at 300 V was attributed to the presence of F ions. Thus, we provide a method of improving electrical properties of ZnO nanowires without altering their crystal structure.

Numerical recovery of certain discontinuous electrical conductivities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryan, Kurt

1991-01-01

The inverse problem of recovering an electrical conductivity of the form Gamma(x) = 1 + (k-1)(sub Chi(D)) (Chi(D) is the characteristic function of D) on a region omega is a subset of 2-dimensional Euclid space from boundary data is considered, where D is a subset of omega and k is some positive constant. A linearization of the forward problem is formed and used in a least squares output method for approximately solving the inverse problem. Convergence results are proved and some numerical results presented.

Field-aligned current sources in the high-latitude ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbosa, D. D.

1979-01-01

The paper determines the electric potential in a plane which is fed current from a pair of field-aligned current sheets. The ionospheric conductivity is modelled as a constant with an enhanced conductivity annular ring. It is shown that field-aligned current distributions are arbitrary functions of azimuth angle (MLT) and thus allow for asymmetric potential configurations over the pole cap. In addition, ionospheric surface currents are computed by means of stream functions. Finally, the discussion relates these methods to the electrical characteristics of the magnetosphere.

Electrically charged targets

DOEpatents

Goodman, Ronald K.; Hunt, Angus L.

1984-01-01

Electrically chargeable laser targets and method for forming such charged targets in order to improve their guidance along a predetermined desired trajectory. This is accomplished by the incorporation of a small amount of an additive to the target material which will increase the electrical conductivity thereof, and thereby enhance the charge placed upon the target material for guidance thereof by electrostatic or magnetic steering mechanisms, without adversely affecting the target when illuminated by laser energy.

Geophysical remote sensing of water reservoirs suitable for desalinization.

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

Aldridge, David Franklin; Bartel, Lewis Clark; Bonal, Nedra

2009-12-01

In many parts of the United States, as well as other regions of the world, competing demands for fresh water or water suitable for desalination are outstripping sustainable supplies. In these areas, new water supplies are necessary to sustain economic development and agricultural uses, as well as support expanding populations, particularly in the Southwestern United States. Increasing the supply of water will more than likely come through desalinization of water reservoirs that are not suitable for present use. Surface-deployed seismic and electromagnetic (EM) methods have the potential for addressing these critical issues within large volumes of an aquifer at amore » lower cost than drilling and sampling. However, for detailed analysis of the water quality, some sampling utilizing boreholes would be required with geophysical methods being employed to extrapolate these sampled results to non-sampled regions of the aquifer. The research in this report addresses using seismic and EM methods in two complimentary ways to aid in the identification of water reservoirs that are suitable for desalinization. The first method uses the seismic data to constrain the earth structure so that detailed EM modeling can estimate the pore water conductivity, and hence the salinity. The second method utilizes the coupling of seismic and EM waves through the seismo-electric (conversion of seismic energy to electrical energy) and the electro-seismic (conversion of electrical energy to seismic energy) to estimate the salinity of the target aquifer. Analytic 1D solutions to coupled pressure and electric wave propagation demonstrate the types of waves one expects when using a seismic or electric source. A 2D seismo-electric/electro-seismic is developed to demonstrate the coupled seismic and EM system. For finite-difference modeling, the seismic and EM wave propagation algorithms are on different spatial and temporal scales. We present a method to solve multiple, finite-difference physics problems that has application beyond the present use. A limited field experiment was conducted to assess the seismo-electric effect. Due to a variety of problems, the observation of the electric field due to a seismic source is not definitive.« less

Monitoring electrical properties for improving the lithological and hydrological characterization of landslides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malet, J. P.; Gance, J.; Lajaunie, M.; Gallistl, J.; Denchik, N.; Flores Orozco, A.; Ottowitz, D.; Supper, R.; Sailhac, P.; Gautier, S.; Schmutz, M.

2017-12-01

Imaging water flows in landslides is of critical importance as the distribution of pore-fluid pressures controls the dynamics (acceleration, deceleration) of the material. Detecting and imaging water is a difficult task, not only because of the complex topography and the small dimensions of the geological structures, but also because the landslide material consists of unsaturated porous and heterogeneous fractured media, leading to multi-scale water-flow properties. Further, these properties can change in time, in relation to temperature, rainfall and biological forcings. Electrical properties are relevant proxies of the sub-surface hydrological properties. In order to image water in landslide bodies, we propose to combine multi-frequency electrical and electromagnetic measurements using campaigns or permanent instruments, and surface/boreole investigations, installed on several unstable slopes in France. To evaluate the information gained from electrical properties for different geological conditions, we discuss electrical and electro-magnetic imaging results for data collected at four different landslides located in France (Super-Sauze and La Valette in the South East Alps, Lodève lin the southern border of the Massif Central Massif, and Séchilienne in the North French Alps). Time-lapse electrical DC resistivity observations, complex electrical conductivity (conduction and polarization/chargeability) measured by IP imaging methods, and controlled-source electromagnetic (CS-AMT) methods are discussed. Imaging results demonstrate an improved lithological characterization of the landslide structures (delineation of the sliding planes, identification of the fractures, discrimination of clay lenses with enhanced resolution); further, water infiltration within the soil matrix and/or the fractures is discriminated allowing better modelling of the hydrological regime of the landslides at the slope scale. This research is conducted in the frame of the project HYDROSLIDE - Hydrogeophysical Monitoring of Clay-Rich Landslides funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the French Research Agency (ANR).

Synthesis and properties of the compound: LiNi 3/5Cu 2/5VO 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram, Moti

2009-12-01

The LiNi 3/5Cu 2/5VO 4 is synthesized by solution-based chemical method and its formation has been checked by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. XRD study shows a tetragonal unit cell structure with lattice parameters of a = 11.6475 (18) Å, c = 2.4855 (18) Å and c/ a = 0.2134 Å. Electrical properties are verified using complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) technique. Complex impedance analysis reveals following points: (i) the bulk contribution to electrical properties up to 200 °C, (ii) the bulk and grain boundary contribution at T ≥ 225 °C, (iii) the presence of temperature dependent electrical relaxation phenomena in the material. D.c. conductivity study indicates that electrical conduction in the material is a thermally activated process.

In-Situ Wire Damage Detection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jolley, Scott T. (Inventor); Gibson, Tracy L. (Inventor); Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Roberson, Luke B. (Inventor); Tate, Lanetra C. (Inventor); Smith, Trent M. (Inventor); Williams, Martha K. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system includes a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous or non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof.

Analytical instruments, ionization sources, and ionization methods

DOEpatents

Atkinson, David A.; Mottishaw, Paul

2006-04-11

Methods and apparatus for simultaneous vaporization and ionization of a sample in a spectrometer prior to introducing the sample into the drift tube of the analyzer are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vaporization/ionization source having an electrically conductive conduit configured to receive sample particulate which is conveyed to a discharge end of the conduit. Positioned proximate to the discharge end of the conduit is an electrically conductive reference device. The conduit and the reference device act as electrodes and have an electrical potential maintained between them sufficient to cause a corona effect, which will cause at least partial simultaneous ionization and vaporization of the sample particulate. The electrical potential can be maintained to establish a continuous corona, or can be held slightly below the breakdown potential such that arrival of particulate at the point of proximity of the electrodes disrupts the potential, causing arcing and the corona effect. The electrical potential can also be varied to cause periodic arcing between the electrodes such that particulate passing through the arc is simultaneously vaporized and ionized. The invention further includes a spectrometer containing the source. The invention is particularly useful for ion mobility spectrometers and atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometers.

Effects of Pretreatment on the Electronic Properties of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Hetero-Epitaxial Graphene Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lian-Chang; Shi, Zhi-Wen; Yang, Rong; Huang, Jian

2014-09-01

Quasi-monolayer graphene is successfully grown by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition heteroepitaxial method we reported previously. To measure its electrical properties, the prepared graphene is fabricated into Hall ball shaped devices by the routine micro-fabrication method. However, impurity molecules adsorbed onto the graphene surface will impose considerable doping effects on the one-atom-thick film material. Our experiment demonstrates that pretreatment of the device by heat radiation baking and electrical annealing can dramatically influence the doping state of the graphene and consequently modify the electrical properties. While graphene in the as-fabricated device is highly p-doped, as confirmed by the position of the Dirac point at far more than +60 V, baking treatment at temperatures around 180°C can significantly lower the doping level and reduce the conductivity. The following electrical annealing is much more efficient to desorb the extrinsic molecules, as confirmed by the in situ measurement, and as a result, further modify the doping state and electrical properties of the graphene, causing a considerable drop of the conductivity and a shifting of Dirac point from beyond +60 V to 0 V.

Preparation of Conductive Polymer Graphite (PG) Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munirah Abdullah, Nur; Saddam Kamarudin, M.; Rus, Anika Zafiah M.; Abdullah, M. F. L.

2017-08-01

The preparation of conductive polymer graphite (PG) composites thin film is described. The thickness of the PG composites due to slip casting method was set approximately ~0.1 mm. The optical microscope (OM) and fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) has been operated to distinguish the structure-property relationships scheme of PG composites. It shows that the graphite is homogenously dispersed in polymer matrix composites. The electrical characteristics of the PG composite were measured at room temperature and the electrical conductivity (σ) was discovered with respect of its resistivity (Ω). By achieving conductivity of 103 S/m, it is proven that at certain graphite weight loading (PG20, PG25 and PG30) attributes to electron pathway in PG composites.

Electrical Resistance Based Damage Modeling of Multifunctional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hart, Robert James

In the current thesis, the 4-probe electrical resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is utilized as a metric for sensing low-velocity impact damage. A robust method has been developed for recovering the directionally dependent electrical resistivities using an experimental line-type 4-probe resistance method. Next, the concept of effective conducting thickness was uniquely applied in the development of a brand new point-type 4-probe method for applications with electrically anisotropic materials. An extensive experimental study was completed to characterize the 4-probe electrical resistance of CFRP specimens using both the traditional line-type and new point-type methods. Leveraging the concept of effective conducting thickness, a novel method was developed for building 4-probe electrical finite element (FE) models in COMSOL. The electrical models were validated against experimental resistance measurements and the FE models demonstrated predictive capabilities when applied to CFRP specimens with varying thickness and layup. These new models demonstrated a significant improvement in accuracy compared to previous literature and could provide a framework for future advancements in FE modeling of electrically anisotropic materials. FE models were then developed in ABAQUS for evaluating the influence of prescribed localized damage on the 4-probe resistance. Experimental data was compiled on the impact response of various CFRP laminates, and was used in the development of quasi- static FE models for predicting presence of impact-induced delamination. The simulation-based delamination predictions were then integrated into the electrical FE models for the purpose of studying the influence of realistic damage patterns on electrical resistance. When the size of the delamination damage was moderate compared to the electrode spacing, the electrical resistance increased by less than 1% due to the delamination damage. However, for a specimen with large delamination extending beyond the electrode locations, the oblique resistance increased by 30%. This result suggests that for damage sensing applications, the spacing of electrodes relative to the size of the delamination is important. Finally CT image data was used to model 3-D void distributions and the electrical response of such specimens were compared to models with no voids. As the void content increased, the electrical resistance increased non-linearly. The relationship between void content and electrical resistance was attributed to a combination of three factors: (i) size and shape, (ii) orientation, and (iii) distribution of voids. As a whole, the current thesis provides a comprehensive framework for developing predictive, resistance-based damage sensing models for CFRP laminates of various layup and thickness.

Method for producing highly conformal transparent conducting oxides

DOEpatents

Elam, Jeffrey W.; Mane, Anil U.

2016-07-26

A method for forming a transparent conducting oxide product layer. The method includes use of precursors, such as tetrakis-(dimethylamino) tin and trimethyl indium, and selected use of dopants, such as SnO and ZnO for obtaining desired optical, electrical and structural properties for a highly conformal layer coating on a substrate. Ozone was also input as a reactive gas which enabled rapid production of the desired product layer.

High thermal conductivity lossy dielectric using co-densified multilayer configuration

DOEpatents

Tiegs, Terry N.; Kiggans, Jr., James O.

2003-06-17

Systems and methods are described for loss dielectrics. A method of manufacturing a lossy dielectric includes providing at least one high dielectric loss layer and providing at least one high thermal conductivity-electrically insulating layer adjacent the at least one high dielectric loss layer and then densifying together. The systems and methods provide advantages because the lossy dielectrics are less costly and more environmentally friendly than the available alternatives.

Frequency Dependent Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Au/P3HT:PCBM:F4-TCNQ/n-Si Schottky Barrier Diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taşçıoğlu, İ.; Tüzün Özmen, Ö.; Şağban, H. M.; Yağlıoğlu, E.; Altındal, Ş.

2017-04-01

In this study, poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester: 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (P3HT:PCBM:F4-TCNQ) organic film was deposited on n-type silicon (n-Si) substrate by spin coating method. The electrical and dielectric analysis of Au/P3HT:PCBM:F4-TCNQ/n-Si Schottky barrier diode was conducted by means of capacitance-voltage ( C- V) and conductance-voltage ( G/ ω- V) measurements in the frequency range of 10 kHz-2 MHz. The C- V- f plots exhibit fairly large frequency dispersion due to excess capacitance caused by the presence of interface states ( N ss). The values of N ss located in semiconductor bandgap at the organic film/semiconductor interface were calculated by Hill-Coleman method. Experimental results show that dielectric constant ( ɛ') and dielectric loss ( ɛ″) decrease with increasing frequency, whereas loss tangent (tan δ) remains nearly the same. The decrease in ɛ' and ɛ″ was interpreted by the theory of dielectric relaxation due to interfacial polarization. It is also observed that ac electrical conductivity ( σ ac) and electric modulus ( M' and M″) increase with increasing frequency.

Upper mantle electrical conductivity for seven subcontinental regions of the Earth

USGS Publications Warehouse

Campbell, W.H.; Schiffmacher, E.R.

1988-01-01

Spherical harmonic analysis coefficients of the external and internal parts of the quiet-day geomagnetic field variations (Sq) separated for the 7 continental regions of the observatories have been used to determine conductivity profiles to depths of about 600 km by the Schmucker equivalent substitute conductor method. The profiles give evidence of increases in conductivity between about 150 and 350 km depth, then a general increase in conductivity thereafter. For South America we found a high conductivity at shallow depths. The European profile showed a highly conducting layer near 125 km. At the greater depths, Europe, Australia and South America had the lowest values of conductivity. North America and east Asia had intermediate values whereas the African and central Asian profiles both showed the conductivities rising rapidly beyond 450 km depth. The regional differences indicate that there may be considerable lateral heterogeneity of electrical conductivity in the Earth's upper mantle. -Authors

Nitrogen doped silicon-carbon multilayer protective coatings on carbon obtained by TVA method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciupina, Victor; Vasile, Eugeniu; Porosnicu, Corneliu; Lungu, Cristian P.; Vladoiu, Rodica; Jepu, Ionut; Mandes, Aurelia; Dinca, Virginia; Caraiane, Aureliana; Nicolescu, Virginia; Cupsa, Ovidiu; Dinca, Paul; Zaharia, Agripina

2017-08-01

Protective nitrogen doped Si-C multilayer coatings on carbon, used to improve the oxidation resistance of carbon, were obtained by Thermionic Vacuum Arc (TVA) method. The initial carbon layer having a thickness of 100nm has been deposed on a silicon substrate in the absence of nitrogen, and then a 3nm Si thin film to cover carbon layer was deposed. Further, seven Si and C layers were alternatively deposed in the presence of nitrogen ions, each having a thickness of 40nm. In order to form silicon carbide at the interface between silicon and carbon layers, all carbon, silicon and nitrogen ions energy has increased up to 150eV . The characterization of microstructure and electrical properties of as-prepared N-Si-C multilayer structures were done using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM, STEM) techniques, Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy (TDS) and electrical measurements. Oxidation protection of carbon is based on the reaction between oxygen and silicon carbide, resulting in SiO2, SiO and CO2, and also by reaction involving N, O and Si, resulting in silicon oxynitride (SiNxOy) with a continuously variable composition, and on the other hand, since nitrogen acts as a trapping barrier for oxygen. To perform electrical measurements, 80% silver filled two-component epoxy-based glue ohmic contacts were attached on the N-Si-C samples. Electrical conductivity was measured in constant current mode. The experimental data show the increase of conductivity with the increase of the nitrogen content. To explain the temperature behavior of electrical conductivity we assumed a thermally activated electric transport mechanism.

Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction (MAT-MI) for Imaging Electrical Conductivity of Biological Tissue: A Tutorial Review

PubMed Central

Li, Xu; Yu, Kai; He, Bin

2016-01-01

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a noninvasive imaging method developed to map electrical conductivity of biological tissue with millimeter level spatial resolution. In MAT-MI, a time-varying magnetic stimulation is applied to induce eddy current inside the conductive tissue sample. With the existence of a static magnetic field, the Lorentz force acting on the induced eddy current drives mechanical vibrations producing detectable ultrasound signals. These ultrasound signals can then be acquired to reconstruct a map related to the sample’s electrical conductivity contrast. This work reviews fundamental ideas of MAT-MI and major techniques developed in these years. First, the physical mechanisms underlying MAT-MI imaging are described including the magnetic induction and Lorentz force induced acoustic wave propagation. Second, experimental setups and various imaging strategies for MAT-MI are reviewed and compared together with the corresponding experimental results. In addition, as a recently developed reverse mode of MAT-MI, magneto-acousto-electrical tomography with magnetic induction (MAET-MI) is briefly reviewed in terms of its theory and experimental studies. Finally, we give our opinions on existing challenges and future directions for MAT-MI research. With all the reported and future technical advancement, MAT-MI has the potential to become an important noninvasive modality for electrical conductivity imaging of biological tissue. PMID:27542088

Method of depositing an electrically conductive oxide buffer layer on a textured substrate and articles formed therefrom

DOEpatents

Paranthaman, M. Parans; Aytug, Tolga; Christen, David K.

2005-10-18

An article with an improved buffer layer architecture includes a substrate having a textured metal surface, and an electrically conductive lanthanum metal oxide epitaxial buffer layer on the surface of the substrate. The article can also include an epitaxial superconducting layer deposited on the epitaxial buffer layer. An epitaxial capping layer can be placed between the epitaxial buffer layer and the superconducting layer. A method for preparing an epitaxial article includes providing a substrate with a metal surface and depositing on the metal surface a lanthanum metal oxide epitaxial buffer layer. The method can further include depositing a superconducting layer on the epitaxial buffer layer, and depositing an epitaxial capping layer between the epitaxial buffer layer and the superconducting layer.

Method of depositing an electrically conductive oxide buffer layer on a textured substrate and articles formed therefrom

DOEpatents

Paranthaman, M. Parans; Aytug, Tolga; Christen, David K.

2003-09-09

An article with an improved buffer layer architecture includes a substrate having a textured metal surface, and an electrically conductive lanthanum metal oxide epitaxial buffer layer on the surface of the substrate. The article can also include an epitaxial superconducting layer deposited on the epitaxial buffer layer. An epitaxial capping layer can be placed between the epitaxial buffer layer and the superconducting layer. A method for preparing an epitaxial article includes providing a substrate with a metal surface and depositing on the metal surface a lanthanum metal oxide epitaxial buffer layer. The method can further include depositing a superconducting layer on the epitaxial buffer layer, and depositing an epitaxial capping layer between the epitaxial buffer layer and the superconducting layer.

Laboratory measurements of electrical resistivity versus water content on small soil cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robain, H.; Camerlynck, C.; Bellier, G.; Tabbagh, A.

2003-04-01

The assessment of soil water content variations more and more leans on geophysical methods that are non invasive and that allow a high spatial sampling. Among the different methods, DC electrical imaging is moving forward. DC Electrical resistivity shows indeed strong seasonal variations that principally depend on soil water content variations. Nevertheless, the widely used Archie's empirical law [1], that links resistivity with voids saturation and water conductivity is not well suited to soil materials with high clay content. Furthermore, the shrinking and swelling properties of soil materials have to be considered. Hence, it is relevant to develop new laboratory experiments in order to establish a relation between electrical resistivity and water content taking into account the rheological and granulometrical specificities of soil materials. The experimental device developed in IRD laboratory allows to monitor simultaneously (i) the water content, (ii) the electrical resistivity and (iii) the volume of a small cylindrical soil core (100cm3) put in a temperature controlled incubator (30°C). It provides both the shrinkage curve of the soil core (voids volume versus water content) and the electrical resistivity versus water content curve The modelisation of the shrinkage curve gives for each moisture state the water respectively contained in macro and micro voids [2], and then allows to propose a generalized Archie's like law as following : 1/Rs = 1/Fma.Rma + 1/Fmi.Rmi and Fi = Ai/(Vi^Mi.Si^Ni) with Rs : the soil resistivity. Fma and Fmi : the so called "formation factor" for macro and micro voids, respectively. Rma and Rmi : the resistivity of the water contained in macro and micro voids, respectively. Vi : the volume of macro and micro voids, respectively. Si : the saturation of macro and micro voids, respectively. Ai, Mi and Ni : adjustment coefficients. The variations of Rmi are calculated, assuming that Rma is a constant. Indeed, the rise of ionic concentration in water may be neglected during the sewage of macro voids as it corresponds to a small quantity of water for the studied samples. Soil solid components are generally electrical insulators, the conduction of electrical current only lies on two phenomenon occurring in water : (i) volume conduction controlled by the electrolyte concentration in water and the geometrical characteristics of macro voids network ; (ii) surface conduction controlled by the double diffuse layer that depends on the solid-liquid interactions, the specific surface of clay minerals and the geometry of particles contacts. For the water contained in macro voids the preeminent phenomenon seems to be volume conduction while for the water contained in micro voids, it seems to be surface conduction. This hypothesis satisfyingly explains the shape of the electrical resistivity versus water content curves obtained for three different oxisols with clayey, clayey-sandy and sandy-clayey texture. [1] Archie G.E. 1942. The electrical resistivity log as an aid in determining some reservoirs characteristics. Trans. AIME, 146, 54-67. [2] Braudeau E. et al. 1999. New device and method for soil shrinkage curve measurement and characterization. S.S.S.A.J., 63(3), 525-535.

Structural and electrical properties of LiCo3/5Cu2/5VO4 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram, Moti

2010-05-01

The LiCo3/5Cu2/5VO4 compound is prepared by a solution-based chemical method and characterized by the techniques of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and complex impedance spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction study shows an orthorhombic unit cell structure of the material with lattice parameters a=13.8263 (30) Å, b=8.7051 (30) Å and c=3.1127 (30) Å. The nature of scanning electron micrographs of a sintered pellet of the material reveals that grains of unequal sizes (˜0.2-3 μm) present an average grain size with a polydisperse distribution on the surface of the sample. Complex plane diagrams indicate grain interior and grain boundary contributions to the electrical response in the material. The electrical conductivity study reveals that electrical conduction in the material is a thermally activated process. The frequency dependence of the a.c. conductivity obeys Jonscher’s universal law.

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

Tooker, Angela C.; Felix, Sarah H.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.

A neural interface includes a first dielectric material having at least one first opening for a first electrical conducting material, a first electrical conducting material in the first opening, and at least one first interconnection trace electrical conducting material connected to the first electrical conducting material. A stiffening shank material is located adjacent the first dielectric material, the first electrical conducting material, and the first interconnection trace electrical conducting material.

Electrical conductivity of Icelandic deep geothermal reservoirs: insight from HT-HP laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nono, Franck; Gibert, Benoit; Loggia, Didier; Parat, Fleurice; Azais, Pierre; Cichy, Sarah

2016-04-01

Although the Icelandic geothermal system has been intensively investigated over the years, targeting increasingly deeper reservoirs (i.e. under supercritical conditions) requires a good knowledge of the behaviour of physical properties of the host rock in order to better interpret large scale geophysical observations. In particular, the interpretation of deep electrical soundings remains controversial as only few studies have investigated the influence of altered minerals and pore fluid properties on electrical properties of rocks at high temperature and pressure. In this study, we investigate the electrical conductivity of drilled samples from different Icelandic geothermal fields at elevated temperature, confining pressure and pore pressure conditions (100°C < T < 600°C, confining pressure up to 100 MPa and pore pressure up to 35 MPa). The investigated rocks are composed of hyaloclastites, dolerites and basalts taken from depths of about 800 m for the hyaloclastites, to almost 2500 m for the dolerites. They display different porosity structures, from vuggy and intra-granular to micro-cracked porosities, and have been hydrothermally alterated in the chlorite to amphibolite facies. Electrical conductivity measurements are first determined at ambient conditions as a function of pore fluid conductivity in order to establish their relationships with lithology and pore space topology, prior to the high pressure and temperature measurements. Cementation factor varies from 1.5 for the dolerites to 2.83 for the basalt, reflecting changes in the shape of the conductive channels. The surface conductivities, measured at very low fluid conductivity, increases with the porosity and is correlated with the cation exchange capacity. At high pressure and temperature, we used the two guard-ring electrodes system. Measurements have been performed in dry and saturated conditions as a function of temperature and pore pressure. The supercritical conditions have been investigated and temperature cycles have been performed systematically. Dry electrical conductivity measurements show for most of the samples irreversible changes when temperatures exceed 500°C. These changes are interpreted as destabilization/dehydration of alteration minerals that could lead to the presence of a conductive fluid phase in the samples. Very low and high salinity (NaCl) electrical conductivity measurements have been performed as a function of temperature. At supercritical conditions, electrical conductivity at low salinity is not pore pressure dependent and surface conduction is preponderant. At saturated conditions, the rock's electrical conductivity increases linearly (as a function of T-1) until 350°C. Above 350°C, the conductivity decreases. All rock types exhibit the same increasing rate. This work was funded by the of the EC project IMAGE (Integrated Methods for Advanced Geothermal Exploration, grant agreement No. 608553).

Thermoelectric properties of p-type perovskite compounds LaCoO3 systems containing the A-site vacancy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anzai, Mayuka; Kawakami, Hiroshi; Saito, Miwa; Yamamura, Hiroshi

2011-05-01

Thermoelectric properties of Sr-doped LaCoO3 system which includes both La1-xSrxCoO3 and La0.95-xSrxsquare0.05CoO3 containing the A-site vacancy were prepared by solid state reaction. The crystal phases of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction method. The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity were investigated, focusing the effect of A-site vacancy. Doping of Sr to LaCoO3 improved the electrical conductivity but decreased the seebeck coefficient and increased the thermal conductivity. A-site vacancy of La0.95-xSrxsquare0.05CoO3 system, in comparison with La1-xSrxCoO3 system, increased electrical conductivity, and decreased lattice thermal conductivity. As a result, it was found that the thermoelectric properties of La0.95-xSrxsquare0.05CoO3 containing the A-site vacancy showed the higher values than those of La1-xSrxCoO3. The introduction of A-site vacancy was effective on the improvement of thermoelectric property.

Microbial metabolism and dynamic changes in the electrical conductivity of soil solutions - A method for detecting extraterrestrial life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silverman, M. P.; Munoz, E. F.

1974-01-01

Experiments are reported which show that measuring metabolic activity in soil solutions by means of dynamic changes in electrical conductivity, water-soluble Ca, or water-soluble Mg is a feasible life detection method. The addition of 0.5% glucose solutions to 12 different air-dried soils always resulted in increases in all three of these parameters. The kinetics and magnitude of these changes for at least two and usually all three of the parameters over a 14-day period were clearly distinguishable from the changes in heat-sterilized controls or unsterilized controls without added glucose. In general, maximal values were achieved more rapidly under aerobic than under anaerobic incubation.

Tools for proximal soil sensing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proximal soil sensing (i.e. near-surface geophysical methods) are used to study soil phenomena across spatial scales. Geophysical methods exploit contrasts in physical properties (dielectric permittivity, apparent electrical conductivity or resistivity, magnetic susceptibility) to indirectly measur...

Program for the development of high temperature electrical materials and components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neff, W. S.; Lowry, L. R.

1972-01-01

Evaluation of high temperature, space-vacuum performance of selected electrical materials and components, high temperature capacitor development, and evaluation, construction, and endurance testing of compression sealed pyrolytic boron nitride slot insulation are described. The first subject above covered the aging evaluation of electrical devices constructed from selected electrical materials. Individual materials performances were also evaluated and reported. The second subject included study of methods of improving electrical performance of pyrolytic boron nitride capacitors. The third portion was conducted to evaluate the thermal and electrical performance of pyrolytic boron nitride as stator slot liner material under varied temperature and compressive loading. Conclusions and recommendations are presented.

Polyimide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Joseph G., Jr.; Delozier, Donavon M.; Connell, John W.; Watson, Kent A.

2004-01-01

Low color, space environmentally durable polymeric films with sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have potential applications on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft as thin film membranes on antennas, solar sails, thermal/optical coatings, multi-layer insulation blankets, etc.. The challenge has been to develop a method to impart robust electrical conductivity into these materials without increasing solar absorptivity (alpha ) or decreasing optical transparency or film flexibility. Since these spacecraft will require significant compaction prior to launch, the film portion of the spacecraft will require folding. The state-of-the-art clear, conductive coating (e.g. indium-tin-oxide, ITO) is brittle and cannot tolerate folding. In this report, doping a polymer with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using two different methods afforded materials with good flexibility and surface conductivities in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation. A coating method afforded materials with minimal effects on the mechanical, optical, and thermo-optical properties as compared to dispersal of SWNTs in the matrix. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites are discussed.

Versatile apparatus for thermoelectric characterization of oxides at high temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrade, Matthias; Fjeld, Harald; Norby, Truls; Finstad, Terje G.

2014-10-01

An apparatus for measuring the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity is presented and characterized. The device can be used in a wide temperature range from room temperature to 1050 °C and in all common atmospheres, including oxidizing, reducing, humid, and inert. The apparatus is suitable for samples with different geometries (disk-, bar-shaped), allowing a complete thermoelectric characterization (including thermal conductivity) on a single sample. The Seebeck coefficient α can be measured in both sample directions (in-plane and cross-plane) simultaneously. Electrical conductivity is measured via the van der Pauw method. Perovskite-type CaMnO3 and the misfit cobalt oxide (Ca2CoO3)q(CoO2) are studied to demonstrate the temperature range and to investigate the variation of the electrical properties as a function of the measurement atmosphere.

Versatile apparatus for thermoelectric characterization of oxides at high temperatures.

PubMed

Schrade, Matthias; Fjeld, Harald; Norby, Truls; Finstad, Terje G

2014-10-01

An apparatus for measuring the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity is presented and characterized. The device can be used in a wide temperature range from room temperature to 1050 °C and in all common atmospheres, including oxidizing, reducing, humid, and inert. The apparatus is suitable for samples with different geometries (disk-, bar-shaped), allowing a complete thermoelectric characterization (including thermal conductivity) on a single sample. The Seebeck coefficient α can be measured in both sample directions (in-plane and cross-plane) simultaneously. Electrical conductivity is measured via the van der Pauw method. Perovskite-type CaMnO3 and the misfit cobalt oxide (Ca2CoO3)q(CoO2) are studied to demonstrate the temperature range and to investigate the variation of the electrical properties as a function of the measurement atmosphere.

Modeling thermoelectric transport in organic materials.

PubMed

Wang, Dong; Shi, Wen; Chen, Jianming; Xi, Jinyang; Shuai, Zhigang

2012-12-28

Thermoelectric energy converters can directly convert heat to electricity using semiconducting materials via the Seebeck effect and electricity to heat via the Peltier effect. Their efficiency depends on the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit of the material, which is defined as zT = S(2)σT/κ with S, σ, κ, and T being the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and absolute temperature respectively. Organic materials for thermoelectric applications have attracted great attention. In this review, we present our recent progress made in developing theories and computational schemes to predict the thermoelectric figure of merit at the first-principles level. The methods have been applied to model thermoelectric transport in closely-packed molecular crystals and one-dimensional conducting polymer chains. The physical insight gained in these studies will help in the design of efficient organic thermoelectric materials.

Electric lamp, base for use therewith and method of assembling same

DOEpatents

Hough, Harold L.; English, George J.; Chakrabarti, Kirti B.

1989-02-14

An electric lamp including a reflector, at least one conductive ferrule located within a surface of the reflector and a lead-in conductor electrically connected to the ferrule and extending within the reflector. The lamp includes a base having an insulative (e.g., ceramic) cap located substantially about the ferrule, barrier means (e.g., ceramic fiber) located within the cap to define an open chamber substantially about the ferrule, an electrical conductor (e.g., wire) extending within the cap and electrically connected (e.g., silver soldered) to the ferrule, and sealing means (e.g., high temperature cement) located within the cap to provide a seal therefore. The barrier means serves to separate the sealing means from the open chamber about the ferrule such that the heat generated by the ferrule can be vented through spaced apertures located within the cap's side wall. A method of assembling a base on an electric lamp is also provided.

Preparation of Electrically Conductive Polystyrene/Carbon Nanofiber Nanocomposite Films

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sun, Luyi; O'Reilly, Jonathan Y.; Tien, Chi-Wei; Sue, Hung-Jue

2008-01-01

A simple and effective approach to prepare conductive polystyrene/carbon nanofiber (PS/CNF) nanocomposite films via a solution dispersion method is presented. Inexpensive CNF, which has a structure similar to multi-walled carbon nanotubes, is chosen as a nanofiller in this experiment to achieve conductivity in PS films. A good dispersion is…

Magnetically launched flyer plate technique for probing electrical conductivity of compressed copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cochrane, K. R.; Lemke, R. W.; Riford, Z.; Carpenter, J. H.

2016-03-01

The electrical conductivity of materials under extremes of temperature and pressure is of crucial importance for a wide variety of phenomena, including planetary modeling, inertial confinement fusion, and pulsed power based dynamic materials experiments. There is a dearth of experimental techniques and data for highly compressed materials, even at known states such as along the principal isentrope and Hugoniot, where many pulsed power experiments occur. We present a method for developing, calibrating, and validating material conductivity models as used in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. The difficulty in calibrating a conductivity model is in knowing where the model should be modified. Our method isolates those regions that will have an impact. It also quantitatively prioritizes which regions will have the most beneficial impact. Finally, it tracks the quantitative improvements to the conductivity model during each incremental adjustment. In this paper, we use an experiment on Sandia National Laboratories Z-machine to isentropically launch multiple flyer plates and, with the MHD code ALEGRA and the optimization code DAKOTA, calibrated the conductivity such that we matched an experimental figure of merit to +/-1%.

Magnetically launched flyer plate technique for probing electrical conductivity of compressed copper

DOE PAGES

Cochrane, Kyle R.; Lemke, Raymond W.; Riford, Z.; ...

2016-03-11

The electrical conductivity of materials under extremes of temperature and pressure is of crucial importance for a wide variety of phenomena, including planetary modeling, inertial confinement fusion, and pulsed power based dynamic materialsexperiments. There is a dearth of experimental techniques and data for highly compressed materials, even at known states such as along the principal isentrope and Hugoniot, where many pulsed power experiments occur. We present a method for developing, calibrating, and validating material conductivity models as used in magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) simulations. The difficulty in calibrating a conductivity model is in knowing where the model should be modified. Our method isolatesmore » those regions that will have an impact. It also quantitatively prioritizes which regions will have the most beneficial impact. Finally, it tracks the quantitative improvements to the conductivity model during each incremental adjustment. In this study, we use an experiment on Sandia National Laboratories Z-machine to isentropically launch multiple flyer plates and, with the MHD code ALEGRA and the optimization code DAKOTA, calibrated the conductivity such that we matched an experimental figure of merit to +/–1%.« less

Visualization of Electrical Field of Electrode Using Voltage-Controlled Fluorescence Release

PubMed Central

Jia, Wenyan; Wu, Jiamin; Gao, Di; Wang, Hao; Sun, Mingui

2016-01-01

In this study we propose an approach to directly visualize electrical current distribution at the electrode-electrolyte interface of a biopotential electrode. High-speed fluorescent microscopic images are acquired when an electric potential is applied across the interface to trigger the release of fluorescent material from the surface of the electrode. These images are analyzed computationally to obtain the distribution of the electric field from the fluorescent intensity of each pixel. Our approach allows direct observation of microscopic electrical current distribution around the electrode. Experiments are conducted to validate the feasibility of the fluorescent imaging method. PMID:27253615

Ionic Conductivity, Structural Deformation and Programmable Anisotropy of DNA Origami in Electric Field

PubMed Central

Li, Chen-Yu; Hemmig, Elisa A.; Kong, Jinglin; Yoo, Jejoong; Hernández-Ainsa, Silvia

2015-01-01

The DNA origami technique can enable functionalization of inorganic structures for single-molecule electric current recordings. Experiments have shown that several layers of DNA molecules—a DNA origami plate— placed on top of a solid-state nanopore is permeable to ions. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization of the ionic conductivity of DNA origami plates by means of all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and nanocapillary electric current recordings. Using the MD method, we characterize the ionic conductivity of several origami constructs, revealing the local distribution of ions, the distribution of the electrostatic potential and contribution of different molecular species to the current. The simulations determine the dependence of the ionic conductivity on the applied voltage, the number of DNA layers, the nucleotide content and the lattice type of the plates. We demonstrate that increasing the concentration of Mg2+ ions makes the origami plates more compact, reducing their conductivity. The conductance of a DNA origami plate on top of a solid-state nanopore is determined by the two competing effects: bending of the DNA origami plate that reduces the current and separation of the DNA origami layers that increases the current. The latter is produced by the electro-osmotic flow and is reversible at the time scale of a hundred nanoseconds. The conductance of a DNA origami object is found to depend on its orientation, reaching maximum when the electric field aligns with the direction of the DNA helices. Our work demonstrates feasibility of programming the electrical properties of a self-assembled nanoscale object using DNA. PMID:25623807

Ionic conductivity, structural deformation, and programmable anisotropy of DNA origami in electric field.

PubMed

Li, Chen-Yu; Hemmig, Elisa A; Kong, Jinglin; Yoo, Jejoong; Hernández-Ainsa, Silvia; Keyser, Ulrich F; Aksimentiev, Aleksei

2015-02-24

The DNA origami technique can enable functionalization of inorganic structures for single-molecule electric current recordings. Experiments have shown that several layers of DNA molecules, a DNA origami plate, placed on top of a solid-state nanopore is permeable to ions. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization of the ionic conductivity of DNA origami plates by means of all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and nanocapillary electric current recordings. Using the MD method, we characterize the ionic conductivity of several origami constructs, revealing the local distribution of ions, the distribution of the electrostatic potential and contribution of different molecular species to the current. The simulations determine the dependence of the ionic conductivity on the applied voltage, the number of DNA layers, the nucleotide content and the lattice type of the plates. We demonstrate that increasing the concentration of Mg(2+) ions makes the origami plates more compact, reducing their conductivity. The conductance of a DNA origami plate on top of a solid-state nanopore is determined by the two competing effects: bending of the DNA origami plate that reduces the current and separation of the DNA origami layers that increases the current. The latter is produced by the electro-osmotic flow and is reversible at the time scale of a hundred nanoseconds. The conductance of a DNA origami object is found to depend on its orientation, reaching maximum when the electric field aligns with the direction of the DNA helices. Our work demonstrates feasibility of programming the electrical properties of a self-assembled nanoscale object using DNA.

Microfabrication of passive electronic components with printed graphene-oxide deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinar, Dogan; Knopf, George K.; Nikumb, Suwas

2014-03-01

Flexible electronic circuitry is an emerging technology that will significantly impact the future of healthcare and medicine, food safety inspection, environmental monitoring, and public security. Recent advances in drop-on-demand printing technology and electrically conductive inks have enabled simple electronic circuits to be fabricated on mechanically flexible polymers, paper, and bioresorbable silk. Research has shown that graphene, and its derivative formulations, can be used to create low-cost electrically conductive inks. Graphene is a one atom thick two-dimensional layer composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice forming a material with very high fracture strength, high Young's Modulus, and low electrical resistance. Non-conductive graphene-oxide (GO) inks can also be synthesized from inexpensive graphite powders. Once deposited on the flexible substrate the electrical conductivity of the printed GO microcircuit traces can be restored through thermal reduction. In this paper, a femtosecond laser with a wavelength of 775nm and pulse width of 120fs is used to transform the non-conductive printed GO film into electrically conductive oxygen reduced graphene-oxide (rGO) passive electronic components by the process of laser assisted thermal reduction. The heat affected zone produced during the process was minimized because of the femtosecond pulsed laser. The degree of conductivity exhibited by the microstructure is directly related to the laser power level and exposure time. Although rGO films have higher resistances than pristine graphene, the ability to inkjet print capacitive elements and modify local resistive properties provides for a new method of fabricating sensor microcircuits on a variety of substrate surfaces.

Apparatus for detecting alpha radiation in difficult access areas

DOEpatents

Steadman, Peter; MacArthur, Duncan W.

1997-09-02

An electrostatic alpha radiation detector for measuring alpha radiation emitted from inside an enclosure comprising an electrically conductive expandable electrode for insertion into the enclosure. After insertion, the electrically conductive expandable electrode is insulated from the enclosure and defines a decay cavity between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure so that air ions generated in the decay cavity are electrostatically captured by the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure when an electric potential is applied between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. Indicator means are attached to the electrically conductive expandable electrode for indicating an electrical current produced by generation of the air ions generated in the decay cavity by collisions between air molecules and the alpha particles emitted from the enclosure. A voltage source is connected between the indicator means and the electrically conductive enclosure for creating an electric field between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure.

Combined use of frequency‐domain electromagnetic and electrical resistivity surveys to delineate the freshwater/saltwater interface near saline lakes in the Nebraska Sand Hills, Nebraska, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ong, John T.; White, Eric A.; Lane, John W.; Halihan, Todd; Zlotnik, Vitaly A; Butler, Dwain K.

2009-01-01

We investigate the use of frequency‐domain electromagnetic (FDEM) and electrical resistivity (ER) surveys for rapid and detailed characterization of the direction of lake‐aquifer fluxes and the configuration of salt plumes generated from saline lakes. This methodology was developed and applied at several lakes in the Nebraska Sand Hills, Nebraska, in an area with both freshwater and saline lakes hydraulically connected to the freshwater surficial aquifer. The FDEM survey was conducted by mounting the instrument on a fiberglass cart towed by an all‐terrain vehicle. The towed FDEM surveys covered about 25 km per day and served as a reconnaissance method for choosing locations for the more quantitative and detailed ER surveys. Around the saline lakes, areas with high electrical conductivity are consistent with the regional direction of ground‐water flow. Lower electrical conductivity was measured around the freshwater lakes with anomalies correlating to a paleovalley axis inferred from previous studies. The efficacy of this geophysical approach is attributed to: (1) significant contrast in electrical conductivity between freshwater and saltwater, (2) near‐surface location of the freshwater/saltwater interface, (3) minimal cultural interference, and (4) relative homogeneity of the aquifer materials.

Experimental characterization of intrapulse tissue conductivity changes for electroporation.

PubMed

Neal, Robert E; Garcia, Paulo A; Robertson, John L; Davalos, Rafael V

2011-01-01

Cells exposed to short electric pulses experience a change in their transmembrane potential, which can lead to increased membrane permeability of the cell. When the energy of the pulses surpasses a threshold, the cell dies in a non-thermal manner known as irreversible electroporation (IRE). IRE has shown promise in the focal ablation of pathologic tissues. Its non-thermal mechanism spares sensitive structures and facilitates rapid lesion resolution. IRE effects depend on the electric field distribution, which can be predicted with numerical modeling. When the cells become permeabilized, the bulk tissue properties change, affecting this distribution. For IRE to become a reliable and successful treatment of diseased tissues, robust predictive treatment planning methods must be developed. It is vital to understand the changes in tissue properties undergoing the electric pulses to improve numerical models and predict treatment volumes. We report on the experimental characterization of these changes for kidney tissue. Tissue samples were pulsed between plate electrodes while intrapulse voltage and current data were measured to determine the conductivity of the tissue during the pulse. Conductivity was then established as a function of the electric field to which the tissue is exposed. This conductivity curve was used in a numerical model to demonstrate the impact of accounting for these changes when modeling electric field distributions to develop treatment plans.

The Characteristics of Electrical and Physical Properties of Peat Soil in Rasau Village, West Kalimantan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aminudin, A.; Hasanah, T. R.; Iryati, M.

2018-05-01

The Electrical and physical properties can be used as indicators for measuring soil conditions. One of the methods developed in agricultural systems to obtain information on soil conditions is through measuring of electrical conductivity. Peat soil is one of the natural resources that exist in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the characteristics of peat soil in Rasau village, West Kalimantan. This research was conducted by the properties of electrical conductivity and water content using 5TE Water Contents and EC Sensor equipment, but also to know the change of physical nature of peat soil covering peat soil and peat type. The results showed that the electrical conductivity value of 1-4 samples was 0.02 -0.29 dS/m and the volume water content value (VWC) was 0.255-0.548 m3/m3 and the physical characteristics obtained were peat colour brown to dark brown that allegedly the soil still has a very high content of organic material derived from weathering plants and there are discovery of wood chips, wood powder and leaf powder on the ground. Knowing the information is expected to identify the land needs to be developed to be considered for future peat soil utilization.

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.

Influence of electrical boundary conditions on profiles of acoustic field and electric potential of shear-horizontal acoustic waves in potassium niobate plates.

PubMed

Kuznetsova, I E; Nedospasov, I A; Kolesov, V V; Qian, Z; Wang, B; Zhu, F

2018-05-01

The profiles of an acoustic field and electric potential of the forward and backward shear-horizontal (SH) acoustic waves of a higher order propagating in X-Y potassium niobate plate have been theoretically investigated. It has been shown that by changing electrical boundary conditions on a surface of piezoelectric plates, it is possible to change the distributions of an acoustic field and electric potential of the forward and backward acoustic waves. The dependencies of the distribution of a mechanical displacement and electrical potential over the plate thickness for electrically open and electrically shorted plates have been plotted. The influence of a layer with arbitrary conductivity placed on a one or on the both plate surfaces on the profiles under study, phase and group velocities of the forward and backward acoustic waves in X-Y potassium niobate has been also investigated. The obtained results can be useful for development of the method for control of a particle or electrical charge movement inside the piezoelectric plates, as well a sensor for definition of the thin film conductivity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Medium's conductivity and stage of growth as crucial parameters for efficient hydrocarbon extraction by electric field from colonial micro-algae.

PubMed

Guionet, Alexis; Hosseini, Bahareh; Akiyama, Hidenori; Hosano, Hamid

2018-04-25

The green algae Botryococcus braunii produces a high amount of extracellular hydrocarbon, making it a promising algae in the field of bio-fuels production. As it mainly produces squalene like hydrocarbons, cosmetic industries are also interested in its milking. Pulsed electric fields (PEF) are an innovative method allowing oil extraction from micro-algae. In common algae accumulating hydrocarbon inside cytoplasm (Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis sp., etc), electric fields can destroy cell membranes, allowing the release of hydrocarbon. However, for B.braunii, hydrocarbons adhere to the cell wall outside of cells as a matrix. In a previous article we reported that electric fields can unstick cells from a matrix, allowing hydrocarbon harvesting. In this work, we deeper investigated this phenomenon of cell hatching by following 2 parameters: the conductivity of the medium and the cultivation duration of the culture. Cell hatching is accurately evaluated by both microscopic and macroscopic observations. For high conductivity and a short time of cultivation, almost no effect is observed even after up to 1000 PEF pulses are submitted to the cells. While lower conductivity and a longer cultivation period allow strong cell hatching after 200 PEF pulses are applied to the cells. We identify 2 new crucial parameters, able to turn the method from inefficient to very efficient. It might help companies to save energy and money in case of mass production. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Preparation of Highly Conductive Yarns by an Optimized Impregnation Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amba Sankar, K. N.; Mohanta, Kallol

2017-12-01

We report the development of the electrical conductivity in textile yarns through impregnation and post-treatment of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The conductive polymer is deposited on fibers, which fills the gap space within the hierarchical structure of the yarns. Organic nonpolar solvents act as reducing agent to increase the density of PEDOT moieties on the yarns, galvanizing increment in conductivity values. Post-treatment by ethylene glycol transforms the resonance configuration of the conductive moieties of conjugated polymer, which helps in further enhancement of electrical conductivity of the yarns. We have optimized the method in terms of loading and conformal change of the polymer to have a lesser resistance of the coated conductive yarns. The minimum resistance achieved has a value of 77 Ωcm-1. This technique of developing conductivity in conventional yarns enables retaining the flexibility of yarns and feeling of softness which would find suitable applications for wearable electronics.

Preparation of Highly Conductive Yarns by an Optimized Impregnation Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amba Sankar, K. N.; Mohanta, Kallol

2018-03-01

We report the development of the electrical conductivity in textile yarns through impregnation and post-treatment of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The conductive polymer is deposited on fibers, which fills the gap space within the hierarchical structure of the yarns. Organic nonpolar solvents act as reducing agent to increase the density of PEDOT moieties on the yarns, galvanizing increment in conductivity values. Post-treatment by ethylene glycol transforms the resonance configuration of the conductive moieties of conjugated polymer, which helps in further enhancement of electrical conductivity of the yarns. We have optimized the method in terms of loading and conformal change of the polymer to have a lesser resistance of the coated conductive yarns. The minimum resistance achieved has a value of 77 Ωcm-1. This technique of developing conductivity in conventional yarns enables retaining the flexibility of yarns and feeling of softness which would find suitable␣applications for wearable electronics.

Thermal Conductivity of Functional Citrus Tree Wood 1

PubMed Central

Turrell, F. M.; Austin, S. W.; McNee, Dan; Park, W. J.

1967-01-01

Thermal conductivity coefficients have been determined for longitudinal and transverse flow in 4 varieties of fresh Citrus wood using steady state-methods. Equations were developed from which thermal conductivity could be rapidly estimated from moisture content or electrical conductivity. The heat balance of large and small tree trunks on a freezing night has been calculated on the basis of the coefficients. PMID:16656610

Gravimetric water distribution assessment from geoelectrical methods (ERT and EMI) in municipal solid waste landfill.

PubMed

Dumont, Gaël; Pilawski, Tamara; Dzaomuho-Lenieregue, Phidias; Hiligsmann, Serge; Delvigne, Frank; Thonart, Philippe; Robert, Tanguy; Nguyen, Frédéric; Hermans, Thomas

2016-09-01

The gravimetric water content of the waste material is a key parameter in waste biodegradation. Previous studies suggest a correlation between changes in water content and modification of electrical resistivity. This study, based on field work in Mont-Saint-Guibert landfill (Belgium), aimed, on one hand, at characterizing the relationship between gravimetric water content and electrical resistivity and on the other hand, at assessing geoelectrical methods as tools to characterize the gravimetric water distribution in a landfill. Using excavated waste samples obtained after drilling, we investigated the influences of the temperature, the liquid phase conductivity, the compaction and the water content on the electrical resistivity. Our results demonstrate that Archie's law and Campbell's law accurately describe these relationships in municipal solid waste (MSW). Next, we conducted a geophysical survey in situ using two techniques: borehole electromagnetics (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). First, in order to validate the use of EM, EM values obtained in situ were compared to electrical resistivity of excavated waste samples from corresponding depths. The petrophysical laws were used to account for the change of environmental parameters (temperature and compaction). A rather good correlation was obtained between direct measurement on waste samples and borehole electromagnetic data. Second, ERT and EM were used to acquire a spatial distribution of the electrical resistivity. Then, using the petrophysical laws, this information was used to estimate the water content distribution. In summary, our results demonstrate that geoelectrical methods represent a pertinent approach to characterize spatial distribution of water content in municipal landfills when properly interpreted using ground truth data. These methods might therefore prove to be valuable tools in waste biodegradation optimization projects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anisotropy of electrical conductivity in dc due to intrinsic defect formation in α-Al2O3 single crystal implanted with Mg ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tardío, M.; Egaña, A.; Ramírez, R.; Muñoz-Santiuste, J. E.; Alves, E.

2016-07-01

The electrical conductivity in α-Al2O3 single crystals implanted with Mg ions in two different crystalline orientations, parallel and perpendicular to c axis, was investigated. The samples were implanted at room temperature with energies of 50 and 100 keV and fluences of 1 × 1015, 5 × 1015 and 5 × 1016 ions/cm2. Optical characterization reveals slight differences in the absorption bands at 6.0 and 4.2 eV, attributed to F type centers and Mie scattering from Mg precipitates, respectively. DC electrical measurements using the four and two-point probe methods, between 295 and 490 K, were used to characterize the electrical conductivity of the implanted area (Meshakim and Tanabe, 2001). Measurements in this temperature range indicate that: (1) the electrical conductivity is thermally activated independently of crystallographic orientation, (2) resistance values in the implanted region decrease with fluence levels, and (3) the I-V characteristic of electrical contacts in samples with perpendicular c axis orientation is clearly ohmic, whereas contacts are blocking in samples with parallel c axis. When thin layers are sequentially removed from the implanted region by immersing the sample in a hot solution of nitric and fluorhydric acids the electrical resistance increases until reaching the values of non-implanted crystal (Jheeta et al., 2006). We conclude that the enhancement in conductivity observed in the implanted regions is related to the intrinsic defects created by the implantation rather than to the implanted Mg ions (da Silva et al., 2002; Tardío et al., 2001; Tardío et al., 2008).

Electronic transition and electrical transport properties of delafossite CuCr1-xMgxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 12%) films prepared by the sol-gel method: A composition dependence study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, M. J.; Duan, Z. H.; Zhang, J. Z.; Zhang, S.; Li, Y. W.; Hu, Z. G.; Chu, J. H.

2013-10-01

Highly transparent CuCr1-xMgxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 12%) films were prepared on (001) sapphire substrates by sol-gel method. The microstructure, phonon modes, optical band gap, and electrical transport properties have been systematically discussed. It was found that Mg-doping improved the crystal quality and enhanced the (00l) preferred orientation. The spectral transmittance of films approaches about 70%-75% in the visible-near-infrared wavelength region. With increasing Mg-composition, the optical band gap first declines and climbs up due to the band gap renormalization and Burstein-Moss effect. The direct and indirect band gaps of CuCr0.94Mg0.06O2 film are 3.00 and 2.56 eV, respectively. In addition, it shows a crossover from the thermal activation behavior to that of three-dimensional variable range hopping from temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. The crossover temperature decreases with increasing Mg-doping composition, which can be ascribed to the change of spin-charge coupling between the hole and the local spin at Cr site. It should be noted that the electrical conductivity of CuCr1-xMgxO2 films becomes larger with increasing x value. The highest electrical conductivity of 3.85 S cm-1 at room temperature for x = 12% is four-order magnitude larger than that (8.81 × 10-4 S cm-1) for pure CuCrO2 film. The high spectral transmittance and larger conductivity indicate that Mg-doped CuCrO2 films are promising for optoelectronic device applications.

Surface morphology and improved electrical conductivity of camphorsulfonic acid surfactant based PANI nano composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niranjana, M.; Yesappa, L.; Ashokkumar, S. P.; Vijeth, H.; Devendrappa, H.

2018-05-01

Polyaniline and its composites at different wt. % of Copper oxide nano (PCC1 and PCC5) were prepared by in-situ chemical reaction method. The composites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and the impedance measurement was carried out at different temperature. FTIR and SEM image reveals the presence of copper metal ions uniformly embedded into PANI. The dc electrical conductivity increases with increasing nano concentration in PANI and achieved high conductivity for PCC5. These results are suggesting PCC composite is a prominent candidate for supercapacitor properties and optoelectronics devices applications.

Microplasma illumination enhancement of vertically aligned conducting ultrananocrystalline diamond nanorods

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Vertically aligned conducting ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) nanorods are fabricated using the reactive ion etching method incorporated with nanodiamond particles as mask. High electrical conductivity of 275 Ω·cm−1 is obtained for UNCD nanorods. The microplasma cavities using UNCD nanorods as cathode show enhanced plasma illumination characteristics of low threshold field of 0.21 V/μm with plasma current density of 7.06 mA/cm2 at an applied field of 0.35 V/μm. Such superior electrical properties of UNCD nanorods with high aspect ratio potentially make a significant impact on the diamond-based microplasma display technology. PMID:23009733

Microbial nanowires and methods of making and using

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

Reguera, Gemma; Cologgi, Dena; Worden, Robert Mark

Electrically conductive nanowires, and genetically or chemically modified production and use of such nanowires with altered conductive, adhesive, coupling or other properties are described. The disclosed nanowires are used as device or device components or may be adapted for soluble metal remediation.

Water absorption and method improvement concerning electrical conductivity testing Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) seeds.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Daniel Luiz; Smiderle, Oscar Jose; Paulino, Pollyana Priscila Schuertz; Souza, Aline das Graças

2016-12-01

Acacia is an important forest species of rapid growth whose seeds have tegument dormancy. In this work it was intended to characterize water absorption pattern after seed dormancy break, and to determine the amount of water, container size and the need of breaking the tegument dormancy, as to perform electrical conductivity test in small and large seeds of Acacia mangium (Fabaceae). The seeds were collected from 10, 8 and 6 years old trees established in poor yielding-capacity soils on savannah areas of Roraima, Brazil; seeds were classified in six lots concerning to seed size and tree age. Germination tests (50 seeds and four replications per lot) were carried out on germitest® paper maintained on gerbox at 25 °C. Imbibition was verified by seed weighing at different times (0, 2, 5, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 and 120 hours). The electrical conductivity test consisted of three experiments, distinguished by the amount of water used and by the container size in which seeds were immersed. Seeds of A. mangium coming from 10 years old trees presented increased germination percent and germination speed than seeds of six-year old trees. Small seeds presented increased in electrical conductivity and water absorption until 120 hours when compared to large seeds. The immersion of seeds of A. mangium in 40 mL of distilled water into 180 mL plastic containers, after dormancy break, it is indicated for the determination of electrical conductivity test. The ratio of electrolytes by seed mass, after 24 hours of immersion in water, turns electrical conductivity test more accurate concerning A. mangium seeds.

Flexible neural interfaces with integrated stiffening shank

DOEpatents

Tooker, Angela C.; Felix, Sarah H.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Shah, Kedar G.; Sheth, Heeral; Tolosa, Vanessa

2016-07-26

A neural interface includes a first dielectric material having at least one first opening for a first electrical conducting material, a first electrical conducting material in the first opening, and at least one first interconnection trace electrical conducting material connected to the first electrical conducting material. A stiffening shank material is located adjacent the first dielectric material, the first electrical conducting material, and the first interconnection trace electrical conducting material.

Mechanical and electric characteristics of vacuum impregnated no-insulation HTS coil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Heecheol; Kim, A.-rong; Kim, Seokho; Park, Minwon; Kim, Kwangmin; Park, Taejun

2014-09-01

For the conduction cooling application, epoxy impregnation is inevitable to enhance the thermal conduction. However, there have been several research results on the delamination problem with coated conductor and the main cause of the delamination is related with the different thermal contraction between epoxy, the insulation layer and the weak conductor. To avoid this problem, the amount of epoxy and insulation layer between conductors should be minimized or removed. Therefore, no insulation (NI) winding method and impregnation after dry winding can be considered to solve the problem. The NI coil winding method is very attractive due to high mechanical/thermal stability for the special purpose of DC magnets by removing the insulation layer. In this paper, the NI coil winding method and vacuum impregnation are applied to a HTS coil to avoid the delamination problem and enhance the mechanical/thermal stability for the conduction cooling application. Through the charging/discharging operation, electric/thermal characteristics are investigated at 77 K and 30 K.

Investigation of the technology of conductive yarns manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryklin, Dzmitry; Medvetski, Sergey

2017-10-01

The paper is devoted to development of technology of electrically conductive yarn production. This technology allows manufacturing conductive yarns of copper wire and polyester filament yarns. Method of the predicting of the conductive yarn breaking force was developed on the base of analysing of load-elongation curves of each strand of the yarn. Also the method of the predicting of the conductive yarn diameter was offered. Investigation shows that conductive yarns can be integrated into the textiles structure using sewing or embroidery equipment. Application of developed conductive yarn is wearable electronics creating with wide range of functions, for example, for specific health issue monitoring, navigation tools or communication gadgets.

Electrostatically clean solar array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, Theodore Garry (Inventor); Krumweide, Duane Eric (Inventor)

2004-01-01

Provided are methods of manufacturing an electrostatically clean solar array panel and the products resulting from the practice of these methods. The preferred method uses an array of solar cells, each with a coverglass where the method includes machining apertures into a flat, electrically conductive sheet so that each aperture is aligned with and undersized with respect to its matched coverglass sheet and thereby fashion a front side shield with apertures (FSA). The undersized portion about each aperture of the bottom side of the FSA shield is bonded to the topside portions nearest the edges of each aperture's matched coverglass. Edge clips are attached to the front side aperture shield edges with the edge clips electrically and mechanically connecting the tops of the coverglasses to the solar panel substrate. The FSA shield, edge clips and substrate edges are bonded so as to produce a conductively grounded electrostatically clean solar array panel.

Hierarchically interconnected porous scaffolds for phase change materials with improved thermal conductivity and efficient solar-to-electric energy conversion.

PubMed

Yang, Jie; Yu, Peng; Tang, Li-Sheng; Bao, Rui-Ying; Liu, Zheng-Ying; Yang, Ming-Bo; Yang, Wei

2017-11-23

An ice-templating self-assembly strategy and a vacuum impregnation method were used to fabricate polyethylene glycol (PEG)/hierarchical porous scaffold composite phase change materials (PCMs). Hierarchically interconnected porous scaffolds of boron nitride (BN), with the aid of a small amount of graphene oxide (GO), endow the composite PCMs with high thermal conductivity, excellent shape-stability and efficient solar-to-electric energy conversion. The formation of a three-dimensional (3D) thermally conductive pathway in the composites contributes to improving the thermal conductivity up to 2.36 W m -1 K -1 at a relatively low content of BN (ca. 23 wt%). This work provides a route for thermally conductive and shape-stabilized composite PCMs used as energy storage materials.

Characterization of the Highway 95 Fault in lower Fortymile Wash using electrical and electromagnetic methods, Nye County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Macy, Jamie P.; Kryder, Levi; Walker, Jamieson

2012-01-01

Coordinated application of electrical and electromagnetic geophysical methods provided better characterization of the Highway 95 Fault. The comparison of dipole-dipole resistivity, TEM, and CSAMT data confirm faulting of an uplifted block of resistive Paleozoic Carbonate that lies beneath a more conductive sandstone unit. A more resistive alluvial basin-fill unit is found above the sandstone unit, and it constitutes only about 150 m of the uppermost subsurface.

Synthesis and testing of a conducting polymeric composite material for lightning strike protection applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katunin, A.; Krukiewicz, K.; Turczyn, R.; Sul, P.; Łasica, A.; Catalanotti, G.; Bilewicz, M.

2017-02-01

Lightning strike protection is one of the important issues in the modern maintenance problems of aircraft. This is due to a fact that the most of exterior elements of modern aircraft is manufactured from polymeric composites which are characterized by isolating electrical properties, and thus cannot carry the giant electrical charge when the lightning strikes. This causes serious damage of an aircraft structure and necessity of repairs and tests before returning a vehicle to operation. In order to overcome this problem, usually metallic meshes are immersed in the polymeric elements. This approach is quite effective, but increases a mass of an aircraft and significantly complicates the manufacturing process. The approach proposed by the authors is based on a mixture of conducting and dielectric polymers. Numerous modeling studies which are based on percolation clustering using kinetic Monte Carlo methods, finite element modeling of electrical and mechanical properties, and preliminary experimental studies, allow achieving an optimal content of conducting particles in a dielectric matrix in order to achieve possibly the best electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, simultaneously. After manufacturing the samples with optimal content of a conducting polymer, mechanical and electrical characterization as well as high-voltage testing was performed. The application of such a material simplifies manufacturing process and ensures unique properties of aircraft structures, which allows for minimizing damage after lightning strike, as well as provide electrical bounding and grounding, interference shielding, etc. The proposed solution can minimize costs of repair, testing and certification of aircraft structures damaged by lightning strikes.

Electrical and thermal response of carbon nanotube composites under quasi-static and dynamic loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connell, Christopher D.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) composites have attracted much interest due to their possible technical applications as conductive polymers and sensory materials. This study will consist of two major objectives: 1.) to investigate the thermal conductivity and thermal response of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites under quasi-static loading, and 2.) to investigate the electrical response of carboxyl-terminated butadiene (CTBN) rubber-reinforced MWCNT/Epoxy composites under quasi-static and dynamic loading. Similar studies have shown that the electrical conductivity of CNT/Epoxy composites dramatically increases with compressive strains up to 15%. Part 1 seeks to find out if thermal conductivity show a similar response to electrical conductivity under an applied load. Part 2 seeks to investigate how the addition of rubber affects the mechanical and electrical response of the composite subjected to quasi-static and dynamic loading. By knowing how thermal and electrical properties change under a given applied strain, we attempt to broaden the breadth of understanding of CNT/epoxy composites and inqure the microscopic interactions occurring between the two. Electrical experiments sought to investigate the electrical response of rubber-reinforced carbon nanotube epoxy composites under quasi-static and dynamic loading. Specimens were fabricated with CTBN rubber content of 10 parts per hundredth resin (phr), 20 phr, 30 phr and 0 phr for a basis comparison. Both quasi-static and dynamic mechanical response showed a consistent decrease in peak stress and Young's modulus with increasing rubber content. Trends in the electrical response between each case were clearly observed with peak resistance changes ranging from 58% to 73% and with each peak occurring at a higher value with increasing rubber content, with the exception of the rubber-free specimens. It was concluded that among the rubber-embedded specimens, the addition of rubber helped to delay micro-cracking and degradation and thus prolong the electrical response of the specimen to higher strains. Thermal experiments were first established by designing and fabricating an apparatus to determine the thermal conductivity of an unknown material. The principle of the apparatus is a steady-state one-dimensional comparative method where reference materials of known thermal conductivity are used to determine the system heat flux and in turn, the thermal conductivity of a given specimen. A thermal percolation study was conducted in order to determine a possible threshold of thermal transport of the material. The recorded values of thermal conductivity from 0 -- 0.2 wt% showed no such threshold with all specimens of different CNT loadings yielding similar values of thermal conductivity. The apparatus containing the CNT/epoxy specimen was then quasi-statically compressed to observe how the thermal conductivity changes with strains up to 20%. While a small decrease in thermal conductivity was observed under strain, it can mostly be attributed to material degradation and bulging.

Electrical conductivity of activated carbon-metal oxide nanocomposites under compression: a comparison study.

PubMed

Barroso-Bogeat, A; Alexandre-Franco, M; Fernández-González, C; Macías-García, A; Gómez-Serrano, V

2014-12-07

From a granular commercial activated carbon (AC) and six metal oxide (Al2O3, Fe2O3, SnO2, TiO2, WO3 and ZnO) precursors, two series of AC-metal oxide nanocomposites were prepared by wet impregnation, oven-drying at 120 °C, and subsequent heat treatment at 200 or 850 °C in an inert atmosphere. Here, the electrical conductivity of the resulting products was studied under moderate compression. The influence of the applied pressure, sample volume, mechanical work, and density of the hybrid materials was thoroughly investigated. The DC electrical conductivity of the compressed samples was measured at room temperature by the four-probe method. Compaction assays suggest that the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are largely determined by the carbon matrix. Both the decrease in volume and the increase in density were relatively small and only significant at pressures lower than 100 kPa for AC and most nanocomposites. In contrast, the bulk electrical conductivity of the hybrid materials was strongly influenced by the intrinsic conductivity, mean crystallite size, content and chemical nature of the supported phases, which ultimately depend on the metal oxide precursor and heat treatment temperature. The supported nanoparticles may be considered to act as electrical switches either hindering or favouring the effective electron transport between the AC cores of neighbouring composite particles in contact under compression. Conductivity values as a rule were lower for the nanocomposites than for the raw AC, all of them falling in the range of semiconductor materials. With the increase in heat treatment temperature, the trend is toward the improvement of conductivity due to the increase in the crystallite size and, in some cases, to the formation of metals in the elemental state and even metal carbides. The patterns of variation of the electrical conductivity with pressure and mechanical work were slightly similar, thus suggesting the predominance of the pressure effects rather than the volume ones.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Effect of Curcumin on Liver Cirrhosis Using a Combination of Biochemical Analysis and Magnetic Resonance-Based Electrical Conductivity Imaging

PubMed Central

Kyung, Eun Jung; Kim, Hyun Bum; Hwang, Eun Sang; Lee, Seok; Choi, Bup Kyung; Lim, Sang Moo; Kwon, Oh In

2018-01-01

In oriental medicine, curcumin is used to treat inflammatory diseases, and its anti-inflammatory effect has been reported in recent research. In this feasibility study, the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin was investigated using a rat liver cirrhosis model, which was induced with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). Together with biochemical analysis, we used a magnetic resonance-based electrical conductivity imaging method to evaluate tissue conditions associated with a protective effect. The effects of curcumin treatment and lactulose treatment on liver cirrhosis were compared. Electrical conductivity images indicated that liver tissues damaged by DMN showed decreased conductivity compared with normal liver tissues. In contrast, cirrhotic liver tissues treated with curcumin or lactulose showed increased conductivity than tissues in the DMN-only group. Specifically, conductivity of cirrhotic liver after curcumin treatment was similar to that of normal liver tissues. Histological staining and immunohistochemical examination showed significant levels of attenuated fibrosis and decreased inflammatory response after both curcumin and lactulose treatments compared with damaged liver tissues by DMN. The conductivity imaging and biochemical examination results indicate that curcumin's anti-inflammatory effect can prevent the progression of irreversible liver dysfunction. PMID:29887757

Simulation Study to Improve Focalization of a Figure Eight Coil by Using a Conductive Shield Plate and a Ferromagnetic Block.

PubMed

Zhao, Chen; Zhang, Shunqi; Liu, Zhipeng; Yin, Tao

2015-07-01

A new method to improve the focalization and efficiency of the Figure of Eight (FOE) coil in rTMS is discussed in this paper. In order to decrease the half width of the distribution curve (HWDC), as well to increase the ratio of positive peak value to negative peak value (RPN) of the induced electric field, a shield plate with a window and a ferromagnetic block are assumed to enhance the positive peak value of the induced electrical field. The shield is made of highly conductive copper, and the block is made of highly permeable soft magnetic ferrite. A computer simulation is conducted on ANSYS® software to conduct the finite element analysis (FEA). Two comparing coefficients were set up to optimize the sizes of the shield window and the block. Simulation results show that a shield with a 60 mm × 30 mm sized window, together with a block 40 mm thick, can decrease the focal area of a FOE coil by 46.7%, while increasing the RPN by 135.9%. The block enhances the peak value of the electrical field induced by a shield-FOE by 8.4%. A real human head model was occupied in this paper to further verify our method.

Monitoring the bio-stimulation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils by measurements of soil electrical properties, and CO2 content and its 13C/12C isotopic signature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noel, C.; Gourry, J.; Ignatiadis, I.; Colombano, S.; Dictor, M.; Guimbaud, C.; Chartier, M.; Dumestre, A.; Dehez, S.; Naudet, V.

2013-12-01

Hydrocarbon contaminated soils represent an environmental issue as it impacts on ecosystems and aquifers. Where significant subsurface heterogeneity exists, conventional intrusive investigations and groundwater sampling can be insufficient to obtain a robust monitoring of hydrocarbon contaminants, as the information they provide is restricted to vertical profiles at discrete locations, with no information between sampling points. In order to obtain wider information in space volume on subsurface modifications, complementary methods can be used like geophysics. Among geophysical methods, geoelectrical techniques such as electrical resistivity (ER) and induced polarization (IP) seem the more promising, especially to study the effects of biodegradation processes. Laboratory and field geoelectrical experiments to characterize soils contaminated by oil products have shown that mature hydrocarbon-contaminated soils are characterized by enhanced electrical conductivity although hydrocarbons are electrically resistive. This high bulk conductivity is due to bacterial impacts on geological media, resulting in changes in the chemical and physical properties and thus, to the geophysical properties of the ground. Moreover, microbial activity induced CO2 production and isotopic deviation of carbon. Indeed, produced CO2 will reflect the pollutant isotopic signature. Thus, the ratio δ13C(CO2) will come closer to δ13C(hydrocarbon). BIOPHY, project supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR), proposes to use electrical methods and gas analyses to develop an operational and non-destructive method for monitoring in situ biodegradation of hydrocarbons in order to optimize soil treatment. Demonstration field is located in the South of Paris (France), where liquid fuels (gasoline and diesel) leaked from some tanks in 1997. In order to stimulate biodegradation, a trench has been dug to supply oxygen to the water table and thus stimulate aerobic metabolic bioprocesses. ER and IP surveys are performed regularly to monitor the stimulated biodegradation and progress of remediation until soil cleanup. Microbial activity is characterized by CO2 production increase and δ13C isotopic deviation, in the produced CO2 measured by infrared laser spectroscopy, and by an evolution of electrical conductivity and IP responses in correlation with microbiological and chemical analyses.

Electrical and dielectric properties of PVdF-HFP - PMMA - (PC + DEC)- LiClO4 based gel polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohel, Khushbu; Kanchan, D. K.; Maheshwaran, C.

2018-04-01

In the present paper, AC impedance studies have been measured to evaluate ion conduction behavior of (PVdF-HFP - PMMA) + (PC-DEC) + LiClO4 gel polymer electrolyte system prepared by solution casting method. Structural characterization and morphology has been carried out using XRD and SEM respectively. The AC conductivity and dielectric permittivity, electric modulus and relaxation mechanism have been studied. The variation of ac conductivity with frequency obeys Jonscher power law. Maximum value of dielectric constant ɛ' in the lower frequency region has been observed for the gel polymer electrolyte containing 7.5 wt% LiClO4. The highest conducting sample shows the shortest relaxation time.

Conductivity detection for monitoring mixing reactions in microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Liu, Y; Wipf, D O; Henry, C S

2001-08-01

A conductivity detector was coupled to poly(dimethylsiloxane)-glass capillary electrophoresis microchips to monitor microfluidic flow. Electroosmotic flow was investigated with both conductivity detection (CD) and the current monitoring method. No significant variation was observed between these methods, but CD showed a lower relative standard deviation. Gradient mixing experiments were employed to investigate the relationship between the electrolyte conductivity and the electrolyte concentration. A good linear response of conductivity to concentration was obtained for solutions whose difference in concentrations were less than 27 mM. The new system holds great promise for precision mixing in microfluidic devices using electrically driven flows.

Apparatus for detecting alpha radiation in difficult access areas

DOEpatents

Steadman, P.; MacArthur, D.W.

1997-09-02

An electrostatic alpha radiation detector for measuring alpha radiation emitted from inside an enclosure comprising an electrically conductive expandable electrode for insertion into the enclosure is disclosed. After insertion, the electrically conductive expandable electrode is insulated from the enclosure and defines a decay cavity between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure so that air ions generated in the decay cavity are electrostatically captured by the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure when an electric potential is applied between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. Indicator means are attached to the electrically conductive expandable electrode for indicating an electrical current produced by generation of the air ions generated in the decay cavity by collisions between air molecules and the alpha particles emitted from the enclosure. A voltage source is connected between the indicator means and the electrically conductive enclosure for creating an electric field between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. 4 figs.

Copper-polydopamine composite derived from bioinspired polymer coating

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Yao; Wang, Hsin; Qian, Bosen; ...

2018-04-01

Metal matrix composites with nanocarbon phases, such carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene, have shown potentials to achieve improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, incorporation of these nanocarbons into the metal matrix usually involves complicated processes. Here, this study explored a new processing method to fabricate copper (Cu) matrix composite by coating Cu powder particles with nanometer-thick polydopamine (PDA) thin films and sintering of the powder compacts. For sintering temperatures between 300°C and 750°C, the Cu-PDA composite samples showed higher electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity than the uncoated Cu samples, which is likely related to the higher mass densities ofmore » the composite samples. After being sintered at 950°C, the thermal conductivity of the Cu-PDA sample was approximately 12% higher than the Cu sample, while the electrical conductivity did not show significant difference. On the other hand, Knoop micro-hardness values were comparable between the Cu-PDA and Cu samples sintered at the same temperatures.« less

Copper-polydopamine composite derived from bioinspired polymer coating

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

Zhao, Yao; Wang, Hsin; Qian, Bosen

Metal matrix composites with nanocarbon phases, such carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene, have shown potentials to achieve improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, incorporation of these nanocarbons into the metal matrix usually involves complicated processes. Here, this study explored a new processing method to fabricate copper (Cu) matrix composite by coating Cu powder particles with nanometer-thick polydopamine (PDA) thin films and sintering of the powder compacts. For sintering temperatures between 300°C and 750°C, the Cu-PDA composite samples showed higher electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity than the uncoated Cu samples, which is likely related to the higher mass densities ofmore » the composite samples. After being sintered at 950°C, the thermal conductivity of the Cu-PDA sample was approximately 12% higher than the Cu sample, while the electrical conductivity did not show significant difference. On the other hand, Knoop micro-hardness values were comparable between the Cu-PDA and Cu samples sintered at the same temperatures.« less

Connection equation and shaly-sand correction for electrical resistivity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Myung W.

2011-01-01

Estimating the amount of conductive and nonconductive constituents in the pore space of sediments by using electrical resistivity logs generally loses accuracy where clays are present in the reservoir. Many different methods and clay models have been proposed to account for the conductivity of clay (termed the shaly-sand correction). In this study, the connectivity equation (CE), which is a new approach to model non-Archie rocks, is used to correct for the clay effect and is compared with results using the Waxman and Smits method. The CE presented here requires no parameters other than an adjustable constant, which can be derived from the resistivity of water-saturated sediments. The new approach was applied to estimate water saturation of laboratory data and to estimate gas hydrate saturations at the Mount Elbert well on the Alaska North Slope. Although not as accurate as the Waxman and Smits method to estimate water saturations for the laboratory measurements, gas hydrate saturations estimated at the Mount Elbert well using the proposed CE are comparable to estimates from the Waxman and Smits method. Considering its simplicity, it has high potential to be used to account for the clay effect on electrical resistivity measurement in other systems.

Electrical Conduction of Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3-δ Ceramic at High Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zi-De; Chen, Xiao-Ming

2018-03-01

BaTiO3 and Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3-δ ceramics with dense microstructure have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction method, and their electrical conduction investigated by broadband electrical impedance spectroscopy at frequencies from 0.05 Hz to 3 × 106 Hz and temperatures from 200°C to 400°C. Compared with BaTiO3, the real part of the permittivity and the phase-transition temperature of Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3-δ decreased. Relaxation peaks appeared in the curves of the imaginary part of the permittivity as a function of frequency. With increase in frequency, the peaks gradually shifted towards higher frequency and their height increased. Conductivity was closely related to frequency and temperature. Frequency-dependent conductivity was analyzed using the Jonscher double power law. Compared with BaTO3, Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3-δ exhibited high impedance at given frequency and temperature. Impedance Cole-Cole plots displayed two semicircles, which could be well fit using two parallel RC equivalent circuit models. The conductivity activation energy was found to be around 1 eV. For Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3-δ , the electrical modulus curve versus frequency displayed two peaks.

Electrical Conduction of Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3- δ Ceramic at High Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zi-De; Chen, Xiao-Ming

2018-07-01

BaTiO3 and Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3- δ ceramics with dense microstructure have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction method, and their electrical conduction investigated by broadband electrical impedance spectroscopy at frequencies from 0.05 Hz to 3 × 106 Hz and temperatures from 200°C to 400°C. Compared with BaTiO3, the real part of the permittivity and the phase-transition temperature of Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3- δ decreased. Relaxation peaks appeared in the curves of the imaginary part of the permittivity as a function of frequency. With increase in frequency, the peaks gradually shifted towards higher frequency and their height increased. Conductivity was closely related to frequency and temperature. Frequency-dependent conductivity was analyzed using the Jonscher double power law. Compared with BaTO3, Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3- δ exhibited high impedance at given frequency and temperature. Impedance Cole-Cole plots displayed two semicircles, which could be well fit using two parallel RC equivalent circuit models. The conductivity activation energy was found to be around 1 eV. For Ba(Ti0.99Fe0.01)O3- δ , the electrical modulus curve versus frequency displayed two peaks.

Method for initiating in-situ vitrification using an impregnated cord

DOEpatents

Carter, John G.

1991-01-01

In-situ vitrification of soil is initiated by placing a cord of dielectric material impregnated with conductive material in thermally-conductive contact with the soil, and energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.

Mathematical modeling of photovoltaic thermal PV/T system with v-groove collector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zohri, M.; Fudholi, A.; Ruslan, M. H.; Sopian, K.

2017-07-01

The use of v-groove in solar collector has a higher thermal efficiency in references. Dropping the working heat of photovoltaic panel was able to raise the electrical efficiency performance. Electrical and thermal efficiency were produced by photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system concurrently. Mathematical modeling based on steady-state thermal analysis of PV/T system with v-groove was conducted. With matrix inversion method, the energy balance equations are explained by means of the investigative method. The comparison results show that in the PV/T system with the V-groove collector is higher temperature, thermal and electrical efficiency than other collectors.

Electrodynamic tethers for energy conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nobles, W.

1986-01-01

Conductive tethers have been proposed as a new method for converting orbital mechanical energy into electrical power for use on-board a satellite (generator mode) or conversely (motor mode) as a method of providing electric propulsion using electrical energy from the satellite. The operating characteristics of such systems are functionally dependent on orbit altitude and inclination. Effects of these relationships are examined to determine acceptable regions of application. To identify system design considerations, a specific set of system performance goals and requirements are selected. The case selected is for a 25 kW auxiliary power system for use on Space Station. Appropriate system design considerations are developed, and the resulting system is described.

Tunable terahertz radiation source

DOEpatents

Boulaevskii, Lev; Feldmann, David M; Jia, Quanxi; Koshelev, Alexei; Moody, Nathan A

2014-01-21

Terahertz radiation source and method of producing terahertz radiation, said source comprising a junction stack, said junction stack comprising a crystalline material comprising a plurality of self-synchronized intrinsic Josephson junctions; an electrically conductive material in contact with two opposing sides of said crystalline material; and a substrate layer disposed upon at least a portion of both the crystalline material and the electrically-conductive material, wherein the crystalline material has a c-axis which is parallel to the substrate layer, and wherein the source emits at least 1 mW of power.

Effect of morphology on the non-ohmic conduction in ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Praveen, E.; Jayakumar, K.

2016-05-01

Nanostructures of ZnO is synthesized with nanoflower like morphology by simple wet chemical method. The structural, morphological and electrical characterization have been carried out. The temperature dependent electrical characterization of ZnO pellets of thickness 1150 µm is made by the application of 925MPa pressure. The morphological dependence of non-ohmic conduction beyond some arbitrary tunneling potential and grain boundary barrier thickness is compared with the commercially available bulk ZnO. Our results show the suitability of nano-flower like ZnO for the devices like sensors, rectifiers etc.

Using differential scanning calorimetry, laser refractometry, electrical conductivity and spectrophotometry for discrimination of different types of Bulgarian honey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlaeva, I.; Nikolova, K.; Bodurov, I.; Marudova, M.; Tsankova, D.; Lekova, S.; Viraneva, A.; Yovcheva, T.

2017-01-01

The potential of several physical methods for investigation of the botanical origin of honey has been discussed. Samples from the three most prevalent types of honey in Bulgaria (acacia, linden and honeydew) have been used. They have been examined by laser refractometry, UV, VIS and FTIR spectroscopy, electric conductivity measurement and differential scanning calorimetry. The purpose of this study was to reveal the physical characterizations of honeys from different flora produced in Bulgaria and to identify honeys with a high apitherapy potential for future studies.

Novel Electrospun Dual-Layered Composite Nanofibrous Membrane Endowed with Electricity-Magnetism Bifunctionality at One Layer and Photoluminescence at the Other Layer.

PubMed

Wang, Zijiao; Ma, Qianli; Dong, Xiangting; Li, Dan; Xi, Xue; Yu, Wensheng; Wang, Jinxian; Liu, Guixia

2016-10-05

Dual-layered composite nanofibrous membrane equipped with electrical conduction, magnetism and photoluminescence trifunctionality is constructed via electrospinning. The composite membrane consists of a polyaniline (PANI)/Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) tuned electrical-magnetic bifunctional nanofibrous layer at one side and a Eu(TTA) 3 (TPPO) 2 /polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) photoluminescent nanofibrous layer at the other side, and the two layers are tightly combined face-to-face together into the novel dual-layered composite membrane with trifunctionality. The electric conductivity and magnetism of electrical-magnetic bifunctionality can be respectively tunable via modulating the respective PANI and Fe 3 O 4 NPs contents, and the highest electric conductivity approaches the order of 1 × 10 -2 S cm -1 . Predominant red emission at 615 nm can be obviously observed in the photoluminescent layer under 366 nm excitation. Moreover, the luminescent intensity of photoluminescent layer is almost unaffected by the electrical-magnetic bifunctional layer because of the fact that the photoluminescent materials have been successfully isolated from dark-colored PANI and Fe 3 O 4 NPs. The novel dual-layered composite nanofibrous membrane with trifunctionality has potentials in many fields. Furthermore, the design philosophy and fabrication method for the dual-layered multifunctional membrane provide a new and facile strategy toward other membranes with multifunctionality.

Nitrogen doped silicon-carbon multilayer protective coatings on carbon obtained by thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciupinǎ, Victor; Vasile, Eugeniu; Porosnicu, Corneliu; Vladoiu, Rodica; Mandes, Aurelia; Dinca, Virginia; Nicolescu, Virginia; Manu, Radu; Dinca, Paul; Zaharia, Agripina

2018-02-01

To obtain protective nitrogen doped Si-C multilayer coatings on carbon, used to improve the oxidation resistance of carbon, was used TVA method. The initial carbon layer has been deposed on a silicon substrate in the absence of nitrogen, and then a 3nm Si thin film to cover carbon layer was deposed. Further, seven Si and C layers were alternatively deposed in the presence of nitrogen ions. In order to form silicon carbide at the interface between silicon and carbon layers, all carbon, silicon and nitrogen ions energy has increased up to 150eV. The characterization of microstructure and electrical properties of as-prepared N-Si-C multilayer structures were done using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM, STEM) techniques, Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy (TDS) and electrical measurements. The retention of oxygen in the protective layer of N-Si-C is due to the following phenomena: (a) The reaction between oxygen and silicon carbide resulting in silicon oxide and carbon dioxide; (b) The reaction involving oxygen, nitrogen and silicon resulting silicon oxinitride with a variable composition; (c) Nitrogen acts as a trapping barrier for oxygen. To perform electrical measurements, ohmic contacts were attached on the N-Si-C samples. Electrical conductivity was measured in constant current mode. To explain the temperature behavior of electrical conductivity we assumed a thermally activated electric transport mechanism.

Role of chemical functional groups on thermal and electrical properties of various graphene oxide derivatives: a comparative x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaji Mohan, Velram; Jakisch, Lothar; Jayaraman, Krishnan; Bhattacharyya, Debes

2018-03-01

In recent years, graphene and its derivatives have become prominent subject matter due to their fascinating combination of properties and potential applications in a number application. While several fundamental studies have been progressed, there is a particular need to understand how different graphene derivatives are influenced in terms of their electrical and thermal conductivities by different functional groups they end up with through their manufacturing and functionalisation methods. This article addresses of the role of different functional groups present of different of reduced graphene oxides (rGO) concerning their electrical and thermal properties, and the results were compared with elemental analyses of functionalised reduced graphene oxide (frGO) and graphene. The results showed that electrical and thermal conductivities of the rGO samples, highly dependent on the presence of residual functional groups from oxidation, reduction and functionalisation processes. The increase in reduction of oxygen, hydroxyl, carboxylic, epoxide moieties and heterocyclic compounds increase the specific surface area of the samples through which the mean electron path has increased. This improved both electrical and thermal conductivities together in all the samples which were highly dependent on the efficiency of different reductant used in this study.

Alternating-current conductivity and dielectric relaxation of bulk iodoargentate

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

Duan, Hai-Bao, E-mail: duanhaibao4660@163.com; Yu, Shan-Shan; Zhou, Hong

Graphical abstract: The electric modulus shows single dielectric relaxation process in the measured frequency range. - Highlights: • The conduction mechanism is described by quantum mechanical tunneling model. • The applications of dielectric modulus give a simple method for evaluating the activation energy of the dielectric relaxation. • The [Ag{sub 2}I{sub 4}]{sup 2−}1-D chain and [Cu(en){sub 2}]{sup 2+} cation column form the layered stacks by hydrogen bond interactions. - Abstract: An inorganic-organic hybrid compound Cu(en){sub 2}Ag{sub 2}I{sub 4} (en = ethylenediamine) (1) was synthesized and single crystal structurally characterized. Along the [001] direction, the inorganic parts form an infinite 1-Dmore » chain and [Cu(en){sub 2}]{sup 2+} cations are separated by inorganic chain. The electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of 1 have been investigated over wide ranges of frequency. The alternating-current conductivities have been fitted to the Almond–West type power law expression with use of a single value of S. It is found that S values for 1 are nearly temperature-independent, which indicates that the conduction mechanism could be quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) model. The dielectric loss and electric modulus show single dielectric relaxation process. The activation energy obtained from temperature-dependent electric modulus compare with the calculated from the dc conductivity plots.« less

Accurate determination of complex materials coefficients of piezoelectric resonators.

PubMed

Du, Xiao-Hong; Wang, Qing-Ming; Uchino, Kenji

2003-03-01

This paper presents a method of accurately determining the complex piezoelectric and elastic coefficients of piezoelectric ceramic resonators from the measurement of the normalized electric admittance, Y, which is electric admittance Y of piezoelectric resonator normalized by the angular frequency omega. The coefficients are derived from the measurements near three special frequency points that correspond to the maximum and the minimum normalized susceptance (B) and the maximum normalized conductance (G). The complex elastic coefficient is determined from the frequencies at these points, and the real and imaginary parts of the piezoelectric coefficient are related to the derivative of the susceptance with respect to the frequency and the asymmetry of the conductance, respectively, near the maximum conductance point. The measurements for some lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based ceramics are used as examples to demonstrate the calculation and experimental procedures and the comparisons with the standard methods.

Solving the forward problem of magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction by means of the finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xun; Li, Xu; Zhu, Shanan; He, Bin

2009-05-01

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a recently proposed imaging modality to image the electrical impedance of biological tissue. It combines the good contrast of electrical impedance tomography with the high spatial resolution of sonography. In this paper, a three-dimensional MAT-MI forward problem was investigated using the finite element method (FEM). The corresponding FEM formulae describing the forward problem are introduced. In the finite element analysis, magnetic induction in an object with conductivity values close to biological tissues was first carried out. The stimulating magnetic field was simulated as that generated from a three-dimensional coil. The corresponding acoustic source and field were then simulated. Computer simulation studies were conducted using both concentric and eccentric spherical conductivity models with different geometric specifications. In addition, the grid size for finite element analysis was evaluated for the model calibration and evaluation of the corresponding acoustic field.

Solving the Forward Problem of Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction by Means of the Finite Element Method

PubMed Central

Li, Xun; Li, Xu; Zhu, Shanan; He, Bin

2010-01-01

Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction (MAT-MI) is a recently proposed imaging modality to image the electrical impedance of biological tissue. It combines the good contrast of electrical impedance tomography with the high spatial resolution of sonography. In this paper, three-dimensional MAT-MI forward problem was investigated using the finite element method (FEM). The corresponding FEM formulas describing the forward problem are introduced. In the finite element analysis, magnetic induction in an object with conductivity values close to biological tissues was first carried out. The stimulating magnetic field was simulated as that generated from a three-dimensional coil. The corresponding acoustic source and field were then simulated. Computer simulation studies were conducted using both concentric and eccentric spherical conductivity models with different geometric specifications. In addition, the grid size for finite element analysis was evaluated for model calibration and evaluation of the corresponding acoustic field. PMID:19351978

van der Pauw's Theorem on Sheet Resistance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolt, Michael

2017-01-01

The sheet resistance of a conducting material of uniform thickness is analogous to the resistivity of a solid material and provides a measure of electrical resistance. In 1958, L. J. van der Pauw found an effective method for computing sheet resistance that requires taking two electrical measurements from four points on the edge of a simply…

Flexible 2D RF Nanoelectronics based on Layered Semiconductor Transistor (NBIT III)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-11

Experimental and computational studies in multidisciplinary fields of electrical, mechanical engineering , and materials science were conducted to achieve...plan for this project. Experimental and computational studies in multidisciplinary fields of electrical, mechanical engineering , and materials...electrostatic or physisorption gating, defect engineering , and substitutional doping during the growth. These methods result in uniform doping or composition

Thermal modulation for gas chromatography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waite, J. Hunter (Inventor); Libardoni, Mark (Inventor); Stewart, Kristine (Inventor); Block, Bruce P. (Inventor); Sacks, Richard D. (Inventor); Hasselbrink, Ernest F. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A thermal modulator device for gas chromatography and associated methods. The thermal modulator device includes a recirculating fluid cooling member, an electrically conductive capillary in direct thermal contact with the cooling member, and a power supply electrically coupled to the capillary and operable for controlled resistive heating of the capillary. The capillary can include more than one separate thermally modulated sections.

Laser surface modification of electrically conductive fabrics: Material performance improvement and design effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tunakova, Veronika; Hrubosova, Zuzana; Tunak, Maros; Kasparova, Marie; Mullerova, Jana

2018-01-01

Development of lightweight flexible materials for electromagnetic interference shielding has obtained increased attention in recent years particularly for clothing, textiles in-house use and technical applications especially in areas of aircraft, aerospace, automobiles and flexible electronics such as portable electronics and wearable devices. There are many references in the literature concerning development and investigation of electromagnetic shielding lightweight flexible materials especially textile based with different electrically conductive additives. However, only little attention is paid to designing and enhancing the properties of these special fabrics by textile finishing processes. Laser technology applied as a physical treatment method is becoming very popular and can be used in different applications to make improvement and even overcome drawbacks of some of the traditional processes. The main purpose of this study is firstly to analyze the possibilities of transferring design onto the surface of electrically conductive fabrics by laser beam and secondly to study of effect of surface modification degree on performance of conductive fabric including electromagnetic shielding ability and mechanical properties. Woven fabric made of yarns containing 10% of extremely thin stainless steel fiber was used as a conductive substrate.

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

Takaki, Hirokazu; Kobayashi, Kazuaki; Shimono, Masato

We present the thermoelectric properties of TiN/MgO superlattices employing first-principles calculation techniques. The Seebeck coefficients, the electrical conductances, the thermal conductances, and the figure of merit are investigated employing electrical and thermal transport calculations based on density functional theory combined with the nonequilibrium Green's function and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation methods. The TiN/MgO superlattices with a small lattice mismatch at the interfaces are ideal systems to study the way for an enhancement of thermoelectric properties in artificial nanostructures. We find that the interfacial scattering between the two materials in the metal/insulator superlattices causes the electrical conductance to change rapidly, whichmore » enhances the Seebeck coefficient significantly. We show that the figure of merit for the artificial superlattice nanostructures has a much larger value compared with that of the bulk material and changes drastically with the superlattice configurations at the atomistic level.« less

A global time-dependent model of thunderstorm electricity. I - Mathematical properties of the physical and numerical models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Browning, G. L.; Tzur, I.; Roble, R. G.

1987-01-01

A time-dependent model is introduced that can be used to simulate the interaction of a thunderstorm with its global electrical environment. The model solves the continuity equation of the Maxwell current, which is assumed to be composed of the conduction, displacement, and source currents. Boundary conditions which can be used in conjunction with the continuity equation to form a well-posed initial-boundary value problem are determined. Properties of various components of solutions of the initial-boundary value problem are analytically determined. The results indicate that the problem has two time scales, one determined by the background electrical conductivity and the other by the time variation of the source function. A numerical method for obtaining quantitative results is introduced, and its properties are studied. Some simulation results on the evolution of the displacement and conduction currents during the electrification of a storm are presented.

Crystal growth and electrical properties of CuFeO 2 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dordor, P.; Chaminade, J. P.; Wichainchai, A.; Marquestaut, E.; Doumerc, J. P.; Pouchard, M.; Hagenmuller, P.; Ammar, A.

1988-07-01

Delafossite-type CuFeO 2 single crystals have been prepared by a flux method: crystals obtained in a Cu crucible with LiBO 2 as flux are n-type whereas those prepared in a Pt crucible with a Cu 2O flux are p-type. Electrical measurements have revealed that n-type crystals exhibit weak anisotropic conductivities with large activation energies and small mobilities (r.t. values perpendicular and parallel to the c-axis: μ⊥ = 5 × 10 -5 and μ‖ = 10 -7 cm -2 V -1 sec -1). p-type crystals, less anisotropic, are characterized by low activation energies and higher mobilities ( μ⊥ = 34 and μ‖ = 8.9 cm 2 V -1 sec -1). A two -conduction-band model is proposed to account for the difference observed between the energy gap value deduced from photoelectrochemical measurements and the activation energy of the electrical conductivity in the intrinsic domain.

Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate hydrogel with high toughness and electric conductivity.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiancai; Xiang, Nanping; Zhang, Hongxiang; Sun, Yujun; Lin, Zhen; Hou, Linxi

2018-04-15

Development of bio-based hydrogels with good mechanical properties and high electrical conductivity is of great importance for their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Novel electrically conducive and tough poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) composite hydrogel was obtained by a simple method in this paper. PVA and SA were firstly dissolved in distilled water to form the composite solution and the pure PVA/SA hydrogel was obtained through the freezing/thawing process. The pure PVA/SA hydrogels were subsequently immersed into the saturated NaCl aqueous solution to increase the gel strength and conductivity. The effect of the immersing time on the thermal and mechanical properties of PVA/SA hydrogel was studied. The swelling properties and the antiseptic properties of the obtained PVA/SA hydrogel were also studied. This paper provided a novel way for the preparation of tough hydrogel electrolyte. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Significant improvement in Mn2O3 transition metal oxide electrical conductivity via high pressure

PubMed Central

Hong, Fang; Yue, Binbin; Hirao, Naohisa; Liu, Zhenxian; Chen, Bin

2017-01-01

Highly efficient energy storage is in high demand for next-generation clean energy applications. As a promising energy storage material, the application of Mn2O3 is limited due to its poor electrical conductivity. Here, high-pressure techniques enhanced the electrical conductivity of Mn2O3 significantly. In situ synchrotron micro X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and resistivity measurement revealed that resistivity decreased with pressure and dramatically dropped near the phase transition. At the highest pressure, resistivity reduced by five orders of magnitude and the sample showed metal-like behavior. More importantly, resistivity remained much lower than its original value, even when the pressure was fully released. This work provides a new method to enhance the electronic properties of Mn2O3 using high-pressure treatment, benefiting its applications in energy-related fields. PMID:28276479

Structure, Raman, dielectric behavior and electrical conduction mechanism of strontium titanate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trabelsi, H.; Bejar, M.; Dhahri, E.; Graça, M. P. F.; Valente, M. A.; Khirouni, K.

2018-05-01

Strontium titanate was prepared by solid-state reaction method. According to the XRD, it was single phase and has a cubic perovskite structure. The Raman spectroscopic investigation was carried out at room-temperature, and the second-order Raman modes were observed. By employing impedance spectroscopy, the dielectric relaxation and electrical properties were investigated over the temperature range of 500-700 K at various frequencies. The activation energies evaluated from dielectric and modulus studies are in good agreement and these values are attributed to the bulk relaxation. The impedance data were well fitted to an (R1//C1)-(R2//CPE1) equivalent electrical circuit. It could be concluded that the grain boundaries are more resistive and capacitive than the grains. The ac conductivity was found to follow the Jonscher's universal dynamic law ωS and the correlated barrier hopping model (CBH) has been proposed to describe the conduction mechanism.

An Integration of Geophysical Methods to Explore Buried Structures on the Bench and in the Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booterbaugh, A. P.; Lachhab, A.

2011-12-01

In the following study, an integration of geophysical methods and devices were implemented on the bench and in the field to accurately identify buried structures. Electrical resistivity and ground penetrating radar methods, including both a fabricated electrical resistivity apparatus and an electrical resistivity device were all used in this study. The primary goal of the study was to test the accuracy and reliability of the apparatus which costs a fraction of the price of a commercially sold resistivity instrument. The apparatus consists of four electrodes, two multimeters, a 12-volt battery, a DC to AC inverter and wires. Using this apparatus, an electrical current, is injected into earth material through the outer electrodes and the potential voltage is measured across the inner electrodes using a multimeter. The recorded potential and the intensity of the current can then be used to calculate the apparent resistivity of a given material. In this study the Wenner array, which consists of four equally spaced electrodes, was used due to its higher accuracy and greater resolution when investigating lateral variations of resistivity in shallow depths. In addition, the apparatus was used with an electrical resistivity device and a ground penetrating radar unit to explore the buried building foundation of Gustavus Adolphus Hall located on Susquehanna University Campus, Selinsgrove, PA. The apparatus successfully produced consistent results on the bench level revealing the location of small bricks buried under a soil material. In the summer of 2010, seventeen electrical resistivity transects were conducted on the Gustavus Adolphus site where and revealed remnants of the foundation. In the summer of 2011, a ground penetrating radar survey and an electrical resistivity tomography survey were conducted to further explore the site. Together these methods identified the location of the foundation and proved that the apparatus was a reliable tool for regular use on the bench and in the field.

Direct Writing of Flexible Electronics through Room Temperature Liquid Metal Ink

PubMed Central

Gao, Yunxia; Li, Haiyan; Liu, Jing

2012-01-01

Background Conventional approaches of making a flexible circuit are generally complex, environment unfriendly, time and energy consuming, and thus expensive. Here, we describe for the first time the method of using high-performance GaIn10-based electrical ink, a significantly neglected room temperature liquid metal, as both electrical conductors and interconnects, for directly writing flexible electronics via a rather easy going and cost effective way. Methods The new generation electric ink was made and its wettability with various materials was modified to be easily written on a group of either soft or rigid substrates such as epoxy resin board, glass, plastic, silica gel, paper, cotton, textiles, cloth and fiber etc. Conceptual experiments were performed to demonstrate and evaluate the capability of directly writing the electrical circuits via the invented metal ink. Mechanisms involved were interpreted through a series of fundamental measurements. Results The electrical resistivity of the fluid like GaIn10-based material was measured as 34.5 µΩ·cm at 297 K by four point probe method and increased with addition of the oxygen quantity, which indicates it as an excellent metal ink. The conductive line can be written with features that are approximately 10 µm thick. Several functional devices such as a light emitting diode (LED) array showing designed lighting patterns and electrical fan were made to work by directly writing the liquid metal on the specific flexible substrates. And satisfactory performances were obtained. Conclusions The present method opens the way to directly and quickly writing flexible electronics which can be as simple as signing a name or drawing a picture on the paper. The unique merit of the GaIn10-based liquid metal ink lies in its low melting temperature, well controlled wettability, high electrical conductivity and good biocompability. The new electronics writing strategy and basic principle has generalized purpose and can be extended to more industrial areas, even daily life. PMID:23029044

Static electricity: A literature review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crow, Rita M.

1991-11-01

The major concern with static electricity is its discharging in a flammable atmosphere which can explode and cause a fire. Textile materials can have their electrical resistivity decreased by the addition of antistatic finishes, imbedding conductive particles into the fibres or by adding metal fibers to the yarns. The test methods used in the studies of static electricity include measuring the static properties of materials, of clothed persons, and of the ignition energy of flammable gases. Surveys have shown that there is sparse evidence for fires definitively being caused by static electricity. However, the 'worst-case' philosophy has been adopted and a static electricity safety code is described, including correct grounding procedures and the wearing of anti-static clothing and footwear.

Electrochemical Device Comprising Composite Bipolar Plate and Method of Using the Same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittelsteadt, Cortney K. (Inventor); Braff, William A. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

An electrochemical device and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device may be used as a fuel cell and/or as an electrolyzer and includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, chemically-inert, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, as well as a fluid chamber and a non-porous an electrically-conductive plate.

Electrochemical Device Comprising Composite Bipolar Plate and Method of Using the Same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittelsteadt, Cortney K. (Inventor); Braff, William A. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

An electrochemical device and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device may be used as a fuel cell and/or as an electrolyzer and includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, chemically-inert, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, as well as a fluid chamber and a non-porous an electrically-conductive plate.

Variation of the shape and morphological properties of silica and metal oxide powders by electro homogeneous precipitation

DOEpatents

Harris, M.T.; Basaran, O.A.; Sisson, W.G.; Brunson, R.R.

1997-02-18

The present invention provides a method for preparing irreversible linear aggregates (fibrils) of metal oxide powders by utilizing static or pulsed DC electrical fields across a relatively non-conducting liquid solvent in which organometal compounds or silicon alkoxides have been dissolved. The electric field is applied to the relatively non-conducting solution throughout the particle formation and growth process promoting the formation of either linear aggregates (fibrils) or spherical shaped particles as desired. Thus the present invention provides a physical method for altering the size, shape and porosity of precursor hydrous metal oxide or hydrous silicon oxide powders for the development of advanced ceramics with improved strength and insulating capacity. 3 figs.

Styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer compatibilized carbon black/polypropylene/polystyrene composites with tunable morphology, electrical conduction and rheological stabilities.

PubMed

Song, Yihu; Xu, Chunfeng; Zheng, Qiang

2014-04-21

We report a facile kinetic strategy in combination with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer compatibilizers for preparing carbon black (CB) filled immiscible polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) (1/1) blends with finely tuned morphologies and show the important role of location and migration of CB nanoparticles in determining the electrical conductivity and rheological behaviour of the composites. A novel method of mixing a SBS/CB (5/3) masterbatch with the polymers allowed producing composites with CB aggregates dispersed partially in the unfavorable PP phase and partially in the PP side of the interface to exhibit diverse phase connectivity and electrical conductivity depending on the compounding sequences. A cocontinuous morphology with CB enrichment along the interface was formed in the composite prepared by mixing the SBS/CB masterbatch with the premixed PP/PS blend, giving rise to a highest electrical conductivity and dynamic moduli at low frequencies. On the other hand, mixing the masterbatch with one and then with another polymer yielded droplet (PS)-in-matrix (filled PP) composites. The composites underwent phase coalescence and CB redistribution accompanied by marked dynamic electrical conduction and modulus percolations as a function of time during thermal annealing at 180 °C. The composites with the initial droplet-in-matrix morphology progressed anomalously into the cocontinuous morphology, reflecting a common mechanism being fairly nonspecific for understanding the processing of filled multicomponent composites with tailored performances of general concern.

Imaging metallic samples using electrical capacitance tomography: forward modelling and reconstruction algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosani, E. Al; Zhang, M.; Abascal, J. F. P. J.; Soleimani, M.

2016-11-01

Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is an imaging technology used to reconstruct the permittivity distribution within the sensing region. So far, ECT has been primarily used to image non-conductive media only, since if the conductivity of the imaged object is high, the capacitance measuring circuit will be almost shortened by the conductivity path and a clear image cannot be produced using the standard image reconstruction approaches. This paper tackles the problem of imaging metallic samples using conventional ECT systems by investigating the two main aspects of image reconstruction algorithms, namely the forward problem and the inverse problem. For the forward problem, two different methods to model the region of high conductivity in ECT is presented. On the other hand, for the inverse problem, three different algorithms to reconstruct the high contrast images are examined. The first two methods are the linear single step Tikhonov method and the iterative total variation regularization method, and use two sets of ECT data to reconstruct the image in time difference mode. The third method, namely the level set method, uses absolute ECT measurements and was developed using a metallic forward model. The results indicate that the applications of conventional ECT systems can be extended to metal samples using the suggested algorithms and forward model, especially using a level set algorithm to find the boundary of the metal.

Damage Diagnosis in Semiconductive Materials Using Electrical Impedance Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Richard W.; Hinton, Yolanda L.

2008-01-01

Recent aerospace industry trends have resulted in an increased demand for real-time, effective techniques for in-flight structural health monitoring. A promising technique for damage diagnosis uses electrical impedance measurements of semiconductive materials. By applying a small electrical current into a material specimen and measuring the corresponding voltages at various locations on the specimen, changes in the electrical characteristics due to the presence of damage can be assessed. An artificial neural network uses these changes in electrical properties to provide an inverse solution that estimates the location and magnitude of the damage. The advantage of the electrical impedance method over other damage diagnosis techniques is that it uses the material as the sensor. Simple voltage measurements can be used instead of discrete sensors, resulting in a reduction in weight and system complexity. This research effort extends previous work by employing finite element method models to improve accuracy of complex models with anisotropic conductivities and by enhancing the computational efficiency of the inverse techniques. The paper demonstrates a proof of concept of a damage diagnosis approach using electrical impedance methods and a neural network as an effective tool for in-flight diagnosis of structural damage to aircraft components.

Nanoscale thermal imaging of VO2 via Poole-Frenkel conduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spitzig, Alyson; Hoffman, Jason D.; Pivonka, Adam E.; Mickalide, Harry; Frenzel, Alex; Kim, Jeehoon; Ko, Changhyun; Zhou, You; O'Connor, Kevin; Hudson, Eric W.; Ramanathan, Shriram; Hoffman, Jennifer E.

We present a novel method for nanoscale thermal imaging of insulating thin films. We demonstrate this method on VO2, which undergoes a sharp insulator-to-metal transition at 340 K. We sweep the voltage applied to a conducting atomic force microscope tip in contact mode at room temperature and measure the resultant current through a VO2 film. The Poole-Frenkel (PF) conduction mechanism, which dominates in the insulating state of VO2, is fit to extract the local temperature of the film using fundamental constants and known film properties. We measure the local electric field and temperature immediately preceding the insulator-to-metal transition in VO2 to determine whether the transition can be triggered by an applied electric field alone. We calculate an average temperature of 334 +/- 5 K, implying that Joule heating has locally warmed the sample very close to the transition temperature. Our thermometry technique opens up the possibility to measure the local temperature of any film dominated by the PF conduction mechanism, and presents the opportunity to extend our technique to other conduction mechanisms. Canada Excellence Research Chair program and NSERC - CGSM.

Electric field tomography for contactless imaging of resistivity in biomedical applications.

PubMed

Korjenevsky, A V

2004-02-01

The technique of contactless imaging of resistivity distribution inside conductive objects, which can be applied in medical diagnostics, has been suggested and analyzed. The method exploits the interaction of a high-frequency electric field with a conductive medium. Unlike electrical impedance tomography, no electric current is injected into the medium from outside. The interaction is accompanied with excitation of high-frequency currents and redistribution of free charges inside the medium leading to strong and irregular perturbation of the field's magnitude outside and inside the object. Along with this the considered interaction also leads to small and regular phase shifts of the field in the area surrounding the object. Measuring these phase shifts using a set of electrodes placed around the object enables us to reconstruct the internal structure of the medium. The basics of this technique, which we name electric field tomography (EFT), are described, simple analytical estimations are made and requirements for measuring equipment are formulated. The realizability of the technique is verified by numerical simulations based on the finite elements method. Results of simulation have confirmed initial estimations and show that in the case of EFT even a comparatively simple filtered backprojection algorithm can be used for reconstructing the static resistivity distribution in biological tissues.

Temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 nano-crystalline material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafa, C. A.; Triyono, D.; Laysandra, H.

2017-04-01

LaFeO3 is a material with perovskite structure which electrical properties frequently investigated. Research are done due to the exhibition of excellent gas sensing behavior through resistivity comparison from the p-type semiconductor. Sr doping on LaFeO3 or La1-xSrxFeO3 are able to improve the electrical conductivity through structural modification. Using Sr dopant concentration (x) of 0.2, La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 nano-crystal pellet was synthesized. The synthesis used sol-gel method, followed by gradual heat treatment and uniaxial compaction. XRD characterization shows that the structure of the sample is Orthorhombic Perovskite. Topography of the sample by SEM reveals grain and grain boundary existence with emerging agglomeration. The electrical properties of the material, as functions of temperature and frequency, were measured by Impedance Spectroscopy method using RLC meter, for temperatures of 303-373K. Through the Nyquist plot and Bode plot, the electrical conductivity of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 is contributed by the grain and grain boundary. Finally, the electrical permittivities of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 are increasing with temperature increase, with the highest achieved when measured at 1 kHz frequency.

Enhanced monitoring of hazardous waste site remediation: Electrical conductivity tomography and citizen monitoring of remediation through the EPA's community advisory group program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hort, Ryan D.

In situ chemical oxidation using permanganate has become a common method for degrading trichloroethene (TCE) in contaminated aquifers. Its effectiveness, however, is dependent upon contact between the oxidant and contaminant. Monitoring permanganate movement after injection is often hampered by aquifer heterogeneity and insufficient well coverage. Time lapse electrical conductivity tomography increases the spatial extent of monitoring beyond well locations. This technique can create two- or three-dimensional images of the electrical conductivity within the aquifer to monitor aquifer chemistry changes caused by permanganate injection and oxidation reactions. In-phase and quadrature electrical conductivity were measured in homogeneous aqueous and porous media samples to determine the effects of TCE and humate oxidation by permanganate on both measures of conductivity. Further effects of clean sand, 10% kaolinite (v/v), and 10% smectite (v/v) on both types of conductivity were studied as well. Finally, in-phase electrical conductivity was measured over time after injecting permanganate solution into two-dimensional tanks containing artificial groundwater with and without TCE to observe the movement of the permanganate plume and its interaction with TCE and to examine the effectiveness of time-lapse conductivity tomography for monitoring the plume's movement. In-phase electrical conductivity after oxidation reactions involving permanganate, TCE, and humate could be accurately modeled in homogeneous batch samples. Use of forward modeling of in-phase conductivity from permanganate concentrations may be useful for improving recovery of conductivity values during survey inversion, but further work is needed combining the chemistry modeling with solute transport models. Small pH-related quadrature conductivity decreases were observed after TCE oxidation, and large quadrature conductivity increases were observed as a result of sodium ion addition; however, quadrature conductivity could not be related to concentrations of permanganate or reaction products. Additionally, EPA Superfund sites participating in the Community Advisory Group (CAG) program were examined to determine how communities may have benefitted from the program. While CAG participation was correlated with slower achievement of EPA cleanup milestones, many CAGs successfully achieved five standardized social goals. CAGs that achieved these social goals varied in composition but were similar in their focus on community outreach and ability to extend their influence beyond CAG meetings.

Accurate modeling and inversion of electrical resistivity data in the presence of metallic infrastructure with known location and dimension

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

Johnson, Timothy C.; Wellman, Dawn M.

2015-06-26

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) has been widely used in environmental applications to study processes associated with subsurface contaminants and contaminant remediation. Anthropogenic alterations in subsurface electrical conductivity associated with contamination often originate from highly industrialized areas with significant amounts of buried metallic infrastructure. The deleterious influence of such infrastructure on imaging results generally limits the utility of ERT where it might otherwise prove useful for subsurface investigation and monitoring. In this manuscript we present a method of accurately modeling the effects of buried conductive infrastructure within the forward modeling algorithm, thereby removing them from the inversion results. The method ismore » implemented in parallel using immersed interface boundary conditions, whereby the global solution is reconstructed from a series of well-conditioned partial solutions. Forward modeling accuracy is demonstrated by comparison with analytic solutions. Synthetic imaging examples are used to investigate imaging capabilities within a subsurface containing electrically conductive buried tanks, transfer piping, and well casing, using both well casings and vertical electrode arrays as current sources and potential measurement electrodes. Results show that, although accurate infrastructure modeling removes the dominating influence of buried metallic features, the presence of metallic infrastructure degrades imaging resolution compared to standard ERT imaging. However, accurate imaging results may be obtained if electrodes are appropriately located.« less

Design, analysis and test verification of advanced encapsulation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garcia, A., III

1984-01-01

Investigations into transparent conductive polymers were begun. Polypyrrole was electrochemically deposited, but the film characteristics were poor. A proprietary polymer material supplied by Polaroid was evaluated and showed promise as a readily processable material. A method was developed for calculating the magnitude and location of the maximum electric field for the family of solar-cell-like shapes. A method for calculating the lines of force for three dimensional electric fields was developed and applied to a geometry of interest to the photovoltaic program.

Development of a qualification standard for adhesives used in hybrid microcircuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Licari, J. J.; Weigand, B. L.; Soykin, C. A.

1981-01-01

Improved qualification standards and test procedures for adhesives used in microelectronic packaging are developed. The test methods in specification for the Selection and Use of Organic Adhesives in Hybrid Microcircuits are reevaluated versus industry and government requirements. Four electrically insulative and four electrically conductive adhesives used in the assembly of hybrid microcircuits are selected to evaluate the proposed revised test methods. An estimate of the cost to perform qualification testing of an adhesive to the requirements of the revised specification is also prepared.

Electrothermal Annealing (ETA) Method to Enhance the Electrical Performance of Amorphous-Oxide-Semiconductor (AOS) Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs).

PubMed

Kim, Choong-Ki; Kim, Eungtaek; Lee, Myung Keun; Park, Jun-Young; Seol, Myeong-Lok; Bae, Hagyoul; Bang, Tewook; Jeon, Seung-Bae; Jun, Sungwoo; Park, Sang-Hee K; Choi, Kyung Cheol; Choi, Yang-Kyu

2016-09-14

An electro-thermal annealing (ETA) method, which uses an electrical pulse of less than 100 ns, was developed to improve the electrical performance of array-level amorphous-oxide-semiconductor (AOS) thin-film transistors (TFTs). The practicality of the ETA method was experimentally demonstrated with transparent amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) TFTs. The overall electrical performance metrics were boosted by the proposed method: up to 205% for the trans-conductance (gm), 158% for the linear current (Ilinear), and 206% for the subthreshold swing (SS). The performance enhancement were interpreted by X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), showing a reduction of oxygen vacancies in a-IGZO after the ETA. Furthermore, by virtue of the extremely short operation time (80 ns) of ETA, which neither provokes a delay of the mandatory TFTs operation such as addressing operation for the display refresh nor demands extra physical treatment, the semipermanent use of displays can be realized.

Electrical impedance tomography spectroscopy method for characterising particles in solid-liquid phase

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

Zhao, Yanlin; Wang, Mi; Yao, Jun

2014-04-11

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is one of the process tomography techniques to provide an on-line non-invasive imaging for multiphase flow measurement. With EIT measurements, the images of impedance real part, impedance imaginary part, phase angle, and magnitude can be obtained. However, most of the applications of EIT in the process industries rely on the conductivity difference between two phases in fluids to obtain the concentration profiles. It is not common to use the imaginary part or phase angle due to the dominant change in conductivity or complication in the use of other impedance information. In a solid-liquid two phases systemmore » involving nano- or submicro-particles, characterisation of particles (e.g. particle size and concentration) have to rely on the measurement of impedance phase angle or imaginary part. Particles in a solution usually have an electrical double layer associated with their surfaces and can form an induced electrical dipole moment due to the polarization of the electrical double layer under the influence of an alternating electric field. Similar to EIT, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement can record the electrical impedance data, including impedance real part, imaginary part and phase angle (θ), which are caused by the polarization of the electrical double layer. These impedance data are related to the particle characteristics e.g. particle size, particle and ionic concentrations in the aqueous medium, therefore EIS method provides a capability for characterising the particles in suspensions. Electrical impedance tomography based on EIS measurement or namely, electrical impedance tomography spectroscopy (EITS) could image the spatial distribution of particle characteristics. In this paper, a new method, including test set-up and data analysis, for characterisation of particles in suspensions are developed through the experimental approach. The experimental results on tomographic imaging of colloidal particles based on EIS measurement using a sensor of 8 electrodes are reported. Results have demonstrated the potential as well as revealed the challenge in the use of EIS and EITS for characterisation of particle in suspension.« less

Integrated field emission array for ion desorption

DOEpatents

Resnick, Paul J; Hertz, Kristin L.; Holland, Christopher; Chichester, David

2016-08-23

An integrated field emission array for ion desorption includes an electrically conductive substrate; a dielectric layer lying over the electrically conductive substrate comprising a plurality of laterally separated cavities extending through the dielectric layer; a like plurality of conically-shaped emitter tips on posts, each emitter tip/post disposed concentrically within a laterally separated cavity and electrically contacting the substrate; and a gate electrode structure lying over the dielectric layer, including a like plurality of circular gate apertures, each gate aperture disposed concentrically above an emitter tip/post to provide a like plurality of annular gate electrodes and wherein the lower edge of each annular gate electrode proximate the like emitter tip/post is rounded. Also disclosed herein are methods for fabricating an integrated field emission array.

Integrated field emission array for ion desorption

DOEpatents

Resnick, Paul J; Hertz, Kristin L; Holland, Christopher; Chichester, David; Schwoebel, Paul

2013-09-17

An integrated field emission array for ion desorption includes an electrically conductive substrate; a dielectric layer lying over the electrically conductive substrate comprising a plurality of laterally separated cavities extending through the dielectric layer; a like plurality of conically-shaped emitter tips on posts, each emitter tip/post disposed concentrically within a laterally separated cavity and electrically contacting the substrate; and a gate electrode structure lying over the dielectric layer, including a like plurality of circular gate apertures, each gate aperture disposed concentrically above an emitter tip/post to provide a like plurality of annular gate electrodes and wherein the lower edge of each annular gate electrode proximate the like emitter tip/post is rounded. Also disclosed herein are methods for fabricating an integrated field emission array.

Preparation Characterization and Electrical Study of New Polymeric Mixture (Consist of Three Polymers) Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-Abodi, Entisar E.; Farouk, Azhar

2018-05-01

By using hummers’ method, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized and by reducing it gave reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The polymeric blend contain three polymers; Poly Aniline (PANI), Poly Vinyl Acetate( PVAc),and Pecten(Pc) wich have been prepared at studied amount. The composites for above polymers with various concentrations of, graphene oxide (GO) and with reduced graphene oxide (RGO)were prepared, and than pour into films(chips). The dielectric constant properties of chips were measured, which its point the electrical conductivity values for the prepared chips increase with increasing of frequency. As well, the electrical conductivity is research in terms of the Arrhenius plot, it is plotted against the reverse temperature for the prepared films at different applied frequencies.

Method for initiating in-situ vitrification using an impregnated cord

DOEpatents

Carter, J.G.

1991-04-02

In-situ vitrification of soil is initiated by placing a cord of dielectric material impregnated with conductive material in thermally-conductive contact with the soil, and energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process. 1 figure.

Electrical conductivity of H2O-NaCl fluids to 10 kbar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinmyo, R.; Keppler, H.

2016-12-01

Magnetotelluric studies often reveal zones of elevated electrical conductivity in the mantle wedge above subducting slabs, in the deep crust below fold belts, or below active volcanoes. Since both aqueous fluids and hydrous silivate melts may be highly conductive, they may both account for these observations. Distinguishing between these two posssibilities, however, is difficult. One reason for this problem is that while there are very good conductivity data for silicate melts, such data do not exist for aqueous fluids under the relevant conditions of pressure, temperature and solute concentration. Most crustal and mantle fluids likely contain some NaCl, which greatly enhances conductivity due to its partial dissociation into Na+ and Cl-. We therefore studied the electrical conductivity of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 m NaCl solutions in water to 10 kbar and 600 °C. The measurements were carried out in externally-heated diamond cells containing two gaskets separated by an insulating ring of diamond, following a method described by Ni et al. (2014). The two gaskets were used as electrodes and full impedance spectra were measured from 30 Hz to 10 MHz using a Solartron 1260 impedance analyzer. Electrical conductivity was generally found to increase with pressure temperature, and fluid density. The conductivity increase observed upon variation of NaCl concentration from 0.1m to 1m was smaller than from 0.01m to 0.1m, which reflects the reduced degree of dissociation at high NaCl concentration. In general, the data show that already a very small fraction of NaCl-bearing aqueous fluid is sufficient to enhance bulk conductivities to values that would be expected for a high degree of partial melting. Accordingly, aqueous fluids may be distinguished from hydrous melts by comparing magnetotelluric and seismic data. H2O-NaCl fluids may enhance electrical conductivities with little disturbance of vp or vp/vs ratios.

Low electrical resistivity carbon nanotube and polyethylene nanocomposites for aerospace and energy exploration applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moloney, Padraig G.

An investigation was conducted towards the development and optimization of low electrical resistivity carbon nanotube (CNT) and thermoplastic composites as potential materials for future wire and cable applications in aerospace and energy exploration. Fundamental properties of the polymer, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), such as crystallinity were studied and improved for composite use. A parallel effort was undertaken on a broad selection of CNT, including single wall, double wall and multi wall carbon nanotubes, and included research of material aspects relevant to composite application and low resistivity such as purity, diameter and chirality. With an emphasis on scalability, manufacturing and purification methods were developed, and a solvent-based composite fabrication method was optimized. CNT MDPE composites were characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman spectroscopy, and multiple routes of electron microscopy. Techniques including annealing and pressure treatments were used to further improve the composites' resulting electrical performance. Enhancement of conductivity was explored via exposure to a focused microwave beam. A novel doping method was developed using antimony pentafluoride (SbF5) to reduce the resistivity of the bulk CNT. Flexible composites, malleable under heat and pressure, were produced with exceptional electrical resistivities reaching as low as 2*10-6O·m (5*105S/m). A unique gas sensor application utilizing the unique electrical resistivities of the produced CNT-MDPE composites was developed. The materials proved suitable as a low weight and low energy sensing material for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a nerve gas simulant.

High conductance surge cable

DOEpatents

Murray, M.M.; Wilfong, D.H.; Lomax, R.E.

1998-12-08

An electrical cable for connecting transient voltage surge suppressors to electrical power panels. A strip of electrically conductive foil defines a longitudinal axis, with a length of an electrical conductor electrically attached to the metallic foil along the longitudinal axis. The strip of electrically conductive foil and the length of an electrical conductor are covered by an insulating material. For impedance matching purposes, triangular sections can be removed from the ends of the electrically conductive foil at the time of installation. 6 figs.